Travel & Lifestyle

Late winter just became the best time to visit New York City for deal seekers

For the first time ever, NYC & Company – the official destination marketing organisation for New York City – will align their three signature programs across the same stretch of dates, bringing together NYC Broadway Week, NYC Restaurant Week, and NYC Must-See Week. Under the new collective name of NYC Winter Outing, the new mega-program…

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Hobart’s MONA to build five-star hotel, and a spa by James Turrell and Marina Abramović

Hobart’s infamous Museum of Old and New Art, AKA MONA, has officially announced their intention to build a brand new precinct and five-star hotel nearby the famed mostly-underground art museum. Submitting their development application to Crown Land Services and Glenorchy City Council this week, the museum and founder David Walsh plan for the new development…

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Bondi favourite Shuk is expanding to Chatswood and Elizabeth Bay

Renowned for their signature spin on Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine, Bondi stalwart Shuk is finally ready to expand on out to the North Shore with two new venues, one in foodie hub Chatswood and one in the breezy Elizabeth Bay. The expansion comes after celebrating their fifth year in the Bondi community, and it’s…

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Building the perfect campsite ahead of the Summer music festival season

Summer is here and that means two things. One, the weather is now at its absolute best for you to head out and explore the outdoors and secondly, it’s the season of camping festivals. We’ve road tested and put together a list of the best OZtrail products out there that will have you camping, glamping…

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Our top picks for the perfect gift this Christmas

It’s hard to believe 2018, an exhausting year for many around the world, is already coming to a close. Just one look at any news media would tell you people around the globe put up with a lot this year, and that’s all the more reason to make this Christmas one that’s stress free and…

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Crystalbrook Collection to open Newcastle’s first ever five-star luxury hotel

After a highly successful entry into Cairns with recently opened luxury resort Riley, Crystalbrook Collection Hotels & Resorts have today announced that they have acquired Newcastle’s iconic ‘Roundhouse’ Council Administrative Centre with plans to convert the building into a luxury five-star hotel. Set to open in late 2020, the planned hotel, dubbed Kingsley, will stick…

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This Canberra institution has become the city’s first “Ospitalità Italiana” certified restaurant

Looking for the best Italian food you can possible find in our nation’s capital? It’s going to be hard to look past Agostinis, which has now become the city’s very first to receive the exclusive “Ospitalità Italiana” certification from the Italian Chamber of Commerce in affiliation with the Italian government in Rome. Basically, what this…

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Primavera Sound 2019 achieves Gender Equality as Aussies Tame Impala, Courtney Barnett and more join the line up

Held in Barcelona, Primavera Sound has taken place since 2001, consolidating itself as a model reference for urban festivals that is internationally considered as an unmissable musical event. Next year the event will run from May 30th to June 1st, 2019. Primavera Sound 2019 line up emphasises on a line up where there is equality between…

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Accessories for the Outdoors: How to comfortably make the most of Summer

The sun has come out to play and that means one thing in Australia – it’s the season for spending time outdoors. Whether it’s camping, hiking or attending one on the many Summer music-festivals over the next few months, we have compiled a list of the coolest accessories and gadgets that will have you exploring…

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Brisbane is getting a new luxury Art Series Hotel under Story Bridge

Australia’s beloved Art Series Hotel group have announced that their next hotel will be a new $100m Brisbane flagship named The Fantauzzo. Set to open in March 2019, The Fantauzzo will be the first Art Series property following their acquisitioned by AccorHotels earlier this year, sticking true to the brand’s language by designing the 166-room…

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Sydney’s legendary World Bar has been saved; to reopen as “Cali Club” this week

Following the very infuriating and deeply upsetting announcement that Kings Cross icon World Bar was going under, a very welcome announcement has popped up indicating that the renowned nightlife venue will be reopening this week as Cali Club. Turns out the institution has been saved by hospitality duo Dane Gorrel and Matt Weir, who most…

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All Australian airlines to commence strict weighing of carry-on baggage

Starting tomorrow, all Australian airlines will begin cracking down on oversized carry-ons as they introduce mandatory weighing for all cabin baggage. While this has been standard for some airlines for quite some time now, it was announced today that Virgin Australia will be jumping on board with the policy, following a recent announcement along similar…

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Meet the first Aussies heading to Brighton for The Great Escape 2019

To celebrate a ten-year partnership with Sounds Australia, UK’s premier showcasing event The Great Escape will host a slew of Australian artists at their next annual run, with Australia as the focus country for the event. And they’ve announced the first ten Aussie artists to grace the event’s stages. From the 9th until the 11th of May,…

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Why luxury cruising in Alaska isn’t just for retirees anymore

It would be naïve to assume that the stigma of luxury cruises being a thing for older people has gone anywhere; though it’s almost certainly on the way out. As comfort travel makes a big comeback for millennials, so too does the desire to fully immerse oneself in a travel experience as rich and ambitious…

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Win a bottle of Johnnie Walker’s limited edition Game of Thrones whisky

Love Game of Thrones? Love whisky? Then we have good news for you. Johnnie Walker and HBO have partnered up to release White Walker by Johnnie Walker – a new, limited edition Scotch whisky for fans to celebrate with, in anticipation of the eighth and final season of Game for Thrones, recently announced to return…

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Aussies Abroad: Hands Like Houses joins epic rock lineup at Sonic Temple Festival in Ohio

