Milestone for one of Australia's iconic rail journeys

 

Kuranda Scenic Railway in Tropical Far North Queensland has this year celebrated 135 years of operation, having first welcomed passengers to travel between Cairns and the rainforest village of Kuranda in 1891. 

The railway remains one of Queensland's most ambitious engineering achievements - the 37km journey sees passengers wind through the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest in the Barron Gorge National Park. 

The train crosses over 55 bridges and passes through 15 tunnels. It is celebrated globally as one of the world's great scenic rail journeys.



The route passes through the Macalister Range as well as several suburbs of Cairns en route to Kuranda on the Atherton Tablelands. 

While predominantly used for tourism, it is still also used for some freight and other passenger services. 

It operates daily throughout the year, with the exception of Christmas Day, and a one-way trip takes just under two hours. 

Adult return fares currently cost $87.00 but prices will rise from March 2027.

See https://www.ksr.com.au/

Vinarchy banks on sangria for summer sipping

Drinks giant Vinarchy is banking on a new Spanish-style spritz making a major impact this Down Under summer.

A new summer spritz line-up across Australia and New Zealand is to be led by cans of Campo Viejo Sangria Spritz RTD. 

The the new Vinarchy line-up also features spritz-style drinks under the Jacob’s Creek and Tatachilla labels. 

The Campo Viejo Sangria Spritz is a new 330mL canned RTD from Spain’s best-selling Rioja wine brand, inspired by one of the country’s most recognisable summer drinks. 

It is a combo of Spanish red wine and natural citrus flavours made to be enjoyed chilled. 

“Campo Viejo Sangria Spritz brings one of summer’s most recognisable drinks into a format that feels made for how people are drinking now: colourful, sparkling, easy to chill and simple to share," says Amy Darvill, Vinarchy marketing director for APAC. 

"Sangria has always had that sense of sunshine, flavour and getting together with friends, and this gives it a fresh, modern twist for Australian summer occasions.

“For retailers and venues, it gives wine a really strong way into the lighter refreshment space, led by the colour and energy of Campo Viejo and supported by a wider spritz line-up across rosé, citrus and tropical flavour cues. Together, the range gives consumers more ways to discover wine in moments that feel relaxed, social and genuinely fun.”

Landmark Brisbane hotel gears up for the Olympic Games

One of Brisbane's landmark hotels is preparing a new look ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games. 

InterContinental Brisbane by IHG has unveiled a multi-million-dollar investment set to "completely reimagine the iconic property". 

Works will start later this months and concluding in late 2027 with the 319-room hotel to "undergo a sweeping, progressive transformation". 

A media release says the design "will infuse interiors with an effortless elegance and timeless luxury through considered detail and an organic connection to light and nature that echoes the hotel's subtropical surrounds, with the refurbishment program also seeing the hotel's room count grow from 319 to 324 upon completion".

Woods Bagot, the design firm behind the transformation of InterContinental Sydney and InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, are leading the design vision. 

Hotel interiors will be progressively and comprehensively refurbished, from guest rooms and suites to meeting and event spaces. 

Level Six will feature an all-new concierge gallery, including an upgraded arrival area, lobby, and reception, aligning with InterContinental brand standards.

Dining highlights will include a new Argentinian grill restaurant and intimate Italian pasta and wine bar. 

The hotel will remain open throughout the staged renovation project. 

GM Shaun Parsons said the hotel is looking forward to unveiling a contemporary hospitality experience. 

“This transformation marks a defining new chapter for InterContinental Brisbane and will set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the city," Parsons said. 

"Our vision is to reimagine this local icon while paying homage to the iconic Harry Seidler building, bringing together exceptional design, approachable luxury and culturally rich experiences that reflect Brisbane's vibrant spirit.” 

For more info visit ihg.com/intercontinentalbrisbane.