As Christmas Eve arrives, the dedicated travel journalists at The West Australian are taking a moment to reflect on a year filled with remarkable journeys, all undertaken to bring authentic insights to their readers across the state.
A Year of Global Adventures for WA Readers
Stephen Scourfield, along with his trusty suitcase Casey, embarked on a West Travel Club tour through Italy's backroads in partnership with Albatross Tours, starting in a Venetian mansion. The duo then found themselves in India, staying at luxurious Oberoi hotels. They both declared the Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur their favourite hotel in the world, a rare point of agreement between them.
For Leyanne Baillie, 2025 was seemingly the year of Singapore, with an estimated six visits. This frequent travel underscores the team's commitment to covering destinations highly relevant to West Australians. Singapore's five-hour flight from Perth, diverse attractions, and role as a major air hub make it a consistent focus for the team's reporting.
Jessie Stoelwinder explored Vietnam from south to north on two separate trips, demonstrating the value of revisiting popular destinations to provide fresh perspectives. The team places particular emphasis on locations with direct flight connections to Perth, ensuring their coverage is practical for local travellers.
From Oxford Cycles to Polar Bear Warnings
Megan French delivered a stream of engaging stories from her travels across England, Scotland, and Wales. One standout piece involved a day spent cycling around Oxford and gaining exclusive behind-the-scenes access, captivating readers with her unique experiences.
The cruising specialist, Michael Ferrante, spent much of the year at sea, gathering first-hand knowledge aboard ships like the Celebrity Edge, Discovery Princess, and Viking Venus. His voyages took him from the warmth of Mexico to the stark beauty of Svalbard in the Arctic, where polar bear warnings are a part of daily life, and back to Sydney.
Combining her roles, Olga de Moeller filed compelling travel and food stories from locations she visited for international car launches, offering a unique blend of motoring and lifestyle insights.
Team Updates and Festive Wishes
The team welcomed Penny Thomas back from maternity leave for a special episode of The Pod Well Travelled, having enjoyed following her adventures with son Roscoe, including trips to Rottnest Island.
This year also saw the departure of Mogens Johansen, who eased into retirement. Remembered as a brilliant colleague and friend, he has embraced a relaxed pace of life, as he jovially noted in a phone call.
On this festive note, the entire West Australian travel team extends warm holiday greetings to its readers. They promise to continue delivering honest, engaging, and first-hand travel stories throughout 2026, inspiring West Australians to explore the world.
