 But this life must not have suited him, as he left to follow a more adventurous existence, including work on a Pacific trading steamer and as a Queensland drover.He travelled to England where he commenced writing novels and stories for magazines such as "The Bulletin" and "The Lone Hand", and began what was to become a career in journalism with the "Daily Mail" which brought him back to Australia in 1905.He joined "The Age" as a journalist in 1905, gaining considerable influence (David Syme was a mentor), and was a member of the party with Prime Minister Andrew Fisher visiting the newly founded Union of South Africa for the opening of its parliament.