All change on London's famous Oxford Street

Oxford Street in London, one of the most famous shopping precincts in the world, will begin a major pedestrianisation project later this month. 

From October 26, close to a kilometre of the shopping thoroughfare will be closed to all vehicles ahead of the busy Christmas shopping season.

No buses. No taxis. I see anger ahead.

The first phase will cover the stretch between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street, with buses, taxis, bicycles and other vehicles all banned to create a pedestrian plaza in one of Europe’s busiest retail districts, news hub Travel Mole reports.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the transformation would help strengthen Oxford Street’s appeal to shoppers, businesses and visitors, with the new traffic-free zone marking the beginning of a wider regeneration plan.

The project aims to establish a greener public space where major international retailers sit alongside new workplaces, leisure attractions and cultural events. 

Future activities could include sports, fashion and other entertainment experiences, expanding Oxford Street’s role beyond traditional shopping.

Khan said the project had received strong support from Londoners and businesses, describing it as an opportunity to create a world-class pedestrian destination and reinforce the street’s position as a leading retail and leisure location.

But  the plan faces opposition from Westminster City Council, which has raised concerns about the practical implications of removing traffic from the main thoroughfare.

Tim Barnes, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for growth and planning, said that although a timetable had finally been announced, significant questions remained about how the scheme would operate.

The council wants urgent clarification on vehicle access, air pollution, street cleaning and public safety. It also fears that traffic displaced from Oxford Street could spill into smaller surrounding roads, potentially increasing congestion and creating environmental and economic problems for nearby communities and businesses.

I wonder how shoppers laden with Christmas presents will react to finding they can't hail a taxi. 

Why you should be drinking a fiano today

Fiano is a white grape variety from the Campania region of southern Italy that is also grown on Sicily and has been gaining recognition around the world. 

In Australia, it is grown in several vineyards in McLaren Vale - where it was first planted in 2001 - and also in the Riverland, the Clare Valley, and in the Hunter Valley. 

In Argentina, producers in the La Rioja region, north of Mendoza, have also enjoyed success with fiano. 

October 16 is International Fiano with Oliver's Taranga, one of the major producers in Australia, behind a major push to promote the variety. 

Notably aromatic and textural, fiano is known as a grape that can stand heat spikes - important as global warming increases. 

Corrina Wright, winemaker at Oliver's Taranga and known as the "Queen of Fiano", said sales increased last year as part of a Fiano Festa campaign, which is being repeated in 2026. 

"Crisp, textural, full of flavour and perfectly at home in our Mediterranean climate, fiano has won plenty of friends along the way," says Wright, who makes three different styles using the grape.  

Check out more info: https://oliverstaranga.com/pages/join-the-fiano-festa

     

Celebrity chef Matt Moran signs on the dotted line with Pepperjack

Treasury Wine Estates, parent company of Pepperjack Wines, recently axed 170 mostly office roles as part of an overall restructure it says will contribute to $100 million in annual savings. 

But it has found the money to sign up celebrity chef and restaurateur Matt Moran as a brand ambassador for Pepperjack. 

The partnership comes as Pepperjack celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, building on a legacy that began with its signature Barossa shiraz. 

"There's this idea that wine has to be precious, the right glass, the right vintage, saved for the right occasion, or that certain wines can only be enjoyed with particular foods," Moran said. 

"I don’t buy into that, and that isn’t reflected in the way Australians actually eat and drink today. That's exactly the thinking Pepperjack is going into their 30th anniversary with, and why it felt right to be involved.”

Pepperjack and Moran will bring the brand’s “Anything Goes” campaign to life, encouraging Australians to put aside traditional rules and enjoy food and wine in a way that reflects how they eat and entertain today.

Pepperjack and Moran will share approachable pairing ideas, practical inspiration and creative recipes that make it easy to enjoy wine across more meals and moments.

Since joining Pepperjack in 2007, senior winemaker Richard Mattner has grown the brand beyond its renowned Barossa shiraz, overseeing the development of a diverse portfolio that now includes rosé, chardonnay and pinot noir. 

"For a long time, food was matched to wine. What’s exciting about Pepperjack is that we think about it the other way around, creating wines that are made to be enjoyed with food,” Mattner says. 

“When I joined Pepperjack in 2007, the brand was best known for its Barossa shiraz. Today, the range is far broader, but the philosophy stays the same: if the wine doesn’t enhance the dining experience , it doesn’t go in the bottle.”

Moran adds: "For me, this isn't about telling people what to drink. It's about backing the way people actually eat and drink, and showing that a good bottle of wine belongs at any occasion. Cacio e pepe with a glass of chardonnay, or fried chicken with rosé on the couch, it's the same idea to me. Wine that just fits the moment."

See https://www.pepperjack.com.au/

Image: Sreven Woodburn

Australia gets its first Michelin stars

Michelin doesn't come and review restaurants out of the goodness of its heart.

The South Australian Government decided to splash the cash on joining the Michelin Guide family and now that state is the first in Australia to feature.

The newly released Michelin Guide South Australia 2027 recognises 77 restaurants "honouring their craft, creativity and distinct sense of place".

After months of anonymous inspections, Michelin has awarded two stars to Adelaide's Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant, led by Chef Scott Huggins.

Anvers Restaurant, Aptos, arkhé, Aurora at ILA, Skillogalee Barrel House, Botanic, Esmay, Hentley Farm, LVN Restaurant at Bird in Hand, and Maxwell Restaurant have each received one Michelin star.

Beyond the stars, 16 restaurants have earned a Bib Gourmand for good food at great value, and 50 more restaurants join the Guide as "Michelin Selected".

"South Australia's debut has been very impressive," says Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin guide, wholly predictably.

"What struck our Inspectors was the sheer diversity on display - European, south-east Asian and Japanese traditions sitting naturally alongside native ingredients such as quandong, lemon myrtle and native Australian meats, never as novelty, but as an honest expression of place.

"From Adelaide's easy-going dining rooms to the restaurants within wineries of the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley and Adelaide Hills, fire is the thread that runs through it all. It is a food culture unburdened by rigid tradition - technically refined yet relaxed, generous and unmistakably South Australian in its warmth."

The results were particularly applauded in the Adelaide Hills with eight winery dining venues receiving accolades - more than any other wine region.

“Having eight winery dining venues recognised by the Michelin Guide is an outstanding achievement for the Adelaide Hills and a testament to the quality and ambition of our region’s wine and food offering," said Adelaide Hills Wine Region president Alex Trescowthick.

