MyDiscoveries #4

ISSUE FOUR

PLAN

How not to look like a tourist; keep your valuables safe; prepare for the caravan holiday.

CRUISING

Head to Fiji and the terrific Pacific; sail with the Vikings – on the Viking Longship.

DESTINATIONS

Rock stars of the Flinders Ranges; high and lows of Norway, Game of Thrones locations; best of Western Australia.

Patagonia

Put yourself here!

NORTHERN IRELAND – BEVERLY HILLS CA – SCANDINAVIA – USA - ENGLAND

FUN FACT: THE RED DEVIL

Stonegate, within ‘The Shambles’ old district of the English city of York was known for its book shops and printing houses in the 16th century. On the the building of 33 Stonegate is a carved red devil. This is a reference to the printer’s apprentice who was responsible for carrying hot metal type. In printing folklore, a particular type of demon haunted every print-shop, performing mischief such as inverting type or removing lines of completed type. Over time, the source of these errors was transferred to the printer’s assistant, who retained the nickname ‘the printer’s devil’.

Make one day today

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Contents PLAN

04 Check out a budget airline 06 How not to look like a tourist 08 Tips for keeping your stuff 10 16 18 20

safe Free things to do in Beverly Hills, California How to prepare for caravanning Finding hotels that cater for special needs Family holiday videos

DESTINATIONS

22 Rock Stars of the Outback 26 The highs and lows of Norway

54

32 Northern Ireland’s TV locations 34 Sri Lanka for families 40 Britain’s famous pubs

52 Review of the glamorous Viking Aegir 54 Cruising in Fiji 60 5 fab cruise ports

Features Editor Bev Malzard

Staff Writer Sophie Cullen

Patagonia 46 USA music tours for the young at heart 50 Five reasons to visit WA

CRUISING

General Manager Janeece Keller

Digital Editor Alison Godfrey

INSPIRATION

42 Five highlights of amazing

MY DISCOVERIES TEAM

Designer Jon Wolfgang Miller Contributors Julie Jones, Glenn A Baker, John Borthwick, Marie Barbieri, Bev Malzard, Brian Johnston, Alison Godfrey, Danielle McCrthy, Carolyn Beasley, Siti Rohari.

Contact @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606

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PLAN

SCOOT OFF TO

Singapore

Looking for a budget airline that punches above its weight?

Try Scoot for good measure . . . for value plus.

BEV MALZARD Taxi at the door, tick. Arrive at Athens airport early, tick. Now where was my check in point? I’m on a budget airline to Sydney via Singapore so my check in will be a shabby, tucked away make-do. No. It’s in with the big kids. There’s one long terminal - just keep walking and nudging Swiss and Lufthansa is Scoot check in 156-7. How grown up.

All my flights out of and into Australia from a long haul journey (usually European) have been with the bigger airlines, but with Scoot flying out of Athens to Singapore and onwards to Sydney at a good price, this was too hard a flight to miss.

Tip: At Athens airport, Scoot usually scoots off from Gate A31. So get your skates on as it’s a bit of a trek there, even with moving walkways. But if you are always early like me (no judging please) there’s time to lollygag along the way.

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Economy class here I come. The configuration of the seats is three, three and three on this aircraft which means there’s no panic at the thought of being squeezed into the middle of a long row. Seat is comfy and at my great height of 167cm there is plenty of leg room. So I settle in for the 14-hour journey through time and space.

Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner is the name of this big baby.

Travelling by myself, I enjoy the solitude and time for reading, snoozing and some entertainment. Scoot’s child-free cabin sends happy shivers up my spine. Yay! Don’t get me wrong . . . but this cabin has 33 seats that, except for my seated neighbour who has a little snore going on, it’s nice and quiet.

The flight goes seven times a week so you don’t need to squeeze your dates to fit a flight. I planned

my flight out of Athens so I could have a four-day stay in Singapore, Scoot’s home base on the way back to Sydney – crazy not to miss this opportunity. (And we left Singers on time for the seven hours, 40 minutes’ flight which was swift and comfy flying.)

My entertainment is usually reading but for the long haul I need a distraction so I downloaded the Scoot app for a couple of recently released movies. I also read the inflight mag which has some great travel tips, stories and interviews.

I had pre-ordered food for the Athens-Singapore leg – it was OK too. Some sort of vegetable dish with pasta and the second meal was a chicken wrap with a sweet and some fruit. You get what you pay for – and I took a couple of my own snacks onboard – yet again to alleviate long-haul boredom.

Tip: layer up as you may feel chilly and need a blanket – but in keeping with the budget ethos, the blankets are $S15 to hire.

On the second leg from Singapore to Sydney I didn’t bother with food as I had a large meal at the airport before flying. But the chicken rice that my neighbour was scoffing gave me inflight food envy.

The service throughout was quiet and friendly, not too much interaction but overall well-mannered and helpful. My night flight that was – ‘quiet’ in the silence

zone afforded me a reasonable sleep and plenty of room to stretch my legs.

Overall I am a happy customer indeed. And for the price, the flight, the service – I’ll take another booking for Singapore next year. So close to Australia, this will be an easy and regular Scoot commute.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT SINGAPORE? @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606 M Y DI S COV E R I E S | w w w.myd i sc overi e s. c o m . au 5

PLAN

HOW NOT TO LOOK LIKE A

tourist You are a tourist but you need not be so obvious – try the ‘blend in’ tactic.

BEV MALZARD

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It’s funny that we recognise other tourists when we are travelling, there’s a certain gauche appearance to some, a gawky look to others, a ‘look at me’ image and a ‘I don’t care what the culture is, I’m wearing this’ attitude, and we see someone who had no idea what the weather was going to be like and is inappropriately dressed for the current climate. And then we pass a window and see our reflection . . .eek! Let’s address the dress code.

I can always pick the older Aussie male traveller (and the older Americans too). The big white sneakers and socks pulled halfway up the calf and the men are wearing shorts.

Now, shorts are fine in the tropics, beach resorts or cruise days. But. You are a standout tourist in sophisticated cities.

For ease and comfort while being a tourist, try to blend in.

WEAR IT WELL!

Nothing shouts ‘tourist’ more than bulky sneakers, a backpack with a logo, and sometimes a bad hat – think foldable, terry towelling or canvas. And garments sold as ‘vacation wear’ marketed to travellers are dead giveaways.

Locals do not wear zip-off pants in khaki or colours as muddy as that.

If you’re travelling for a couple of weeks, invest in a good Panama hat (the authentic Panama’s roll up nicely and you can wear them for years) or wear or a subtle baseball cap.

And don’t wear loud T-shirts or sweat shirts announcing that you’re an Aussie. No political messages or what you deem amusing either. For men and women, plain T-shirts and cotton classic shirts.

If in a cold country, don’t look as if you’ve never known cold before.

A good parka and a classy scarf

and warm hat helps you blend in.

You don’t need to be in a Michelin Man puffer jacket, unless you’re in Siberia in the winter!

And never wear a bumbag (or as the Americans call them ‘fanny packs’), they not only spell tourist, they spell ‘person with terrible taste’, they are a crime against fashion . . . and humanity.

Conclusion: avoid bright colours and logos, electronic gear in plain sight and glittery jewellery.

Pack a couple of smart outfits to wear if you are to attend a concert or splurge on a fancy restaurant.

You’d be surprised at how many travellers turn up to the opera in Vienna or at the theatre in London wearing what looks like yesterday’s borrowed bushwalking gear!

WHERE YOU GO

The art of blending in is best achieved by quietly fitting in without anyone noticing. Begin without walking around with a giant map in your hands. Use a map on your phone and don’t stop in the middle of the street, road, a crowd to consult your phone map. Find a quiet spot to find your bearings.

SLOW COACH

Embrace the art of ‘slow travel’.

Don’t rush everywhere to see everything. Enjoy long, slow breakfasts in local cafes or leisurely picnics in parks. And on the perimeter of tourist sites you’ll be less of a target for pickpockets.

TREAT YOURSELF

In Paris? London? New York? Book a haircut at a fancy hairdressing salon. You’ll look and feel a million bucks.

Need a new coat? Hit the sales in Los Angeles or Las Vegas at the amazing Outlet stores or sale time in Milan. Yet again, you’ll look as cool as a local and you’ll bring a beautiful garment home with you.

And chaps – ditch the baggybum Dad jeans – buy yourself some new jeans (preferably dark blue or black) and some fashionable chinos.

FOR DESTINATIONS WITH STYLE @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606 M Y DI S COV E R I E S | w w w.myd i sc over i e s. c o m . au 7

PLAN

Better safe THAN SORRY

How to keep your personal items and valuables safe while flying.

SITI ROHANI You might be surprised to hear that even in the confined space of a plane, thefts still do occur.

In a recent case reported out of Singapore, two men onboard a flight to Jakarta were apprehended after being suspected of stealing cash from fellow passengers mid-flight.

