This is a story that I’ve enjoyed researching. Every time friends visit Cairns I make a point of snooping out their accommodation. How much space do they have? What facilities are there? What did they pay? It seems to be pretty hit and miss. Friends that had paid a fortune were unable to use their…
In the heart of winter, when the town was stripped bare of the crowds and tourist business experienced in summer was when we visited Lorne on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. During the off-season was the perfect time to explore the Great Ocean Road’s natural attractions. My favorite childhood memory is exploring tidal rock pools on…
First things first, a good nights sleep in our home is rare as hens teeth – both my boys wake me during the night; to come into their bed, to get them milk, to request a midnight swim, and sometimes to just to say “I love you.” So deliberately waking them to catch an early…
Put your hand up if you live at least an hour flight, or full days drive away from someone you love. I would need more than ten hands to put up for all of my loved ones that we live remote to. There are a number of travel bloggers that travel full time, living their…
Situated between Cairns and Port Douglas, Palm Cove has no shortage of accommodation options. My own approach when choosing accommodation for our family is to lean very much towards venues that make an extra effort to cater to families with kids. We stayed at the Novotel Resort Palm Cove for a quick weekend getaway and,…
I know that many families come to north Queensland for the tropical beaches. Families planning a visit to the tropical north should not overlook the varied wildlife experiences that are available as well. Drawing on my last five years up north I have written an article, published on family traveling website stradun.net that details the best…
My father Professor Murray Esler is a renowned research cardiologist. As a consequence of his international reputation (proud much, who me?) he travels frequently and is a Qantas Platinum Level 1 frequent flier. Nearing seventy he was somewhat confused to be asked by the chief steward on an international Qantas flight whether he had left…
Accommodation costs can be so prohibitive to family travel. Our family has only recently cottoned on to the perks of Mystery hotel deals, and consequently our travels have become significantly more affordable. Mystery hotels are typically four or five star properties that generally cost 40-50% less than the stated rate at similarly ranked properties at…
I have been reflecting on simple pleasure recently, especially those that we enjoy in Tropical North Queensland. We are blessed with a collection of rainforest swimming holes across the far north and particularly enjoy them during stinger season (October to May) when the beaches are off limits. The stunning Milla Milla Falls are located 873…
How important it is to encourage kids to engage with simple pleasures. I worry for my own mobile, high tech kids that they will forget to take joy in quiet moments. One simple pleasure that they are are mad for is feeding kangaroos and wallabies. Most wildlife parks and zoos in Australia offer this…