Bringing art to the streets of regional Victoria

The small towns of Gippsland in Victoria host a wide range of events and festivals throughout the year, making the region a popular weekend getaway destination.

Neerim South, in West Gippsland, will transform into an open-air gallery from February 28 to March 15 this year as the fifth biennial Neerim Artsfest brings a range of striking sculptural artworks to the heart of the region. 

Celebrating contemporary sculptural art in a regional setting, Neerim Artsfest invites visitors to explore artworks displayed throughout the town - in parks, along streets and inside local venues - all free to enjoy.

The 2026 theme, The Spirit Soars, challenges sculptors to create works that evoke freedom, wonder and visual excitement, resulting in a diverse and imaginative collection set against Neerim South’s leafy streetscapes and country charm.

Neerim South has a long-standing connection to the arts, particularly sculpture, famously marked by the seven-storey Neerim Bower that welcomes visitors at the town entrance. Just 100 kilometres from Melbourne, the town offers an easy cultural escape. 

Festivalgoers are encouraged to begin their visit at Algie Hall, open daily from 10am to 4pm during the festival, where indoor sculptures are on display and maps of artwork locations are available. 

From there, visitors can wander at their own pace through the town’s parklands and streets, discovering exterior works along the way.

Beyond the sculptures, visitors can enjoy walking and cycling along the Rokeby to Neerim Rail Trail, sample local brews and live music at Five Aces Brewing Co., dine at Neeri Nuff Wine Bar & Kitchen, or immerse themselves in nature at rainforests, wetlands and waterfalls.

The festival also coincides with the Rokeby Market on March 14, slated to feature more than 100 stalls showcasing handmade, homegrown and locally produced goods.

Images: Nicky Cawood

New international hotel unveiled for Wollongong

Wollongong, a thriving city south of Sydney, is set to get a new international hotel courtesy of Asian-based group Minor Hotels. 

 
Minor Hotels will introduce its Avani Hotels & Resorts brand to Wollongong with the opening of Avani Wollongong Hotel in 2027, marking Avani’s first new-build property in New South Wales.

 
Located near transport links, the CBD and the city beach, the hotel will offer "contemporary rooms, locally inspired dining and flexible event space".

The new hotel sits close to Wollongong’s central transport hub, CBD and city beach. 

Avani Wollongong will also anchor a major mixed-use development by local developer Blaq Property Group, designed to leverage off the city’s growth. 

Minor Hotels has worked closely with Destination Wollongong to ensure the hotel aligns with the region’s long-term tourism strategy and supports major events.

“Having an internationally recognised brand commit its name and expertise here is a genuine vote of confidence in Wollongong’s trajectory," says Destination Wollongong CEO Jeremy Wilshire. 

"It also marks an early step towards the NSW Government’s goal of delivering an additional 40,400 hotel rooms by 2035, and Wollongong is well placed to be a key contributor.”

Blaq Property Group has made application to increase the number of guest rooms from 107 to 140, which is currently under assessment.

A ground-floor restaurant will serve "locally inspired flavours", while there will also be a bar and events spaces. 

“Avani Wollongong will be our first Avani-branded property in New South Wales and will bring a breath of fresh air to this vibrant south coast city,” says  Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer, Minor Hotels Australasia. 

“This development will fill a much-needed gap in new hotel growth in Wollongong and the Illawarra [region]. 

"The hotel is set to become part of the region’s next chapter, offering a world-class, contemporary stay for business and pleasure that delivers upscale positioning in a growing urban destination.”

For more info see www.avanihotels.com/en.

Meet a new gin with a distinctive Asian accent

Asian flavours have been helping shape Australian culinary trends for decades. 

From Chinese migration dating back to gold rush days to the rise of Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine over recent times, vibrant Asian flavours are found in restaurants and homes. 

Now Asian accents are making a mark on the way we drink - from sakes and Japanese lagers, to Indian whiskies and Chinese spirits. 

