Louise Southerden

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.

Azabu Byron Bay.

Weekend away

Azabu review, Byron Bay: Weekend away

This peaceful forest retreat brings a touch of Japan to Byron Bay,

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Tangalooma Wrecks, Moreton Island, Brisbane,

Queensland

The secret in Moreton Bay's glittering waters

There's a science to taking a great holiday. And there's no other place like this one.

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Plan what you'll take a few days in advance so you won't have a panic packing session the night before you leave.

Don't roll your clothes: 10 essential tips for packing light

Don't roll your clothes and forget using a case with wheels if you want to truly pack light.

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Master bedroom in a two bedroom apartment.

Weekend away

Weekend Away: Perfect score for Noosa nature resort

This resort promises, and delivers, luxury apartment living with five-star hotel service and amenities.

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Praia de Odeceixe, Portugal.

Portugal

Beaches, yoga, surf: Europe's answer to Bali

Yoga, surfing and spectacular beaches. Sound like Bali? Think again.

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Blue Lagoon's over-water restaurant.

Blue Lagoon Bungalow bliss for eco lovers

Blue Lagoon is simple, clean and low-impact, offering an authentic Thai beach experience with a dash of French style.

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The pool at Heron Island Resort. The 109-room resort is one of the longest-running in Australia.

Queensland

Weekend away: Heron Island Resort, Queensland

The turtles are the stars at Heron Island’s low-key eco-resort.

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New Ireland, Papua New Guinea, is like the last frontier.

Adventure

Six of the Best: Sea kayaking adventures

Sea kayaking offers idyllic islands, spectacular coastlines, ancient hunting sites and leisurely ways of life.

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This article contains a photo gallery

Young Masai man outside a shop in Nairobi.

Twenty reasons to visit Nairobi

For Karen Blixen fans, a visit to her former home can feel like a pilgrimage.

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A first in Thailand: ocean swimming with a naked Russian climber.

Thai beach holiday takes a naked twist

Unusual swimming companions are to be found on Koh Chang island, Thailand.

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Glamour is acceptable at these new glamping sites.

Six of the best: What the future of Aussie glamping looks like

Here are six of the best new glamping camp sites in Australia.

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This article contains a photo gallery

<i>Illustration: Michael Mucci</i>

Why swimming is like a drug

There is nothing like the joy of being immersed in water.

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Fairground for grownups: Tents are custom-designed for the Australian environment.

Luxury

Flash Camps turns glamping into VIP experience

Gone are the days of sleeping on the ground and lining up for portaloos.

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Cafe Central: When you can hear the clip-clop of horseshoes on cobbles, from the "fiaker" Ã¢ÂÂsightseeing carriages, ...

Six of the best: Viennese coffeehouses

Long the meeting places of writers and thinkers, they offer an instant fix of caffeine, chocolate and cream, Louise Southerden checks six out.

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This article contains a photo gallery

Guests in the first floor living room (note the turntable, hairdryer lamp and bean bags)

Luxury in Lisbon on a backpacker budget

Right in the heart of Lisbon, the stylish, spacious spots is more hotel than hostel, a place where "budget" can be beautiful.

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