New vibe for one of Sydney's most recognisable hotels

Change is underway at one of Sydney's most instantly recognisable hotels.

Ovolo Sydney, on the Finger Wharf  at Woolloomooloo, is to be given a dramatic transformation with re-styled rooms at the forefront.

General manager James Clark said the hotel would be writing a new chapter.

“We’re incredibly excited to be making some big changes to Ovolo Sydney to enhance our offering, while evolving our unique sense of style,” he said.

“This is a major transformation of a heritage-listed property and one of only a handful in Sydney to be located right on the water. This evolution seeks to evoke luxury that feels effortless, hospitality that feels personal, and experiences that resonate long after checkout.

“We’re examining every stage of the guest experience - from the rooms to the shared spaces - to constantly ask ourselves, ‘how can we do better?’ to deliver ‘more’ with a sophisticated traveller in mind.

“The re-imagined Ovolo Sydney will serve as a luxurious haven for travellers, and the local community. Some places ask you to choose between destination and experience. Here, it is one and the same.”

A highlight of the overhaul will be the Rockstar Suite concept - two exclusive suites with private balconies overlooking Woolloomooloo Bay, with views and space to either entertain in style on the sun loungers, or retreat in private saunas and ice baths. 

“Each Ovolo property globally is a reflection of its surroundings - its art, its music and its hidden rhythms," Clark says. 

"Ovolo remains a cohesive collection but allows the local soul to shape the story it tells. We believe that true hospitality is felt, not seen. By obsessing over the details and removing friction before it occurs, we create a sense of cocooning calm. We don’t just provide a room; we curate a flow where every moment feels instinctive, fluid and entirely natural.”

Ovolo Sydney celebrates the history of the Finger Wharf, which was  built at the height of Australia's wool trade in 1915. 

It remains the world's longest timber-piled wharf and one of Sydney's most significant heritage landmarks, located next door to The Royal Botanic Garden and Art Gallery of New South Wales. 

See https://ovolohotels.com/ovolo/woolloomooloo/

Hobart to celebrate deep Antarctic links

The Tasmanian capital of Hobart has multiple links with the continent of Antarctica, being one of only five premier Antarctic gateway cities in the world. 

Hobart serves as the primary operational, logistical, and scientific base for Australia's engagement with the frozen continent and has one of the highest concentrations of polar and Southern Ocean scientists globally. 

It was also the final staging post for legendary explorers like Sir Douglas Mawson and Roald Amundsen.

The city will celebrate its links that week with the Australian Antarctic Festival, in what Destination Southern Tasmania CEO Alex Heroys describes as another key winter event for Tasmania.

“The Antarctic Festival returns to Hobart from August 20-23, celebrating Tasmania's unique connection to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, Heroys said.

“The Festival will transform Hobart's waterfront with a diverse program of expert talks, films, exhibitions, family activities, live entertainment, Antarctic-inspired food and drink, bringing Australia's Antarctic story to life.”

One of Hobart's favourite Friday night events will be transformed into an Antarctic experience when the Brooke Street Pier Hobart Twilight Market joins forces with the Australian Antarctic Festival on Friday night.

“For one night only, the popular waterfront market will embrace the spirit of Antarctica, with more than 40 stalls offering Antarctic-inspired food and drink, artisan products, books, family activities and polar-themed experiences,” said Lara Colrain, CEO of the Mawson’s Huts Foundation. 

“Visitors may even encounter a wandering penguin or hear a choir performing songs reminiscent of those that entertained and inspired early Antarctic expeditioners during long winters in the far south.”

The Aurora Flavours Trail, meanwhile, will feature Antarctic-inspired hospitality experiences at participating venues across the city. Many events are free, making the festival an accessible winter event for both locals and visitors.

https://www.mawsons-huts.org.au/australian-antarctic-festival/

Cuddly concierge to hang up his lead

A stay at Peppers Silos Hotel in Launceston, Tasmania, is not complete without a cuddle with canine concierge Archie. 

But after greeting an estimated 300,000 guests, posing for countless photos and becoming one of Tasmania's most recognisable tourism ambassadors, Archie, the beloved black Labrador concierge is preparing to hang up his lead.

Archie has begun easing back his duties before officially retiring later this spring, bringing to a close an eight-year career.

Archie's story began before the doors of Peppers Silo Hotel even opened. 

Following a family visit to Canada, hotel owner Errol Stewart was inspired after meeting a canine concierge working in a hotel. 

Wanting to create the same warm and memorable arrival experience in Launceston, he approached Guide Dogs Tasmania to find an appropriate hound from the guide dog training program that possessed the exceptional temperament and training that make these dogs so special.

At four years old, Archie joined the opening team of Peppers Silo Hotel in 2018. His calm nature, impeccable manners and genuine love of people made him the perfect fit for a life in hospitality.

Kim Ryan, business manager at Guide Dogs Tasmania has been alongside his journey since he was eight weeks old and said Archie is a wonderful reminder that every dog has their own unique purpose. 