Rising Sydney distillery Saint Juniper, has unveiled a new Asian-inspired gin for summer: No.5 Red Lime Gin. 

Native botanicals have been blended with south-east Asian ingredients, for a new style of gin the distillery says creates "a flavour story told in citrus and spice, bright yet balanced, familiar yet fresh".

Ingredients include red fingerlime, ginger, lemongrass and kaffir leaf, designed to be enjoyed in cocktails, or a G&T with lime and a ribbon of ginger.

“Red Lime Gin is a meeting of cultures distilled, complex, contemporary, and distinctly Saint Juniper. It brings native citrus together with the warmth and fragrance of south-east Asia, creating something that feels both familiar and entirely our own,” says distillery founder Paul Walton.

I'll check it out over the weekend and then report back.

Each Saint Juniper gin is numbered and distilled in micro batches using Dutch-built equipment. RRP $69 for 500ml.

See saintjuniper.com.au

Please come to Thailand, so we can charge you more

Thailand is sending mixed messages to potential visitors.

At a time when the Tourism Authority of Thailand is trying to boost dropping numbers, Airports of Thailand, the public authority managing the airports of Bangkok Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi (above), Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai and Phuket, has announced plans to increase passenger departure taxes.

The Civil Aviation Board has approved raising the fee from 730 baht (that is $32 in Australian dollars) to 1,120 baht ($49) per passenger, an increase of 50%.

Formal enforcement is expected around mid-2026, pending approval from the transport minister.

AOT president Pavina Jariyathitipong said studies indicate the higher charge will not affect travellers’ decision-making. 

I think she's wrong. 

Tourists hate being nickel and dimed - particularly at a time when rival destinations including Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos offer cheaper holidays than Thailand.

The additional fees will be used primarily for capital investment, most notably the South Terminal project at Suvarnabhumi, news hub Travel Mole reports.

The AOT president noted that more than 90% of airports worldwide collect PSC from both departing and transit passengers. 

Thailand remains among a small group that charges only departing travellers - but the timing seems wrong.

Feeling stressed? How about some Calm in a Can

Meet a new mental wellbeing drink with an edge.

Savvy has just launched what it calls "calm in a can" - a beverage designed to reduce stress "while keeping you mentally bright".

As someone who once spent 90 minutes chilling out in a flotation tank only to immediately become involved in a road rage outburst, I might, or might not, not be the target market.

Anyway, Savvy says Calm Water is "Australia’s first drink designed to reduce stress and anxiety while improving focus, mental clarity and mental performance is ready to redefine calm".

It combines high-dose L-theanine, magnesium, schisandra berry extract and prebiotics as well as bioavailable B-vitamins and Vitamin C to "reduce neurological overstimulation, regulate cortisol, dissolve physical tension and support emotional steadiness".

Mark Curry, Savvy founder, functional nutritionist and honorary fellow at UTS, said unlike many functional beverages that include only trace amounts of active ingredients for label appeal, Calm Water uses significantly higher active levels, often more than 10 times those seen in typical beverages or powdered calm products.

“Calm Water offers a science-backed solution for everyday stress-relief and focus due to evidence-based supplementation,” he said.

“Many calming beverages still work by dulling the nervous system, which can make it harder to function.

“Calm Water allows people to take the edge off, feel regulated and stay sharp. What makes it different is that we use active ingredients at scientifically-proven doses that allow people to genuinely feel clearer, more capable and less tense without being slowed down - it’s literally the feeling of Zen and focused energy in a drink.”

I've asked to try some. Maybe it will impact my road rage.

Savvy Calm Water is available via savvybeverages.com.au and at selected wellness and grocery retailers nationally.

Anyone for a kebab marinated in Guinness?

With an apparent target market of well-off bogans, a Guinness kebab, marinated in the famous Irish black stout, is being launched this week for the start of the Six Nations rugby tournament.

