Hobart's newest rooms with a view

Looking for a room with a view on the Hobart waterfront?

The former Somerset on the Pier has reopened as Citadines Elizabeth Street Pier following an expansion from 56 to 98 studios.

Set directly over Hobart’s waterfront on the pier, the refreshed property pairs contemporary studios and private balconies with harbour views and distinctly local touches - including a daily Sip & Savour hour, local experiences and a 1800-Martini service delivering cocktails straight to guests’ rooms, Tourism Tasmania reports.

The property boasts it is "steps from anywhere". My invite to the opening unfortunately failed to arrive. 

But those attractions on the doorstep include Salamanca Market, the MONA Ferry terminal, Constitution Dock’s dining precinct, the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery, and the downtown shopping hub.



The blurb from owners Ascott promises modern studios and spacious guest rooms, all with balconies overlooking the water.

"Whether you’re here for culture, cuisine or adventure, Citadines Elizabeth Street Pier Hobart offers the perfect base to explore the city’s historic waterfront and the beauty of Tasmania," the website says.

For more info: https://www.discoverasr.com/en/citadines/australia/citadines-elizabeth-street-pier-hobart

In-flight food and drink prices a complete rip-off

Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?

That's Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols talking, but it could be anyone silly enough to buy food onboard a flight operated by Jetstar, an Australian budget airline and subsidiary of Qantas.

A $15 can of weak beer anyone? $5 for a tiny tube of Pringles crisps?

It seems Jetstar has decided that the best way to make up for its relatively low fares is to slug passengers in its tiny seats a mega price for food and drink.

There's been a lot of online chatter about the sky high prices Jetstar is charging. My tip: eat and drink before you take off.

The Jetstar prices are just absurd. 

Take that $15 price tag on cans of Hahn Super Dry, Super Dry 3.5 and Stone & Wood Pacific Ale.

I asked AI how much I would pay retail for a case of 24 cans. The response: A case of 24 cans of Hahn Super Dry (375mL full strength, 4.6% ABV) typically costs between $55.00 and $66.00 AUD, depending on the retailer and current promotions. If you are looking for the mid-strength version (Hahn Super Dry 3.5%), a 24-can case usually ranges from $54.00 to $57.00 AUD. 

So four cans on board a Jetstar flight costs the same as 24 cans at your local bottle shop.

How about those tubes of crisps? 

AI tells me: Small 53g cans of Pringles crisps generally cost $2.70 at major Australian supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths, though they are frequently on special for $2.00. 

And don't forget Jetstar would buy in bulk, at a reduced price. 

Then there is $8 for a cup of packet noodles in the air. 

AI tells me: Budget Name Brands (Fantastic, Suimin, Indomie): Standard 70g–75g single cups or bowls cost around $1.75 to $1.90. 

So a fairly hefty mark-up there as well. 

It's up to you - but just be ready to be ripped off.   

    

Coonawarra to turn on the country cabernet charm

Coonawarra is an Australian wine region inextricably linked to cabernet sauvignon. 

Each spring, the sleepy South Australian district comes alive with Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations returning from October 1-18, bringing together three vibrant weekends of wine, food, music and regional experiences.

Celebrating Coonawarra’s signature variety, this year’s festival features over 40 free and ticketed experiences across the region, inviting visitors to meet the makers, explore the vineyards and cellar doors. 

Coonawarra Vignerons Acting Executive Officer Heidi Guyett says the program of events provides a perfect reason to make an effort to visit. 

“October is a fantastic time to experience Coonawarra," she said.

"The vineyards are bursting back to life, the days are getting longer and there’s a wonderful energy throughout the region.” 

One of the highlights of the Cabernet Celebrations program is the intimacy of the events and the opportunity this provides for people to meet the makers and the families at the heart of the wine community.

“Aside from tasting the exquisite wines of the region, visitors will have the opportunity to meet and dine with winemakers, viticulturists and boutique winery owners, go behind the scenes in the winery

and even sample wines that are yet to be officially released, all the while learning about the process

and the passion that goes into Coonawarra’s famed wines,” Guyett added.

The celebrations begin over the October Labour Day Long Weekend, with the Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations Golf Day teeing off at Penola Golf Course on Friday,  October 2.

