Briar's Travel Beat

Here you will find links to a selection of my travel articles. I try to ensure links are current, but if a link is no longer working, please accept my apology and continue looking around.

Murray Magic
Outback Magazine

A four-day experience on the Murray River floodplains near Renmark combines 40km of stunning, wildlife-rich walks with living on a luxury houseboat.

Read the story here Outback Murray River Walk

Summer is Eyre
The Wanderer

Sand, sea, sea lions and lashings of succulent seafood make for a sensational summer sojourn along South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula.

Read the story here Summer is Eyre

Calgary Calling
The Road Ahead

Gateway to the Canadian Rockies, Calgary combines cosmopolitan culture with western Heritage.

Read the story here Calgary Calling

Rocky Mountain Highs
The Road Ahead

Pack your sunglasses for this dazzling winter drive along the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies. While it pushed us out of our comfort zone driving in wintry conditions, it showcased the region at it’s snowy best.

Read the story here Rocky Mountain Highs

Mountain boots & swimsuits
Explore Travel

On a Kimberley overland tour with Intrepid, there is adventure at every bump in the road, and refreshing waterholes at the end of hot walk. It’s the perfect way to experience the Gibb River Road without rattling your own vehicle.

Read the story here Welcome to the wild Kimberley

Mercurail Maria
MiNDFOOD

A four-day guided walk on Maria Island dishes up history, mystery, incredible wildlife and stunning scenery, whatever the weather.

Read the story here Mindfood – Maria Island Walk

Gift of the GAB
Explore Travel

Soak in the therapeutic thermal waters of Australia’s Great Artesian Basin along Outback Queensland’s  Natural Sciences Loop. From rustic tubs in paddocks and sheds to sophisticated thermal pools, there’s a balneotherapy experiece for every type of traveller.

Read the story here Australia’s hidden hot springs

All Shook Up
MyNRMA

The central NSW town of Parkes hosts one of the best Elvis festivals in the world with international Elvis Tribute Artists clamouring to attend. So what’s all the fuss about?

Read the story here All shook up in Parkes 

The aquatic life
NRMA Open Road

A Sea-themed safari around the Eyre Peninsula in a a StarRV motorhome serves up surprises above and below the water. Read the story here Open Road Eyre Peninsula

Grand in name and nature
RACQ The Road Ahead

Experience the best of the Blue Mountains’ trails and towns along the Grand Cliff Top Walk.

Read the story here The Road Ahead – Grand Cliff Top Walk

Whale of a time
NRMA Open Road Magazine

Nothing lifts the spirits like getting out in nature to watch whales on their annual migration along the east coast’s Humpback Highway.

Read the story here Open Road Whale watching

Guiding Lights
MiNDFOOD Magazine

Tasmania’s wild southern coast is home to some of Australia’s most dramatic and photogenic lighthouses.

Read the story Mindfood – Lighthouses

Range Roving
Great Walks Magazine

Spicers Scenic Rim Trail in Queensland traverses multiple ranges, a 24-million-year-old shield volcano and Gondwana Rainforest World Heritage Area.

Read the article Great Walks Spicers Scenic Rim Trail

Walking on Water
NRMA Open Road Magazine

Linking two of Sydney’s famous beaches, the Bondi to Manly walk offers Indigenious, colonial and contemporary perspectives on harbour life, along with stunning aquatic views.

Read the article Open Road Bondi to Manly

Scaling the Scenic Rim
NRMA Open Road

Spicers Scenic Rim Trail guided hike in south-east Queensland offers total immersion in nature with lashings of luxury.

Read article Scaling the Scenic Rim

The Humback Highway
NRMA Open Road Magazine

Getting ‘mugged’ by humpback whales is a thrilling experience, especially when you’re in the water with them! Head to the marine mecca of Queensland’s Fraser Coast and K’gari for an audience with whales.
Read the article Humpback Highway

Agnes Water & 1770
NRMA Open Road Magazine

Step back in time for a slower-paced Queensland holiday of yore. Read the article 1770 & Agnes Water.

