Most people have a romantic notion about being shipwrecked on an island paradise but, when the vessel The Stirling Castle was holed trying to cross the southern part of the Great Barrier Reef in 1836, the experience proved to be far from idyllic. Captain Fraser was in command of the ship and responsible for his…
One of Aesop’s most famous fables is the story about the fox that simply could not get hold of a tasty bunch of grapes and no matter how hard he tried, they remained out of reach. It seemed that the more unattainable they were, the more desirable they became. It could be argued that many…
The Great Barrier Reef is one of world’s most incredible ecosystems and it comprises of over 2,900 individual coral reefs along with around 900 islands. It stretches a distance of around 1,400 miles in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland Australia. It is simply immense and fans of the Great Barrier Reef are…
Bora Bora is situated approximately 140 miles (225km) northwest of Tahiti, in the western Leeward group of the Society islands of French Polynesia. It is a rugged, volcanic, mountainous island featuring a large lagoon surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and islets. In the Tahitian language, the pronunciation is closer to Pora Pora, and is commonly…
Aitutaki is a small island and atoll situated in the southern group of the Cook Islands in the South Pacific. Although most travellers are aware of the Cook Islands’ reputation of being some of the most beautiful islands in the world, this is an area which is still far off the mainstream tourist radar but…
It sometimes seems that the world is getting smaller with advancements in transport and communications putting previously inaccessible places firmly on the tourist map. However, for the more adventurous traveller, there remains a desire to seek out a truly exciting destination far removed from the all-inclusive luxury pampering on offer from many tour operators. It…
There are over 300 islands in the South Pacific archipelago that composes Fiji. There are two large islands where most of the population live, Viti Levu and Vanua. Vanua contains the capital of Suva and the airport which is in the town of Nadi. The Islands were formed via volcanic activity and there are still…
Uluru, or as its often known, Ayers Rock, is a large, sacred, sandstone structure in Central Australia. At 1142ft (348m) high, and 5.8mi (9.4km) in circumference, it is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks. Throughout the day, Uluru appears to change colour, ranging in hue from brown and pink, to delicate mauve, and sometimes…
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a popular tourist destination located on New Zealand’s North Island. Upon entering this underground grotto, visitors are taken aback by dramatic stalactites, which seem to drip like wax from the ceiling, tapering to a point in mid-air. A twinkling light show is provided by the many thousands of glowworms that…
Situated between Hastings and the eastern coast of New Zealand, Te Mata Peak is an incredible hillscape rising 1310ft (399m) above sea level. It’s summit offers sublime panoramic views of the Kaweka, Ruahine, Maungaharuru Ranges and Cape Kidnappers. With an excellent variety of walking and cycling trails, Te Mata Peak offers a breath-taking day out…
Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand, rising an enormous 12,316ft (3754m). It forms part of the Southern Alps mountain range, which spans the entire length of the South Island. The mountain is known as Ao-raki to the Maori, which means ‘cloud piercer’. Consistently covered in snow and ice, Mount Cook provides a…
Kakadu National Park is Australia’s largest national park, covering a landmass that is about half the size of Switzerland. The park, which is co-managed by its native Aboriginal owners, protects ancient traditions and the harmony of the region’s natural life. Located within Australia’s aptly named Aligator Rivers region, it features a combination of coastal mangroves,…
The Wollomombi Falls is a plunge waterfall found within the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. It is one of the highest waterfalls in Australia, dropping an impressive 228m (750ft) into the stunning Wollomombi Gorge. Whilst often covered in mist, the falls offer visitors spectacular views, particularly after heavy rain in the area increases water flow….
Tasmania is an island situated 150 miles (241km) south of Australia, separated by the Bass Strait. The main island is approximately 225 miles (362km) long, though the state includes a further 334 smaller islands. As Australia’s most mountainous state, Tasmania is home to many peaks, the tallest of which is Mount Ossa (1615m/5300ft). Nicknamed the…
Katoomba Falls is a gorgeous segmented waterfall situated within the Blue Mountains National Park in New South Wales, Australia. It is one of many waterfalls in the Blue Mountains region, which is also home to Wentworth Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Gordon Falls to name but a few. Walks around Katoomba Falls There are many…
Fiordland National Park is New Zealand’s largest uninterrupted expanse of protected parkland. Located on the south-western tip of New Zealand’s South Island, the park encompasses almost 8000 square miles (12,500 sq. km). This modern-day Eden is home to a plethora of plants and animals, including the Kakapo – the world’s only flightless parrot. From mountain…
Christmas Island is a small island territory of Australia, covering 135 square miles (350 sq. km) in the Indian Ocean. Despite its relatively small size, the island has aroused great interest among both scientists and naturalists, with two-thirds of its land mass declared a national park. First discovered in 1643, Christmas Island has a history…