The event combines golf with sparkling cabernet, regional food and wine, with teams competing for the coveted Champion Team red jackets. 

Across the long weekend, visitors can also roll up their sleeves for past making and lunch with the DiGiorgio Family, take a guided vineyard tour at Rymill Coonawarra, enjoy sparkling cabernet at sunset at Balnaves, or settle in for live music, pizza and family-friendly festivities at wineries across the region.

New to the festival in 2026, the Coonawarra Community Markets will make their Cabernet Celebrations debut on Sunday, October 4, showcasing fresh local produce, hand-made and hand-crafted goods, artisan wares and Coonawarra wines. 

The weekend of October 9-11 sees visitors invited visitors to Blend It Up, with Cabernet Gin in the spotlight at Parker Estate, Cocktails on the Deck on offer at Brand’s Laira, and a relaxed afternoon of pizza and live music at Zema Estate among the diverse offerings.

The festival culminates with a feature-packed final weekend, led by the Cabernet Decade[nce] Tasting and Dinner on Friday, October 16.  Around 15 Coonawarra producers will come together at Wynns Coonawarra Estate for a one-night-only tasting showcasing cabernet sauvignon with age, followed by an optional degustation dinner at the excellent Ottelia Restaurant.

Saturday, October 17 offers reasons to linger, with Yalumba’s cooper demonstration at the Menzies Coonawarra property set to be a highlight among traditional offerings including Bowen Estate’s En Primeur, a special Decade of Majella Cabernet vertical tasting and Prof’s Paella at Majella.

Making it easier to explore the region, the Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations hop on-hop off shuttle bus will operate each Saturday. 

Visitors are encouraged to book early, particularly for ticketed events and accommodation. 

For the full program of events and to book tickets, visit https://coonawarra.org/ccc-october-2026/

Discover an authentic Hunter Valley wine experience

Ian and Suzanne Little at the Little Wine Company in the Hunter Valley are keen on giving visitors an authentic winery experience. 

Here the tastings are held in the working winery on Milbrodale Road, Broke, while standing among the barrels and tanks, in the middle of the space's daily rhythms. 

Guests now taste where the wine is actually made by the family-owned boutique producer. 

"Wine is made here, not just poured here,” says Suzanne Little. 

“Every glass now comes with the full story - the barrels, the tanks, the equipment. It's the most honest way we know to share what we do.”

The winery is nestled against a mountain overlooking Broke Fordwich, one of the Hunter Valley's quietest sub-regions, just 15 minutes from tourism central in Pokolbin.

Little Wine Company - which recently celebrated a quarter of a century - offers a range of "new wave" varieties incuding albariño, pecorino, vermentino, sangiovese, barbera, tempranillo and montepulciano. 

Visitors can also order an optional charcuterie board of local cheeses, quiches and olives, or go behind the scenes with a Winery Tour & Taste, learning about the winemaking process from grape to glass, and even try wines straight from the barrel before they aren bottled.

The adventurous can get hands-on with a Barrel & Blend Workshop, crafting, labelling and taking home a custom red blend. 

On Friday evenings, the cellar door is open till 8pm with a rotating weekly food offering, ranging from artisan pies to paella and wood-fired pizzas.

Visit Friday 11am–8pm, Saturday 11am–5pm and Sunday 11am–4pm. 

Bookings are essential for tours and experiences. 

See thelittlewinecompany.com.au

Vietnam looks to entice higher-spending visitors

Vietnam is seeking to appeal to foreign visitors who spend more and stay longer, as the south-east Asian county shifts its tourism strategy from visitor numbers to higher-value travel.

The plan may involve preferential visas for high net worth tourists.

A resolution, signed by President To Lam on behalf of the Politburo, also introduces a requirement for compulsory insurance covering international visitors to Vietnam.

The initiative calls for more flexible entry policies, expanded visa exemptions and special treatment for international travellers considered particularly valuable to the tourism economy, the VN Express news site reports,

But Vietnam has yet to determine how much visitors will need to spend to qualify, what the preferential treatment will include, or when the new system will begin.

The country will also pilot measures designed to attract long-stay visitors and remote workers, potentially opening a new avenue for digital nomads and other travellers seeking longer stays.

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang will serve as the country’s principal tourism growth poles, while Phu Quoc is being positioned as a high-end international beach resort and events destination.

