Recently during a visit and exploration of the Barossa Valley in South Australia, I had the opportunity to sit down for a short chat with Margaret Lehmann at her home. She is one of Barossa's food and wine pioneers, a champion of its preservation and was an integral part of the growth of Peter Lehmann Wines. Conversation invariably was about food and wine - over a glass of Semillon from Peter Lehmann appropriately called "Margaret". With … [Read more...]
Exploring Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Kangaroo Island was originally uninhabited until an Englishman, Matthew Flinders "discovered" the island in 1802. Today about thirty percent of the island is preserved either as a National Park or wilderness area - and only about 4000 people live here. Most of the population is on the Eastern side of the Island. This is Australia's third largest island and is located about 3 hours from Adelaide - 2 hours by road and then 45 minutes on the primary … [Read more...]
Local Insights with Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours
Brothers Linc and Brandon Walker run Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours located just north of Port Douglas in Queensland. They are part of the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal heritage; they grew up here - they know the land, they know the ocean, they know the habitat and they have a strong relationship to their environment. Their ancestors have been here thousands of years and they are passing on their unique heritage through a variety of cultural and … [Read more...]
Gold Mining and a Visit to Minelab’s Headquarters, Adelaide South Australia
One of my passions is gold prospecting, or as it is referred to in Australia, Fossicking. It is a healthy hobby as long as you don't get to obsessed with making money from it! I can remember going out with my father from a young age to explore some of his favorite mining terrain in the foothills of California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. With all the trips we have made I am fairly certain we have spent more time and money on logistics and equipment … [Read more...]
Top #epicOZ experiences
Australia is a country that begs to be explored - not quickly but slowly over a number of months. In the absence of such time, shorter trips are fine but focusing on a specific part of the country rather than trying to see to much. The distances are great and the experiences diverse. So to is the culture, the weather and the natural landscape. After a number of trips to the country I've spent some time coming up with some of my most epic … [Read more...]
The National Road Transport Hall of Fame, Alice Springs Australia
So where do old semi's, trucks, road trains and other wheels of the road go to rest? If it is in Australia, most likely to the National Road Transportation Museum in Alice Springs - a small community located along the legendary Ghan train line about one half way between Adelaide in the South and Darwin in the North. When your focus is on large vehicles you need a significant amount of space! This privately owned museum is just outside of town … [Read more...]
An Exceptional Tour with Nicholas, owner of Daintree Safaris Queensland
A day in the Daintree Rainforest with Nicholas Fox, proprietor of Daintree Safaris is an educational experience you will not soon forget. He has been guiding in this part of Northern Queensland for well over 20 years. Originally from the United Kingdom, but born in Madrid and schooled at a early age in Kenya he arrived in Queensland in his 20's during a trip around the world. He never left! Part character, part dry humorist and certainly a … [Read more...]
casacarboni italian cooking school & enoteca, Barossa Valley
Benvenuti a casa carboni! You open their door and are warmly greeted by the owners of this fine establishment - either husband or wife Matteo or Fiona Carboni. If you happen to glance to your right you are also warmly greeted by glowing comments that prior guests have hand written on the wall after taking one of Matteo's culinary classes. And perhaps yet further still are the enticing aromas coming from the kitchen or possibly the freshly brewed … [Read more...]
Great Barrier Reef Capsizing & Rescue Story
I have been to Queensland several times over the years but each time I've never had the chance to visit the Great Barrier Reef. It has been on my "bucket list" for a very long time. During my latest trip earlier this year I was fortunate to finally be able to visit this reef, certainly one of the planet's most inspiring underwater and above water destinations. During my time exploring the reef I met an engaging individual, Nick Lynch. I've … [Read more...]
Lizard Island, Remote Luxury
Arrival You are on a 10-seater looking out of the window. The azure waters glisten out of the side windows with spectacular coral reefs coming into view as the plane steadily makes its way to a small island in the Coral Seal - in the far northern reaches of Queensland. This tiny chunk of land is named Lizard Island and was named so by captain James Cook in 1770 after he climbed to the highest point of the island to look for a passage through … [Read more...]
