The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast
The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast is where travel, food, and culture meet. Hosted by San Francisco–based travel writer, storyteller, and mom of two teens Shannon Gomes, the show features thoughtful conversations with experts in the food and wine world, avid travelers, creators, tastemakers, and locals who reveal what truly makes a destination memorable—and how to experience it like a local, with food always at the center of the journey.
From unforgettable meals and hidden neighborhoods to meaningful cultural experiences and practical travel insight, each episode is designed to inspire curious travelers—especially Gen X listeners who value depth, connection, and great food—to explore the world more intentionally and to bring a sense of discovery back home.
Shannon is also the writer behind The Gomes Guide (https://thegomesguide.substack.com), a weekly travel-focused Substack filled with stories, recommendations, and inspiration for meaningful travel. Listeners are invited to subscribe for fresh ideas, insider tips, and destination inspiration delivered each week.
Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply dreaming about one, The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast celebrates connection, community, and the joy of experiencing new places through food and travel.
The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast
Australia Travel Guide: Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef & Hidden Gems with Janice Kho
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Planning a trip to Australia? This episode will help you figure out where to start.
I’m joined by Janice Kho, who grew up in Western Australia, to talk about what it’s really like to travel across this massive and incredibly diverse country.
We cover the essentials, from iconic first-time stops like Sydney and Melbourne to unforgettable experiences like snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef and road-tripping through tropical North Queensland.
Janice also shares some of Australia’s most underrated destinations, including Tasmania for hiking and Western Australia’s remote north (think red cliffs, camel rides on the beach, and pearl diving history).
We get into the logistics too, including when to visit (spoiler: seasons are flipped), how to plan around Australia’s size, and why it can actually be cheaper to travel overseas than within Australia.
And of course… we talk food. Australia’s incredible brunch and coffee culture, its multicultural food scene, and where to find everything from casual café favorites to world-class fine dining.
We also bust a few myths (no, it’s not always hot… and no, everyone doesn’t sound like Crocodile Dundee), and talk about why Australians are some of the most passionate travelers you’ll ever meet.
If Australia is on your list, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips to help you plan your trip.
👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Travel and Personal Growth
01:30 Exploring Australia: A Traveler's Perspective
08:07 Underrated Destinations in Australia
10:40 Experiencing the Great Barrier Reef
12:33 Best Times to Visit Australia
16:10 Unexpected Travel Experiences
18:33 The Diversity of Australian Landscapes
19:54 Culinary Delights: Australian Food Culture
25:47 Wildlife Encounters in Australia
28:11 Common Misconceptions About Australia
30:01 The Australian Travel Culture
34:53 Encouraging Travel Among Young Americans