Art adds new elements to cycling trial

Dramatic street art, improved amenities and new visitor experiences are adding value to one of Victoria's great cycling journeys.

A major $8.5 million enhancement of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is providing visitors with even more reasons to slow down, stop, explore and stay longer across the towns and villages of Victoria's High Country.

Supported by the Victorian Government's Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund and led by Tourism North East in partnership with the Rural City of Wangaratta, Indigo Shire and Alpine Shire, the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements Project has introduced a collection of public art, landscaping, upgraded amenities, improved signage and infrastructure and new opportunities for visitor experiences along the trail.

The investment is expected to attract more than 17,500 additional visitors each year, generate $12.3 million in annual economic activity and support 65 ongoing jobs.

Tourism North East CEO Bess Nolan-Cook said the significance of the investment extended far beyond the physical trail.

“This $8.5 million investment is about much more than enhancing a cycling trail. It is an investment in the communities, towns, villages and businesses that sit along it and make the Murray to Mountains experience so distinctive,” Nolan-Cook said.

“Every rider who stops for coffee, visits a cellar door, stays overnight, buys from a local producer or discovers a town they may otherwise have passed by creates an economic ripple that extends throughout the region.

“The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is unique because the trail itself is only part of the experience. It connects people with our landscapes, our food and wine and, importantly, the people behind the businesses they encounter along the way."

Installations include Beci Orpin's colourful Harvest Trail between Oxley and Milawa; Emily Floyd's larger-than-life Magpie Family between Bowser and Tarrawingee; Ronan Holdsworth's Birds of Seasons murals at the Rutherglen Silo Precinct; and Ben Gilbert of Agency of Sculptures at the Beechworth Railway Precinct.

At Yackandandah, Drez Studios' Mindful Tunnel transforms the rail-trail underpass into an immersive passage of rhythm, colour and perceptual play, while Alexander Knox's sculptural gateway sign creates a striking sense of arrival at the King Valley's Oxley entrance. Further along the trail, Skunk Control's Colour Bridge at Porepunkah celebrates the High Country's changing seasons through wildflower-inspired panels and integrated light.

Stretching through some of north-east Victoria's most celebrated landscapes and destinations, the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail connects visitors with Rutherglen, Wangaratta, Milawa, Oxley, Everton, Beechworth, Yackandandah, Eurobin, Porepunkah and Bright and their surrounding communities.

A new name in the Australian accommodation business

Australia is to gain a major new player in the extended stay accommodation space with the arrival of the Staybridge Suites brand. 

Staybridge Suites is IHG Hotels & Resorts' globally established upscale extended-stay brand, which will be making its debut in Australia starting with two properties in western Sydney, in Parramatta and Leppington (top image). 

IHG has signed a Master Development Agreement with Australian property developer ALAND to launch Staybridge Suites Down Under. 

Under the agreement, ALAND will have exclusive development rights for Staybridge Suites in Australia, with a portfolio of at least 15 hotels comprising a minimum of 2,000 rooms to be developed across the country. 

The first two franchises will be the 130-room Staybridge Suites Sydney Parramatta and 112-room Staybridge Suites Sydney Leppington. The hotels will be managed by Signature Hotel Management Group.

“This is a significant long-term development agreement for IHG in Australia," says Matt Tripolone, managing director, Australasia & Pacific, for IHG. 

"Establishing a portfolio of at least 15 hotels and 2,000 rooms with one development partner gives us a clear pathway to build a meaningful position in the extended-stay segment, where we see considerable long-term opportunity.

“Importantly, this is not simply an agreement about future growth. We are announcing the first two 

Staybridge Suites has 355 open hotels and a further 152 in the pipeline globally. The vast majority are in the US and Canada. 

Designed for guests travelling for weeks or longer, the properties combine "spacious residential-style suites with the services and sense of community of a hotel".

Superstar chef Crenn to launch in Melbourne

Dominique Crenn, one of the highest-profile chefs in the world, is to open a restaurant in Melbourne.

French-born Crenn will open Petit Crenn in partnership with Australian hospitality operators Salter Brothers next month in the Rialto building at 495 Collins St.

Petit Crenn will bring together French hospitality and Melbourne's vibrant dining culture, Salter Brothers said in a media release.

"Petit Crenn comes from my own life, from the cafes in France where you can sit for five minutes or five hours and always feel welcome," Crenn said. 

"I've wanted to bring that feeling to Australia for a long time." 

