A Brief History of Woomera, South Australia

In the late 1940s following World War II, Britain's long-range weapons program required a large area to serve as a test range. Areas in Canada and Wales were considered, but eventually, the vast central Australian desert was chosen as the most suitable site as it was virtually unpopulated. As a result, the Long-Range Weapons Establishment (Woomera Rocket Range) was established on April 1, 1947. The name "Woomera" was chosen because it is the Aboriginal word for spear-launcher on April 24, 1947.

Where can you find forest bathing with hotels around Asia?

While a relaxing soak in a deep tub is sine qua non for any luxury hotel stay, there's another kind of bathing that is making its way into resort lexicon – forest bathing. Hotels are rolling out experiences where guests absorb nature-like sponges. 

Kingfisher Bay Resort serves up traditional bush tucker

 When you tell someone your story about Fraser Island, you can bet they’re expecting to hear about your heroic exploits in a 4WD on the sand dunes or driving along the beach highway, but Queensland’s UNESCO-listed sand island has much more to say.

Soak up the NSW Sapphire Coast

 What to see and do 

Beautiful beaches abound on the Sapphire Coast, but for a particularly memorable swimming or snorkelling experience, Bermagui's Blue Pool is a natural rock pool that lies at the base of a dramatic rocky cliff face. You can also go kayaking on the beautiful Bega River with Coastlife or go game fishing with Headland Fishing charters in Merimbula. Further south, Eden is a paradise for whale watching — get up close to bouncy cetaceans with Cat Balou Cruises, which runs regular trips during peak season from September to mid-November.  

True Australian Outback in Broken Hill

 #newsouthwales

Travel to the furthest reaches of western NSW to Broken Hill, about a 13-hour drive or 2.5-hour flight from Sydney, to explore a town of contrasts and unexpected discoveries. Founded as a frontier mining town, Broken Hill has evolved as an eclectic destination of artistic creativity. Its ochre rocks and national parks have been home to ancient Aboriginal storytelling for millennia. In this jewel of the outback and Australia's first heritage-listed city, feel a million miles away and connect with its seemingly endless earth.

Travelling to Italy in 2022

I'm so looking forward to boarding my Singapore Airlines flight and heading for Rome in the middle of April.  We have three tours scheduled in May (Sardinia; Naples and Campania; and Sicily) but first I'll be re-walking a couple of our self-guided walks, starting with the Amalfi Coast (yeh!).

Celebrating Chinese New Year around SE Asia

 

THAILAND

Banyan Tree Samui

Visitors to Koh Samui can ease into this Lunar New Year with a rejuvenating massage and treatment at Banyan Tree Spa. Throughout the month of February, this luxury venue, which includes a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy facility, is offering a 90-minute Purposeful Therapy for Two for 8,888 THB per couple (reduced from 12,000 THB). The promotion also includes one complimentary Wellbeing Sanctuary activity and a 25% discount on selected purchases at The Gallery, an onsite boutique. 

For reservations: samui@banyantree.com

Relaxing with a massage treatment at Banyan Tree Spa Samui