Australia
Rediscovering Rotto NEW!
There are easier ways than swimming to get to Rottnest Island from Perth. But if you should want to, you can join the largest open water swim in the world.
Around the Apple Isle: A Tasmanian Road Trip NEW!
Often overshadowed by its big brother to the north, Tasmania has a diverse array of options for the curious traveler. Will Marks shares advice on road trips around this preserved paradise.
Shortcut Mechanics NEW!
Kelli Ohrtman knew she should have had the car checked out before driving cross country...or at least before she attempted off-roading her Nissan.
Immigrating to Australia
There are more obvious times in one's life to immigrate to Australia than when pregnant, with no job, family or friends in Queensland. But that didn't deter Sarah Huxlow.
Hot Nights in Surfers
After spending a semester "studying" in Surfers Paradise, Malka Wickramatilake knows all the party hot-spots.
The Great Sand Island
Eight strangers, forced to spend 3 days together, on the largest all-sand island in the world. Is this a reality show? No! It's Lee Abbamonte and his mates' experience with a group that that didn't vote each other off!
Working Girl
For travelers, working in Australia is a common dream. From corporate jobs to living in a tent, Ruth Fry faces the trials of tribulations of working in Oz.
People Make the Place
Although she cherishes her pictures of the Sydney Opera House and the Overland Track, it's the people that make Australia memorable for Ruth Fry.
Normality Stops, Reality Begins
Normality stops and reality begins when travelers visit Bob Whitworth's magical hippie land in Oz. But watch out for the snakes!
The Best of the Blue
For Orlaith Mannion, the best of Australia can be found in the Blue Mountains.
Not So Blue in the Mountains
Easily accessible, but remotely beautiful, the Blue Mountains region has enought to keep you occupied for weeks, according to David Madden.
Moby (Big) Dick
Graham Kirk wanted to witness the annual migration of humpback whales from Antarctica to the warmer Pacific waters. Well, he did, and he saw a sight he will never forget.
Crossing the Nullarbor
David Madden can honestly say that he has never felt so satisfied by and privileged to share in absolutely nothing.
Along for the Ride
Alison Brick writes of a minivan ride that turns out to be memorable for a number of interesting reasons.
Culture - By Way of Sports
Drew Grewal recommends attending a sporting event as a way to experience the culture of a country and see another perspective. He was shocked and hopelessly entertained by Aussie Rules.
Three Days on the Ragamuffin II
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds found that sailing on the East coast of Australia in the Whitsundays is an extraordinary experience.
Creak Of The Saddle, Whip Of The Wind
The life of a Jackaroo, an Australian cowboy isn't for sissies, as Jessica Misuraca learned on a visit to a working homestead.
Learning in Byron
How long does it take before you become addicted to getting that perfect wave? Surfing hooked Andrew Caballero-Reynolds from the first moment.
Down Under and Out
Erik R. Trinidad takes a 'straight' forward look into Sydney's world-renowned gay scene.
Hello, Your Governess
Politicians without bodyguards give Mo Valentine a photo op he can't refuse.
Melbourne's Sun-Worshipping Saint
Alison Brick found this beach suburb, southeast of Melbourne, to be an unexpected Easter treat for kids, couples, and single backpackers. Take a seat and watch.
Admired from Afar
The heat of the Brisbane sun on Mo Valentine's back is nothing compared to the stare of a young mother.
It's A Wonderful Life!
Tim Ashby followed the trail of breadcrumbs from the classified ads to the door of a telemarketing company, and was shocked at what he found.
The Real Kangaroo
Not even Tim Tams can soothe Page Ettle's kids when Kangaroo Valley refuses to live up to its name.
The Global Haddock: 96 Hours Down Under
Philip Blazdell realized why he'd never been to Australia before. It's a stupidly long way away. And he only has 96 hours to enjoy it.
Behold, the Crab Master!
Steve Bond learned the hard way why it's very important not to point at the crabs while crab racing.
Where the Hell is Cradock?
The awesome scale of the nothingness in the outback was magnified for Amar Dev Dhindsa when he pulled into a town and nearly doubled its population.
Air Conditioned Nightmare
Destination: Melbourne. Distance: 3742 kilometres. Direction: South. Amar Dev Dhindsa rides the bus where distance is referred to in days.
