AuthorsMelissa MasonM

Melissa Mason

Travel Journalist

Melissa Mason is a freelance journalist who loves road tripping and car snacks. Previously holding Editor roles at ELLE, marie claire, Broadsheet and Pedestrian.TV, she now writes travel and lifestyle content for a wealth of Australian titles like SMH, Mamamia and Urban List, as well as copywriting for international brands. Outside of writing, she loves walks with her dog Ted, a great Sunday afternoon with friends, and op shopping. If she could be anywhere right now it would be lounging on a hammock at a tropical resort with a great romantic fantasy book.
Artesian Bore Baths, Lightning Ridge
Lightning Ridge

Best things to do in Lightning Ridge: opal hunting, stargazing and mineral baths

From underground galleries to thermal pools and wild outback art, these are the best things to do in the strange opal-mining town of Lightning Ridge, NSW.

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Logan Wines, Mudgee
Lightning Ridge

Where to stop on a Sydney to Lightning Ridge road trip

If you love rolling hills, sun-drenched vineyards and soaking your cares away in artesian spas, a Sydney to Lightning Ridge road trip will see you covered.

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Opal Street Cafe, Lightning Ridge
Lightning Ridge

The best restaurants and cafes in Lightning Ridge

Okay, Lightning Ridge isn’t known for its foodie scene. But if you know where to look, there are dining gems (see what we did there?) to be found.

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Bluey Motel, Lightning Ridge
Lightning Ridge

The best accommodation in Lightning Ridge 

Camping enthusiast? More a ‘creature comforts’ kind of adventurer? Either way, there’s somewhere perfect to rest your head in Lightning Ridge, NSW.

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twin falls northern territory
Kakadu

5 breathtaking waterfalls in Kakadu National Park

Visiting the incredible waterfalls in Kakadu National Park is a highlight of the Northern Territory. These are five of the best.

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the scenic Queanbeyan Riverside Caravan Park
Canberra

An essential Canberra caravan park and camping guide

Connect with nature at one of these top spots.

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the fine dining interior of The Boat House, Canberra
Canberra

12 fine dining restaurants in Canberra worth splurging on

Canberra is fast becoming one of the top foodie destinations in Australia, with a wealth of fine-dining restaurants to choose from.

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The Little Burley Market stalls from above
Canberra

The best markets in Canberra for special finds

Whether you’ve come to Canberra for the city’s incredible restaurant scene or to visit some of Australia’s best museums, no stay is complete without a trip to the markets

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the three-storey Hotel Realm with red squares throughout
Canberra

The best Canberra hotels by neighbourhood

Looking for accommodation in Canberra? Start by figuring out which of the city’s unique neighbourhoods suits you

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