There are ninety nine ways I could end this blog. Dubious stories I never got round to. More myths and legends about Australia. Hilarious anecdotes. Twenty pages of conclusions and insights into the Australian condition. But when it comes down to it, I just want to tell you about Harry. Harry is in his 70s […]

Read more "The Green Green Grass of Home"

My mother doted on me and believed I was wonderful. Well, she’s always been insightful. She also kept me cute. I was a snappy dresser before I walked, and by the time I could, my hair was kept with a Cliff Richard quiff, courtesy Amami Wave Set Lotion. I think it’s fair to say that […]

Read more "It’s the Real Thing"

The most popular visitor attraction in Australia is – a prison. I wasn’t sure what to make of this, so I decided to add Tasmania to the itinerary so I could investigate on your behalf. Oh I know, I hear you groaning. What is it with me, this endless selfless doing things for you? I […]

Read more "Penitentiary, my dear Watson"

You know, there really are some fab things about Sydney. And there’s some stuff that’s pretty ordinary. But there is one thing that sets this city apart. One thing that raises it to a state of grace and splendour. One thing above all that makes Sydney magnificent and beautiful.  Look, don’t get me wrong. I […]

Read more "So long, Syd"

There’s nothing quite like a long slow train journey, a languid meander through the contours of a landscape, carved where it would let 19th century frontiersmen through. I’ve done this before. In Peru, sitting on the plate of a packed locomotive threading its way back from Machu Picchu to Cuzco after hiking and camping along […]

Read more "The middle of nowhere already"