Ten Most Recently Published
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13 things to know before going
to Melbourne
Lonely Planet, 29 November 2023
"I've lived in Melbourne for over 25 years, so I
can confirm the first thing everyone will tell you
about Australia’s second-largest city: the weather
is variable. It’s not quite the 'four seasons in
one day' that inspired the 1992 Crowded House song
of that title, but the weather gods certainly
spring surprises over the average Melbourne week.
But guess what? That unreliable weather is partly
why the city is so good at indoor pursuits,
including offering up some of Australia’s best
cafes, bars, restaurants, live music, theater, art
galleries and shopping..."
Revealing quirks and secrets associated
with Melbourne, Australia.
[Read
the full
article here] |
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Why Melbourne is one of
Australia’s most family-friendly destinations
Lonely Planet, 28 November 2023
"Although it’s perhaps best known for its grown-up
pleasures – including bars and live music –
Melbourne is just as welcoming for families. As a
relatively young city (the median age is around
37), kids are very much a welcome part of the
social sphere. You’re never far from a
family-friendly museum, a well-planned park or
playground, or a cafe serving up kid-friendly
babyccinos and toasties. From exciting wildlife
encounters to active adventures, there’s something
suitable for caregivers and kids of all ages..."
Detailing attractions of appeal to kids
and families in Melbourne, Australia.
[Read
the full
article here] |
|
Sleeper trains are making a
comeback. Why are ours being axed?
Traveller, 27 November 2023
"Come with me on a magical journey between Sydney
and Melbourne. No, not via the airport… but
starting at Sydney’s Central Station, aboard a
newly refurbished all-sleeper night train. I’ve
already checked in and spent time relaxing in the
comfortable new lounge dedicated to sleeper
passengers: enjoying a complimentary drink and
using the Wi-Fi. Now, after stepping on board, I
use a keycard to open my compartment, shove my
backpack in the storage space, then head for the
bar..."
Imagining what sleeper trains could be
like, as they face cancellation between
Sydney and Melbourne, Australia.
[Read
the full
article here] |
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As bad as the Titanic: The
cruise ship disaster the world forgot
Traveller, 24 November 2023
"It was a night to remember – but strangely, no
one seems to remember it. On May 29, 1914, the
ocean liner Empress of Ireland was
steaming along the St Lawrence River in Quebec,
Canada, when unexpected thick fog descended and it
collided with a Norwegian coal ship. It was a
disaster reminiscent of the collision of the RMS
Titanic with an iceberg just two years
earlier, but with a major difference: while the
Titanic took over two hours to sink, the Empress
of Ireland went under in just 14 minutes. With
more than 1000 fatalities, it was a huge disaster
– but hardly anyone has heard of it today..."
Learning about a strangely forgotten
disaster at a maritime museum in Quebec,
Canada.
[Read
the full
article here] |
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10 tips for seeing the best of
Melbourne on a budget
Lonely Planet, 23 November 2023
"With its thriving laneway restaurants, cool
coffee culture and lively arts and sports scene,
Melbourne is one of the most popular urban
destinations for visitors to Australia.
Unfortunately, it’s not a cheap city to visit by
international standards. Accommodation is pricey
across the board and gets higher the closer you
get to the city’s center. The food scene presents
a happier prospect for the budget traveler.
Melbourne is one of the world’s great food cities
with a dazzling array of options..."
Giving tips on affordable travel
experiences in Melbourne, Australia.
[Read
the full
article here] |
|
The ultimate guide to getting
around Melbourne
Lonely Planet, 22 November 2023
"As a progressive metropolis that regularly tops
rankings of the world’s most livable cities, you
might expect Melbourne to be a breeze to navigate
– and you wouldn’t be wrong. Although Greater
Melbourne is a sprawl that can take hours to cross
without a car, most major attractions are
concentrated in the city center and its
surrounding neighborhoods. This part of the city
is well-serviced by public transportation,
including the world’s longest tram network..."
Exploring the wide range of transport
options in Melbourne, Australia.
[Read
the full
article here] |
|
When is the best time to visit
Melbourne?
Lonely Planet, 20 November 2023
"Though its visitor numbers ebb and flow,
Melbourne is a great city to visit any time of
year. With cooler weather than more northerly
Australian favorites such as Sydney and Brisbane,
this cosmopolitan city is renowned for its indoor
cultural attractions – including dining, bars,
theater, live music and shopping – which can be
enjoyed at any temperature. The same 'anytime'
rule applies to Melbourne’s role as the nation’s
sporting capital – cricket and tennis are the key
summer drawcards, and Australian Rules football
has a huge following in winter..."
Discussing the highlights of each
season in Melbourne, Australia.
[Read
the full
article here] |
|
Best moments in travel 2023
(four items)
Traveller, 19 November 2023
"Great British novelist PG Wodehouse once
described 'a look of furtive shame, the shifty
hangdog look which announces that an Englishman is
about to speak French.' That moment has arrived as
I sit in Bistrot Jutard, slightly short of breath
after a hilly climb from a Metro station in the
non-touristy Croix-Rousse district of Lyon. But my
linguistically mangled order is successful, and my
waiter shortly delivers an impressive croque-monsieur
au jambon à la truffe. Sometimes a meal
doesn't have to be elaborate to be perfect..."
Describing four perfect moments: three
in Europe (regarding food in Lisbon and
Lyon, and a fast train in Italy), and one
aboard a train in Queensland, Australia.
[Read
the Europe items here, and the Australia item here] |
|
7 of the best beaches in
Melbourne
Lonely Planet, 17 November 2023
"Melbourne probably isn’t the first city that
springs to mind when thinking about Australia’s
famous beaches. However, the city is wrapped
around vast Port Phillip Bay, which means there
are plenty of beaches within easy reach of its
bayside suburbs. Often accessible via public
transit, these pleasant stretches of sand are
sheltered, with minimal wave action and perfect
for a relaxed dip. And being Melbourne, there’s
sure to be a good cafe or bar nearby when you’re
finished with the bay views..."
Revealing the best sandy stretches of
coastline within Melbourne, Australia.
[Read
the full
article here] |
|
All aboard
Paradise, November 2023
"Glancing up from my seat aboard the Spirit of
Queensland, I can see history through the
windows. Landsborough Station is a classic timber
railway station, and beyond it is a lovely old
pub. Nearby is a neat row of Queenslanders, the
traditional colonial-era houses that stand on
stumps above termites and floodwater. Inside this
train, however, it’s the future. For the Spirit
of Queensland is not your old-fashioned
sleeper train with separate compartments and bunk
beds..."
Taking the Spirit of Queensland
sleeper train all the way north from
Brisbane to Cairns in Queensland, Australia.
[Read
the full
article here] |
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Welcome!
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I'm a freelance writer with published
articles on various topics: including travel,
lifestyle, the arts, science, and pets.
My writing has appeared in newspapers,
magazines and websites around the world. I'm
also a writer of travel books for Lonely
Planet.
I'm available to write on any subject, and also
undertake business writing jobs such as
proofreading, editing and copywriting.
Learn more about my
published work and writing services.
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Archive
All articles in this
archive are available for republication (fee
to be negotiated). Articles can be rewritten
to meet your style or length requirements.
Please contact me by email
with your query.
articles by
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Melbourne VIC 3000
Australia
email:
tim@iwriter.com.au
phone:
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I acknowledge the
traditional owners of the land I work
upon in Melbourne/Naarm, the Wurundjeri
people of the Kulin Nation.
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