These cases are known as inflight, or mid-flight thefts, and they’re not as rare as you may think.

The perpetrators are often part of

criminal syndicates and they work in pairs or groups to keep from getting discovered.

While staying alert is important, there are tips you can heed to ensure you don’t fall victim to such crimes.

KEEP CASH AND VALUABLES CLOSE TO YOU AT ALL TIMES

Keep your valuables such as cash, your ID and passport, and

jewellery in a small bag that you can place under the seat in front of you.

Rest your feet on your bag to make sure no one gets close to it, and take this bag with you whenever you leave your seat.

It takes just a few seconds for experienced thieves to swipe your bag so never give them the opportunity by leaving it unattended.

LABEL YOUR BAG

STOW YOUR CARRY-ON BAG WHERE YOU CAN SEE IT

STOW YOUR CARRY-ON BAG WHERE YOU CAN SEE IT

When placing your bag in the overhead compartment, make sure it’s right above or across from your seat so you can keep an eye on it at all times.

To ensure you get prime real estate, try to board the flight early.

LABEL YOUR BAG

Make sure your bag is easily identifiable so thieves can’t just switch it out with a similar looking bag.

This is especially important if you have a black, nondescript bag. For example, you can sew a patch on it or write your initials on the bag.

DON’T MAKE YOUR BAG COMPARTMENTS EASILY ACCESSIBLE

Place your bag with the zip side facing down or inwards so it can’t be easily reached.

For added security, lock your bag.

Thieves are always looking out

DON’T KEEP VALUABLES IN YOUR CARRY-ON BAG

for easy targets and won’t spend too long fiddling with a locked bag as it may draw attention to themselves.

If you’re stowing your jacket or coat, remove any valuables from the pockets.

DON’T KEEP VALUABLES IN YOUR CARRY-ON BAG

Even though you’ve got your carry-on stowed away within your line of sight and your pockets are inaccessible, that still doesn’t mean that you should keep any valuables in there.

HAVE DIFFERENT HIDING SPOTS FOR YOUR CASH AND CARDs

Keep your cash or credit cards in different hiding places.

For example, you can divide your cash into three portions and keep some in your small bag, some in a pair of jeans that’s rolled up in your checked baggage, and some in your toiletries bag.

This way, should you lose one stash, you won’t be left with absolutely no cash.

USE AN RFID-BLOCKING WALLET OR BAG

Lots of credit or bank cards, and passports, come embedded with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chips that store information for wireless transmission.

Thieves have been known to use RFID scanners to skim and steal this information.

You can buy wallets or bags that block RFID in order to prevent this new type of theft.

Information courtesy of Reader’s Digest.

FOR TRAVEL INFORMATION @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606 M Y DI S COV E R I E S | w w w.myd i sc overi e s. c o m . au 9

PLAN

THE HILLS ARE

alive Free stuff to do in exclusive Beverly Hills, California? There sure is!

BEV MALZARD

IMAGE: BEVERLY HILLS CONFERENCE & VISTORS BUREAU.

BEVERLY HILLS CITY HALL

IMAGE: @GRAYMALIN VIA INSTAGRAM

THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL

Put the plastic away for a while and relax! There are many fun things to do in Beverly Hills for nix.

• Spot your favourite celebrities on Rodeo Drive and restaurants around the Golden Triangle - ripe for star sightings!

• Capture a perfect souvenir by snapping a picture in front of the famed Beverly Hills sign in Beverly Gardens Park.

• Window shop 'til you drop on Rodeo Drive! These three blocks of luxury shopping are the best in the world for day-dreaming and indulging!

• Watch the Electric Fountain come alive with varying light and water patterns.

• Admire Bijan's signature RollsRoyce Phantom Drophead

Coupé which is nearly always parked outside the Bijan store on Rodeo Drive.

• Get lost in the vast department stores along Wilshire Blvd - aptly nicknamed Department Store Row. Barneys New York, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus provide hours of shopping entertainment.

• Feel like a celebrity when you walk the red carpet entrance at The Beverly Hills Hotel.

• Strike a pose with the family of statues outside the Fred Hayman commemorative building on North Canon. The building, with eye-catching yellow and white striped awnings, is a recreation of Hayman's storefront of Giorgio Beverly Hills, the first luxury retailer on Rodeo Drive.

IMAGE: BEVERLY HILLS CONFERENCE & VISTORS BUREAU.

BURBERRY

IMAGE: BEVERLY WILSHIRE, A FOUR SEASONS HOTEL

IMAGE: BEVERLY HILLS CONFERENCE & VISTORS BUREAU.

BEVERLY HILLS SIGN & LILY POND

BEVERLY WILSHIRE, A FOUR SEASONS HOTEL

• Don't miss a look at City Hall's Spanish Renaissance-style architecture, including an eightstory tower with blue, green and gold tiled dome.

• Head into Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel to admire the beautiful lobby floral display and get a peek inside this famous hotel where Pretty Woman was filmed.

• Take a seat inside the lobby of The Beverly Hills Hotel and absorb the luxurious grounds that many celebrities have walked upon throughout the hotel's 100-year-history.

• Pause on the 300 Block of Rodeo Drive to see the Frank Lloyd Wright designed ‘Anderton Court’, marked by the identifiable spiral ramp and triangular tower.

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• See the state-of-the-art Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts which opened in 2013. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts transforms a Beverly Hills city block into a vibrant new cultural destination with two distinct, elegant buildings: the historic 1933 Italianate-style Beverly Hills Post Office and the new, contemporary 500-seat, state-ofthe-art Goldsmith Theatre. These two structures embrace the city's history and future, creating a cultural landmark.

• Head up to Greystone Mansion & Park, a legendary estate built by the Doheny family, which is now a park open to the public. Can you find the koi and turtles on the grounds?

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• Print a Beverly Hills Walking Tour from LoveBeverlyHills.com or pick one up at the Beverly Hills Visitor Center and then explore the city on foot!

• Take in the sunshine and sounds of the courtyard's babbling fountain as you relax, on the grass or at café tables, in Beverly Canon Gardens.

• Make your way to the ‘Mecca for cheese aficionados’. If you call yourself a cheese lover, then you cannot miss the sight - and smell!

- of The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills. The staff is delighted to share their extensive knowledge of cheese as well as offer free samples.

• See the world's first 24-hour Cupcake ATM at Sprinkles Cupcakes. Though it's viewable

without making a purchase, it's worth every dollar to try Sprinkles' signature Red Velvet treats.

• Check out the gourmet candy shop Sugarfina and indulge in a sample of their candy at their Tasting Bar. Chat with their Candy Concierge to create a custom Sugarfina gift.

• Let the Beverly Hills Visitor Center Concierge assist you with all of your needs, from securing sightseeing tour tickets to making dinner reservations at one of the exquisite restaurants.

• Not quite free, but at just $1 for children under 12 years of age, the Beverly Hills trolley tour is quite a deal! Hop aboard for a 40-minute narrated tour of art, architecture, historical and renowned areas of

SUGARFINA

IMAGE: THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL AND BUNGALOWS.

IMAGE: SPRINKLES CUPCAKES.

IMAGE: SUGARFINA

THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL AND BUNGALOWS

the city.

• Stop by the newly opened Community Dog Park to watch the posh pooches frolic in the fenced-in area.

• Pick up a booklet of Exclusive Offers at the Beverly Hills Visitor Center which can be redeemed at shopping, dining, sightseeing, and spa and salon locations throughout Beverly Hills.

• Access free Wi-Fi at many of the local coffee shops and on the Beverly Hills Civic Center grounds.

WANT MORE INFO ON CALIFORNIA DREAMING? @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606

SPRINKLES CUPCAKES EXTERIOR

PLAN

caravanning FIVE GREAT TIPS FOR THE How to prepare for a caravan or motorhome road trip that's fun, safe and memorable - for all the right reasons.

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CROWD

If you’re looking for a fun and leisurely way to see the country, travelling in a caravan or motorhome is an excellent way to go. In a sense, you take your house with you, and you can stop anywhere you want along the way. Before you hit the open road it’s a wise idea to make a few preparations. Driving a motorhome is different from driving most other vehicles, and being aware of those differences can make your journey safer and more enjoyable. Here are five things to keep in mind before you cruise off into the great outdoors.

1. HAVE YOUR VEHICLE SERVICED AND INSPECTED

No matter what kind of vehicle you’re driving, you need to make sure it is roadworthy before you pull out of your driveway. Whether you own the motorhome or are renting it, always insist on a pre-trip service and full inspection. Once it gets a clean bill of health, you can pack it up and hit the road with confidence.

The last thing you want is to have your long-anticipated road trip come to a premature end because of a preventable maintenance issue.