“Our wineries are about so much more than what’s in the glass. They offer visitors memorable experiences that bring together exceptional wines, seasonal local produce, beautiful settings and genuine hospitality."

The full Michelin Guide South Australia 2027 restaurant selection is available on the website and app. 

It will be interesting to gauge ROI for South Australia and see whether other states follow. 

This Formula One racer would like to buy you a beer

If you happen to spot Formula One driver Valtteri Bottas in an Australian pub this summer, you should insist he buys you a beer. 

The Finnish driver, who spends his off-season in Australia, is taking up a summer job with his favourite brewery: Adelaide-based Coopers Brewery. 

Coopers has handed Bottas a Coopers Gold Card, unlocking free Coopers beer around the country - meaning the beers could be on him for punters who spot the Cadillac racing driver in a Coopers venue this summer. 

Bottas has twice finished runner-up in the World Drivers' Championship - in 2019 and 2020 with Mercedes, and has won 10 Grands Prix in total.

Since February 2020, Bottas has been in a relationship with Australian cyclist Tiffany Cromwell and they have a home in McLaren Vale, outside Adelaide.

 

He has been newly appointed as a "Coopers’ Quality Assurance Trainee", tasked with visiting pubs to conduct taste testing of Coopers beers. 

As part of this he will be on the lookout for ultimate freshness, keg quality and perfect pour. 

Bottas, who says his favourite beer is Coopers Australian Lager, visited Coopers Brewery in Regency Park, South Australia, after the Singapore Grand Prix for an induction, training and his own taste test with the Coopers brewing team in the $70m restaurant and microbrewery on site. 

Coopers Brewery managing director Michael Shearer said: “We’re honoured that Valtteri is a huge fan of Coopers, which made him the natural appointment to take on the task of tasting our ice-cold Coopers beer in venues across Australia this summer. 

“We are delighted he has taken on the role and expect he will be tapping his Coopers Gold Card frequently as he pops up in pubs nationally. 

“Fans should keep their eyes on Bottas’ socials as we know he has plans to invite fans to have a beer with him this summer. 

It's a marketing exercise - but a fun one. 

“I think Coopers is the best beer in the world and I’ve been a fan of the brand for a long time," Bottas said. 

"I’m very honoured to have this job. I tasted Coopers when I first came to Adelaide in 2020 and I fell in love with the taste. 

“I’ve travelled a lot and I always try the local stuff. With Coopers, it’s just the taste, the way they make it and the story of being family owned.” 

# Founded in 1862, Coopers Brewery is a sixth-generation Australian family company and the nation’s largest independent brewer. 

NSW wine advocate slams Sydney Fish Market

A fierce advocate for the New South Wales wine industry has slammed the operation of the new Sydney Fish Market.

David Cumming, a marketer, wine retailer and PR based in Orange, says local wines are being all but ignored at the state-owned facility in Glebe (above), which opened at the start of the year. 

"The people of NSW own the Sydney Fish Market," Cumming says in a LinkedIn post. .

"The NSW Government built it on public land at Blackwattle Bay. It was built to showcase NSW seafood. The company that runs it is owned by NSW fishers and seafood merchants.

"So we read every wine on its restaurant lists. All 441 of them. 33 are from NSW. That is 1 in 13.

"Half the wine is imported. There is three times more South Australian wine than NSW wine. The Barossa has more wines on these lists than the Hunter Valley. 

"NSW seafood on the plate. Someone else’s wine in the glass.

"The government still holds the head lease, so it can ask for NSW wine at the table."

He has a point. 

Is this Sydney's best meal deal?

Sydney is Sydney, which means big city prices. Most of the time.

An exception to that rule is a new deal at Sydney CBD favourite Chophouse.

You get a a full-sized martini, a premium beef slider and fries for just $15 every weekday.

Chophouse, operated by celebrity chef Matt Moran, says it is "bringing a little everyday indulgence to the city with a new weekday offering that pairs classic steakhouse quality with an exceptionally good price".

The Martini & Slider deal pairs a slider made with Australian beef, golden fries and a chilled, full-sized martini.

Chophouse says: it is "the ultimate high-low pairing - three classics done right, bringing a little luxury to the weekday without the price tag. Think leisurely lunches, afternoons on the Terrace and after-work martinis, with a very good excuse to linger a little longer".

The Martini & Slider is available Monday to Friday, 12pm–6pm, until December 31.

It is served on Chophouse's al fresco terrace and at the bar, exclusively for walk-ins.

See https://chophousesydney.com.au/prime-pairing

Image: Supplied 

Thieves with impeccable palates, and expensive tastes

Thieves with fine palates and expensive tastes have struck one of Italy's highest-profile wine producers.

Masked men broke into the Cantine Marchese Antinori storage facility in Cortona and stole around 30,000 bottles from the high-end Tuscan winery producer.

The haul was estimated to be worth US$5.8 and was Italy's most lucrative wine heist.

The stolen wines were all from 2023 and included some of the region’s most iconic labels, news hub the drinks business reported.

Around seven bandits disabled the alarm system and surveillance cameras before using the winery’s own forklifts to load two trucks with bottles. The theft happened on a Saturday but was was only discovered by staff on Monday.

The stolen wines have retail prices of between €150 and €500 and include Solaia, Tignanello and Guado al Tasso, all flagship “Super Tuscan” reds.

"The gang was very prepared,” said Renzo Cotarella, chief executive of Marchesi Antinori, which was founded in 1385 and is run by the 26th generation of the family.

“A theft of this scale and value has never happened before in Italy.”

He said he had “great confidence” that investigators would locate the stolen wine.

Qantas launches New Zealand sale fares

Fancy a New Zealand getaway? 

Qantas has just launched a week-long New Zealand sale, in partnership with Tourism New Zealand, offering one-way economy fares from as low as $289 between the Gold Coast and Auckland.

Travellers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane can fly to Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington from $359, while Melbourne to Queenstown starts at $379. 

For a little more comfort, premium economy between Sydney and Auckland starts at $599 one way, while business class fares start at $749 from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington.

All Qantas customers enjoy 30kg checked baggage, food and beverages plus inflight entertainment included in all trans-Tasman fares.

“For a lot of Australians, New Zealand is the easiest overseas trip there is, and over the past year we’ve made it even more accessible, with new routes from Adelaide and the Gold Coast to Auckland and more flights to Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown," says  Qantas International CEO, Cam Wallace. 

"This sale with Tourism New Zealand gives customers the chance to lock in a seat from $289.

