NewsBite

Advertisement

After abandoning a sensible career in IT, Rob McFarland now divides his time between Sydney, the US and Europe. He's won six writing awards and regularly runs workshops for aspiring writers. Follow his travels on Instagram @mctraveller

A desert ‘sound bath’ sounded cringe. But it turned out to be amazing

A desert ‘sound bath’ sounded cringe. But it turned out to be amazing

On paper, it all sounds a bit, well, woo-woo, but Joshua Tree National Park, with its energy sources, is the perfect setting to be open to new experiences.

  • by Rob McFarland

Latest

The spectacularly scenic South African drive most people miss

The spectacularly scenic South African drive most people miss

Weaving along the Drakensberg escarpment, South Africa’s Panorama Route delivers geological wonders and splendid views.

  • by Rob McFarland
Airline review: Despite the service, this is a good extra legroom option
★★★★
Airline reviews

Airline review: Despite the service, this is a good extra legroom option

Delta’s Comfort+ offers more legroom, though the flight attendants deliver a “good cop/bad cop” level of service.

  • by Rob McFarland
I turned 50 and decided to become a backpacker again. Here’s what I learnt
Opinion
Asia

I turned 50 and decided to become a backpacker again. Here’s what I learnt

The last time I backpacked was a two-week stint in Thailand in my late 20s. Can I still have fun in South-East Asia now I’m 50?

  • by Rob McFarland
In a city filled with luxury hotels, this is still the pinnacle

In a city filled with luxury hotels, this is still the pinnacle

Once the height of Bangkok luxury, does The Siam still cut it in the city’s fiercely competitive luxury hotel market? Selflessly, I volunteered to find out.

  • by Rob McFarland
New Zealand’s most popular cycling trail is truly epic

New Zealand’s most popular cycling trail is truly epic

From the foothills of the Southern Alps to the foreshore of the Pacific Ocean, this trail delivers a spectacular variety of terrain – and you can do it on an e-bike.

  • by Rob McFarland
Advertisement
I tackled a road trip through regional NSW in an EV. Here’s how it went

I tackled a road trip through regional NSW in an EV. Here’s how it went

Minutes into my quest to see how feasible it is to do a road trip through regional NSW in an electric vehicle, I’m already suffering from “range anxiety”.

  • by Rob McFarland
Like Vegas meets Disney: Mega-resort is impressive, but I won’t be returning

Like Vegas meets Disney: Mega-resort is impressive, but I won’t be returning

Once an illicit playground for the elite, mega-resort Sun City now has different challenges.

  • by Rob McFarland
Get your boots on: The world’s five best new hikes

Get your boots on: The world’s five best new hikes

The Balkans, New Zealand, Georgia and Japan are starters in the quest for the best hikes.

  • by Rob McFarland
This outrageously beautiful safari spot is still a best-kept secret

This outrageously beautiful safari spot is still a best-kept secret

Discover history, art and wildlife at this lesser-known South African reserve.

  • by Rob McFarland
This breathtaking valley has many stories, but nature gets the last word

This breathtaking valley has many stories, but nature gets the last word

Located in the South Island’s dramatic Fiordland region, the Hollyford Valley is full of myths, legends and epic tales of hardship and resolve.

  • by Rob McFarland

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/by/rob-mcfarland-hvf5q