Editor’s Letter
JESS WILKINSON
Editor
Immersing yourself not just in a location, but in the stories of a place is something that time so often doesn’t allow. In each issue of Journey Beyond magazine, we aim to celebrate the art of travel – not just the destination but the stories, traditions, and connections that make every journey unforgettable. We do this for a very simple reason; in taking the time to slow down and savour the journey, we uncover moments that might otherwise slip by unnoticed.
This issue is a celebration of that slower pace. It’s an invitation to embrace the art of journeying with intention and curiosity – something easier said than done! We look at the romance of travelling Australia by train (p.44) – enjoying the rhythm of the tracks, the camaraderie of fellow passengers, and the steady backdrop of Australia’s striking landscapes. I love our piece on Western Australia’s wildflowers (p.66). It’s such a special time in this region and a colourful reminder of nature’s quiet brilliance. This piece also leans heavily into a clichéd but nonetheless true saying; “Stop and smell the roses”, (or wildflowers in this case).
We raise a glass to Australia’s most legendary pubs (p.54) – those that aren’t just watering holes but time capsules that remind us of the charm found in shared moments and simple pleasures. And lastly, my favourite piece of the issue – Australia’s Spiritual Heart (p.36) – gives us one of the most profound ways to embrace a slower pace; by exploring and experiencing thousands of years worth of Indigenous stories, traditions, and wisdom in Arnhem Land. Here’s to exploring, one story at a time – enjoy!
On a day-trip, a short getaway or a long adventure? Share your #JourneyBeyond with us on Instagram – we love nothing more than gawking at travel pics.
Contributers
ANNA CHRISTENSEN
Anna is a Fremantle-based writer and dishevelled mum of three. In the name of a good story, she’s travelled to all kinds of places. She’s flown over a bubble-gum pink lake in a chopper, unearthed secret swimming holes, and surfed (okay, was dumped) by terrifying surf breaks in Bali. When she’s not chasing after her boys, she’s soaking up the natural beauty of Western Australia. Read Anna’s story on The Rottnest Channel swim on page 52.
SUE WILLIAMS
Sue is an award-winning travel journalist and best-selling author who adores writing about Australia and its colourful history. Even though she’s a committed cityslicker, she’s written a number of books about the outback and loves nothing more than heading out to remote places lesser known. She recently adored travelling around Arnhem Land with its rich indigenous culture, and you can read about her trip on Page 36.
JUSTIN MENEGUZZI
A former insurance lawyer, Justin traded his corporate suit for a rucksack and hasn’t looked back. He’s since travelled the globe as a journalist and photographer, documenting people, cultures, food, history, and wildlife. Career highlights include crashing a wedding in Pakistan, helping scientists collect water samples in Antarctica, and tracking grizzlys in Canada. Read’s Justin’s story on iconic rail travel in Australia on page 44.
FLEUR BAINGER
Ever curious, Fleur is a travel writer with a nose for the unknown. A mentor to freelance writers, Fleur is based in Perth and finds as much joy exploring urban laneways as she does 4WDing along red sand tracks in the remote Kimberley, venturing to the far reaches of Australia, or hunting down unusual wildflowers that trick insects into becoming their slaves. Read all about Western Australia’s wildflowers on page 66.
DESIGN + EDITORIAL
Storyation
DISCLAIMER
Views expressed in Journey Beyond magazine are not necessarily those of Journey Beyond. The content of this magazine is fully protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without prior permission of the publisher. All information is correct at the time of going to press. All rights reserved.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY
In the spirit of reconciliation, Journey Beyond acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.