Treat Dad to a Tassie wine and whisky dinner

Looking for a special Father's Day treat?

How about a trip to northern Tasmania for a culinary collaboration between Josef Chromy Wines and McHenry Distillery?

Chromy's delightful cellar door restaurant will host a wine and whisky north meets south degustation dinner on Friday, September 4.

Executive chef Nick Raitt is promising a bespoke menu that infuses Bill McHenry’s handcrafted spirits from the Tasman Peninsula with fine local produce augmented by vineyard views.

Throughout the evening guests will discover the Chromy winery kitchen’s farm-to-plate philosophy and hear directly from Bill McHenry as he shares the story behind one of Tasmania’s favourite distilleries.

This evening is designed as a showcase of the whole island, from the rugged Tasman Peninsula to the rolling hills of Relbia, 10 minutes south of Launceston.

What is being promised is "a night of exceptional food, fine spirits, great wine, and captivating stories".

I'd make a weekend of it, following up with some Tamar Valley tastings and a night or two in Launceston.

The event runs from 6pm and costs $180 per person (including the degustation, matched wines and cocktails). BOOK YOUR TABLE HERE

German stations clamp down on alcohol consumption

A cold lager and a takeaway currywurst on the platform while waiting for your train is almost de rigueur at German railway stations. 

No more. 

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is introducing a nationwide ban on alcohol consumption at all of its railway stations as part of a major safety initiative designed to protect passengers and frontline staff, news hub Travel Mole reports.

The measure will be rolled out across Germany’s 5,400 train stations in phases and will be fully implemented by October 15. 

DB said the decision follows a series of violent incidents, including what it described as a “brutal and senseless” attack on July 17 on a train driver. 

The rail operator said the incident reinforced concerns about the connection between excessive alcohol consumption and violent behaviour at stations.

“We are taking decisive action by removing alcohol consumption from our stations,” said DB CEO Evelyn Palla. 

“Too often we have seen that where large amounts of alcohol are consumed, violence also increases. The recent attack has shown once again why this step is necessary. We are serious about improving safety for our employees and our passengers.“

The alcohol ban will be introduced under Deutsche Bahn’s station regulations. Local station rules will be updated over the coming weeks in cooperation with municipalities, public authorities and local administrations before the policy takes effect nationwide.

Several major German stations already prohibit alcohol consumption. Around 30 stations, have operated under these restrictions, including Berlin Zoologischer Garten and Berlin Ostbahnhof, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Essen, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Mannheim and Munich.

DB says the results have been positive. 

“The experience has been clear,” Palla said. “Alcohol-free stations mean less violence and less litter.“

The next phase of the rollout begins on September 1, when Berlin Central Station, Berlin Gesundbrunnen, Kiel and Braunschweig stations will become alcohol-free. The remaining stations across the country will follow in stages through mid-October.

The ban applies only to alcohol consumption in station areas. Restaurants, cafés and other licensed food and beverage outlets located inside stations are exempt and may continue serving alcoholic drinks under existing regulations. 

Passengers will also still be allowed to carry unopened alcoholic beverages in their luggage or shopping bags while travelling.

Anyone caught violating the new rules will initially be ordered to leave the station. Repeat offenders may face a permanent ban from stations. 

Why you’ll need to be quick to be on the right track

Bookings for the 2027 Ngaro Track season will open on Tuesday, August 11, with hikers being urged to secure their place early on what has quickly become one of Australia's most sought-after multi-day walks.

Independent walker permits for 2026 sold out shortly after release. 

The 2027 permits are expected to sell quickly, particularly across peak travel periods. 

Bookings are available via www.ngarotrack.com.au for the spectacular 32-kilometre trail across Whitsunday Island.

Developed by the Queensland Government in partnership with the Ngaro Traditional Owners, the Ngaro Track is Australia's newest purpose-built multi-day walk.

The trail links Whitehaven Beach with Hill Inlet through ancient rainforest, towering pines, secluded beaches and spectacular coastal lookouts. 

Walkers stay at purpose-built camps at under Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service's managed permit system.

Michael Buggy, director of World Expeditions Travel Group Australasian Operating Companies, said the response to the Ngaro Track had exceeded expectations, with the independent permits proving especially popular.

"The response from hikers has been phenomenal," Buggy said.

"With only a limited number of departures available each season, we expect demand to remain exceptionally strong."

Coinciding with the release of the independent walker bookings, World Expeditions will also open bookings for its fully supported Ngaro Track Walk in Comfort as well as its Thorsborne Trail Guided Walk departures for the 2027 season. 

To celebrate the launch, World Expeditions is offering $200 per person off all 2027 departures on both guided itineraries for new bookings made between August 11 and midnight on August 18. 

Cape Mentelle brings benchmark cabernet tasting back to Sydney

Cape Mentelle's International Cabernet Tasting is returning to Sydney after 15-year absence.

The founding Margaret River winery will bring the tasting back to the east coast on Friday, October 16 - a major event for cabernet lovers.

To be held at Watersedge at Campbell’s Stores, with views of Sydney Harbour, the annual benchmark tasting is a hallmark event on the Australian wine calendar, featuring a line-up of some of the world’s finest cabernet labels.

Tickets are $750pp and include a blind tasting of three brackets followed by a long lunch paired to the wines from the tasting. 

There will be commentary from experts and the tasting is followed by a Champagne palate cleanser before lunch.

