Julia Morris: A funny thing happened on my way today…

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Funnily enough, stand-up comedian, House Husband actress and Logies presenter Julia Morris is something of a travel expert, having spent the better part of her working life travelling around Australia’s far flung landscape. Here she shares the best and worst of her adventures with Steve Madgwick:

Any tawdry back-stage Logies’ goss that you can divulge?

I was only out until about 1am, which is when most of the parties started. My days of hanging out and fanging out are over – I get too excited about sleeping. There’s hardly any gossip anymore anyway because everything is leaked out by selfies.

You are a comedian, writer, actress, presenter etc – how do you describe yourself to people who haven’t met you?

Very down to earth – on every level… Oh, you mean my job description? I just turn up to entertainment, that’s all.

You must be on the road a lot for your various day jobs; do you enjoy travelling?

I do enjoy it – and I don’t travel just for my stand-up work either. I’ve lived in many, many different countries (UK, South Africa, Los Angeles, New Caledonia, Bali, Japan) so I’m not afraid of changing things around, learning about new places.

That sounds like a lot of long-haul flying – how do you handle that?

There are no bad bits of flying for me – except when people think the video in the back of the seat takes i-Phone pointing strength to make it work!

Is there a certain place in Australia that you’ve always wanted to see but haven’t yet?

To be honest, I’m one of the rare Australians who has travelled to the far-flung alcoves of this great nation. But I would like to see The Kimberley in greater detail – more than just the 48-hour turnover we have as performers coming in and out of places.

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AI Prompt

Is there a place in Australia you’ve been to that you wish you hadn’t – perhaps somewhere where your show didn’t get the best reaction?

I don’t think so. Having toured extensively as a stand-up for the best part of 28 years, I’ve been to so many places but each one brings up a certain kind of joy. Stand-up crowds just want a laugh and they don’t want you to be too up yourself.

All-time favourite place to stay in Australia?

Crowne Plaza at Terrigal (NSW Central Coast). I was a water aerobics instructor there during its early years and staying there makes me know I’m up on my beautiful Central Coast, docking back on my Mother Ship, in maximum luxury.

Where do you get your caffeine fix?

The airport cafes are my favourites – I use them a lot! There’s one place at Sydney airport, Trattoria Prego, that makes a sandwich out of this flaky pastry bread with little seeds on it. I wouldn’t pass through without going directly to it and buying one of those and a coffee.

I heard you were married in Las Vegas – why?

It just sounded fun. Dan’s from the UK and we had three countries where guests would have to come from so Vegas seemed like not only a half way point but a really fun point too. We did it on New Year’s Eve so we just had a massive party. Neither of us are gamblers, though, so I’m still not exactly sure how we ended up in Vegas.

What’s your ultimate holiday nightmare, real or imagined?

I’ve only just lived through it over the Christmas Holidays. I booked a holiday house online that looked amazing on the website. But it was possibly the dirtiest place I’ve ever been in. I couldn’t even turn a lamp off without going to the bathroom to wash my hands afterwards.

How is it travelling with your two young girls?

The girls have been looping around the planet since they were born – they are not going to appreciate their carbon footprint when I tell them the truth later. We have a real system in place, they are so used to flying now – and we don’t drug them! I like to joke when we get on the plane, and see people’s faces glaze over when they see they have to sit near to young kids; I say, “don’t worry, we’re going to drug them". They’re so well behaved after that people just assume we’ve drugged them anyway. It’s the only time they’re really sweet.

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Where did young Julia go for school holidays?

Both my parents worked full time so we didn’t go too flash. We would go to my parent’s friend’s place at McMasters Beach (NSW Central Coast). We would pack up the car like we were driving somewhere forever away and then just drive for 10 minutes and then immerse ourselves in Central Coast beach life. Those were the best holidays ever. Laugh, eat and get out on the beach!

How do rate Melbourne (since moving there last year for House Husbands) against some of the other cities you’ve lived in: Sydney, LA etc?

I never rate my cities against each other – because it allows me to have full love for every single city. I can’t turn my back on my own city though; every time I fly into Sydney, over that sexy old coat hanger, it makes me think “ohh, my city!". But now Melbourne is my city too – every city we live in we embrace like locals, as soon as possible.

What’s the tackiest souvenir you’ve ever bought?

I have a special gift in tacky souvenirs. I have a salt and pepper shaker which is a woman’s bust – it’s amazing. But there’s no such things as tacky – if it gives you joy and reminds you of a place then there’s always room for it in your home.

Absolute travel splash-out in Australia (time and money no object)?

The full top half, from Cairns and Port Douggy, all the way over to, and including and tickling, Broome. Just pop into Katherine, get Darwin involved, especially the wave machine pool.

That’s a long way – will you be doing the driving?

No, I think I’d have to be in some kind of a private plane situation, wouldn’t I. Never been in one but that’s how I see it.

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7 features of a quintessential Aussie road trip

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
    No one does road trips like Australians. Make your journey perfect.

