Travel & Lifestyle

Sydney bar culture is such an ever-changing landscape that is still continuing to thrive and adapt no matter how much the government tries to destroy it, and 2016 should no exception when it comes to new and exciting bars, either perfecting trends, creating new ones, or just reviving old ones. Early 2016 already saw the…

One of Perth’s unmissable food events is back as Taste of Perth will take place from April 29th to May 1st. Over these short three days, some of Perth’s greatest restauranteurs, of such places as Bib and Tucker, Bistro Guillaume and Manuke Woodfire Kitchen, will create 3-4 signature dishes in ‘taste’ sized portions starting from…

Dublin-born Celeb Chef and My Kitchen Rules (MKR) judge, Colin Fassnidge has joined the team at the stunning Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – McGallery for an exclusive collaboration that will see him highlighting his nose-to-tail cooking philosophy and the very best of the region’s fresh local produce. Taking place on Saturday 9th July, Fassnidge will…

The city of Sydney has a huge stock of high quality food trucks zipping all over the place nowadays so it’s only right that iconic Erskineville venue The Imperial Hotel channels all that into a new weekly festival. Every Saturday and Sunday from 4pm to 8pm, the new team behind The Imperial will be rounding…

When Jardin St James opened in the forecourt of Sydney’s oldest church in October of last year, it immediately gained a steady following thanks to its unique setting, even allowing for seating inside the crypt of the iconic St James Church. The relaxing atmosphere quickly established the café in the CBD, putting them in the…

This autumn French bistro Midnight Starling is offering Flop House bed and breakfast guests a two-course meal with a cocktail for just $65 per person. Situated in Kyneton, a town located in the marvellous Macedon Ranges region of Victoria, the quality establishments provide the perfect destination for a peaceful long-weekend or afternoon escape. Their collaboration…

Jet Airways is the second largest airline in India, behind IndiGo. Flying in India is a different experience to many other places in the world, and so Johnny Au takes us on an adventure to find out exactly what it’s like… Airline: Jet Airways Route: Mumbai to Kolkata, 9W 0615 Seat: 38B (Middle) Aircraft: Boeing…

Destination: Waiheke Island, Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand Origin: Auckland, New Zealand Travel Time (Each Way): About 40 Minutes Last month on AU Abroad we took you on a cruise through the Hauraki Gulf off the coast of Auckland, New Zealand. This week we’re taking you to the region’s most populated island – Waiheke –…

The luxury experiential travel company &Beyond have just announced their new private jet expeditions which offer exclusive experiences in Africa’s most iconic destinations. With set departures, the tours carter to a maximum of 12 guests who are guided by &Beyond from the beginning to end, and are designed with privacy and authenticity in mind to remove the…

This autumn French bistro Midnight Starling is offering Flop House bed and breakfast guests a two-course meal with a cocktail for just $65 per person. Situated in Kyneton, a town located in the marvellous Macedon Ranges region of Victoria, the quality establishments provide the perfect destination for a peaceful long-weekend or afternoon escape. Their collaboration…

While in the UK and Europe for a run of festivals last year, including The Great Escape and Primavera Sound, Australian group HOLY HOLY documented their experiences while on the road and share with us their tour diary. From driving through Europe and being regular tourists, to pre-show exercises and visiting the great John Bonham’s grave,…

To put it simply: Australians are obsessed with their morning cup of coffee – and why wouldn’t they be with some of the best coffee in the world available down those many hidden alleyways in every city across the country. People are constantly looking for ways to navigate this rich coffee culture more efficiently and…

Fort Denison opens up to the public again during Vivid Sydney, as diners are given the opportunity to view the Sydney Harbour lights from the city’s only harbour island restaurant. Dinner De-LIGHTS, at Fort Denison Restaurant will be back again on Friday and Saturday evenings during the Vivid Sydney festival, as well as the Sunday of the long weekend….

