Quirky Guide

Bianca O'Neill is a journalist who has written for the Travel, Music and Fashion sections of Time Out Sydney, as an Opinions Columnist for ABC, and freelanced her way through countless music publications around the world. For more information, visit her blog.

Who wants to be surrounded by tourists on a rebuilt replica of the Great Wall when you can see the real thing in someone’s backyard?

A plastic fantastic ode to the old Viking town of Dublinia: definitely one for the young and silly at heart.

The islands of Phuket have some of the most famous beaches in the world. But there’s one tiny beach that all the tourists flock to – and not for cocktails.

Australia is full of big things to see: The big rock (Ayers), big coathanger (Sydney Harbour Bridge) and big reef (Great Barrier). And then there’s The Big Thing Trail…

Usually when “World” is attached to a prefix, we think of magical places where rollercoasters and popcorn abound. Not so in Shanghai.

Have a baby? Wondering where to find a live python to wrap around it, whilst taking photos like a proud parent on the first day at pre-school… legally?

Fancy a pint, whilst floating down the river in 30°C heat and listening to some chilled beats? Then tiny Vang Vieng in Laos is just the place for you.

Borneo’s ‘Cat City’ Kuching is home to a quirky Cat Museum, filled with all things feline, and statue dedications to the almighty kitty are perfect for travel pics.