“Not every dog is suited to guide work, but every dog has unique strengths," Ryan said. "Archie has clearly found his calling, and we're incredibly proud to see the happiness he's brought to so many people over the past eight years. We wish him a long, happy and well-earned retirement.” 

Thousands follow his adventures online (@archiethesilodog) and guests regularly arrive bearing squeaky toys just for him. 

Peppers Silo Hotel general manager Paul Seaman said Archie had become far more than the hotel's canine concierge. 

“Archie has never simply been the hotel dog - he's been a colleague, a greeter, a conversation starter and, for many guests, the highlight of their stay. People genuinely ask if Archie is working before they book. He's become part of the story of Peppers Silo Hotel and part of Tasmania's tourism story."

His successor will be announced later this year, ensuring the much-loved tradition he began continues for years to come.

Korean airlines all set for merger

Korea's two largest airlines are all set to complete their merger later this year. 

Korean Air's board of directors and Asiana Airlines’ shareholders have formally approved the agreement as the two airlines prepare to launch an integrated airline on December 17. 

Korean Air’s board ratified the merger agreement last week, fulfilling small-scale merger requirements under Article 527-3 of Korea’s Commercial Act, news hub Travel Mole reported.

Concurrently, Asiana Airlines secured shareholder approval during an extraordinary general meeting, with 81.86% shareholder attendance and 99.3% voting in favour.

These approvals formally ratify the merger agreement executed by both boards in May. 

Following creditor protection procedures and remaining administrative formalities, the corporate merger registration will be completed on December 17, 2026.

Korean Air continues to advance its Post-Merger Integration (PMI) roadmap. Following conditional merger approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) on June 25 and clearance of its merger registration statement on July 24, the airline is proceeding with Air Operator Certificate (AOC) amendments and international operational permits in close consultation with relevant authorities.

With merger approvals finalised, the two airlines are accelerating operational readiness, focusing on systems integration, joint training, and team engagement ahead of the launch. 

The birth of the integrated flag carrier will mark the completion of a consolidation process spanning over five years.

For passengers, it translates into nu,erous service upgrades, from lounge renewals, catering updates to terminal relocations to improve the traveler’s experience.

Tahbilk aims to reunite one lucky Australian family

Tahbilk, one of Australia's leading family wineries, is to host a family reunion as part of its Long Lost Lunch day in October. 

 
The day will be dedicated to reconnecting, sharing stories and creating family memories around the table.

The event will be hosted by the Purbrick family (above), along with Saroo Brierley, who knows knows first-hand the life-changing power of a family reunion.

At just five years old, Saroo became separated from his family in India after becoming lost at a train station. 

After surviving alone on the streets of Kolkata, he was placed in an orphanage before being adopted by an Australian family and raised in Hobart. 

Curious about his history, Saroo never stopped searching for the family he had left behind. Guided only by childhood memories and years of determination, he eventually found his hometown using Google Earth before travelling back to India. 

A quarter of a century after they were separated, Saroo was reunited with his birth mother in a remarkable story that would go on to inspire the award-winning film Lion.

Nominations are now open for families whose reunion has been far too long in the making to apply for a spot at the event, which is close to the Purbrick family's heart. 

The selected family members will be flown to the Nagambie Lakes estate with flights and accommodation included. 

Fourth-generation Tahbilk custodian Alister Purbrick believes the initiative reflects values that have been part of the estate for generations.

"For generations, our family has shared meals, stories and milestones around the same table," he said. "We know how special these moments are and we are honoured to help another family create memories and celebrate what matters most.

"Imagine a great grandfather meeting their great grandbabies for the first time; sisters divided by distance, cousins connecting."

 
Nominations are now open for families whose reunion has been far too long in the making. They close on August 28. 

See https://www.tahbilk.com.au/the-long-lost-lunch

Buy a bottle of wine, win a trip to the SuperBowl

 

Are you a lover of American football and affordable wine?

Following the announcement of its partnership with the NFL, Hill-Smith Family Estates is launching a limited-edition Y Series x NFL collection and national consumer promotion offering Australians the chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles.

The launch of a limited-edition Y Series x NFL collection celebrates the NFL’s first-ever regular season game in Australia in Melbourne next month and will feature NFL-inspired packaging across some of Y

Series' most popular varietals, including prosecco, pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, riesling, shiraz and pinot noir. 

The range will be available nationally from September through Dan Murphy's, BWS, Liquorland and independent retailers, with a recommended retail price of $15. 

Until December 31, anyone purchasing any Y Series wines from Dan Murphy's or BWS can enter the draw for the chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LXI. 

"The NFL's presence in Australia continues to grow, and partnerships like Y Series play an important role in helping us create meaningful local experiences for our fans," says Charlotte Offord, the regional NFL general manager, ahead of the LA Rams, San Francisco 49ers game at the MCG. 

"Together, we're giving Australians more ways to connect with the game and be part of the excitement surrounding the NFL Melbourne Game and beyond."