Travel & Lifestyle

Fratelli Fresh is serving up pizza with a whole steamed lobster on top (Sydney)

Fratelli Fresh are upping the decadent pizza game in Sydney come next month by introducing The Lobster to their already bustling menu of special and traditional pizzas. As you can probably tell from the image above, that’s a pizza topped with rich fior di latte, garlic and parsley and a freakin’ whole steamed lobster which…

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Review: Refined dining at Redsalt Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley (NSW)

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley’s signature restaurant, Redsalt, is breakfast buffet paradise by day and a polished white tablecloth dining experience by night. Focused on local produce, the menu at the property’s on-site restaurant is equipped with a substantial selection of steaks on their grill section. It’s Friday night and we’ve just checked in at the…

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Nike are bringing an interactive obstacle course to Collingwood Art Precinct (Melbourne)

Whatever happens when you mash a music festival with an interactive obstacle course is exactly what’s going to go down at Collingwood Art Precinct on Saturday 3rd March, as Nike Australia invite locals and visitors to The House of Go. For one weekend only, Nike will be taking over the precinct with what they’re describing…

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Hawaiian Airlines are introducing a non-stop service between Long Beach and Honolulu

As of 1st June 2018, Hawaiian Airlines will introduce a daily non-stop service between Long Beach, California and Honolulu, Hawaii. Serviced by the airline’s new Airbus A321neo aircraft, the route represents a step up in convenience for Southern Californian travellers who want to enjoy and explore one of the most sought-after tropical destinations in the…

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Sunaana Festival set to rock Portland, Maine with a weekend of craft beer, food and music

Heating up for its second year in Portland, Maine will be Sunaana (an inuit word meaning “what is it”), a winter beer and music festival taking place across the enormous 30-acre Thompson’s Point and representing a surprising connection between the New England city and the Nordic country of Iceland. It was such a roaring success…

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Glenfiddich release ultra rare 1977 Rare Collection Cask for lovers of high-end whisky

Exclusively stocked at Heinemann Duty Free stores in Kuala Lumpur and Sydney Airports is an ultra rare single cask whisky by industry icons Glenfiddich. Found on the shelves across both stores thanks to a recent partnership, Glenfiddich 1977 Rare Collection Cask No. 15176 has been presented to whisky enthusiasts as a single cask, aged for…

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Three Blue Ducks to open their first Queensland restaurant at the new W Brisbane

Not only is Brisbane getting an epic Australian return for the W Hotel brand with W Brisbane, but it has been confirmed that one of the property’s on-site restaurants will be none other than a Queensland iteration of Sydney-originated favourite Three Blue Ducks. The hugely anticipated April debut of the 312-room modern hotel will open…

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South West Rocks’ Seabreeze Hotel to host two-day craft beer festival in March (NSW)

Across the weekend of 10th and 11th March, Seabreeze Beach Hotel in South West Rocks will be once again hosting Crafts on the Coast. The annual craft beer festival will be drawing on some of the best names in the north coast brew and cider scene to make its third year bigger than ever before,…

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Review: Waterloo’s Allegra Dining is a hidden gem worth digging for (Sydney)

Sydney’s food blogger community has been raving about Waterloo’s Allegra Dining for quite some time and it seems, in this particular case, it’s perfectly fine to buy into the hype. Tucked away at the far end of the breezy courtyard of 18 Danks Street, which also hosts Kepos & Co and a bunch of showrooms,…

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One of New York’s most legendary parties is making its Sydney debut this weekend

One of New York’s most acclaimed and distinctive club nights (and labels) of the past decade is making a surprising trip on over to Sydney via reliable party people Astral People and Cake Wines. Founded by Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin, Mister Saturday Night will have it’s down under debut this Sunday 25th February at…

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Craft beer icons BrewDog are opening a $30 million brewery in Brisbane

Pioneering Scottish craft beer company BrewDog have announced plans to open their first Australian facility in Brisbane with production to commence by 2019. The name which has been at the forefront of the craft beer revolution in Europe for years perked the interest of the Brisbane City Council and their economic development board Brisbane Marketing,…

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Ginkgo Bar & Dining is Darlinghurst’s new late-night dumpling pop up (Sydney)

Darlinghurst has got a new late-night dumpling go-to with Ginkgo Bar & Dining, a North East Chinese pop-up restaurant from the same team behind Ultimo’s beloved Harbin style restaurant Chulin. Owner Carly Jin and her husband Tim are aiming to make this a showcase for Harbin style dining, with a menu featuring over 16 varieties…

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Gourmet Cinema returns to Melbourne this March

Gourmet Cinema will be returning to Melbourne this March, calling upon six of the city’s best restaurants to complement an eclectic film program screemed at the Caufield Racecourse. The annual outdoor movie and food experience will feature food and drink from four restaurants per session, with one hero restaurant taking creative licence with a special…

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Review: Mercure Kooindah Waters Central Coast is a golfer’s dream getaway just outside of Sydney

Just a 90 minute drive from Sydney, and about half an hour away from the beaches of the Central Coast, the Mercure Kooindah Waters Central Coast is an affordable, but luxurious getaway that sits alongside an 18 hole championship golf course (ranked in the Top 100 golf resort courses in Australia), an Endota day spa with…

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Did the 747 inadvertently kill off the promise of supersonic travel?

