Stuck in a storm on Mount Terror
CONTINUING our new series featuring the holiday memories of famous people, this week singer NATALIE IMBRUGLIA, 42, recalls her life of adventures…
First holiday I can remember:
My parents didn’t have a great deal of money so it would have been to visit my grandparents in Inverell, New South Wales, when I was about five . We were living in Berkeley Vale, two hours north of Sydney, and it took several hours to drive there. My grandfather had a tractor, we climbed trees and ran around outside. At Christmas, I would sleep on an inflatable bed in granny’s front room and try to catch a glimpse of Santa’s sleigh.
My first time abroad:
Towards the end of my first year on Neighbours, I was offered the opportunity to do pantomime in Britain, and I went via the US. I met a friend in Los Angeles, who was engaged to one of the members of INXS, and so I ended up on the band’s tour bus – and for a 16-year-old that was incredibly exciting. I later flew to Britain and played Snow White in Canterbury.
Top school trip:
I was about 13 and at high school when we went on a surf camp. Because all the girls wanted to hang out with the surfer dudes at a camp, we put ourselves through a very gruelling surf survival course. We had to do some intense 100m or 200m runs on the sand, swim out 200m and then do CPR.
Perfect romantic getaway:
A trip to the Aeolian Islands north of Sicily. My father was born on Lipari, the largest Aeolian island, so it has strong family connections. The islands are so beautiful. I have been going there every summer for the past few years.
My best break:
Necker Island, which is my favourite place to stay in the whole world. It is so enjoyable as Richard Branson and his family create such a fun atmosphere there.
Scariest travel experience:
Filming a show called Adrenaline Junkie with Jack Osbourne. As we climbed Mount Fable in Alberta, Canada, we got stuck in a terrible storm. A helicopter sent to rescue us couldn’t land because it was unsafe, so we had to ride it out. You could sense the electricity in the clouds, as we were so high up. It was terrifying.
Essential holiday item:
A cool Harman Kardon travel speaker that I bought in Paris.
Dream destination:
I have wanted to go to Peru since I was a little girl. It sounds like the most beautiful, spiritual place on Earth.
Natalie is touring the UK from February 2 to 16. Visit natalieimbruglia.com. She was talking to ROZ LEWIS.