“Whether it’s a long weekend in Auckland, a few days in Wellington or the ski season in Queenstown, there are some great fares here for Australians wanting a quick trip across the Tasman.”

The sale ends on October 19. 

Dual pricing raises its ugly head in Bangkok

Dual pricing is one of the Thai tourism industry's dirty little secrets.

No matter where you come from you are likely to be paying more than locals. Unofficially, sometimes officially. 

Reasons: the average foreigner is assumed to have more money than the average Thai and can afford to pay more. Also, because foreigners don’t pay taxes, they can help fund tourism projects.

The Thai dual price system exists across popular travel destinations such as temples and national parks, and sometimes at markets.

Nowhere, however, is it more obvious than when using public transport in Bangkok.

Locals will pay a maximum of 45 baht ($1.90) for all electric train lines per trip starting from January 1, 2027, but foreigners are not eligible.

Our Thailand correspondent says that the press release trumpeting the new fare scheme carefully omits that this is for Thais only, saying only "eligible" passengers.

Under the planned system, Thai citizens would be charged according to the actual value of their journey. If the fare exceeds 45 baht, the government would refund the difference. 

Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat confirmed foreigners won't be eligible, which is why refunds will be paid through the government's Pao Tang app. Expats and tourists will keep paying standard fares.

Which sounds very complicated. And something that could well annoy tourists who are already threatened by increased entry and exit taxes by Thai authorities.

Regular readers know that Thailand is one of GoTR's favourite destinations. But...

"Somewhere in the dark corner of a government building there is a department which houses a group of people whose only job is to dream up ways to make anything as complicated as possible," our correspondent reports.

On target: Meet Tasmania's bush festival

Calling all lovers of Tasmania's great outdoors. 

Highlands BushFest, scheduled to be held next month in Bothwell, in the island's Central Highlands, is designed for those who enjoy boating, camping, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. 

 
Destination Southern Tasmania CEO Alex Heroys said at this week's event launch in Hobart that BushFest is a festival showcasing outdoor adventure that people participate in, rather than simply walk around.

Highlands BushFest will be held at Bothwell Recreation Ground from 9am-4pm on November 21-22 with entry via a gold coin donation.

“BushFest brings together outdoor recreation, practical skills, food, traditional knowledge, rural life and family adventure,” Heroys said.

“Visitors can watch experts, ask questions, learn something and, wherever possible, have a go themselves.”

Mayor Lou Triffitt said BushFest brings visitors into Bothwell and the Central Highlands, supporting local communities and businesses, showcasing the municipality and encouraging people to return.

“BushFest is very important to our Central Highlands community," she said. 

"It brings thousands of people into Bothwell, supports our local businesses and gives us an opportunity to show people what we have right across our municipality. 

“We have wonderful fishing, walking, camping, cycling, golf, hunting, paragliding and off-road experiences here.

“BushFest gives people the chance to try some of these activities, learn from people who know them well and hopefully come back and explore more of the Central Highlands.”

BushFest attracted approximately 4000 people in 2023, 6000 in 2024 and 7000 in 2025.

Looking for more details: https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/bushfest/

Image: Discover Tasmania 

Oatley family back in charge of Rosemount

Rosemount Estate, once one of Australia’s highest-profile wine brands, is back under the ownership of its founding family.

A.G. Oatley Wines, owned by Sandy Oatley and his daughter Nicky Oatley, today advised it had completed the the return of the Rosemount brand to the Oatley family. 

The Oatleys also purchased the Secret Stone brand from New Zealand and Ingoldby from McLaren Vale. This followed their purchase of Murray Street Vineyards at Greenock, in the Barossa Valley. Prices were not disclosed. 

Founded by Bob Oatley AO BEM in 1969, Rosemount merged with Southcorp in 2001, and eventually became part of Treasury Wine Estates in 2011.

In the 1990s, Rosemount was a driving force in the Australian wine industry. It was renowned for taking Australian chardonnay and shiraz to global markets. 

“We are thrilled to be able to bring Rosemount home to our family once again,” said Sandy Oatley. “I worked with my father building Rosemount into a globally recognised Australian brand for over 20 years. 

"To have the opportunity to now work on the brand with my daughter Nicky is an extraordinary full circle moment.”

The transition of the Rosemount brand to A.G. Oatley Wines will be completed this month. 

Treasury Wine Estates has recently divested other labels including Seppelt, Tollana and Rouge Homme. 

A separate transaction saw A.G. Oatley Wines acquire Murray Street Vineyards. 

The purchase includes the modern winery, the popular cellar door and extensive vineyard holdings. Spanning 56 hectares across five titles on the esteemed Western Ridge of the Barossa Valley, the estate is a significant landholding in the heart of the Barossa. 

Founded in 2001 by William (Bill) Jahnke and Andrew Seppelt, Murray Street Vineyards became fully family-owned in 2014 when Janai Brengman joined her father as co-owner.

The Oatley family intends to build on the foundations already established at Murray Street, with a continued focus on vineyard quality, provenance and the character of the estate.

“Murray Street Vineyards has built an outstanding reputation in the Barossa, and we’re honoured to be its next custodians,” said Sandy Oatley. “As a family business ourselves, we share the values that have shaped Murray Street, and we look forward to building on the legacy Bill and Janai have created.”

The purchase deepens the Oatley roots in South Australia with the recent purchase of long-term friend Chris Hancock’s La Colline Vineyard at Chalk Hill, just behind the McLaren Vale township. 

"Our family has been involved in the industry for generations, and we remain incredibly passionate about Australian wine,” said Nicky Oatley. “South Australia is such an important part of the industry’s future, and these investments in the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale allow us to play a meaningful role."

# Oatley family brands include Robert Oatley, Wild Oats, NOW (Nicole Oatley Wines), Whipbird and Hancock. Winemaking is led by Larry Cherubino, with Debbie Lauritz leading the charge out of the family’s Mudgee winery and vineyards - joined now by Murray Street’s Ben Perkins. Sandy and Nicky Oatley also own Oatley Fine Wine Merchants, an established national wine distribution business. 

Image: Nicky Oatley and Sandy Oatley. Credit: Robert Palmer

Wine industry veteran Wolf Blass recognised

Wine industry veteran Wolf Blass has been honoured by his peers. 

The Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA) named Blass AM as the 2026 South Australian ‘Legend of the Vine’. 

The award is presented  to recognise a South Australian who is of excellent character, who is held in high regard by their peers in the world of wine, and who has made an outstanding contribution to the Australian wine industry. 