Rainbows and The Roaring Forties
Lea Taddonio's short venture into the southernmost regions of Tasmania only managed to whet her appetite for more, even if dirt, mud, wind chill and leeches are her new best friends.
The Queensland Quickstep
Steve Bond left the Queensland rainforest with a new respect for its animal and plant life, not to mention a new way of walking.
The Long Road to Ceduna
Back in the days when the Eyre Highway was a dirt track it took four weeks to reach Adelaide from Western Australia, Steve Bond was hoping to do the same journey inside of three days.
Boogie With the Rich And Famous
Strange phrases abound if you're learning to dive. Don't worry though, it's all in the name of safety.
Risky (Sticky) Business
Mo Valentine learns the sticky way that there are some places liquid latex just should not be poured.
The Answer
A Bacardi poster and an Englishman help Mo Valentine see all the more clearly what's right and wrong in Australia and the U.S.
Shark Bait
Scuba diving is a sport that has its dangers. But how would you feel diving a mile away from a dead whale being feasted upon by tiger sharks?
Drag Queens & Aluminum Chairs
A model-turned-erotic-poet in Perth is like a lullaby for Mo Valentine.
Gunning Cradle Mountain
Gerald Moller hiked a supposed eight hour trail in under 4 hours. And he still found time to take plenty of photos.
Drenched in the Desert
It's supposed to be the desert and the tent is waterproof. So why is Sophie Dixon-Box's airbed practically floating away?
Sorry Charlie
A stormy night dive at the Great Barrier Reef freaks out Maurice Valentine, but it'll take more than that to stop him. Next time.
City Slickers Go Bush
Deb Ashby is a self-admitted city slicker. So what was she doing agreeing to spend a weekend in small Australian country town?
If Only...
A routine fishing trip turns into a battle against the tide as Rob Wilson tries to save a vehicle from sinking into the sea.
Mission of Vengeance
Maurice Valentine renders a little Bronx street justice to some guys who say the wrong thing on Fraser Island.
Finding Work in Oz
The VisitOz Scheme is specifically designed for backpackers who want to work in rural Australia, and to experience proper "bush life".
Exploring a Bay of Plenty
Moreton Bay's islands are close to Brisbane, but from her sea kayak Patti Kemp forgets it quickly.
Making Your Way Through Australia
An unwanting soul finds many enriching encounters with Australian kindness.
Eight Days of Madness: Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair
For someone who had never hiked overnight before, surely eight days on the Overland Track was sheer madness.
In the Cradle of God
Rob Wilson started out on a six day hike of Tasmania's Overland Track, but counts himself lucky to have survived the first day.
Iga Warta - An Aboriginal Insight
The Iga Warta Aboriginal community offers backpackers a chance to live with the Adnymurtha people and learn about their culture.
Enhancing Australia
To really experience Oz, you have to get away from other travellers. Hitching is one option.
Farm Work in Western Australia
Tyrannical farmers, longs days and little money, but there's no shortage of takers.
The Great Barrier Reef
Sailing the Whitsundays and diving the reef. What a life!
Big Blue Taxis
Getting work as crew on a yacht is a great way to travel. Just make sure you pick the right skipper.
Nimbin: Australia's Utopia
The culture and lifestyle of Australia's most laid back town, Nimbin.
Adventure Oceania
Learning to sail on a Tall Ship is enough to cook anyone's chicken.
Hitching the Itch
The opportunities for hitching in Tasmania are pretty good. All you need is some commonsense and some biscuits.
The Cause
Environmental groups are very active in Australia and a great way to get to know the country.
A Sneak Preview Of Life On The Homefront
Ever think about your life back home? Curious if anything has changed, or do you just miss the familiar?
Get Wet Whilst You Work!
Get PADI certified on the weekend in Sydney while you work to earn those bucks to use it.
Melbourne - The Forgotten City
Everyone knows about Sydney's Opera House, the Outback and Queensland's Great Barrier Reef, but what about Victoria and it's capital, Melbourne?
Wildlife Extravaganza in Western Australia
A two week excursion up the coast of Western Australia taking in the gorges of Kalbarri, the World Heritage area of Shark Bay, and the dolphins of Monkey Mia.
A Chip in the Windscreen and the Whale Sharks of Ningaloo
Dealing with a small nuisance leads to an incredible experience.
My Aussie Adventure
Hitching a ride has unexpected results.
CAUTION: This story contains very strong language.
