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Julia D'Orazio

Julia D'Orazio

Travel writer

Perth-based writer Julia D'Orazio changed her degree to tourism after her first backpacking trip. She has lived in Estonia, England and France, travelled to more than 70 countries and contributed to international travel books.

Fruit market in Porto’s Bolhao Market.

In this city, snacks come fast and cheap, but you won’t be able to stop at one

In historic markets and neighbourhood hangouts, treats abound for those on a budget.

  • Julia D'Orazio
The interior features the original stained-glass windows from its cafe heyday.

Inside the 90-year-old building housing the world’s most beautiful McDonald’s

What makes this unlikely tourist hotspot stand out from more than 38,000 restaurants worldwide?

  • Julia D'Orazio
The coastal boardwalk at the Chek Jawa Wetlands on Pulau Ubin.

The tiny sliver of Singapore that time (and developers) forgot

In a nation dominated by giant, billion-dollar structures, this nearby island and its tiny village are a step back in time.

  • Julia D'Orazio
A rare stage curtain has placed Boulder Town Hall on the art map.

‘Rare as the Mona Lisa’: The little-known masterpiece in an outback hall

A rare, century-old painting depicting an Italian landmark is on permanent display in the unlikeliest of places.

  • Julia D'Orazio
The Pink House … the oldest brothel in Australia.

I visited Australia’s oldest brothel with my mum. It was eye-opening

Kalgoorlie’s infamous pink house has had its doors open for over a century. No questions about the women-run enterprise seem to be off-limits for McGowan.

  • Julia D'Orazio
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The capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz.

The overlooked European country you can hike across in just three days

The trail spanning the entire country is just 75 kilometres. While you can do it in three days, I went at a leisurely pace – it took me five.

  • Julia D'Orazio
Staff canteen at Changi Airport’s Terminal 1.

The hidden highlight of the world’s best airport

You don’t need a special pass to gain access to one of the best features of Singapore’s Changi Airport.

  • Julia D'Orazio
Asylum Coffeehouse

Singapore’s secret, absurd restaurant lives up to its name

A passing pedestrian would be none the wiser as to what lies behind an unassuming coffee shop in a historic neighbourhood.

  • Julia D'Orazio
The Super Jet is the fast option for island hopping in Japan.

Not just bullet trains: Japan’s other fast way to get around

Besides Japan’s extensive train networks and highways, travelling by boat in this island nation proves just as convenient.

  • Julia D'Orazio
Nature on the doorstep.

WA’s barefoot paradise just got easier to visit

The Mackerel Islands – the sort of isles likely to be cast for an episode of Alone or Survivor – now have simple mod-cons for visitors.

  • Julia D'Orazio