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A couple of days in regional Victoria saw us visit a dream come true destination for me. I have long wanted to visit the Daylesford area and this quick few days did not disappoint. THE LAKEHOUSE DAYLESFORD You know the food at The Lakehouse is great when you both just enjoy every mouthful in silence to savour all the flavours. To say the food was amazing is an understatement, with multiple awards for service, wine and Chefs Hats for their outstanding food if you are in the Daylesford region you must include Lake House for lunch. The welcome by staff who take such great care of all guests and knowledge of food and wine is second to none. The customer service impeccable! Walk off your lunch around the gorgeous lake. Points to note: Reservations are essential and well in advance. Four course a la carte menu.   LAKE COTTAGE, DAYGET READ MORE

Well, it has been some months since travelling but I am pleased to report after all these years of writing itineraries for media and trade I finally got the opportunity to visit some area’s of Tasmania myself. This gorgeous state of Australia has long been a bucket list place for me to visit. Here are just a few highlights that I would recommend you visit:   MONA, HOBART Museum of Old and New Art, located about 20 minute drive north of Hobart. A visual and sensory feast overload would be how best I describe this venue. Their website says “Mona: a museum, or something. In Tasmania, or somewhere. Catch the ferry. Drink beer. Eat cheese. Talk crap about art. You’ll love it.” Points to note: The area is huge so wear comfortable walking shoes. MONA is cashless so ensure you have a card of some description to pay for any READ MORE

Its always a delight to visit another region in Queensland where the emphasis on enjoying the lifestyle of the outdoors, great beach vibes and scrumptious food plays a part in your visit. This April we visited the new Brouhaha Baringa in Caloundra’s Sunshine Coast so now you can enjoy your favourite brew without the drive into the Hinterland. Born in Maleny the Hinterland offering does some amazing food as well but the Baringa brewery also acts as the production side and boasts a fantastic tap room and bar that offers production tours which is a great way to learn about this locally owned and operated company. Check out their FB page for the rotating line up of food truck and music gigs. Best of all, for the non beer drinkers you can also enjoy some great Aussie Wines, Spirits and Cocktails. I enjoyed trying the Brouhaha Summer Sour Slammer, a READ MORE

This beaut area encompasses a large area of Southern Queensland and is lush with eco retreats, a nature lovers delight with World Heritage listed rainforests, national parks and a foodies haven. Conveniently located a one hours drive from both Gold Coast and Brisbane, the Scenic Rim can be visited for a day, weekend getaway and longer. The accommodation is endless from Hotels, Apartments, B&B, Cottages, Farm stays, Retreats and Lodges. We opted for Greenlee Cottages as we were looking for a country getaway offering cosy accommodation but with up-to-date stylish finishing’s and the opportunity to walk and enjoy the outdoors. This property did not disappoint. The area is gorgeous! The property is a working Macadamia farm and producers its own Honey. Nestled in the foothills of the Darlington Ranges, the lovely township of Canungra is less then a 15 minute drive away. Greenlee has 3 self-contained cottages on site all READ MORE

Welcome to Lady Elliot Island, a coral cay on the Southernmost part of the Great Barrier Reef. We took a flight from the Gold Coast’s Coolangatta airport (general aviation side). After a brief stop at Redcliffe airport (Brisbane) and we were once again on our way. Flights depart from Gold Coast, Redcliffe, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg. It was great flying from the Gold Coast so low over the coastline and really enjoyed seeing the Sunshine Coast and Fraser Island in a whole new light. The island sits on 42 hectares in size and is a protected green zone within the Great Barrier Reef. This eco resort holds advanced eco, climate change leader certifications and prides itself on their ecotourism sustainable practices. On arrival a staff member greets you and takes you on a brief orientation providing great info on the resort and where to find everything you need during your READ MORE

Brisbane, such a vibrant and eclectic city with so many wonderful suburbs to explore. One of my favourites must be Bulimba. In the 80’s we used to frequent the local Balmoral cinema and enjoyed Friday night drinks with a good friend at her apartment before heading into the nightclubs in town. As the years went on, this sleepy little pocket is now a bustling, fun and lively suburb full of enchanting bars, cafes, microbreweries and boutiques yet still managing to retain it’s charming personality and very popular with people of all ages. Start your day for breakfast at Fiddle Leaf, located only a few short blocks walk from Oxford Street. I had the House Baked Croissant with mushroom, spinach, gruyere cheese, baby herbs, taro hollandaise and hash browns – yum! Walk off your breakfast and stroll Oxford Streets many stores. I always love to check out Lunamay, House on Oxford, READ MORE

Now here is something you do not get to do every day. We were looking for a fun and different activity to try and wanted to still support a local Gold Coast business. Enter Clay & Sip Gold Coast with the Island Potter. What a marvellous idea! I haven’t worked with clay blocks before and was super excited about learning a new skill plus creating pieces of my own that I could eventually take home with me. There are several different classes you can book and it’s all very easy. Just head to the website and select the Clay & Sip Workshops Tab to book and pay online. There are even Children’s classes! We choose a beginner Clay and Sip Japanese Plate Making set class. A great Saturday morning girly catch up for me and two friends. The class was held at the Clay and Sip home studio in Helensvale READ MORE

Out and about this month saw some live music and dining options present themselves which was just wonderful to see, hear and eat at. Like everyone we have been starved of enjoying the live music scene and it’s been fantastic to not just support local artists on the Gold Coast but also show our support for local business’ as well. Grandad Jack’s Craft Distillery in Miami, a long time fav of mine now has local live music playing every Saturday and Sunday arvo. Team this with a visit to HOTA’s (Gold Coasts – Home Of The Arts) Exhibitionist Bar in Surfers Paradise and enjoy the amazing views of the Gold Coast skyline from the 5th floor whilst you sip a cocktail, glass of bubbles and delight in shared plates. My favs were the Fried Eggplant with Mushroom and XO Sauce and one could not resist the Champagne Lobster Roll with READ MORE

Well life just got a bit more fancy on the Gold Coast, we spent a weekend this month checking out the newly refurbished JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. The $35 million refurbishment coincided with the fresh new rebranding of the hotel from Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa to form part of the highly successful JW brand. All rooms plus hotel general areas have been totally upgraded giving the place its tranquil and luxurious feel. On arrival we were greeted by the lovely Front of House Staff with a Lavender Tea – Welcome Drink which tasted delightful. One of my favs at this property has to be the saltwater lagoon with it’s sand beach and tropical fish that YES you can snorkel and swim with! Masks and Snorkels are available to hire at the Watersports Kiosk or bring your own. During the renovations all aquatic life was relocated READ MORE

Two very different styles of accommodation to showcase this month and both located at opposite ends of the Gold Coast. The first property is a 2-bedroom ocean view apartment in Tugan. This cosy sea village offers fantastic beaches, café culture and a very laid-back lifestyle. We stayed at Pelican Sands and the ocean views advertised did not disappoint. Both bedrooms offering ocean views plus a large balcony off the lounge area as well. We even saw Whales migrating off the coast whilst sitting on the balcony enjoying a cup of tea, it was fantastic! Leslie, the Office Manager was friendly and welcoming. Our apartment was located on the 3rd floor and had everything you needed. Both bathrooms had undergone a refurbishment so looked new and clean. The kitchen was a great size and overall, the place was comfortable and well kept. Fantastic access to the beach, right on your doorstep READ MORE