Vietnam welcomed a record 21.2 million international visitors in 2025, up 20.4% year over year.

Through the first seven months of 2026, arrivals had reached nearly 13.92 million, up 13.8%.

By 2045, Vietnam is keen to attract 70 million international visitors and rank among the world’s 30 most competitive tourism destinations.

Image: Hanoi

Sofitel unveils some special sweet treats

Sometime it is the little things that define an enjoyable hotel stay. 

Sofitel, a pioneer of French luxury hospitality, has just unveiled a global collaboration with Nespresso running from September until November 26 at 20 selected Sofitel properties worldwide. 

A new bespoke croissant and coffee combo is being delivered through the Please Disturb experience, a fun in-room taster. 

Building on the international success of La Haute Croissanterie by Sofitel, the limited-edition collab stars the café-croissant combo. 

Each pairing features freshly baked pastries meeting roasted Nespresso coffee. 

“Partnering with Nespresso for this latest limited-edition run of La Haute Croissanterie has allowed us to elevate one of gastronomy's most iconic pairings, the inimitable café-croissant, into a truly harmonious moment," says a very excited Anne-Cécile Degenne, corporate executive chef, Sofitel Hotels & Resorts.

"By combining the creativity of our pastry chefs with the expertise of Nespresso's coffee experts, we have crafted a fresh expression of French art de vivre that guests can enjoy in the privacy of their own room. 

"The final coffee touch adds theatre and flair, celebrating this perfect French pairing and ensuring every element feels uniquely personal.” 

The pairing menu invites guests to discover three signature La Haute Croissanterie creations: Le Brulé: cappuccino mousse brûlée and crispy honey cream croissant; L'Epicé: spicy chocolate coffee and  coffee-choco exotic croissant and Le Tonique: iced orange espresso tonic and Paris Brest croissant. 

The pairings are available on demand throughout the day via room service. 

The Croissant & Coffee Pairing Menu will be available at selected Sofitel properties worldwide, including Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour and Sofitel Brisbane Central. 

See sofitel.com

Cooking up a storm in the Barossa

Casa Carboni Italian cooking school is a long-time favourite in the Barossa wine region.

Matteo Carboni's gourmet hub and Enoteca is located n the historic town of Angaston, just under an hour’s drive from Adelaide’s CBD.

It was established in 2012 by the Italian chef and his Australian wife Fiona, after he migrated to Australia from northern Italy in 2011.

It remains family-owned and -operated, Visit Barossa reports in its newsletter.

Matteo offers intimate weekly cooking classes featuring seasonal Barossa produce to create authentic Italian dishes. All classes include a welcome coffee and cake, tuition and a four-course lunch with wine.

Guests can also enjoy Matteo’s  food by booking in for his fresh pasta and vino lunches with a limited daily menu created with local produce such as potato gnocchi with ragu alla Bolognese.

The chef's long table dinners are promoted as a fabulous way to experience his cooking.

Offered on selected Friday nights and for private events, this multi-course chef’s choice menu features seasonal local produce. Bookings are essential.

See https://www.casacarboni.com.au/

An affordable new way to Europe via KL and Istanbul

Looking for an affordable trip from Australia to Europe?

If you don't mind a couple of stopovers, AirAsia is expanding its international connectivity with the launch of its first-ever codeshare partnership with Türkiye’s largest low-cost carrier, Pegasus Airlines, opening up seamless connections between south-east Asia and Europe via Istanbul.

The partnership brings together two LCC powerhouses from Asean and Europe, connecting AirAsia’s extensive network across Asean and Asia with Pegasus’ broad European network through its Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen hub.

What does this mean for Australian travellers?

* Affordable travel from Australia to more than 100 routes between Asia and Europe - kicking off with five European destinations - Stansted (London, UK), Vnukovo (Moscow, Russia), Esenboga (Ankara, Türkiye), Zurich (Switzerland) and Athens (Greece)

* Greater access to destinations across Asean and Europe via the Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen hub.

* Special promo fares for flights from Kuala Lumpur to the first five destinations via Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen, from $276*, all-in-one-way. That can connect from Perth to Kuala Lumpur from $180 or Melbourne from $387 all-in-one-way

* Flexibility to tailor your trip and only pay for the things that matter to you - seat selection, baggage, food and beverage.

