Tracy's epic Australia adventure!

This was a trip of a lifetime for me, something I have been waiting a long time to do! It really didn’t disappoint, Australia is an amazing country, easy to travel around with a wonderful climate and a vast array of experiences. If you are foodie you will love it, I had some of the best food I have ever tasted, lots of variety with the emphasis on local produce. We packed a lot in however, I made sure we had a good mix of experiences and time to relax. Its tempting to want to do everything but Australia is vast, I recommend sticking to one section experiencing it fully, and making sure you have some downtime. You can always go back I most definitely will!.

Malaysian Airlines

Their warm service is what sets them apart and they have their newer planes on the longer sectors - I highly recommend the extra legroom seats, they are very well priced, located at the front of economy it feels a bit like Premium. The food wasn’t great so if you are not a fan of airline food then take your own!


Sydney


I had 6 nights here, a nice amount of time to recover from the jetlag and see everything the city has to offer. It was winter but still 19C and sunny most days – winter is a good time to do the east coast as the weather is still pretty good (it gets warmer the further north you travel) it’s not as busy or as humid as the summer months. I stayed with my brother but did a few site inspections at some favourite hotels - it’s all about the location in Sydney. Having said that wherever you are everything is within easy reach either by foot, bus, train or tram. Here are some of my Sydney highlights:


Guided tour of the Sydney Opera House - the construction of it is a great story beautifully told by our guide, we also had a peep into rehearsals for the opera that was starting at the weekend. Have a look at what shows are on while you are there and book in advance (of course we can help you with that).


Ferry to Manly – I walked along the beach, watched a surf lesson and had some delicious locally caught fish & chips. 

Bondi to Coogee coastal walk - a 15 minute bus ride from central Sydney, its beautiful and takes about an hour.

Botanical gardens and Art Gallery - they have a new north wing which is spectacular.

Tina Turner the musical at the Theatre Royal – what a show I loved it and the theatre is beautiful.

Superb restaurants – I have put together a great list; some will need to be booked in advance.





Blue Mountains


This was a flying visit but well worth it - if you are into your scenery and/or a bit of hiking, then I would recommend staying for a night or 2. It could also be done as a day trip on the train from Sydney it’s a scenic ride up. 

Hunter Valley

Such a beautiful part of the world, quiet, windy roads lined by vineyards with the odd kangaroo hopping across! We stopped for a visit to Running Horses vineyard for some wine tasting – quirky and fun with some great wine. Dinner was at Leogate another great vineyard, a lovely spot with an excellent meal.


Port Stephens
Port Stephens, Guud Ji Yiigu is part of the country of the Worimi Aboriginal Nation. Home to giant sand dunes and some amazing coastline with spectacular views – just perfect for a spot of dolphin and whale watching! We stayed at the Koala Sanctuary, a fairly new operation with a mix of cabins and glamping tents, set amongst the koala’s and the koala hospital. It’s well run, and you get an early morning tour and talk of the sanctuary included to watch the koala’s having their breakfast. It’s a lovely spot and something a bit quirky however, it’s about a 15-minute drive out of town.



Port Mcquarie
A coastal town with a pretty walk along the waterfront – great spot for fishing and watching the world go by. Whale spotting in season from Tacking Point Lighthouse is a stunning view and if you’re lucky you may spot a humpback! Great choice of seafood restaurants we ate at the Waterfront a gorgeous setting with excellent food.


Byron Bay

We stayed at The Byron at Byron Bay Resort & Spa – it’s about 10 minutes drive outside of Byron set in a private 45-acre rainforest setting. It is a completely unique location, a real oasis for us to relax and rejuvenate on our journey North. I walked along the beach, enjoyed an afternoon cocktail by the pool and had an excellent freshly prepared locally sourced meal under the twinkling lights of the canopy of the Forest restaurant! Early morning yoga on the veranda was an excellent way to start the day before heading off to explore Byron. Famous for its beaches, surfing and snorkelling. It has a chilled beach vibe with gorgeous boutique shops, organic cafes and restaurant, I loved my Acai bowl for breakfast at Bills café.


