Phoenix Arrien

Touring The Tarkine Wilderness

phoenix — Thu, 07 May 2009 00:34:24 +0000

Above me towers 500-year-old Myrtles, below me the furry green moss cushions my behind as I slide over fallen logs and follow the so-called ‘track’ that is barely an imprint on the forest floor.

I am in the Tarkine, a 650-million-year-old rainforest, the largest temperate rainforest in Australia and the second largest in the world. It’s a different world, it’s challenging, the extinct Tasmanian Tiger could be just behind the next tree, the mobile phone will never ring and I am having the time of my life…

A story about six days in Tasmania’s Tarkine Wilderness, including forest and coastal day hikes and plenty of ‘bush liquer’. Excellent pictures, plenty of anecdotes and nature at its best.

A side bar or story on the environmental controversy occurring in this area is also available.

New Zealand

phoenix — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 04:11:02 +0000

The Tranz Coastal and Tranz Alpine train journeys are amongst the most spectacular in the world and they both begin in Christchurch, a proud little city steeped in culture and history. Available stories include: trains that hug the Pacific ocean and wind around snow-capped mountains; the Alpine Pacific Triangle; and Christchurch whose attractions include a sky gondola, history, dining, accommodation, wildlife park and a special little spa retreat overlooking a glittering harbour.

‘Australia’ The Movie Trail

admin — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:22:01 +0000

Between November 2008 and February 2009, ‘Moulin Rouge’ director Baz Lurhmann will release his multi-million dollar epic ‘Australia’ around the world.

I am excited to offer unique stories on the two ‘Australia’ movie locations: Bowen, a rustic town located by the stunningly beautiful Great Barrier Reef and lush tropical rainforests; and the eastern Kimberley, where visitors can stay on vast cattle stations turned wilderness resorts, offering unique experiences ranging from celebrating wild, sunset-drenched Outback scenery with champagne to the thrill of mustering cattle on horseback.

Side bars on the movie including quotes from cast and locals or the effect that movie filming has on these two country locations can be included. Excellent pictures and fact files provided.

Jump Ship, It’s Tahiti

phoenix — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:38:07 +0000

The famous mutiny on the Bounty occurred after the ship left Tahiti. They must have been reluctant to leave.

I know the feeling. I have returned from a visit to three islands in French Polynesia and still feel mutinous about leaving. So let me share Polynesia’s beauty and sunshine, activities and wildlife, food and flowers, pearls and smiles with your readers. A special focus on luxury spas or cultural and historical life is available. Stunning pictures and fact file included.

Canberra Capers

phoenix — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:29:38 +0000

Only in a relaxed country like Australia can you hover in a balloon mere metres above a nation’s ‘White House’ then float over to the US Embassy to admire its rose bushes.

The capital city of Australia sits in a natural bowl ringed by gentle hills, beyond which far-off mountains appear as long lines of dark blue. It owes its existence to a ‘disagreement’, offers an impress range of attractions for all ages and is a gateway to intoxicating winery districts. I wonder if the politicians trapped in Parliament House ever get to float into the sky or laze in a beautiful boutique guest house sipping a robust red wine made from local grapes? In the air or on the ground, Canberra and its surrounding regions are worthy of exploration. Excellent pictures and fact file available.

A Bright Place in Victoria, Australia

phoenix — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:18:47 +0000

The owner of the Ovens Hotel leaps up on stage, grabs a guitar and starts rockin’ to the beat held by a great bearded bushie behind the drum kit.

You won’t see such a sight in the cities but you will in these historic hotels that dot the Victorian Alps. On a country pub tour you also meet the local characters, enjoy a few drinks and sit down to some wholesome country tucker.

I have an excellent article about exploring Bright on bike, foot, car and bus. This magic little town is easy to get to by car, train/bus or on a railtrail, luxury and budget accommodation is available and most food is grown in the surrounding mountains and valleys. Bright is also an adventure playground offering paragliding, cycling, walking, hiking, skiing, horseriding, canoeing and throwing yourself off cliffs.

Breweries and wineries are a speciality of the area. Is it time your readers enjoyed Bright? Excellent pictures and fact file included.

Malaysian Magic

phoenix — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:15:17 +0000

Malaysia is a surprisingly low-key destination that quickly reveals itself.

Stories include an ‘on and off’ bus tour of Kuala Lumpur, a ‘jungle’ train, a turtle sanctuary, hip, luxury resorts and peaceful fishing villages. Islands are clothed in jungle and ringed by sand including Tioman Island, constantly rated as one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world and the location for the famous movie ‘South Pacific’ or Penang Island, rich in history and swirling with colour.

Pictures, side bars and fact files available

Southwest Western Australia

phoenix — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 09:46:52 +0000

Tall trees, wilderness, craftspeople, adventure, coastal villages and gourmet grape regions: the southwest of Western Australia has it all. Stories cover many different angles, along with stunning photography.

An Island Near Singapore

phoenix — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 06:15:33 +0000

Indonesia’s Bin Tan Island is only an hour’s ferry ride from Singapore, yet it is a world away from city bustle and traffic.

Beautiful beaches, excellent golf, traditional villages with weavers and blacksmiths and comfortable resorts make this an Asian jewel.

Fleurieu For The Faded and Jaded

phoenix — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 06:14:54 +0000

The Fleurieu, my travel agent murmured sympathetically. Yes, go take a break in the Fleurieu.

If your readers are the type that work hard – just like me – then the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia will strike a chord. This is a dreamy region of rustic stone buildings, waterfront towns and attractions that include the only horse-drawn tram in Australia, whale-watching, excellent dining and a variety of accommodation.