Landmark hotel unveils major makeover

One of Australia's landmark hotels, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, has this week unveiled its extensive $70 million refurbishment. with final completion set for next month.

The renewal of the Sydney icon coincides with the diamond jubilee of the global Sofitel brand, celebrating 60 years of French art de vivre.

Sydney's first true "international" hotel when it opened in 1966, the former Sheraton has hosted royals, movie stars, and many dignitaries.

The refurbishment has included 436 guest rooms and suites, the Sofitel Club Millésime (above), health and wellness centre, public spaces including the grand entrance lobby, and state-of-the-art conference and event spaces.

Pivotal to the transformation is Sofitel Sydney Wentworth's partnership with prominent Sydney hospitality group House Made Hospitality, which has created a multi-venue food and beverage precinct within the hotel.

It comprises two restaurants; tilda and Delta Rue, and two bars; bar tilda and Wentworth Bar, which features one of Sydney's largest outdoor terrace bars.

tilda and bar tilda opened mid-October, while Delta Rue and Wentworth Bar will be opening this Friday

The new precinct offers multiple experiences from early until late, seven days a week.

Meet the airport with a three-minute limit on hugs

How much time do you need to say goodbye to loved ones when you drop them off kerbside at an airport?

Dunedin Airport on the south island of New Zealand has sparked controversy by imposing a three-minute limit on fond farewells in its free drop off zone.

The signage adds: “for fonder farewells please use the car park”.

Dunedin Airport CEO Daniel De Bono told local radio that airports are “hotbeds of emotion”, and that a 20-second hug is enough to release the love hormone oxytocin.

He says the move is about improving traffic flow and safety around the terminal. They were trying to have a bit of fun with the announcement, he said.

"It's caused quite a stir, we've got quite a bit of conversation going."

The story has gained the attention of international news media from CNN and The New York Post to The Times of India.

The chaos and order of the world's busiest station

There are railways stations, and there are railway stations.

Trying to navigate your way around Tokyo's Shinjuku Station and its satellites is like traversing a small underground city.

Shinjuku is the world's busiest train station with over 3.6 million passengers daily and 36 platforms on several levels.

I'll admit that we got well and truly lost trying to find a hotel that was just metres from one of the station's many exits.

Shinjuku holds a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most passengers a day - understandable given rail is the main mode of transportation in Tokyo.

The Japanese capital boasts what is widely regarded as the best urban railway network in the world.

Shinjuku, opened in 1885, now has over 200 exits to help ease congestion, along with several shopping malls.

It is served by no fewer than five different railway systems: JR East, Keio Corporation, Odakyu, Electric Railway, Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro.

Throw in restaurants, those shopping centres and department stores, a tourist information centre, lost and found offices, currency exchanges, ATMs, police boxes and luggage storage and you have a destination on its own merits.

Beware: at rush hour it can be chaotic. But most of the time it is a model of public transport efficiency. If you can find the right exit. 

Get walking: Sculpture by the Sea is back

Nothing beats a good seaside walk.

Except, perhaps, a seaside walk that has been enhanced by interesting artworks.

Sculpture by the Sea has returned to the Bondi to Tamarama Walk and will once again be the world’s largest free to the public sculpture exhibition.

The spectacular coastal walk has again been transformed into a 2km~long sculpture park featuring 100 sculptures by artists from Australia and across the world

Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi is one of Sydney’s most popular events, with 500,000 visitors viewing over 100 sculptures by artists from around the world each year.

Held since 1997, this free exhibition captures the imagination of Sydney and its visitors for three weeks each spring and is billed as the largest annual sculpture exhibition in the world.

The popularity of the Bondi exhibition led to the creation of Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe in Perth on Australia’s west coast in March each year.

Staged since 2005 the Cottesloe exhibition features over 70 sculptures and is enjoyed by 220,000 visitors, making the exhibition as much a part of Perth as the Bondi event is in Sydney.

