Crazed passengers force flights to be diverted

It is every frequent flyer's worst nightmare: being on a flight when a nutcase goes beserk.

It has happened twice already this week. Flights disrupted and delayed by mentally unwell passengers.

An ANA flight from Tokyo to Houston, Texas, had to be diverted and make an emergency landing after a passenger tried to open one of its doors in flight.

ANA flight 114 was diverted to Seattle due to the actions of "an unruly passenger", the airline said.

Port of Seattle police said a man "attempted to open exit doors during the flight".

The unnamed man was having a medical crisis and had to be restrained by passengers and crew. He was taken to a hospital for evaluation

“We applaud the efforts of local law enforcement for their support,” ANA said.

Later, a second passenger was removed from the plane for "unruly behaviour" as it waited on the tarmac at Seattle Tacoma Airport.

The flight finally arrived in Houston about four hours late.

A Manchester-bound easyJet flight from Turkiye had to be diverted to Germany following a woman having a meltdown.

The passenger began screaming about a "bomb" and attempted to open an emergency exit.

The flight from Dalaman was forced to divert to Frankfurt after the passenger was wrestled away from the door and subdued.

She started by running up and down the cabin aisle screaming about a bomb, a passenger told the media.

“She then grabbed the emergency exit door handle cover and ripped it off. She then went for the handle but was stopped by other passengers and then taken the back of the plane

The pilot then announced the plane would be diverted.

Flight EZY2148 eventually landed in Manchester several hours later. 

You would hope these maniacs are all handed lifetime bans from flying. But somehow I doubt it.  

If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to celebrate the Grateful Dead

San Francisco, the US capital of counterculture, is celebrating 60 years of iconic local band The Grateful Dead. 

The city is celebrating the band's profound influence on San Francisco and American culture with months of special events, concerts, exhibitions, and tributes citywide.

The celebration will reach a zenith August 1-3, when Dead & Company - a re-incarnation of the Grateful Dead that formed after the group's 2015 Fare Thee Well shows - headlines three nights of performances at Golden Gate Park's Polo Field, supported by tribute bands playing throughout San Francisco and City Hall and other landmarks illuminated in tie-dye.

The Haight-Ashbury quarter, the Grateful Dead's home during the transformative 1960s, will again become the colourful heart of festivities.

“From Haight-Ashbury to the Excelsior District where Jerry Garcia grew up, the Grateful Dead's influence is integral to our city's cultural fabric," said San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie. 

"Sixty years later, we proudly honour their legacy through concerts, community events, and celebrations, reflecting San Francisco's enduring spirit of creativity, connection, and musical innovation.”

Formed in San Francisco in 1965, the Grateful Dead helped redefine rock music with improvised performances blending rock, jazz, and blues. The band's legendary concerts drew devoted fans, creating a global community of “Deadheads” bonded by shared musical experiences.

The 60th-anniversary festivities include Dead & Company at Golden Gate Park with Grateful Dead band members Mickey Hart, and Bobby Weir, joined by John Mayer, Jeff Chimenti, Oteil Burbridge and Jay Lane. See deadandcompany.com for details.

The free, annual Jerry Day concert on August 2 commemorates band leader Jerry Garcia's 82nd birthday - he died of a heart attack in 1995 - and the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park. 

A commemorative “Jerry Garcia Street” sign will be unveiled at Harrington Street, Garcia's childhood neighbourhood, on August 1 at 11am.

Haight-Ashbury merchants are hosting celebrations on June 21, July 19 and August 16, featuring live music, art showcases, special promotions, and vibrant street activities 

At the annual Haight-Ashbury Street Fair on September 7 will showcase performances, art, community spirit, and a line-up of musicians. 

From October 29-November 23, Magic Theatre premieres a musical exploration of Garcia's early years in the Mission District.

Find more information on these and other events celebrating the Grateful Dead's 60th Anniversary here at sftravel.com.

Tasmanian stargazing, wine and the Winter Solstice

Two of Tasmania’s leading drinks producers: Tamar Ridge and Turner Stillhouse are joining forces to host a one-off Winter Solstice stargazing event: NOIR NOIR.

This one-night-only event will take place at the Tamar Ridge cellar door on Saturday, June 21, from 6:30pm.  

The collaborators are inviting wine lovers, whisky drinkers and budding astronomers to sip, savour and stargaze under Tasmania’s bright winter sky - and be among the first to taste some new releases, including Tamar Ridge's 2023 Reserve Pinot Noir and Turner Stillhouse's inaugural whiskies, which includes Tasmania’s first ever Bourbon-style whisky: Rosevears Three Grain Whiskey and Rosevears Single Malt Whisky, matured in old Tamar Ridge pinot noir oak barrels. 

Guests at Tamar Ridge cellar door will be guided through a stargazing session by local astronomy expert Chris Arkless.

Arkless says the event will provide insights into Tasmania’s unique location in the Southern Hemisphere and the stellar beauty of Tasmania's night sky on the longest night of the year.

“Stargazing is a powerful way to connect with the natural world and ignite a sense of wonder. As we gather to celebrate the Winter Solstice with exquisite, locally made pinot noir and whisky, we will embark on a celestial journey, discovering the stars that have guided humanity for millennia.”

NOIR NOIR is being promoted as a “rare opportunity to connect the earthly pleasures of our Tasmanian landscape with the vastness of the universe”. 

Huddled around outdoor fire pits, guests will get a tasting of all new releases and can add the option of a cheese and charcuterie platter.

"NOIR NOIRis a chance to celebrate not only these two exciting new releases, but also theincredible natural beauty of Tasmania," said Tamar Ridge winemaker Tom Wallace.

"We're thrilled to partner with Turner Stillhouse to create a truly memorable night that showcases thebest of our cool-climate pinot noir and their exceptional new whisky, and to share the magic of a Tasmanian winter with our guests. 

Tickets for NOIR NOIR are $45 per person including a tasting of new releases, meeting Tamar Ridge winemakers, live music and stargazing session. Guests can add a cheese and charcuterie platter for $35 (for two people).

Tickets at tamarridge.rezdy.com/709946/noir-noir-winter-solstice.

After 50+ years in the same family, Passing Clouds hits the market

Passing Clouds Vineyard, a family-owned wine producer with a 50+ year history, is up for sale by the Leith family.

The winery and cellar door, located at Musk, just outside Daylesford in Victoria, is being marketed by Nick Butler of LJ Hooker Specialty Projects.

Passing Clouds is described as "one of the jewels of the Macedon Ranges" .

The property has mature chardonnay and pinot noir vines with room for expansion, along with the cellar door with casual tasting and picnic areas, overlooking the winery.

