Qantas and Jetstar to cut domestic flights

If you have a domestic booking with Qantas or Jetstar then you might want to check the flight still exists. 

The Qantas Group today announced that in light of continued volatility in fuel prices and global economic conditions, its will reduce domestic flight frequencies by around 5%. 

Regional destinations will be among those affected. 

The airline said in a media release that higher international airfares would only partly offset soaring fuel costs, expected to be between $3.1 billion and $3.3 billion in the six months to June 30. 

The carrier said in a market update that affected Qantas and Jetstar customers will be contacted directly and offered either alternative flights or a refund.

Qantas Group added that it is closely monitoring the dynamic environment and retains the option to take further actions to mitigate fuel cost increases across the business over time.

The news follows the Australian flag carrier's decision last week to redeploy capacity from the US and its domestic network to increase flights to Europe.

"Qantas continues to see strong demand for international travel to Europe as customers seek alternative routes," it said. "In response, the Group has redeployed capacity from the US and its domestic network to increase flights to Paris and Rome."

Qantas increased airfares last month to mitigate against the spiralling cost of jet fuel.

Qantas’ fuel bill is forecast to be higher in its second half by between $600 million and $800 million. 

"Since the Group provided outlook guidance at its 1H26 financial results, jet fuel prices have more than doubled and remain highly volatile," the airline media release said. 

"The Group is working closely with the government and jet fuel suppliers who continue to provide confidence in fuel supply for the remainder of April and well into May. We are closely monitoring the situation given the ongoing uncertainty in global fuel supply chains.

"In light of the ongoing volatility, the Group will provide an update on the FY27 outlook at a later date."

Image: Qantas

Hotels go all out for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is just around the corner and it can pay to book early for some of the best experiences.

Sofitel and MGallery Collection hotels across Australia are inviting families to celebrate the women in their lives on May 10, with offerings ranging from sparkling high teas and leisurely lunches to overnight escapes.

SOFITEL HOTELS

Sofitel's Mother's Day experiences aim to reflect the brand's signature French zest, combining elegant dining and high tea traditions. 

Culinary Experiences

Sofitel Melbourne On Collins – No35 Restaurant Mother's Day Lunch
From $135 per person
Guests can celebrate with a refined share-style three or four-course menu paired with French sparkling wine, while enjoying panoramic views across Melbourne's skyline. .

https://www.sofitel-melbourne.com.au

Sofitel Brisbane Central – Bistro Suzette Mother's Day Lunch
$145 per person
A long lunch at Bistro Suzette is designed for sharing. Begin with a seafood platter featuring Moreton Bay bugs, Hervey Bay scallops, Mooloolaba king prawns and freshly shucked oysters. Then gather around the table for indulgent mains and finish with a trip to the dessert station. Mums will also be invited to mix and match their own favourite flowers into a bouquet to take home.

https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/suzette/mothers-day-2026-6188554382524416

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth – Tilda Mother's Day Feast
$85 per person
Indulge at Tilda on Mother's Day with a special three-course menu including nine dishes to choose from. Built on seasonal ingredients with dishes like Wagyu Tartare, dry-aged duck breast, charcoal roasted cod, yellowfin tuna and salted dark chocolate mousse.

https://www.tildasydney.com

High Tea Experience

Sofitel Melbourne On Collins – Sofi's Lounge High Tea
From $110 per person
High tea at Sofi's Lounge includes free-flowing sparkling wine and unlimited tea and barista coffee. Menu highlights include Wagyu beef brisket, rocket and horseradish wraps, cucumber and chive cream cheese on rye, Tasmanian smoked salmon (hopefully not farmed salmon), black pepper, dill and lemon cream smørrebrød, mini quiches and pies, and sweet treats including chocolate & cherry tartlet, madeleines, rose and strawberry pannacotta with macerated strawberries and freshly baked plain and fruit scones along with a chocolate fountain.

https://www.sofitel-melbourne.com.au

 
Accommodation Experience

Sofitel Melbourne On Collins – Little Luxuries, Big Memories
From $1,420 for two nights
Families can enjoy a prestige suite stay including breakfast, children's amenities and thoughtful in-room experiences.