As the chef behind the three-Michelin-starred Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, Crenn was named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2024. Her portfolio also includes Bar Crenn, Café Dior by Dominique Crenn in Dallas and Monsieur Dior by Dominique Crenn in Beverly Hills.

The new eatery will offer everything from morning coffees to late-night gatherings.

Crenn says the restaurant will reflect her approach to everyday French bistro cooking; drawn from her childhood memories, shaped by place and community, and guided by seasonality and simplicity.

The intimate 40-seat venue has been designed by Crenn herself in partnership with Salter Brothers’ design team. It draws on the landscapes and coastline of Brittany, her home region in France.

On the menu, guests can expect signatures including steak tartare with egg yolk jam and sauce au poivre, alongside a croque madame with jambon and gruyère. Seasonal tartines, composed salads, and daily French classics will complete an all-day menu.

Matthew Butcher, director of culinary at Salter Brothers, said “This is a landmark moment for Australian dining. Dominique Crenn is one of the world’s most celebrated culinary voices and to bring her vision to Australia for the first time is incredibly special.

"Petit Crenn reflects exactly the type of partnership we are focused on building; globally recognised talent, a distinctive hospitality concept, and a city with the energy and appetite to embrace it. Melbourne is the right place, and this is the right moment.”

See www.petitcrenn.com.au

Go West: Fiji Airways signs up for new airport

Tourism to and from Fiji is about to get a major boost.

Fiji Airways today announced a major expansion of its Australian network with the launch of new direct flights between Nadi, Fiji, and the new 24-hour Western Sydney International Airport (WSI).

Fares are now on sale now ahead of the inaugural service on Friday, March 19 next year.

The announcement comes as Fiji has never been more popular with Australian travellers, the airline said in a media release.

Fiji has just broken the one million visitor mark for a 12-month period for the first time in its history, with the destination also posting its highest-ever monthly arrivals in July.

Scheduled to operate three times per week on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays using modern Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, the new service will give Fijians an additional direct connection between the two nations, driving more tourism to Fiji.

Fiji Airways is the first international carrier to announce services between Fiji and Western Sydney International, adding more than 53,000 seats annually between the two destinations.

The new Nadi-Western Sydney route is a natural next step for Fiji Airways, said Fiji Airways managing director and CEO Paul Scurrah,

“It is one of the fastest-growing regions in New South Wales, and a direct route there means easier, more affordable access for Australians looking to holiday in Fiji - which means more visitors, more jobs and more opportunities for our tourism industry," Scurrah said.

"It's also home to one of the largest Fijian communities outside Fiji, so this route is about more than just tourism - it's about making it easier for our people to stay connected to family and friends, and for Fiji to keep growing as a destination the world wants to visit.”

The new route will complement Fiji Airways existing double-daily services between Nadi and Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.

Western Sydney Airport CEO Simon Hickey says: “We’re excited to have Fiji Airways join Western Sydney International as the countdown continues to welcome our inaugural passengers in less than 60 days’ time.

"Western Sydney is one of the most diverse and rapidly growing regions in the nation, which includes more than 70% of our global city’s Fijian population. We’re delighted to be delivering a new, seamless service for them to connect with family and friends, while also giving tourists more choice and flexibility to visit Fiji and explore everything the warm, welcoming leisure destination has to offer.”

Farewell Manly Pacific, hello Elysium Manly

Elysium Manly is now open, marking the arrival in Sydney of Australian luxury hotel brand Elysium Hotels.

Formerly known as Manly Pacific, the 213-room beachfront hotel has transitioned to Elysium Manly, joining Elysium Noosa as the brand's second Australian property. 

The re-branding to Elysium follows a $40 million investment in the property, including a $30 million

refurbishment of rooms and suites by Coco Republic. 

Elysium aims to bring its "distinct expression of contemporary luxury" to one of Sydney's most iconic beachside destinations.

The hotel's new persona brings together "contemporary design, destination dining, intuitive service and integrated wellbeing", with new experiences introduced as part of the Elysium offering. 

Elysium Manly general manager Dylan Cole said the official transition marked the

culmination of several years of investment in the property, while introducing a new level of

service and experience not previously available at the hotel:

"Elysium is about looking at every part of the guest experience and asking what more we can

give, from the way we welcome people and anticipate what they might need, to the quality of the

amenities in their room and the details they encounter throughout their stay," he said. 

"We have an extraordinary location in Manly and the ambition is to create a hotel experience that genuinely lives up to it.