Set away from the working business, the property also boasts an almost new architecturally designed five-bedroom home and a separate three-bedroom cottage.

Selling agent and vineyard specialist Butler has enjoyed a relationship with the Leith family for over 20 years.

“The demand for quality pinot noir and chardonnay vineyards remains strong with recent sales recognising that consumers are gravitating more and more to these varieties," Butler says.

"The Macedon Ranges is home to some of Australia’s finest wines and Passing Clouds Vineyard sits up at the upper echelon.

"Combining an established and well recognised vineyard and brand with the low hanging fruit of upside through a shortage of accommodation in the area and this represents an incredible opportunity to own something beautiful and highly profitable.”

Passing Clouds began in Bendigo before being established in the Macedon Ranges almost three decades ago.

Founder Graeme Leith handed over the reins to the next generation 15 years ago: his son Cameron and daughter-in-law Marion.

“Passing Clouds celebrated 50 years last year, and with that milestone came time to pause and reflect for us and our young family," said Cameron and Marion.

"We decided that it is time for us to move on to new pursuits. Whilst we will miss this beautiful property we are excited about our family's next chapter”

Included in the sale is an inventory of wines.

“The 2025 season was the best since the vineyard was planted in 1998," says Cameron Leith.

"We had the highest yields on record and achieved optimum ripeness and quality.”

Passing Clouds is for sale via an Expressions of Interest Process closing 2pm on Friday, June 20. Call 0458 672 643 |or email nick.butler@ljhavalon.com.au

Police warning: Look out for hotel booking scammers

Travellers need to pay more attention when booking hotels online, police have warned.

Three Thai nationals have been arrested for allegedly defrauding international tourists out of thousands of dollars using a fake hotel booking scheme.

Three suspects scammed more than $21,000 from customers by creating fake Facebook and web addresses and fleecing unwary tourists.

The alleged fraudsters set up fake Facebook pages for well-known Pattaya area hotels, taking bookings and payments.

Officers from Thailand’s Tourist Police Bureau made arrests at three locations across Thailand.

The three suspects had no ties at all to the hotels they sold rooms at, news portal Travel Mole reported.

Travellers tried to check in at the hotels for which they had booked and found the properties had no record of the,

Thai Police issued a warning to travellers to fully verify hotel pages on social media before parting with their details.

“These suspects lured tourists using Facebook pages that mimicked popular Pattaya hotels," Thai Police said.

"They offered fake promotions to convince victims to transfer money for non-existent bookings.”

Image: Rye Jesson, scop.io.  

Qantas boosts number of peak season flights to New Zealand

Qantas has announced more flights between Australia and New Zealand, with the airline boosting its capacity across the Tasman by up to 20% during December 2025 and January 2026.

The airline says it will have around 60,000 extra seats between the two countries during the peak summer holiday period.

Sydney to Auckland will see up to six additional flights per week, a 16% per cent increase, while Sydney to Christchurch will see up to seven additional flights per week, a 47% increase and Sydney-Wellington up to five additional flights per week, a 31% increase.

Flights from Melbourne and Brisbane will also see significant boosts.

The increases will see Qantas operate more than 3.3 million seats across the Tasman between January 2025 and January 2026, supporting tourism growth in both New Zealand and Australia.

In addition, Qantas will soon introduce its Boeing 787 Dreamliner on flights between Auckland and Brisbane, bringing premium economy to the route and increasing premium seat choices for customers by up to 80%.

The 787 Dreamliner service will initially operate three times per week from August 2025 and increase to daily from October 2025.

“This year has already seen huge growth in New Zealand for Qantas Group, from the announcement of two new Qantas routes to the refurbishment of our Auckland lounge well underway and the upcoming launch of three more new trans-Tasman routes for Jetstar," said Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace.

“Today we’re so pleased to offer even more Tasman flying for customers, which will mean Qantas will have the most frequency between Australia and New Zealand at one of the busiest travel periods of the year. "

Running with Bulls adds a Bagnum to its wine range

The Bagnum is gaining traction with younger wine drinkers. 

Running with Bulls, owned by Yalumba's Hill-Smith family, has adopted the 1.5-litre bag format for a new release of its popular tempranillo. 

The convenient soft packs are ideal for parties, picnics and camping, being lighter and easier to transport than bottles. 

While the red wine Bagnum category has so far been dominated by shiraz and pinot noir, Barossa-based Running has added tempranillo to the mix. 

The Tempranillo Bagnum is being promoted as "ideal for younger drinkers and wine explorers seeking quality without compromise". 

The Bagnum is "shareable, sessionable, and 90% lighter than glass - perfect for picnics, hikes, or quiet nights in".

The resealable Bagnum pack also stays fresh for up to 30 days after opening, compared to 3-5 days for a standard glass bottle. 

Launching alongside the Running with Bulls Tempranillo Bagnum is the new Bullish Shiraz - a Barossa shiraz dialled up with a dash of tempranillo. 

Running with Bulls Tempranillo Bagnum ($40) and Bullish Shiraz ($21) are available nationwide at Dan Murphy’s stores and at smithswinestore.com.au. 

Fishy business: Rick Stein to open flagship Sydney restaurant

Star seafood chef and TV personality Rick Stein has announced that he will be opening his Australian flagship restaurant at Coogee Beach in Sydney later this year.

British-born Stein and his Australian publicist wife Sarah have unveiled plans for Rick Stein at Coogee Beach.

Known for his ethos of "fresh seafood, simply prepared" Stein will locate his new 224-seat eatery at the recently announced InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, and the space will include the signature restaurant, bar dining and courtyard terrace.

The new restaurant will join the couple's Mollymook and Port Stephens locations that they opened together in 2009 and 2018 respectively, 

“Coogee Beach is yet another stunning coastal location for our Australian restaurant portfolio - perched by the sea and full of the laid-back charm we’ve come to love so much here," Stein said.

"It’s especially meaningful for me as my wife Sas grew up in Sydney, so opening a restaurant in her hometown makes this venture all the more special for us both. 

“There’s an abundance of top-quality seafood in Australia and we’ll be championing local, seasonal produce with the benefit of accessing the biggest fish market in the southern hemisphere. 

"We’ll continue to utilise the relationships we’ve built in our regional locations to source that same produce in Sydney. It's the best of both worlds.”

The menu will seafood including mahi mahi caught off the coast of Nelson Bay, Stockton pipis from Port Stephens, line-caught mackerel from Ulladulla and Nelson Bay blue swimmer crab for Stein’s signature Singapore chilli crab.

The venue will also offer fish and chips, prepared in the traditional British style complete with mushy peas and hand-cut chips.

The new venture will be in collaboration with Australian partners Salter Brothers, who acquired Bannisters Group in 2024.