2. PRACTICE DRIVING THE MOTORHOME BEFORE YOU HIT THE ROAD

Chances are you won’t have a lot of problems driving a motorhome on the highway, but navigating smaller streets can be a real challenge in such a large vehicle. Put in plenty of driving practice before you leave home and learn how to use all of your mirrors to determine your position and back the vehicle safely.

3. CONSIDER INSTALLING A REVERSING CAMERA If your motorhome doesn’t already have one, consider installing a reversing camera. It’s a handy accessory that will make pulling into those tight parking spaces a

lot easier and give you additional peace of mind. (Alternatively, if you’re travelling with passengers, you can always ask them to check behind the vehicle before you reverse.)

4. BE AWARE OF HANDLING DIFFERENCES WHEN DRIVING

Driving a motorhome is different from driving a car or even a fullsized utility vehicle, for that matter.

The higher centre of gravity means you need to take turns wider, and the large size means you’ll need a bigger turning radius. Again, practicing ahead of time can help you get used to handling such a large vehicle. You will also need to be mindful of the wind speed as you drive. When the winds get strong, it could cause the vehicle to drift unexpectedly. Take a tighter grip on the wheel when it’s windy, and give other drivers more space.

5. CONSIDER FORMING A CONVOY!

Chances are you’ll meet other motorhome drivers on your road trip, particularly if you’re travelling down a popular road trip route.

If you are all going the same way, consider teaming up with the drivers you meet at caravan parks, local attractions and restaurants, and forming a motorhome convoy.

Travelling with other drivers is fun, but it can also enhance your sense of safety: a large convoy of motorhomes will be easier for other drivers to spot.

Information courtesy of Reader’s Digest.

WANT TO DISCOVER MORE OF AUSTRALIA? @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606 M Y DI S COV E R I E S | w w w.myd i sc overi e s. c o m . au 1 7

PLAN REFLECTIONS HOLIDAY PARK URUNGA RAMP ACCESS

Access all areas!

Less than mobile and think you can’t manage a holiday? Read on for suggestions to get you out and about . . . confidently.

JULIE JONES

Travel is often pictured as being idyllic and carefree. Unfortunately, the reality is the opposite for many people travelling with a mobility restriction or a wheelchair.

Certainly, our family’s first holiday after my son became a wheelchair user was fraught with anxiety. But after careful planning and research, we discovered many hotels are well equipped to ensure all guests can enjoy a wonderful holiday.

ACCESSIBLE OPTIONS

The internet has a dazzling array of options but it’s often hard to narrow down the choices to ones which are truly accessible. Vague wording is often used around accessibility and it’s therefore worth either booking with an agent who is familiar with accessible travel or contacting the hotel direct. Never assume reservations staff or an agent understands what you need. It’s important to briefly explain your requirements and ask detailed questions to determine if 1 8 M Y D I SCOV ERI ES | www. m ydis cover ies. co m . au

your needs will be met. A greater understanding of the facilities offered by hotels will add to the success of your next holiday.

ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES

Hotels, apartments, holiday parks and even some glamping experiences offer a variety of accessible facilities including ramp access, step-free entry, enlarged rooms and open-plan bathrooms.

Many are equipped with specific features which make access within the accommodation easier. Wide doorways, enlarged light switches, lever taps and wheelchair access to sinks are commonly found.

Accessible bathrooms are often desirable for travellers who are less mobile due to the additional equipment installed. Grab rails which surround the shower and toilet assist with stabilisation, transfers and safety. Many of these bathrooms also offer a step-free shower with a hand-held shower head and options for showering

while seated.

For safety and convenience, hotels are now offering rooms fitted with visual alarms to assist guests with a hearing impairment.

A visual alarm alerts the guest to visitors or hotel staff delivering room service and is essential in case of a fire.

RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT In our travels we’ve found some accommodation providers go the extra mile, supplying accessible recreational facilities including beach wheelchairs and hoist access into pools and spas.

LOCATION

Location, location, location is not just the rule for real estate but also for choosing accessible accommodation. Being within an easy walk or wheel of restaurants, local attractions, transport and shopping will enhance your holiday experience. A centrally located hotel may cost a little extra but the

BEACH WHEELCHAIR

ACCESSIBLE HOTEL ROOM NOVOTEL SOUTH WHARF MELBOURNE

benefits of being within easy reach of attractions is usually worth it.

HOIST INTO POOL NOVOTEL SOUTH BANK BRISBANE

HOTEL PITFALLS

Knowing the pitfalls can help in avoiding them. And it should be noted, all accessible rooms are not created equal. The level of accessibility and understanding of the term varies around the world. Even in the US, where the Americans with Disability Act ensures all hotels provide accessible accommodation, the term can be misleading. When researching a hotel in New York I noted an ADA compliant bathroom listed, which I assumed would have a roll-in shower. When I delved a little deeper and called the hotel, I was informed the shower was over the bath but was considered ADA compliant as it offered grab rails.

That bathroom would be unusable for a wheelchair user but could easily be mistaken as an accessible option. It always pays to ask and if you are still in doubt, don’t hesitate

to request the hotel sends you a photo of the bathroom, or the feature, which will impact your stay the most.

POSITIVE ATTITUDE

Planning and research are key, but we’ve also found with our family’s travels, packing a positive attitude makes a difference.

FOR HOLIDAY SUGGESTIONS @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606 M Y DI S COV E R I E S | w w w.myd i sc overi e s. c o m . au 1 9

ADVERTORIAL

TIPS FOR SHOOTING FAMILY

holiday videos ALISON GODFREY We’re grandparents now! Who would have thought? We’re staring at ourselves – at the wall where our parents projected their home videos. And we are running the old videos again for our grandkids.

We laugh as we see tiny versions of ourselves toddle across the screen and the young versions of our parents. A backyard cricket game, hula hoops and the paper from Christmas gifts flying across the room.

My father loved to film happy family moments. I remember him with a glass of wine in one hand and a video camera in the other.

And we loved to watch them. Every year at Christmas, Easter and any holiday time actually we’d gather in the lounge room to laugh and remember.

Now as a grandparent myself, I see how valuable that film was. Those moments of our lives captured forever. Faces of

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ourselves, our grown-up children, and loved ones passed are now a cherished memory.

Watching videos together as a family is powerful. Old friends and loved ones can be brought to life on the screen. Every time we grab the laptop to look through our photos – the children beg for the videos first.

At holiday and family times many people consider making photo books for loved ones. But an occasion/celebration video allows you to really see how people move, how they laugh and how much they have grown. You can see how well the grandkids play soccer, how they slammed that cricket ball over the fence and how they smiled when you served them ice cream.

To do it well, you should still invest in a video camera – don’t rely on your phone or tablet. These days video cameras can record

slick 4K or HD vision.

With a camera such as the Sony AX33 Handycam camcorder, you can send the vision directly to your mobile phone and then to Google photos. From there it’s easy to upload the videos into an editing program such as Adobe or iMovie.

Or simply let them play on the television for the family to see.

The Sony AX33 is an easy video camera to use and takes incredible video. Picture: Sony. This camera also has an inbuilt stabiliser called Steady Shot – so you can be sure the film will never be wobbly even when your hands are shaky.

When filming try to capture reactions and don’t be afraid to let the kids have a go. Children often discover things you may not see and it allows you to bond as you impart some expertise. And last of all – always share. Your family will always appreciate the memories you capture.

TIPS FOR SHOOTING HOLIDAY VIDEO • Select HD vision • Choose 50 frames per second • Record detail shots as well as action • Look for reactions • Always ensure the light is behind you • Try slow motion for jumping, water and sport • Point the camera at someone when they are speaking • Buy a camera with Steady Shot • Try editing travel videos with Adobe or iMovie

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Rock Stars BRIAN JOHNSTON

Approached over almost featureless plains, the Flinders Ranges’ rugged ridges emerge slowly on the horizon, promising adventure in their shattered peaks and shadowy red gorges. I love this wildly scenic destination, where the landscapes steal the show and the history endlessly fascinates.

Aboriginal rock art graces the walls of Sacred Canyon. Tumbledown homesteads and stark chimneystacks – last forlorn remnants of sheep stations – speak of defiant European pioneers.

The juxtaposition of puny but admirable human endeavour and harsh raw landscape creates a classic outback story.

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DESTINATIONS

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I scrunch my eyes against the dust as I drive around the 30-kilometre dirt track of Moralana Scenic Drive, lurching slowly through beautiful undulating countryside dotted with Callitris pine forest. It’s just a teaser to Flinders splendour. Next day, the Brachina Geological Trail brings me on a 20km 4WD journey through 130 million years of geology, with signage along the way detailing the formation of the ranges.

I’ve been tipped off to time my drive through Brachina Gorge for late afternoon, and soon I understand why. Blue river boulders clash with orange cliffs, rocks turn virulent pink, and rare yellow-footed rock wallabies emerge. Eventually I arrive at Brachina Lookout to catch the virulent sunset over the treeless plains near Parachilna.