“There is a generosity to Elysium that goes beyond the physical hotel. 

"It’s the freedom to have breakfast brought to your suite after a sauna, knowing your favourite bottle is waiting in the wine fridge, having your dining reservations taken care of, or simply being recognised and looked after by someone who understands how you want to spend your time with us.”

Six ocean-view Wellness Suites feature private infra-red barrel saunas alongside wellness amenities and rituals, while Coastal Two-Bedroom Suites offer "generous living spaces and residential-style comfort".

The pinnacle Elysium Suite offers an elevated stay with an expansive terrace and infra-read sauna overlooking Manly Beach.

Guests can enjoy the rooftop magnesium mineral pool with Pacific Ocean views and dining across hatted Italian restaurant Cibaria, 55 North and Bistro Manly - all just an exhilarating  ferry ride away from Sydney's CBD.

See elysiumhotels.com

Floriade to blossom for 39th year

Spring in Canberra is synonymous with the much-loved Floriade festival.

Australia's biggest celebration of the change of seasons returns to the Australian capital this month for its 39th year, with over one million blooms set to reach peak brilliance across Commonwealth Park.

This year's theme - "a Feast of Flowers" - introduces a focus on seasonal food, edible gardens, and shared experiences, complementing Floriade's iconic floral displays, which remain at the heart of the festival.

The programming reflects the connection between gardens, growing, and the table.

The event runs from September 12 to October 11 and entry is free.

See https://floriadeaustralia.com/

Held in conjunction with Floriade in the national capital is Nightfest, on October 1-4.

This is a ticketed event which costs $31.50 for children and $41.50 for adult.

Nightfest sees Commonwealth Park transformed into an after-dark "wonderland" filled with vibrant horticultural illuminations, food and drink stalls, and a packed program of live entertainment.

A standout live music line-up features a different headline act each night, including Tim Finn, Busby Marou, Christine Anu, Pacific Avenue and The Temper Trap.

See https://floriadeaustralia.com/nightfest/ 

Image: Events ACT

What future for Australian ski resorts?

What does the future hold for Australia's ski resorts? 

The 2026 season marked the hottest winter on record for the Australian Alps, with the highest mean temperatures on record for June to August across much of Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT and Tasmania. 

The season is shutting down early across the Australian Alps, with resort closures, businesses up for sale, and a severe lack of snow, the Protect Our Winters team says. 

The snow season typically peaks in August and runs through late-September to October, but climate pollution is driving higher temperatures and significant rain events that have greatly reduced snow cover, bringing an unusually early end to the season.

Mt Baw Baw in Victoria and Selwyn Snow Resort in New South Wales both closed for the season last week. Selwyn cited a “challenging winter”, temperature, and rain’s “impact on our remaining snow cover” as the reasons for closure.

Mia Rennie, POW Athlete Alliance, free skier and sports commentator, noted the changes at Selwyn in a media release.

"I grew up skiing at Selwyn snowfields and remember having to dig our front doors out at Cabramurra," Rennie said. 

"That’s now a thing of the past. I have seen first hand how quickly our winters are changing and how quickly we need to respond so future generations can continue to experience the magic of winter that I grew up with.”

Australia’s resort economy is worth over $3 billion annually, supporting thousands of jobs. 

Thredbo Alpine Resort was recently hit with a valuation drop of over 50% from $292 million to $143 million, POW says. 

And coming off the back of Australia’s most successful Winter Olympics, climate change is threatening the future of Australia’s snow sports viability, success, and culture. With diminishing opportunities for training and competition in Australia, athletes are increasingly forced to chase snow opportunities overseas.

Protect Our Winters Australia (POW) is A community-driven, science-backed collective of winter sports enthusiasts, High Country devotees, climate scientists, and regional businesses advocating for systemic climate solutions.

For more info see protectourwinters.org.au.

Image: Mount Hotham slalom gully last week. Supplied. 

Radisson has a new focus with its latest Sydney hotel

 

Sydney is get another luxury lifestyle hotel, but this one will be in the Haymarket district, close to Central Station. 

Radisson Hotel Group this week announced the signing of Radisson RED Sydney Haymarket, a 328-room, new-build hotel set to open in 2029. 

The 31-storey hotel will be positioned in the heart of Haymarket granting easy access the Sydney Light Rail, Chinatown and Darling Harbour. 

