Australia
Global roamer. Wordsmith. Photographer. Made in Australia, Mel is a professional journalist with more than 20 years of industry experience. A guide writer for Conde Nast Traveler and a destination expert for Telegraph Travel and Culture Trip, she's had travel and lifestyle features published in Conde Nast Traveller Middle East, Etihad Airways' Atlas online, Metro UK, The Independent, The Times, Ultratravel Middle East, Harper's Bazaar Arabia, Beau Monde Traveler, Mandarin Oriental's MO Magazine, Kidspot, Family Traveller, The Upsider. Most recently editor of a 20-page lifestyle supplement in Abu Dhabi's premier English-language newspaper.
by Melinda Healy Whether attracted by the rare Wollemi Pine grove at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley or the rich Indigenous connection that Bouddi National Park offers Pretty Beach House guests, Luxury Lodges of Australia properties like these certainly tick all the sustainable tourism boxes AND all 18 of them leave guests 'green' with envy.
The 14 rainforest chalets are positioned privately and set among the constant whistle of native birds and trickling of cascading mountain streams. Tucked away in the World Heritage Listed Springbrook National Park, The Mouses House would have tobe one of the Gold Coast's (if not Australia's) most unique accommodation offerings.Not only does this rainforest retreat promise interstate travellers or daytrippers a luxurious stay, theteam behind the venture also embraces a philosophy that pushes...
The riverside town of Taree may have been bypassed by the Pacific Highway back in 1997 but that hasn't stopped it from attracting a stream of nature-loving visitors. With the Manning River at its core (the only double delta river system in the Southern Hemisphere) Taree is a playground for those who revel in the...
Set on 120 acres of prime land in the picturesque Byron Bay Hinterland, The Range boasts a strong sustainable ethos and combines Spanish design with an ultraluxe natural approach. A sophisticated sanctuary with spectacular views over Picadilly Hill and glimpses of the Pacific Ocean is what you'll find at The Range Byron Bay.
A hinterland retreat with a yoga studio is sure to have aspiring yogis feeling at one with their environment. Not your typical Gold Coast residence, the property at 13-15 Eagleview Court, Bonogin, has no beach or water views, just a force of nature that offers an immersive lifestyle in the heart of mountain wilderness.
Venus, the brightest of the planets, appears first, then as night falls, clusters of tiny stars gradually begin to multiply, creating a blanket of brilliance above. With a telescope in hand and a twinkling sky begging for my full attention, I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be than kicking back in the middle of Australia's spectacular Capertree Valley in my very own two-person stargazing bubbletent.
Billionaire retailer and Magic Millions co-founder Gerry Harvey has put his favourite waterfront address in Queensland on the market. MORE NEWS Bargain island escape in desperate need of a reno rescue Tennis star Caroline Wozniacki and NBA champ David Lee sell $22.7m island home "It's hard to find an address better in Australia."
In or out? The answer isn't immediately clear. Dusk is approaching as we're making our way through one of Australia's premier luxury resorts. There, just off the trail, is a bare-nosed wombat. When the faint-hearted marsupial spots us, he holds his position, as if to escape the glare and the cameras.
As we prepare to celebrate World Chocolate Day, Melinda Healy takes a look at some of the best places in the world for the delectable gooey treat.
What a difference a year makes. Last year, after 20 years in the media industry covering parts of the Middle East and Australia, I decided to take the plunge and become a freelance travel writer - something that I'd wanted to do since university.