https://www.sofitel-melbourne.com.au

MGALLERY COLLECTION HOTELS

Culinary Experience

Elysium Noosa – Cibaria Mother's Day Long Lunch
$159 per person

Cibaria Noosa chefs have designed a four-course set menu for the table for lunch, featuring a selection of their most-loved dishes. It includes garlic and rosemary pizzetta, buffalo mozzarella, yellowfin tuna, spaghetti aglio with grilled king prawns and Amalfi lemon; Wagyu striploin along with sides to share and dessert of mille foglie, a layered puff pastry with Chantilly cream and mixed berries.

https://www.cibarianoosa.au/whats-on/mothers-day-at-cibaria-9ax6e-dfhyn-edz4t

High Tea Experiences

Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – Mother's Day High Tea Brunch
From $89 per person

A high tea buffet brunch featuring sparkling wine, live music and Jamison Valley views. All mums will receive a special gift on the day. The brunch will feature a bread station, charcuterie, high tea sandwiches, savoury delights including lobster rolls, salads, a hot station and a spread of desserts.

https://www.fairmontresort.com.au/offers/mothers-day-brunch/

The William Inglis Hotel – Mother's Day High Tea
$79 per person
Hosted in the Garden Pavilion, mum will be welcomed by a glass of sparkling on arrival and enjoy a selection of hand-crafted desserts, freshly baked scones, and finger sandwiches.

https://www.williaminglis.com.au

Accommodation Experience

The Porter House Hotel Sydney – The Signature Sanctuary
Starting from $669 per night

This package includes accommodation in a junior suite, chilled Champagne on arrival, hand-made chocolates and a long soak with a LUSH bath bomb. After a restful sleep, Mum will enjoy an a la carte breakfast in bed plus a late check-out.

https://porterhousehotel.com.au/offers/the-signature-sanctuary/

New era for a Hunter Valley favourite

It is a new era with a new chef and a new menu at long-time Hunter Valley favourite Restaurant Botanica at Spicers Vineyards Estate.

Restaurant Botanica has undergone a major refurb, seen the arrival of head chef Thomas Heinrich, and the launch of a brand new seasonal menu.

The transformation signals a different culinary direction that aims to offer "a refined yet relaxed experience grounded in contemporary Australian cooking and Mediterranean influence".

Overlooking the estate’s vineyards with sweeping views to the Brokenback Mountains, the updated interior has open fireplaces, ambient lighting and an intimate dining room that extends towards the vineyard.

Head chef Heinrich has worked in luxury hotels across Australia and North America.

“My career has taken me through some of the world’s most rigorous kitchens, where discipline, precision and respect for the ingredient are non-negotiable," he said.

"At Restaurant Botanica, I have the opportunity to apply that experience in a setting that is deeply connected to its landscape. The Hunter Valley offers exceptional produce, and our focus is on treating it with restraint and clarity. The goal is to create a dining experience that feels considered, grounded and reflective of place.”

The new menu features Mediterranean-style dishes showcasing seasonal vegetables, homegrown herbs, curated cheeses and simply prepared local meats.

So think starters like charred eggplant with smoked tahini, burnt honey and aged sherry; beef tartare with manchego, garlic toum and puffed wheat; and zucchini flower with goat’s feta, saffron and fermented black pepper.

Mains include smoked duck breast with confit duck leg, red cabbage and pomegranate; Angus striploin with brown butter harissa, leeks and pepper jus; and steamed Blue Eye with chimichurri and celery.

Lunch is available à la carte, while dinner is offered as a three-course menu with sides for $115 per person (boo, why no à la carte at night?), with an optional $70 wine pairing. Guests can also enjoy a five-course tasting menu for $140 per person.

The beverage list features Hunter Valley classics from the likes of Tyrrell's and Silkman, alongside emerging varietals and wines from Greece, Spain, Italy and southern France.

Heinrich’s new menu is now available breakfast daily, lunch on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm and dinner Wednesday to Sunday from 5:30pm.

Restaurant Botanica is at 555 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320. restaurantbotanica.com.au.

Images: Sophie Tyler  

Enjoy an ANZAC Day beer or two for a good cause

Sydneysiders can enjoy a quiet - or not so quiet - beer or two on ANZAC Day and help raise money for a charity for the families of veterans at the same time.

