Travel tales: Brett Lee shares which countries have bowled him over

Brett Lee is regularly hailed among Australia’s greatest sportsmen – and it’s a fair call. After all, the former international cricketer is a legend in the sport, playing in all three formats of the game throughout his lengthy career.

Though now retired, Lee never passes up an opportunity to get back on the pitch, be it at home or overseas – and that often feeds into his other great passions: travel, seafood and music, preferably all at the same time.

What is it about travel that inspires you?

For me it’s the freedom to discover new destinations and experiences, new places, different cultures and unique opportunities.

Cricket has opened up a lot of doors and a lot of chances to see the world. I’ve spent a lot of time in India – next year will be my 30th year travelling there. I can talk about it for 10 hours; it’s been a big part of my life and a place I’ve always loved.

What are some of your fondest travel memories?

Keeping on the theme of India, probably the chance to tick off a bucket list: one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal.

I was working with a TV network and did a special on the Taj. I had to do a lot of research on it, like how the pillars are slightly off centre by a certain number of degrees in case of an earthquake, so it wouldn't fall on the main tomb.

The Taj Mahal, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

So, to visit that was truly amazing, as in the architecture and technology. Even back then, the fact that they had those tools and ability to build what they did and the infrastructure is truly phenomenal.

Any surprises on recent trips?

I just got back from Japan on Tuesday. I was over with a sponsor for the Formula 1. It was never on my list of places to visit (even though Japanese is in my top three cuisines, maybe number one), but geez, I’m so glad I went.

I’m a fisherman, and if you want fresh seafood, Japan’s the place to be. I also didn’t realise how green Japan was. I was only saying to my wife and kids yesterday that the next chance we get, we’ll be getting on that plane going straight back.

Kinkaku-ji. Arguably Kyoto's most famous site.

We went to Kyoto and Tokyo and were treated to the best seafood in the world and plenty of karaoke bars, which is definitely right in my wheelhouse as well because I love music.

I also recently went to Kythira, Greece with my family. My wife is half Greek, so the chance for our kids to explore their heritage was amazing. It reminded me how good the food is too.

Sometimes the best experiences happen by accident. Do any come to mind?

I’ve been fortunate to go on many different tours with the Aussie cricket team, whether it’s South Africa and popping down to Cape Town or going out to the vineyards. But one that comes to mind was actually a recent trip to Montenegro.

We stayed in Porto Montenegro, Tivat and played a bit of cricket as well in the Mediterranean Cricket League. And just to see the beauty of the port, the hills around there, but also the people; it’s a very chilled out place.

The view across Porto Montenegro Yacht Club.

If you’d put 50 countries in a hat and said pick one, that wouldn’t have been anywhere near my top five or even 10. I’m so glad I went there. It just blew me away with its absolute beauty.

What’s the most memorable hotel you’ve been to?

I keep coming back to India, because I love it; I understand the culture and speak a bit of Hindi. One trip there was a stay at Taj Lake Palace, which is where they filmed ‘Octopussy’. It’s a beautiful palace in the middle of the water.

You reach it by boat, and when you land they shower you in rose petals from the top balcony. It’s just the whole experience, and it led me to do a lot of research on the movie.

Taj Lake Palace, as seen in the James Bond film 'Octopussy'.

That was incredible, but I actually love the simple things too. Sometimes it’s just those places off the beaten track that stay with you. Just getting back to the country is exciting, like staying somewhere in far northern NSW where you just think: ‘Far out, I did not expect this’.

Which is your favourite Australian destination and why?

I’ve had the pleasure of exploring Australia from the Top End right to the bottom of Tasmania, but honestly it’s just going down to the Southern Highlands, a couple of hours from Sydney.

We’ve got a property down there, and love getting down and just getting away from everything. It’s just the stars at night that you can see because of the clarity of the skies and the simple bush life. You haven’t got the hustle and bustle.

I’m the co-owner of Sydney Beer Company now and we’re doing a lot more in the Southern Highlands. I’ve been spending a lot of time going to bars and restaurants that I wouldn't normally, and that’s been super exciting.

Where to next?

Australia’s such a beautiful country and there’s so much to offer, I still haven’t seen it all, but I really want to go to Uluru. Just to go out there and see the beauty would be amazing.