Louise Southerden

Louise Southerden

Louise Southerden is a freelance travel writer from Sydney, now based in northern NSW, who never dreamed of travelling the world and writing about it. A three-month trip across Africa in the back of an overland truck 25 years ago changed that and she has since won several awards, including the Australian Society of Travel Writers' Travel Writer of the Year award - four times. Louise specialises in nature-based experiences and is passionate about simple, sustainable travel.

There are hundreds of Shinto shrines across Kyushu but Udo Shrine in Miyazaki prefecture is one of the most beautiful.

Go to 'Hell' and 19 other reasons you should visit Kyushu, Japan

From outdoor art galleries to surf breaks, forests to ramen and a plethora of onsen.

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Inside Sri Lanka's first Japanese hotel

An innovative oasis of Japanese calm and the perfect counterpoint to the hustle of Colombo.

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Coral beach on Pigeon Island National Park, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.

Golden beaches: A new way to see Sri Lanka's east coast

There's a lot to love about sailing in Sri Lanka: barefoot days and balmy nights, and the chance to experience this incredible country in a new way.

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Renewed, refocused: Sri Lanka's secluded sanctuary

Sri Lanka's first purpose-built luxury wellness resort is a secluded sanctuary.

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A yogi at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.

A three-minute guide to Kathmandu

Nepal's capital is home to more World Heritage-listed sites than any other city on Earth.

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Airline review: Out of the world's top 100, this airline came fifth-last

Of the world's top 100 airlines, SriLankan came 95th - but that doesn't show in the passenger experience.

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One of Nepal's best kept secrets

So named because local builders kept saying "One day this farm will be famous" and the name stuck.

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The courtyard at Kathmandu Guest House, which is a boutique hotel that remains committed to budget travellers.

The Kathmandu hotel that's surprisingly palatial

The Kathmandu Guest House has been a home away for more than its share of celebrities.

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Altitude gain can give us a thrill and help us face our fears.

Getting high: Why travellers are drawn to mountains and skyscrapers

From skyscrapers to mountain tops to window seats, there is something intrinsically alluring about high places.

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The solar-heated swimming pool with beanbag sun-loungers – and mural by Sydney street-artist Mulga.

First look at Byron Bay YHA after its $7 million makeover

If it's been a while since you stayed at a "youth hostel" you're in for a few surprises.

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Anita Kerr, Seven Women centre director.

How a Melbourne woman's vision transforms lives in Nepal

A young Melbourne woman's passion to help women in Nepal is blossoming.

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After the earthquake in 2015 Langtang, Langtang Valley.

It's time to visit this stunning country

The earthquake killed thousands, devastated communities and damaged ancient monuments. Trekking to Nepal now is stepping into a tale of loss and renewed hope as old as humankind.