Shoddy work: Warning over tailor-made clothes in Vietnam
We have just returned from a 10-day touring holiday to our amazing country towns in southern NSW and northern Victoria. Young was beautiful, with its Chinese Memorial Garden and rich gold-rush history. Leeton is a thriving irrigation town boasting stunning art deco buildings. Bustling Echuca on the Murray River offers paddle steamers to take tourists to wineries for lunch or longer overnight journeys. The silo art trail is a one-day circuit drive from Echuca with spectacular murals featuring our native plants, wildlife and local history. This road trip has inspired us with positive experiences of our great country towns. We were impressed with the high standard of secondary roads connecting towns in both NSW and Victoria.
Barbara and John Gorman, Westleigh, NSW
Powered down
Ben Groundwater's article (Traveller, April 30) about what he can't travel without was very practical but it requires one amendment for cruise ship passengers. On my last Princess Cruise, I packed a power board in my luggage and my suitcase did not arrive in my cabin. I was advised to go to the security area where I was asked to remove the power board from my case. The cruise line considers power boards a potential fire hazard and the confiscated item was returned to me when I left the ship.
David Linfoot, Castle Hill, NSW
Your views on views
Thanks to our readers who responded to our story about the 35 greatest views in the world, as named by the experts. The best letters are featured below. Each published reader published receives a copy of Lonely Planet's Wonders of the World coffee table book valued at $44.99. See shop.lonelyplanet.com
Wail watching
On a small-ship cruise out of Ushuaia, Argentina, we stopped at dusk, took Zodiacs to Isla Navarino and climbed up, through rough bush, to about 300 metres above the icy water. We sat down, looking east down the channel at our ship and the snow-capped islands in the distance. No one spoke for five minutes. I cried. The view and the silence made me cry, as the memory does now.
Ian Johnson, Docklands, Vic
Howe amazing
Lord Howe Island rewarded me with my greatest view yet – I was mesmerised by Mount Gower's peak in this idyllic paradise. It towers over the island from every vantage point, but for me it was most spectacular from Lagoon Beach. Whether on a sunny day as the backdrop for the magnificent blue lagoon, or teasingly peaking through cloud, this spellbinding view remains my most treasured.
Roxanne Le Blanc, Croydon, Vic
Roar power
First a rumble, then an all-encompassing roar hits you like a jet engine. Bordering Brazil and Argentina the stunning sight and sound of the Iguazu Falls is breathtaking, as 275 waterfalls, the largest waterfall system in the world, crash and spray. From the expansive view on the Brazilian side to the daredevil walkway stretching part of the way across Devil's Throat on the Argentinian side, the vista is extraordinary and never to be forgotten.
Sally Spurr, Lane Cove, NSW
Solid rock
The monasteries of Meteora are built on top of these massive rock pillars that rise straight out of the ground. It almost doesn't look real. From up there, the view is something else. When I visited, I remember standing still for what felt like hours. But it wasn't just the view that struck me. It was the feeling of being suspended between heaven and earth. It inspired me to slow down, reflect and reconnect with nature and history. Meteora truly deserves a spot among the world's most inspiring sights.
Emanuel Marinos, Kogarah, NSW
Bath times
My favourite view from my travels is this one of Avon Canal in Bath, UK. It was a surprising discovery as I wasn't aware there was a canal in Bath. I love the way it is darker at the edges but your eye is drawn to the light and the reflections in the centre of the photo. A memorable day with my husband and son.
Susan Rowe, Epping, NSW
Snow show
Our journey to the Gateway of the Arctic Circle, Tromso, Norway, started with the plane diverting to a military base to refuel due to heavy snowfall, adding a thrilling twist to our arrival in this enchanting city. When we sipped coffee in a cosy cafe the next day, we were mesmerised by the single best view of our travels. Tromso's harbour sparkled like a frozen canvas, snow-covered mountains rising majestically in the distance, ferries gliding smoothly by. The Arctic scenery held us in its thrall and is forever in our hearts.
