Travel & Lifestyle

Cockle Bay Wharf’s finest to channel Vivid Sydney into exclusive cocktails

Throughout this year’s highly anticipated VIVID Sydney, the water-side precinct of Cockle Bay Wharf will once again be bringing back their exclusive food and drink offerings to meet, and surpass, the success of their involvement last year. The renowned dining and entertainment hub will be drawing on some of their best venues to absorb inspiration…

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Gourmet Cinema to pair Noma in Tokyo documentary with dinner at The Bridge Room (Sydney)

With interest in René Redzepi and his culinary perfection still at an all time high in Sydney, thanks to the recent Noma Australia pop-up, a documentary focusing on the highly regarded chef being included in Sydney Film Festival’s program this year works perfectly. As part of the annual festival’s Gourmet Cinema concept – which pairs…

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Ze Pickle announces kitchen takeover at The Oxford Tavern (Sydney)

After recently expanding to Sydney, QLD-originated burger joint Ze Pickle is now firmly established on the local scene thanks to their go-hard-or-go-home approach to the inescapable food trend. Their Surry Hills location isn’t too hard to get to, but just to make their burgers a bit more accessible they have announced a special one-day-only kitchen…

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Hotel Review: Twin Room at Ibis Perth (Western Australia)

Smack dab in the middle of Perth’s busy West End – sitting just 300m from the Murray and Hay Street shopping malls – is the Ibis Perth‘s 192 room hotel. Though only listed as a three star establishment, it seems unfair to throw it in the same category that many seedy motels around the country…

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Carnival Cruises Launches New WiFi and Social Media Plans

Let us not beat around the bush: in 2016, the only reason anyone actually travels anywhere is to Instagram the hell out of it. Of course, this is sometimes met with debilitating challenges involving poor/no (!!) Wifi connection, and ludicrously expensive data plans that can mean your casual ‘grams rack up hundreds of dollars in fees….

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Tigerair Australia offer one-way fares from $29 across 15 domestic and 3 international routes

Dubbed the “It’s Not Our Birthday, But The Party Is This Way” sale, the latest in Tigerair Australia’s regular sale offerings has 15 of their most popular domestic routes, as well as the airline’s three Bali routes cut-down to some very affordable prices. Until midnight (AEDT) tonight, Wednesday 25th May, one way fares will drop…

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Local talent will be highlighted for Footscray’s annual “Emerge in the West” (Melbourne)

Emerge in the West is back for another year showcasing some incredible talent rising from Melbourne’s western suburbs. Hosted by Multicultural Arts Victoria, this event will bring some soul and colour into Footscray’s Nicholson Street by featuring those with a flair for all things music, fashion, art, dance and spoken word. This event will surely…

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Resort Review: One Bedroom Sunset Apartment at The Point Resort (Bargara, Queensland)

The Point Resort sits beside a beautiful coast and town in Bargara, Queensland. But is location the only thing this resort has going for it? Lachlan brings us this review. Situated only a few metres from crashing waves and picnic tables, The Point Resort in Bargara is an ideal choice for families and couples on…

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Your ultimate food and drink guide to Vivid Sydney 2016

From Friday 27th May to 18th June, Sydney will once again be flowing with the unique atmosphere of Vivid Sydney, now a globally renowned festival of lights, music, and ideas that has seen immense growth over the past few years. The immersive lighted precincts around Sydney, from Circular Quay and Walsh Bay to The Galeries…

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Salt Meats Cheese are now offering pasta cooked in giant flaming cheese wheels at Broadway (Sydney)

Now that the crew at Salt Meats Cheese have settled into the groove made by their new store opposite Broadway Shopping Centre, it’s time for them to kick up their menu offerings with a big, flaming wheel of cheese. Salt Meats Cheese Broadway have introduced The Flaming Cheese Wheel to its menu – already full…

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Bull rider Wesley Silcox reflects on the Calgary Stampede

Considering how dangerous bull riding can be, you’ve got to be pretty much made of steel to survive this as a job. the AU’s Larry Heath had the opportunity to talk with cowboy Wesley Silcox at last year’s iconic Calgary Stampede. He’s one of the most successful bull riders in the world, and here he shares details on…

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Aussies Abroad: D.D Dumbo announces 2016 UK/European tour dates

After keeping fairly quiet since the release of his self-titled EP two years ago, D.D Dumbo is back with a killer new single, ‘Satan’. Released alongside a video directed by Jim Elson, the Victorian musician has made a fresh, smooth, infectious return. Proving his credibility as an artist, Annie Mac gave ‘Satan’ a spin last…

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Aussies Abroad: Hockey Dad announce huge North American headline tour

South Coast surf rockers Hockey Dad have released the video for their new single ‘So Tired’, along with some exciting international tour news. 2016 has already been a big year for the duo, from playing SXSW, signing to Brooklyn based record label Kanine Records and announcing their debut album Boronia, it is about to get even…

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Interview: Rene Redzepi (noma) talks foraging, Australian ingredients, fine dining, and more

Tonight SBS premieres noma australia, documenting René Redzepi’s journey of relocating noma, one of the world’s best restaurants, from Copenhagen to Sydney. The series uncovers how the Australian landscape informed menu ideas, especially foraged native ingredients. We got in touch with René to find out more about his experiences with the celebrated pop-up, how indigenous produce influenced his approach, his future plans, and…

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Din Tai Fung, Zeus Greek Street, and more to open in Broadway Shopping Centre (Sydney)

We all know Broadway in Sydney has needed to refresh it’s food lineup for a while now, and it seems 2016 is the year the central shopping centre will undertake some huge changes. Already, the famous Salts Meat Cheese has beefed up the food offerings in the area with a store opposite the centre, and…