Wolf Blass is an outstanding Legend of the Vine, as he is a passionate wine communicator -someone who has taken the Australian wine message to the world, with clarity, conviction, and no shortage of personality, the WCA said.

Wolf started his wine journey in Germany, where he completed a Certificate in Viticulture and Winemaking in 1952, followed by a Diploma in Oenology in 1954, and a Kellermeister qualification in 1956. 

But Australia called and in 1961 he moved to the Barossa, beginning a career that would reshape the Australian wine story forever.

In 1967, he introduced a colour-coded tiered label system for his wines - Grey, Yellow, Red, Black, Platinum - making wine more accessible, less intimidating, and far easier for everyday drinkers to understand. 

This simple but brilliant communication breakthrough changed how Australians talked about wine.

His wines often dominated national awards, with over 10,000 wins, including an unprecedented three consecutive Jimmy Watson Trophies from 1974 to 1976 - and again in 1999. No other producer has won it four times.

Blass has previously been recognised as a Baron of the Barossa, a Member of the Order of Australia, a Senior Australian of the Year finalist and received the Australian Export Hero Award.

In 1994, on his 60th Birthday, he founded the Wolf Blass Foundation which now has a permanent home at the Wolf Blass Gallery & Museum in Hahndorf.

“There is one spot left on the walls of my Gallery & Museum, so I know exactly where this certificate is going,” Blass said

Wolf Blass is the 12th South Australian to receive the SA Legend of the Vine Award. Somewhat belatedly, perhaps. 

He joins a  list that includes Prue Henschke, Jane Ferrari, Peter Hayes, Brian Croser AO, Pam Dunsford, Tony Love, Brian Walsh, d’Arry Osborne, Dr Patrick Iland OAM, and Bill Hardy OAM, who presented him with the award certificate. 

Image: Bill Hardy OAM and Wolf Blass AM, Supplied

Six Senses unveils ambitious plans

Luxury hotel brand Six Senses is planning an ambitious expansion in 2027, with five new luxury properties scheduled to open across Europe, Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The new properties will add city hotels, historic estates and destination resorts to the Six Senses portfolio.

The openings will strengthen the brand’s presence in key luxury markets, including Italy, Spain and France, while extending its Middle East footprint, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Six Senses Milan (top image) is scheduled to open in early 2027 in Brera, opposite the Pinacoteca di Brera and close to Milan’s Duomo.

The 85-room property will feature 69 rooms and 16 suites, including two with private relaxation pools and another with a private terrace and 12.5-meter pool. Dining options will include a seasonal restaurant and deli, alongside two bars, including a rooftop venue.

The Six Senses Spa will feature a 15-meter indoor pool, saunas, hammam, cold plunge and rooftop pool. An Earth Lab will focus on sustainability and community initiatives.

In Spain, Six Senses Quexigal Palace will bring the brand to a historic estate near Madrid in early 2027. Built in 1563 by architect Juan de Herrera, the property was once a royal country residence and hunting lodge.

Six Senses Tel Aviv will also open in early 2027, combining five historic buildings dating from 1909 with a new 10-story tower. The project will feature 140 hotel rooms and 55 residences, plus a spa, rooftop sky pool and cocktail bar, chef-led restaurant and Six Senses Place. It might prove a hard sell.

In France, Six Senses Loire Valley is targeted for the third quarter of 2027.

The resort will feature 88 suites and villas, a golf course with a second 18-hole course planned, equestrian and tennis facilities, an organic farm and extensive hiking and cycling trails. Another 70 private villas are planned.

The expansion will extend into the Gulf with Six Senses Wadi Safar in Saudi Arabia scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2027.

Perth gains a third Mercure hotel

Booming Perth has a new accommodation option with the opening of Mercure Perth Aurea Kings Park.

The new hotel is the third Mercure property in Western Australia.

Mercure Perth Aurea Kings Park is said to offer "contemporary accommodation designed for both business and leisure travellers".

It features 70 guest rooms and a spacious suite, with somet rooms boasting private balconies overlooking the Perth skyline, John Oldham Park and the Swan River, which is just a short stroll away.

The new hotel marks global hotel giant Accor's second partnership with Capital Bay Management, following the successful operation of The Sebel West Perth.

"The opening of Mercure Perth Aurea Kings Park is a strong addition to our network in Western Australia," says Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Accor Pacific.

"As the third Mercure hotel in Perth, it reflects the growing appeal of the brand and our commitment to providing quality accommodation that connects guests with the unique character of each destination.”

Peow Lim, general manager at Capital Bay Management, added: "Joining the Accor family through the Mercure brand marks an important milestone for Capital Bay Management.

"With its prime position between Kings Park and the Swan River, the hotel offers guests a unique sense of space and connectivity to the Perth CBD."

Rooms start from just $235 per night, available via all.com.

Get hot, cold, wet and chilled on Sydney Harbour

Pier One Sydney Harbour has partnered with Wellness Afloat to launch a premium floating sauna and cold water therapy wellness experience on Sydney Harbour.

Blending luxury hospitality with eco-wellness rituals, the floating sanctuary offers contrast therapy (hot sauna + cold plunge) paired with uninterrupted harbour views.

I'm told the experience aims to help guests to "relax, recover, and reset".

Anchored in a secluded harbour cove, the experience centres around The ARK, a timber-clad floating sauna with direct views of the Harbour Bridge.

All guests are collected from Pier One Sydney Harbour’s private pontoon.

Once aboard The ARK, they embark on a contrast therapy ritual of alternating heat and cold, designed to support relaxation, recovery and wellbeing.

Designed for two, the Romantic Harbour Escape is a private two-hour wellness experience that concludes with complimentary glass of bubbles each at Pier Bar. 

For the a ritzy harbourside experience, you can add on the Pier One Package, including a reserved cabana at Pier Bar, bottle of Champagne, six freshly shucked oysters and a curated grazing board at Pier Bar for two.

All bookings receive a voucher for 20% off at Pier Bar following their experience.

The Wellness Afloat experiences at Pier One Sydney Harbour are available at https://www.pieronesydneyharbour.com.au/wellness-afloat-at-pier-one/.

Meet a liquid take on the Raspberry Lamington

Calling wine lovers with a sweet tooth.

The innovative Patisserie Wines brand is expanding its collection through a new collaboration with renowned Australian pâtissier Reece Hignell, the founder of Cakeboi (above).

Patisserie Raspberry Lamington Rosé, a frizzante wine, is inspired by one of Hignell's signature creations.

