Travel through the pages

Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
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Saint Augustine once famously wrote that the world is a book, and those who don’t travel read merely a page. However, with the right books in your hands, whether you’re travelling on a plane or simply in an armchair, the world can open up a little more before your very eyes. Travel through the pages with six glossy beauties we love.

Great Hiking Trails of the World

By Karen Berger

 

Lovingly compiled by prolific hiking specialist Berger, in association with the American Hiking Society, here is a walker’s dream bucket list, embodied in a lavishly illustrated celebration of 80 of the world’s most iconic trails. From our own amazing Australian walks through to the subarctic reaches of Norway and the ultimate Himalayan odysseys, each trail has its own gorgeous photo gallery to really get your feet itching for the trail.

Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders

By Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras & Ella Morton

 

The wondrous, the curious and the downright strange – detailed in this beautifully bound, red debossed and gold-foiled tome, the 700-odd, well, oddities and marvels within are enough to make you fall in love with this funny old world all over again. A fire that’s been burning in the desert for 40 years; the self-mummifying monks of Japan; and so many more wonderful gems complete with GPS coordinates for the intrepid? Wanderlust, meet world.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Dreamscapes

By Claire Takacs

 

A city may lie at the heart of a country, but green spaces and gardens define its soul. Erstwhile International Garden Photographer of the Year, Claire Takacs has compiled a kind of photographic love story dedicated to more than 50 of the world’s most astounding gardens. Drink in Japan’s Kenrokuen, Australia’s own Cloudehill and take a peek at Martha Stewart’s private garden too, through stunning imagery that captures each garden at that rare moment when it is at its beauteous peak.

Made to Last: A Compendium of Artisans, Trades & Projects

By Vanessa Murray

 

Inspiring tales of 50 artisans around the globe, leathersmithing, beekeeping, fermenting or just making a mean bathtub gin, are heartening news indeed in a world sometimes seemingly ruled by the mass-produced and disposable. There are plenty of DIY projects included, so you can try your own hand at building a bamboo bicycle too. Lasting projects to make a lasting impression on you.

Homecamp

By Doron & Stephanie Francis

 

You know that dream you have, to cast off the everyday and run away to the mountains-slash-beach-slash-anywhere without a wifi connection? These are the people who’ve done it. Homecamp brings you the stories of ‘normal’ people turned adventurers, living their dream in a van, a shipping container, even a house made of hemp, or simply on a bicycle as they explore the world. There are how-tos on wild food foraging and brewing your campfire coffee too; what you do next with all this inspiration is up to you.

Weekly travel news, experiences
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Burn City: Melbourne’s Painted Streets

By Lou Chamberlin

 

The street art of this southern capital has taken on a life of its own: tourist attraction, art school excursion, even wedding photo backdrop. This subculture gone mainstream is great, tangible evidence of Melbourne’s eclectic vibrance, and it is fabulously laid out in these pages according to theme, so you can take it as a guide for your own travels, or simply enjoy the ephemeral, evocative imagery lifted straight from the streets of the laneways and architecture of Melbourne city life.

 

Learn more at www.hardiegrantbooks.com

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8 experiences that make Moreton Bay the best getaway

    Rachel Lay Rachel Lay
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    From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

    Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

    Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

    1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

    G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience
    Explore Bribie Island with G’Day Adventure Tours.

    G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

    Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

    End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

    2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

    Morgan’s Seafood
    It doesn’t get fresher than Morgan’s Seafood. (Image: Ezra Patchett)

    Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood. Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

    Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

    3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

    woorim beach bribie island
    Hang 10, or relax, on Woorim Beach.

    On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach: aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

    Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro. Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

    4. D’Aguilar National Park

    D’Aguilar National Park
    Admire the landscapes of D’Aguilar National Park.

    D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

    Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

    5. Arcade Wine Bar

    arcade wine bar moreton bay
    Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

    Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar, one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

    Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

    Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

    6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

    Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail. Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

    Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

    7. Farm Visits

    Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

    At White Ridge Farm, find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

    8. Miss Sprinkles

    Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay
    Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

    An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

    The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine.  Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

    To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.