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The Annandale Hotel is hosting a food festival this weekend (Sydney)

Now that the very in-demand Burgers by Josh pop-up at The Annandale Hotel has come to an end, the inner-west institution is looking to further their string of temporary culinary expansions with a weekend food festival featuring beats, burgers, and booze. The inaugural event will be taking place this coming weekend on Saturday and Sunday…

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The Day Trip: Travelling to Baton Rouge from New Orleans, Louisiana

When you’ve made a conscious decision to travel without a car, the idea of the “day trip” can be a fairly laborious task. But once you book the journey, it’s certainly worth the effort. The day before Jazz Fest began in New Orleans, my partner and I boarded a 10am Greyhound to Baton Rouge. It’s…

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Travel Diary: Touring the UK with Adelaide rock band Bad//Dreems

Adelaide-based rock band, BAD//DREEMS share an exclusive tour diary with the AU review on their exciting international adventure at The Great Escape from last year. Taking us along for the ride from Leeds to Derbyshire and from Birmingham to London, the band give us the lowdown on their life on the road. Live at Leeds…

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Food and Art fuse as Carriageworks announce series of exclusive dining experiences for Vivid Sydney

Food has evolved into more and more of a true art form, an expression of creativity, a joyful at times theatrical experience depending on where you go or whom you talk to. Carraigeworks are planning on taking dining out further into the realm of an all encompassing series of events dubbed Sydney Table, teaming up…

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St Kilda gets a stylish new craft beer bar with Freddie Wimpoles (Melbourne)

Get ready folks, St Kilda’s newest craft beer haven has just opened, and it has 13 rotating craft beers on tap, New York style deli food, a jukebox, and a hunting lodge/American diner atmosphere to boot. Freddie Wimpoles takes over the former George Hotel in St Kilda, and takes its name from beer aficionado and businessman (and mayor…

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Vivid Sydney is bringing a pop-up bar full of burgers and arcade games to Martin Place (Sydney)

Each year Vivid Sydney takes some giant steps forward, cementing the now world renowned festival as one of the very best events on the city’s calendar. This year will be no exception as the organisers continue to grow the pillars of light, music, and ideas, but also throw in a few other sizable changes, including…

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Fratelli Fresh will expand to Melbourne plus open numerous U.S style pizzerias in each state

Following their recent move to Urban Purveyor Group, renowned Italian restaurant group Fratelli Fresh will make a very welcome expansion to Melbourne later this year, opening a restaurant on the ground floor of The Alfred precinct when it is unveiled next month. Fratelli @ The Alfred will mark the first interstate jump for the celebrated…

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Hotel Review: Executive King Lake Room at the Hotel Pullman (Albert Park, Melbourne)

I now understand why the Hotel Pullman in the inner south Melbourne suburb of Albert Park would be highly desirable around Grand Prix time. Situated on Queens Road, the hotel overlooks the famed race track (as well as the Albert Park Lake) perfectly. If you’re a traveller making your way to the Hotel Pullman via…

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Flight Review: Qantas Airways – Melbourne to Sydney (QF426)

In today’s flight review on AU Abroad, we take you on board Qantas Airways‘ 737-800 service on the most popular route in Australia – from Melbourne to Sydney. This was not your usual standalone flight, however, as I boarded the flight as a connection from an Emirates flight, which had come in from Singapore… Read on…

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Travel Diary: Melbourne based musician Dru Chen returns to his second home of Singapore

Soul-Funk-Pop singer/songwriter Dru Chen has had an interesting upbringing. Having spent half his life in Melbourne and half in Singapore, it made sense for him to perform at Music Matters where he had previously performed as a guitarist for Brisbane singer Bec Laughton. Here, Dru takes us on a trip around his second home, sunny…

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Art Series Hotels in Adelaide and Bendigo introduce promotional packages for winter

For anybody looking for a quick winter getaway interstate, matched with local tipple to boot, a trip to either Bendigo, VIC or Adelaide SA might just be the trick. The Art Series Hotel Group is offering a great promotional winter rate at their boutique hotels in these regions. The Gather and Indulge package at The…

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Aussies Abroad: True Vibenation head to Glastonbury and announce European tour dates

Australian afro-electronic band True Vibenation will kick off their first ever European tour next month with one the biggest shows of their career. After making waves in the Australian music scene with their own brand of horn-focused hip hop, True Vibenation will take their high energy live show to the Silver Hayes stage at the iconic Glastonbury Festival…

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Virgin Australia Launch Economy Space + on Boeing 777-300ER fleets to US and Middle East

Virgin Australia has announced plans to launch a new class upgrade, Economy Space +, this August. The news comes alongside the launch of their refurbished Premium and Business Class cabins, which we reported on yesterday. The enhancement – which is reminiscent of services offered by other airlines, like United Airlines’ Economy Plus – is designed to improve comfort and…

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Los Angeles Metro’s Expo line to Santa Monica launches this Friday, with free rides for travellers

In what will be huge news for people planning on a visit to LA in the coming months, as well as LA locals – Los Angeles Metro’s Expo Line to Santa Monica will officially open this Friday 20th May, connecting Downtown LA to the beachside destination for the first time by rail. Passengers will be able…

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Six “Alternative” Things to do in Tokyo, Japan

As impressive as Tokyo Tower might be, if you’ve been to Tokyo a couple of times you would concede that even the majestic Meiji Jingu can get a bit passe. The fact is, the mecca wonderland of Japan certainly has more to offer than meets the eye. I encourage you to jump in at the…

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