Travel advice, ideas & expert tips

The Golden Pipeline near Ghouli in Western Australia.

The Golden Pipeline in Western Australia: The story of a genius engineer

An epic drive uncovers the story of the Golden Pipeline in Western Australia - the epic 569km water supply project that transformed Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields. Mount Charlotte isn’t about to attract climbing expeditions any time soon. At 419 metres above sea level, it is…

A quokka on Rottnest Island near Perth, Western Australia.

Rottnest Island, Western Australia: quokkas by the beach

Rottnest Island in Western Australia offers quokkas, pristine beaches, and a relaxed, car-free atmosphere. It doesn’t take too long for plans to be abandoned on Rottnest Island. I wanted to go all the way across to the western tip, to see the sea lions that…

The Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island, South Australia.

Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island: Hours, prices, parking & visitor tips

First time visiting Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island, South Australia? This guide covers opening hours, entry prices, how to access the site, what to expect — and nearby attractions. What to expect at the Remarkable Rocks The Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island are a dramatic…

Scarborough Beach in Perth, Western Australia.

Five places I recommend in Perth, Western Australia

I’ve visited Perth in Western Australia numerous times over the years. These five places are amongst the spots I recommend if you want to enjoy the city as much as I have. Kings Park – city views and Botanic Gardens Kings Park, long Perth’s crowning…

Walpa Gorge Trail, Kata Tjuta: Hours, prices, parking & visitor tips

First time visiting the Walpa Gorge Trail at Kata Tjuta, Northern Territory? This guide covers opening hours, entry prices, how to access the trail, what to expect — and nearby attractions. Walpa Gorge Trail overview The Walpa Gorge Trail at Kata Tjuta takes you into…

The Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial, Philadelpha – and how Australia’s highest mountain got its name

Exploring the surprising story behind Mt Kosciuszko’s name at a tiny memorial to a Polish patriot in Philadelphia. Ann Relf’s boarding house is a handsome but unshowy kind of place. It has a clean, red brick worthiness that looks proudly maintained without dressing up in…

Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia’s historic attractions: An intro to America’s past

Explore Philadelphia’s rich heritage from Independence Hall to Eastern State Penitentiary, where plaques, museums and stories collide in dramatic fashion. After half an hour in downtown Philadelphia, you get the impression that plaque-making has long been the city’s boom industry. Every handsome red brick building…

Fitzroy Falls in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia.

Fitzroy Falls, NSW: Opening hours, park fees, walks and visitor tips

First time visiting Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park, New South Wales? This guide covers opening hours, park fees, parking, accessibility, and how to get there. History and overview of Fitzroy Falls Fitzroy Falls is a spectacular waterfall located in Morton National Park, in the…

Castillo de San Marcos, St Augustine: Hours, prices and visitor tips

First time visiting Castillo de San Marcos in St Augustine, Florida? This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, parking, accessibility, and how to get there. History and overview of Castillo de San Marcos Castillo de San Marcos is a 17th-century Spanish stone fort in St.…

Paddlesteamers on the Murray River near Echuca, Victoria.

Port of Echuca, Victoria: Visiting the Discovery Centre and taking a paddlesteamer cruise

Chuntering along the Murray River on the PS Alexander Arbuthnot is an unquestionably idyllic way to spend an hour. Well, unless you’re the poor engineer down below, continually throwing logs into the hungry boiler. The romance of being on board a paddlesteamer probably doesn’t stretch…