Paul Salter, managing director of Salter Brothers, said: "We are very excited to be bringing Rick Stein to Coogee Beach and build on our existing partnership.  I can't think of a better location in Sydney to showcase his distinctive, yet approachable, fresh seafood experience."

Rick Stein at Coogee Beach is scheduled to open in November 2025.

Booked to fly with Swiss? You might check your flight still exists

Have you booked a flight with Swiss International Airlines this northern hemisphere summer?

You might want to check that your flight still exists.

Swiss International, the replacement for Swissair, which went bankrupt in 2002, has announced it will cancel around 1,400 flights between now and October.

The cancellations are down to a pilot shortage, the airline says, and could see up to an average of 15 flights cancelled daily. 

Air passenger rights company AirAdvisor says it could impact up to 50,000 UK travellers alone, new hubs Travel Mole reports.

This includes those with connecting and indirect itineraries.

Swiss operates flights out of UK using London Heathrow, London City, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Anton Radchenko, founder of AirAdvisor, said: “With this latest wave of Swiss cancellations, summer just got more complicated for UK travellers. We’re not seeing a demand problem but a staffing and scheduling bottleneck.

“Flights are getting axed not because people aren’t flying, but because airlines don’t have enough fully trained pilots.”

Customers on cancelled Swiss flights can get a full refund and free re-routing.

“We regret that we are unable to offer the affected connections as originally planned," the airline said.

"In such cases, we inform the affected customers as early as possible.

“Schedule adjustments are made as far in advance as possible to minimise inconvenience and to find the best possible alternative travel solutions.”

Hmm.

Say cheese: The Kiln ready to fire up again.

Short-lived but much-loved Tasmanian venue The Kiln is to be re-born as a new food and drink collective in a boost to the Huon Valley, south of Hobart. 

Nick Haddow, founder of Bruny Island Cheese & Beer, has leased the historic property, originally built to dry hops, to serve as the Kiln Collective, a collaborative cellar door and a Ranelagh food hub. 

The inaugural members will include Bruny Island Cheese & Beer, Haddow + Dineen Wines, Wild Mother and Henskens Rankin. 

Haddow hopes to have the site and a suite of upmarket gourmet experiences ready to coincide with the Dark Mofo festival in Hobart next month. 

The Kiln Collective will be a local outlet for quality small-batch and artisanal products in a space that has been empty since The Kiln restaurant closed earlier this year.

Haddow (above) founded Bruny Island cheese two decades ago and much of the milk for those cheeses comes from dairy herds in the Huon Valley.

Haddow and Dineen is a negociant wine partnership with Jeremy Dineen, formerly chief winemaker at Josef Chromy. The duo has access to fruit from several of the best vineyard sites in the state. 

Hanskens Rankin is an artisan operation making only tiny batches of aged sparkling wines, while Tim Jones at Wild Mother makes small-batch vinegars, tonics and barrel-aged condiments. 

More collaborators and further details will be released shortly - along with a menu of coffee, cheese plates and other gourmet offerings.   

"We are being very slow and careful as we do want to reflect the best of Tasmania," Haddow told GoTR. 

"We want a shared tasting experience and to create a program of tasting experiences that will take people into the story behind the products - with the makers.

"The availability of the Kiln has brought our plans forward. We'll to add to the offering as we go ahead."   

For now, the venue will offer cellar door experiences; community events, farmers markets and one-off tastings, as well as bookable events like cheese and beer matchings, or a tasting with a winemaker.  

In the meantime, take a look at the logo:

   

Time for winter reds to take centre stage

There's a growing chill in the air and red wines are ready to take centre stage. 

The Adelaide Hills wine region is gearing up for its annual Winter Reds festival from July 25-27 and has named cuddly TV food personality Matt Preston as the event's official ambassador. 

Winter Reds is a 15-year fixture over the last weekend of July, when it highlights "red wine, great food, warm fires, and conviviality". 

“We are genuinely delighted to have Matt Preston joining us for our Winter Reds weekend this July," says winemaker Alex Trescowthick, president of the Adelaide Hills Wine Region. 

"Matt understands the nuances of high-quality wines as well as he does exquisite food. 

"He also appreciates things which are grown and made locally. What we love most about Matt is that when he enjoys something, he expresses it heartily and with warmth - which is exactly what Winter Reds is all about.”

“The Winter Reds festival is an opportunity to get together with friends, rug up, and explore our winter wonderland, where our cool-climate red wines shine. From pinot Noir to shiraz, gamay, tempranillo, nebbiolo, and beyond, there’s so much to discover in the Adelaide Hills Wine Region.”

Preston (above) will host a special lunch at LOT.100, where a selection of local red wines will be enjoyed and discussed with wine writer Tony Love, a local Hills resident. 

Preston says: “South Australia does festivals, and wine, like no other state. And that’s why I am excited to be the Adelaide Hills Winter Reds ambassador for 2025. I love a red wine from cool-climate. They are special because they are more elegant, have great varietal expression, and last in the cellar longer; that is, if you can don’t drink them all first.”

The full line-up of over 50 Winter Reds events at venues and cellar doors across the Adelaide Hills are live now at www.adelaidehillswine.com.au/events/winter-reds

Top image: Ben McMahon

New owner, new experiences on Picnic Island

Tasmania's exclusive Picnic Island retreat will re-open later this year as all-inclusive luxury private island experience with a private chef. 

Located off Tasmania's east coast, the retreat is just 800 meters offshore from Coles Bay near the beautiful Freycinet National Park. It is only accessible by water. 

Revamped Picnic Island expects to welcome its first guests in November after a major transformation.

Picnic Island boasts of offering "a rare combination of complete privacy, bespoke luxury service, and refined accommodations for up to six guests". 

An additional host suite will soon to be added, increasing total capacity to eight guests). The island's distinctive copper-clad lodge will be completely renovated in the months ahead. 

"We've created something truly exceptional that showcases the wild beauty of Tasmania while providing the comfort, style, and service that discerning travellers expect," said Mark Israel, the new owner of Picnic Island. 

"We aim to deliver highly personalised, transformative experiences that can't be replicated elsewhere -high impact for guests, low impact for the environment. Our vision is a luxury retreat where visitors can disconnect from the ordinary and reconnect with something extraordinary."

The experience will include private boat transfers, a personal chef who will tell a story of place in each meal, and customised daily activities ranging from guided Freycinet walks to oyster farm visits, wine tastings, whisky distillery tours, and marine adventures. 

Guests will share the island with a colony of Little Penguins and other seabirds that return to their burrows each evening. 

"This isn't just luxury accommodation; it's a fully immersive experience in one of Australia's most pristine environments," said Israel. 

