2020 has been a very strange year, for Australia and for the rest of the world. This global pandemic has changed our way of life collectively in many ways and yet experiences within countries, states, cities and even at an individual level are very unique.
Carlton has Italian history embedded in every corner of its trattoria-lined streets. Also known as ‘Little Italy’, this cultural precinct of Melbourne came to life with the first wave of Italian immigration in the 1950s. These days it’s part nostalgia and part new world charm.
Sydney has the ‘wow factor’ for visitors. It’s intrinsically linked to Australian tourism and is undoubtably the first place that comes to mind, summoning images of the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach.
For me, the fun starts as soon as the flights are booked. The anticipation of a trip is almost as good as the trip itself, and for this reason, I love having my adventure booked far in advance. There’s nothing better to keep you going through the challenges of normal life than the promise of a reward to come.
The hippie origins of Byron Bay have been given a good buff – these days it’s a shinier, fancier version of its former self. The influx of mass tourism surely makes a local shudder, but there is no doubt there is many a gem to treasure.
The Dandenong Ranges is at its very best, when the weather is at it’s very worst. It’s the kind of place where the rain adds atmosphere – everything is just a little bit greener, the mist hangs low amongst the trees and woodfire smoke tinges the fresh mountain air.
When writing about the Yarra Valley, it’s hard not to start with the wineries. The Yarra Valley was Victoria’s first wine region with the earliest vines planted there in 1838. Today it is a world renowned producer of cool climate wines, known for its sparkling, chardonnay and pinot noir. Another time we’ll cover off some of the lesser knowns, but this is all about the classics – an essential guide for the first timer.
Whilst it’s difficult to pronounce Oaxaca, once you’ve mastered this, the only struggle you will have is leaving. Phonetically pronounced ‘wa-ha-ca’, this incredibly photogenic colonial city will have you admiring every colour saturated street corner.
Crossing the Bolivian Altiplano is an experience in wilderness. There’s something surreal about being so far from modern civilisation, where there’s nothing to do but take in the dramatic colours and contours. Most will take this trip for the salt flats alone and be happily surprised by the wealth of beauty the region has to offer.
There’s a little piece of this world that took my unsuspecting heart by surprise. Something about being surrounded by the imposing red, pink and white cliffs of Zion feels close to magic.
