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Catherine Best

Catherine Best

Travel writer

Catherine Best is an award-winning Melbourne-based travel writer and author of the guidebook Ultimate Caravan Trips Australia. A keen scuba diver, she loves writing about outdoor adventures and nature-based experiences, wellness and family travel.

Some couples book an aisle and window seat in the hope that no one will take the middle seat between them.

Stuck between a couple on a long haul, I expected one to swap seats. They didn’t

This couple has played the spare-middle-seat lottery – booking an aisle and window in the hope that no one takes the seat between them – and lost. I’m in it. For 14 hours.

  • Catherine Best
The Key’s Under the Mat at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Ten great things to do in NSW with kids during the Easter holidays

A bloodsuckers exhibition, a harbour sleep-out and a floating Easter-egg hunt are just some of the ways to keep boredom at bay these school holidays.

  • Catherine Best
Englighten in Bendigo.

Ten great things to do in Victoria with kids during the Easter holidays

Take a vintage steam train or spend a night at the museum. Here are 10 of the best things to keep the kids entertained these school holidays.

  • Catherine Best
Qatar economy class: roomier than most.

I slept better in this economy class than in business

I score an upgrade to business on my return leg, but had a more relaxing flight in this roomy economy cabin.

  • Catherine Best
The Prospector, on track form East Perth to Kalgoorlie.

Can’t afford the Indian Pacific? Try this bargain outback train instead

While you won’t get the luxuries of the famous cross-continent train, you’ll at least be able to enjoy some of the same views.

  • Catherine Best
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Visitors near Mount Conner on Curtin Springs Station.

‘Fooluru’: The other giant rock that’s been duping tourists for years

Many celebrate too early after setting eyes on this outback monolith, which is actually bigger – though not as spectacular – as Uluru.

  • Catherine Best
A snuggle with one of his adopted kangaroos.

How ‘Kangaroo Dundee’s’ sanctuary inspired a new Australian film

Meet the NT’s original mob boss, a gentle giant whose wildlife rescue work forms the basis of a new movie.

  • Catherine Best
The Mornington Peninsula’s very western tip.

The end point of the Mornington Peninsula is both beautiful and creepy

For first-time campers, Point Nepean Discovery Tents, on raised timber platforms with camp stretchers, provide a soft introduction to camping.

  • Catherine Best
The island of Peleliu played host to one of the fiercest battles of World War II.

The forgotten island where an Australian legend was killed

Damien Parer shot footage that won Australia’s first Academy Award, but few visit the site of the bloody battle where he was killed.

  • Catherine Best
The tour shows there’s more to the Gold Coast that glitz and high rises.

Beyond the high rises: The deep history of the Gold Coast

Most Australian holidaymakers could name at least one theme park on the Gold Coast but few know the region’s oldest creation stories.

  • Catherine Best