A Journey Into The Outback

Having been to Australia four times now, I’m more eager than ever to visit a legendary part of the country that I haven’t before -- the Outback. Last night, I had a chance to learn more about this vast wonder from renowned adventure travel writer and Aussie native Andrew Dwyer.

Andrew shared his Outback experiences, along with some mouth-watering descriptions of recipes inspired by the region, with an intimate group at The Australian Restaurant & Bar in NYC’s Garment District. Hosted by the Australian American Association, his riveting, informative talk had me falling in love all over again with the Land of Oz.

Cast Iron Chef: Author Andrew Dwyer cooking a Greek meal in the Outback

Andrew’s love affair with the Outback began when he led his first expedition across it 25 years ago. Since then, he has written several books and continued to head up treks to remote areas enhanced by innovative cooking with fire (hence his nickname -- Cast Iron Chef).

“Australia is an amazing place,“ he said. “The Outback is even more amazing.”

It’s no wonder he’s so fascinated with it. Home to 75% of Australia’s biodiversity, the Outback is also the largest terrestrial wilderness area on Earth after Antarctica. From deserts alive with flowers to baby crocodiles that don’t attack, Dwyer has seen it all.

“The beauty of the Outback is that so much of it is impossible to access,” he said. “You can travel through terrain where there are no vehicle tracks.”

I won the door prize -- Andrew’s most recent book, “Outback - Recipes and Stories from the Campfire” -- and happily asked him to sign it for me.

“Happy cooks are happy campers,” he wrote.

I might just have to book an expedition with Andrew next time I’m Down Under so I can experience that first hand.

Bonding With Fellow Bloggers

Last week’s press trip to Queensland in Australia was one of the most amazing travel experiences I’ve ever had.

Along with discovering the majestic beauty of the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef, I had the pleasure of traveling with six engaging and accomplished travel journalists – three of whom are fellow bloggers.

Travel Buddies: (from left, back row) Writers Jennifer Davoren, Kent St. John, Lisa Loverro, Stephanie Davis and Donovan Webster, and (front row) Barbara Ries, Lori Barbely and Kristin Luna with me and Tourism Queensland’s Kylie Smith, after a delicious dinner at Voyages on Lizard Island

Veteran travel writer Kent St. John delighted everyone with his wit, warmth and unwavering passion for both his wife and every part of our action-packed itinerary. His musings on Be Our Guest are worth checking out.

Prolific San Francisco-based freelancer Kristin Luna astonished us all with an extensive wardrobe of dresses – and her ability to fit them all in one very small suitcase (I, on the other hand, packed only 3 dresses and still managed to exceed the airline baggage limit). I’ve been a fan of her blog Camels and Chocolate for quite awhile.

Atlanta Skirt Magazine Editor and aspiring author Stephanie Davis was great fun to travel with. She brings sass and smarts to her cyberspace musings on Skirt’s website, and I can’t wait until her book comes out.

Jetlag notwithstanding, spending a week Down Under with Stephanie, Kristin, Kent and the six other talented writers in our group has reinvigorated me. Because of them, I’m excited all over again to see what adventures are yet to come -- not only as a travel publicist, but as a writer too.

Quick Dispatch From Down Under

My fourth visit to Sydney has been an action-packed one, full of sightseeing, business meetings and catching up with dear friends.

In the course of just three days, I’ve revisited old memories, discovered new favorite spots -- and fallen in love all over again with this beautiful city that artfully combines urban excitement with harbor side elegance.

It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This: Enjoying a glass of Aussie Sauvignon Blanc in front of the Sydney Opera House

More than once, I’ve been asked whether it’s worth the trip and time difference involved to get here. My answer remains the same. Yes, yes, a thousand times -- yes!

Coming up…the view from Sydney’s beloved Luna Park and the promise of a blind date back home with an Aussie!