Travel & Lifestyle

On the Shelf: Little Creatures “Dog Days” (Limited Release)

One of Australia’s most celebrated brewing companies, Little Creatures have hopped into spring with the release of Dog Days, a brew that continues their seasonal series, which began with winter’s Return of the Dread. While ‘dread’ was a strong beer with a lot of punch to warm you up, Dog Days is somewhat of an…

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The Chateaux of Bordeaux roadshow extravaganza comes to Sydney and Melbourne in March

You’re going to want to pay attention to this one wine lovers because Langton’s, Australia’s premier fine wine specialists, have just announced that they are bringing a dozen Bordeaux Grande Cru Classé Chateau proprietors and winemakers to Australia for a little tour in early March (that’s next week mind you). From 2nd to 6th March,…

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Hotel Review: Double Room at Tune Hotel (Carlton, Melbourne)

The colourful Tune Hotel in Melbourne is part of a global network of hotels associated with Air Asia, which employ a similar ‘add-on’ philosophy to the popular budget airline. The focus is value, and the result is a neat concept that let’s customers adapt the hotel to their needs rather than the other way around….

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Aussies Abroad: Dallas Frasca to hit the road in Europe with The BellRays

Having been on the road for most of the past decade, Aussie rock group Dallas Frasca will be continuing this tradition in the year ahead. The group will be headed to Europe this May with American rockers The BellRays in tow, and fitting in a couple of Aussie dates before they make the trip. Check out the…

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Flight Review: Air Canada – Flying Business Class from Vancouver to Sydney (AC33)

When boarding a long haul flight, there are few greater moments of jealously one experiences than seeing someone in business class enjoying a glass of champagne on a seat that you know lies flat and ensures no one is going to be climbing over you for the entire duration of the flight. Well, last year I…

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From Mad Max to Moon Walking: 7 Reasons to Explore Outback NSW

Of course there are plenty more than just seven reasons to saddle up and head on out on an adventure around outback NSW, but how can you fit all that beauty in just one little box? Living in Australia, we have access to some of the most wondrous terrain on earth and it’s about time…

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Five things you have to eat when in Tokyo, Japan

Avoiding the obligatory entry of “Ramen”, here are our five picks of the things you have to eat in Tokyo (and where to eat it): Photo Credit: Explore Japan. SOBA by Andrew Campbell and Erin Smith Soba, particularly cold soba if you’re after something a bit different. Masudaya in Shinjuku has some great soba dishes…

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PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport announces $15 Indulgent Lounge and Swim Package

Only a two-minute walk away from both international and domestic terminals, travelers at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport will be able to relax and rejuvenate from their long flights at the PARKROYAL, as the hotel announces an indulgent Lounge and Swim Package for only $15. From April 1, guests will be able to treat themselves to a…

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Juicy Lucy is Surry Hills’ new South East Asian inspired fried chicken shop (Sydney)

Surry Hills has a new chicken-focused shop from the team behind South East Asian eatery Sugarcane. Named Juicy Lucy, the new chicken shop on Elizabeth Street is set to make a big impact on discerning fried chicken fanatics by taking the classic Aussie chicken shop and blending that with Sugarcane’s Asian influence. The owners, Milan…

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Chiswick Woollahra to host special dinner with local vintage brewery (Sydney)

Matt Moran’s Chiswick Woollahra is without question one of the most consistent restaurants in the area, so when they announce special one-off dinner collaborations interest is bound to spike immediately. Just on the horizon will be a special beer & food pairing experience as the restaurant teams up with local vintage brewery Endeavour Beer to…

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Brisbane’s free Regional Flavours Festival returns in July

Brisbane’s South Bank Parklands will come alive again from 16th – 17th July with the return of the Regional Flavours Festival, singing the praises of Queensland’s freshest produce, local fare and fine wine, alongside indulgent treats (like gourmet brownies) and a range of food trucks The city’s signature free food and lifestyle event will bring festival-goers an opportunity to…

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Spending a Wintery Weekend In The Otway Ranges (Victoria, Australia)

When planning a weekend getaway in Victoria, it’s easy to think of Wilsons Prom, the Yarra Valley, Daylesford or The Grampians. But tucked away in the back pocket of The Great Ocean Road is the unassuming but up-and-coming little sister, sporting breathtaking views and forests for days. We were lucky enough to spend a wintery…

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Hotel Review: Superior Room at Mercure Gold Coast Resort (Carrara, Queensland)

The Mercure Gold Coast Resort is in that perfect spot that’s only a short drive away from Broadbeach (it’s about $17 by taxi between the resort and Pacific Fair) but far enough to offer absolute peace and tranquility. And that’s exactly what you get here; it’s so peaceful and idyllic that a part of me,…

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Canadian group Wolf Parade added to Pickathon Festival in Oregon (USA)

It’s been the moment fans have been waiting for for five years – after going on an indefinite hiatus in 2011, Canadian heroes Wolf Parade are back! It’s been reported that the band will be releasing new music in 2016, and they have already announced a pile of shows in May! 5 nights at the…

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We go hands on with hotel booking app HotelTonight, now in Australia

