About Briar
Briar Jensen is a Sydney-based freelance travel writer. Her blog covers travel tips, reviews, insights and inspiration, travel accessories and gadgets.
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On top of the world above the Jamison Valley at @scenicworld_aus on the #beyondskyway activity. At sunset the Skyway cable car stops midway across the valley. You climb out a hatch in the roof, harness on and then soak up the serenity with wind on your skin. It’s incredibly peaceful. Level with the top of the escarpment the world unfolds below you in a vista so grand you feel infinitesimal. Just do it!How appropriate is the name Bridal Veil for these falls in Blue Mountains National Park? I love how the sunlight has caught sections of the tulle like water bestowing a gossamer glow. @visitbluemountains #feelnsw #waterfalls #whyweroadtripBeautiful wildflowers on the table while learning about the variety of Indigenous tourism offerings available in @westernaustralia at their recent showcase in Sydney. Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC) @waitoc represents over 150 experiences, and we got to hear from some of the operators. If you’re heading to WA I urge you to seek out an Indigenous experience, whether a foodie forage, nature walk or boat tour. Operators are so passionate about sharing their culture and are entertaining storytellers.What a thrill to win Best Aussie Road Trip story at the Australian Society of Travel Writers Awards for Excellence last month for my story Captivating Kimberley published in @mynrma Open Road magazine.- My Tweets
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Author Archives: Briar's Travel Beat
Evocative Eucalypts
Did you know March 23 is National Eucalypt Day? I found out about it on Sunday, thanks to Helen Young’s Gardens column in The Weekend Australian Magazine. I was pretty excited, as I have come to love eucalypts, and have … Continue reading
Street Art with Heart on Bruny Island, Tasmania
I love solo road trips, because I can jump on the brakes whenever I see something of interest to photograph, assuming there’s not somebody right behind me of course. (Ask my hubby to pull over while he’s driving and by … Continue reading
Posted in Adventure, Australia, Road Trips, Tasmania, Travel
Tagged art, Beyond Blue, Bruny Island, garden art, sculpture, street art, Tasmania
2 Comments
Quarantini Cocktails – using rum from New South Wales distillers
Quarantini – I love this term, meaning a martini drunk in isolation, or more generally any cocktail enjoyed during quarantine at home during Covid-19. I think most of us who imbibe have been drinking more during ISO, especially initially, but … Continue reading
Posted in Attractions, Australia, Food & Wine, New South Wales, Sydney, Travel
Tagged Brix Distillers, cocktails, daiquiri, distillers, mojito, NSW Distillers, NSW rum, passionfruit daiquiri, rum, rum cocktails
2 Comments
Drive-through gourmet feasts supporting local producers in the Hawkesbury
Drive through gourmet feasts – didn’t think I’d hear that, but these strange (Covid) times have brought about some wonderful initiatives as businesses strive to stay afloat. Here in Sydney food venues are offering takeaway meals while farmers and producers … Continue reading
Tragic White Island Eruption
It’s tragic to hear that New Zealand’s White Island, an active marine volcano, has erupted with little warning, killing at least five tourists, with more still missing. It’s devastating news and my heart goes out to all those involved. White … Continue reading
Posted in Adventure, adventure travel, New Zealand
Tagged Guided tours, Volcano, White Island
2 Comments
Give A Crap on World Toilet Day 2019
As some of you know, I enjoy funny dunny signs. And as today is United Nations World Toilet Day I thought I’d share a few more. I recently came across these in Tropical North Queensland, Australia. I’m not sure if … Continue reading
Posted in Ethical travel, Travel
Tagged Australia, funny signs, hygiene, sanitation, toilet paper, toilet signs, Who gives a crap toilet paper, World Toilet Day
2 Comments
Graffiato – Taupo’s Street Art Festival 26-28 Oct 2019
Eleven artists, ten walls, three days. This is the formula for Graffiato, the Taupo Street Art Festival held over New Zealand’s long weekend from 26-28 October 2019. The festival has been running for nine years with 125 murals created … Continue reading
Posted in festivals, New Zealand, Taupo, Tourism, Travel
Tagged family fun, Graffiato, Graffiato festival, Graffiti, graffiti artists, murals, NZ Street Art, street art, street art festival
2 Comments
Ethical and sustainable travel – let go of the guilt
Learning more about ethical and sustainable travel brings on bouts of guilt about past indiscretions, however unintentional. Riding in a timber seat on an elephant’s back in Thailand years ago springs to mind first. It was part of a hosted … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, Ethical travel, Sustainability, Tourism, Travel
Tagged Animal protection
4 Comments
Kakadu Bird Week 2019
Like me, most visitors to Kakadu National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory probably don’t come purely for the bird life. But it’s impossible not to be awed by the park’s proliferation of feathered friends, from a tiny, brightly-plumed azure kingfisher … Continue reading
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