Vanuatu's Land Divers

There’s something almost suicidal about Vanuatu’s famous land divers. Bungy jumpers have the benefit of an elastic cord to cushion their fall, but not so the legendary N’Gol (land-diving) natives of Pentecost Island.

The origin of this dangerous ritual is clouded in tantalising mystery. One of the more romantic tales tells the story of the abusive husband Tamalie who, in pursuit of his recalcitrant wife, followed her up a tall tree as she fled from him. She, whose name seems to have been mislaid in the passage of time, refused to come down knowing that another beating was in store. Driven by pride and rage, Tamalie lunged at her, but she jumped. Tamalie, intoxicated by fury, lunged after her not knowing she had tied vines to her legs and he plunged to his death while she survived.

Iceland: Trolling About

Be sure to pay your respects to little invisible Icelanders or your journey may end abruptly. Roderick Eime treads carefully.

“If you go walking, be careful not to kick around rocks and things. You could disturb a troll or an elf,” my guide tells me, and I turn to share in the joke. But he’s not laughing.

Liberia, Land of Freedom

'Unique' is an overused term to describe almost anything, but world traveller, Ros Freeman, found it perfectly appropriate to describe this African republic.

In 1821, the American Colonisation Society established the West African country of Liberia. The name means ‘Freedom’. An idealistic notion became a reality, returning African Americans and Afro-Caribbeans to Africa. 18,000 previously enslaved people elected to return to Africa, developing an Americo-Liberian identity. They brought their culture and traditions, and, along with the indigenous people, they founded Liberia. It became the first African republic to gain independence and is Africa's oldest continuously independent country. 

Intriguing Istanbul: A quick guide for first-time visitors

From domes and bazaars to ferries across the Bosporus, here’s how to navigate Istanbul’s essential sights, neighbourhoods and transport without losing your way.

 If Istanbul is not on your bucket list for 2026, I want to know why. Straddling Europe and Asia, it’s one of the world’s most storied cities, a place where Roman roads, Byzantine churches, Ottoman palaces and modern cafés coexist in a daily, lived-in way. For first-time visitors, the scale and intensity can feel overwhelming, but with a little planning, the city will reveal itself to the patiently curious.

The Elusive Enigma of the Adelaide Hills

Acclaimed author and journalist, Bruce Elder, tackles a gnarly South Australian question

For years I used to fly to Adelaide to report on the Womadelaide festival. In the early years it was beyond magnificent. Superb international acts – particularly from Africa and the Indian subcontinent. A sublime setting – the Botanic Gardens. Weather that was idyllic – Adelaide at that time was warm, balmy and dry. And the best food stalls of any festival in Australia. It was a rare case of a festival where the word “unforgettable” could never be overused.