This article runs to approximately 2000 words but can be tailored to suit individual editorial requirements. It also features Nha Trang, Vietnam, Bondi, Sydney, Wollongong, NSW, Patong, Phuket and Broome, WA.

Here we preview 10 Australian and New Zealand getaways to keep the flame alive - or reignite it.

This story runs to around 1200 wds but can be tailored to suit individual editorial requirements. Images available.

There are more healers in Byron Bay than there are those needing healing. Maybe these two categories overlap. From steamroller therapy to astral lotto, there is something for everyone.

Music and design arts in Byron Bay also seem to show extraterrestrial influences. Byron now needs to feed these creative bursts out to the rest of the world - and accept some much-needed feedback.

Labelled Sydney’s playground because of the abundance of outdoor activities on offer,  Port Stephens, just a two and a half hour drive north of Sydney is drawing visitors for its spectacular beaches and amazing sandhills.

But its biggest drawcard for overseas visitors are the bottle-nosed dolphins – at last count 160 of them – which make it Australia’s dolphin capital. Port Stephens has Australia’s largest population of these special creatures, and on a dolphin watch cruise you’ll see dozens cresting the waves and performing for spectators on the boats.  But it’s also a great place to go dune-driving ithrough massive sandhills.  We spent one day driving off the edge of sheer sand cliffs in the Stockton sand dunes – all 32 kms of them. I’ve been sand-duning in Dubai and Saudi, but this was the craziest.   That afternoon we tried sandboarding down the steep slopes on makeshift sandboards. You can also rent a quad bike, though we thought better of this after we came across one injured biker who’d come a cropper doing a daredevil stunt flying off the top of sand dunes…..

This is just a sample... for more on this fabulous area, request a story be written to your exact requirements; email me on karen@globaltravelwriters.com

It’s a long dusty drive between dots on the map on the Darling River Run, a touring route which follows Australia’s largest river across Outback New South Wales, but there’s never a dull moment as yet another kangaroo bounds off into the brick-red sand or a family of skittish emus appears; crows gorge on the unlucky ones as wedge-tailed eagles circle in a flawless blue sky. 

“Catch you later, I have to clear the kangaroos off the airstrip!”  For Liz Murray another day is drawing to a close on Trilby Station, a sheep ranch and host farm.  Her husband will soon be pointing the Cessna homewards after a day mustering sheep on their 52,000-hectare property astride the Darling River. 

From Bourke, the Darling River Run links the old paddle-steamer ports.  Close by are the opal miners’ molehills of White Cliffs, the legendary mineral lodes of Broken Hill and the aboriginal rock art of Mootwingee, plus the evocative prehistory of Lake Mungo’s Walls of China.  

An illustrated feature on golfing in the Shellharbour area can be written on assignment from 1000 to 2000 words depending upon editorial requirements.  A sidebar on the scenic region which is home to one of the country's largest aviation museums and several heritage bed and breakfast establishments can also be provided. 

What was Australia's first wine region established in the 1820s and now the most visited wine region in the country? What has enough wineries (last count 120 cellar doors) producing all styles of wine, including some from relatively rare grape varieties, to keep visitors happily tasting for days?

And which region has backed this up with a range of bars, cafes and restaurants - everything from casual to elegant - and accommodation that also spans all pockets and preferences? Plus special attractions, world class musical performances and bacchanalian festivals that go on - literally - for months?

If you answered the Hunter Valley, top marks, and go to the front of the bar.

……………

This article continues with details of the food and wine of the Hunter Valley and  also includes information on accommodation provided, local food and cuisine, and the wealth of things to do and see.

………………..

(finishes…)

If you want to get technical, the Hunter region, stretches from the coast to high in the hills around Muswellbrook. There's far too much to explore in a day, or even a weekend. Which is great news.

This area is not called the Hunter for nothing. There's so much to discover - so much to learn and experience – and I for one, am looking forward to 'hunting' out some more of its treasures. Next chance I get. 

©Sally Hammond 2007

Picture Credits: ©Gordon Hammond 2007

(Sally and Gordon Hammond travelled as guests of Hunter valley Tourism)

………………..

Please contact Sally Hammond (shammond@iprimus.com.au) for a pricing schedule or to discuss purchase of this article.

• Currently the article runs to approximately 1000 words plus Factfile (fact-checked and updated free with the sale of this article).

• The length of the article may be changed according to editorial needs, and the Factfile may be expanded, however if substantial additional work is requested it will affect the final cost of the article.

• Pictures are available (see gallery for prices, selection and ordering).

• This article is currently unpublished. All rights available.

"Where's the wind?" she  asked, "my hair's not messed up." The unforgettable answer changed the course of her life.

 "You have become the wind," he said simply.

Today Judy and her partner Peter Vizzard, both champion balloonists, operate Balloon Aloft a company that organizes flights from all parts of Australia. Their rainbow fleet of 'lighter-than-air-craft' bob up in international competitions, regularly winning awards, yet more routinely can be spotted on dewy clear mornings decorating the sky over any of a dozen or more locations around Australia.

 This article continues with details of ballooning in Australia, the facts and figures and safety issues, and  includes a breakout box on the history of ballooning.

………………..

(finishes…)

Soft Adventure. That's what Judy Lynne calls ballooning. And indeed anyone can enjoy a whisper-soft ascent through early morning mist or fog to brilliant sunshine, with perhaps the balloon-shadow rimmed by a rainbow on a cloud below.

As you skim across treetops, over fences and fields, there is a sense of wonder and a peaceful quiet, broken only by the occasional loud burst of the burners as hot air is pumped up into the balloon to keep you aloft just a little longer.

You'd never complain about that noise though, as who would want such a magic experience to end too soon?

©Sally Hammond 2007

Picture Credits: ©Gordon Hammond 2007

(Sally and Gordon Hammond flew guests of  Balloon Aloft)

………………..

Please contact Sally Hammond (shammond@iprimus.com.au) for a pricing schedule or to discuss purchase of this article.

• Currently the article runs to approximately 800 words plus Factfile (fact-checked and updated free with the sale of this article).

• The length of the article may be changed according to editorial needs, and the Factfile may be expanded, however if substantial additional work is requested it will affect the final cost of the article.

• Pictures are available (see gallery for prices, selection and ordering).

• This article is currently unpublished. All rights available.