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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Last night I had the chance to see the movie Top End Wedding. What an awesome showcase of the Northern Territory and in particular the beautiful people of the Tiwi Islands. I did a day trip to the Tiwi Islands a few years ago with @aatkings and it left a lasting impression, from the vibrant colours of the landscape, art and fabrics to the beautiful people who love singing and dancing. Here is one Tiwi Islander preparing for a performance. @astw_inc @astw_portraits @ausoutbacknt #ntaustralia #topendweddingThe Hawkesbury River is made for mucking about in boats, whether it’s a kayak or runabout, cruiser or houseboat. It’s the Secret River depicted by Kate Grenville’s book of the same name and it twists and turns on itself endlessly. It’s also a peaceful river, well most of the time, except for when the ski races are on! #hawkesbury #hawkesburyriver #wisemansferry @visitnsw #boating #riverlifeI hate it when daylight savings ends. But we are making the most of a beautiful sunset up the end of America Bay in beautiful Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park listening to the waterfall behind us and ducks quacking as we watch the sun disappear behind the hills. #bliss. @astw_inc @nswnationalparks #hawkesburyriver #boatingPhu Quoc Is Vietnam’s largest island, but it’s closer to Cambodia; known for its beaches, over 50% is forested national park; and it produces fish sauce, pepper and pearls. It’s #vietnam minus the incessant scooters of Saigon or the hubbub of Hanoi. To learn more about this island read my story in the latest issue of @vacationsmag on sale now. @astw_incCobham Hall, the sandstone home of Solomon Wiseman (see previous post) now forms part of the Wisemans Inn Hotel, aka the Wisemans Ferry pub. The front portion of the upstairs section has been stripped back to expose historic construction techniques and decorated with period furniture to make a small museum with excellent information open weekend afternoons. This little village has a lovely gallery @ferryartists a great little restaurant @busbyscaferestaurant with escarpment views, a grocer-Café and accommodation with a golf course and pool @retreatatwisemans making it an excellent weekend getaway. Not forgetting the #hawkesburyriver of course. @visitnsw #wisemansferry #theriversjustthebeginningMeet Solomon Wiseman, pioneer, inn keeper and ferry master, after which this tiny town on a bend in the Hawkesbury River is named. He is the inspiration and main character of Kate Grenville’s novel The Secret River. I loved learning more about him and the area in Grenville’s companion book, Searching for the Secret River, which describes her research. And the ferry service he started is still going! #wisemansferry #kategrenville #hawkesburyriver @visitnsw- My Tweets
Tag Archives: travel gifts
Pack it! Part 1 – Five reasons to use travel packing cells
Packing cells have changed my life. That’s a big statement, I know. But they have made my travelling life so much easier I wonder how I ever travelled without them. I just wish I had cottoned on to packing cells … Continue reading
Product Review: hipS-sister waistband for travel
Sometimes it is the simplest designs that are the most versatile and stylish, like the hipS-sister waistband. Awkward name, awesome product. Looking for somewhere to put your hotel room key when you go out for a morning jog? Want to take … Continue reading
Product Review: Lightweight seat pad for hiking (no more wet bum)
It’s no fun hiking with a wet butt, and while my bum might look big from behind, the padding is in all the wrong places when it comes to perching on a rocky ledge, which is why I’m in love … Continue reading
10 Inexpensive Travel Gifts
Travel accessories make excellent gifts, whether for a work colleague, family member or friend (even yourself!) and sometimes it’s the small, inexpensive items that make a huge difference to life on the road. Here are 10 of my favourites, some … Continue reading
Stay Charged – Powerful portable charger for travelling
I’m terrified my phone will run out of battery power at a crucial moment, like checking onto a flight with an electronic boarding pass, sending an essential email or capturing that all-important photograph. We are so reliant on our mobile … Continue reading
