31 More top free and inexpensive things to do in Sydney
In Australia’s largest city, Sydney’s treasured icons include the Opera House, the bridge, its beautiful harbour, and over 100 beaches within easy reach. But Sydney offers much more. This article builds on a previous description of 33 sights within walking distance of…
30 Top sights along the scenic Great Ocean Road in Australia
Recognised as one of the world’s best coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road extends from Torquay to Allansford (240 kilometres) along the southwest coast of Victoria. While 240 kilometres suggests a short journey, it’s a road trip not to be rushed. Plan for at least a…
35 Top free and affordable things to do in Brisbane
Many visitors to Australia make the mistake of skipping Brisbane in favour of Sydney or Melbourne. It’s understandable when faced with limited time, and the lure of Sydney Harbour or Melbourne’s multicultural scene takes priority. But spend any time in Brisbane, and…
Buying a SIM Card in Australia
Updated August 17, 2025 While eSIMs are convenient for some destinations, there are occasions when physical SIM cards have advantages over their eSIM counterparts. For extended visits down under, a physical SIM card is my preferred choice and buying a SIM card in…
33 Magical sights on a self-guided walking tour Sydney
Updated August 15, 2025 Most visitors to Sydney have a travel list that includes the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and points in between. If you fall into this category, my suggested self-guided walking tour Sydney (with a few short ferry and train rides)…
A relaxed and safe Melbourne bike tour of the top sights
Guided bike tours are one of my favourite ways to be introduced to a city. Melbourne’s top-rated bike-tour provider, Blue Tongue Bikes (formerly Freddy’s Bike Tours), did not disappoint with their Classic Melbourne Bike Tour, covering 16 kilometres / 10 miles over 4.5…
Cairns Kuranda day trip by train and rainforest cable car
One of the best parts of a Cairns Kuranda day trip is getting there. With the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway as choices in both directions, the journey up and back are definite highlights. Where is Kuranda? Perched in the…
Cycling Uluru/Ayers Rock: Australia’s iconic natural landmark
Updated April 18, 2022 It was a recurring question about my trip Down Under. “What were the highlights?” The answer was easy. Cycling Uluru /Ayers Rock was consistently in my top three. What is Uluru? Officially known as Uluru/Ayers Rock, it is a massive…
Charming terrace houses and vibrant street art in Melbourne
There’s something to be said about enjoying architecture rooted in a country’s past. That was my experience in Melbourne, Australia. It was on a pleasant Sunday in March that I headed to the inner-Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy in search of charming terrace houses and…
The extraordinary wildlife of Alice Springs Desert Park
The Alice Springs Desert Park shatters the illusion that the Red Centre is the dry, dead heart of the continent. The carefully constructed and curated conservation area at the base of the West MacDonnell Range hosts a wide range of fascinating animals in their natural…
Brisbane to Cairns on the Spirit of Queensland: Is the RailBed sleeper worth it?
“So let me get this straight. You could have flown business class on points, on a direct flight from Sydney to Cairns for $25 in taxes and fees. Instead, you flew from Sydney to Brisbane for $22 and from there took the train to Cairns for $389? In other words, you…