# Flights from Australia onwards to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen require a transfer in Kuala Lumpur. I'd stay a night or two.

Book through AirAsia MOVE between September 2-6 for travel from today to March 2027. Fares include passenger service charge, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges, other applicable fees, and 20kg checked baggage allowance.

Morris set to release limited-edition flagship whisky

Sometimes you just have to be quiet. 

Like when you taste an outstanding drink that has not been released yet. 

And the distillery had imposed an embargo and you are sworn to silence, much as you'd like to spread the word. 

Morris Australian Single Malt Whisky is releasing its new flagship expression: the Single Barrel Sherry Cask, a whisky drawn from a single ex-sherry cask from Morris of Rutherglen and hand-selected by head distiller Darren Peck and chief winemaker Madden Morris.

The limited-release aims to embody more than 165 years of winemaking heritage, transformed into a single barrel whisky of complexity and character. There will be only 270 bottles available (RRP $298).

The sneak peek I enjoyed recently was full of flavour and super smooth. 

Peck (below) said the release represents a unique whisky experience.



"We selected this specific ex-sherry cask for our Single Barrel release because I wanted to share a whisky unlike anything we've released before," he said. 

"At Morris, we're renowned for our fortified wines, and exploring the potential of this sherry cask has been a project I've loved to nurture and develop over six years of maturation here in Rutherglen. 

"The climate has delivered the perfect maturation conditions, allowing the whisky to develop a level of maturity far beyond its age. The result is an exceptional single barrel whisky with incredible complexity from oak extraction as a result of the unique climate."

Describe by Peck as "bold yet beautifully balanced" the whisky was bottled at a cask strength of 51.8% ABV.

Each bottle is individually numbered and allocated at random.

You can register for exclusive early access from today at morriswhisky.com.

General sales commence on September 15 online and at the Morris cellar door.

So you fancy a serious weekend session by the beach?

Fancy a serious session overlooking one of the most famous beaches in the world?

September will see the return of North Bondi Fish’s Saturday and Sunday Bottomless Brunches, with a refreshed offering following a winter hiatus.

From 12pm each weekend day, guests can settle in for a long, leisurely brunch in the sun overlooking iconic Bondi Beach, with a soundtrack by DJs throughout the afternoon.



Two set menu options ($95pp/$119pp) feature NBF favourites including ceviche tostadas, cured ocean trout, sesame prawn toast and grilled lamb skewers.

Add to that free-flow prosecco, wine and beer to slake the most serious thirsts.

Those looking to make a full afternoon of it can add freshly shucked oysters, fish tacos or cocktail jugs to the mix.

Bookings HERE.

Jetstar flies in to test out new airport

A Jetstar A320 touched down at the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport today, eight weeks out from the first commercial passenger flight on Sunday, October 25.

Landing at 9:30am from Melbourne, the trial flight was part of the lead-up to the official opening of the new facility. 

Jetstar will become the first airline to fly passengers from Western Sydney when flight JQ362 takes off for the Gold Coast at 11am on October 25. 

The airline ran the trial flight alongside the WSI team, with the end-to-end customer experience through the airport also being practiced to ensure a smooth operation from day one of the airport’s opening.

Jetstar chief pilot Tyrone Simes said flying the first service into a brand‑new airport was a  once‑in‑a‑career moment.

“Australia hasn’t opened a major new airport like this in more than 50 years, so this morning was a genuinely exciting milestone for me and the team," Simes said.

“We’re doing this eight weeks out from the first flight deliberately. It gives us time to take what we learned today and build it into our procedures and crew briefings, ensuring everything is fully tested and refined well ahead of launch.

“Today's flight was about getting to know the airport before we carry customers. Crew flew the arrival and departure exactly as they will in October, then worked through the ground side of the operation: the taxi route to the gate, lining up on the aerobridge, and the turnaround that gets the aircraft back out again.

“By the time we carry our first customers from Western Sydney, every element of this operation will be familiar to us - and we can’t wait to share that first flight with them.”

WSI Chief Operating Officer Matt Duffy said the airport’s operational preparation was progressing well, with trial activities on track in the final weeks leading up to the launch of passenger flights.

“Today’s trial flight represents an important part of our ongoing Operational Readiness Program, which is all about preparing our staff, systems and processes to be as match-fit as possible when the airport opens for passengers next month,” he said.