Brisbane

Brisbane is a city gearing up for the Olympics in 2032, I think when the building works are all finished it will be excellent. A great way to see the city is by the free ferry that takes you up and down the river. The chargeable City Cat takes you a bit further and a golden ticket can be bought from any 7/11 shop. The food scene is up and coming, the Howard Smith Wharf has a great vibe with some excellent restaurants and bars (its on one of the free ferry stops).


Hervey Bay


A sleepy coastal town 3 hours north of Brisbane, with long stretches of beach, where you can spot dolphins and whales (May to October). While we were watching the sun go down, we spotted a shoal of dolphins playing it was just magical. You can take several trips from here, but we chose to visit K’gari (Fraser Island).



K’gari (Fraser Island)

A short ferry ride from Hervey Bay takes you to this UNESCO listed island which is the only sand island in the world to have a rainforest. It is 90% vegetation, there are no roads and can only be travelled around using 4WD, it is also one of the only places you can see Dingos in their natural habitat. I recommend a guided tour we had Butch to take us around for the day his knowledge on the history, vegetation and wildlife was incredible! We swam in Lake Mackenzie (one of the most photographed lakes in Australia) famous for is white silica sand and unique PH crystal clear water. The water has a high acidity and along with the perfectly spherical sand means a scrub and a swim in Lake Mackenzie claims to make you 10 years younger! Am not sure that was the case, but my skin felt lovely for ages after. There is no running water in or out of the lake so take care with sunscreens/soaps and leave nothing behind. We spotted dingo’s on the beach and took a seaplane flight (one of only 2 places in the world you can take off/land on sand) the views over butterfly lake were spectacular and we managed to spot 5 humpback whales! This island is completely unique and a real highlight of my trip.


Port Douglas


A short flight from Brisbane to Cairns and just over an hour's drive along a pretty coastline brings us to Port Douglas. Port Douglas is a beach resort town nearly as far north as you can go along the coast and a great base to visit both the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest reef system, and Daintree National Park, home to biodiverse rainforest. Macrossan Street is lined with boutique shops and restaurants, we had some of the best seafood and meals here, the restaurants are such high quality and prepared by up-and-coming chefs. Four-mile beach is stunning with a backdrop of mountains in the distance, a perfect spot for some energising yoga on the beach which happens every day at 8am – I managed to make it a few times. We prebooked a trip to the Daintree Rainforest and the Barrier Reef both of which were really special. Port Douglas has a great climate and we enjoyed warm temperatures even though it was their winter. There's so much to do, you could easily spend 2 weeks here, we had 7 nights a perfect balance to the travelling we did for the first half. 

Fan of "The Durrells"? This is the perfect trip for you!

By Tracy Felstead • June 5, 2025
"Durrells in Corfu" is a captivating British TV series based on Gerald Durrell's trilogy. Set in the Greek island of Corfu, it follows the adventures of the eccentric Durrell family. With stunning scenery and heart warming storylines, this show has captured viewers worldwide. If you haven't watched then I highly recommend the series, but even better why not take a trip there! This month I have been lucky enough to visit Corfu with CV Villas, my trip kicked off with a visit to the Grecotel Corfu Imperial Hotel. A truly stunning hotel nestled on its own private peninsula in Kommeno Bay. It's super chill and secluded but just a quick 20-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of Corfu Town, and even closer to Gouvia and Dassia. The hotel has four Blue Flag beaches - sandy ones mixed with shingle - so you've got options galore for soaking up the sun or trying out some water sports. A pool area that was huge, so ideal for families! Plus, there are five top-notch restaurants on-site. All in all, this 5-star gem offers a classic and elegant style hotel with warm service despite it's size. They also offer everything from rooms for 2 up to huge private villas (with pools) overlooking the bay!

Sailing with Soul: Tracy Explores the Magic of Sea Cloud

By Tracy Felstead • May 15, 2025
There are luxury cruises—and then there's Sea Cloud. I recently had the chance to experience this extraordinary ship, and it was far more than a voyage, it was an adventure. If you're curious about what sets Sea Cloud Cruises apart, I will share the highlights of a journey that exceeded every expectation. The story begins in 1931, when cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post commissioned what was then the largest private sailing yacht in the world. With golden swan-shaped taps, marble fireplaces, and French antiques, Sea Cloud was a floating expression of elegance and ambition. Nearly a century later, that same spirit lives on—both in the original ship and in her graceful sister, Sea Cloud II.

A Guide to Chasing New Horizons in 2025 & beyond

By Tracy Felstead • April 2, 2025
For devoted travellers, there’s nothing more exciting than planning the next adventure. As proud Virtuoso travel advisors, The Travel Concept has access to insider knowledge from Virtuoso’s global network of travel experts and industry contacts. We’ve gathered their top recommendations for on-the-rise, get-there-first destinations that deserve a place on your 2025 or 2026 itinerary. Whether it’s heli-skiing South America’s wild slopes, diving the Technicolor reefs of West Papua, or exploring southern Italy by train, now is the time to start planning. (That 12-casita private island in Zanzibar and 22-passenger Peruvian riverboat won’t stay available for long.) Let this guide inspire your next unforgettable journey.

Fall in Love with France: Find Out Why It Could Be Your Next Escape

By Tracy Felstead • January 24, 2025
France is a country which continues to draw millions of visitor s with its palpable charm, beautiful countryside, coastline, world-renowned cuisine and architecture. There is a treasure trove of destinations worth visiting across France with each region possessing its own unique landscapes and ambience. Whether you want to see the stunning 16th century chateau de Monbazillac in the Dordogne, storing 6000 bottles of wine in its cellars; the vibrant, Provencal lavender fields at the Abbaye de Sénanque; the white wine route running through the Loire Valley; or the rising medieval walls of Carcassonne – the list is endless! Take a look at our recommendations, which include a beach hotel, a touring holiday, and a special interest holiday, all curated by Expressions Holidays, our trusted partner with first-hand expertise of this destination.

Discovering Malaria-Free Lodges with Bianca

By Tracy Felstead • December 17, 2024
Africa – they say it captures your heart, and its so true. I was fortunate enough to visit South Africa on my honeymoon in 2010, which led us to the Kruger National Park and then to Mauritius. Fast forward 14 years, and I had the privilege of returning (while celebrating my wedding anniversary) with my almost-teenager this time! My journey led us to two renowned game reserves: Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa's Northwest province and Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg district. Both offer sightings of the Big Five and a wealth of captivating wildlife experiences. Madikwe Safari Lodge - Lelapa "Lelapa" the Setswana word for "family," warmly invites you and your loved ones to enjoy the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve and promises an experience designed for the whole family. The accommodation is ideal with a spacious open-plan bedroom and bathroom, along with a separate cosy sleeping area for children. Our ranger, Byron, was exceptional with our daughter, sharing fascinating bush facts that greatly enriched her experience. The camp's relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere and exceptional service make you feel at ease while being surrounded by the thrilling adventures of the game reserve. The watering hole located near the swimming pool is a captivating spot where time seems to slip away. One afternoon, as we lounged by the pool, a herd of elephants made an appearance. We were spellbound for about 45 minutes watching these majestic creatures, and were even luckier to witness their playful babies joining in the water. It was a mesmerizing experience for my daughter, who was completely captivated (and happily off her phone!). The food was so good catering really well for families with plenty of options to suit everyone. Of course being in South Africa the choice of wines were very appealing too! They have a fantastic kids eco-house the perfect place for children to learn about conservation at Madikwe and enjoy arts & crafts, jewellery making and much more. Whilst the kids enjoy themselves here parents can relax in the outdoor lounge area or take a nose in the lodges gift shop. There is also a gym & spa if you are feeling energetic or want to relax even more!