Outback travellers, backpackers and RV-touring retirees alike exchange such tips in the region’s pubs and laybys. I like the easy Aussie camaraderie. One night I swap adventure stories at the Prairie Hotel – a legendary outback pub at Parachilna – as I tuck into kangaroo-tail soup and red goat curry. Residents and travellers lean on the bar, while outside a fire crackles and local musician John O’Dea sings Jimmy Barnes covers under the stars.

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The Flinders Ranges were formed when an ancient, uplifted seabed was deeply eroded over millions of years into cracked mountains and gorges. Wherever I go, the landscape is a pop-up geology book come to life in escarpments, creek beds and fossils that remind me of school geography lessons. Great layers of twisted rock demonstrate the tectonic forces at work, but millennia of floodwater in these semi-arid ranges has proved just as powerful, scalloping riverbanks and gouging out twisting gorges.

There’s never a shortage of rugged scenery to tempt me to become a pagan worshipper. The 100km round trip along the Bunyeroo-Brachina-Aroona Scenic Drive adds early pioneer heritage and abundant wildlife to spectacular landscapes. Its rollercoaster surfaced roads provide ever more splendid vistas of the outer ramparts of eastern Wilpena Pound and the Bunyeroo Valley, where Razorback Lookout entrances me with its classic, calendar-worthy Flinders viewpoint.

Wilpena Pound is an awe-inspiring natural formation that looks like a giant meteorite crater, but it is actually a remnant valley floor where the surrounding ranges have been eroded away, leaving only a circle of hard

quartzite cliffs. The pound, which is roughly 17km long and eight wide, was used by early pastoralists, with the ruins of Hill Homestead a significant heritage site.

A walk to Arkaroo Rock brings me to a much more ancient history, with images of emus and snakes in red ochre on the rocks.

I chicken out of the rugged hikes that lead up the sides of the pound, such as the all-day heart-banger to St Mary’s Peak (the highest point in the Flinders) or into Edeowie Gorge. The flat bottom of Wilpena Pound, however, offers less challenging day walks through bonsai-twisted eucalypts and enormous red river gums. As I hike, kangaroos flop in the shade and flocks of galahs swirl like pink confetti.

I love walking in the Flinders Ranges as much as I enjoy driving through them. The mountains hide deep valleys whose permanent waterholes provide sustenance for giant eucalyptus trees and wildlife such as wallabies, gaggles of emus and wedge-tailed eagles. One day I tackle the hike through Mt Billy Creek and into Wilkawillina Gorge. In places, I almost imagine myself in the Mediterranean, with bullock trees resembling the olive groves of Greece. Then I’m reminded of the uniquely Australian flavour of

this landscape, where mighty white gums clash with orange rock, cockatoos scream, and sunsets explode.

I’ve been to the Flinders several times and never miss an outstanding day walk that starts at Black Gap on the outer, western edge of the Wilpena Pound, from which there are stunning views of the Elders Ranges. This time, by lunchtime I’ve reached the top of the pound at Bridal Gap and then I hike through the banded red and green rock formations, down into the valley bottom, finishing at Wilpena Pound Resort.

The 11km hoof isn’t unduly strenuous, with all the uphills coming early in the day; the only tricky part is arranging a drop-off at the start of the trail. My reward at the end is a cold beer and another flaring sunset.

Then the staggering stars of outback Australia start to twinkle: heavenly fireworks to celebrate the end of another spectacular day.

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DESTINATIONS

THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF

Norway Aside from the mountainous landscapes and silky smooth fjords, there are trains to take, boats to sail and amazing Viking heritage aspects to be had in this small but big-onexperience country.

BEV MALZARD

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BARCODE, OSLO

Norway is currently one of the richest countries in the world and it’s brushing up on its hospitality.

Visitors to nature’s divine Nordic country are growing rapidly every year. And for many reasons: the scenery, the myths and legends, the amazing cruises, the books and tv shows that have exposed a dark side of criminal fiction, the emerging gourmet foodie scene and the famed Northern Lights.

Mountains, glaciers, deep coastal fjords are not too far away from the capital city of Oslo. What was once a rather traditional and conservative city, Oslo is now known for its extraordinary architecture. In the past couple of 2 8 M Y D I SCOV ER I ES | www. m ydis cover ies. co m . au

decades’ monumental structures have changed the skyline of the city and given it a splendid modern edge. For example, the Oslo Opera House sits by the harbour and its angles give the appearance of the building rising from the water.

Pur Nork is a cool design shop selling original curiosities and high quality design items and in the new borough of Tjuvholmen, you can see a modern architecture adding interest to the varied precincts of Oslo.

Galleries, theatre and cultural pursuits in the city are many and a special treat is to visit Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum. There are three mighty ships here, all named after

their place of discovery: Oseberg, Gokstad and Tune. The most impressive and ostentatious is the Oseberg, and the burial chamber beneath where it was found held the largest collection of Vikingage artefacts ever uncovered in Scandinavia.

And the food. There is the greatest variety of quality food to be had in and around Oslo. All budgets and all tastes are catered to. Norway is an expensive country to travel in, so pick your restaurants carefully and when you go for the big splurge the Michelin-starred Maaemo has the welcome mat out. This is a beautifully minimalist restaurant with an elegant décor.

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BERGEN

THE OPERA HOUSE, OSLO

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THE OSEBERG VIKING SHIP

IMAGE: BJØRN EIRIK ØSTBAKKEN/VISITNORWAY.COM

IMAGE: SKIINFORMARMATIE.NL

FLÅMSBANA IN WINTER

IMAGE: GJERTRUD COUTINHO

The food is sourced locally and a team of chefs work as artists to present amazing food in a totally modern setting.

Other restaurants and cafes are housed in what were pompous bank and insurance buildings that have now come to life as foodie hubs. Asian food is popular and with Oslo’s close proximity to the sea – lots of Japanese food is to be had, try Alex Sushi and Hanami for exquisite seafood.

In a large warehouse on the edge of the Oslo port is Vippa, which is the newest, hippest food, culture and music centre in the city. On Thursday’s through to Sunday, foodtrucks offer a diverse range of cuisines accompanied by a DJ or live music. This is the place to await sunset in the Oslo Fjord.

BEAUTIFUL BERGEN

Another wonderful city in Norway is Bergen, the capital of the fjords!

Bergen sounds, feels and tastes like nowhere else . . . fresh seafood and many other local delicacies are part of the vibrant café, art scene, museums and galleries.

The streets of this pretty city are lined with wooden houses, fairytale cottages with the dramatic backdrop of seven mountains behind it. The medieval Hanseatic wharf of Bryggen, with its 60 historic buildings in succession is on the UNESCO World heritage list, and it dates back to the 12th century.

Bergen is the starting point for cruises to the dramatic Sognefjord.

And to take a cruise in Norway is an unforgettable experience.

Norway’s most popular fjord tour is Norway in a Nutshell. This tour is available all year round, takes about nine hours and moves you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Fjord Norway. The trip comprises a fjord tour, the

Bergen Railway and Flam Railway and is one of Norway’s most popular round trips.

Norway in a Nutshell starts from the railway station in Bergen with a trip on the beautiful Bergen Railway from Bergen to Voss.

Bergen Railway is the highest altitude railway in Northern Europe, and around 100km of the line runs through wild mountain terrain.

At the railway station in Voss, you will find the bus, and the trip continues to Gudvangen.

In summer, the bus goes via the Stalheimskleiva hairpin bends, the 1.5km stretch of road that winds its way down the Nærøydalen valley from Stalheim.

Once you have arrived in Gudvangen innermost in the Nærøyfjord, you embark on the boat that will take you to Flåm. The Nærøyfjord is one of the narrowest fjords in Europe, and the trip to Flåm takes around 2 1/2 hours.

Flam (pronounced Flom), is an incredibly pretty town and is in a UNESCO World Heritage listed habitat. The community here incorporates a handful of riches: one of Norway's top attractions, the Flam Railway; the Flam Railway Museum; the historic Fretheim Hotel; the boutique Heimly guest house; the Toget restaurant and Cafe; the Fjords Ferry Company and Aurland Shoe Factory (selling rather spiffy, bespoke penny loafers).

From Flåm, the trip continues on the Flåm Railway, one of the steepest normal gauge railways in the world. The 20km-long train ride is a fantastic journey that offers panoramic views of some of the wildest and most magnificent mountain scenery Norway has to offer, including the famous Kjosfossen waterfall. The train ride lasts for roughly an hour.

At Myrdal station, change trains

to Bergen Railway, which takes you back to Bergen.