Look, Sydney’s burger craze really isn’t going anywhere anytime soon so naysayers may as well embrace it. As burger chefs across the city continue to perfect their art, us here in the harbour city have become truly spoilt for choice. Media are constantly having to revise their “best burgers in Sydney” articles, frenzied burger fiends…

In what is looking to be a memorable, delicious showdown, two of Sydney’s best new restaurants – Silvereye and Master – will be heading along to increasingly popular Surry Hills ramen bar Salaryman to battle it out over the perfect bowl of ramen. In an inaugural event taking place on Sunday 15th May, the Silvereye…

Bulla Dairy Foods have gone and revisited a childhood classic for their new range of ice cream, resurrecting the genius creation known as Fairy Bread for the lead-flavour in the new collection, Fairy Bread Ice Cream. The Aussie brand have swapped out triangles of sliced bread for vanilla-flavoured ice cream dipped in creamy white chocolate…

The entrance to the Mecure Potts Point is tucked away on Victoria St in the heart of Sydney’s King’s Cross. As the quiet, unassuming ground floor lobby gives way to the reception on the second floor, the Mecure’s appeal is clear and present – it’s an oasis of class in an area renowned for debauchery….

It’s July. The sun is beaming down on the streets of Montreal and the city is making good on its promise of beauty. A green hill sits in the distance of a city that parades itself as three complementary identities. As a city of business, like any other, skyscrapers loom and threaten to shade you…

We continue our Flight Review series, this time back in the USA on our way to Texas for SXSW. Instead of flying directly to Austin, I flew in via San Antonio – about 90 minutes drive from Austin – flying Southwest to get there via an affordable direct flight, here’s my review of their service:…

While it’s a relatively new addition to Vancouver’s dining scene, Blacktail Restaurant + Lounge has cemented itself as one of the city’s must-visit venues. The menu showcases ingredients that are sourced predominantly from the Cascadia region, which spans the U.S. states of Washington and Oregon, as well as Canada’s British Columbia. The drinks list similarly…

Situated on the banks of the city’s famous Chao Phraya River, The Peninsula Bangkok is the perfect spot to stay if you’re looking to explore the local markets (both on land and on water – Bangkok’s Taling Chan Floating Market is a must see), take a journey upstream to the awe-inspiring temples or downstream to…

Saturday 30th April will see The Jubilee Hotel play host to a bevy of craft breweries and winemakers as part of their inaugural Craft Beer and Wine Expo. With the event showcasing over 100 beers from Australian craft brewers, there’s bound to be something on offer to satisfy the thirst of even the most discerning…

Brisbane’s iconic The Triffid has completely refreshed its looks and refocused its offerings as they unveil their newly renovated urban beer garden with a brand spanking new rooftop to boot! Also bringing in a sweeping change to their cocktail and food menu, and heavy bevy of entertainment options. The crew behind this longstanding live music…

If you know your food in Sydney then you know that Pub Life Kitchen is pretty much the pinnacle of both pub food and this burger craze that has been sweeping the city for the past few years. Owner and Chef Jovan Curic has made a name for himself with some of the most loved…

Located just a short five minute (or less) drive away from the bustling main street of Airlie Beach, the Club Croc Hotel offers guests a relaxed and enjoyable stay, with exceptionally attentive and friendly service. With a large pool that includes a waterfall and heated spa, barbecue facilities, a games room, a spacious bar and even…

Until now, the only impression of Dallas I had was courtesy of the Cowboys and the short time I’d spent at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on my way through to Austin. It’s the ‘Big D’, right? I’d been told that if I heard ‘Everything is bigger in Texas’, it’s Dallas they’re referring to most of…

You know they love their food in the US, but it’s taken to another level in New York City, with a mix of some of the country’s finest restaurants alongside mouth-watering slices of pizza, cupcakes that people line up for hours for and the “cro-nut” (or whatever the new trend might be). But what are…

Along his journey to Canadian Music Week in Toronto last year – which is just about to return for 2016 – Aussie musician Ash Grunwald encountered electric bicycles, cars, plenty of waves and the contrast of rural Nicaragua and the USA. He’s shared these and more stories with us from his time over the pond… Having a beer…

Last year, Johnny enjoyed his first ever flight on the 787 Dreamliner, flying from the Gold Coast to Tokyo (Narita) with Qantas’ budget airline Jetstar. As this week’s flight review, we get the low down on what the experience was like on the service with the world’s newest airliner. Airline: Jetstar Route: Gold Coast to Tokyo…

Popular Swedish fashion giant H&M are ready to continue their long overdue Sydney expansion by adding two new stores this August, the first located in Westfield Bondi Juction, and the second in the refreshed and refocused Broadway Shopping Centre. Both stores will spread H&M’s acclaimed collections even further, as well as bring in their constant…