 “The signing of Australia’s first Radisson RED marks an important milestone in our Australasia expansion plan," said Elie Younes, executive vice president and global chief development officer (whew!) for the Radisson Hotel Group. 

"Radisson RED is a distinctive brand that offers a relevant and impactful proposition to both guests and owners. We are excited to partner with Ceerose on this project and are grateful for their trust in our brands and people.”

Radisson RED Sydney Haymarket will feature those 328 rooms, a restaurant, a lobby café-bar, a pool bar, meeting rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness centre. 

The hotel will also include a dedicated early- and late-check-out lounge for guests. 

Edward Doueihi, founder and managing director of developers Ceerose, said: “Radisson RED Sydney Haymarket has been conceived as a destination that reflects the energy and transformation taking place across this part of Sydney."

See https://www.radissonhotels.com/

Hollywood star Hemsworth makes a spirited move

Actor and film producer Chris Hemsworth is now a co-owner of leading Australian spirits producer Archie Rose.

The former Home and Away and Thor actor has joined Archie Rose founder Will Edwards and his family with a shared ambition to take Australian whisky to the world.

Later this year, Archie Rose will launch three bespoke whiskies co-created with Hemsworth and made using 100% Australian-grown malts.

The range will launch nationally and, for the first time, in the United States, followed by Asia and New Zealand, before expanding into the UK and Europe in 2027.

As the largest independent distillery in the southern hemisphere, multiple award winner Archie Rose is aiming to put Australian whisky firmly on the global stage.

Founded in Sydney in 2014, Archie Rose has built an international reputation and Hemsworth has been a long-time admirer of the brand.

"I’ve been a fan of Archie Rose for a long time,” the Melbourne-born actor says.

“Wherever I am in the world, tasting an Archie Rose whisky immediately transports me right back home, to that feeling of sitting around a campfire in the Australian bush with my mates.

"Their ethos of only using Australian grown malts to produce flavour packed whiskies at their Sydney distillery is truly awesome. They’re a brilliant example of what Australia does best and I can’t wait to share that with the world.”

Edwards is delighted by the new investor.

"Our approach has always been about championing local ingredients to create spirits that taste truly Australian," he says.

"Having Chris join the business as a co-owner allows us to bring that ambition to the world. We aren't just making spirits; we are using Australia’s raw materials and ingenuity as the base for producing the world’s best whisky, gin and other spirits, telling the stories of the growers and the land beneath them."

For more info see archierose.com.au

Rick Stein’s style shines; even if he’s not in the house

Celebrity chefs put a lot of faith in their staff when they open multiple outposts.

The big-name pan handlers are invariably on site for the first few weeks, but then they have to trust the chefs and front of house staff they have hired to make sure standards are maintained.

That's particularly important when, like restaurateur, cookery book author and television presenter Rick Stein, you have a global reputation to uphold.

Rick Stein at Coogee Beach opened just before Christmas last year and is still pulling in the crowds. The 224-seat restaurant in the same building as The InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach hosts the signature restaurant, bar dining and courtyard terrace.

We've sampled Stein venues in Padstow in Cornwall before and when I checked in last week everything in Sydney was operating exactly as the English seafood chef, and honorary Australian, would have wished.

There was a full house for Friday lunch but everything was working with clockwork precision.

The vibe is beachfront casual - with design from Stein's Australian wife Sarah, and artworks by Australian artist Brigit Thomas adorning the walls and featuring on the front page of the menu, including a striking giant squid and a shimmering school of fish.

The staff are seasoned hospitality professionals. Giovanni and Zara, who looked after us, were hugely impressive - and the kitchen brigade delivered a very tasty repaste of trademark Stein flavours.

We selected sashimi of salmon, kingfish, tuna and scallops (above), served with wakame, pickled ginger, wasabi, sashimi dressing (freshness personified), and an absolutely superb twice-baked spanner crab soufflé with thermidor sauce (below) as our starters.

We followed up with two Padstow favourites: Rick’s fish and chips deep fried in dripping, served with chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce. The batter was crispy, the fish moist and flaky but I didn't enjoy the texture of the mushy peas. Picky. 

The Newlyn fish pie (below) was chock-a-block with salmon, ling, monkfish, prawns, mussels and mushrooms in a creamy seafood velouté, topped with breadcrumbs and parmesan.

We shared a dessert: a classic crème brûlée with almond biscotti. along with glasses of a deliciously zingy artisan mandarin-infused limoncello.