"We've reimagined what service means in this extraordinary setting. Whether it's a sommelier-led tasting of Tasmania's finest wines, a private yoga session on the deck at sunrise, or a chef preparing your freshly foraged seafood, every moment is designed to create lasting memories."

For more information about Picnic Island Tasmania and to inquire about bookings, see  www.picnicisland.com.au.

Images: Olly Gaspar

Fancy flying Australia to China via Vietnam?

Fast-growing Vietjet this week announced the launch of two new direct routes connecting Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, with Chengdu and Xi’an in China. 

The inaugural flights are scheduled for July 1 and July 6 respectively. 

Each route will operate four return flights per week, boosting the airline’s China–Vietnam network to seven new routes introduced in the first half of 2025.

These new services are aimed to appeal to Australian travellers looking to explore multi-stop itineraries across Asia with connections from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth via Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City into China. 

The launch also supports growing demand for trade, tourism, and business travel in the broader Asia-Pacific region.

To celebrate the launch, Vietjet is offering promotional tickets at super-saver fares viawww.vietjetair.com and via the Vietjet Air mobile app.

These new routes follow the recent launches connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Beijing and Guangzhou, as well as the Hanoi-Shanghai service. 

With the addition of Chengdu and Xi’an, Vietjet strengthens its position as a leading low-cost carrier providing direct access to China from Vietnam.

For Australians using Vietnam as a regional hub, Vietjet’s wider network recently includes direct flights from Vietnam to India (Hyderabad, Bengaluru), Japan (Nagoya, Fukuoka) and a new service between Phu Quoc Island and Singapore will also be starting at the end of this month. 

# Vietjet is a full member of International Air Transport Association (IATA) with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate. It is Vietnam’s largest private carrier. 

Spain cracks down on Airbnb operations

Spain has imposed a major clampdown on Airbnb short-term rental properties, ordering the removal of over 65,000 listings from the platform.

The government action comes after months of anger over a housing affordability crisis in major cities including Barcelona, news portal Travel Mole reports.

The Spanish Consumer Rights Ministry said many listings have violated record-keeping rules, citing discrepancies such as missing licence numbers and owner declarations.

Spaniards have increasingly blamed short-term rentals on housing shortages and surging rental costs.

Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy said the clampdown will address the general ‘lack of control and illegality’ in the holiday let market.

“No more excuses," he said. "Enough with protecting those who make a business out of the right to housing in our country." 

The move is mostly targeting what it calls "illegal listings" in Madrid, Barcelona and parts of Andalusia.

Airbnb is appealing the action and has filed a court motion.

Official data shows there are more than 320,000 licensed rental properties in Spain, but officials say there are many more operating illegally.

The Consumer Rights Ministry first opened an investigation into Airbnb late last year.

The housing shortage crisis has been at the centre of anti-mass tourism protests across Spain in the past year.

Barcelona has already taken measures to alleviate the problem, with plans to remove around 10,000 licensed short-term rental apartments within the next three years.

Image: Andre Oprea, Scop.io 

Sky high: Austrians taking their wines very seriously

 

On many airlines, the wine knowledge of the air crew does not extend much beyond asking "red or white?" 

  
In Austria, they take things a little more seriously. 

Austrian Airlines, for instance, now has more than 100 Austrian wine experts to ensure the best in-flight wine experience. 

The specialists have been trained and qualified in a joint initiative by Austrian Airlines and the Austrian Wine Marketing Board (Austrian Wine). 

Those who have done the course will be providing business class passengers with professional advice on Austrian wines with the airline promising there will be an Austrian Wine Expert on board every long-haul flight from 2026 onwards. Flying economy? Tough. 

 
Austrian Wine ran a multi-day training course on wine, which has taught employees the skills to convey the diversity, quality and character of Austrian wines to Austrian Airlines passengers. 

Over the course of three modules - wine knowledge, sensory skills, tasting and service and  communication - participants learnt about wine-growing regions to types and categories of wine, as well as tips on wine pairing and making recommendations to passengers.

“We are delighted that this Austrian Wine Experts initiative has enabled us to bring our long-established partnership with Austrian Airlines onto an even higher level,” said Chris Yorke, CEO of Austrian Wine. 

“The Austrian wine culture is like no other in the world and an integral part of our national identity. The Austrian Wine Experts will play a significant role in enabling Austrian Airline guests from around the world to discover our outstanding wines before they’ve even landed.”

The number of qualified experts is expected to rise to 250 by 2026. 

“We are very proud that more than 100 members of our cabin crews have already been trained as Austrian Wine Experts,” said Austrian Airlines CEO Annette Mann. “With this new facet of our distinctive service quality, we are inspiring international guests on board to discover the culinary treasures of Austria. At the same time, the Austrian Wine Experts bring a piece of home and lived tradition to the world for all Austrians.”

From camel skewers to squidlipops: Dark Mofo's Winter Feast to push boundaries

Dark Mofo's Winter Feast is promising to dish up a mixture of old favourites and rising culinary stars.

The the food and drink element of the winter solstice festival will returns to the Nipaluna/Hobart waterfront for eight nights of feasting next month.

The waterfront location will welcome over 70 stallholders along with music, firelight and community vibes.

‘The Winter Feast is the warm, beating heart of Dark Mofo," says Dark Mofo artistic director Chris Twite.

"Gathered around fires and feasting by candlelight, it’s where we come in from the cold to share stories of where we've been and what we've seen. Eating together - friends, strangers, locals, visitors - is an important festival ritual, and the staggering array of incredible food on offer means there is always something for everyone.’

The Feast will welcome guest chef Niyati Rao from acclaimed Mumbai restaurant Ekaa, who will collab with Craig Will, Bianca Welsh and James Welsh from Stillwater in Launceston.

Other food collaborations include Thi Le + Fat Pig Farm, which sees award-winning Melbourne chef Thi Le teaming up with locals Fat Pig Farm; Salvage Drink Co. X Braised presenting infused cocktails paired with spiced offerings from Hobart's premium lamb providore; and Marla Singer X L’Appel Wines pairing an octopus slider with pinot noir.

Chef Analiese Gregory makes her return to the fires of the Feast, this year bringing a taste of the Tasmanian sea. She’ll be serving up skewers of baby abalone, shiitake and black garlic, grilled over fire (top image).

New Feast stallholders include Dark Dogs, serving their take on dagwood dogs; wine bar South will presents a slow-cooked possum bao; Elle’s Pantry will have pockets stuffed with seasonal pickles, tabbouleh, and green harissa hummus; and Bass Strait Seafood & Co by Sabina Newton will offer dishes ranging from creamy chowder to buttery marinara.