    The humble road trip is a way of life in Australia, and it’s not the same here as it is anywhere else. Sure, you could fly, but then you’re missing out on the bonding time and priceless memories that get made along the way (good or bad, you’ll be sharing them for years to come). Not to mention, some of Australia’s most worthwhile and untouched places can only be accessed by road.

    But how to ensure your road trip is quintessentially perfect? Why use this checklist, of course.

    1. Start with the perfect vehicle

    A woman sitting while reading inside Star RV Motorhomes spacious Polaris 6.
    Relax with stunning views in a spacious motorhome. (Image: Demi Gavin)

    I can tell you from experience, nothing will push even the most tight-knit group to devolve into chaos and fighting faster than a vehicle that isn’t up to the task of a proper road trip. Enter the premium options of Star RV Motorhomes.

    They have a range of sizes to suit any group, from solo travellers and couples to families. And they’re designed to be easy to drive.

    Take the Polaris 6, for example. This light-filled sanctuary of comfort has plenty of space for bigger groups. Three double beds, a shower and toilet, and an extendable awning (with room to move between them all) make it perfect for exploring Australia.

    Couples might prefer the Polaris 2 with a fully self-contained bathroom, kitchen and a bed for two that transforms into comfortable seating during the day. Both models are pet-friendly.

    2. Pack the tastiest snacks

    A couple having a picnic beside Star RV Motorhomes.
    Make use of the spacious storage in your Star RV.

    Road trip snacks are an Australian art. Some, you’ll need to pick up along the way. We’re talking the iconic Chico Roll, choccie milk and maybe a sneaky potato scallop (or several).

    Others, you can pack ahead of time to save on time and, usually, money. Thankfully, Star RV Motorhomes all come with plenty of storage space, so your snacks can last as long as your road trip. Think fresh fruit and other supplies to cook lunch and dinner along the way. Plenty of lollies and maybe even some soft drinks and Red Bulls for the road.

    Not to mention, many Star RV motorhomes have a kitchen onboard, complete with a full-size kitchen, so you won’t need to lug an esky around.

    3. Bring your pet for the ride

    A child and its pet inside Star RV Motorhomes.
    Travel Australia with your four-legged co-pilot. (Image: Erin Bacchi)

    Man’s best friend is essential for a truly Aussie road trip. Pet-friendly Star RV Motorhomes not only mean your dog (or cat, if they enjoy the open road more than mine do) can experience Australia with you, but that you save a small fortune on pet sitters or dog hotels.

    4. Prepare the perfect soundtrack

    Two people having coffee with a view.
    Chase the journey and the destination.

    No ifs, ands or buts, the perfect soundtrack can make or break a road trip. It’s really up to you, but we recommend plenty of Australian classics. Cold Chisel never hits quite the same as when you’re listening to it with only gumtrees and kangaroos for company.

    Of course, this means you’ll also need a good sound system to listen to your carefully curated tunes on. Star RV motorhome sound systems allow you to connect your device and play your own music. Goodbye, spotty radio reception.

    5. A spacious tent and camping gear

    A woman sitting inside Star RV Motorhomes with a view of the lake in the background.
    Enjoy soft linens and space to stretch. (Image: Cariund Hannes)

    If there’s one thing that a road trip can guarantee, it’s a campsite or several. So you’d better source a good sturdy tent, sleeping back, and a camping mattress that probably won’t help much – but it’s better than the ground.

    Or, just hire a motorhome so your vehicle is also your bed, and comfort is a priority (goodbye foam camp mattresses) with linens provided. And you’ll have room to unpack and move around. Heaven.

    6. Plan your toilet breaks

    Typically, an Aussie road trip means pulling over at a good bushy area or finding a horrific pit toilet on the side of the road – the smell of which will stay with you forevermore. If you’re planning to camp, better pack that handy shovel and find a good, bug-free place to dig your own loo hole.

    To avoid that hassle (and smell), forgo the shovel and hire a motorhome with an onboard toilet. When the toilet comes with you, there are no emergency roadside stops. Plus, it’s a whole lot fresher.

    7. Pick the ultimate destination

    Aerial view of the Polaris 6 cruising along a coastal road with sweeping beach views.
    Hit the road, Aussie-style. (Image: Matt Finch)

    Of course, the journey is half the fun. But the other half is an incredible destination. With accommodation and transportation sorted out with one motorhome, you have the flexibility to choose a gorgeous view for the night (or several).

    There are endless views to choose from, like the rugged cliff faces of Queensland’s Carnarvon Gorge National Park. Carnarvon Gorge camping area (near the visitor area) and the Big Bend walkers’ camp both have bushy surrounds and a trail to the gorge itself.

    Or Lake Argyle, Western Australia‘s largest man-made freshwater reservoir. Find the only dedicated camping and caravan park at Lake Argyle Resort.

    Meanwhile, Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria is prolific for its wildlife. Wander through snow gum forests and keep an eye out for wombats, Australian kestrels and more. There are several camp options here.

    Start planning your Australian road trip adventure (and get 15 per cent off on any Star RV motorhome rental in Australia) at starrv.com/au.

    Julia Morris: A funny thing happened on my way today... - Australian Traveller