Rhoda Silber, Manly, NSW
On top Down Under
My single best view is the King Valley from Powers Lookout in North East Victoria region. For as far as the eye can see there's beauty, stretching beyond the valley of farms and vineyards to the mountains of the Alpine National Park. It's so peaceful. As Bill Bryson wrote in his book Down Under, 'if you put this in Virginia or Vermont, there would be scores of people… there'd be souvenir stands and probably an IMAx screen and adventure park'. It really is one of Victoria's best-kept secrets.
Peter Denovan, Kew East, Vic
Rhodes warrior
I stayed in Lindos on the island of Rhodes in September 2018 and walked up the many steps of the Temple of Athena at both dawn and dusk to experience the beauty and vibration of this amazing place. Seven kilometres away, the coast of Turkey can be seen. I am just about to head back now and will be greeting Athena again.
Christine Tiley, Albany Creek, Qld
Take a peak
After a magical scenic train trip we arrived at Kleine Scheidegg in Switzerland. We sat on the terrace of a restaurant and gazed up at an incredibly breathtaking view. We were looking at the famous challenging North Face of the Eiger mountain. Next to it were the majestic peaks of Monch and Jungfrau. The scale of these inspired feelings of awe and a profound connection to history and to nature.
Mim Kocher, Healesville, Vic
Sounds incredible
We rose just after dawn to discover the magnificence of New Zealand's Milford Sound from our balcony on the Silversea Muse in December 2019. The captain had warned the day before that bad weather might divert us overnight to calmer waters, as had been the case with two previous cruises. but Milford Sound was a millpond. This view is emblazoned in my memory and surely in the memories of my fellow travellers.
Lina Caneva, South Yarra, Vic
Just loafing
There are so many great and beautiful views around the world but one that captivated me was that from Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio, Brazil. There was a clear view of the entire Copacabana Beach and onwards from Ipanema, to Corcovado in the distance (with the famous Christ the Redeemer statue). It's a bird's-eye view of the main part of Rio, showcasing the mountains rolling down to the sea with the beautiful blue waters of the Atlantic washing around and behind you. Fabulous.
Martyn Jones, Adelaide, SA
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The Age
4 days ago
- The Age
Not quite luxe but this expedition ship is the real deal
For a ship that carries 130 passengers, Greg Mortimer beats some larger expedition opposition in its generous public areas, which include a large lecture lounge with a help-yourself coffee station, and adjacent Elephant Island bar and lounge, popular for pre-dinner cocktails. The forward-facing observation lounge on Deck 8 has a small bar and large deck from which to view wildlife and scenery. Another expansive deck faces aft on Deck 7, which might normally be filled with Zodiacs on expedition ships. I particularly like the snug library on the port side, crammed with polar reference and history books, and with windows often framing views of mountains or icebergs. The ship also has a reception desk, small shop and, in its bowels, a mudroom for storing boots and poplar jackets (both supplied by Aurora Expeditions) and with access onto Zodiacs for excursions. The stateroom I'm in a balcony stateroom, each of which varies slightly in size. Mine is 20.9 square metres plus balcony. It's a generous and well-considered space with enough room for a desk and two small armchairs, and ample storage space for the contents of two suitcases. A large TV, a minibar and abundant electric and USB sockets are among amenities. The room is well insulated: I can't hear my jet-lagged neighbours, who worry I might be disturbed by their TV late at night. The ensuite is a decent size but is lacking a cabinet or much counter-top space. Yet it has what you really need in polar conditions: underfloor heating, and a generous shower space with gushing hot water. The food Dining times are short, and service swift but attentive. Seating is open. There's only one restaurant, with breakfast and lunch served buffet-style and providing a good range of hot and cold dishes. At lunchtime I'm very happy with the salad bar, cold cuts and cheeses, an always excellent soup, and various hot dishes and desserts that change daily. The galley delivers consistently good, home-cooking-style cuisine, rather than the fancy or adventurous. The menu is Europe-inspired but among the choices is always an Indian (and sometimes other Asian) dish to enliven the palate. Wine is included at dinner. A small section of the dining room is set aside in the evenings as a speciality, inclusive Tuscan grill restaurant. It has a limited and unchanging menu but the two pasta dishes (pappardelle alla norma and oxtail ragout) are excellent, as are various vegetable side dishes. Wellness The ship has a small spa, a good-sized gym with an impressive range of equipment, and two hot tubs on Deck 7 at the front of the ship that make for fabulous wallowing as glaciers and icebergs pass by. Also popular is the sauna, where chilled bones can be warmed, especially following the notorious 'polar plunge' or rite-of-passage dip into the icy Antarctic Ocean. Entertainment Nobody is on this ship for singers or piano players. Greg Mortimer is focused on maximising the expedition experience, so 'entertainment' is confined to informative lectures by highly experienced expedition staff, many of whom are scientists specialising in geology, ecology, Antarctic history or niche subjects from whales to penguins. Guests make Zodiac excursions twice daily (conditions permitting) and may opt for additional adventure activities such as kayaking, snowshoeing, mountain climbing, ice camping and scuba-diving or snorkelling (yes, even in polar regions). Greg Mortimer has a huge advantage in Antarctica, where regulations restrict landings to 100 people at a time. With some guests out kayaking or doing sporting activities elsewhere, guests can maximise their time ashore without any need, as on larger ships, to rotate. The crew The quality of any expedition hinges on the experience, knowledge and good sense of the expedition team, where Aurora excels. Greg Mortimer himself leads the team on my voyage but all its members are impressive, whether in the lecture lounge or out in the Zodiacs. On shore they patiently answer questions about everything from sea-ice formation to the sex life of penguins. The regular ships' crew are mostly from the Philippines, with all the usual charm and friendliness you expect from that nation's hard-working cruise staff. They soon remember guests' names and dining preferences. A shout-out in particular to the irrepressible Pel and the always-singing Wendy in the restaurant, who manage attentive service while always appearing relaxed. The verdict Aurora Expeditions isn't a fancy cruise company with an expedition-lite arm but the real deal, offering a thrilling and rugged sense of adventure in the remotest places – and yet not sacrificing comfort to do so. The details A 23-day Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula itinerary round-trip from Ushuaia departing December 27, 2025, is priced from $US28,215 a guest all-inclusive, except for some adventure activities. Greg Mortimer has two staterooms with disabled access. See The rating out of five
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Not quite luxe but this expedition ship is the real deal
For a ship that carries 130 passengers, Greg Mortimer beats some larger expedition opposition in its generous public areas, which include a large lecture lounge with a help-yourself coffee station, and adjacent Elephant Island bar and lounge, popular for pre-dinner cocktails. The forward-facing observation lounge on Deck 8 has a small bar and large deck from which to view wildlife and scenery. Another expansive deck faces aft on Deck 7, which might normally be filled with Zodiacs on expedition ships. I particularly like the snug library on the port side, crammed with polar reference and history books, and with windows often framing views of mountains or icebergs. The ship also has a reception desk, small shop and, in its bowels, a mudroom for storing boots and poplar jackets (both supplied by Aurora Expeditions) and with access onto Zodiacs for excursions. The stateroom I'm in a balcony stateroom, each of which varies slightly in size. Mine is 20.9 square metres plus balcony. It's a generous and well-considered space with enough room for a desk and two small armchairs, and ample storage space for the contents of two suitcases. A large TV, a minibar and abundant electric and USB sockets are among amenities. The room is well insulated: I can't hear my jet-lagged neighbours, who worry I might be disturbed by their TV late at night. The ensuite is a decent size but is lacking a cabinet or much counter-top space. Yet it has what you really need in polar conditions: underfloor heating, and a generous shower space with gushing hot water. The food Dining times are short, and service swift but attentive. Seating is open. There's only one restaurant, with breakfast and lunch served buffet-style and providing a good range of hot and cold dishes. At lunchtime I'm very happy with the salad bar, cold cuts and cheeses, an always excellent soup, and various hot dishes and desserts that change daily. The galley delivers consistently good, home-cooking-style cuisine, rather than the fancy or adventurous. The menu is Europe-inspired but among the choices is always an Indian (and sometimes other Asian) dish to enliven the palate. Wine is included at dinner. A small section of the dining room is set aside in the evenings as a speciality, inclusive Tuscan grill restaurant. It has a limited and unchanging menu but the two pasta dishes (pappardelle alla norma and oxtail ragout) are excellent, as