The highly anticipated Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival lineup is here and it has not disappointed. Amongst the abundance of epic rock acts on the lineup is Canberra band, Hands Like Houses who will be representing the Aussies at the inaugural festival in Columbus, Ohio. Taking place in May 2019, Hands Like Houses will…

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Food Review: Going all in at Melbourne’s Grand Lafayette in Prahran

At first sight, with its minimalistic interior design complete with cool pastel walls and plywood furniture, the Grand Lafayette feels just like any other Melbourne café. And in many ways, that’s exactly what it is. The breakfast and lunch menus consist of popular western dishes infused with Asian flavours and ingredients, resulting in dishes like…

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Five things you should know about the Bourgogne winemaking region of France

It would take years, maybe even a lifetime, and a strong will to fully explore and learn about the many winemaking regions of France. The country is packed with some of the most legendary, and delicious, wines in the world, and constantly serves as a source of inspiration for the many sommeliers and wine retailers…

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Star Wars rides (and music score) finally revealed for Disney Parks as a slew of new attractions revealed

In celebration of 90 years of Mickey Mouse, Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products Chairman Bob Chapek has shared the many new and exciting ways to celebrate the beloved mouse, as well as sharing more about the multi-year transformation of Epcot that includes new spectaculars designed to honour the park’s original vision. Along with these,…

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Aussies Abroad: Jade Imagine to join Julia Jacklin’s UK tour this month

Melbourne indie pop outfit Jade Imagine will head to England and Scotland to support Julia Jacklin on her headlining tour across the island later this month. The shows in London and Manchester are already sold out and fans in Glasgow should hurry up to secure a ticket, because this combination attracts indie fans like a…

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Carriageworks announce Christmas Farmers Market 2018

Christmas lunch is sorted, with the Carriageworks Christmas Farmers Markets having all the ingredients, produce and gifts you need this festive season. This year’s Carriageworks Christmas Farmers Market is bringing the best of food and produce to one free festive event on Saturday 22 December form 8 am to 1pm. Not only will you get the fantastic food…

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Applejack launch their first sleek Sydney CBD venue Bopp & Tone

Hospitality group Applejack known for producing unconventional yet elegant venues (The Butler Potts Point, The Botanist Kirribilli, SoCal Sydney, Della Hyde) have launched a new restaurant and bar at their first Sydney CBD location, just a stone’s throw from Wynyard station on Carrington street. Dubbed Bopp & Tone, founders Hamish Watts and Ben Carroll’s latest…

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Aussies Abroad: Atlanta’s Shaky Knees drop epic 2019 line-up with headliner Tame Impala, Tash Sultana, Julia Jacklin and more

Launching into its seventh year, Shaky Knees Festival is back and bigger than ever with one of the most epic line-ups we’ve seen this year. Situated in Central Park, Atlanta from the 3rd – 5th of May 2019, the festival not only boasts tonnes of high quality acts, the best bites in town and an…

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Atmospheric Mexican joint El Camino Cantina opens on Manly Wharf

Rockpool’s energetic Mexican concept El Camino Cantina has expanded to a spacious waterfront eatery in Manly, with promises to equal the good vibes that made The Rocks original such a hit when it opened. Making the rooftop on Manly Wharf its new home, the Tex Mex joint promises frozen margaritas, taco Tuesdays and sunset soirees just…

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Five new Sydney restaurants you need to eat at this month

Impressive new openings will always be a thing in Sydney. Whether it’s a new bar, a restaurant from a well-known chef, or a light and bright café, those who live in the sunny harbour city are spoiled for choice when they go out to dine. There’s been a whole heap of new ones popping up…

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Review: Kimpton’s newest Los Angeles Hotel La Peer delights with a unique sensibility

Tucked away in a forgettable street (La Peer St, no less) as you appraoch the outskirts of the trendy West Hollywood area, is a brand new hotel from the trusted Kimpton chain, the La Peer Hotel. It’s a stunning space which seems to do everything it can to be unlike all the other hotels in…

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Hotel Review: Novotel Canberra is a refined yet playful gem in the heart of the capital

Sitting in the heart of our nation’s capital is the Novotel Canberra, a 7 floor hotel with incredibly spacious rooms that sits alongside Northbourne Avenue, which is currently being outfitted with a new light-rail service. It was a friendly and easy check in process as I arrived, though the playfulness of the lobby design (especially…

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AUxAU Guide to the NSW South Coast: A tapestry of outdoor fun and adventure

It becomes immediately apparent when driving down the New South Wales South Coast that you will have the choice of two soundtracks during your adventure: waves crashing onto the rocks and sand of uncrowded beaches or ultimate silence with occasional pops of birds and rustling tree branches in forests and National Parks. The wealth of…

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Five restaurants you need to eat at in Canberra

Our nation’s capital has been a discerning foodie destination for years now. The region produces some excellent ingredients, used by inventive chefs who have propped the scene up as one of the finest on Australia’s East Coast. It’s worth a road trip just to hop around the many restaurants that spread across Canberra for a…

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Fresh, joyful and personal: A culinary voyage in the Cook Islands

Now more than ever, the Cook Islands are an accessible destination to soothe your cold, stressed-out city-oriented lives thanks to a new direct flight service to Australia. Of the Cook’s 15 islands, Rarotonga is its capital and largest island where we spent a week-long voyage. Enclosed by a continuous sky-blue lagoon full of fish and…

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