In the latest episode of my Podcast Jetlag, I talk about the Queen of the Skies, the Boeing 747. Here’s a transcript of some of the episode, in which we look at just how significant the introduction of the 747 was for the future of air travel. So significant in fact, that it may have…

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We taste test Luke Mangan’s vibrant new Business Class menu for Virgin Australia

At his flagship MOJO restaurant in Sydney, and in front of his test kitchen – where many of the dishes that end up on a Virgin Australia flight are designed (with Virgin’s on board equipment seen sitting amongst the usual array of kitchen equipment) – I recently had the chance to taste Luke Mangan‘s new…

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Mantra Hotels have launched a massive sale across their Australia, NZ & Hawaii network

From now until the 21st February, Mantra Hotels is offering their largest ever global sale, featuring significant savings on more than 130 hotels across the Mantra, Peppers, BreakFree and Art Series Hotel properties in Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii. The sale represents a big savings opportunity for both visitors and staycationers with stays up to…

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Marriott Hotel makes Indonesian debut with 347-room hotel in Yogyakarta

Indonesia’s first ever internationally branded Marriott Hotel has made its debut with the opening Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel. Referencing the country’s rapidly growing market for both domestic and international travel, the renowned hotel brand is strategically positioned in an area of Yogyakarta where guests are able to immerse themselves in local culture and explore the city’s…

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Melbourne’s acclaimed urban glamping rooftop hotel announces April closure

One of the most unique hotels in Australia will sadly be shutting down – or should we say, zipping up – later this year. Melbourne’s urban glamping concept St. Jerome’s – The Hotel, the brainchild of Laneway Festival co-founder Jerome Borazio, has announced a sad farewell set for April 25th, packing up their 21 world-class…

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Aussies Abroad: Newcastle’s Vacations announce world tour dates for April & May

Newcastle heroes Vacations have announced a massive world tour, including dates in the USA, UK and Europe. The band are no strangers to live performance, earning their stripes playing parties and venues across Australia, winning over fans with their unique brand of guitar pop. Fresh off the back of their hugely successful EP Vibes, the…

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Portland, Maine to channel the spirit of Iceland Airwaves with music and beer festival ‘Sunaana’

Heating up for its second year in Portland, Maine will be Sunaana (an inuit word meaning “what is it”), a winter beer and music festival taking place across the enormous 30-acre Thompson’s Point and representing a surprising connection between the New England city and the Nordic country of Iceland. It was such a roaring success…

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Magnum teams with Australia’s fashion industry for three big new flavours

Magnum, everyone’s favourite indulgent ice cream, has lifted the lid on three new exciting flavours worked up in collaboration with numerous designers and influencers from Australia’s fashion industry. The flavours, each inspired by a different designer, are being described as “artisan-inspired” and have hit shelves across the country to what will undoubtedly be some feverish…

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Here’s what to expect from Darling Square’s Steam Mill Lane when it opens in April (Sydney)

Joining the already announced venues of Belles Hot Chicken, Fishbowl, Edition Coffee Roasters, Toby’s Estate and the Sydney debut of Melbourne’s famed 8Bit at Darling Square’s forthcoming Steam Mill Lane will be five new eateries, each reflecting a very diverse palate. Darling Square, part of the $3.4 billion plan to reshape Darling Harbour by the…

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Naumi Hotels opens 193-room designer property near Auckland airport

Singapore-based design hotel group, Naumi Hotels, have just made their official debut in Australasia with the 193-room Naumi Auckland Airport property. With the playful addition just minutes from the international and domestic airports, the group are hoping to absorb and reflect a unique contemporary design that borrows from local culture, evident in the hotel’s central…

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The largest ever King Tut exhibition is kicking off its global tour in LA

King Tut: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh will make its world debut at the California Science Centre in Los Angeles, showcasing an extraordinary and exclusive exhibition to mark 100 years since his tomb was discovered. It will remain in California from March 24 2018 until January 2019, before continuing its ten-city international exhibition tour. The…

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Review: A weekend getaway at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

Break away from the bustle of Sydney to wile away in the Hunter Valley for the weekend. A mere two-hour drive will bring you to resort accommodation Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, and it’s most certainly an ideal getaway to explore the wine region. Sleep It Off The twin bed deluxe room is reasonably sized, furnished…

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Here are three of the best Lunar New Year celebrations in Sydney for 2018

Lunar New Year is right around the corner, ushering in the Year of the Dog with the traditional festivities which always inspire a general celebration of Chinese culture, good fortune, longevity, wealth and happiness. As always, there will be a bunch of celebrations from some of the city’s best restaurants and precincts and to make…

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Veuve Clicquot is staging a bubbly takeover at Hilton Sydney for the next two months

Hilton Sydney have partnered up with Veuve Clicquot for to stage a bunch of “Yellow Hour” pop ups throughout the lush CBD property, presenting a number of specials each day between 5pm and 7pm Tuesday 13th February to Sunday 15th April. Zeta Bar, Marble Bar, and glass brasserie will each be flecked by yellow hues…

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Bistro Moncur announces special 25th Silver Anniversary dinner

Legendary Woollahra restaurant Bistro Moncur are planning a very special dinner to celebrate their 25th anniversary. The French dining institution’s impressive legacy will be highlighted and showcased on Friday 2nd March with a simple, elegant set menu designed by Head Chef Mark Williamson and Damien Pignolet, the original founder who will be returning especially for…

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Johnnie Walker Blue Label kicking off extremely rare series using whiskies from “ghost” distilleries

Johnnie Walker have announced a forthcoming Australian launch for the premium Blue Label Ghost and Rare, the first in a brand-new series of special releases from the whisky giants. The special release series will highlight the use of rare whiskies from “ghost” distilleries that have long since closed, blended with other very rare malt and…

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