Wilderness Waterway
RM Williams Outback Magazine

An intimate expedition vessel offers unrivalled access to Port Davey in Tasmania’s wild and remote south-west. Read the article Outback Wilderness Waterway

Top-Shelf Tasmania
NRMA Open Road Magazine

Take a lazy loop-drive of Tasmania’s forests, farmlands, mountains and beaches.
Read the article Top-shelf Tasmania

The Happy Isles
MiNDFOOD Magazine

It’s easy to unwind on Vanuatu’s Efate and Espiritu Santo islands, but immersing yourself in Ni-Van culture illuminates the essence of islanders’ happiness.
Read the article MINDFOOD-VANUATU

Captivating Kimberley
NRMA Open Road Magazine

The vast Kimberley region includes breathtaking geological formations, intriguing Indigenous and settler stories and a host of colourful characters.

Read the article Open Road Kimberley

Cornered in the Outback
NRMA Open Road Magazine

Following Charles Sturt’s footsteps around NSW Corner Country will uncover outback history, perenial hospitality and desolate landscapes spanning three states.

Read the article Open Road Corner Country

Broome Time in the West
RACQ The Road Ahead

Broome is shrugging off its tropical torpor and sprucing itself up while maintaining its easygoing coastal ambience.

Read the article The Road Ahead BROOME

Searching for Platypus
New Zealand Herald Travel

Hunting for Australia’s cutiest and weirdest creature, the platypus, in Tasmania’s Central Highlands.

Read the article Searching for platypus 

Travelling in the steps of Sturt
RACQ The Road Ahead

Corner Country offers and outback driving adventure brimming with local legends and courageous characters.

Read the article here

Vanuatu Made Kaston Crafts
Truly Pacific

Kaston crafts are making a comeback in Vanuatu, which means more work and income for the locals, and the production of pieces with precious stories to tell.

Read the article here

Adventure for all in New Zealand
New Zealand Herald Travel

Adventure abounds for the young at heart in New Zealand, including for those with limited mobility.

Read the article here

New Zealand’s Secret Lake
BBC Travel

A tiny lake in New Zealand’s South Island is the crown jewel on an isolated pest-free island reserve that’s reaping the rewards of regeneration.

Read the article here 

Scenic Route to the Red Centre
NRMA Open Road Magazine

This off-road route between Alice Springs and Uluru privides a geological jaunt deserving of more than a couple of days.

Read the article here Open Road Alice to Uluru

Mercurial Wilderness
New Zealand Herald Travel

An expedition cruise in Tasmania’s remote Southwest National Park.

Read the article here

The Riverboat Postman
The Sunday Telegraph Escape

A journey on the Hawkesbury River with the Last Riverboat Postman.

Read the article here 

Plants of Future Past
Australian Geographic

A tiny garden at the bottom of Australia is conserving botanical genes from the dinosaur era.

Read the article here Plants of future past

Turned Inside Out
Condé Nast Traveller UK

A low-impact bolthole in Vanuatu treads lightly while lifting up the community. Take it over for a slow-mo retreat.

Read the article here House Call

Unpacking Memories
MiNDFOOD

Unpacking carefully chosen festive mementos can be like rediscovering old friends again.

Read the article Unpacking Memories

Raptor Rescue
RACT Journeys

‘Raptor Man’ Criag Webb has merged his passion for birds with his day job.

Read more here Raptor Rescue

Bruny Beckons
RACQ The Road Ahead

Be sure to take your timeexploring this small island off Tasmania that’s big on attractions.

Read more here Bruny Beckons

Lost and Pound
NRMA Open Road

Wilpena Pound in South Australia’s Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park reveals a wealth of geological and cultural adventures.

Read more here Lost and Pound

Feel the Force of Nature
Signature Luxury Travel

Reconnect with nature at Blake House, Poronui Lodge, a secluded retreat on the Central Plateau of New Zealand’s North Island.

