These are my ‘Trail Notes’ on exploring dog-friendly spots, sharing the small lessons, hidden gems, and trusted favorites I have picked up along the way. From local coffee spots around Sydney to longer drives across the state, this is our path to turning simple outings into calm, serene memories.
Location: Lakeside Cafe By Chef’s Best coffee in town, G06/11-13 Solent Circuit When your shadow is a four-year-old Miniature American Shepherd who is a ‘constant thinker’ with beans in his…
A mini rainforest in the heart of Castle Hill The moment you drop below the ridgeline here, the landscape starts to shift into a dense mini-rainforest tucked away right on…
Exploring Sydney’s only metropolitan state forest: Where the canopy meets the ferns. For years, I drove right past it, never realising what I was missing out on. Most people know…
Balcombe Heights Estate Balcombe Heights Estate is one of those places that feels like a well-kept secret. Mostly because it behaves like a bit of a local chameleon. Depending on…
Bella Vista Farm Circuit walk: A 2.5km journey through time and tall pines. If you are looking for a walk that feels like a deep breath, the loop around Bella…
A steady, winding escape through sandstone gullies: The Pemulwuy Loop. There is a specific kind of satisfaction in finding a pocket of nature tucked away in the middle of the…
A escape where the water meets the gums: The full 4.2km circuit. Most people know Lake Parramatta for the main swimming hub and the café, but the real beauty is…
A hidden wetland reset in the heart of Northmead: The Moxham Park Loop. There are days when you don’t need an epic hike or a complicated itinerary. Sometimes, you just…
There is something about a classic road trip that forces you to slow down, even when you don’t mean to. Our recent 2-night escape to Culburra Beach was a real…
Travel is full of “firsts,” but our August 2023 trip to Queensland was a major milestone. I had only picked up my new car the day before, and Monte was…