Great train journeys of the world have always been a priority on my bucket list. I loved my trip on the Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide several years ago. I could barely believe my luck at crossing Russia on the Trans-Siberian a couple of Christmases ago. Now riding the Indian-Pacific from Perth to Sydney, I feel I have conquered the top three. How does one explain the thrill of boarding the train of one's dreams? Many would find the endless miles of flat dry land...

Yesterday, our final full day in Perth, began with a walk, then a battle. I started very early under the blue sky I have come to expect and a lovely breeze that masked any sign of the impending heat to come. I walked along the Swan River sharing the track with a few joggers and cyclists and very little traffic. Later we decided to do a load of washing in the hotel laundry. Someone had a load already underway so I put our washing by the machine and walked around ...

The heat is turning up in Perth, but still not bad enough to stop exploring. I woke very early this morning (still adjusting to the time difference) so began walking before sunrise. I did quite a big loop through the city, down to Barrack St Jetty and home by 7. Walking is a wonderful way to get to know a place and I always feel richer for knowing the layout of a city and spying things missed from a bus or car window. It's also nice to see things in the early m...

A day time flight to Perth sure beats the red eye midnight flights that seemed to be the only option available when we last travelled this route. We left Brisbane at a very civilised 9am and arrived just after midday, giving us plenty of time to check in to our hotel and explore the city centre. We paid a few visits to Perth during our time in the Great Sandy Desert 24 years ago. We always loved the leisurely pace of this city. Turns out we still do. Perth is a ...

One of the most neglected travel adventures can be in our own back yard, so with the luxury of time on our hands and a feeling of freedom flowing in our veins we have been doing some local exploring. 'Tis the Christmas season and all through the town, Brisbane is radiant in her festive gown. We planned a long weekend in the city to celebrate our wedding anniversary and happily this coincided with many Christmas events. We left the car at home and caught the tra...