Joining the new stallholders will be familiar favourites, from Lilly Trewartha’s katsu sando, to Queen Sheba’s injera with slow-cooked chicken; Soufra & Co’s folded layers of filo pastry and custard baked fresh to order, to the famous squidlipop from Formosa Bites (above).

Fresh from his appearance on ABC’s Eat the Invaders, Mona’s executive chef Vince Trim is back with Heavy Metal Kitchen, eating the problem with a feral feast: fire-charred camel, skewered and served with an array of spiced and braised condiments.

Visitors can wash the dishes down with new offerings from New Norfolk’s Welcome Swallow Brewery, fizzy blush from Common Wine, or a Pressing Matters pinot noir.

Mona’s own wineries - Moorilla and Domaine A - will be on site, along with Moo Brew.

Amanda Vallis, the Winter Feast curator, says: ‘The food community in Lutruwita/Tasmania is one of the best things this island has to offer, and nowhere is it more pronounced than when everyone comes together to feast around the fires in the depths of winter.

"Whether it’s a hot take on a dagwood dog, or the flavour explosion offered by a guest chef all the way from India, the Winter Feast is sure to fill your cup and feed your soul.’

A number of events will celebrate the power of music, storytelling and First Nations cultures.

The Winter Feast takes over Salamanca Lawns and Princes Wharf Shed 1 and runs and runs on both weekends of the festival: Thursday June 5-8 and June 1-15.

Season passes are available via darkmofo.net.au/winter-feast

As part of the Winter Feast’s commitment to reaching zero waste, all stallholders will use compostable crockery and cutlery, with reusable cups and schooners available for beverages. The Feast is also a completely cash-free event.

# Dark Mofo is Tasmania’s mid-winter festival celebrating the dark through large-scale public art, food, music, fire, light, and noise, in Hobart.

Images: Dearna Bond, Dark Mofo  

All change as major Australian hotels re-brand

Some of Australia's top hotels are to get new identities with a raft of changes being unveiled by global giant IHG Hotels and Resorts and its local partners from Salter Brothers.

New brandings revealed by the partners will see the Regent Hotels & Resorts brand return to Melbourne after 28 years and three properties to be re-badged as InterContinental properties. 

IHG and Salter Brothers will also launch a brand new hotel: Hotel Indigo Canberra

The new Regent Melbourne (above) will see the Rialto-located hotel transformation from InterContinental Melbourne in 2030.

IHG's luxury and lifestyle expansion also sees three of its popular and successful properties joining the InterContinental brand portfolio. 

Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach will become InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach; Crowne Plaza Melbourne will become InterContinental Melbourne and the Crowne Plaza Canberra will be redeveloped into the new InterContinental Canberra. 

A second hotel will also be developed on this site, to bring Hotel Indigo to Canberra.

At the same time, voco Gold Coast, which was the first voco hotel to open globally and another IHG/Salter Brothers collaboration, will undergo a refurbishment and expansion of its leisure facilities.

Matt Tripolone, IHG Hotels and Resorts managing director for Australasia Pacific, said: “We are delighted to announce an extended long-term agreement with Salter Brothers, which further strengthens our existing, highly successful relationship. 

"This partnership accelerates IHG's Luxury & Lifestyle growth in Australia and enables Salter Brothers to reposition key assets and unlock long-term value in this space.

“We're thrilled to be bringing our Regent Hotels & Resorts brand back to Australia after an absence of 28 years, with Regent Melbourne on track to welcome guests in 2030. 

"With three InterContinental properties also on the horizon, and a new hotel, Hotel Indigo Canberra, in our sights, we're delighted to have cemented our leading Luxury & Lifestyle position in the country.

“Overall, this agreement underscores the strength and evolving nature of Australia's hotel market and highlights the growing trend for conversions in our industry as guests increasingly seek immersive Luxury & Lifestyle experiences across the country."

Paul Salter, managing director of Salter Brothers, added: “We have a strong history with IHG spanning more than a decade, and are fully committed to our partnership which continues to drive growth for our assets. This new agreement represents over $1bn investment in the Luxury & Lifestyle segment and highlights our conviction in providing distinctive lifestyle experiences for travellers globally, with an emphasis on timeless style, culinary mastery and wellness facilities for guests."

Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach is currently closed for an extensive re-imagining to InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, opening in late 2025. 

IHG Hotels & Resorts has 76 hotels in Australasia operating under nine brands: Six Senses, InterContinental, Kimpton, Vignette Collection, Hotel Indigo, voco, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, with another 26 properties in its development pipeline.

Cruise giant orders more ships as industry booms

The cruise industry is an unstoppable force.

No matter how many crises it confronts, the simple truth is that a lot of people are happy to spend good money to be at sea on huge ships.

MSC Cruises, one of the industry heavyweights, this week announced a firm order for two new ‘World Class’ series ships.

This will take the number of MSC ships in the class to six.

The new vessels are currently being referred to as World Class 5 and 6 prior to being named and are expected to be delivered for service in 2029 and 2030.

The pair will be built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard outside Nantes in Frabce and will be powered by alternative fuel sources including LNG, travel portal Travel Mole reports.

The 6,700-guests ships will join MSC World Europa and MSC World America (above), which have already launched, and MSC World Asia and MSC World Atlantic, which will be delivered over the next two years.

“The confirmation for the two new World Class ships marks a new milestone and the continuation of our long-term industrial plan,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises.

“The highly successful World Class platform combines the very best in environmental technology with the latest advancements in guest experiences.”

The new ships will also have shore power plug-in capability and advanced wastewater treatment systems.

Western Australia to host global wine event

The Margaret River Region in Western Australia will be the first Australian host for the The World's 50 Best Vineyards awards this November.

The 2025 event will be held on Wednesday, November 19, celebrating outstanding vineyards around the world that combine exceptional wine, food and visitor experiences. 

The World's 50 Best Vineyards list is compiled annually to spotlight and celebrate the leading wine tourism destinations around the globe. 

Each year, it highlights exceptional vineyards that offer unique visitor experiences, ranging from modern architectural masterpieces and UNESCO-protected ancient cellars to award-winning dining spots and intimate family-run wineries.

The event will kick off a big week in the region, with the return of the Pair'd Margaret River Region festival to follow from November 20-23.

Pair'd is a vibrant four-day event now in its second year, that showcases the south west's acclaimed wine, food and music, featuring experiences across wineries and destinations, and collaborations with the region's top chefs, winemakers and sommeliers.

Cabin Fever means fiery fun and games in Margaret River

I cannot think of a wine region in Australia that loves a festival as much as Margaret River in Western Australia. 