Patisserie was launched in 2025 to reimagine the wine experience through flavours inspired by desserts and sweet treats. So not for your tweed jacket-wearing Claret drinker.

“Patisserie, since launch, has been a fun flavour journey for all involved,’ says Ross Marshall, managing director at Fourth Wave Wine.

"In seeking enjoyment and deliciousness above all, working with Reece was a wonderful chance to take the decadent drinks experience even further. Turning one of Australia’s most loved cakes - and a signature Cakeboi creation - into a sparkling wine will be a great addition to the Patisserie range.”

Patisserie Raspberry Lamington Rosé is now available at Dan Murphy stores nationally for an RRP of $26.99.

For more info see www.patisseriewines.com.

New architect-designed cabins put Orange on the national design map

Orange, in the Central West of New South Wales, is one of the most enticing wine regions within striking distance of Sydney. 

Now a striking new pair of architecturally designed cabins has opened on a working cattle farm just outside Orange, offering visitors a unique off-grid retreat. 

pc3orange comprises two steel-framed cabins inspired by the simple form of a tent and the curve of a pipi shell. The retreats are the third instalment in the celebrated Permanent Camping series by Casey Brown Architecture, following earlier projects in the same Australian state: at Mudgee and Berry.

Each self-contained cabin distils the idea of a retreat down to its essentials: a bed, a deck, a fireplace, a bathroom and a place to sit and watch the world go by. 

Inside, recycled ironbark lines the walls and ceilings, custom steel benches finished in a deep "volcanic orange" duco add a sculptural touch, and circular skylights frame views of the surrounding gum trees and night sky. 

A slow-combustion wood heater with a stone hearth set into the timber floor, fully louvred bathrooms, and Japanese-inspired furniture complete the considered interiors.

Owner Andrew Kermode said the cabins were designed to give visitors a genuine sense of reconnection, both with the landscape and with each other. 

"From the moment you arrive, the soaring steel forms are the first thing you notice," Kermode said. "They sit so naturally as part of the landscape, but inside it's all warmth, timber and quiet luxury. 

"This is a part of the country that throws everything at a building: cold winters with snow heavy enough to bring down trees, hot, bushfire-prone summers, strong winds sweeping across open paddocks, and termites that make timber construction a real risk," said project manager Daniel Weber said.

"So the response had to be robust as well as beautiful. Each cabin is built entirely from steel, clad in corten so it weathers into the landscape rather than fighting it. 

"From a distance the cabins read almost like rusted tents dropped into the paddock, but up close every element has been resolved with real precision. It's a small building, but it's not a house shrunk down. It's its own considered response to this particular place, and we think it gives Orange something genuinely unique." he said.

pc3orange was shortlisted in the Small Project category of the 2026 Australian Institute of Architects awards. 

Bookings and further info at www.pc3orange.au.

New look, new vibe for leading Australian wine brand

Hardys, one of Australia’s historic wine brands, is to get a global brand transformation starting in the UK market.

A radical portfolio and packaging overhaul across its three core ranges, will give each a clearer and more distinctive role within the portfolio, brand owner Vinarchy reports.

Stamp puts the Hardy's horseman icon front and centre, VR becomes Voyaging Range, and Crest becomes Core, "the beating heart of the brand".

The new look will go live in the UK in November.

“Hardys is one of Australia’s most legendary wine brands, and its recognition and consumer trust give us a very strong place to start," says Lucy Bearman, global brand director for Hardys at Vinarchy, said:

"But the epic story behind the brand hasn’t always been visible to shoppers. Consumers told us they found the brand confusing, with too many tiers, products and price points, and that the packaging had started to feel tired.

“We saw a real opportunity to change that. We’ve overhauled everything, from brand architecture, wines and packaging to positioning and how we tell our story, so Hardys is easier to shop, more modern on shelf and more emotionally engaging.

"Our ambition is to return Hardys to its place as the number one Australian wine brand.”

Thomas Hardy arrived in Australia from Devon in England in 1850 with £30 and established the brand three years later.

See www.vinarchy.com.

Discover Britain's great grape robbery

Crafty thieves struck in the middle of the night to carry out Britain's great grape robbery. 

 
A vineyard owner in Norfolk told the BBC he had discovered the theft of about 500kg of his ready to pick wine grapes. 

Lee Dyer, from Winbirri Vineyard (above) in Surlingham, outside Norwich, realised some of his rows had been "completely stripped" when he started this year's harvest.

"The biggest impact is that's 400 bottles we now won't have," Dyer said. He has reported the crime to Norfolk Police.

It was the second year running that thieves had stolen grapes from Winbirri Vineyard, which was set up by Dyer's father Stephen in 2007.

He told the BBC that he believed the theft took place during the evening and it had been committed by a "good picking crew... used to doing what they were doing".

"We have been in the vineyard seven days a week in the middle of our harvest while this happened - to pick 500 kilos is going to take a few people, it's not a one-person operation," he added.

Prominent Tasmanian wine business for sale

Ever dreamed of moving to Tasmania and running a vineyard and wine business?

Now is your chance with Craigie Knowe, the oldest vineyard on the east coast of the island state, hitting the market as a going concern.

The landmark 19.17-hectare estate runs as a hospitality, tourism and agricultural enterprise, with 3.54-hectare vineyard at its heart.

The first vines were planted here in 1979, and the Freycinet Coast business includes a cellar door, vineyard restaurant and potential for events.

The vineyard is planted to pinot noir, Bordeaux red varieties and riesling - and there is potential for vineyard expansion.

Hobart dentist and wine pioneer John Austwick planted vines on the site, which as been owned by Glenn Travers and family since 2013.

The estate is anchored by an impressive circa-1836 stone residence with period features and traditional fireplaces.

The property also includes Flora's Restaurant with a commercial kitchen built in 2022.

 It is also registered as a campground and has storage facilities, workshop facilities, vineyard machinery, bird netting, fencing and sheep yards.

The sale offering also includes approx. $1.3 million of finished and part finished wine stock at cost.

Craigie Knowe Vineyard is available for sale by Expression of Interest. For further information, please contact Andrew ‘Gus’ Dean of AWN Tasmania on 0418 143 577. 

See https://www.awnproperty.net/property?property_id=1864322 

Lufthansa Group bets big on Japanese destinations

German aviation giant Lufthansa Group is going hard on flights to Japan and will offer 50 flights a week during the 2027 summer season.

This marks a significantly expanded service due to a strong increase in demand. 

Lufthansa is resuming its direct Frankfurt to Nagoya service as well as adding an additional daily flight to Tokyo-Narita to its Tokyo service. 

