Hobart’s Mona to open Bangkok offshoot

The Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) in Hobart, Tasmania, and Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) in Bangkok, Thailand, have announced they are working together to develop MONA Bangkok, a major new art destination on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff joined Mona founder David Walsh, artist and curator Kirsha Kaechele, DarkLab CEO and creative director Leigh Carmichael and Mona executives in Bangkok for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with AWC, represented by Chief Executive Officer and President Wallapa Traisorat, and Chief Commercial Business Officer Michael Hariz.

The signing was also attended by Australian Ambassador-Designate to Thailand Pablo Kang, Thai Minister of Culture Sabeeda Thaised, Governor of Bangkok Chadchart Sittipunt and Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Thapanee Kiatphaibool.

The MOU outlines the shared vision for MONA Bangkok, which will bring together Mona’s extensive experience creating internationally acclaimed art, music and cultural destinations with AWC’s record of landmark developments in Thailand.

David Walsh, Mona’s founder, said: "Having spent most of the last 25 years studying how museums work, AWC has presented us with a remarkable opportunity to take what we’ve learned to one of the great tourist centres of the world."

Since opening in Hobart in 2011, Mona has been visited by over 5.2 million people. It has helped change visitors’ perception of Tasmania and turn Hobart into an international cultural destination, drawing audiences from across Australia and around the world through its idiosyncratic approach to exhibitions, festivals, architecture, and hospitality.

The MONA Bangkok project will be led on Mona’s side by Carmichael under the direction of Walsh, with assistance from a project team of skilled creatives.

Carmichael has worked with Walsh for over 20 years. Together they established the Mona brand, the Dark Mofo festival, and cultural precinct In The Hanging Garden.

“MONA Bangkok will take the creative spirit of Mona into a new context,” Carmichael said. “Like the museum in Hobart, it will be unconventional and unique, and will present work by leading international artists, while also creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue with Thai artists, audiences and cultural traditions.

“The theme of light will be explored both as a physical phenomenon and as a metaphor. Light has long been a source of fascination, reflection and hope across cultures, and it feels especially resonant in Bangkok, with its rich cultural life and traditions. I’m looking forward to listening, learning and seeing where this project leads as it develops.

“We look forward to working with AWC on this ambitious project, and to meeting with Thai artists, designers and makers as we begin the journey.

“Bangkok is already home to important contemporary art events and institutions including the Bangkok Art Biennale, MOCA Bangkok and the newly opened Dib Bangkok. MONA Bangkok is intended to build on this momentum, helping strengthen the city’s position as a global art destination.”

Traisorat said: "At AWC, Building a Better Future is at the heart of everything we do. This collaboration with Mona reflects the power of partnerships to create lasting cultural and economic value. 

"Together, we are building more than a new destination - we are creating a bridge between Thailand and Australia through a shared vision, a passion for art, a shared commitment to sustainable tourism and a belief in the power of culture to connect people.

“We are excited to welcome Mona to Bangkok to create a world-class cultural landmark that inspires creativity, fosters meaningful artist communities, and encourages more people to discover new experiences. By bringing together art, innovation and hospitality, MONA Bangkok will strengthen the creative industry and enhance Thailand as the leading global sustainable destination.”

Further details on the project will be announced in due course.

Image: An early rendering of MONA Bangkok. Courtesy Mona, AWC and Six Degrees Architects.

Coonawarra wine icons celebrate milestone

One of Coonawarra's pioneering wine families is marking a major milestone with Bowen Estate celebrating 50 vintages.

 
Started by Doug and Joy Bowen in 1972 with the first vintage in 1975, Bowen Estate is now run by their daughter Emma.  

This month, Bowen Estate releases its landmark half century vintage, showcasing the commitment of a family whose name has become synonymous with classic Coonawarra cabernet sauvignon.

Family owned and operated since its foundation, Bowen Estate has remained true to its philosophy of crafting wines that express the unique character of Coonawarra's celebrated terra rossa soils.

“I had lots of energy and passion to start my own winery experience," Doug Bowen recalls. 

"I never wanted to work for anyone else, simply wanted to put all my efforts into my own project.

“To make the best wine you have to have the best grapes. End of story.

“With Emma in the winery I am immensely proud of what she is doing and has achieved.

“I have stepped back from the winery largely over the past few vintages and she has accepted the new responsibility well. Fortunately, we both share the same philosophy and commitment to our style.”

Bowen Estate makes wines from only three grape varieties: cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and chardonnay, and has a loyal following among collectors, trade and consumers alike, with its wines recognised for their balance and cellar worthiness. 

“Bowen Estate has never just been where I work - it's where I grew up," says Emma Bowen. "Vintage was part of our family life, and some of my fondest memories are of watching my parents in the winery and vineyard.

“To now stand beside Dad as we celebrate and release our 50th vintage is incredibly humbling. It represents everything my parents have built over the past five decades, and I'm honoured to help carry that legacy forward."

See https://bowenestate.com.au/

Image: Doug and Emma Bowen 

Tourism continues to boom in Europe

Travel is booming in Europe despite headwinds including rising prices, geopolitical tensions, airport delays and climate concerns. 