Increasingly popular hotel booking app HotelTonight has recently launched in Australia following high demand, and it’s opened up some pretty big possibilities where last minute bookings, staycations, and travel is concerned. Now, Australians have access to a directory of last-minute deals from some of the country’s most well-known and regarded hotels, and the price cuts…

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Five things you should know before you cruise Europe with the Scenic Jasper

According to the latest Cruise Lines International Association stats, over one million Aussies took a cruise holiday in 2014. And with a population that’s projected to reach 24 million shortly (according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics)… well that’s just a huge proportion of cruise lovers. Although ocean cruises lead the way, river cruising numbers…

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Ottawa’s iconic RBC Bluesfest unleashes massive 2016 lineup; Aussies DZ Deathrays, Boy & Bear and The Paper Kites feature

Ottawa’s iconic RBC Bluesfest – which, like its Australian equivalent, is far more eclectic than its name suggests – has unleashed an incredible lineup for 2016, with Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billy Idol, Duran Duran, Wolf Parade, The Cult, Bryan Ferry, Half Moon Run, Ben Harper, The Tallest Man on Earth, The Monkees and many,…

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Review: Manjit’s at the Wharf – King Street Wharf (Sydney)

As most Sydneysiders know, it’s pretty hard to find a decent curry in this city, but that’s quickly changing across town, with a great example being the truly authentic fare at Manjit’s in Balmain. The reputable dining destination has built up a large local following with traditional but distinctive Indian food whipped up by a…

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Sydney Cellar Door returns to Hyde Park with 70 NSW wineries (Sydney)

Various famed wine regions across New South Wales will be showcasing their all over three days this weekend as The Sydney Morning Herald Cellar Door returns to Hyde Park (South) for it’s packed 2016 edition. Starting Friday evening, the event will present a comprehensive and diverse look at the State’s wine regions, with particular attention…

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Travel Diaries: Road to Deni, Part 2: Deniliquin to Sydney

Just how right was and/or is Paterson 213 years later about the enchanting great open plains that conquer New South Wales? With the help of Destination NSW (visitnsw.com) and a Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander, Lachlan Mitchell and his mate Eashan Vijayakumaran, close out their 5 day round trip across New South Wales to Deni Blues…

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Qantas to introduce free high-speed wi-fi on flights in late 2016

Qantas will soon make free in-flight wi-fi available to its passengers, delivering internet that is as fast as broadband connections on the ground. The announcement came on Tuesday that Qantas would trial the service on its Boeing 727 fleet in late 2016. The trial will see if aeroplanes fitted with modems and antenna will be…

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The top five places to visit in Europe (that you’ve probably never heard of)

Being an Australian overseas leaves you target for long open-ended conversation with two types of people – those who love Australia and haven’t been, and those who love Australia and have been. However, when I hear someone say they’ve been to Oz, and then proceed to tell me they saw Sydney and Melbourne – for…

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The best ways to get to Texas from Australia for SXSW (and back again)

With SXSW just around the corner – which takes place in Austin, Texas in March – we’re often asked the best ways to take the journey to Texas from Australia. Some are from people in a rush, others are from people who want to take the time to get there. Here are a few of…

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A day of roller coaster bliss at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio, USA

I’ve always been fascinated by Theme Parks, especially in America. The stories of how the parks originated and have since grown and thrived is often as interesting as the rides themselves. Six Flags: Fiesta Texas, located just outside of San Antonio, is no exception, with the origins of the park dating back some 25 years,…

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The View From Up Top: Spending a Day in Toronto, Canada

This May, we’ll be heading over to the annual music festival and conference Canadian Music Week, held in the fine city of Toronto. Last week, we let you in on the best ways to get to Toronto from Australia, and now today we’re taking you through a day in the fine city. What to do, where to…

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Flight Review: Qantas Airways – Los Angeles to Sydney (QF12)

As part of our brand new section AU Abroad, we bring you a birds eye view of the world of travel. In this article series, we let you in on the best airlines to fly with. Having already covered the Virgin Australia route, today Johnny Au looks at the service offered on Qantas’ A380 service…

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Hotel Review: Superior Ocean View Room at Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach (Queensland, Australia)

French luxury hotel brand Sofitel is instantly recognisable around the world, synonymous with high-end, ultra-comfortable accommodation and the expected features that come with such a high standard, including the service. Located a stone’s throw from the beach at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast, this Sofitel is by far no exception to said standard, large and…

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Our first impressions onboard P&O Cruises’ Pacific Eden

It’s not hard to see why P&O Cruises as a brand has stayed at the forefront of conversations about luxury cruisers, especially when you’re actually on board one of their ships. The cruise line has always been one of the first to leap forward with the times, responding to the common criticism that cruise ships…

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Princess Cruises partners with Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz for exclusive theatre productions

Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz has come on board with Princess Cruises to revamp their approach to theatre, helping them in a first-of-its-kind cruise industry partnership to develop a whimsical music revue titled Magic to Do, performed exclusively across the cruise line. The partnership comes as the cruise line attempt to modernise…

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Where to find the best margaritas in Sydney

Much dispute has arisen over who exactly created one of the most famous and endearing cocktails in the world, the classic margarita. Many say it first popped up around 1938 when bartender Carlos “Danny” Herrera dreamed up the cocktail for a dancer named Marjorie King, who claimed she was allergic to all spirits except Tequila,…

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