Stablemate SWISS is also expanding capacity the Lufthansa brands as the leading European airline group in this market. SWISS will have up to seven weekly flights from Zurich to Tokyo-Narita.

Nagoya is one of Japan’s most important industrial and economic centres with Aichi Prefecture the main centre for the country’s automotive industry and other manufacturing companies. 

“Japan is a key market for the Lufthansa Group, and we are pleased to further strengthen our presence with additional capacity and the resumption of flights to Nagoya," says says Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group.

"Together with our expanded Tokyo services, these investments provide our customers with more travel options and support the continued diversification of our intercontinental network. 

"As the leading European airline group in Japan, we remain committed to connecting people, cultures and economies between Europe and Japan.”

In total, the Lufthansa Group’s hub airlines - Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, and ITA Airways will fly to Tokyo-Haneda, Tokyo-Narita, Osaka, and Nagoya.

Nikkei eatery Chotto Matte to land in Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is to get a mega Nikkei restaurant in time for the summer season.

After making its mark in London's Soho, San Francisco, Toronto, Manchester and Riyadh, the global Japanese-Peruvian fusion eatery Chotto Matte is officially opening its first Australian location on November 22.

Think Japanese precision meeting Peruvian fire: sushi and sashimi, ceviche, a giant robata grill, colourful cocktails, bold art, DJs and plenty of late-night energy, the blurb promises.

All in a 250-seat space in the heart of Bondi.

The opening marks a homecoming for Australian-born founder Kurt Zdesar (below), after an international career that included almost a decade as European director of Nobu. He opened the first Chotto Matte in Soho in 2013.

The Bondi menu will merge Chotto Matte favourites with dishes created exclusively for the Sydney venue, showcasing local seafood alongside ingredients sourced directly from Peru.

"Opening Chotto Matte in Australia feels like I’m bringing the brand home to Sydney, a real milestone and full circle moment for the next chapter in the brand’s international story," Zdesar says.

"Bondi has a vibe that feels very Chotto Matte, and I’m excited to introduce what we’ve created to a city and dining culture I know and love.”

For local owner Rafi Assouline, the Australian opening has also been years in the making, waiting for the right location before approaching Zdesar with the opportunity to open in Bondi Beach.

“I first experienced Chotto Matte in London back in 2018 and immediately felt there was something about it that would resonate in Sydney," he says.

"But it was never about bringing the brand here for the sake of it. I knew I wanted it to be in Bondi, in a large, landmark space that could really match the energy of Chotto Matte, so it became a waiting game until the right location came along.”

Chotto Matte’s culinary identity has been shaped by group executive chef Jordan Sclare, who has worked alongside Zdesar on the brand since opening its Soho flagship in 2013.

For Bondi, Sclare has worked with Zdesar and newly appointed head chef Jay Choi to retain the signatures of Chotto Matte while taking advantage of Australian produce.

The kitchen will centre around the two-metre robata grill.

Hahndorf gets a central new accommodation option

The Adelaide Hills are among Australia's most enticing wine regions and visitors will soon have a new accommodation option. 

  
Hahndorf on Main is a new boutique accommodation offering in the heart of lovely Hahndor. It is set to open next month and is part of the Best Western Signature Collection.

Located on historic Main Street, the hotel offers newly-built contemporary accommodation within easy walking distance of Hahndorf's many restaurants, cafés, galleries, artisan stores, tasting rooms and attractions.

The property features 29 rooms, including accessible accommodation, and is billed as being ideal for couples, short breaks, events and Adelaide Hills getaways.

Walking trails and local wine producers are a short drive into the hills.

The opening marks the third property owner Andrew Chapman has brought into the BWH Hotels network in the past two years, following Best Western Adelaide Airport and Best Western Port Lincoln.

Rod Munro, managing director of BWH Hotels Australasia, said the addition of Hahndorf on Main reflects the strength of the relationship built with Chapman and his growing hotel portfolio.

"Andrew has a deep understanding of the hotel market and is highly strategic in how he positions each property within his portfolio." Munro said. 

"He recognises that selecting the right brand is about more than a name above the door. It's about understanding the property's unique strengths, target guests and long-term objectives."

Chapman said the new property was a natural addition to his growing accommodation portfolio.

"Hahndorf is a unique destination with strong appeal for both leisure and business travellers, and we're pleased to be adding a new accommodation option in the heart of the town," he said.

Bargain air fares on sale for one week only

Are you planning a tropical escape for 2027?

Cebu Pacific has just launched its 10.10 Super Seat Fest, with one-way all-in fares from Sydney and Melbourne to the Philippines from just $308.

Running from October 8-14, the sale covers travel from February 1 to June 30, 2027, giving Australian travellers the chance to lock in a Philippines getaway ahead of time and at a bargain price..

The sale also coincides with Cebu Pacific’s new “Fly to My Happy Philippines” campaign, showcasing the country through food, culture, islands and adventure - encouraging travellers to discover their own version of happy in the Philippines.

For Australians looking beyond the usual Manila itinerary, Cebu Pacific is also making it easier to explore some of the country’s island destinations, with flights from Clark to Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Coron in Palawan.

And for those chasing surf, scenery and a laid-back island vibe, Siargao (top image) is another destination the airline reckons is worth adding to your 2027 travel list.

CEB currently operates in 35 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

See www.cebupacificair.com.

Get ready to pay to visit this natural attraction

Australians travelling overseas are often slugged for visiting major attractions.

Now the state of Victoria has decided it is time to gouge visitors from interstate and overseas.

It’s a bad look, but tourists wanting to visit one of Australia's iconic natural wonders, the Twelve Apostles, will now have to book in advance. And from 2027 they will be required to pay an entry fee.

That’s right, visitors will be required to pay to enter a publicly owned beach destination.

Statistics show that each year more than 2 million people travel down the Great Ocean Road to visit the remaining seven limestone rock stacks that remain in the Southern Ocean, about four hours' drive west of Melbourne.

The Victorian government has announced that from next week (October 16) visitors will need to book ahead to enter a newly constructed $126 million visitor centre and see the remaining apostles.

From April, the government will start charging tourists an as yet undisclosed entry fee although local residents and traditional owners will be exempt from paying, the ABC reported.

Acting Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister Catherine King said the new visitor centre would support sustainable tourism along Victoria's south-west coastline.

"The redevelopment is already playing an important part in the local economy and will encourage even more visitors to spend time in the region, boosting local jobs and businesses," King said.

