Well, hello! It’s great to have you here.
Are you an aspiring writer who is looking for a life of adventure? Or an editor hoping to commission a story? Either way, welcome. You’re in the right place.
My name is Denise Cullen. I’m a globe-trotting storyteller who delivers copywriting and journalism to brand and editorial clients. My writing has appeared in a host of local and international publications, including Australian Geographic, The Australian (Travel + Luxury), Cosmos, Explore, The Guardian Australia, and Narratively.
My work has taken me all over Australia and the world. So far I’ve …
… and more.
Interested in becoming a freelance writer?
My goal is to help you succeed in the competitive and ever-changing world of freelance writing with tips, guides, tools and courses. Let me show you the way. Check out my blog or take a peek at some of the courses I’m creating especially for you.
Keen to commission a story?
While travel writing is my main gig, I can turn my skills to stories on finance, business, science, and more. (Basically, anything except golf). Do I have the chops for the writing project you have in mind? Take a look at my portfolio to get a sense of my writing style.
Just want to see where I’m heading next?
Follow my journey on Instagram.
I still recall the sheer sensual glee involved in sliding into the private plunge pool on my deck at Zulal Wellness Resort one afternoon as the temperature hit a desiccating 35 degrees. (It must be said, this was nothing like the 40-plus temperatures in Outback Queensland over the past week.)
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There, overlooking the vast sand flats left behind by a retreating ocean tide, I peeled and devoured a handful of sweet, juicy longans, before climbing out, and changing into the white pyjamas that guests are encouraged to wear around the resort.
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Could there be anything better than a rock-solid reason to remain in PJs all day?
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My feature ran in The Australian`s Travel + Luxury wellness issue recently.
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I loved my time there, and I`d go back in a heartbeat.
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@zulalwellnessresort
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@visitqatar
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@qatarairways
💔 RIP Tilly 1 October 2011 (or thereabouts) to 10 November 2024 💔
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We lost our beautiful Labrador-Cattledog Tilly today.
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I still remember seeing her puppy photo on the RSPCA website and saying, `That`s my dog.` We got there before they opened so I could be first through the doors. Everyone in the family fell hopelessly in love with her.
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She barely slowed down even after she was diagnosed with inoperable cancer 18 months ago.
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Since then, on our morning walk, we`d sometimes pause at a local bus stop. I said we were waiting for the bus that took dogs and their humans to a place where they could live together forever.
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That bus never came. Tilly went on her final journey without us today, and my heart is broken.
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Grateful that she and her baby brother Banjo had a couple of years together. She taught him a thing or two. He wouldn`t be the beautiful boy he is without her steady (and sometimes stroppy) influence. So, in a way, she`s still with us.
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#dogs #dogsofinstagram #doglover #tillydog
Sink into the geotbermal mineral-rich Cunnamulla Hot Springs nestled beside the banks of the Warrego River.
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Seven sinuous state-of-the-art pools (including a cooler indoor pool and an ice-cold plunge) along with a sauna, steam room, and relaxation lounge.
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On assignment for The Wanderer magazine, published by the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia Limited.
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What a way to welcome the sunset in SW Queensland.
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@cunnamullahotsprings
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@visitcunnamulla
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@outbackqueensland
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@cmcalimited
If a series of builders warned me that the historic home I wanted to buy was `an absolute lemon`, I`d probably give up then and there.
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But Nichola Spain knew what she was doing.
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She comes from renovating royalty: Her parents, Eddie and Dot Spain, bought and renovated the former Cashel National Bank in historic Dookie, Victoria; their stunning home in the Strathbogie Ranges later featured in season eight of Grand Designs Australia.
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So, Nichola ignored the builders` advice and bought the rambling Queenslander homestead.
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Built in Montville in 1895, it was a massive fixer-upper. And then there was a second building on the same site to tackle - a former railway house which had also seen better days.
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After a four-year renovation project, Montville Estate (comprised of the two buildings, Eastnor House and The Postman`s Cottage) opened to the public. I was lucky enough to stay there earlier this year. It`s splendid. My review has just appeared in The Australian (Travel + Luxury).
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Thanks to those who fed, accommodated, and entertained me.
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@montvilleestate
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@golden_public_relations
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@visitsunshinecoast
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@littlemayespresso
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@mapleton.pub
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@brouhahabrewery
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@spillwine.maleny
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@the.australian
The Balonne River is the lifeblood of St George in Outback Queensland.
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It sustains the region`s agriculture by providing essential water and also supports local wildlife and recreational activities, such as boating, waterskiing, and fishing.
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For visitors, here`s a few good ways to explore the river:
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1. Jump on board Sandytown River Cruises for a late afternoon tour. Local captain Brett Schweikert practically grew up on the Balonne, and he points out all the curiosities (such as whistling kites` nests and storm viewing rooms) which the uneducated eye might otherwise miss.
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2. Take one of the retro bikes from the Visitor Information Centre for a whirl along the 5 kilometre St George River Walk. Enjoy the dappled shade and keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife. I dodged ducks and watched a pair of pelicans glide gracefully into the water just ahead of me.
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3. Stroll beside the riverbank on sunset and see the area come alive with locals enjoying a BBQ meal, a cold beer, or an after-work fishing expedition. If you decide to go for a paddle or swim in the river, the good news is that there are no dangerous animals like crocs or bull sharks which would seek to make a meal of you!
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@outbackqueensland
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@balonneshire
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@stgeorgeregion
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@sandytownrivercruises
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#explorestgeorge
It all started with Jack ...
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Earlier this year, I experienced the power of equine assisted learning at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in the Gold Coast hinterland.
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When I entered the round yard, Jack, a 26-year-old horse, refused to do anything I asked.
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But Sharon Kolkka, who led the session, revealed just how to break the impasse.
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“We want to help Jack to feel like he’s inviting you into his personal space,” she said. “So how that works is that you work on you.”
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She encouraged me to close my eyes and slow down my breathing; she instructed me to feel the light breeze upon my skin and visualise my feet connecting with the earth.
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Did it all sound a bit woo-woo? I thought so at the time, but her words encouraged me to calm down and get centred.
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When I opened my eyes again, I was feeling much more peaceful, and the atmosphere in the round yard had shifted.
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“I want you to look at Jack – nothing else, just look at him,” Sharon said. “What we’re seeing is a different horse. It’s very subtle … but now he’s leaning towards you.”
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My latest Take 5 story in The Australian (Travel + Luxury) looks at 5 healing horse experiences around the globe, including this very special one, close to home.
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@the.australian
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@gwinganna
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@carmelvranch
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@theaerialbvi
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@pinkspiritwellness
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@nihi
Discovering Ancient Egypt at the Queensland Museum opened with a special preview evening this week.
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Purchase an exhibition ticket and travel thousands of years back in time.
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@qldmuseum
Having unlimited time and money to work on your passion projects sounds liberating ...
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But, research shows that the most creative solutions to any problem only emerge amid constraints.
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My latest post dives deep into this paradox. Read on thr blog now.
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@denisecullenwrites
Looking for travel inspiration?
I have a growing list of guides designed to take you deep into a destination. The link below will take you to my Thatch travel page.
Let’s keep in touch
Feel free to reach out and contact me if I can answer any questions.