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 "Ghostly footsteps."

" 'It was on this very spot in 1844 that Fidel puffed and panted as he dragged the two suitcases towards the water's edge. Suitcases stuffed with the dismembered body parts of his lover Thomas Warne, whom Fidel had killed in a blind rage.'

 

There we stood outside Cadman's Cottage, Sydney's oldest surviving house built in 1816, as our guide Brian began the first of his gruesome tales of the city's past and of the souls who haunt The Rocks to this day.

 

Little did we know what was in store as he handed out trinkets before we began, an apron here, a replica body part there, or in my case a necklace of rubber rats, each of them a symbol of what would be revealed as we walked the darkening alleyways."

This article takes readers on The Rocks Ghost Tour through Sydney's first area of settlement, with tales of murderers, undertakers, lovers and children, and their ghosts who still wander through the night.

To see a selection of images for this story click here. 

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Water Wonderland   

"It's late afternoon looking out across the lake, a picture of solitude and serenity, viewed from a secluded spot amongst the trees. A long way from the bustle of the daily routine, an ideal place for the summer holidays.

 

This is Wallis Lake, the largest tidal saltwater lake in the Great Lakes

area, only 1 1/2 hours from Newcastle.

 

You can hire a boat or take a cruise and see NSW's largest pelican

breeding colony. There are black swans and sometimes huge sea hawks to be seen around the 27 islands in the lake."

A destination piece which looks at the seaside resort of Forster, the serenity of the Great Lakes and the National Parks, and the area's Aboriginal culture.

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Wilderness and Wildlife  

"The wilderness of forest-covered mountains stretches far into the distance as we look out from the top of Mount Allyn. And not a soul in sight.

 

This is the Barrington Tops less than two hours' drive from Newcastle, where the northernmost area of winter "snow country" with its Subalpine Rainforest and Woodland, meets the state's largest and furthest south of the main tracts of Sub Tropical Rainforest. A diversity of forest types here.

 

Little wonder that the region is World Heritage listed, and much of it

declared wilderness."

A close-up look at the legendary Barrington Guest House, with its community atmosphere, spotlighting walks and other guided excursions, taking in the beauty and wildlife of the surrounding World Heritage area.

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The Heart of the Hunter

"Sitting down to dinner you realise your friend has brought an Australian wine, the McGuigan Bin 2000 Shiraz from the Hunter Valley, having seen it rated in Wine Spectator magazine. And as you begin to enjoy the first glass you wonder what the Hunter Valley is like, especially if you didn't make it to Sydney for the Olympics last year.

 

Since a colonial settler from Scotland planted the first French and Spanish vines in 1825, the Hunter has grown to be one of the premier wine-producing regions of Australia with more than 70 wineries."

An insider's look (I live only 30 minutes away) at the Hunter Valley wine region north of Sydney. Australian tourism statistics show a substantial increase in the number of overseas visitors to the area, so here's a run down on wineries, food, accommodation and tourist activities.

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Up Close and Personal

"A hush comes over the crowd on the platform as people crane their necks to look down the tracks. Then a roar goes up as the steam train comes into view, powering toward Maitland Station along the straight from High Street. The question in everyone's mind?. Where is the Tiger Moth?

 

And last year the answer was clear as the bright yellow tiger moth came in behind, the Great Race being won by the 3830."

An introduction to the annual Steamfest festival in historic Maitland, which features the Great Race between the steam engine and a tiger moth plane, displays of working tractors, graders and so on, all run on steam, camel rides and a carnival atmosphere. Updated on request: please request by beginning of March.

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A Whale of a Time

" 'They won't board for half an hour mate. The crew aren't even here yet,' explained the man in the booking office in his conspicuously Australian accent. Obviously I was a bit keen.

 

Strolling back along the marina I found a restaurant making breakfast for the ones who looked like they'd had a late night, and sat and perused the brochure about whales. By the time I got back to the boat there were plenty of other eager souls on deck already."

A whale-watching trip out from Port Stephens, north of Sydney. The article recreates the atmosphere and excitement of the search for the humpback whales as they make their journey from Antarctica. Longer version has in depth fact file with details about accommodation, meals and so on.

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Renewing the Spirit

"Where pioneering inventor Lawrence Hargrave's kite first lifted him five meters off the ground in 1894, brightly colored hang-gliders now soar with the birds over sea and hills.

 

This is the Bald Hill lookout at Stanwell Park from which the Sydney Hang Gliding Center offers tandem flights for those with no experience, as well as extended courses for others wanting more."

This piece takes readers on a tour of discovery of the Wollongong and near South Coast region. From a steam train to a Buddhist monastery, from whale-watching and dolphins to peaceful rainforests and spectacular waterfalls. Oh yes, and those hang-gliders.

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Into the Forest

"Into the forest we walked, feeling the coolness, breathing the clear air, listening to the birds call. Across a bridge suspended over the running water. A world away from the bustle of everyday life.

 

And yet only a short drive from Wollongong, and 15km west of Kiama.

 

If you're looking for a place that's easily accessible the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in the Budderoo National Park lets you experience the beauty and peace of the rainforest without having to trek all day. "

Winner of several environmental tourism awards, the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in the Budderoo National Park is a peaceful spot to get away from it all. A system of raised boardwalks takes you up to Minnamurra Falls, making this is a popular spot not far from Wollongong and Kiama.

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In the Eye of the Beholder

 

"According to Aboriginal legend a witch doctor turned three beautiful sisters into stone to protect them from danger during an attack by a rival tribe, only to be killed in the battle himself. To this day nobody has been able to break the spell and turn them back to their human form.

 

Now the Three Sisters watch over the Jamison Valley as they always have, the most famous landmark in the Blue Mountains.

 

Popular with Sydneysiders from the 19th century, the natural beauty and old world charm of the mountains make them an appealing destination even today."

An overview of the Blue Mountains as a destination: the aboriginal legend of the three sisters, rugged scenery and bushwalks, art, architecture and gardens. Also recommended B&B's.