Cabin Fever Festival returns for its ninth edition of fire-focused fun from July 18-27 in Margaret River and Busselton for a showcase of food, music, and events - over 40 in all. 

Returning events include Blazing Brews at Beerfarm, Wine's a Drag at Bungalow Neighbourhood Social, the Cheese Toastie Battle, and the always-rowdy Shelter the Storm at Shelter Brewing Co.

There's also a range of new experiences including a Lo-Fi Wine Fair featuring bites from Dahl Daddys and wine from lo-fi, small-batch winemakers Amato Vino, Si Vintners, Rosa Glen Farm and Dirt Temple. 

Hot eatery de'sendent teams up with LS Merchants for some fine food and wine, while Fervor and Si Vintners join forces for Flint and Folklore in the Si Barrel Hall. There will also be Yum Yum Cha with new kid on the block Miss Chows. 

Hair of the Truffle Dog will see an early morning truffle hunt with Margaret River Truffle Farm paired with a 'champagne' breakfast with Skigh Wine, while Lunch on Fire at Howard Park will showcase Argentinian fare, fire pits and wine. 

Three Margaret River chef heavyweights: Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion), Mal Chow(Chows Table) and Rob Webster (Normal Van) come together for Cape to Plate.

“One of the most exciting things about Cabin Fever is how it sparks unexpected, incredible collaborations, that people not only love to attend, but the venues, producers and chefs love working together to deliver," says festival director Erin Molloy.

“People have come to rely on the festival to deliver an experience like no other in the region during the winter months, with the region coming alive as a winter wonderland of fire pits, feasts, and fun.”

Making a return in 2025 is The Cabin presented by Shelter Brewing Co. This free, family-friendly festival hub will light up the Busselton Foreshore from July 18-20. 

Tickets are now on sale at www.cabinfeverfest.com.au

Image: Lauren Trickett 

Flying high: Marnong Estate makes a statement

Make a note of the name: Marnong Estate.

First the Victorian red wine producer snapped up talented winemaker Alex Beckett, and now it has released a new collection of premium reds: 2024 single-vineyard expressions of sangiovese, montepulciano, and pinot noir, along with a 2023 single-vineyard shiraz and a more affordable 2024 estate pinot noir.

I've just tasted the 2024 montepulciano and pinot noir, along with the 2023 shiraz, which share a common thread of cool-climate elegance and hints of subtle minerality throughout the range.

You won't find Marnong in one of the major wine regions but it is in one of the oldest; located in Sunbury, just down the road from Melbourne Airport.

It sits 300 metres above sea level and is just 35 minutes from Melbourne CBD. There are 34 hectares under vine, with more planned. 

“Our wines are carefully crafted to capture the essence of the cool climate terroir through a balance of traditional and innovative techniques," former Briar Ridge winemaker Beckett (below) says.

 "The 2024 Single Vineyard collection is a perfect showcase of this - wines with remarkable complexity, refined structure, and a perfect harmony between fruit expression and savoury characters.”

Of the trio I tried, the intense and savoury montepulciano was narrowly my favourite, just edging the spice notes of the shiraz. Both are very good buys, and extremely food friendly.

The prices are: 2024 Single Vineyard Sangiovese $35; 2023 Single Vineyard Shiraz $40, 2024 Single Vineyard Montepulciano $35, 2024 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir $40, 2024 Estate Pinot Noir $25.

Marnong is certainly on my list for my next visit to bleak city. The property, with the original homestead dating back to the 1840s, is a luxury wine and dining destination with accommodation to match.

Visitors can taste at the cellar door, or dine in at one of two Italian restaurants, La Vètta, and Cucina 3064, or enjoy coffee with a view at Caffè Vista.

Marnong Estate holds wine and chocolate tastings at its cellar door - but you'll need a reservation for that. See www.marnongestate.com.au.

Bali bans small plastic water bottles

Bali has taken a major stop towards reducing plastic waste.

The holiday island's governor, Wayan Koster, has banned the production and manufacture of water in small plastic containers, newsletter Bali Update reports.

All plastic containers with capacities of less than one litre are included. The decree effectively ends the use of plastic cups of water, small drinking bottles, or half-litre water containers.

The Provincial Government of Bali said the move represented "a collective, systematic, integrated, and culturally based action to alleviate the growing trash problem".

The memorandum is intended to dramatically reduce plastic waste across six sectors: offices, traditional villages, businesses, hotels and restaurants, educational institutions, marketplaces, and places of worship.

The includes severe enforcement provisions. Sanctions include revocation of company permits and licenses and suspension of financial aid to traditional villages.

Conversely, community members who consistently support the program to eliminate one-time-use plastics will be given government incentives and rewards.

Governor Koster said the move would apply across the armed forces, the Indonesian police, village chiefs, community leaders, and community organisers.

“We must stop using single-use plastic and process waste starting from the source," Koster said. "Use compost, maggots, animal feed, or other modern systems. This is a collective movement, not just a campaign.

“Green hotels, green malls, green restaurants - that’s the future of Bali. If a destination is not environmentally friendly, don’t expect to be visited by international travellers.”

Tourists will now need to provide their own stainless steel drinking bottles.  

Malaysia promoting wellness travel experiences

Tourism Malaysia has unveiled a new collection of wellness tourism packages, offering visitors to the Asian nation a range of rejuvenating escapes and nature-based experiences.

The wellness packages are designed to cater to modern travellers seeking physical vitality and emotional balance, the organisation says.

Packages are available in several destinations - including Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Selangor.

Tourism Malaysia is partnering with 12 leading industry players - including travel agencies, hotels, and wellness centres to craete 36 different wellness packages, new bub Travel Mole reported.

Guests can stay at top resort properties including Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur (above) and The Datai in Langkawi.

Malaysia is home to 365 registered spas under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, offering an array of different therapies.

These range from hot stone massages and aromatherapy to hydrotherapy, herbal baths, and Ayurvedic treatments.

Urutan Malaysia is a signature massage technique.

The packages also comprise nature-based excursions that connect travellers with local life.

These include visits to fruit farms, coffee roasters and herb growers and exploring rural landscapes.

“Malaysia offers a unique wellness experience rooted in our diverse cultural heritage and natural landscapes,” said Sulaiman Suip, director of Tourism Malaysia in London.

“These thoughtfully curated packages are designed to cater to the growing demand for travel that supports physical, mental, and emotional well-being.”

See https://www.malaysia.travel/

Wine and food to the fore as small producers get together

Enjoy visiting smaller wine producers? Fancy a day or two in the Yarra Valley? 

The Shortest Lunch festival returns on June 20-21 with 13 family-run wineries linking up for two days of cool-climate wines, hearty winter fare, fireside tastings and live music, all in celebration of the winter solstice.

