The Sydney Morning Herald logo
Advertisement
Julia D'Orazio

Julia D'Orazio

Travel writer

Perth-based writer Julia D'Orazio changed her degree to tourism after her first backpacking trip. She has lived in Estonia, England and France, travelled to more than 70 countries and contributed to international travel books.

A rare stage curtain has placed Boulder Town Hall on the art map.

‘Rare as the Mona Lisa’: The little-known masterpiece in an outback hall

A rare, century-old painting depicting an Italian landmark is on permanent display in the unlikeliest of places.

  • Julia D'Orazio
The Pink House … the oldest brothel in Australia.

I visited Australia’s oldest brothel with my mum. It was eye-opening

Kalgoorlie’s infamous pink house has had its doors open for over a century. No questions about the women-run enterprise seem to be off-limits for McGowan.

  • Julia D'Orazio
The capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz.

The overlooked European country you can hike across in just three days

The trail spanning the entire country is just 75 kilometres. While you can do it in three days, I went at a leisurely pace – it took me five.

  • Julia D'Orazio
Staff canteen at Changi Airport’s Terminal 1.

The hidden highlight of the world’s best airport

You don’t need a special pass to gain access to one of the best features of Singapore’s Changi Airport.

  • Julia D'Orazio
Asylum Coffeehouse

Singapore’s secret, absurd restaurant lives up to its name

A passing pedestrian would be none the wiser as to what lies behind an unassuming coffee shop in a historic neighbourhood.

  • Julia D'Orazio
Advertisement
The Super Jet is the fast option for island hopping in Japan.

Not just bullet trains: Japan’s other fast way to get around

Besides Japan’s extensive train networks and highways, travelling by boat in this island nation proves just as convenient.

  • Julia D'Orazio
Nature on the doorstep.

WA’s barefoot paradise just got easier to visit

The Mackerel Islands – the sort of isles likely to be cast for an episode of Alone or Survivor – now have simple mod-cons for visitors.

  • Julia D'Orazio
A Cambodian num pang pork roll.

This Asian destination has transformed and the food’s better than ever

After my first visit to Cambodia, I could barely remember what I’d eaten. This time around the food is unforgettable.

  • Julia D'Orazio
Shinjuku’s Golden Gai, where more than 200 small bars are crammed together.

Alone in Tokyo, I shook off embarrassment to do it my way

My younger self enthusiastically sang into an Impulse deodorant can. Now I’m holding an actual microphone in a soundproof room.

  • Julia D'Orazio
To the point … the Lamp Light Books Hotel is, well, an open book.

Sleeping in a bookstore seems romantic, but the reality is no fairytale

It’s an affordable stay in expensive Japan, which is a plus. But the room is functional and not much else.

  • Julia D'Orazio