Read more here Poronui Lodge

Cruising:

Tasmanian Expedition Cruise with Coral Expeditions I – Get Up & Go magazine

Five reasons to cruise Australia’s Great Barrier Reef with Coral Expeditions cruisecritic.com.au

Aquatic Garden of Eden Coral Expeditions II GBR Cruise – Courier Mail

Pictures from a Great Barrier Reef Cruise cruisecritic.com.au

Danube Cruise couriermail.com.au

Diamond Princess sundaytelegraph.com.au/travel

P&O Arcadia dailytelegraph.com.au/travel

Cruising Rangiroa, Tahiti nzherald.co.nz

Pacific Jewel introduces The Pantry heraldsun.com.au

Sea Princess cruise, Tasmania flightcentre.com.au

Five best Sea Princess Cruise tips cruisecritic.com.au

Tasmanian cruise on the Sea Princess heraldsun.com.au

What to pack for an Australian cruise cruisecritic.com.au

Yangtze River, China news.com.au/travel

Australia:

Indian Pacific The Road Ahead The Road Ahead

Indian Pacific – The Silver Serpent Royal Auto

New South Wales

Ben Boyd National Park Light to Light Walk – NRMA Open Road

Ben Boyd National Park Light to Light Walk bushfire update – NRMA Open Road

Berry – Beach Road B&B smh.com.au

Blue Mountains – NRMA Open Road

Blue Mountains – Long Lunch The Senior Traveller

Bobbin Head brisbanetimes.com.au

Broken Hill, NSW news.com.au/travel

Corner Country, Outback NSW smh.com.au

Cornered in the Outback, Corner Country, NSW Go Camping Magazine (Pg 20-24)

Outback Pubs of Corner Country ninemsn.com.au

Cowan Creek, Hawkesbury smh.com.au

Cowan Creek – Classic Halvorsen Cruise True Blue magazine

Darling River Run brisbanetimes.com.au

Hawkesbury – Down by the river NRMA Open Road

Hawkesbury Hike – Convict Trail escape.com.au

Hawkesbury Getaways ninemsn.com.au

Hawkesbury Getaway Bilpin Sunday Telegraph

Hawkesbury Getaway – The Forgotten Valley (Wisemans Ferry & St Albans) theupsider.com.au

Hawkesbury Getaway St Albans Sunday Telegraph

Hawkesbury – Bountiful harvest Daily Telegraph Best Weekend

Hawkesbury – Treats from the food bowl trail escape.com.au

Hawkesbury Passionate Producers greatersydneyliving.com.au

Hawkesbury – Within coo-ee of Sydney

Hawkesbury River – Sunny Corner Cottage smh.com.au

Hawkesbury – Wild Cat Conservation Centre greatersydneyliving.com.au

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – Up the Creek NRMA Open Road

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park with Sydney Out Back  dailytelegraph.com.au/travel

Lord Howe Island dailytelegraph.com.au/travel

New England High Country getupandgo.com.au

Oxley Wild Rivers National Park watoday.com.au

Parkes a hunk of burning love thesenior.com.au/travel

Parkes Elvis Festival – Australian Caravan +RV Magazine

Parkes Elvis Festival NRMA Open Road magazine

Sydney Olympic Park smh.com.au

Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building theaustralian.com.au

Sydney’s Riverside Restaurants theupsider.com.au

Toronga Zoo  holidayswithkids.com.au

Northern Territory

Open Road Alice to Uluru roadtrip NRMA Open Road magazine

Darwin heraldsun.com.au

Kakadu National Park – Quick Guide escape.com.au

Kakadu Bird Week dailytelegraph.com.au

Uluru Outback Fest adelaidenow.com.au

Uluru – a first date flightcentre.com.au

Queensland

72 Hours in Cairns Courier Mail – Courier Mail

Cairns, Queensland – Paradise found in sea of blue news.com.au/travel

Cape York – Tick off The Tip – True Blue inflight

Daintree, Queensland Secrets of the Daintree – Mossman Gorge

Gold Coast Theme Parks smh.com.au

Gold Coast – Dreamworld & WhiteWater World smh.com.au

Hanging out on Hamilton – Escape news.com.au/travel

Hamilton Is Race Week – Cruising Helmsman Cruising Helmsman Magazine

Hamilton Island Race Week  escape.com.au

Hamilton Island Race Week – Virgin Voyeur Virgin Inflight Magazine

Heron Island marinews.com

Outback Queensland Photography Tour escape.com.au

Tangalooma, Moreton Island  smh.com.au

Whitsundays Sail Away Courier Mail Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail

