Mekong River Under Threat

 The Mekong River is the twelfth-longest river in the world and the third-longest in Asia, with an estimated length of 4,909 km (3,050 mi) and a drainage area of 795,000 km2 (307,000 sq mi), discharging 475 km3 (114 cu mi) of water annually. From its headwaters in the Tibetan Plateau, the river runs through (where it is officially called the Lancang River), Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and southern Vietnam. The extreme seasonal variations in flow and the presence of rapids and waterfalls in the Mekong make navigation difficult.

18 new reasons to visit the Sunshine Coast this spring

From barrel aged beers to boutique hotels, there's plenty of new reasons to visit the Sunshine Coast this spring

Here we've rounded up what's new in where to stay, play and eat – giving you 18 reasons to plan your next Sunshine Coast escape. Sunshine moments guaranteed.

Scuba Diving in Brisbane: Take the plunge

Scuba divers are slipping into their wetsuits and taking the plunge into the waters of Moreton Bay for a great Brisbane diving adventure while everyone on dry land is searching for their jumpers.

Visiting Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills

In December 1838, Captain Dirk Hahn, Master of the Zebra', arrived at Port Adelaide with a party of 187 German immigrants. He not only successfully negotiated a parcel of land for his passengers but led them up through the Tiers', as the Adelaide Hillls were then known, reaching their destination in March 1839.

Discover the heart and soul of Maldivian culture

Unlike many private island resorts, this one-stop, non-stop integrated destination showcases the traditional history and heritage of the archipelago, including a choice of new activities and culinary journeys: the Tuna Walk, Tiny Feet on the Sand, and Badhige

The Tuna Walk at Hard Rock Maldives will let guests savour the freshest local seafood, cooked in a traditional Maldivian style

The Maldives is an aspirational destination where international travellers come to experience breath-taking beaches, beautiful lagoons and five-star hospitality at private island resorts. For many visitors however, the country's rich culture has remained tantalizingly out of reach. Until now…

Visiting historic Lithgow in NSW.

Source: Stayz.com

 Lithgow is a historic former industrial town located in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. It is located about 140 kilometres (87 miles) west of Sydney and is known for its rich history, natural beauty, and outdoor recreational opportunities. 

A Touch of Europe in Central Victoria: Castlemaine and Maldon

There's something for everyone here! Ideally located between Bendigo and Melbourne, the Castlemaine, Maldon and surrounding towns have held onto their gold rush charms, while also welcoming a whole new generation of creative residents and visitors who have injected fresh life to an area already blessed with natural beauty and history.

What is there to see in Clearwater Bay, Hong Kong?

Clear Water Bay in Hong Kong is renowned for its scenic beauty, clean beaches, and tranquil surroundings. Here are some key features and attractions of Clear Water Bay in Hong Kong:

Visiting Lingshui on Hainan Island, China

 Lingshui is a county-level city located in the southern part of Hainan Province, China. Here is an overview of Lingshui:

Hello Sailor! The world's most amazing superyachts

The largest motor yacht in the world by gross tonnage, Dilbar (Klaus Jordan)

Money, power, prestige. Whatever floats your boat.

There are boats and there are superyachts. When you turn up in your multi-million dollar cruiser, you have certainly arrived. But who are the folks behind these grand expressions of success and wealth? Often their owners are surprisingly shy, choosing the wings instead of the limelight, while others are more than happy to put it all out there.

Journalist and closet ship-spotter, Roderick Eime, lifts the lid on some of these opulent vessels to see who’s at the helm.

What’s new in #Japan: the most exciting new things to do, and places to stay

Japan has well and truly cemented itself as a must-visit destination in 2023. With a sliding Japanese yen against the Aussie dollar, and plenty of new hotels and attractions on offer, now has never been a better time to plan and book.

Canadian wonders worth experiencing

A Winter Christmas in Canada

If you can’t get enough of bonfires and s’mores, pine trees dusted in snow, and twinkling fairy lights over bridges, this is the holiday for you. There's still time to enjoy a white Christmas this year with spaces available on our 15 December departure. View featured trip

Ask ChatGPT: Pentridge Prison then and now

HM Prison Pentridge, located in Melbourne, Australia, was a significant correctional facility that operated from 1851 to 1997. Over its long history, Pentridge gained a notorious reputation as one of the country's most notorious prisons. Here's an overview of its background and key aspects:

Trekking Everest - six ways with World Expeditions

There's more than one way to experience Everest, from Base Camp to high pass vistas from afar. Here's six of the best treks from World Expeditions on the 70th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's original summit.

Ask Chat GPT: Which are the world's most romantic resorts?

There are many romantic resorts around the world that offer breathtaking views, luxurious amenities, and a romantic atmosphere. Here are a few examples of some of the world's most romantic resorts:

Ask ChatGPT: Which are the world's most luxurious hotels?

The world's most luxurious hotel is subjective and can vary depending on different factors such as amenities, location, and services offered. However, some of the most well-known luxurious hotels in the world are:

Gourmet Experiences of Kyushu 🍜

Must-visit places to eat in Kyushu



Image: Tonkotsu Ramen

Kyushu, the Southernmost of Japan's four main islands, is renowned for its delectable cuisine and world class ingredients. The island is made up of the perfect blend of fertile soil, pleasant temperatures and responsible farming practices. With so much to offer, Kyushu is fast becoming a top pick for travellers wanting to tantalise the tastebuds with food experiences that are steeped in history, tradition and sustainable practices.

Visiting Narrandera, New South Wales

#NewSouthWales

Narrandera is a charming town located in the Riverina region of New South Wales, Australia, with a rich history and plenty to offer visitors who are looking to experience rural Australia. It is situated on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, approximately 550 km southwest of Sydney and 420 km northeast of Melbourne.

Visiting Dubbo NSW

ABOUT DUBBO NSW

 Dubbo is a city located in the central-west region of New South Wales, Australia. It is the largest city in the Orana region and has a population of around 40,000 people.

What's New in Canada for 2023

 From wilderness resorts to meaningful Indigenous immersions, Canada's newest tourism offerings reflect the nation's commitment to travel as a force for good. Read on to discover eight new adventures you can only have in Canada:

Noorilim: a grand manor house at Wahring VIC

'Noorilim-from wool to wine' is the biography of the pastoral property of Noorilim, on the floodplain of the Goulburn River 130km north of Melbourne. The property was created in 1840 when squatter  Frederick Manton claimed 44,000 acres near the first Goulburn Aboriginal Protectorate.  Relations between Europeans and the dispossessed Noorai-illum clan were strained, the conduct of Manton's men often being a cause.

Seven themed Queensland road trips to tackle in 2023

The open road is calling and the only thing that pumps up the classic road trip more is a route steeped in a theme. From tantalising tasting trails to family-friendly fossil frolicking and chasing iconic ‘big things’, these seven Queensland themed road trips are sure to get the tyres spinning.

Ireland oozes love on the big screen

 Can't get away for Valentine's? Don't fret! Ireland has you covered with these romantic movies either set or shot on the island…

 
It's no secret that the island of Ireland has starred in many a great romantic movie.
 
No stranger to viewers is Northern Ireland that is awash with locations from Game of Thrones®. While Castle Ward in County Down and the magnificent Benone Strand in County Londonderry are well known, others such as the Tollymore Forest Park and Inch Abbey in County Down are more under the radar. County Antrim's Dark Hedges, which featured as the iconic King's Road in the HBO drama, is a popular spot for proposals and so are Binevenagh Mountain in County Londonderry, or the quaint harbour outside the village of Ballintoy in County Antrim which doubled as Lordsport Harbour in Game of Thrones®.

Hidden Italy Weekend: fabulous outing cycling along the Spoleto to Norcia Greenway

Amongst the mountain railways in Italy, the Spoleto to Norcia line in southern Umbria was always considered one of the finest. It was one of the last and one of the most challenging built. The first public service to run line was a steam driven bus in 1902. The popularity convinced the authorities to convert it into a proper railway. Construction was started under the direction of Erwin Thomann, a Swiss engineer who had extensive experience drilling tunnels back home. It kicked off in 1913 and was finished in 1926.

The railway is 52 kilometres long. It connected the beautiful hilltown of Spoleto, burrowed through the foothills of the Apennines and then follows the Nera River as it winds up to Norcia. It operated until 1968. It lay neglected for several decades until finally, in 2001, thanks to the work of volunteers and the support of local authorities, it was reworked and opened as a cycling and walking ‘rail trail’. The ‘Greenway Spoleto-Norcia’ has since won several prizes and is a fabulous way to explore this special part of central Italy. What more could you want for a healthy and exciting weekend in Italy?

Why do travellers want to visit Siem Reap in Cambodia?

Siem Reap is a city located in northwestern Cambodia, and it is a popular destination for travelers for several reasons:

Why are travellers in love with Chiang Rai in Thailand?

#hugthailand

Chiang Rai is a province in northern Thailand known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique architecture. Some reasons why people might want to visit Chiang Rai include:

Visiting serene Koh Lanta in Thailand

Koh Lanta is an island located in the Andaman Sea, off the west coast of southern Thailand. It is part of the Krabi province and is situated approximately 70 kilometers southwest of Krabi town and about 70 kilometers northwest of Trang. The island is part of an archipelago of over 50 islands and is easily accessible by ferry from the mainland. Visitors can also fly to Krabi or Trang and then take a bus or minivan to the island's pier. It's a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush jungle landscape.

The Altopiano di Asiago: Autumn in the Eastern Alps

La Cala del Sasso (the Stone Stairway) is one of the most extraordinary structures in the European Alps. It is a sweeping trail of four thousand, four hundred and forty-four stone stairs that was built by the Venetians in the 14th century to get timber, mostly larch pines, out of the mountains and onto barges moored below at Valstagna, on the Brenta River. From here the timber was towed to the Arsenale, the dockyards of Venice, one hundred and twenty kilometres away, where they were used to satisfy La Serenissima's voracious need to build ships.

Embrace Summer in the Snowy Mountains

#newsouthwales

Be dazzled by the transformation of the New South Wales Snowy Mountains — around five hours southwest of Sydney — into an adventure playground each spring and summer when the snowmelt reveals hidden trails and other pleasant surprises. Whether you're into hiking, horse riding or mountain biking, here's how to explore this picturesque alpine wonderland, and where to refuel on wine and comfort food afterwards.

Visiting Koh Lanta Old Town, Thailand

#hugthailand #amazingthailand

Ko Lanta means ‘dazzling island’ and with its eight long deserted beaches, breathtaking sunsets and laid-back feel, Ko Lanta has all the ingredients to charm and delight.

Lanta Old Town captures the most special character or 'soul' of Ko Lanta early-morning-fishing

The Best Places in Outback Queensland

#Queensland

Word on the street is that Australians could more than double the amount of annual leave they have just by picking the right days off. Queenslanders are in luck as they could enjoy 47 days off (yes, you heard us!), using only 19 days of annual leave; those not living in the Sunny state can still get a cruisy 38 days off using only 15 days of annual leave.

Throwback: Walkabout Magazine, October 1969. Bill Peach Profile

WALKABOUT PROFILE - October 1969

"My romantic ambition," confessed Bill "was to be a paddleboat skipper or professional fisherman-any sort of life on the river would have suited me fine. But it was a bit hard to organise . . ."

River banks no longer bound Bill Peach's world; satellites flash TV images to him faster than the paddlewheels threshed in his boyhood. And yet he is still sunny and wholesome: the quintessence of "country." "My father was a stock and station agent until he retired this year and I had a typical happy country childhood."

Five facts about India you may not know

India is a vibrant and colourful country with labyrinth-like cities taking centre stage in culture and food. here are five things you probably didn’t already know about the spice capital of the world.