The Guinness kebab will be available for six weeks during the tournament in Box bar locations across the UK, including London, Manchester, Leeds and Nottingham, industry website drinks business reports.

Priced from £12.95 (that's a stonking $25.50 in Aussie money), the beef kofta is marinated in Guinness, "giving the meat the deep, rich flavour," before being wrapped in a hand-made flatbread, drizzled with a sticky homemade Guinness chipotle glaze and topped with fresh mint yoghurt.

The snack is designed to look like a pint of Guinness.

“Our new Guinness kebab is a playful nod to our Irish friends ahead of the Six Nations, whilst also tapping into our favourite night out food as Brits – the kebab," says Tom Mayer-Jones, brand and marketing manager at Box.

"We’ve brought these two things together in a way that feels true to Box - bold, social, and a meal designed to be enjoyed alongside big sporting moments.”

Prices may vary across locations with the kebab being priced at £14.95 in Box Piccadilly.

“We’re inviting everyone down to Box to watch the rugby and enjoy our new menu item,” Mayer-Jones added.

Those indulging in the Guinness kebab are being encouraged to share their pictures, videos and experiences via Instagram and TikTok and tagging in the @theboxbaruk handle.

OK. We get it. It's a publicity stunt. But it has got some traction. 

Discover a new wave of excitement at Sydney Airport

A beachy Bondi vibe at Sydney domestic airport?

Icebergs Group, has landed at Sydney Airport’s Qantas Domestic Terminal, joining the original Icebergs Dining Room and Bar in Bondi, and Icebergs Harbour Bar at Crown Sydney.

“We aim to bring Qantas customers the atmosphere and warmth that Icebergs Dining Room and Bar has been delivering for the past 24 years," says Tasso Della Noce, CEO of Icebergs Group with some masterful marketing speak.

"Our goal is to make every guest feel at ease, whether it’s their first visit or one of many for our frequent travellers.”

The new dining venue aims to "combine speed and convenience with the sophistication and warmth synonymous with the IDRB brand".

Located in the heart of the T3 terminal, the venue offers Icebergs Caffè To Go with takeaway coffees, drinks and pastries; and Icebergs Bar and Kitchen with a casual, flexible dining experience. Guests can order at the bar or via QR code (dontcha hate that!)

In the kitchen, Icebergs Dining Room and Bar’s culinary director Alex Prichard will oversee dishes including The Iceburger and Iceberg’s signature tiramisu with Whittaker’s chocolate and Vittoria coffee.

Icebergs Caffè To Go and Icebergs Bar and Kitchen at Sydney Airport’s Qantas Domestic Terminal is open Monday riday from 6am to 9pm and Saturday-Sunday from 7am to 8pm. 

Reservations can be made in advance via email idrb@idrb.com

Maximum exposure: It's Vinarchy in the AFL

AFL fans better get used to quaffing some new Barossa wine after the league announced a partnership with leading global wine company Vinarchy.

The deal will see prominent Australian wine brand Grant Burge Wines as the Official Wine Partner of the AFL, AFLW and AFL-owned Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

The four-year partnership, which starts immediately, will see widespread exposure for Barossa-born brand.

Grant Burge Wines will be poured at all AFL and AFLW-owned events, including the AFL Brownlow Medal and AFLW Awards, as well as across key hospitality and event spaces within Marvel Stadium.

AFL executive general manager customer, commercial and technology (what a job title!) Bec Haagsma said the partnership is built on shared values.

“There is a strong alignment between both organisations in creating memorable experiences and both share a passion for bringing people together - we can’t wait to work with the team at Vinarchy across the next four years,” she said.

Established in 2025 following the merger of Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard Winemakers, Vinarchy combines Vin (the French word for wine), with Archy (from the Ancient Greek word for leadership). Together it means wine leadership.

The AFL’s previous wine deal was with Pepperjack. 
See www.vinarchy.com

 

Leading health resort celebrates Traditional Thai Medicine

 

One of Thailand's leading health resorts is focusing on Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM) as its guiding wellness philosophy for the coming year. 

