Melbourne bike tour: a relaxed way to see 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
The best part 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 mountainous...
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...
In search of terrace houses and street art in Melbourne’s Fitzroy
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 terrace houses and street art....
For a perfect day in Outback Australia, visit 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...
Buying a SIM Card in Australia
Updated February 1, 2020 Buying a SIM card in Australia is easy and convenient. Plans are affordable, and built with travellers’ needs in mind. On my last three trips down under, I've experimented with Vodafone, Optus, and Amaysim. Determine your needs Chances are...
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...
Sydney at its best: A self-guided tour of The Rocks, the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and points in between
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 (with a few short ferry and train rides) includes 25 points of...