The Shortest Lunch offers the chance to meet the makers behind the cellar doors and discover small-batch wines. 

Guests will be able to taste over 100 wines, including exclusive aged and new-release drops, with food menus that span wood-fired flatbreads, slow-cooked ragu, vegan Mediterranean fare, and spiced apple desserts, all priced under $25. 

It is a family- and dog-friendly event, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options at every stop, and live music and vineyard views included.

Tickets start at $35 for a full weekend pass (including a souvenir tasting glass), with Wine & Dine ($70) and VIP packages ($100) also available. 

The line-up of participating wineries includes: Boat O'Craigo, Fin Wines, Helen's Hill Estate, Seville Estate. Seville Hill, Soumah (a must-visit),  Steels Gate, Sutherland Estate, Tokar Estate, Yering Farm, Bilanook Estate, Whispering Hills and Yileena Park. 

Expect sparkling, rosé, red, white, orange, Pet Nat and dessert wine styles, along with small-batch ciders and beers. 

Use the code EARLYBIRD before June 1 to receive 10% off all ticket types. Proceeds from the event support vital local causes, with over $100,000 raised to date for groups such as the local CFA, SES and Make-A-Wish Australia.

See www.shortestlunch.com.au for tickets and more information on the wineries, menus, ticket types and transportation.

War zone no more: a beach getaway with a fascinating story

Fancy getting a group together to really get away from it all?

The image above certainly stirred my interest,, even though I have never visited Sri Lanka and have no immediate plans to do so.

Teardrop Hotels has just unveiled Kalkudah Beach House, which will be open for stays from June 1.

The secluded retreat is on Sri Lanka’s untouched east coast and is a six-hour drive from Colombo, 35 kilometres north of Batticaloa and an hour’s drive from Polonnaruwa.

Kalkudah Beach House is set within a 25-acre coconut estate - it doesn't get much more country that that - with direct access to Kalkudah Bay, a stretch of soft, golden sand and calm waters.

The Main House was originally acquired as a family holiday home in the 1970s and known as Eastern Breeze Estate. During Sri Lanka’s 26-year civil war, the estate was abandoned and intermittently occupied by both the Sri Lankan military and Tamil Tigers.

The current owners purchased the property in 2004, shortly after a devastating tsunami swept through the region. The building had fallen into disrepair and required extensive refurbishment.

Over the past 20 years, a slow and deliberate evolution has shaped Kalkudah Beach House into what it is today. Additions include a two-bedroom villa, 22-metre swimming pool and water purification system that integrates the gardens and estate and fills the pool.

The Main House "blends timeless charm with modern comfort" with three large bedrooms with room for up to several adults. 

The Palm Villa, meanwhile, is single storey villa with two suites, each suitable for up to three adults or two adults and one child.

Guests can book rooms individually, reserve an exclusive two-bedroom or three-bedroom villa, or opt for a full buyout of all five rooms for a private experience.

Fishermen bring in their daily catch right in front of the hotel and a la carte dining features dishes like sea crab and grilled reef fish.

Kalkudah Beach House has announced an Early Bird Offer with discounted room rates of 10% (until September 2025 15 and April 1-September 15, 2026) and 20% for September 16, 2025 until March 31, 2026). 

 The Early Bird Offer is priced from $US270 per night for two people in a beachview bedroom including accommodation, breakfast, afternoon tea in the pavilion from 3.30-4.30pm and social hour with complimentary local beer and house wine at the bar from 5-6pm.

See www.teardrop-hotels.com

 

Seniors in one Australian state to enjoy free weekend public transport

Good news for local seniors who love travelling in the Australian state of Victoria.

In a move aimed at easing cost of living pressures and encouraging regional exploration, the state government is to make all public transport free on weekends to holders of Victorian Seniors cards from January 1, 2026.

The initiative will allow more than 650,000 seniors to travel by train, tram or bus for free across the entire state on weekends - saving regular travellers up to $360 a year, local media reported.

Seniors currently enjoy free travel on weekends within two local fare zones, but pay for longer journeys.

Under the new plan, restrictions will be lifted, offering free weekend travel across all 16 fare zones, from outlying areas including Wodonga, Warrnambool and beyond.

“This is about making it easier for seniors to see family, enjoy a day out with the grandkids or experience the best of Victoria - without the extra cost,” said Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.

The policy builds on a regional fare cap introduced in 2023, which significantly reduced concession fares - cutting the cost of trips like Bendigo to Melbourne by more than half.

Seniors will continue to get a 50% discount on weekday fares, but on weekends, they won’t pay a cent,” said Minister for Public Transport Gabrielle Williams.”

In neighbouring South Australia seniors get free transport 24/7. 

To access the free weekend travel, passengers must use a Senior Myki transport card and carry their Victorian Seniors Card while touching on and off as usual. While the system will still record trips, no fares will be deducted.

To be eligible for a Victorian Seniors Card, residents must be aged 60 or over, a permanent resident of the state, and work fewer than 35 hours per week.

The deal will not extend to visitors from interstate and overseas.

Australian-owned Scotch whisky distiller on the move

Bladnoch is not only Scotland's oldest private Scotch whisky distillery: it also Australian owned.

Bladnoch is aiming to lift its profile in the homeland of owner David Prior by releasing 8-year-old and 16-year-old single malt whiskies to the Australian market.

Melbourne-born and -raised Prior, a powerhouse in the yoghurt and packaging industries, purchased the Lowlands distillery a decade ago when it had been mothballed for some time. He became the first Australian to own a Scotch whisky distillery.

Bladnoch's spirits are now being rolled out globally.

Dr Nick Savage, Master Distiller at Bladnoch Distillery, said: "At Bladnoch, our whiskies are a true reflection of our passion for innovation and craftsmanship. Each expression is a result of our dedication to exploring unique maturation techniques in our whisky-making process to create indulgent single malts with deep, complex flavours.

"We lead with a taste-first approach, imparting our bold Galloway spirit into each of the intricately crafted expressions we create. Bladnoch 8 Year Old's American oak red wine casks deliver a vibrant, fruit-forward profile, while Bladnoch 16 Year Old, matured in oloroso sherry casks, brings notes of dark fruit and spice."

Bladnoch 8 Year Old has been matured in two different American oak red cask styles one after the other and has an ABV of 46.7 ABV. Bladnoch 16 Year Old is matured exclusively in oloroso sherry casks and also weighs in at 46.7% .

I haven't tried them yet, but hope to.

The whiskies are made in the distillery's 208-year-old bluestone warehouses. Dating back to 1817, Bladnoch Distillery is one of the oldest single malt Scotch whisky producers in the world. It is located at Bladnoch, near Wigtown, in Dumfries and Galloway in south-west Scotland. 