Chiva-Som Hua Hin - a spot that has been on my "to do" list for some time - is to focus on indigenous treatments and wisdom. 

With a history spanning more than 2,500 years, Traditional Thai Medicine is a holistic healing system centered on harmony between the body, mind and environment. 

It has been embedded in Chiva-Som Hua Hin’s offering since the resort’s inception and remains fundamental to its approach to balancing physical, mental, and emotional health. 

Treatments including therapeutic bodywork, movement disciplines, and herbal remedies are delivered by an experienced and certified TTM practitioner. 

“Traditional Thai Medicine is a key part of Chiva-Som Hua Hin’s core philosophy upon which our approach to holistic health has been built for more than three decades,” says Vaipanya Kongkwanyuen, the general manager of Chiva-Som Hua Hin.

“As we welcome 2026, we honour this ancient wisdom not only through therapeutic practices, but by inviting guests to reconnect with nature, rhythm, and balance in everyday life. 

"By integrating time-honoured Thai healing traditions with modern wellness, we continue our commitment to nurturing mindfulness and sustainable wellbeing practices for long-term vitality and wellbeing, for both people and the planet.”

Influenced by Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, yet distinctly Thai in its emphasis on seasonal rhythms, environmental influences, and natural remedies, TTM continues to be practiced today. 

At its core is the concept of the Four Elements (Dhatu) - Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire - which influence individual constitution, health, and emotional balance. When these elements are in equilibrium, vitality and wellbeing naturally follow.

Guests booking in advance benefit from special rates valid for stays throughout 2026: Save 20% on retreat bookings made at least 120 days in advance with a minimum three-night stay, or save 15% on retreat bookings made 90 to 119 days in advance with a minimum five-night stay.

Book by March 31 for stays between June 1 and September 30 for 10% off retreat rates and a stay 5 nights, pay for 4 deal, as well as complimentary round-trip transfers between Bangkok and Hua Hin. 

Contact Chiva-Som Australia reservations team on 1300 857 037 or email res@traveltheworld.com.au.

Virgin Australia offers deal on extra legroom

Fancy some extra legroom next time you fly?

Virgin Australia has today launched a domestic sale on its premium extra-legroom Economy X seating, with upgrades from just $15 per person per sector).

The month-long ‘Extra Comfort, Zero Imitation’ Economy X sale is available to add to Virgin Australia domestic flight bookings here until Tuesday, March 3.

First launched in 2017 as part of the airline’s ongoing focus on innovation, Economy X offers up to 40% more legroom, priority boarding and dedicated overhead locker space.

The deal is $15 for shorter routes and $23 for longer sectors.

“We’ve always believed Australians want choice, value and a better experience in the air; Economy X has been delivering exactly that for years so it’s no surprise others are now taking notice,” a Virgin Australia spokesperson, mysteriously anonymous, said in the airline's media release.

“We’re continuing to showcase just how wonderful the Economy X experience is for travellers, from priority check-in and boarding to preferred overhead locker space, while offering the best-value extra-legroom economy seating in the market from just $15 per person.” 

Official: Australian wine industry is in crisis

 

The Australian wine industry is officially in crisis and appealing for more government assistance. 

Australian Grape & Wine’s 2026–27 Pre-Budget Submission calls on the Federal Government to act decisively to stabilise Australia’s wine sector and protect regional communities from escalating economic and mental health impacts.

The submission, Securing the Future of Australia’s Wine Regions: A Targeted Crisis Intervention and Structural Adjustment Plan, outlines a $139.25 million, three-year package to address structural oversupply, rebuild demand, and support growers and winemakers facing prolonged financial distress.

Australian Grape & Wine CEO Lee McLean said the evidence was clear that the sector had moved beyond a normal market cycle and into a structural crisis that required government partnership. 

