Destination: Australia

Out of the ordinary isn't always extraordinary

Tue, 26 May 2015 | By juliimare | Views [113] | Scholarship Entry

“Off the beaten track” seems to hold a mystical allure to most travellers these days. We crave the unique and yearn for authenticity over the loathed “tourist traps.” But you shouldn’t automatically dismiss the activities that receive the Top Tourist ... Read more >

Tags: 2015 Writing Scholarship

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Tue, 26 May 2015 | By jess0932 | Views [156] | Scholarship Entry

Stepping out on to the platform, a rush of brisk air hit me like a ton of bricks. I was actually going to do this. I was going to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Earlier in the day, whilst on the train, a sudden fear of heights hit me. As the carriage ... Read more >

Tags: 2015 Writing Scholarship

Croc Dodging in the Pentecost

Tue, 26 May 2015 | By anniecordelia | Views [161] | Scholarship Entry

It had been 15 days since the last shower. 60 days of camping, of dragging the camper trailer from the soggy, monochrome Melbourne and up through the burning red centre to the Kimberleys. 60 mornings of racing to beat yesterday’s sleeping bag stuffing ... Read more >

Tags: 2015 Writing Scholarship

Precipice Road

Tue, 26 May 2015 | By adrenalineadventures | Views [127] | Scholarship Entry

The air is frigid, yet invigorating as well, aided by welling reserves of adrenaline and fear that must surely be palpable to anyone observing. But then again, both are pervasive throughout the bus so it mustn’t have been granted any special attention.... Read more >

Tags: 2015 Writing Scholarship

Little Mali

Tue, 26 May 2015 | By journeytribe | Views [106] | Scholarship Entry

Standing on the corner of Ward and Boundary Streets in Coolangatta feels thrilling. The coastal sun is warming me nicely, its webs of golden light streaking through the giant Norfolk Pines planted by European pioneers. Behind me, Little Mali, a local ... Read more >

Tags: 2015 Writing Scholarship

Wurrumiyanga, Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory

Tue, 26 May 2015 | By marklarking | Views [117] | Scholarship Entry

A continuum of peaceful beauty spans the skies of the two huge unfilled spaces of Australia’s Northern Territory; the dusty expanse of the continent, and the ocean stretching from the beaches to the horizon, scattered with islands that I felt the urge ... Read more >

Tags: 2015 Writing Scholarship

The Forbes Gum Swamp

Tue, 26 May 2015 | By jasminesjourney | Views [95] | Scholarship Entry

Staring out over the sparkling water, I never would have guessed. I’m still struggling to believe it; how something so ethereally beautiful could be hiding such a dirty secret. In hindsight, the lifeless timber carcasses were a hint, their desolate branches ... Read more >

Tags: 2015 Writing Scholarship

Okay Bo Ke

Tue, 26 May 2015 | By theacarley | Views [89] | Scholarship Entry

'Twas the night before Christmas... and we were famished. My partner and I had abandoned the bright lights of Mui Ne’s shiny resorts in search of an authentic festive feast. We’d gorged on Ho Chi Minh’s pho offerings, but this was the coast, thus seafood ... Read more >

Tags: 2015 Writing Scholarship

The Nullarbor

Tue, 26 May 2015 | By em-salkeld7 | Views [208] | Scholarship Entry

Now, I wouldn't exactly call this a 'travel treasure' as it were, but I do feel it is severely overlooked when people decide to travel Australia. In fact, I'm pretty sure the majority of the West Coast is grossly discarded by many backpackers and tourists.... Read more >

Tags: 2015 Writing Scholarship

Photos: Profile

Tue, 26 May 2015 | By dsavigni | Photo Gallery

Newcastle, NSW

Tue, 26 May 2015 | By travelspaniel | Views [114] | Scholarship Entry

The yellowed paperback was called ‘Tom Swift and His Triphibian Atomicar’, and, tempted by its fabulous title, I read it as I drank coffee. This second-hand bookshop, its espresso machine, questionable sofa and dark-haired, knowing members of staff, sat ... Read more >

Tags: 2015 Writing Scholarship

Photos: Crossing the Nullarbor

Tue, 26 May 2015 | By dsavigni | Photo Gallery

Stranger danger

Tue, 26 May 2015 | By misskay | Views [115] | Comments [3] | Scholarship Entry

Two weeks couchsurfing in New York? Alone? My announcement was met with a mixture of scepticism and horror. But five years ago I'd watched Man v Food, and vowed I'd be eating 'The World’s Hottest Curry' in NYC on my 40th birthday. So what if I’d become ... Read more >

Tags: 2015 Writing Scholarship

The Magic Bus

Tue, 26 May 2015 | By henrybrydon | Views [164] | Scholarship Entry

“Well, there’s a first for everything,” I thought to myself. As the angry Siberian wind slapped my face, I reluctantly withdrew my unmentionables and directed a laughable spray onto the frozen gears of my immobile bicycle. It was mid-winter in Kyrgyzstan ... Read more >

Tags: 2015 Writing Scholarship

Driving across the Victorian Alpine region

Tue, 26 May 2015 | By thecountrylunch | Views [91] | Scholarship Entry

Bright was bustling with people. The warm autumn weather encouraged holidaymakers to extend their vacations for a few more days, to capture the last of the sun before the rapid change to winter. They were there, I suppose, to see the famous autumn foliage, ... Read more >

Tags: 2015 Writing Scholarship