Here are two extracts from my latest book, Going Under, a memoir of family secrets, addiction and escape. These are swimming stories about my local outdoor pool Orange Aquatic Centre. Hope you enjoy these two bits of writing! Autumn Swims In Orange The start of March means summer is over and autumn begins. Here in … Continue
Just over the Blue Mountains west of Sydney lies the Central West of NSW. This is Wiradjuri country, beloved by the local Indigenous people then and now. The towns and villages of the area are a delight to explore; Bathurst, Orange, Parkes, Cowra, Carcoar, Millthorpe, Forbes and more. The countryside is gorgeous too, with lots … Continue
If you’re heading to Sydney and fancy a swim then Bondi Icebergs should definitely be on your must-swim list. Sydney has many beautiful open-air rock pools, but this is the most famous. Icebergs also boasts the title of most photographed swimming pool in the world. Come in summer to soak up the beach vibes and … Continue
There’s no excuse for staying dry at the Gold Coast. Whether you like swimming in the ocean, in pools or under waterfalls, there are plenty of options for all swimmers. Check out all the best places to swim when at the Gold Coast here. Gold Coast Ocean Swimming Some swimmers can just look at a … Continue
Do you swim alone or swim in a group? Why do you think people love group swimming so much? Read here the story of one swimmer’s introduction to swimming in groups and her reflections on why it works so well and makes our swimming friendships so very special. By Jacqueline Tonin Starting Group Ocean Swimming … Continue
Though Queensland has nabbed the title of Australia’s ‘sunshine state’, Western Australia runs hot on its heels. Perth is arguably one of Australia’s sunniest cities and boy, there are ample ways for you to make the most of it. From public pools with water playgrounds to picturesque beaches, these are some of the best places … Continue
The beautiful-one-day, perfect-the-next Queensland capital was built for bathers. Boasting more than 280 days of sunshine every year, sub-tropical Brisbane may not have any surf beaches – unlike most of the other Australian capitals – but what it lacks in wild waves, it makes up for in wonderful watering holes in every other form. By … Continue
Bear with me, forgive me even…. this is a rather personal wishlist of hotel pools I would like to swim in before I hang up my togs and set off to the great swimming pool in the sky. During lockdown, some swimming pool dreaming has kept me mentally afloat. Just looking at these gorgeous pools … Continue