PERFECT PHUKET

Phuket @ The Coalface

BY ELLE BUTLER Phuket, Thailand had always been on our bucket list and at last we had the chance to experience this tropical paradise. From the moment we arrived we knew we were in for a perfect holiday. After a long flight it was a relief to be met at Phuket International Airport by a […]

WHERE YA GHAN’?

Ghan @ The Coalface

BY ELLE BUTLER I recently had the pleasure of experiencing an all-inclusive trip on the Ghan train from Darwin to Adelaide and it was nothing short of spectacular. Accompanied by my mum, our tour began with two nights’ accommodation at Darwin’s vibrant waterfront harbour. We took advantage of our time to indulge in a sunset […]

A SNOWY GOOD TIME

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Last month I shared part of my Japan trip from earlier this year and with so much to share, this month I’ll take you to Sapporo and the most incredible snow I’ve ever seen. We flew to Sapporo and caught the train into town where I saw my first REAL snow, it was feathery and […]

SUSHI NEVER TASTED SO GOOD

Japan Jessica Rouse

At the ripe young age of 28, I haven’t traveled very far – New Zealand and Airlie Beach are about as far as I’ve gone. But now I’ve been to Japan, and it was SUGOI! The 10-hour plane trip north was the worst part of our three-week holiday in Japan. It was long, but after […]

WANDERLUST AND DESERT DUST

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Last month, we delved into the heart of Dubai, a dazzling metropolis where architectural wonders loom and luxury shopping abounds. Our travels this month take us on paths less trodden, exploring the ancient echoes of the desert and the majestic realm of towering mountains. A short 20 minute drive from downtown Dubai leads to Casa […]

FILIPINO FESTIVE FUN

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Looking for somewhere different to visit for Christmas? Manila is the bustling capital city of the Philippines and a magical place to visit during the Christmas season. Filipinos begin celebrating Christmas as early as September and the festivities continue right through to January. There are so many sights and attractions on offer during the Christmas […]

WE’LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS

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With beautiful architecture, a rich history, and oozing culture, it’s no surprise that Paris is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Paris is often referred to as the City of Lights because it was one of the first cities in Europe to have electricity. Though perhaps it should more rightly be known […]

Be a Devil – Check out Tassie in the Winter

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All too often, Winter is time we head north to indulge in the warmer weather, but why not consider a southern adventure? Tasmania, our island state, is a fascinating destination boasting incredible natural beauty and unique wildlife. While it’s an excellent destination to visit year-round, Winter is a particularly special time to explore the island. […]

There’s no Place like Home

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The Homestead @ Lotus Creek, managed by Jen and Lindsay Hart, offers a unique camping experience and a delightful restaurant in a serene creek-side location. Owned by the Kemp family, the venue showcases their business acumen from the nearby feedlot property, resulting in a vibrant and welcoming country homestead. With attention to detail and a […]

May Day Traditions

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On May Day, people dance around the maypole. It is thought to have started in Roman Britain around 2000 years ago, when soldiers danced around decorated trees to thank their goddess Flora for the coming of spring. Today, rather than dancing around a tree, dancers weave ribbons around a pole. Many nations have very different […]

LEST WE FORGET

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By Elle Butler Gallipoli, located in modern-day Turkey, holds a special significance for Australians and New Zealanders as the site of a major military campaign during World War I. ANZAC Day, which is celebrated on April 25th, marks the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops, known as ANZACs, on the Gallipoli […]

Are you a Travel Bunny? Easter is a great time to explore the NT.

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Are you ready for an Easter adventure like no other? Pack your bags and hop on board, because we’re heading to the land of Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Alice Springs, and Tennant Creek. Warning: before you travel, be sure to grab your face nets – you will need them to combat the onslaught of desert flies! […]

Lose yourself in the gem that is – The Capricorn Coast.

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The Capricorn Coast in Queensland is a hidden gem that offers a wide variety of activities for travellers of all ages and interests. The region is located just a short drive from Rockhampton and stretches from the coastal town of Emu Park all the way up to Byfield National Park. One of the most popular […]

A Trip of a Lifetime

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Post-Covid overseas travel is back and Hunter broadcaster Tracy McKelligott and her 15-year-old daughter Mia couldn’t wait to go. Tracy had previously gone overseas for one or two trips each year, but Covid restrictions put an end to that, so it was off to England using a base in London for four weeks in September […]

A Boy, a Girl and a Jack Russell Head North

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When my boyfriend Morgan said we needed to drive all the way to Ingham in Far North Queensland in two days, from Muswellbrook, I thought it would be impossible. But Morgan and I jumped in the patrol with Alfie our one-year-old Jack Russell in between us, and the boat trailer on the back, and started […]

Greater Whitsunday Alliance

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Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions are a key economic $22.28 billion powerhouse with resilient local economies covering mining, manufacturing, agriculture and tourism. Located in Northern Australia, these three regions work together to deliver billions to the nation’s economy and are collectively known as the Greater Whitsunday Alliance. The gross revenue generated by businesses and organisations […]

Magical Maldives

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I’m standing shin deep in the clearest water I have ever seen, looking down to watch 50cm long reef sharks swimming past my feet whilst they hunt schools of small fish. Looking up, I’m almost blinded by impossibly white sand and azure skies, and I’m feeling pretty happy about life. As it was a special […]

Maitland’s Poverty and Prosperity

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This month we were eager to discover the history of the beautiful old town of Maitland, taking part in one of the heritage walks designed by the Maitland Visitor Information Centre. Once the second biggest town in NSW, Maitland has a wealth of stories from the ages, stories now being shared through a number of […]

A Tranquil Wonderland

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Ladies Well in Barrington Tops is a magnificent, pristine, and breathtaking natural swimming hole that makes you feel a million miles away from civilisation.  From the moment we stepped out of the car at the entrance to the Chichester State Forest I could hear water cascading over the nearby falls. Located on the Upper Allyn […]