Archives: Episodes

Episode 1

In our very first episode, 4CRB’s Robyn sits down with hosts Amanda Graham and Ben Farrell to launch the series and explore what makes great travel experiences. From why experienced travellers still choose to work with travel advisors to the value of real-world travel knowledge and support when things don’t go to plan, this episode is a great introduction to the people behind the microphones and the conversations to come.

EUROPE’S MARKETS BY RIVER

From twinkling Christmas markets to the colours of spring, discover a magical way to experience Europe aboard an AmaWaterways river cruise.

In Episode 2 of Travel Talk with Chirn Park Travel, we are joined by Christine Oliver from AmaWaterways to explore the wonderful world of European river cruising, with a special focus on two particularly memorable times to travel – the Christmas and Easter market seasons.

There is something incredibly special about experiencing Europe from its rivers. Instead of constantly packing and unpacking, your river ship becomes your home as you travel between historic cities, charming towns and picturesque villages, often arriving right in the heart of each destination.

During the festive season, Europe is transformed by its famous Christmas markets. Historic squares glow beneath thousands of lights, the scent of gingerbread and mulled wine fills the air, and stalls overflow with handcrafted decorations, local delicacies and traditional gifts. Cruising the Danube or Rhine at this time of year offers a wonderful opportunity to experience several of these magical markets in one seamless journey.

Spring brings a completely different experience. Easter markets welcome the new season with colourful decorations, local traditions, regional food and beautiful displays, while gardens and countryside begin to burst into life. With milder weather and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, it is a side of Europe many Australian travellers have yet to discover.

We chat with Christine about the AmaWaterways experience, what makes river cruising different from ocean cruising, and why these seasonal departures offer such a memorable way to explore Europe.

Along the way, there is time to enjoy the experience onboard too – from comfortable accommodation and thoughtfully prepared cuisine to the ever-changing scenery just beyond the windows.

Whether you dream of wandering through a traditional European Christmas market with a warm drink in hand or discovering Europe as it welcomes the arrival of spring, this episode might just inspire you to see river cruising in an entirely new way.

Join us as we talk European rivers, Christmas markets, Easter traditions and the joy of travelling with AmaWaterways.

ALL ABOARD THE GREAT SOUTHERN

Discover one of Australia’s great rail journeys as we travel between Brisbane and Adelaide aboard Journey Beyond’s Great Southern.

In Episode 3 of Travel Talk with Chirn Park Travel, we are joined by Hannah Dare from Journey Beyond to talk about one of Australia’s most memorable rail experiences – the Great Southern.

Connecting Brisbane and Adelaide, the Great Southern is much more than a way of getting from one city to another. It is a holiday in its own right, combining ever-changing Australian landscapes with comfortable accommodation, regionally inspired dining, fine wines and immersive experiences along the way.

We chat with Hannah about what makes travelling aboard the Great Southern so special and why a rail journey offers such a different way to experience Australia.

Travelling from Brisbane to Adelaide, guests journey south through New South Wales and Victoria, with experiences along the way including Coffs Harbour, the Hunter Valley region and Melbourne or regional Victoria. In the opposite direction, the Adelaide to Brisbane journey takes in the spectacular Grampians, Australia’s capital Canberra and the coastline around Coffs Harbour before continuing north to Brisbane.

And while the destinations are certainly part of the appeal, so too is life aboard the train. Settle into your cabin, meet fellow travellers in the lounge, enjoy meals inspired by the regions you are travelling through and simply watch Australia unfold outside your window.

Whether the Great Southern has been sitting on your travel wish list for years or you have never considered seeing Australia by rail, this episode offers plenty of inspiration for your next Australian adventure.

Sit back, relax and join us as we discover the Great Southern with Hannah Dare from Journey Beyond.

BEYOND THE ORDINARY: ICELAND & GREENLAND

Wild landscapes, remote communities and a different kind of cruising – discover the world of expedition travel with HX Expeditions.

In Episode 4 of Travel Talk with Chirn Park Travel, we are joined by Kat Nitarski from HX Expeditions to explore the extraordinary landscapes of Iceland and Greenland and discover what makes expedition cruising so different from a traditional cruise holiday.

For travellers with a sense of curiosity, expedition cruising opens the door to some of the world’s most remarkable and remote destinations. Rather than simply sailing from port to port, the experience is about getting closer to the places you visit, learning from experts and embracing the unexpected along the way.

