There is a certain magic in the unplanned moments of a road trip, a quiet cafe, or a morning at the coast. These are my ‘Trail Notes’ on traveling well with a dog, sharing the little lessons, dog-friendly spots, and reliable finds I have gathered along the way. From coffee around Sydney to long drives across the state, this is our guide to turning adventures into calm, serene memories.
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 which gate you enter, you are either stepping into a high-energy off-leash area or a completely quiet, historic sanctuary. For Monte, the contrast is perfect….
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 Vista Farm is it. Nestled right in the heart of the Hills, this 20-hectare pocket of history is a rare survivor of Australia’s early rural…
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 suburbs. The Pemulwuy Loop is a winding, natural escape that follows the curve of the water. It is a steady, unhurried loop that lets you…
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 found when you leave the crowds behind. The full 4.2km circuit is a landscape of constant change, moving from sun-drenched ridges to deep, cool gullies….
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 need to disappear into the green for an hour to clear the mental clutter. The Moxham Loop is a quiet, shaded pocket that feels like…
There is something about a 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 lesson in that. I went looking for that “perfect” serene retreat, but what I found was something much more real. When I say “real,” I mean…
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 just a little over a year old. As a new “dog mum,” I was equal parts excited and nervous. I took my research to the…
They say travel is about the unexpected. In my Serendipity Series, I love uncovering those honest discoveries, the ones that make a trip feel like a real experience rather than a brochure. Recently, we returned to the Fairmont Resort in the Blue Mountains. Having visited in September 2023 and again in January 2025, I have…
Battle-Tested: Modern Pets Elevated Dog Car Seat (Grey | Large) Monte’s Verdict 🐾: [ THE CUT ] The Raw Truth Back in 2022, I was stuck in a cycle of “car seat musical chairs.” We started with a traditional hammock (Pawmanity Deluxe Hammock) across the back bench. However, Monte was too low to see out,…