All posts by noel

The Great Barrier Reef Australia

Posted on February 26, 2013 by noel in Australia, Travel Tips

Australia is a land filled with unique natural wonders and the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most famous. As the world’s largest coral reef system (2600 kms) and the only living structure visible from outer space, it is assuredly one of the most stunning 300,000 square kilometres on earth. Sitting in the aptly named Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland (beginning at the tip of Cape York Peninsula in the north and extending down to Bundaberg in the south) the Barrier Reef is host to an unusual array...Read More

What to do when visiting a Marae in New Zealand

Posted on February 21, 2013 by noel in Culture, New Zealand

When travelling around New Zealand, it is highly likely you will be taken to visit some of the local Marae. These are sacred meeting houses for Maori and are symbols of tribal identity. Considered by Māori as tūrangawaewae – (standing places or places of belonging), they facilitate public discussions and debates, funerals and celebrations and other local gatherings. They are often elaborately carved and designed community spaces equip with a dining hall and cooking area and the marae ātea (sacred...Read More

Australia’s backpacker industry ‘in crisis’

Posted on August 6, 2012 by noel in Australia, Backpacking & Accommodation, News, Travel Tips

AUSTRALIA’S backpacker tourism industry is facing the biggest crisis in its history, with many tour operators struggling to survive following big falls in young travellers. The number of people staying in hostels has fallen by nearly seven per cent over the past two years, down from 593,000 per year in March 2010. By Marina Thomas | News Limited Network Read more For great relocation deals, check out...Read More

Australia June – October: skiing, snowboarding and snowy mountains

Posted on August 2, 2012 by noel in Australia, Sights & Attractions, Travel Tips

Australia isn’t the first place that comes to mind when planning a winter holiday, especially when skiing, snowboarding or snowmen are on the cards. What comes to mind are sun drenched beaches, wild kangaroos and babes in bikinis along with vast expanses of outback terrain and reptiles! The fact is, skiing is definitely a happening thing in OZ, with around 15 ski resorts that offer anything from the basic cross country trails to full commercial villages! The ski season generally runs from June until...Read More

Food for camping: Quick and easy cashew nut cups

Posted on July 24, 2012 by noel in Backpacking & Accommodation, Sights & Attractions, Travel Tips, Uncategorized

I’ve recently come back from a well needed stay at a Yoga retreat in Koh Samui, Thailand (Samahita Retreat) where we trained in Ashtanga Yoga twice a day. As you can imagine, the food was delicious, organic and highly nutritious. However with all that training, my craving for something sweet was almost overpowering (and there is only so much honey you can put in a herbal tea!). Amongst some of the incredibly mouth watering desserts available was a little beauty called a Cashew Nut Cup and for camping...Read More

Black sand and burnt feet: Navigating the West Coast beaches of New Zealand

Posted on July 3, 2012 by noel in New Zealand, Sights & Attractions, Travel Tips

New Zealand is a country of contrasts. From the rolling hills of the North to the majestic, snow capped peaks of the South, it truly is a place of epic variations. Where the East is home to smooth waves and white sand, the West is united by jet black coastlines and turbulent waters loved by surfers worldwide. Both are as beautiful as the other, and can leave you breathless with wonder or lifeless if care is not taken. Welcome to the Wild...Read More