Our wine choice was the 2024 Rick Stein White Burgundy, a house wine selected by Rick Stein and his son Charlie and a perfect match for seafood dishes. But only after my wife had sampled the deliciously dry 2024 Graci Etna Rosato from Sicily.

There is an impressive wine list by both the glass and bottle with a nice balance between Australian wines and quality imports.

Well worth a visit whether or not Stein is in the house.  

Note: Rick Stein at Coogee Beach is a cashless venue, although I'm sure the staff prefer their tips as cash.

See https://www.ricksteinatcoogeebeach.com.au/

# The writer was hosted by Rick Stein at Coogee Beach

Jetstar finds a new way to charge more

Tone deaf Australian airline Jetstar has announced a new money-grabbing policy and is intending to charge passengers for carry-on baggage that needs to be stowed in the overhead compartment. 

The airline is spinning it as a plus for flyers. It is isn’t.

“Jetstar is changing its carry-on baggage model, removing its 7kg carry-on weight limit from February 2027,” the airline said in a media release.

“The move will see Jetstar shift from a strict weight limit to a simpler, size-based carry-on baggage model, similar to other leading low-fares carriers around the world.

“From next year, all bookings will include one underseat bag such as a backpack, handbag or laptop bag.

“Customers who need more carry-on baggage can pre-purchase Priority Carry-on, which includes a second, larger bag for the overhead locker and the opportunity to be among the first to board.

“The change follows extensive research and feedback from customers and crew who consistently identified having bags weighed at the gate and struggling to find room in overhead lockers as the more stressful parts of the airport experience.”

I predict outrage - and a rapid re-think.

Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said: "We know that weighing carry-on bags at the gate can be frustrating for our customers and for our crew.

"To make packing easier we’ve decided to remove the 7kg weight limit, so from February, the main thing customers will need to think about is the size of their carry-on."

“By giving customers an underseat bag with the option to add Priority Carry-on, we can make better use of overhead locker space, streamline boarding and help more flights depart on time."

“Our new carry-on baggage model provides more choice to customers while helping to keep our fares low. You only pay for what you need - travelling with less means paying less, and you can always add more if you need.”

Absolute nonsense.

Merchant banks on booming Brisbane trade

 

The Brisbane hotel scene is hotting up ahead of the city hosting the 2032 Olympic Games. 

The newest cab off the rank is the Radisson Hotel Group opening The Merchant Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, in the heart of the city. 

The Merchant marks the debut of the Radisson Individuals brand in Queensland and follows a complete revamp of the budget former Turbot House Hotel. 

Inspired by the trading heritage of the historic Roma Street markets, the contemporary 58-room boutique hotel promises to "combine distinctive local character, personalised service and modern comfort" close to corporate, government, cultural and entertainment precincts.

Located on Turbot Street, The Merchant Hotel is within, walking distance of Queen Street Mall, Brisbane City Hall and Roma Street Parkland, with South Bank, Suncorp Stadium, the Queensland Museum and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre also easily accessible.

"The opening of The Merchant Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, represents an important milestone for Radisson Hotel Group in Australia and introduces Radisson Individuals to Queensland for the first time," said Radisson regional COO Tim Cordon. 

"Brisbane continues to grow as a dynamic destination for business, events and leisure travel, and this distinctive boutique hotel brings together a strong sense of place with the flexibility and global reach of the Radisson Individuals brand. 

"We look forward to welcoming guests to an experience that feels authentically connected to the city." 

There are four room categories: Urban Rooms, Urban King Single Rooms, Standard Rooms and Superior Rooms. Many offer city views.

The Lounge is a social hub for both hotel guests and visitors, while communal spaces include flexible lounge areas and hot desks equipped with charging ports. 

For bookings and hotel details, visit The Merchant Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, on RadissonHotels.com

* To celebrate the hotel opening, guests can save 20% when booking directly for stays until December 20. The offer is available for bookings made before October 31.

Tourists baffled: Is it summer, or winter, here?

It is one of the oldest adages of travel: Do your homework. 

No one wants to stay in a hotel next to a building site, next to the toilet on a plane, or in a hotel room directly above a night club. 

Amazingly, though, one in five tourists arriving in Australia does not know what season it is. 

Thousands arrive thinking it is winter when it as actually the middle of summer, and vice versa, new research from Casinos Analyzer Australia shows.

The survey of 1,500 US and UK adults who have visited or plan to visit Australia found that confusion over the country's seasons is widespread and costly. 