“This is not a short-term downturn, and it is not a problem the industry can solve alone,” McLean said in a media release.

“Australia’s wine sector is facing a structural crisis driven by collapsing global demand and the lasting impacts of the China trade disruption. Left unmanaged, the adjustment will be disorderly, prolonged and deeply damaging for regional communities.”

The submission highlights national wine inventories of 2.06 billion litres, with 262 million litres more wine in storage than is commercially sustainable, alongside rising financial distress and mounting pressure on rural mental health services.

“Behind these numbers are people - growers, winemakers and families - under levels of stress we have not seen in generations,” McLean said. 

“If government delays, the costs don’t disappear. They re-emerge as business failures, abandoned vineyards, mental health crises and long-term regional decline.”

The package proposes targeted, time-limited measures to support orderly transition, remove barriers to recovery and rebuild demand - including business transition support, concessional loans, export re-engagement, domestic tourism stimulus and expanded mental health services in affected regions.

McLean said the submission was designed as a preventative investment, not a subsidy. 

“This is about managing a necessary transition in a way that is economically responsible and socially humane,” he said.

“The cost of acting now is modest. The cost of inaction will be far greater and borne by regional Australians least able to absorb it.”

Australian Grape & Wine said the measures align directly with the government’s priorities on regional development, mental health, trade diversification, productivity and the Future Made in Australia agenda, and reflect long-standing precedents for government intervention following major external shocks.

“We are asking the government to heed the evidence, heed the warning signs, and work with us now,” McLean said.

“This is a fiscally responsible, preventative investment that supports regional economies and protects long-term industry capability.”

The full 2026–27 Pre-Budget Submission is available at: 
https://www.agw.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FINAL-AGW-2026-27-Pre-Budget-Submission-.pdf

Iconic Twin Towers still pulling in the crowds

Malaysian tourism authorities are placing one of the world's most spectacular buildings front and centre of their 2026 marketing.

Visit Malaysia's newest promotional material puts the the Petronas Twin Towers in the bustling heart of Kuala Lumpur as the top place to explore.

Not only are the Petronas Twin Towers among the tallest buildings in the world - creating global recognition for Kuala Lumpur and all of Malaysia - but the complex hosts several attractions, including the Suria KLCC shopping mall, located between the two towers.

Other attractions include the Esplanade (Lake Symphony), Petrosains Discovery Centre, KLCC Park and Aquaria KLCC.

So some visitors come for the views; others for the shopping: offering high-end designer boutiques and multiple food outlets.

Built in the 1990s, the dramatic twin towers reach an impressive height of 452 metres and were the world's tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004.



Visitors to the Twin Towers can visit the Skybridge and the Observation Decks for sweeping views of the city and beyond - and after dark the buildings are lit up.

An aerial bridge connects the two towers on the 41st and 42nd floors, making it the highest two-storey bridge in the world.

In the area surrounding the Twin Towers, a selection of nearby hotels await, including the W Kuala Lumpur, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur and Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur.

Visitors looking for a gourmet experience can enjoy meals at famous spots like Madam Kwan's, NZ Curry House, Dewakan, Beta and Hide. 

For locals or anyone familiar with the city, public transportation is affordable and easy on the LRT or MRT.

After exploring, KLCC Park has green spaces and benches on which to relax.

The Petronas Twin Towers also often host special events and exhibitions including those highlighting Malaysian culture and heritage at the Petronas Twin Towers Gallery.

The country’s first concert hall, The Petronas Philharmonic Hall, was built specially for classical music and is the home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.

See https://www.malaysia.travel/ and https://www.petronastwintowers.com.my/ 

Talking Turkiye - choosing a quality hotel in Istanbul: go modest and save

Visiting any of the world’s major cities can be quite a task, especially when making your own bookings and arrangements, roving correspondent Roderick Eime reports.

So, when travelling pal Bill and I planned a few days sightseeing in Istanbul, we wanted to cover as much territory as possible while still being frugal, as we still had a couple of cities to go on our little European odyssey.