A dozen Solotel pubs across the city will be offering 2UP and Karma Kegs will be pouring across all venues, with $1 from every pint or schooner donated to Legacy to support the families of Australian former military personnel.

ANZAC Day will see venues including The Clock, The Sackville and The Woodstock hosting 2UP from midday on April 25, with DJs and afterparties keeping the energy going into the evening.

Among the Solotel venues marking the day are The Clock in Surry Hills (top image), which will be taking over Collins Street to host the biggest 2UP ring in Surry Hills, as well as serving drinks from its street bar and firing up the barbecue.

Out west, the Albion Hotel in Parramatta promises the biggest outdoor 2UP arena in the area along with live entertainment and all-day barbecue and an after party.

In Rozelle, in the inner west, The Sackville's car park will see 2UP action kick off at midday, with an ANZAC Day menu, bars, live music and DJs.

Other Solotel spots to spend ANZAC Day around the city include: Bridgeview Hotel, Darlo Bar, Kings Cross Hotel, The Marly and The Regent.

See the full list of venues at https://solotel.com.au/  

A new take on a classic gin - with an artistic touch

Hendrick's Gin is one of the highest-profile spirits brands globally - and now it has a sibling.

Another Hendrick's' Gin, offering a new take on the ultra premium brand, is the first permanent addition to the range for a decade.

“Another Hendrick’s was created to explore contrasts - bright citrus and floral notes balanced with the depth of cacao," says Hendrick’s head of marketing Jonathan Sully.

Launched in 1999, with its distinctive dark apothecary bottle, Hendrick's Gin was a prime driver of the premium gin renaissance of the early 2000s.

Packaged in a striking white bottle, the new expression "is the complete opposite of what we’ve been doing for the past 25 years,’ said master distiller Lesley Gracie. 

"After experimenting with different elements from the Hendrick’s Gin Palace’s tropical greenhouse, I discovered this brilliant profile featuring a depth of flavour, hint of sweetness and lift of freshness that is completely distinctive.’

In Australia, the launch will be celebrated by a Hendrick's collab with artist Rone: Hendrick’s Gin Presents: Another TIME by Rone, billed as "an immersive exhibition where art and curious flavours collide, creating a layered, sensory experience like no other".

The free, two-day-only exhibition will be held on May 8-9 at Sydney gallery COMA.

“I’ve always been drawn to contrast - the push and pull between opposing elements and the emotion that sits in between - and Another Hendrick’s captures that same duality." says Rone in masterful marketing speak.

Guests who have tickets to the free, limited-run exhibition will also enjoy a complimentary Another Hendrick’s Spritz - a blend of Another Hendrick’s with peach liqueur, prosecco, and soda water, finished with signature cucumber slices and an orange twist.

Sign up to pre-registration for priority access to tickets before tickets go on sale to the public on April 23 here. Or visit www.hendricksgin.com.

Smoke on the water: Fire disaster for Evian

The delightful French town of Evian-les-Bains is known both for its mineral springs and its grand, historic casino.

Opened in 1912, the casino is Evian's most iconic building, located on the French side of Lake Geneva, just across from Lausanne in Switzerland.

Earlier this month, however, the spa town's casino was engulfed by a devastating fire, just two years after a major renovation had been completed on the complex, new hub Travel Mole reports.

The building, a Belle Époque masterpiece, has long served as a cultural and social hub for visitors drawn to Évian’s famous thermal waters.

For over a century, it has received aristocrats, high society and international gamblers.

The structure is crowned with a Byzantine-inspired dome, which firefighters managed to save in a dramatic effort involving 130 personnel.

The blaze began in a restaurant roof and quickly spread to the casino, threatening the emblematic dome.

The fire, fuelled by strong winds, prompted the evacuation of around 100 people, including staff, guests, and nearby residents.

Firefighters battled the flames for more than 10 hours, focusing on preserving the dome.

“Our priority was to vent the hot gases accumulating under the roof, which is heavily insulated and acts like a lid,” explained Commander Jean-Noël Chapuis of Sdis Haute-Savoie to French news station FranceInfo.

But the complex’s gaming halls, administrative areas, and dining sections were largely destroyed.

The casino fire happened the year Evian is welcoming the G7 Summit to be held from June 15-17.

The conference will go ahead at the nearby Hôtel Royal.

Image: Travel Mole