A journey through the Pilbara that unexpectedly transformed ordinary travel photographs into extraordinary works of art. Leaving Perth’s winter behind, our sights are set on the warmth of Broome in Western Australia’s far north. Rather than following the familiar coastal highway with its endless procession of caravans and motorhomes, we turn inland. Almost immediately the landscape changes. Towns disappear. Traffic fades away. The horizon stretches endlessly in every direction. Kilometre after kilometre passes with seemingly… ...…[read more]
Galleries
When the Desert Calls… Fifty years ago, a young singer-songwriter from Melbourne packed his guitar and headed north to the desert. Barry Skipsey didn’t just find a new audience — he found his place. This year, he returned as one of the performers to Central Australia’s Desert Song Festival — or, as it’s now proudly known, the Kwarta Tuma Festival. Half a century is a long time, but in the heart of the ...…[read more]
After four weeks travelling around New Zealand, we started to wonder: did we even leave Australia? It’s eerily familiar—same language, same power sockets, same addiction to flat whites. Culturally, it feels less like a foreign country and more like Australia’s quieter, more nature-obsessed cousin. Let’s just say… if Australia had an extra state full of mountains, sheep, and people who don’t seem in a hurry, this would be it. But before we go down that ...…[read more]
The campfire offered little relief from the chill of the evening, as another cold night loomed ahead. Our journey into Victoria’s High Country was a stark departure from our usual preferred destinations. Australia’s outback—with its warm, dusty embrace—might seem like the logical escape from the southern winter and early spring chills. The thought of enduring the alpine region of Victoria, still thawing from winter’s grip, in a canvas topped camper was met with some reluctance. ...…[read more]
Our destination is into the heart of outback, fourteen hundred kilometres north of Perth: Karajini in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. What do you say when visitors from overseas ask, “where should I go when I visit Australia”. It’s the outback that makes Australia unique. Friends Helen and Drew were joining us in their rented campervan. They’d never been to the outback. And though they weren’t international visitors you’d think from their strong accent they’d just ...…[read more]
Here’s something a little out the ordinary…. For those who know me, you would know my passion for travel and adventure. However, today, I’d like to share a somewhat different kind of adventure with you. One that’s filled with heartwarming stories, wisdom, and a dash of creativity…. 🙂 I’m pleased to announce I’ve recently published a book titled “Adventures in the Refrigerator: Tales of the Vegetable Community”. Now, I get it, this book is obviously ...…[read more]
G’day from Nusa Dua, Bali… So great to be back. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate relaxation or some exciting water sports activities, Nusa Dua has something for everyone. So grab a tropical drink, put on your sunglasses, and join me as we dive in! Oh and by the way, I know “G’day” is a bit culturally inappropriate, but the reality is the place is mostly crawling with Aussies. But nothing like it was pre ...…[read more]
“Please don’t send these pictures to India”, my friend Ben said (his real name!) I agreed we would keep them between us. We were being flippant, but the point Ben was making was the huge difference in how we produce food in western countries like Australia compared to many poorer regions around the world such as India where many of his family originates from. Unlike these poorer countries where manual labour brings the connection of ...…[read more]
“Who’d be a farmer?” I’d heard that comment a couple times. I’d taken on a seasonal farm stint in south east Western Australia. As far as the eye could see, golden coloured crops gently flowed back and forth with the warm wind. It was harvest time. You could almost see the glint in farming brothers, John and Michael Bertola’s eyes. All their year’s efforts were finally there for the taking, waiting to be rewarded. And ...…[read more]
Heading west after Australia’s Longest Shortcut leaves the red dust behind, to take you through the Wheatbelt on the way to Perth. For the traveller, the Wheatbelt offers more than just it’s main economic contributor of cereal crops and mining. Westonia is a must see stop. Like a real life movie set, the main street is lined with business shop fronts. But it’s all a facade… check out the video below. Further inland of the ...…[read more]