Ortaköy Mosque and 15 July Martyrs Bridge seen from Üsküdar (RE)

Our first mistake: three days is too short a time for a city as vast and culturally rich as Istanbul.

Our best choice - and I’m happy to take credit for this - was staying at the Akgün Istanbul Hotel at Topkapi, although in honesty, it was a recommendation from an industry colleague with considerably more hotel experience than I have in this region.

From our base, just a couple of metro stops from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town with all its well-known sites, we were able to complete a satisfying coverage of the city using the comprehensive public transport system, supplemented by the occasional Uber/taxi.

Istiklal Caddesi - Independence Avenue (RE)

Our tick list of sights included a public ferry cruise on the Bosporus, an examination of the old Walls of Constantinople (literally around the corner from our hotel), the mandatory Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, as well as the signature shopping district at Taksim on the Asian side. 

We even sacrificed a day for a full-day excursion to Gallipoli.

Preserved section of The Theodosian Walls near Topkapi, Istanbul (RE)

While the Akgün Istanbul Hotel is billed as a 5-star hotel, it may not meet 5-star standards elsewhere in Europe, but that did not bother us at all. 

The rooms were more than adequate with quality bedding, and our most useful feature was the copious breakfast that sustained us throughout the day. We were most appreciative of the attentive staff at all levels. 

While we were exhausted after our 20,000-step days, we still had time for a crisp lager on the excellent rooftop bar with views all the way to the Blue Mosque. And, apart from all that, room rates were less than $200 per night, leaving us lots of change to blow in the Grand Bazaar.

Akgün Istanbul Hotel (supplied)

Sometimes it pays to set aside your precious poseur persona and embrace your practical, pragmatic self.

Akgün Istanbul Hotel provides services including restaurants, bars, Starbucks café, sauna, Turkish bath, Finnish bath (steam bath), gym, spa, massage, 24/7 room service, business centre, indoor-outdoor parking, valet service, baby care, laundry services, outdoor pool, male/female hairdresser, photo lab and pharmacy.

The Akgün Istanbul Hotel is a member of WorldHotels™ Elite collection, a part of the global Best Western Hotels. You can book directly or through any major online booking service, such as Luxury Escapes.

So you fancy a wine tasting on a luxe Florida island?

So you really like your wine? And you don't mind a little bit of island luxury?

An ultra-luxe trip promising wines representing “the pinnacle of Napa Valley” will be held on a private island in Florida next month for couples with US$35,000 to spare.

The wine event is due to take place between February 5-8 on the private Little Palm Island in Florida.

So if you are willing to risk a trip to the US, braving airport interrogations and masked thugs on the streets then this might be up your alley.

Accessible only by boat or sea plane, the island is located close to the Florida Keys and is named after the many palm trees that line its shores.

As high-end wine producers increasingly up their experience-led offerings, Little Palm will play host to the ‘Vintners Voyage’, a three-night wine getaway that promises “Michelin-calibre cuisine, boutique wines and direct interaction with industry masters, all unfolding across an entire private island.”

Hmm. Private islands have not enjoyed good press recently.

Forbes magazine reports the extravagant wine weekend is described by master sommelier Desmond Echavarrie from the Scale Wine Group as “an insider experience, one that remains inaccessible, even in Napa itself.”

Echavarrie says that “The wines featured in this journey represent not only the pinnacle of Napa Valley quality, but rare, family-owned estates that open their cellars only to close friends.”

Echavarrie will walk guests through a series of private wine tastings and masterclasses, while Michelin-starred chef Julien Lefebvre (ex Château Cordeillan-Bages and now from the L’Âtre restaurant in Honfleur, Normandy) will host interactive French cooking classes, where visitors can try his signature dishes such as truffle-stuffed poultry ballotine and roasted lobster with a pinot noir reduction.

Guests will also enjoy a private show by Grace Potter, a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter.