Rob McFarland | The Sydney Morning Herald

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Travel writer

After abandoning a sensible career in IT, Rob McFarland now divides his time between Sydney, the US and Europe. He's won six writing awards and regularly runs workshops for aspiring writers. Follow his travels on Instagram @mctraveller

Electrical company HQ’s spectacular transformation into Gatsby-esque hotel
★★★★½
Oslo

Electrical company HQ’s spectacular transformation into Gatsby-esque hotel

At Sommerro, there are seven restaurants and bars, a private cinema, a library, a theatre, the city’s first rooftop pool and a sprawling basement spa and wellness area so vast they give you a map.

  • by Rob McFarland
It’s a miracle Europe’s most breathtaking mountain pass exists at all

It’s a miracle Europe’s most breathtaking mountain pass exists at all

One of the highlights of any trip to Norway is this 108-kilometre ribbon of tarmac that squirms its way over a 1434-metre-high plateau.

  • by Rob McFarland
Nine must-do highlights of Split, Croatia

Nine must-do highlights of Split, Croatia

With a prime position on the Adriatic coast, Croatia’s second-largest city offers an extraordinarily well-preserved Roman palace, an atmospheric Old Town and delightful beaches.

  • by Rob McFarland
A ludicrously scenic byway isn’t even the main attraction at this US park

A ludicrously scenic byway isn’t even the main attraction at this US park

Although bison are the primary attraction, don’t leave Custer State Park without driving through this explosion of soaring, needle-like granite peaks.

  • by Rob McFarland
Swish Bangkok hotel has genuine wow factor (and glass-bottomed pool)
★★★★
Hotel reviews

Swish Bangkok hotel has genuine wow factor (and glass-bottomed pool)

With a sensational pool and bar, this is a notable new addition to Bangkok’s hotel scene that offers a taste of the high life without the hefty price tag.

  • by Rob McFarland
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Nine must-do highlights of Auckland, New Zealand

Nine must-do highlights of Auckland, New Zealand

Few cities can boast such an array of natural and man-made attractions, including a breathtaking holiday island.

  • by Rob McFarland
Climbing Northern Europe’s highest mountain is surprisingly easy

Climbing Northern Europe’s highest mountain is surprisingly easy

The hardest thing about summiting Norway’s highest mountain? Pronouncing it.

  • by Rob McFarland
America’s startling ‘geological hiccup’ is a candy-coloured wonderland

America’s startling ‘geological hiccup’ is a candy-coloured wonderland

This drive meanders through an otherworldly landscape of such arresting beauty that you’ll be repeatedly compelled to pull over just to gawp at its majesty.

  • by Rob McFarland
America’s second-largest landowner is a media mogul gone wild

America’s second-largest landowner is a media mogul gone wild

For decades, the creator of CNN has quietly been buying up great swathes of the American wilderness with one goal in mind: saving it.

  • by Rob McFarland
The hottest places to eat in NYC right now aren’t restaurants

The hottest places to eat in NYC right now aren’t restaurants

Food halls are New York City’s latest culinary craze, offering everything from authentic Singaporean street eats to high-end Italian delicacies.

  • by Rob McFarland