We chat with Kat about Iceland and Greenland, two spectacular destinations where dramatic coastlines, enormous fjords, icebergs, wildlife and fascinating communities create the backdrop for a true expedition adventure.

We also delve into the nuances of expedition cruising and what travellers can expect from life aboard an expedition ship. From heading ashore in small expedition boats and exploring on foot to lectures, science, wildlife encounters and time spent with the Expedition Team, each day brings opportunities to learn, explore and experience the destination from a completely different perspective.

Importantly, expedition cruising is also about flexibility. Weather, wildlife and local conditions can influence what each day brings, meaning sometimes the most memorable experiences are the ones that could never have been perfectly planned in advance.

2026 also marks a remarkable milestone for HX Expeditions as the company celebrates 130 years of exploration. With a history stretching back to 1896, that spirit of curiosity and discovery continues to shape the way HX explores some of the world’s most extraordinary places today.

Whether Iceland and Greenland are already high on your travel wish list or you have always wondered what an expedition cruise actually involves, this episode offers a fascinating introduction to a very different way of seeing the world.

Join us and Kat as we talk icebergs, fjords, exploration and 130 years of adventure with HX Expeditions.

A TASTE OF CRUISING CLOSE TO HOME

Exceptional cuisine, beautiful destinations and the ease of exploring closer to home – discover a different side of cruising with Oceania Cruises.

In Episode 5 of Travel Talk with Chirn Park Travel, we are joined by James Sitters from Oceania Cruises to talk all things cruising, from exploring Australia and New Zealand to one of the great pleasures of travelling at sea – the food.

Sometimes an extraordinary holiday is closer than you think. With cruise itineraries exploring Australia, New Zealand and our surrounding region, travellers can experience spectacular coastlines, fascinating cities and beautiful destinations without necessarily having to travel to the other side of the world to begin their holiday.

We chat with James about the appeal of these “close to home” sailings and why cruising can offer such an enjoyable way to rediscover destinations in our own backyard.

Of course, we couldn’t talk about Oceania Cruises without talking about food.

Cuisine is at the heart of the Oceania Cruises experience, with a philosophy centred around creating memorable dining experiences at sea. From beautifully prepared dishes and speciality restaurants to fresh ingredients and menus inspired by destinations around the world, dining becomes an important part of the journey rather than simply something that happens between ports.

We also take a broader look at the cruise industry and how cruising continues to evolve. With different ships, destinations and styles of cruising available, finding the right cruise is less about choosing a ship from a brochure and more about matching the experience to the traveller.

Whether you are considering your first cruise, looking for a new way to explore Australia and New Zealand, or simply believe that great food is an essential ingredient of a great holiday, there is plenty to enjoy in this episode.

Join us and James as we talk cruising close to home, life at sea and why sometimes the most memorable journeys are also the most delicious.

EUROPE IN SPRINGTIME

Longer days, beautiful landscapes and some of Europe’s most iconic cities – discover the appeal of exploring Europe’s rivers in spring.

In Episode 6 of Travel Talk with Chirn Park Travel, we are joined by Helen Mezzen from Viking to talk about one of our favourite ways to experience Europe – river cruising – and why spring can be such a wonderful time to go.

As Europe emerges from winter, the rivers and cities begin to come alive. Gardens are in bloom, the days are getting longer and there is a wonderful sense of the season changing as you travel through the countryside.

We chat with Helen about her own experiences cruising through Europe with Viking, including journeys along the Rhine and Seine, and what travellers can expect from a European river cruise.

One of the great pleasures of river cruising is just how much you can see without constantly packing and unpacking. Your ship travels with you as you move between historic cities, smaller towns and beautiful stretches of countryside, often docking within easy reach of the places you have come to explore.

There is also something special about seeing Europe from the water. Castles, vineyards, villages and landscapes slowly pass by as you cruise, while time ashore gives you the opportunity to delve deeper into the history, culture and food of each region.

We also talk about the Viking experience and the nuances of river cruising – from what life is like onboard to the excursions, destinations and the type of traveller who might enjoy this style of holiday.

And while summer might traditionally be the first season that comes to mind when planning a European holiday, spring has plenty of its own appeal. Cooler sightseeing weather, changing landscapes and the excitement of Europe waking up for another season can make it a particularly rewarding time to travel.

Whether you are already a river cruising convert or have been wondering what all the fuss is about, this episode offers plenty of inspiration for seeing Europe from an entirely different perspective.

Join us and Helen as we talk European rivers, springtime travel and the simple pleasure of unpacking once and watching Europe come to you.