Planning a long backpacking trip is a little different to going away for a short time. Working out what you need and don't need is one of the challenges. As a photographer, my requirements are slightly different, and add considerably to the hassle of travel, but with careful planning, this can be managed. Over the last two and a half years of travel, I've slowly worked out what I like, and what makes my life easier on the road.

Click on the thumbnail to see my packing list.

There is no doubt about it, Australia is a country that is very well set up for backpacking. The East Coast is the most popular route, from Melbourne to Cairns (or parts in between).

Seeing as its the middle of winter, and too cold down south, I'll be taking shortened version of the trip travelling north by car from Sydney to Cairns, with stops in Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, Fraser Island, The Whitsunday Islands and Cairns. I'll be leaving Sydney on the 16th of July - catching the beginning of World Youth Day celebrations, but getting out before it all gets too busy.

Welcome!

This is the first blog post of my new site. The launch of this site marks the end of a small break in my travels over the last month while I've got my life in order and ready to set off on another global adventure.

As you can see, the site is still very basic, has just a little content and for the time being features a standard drupal theme, but for me - a website design novice - its still a big step forward. New stories will be added along with links to lots of photos and a range of tips for aspiring photographers and travelers.

Over coming months, I'll use this site to share adventures along the way in Australia, Asia, North America and South America.

Starting on the 15th of July and through most of August I'll be on the road north from Sydney following a classic backpacker route along the east coast of Australia through Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, The Sunshine Coast, Fraser Island, Hervey Bay, The Whitsunday Islands, Townsville, Magnetic Island and upto Cairns and the Daintree Rainforest. Details of the trip will be posted on the East Coast page.

In the meantime if you want to see more travel photos, click on the palm tree to see my dreamstime portfolio with over 1000 images taken over the last 2 years in Australia, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.