I love writing stories like this one, where I get to interview people who are deeply passionate and knowledgeable about a topic I basically know nothing about.
In this article, I talk to a cooper and a winemaker about the importance of good barrels.
Read MoreFrom my office in Beijing, I called Astrophil, an octogenerian stargazer to talk astronomy for the latest issue of Your Margaret River Region Magazine. It was wonderful if not slightly surreal to talk to him about the clear night sky and star clusters, while I was sitting through a rather smoggy day. I rarely see stars here in the city, but thanks to Phil, I’m now on the lookout.
Read MoreBusselton is brilliant for cycling, and everybody knows that the wines in the south-west can’t be beaten. But when was the last time you combined the two?
Read MoreWith its 265 days of sunshine per year, pristine beaches, and easy access to one of the world’s greatest wine regions, Perth is definitely worth the trip.
Read MoreMeet Lynne Oakes, aka my mother.
Although she might not describe herself as such, she is a gutsy and adventurous lady, and last year she and her lovely fella rode their motorbikes over 7,500km across the middle of Australia. She generously agreed to let me wear my reporter hat and ask her all about it.
Read MorePublished in The Washington Post, January 10 2016
A short train ride from Paris, visitors can enter a serene but spectacular Eden cultivated by the impressionist artist.
Read MoreI had a lot of fun recently chatting with Margaret River tour guide Sean Blocksidge, who I interviewed for the inaugural issue of Your Margaret River Magazine. In 2010 he won Western Australian Guide of the Year, he’s been rated the #1 Thing To Do in Australia on Trip Advisor, and he once took Jeremy Clarkson on an adventure tour and lived to tell the tale, yet the journey hasn’t always been a smooth one.
Being a tour guide myself it was fascinating to get his perspective on the scene, and the story of his business, as well as some insider tips for that even a locals will appreciate.
Read MoreAnna Hartley is an Australian writer based in Paris.