And Americans get it wrong noticeably more often than Brits - a pattern that runs through almost every question in the survey.

Key findings included:

* 19% of travellers packed for entirely the wrong season: 22% of Americans vs 16% of Brits

* 44% have assumed Australia is "always hot and sunny"

* 22% had to buy replacement clothes on arrival, spending an average of $95

Only 58% correctly knew that it is winter in Australia right now - 52% of Americans vs 64% of Brits. 

Yep. The fact Australia's seasons run backwards to the northern hemisphere is a mystery to many. 

No further comment needed.

* Alongside its review work, Casinos Analyzer conducts original consumer research on lifestyle, behaviour, and cultural trends.

Image: Scopio.

Ready, steady go: freight flights baptise new Western Sydney airport

The new Western Sydney International Airport will see its first passenger departures and arrivals on October 25, but commercial air freight flights are already operating.

Qantas and Australia Post, who have extended their 100-year air freight partnership for a further 10 years, will today operate their first commercial freight flight at WSI (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport, officially opening the new 24/7 cargo terminal.

Australia Post parcels will be on the first service, QF7340, departing WSI at 10.25pm for Brisbane.

Qantas Freight expects to move more than 160,000 parcels through the 24,000 square metre facility in its first 24 hours, with 12 arrivals overnight from 10pm.

Domestic services will operate to and from WSI to Melbourne, Cairns, Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Perth, as well as onward flights to regional centres, processing more than 850 tonnes of freight a week. 

Qantas international flights are expected to begin early next year.

Qantas Freight will operate a dedicated fleet of two A330 freighters and six A321 freighters, with three more on the way, plus priority space in the cargo hold of more than 300 aircraft across the Qantas passenger fleet. 

Qantas’ freight network serves more than 110 destinations across Australia and around the world.

The Qantas and Australia Post partnership dates back to November 1922, when Qantas flew 106 letters on behalf of Australia Post on its inaugural commercial flight from Charleville to Cloncurry in Queensland.

Qantas CEO of International and Freight Cam Wallace and Australia Post Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Paul Graham were on site to officially open the new freight terminal.

"Australians are increasingly reliant on airfreight with the continued growth of e-commerce and we’re proud to be extending our partnership with Australia Post," Wallace says.

“We’ve transformed our freighter fleet over the past few years, with newer, larger and more efficient aircraft to support Australia Post and their customers’ needs.

“It’s a historic day for aviation in Australia as our first freight services take off from Western Sydney International Airport. This new terminal will help us meet growing demand for next-day deliveries and move express cargo across Australia and the world.

"Western Sydney International is a major piece of infrastructure for this country and we're proud to be opening our new freight terminal and comes ahead of Jetstar's first passenger services in October and Qantas to follow early next year."

Penfolds unveils new collection from four corners of the globe

 

The invitations drop in late April. Hardly anyone declines. 

The Penfolds Collection 2026 Preview Tasting is one of the major wine tastings of the year. 

But attendees, brilliantly looked after, have certain rules that must be followed. 

Tastings are conducted by chief winemaker Peter Gago (below) and his team around the world. 

Australian trade media, journalists and educators tasted in Adelaide in June - at EOS by Sky City and then at Magill Estate. 

Others sniffed, sipped and spat in London, New York and Paris. The wines will be released on August 6. 

All of us who attended the tastings were all sworn to secrecy. No tasting notes to be published until today’s deadline. No sneaky social media bottle images.  

Everyone has had time to consider their notes - and thoughts. The 99s and 98s will flow freely today. Probably a 100 or two. 

What struck me most about the tasting was the way the Penfolds style is now reflected across a global range of wines: from the US to France and China. 

The bold and rich Bordeaux-style 2023 FWT (French Winemaking Trial) 585 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Petit Verdot shines, while the immediately approachable 2024 CWT (Chinese Winemaking Trial) Bin 521, a blend of cabernet and marselan, is absolutely outstanding and a tribute to the winemaking skills across the team.

“No longer a novelty, no fancy wordsmithing – all of these wines are unmistakably Penfolds, sourced from different hemispheres,” says Gago.

This year’s domestic release is anchored by the 75th Anniversary of Grange, with the outstanding 2022 released this year - as usual as a wine with four years of bottle age.

“The 2022 Grange assuredly authenticates its flagship role and 75th anniversary credentials," says Gago. "No pressure. Both timely and lucky - to avail such a stellar vintage in such a symbolic year.”