The Sydney event runs from Friday, October 18, to November 4.

Bollinger readying for 200th anniversary

Bollinger, one of the most famous names in Champagne, is gearing up for its 200th birthday celebrations.

Over the next few years, Champagne Bollinger will embark on a series of major projects that reflect its values and history - all leading up to its 200th anniversary in 2029.

The project includes the renovation of a historic site featuring a cathedral-like cellar overlooking the vines, and a new oenotourism hub designed to provide unique experiences at the heart of the Champagne region.

Champagne Bollinger is based at 16 Rue Jules Lobet in Aÿ, the historic residence of wine icon Elisabeth Bollinger. 

It was founded on February 6, 1829, in Aÿ by Hennequin de Villermont, Paul Levieux Renaudin and Jacques Bollinger.

In partnership with local stakeholders, Bollinger is also committed to making its vineyards more sustainable and preserving biodiversity.

This includes recycling 100% of its waste, reducing water consumption, and cutting down on waste production, all while enhancing the Maison’s property assets. It is envisioned the new wine tourism site will welcome 20,000 wine enthusiasts annually.



The Bollinger estate will be transformed into a luxurious 20-room retreat, complete with a restaurant nestled among the vines, a wellness centre, and a pool.

This space will offer guests the chance to fully immerse themselves in the Champagne experience. Visitors will be able to wander through the historic courtyard, where barrels rest before harvest, and explore exclusive tasting rooms and private dining areas.

Additionally, the new hub will feature event and seminar spaces, including meeting rooms and a grand reception hall to accommodate up to 200 guests.

A highlight of the renovations will be the creation of a floor-to-ceiling windowed cellar, with the capacity to hold 5,000 228-litre barrels.

By restoring and expanding their historic Cellier in Aÿ, Bollinger will boast the largest vinification capacity in wood in Champagne, a method that beautifully showcases the region’s finest Grands and Premiers Crus wines.

Machu Picchu makes its way to Sydney

Machu Picchu is one of the most awe-inspiring sites on earth and will be showcased at the Australian Museum’s (AM) summer highlight: Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru.

The exhibition will open in Sydney on Saturday, November 23, with tickets now on sale.

The immersive museum experience which spill the secrets of five ancient Peruvian Empires, dating back more than 3000 years.

Created by Peru’s Museo Larco and Museo de Sito Manuel Chavez Ballon, in conjunction with Neon Global, the exhibition features 134 priceless artefacts including gold treasure from royal tombs, glittering jewels, intricate masks and objects of worship.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy the Virtual Reality experience Machu Picchu and the Spirit of the Condor, which includes a bird’s-eye tour of Machu Picchu while sharing the intriguing story of grand Inca emperor Pachacuti.

Australian Museum Director and CEO, Kim McKay AO, said the venue is honoured to host the collection, including the most opulent collection of Andean gold to ever travel outside of Peru.

“One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is a top bucket-list destination for many Australians, and this exhibition will further inspire visitors with its state-of-the-art storytelling alongside treasures from these intriguing ancient empires,” she said.

The exhibition is exclusive to the Australian Museum and Sydney will be only the fourth city in the world to host it, following in the footsteps of Boca Raton, Florida; Paris and Milan.

The Australian consul-general of Peru, José Alberto Ortiz, said the exhibition will contribute to the cultural connection between Peru and Australia.

“I’m delighted that the Australian Museum will be hosting this exhibition highlighting the rich history and culture of ancient Peru, enabling the people of NSW and beyond to experience Machu Picchu and all our country has to offer,” he said.

“I know the public will be captivated by our unique culture dating back more than 3000 years and will be fascinated by the stories of five empires which are still present in our country today.”

The previous AM blockbuster, Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs, set new attendance records for the museum during its six-month run from November 2023-May 2024, attracting over half a million ticket sales.

Ticket prices start at $37.50 for adults, and $20 for children, with VR tickets from $22. Visit Australian Museum.