David Whitley
Travel writer
David Whitley is a freelance travel writer based in the UK. He has a taste for unusual experiences and oddities with a great story behind them.
I never liked the Gold Coast. Now, as a parent, I love it
It would be fair to say that I have never previously clicked with the Gold Coast, but returning with kids in tow changed my perspective.
- by David Whitley
Eclipsed by its hip neighbour, this town has two things Byron doesn’t
Amid the glamorous surrounds of a Bunnings car park, the Big Prawn rises like Kilimanjaro from the plains.
- by David Whitley
More than just a gateway: 10 Australian airport towns worth visiting
Most people who fly into these destinations immediately head to a higher-profile place nearby. Here’s why you should linger a little longer.
- by David Whitley
How Scotch whisky conquered the world in five (not so easy) steps
A Europe-wide outbreak of grape pests, a world war and America’s prohibition period all played a part in whisky’s global domination.
- by David Whitley
Opinion
Family holidays
‘Daddy dropped his car key into the Grand Canyon’
As I stood locked out of my rental car, a stranger approached in the car park suggesting he might have something that could help me out.
- by David Whitley
★★★½
Airline reviews
Airline review: It’s still the sassiest in the sky, shame about the food
Richard Branson’s airline has personable service, but that’s masking a stinginess on the seating and food.
- by David Whitley
★★★½
Airport reviews
Vegas’ airport doesn’t have much in common with Vegas, except one thing
The main entry point for the glitzy city, the airport doesn’t go for over-the-top Vegas razzle dazzle. But it does contain more than 1000 slot machines.
- by David Whitley
Underrated beach town could be Australia’s next big thing
Urunga is a long way from being another Byron Bay or even a Yamba, but it might be about to burst free from the sleepy secret zone.
- by David Whitley
England’s most northern city is heaving with unexpected delights
From castles and hidden tunnels to one of the world’s great public artworks, Newcastle-upon-Tyne is emphatically more than its nightlife-mecca reputation.
- by David Whitley
Scotland’s iconic castle is a treasure trove of unexpected delights
With nearly 1000 years of siege-riddled history, Edinburgh Castle stands proud on the remnants of an old volcano – with big guns, prisons and precious crowns inside.
- by David Whitley
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/by/david-whitley-hvf4i