Marking three-quarters of a century since its first experimental vintage in 1951, the anniversary release pays tribute to Grange’s evolution from an experimental wine crafted by Penfolds maiden chief
winemaker, Max Schubert, to a global icon.

 


We lucky invitees were also able to taste several back vintages of Grange, all with that unmistakable line of quality. The imperious new release comprises 85% Barossa fruit, aided by McLaren Vale and Coonawarra material.  

Inky, rich, sumptuous. Take your pick of adjectives.

For those who do not have a grand to drop on a bottle, I can recommend the fulsome and inviting 2024 Magill Estate Shiraz and the brilliant 2023 St Henri Shiraz. 

The other stars of the release include brilliantly balanced cabernet sauvignons. The complex and fine 2024 Penfolds Bin 707 and its younger sibling Bin 407 - a definite cellar prospect - serve as outstanding examples of multi-regional South Australian blends.

For chardonnay lovers Yattarna and Bin 311, both from 2024, are both wines of purity and definition, while the 2025 Bin 23 Pinot Noir is arguably the best release of that wine yet.

"Nothing stands still," Gago says. Yet through thick and thin, across the years, these Collection wines stand tall." 

 

He's right.  

New luxury lodge to elevate the Saddles experience

Multi millionaire advertising mogul John Singleton is splashing out on The Grand Saddles Lodge, which will open this spring on NSW’s Central Coast. 

The opening will marking a new chapter for Saddles Mount White.

The luxury retreat will bring together "20 private villas, exceptional dining, an elegant piano bar, a restorative day spa and bespoke local experiences". 

The work aims to transform the Saddles precinct into a complete luxury destination where guests can stay, dine and reconnect with nature.

Saddles is Just under an hour from Sydney, where bushland meets the waterways of the Hawkesbury and the Central Coast begins. 

Set opposite the The Homestead at Saddles restaurant, The Lodge aims to offer "thoughtful luxury". 

Designed by Michelle Leslie alongside White + Dickson Architects, The Lodge seeks to reflect Singleton's appreciation for hospitality and his connection to the region. 

Hidden among the trees, The Lodge's villas have been conceived as peaceful retreats. Each villa features separate living spaces, an open fireplace, private terrace and plunge pool, while a communal infinity pool and pool bar overlook the surrounding bushland.

Located within the main building at The Lodge, the restaurant will showcase the best of Australian produce, while evening activities will centre on Ned's, an intimate Art Deco-inspired piano bar. 

Beyond The Lodge, guests can wander walking trails through the surrounding bushland, visit nearby oyster farms, or explore the Hawkesbury River. 

Bookings for The Grand Saddles Lodge will open this spring.

Image: Ryan Linnegar

Westin to debut on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is to gain another luxury hotel.

Marriott International has signed an agreement with Australian-based M Property for The Westin Gold Coast at Surfers Paradise, which will mark the brand's entry to the region. 

Expected to feature 138 keys, the new-build hotel is slated to open in late 2029.

Marriott already currently operates two resorts on the Gold Coast and has a further four properties in the pipeline. 

"The Westin Gold Coast represents a natural fit between brand and location, and we already see strong performance across our existing Westin portfolio, both in key domestic and international source markets for the Gold Coast," said Tristan Cooper, Marriott International's Director of Hotel Development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific.

"We are excited to welcome Westin to the Gold Coast and introduce a genuine point of difference to the market." 

The hotel is expected to occupy levels one to 15 of the new-build mixed-use development, with 115 premium guest rooms and 23 suites offering views of the Pacific Ocean or Gold Coast hinterland. 

The hotel is expected to feature a signature restaurant and bar, conference and meeting facilities, an infinity pool and pool bar, a fitness studio and the brand’s signature Heavenly Spa by Westin. 

Chef Stone to return home to guide kitchen at Waldorf Astoria Sydney

Internationally acclaimed chef Curtis Stone will return home to open his first Australian restaurant as part of new Waldorf Astoria Sydney hotel.

After decades based in the US - and with e restaurant in Mexico - Stone will bring his culinary vision to Australia's first hotel under the luxury hotel brand.

Melbourne-born Stone will lead the way as the hotel will feature two original dining experiences. It will open in 2027 at One Circular Quay, and will be the first Waldorf Astoria hotel in Australia.

Waldorf Astoria Sydney is currently under construction and will be owned and developed by Perth-based developers Fiveight.

