About Briar
Briar Jensen is a Sydney-based freelance travel writer. Her blog covers travel tips, reviews, insights and inspiration, travel accessories and gadgets.
Follow me
Top Posts & Pages
Category Archives: Australia
Pelican capers on Kangaroo Island
“I feel like a first-rate idiot with a seagull on my head,” says John Ayliffe as he stands on the waterfront at Kingscote on Kangaroo Island surrounded by a shivering squadron of pelicans. Dressed in khaki waders, industrial rubber gloves, … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, Australia, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Travel
Tagged family fun, Kangaroo Island, Kingscote, local characters, Local events, pelican feeding, pelicans, South Australia
6 Comments
Cruise packing tips – five items that make life on-board more comfortable
I recently travelled aboard Princess Cruises’ Sea Princess on a six-night round-trip from Sydney to Tasmania. (You can read my story on the cruise at Escape.) This was my first ‘big ship’ cruise, though at 2000 passengers, it’s smallish, as … Continue reading
Posted in Australia, Cruising, Packing Tips, Travel
Tagged clothing, cruising, fashion, packing, packing tips, travel accessories, Travel gadgets
8 Comments
Gift an experience: 10 Sydney experiences to inspire, excite and thrill
Can’t think of a gift for that special someone? Then give them an experience they will remember long after the Christmas tree has dropped its needles. Here are ten Sydney experiences for the grandkids to the grandparents, the adventure-lovers to … Continue reading
Posted in Adventure, Animals, Australia, Hawkesbury, New South Wales, Segway, Sydney, Travel, Travel Accessories & Gadgets
Tagged animal parks, family fun, Hawkesbury, jet boating, sailing, Segway, sydney, travel
Leave a comment
Sydney’s top pub grub
More than 100 reviewers ‘risked life and limb’ to visit over 500 pubs in New South Wales, says Keith Austin, editor of The Sydney Morning Herald Good Pub Food Guide, which was launched in Sydney last night. But only about … Continue reading
Posted in Australia, Food & Wine, New South Wales, Travel
Tagged Dining, Food and Wine, Hotel food, Pub food, Pubs, sydney
Leave a comment
Online resource for Aussie road trippers
Ever arrived in a regional town the day after the quirky local race meeting, antique fair or agricultural show and thought, If only I’d arrived yesterday? That’s where TruBlu Travelling can help. I came across TruBlu Travelling while I was … Continue reading
Posted in Adventure, Australia, Outback, Road Trips, Travel, Travel News & Events
Tagged accommodation, camping, camping sites, caravans, farmers' markets, festivals, Local events, markets, regional events
Leave a comment
Aussie tavelling gadgets
I love a travel gadget and I found two great ones at the NSW Caravan, Camping, RV and Holiday Supershow on at Rosehill Racecourse, Sydney (on until 28 April). The first one suits all travellers. Called Hipsta, it’s a nifty … Continue reading
Dreaming of a health resort – or ‘wellness retreat’
In my younger corporate days I used to watch older associates heading off to health farms once or twice a year. Back then I thought ‘what a waste of a good holiday’. I got all the rest and relaxation I … Continue reading
Sandstorm of Fairytales & Fables in Windsor
The Pied Piper of Hamelin, Narcissus, Gollum, Icarus and other fabled creatures have come to life under the shady jacarandas, oaks and pepper trees on the banks of the Hawkesbury River at Windsor, in Sydney’s northwest, for the 2nd Hawkesbury … Continue reading
Posted in Australia, Hawkesbury, Sydney, Travel
Tagged family fun, Hawkesbury, sand sculpting
Leave a comment
Travel Writer Gets Lost
As a travel writer it’s a bit embarrassing to admit you’re lost, and sometimes it’s a little bit frightening – although, often the best experiences can come from losing yourself in a destination. I experienced this recently when, travelling alone, I got completely … Continue reading
Posted in Accommodation, Australia, Travel
Tagged accommodation, family fun, picnic at hanging rock, South Australia, travel
2 Comments
Talk to the animals these school holidays
Kids love getting up close and personal to animals and they can do just that at Mowbray Park Farmstay in Picton, just a 90-minute drive from Sydney. But this family owned farmstay in the lush Wollondilly Shire offers much more … Continue reading
Posted in Accommodation, Animals, Australia, NSW Southern Highlands
Tagged accommodation, family fun, sydney
Leave a comment
Briar's Travel Beat 