“We have utilised the unique opportunity we have as Australia’s first major greenfield domestic, international and cargo airport in more than 50 years to deliver a highly efficient, sustainable and future-proofed airport. It’s exciting to see that coming to life with these trials in a controlled operating environment before the first commercial flights take to the skies from WSI.”

From opening day, Jetstar will operate up to 14 flights a week between Western Sydney and Melbourne, daily flights to the Gold Coast - up from four a week, following strong demand - and three flights a week to Brisbane.

All services will be flown by Airbus A320 aircraft. 

Image: A dull one supplied by Jetstar

Bowen Estate marks 50 vintages in style

The 50th anniversary red wine releases from family-owned Bowen Estate in Coonawarra are special for two reasons.

Not only do they mark the milestone, but they also pay tribute to late family matriarch, winery co-founder and regional stalwart Joy Bowen, who died in 2024.

The 2024 Bowen Estate cabernet sauvignon and shiraz are also noteworthy for a third reason: at $36 they represent outstanding value for money.

Owned and operated by the Bowen family, Bowen Estate lies towards the southern end of the famous Coonawarra strip.

Started by Doug and Joy Bowen in 1972 with the first vintage in 1975, Bowen Estate is now run by their daughter Emma. 

All their vines are individually hand pruned ensuring maximum grape quality for their tiny range. 

The Bowens don't do reserve wines, single vineyard releases, or special cuvees. Their entire range comprises three wines: the two reds and a chardonnay. They don't do much promotion. Good luck finding them on social media! 

The 2024 releases are exceptional; varietally correct, immediately appealing and delightfully balanced. I think the shiraz is my favourite, but there is only a whisker in it.

"We are proud to be releasing our landmark 50th vintage—an achievement that celebrates not only five decades of exceptional winemaking and grape growing, but also the enduring commitment of our family, whose name has become synonymous with classic Coonawarra cabernet sauvignon and shiraz," says Emma Bowen. 

"The 2024 vintage is one we are immensely proud of, with the wines showing exceptional quality and character."

Well worth checking out. https://bowenestate.com.au/

John Lennon, Satchmo and Dolly Parton

Nashville International Airport is to be renamed after country music icon Dolly Parton.

The much-loved singer and songwriter died last week at the age of 80, and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport have announced their intention to rename the US transport hub in her honour.

That will follow in the footsteps of Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans, and Liverpool John Lennon Airport in the UK. 

"Dolly Parton's extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state," Lee told multiple US media.

"From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the volunteer spirit with her.

"At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state's favourite daughter and greet travellers with the enduring legacy of Dolly's music, generosity, faith, and kindness."

Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, said he believed Dolly's "remarkable legacy" needs to be recognised.

"Nashville International Airport is the front door to Music City, and with that comes a responsibility to reflect the very best of who we are as a community," he said.

"Dolly's remarkable legacy reminds us that what makes Nashville special is our ability to welcome people from every walk of life.

"She understood that dignity, kindness and opportunity should never be defined by where you come from or your socioeconomic status. At Nashville International Airport, we share that commitment.

"Whether you are boarding a private aircraft or taking your first flight, you deserve to be welcomed, respected and served with the same level of care. That spirit is what defines Nashville International Airport and it is a fitting reflection of the values Dolly shared with Tennessee and the world."

Bolivia named as a travel danger zone

Australians planning to travel to South America have been urged to pay attention to their itineraries.

Government website smarttraveller.gov.au has updated its advice for anyone planning to visit Bolivia.

"We now advise [you] reconsider your need to travel to the Chapare region in the department of Cochabamba due to the risk of violent crime," the website says.

"Criminal groups and gangs linked to illegal drug trafficking operate in this region.

"Authorities may be very limited or unable to provide assistance in this area.

"We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Bolivia overall due to the threat of violent crime and the risk of civil unrest."

Most of the rural territory consists of valley rainforests that surround the area's main waterway, the Chapare River, a tributary of the Amazon.

The provincial capital is Sacaba, while the town of Villa Tunari is a popular tourist destination.

Australia joins the UK in warning against visiting the region. It warns against "all but essential travel" to or through the Chapare region.

Image: Cochabamba City, Bolivia