You can take a bus from Bergen to catch a local ferry and cruise the Geirangerfjord to the end of the line. The wonderful deep water Geirangerfjord is a fjord in the Sunnmore region of More og Romsdal county and is a15km-long branch off the Sunnylvsfjorden. The tiny village of Geiranger is at the end of the trip and it is from here you can catch a ride to Trondheim, a lovely medieval seaside city.

At the end of the season, it’s a good time to visit as it is quiet with not many people around. It is a relaxed cruise with just a few passengers and a crew ready to take a break. The waterfalls are still in full roaring flight. The waterfalls all have names and stories and way, way up on top of the cliffs there is evidence of modest farms.

These holdings are now deserted and the Norse Gods would be the only ones to know how they were built and how hardy farmers raised goats, farmyard animals, birds and children. The story goes, and it has to be true, that children were tethered safely so they didn't fall down the sides of these mighty crystalline rock walls that nature has given the appearance of a location for a gruesome fairytale.

The ferries here are stealthy and run quietly across the glassy waters of the world's grandest fjords nature's finest.

When Norway is on your travel ticket make sure you indulge yourself on the Flam Railway, stay in Flam and try to cruise all the extraordinary, stupendous fjords.

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DESTINATIONS

In the spotlight Northern Ireland is a superstar for amazing locations for Game of Thrones . . . and there’s so much more.

BEV MALZARD

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Whether you’re a fan of the universally popular TV series of Game of Thrones or not (and why wouldn’t you be?), the splendid locations that fit the script for beauty and fantasy are drawn from many countries. Iceland, Spain, Croatia are just some of the locations for various episodes of the lauded series. But Northern Ireland has the cream for fab locations and the mighty Titanic Studios in Belfast is where a certain throne is stored! The mighty series is heading towards the finish line but not before many more heads will roll, kingdoms will be smashed, dynasties obliterated and a mammoth ice wall will crumble – but although winter has come – the Game of Thrones has many dice to throw yet.

So here’s a list of stunning places to see around Northern Ireland: • Stop along the Causeway Coastal Route at Glenarm to visit the Steensons Workshop and Gallery, chosen by HBO to design jewellery for Game of Thrones – brooches, crowns and belts.

• Take a short walk on the coast at Cushendun to see the cave that the sorceress Melisandre gives birth to a shadow baby.

• Next stop, the ethereal Dark Hedges, an avenue of beech trees close to 300 years old.

• And the wonderful Castle Ward!

This 18th century eccentric house is the scene for much of the House of Stark shenanigans – a tragic fall, a flaying alive, a takeover and a family reunion.

• Here you can take archery lessons, meet the Direwolves that feature on the show and have a guided tour of the vast estates where many of the scenes were filmed.

As Game of Thrones finishes filming after a decade in Northern Ireland, TV network HBO has revealed that it will create a major boost to the show’s legacy by converting several filming locations into tourist attractions in the region. For the first time, fans of the Emmy® and Golden Globe-winning series will have an opportunity to visit glorious sets from the show and immerse themselves in the world of Westeros.

In true Game of Thrones fashion, the attractions will be on a scale and scope bigger than anything the public has ever seen, offering the first opportunity for fans to set

foot inside some of the familiar locations from the series and see how the world’s biggest TV show was made.

Each site will feature not only the breathtaking sets, but will also exhibit displays of costumes, props, weapons, set decorations, art files, models, and other production materials. The visitor experience will be enhanced by state-of-the-art digital content and interactive materials which will showcase some of the digital wizardry the series is known for.

These attractions will celebrate Northern Ireland’s pivotal role in the life and legacy of the show and share its culture, beauty and warmth which is a huge inspiration behind these legacy projects.

A description of the full scope of the Game of Thrones Legacy project will be revealed at a later date after an exploratory process is completed. www.ireland.com

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DESTINATIONS

RECONNECTING WITH FAMILY IN

Sri Lanka Sri Lanka, the rising star of the holiday world, has diverse attractions and fully-staffed villas that help to reconnect the whole family.

CAROLYN BEASLEY

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My jeep comes to a stop in Sri Lanka’s Minneriya National Park and I pop my head out of the open top. My daughter and son (6 and 9) jump up, eyes agog. My 76-year-old dad stands too, and we beam at each other. A second vehicle pulls up with four heads above the roofline – those of my eldest son (12), my husband and my parents-in-law. A herd of 30 elephants are purposefully walking our way. Elephant grandmothers, mothers, aunties and newborns pass us, almost brushing the fronts of our Jeeps, snorting and flapping as they go. The eight of us share looks of amazement, and later over dinner we wonder if this multi-generational family was on an adventure, just like we were.

Turns out we’re not the only human extended family that travels together. Worldwide travel-agent network Virtuoso identifies multi-generational travel as the hottest travel trend for 2019, as it has been for the past few years. According to Michael Londregan, Virtuoso’s APAC Managing Director, a combination of factors contributes to this trend.

“People are busy; overdrive has become the de facto speed for everyone. Travelling to another place that is less familiar to everyone allows life to slow a bit.” He goes on: “Families learn together through shared experiences; they create memories, and all of it leads to better family conversations – before, during and especially after the trip.”

Another factor is that families are increasingly geographically divided, across states and countries, and holidays bring us together. Seniors are driving the trend too; with better health and with travel prices reducing, many seniors are sharing their bucket-list adventures with loved ones.

So, where should your family go? My favourite multi-generation destination is Sri Lanka. With historical sites, tea plantations, train journeys, wildlife and beaches, it literally has something for everyone.

Publishing giant Lonely Planet agrees; citing improved tourism infrastructure and post- civil war stability, it recently named Sri Lanka as the number-one country to visit in 2019. As a bonus, there is a direct flight linking Melbourne and Colombo.

Our elephant encounter took place two years ago, on our first trip to Sri Lanka, and we still reminisce about the trip. In the ‘cultural triangle’, we visited Dambulla Cave Temples and those with energy climbed the 200-metre-high ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya. At old capital Polonnaruwa, local cricket-mad kids erupted with laughter when my dad said his name was Don Bradman. On the east coast, we snorkelled

at Pigeon Island and the younger generations surfed at Arugam Bay. In the hill country, the scenic train journey from Ella to Nuwara Eliya was spectacular for all ages.

Two years later, we are visiting Sri Lanka in a different way, this time staying near the southern coastline, with less touring. Joined by my parents-in-law, my sister-in-law and two nieces (10 and 12), we hire the same driver. Accommodation options in the south are diverse, and we choose three different luxury villas for their privacy, communal areas to relax together and convenience (read: decadence) of personal chefs.

With a large group in tow, villas can offer better value than booking several hotel rooms.

COASTAL LUXURY

Our first villa experience is Royal Indigo Villa in Talpe, where the living room opens to an infinity pool and the ocean – and, for ‘wow’ factor, the master bedroom has its own plunge pool. The kids have a blast with the rope-swing on the beach before villa manager Lakmal connects us to the sound system and the grandkids dance with Nana. For dinner, Chef Janaka recommends seared yellow-fin tuna. After the kids are in bed, the adults unwind with a peaceful nightcap in the garden.

The next morning, we all stroll along the beach to a safe natural rock pool, watching fishermen diving into the pool with a net, emerging with small flapping butterfish. Later, our driver Rachitha takes us 30 minutes east to Weligama. Here, we rent surfboards and boogie boards and aunties, uncles, nephews and nieces swap surf tips while grandparents cheer.

Lakmal suggests lunch at a rural homestay, where a gracious multi-generational Sri Lankan family welcomes the three generations of our family. A traditional claypot lunch is devoured and my motherin-law is offered a cuddle of their three- month-old baby.

Our second stay is along the coastline at Villa Victoria, a classic villa where the pool sits amid grassy lawn and towering coconut trees. From the gazebo right above the sea wall, sunset drinks in hand, we watch turtles feed in the ocean before us. The ocean feeds us too; Chef Anil recommends the crabs. He has a fisherman on speed dial who promptly arrives at our beach gate. We select crabs and negotiate the price (it’s a win for the fisherman) and soon we are up to our elbows in crab curry.

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architecture. We sample the ice-cream at Dairy King, where the owner says he’s the only king of Sri Lanka.

Browsing eclectic shops, we nose through wooden masks, and at souvenir shop The Three by TPV, we bag up candelabras and placemats.

As we tire of wandering, our thoughts turn to food. A brass-clad tuk-tuk, styled as an elephant, draws us into Heritage Cafe & Bistro, where local herby fruit juices restore us. We browse the upcycled artworks while waiting for fresh seafood, pizzas and curries.

Loving the Sri Lankan food, we book a cooking class with Yamuna of Nautilus cooking school in nearby Unawatuna. All 10 of us, from 8 to 72 years old, don aprons and prepare Sri Lankan dishes. We learn how to make fresh coconut milk by grinding coconuts and we dine in Yamuna’s kitchen.

RURAL SERENITY

Our last stop is in rural Koggala at Ivory House.

Bumping up the village lane, gates open to a plantation-style house overlooking rice paddies; we spot shy grey langur monkeys jumping through treetops and chipmunks romping. Wild peacock calls announce the gin-and-tonic hour.

Nearby, we tour historic lowland Handunugoda Tea Estate, the world’s only virgin white tea plantation.

Originally harvested in China by virgins with golden scissors for the Emperor only, the term ‘virgin’ these days refers to the premium tea itself, with pickers not touching the leaves.

For breakfast the next morning, we each request a Sri Lankan egg hopper, a bowl-shaped rice-flour crepe incorporating an egg. Chef Sunil includes caramelised onion and a chilli-coconut sambal, a feisty wake-up indeed. Well fed, we opt for an easy cycling tour, a peaceful 12km through a bird sanctuary, village lanes and rice fields, with children calling “Hello!” as we pass.

At our final dinner together, Nana gives each of us tongue-in-cheek awards, and staff member Prudeep volunteers to ride his motor scooter into town to fetch chocolate bars for prizes. Sri Lanka is a place to share adventures and build memories to last a lifetime – or at least until our next visit!

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Ethical wildlife tourism: Sri Lanka has amazing wildlife, but little regulation. Beware of animal exploitation disguised as conservation. Before you visit an elephant orphanage, sea turtle centre, go on safari, or go whale watching, check for reviews from people that have similar values to you. Unethical companies may harass or even collide with animals and whales or keep turtles that should be released. Consider going to lesser-visited National Parks.

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TOP TIPS

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Getting around: The easiest way is to hire a private driver for the duration.

Ask around for a reputable driver who will not take you places just for his commission, and check the vehicle has working seat belts. I recommend our safe and trusty driver Rachitha Milanka, (rachithamilanka79@yahoo.com).

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Best time to visit: The best season depends on where you go. The driest weather for the south, west and hill country is December to March. The best time for the cultural triangle and east coast is April to September.

The durable conical hat worn by farmers is called ‘Non La’.

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DESTINATIONS THE LAMB AND FLAG, COVENT GARDEN

England’s FAMOUS PUBS ALISON GODFREY

Along with red telephone boxes, double decker busses and cups of tea – the English pub is an experience you must have in England.

Whether you have a pint of ale, a tall glass of Pimms, a cheeky gin and tonic, a buck’s fizz or a cider, it doesn’t really matter, having a drink in an English pub is all about the atmosphere.

Our list is by no means exhaustive, in fact we’ve barely scratched the surface, but it is a great place to start. These are the some of the pubs where legends were made, crimes were plotted, famous books were finessed or where scientists celebrated breakthroughs that would change the world.

THE EAGLE AND CHILD, OXFORD

In the 1930’s and 1940’s a group of writers who called themselves “The Inklings” met at this pub regularly to discuss their works. They included J R R Tolkien, creator of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and C S Lewis, creator of The Lion, the 4 0 M Y D I SCOV ERI ES | ww w. m ydis cover ies. co m . au

Witch and the Wardrobe.

Often referred to as The Bird and Baby, this pub was also used as accommodation for the Chancellor of the Exchequer during the English Civil War.

place for the French Resistance, including General de Gaulle.

Ironically, the first known landlord was a German, Herr Schmidt, but he was deported after the outbreak of World War I.

THE DOG AND DUCK, SOHO

THE LAMB AND FLAG, COVENT GARDEN

This cute English pub was a favourite of George Orwell.

The famous author reportedly downed a celebratory absinthe here when Animal Farm was picked for the American Book of the Month Club.

THE STAR TAVERN, BELGRAVIA

The Star has seen its fair share of famous patrons over the past century. But it’s the infamous ones for which this pub is best known.

The grand upstairs room was supposedly where the Great Train Robbers hatched their plan to attack the Mail service in 1963.

THE FRENCH HOUSE, SOHO During World War II The French House was once used as a meeting

This London pub was often frequented by British author Charles Dickens.

The laneway outside the pub was known for bare-knuckle street fighting. The upstairs room is named after another famous patron, 17th-century poet John Dryden.

THE CROWN TAVERN, CLERKENWELL

Lenin reportedly drank in this English pub before the Russian revolution took him back to his homeland. Some say he even met Stalin here for a beer and a yarn. More recently this pub was also a set in the Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench film Notes on a Scandal.

THE EAGLE AND CHILD, OXFORD

YE OLDE CHESHIRE CHEESE, FLEET STREET LONDON

This old dungeon-like pub was a favourite of Charles Dickens and Samuel Johnson. By now you are also probably realising that Dickens loved pubs.

THE GEORGE INN BOROUGH HIGH STREET This cute little pub was once a coffee house visited by Dickens.

The author even mentions it in his book Little Dorrit.

THE ROYAL STANDARD OF ENGLAND, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

In 1213 this pub was known as The Ship Inn and its famous patrons included Kings who used the pub as lodgings while they hunted deer in nearby Knotty Green. During the English Civil War the Ship Inn was a mustering place for the Royalists.

According to local legend, King Charles I is said to have hidden in the priest hole. As thanks, King Charles II allowed the pub to

change its name once he was restored to the throne.

THE EAGLE, CAMBRIDGE

Not every pub is famous for its association with literary figures. The Eagle at Cambridge claims Francis Crick and James Watson, among their most famous patrons. Crick and Watson were the scientists who discovered DNA.

THE ANCHOR BANKSIDE, LONDON

This pub would have been where patrons of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre came before and after plays.

It’s also where diarist Samuel Pepys watched the Great Fire of London in 1666. Pepys wrote of taking refuge in “a little alehouse on bankside… and there watched the fire grow”.

THE BLUE BELL INN, LINCOLNSHIRE

Take a look at the ceiling if you visit this wonderful country pub. It’s full of signatures from aircrew and ground crew who drank here during World War II.

THE SPANIARD’S INN, HAMPSTEAD

This north London pub was once a favourite of poets John Keats and Lord Byron.

THE FLASK, HIGHGATE

Another great pub with literary associations. The Flask was a favourite of the romantic poets Byron, Shelley and Keats, as well as painter, social commentator and satirist William Hogarth. It’s also said to be haunted by the ghost of a barmaid.

THE DOVE, HAMMERSMITH

The Dove is one of the most popular places to watch the Oxford Versus Cambridge race. As such it has a long list of famous patrons including Charles II and his mistress Nell Gwynne.

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INSPIRATION

FIVE PLEASURES OF

Patagonia Not a country in its own right, this dramatic region straddles two South American nations and many more geographical extremes.

JOHN BORTHWICK

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Patagonia, as traveller-writer Bruce Chatwin observed, “is the farthest place to which man walked from his place of origin”. This uttermost tip of South America can be wind-blasted, sundrenched, alpine, arid or glacial, all in an afternoon. Its pampas vastness, sabretoothed mountains and mouthwashblue icebergs might confound your sense of geographic continuity but then, moments later they can tweak your sense of awe.

1. TORRES DEL PAINE.

‘Paine’ wasn’t some wandering Pom explorer out to bag geonaming rights. The word ‘paine’ — pronounced pie-nay — meant blue in local Aonikenk language and this jumble of ‘blue towers’ is the got-to-see superstar of Patagonia’s topography. Raked and tilted, cloud-bashed and sun-shot, and looming over its own reflection in glacial lakes, the 2500m Paine massif could be Nature’s anticipation of Pollock’s Blue Poles.

The full hike around its base takes six to 10 days or there are short-cut versions. Or, see it from numerous roadside viewing platforms on both the Chilean and Argentine sides. (Patagonia falls ten percent within Chile and ninety percent in Argentina.) The surrounding Torres del Paine National Park was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978 while more recently the massif’s horned towers have been dubbed as (yet another) Eight Wonder of the World. Quarter of a million visitors a year now come to this park at the end of the world.

Spring and autumn are the optimal times, with high summer being windy and crowded, and winter just plain dark and freezing.

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2. LAST HOPE SOUND.

This huge sound or fjord (let the geographers contend) near the southern Chilean town of Puerto Natales received its name from Spanish navigator Juan Ladrilleros who spent months here in 1557 seeking a route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. This grand body of icy water that is hemmed by grassy plains and gobsmacker mountains was his last shot, his Fjord of Last Hope.

You can explore the Sono Ultima Esperanza — like most things, it rings more dramatic in Spanish — by excursion launch and then a hike to the frozen white wonder of Serrano Glacier, or reach less remote vistas by tour van.

Adjacent to Bernardo O’Higgins National Park we find La Peninsula Estancia, a working sheep ranch that offers kayak excursions on the sound and a great lunch. Best of all are the hefty, well-tempered white horses we take for trail riding.

3. THE CONDOR PASSES.

Hiking the lakeside track to Serrano Glacier I see an Andean condor perched on a nearby ridge, silent, imperial and unperturbed — until I get within perfectly-framed and focussed shooting distance. With a beat of its three-metre wings the bird is aloft, rising against a sapphire sky and being piped onwards to the tune of El Condor Pasa playing in my head. Still tied up to the ground, we travel on and see a family of sea-lions having a slumber party on a fjord-side rock ledge.

Elsewhere we come across many scattered groups of guanacos, the shaggy brown precursor to the continent’s more elegant llamas, alpacas and vicunas. Way south, at Tuckers Islets in Tierra del Fuego we visit a beguiling but odiferous colony of 4000 Magellanic penguins. It’s not surprising that none of us spies the notoriously elusive puma but, happily, nor do we encounter the beaver log dams found in some parts of Tierra del Fuego, the disastrous legacy of the less than wise guy who long ago imported North American beavers here.

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4. CRUISE TO CAPE HORN.

What a chain of names, what places of legend — the Beagle Channel, Cordillera Darwin, the Strait of Magellan. You can cruise this realm of giants, departing from either Punta Arenas in Chile or Ushuaia in Argentina on the two Australis ships that weave through a water-maze of channels and islands.

There’s an 80 per cent chance of landing, depending

on conditions at Cape Horn, quite literally “the end of the earth”. En route are shore excursions at some of Patagonia’s most beautiful places including Pia Glacier and Wulaia Bay. A highlight is navigating the Beagle Channel’s gauntlet of huge icefalls known as Glacier Alley — there won’t be too many visions in your life like this one. The five-day Australis cruises run between September and April.

5. CIVILISATION.

Patagonia isn’t all wilderness and hairylegged hoofing. There are creature comforts, too — great wine and beef, Pisco Sours of course, and a few excellent hotels such as The Singular Patagonia near Puerto Natales.

Check out APT’s Tailor Made Journeys for a bespoke itinerary, sampling the best of Patagonia. Meanwhile, LATAM flies from Australia via Santiago to Punta Arenas. (Keep in mind Chile’s ‘Reciprocity’ visa fee of US$117 levied on Australian passport holders.)

Ushuaia, the main port for Antarctic cruises is a tourism boomtown while Punta Arenas is older and more traditional. Dress for seriously indecisive weather at both because the skies can be bleak or beautiful within the hour.

PLANNING FOR PATAGONIA? @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606 M Y DI S COV E R I E S | w w w.myd i sc overi e s. c o m . au 4 5

INSPIRATION

AN AMERICAN

Music Trail What would our life be like without music?

The origins of the music of our youth is everywhere in the USA. So rock on . . .

GLENN A BAKER

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SOFITEL LEGEND HANOI METROPOLE

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NEW ORLEANS FRENCH QUARTER

In the Greenwich Village and Lower East Side areas of New York City are boltholes popular with both office workers needing a quick bite and wandering tourists eager for a localised experience. There are no table and chairs; the patrons just stand around a circular slab at waistheight and every ten minutes or so an oven is opened and a huge pizza is plopped down and sliced. Thin and relatively sparse in adornment, it resembles a wagon wheel. There is no designated place to start consumption, you just find a place to position yourself and get stuck in.

Every part of it is as delectable as any other.

The experience is a metaphor for your carve-up of American music. It doesn’t matter if you dive head-first into New York, New Orleans, Memphis, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Nashville, Chicago, Seattle, Cleveland, Miami or Austin, the rewards are so ridiculously plentiful that you’ll not only be glad 4 8 M Y D I SCOV ER I ES | ww w. m ydis cover ies. co m . au

you came but you’ll be planning another visit before you’ve finished the one you’re on. The thing you learn immediately though is to never dream of trying to do it all in one journey. There is just too much of it - geographically and stylistically - to even contemplate chewing it up for one swallow.

There are some Australian companies, such as Travelrite, who offer tours with expert leaders and celebrity hosts (indeed I am sometimes one of the latter); but the USA is so accessible to anyone who wants to rent a car, book a room and jump on a domestic flight that a road trip makes all sorts of sense no matter which port you choose for entry. In these Sat Nav days you can meander about from one highlight to another with no real fear getting lost or even of blowing your budget.

NEW ORLEANS

It sometimes seems that every

city, every nook and cranny of this vast continent has a musical origin waiting to be stumbled upon. As the great Louis Armstrong once told us: “Music is life itself. What would the world be without good music?”

Well, New Orleans, the city down in the bayous and swamps of Louisiana that gave us Armstrong, would be a much less vital creole centre. It is now hailed as the birthplace of jazz, though a stroll through the French Quarter will throw up a rich melange of sound, from Jelly Roll Morton and Fats Domino to the Neville Brothers and Harry Connick Jnr.

MEMPHIS

Head north, up the Mississippi River and you come upon Memphis, one of the two great music cities of Tennessee. A strong contender for the title of ‘The Birthplace of Rock’n’Roll,’ it is where Elvis Presley made his home. A great majority of visitors come to see his palatial Graceland estate; though they

GRACELAND, MEMPHIS

also come for the Stax Museum of American Soul. A stroll down Beale Street will have every sound of the south competing for the attention of your ears.

of the Apollo Theatre, where Ray Charles, James Brown and about every African American music giant dispensed incandescent performances.

NASHVILLE TO NEW YORK CITY

CHICAGO

Over the other side of the state is the country musical capital of Nashville, home of the Grand Ole Opry. On the way from Tennessee to New York you can check off hundreds of essential stops, such as Hank Williams’ birthplace and grave in Montgomery Alabama, and the ‘American Bandstand’ city of Philadelphia. But the Big Apple has more riches than can be counted, from the Bleecker Street area where Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Springsteen arose, up to the midtown Brill Buildings which allowed us to hear the genius of Carole King and Neil Diamond. Toward the top of Manhattan is Harlem, home

A short flight will take you to America’s third most populous city.

Chicago has always had its own band of soul and blues. In clubs arrayed over the north and south sides of town you can delve into the richness of music that is distilled from the artists who came up from the delta and southern cities to record at Chess studios - Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Etta James, Willie Dixon.

You can stop at Cleveland to spend a day or two in the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame or Detroit to appreciate the majesty of Motown Records, where another brand of magic percolated. But California and its two great music cities beckon you on.

SAN FRANCISCO TO LA

In San Francisco is the HaightAshbury district, the heart of the hippie and flower power movements. You can walk through Golden Gate Park where the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jefferson Airplane performed and investigate the Avalon Ballroom and the Fillmore Ballroom sites.

Down in Los Angeles is Venice Beach where the Doors came together, Huntington Beach where the Beach Boys formed, and the famous Troubadour Club and the canyons where the Eagles, Jackson Brown and Crosby Stills & Nash came together and hung out.

There’s so much more but this is a good place to start.

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INSPIRATION THE MARGARET RIVERÂ

FIVE REASONS TO VISIT

Western Australia

This is the big state for big natural attractions and big experiences.

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WILDFLOWERS

Western Australia is extraordinary in scope and experiences -our largest state has a lot to brag about.

Here are five reasons why you should consider WA for your next holiday.

1. WILDFLOWERS

WA’s wildflower season begins in September and sweeps south until end of November.

South-west WA boasts 8000 unique varieties of wildflowers.

One of the best places to see them is the Margaret River region, particularly along the 135km Cape to Cape Track. Stirling Range National Park, Albany and the Fitzgerald River National Park near Esperance also has great wildflower displays.

Kings Park Botanic Garden in Perth showcases 3000 of WA’s 12,000 species of native flora. If you can only make it to Perth – you should stop here for a floral stroll.

2. WATERFALLS

WA doesn’t do ordinary waterfalls.

It has the only two horizontal waterfalls in the world. Both can be found north in Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago.

Tidal fluctuations force an extraordinary amount of water through two narrow cliff passages.

This creates a discrepancy with the ocean level of up to four metres and a unique waterfall effect.

To see it for yourself, head to the Kimberley towns of Broome or Derby. From there you can take a tour of the falls by boat or plane.

3. THE WORLD’S LARGEST OUTDOOR GALLERY

The white salt plains of Lake Ballard in WA house a collection of 51 individually cast black chromium steel sculptures designed by artist Antony Gormley. This incredible gallery is 10km long. Each sculpture

represents a local resident of Menzies, a town 45 minutes drive away from Lake Ballard.

The best times to visit the gallery are early morning or late afternoon, when the shadows are long and stretch across the lake. Allow at least two hours to fully appreciate Lake Ballard. WA tourism also recommends you walk with a friend and always carry water with you.

4. QUOKKAS

WA is the only place in the world where you can take a quokka selfie.

The cheerful-looking marsupials are mainly found on Rottnest Island near Perth. Quokkas have round compact bodies and tend to be about the same size as a cat. They are herbivores and they tend to be most active at night. But you will still see plenty around in the day to take photos with.

5. THE MARGARET RIVER

The Margaret River is WA’s premium wine region. It has more than 100 wineries as well as boutique breweries, art galleries and fine restaurants. The region produces about 15 per cent of Australia’s premium wine including Cape Mentelle, Voyager Estate and Moss Wood.

It’s not just about the wine. In the Margaret River, you can easily go from award-winning wineries to stunning beaches, tall-timber forests and ancient caves. The region is also known for big wave surfing, rock climbing canoeing and whale watching tours.

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT WA WITH US! @mydiscoveries @mydiscoveries info@mydiscoveries.com.au www.mydiscoveries.com.au 1300 404 606 M Y DI S COV E R I E S | w w w.myd i sc overi e s. c o m . au 5 1

CRUISING

THE VIKING

Longship The Norse sailors have been plying the waters for centuries – and now they offer cruising luxury.

SALLY MACMILLAN

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Viking River Cruises is the biggest river-ship company in the world – by a long chalk. In 2018 it celebrated its 21st anniversary and in early 2017 the launch of two new Longships, which brought its fleet to an incredible total of 60.

Longships, a new style and class of river ship, were introduced in 2012 and now there are 45 of them.

Back in 2013, I was in Amsterdam for the grand christening of 10 of them, a sensational event that earned a mention in the Guinness Book of Records.

One was Viking Aegir, which was to be my home for four days as we sailed to the pretty port of Hoorn and back. It was my first European river cruise and it blew any preconceptions I had right out of the water. I was thoroughly impressed by the space, design, dining, service and the quality of the shore excursions in and around Amsterdam.

While the Longships are all the same size – 443m long, 37m wide – and carry up to 190 passengers, each time there’s a new ‘batch’ the interior décor evolves. As you might expect from the

Scandinavian marine architects who are responsible for Seabourn’s high-end ocean ships, the overall look and feel of every Longship is light-filled minimalist- chic – but comfortably so.

Cabins are all set on the outside and have windows, French balconies, verandas or both; my veranda stateroom was decked out in blonde-wood wall panelling, stylish coffee-and-cream soft furnishings, a huge flat-screen TV and a bar fridge. The bathroom had a spacious shower and was stocked with L’Occitane goodies, and the veranda had enough room for two chairs and a small table.

If you really want to splurge, go for one of the two Explorer suites at the aft of the ship – at 41 square metres they are among the biggest on Europe’s rivers and the wraparound veranda off the spacious living room offers 270-degree views.

Talking of views, the indooroutdoor Aquavit Terrace is a top spot for lunch or dinner; now I wonder why more river ships don’t have more alfresco dining areas.

Wine and beer at lunch and dinner

are included in your fare. Viking doesn’t set out to be a superluxury line that includes everything, preferring instead to offer value for your holiday dollar.

Every Viking ship is named after a Norse god (Aegir is the god of the sea) and they cruise the rivers of Europe, Russia, Asia and Egypt.

River cruising is a great way to see several countries in one easy trip – just think of your ship as a rather fabulous floating hotel.

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CRUISING

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Mamanuca Dreaming With its soft coral lagoons, traditional island life and silken song, Fiji was made for boutique cruising.

MARIE BARBIERI

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FIJI'S VIBRANT REEFS AND MARINE LIFE

NUKU-I-MANA CAY

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COCONUTS WITH A SMILE ON WAYA ISLAND

Breaching the waterline of the glittering South Pacific is a smattering of palm-fanned islets dusted with blanched blonde beaches. It’s where the harmonies of traditional songs soar above an innate sense of contentment.

There’s no escaping it — happiness will find you in Fiji. And welcoming you to its achingly beautiful archipelagos is Fiji’s second language: the smile.

To get intimate with a handsome handful of Fiji’s 330+ islands, the three-night Mamanuca and Southern Yasawa Islands voyage aboard MV Reef Endeavour will charm. Departing from Port Denarau (a few kilometres from Nadi and around four hours’ flight from Australia), Captain Cook Cruises’ boutique ship is large enough to claim cruise ship status, yet small enough to navigate shallow, inter-island passages. With a capacity of just 130 happy cruisers tucked into three accommodation types (cabins, staterooms and suites), the experience is one of escapism, comfort and ease.

Boarding the ship at Denarau Marina, guitar strings will strum to a chorus of lilting voices. Leaving the marina behind, traditional fishermen will wave from the mangrove-lined shore until mountainous Viti Levu (Fiji’s main island) fades into its own cloudshrouded topography.

Cruising towards the Mamanucas: 13 fiercely photogenic isles, volcanic by birth, the day gets easier and the vistas gets prettier. Further northwest are the remote Yasawa Islands, an archipelago of 20, where forested peaks rise from lonesome bonewhite beaches.

This sensory cruise journeys through languid turquoise-streaked waters to reach marooned NukuM Y DI S COV E R I E S | w w w.myd i sc overi e s. c o m . au 5 7

MV REEF ENDEAVOUR ANCHORS IN THE MAMANUCA ISLANDS

I-Mana Cay. Anchoring offshore, the ship tenders you to the solitary sandy mount to spend your metime on its 360-degree panorama of sea and sky. Nuzzle behind a mask and snorkel to get nose-tosnout with Fiji’s vibrant underwater world. Or simply splay out on a towel and plant your toes in the sand. Here, clocks bend to Fiji Time.

A new day will have you beachcombing Monuriki Island beneath coconut groves. It’s where Tom Hanks channelled his Robinson Crusoe while filming Castaway (Monuriki is also dubbed Castaway Island, but not to be confused with the nearby island officially named so). Look out for the endangered Fijian crested iguana. It resides on only three islands worldwide.

The next sunrise will have your cabin window fill with the breathtaking Sacred Islands. Off a tavola tree-dappled beach, the ship’s glass bottom boat and marine biologist will have you pointing at garfish, scissortail sergeants, striped surgeonfish and 5 8 M Y D I SCOV ERI ES | www. m ydis cover ies. co m . au

the territorial Picasso triggerfish.

Prepare for awe on approach to Waya Island. The largest of the southern Yasawas, its horseshoe bay comes crowned in vertiginous peaks breathing in mist at almost 580m above sea level. Expect to be greeted by a machete-wielding local. Relax: the weapon is for the coconuts that get hacked open for thirsty visitors. You’ll then tour Ratu Naivalu Boarding School, where tiny hands fervently pull you into classrooms to proudly showcase their basic facilities.

A local guides you through Yalobi Village for an insight into outer island life. “Bula!” will echo from the glassless windows and darkened doorways of thatched bures. And newborn heads will peep from mothers’ slings as their toddlers pole dance around their legs.

While strolling, notice the cassava crops path-side, and the breadfruit and mangoes growing plump from the trees — all beneath Mount Vatunaremba's crest, where only wild goats roam.

When at sea aboard MV Reef Endeavour, time slows further.

Breakfast and lunch can be enjoyed in the Captain Cook Saloon or out on deck. The Reef Room’s library and live reef talks reveal why Jacques Cousteau named Fiji ‘the soft coral capital of the world’. You can then wallow in the hot tub or cool off in the pool.

Pre-dinner canapés coincide with happy hour leading to a buffet feast (the traditional Fijian curry being a favourite) or a more formal à la carte affair. And nightly entertainment includes kavadrinking ceremonies and cultural shows. Or if complete relaxation floats your boat, you can retreat to Senikai Spa for a Fijian Bobo massage.

Returning to Denarau Marina, the crew perform their island nation’s traditional farewell song. Isa Lei is a heartstring tugger, and it rarely leaves a dry eye in the house.

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NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT ON MV REEF ENDEAVOUR

CRUISE TIPS

1

Pack an underwater camera to capture Fiji’s bountiful marine life.

2

Offer a donation or gift during island visits, such as educational resources.

3

THE HAPPY FACES OF CAPTAIN COOK CRUISES

When visiting handicraft markets, remember that items such as clam, conch and spider shells can be restricted/ banned by border security.

4

Respect local village customs by covering shoulders and legs with a sulu/sarong (the ship’s boutique also sells a beautiful selection of traditional clothing).

5

Pre- or post-cruise, visit Viti Levu’s Garden of the Sleeping Giant to view hundreds of orchids, lipstick palms and Cuban royal palms surrounding tranquil ponds.

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CRUISING

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5 breathtaking destinations TO VISIT BY SHIP DANIELLE MCCARTHY

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2. ALASKA

3. PUERTO RICO

While these destinations offer an unforgettable experience no matter how you experience them, taking in the sights from the deck of a ship will leave you breathless.

From the rugged glaciers of Alaska to 62 M Y D I SCOV ERI ES | www. m ydis cover ies. co m . au

the paradise of Puerto Rico, cruising to these destinations will leave you with an adventure of a lifetime.

Scroll through the gallery to see which exciting destinations are best experienced on cruise deck.

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4. MONTE CARLO

5. NEW ZEALAND

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