are various vegetable side dishes. Wellness The ship has a small spa, a good-sized gym with an impressive range of equipment, and two hot tubs on Deck 7 at the front of the ship that make for fabulous wallowing as glaciers and icebergs pass by. Also popular is the sauna, where chilled bones can be warmed, especially following the notorious 'polar plunge' or rite-of-passage dip into the icy Antarctic Ocean. Entertainment Nobody is on this ship for singers or piano players. Greg Mortimer is focused on maximising the expedition experience, so 'entertainment' is confined to informative lectures by highly experienced expedition staff, many of whom are scientists specialising in geology, ecology, Antarctic history or niche subjects from whales to penguins. Guests make Zodiac excursions twice daily (conditions permitting) and may opt for additional adventure activities such as kayaking, snowshoeing, mountain climbing, ice camping and scuba-diving or snorkelling (yes, even in polar regions). Greg Mortimer has a huge advantage in Antarctica, where regulations restrict landings to 100 people at a time. With some guests out kayaking or doing sporting activities elsewhere, guests can maximise their time ashore without any need, as on larger ships, to rotate. The crew The quality of any expedition hinges on the experience, knowledge and good sense of the expedition team, where Aurora excels. Greg Mortimer himself leads the team on my voyage but all its members are impressive, whether in the lecture lounge or out in the Zodiacs. On shore they patiently answer questions about everything from sea-ice formation to the sex life of penguins. The regular ships' crew are mostly from the Philippines, with all the usual charm and friendliness you expect from that nation's hard-working cruise staff. They soon remember guests' names and dining preferences. A shout-out in particular to the irrepressible Pel and the always-singing Wendy in the restaurant, who manage attentive service while always appearing relaxed. The verdict Aurora Expeditions isn't a fancy cruise company with an expedition-lite arm but the real deal, offering a thrilling and rugged sense of adventure in the remotest places – and yet not sacrificing comfort to do so. The details A 23-day Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula itinerary round-trip from Ushuaia departing December 27, 2025, is priced from $US28,215 a guest all-inclusive, except for some adventure activities. Greg Mortimer has two staterooms with disabled access. See The rating out of five
Sky News AU
5 days ago
- Sky News AU
Major travel warning issued for Australians heading to the Maldives as official advice warns of 'civil unrest' and 'terrorism'
Travel advice for Australians planning a trip to the Maldives has changed, with an official government website urging visitors to be aware of potential 'terrorism'. The Department of Foreign Affairs updated its Smartraveller website on Thursday after reviewing advice for those bound for the popular holiday destination. Smartraveller now recommends Australians to 'exercise a high degree of caution' while visiting the Indian Ocean archipelago, warning of the possibility of violent public demonstrations. 'Public protests and events that draw large groups of people may occur in greater Malé and inhabited islands, and can turn violent,' the advice said. The website urges tourists to steer clear of areas where demonstrations are happening and to listen to advice from Maldives authorities. And though resorts on islands are still deemed 'generally safe and secure', Smartraveller warns that terrorism events can occur anywhere in the country. 'Exercise a high degree of caution in Maldives due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism,' the updated advice reads. The website said possible targets of terrorism can include government institutions and areas where tourists frequent. An Australian man and two Chinese national were stabbed in the Maldives in February 2020, and an arson attack happened in March that year on the island of Laamu Gan. An explosion that wounded the country's former president then rocked the Maldivian capital in May 2021 after an improvised explosive device was detonated. Petty thefts around beaches and even inside hotel rooms is also a safety concern, and valuable items being secured is recommended, according to Smartraveller. Official travel advice also changed for Australians bound for Bali following a Smartraveller update last month that warned tourists of spiked drinks and rough seas. Like the Maldives, a high degree of caution has been issued while visiting Indonesia, and the advice warns to be alert to methanol poisoning when being served alcoholic beverages. Many beaches in Indonesia are 'unpatrolled', and holidaymakers are urged to be cautious when entering the water. 'Australians have drowned in coastal areas, due to rough seas and strong rip currents at popular tourist beaches including in Bali,' the advice said.