“Coming to Australia to create something of this scale is incredibly meaningful for me," Stone said.

"These dining experiences are deeply personal projects, inspired by the producers, seasons, and hospitality culture I grew up with.

”“To partner with Waldorf Astoria Sydney and bring these ideas to life overlooking one of the world’s most spectacular harbours is both an honour and a milestone in my career.”

Marlene Poynder, general manager of Waldorf Astoria Sydney, (pictured above on the 25th floor of the hotel with Stone) said: “Waldorf Astoria Sydney represents a defining moment as we introduce the brand to Australia.

"To work with a chef of Curtis’ calibre makes this especially meaningful. 

"Together, we're creating a destination where exceptional hospitality, world-class dining, and perhaps one of the world's most remarkable harbourfront settings come together to deliver an unforgettable guest experience."

* Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is Hilton’s luxury brand of hotels with a legacy that dates back more than a century to Waldorf Astoria New York, the first hotel to offer 24-hour room service.

Australia edges towards the 21st century

Australia is finally entering the 21st century when it comes to entry formalities.

Filling out paper forms like the one above will soon be a thing of the past for millions of travellers to Australia as the Government rolls out digital passenger cards following a successful trial.

It will provide $56.1 million over four years for traveller modernisation at airports across Australia.

In a collaborative partnership with the Australian Border Force, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Qantas, the Australia Travel Declaration pilot program has delivered a digital alternative to the paper incoming passenger card.

Since the pilot commenced in October 2024, more than 450,000 passengers on eligible inbound Qantas flights into Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne have trialled the Australia Travel Declaration, with anecdotal evidence proving the trial has been a significant success.

This new pilot, in partnership with Qantas will continue to be introduced to other capital cities including Perth and Adelaide, before the end of 2026.

The Australia Travel Declaration will then be rolled out to all international airports and seaports in a phased approach over the next 12 to 18 months, initially accessible via a webform option, with an aim to continue to collaborate with industry to co-design in-app capabilities.

The broader rollout of the Australia Travel Declaration will streamline facilitation and reduce manual processes for passengers, enable digital collection of information ahead of time and increase data quality for risk assessments, allow for rapid updates and management of global risks and events, such as biosecurity outbreaks, and meet passenger expectations for a biometric-enabled, seamless digital border experience.

"Making arrivals simpler and quicker means visitors can spend less time filling out forms and more time enjoying everything Australia has to offer," says Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator Don Farrell.

"This is a win for tourists and a win for our tourism operators, helping make Australia an even easier and more welcoming place to visit."


Major travel hubs like the 29 Schengen Area countries, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Thailand have largely replaced paper arrival cards with direct passport scans, digital travel authorizations, or online systems


It is a belated change. Major travel hubs like the 29 Schengen countries in Europe, the United States, Canada, the UK, Singapore, and Thailand have already largely replaced paper arrival cards with direct passport scans, digital travel authorizations, or online systems.

Qantas boosts services to Japan

Qantas is going all in on flights between Australia and Japan.

The Australian flag carrier has increased services between Melbourne and Tokyo and added more seats across the Tasman as Japan and New Zealand continue to be popular destinations for Australian travellers.

More than 45,000 seats will be added to Tokyo and Queenstown by early next year.

Qantas has increased its Melbourne-Narita services from daily to 11 flights per week from December 2026 to March 2027 in response to growing demand. 

The new flights will add a total of 30,000 seats to the route.

Japan continues to be a favourite for Qantas customers, with passenger numbers up 8% between October 2025 and March 2026, totalling 350,000 passengers for the period.

In addition, the airline is increasing frequency across the Tasman over the summer peak for travel between Australia and New Zealand, including over 15,000 additional seats between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane to Queenstown over the summer peak.

Qantas CEO International Cam Wallace said: 
“Japan remains one of the most popular destinations on our international network and is showing no signs of slowing down, with more than half a million Australians visiting between January and May this year alone.

"Adding more capacity out of Melbourne means more Aussies can experience one of the world's great travel destinations, whether they're heading there for the first time or going back for more.”

There was also enthusiasm from Japan National Tourism Oraganization Sydney Office Executive Director Naoki Kitazawa. 

"We're delighted to see even more flights between Melbourne and Narita, further strengthening ties between Australia and Japan,” Kitazawa said. 

“Last year we marked an exciting milestone, with over one million Australians visiting Japan.

“We hope that even more people will be inspired to come and experience Japan.”