The Cape Mentelle International Cabernet Tasting is one of Australia’s longest running international wine benchmark tastings, established in 1982 by Cape Mentelle founder David Hohnen.

The tasting initially began as a process to help Hohnen finesse each vintage by benchmarking his own releases against globally recognised expressions.

Today, the tasting has expanded to invite wine lovers to join the Cape Mentelle team to taste and benchmark great cabernets from across the world alongside home-grown examples from the same vintage.

“I’m excited to bring this much-loved wine tasting experience back to Sydney for the first time since 2011,” says Cape Mentelle Chief of Winemaking & Viticulture David Moulton.

“Each year, the tasting reveals the ever-evolving landscape of cabernet sauvignon, as seen through the lens of some of the world’s best winemakers. Not only do we see how our own cabernet is looking against an array of other Australian releases, but we get to see how Margaret River Cabernet continues to define itself against regions from around the world.

"I can’t wait to see what the tasting unveils.”

The tasting will feature iconic Australian expressions alongside cult-status international producers from Italy (including Super Tuscans), the US, New Zealand, and France.

Adding to the event’s prestige, this year offers an Australian exclusive first look at wines from the 2023 Bordeaux vintage prior to their official local arrival. 

Tickets and details here: https://www.capementelle.com.au/Events/International-Cabernet

Wild Harvest Seafood Festival returns

Love your seafood? East Gippsland in Victoria is calling. 

Fresh seafood, spectacular coastal scenery and three days of gourmet experiences are promised when the Wild Harvest Seafood Festival returns to tiny Mallacoota from September 25–27. 

One of Gippsland's signature spring events, the festival celebrates the region's seafood, coastal lifestyle and maritime heritage. 

At the heart of the festival is the Wild Harvest Market, where seafood harvested from Bass Strait takes centre stage alongside local produce, artisan makers, live music and seaside vibes.

Throughout the long weekend, visitors can look forward to fresh oysters, mussels, abalone, sea urchin and other delicacies from local waters.

There will also be live music across multiple venues, guided rockpool rambles and family fishing clinics and a community beach clean-up with Friends of Mallacoota.

Art exhibitions and installations at MA Space, a cruise aboard the historic M.V. Loch-Ard and a
short film sharing Mallacoota's maritime history and connection to the sea are also on the agenda.

Visitors can make a long weekend of it with 10% off accommodation at Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park during the festival in the town of around 1200 people. 

Book a minimum three-night stay between September 25-28 using the code Wild26 at mallacootaforeshore.com.au to access the offer (subject to availability).

For the full program, visit wildharvestseafoodfestival.com or plan your visit to Mallacoota at
visitgippsland.com.au/destinations/east-gippsland/mallacoota.

A wine region hotel where old meets new

Rutherglen is a small town in north-east Victoria that draws wine lovers from around Australia to sample its bold reds and legendary fortifieds.

When I lasted visited - a few year ago now - the Victoria Hotel was just another old pub on the main street.

Built in 1868, it had history on its side, but looked in need of some care and attention. 

The Victoria began as a modest wooden building before being transformed into a two-storey brick landmark by the magnificently named Shadrack Platts Gollings in 1893.

With its heritage features -including Rutherglen’s original mortuary tucked just beyond the carriage gates - The Victoria proudly holds Victoria’s longest continually operating hotel licence.

In 2021, Kate and Matt Halpin became the custodians of this historic landmark.

The couple returned to their regional origins, adopting the philosophy of "city style meets country soul."

Their vision was to honour The Victoria’s heritage while transforming it into a modern destination that celebrates connection, community, and the spirit of the High Country.

Boy, have they succeeded.



After a multi-million-dollar restoration, they have managed to preserve the hotel’s historic character while introducing contemporary comforts. So much so that last year The Victoria was named ‘Best Redeveloped Hotel in Victoria’ by the Australian Hotels Association.

When I stayed last month in one of the 14 impressive and spacious suites, the popular restaurant (open seven days for lunch and dinner) offering award-winning regional cuisine was jumping, even on a chilly midweek night.

So think elevated, flame-focused dining right on the main street (make sure to try the Pillow bread and the croquettes) just a short drive from cellar doors including my hosts at Morris, All Saints, Campbells, Stanton and Killen, Scion, Pfeiffer and other desirable destinations.

The main street is home to Thousand Pound wine bar, boutiques, cafés and the legendary Parker Pies shop.



For anyone arriving late, or checking out early, there is keyless experience with contactless check-in. The technology works!

The suites feature air-conditioning and heating, flat-screen TV, Hunter Lab bathroom amenities, good sized fluffy towels, tea and coffee-making facilities, a phone charger that works, free high-speed wifi, a bar fridge, off-street guest parking and bath robes and slippers.

There is a lively bar, the restaurant and several shared rooms like the clubby The Library.

* Rutherglen is Around 30 minutes drive from the regional hubs of Albury/Wodonga, Wangaratta and Yarrawonga, The Victoria is an ideal base from which to explore surrounding heritage townships like Beechworth, Milawa, Chiltern, Wahgunyah and Corowa. Or venture a little further afield for a day trip to the King Valley, Alpine snowfields or picturesque Bright & Myrtleford, located less than 90 minutes away.

You can book direct at https://www.victoriahotelrutherglen.com.au/ 

# The writer was a guest of Morris of Rutherglen and Casella Family Brands