Meet the Team: Introducing Writer Sera J Wright

This year, we’re thrilled to announce the continued expansion of our global team of writers here on The Department of Wandering. Last year we welcomed Mikkel Paige (based in North America) and Samantha Elisabeth (based in Asia). This year we are so excited to have the incredibly talented Sera J Wright from Australia join our editorial team too! Sera lives in one of the most beautiful places in the world – Byron Bay. She’s a perpetual traveller and has some truly bucket-list worthy travel plans on the horizon this year. To get to know her a little better before we press publish on her first travel pieces, we interviewed her to find out a little more about her and her travel style. Please join us in welcoming her!

Meet the Team: Introducing Writer Sera J Wright

Okay, first things first, tell us a little about yourself. Where are you based?

Hello, I am Sera J Wright – the creative behind Photography Byron Bay.

I am a local Byron Bay travel, landscape and lifestyle photographer, travel writer and blogger, storyteller and wanderer.

I was born and raised in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia and I am the fourth generation of a local Byron Bay family. The unique coastal landscape that I call home is in my blood – it’s my passion and it’s my love. Surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, I make the most of my incredible location and can always be found with a camera in hand.

What else keeps you busy besides travel writing?

Most of my time is taken up by photography, travel and adventures. I am a freelance travel, lifestyle and landscape photographer which keeps me busy! I also run my own online print store selling my images in print and sending them to their new homes worldwide.

Do you have your own blog? Share it with us!

Photography Byron Bay

Where can we find you on social media?

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

We know you’re just as obsessed with travel as we are. Can you share one of your favourite travel memories with us?

Visiting the To Sua Ocean Trench in Samoa is still one of my all time favourite travel moments. I was lucky enough to travel to Samoa in 2016 with five other wonderful female creatives. We spent a week experiencing some of what Samoa had to offer (it has a lot, we only just scraped the surface and there is so much more to see!). When you first lay eyes on this turquoise ocean trench surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, your heart skips a beat. It’s like something out of a fairytale. Climbing down the very steep (I had my heart in my throat the whole way down) and slippery stairs was well worth it. Floating in the clear waters, we were lucky enough to have the place to ourselves for an hour. A must add to anyone’s bucket list!

What about a travel horror story?

When I was 21, I travelled to Thailand. It was my second overseas trip (my first being to Fiji when I was 11). I was on a remote island with my partner at the time and, both of us being new to international travel and what is safe to eat, ordered a salami and cheese toasted sandwich to share. We didn’t think our choice through very well. They didn’t really have the best refrigeration over there (just a generator during the day to keep things cold). Let’s just say we were both extremely sick for about five days straight. We had the worst kind of food poisoning possible, staying in a tiny bungalow on the beach on an isolated island with no air conditioning in the middle of a Thai summer. Let’s just say that from then on I’ve always been very particular with my food choices when travelling.

What’s your all-time favourite destination?

Vanuatu! It has so much to offer and is located only a 3.5hr flight from Australia. It also has the world’s most accessible active volcano. From pristine tropical jungles, stunning waterfalls, white sand beaches, some of the world’s best diving and snorkelling and delicious food, it has it all.

Window or aisle seat?

Always the window seat about four rows back from the wing so I can capture the perfect sunrise or sunset.

Solo or group travel?

I prefer solo travel. I love experiencing new places on my own and meeting new people on the way. As I’m constantly taking photos and I don’t like to keep anyone waiting, I love to travel in my own time. While I still enjoy group travel, I much prefer solo travel.

What’s the best thing you’ve ever eaten on your travels?

Probably the Samoan ‘Oka l’a’, which is basically a raw fish salad in some sort of delicious sauce (maybe coconut milk). I ate it everyday I was there, I couldn’t get enough!

What’s the one thing you could never travel without?

My camera of course! It comes everywhere with me. Whether it’s one night away or a month long trip, it’s always within hand’s reach.

Got any exciting travel plans coming up?

I’m planning on doing ‘The Big Lap’ around Australia later this year. I’ll be on the road for anywhere between 6 months to 2 years and I can’t wait to share this beautiful country with everyone through my lens and my words. In between now and taking off, I will also travel back to New Zealand, Noosa, Fraser Island, The Whitsundays and Tropical North Queensland just to name a few.

Is there a place you’ve visited that you can easily imagine yourself living in?

New Zealand. I lived there in 2005 for a year in Methven (the Ski Village for Mt Hutt, one hour inland from Christchurch). I have always wanted to go back and live there as its beauty is like none other.

Can you share your best packing tip with us?

Always roll your clothes! It saves so much room (and you can fit more in). Although I always tend to overpack, I’m slowly learning to pack less.

We LOVE your photos. Tell us, what camera gear do you shoot with?

I am supported by Olympus and use all of their gear. I use the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, 25mm f1.2 PRO lens, 7-14mm f2.8 PRO lens, 12-40mm f2.8 PRO lens and 40-150mm f2.8 PRO lens. 

What can we expect to see from you on The Department of Wandering? What kinds of posts do you love to write?

I love writing destination guides with recommendations on where to stay with things to do and see, along with beautiful photos to match. I also love to write 24hr guides and give weekend recommendations whether it be in Australia or internationally.

Stay tuned to read Sera’s first articles, coming very soon!

Curious in learning more about the team at The Department of Wandering? Find out more here:

• Learn more about Rachel and The Department of Wandering in the About page and FAQ
• Meet contributing writer Mikkel Paige here
• Read Samantha Elisabeth’s interview here

Please join us in welcoming Sera!