That makes it the southernmost distillery in all of Scotland.

Bladnoch 8-Year-Old retails for $125 and Bladnoch 16-Year-Old retails for $230.

Contact www.iconicbeverages.com.au and see www.bladnoch.com.

Unrest in Champagne as workers strike

There is unrest at some of the major Champagne Houses with workers going on strike this week over pay rates and job security.

Workers at Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy Champagne houses in Reims walked out - and employees from Pernod Ricard’s G.H. Mumm and Perrier-Jouët joined the strike action, industry website www.just-drinks.com reported.

The protests highlighted growing discontent among staff in the LVMH wine and spirits arm.

Unions says that cost-cutting measures are putting jobs and livelihoods at risk.

While Pernod Ricard employees were also involved in the Reims demonstrations, the strike action from LVMH staff comes at a turbulent time for the group’s drinks division.

LVMH’s wine and spirits business is under financial strain following years of expansion. The Financial Times has reported the division made a loss of €1.5 billion in 2024. 

The downturn is blamed on aggressive price increases, underperforming acquisitions, and a costly push into direct-to-consumer channels. Sales have dropped back to near-2019 levels.

Pernod Ricard workers, meanwhile, protested outside the Mumm cellars.

Stéphane Levasseur, secretary of the economic and social committee at Mumm, told Just Drinks that around 60 Mumm employees took part in the strike.

He cited two key reasons for the stoppage: a failure to secure wage increases in annual negotiations and concerns over the “potential sale of Mumm by Pernod Ricard to another buyer”.

“There will certainly be other strike movements in the coming weeks,” Levasseur said. "And these will be amplified if the sale of Mumm Champagne is confirmed.”

Image: Milton Cogheil, Scop.io 

Thai tourism glitches cause industry concern

Thailand's continued upward trajectory in the tourism industry has stuttered, provoking concern among hoteliers and other businesses.

Not only are there no positive factors supporting growth, but negative influences are compounding, The Nation newspaper in Bangkok reported.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported the number of foreign tourists between January 1-May 11 this year stood at 12,948,032 - a decrease of 1.04% compared to the same period last year.

But the growing strength of the Thai currency - making Thailand more expensive for visitors - as well as competition from several other Asian destinations is provoking concern, particularly a drop in visitors from China.

Thienprasit Chaiyaphatranan, president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), has reported that most hoteliers expect a year-on-year decline in international guests in the traditional quieter second quarter of the year, especially in the central and southern regions. Around 25% of respondents expect the number of Chinese tourists to drop by more than 30%.

The average hotel occupancy rate in April 2025 was 63%, down from the previous month, in line with that drop in international arrivals, especially from China.

Chinese travellers are reportedly concerned about safety issues in Thailand.

But Thienprasit added that tourism in April remained vibrant, largely due to the Songkran Festival, which attracted both Thai and international tourists.

“At the same time, regional competitors like Vietnam and Malaysia are aggressively promoting tourism, offering incentives, cutting costs, and adjusting policies to attract more visitors,” he said.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) this week unveiled 12 travel campaigns tailored to a variety of lifestyle subcultures, aimed at boosting domestic tourism during the green season to counter falling international visitation.

But the Pattaya Mail has reported industry concerns about rising costs and reduced spending power among tourists who do visit Thailand and negative publicity, particularly after the high-profile kidnapping of a Chinese actor. 

Our Thai correspondent also points out assaults on foreign tourists by locals have generated adverse publicity.  

Image: Phuket: Nelly Lo.scopio.com  

Done and dusted: all change in the Hunter Valley

There has been a changing of the guard in the Hunter Valley with Bimbadgen Estate chief winemaker Richard Done (above) resigning to concentrate on his own brand: John Wallace Wines.

Done, who learned his trade at Hunter icons Scarborough and Thomas Wines, has been chief winemaker and head of production, sales and distribution at Bimbadgen and Night Merchant Distillery for almost eight years.

John Wallace Wines has its own cellar door in Pokolbin.   

"I will be going full steam ahead with my side hustle now to be the big hustle," Done said.

"I will also be offering consulting for any wine or spirits brands that need the extra love."

Done's replacement at Bimbidgen will be familiar Hunter face Michael Hatcher,

Hatcher was the long-time general manager and winemaker at another leading Hunter producer, Hungerford Hill, when it was very high profile.

He was most recently manager and winemaker at Bunnamagoo in Mudgee.

Bimbadgen, in a prime location in Pokolbin, is one of the leading wine producers in the Hunter. 

The estate comprises two vineyards, a popular cellar door, award-winning Esca Bimbadgen restaurant, a café, an an outdoor amphitheatre. The estate hosts A Day On The Green concerts each year.

New day trip offers overseas visitors a slice of rural Australia

International visitors to Melbourne are about to be offered a day tour to the Murray River and a river trip on a traditional paddle steamer. 

Day tours from Melbourne take overseas tourists to Phillip Island, Puffing Billy, the Great Ocean Road, Ballarat and the Yarra Valley - but this will be the first to offer a typical Murray experience. 

Melbourne-based tour company Local Way Tours, established in 2022, is to launch a day tour from Melbourne to Echuca, where guests will enjoy a one-hour cruise on Murray River Paddlesteamers’ historic PS Canberra.

Starting from June 1 the full-day ‘Murray River Paddlesteamer and Wine Tour’ is designed primarily for international guests. 

Limited to just 15 guests per day, the small-group experience aims to offer an authentic taste of classic Australian countryside, blending river heritage, native wildlife, award-winning wine, and the Australian bush.

The 11-hour itinerary takes in Hanging Rock, the painted silos at Rochester, a cruise on Australia’s longest river, the Murray, native wildlife at the Kyabram Fauna Park and wine tasting at Mitchelton Wines on the way back to Melbourne.

The new trip will run every Wednesday to Sunday from Melbourne with a standard cost of $230 per person, or $190 for children. 

Until July 15, bookings will receive a 20% discount, with adult fares $184 and children $152. Quote ‘launch fare’ when booking direct with Local Way Tours on + 61 417 887 234. 

Local Way Tours managing director Ray Staindl said: “Day tours from Melbourne to other places like Phillip Island and Puffing Billy have become busy and everyone was offering the same thing so we decided to feature a destination no other day tour included and that was the beautiful Murray River. 

"Our new tour offers an immersive insight into the classic landscape of the Australian bush, with majestic river scenery, sweeping horizons, colourful history and our famous fauna and wines all featured in a stress-free, well-paced day and in small group comfort." 

Visit www.mrps.com.au