Every day’s a Whit-Sunday Courier Mail 28.5.14

Whitsunday Islands Guide Sun-Herald Sun-Herald

Whitsundays Reef Encounter news.com.au

South Australia

Adelaide news.com.au/travel

Barossa Valley, SA news.com.au/travel

Clare Valley Riesling Trail, SA heraldsun.com.au

Cooper Coast, SA, dailytelegraph.com.au

Eyre Peninsula, South Australia Eyre Peninsula Seafood Trail

McLaren Vale, South Australia theaustralian.com.au

Mintaro adelaidenow.com.au

Wilpena Pound Road Trip, NRMA Open Road

South Australia AAT Kings 5-day Harvest Tour dailytelegraph.com.au

Tasmania

Bruny Island Road Trip RACQ The Road Ahead

Raptor Refuge, Tasmania RACT Journeys

Tasmania smh.com.au

Food, Wine & Wildlife in Hobart  vacationsmag.com

Victoria

Kyneton Jag Tour heraldsun.com.au

Port Campbell smh.com.au

Western Australia

The Kimberley get lost magazine

Swan Valley (Sandalford Wines) ninemsn.com.au

Swan Valley tour news.com.au

Australian Capital Territory

Canberra – Capital Beauty Travel Without Limits

New Zealand:

Family friendly adventure nzherald.co.nz

Akaroa, New Zealand smh.com.au

Poronui Lodge signatureluxurytravel.com.au

Christchurch – The Charlotte Jane smh.com.au

Dunedin Dunedin shows of its design credentials

24 Hours in Dunedin smh.com.au

Waiheke Is, The Boatshed, New Zealand traveller.com.au

Queenstown, New Zealand ninemsn.com.au

Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel smh.com.au

Rotorua paddleboarding after dark theaustralian.com.au

Rotorua – Why you should visit escape.com.au

SO/ Auckland signatureluxurytravel.com.au

China:

Beijing Hutongs heraldsun.com.au

Beijing Olympic Fever smh.com.au

Beijing – Sofitel Wanda brisbanetimes.com.au

Shanghai – Circus World smh.com.au

Mt Emei – Hong Zhu Hot Springs, Sichuan smh.com.au

Hong Kong Disneyland couriermail.com.au

Hong Kong – Novotel Citygate smh.com.au

Fiji

Philanthropic family fun in Fiji holidayswithkids.com.au

The Warwick Fiji news.com.au

Myanmar

Inle Lake  flightcentre.com.au

Yangon flightcentre.com.au

Nay Pyi Taw flightcentre.com.au

Papua New Guinea 

PNG’s Passionate People vacationsandtravel.com

Banana Class in PNG theage.com.au

Duke of York Islands, PNG smh.com.au

New Ireland, PNG nzherald.co.nz

Samoa

Samoa – On island time theaustralian.com.au

Thailand

Krabi – Island hopping dailytelegraph.com.au

Natural High in Phuket 18.1.15 Flying Hanauman Zip Lining & Pullman Phuket Arcadia – Escape Network

Elephant Hills Truck Safari dailytelegraph.com.au

World:

Abu Dhabi – Ferrari World heraldsun.com.au

Chile – Santiago’s food scene heraldsun.com.au

Florence – Villa Olmi watoday.com.au

German Fairy Tale Route news.com.au/travel

Germany – Heidelberg adelaidenow.com.au

London – British Pullman getupandgo.net.au

London – The great stink news.com.au

Malaysia – 24 Hours in Kuala Lumpur – Discover magazine

Noumea – New Caledonia Great Lagoon Regatta, news.com.au/travel

Paris – Pullman Bercy dailytelegraph.com.au

Portofino smh.com.au

Samoa theaustralian.com.au/travel

Shoe Musuems Around the World smh.com.au

South Africa Culinary Cape Malay Travellers Choice Discover Magazine

Spain – Quite Moorish – Andalusia’s Islamic art and architecture sundaytelegraph.com.au/travel

Spain – Toledo Toledo, Spain

Tokyo Disney Resort news.com.au/travel

Vanuatu Havannah Boat House Conde Nast Traveller UK

Vietnam vacationsmag.com

Vietnam – Phu Quoc Vacations & Travel

Vietnam Historic Hoi An Escape

Vietnam Hanoi – Ancient and new Escape

Vietnam Hanoi – Herbs, spice and all things nice Escape

Women Walking seniorscard.nsw.gov.au