What she means is that funds have to be raised to pay for a visitor centre no one asked for.

Port Campbell Community Group secretary Marion Manifold told the ABC that the group was opposed to the fee as "we believe public land should not be commercialised and should remain in public hands".

"If funds are required we prefer an airport tax on visitors into Australia," Manifold said.

"It's a good aim but in the past we believe very little money has come back to the Port Campbell national park and believe this is not likely to change."

Victorian Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos is unmoved.

"It's only fair that visitors to the region pay a small fee to visit this world-class destination so that we can maintain it for future generations," Dimopoulos said. 

Which is a bit rich considering the state has overseen five of the 12 rock stacks collapsing. 

Tasmania celebrates a remarkable sparkling milestone

The Tasmanian wine industry is celebrating a major milestone: 200 years since Australia's first sparkling wine was made on the Apple Isle. 

Back in 1826, former convict Bartholomew Broughton was making wine from grapes grown at Prospect Farm in the Hobart suburb of New Town having planted a vineyard three years earlier. 

His 1826 vintage was advertised as “grape wine made in imitation of Champaigne,” Wine Tasmania reports.

For various reasons the nascent Tasmanian wine industry died out - and was not revived until 1956, when Jean Miguet at Providence in the Tamar Valley and Claudio Alsorso, on the banks of Derwent on what is today Moorilla Estate, revived wine grape growing and winemaking. 

Two centuries later, Tasmania has over the past 50 years built a global reputation for exceptional sparkling wine - regarded by some critics as second only to Champagne. 

Some of the best producers make only Methode Champenoise wines: House of Arras, Jansz Tasmania, Pirie, Bellebonne, Clover Hill and Henskens Rankin. 

Others make both sparkling and table wines: Freycinet Estate (Radenti), Delamere, Stefano Lubiana, Apogee, and Pipers Brook (Kreglinger) among the highest profile. 

Tasmania has proved a hugely successful island for producing key Champagne grapes chardonnay and pinot noir. Here's cheers to its sparkling success! 

Summer is looking pretty spritzy in Australia

Summer in Australia is getting a new splash of colour with the launch of Aperol’s new ready-to-serve Aperol Spritz 750ml bottle.

This will be the first time time the iconic orange, herb-based Italian aperitivo is available in this format.

Mixed and ready to drink, the new 750ml bottle delivers the signature bittersweet taste and  fruit character of a freshly made Aperol Spritz, the team at distributors Campari say. 

It contains all the ingredients you need for a spritz - Aperol, prosecco and soda -  just add a slice of  orange and it’s good to go!

 
The launch comes as the spritz category continues to surge in popularity across Australia, growing 49% in dollar value year-on-year.

Once a seasonal drink, the spritz has become a go-to choice for daytime social occasions, casual entertaining and shared moments with friends, the Aperol people say.

"Australians have truly embraced the Aperol Spritz and the social occasions that come with it,” says Jacopo Borsa, managing director for Campari Group Australia.

"With our new Aperol Spritz 750ml bottle, we're making it easier than ever to enjoy those moments at home. It's ready to pop whenever friends pop by, delivering the iconic Aperol Spritz experience in a format that's convenient, shareable and perfect for spontaneous get-togethers."

The new Aperol Spritz 750ml bottle available nationally from today with an RRP of $30.

 
# Aperol was created by Italian duo the Barbieri brothers and launched in 1919 at the Padua International Fair.

Silo art proves a drawcard for country Queensland

Silo art is an increasing drawcard for country Queensland towns with silo art and mural trails set to grow ahead of summer, with four grain silos in the Lockyer Valley to become the region’s newest art project.

Forest Hill’s grain silos, about an hour’s drive west of Brisbane, are set to be newcomers to the Lockyer Valley Murals Trail.

For decades, the four silos have stood beside the railway line at Forest Hill, a reminder of the grain-growing history of this fertile valley. Soon, they will tell a new story about the region and the people who call it home.

Mural artists Jordan Bruce of Brightsiders and Joel Fergie The Zookeeper have been selected to transform the GrainCorp silos.

 
Painting began this month with the artwork - similar to the one above - and an accompanying viewing precinct targeted for completion by mid-November.

Brightsiders is a Brisbane art collective specialising in large-scale public murals while Fergie has painted silos and water towers across Australia, including GrainCorp silos in Queensland Country's Goondiwindi region.

This time, the final design is being kept under wraps. 

Lockyer Valley Regional Council says the mural will capture the essence of the region, drawing on conversations the artists have had with Forest Hill residents and community groups. The design will also respond to the railway line beside the silos.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Tanya Milligan said the artists had taken time to understand the place and its people.

“Jordan and Joel have already spent time engaging with the Forest Hill community, speaking with residents and community groups to help ensure the artwork reflects the stories, values and character of the region,” she said.

For Queensland Country Tourism, the new mural will be a starting point for discovering more of the Lockyer Valley. When complete, it will join the region’s existing trail of murals and public artworks in towns including Gatton and Laidley, each offering a different glimpse of country life.

Forest Hill’s transformation will build on existing public art experiences in Queensland Country, from Toowoomba’s painted silo and laneways to Yelarbon’s eight-silo artwork in the Goondiwindi region and Somerset’s town murals.

# The Lockyer Valley lies west of Brisbane, between Ipswich and Toowoomba. Forest Hill is a small heritage town between Gatton and Laidley, about an hour’s drive from Brisbane. Qantas flies direct from Sydney to Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport (WTB).

Click to explore Queensland Country’s art trails.

Hunter Valley to showcase its heritage vineyards

Heritage vineyards across the Hunter Valley will be under the spotlight this month as part of NSW Wine Month. 

Across the region, 56 vineyards are recognised as Heritage Vineyards, each more than 50 years old and planted on original rootstocks. Some date back to 1867, with 14 vineyards now more than a century old.

These vineyards are living pieces of Australian wine history. Many are still hand-tended and bottled as single-vineyard wines. 

On October 27, Hunter Valley vignerons will bring wines from these historic vineyards to Lana at  Hinchcliff House in Sydney for a special tasting and dinner.
​
Seventeen Hunter Valley producers will present single-vineyard wines from some of the region’s most significant old-vine sites. 

Guests will hear from the winemakers and custodians behind these vineyards, discovering the stories of the sites, the families who have cared for them and the wines they continue to produce today.

