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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Streaked toffee, caramel swirl, honeycomb, hokey pokey. All hidden behind the drab grey exterior of Hawkesbury sandstone. When water, wind and rain nibble, chisel and carve away, these stunning sculptural shapes and patterns appear. Thousands like these line the shores of Cowan Creek in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, which survived this fire season almost unscathed. Best seen from the water, in a kayak or tinnie. If you don’t have your own you can hire them from @cottagepointkiosk at Cottage Point. @nswnationalparks #sandstone #sydneysandstone #kayakingCape York might be at the very northern tip of @queensland @australia but it’s not hard to get there. Catch a flight with Rex Airlines from Cairns to Bamaga then it’s an easy day trip from @capeyorklodge to The Tip. It’s a wonderfully multicultural region with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the scenery varies from red dirt to rugged coastline. Read my story in the latest issue of @trueblue_mag and add #capeyork to your travel list. #exploretnq #capeyorklodge #publishingbychelleGorgeous #sunset in America Bay in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park this week. After the crowds from Australia Day weekend dispersed, we had this bay to ourselves. The blessing of mid-week boating. #solitudeonthewater @nswnationalparks #boatingIt is devastating to learn of the deaths on White Island. It's a terrible tragedy for everyone involved and my heart goes out to them. The power of nature is an alluring attraction (I visited White Is earlier this year) but is always unpredictable. My blog post may give you a perspective on this regularly visited active volcano. Link in bio. #whiteislanderuption #whiteisland #volcano #astwToday @flightcentreau launched their WOW List 2020 of 50 travel experiences to consider for next year. You can pick up a copy of the Travel Ideas mag in store or find online. They have made four inspirational video clips, one of which I love in particular. Read why in my blog post. Link in bio. #wowlist2020 #travelinspiration #flightcentreauAll the ferry wharves on Pittwater are cute, but I think this is my favourite in Elvina Bay, near @tidesreach Luckily the ferry stopped for us because we didn’t realise you are supposed to put out the red flag out if you want to catch the ferry. Some friendly locals heading to Church Point in their tinnier kindly offered us a ride, but we were just doing a tourist round trip. #pittwater #boatinglife #tidesreach- My Tweets
Category Archives: Thailand
Tai Chi with the locals in Bangkok
Apparently, tai chi is all about internal energy flow, but the only energy I’m channelling is nervous energy. How much of a goose (or perhaps that should be crane?) am I making of myself? But I don’t care. I feel … Continue reading
Posted in Accommodation, Bangkok, Thailand, Travel
Tagged Lumpini Park, Sofitel So Bangkok, Tai Chi
8 Comments
Postcard of the week – National Thai Elephant Day
I’m a little late, but March 13 is National Thai Elephant Day, so I thought I’d post this picture I took several years ago at Elephant Nature Park, a rescue and rehabilitation centre in Chang Mai, Thailand. The centre provides a … Continue reading
Posted in Postcards, Thailand, Travel
Tagged elephant conservation, Elephant Nature Park, elephants
3 Comments
Postcard of the Week – Pullman Phuket Arcadia Pool
I’m sweltering in Sydney today. It’s over 40 degrees Celsius outside and my air conditioner is struggling to keep up. While I am lucky enough to have a pool in my backyard, I couldn’t help thinking about the gorgeous main … Continue reading
Posted in Postcards, Thailand, Travel
Tagged Hotel pools, Postcard, Pullman Phuket Arcadia, Resort pools, Swimming pools
1 Comment
Stolen identity? Not this time.
I’m overcome with guilt. How could I have ever thought ill of the three lovely young girls? The problem is, when travelling you can become paranoid about thieves and scams. And so it is at Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market. Billed as … Continue reading
Posted in Bangkok, Thailand, Travel
Tagged Bangkok markets, Chatuchak market, markets, shopping, travel misunderstandings, travel scams
2 Comments
Bangkok back in business
According to this report from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, as of the 3rd March the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) has scaled back their protests in Bangkok, dismantling the temporary rally camps at major intersections in the city. This … Continue reading
Posted in Thailand, Travel, Travel News & Events
Tagged Bangkok, land of smiles, travel, unrest
2 Comments
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
