Bab Al Shams

Where the desert meets the pool

It is somewhat fortuitous that our Wedding Anniversary this year coincides with a visit from my mum.  If it wasn’t for this, our anniversary could have very easily ended up being celebrated at home with the boys rather than something rather romantic somewhere rather luxurious like this little interlude at Bab Al Shams.… Read the rest

Ballooning

Canberra by balloon

“Did you know that ours is the only Parliament House in the world that you can get clearance to fly over [in a hot air balloon]?”.  I think about this for a moment and I’m not sure whether to be proud of, or concerned by, this fact.… Read the rest

The Pinnacles

The Pinnacles Desert

The Pinnacles Desert truly stands as one of the great icons of Australian travel. Set along the wild coastline of Western Australia, 200km north of Perth, this otherworldly landscape feels like a hidden treasure. Many of Australia’s 7.5 million annual visitors never make it to WA, let alone to this remote stretch of desert.… Read the rest

The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City

The only word that comes close to describing the enormity of the Forbidden City is “vast”. Even this doesn’t seem to do it justice. It’s hard to comprehend that the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) was built in the Ming Dynasty (around 1420).… Read the rest

Drum & Bell Towers

View of the Drum Tower from the Bell Tower

The Drum and Bell Towers stand opposite each other at the ends of Drum & Bell Square. Together, they served as the city’s official timekeepers until 1924, with drums beaten and bells rung to mark each hour of the day.… Read the rest

Temple of Heaven: Imperial Walkway Bridge

The Imperial Walkway Bridge (Danbi Bridge)

The Temple of Heaven Park is a vast green space in the heart of Beijing. It has the not-so-green Temple of Heaven, including its Circular Mound Altar structure as its centerpiece.  By no means is the Temple the only structure though.… Read the rest

Temple of Heaven: The Imperial Vault of Heaven

The Imperial Vault of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven Park is a vast green space in the heart of Beijing. It has the not-so-green Temple of Heaven, including its Circular Mound Altar structure as its centerpiece.  By no means is the Temple the only structure though.… Read the rest

Temple of Heaven: Circular Mound Altar

Temple of Heaven – Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

The Temple of Heaven Park is a vast green space in the heart of Beijing. It has the not-so-green Temple of Heaven, including its Circular Mound Altar structure as its centerpiece.  … Read the rest

Rainbow Beach

Rainbow Beach

Our Rainbow Beach adventure begins. The car is packed, the kids strapped in and snacks at the ready for the long drive. We have the Easter long weekend stretching out ahead of us and spirits are high as we head up the highway, leaving the city behind us.… Read the rest

Fraser Island

Lake Mackenzie

The first time I visited Fraser Island was on a four night weekend escape with my husband.  This time, our party was extended by our two children and my mum.  Both trips were equally wonderful.

The Jetty

Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world.… Read the rest