As the year comes to a close, we look back on the most popular stories we’ve shared with you over the last 12 months. Here are our most-read articles of 2022.
Every December, Christina and I go through the stats and look at which stories we’ve published that year resonated with you the most.
I tell you what, there are always a few surprises.
A couple of years ago, our most popular story was a recipe for rocky road our lovely neighbour Denese gave us. We pretty much just copied and pasted that one while other stories we’d travelled to the other side of the world for and spent hours crafting didn’t make the cut at all.
But the most fascinating thing from these annual round-ups is always how the most popular stories paint a picture of the kind of year it’s been.
2022 is no exception.
The vast majority of this top 12 are very travel-focussed, which is definitely how this year has been. Coming out of lockdowns, borders opening again and everyone yearning to see beyond their back fence again has clearly been a priority.
So here they are: the top 12 of ’22
Where To Find Real Thai Food In Krabi, Thailand—3 Places You Shouldn’t Miss
Our last international trip before Covid hit, we were exploring the beautiful though somewhat touristy Krabi in southern Thailand on the hunt for authentic southern Thai food. Here’s what we found.
Where to find real Thai food in Krabi, Thailand – 3 places you shouldn’t miss
7 Things To Do In Eumundi Qld That Aren’t The Famous Markets
The little market town of Eumundi in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is a hive of creativity. Here are some of the things you can expect from this focal point of the Hinterland.
7 things to do in Eumundi Qld that aren’t the famous markets
Australian Beach Rules—9 Tips On Hitting The Beach Like A Local
This is in fact a revamped post from a long time ago—about 10 years in fact—that highlights some of the things everyone (not just visitors) should know about enjoying Australian beaches.
Australian Beach Rules – 9 tips on hitting the beach like a local
A Great Sense Of Gravity—How To Visit Sir Isaac Newton’s Apple Tree
My first trip overseas since 2020 was to the UK for my dad’s birthday… and to visit the world’s most famous tree. Amazingly, the apple tree that inspired Sir Isaac Newton’s theory of universal gravity still fruits each spring!
A great sense of gravity – how to visit Sir Isaac Newton’s apple tree
Where Does Your Wine Come From? Picking Day In The Hunter Valley
Never will we take a bottle of wine for granted again! After experiencing just half a day of grape harvesting at Glandore Estate in the Hunter Valley has given us an insight into the effort of wine-making.
Where does your wine come from? Picking Day in the Hunter Valley
Stay In Sophistication—The Calile Hotel, Brisbane
Quite possibly the most beautiful hotels we’ve been to, the Calile in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley has our heart. Here’s our review and video walkthrough.
Sailing On The Sunshine Coast—Saltwater Eco Tours’ Cultural Cruise
Cruising the waterways of Mooloolaba is a must for the Sunshine Coast, but this fascinating cultural tour on board a 100-year-old sailing yacht with a local Kabi Kabi elder is an experience multiplier.
Sailing on the Sunshine Coast – Saltwater Eco Tours cultural cruise
Do You Really Know What Relaxation Means? Spa Anise At Spicers Tamarind Retreat
You might not know (or care!) but I’m a spa rat from way back. I love a pampering. But the treatments, facilities, location and staff at Spa Anise in the Sunshine Coast make this place a stand-out.
Do you really know what relaxation means? Spa Anise at Spicers Tamarind Retreat
Pinot Noir—Why It’s So Misunderstood + 9 Of Our Favourites
Winemakers will tell you that Pinot Noir is a troublesome varietal from grape to glass. If you think you don’t like PN, this might change your mind. And if you do like it, enjoy the homage!
More That A Masterclass—Learning To Shuck Oysters Straight From The Sea
Learning to shuck oysters on the shores of Pambula Lake on the Sapphire Coast—one of the world’s premier oyster regions—was simply incredible. Here’s what you can expect when you go.
More Than A Masterclass – learning to shuck oysters straight from the sea
Where To Eat, Drink And Be Merry In Brisbane, Qld
Every time we go to Brisbane, we’re impressed with how good the nightlife and dining is. Here’s a rundown of our favourite spots from the last couple of times we’ve visited the River City.
How To Make Gin—Brisbane Distillery’s Gin School
Proof that keeping students’ attention is all about motivation—I never paid attention at high school like I did at this gin school at Brisbane Distillery. Each pupil gets a 1l copper still to craft their own gin to take home.
Extra: Trains, Planes Or Automobiles—What’s The Best Way To Travel Through Europe?
This story’s only been out a couple of weeks, but it’s dear to our hearts so I felt compelled to include it here. This is a wrap post of what we got up to on our first overseas trip in almost two years.
Seven countries and two months later, here’s what we’ve got to show for it.
Trains, planes or automobiles—what’s the best way to travel through Europe?
We hope you’ve enjoyed this round-up and that some of your favourite stories are here. And—as always—thank you so much for your support. We couldn’t and wouldn’t do this without you.
Have a happy Christmas and a wonderful new year. Here’s to an incredible 2023.
Cheers—Jim & Christina xx
