Sofitel Brisbane. So Sofitel.
I STRUGGLED to get my wife back to our suite at the Sofitel Brisbane. It was not because there was anything wrong with the room. To the contrary. Room 2819 – the Opera Suite – is close to being the best hotel experience in Brisbane. …
Taking the Polaris snow mobile for a wild ride
The Polaris snow mobile grunts and leaps into action. It is capable of reaching a top speed of 120 miles (190kmh). “Does it really go that fast?” I ask. “We are not going to find out because we are restricted to 40 up here,” our …
Back to the future at 80s day on Mt Buller ski resort
Welcome to Eighties Day on Mt Buller ski resort. It’s like being trapped in a time warp. The fashion includes figure-hugging outfits for men, big hair, and the bands that ruled the soundwaves had names like Duran Duran, Depeche Mode and Devo? And yes, if you have …
How green is Wolgan Valley
Conservation and luxury are at the forefront of this world-class sanctuary, nestled in Wolgan Valley, writes Brian Crisp WHEN news spread around Lithgow that airline giant Emirates was preparing to build a world-class resort in the area there were more than a few chuckles. Lithgow …
Naturally wild about Kangaroo Island
Visitors to Kangaroo Island can savour its rugged isolation in fine style, writes Brian Crisp THE bitumen road disappears not long after we leave Penneshaw, the gateway to South Australia’s Kangaroo Island. For a little while, at least, it is replaced by a concrete carriageway that takes us towards Cape …
Byron Bay Bliss at Watego’s Beach
IT’S hard to believe that this is winter. The air is warm – 24C – and Watego’s Beach, 25 steps below our balcony, is buzzing. Surfers and swimmers, mostly without wet suits, traipse across the sand and into the ocean, greeted by a procession of …
A Brand new look at Tamworth
A trip to Tamworth with all-round good guy Adam Brand is music to my ears AT 7AM I walked out of my house, bag in hand, to be greeted by my driver. It was early and my eyes were still in focus mode but this bloke looked familiar. …
Riding high in WA’s Kimberley region
Horsing around can’t hide an almost spiritual side to Western Australia’s magnificent Kimberley region “I’M BACK in the saddle again. Out where a friend is a friend . . . ” I can’t get Gene Autry’s signature tune out of my head as we jokingly …
Green Thunder captures Carnival’s Spirit
THE thumping beat of AC/DC’s Thunderstruck fills the air and the sky is dark. The air moist. It feels as if danger is present all around and I’m in panic mode. I don’t like rides. I don’t like heights. Why am I doing about the …
What’s behind the Golden Door
PERHAPS it was a sign, but I could not get The Golden Door sliding security gate to open. I had arrived 10 minutes before my allotted time. No one was answering my calls on the intercom. I pushed button after button. Punched in various codes, …