My dream destination: Pip Murray, president, Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 2 years ago

My dream destination: Pip Murray, president, Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society

By Julietta Jameson
Pip Murray

Pip Murray

MY ONE DREAM DESTINATION IS STILL

Southern Africa (Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi), for the spaces, wildlife, the people. I first visited there in 1987 and have returned several times. The last trip I took in Ethiopia was wonderful - the rock-hewn churches, the art, the history and the people make this a must visit. Special memories include hitchhiking along the Caprivi Strip in 1988, hearing landmines going off in neighbouring Angola, drinking sweet tea with truck drivers, meeting peacekeeping forces in Namibia and borrowing their rafts to navigate the Popa River. The complete absence of responsibility and the liberty that brings. We were nuts.

WHEN THIS IS ALL OVER I'M DREAMING OF VISITING

Amazing natural formations - Sawn Rocks, at Mt Kaputar National Park, Narrabri.

Amazing natural formations - Sawn Rocks, at Mt Kaputar National Park, Narrabri.Credit: iStock

India for its ever-changing vibrancy – the colours, movement, people, history and evolution. I've made two trips 30 years apart and was staggered by the changes. I love how you see the latest technology butting up against centuries-old practice.

MY DREAM TRAVEL BUBBLE DESTINATION IS

New Zealand would be just fine but the truth is I love my own country best. I never tire of it and have camped across a fair chunk of it.

MY DREAM DOMESTIC DESTINATION IS

The Pilbara - it is probably the only region I haven't touched on. Raw colours, gorges and the remoteness. Nothing like camping on your own.

Advertisement

MY DREAM DOMESTIC TRIP SO FAR HAS BEEN

Oh, where to start? Lake Mungo, Horizontal Falls, Mutawintje – all special places. Spiritual, visual knockouts. In my own patch, our sunsets near Gunnedah are hard to beat. Mt Kaputar National Park isn't far to drive and it even snows up there.

Pip Murray is president of the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society. Kurrumbede Homestead, the poet's home near Gunnedah, NSW, will open to the public for the first time on Saturday, June 12, 10am – 3pm. See dorothea.com.au

Sign up for the Traveller newsletter

The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.

Most viewed on Traveller

Loading