My Travel CV: Sophie Dillman shares her best and worst travel moments

This well-travelled Aussie actress loves to get off the beaten track, and expand her world.

Home and Away star Sophie Dillman has travelled the world, but she still has a soft spot for an Aussie beach. This is her Travel CV: 

I got my first passport when...

My family flew to the United Kingdom for my aunt’s wedding. I had a very cute white-blonde bob and a big cheeky grin.

My first holiday memory is...

From when I was a toddler. My family and another family went to Tasmania together and we stayed at a cabin that had a boat swing (a rowboat tied between some trees) in the front yard. It was my favourite thing and I apparently begged my dad to build me one when we got home. I’m still waiting.

My favourite place in Australia is...

The beach (any) with my friends and family.

The place I’d love to visit in Australia is the Northern Territory. I want to see Uluru. 

The place I’d love to visit in Australia is...

The Northern Territory and Ningaloo Reef. Since living abroad, I have realised how little of Australia I have seen. For someone who loves the ocean and wildlife and fresh air, I haven’t seen enough of our incredible country. I want to see Uluru, I want to swim with the whale sharks, I want to see crocodiles in the wild and discover secluded swimming holes off the beaten track.

The place I’d rather be right now is...

I’m currently sitting in London and it is freezing and rainy so I am dreaming of warmer days. Sicily or Sardinia would be a main pick. It’s still warm there right now and I wouldn’t mind a gelato in the sun.

The place I’d rather be right now is Sicily. 

My holidays are mostly devoted to...

Exploring. Paddy (boyfriend and co-star Patrick O’Connor) and I both love going off the beaten track when visiting a country so we take turns in researching or asking advice of our friends who have been there. There will always be some sort of physical activity involved in our holidays too because we love the outdoors and we love a challenge. We also love meeting new people so we try to absorb ourselves in the local culture as much as possible.

The place I’ve visited most often is...

I feel fortunate to say there are a few countries I’ve had the privilege to revisit. My favourite would have to be Portugal. The people and the food and incredible history is endless.

There are a few countries I’ve had the privilege to revisit. My favourite would have to be Portugal. 

My most memorable travel experience happened when...

Paddy and I went to Norway at the start of last year and we saw the Northern Lights and went husky sledding in the snow. It was absolutely incredible. I’ve never been so cold, though. And I fell off the sled and into snow that was so deep I was covered to my shoulders, but it was like a fairytale.

The worst thing that’s happened to me while travelling...

I have had a fair few concussions. I’ve had a couple of minor ones while snowboarding (I am not as coordinated as Paddy) and even wearing a helmet, I’ve had two bad knocks. But last year I accidentally fell into an empty fountain in France and cracked my head open. The owners of the property were very apologetic and, honestly, I was too busy laughing at my own clumsiness to worry too much.

My most memorable travel experience happened when Paddy and I went to Norway at the start of last year and we saw the Northern Lights.

The best/weirdest things I’ve eaten while travelling was...

There’s a restaurant in Lisbon that does the best prawns in the world. I think it was my favourite meal of my life.

The travel experience/destination on my bucket-list is...

I really want to go on a safari.

There’s a restaurant in Lisbon that does the best prawns in the world.

The travel tips I’d like to share are...

Find a balance between taking risk and being comfortable while travelling. Sometimes that odd Airbnb can be absolutely incredible or that quiet restaurant has the best food you’ve ever eaten. Paddy and I like to take those risks every trip because they have paid off so many times. And when it doesn’t pay off, it’s a funny memory that makes the trip even better.

Travel has taught me...

That life can be lived so many different ways. Just because you were brought up a certain way doesn’t mean that’s the only way to do things. Every time I visit somewhere new I can feel my world getting bigger. It is such a privilege to meet friends from different backgrounds and unusual places, to share stories and to ask questions.

I really want to go on a safari.

How many flights have you missed?

Two. Both to Ireland but at different times. Both times I blame the Tube but Paddy would probably blame my disorganisation.

Passports/visas/wallets/luggage lost?

I haven’t lost any of these but definitely forgotten multiple passports and chargers in my time.

I’ve missed two flights. Both to Ireland but at different times.

Who is your favourite travel companion?

Paddy.

Flight/cruise/car or train?

Car.

Travel has taught me that life can be lived so many different ways.

Check-in or carry-on?

Carry-on. I always travel as light as I can. Luggage slows me down.

Sophie is reprising her role as Ziggy on Home and Away, airing 7pm Monday to Thursday, Channel 7 and 7plus from March 10.

Originally published as My Travel CV: Sophie Dillman shares her best and worst travel moments