Costa Rica

By Tracy Felstead • December 16, 2024
Welcome to Costa Rica, the happiest place on Earth! From the moment I arrived, I could feel the warmth—not just from the sunshine, but from the people, who seem to radiate a natural joy that’s contagious. This small, beautiful country is brimming with lush rainforests, unspoiled beaches, and an astonishing variety of wildlife, making every day an adventure and a feast for the senses. Costa Rica is famous for its commitment to preserving its natural treasures, leading the way in eco-tourism and sustainability. It’s one of the few places where you can explore untouched rainforests in the morning, lounge on a deserted beach by afternoon, and still have time for an adrenaline-filled adventure, zip-lining through the jungle canopy, white-water rafting, or surfing on world-class waves. But what really captures the essence of Costa Rica is the spirit of 'Pura Vida' meaning Pure Life, you will see it everywhere! It’s more than just a phrase; it’s a way of life that reflects the Costa Rican outlook, one that’s about embracing life’s simple pleasures, connecting with nature, and savouring the moment. Whether it’s chatting with locals, marvelling at a sunset, or getting lost in the beauty, Costa Rica has a way of grounding you, of making you feel more alive. For me, this country is pure magic - here's a snapshot of what we got up to....

Top 5 Reasons to River Cruise

By Tracy Felstead • November 22, 2024
Here are five great reasons why a river cruise could be the perfect choice for your next holiday: All-inclusive Many river cruise lines offer comprehensive packages that cover everything from flights and transfers to excursions and gratuities. Enjoy chef-prepared meals, complimentary drinks, and immersive experiences without any extra costs. Dock in city centres Unpack once and explore multiple iconic cities without the hassle of long coach trips. River cruises dock right in the heart of cities, giving you the freedom to join guided tours or venture out on your own to discover local landmarks. No seasickness Experience smooth sailing along tranquil waterways with minimal risk of motion sickness compared to ocean cruises. Scenic views Marvel at picturesque sights like riverside villages, iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, or natural wonders like the Iron Gates from the comfort of your ship's Sun Deck while sipping on a glass of wine. Intimate cruising experience With fewer than 200 guests on board and an exceptional guest-to-staff ratio, river cruises offer a personalised and intimate environment where you can quickly connect with fellow travellers. We’re thrilled to share a short 20-minute video, created especially for you by AmaWaterways. In this video, you’ll discover: Why river cruising is one of the most luxurious and relaxing ways to travel. What makes AmaWaterways the leader in luxury river cruising. A sneak peek into their elegant ships, stunning destinations, and award-winning service.

Expedition Cruising

By Tracy Felstead • September 7, 2024
Are you ready for a life-changing adventure? Have you ever dreamt of exploring the most remote and captivating corners of the world? Imagine stepping foot on pristine shores, encountering rare wildlife, and immersing yourself in the wonders of nature and the rich tapestry of human culture. With expedition cruising, you can transform these dreams into an unforgettable reality, regardless of your age or adventure level!

Undiscovered Italy

By Tracy Felstead • August 29, 2024
I was fortunate enough to be invited to experience a new concept and a new company, Magari Tours. They are launching in Italy and offer handcrafted, authentic escorted tours that provide a deeper, more immersive, and truly authentic experience. It's all about uncrowded, locally-run hotels and eateries, exploring off-the-beaten-path locations where tourists don't usually venture, supporting local communities, and delving into undiscovered Italian regions. We flew into Milan where we were greeted by our wonderful tour host Wendy. We then travelled north to the Lombardy region, enjoying breathtaking views on our way to the hillside village of Rota d’Imagna. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the hotel owner Giampiero and his family; it became evident that this was truly a family-run establishment! The hotel boasted lovely accommodations with incredible views overlooking the valley. After settling in, we had the pleasure of participating in a cooking lesson where we learnt how to prepare the delicious local pasta dish casoncelli - accompanied by some delightful local wine, of course!

Tracy's trip to Peru

By Tracy Felstead • August 29, 2024
I was invited on a trip to learn about the magical place of Peru and it truly did not disappoint. The journey was packed, with visits to Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, followed by a two-day South American training academy in Lima before heading back home. It was an incredible experience where I gained valuable knowledge. My previous travels to Buenos Aires and Rio during my BA days already sparked my love for this vast continent, and this trip reignited that passion. The people's warmth and dedication to their country and sustainability, the delectable food, affordability, and abundance of unique experiences left me in awe. Flights connecting through Europe offer access to all of South America, while BA provides direct routes to Costa Rica, Buenos Aires, Rio, and Sao Paulo. Whichever part sparks your interest we would love to offer you a Zoom consultation with one of our South American experts. Please let us know your preferred date and time. Now let's delve back into my adventure in Peru...
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