The latest European Travel Commission (ETC) Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel shows 81% of Europeans intended to travel between June and November 2026 - up four percentage points from the same period last year.

The findings underline the resilience of travel demand while highlighting a growing focus on safety, value for money and climate resilience when choosing destinations.

The survey also shows that Europeans continue to favour multiple vacations, with 55% planning at least two trips over the next six months. Nearly two-thirds (64%) expected to travel within Europe, reinforcing the region’s position as the preferred destination for its own residents.

Travel enthusiasm has strengthened across nearly every age group, reaching its highest level among travellers aged 45 to 54, where 86% are planning a trip.

Southern and Mediterranean Europe remained the continent’s most sought-after vacation region, attracting 61% of intended travellers, four percentage points higher than a year ago.

Spain tops the list of preferred destinations, chosen by 14% of respondents, followed by Italy (12%), France (8%) and Greece (7%). The enduring appeal of sunshine, beaches, cultural attractions and city breaks continues to drive demand for these destinations.

The report also points to a growing desire for more authentic and less crowded experiences.

While interest in Europe’s iconic tourist destinations has edged up to 48%, a slight majority of travellers (52%) now say they prefer exploring lesser-known locations or destinations off the traditional tourist trail.

Crowding is also becoming a more significant consideration with 11% of respondents say avoiding busy destinations. 

One in five Europeans (20%) cite safety as their top consideration, ahead of pleasant weather (15%) and attractive travel deals (14%).

Financial pressures continue to weigh on travellers’ minds, even though demand remains robust. Rising travel costs are now the biggest concern for 22% of respondents, while 17% are worried about their personal financial situation.

Geopolitical instability is also having a greater impact on travel planning than in previous years. Concerns related to the conflict in the Middle East have doubled over the past year, rising from 7% to 14%, while 11% of Europeans remain concerned about the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Despite higher fuel prices and increasing airfare costs, flying remains the preferred mode of transportation, with 53% planning to travel by air.

Commenting on the findings, Miguel Sanz, president of the ETC, said Europeans continue to place a high value on travel despite an increasingly complex global environment.

Image: Madrid

Discover Paris' own unique wine-inspired festival

For close to 100 years, the 18th Arrondissement of Paris has celebrated its grape harvest festival. 

Centered on the historic district of Montmartre, overlooking the city and blessed with its own micro vineyard, the Fête des Vendanges will this year run from October 7-11. 

The 93rd edition has the theme "The 18th Arrondissement Leads the Beat".

Drawing nearly 1.5 million visitors annually, the festival is the third-largest event organized by the City of Paris. 

For five days, the entire 18th arrondissement is transformed into a huge open-air stage where music, 

gastronomy, heritage, and community celebration come together.

Concerts, choirs, dances, performances, musical parades, participatory events, and neighborhood
festivities will fill the arrondissement's streets, squares, and iconic venues.

The festival's Taste Trail will bring together producers, winemakers from Chablis,and Auxerre, and artisans sharing their products, craftsmanship, and stories at the foot of the Sacré-Cœur.

The Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre is promoted as being committed to the values that define it: solidarity, openness, inclusion, and the sharing of knowledge and traditions.

The 2026 edition will also continue its commitment to environmental sustainability through initiatives promoting responsible food practices, waste reduction, sustainable mobility, short supply chains, and the promotion of local expertise.

See Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre : du 7 au 11 octobre 2026

Images: Erwan-Floch & Mathilde Gardel

How about a winter wellness package by the sea?

There is a new winter wellness package on offer at one of Sydney's hippest hotels. 

The packages are available exclusively at InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach from July 10-September 30, subject to availability. 

These deals combine luxury suite accommodation, Club InterContinental access and a  thermal experience at Èliva Spa, just steps from Coogee Beach.

Guests are promised "sweeping ocean views and the chance to spot migrating whales along the coastline before retreating to Èliva Spa to enjoy the facilities".

They can immerse themselves in magnesium mineral pools, infrared and salt saunas, cold plunge baths and a crystal steam room. 

From $700 per night, the package includes: overnight suite accommodation, Club InterContinental access for up to two guests, one 60-minute thermal facilities experience at Èliva Spa per guest, per stay, along with complimentary valet parking. 

For more info click HERE. 

Dark Lark is a seasonal Tasmanian treat

Winter in Tasmania is long, cold and dark.

It's the perfect time, then, for the sixth seasonal release of No. 166 Dark Lark 2026.

The limited-release whisky is housed in a matte black 700mL bottle - a dark, moody exterior that houses a Tasmanian single malt.

It's a bit late, to be honest, in that it is promoted as signalling "the arrival of winter and the ritual that comes with it". It's also a bit behind the Dark Mofo festival.

Crafted by master sistiller Chris Thomson and the Lark team, this year’s expression is promoted as "leaning into deep indulgence: sticky figs, dark chocolate-covered cherries and espresso gelato, lifted by lemon shortbread and soft honey."

It sounds delicious. I'll report back once I've tried it.

No.166 Dark Lank 2026 is available from today via larkdistillery.com and Hobart venues. The RRP is $150.