Australia

View over the water back towards the Perth central business district. I took this photo while on holiday in Western Australia a few years ago – it seemed as if everywhere I went was just one big photo opportunity.

For the last year or so I’ve been living in Fitzroy, a mile or two north of the central city in Melbourne, Australia. Not to put too fine a point on it, I love it. Much more than anywhere I’ve lived in the past, Fitzroy and its surrounding area is a neighbourhood with personality. Melbourne’s first – and smallest – suburb, it’s crammed full of fantastic restaurants, bars, galleries and heritage buildings that thankfully haven’t been knocked down by over zealous developers, with a laid back mix of bohemian residents for whom anything goes.

From the crowded pavement cafes of Brunswick Street to the local pubs tucked away down quiet back streets, from the pumping live music scene to the wide open parkland of Carlton Gardens, I will – and happily do – spend hours just wandering round and enjoying everything the area has to offer.

Here’s my highly subjective tour of Fitzroy that takes in a few of the places that I return to time and again

I’ve had another article published by Craig and Linda at indietravelpodcast.com – this time it’s all about roadtrippin’ round Tasmania. From the beautiful Cataract Gorge in Launceston, via the cosmopolitan delights of Hobart and history of Port Arthur to the beaches, forests and peaks of the east coast and Cradle Mountain, there’s something for everyone on this little island. Take your own car over on the ferry or hire one once you get there, and enjoy a fantastic roadtrip.

Up and out early (I really didn’t want to spend any longer than necessary in the hostel) and on my way to Cradle Mountain. I knew this was apparently one of the ‘must see’ areas of Tasmania and it seemed a fitting way to spend my last full day here. As a result I was expecting some stunning scenery – what I wasn’t expecting was the stunning weather to go with it. It’s fair to say that this part of the state has a reputation for appalling conditions at times, but there were no sign of them while I was there. Blue skies, hot sunshine and gorgeous views – very much a recipe for success in my book.

The morning dawned bright and clear (unlike my head) and within minutes of leaving town I could see why the Bay of Fires was such a renowned spot. With the sun shining the place took on an entirely new perspective and I began to wonder what it would take to be able to have a holiday home in the area. A lottery win, probably. In any case I soon arrived at Binalong Bay, at the southern end of the Bay of Fires, and it was just stunning. In a wide sweep as far as the eye could see, the dazzling white sand and crashing aqua waves were a sure recipe to relax the soul (and reduce the hangover), and I spent over an hour wandering along the beach.