Producers to be showcased are: Aeon Wines, Audrey Wilkinson Wines, Bimbadgen, Brokenwood Wines, Colvin Wines, De luliis Wines, Keith Tulloch Wines, Margan Wines, Mount Pleasant Wines, 
Molly Morgan Wines, Riggs & Wiggs, Tamburlaine, Thomas Wines, Tyrrell's Wines, Usher Tinkler Wines, Vinden Wines and Winmark Wines. 

Here is the link for bookings: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/hunter-valley-heritage-vines-tasting-dinner-tickets-2002599872126?aff=oddtdtcreator

​

Marriott banking on tourism demand in Malaysia and New Zealand

Hotel giant Marriott International is putting a lot of faith in the long-term tourism industries in Malaysia and New Zealand. 

Marriott has plans to add multiple properties and more than 1,600 rooms as it targets growing demand for travel across the Asia-Pacific region.

In Malaysia, property developer IOI Properties Group has signed agreements with Marriott for four new hotels totalling 888 rooms, with openings planned between 2030 and 2032, news hub Travel Mole reports.

The projects are W Langkawi (top image), Aloft by Marriott Sepang, Aloft by Marriott Johor Bahru Plentong and The Ritz-Carlton, Putrajaya. 

The deal will bring to 15 the number of hotels owned by IOI Properties that are either operating or planned to be managed by Marriott.

IOI Properties Group CEO Lee Yeow Seng said the four new agreements strengthen the company’s position as a significant hospitality owner, while Marriott Asia-Pacific President Rajeev Menon described Malaysia as an important growth market for the company.

Marriott is simultaneously expanding in New Zealand through a separate agreement with CP Group covering three hotels and 335 rooms.

The deals will introduce the Marriott Hotels brand to Rotorua and bring Autograph Collection to Auckland and Wellington for the first time. The properties are scheduled to open between 2027 and 2029.

The Rotorua Marriott Hotel will follow a conversion of the existing Arawa Park Hotel after a 12-month renovation, with an opening planned for late 2027.

In Auckland, The Official Auckland, Autograph Collection (above) will open in 2028 with 82 rooms after the conversion of a historic building on Eden Crescent. 

Fable Wellington, Autograph Collection will follow in 2029 with 118 rooms in a repurposed 1940s office building on Lambton Quay.

The New Zealand expansion builds on Marriott’s relationship with CP Group, including the previously announced St. Regis Queenstown project. Marriott currently operates JW Marriott Auckland and Four Points by Sheraton Auckland, with Sheraton Christchurch (240 rooms) and Moxy Auckland (185 rooms) also expected to open in 2027.

Lark Master Distiller to depart after almost two decades

Chris Thomson, a driving force behind Lark whisky for almost two decades, is set to leave the Tasmanian distillery at the end of the year.

Thomson said the job he set out to achieve is complete and that he is excited about exploring new adventures.

The Master Distiller joined Lark in early 2007 as a young musician and went on to become what Lark CEO and managing director Stuart Gregor describes as the “beating heart and soul” of the company for more than half its existence.

In 2026, Thomson was named Master Distiller/Master Blender of the Year – Rest of the World at the World Whiskies Awards – Icons of Whisky, selected from a field spanning more than 40 whisky-producing nations.

“Almost 20 years ago, I set out with a pretty audacious ambition for what Lark could become," Thomson says. "Today, I feel like I’m standing on top of the mountain I set out to climb all those years ago.

"For almost as long, I’ve dreamed of creating a whisky brand of my own. But I always felt I couldn't do that until Lark's future was assured.

“I believe that point has now come.”

Thomson leaves following the creation and launch of Lark's new signature whiskies, the products he describes as his “life's work”, with the company now operating from its expanded Pontville distillery supported by an established whisky bank and an experienced production and whisky-making team.

“Lark has a product range of genuine international standard, the ability to scale and a whisky bank brimming with incredible whisky,” he said.

“More importantly, it has the people, systems, ambition and vision to become the whisky brand I always believed it could be."

Perhaps unusually for someone leaving after two decades, Thomson says one of the things he is proudest of is that Lark no longer needs him.

“In many ways, Lark has outgrown me and I'm incredibly proud of that." he said.

“Jake (Evans) is a better distiller. Josh (Wilson), Jodie (Dawe) and Nick (Walden) have taken the reins of the blending. Rick (Hoedjes) knows more about casks than I do. The systems and processes that once lived in people's heads are now mature, repeatable and scalable.

“There is an extraordinary group of people at Lark ready to carry it forward. And as for me? Well I am going to take a few months off over summer with the family and then begin the pursuit of my own whisky dream, or potentially, dreams! Stay tuned.”

Tasmania's deep south set to flaunt its arts and crafts

 The Huon Valley, the southernmost region in Australia, is known as a hub for quality food and drink.

But the deep south of Tasmania is also home to a plethora of talented craftspeople and artisans across a range of disciplines.

From makers of wooden rocking chairs to paintings, designer knitwear, sculptures, pottery, stained glass and hand-made one-off handbags, the Huon is dotted with innovative creatives.

 
Over 60 artists and artisans will be showcasing their work at the annual Huon Valley Studio Art Trail 2026 to run across southern Tasmania from October 23-25.

Destination Southern Tasmania CEO Alex Heroys said the Huon Valley Studio Arts Trail gives visitors the opportunity to meet artists and makers at their studios.

“This year there will be double the number of artists from last year opening their studios or gathering in artist hubs,” Heroys said.

“People come from all over Tasmania and interstate to enjoy authentic behind-the-scenes experiences, with the opportunity to see artists at work.”

The three major hubs will be located at Willie Smith's Apple Shed in Grove - where today's launch was held - at The Kiln in Ranelagh and at The Artisan’s Hand at Balfour House, Cygnet.

Heroys said the Trail is a 150 km journey of discovery through spectacular southern Tasmanian landscapes.

Convenor Kerrie Rhodes from the Artisan's Hand said this year's event would be the biggest ever.

“Travelling between studios is a chance to experience the great southern beaches, the picturesque Huon River lined with orchards, valleys and mountains," she said.

“The artist hubs are an exciting addition to this year’s trail.

“There will be several hubs featuring multiple artists and makers in the one location providing welcoming gathering points to discover artists, artwork and trail information, and help visitors plan their journey."

The Huon Valley Art Trail will be easy to navigate with the launch of a new interactive website with artists profiles, an interactive digital map, as well as the traditional printed souvenir map to accommodate all preferences of travel.

Whether you are interested in ceramic arts, weavers, spoon carvers, musical instrument makers, or jewellery, a multitude of styles will be on offer.

For details see https://www.huonvalleystudioarttrail.org.au/