Blogs

Queensland Outback – A bucket list visit for well over 25 years. I have loved this region from afar for so long and in 2023, made the decision to commence planning. I had all the ‘must do” visit places listed. Unfortunately, reality hit when I realised, I only had 2 weeks leave and had to dramatically reduce my itinerary. Narrowing down the itinerary to include the “must do’s” was hard. The Queensland Outback can be accessed by rail, air and road. I have opted for self-driving. I am splitting the Queensland Outback trip into separate blogs as there is just way too much great content. Here is what we saw and experienced on our 1st section of the journey. There were so many “pinch me” moments experienced on this product update. When planning your trip, keep in mind that the Queensland Outback is as vast as it is spectacular, spanning an READ MORE

Its not often I can say I truly love everything about one hotel I have stayed in, however on this occasion Crystalbrook Byron really has won my heart. How many times do we choose the destination first then contemplate the accommodation and experiences second. Having now been a guest of Crystalbrook Byron I have changed my perspective on researching luxe, relaxation accommodation first and this would be front and centre of a visit. From the moment you arrive and check in, staff very welcoming and friendly to the convenient location of the gorgeous pool area (heated might I add) and a huge emphasis on mind and body relaxation – there was even a free daily yoga class! I was already feeling relaxed before even going to my room. The grounds are leafy forming part of a subtropical rainforest. Being surrounded by nature at your doorstep you cannot help but feel READ MORE

Needing an escape to the country, then look no further then considering staying in one of the two fully off grid architecturally designed Glasshouses at Avion Retreat. Located in the gorgeous Tweed region of Northern New Wales this luxury farm stay adults only retreat will surprise and delight you. Firstly, the area is beautiful, Pumpenbil is located a 10-minute drive from the picturesque village of Tyalgum, a short 20-minute drive from the thriving Art Deco township of Murwillumbah and if flying into Coolangatta Airport less than a 55-minute drive. The property has seen various transformations from timber to a dairy farm and now a small number of Brangus Cattle, grassfed of course but the biggest transformation has seen the current owners open the space for guests to stay on site. With 150 acres there are plenty of spaces for you to discover and enjoy on your own or together. The READ MORE

kost is located in Broadbeach’s trendy Oracle Boulevard and taking up 3 previous shop fronts this 130 seat restaurant and bar is a divine addition to the Gold Coast’s dining experiences. Cleverly inspired by the raw beauty of nature and our coastline the décor is sleek yet understated, welcoming but not overly fussy. Private dining room and an outdoor pavilion space offering views of Chefs at work on the modern grill -2 metres long makes for a striking and imposing concept. Curved timber seats, stone tables, everything from the crockery and cutlery has been expertly sourced. The cuisine is impressive, we choose the Steak which was succulent and beautifully cooked plus the Market Fish with a side of Broccolini and the recommended Potato Mash (this is Chef Zeb’s family recipe) and did not disappoint. Food was beautifully presented and cooked. I just love a dining experience where it’s all about READ MORE

Brisbane city has never looked so good, with many infrastructure building projects going on, things are looking up for the River City pre-Olympics. One of the most popular precincts has to be the Howard Smith Wharves. The location is fab, we met friends who live at Newstead and  they regularly enjoy the boardwalk to get to and from HSW. Loads of people walking, running, bike riding. I can remember the 2010 floods, being told for our safety to leave the city and go home. I vividly remember being on the bus and thinking “will my city ever be the same” This was a scary time for many, and it has taken Brisbane some time to get back on the road to recovery, but the Aussie spirit is strong, and our city and her people did rebuild. Forward to 2023 as I take my leisurely walk along the boardwalk, one would READ MORE

Great Saturday morning vibes at the Salt Village Markets with loads of varying product to enjoy looking at, trying on, taste testing. The Salt Village Markets are held every third Saturday of the month and sells anything from gifts, gourmet food, artwork to jewellery and fashion items. Grab a coffee and croissant for breaky from Salt Village French Patisserie before walking down to the markets or support the local coffee market vendor on site and purchase from them. Either way you are sure to get your caffeine fix satisfied. Looking for something on the aquatic side take a short drive to Cudgen Creek, Watersports Guru offers SUP hire & lessons plus Kayak Tours. Alternatively, you can just enjoy a dip in the clear and calm waters. Next time we will pack a picnic or book one through the amazing team at Blue Ginger Picnics so we can stay longer and READ MORE

Balmy breezes, sand beneath your feet, leisurely long walks on the beach, refreshing pool & ocean dips, icy cold beverages, and amazing cuisine sound like your cup of tea, then take a trip to Palm Cove in Tropical North Queensland. Beaut time of the year to visit with the great weather. Flight into Cairns was noneventful (as we like these days). Hire car collection from Sixt, whilst check in desk is located conveniently across from luggage collection point, it only takes a few minutes to walk from the terminal to the car collection office. I booked the mystery vehicle to save some $$ and got a Kia Carnival which we thought was funny but it’s a very comfortable vehicle to drive once you get used to being in something so big. I like to stock up at either Smithfield Shopping Centre or Clifton Village Shopping Centre for groceries. Smithfield, I READ MORE

Tropical Cyclones Judy & Kevin in March of this year caused massive devastation & heartache for the Vanuatu people, then throw in a 6.5 magnitude earthquake and you have ask the question how much more can these beautiful people take. Vanuatu, a country on my wish list for some time, so we headed off in August to show our support and help the local economy by spending our holiday dollars. Some Facts*: Over 197 388 people were affected. This represents 66% of the overall population. The livelihoods of 38 764 people were impacted. 6384 homes were destroyed. 84% of people lost their home gardens. Alarmingly gender-based violence and child protection cases are in the increase. Women and Children are at risk of sexual exploitation, harassment and abuse due to insufficient bathing & sanitation facilities with little or no privacy. * Post Disaster Needs Assessment Vanuatu Tropical Cyclones Judy & Kevin READ MORE

Spent 3 nights at Crystalbrook Bailey, great location so easy to walk around town. Love the exposed concept of lobby area, the greenery and artwork everywhere showcasing local artists. Learnt so many new things about this property for instance: Did you know Crystalbrook Bailey Residences are Pet Friendly for your four-legged friends? Arte their delightful lobby bar offers a complimentary glass of wine for you to sample a drop you haven’t tried before between 4-5 pm Tue to Sat. The hotel regularly partners with aspiring artists to showcase their work in lobby exhibitions and generally opening nights are free to attend. Enjoy a beverage at Pachamama by the pool, take your book to read or enjoy a swim. Great steaks to be enjoyed at CC’s Bar & Grill and the coffee each morning by their local Barista is second to none. The breakfast staff on shift were a delight to READ MORE

WOW! This 4 Star Hotel on the Gold Coast certainly punches well above it’s star rating weight that’s for sure. Conveniently located in Broadbeach, considered the GC’s halfway point Dorsett Gold Coast sits proudly in Darling Avenue, directly across the road from a major transport hub (buses & trams), Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and the Ocean a mere 2 blocks walk. 313 rooms in total, the property has only been open since late Dec 2021 so a relative newcomer to the GC accommodation scene and Australia’s first Dorsett. Dorsett Hospitality International’s expansion from Asia into Australia will see other Dorsett Hotels currently under construction open in Brisbane and Perth. The Melbourne hotel opened in April this year. From incorporating local pieces of art and design into the décor (check out the amazing light installation in the lobby) to the cute boxes of handmade chocolate by Little Cocoa shows thoughtfulness and READ MORE