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

Virgin Australia launches Canberra-Bali direct flights

Virgin Australia is to launch international flights from the capital, Canberra, to the Indonesian holiday island of Bali. 

Virgin will be the only Australian airline operating internationally out of Canberra, and the only carrier on this new route, it said in a media release.

"Virgin Australia will launch its first-ever international route out of Canberra, with direct flights to Bali commencing from June 22, 2026," the airline said. 

Flights are now on sale with return fares starting from $399 in economy lite.

The new route will see three return flights per week from April to January, with the potential to increase frequency during peak travel periods.

Services will depart Canberra in the afternoon and return overnight from Bali.

Virgin already operates direct services between Bali and Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Boeing 737-800 aircraft will service the route, with seating options including business, economy X and economy. 

Virgin Australia CEO Dave Emerson said the new service is a significant win for the Australian Capital Territory. 

“This is the first time in the history of the company that we will operate internationally from the capital, marking an important milestone in our broader network expansion story,” he said.

“Virgin Australia will be the only Australia-based airline operating internationally out of Canberra, and the only carrier on this new route.

Capital idea: in high spirits in Canberra

Gin and whisky lovers can head to the national capital for a spirited weekend.

The new Spirits at the Foreshore tasting event will be held at the Old Transport Depot in Canberra on November 28-29..

The will be pourings of more than 200 spirits from 40 Australian and international distillers in a lakeside setting.

Over three tasting sessions across two days, festivalgoers can discover bold Tasmanian whiskies, new styles of gin, authentic Mexican tequila, limoncello, rum, vodka paired with a caviar bump, and more, the organisers promise.

Tickets include unlimited tasting samples (to be sipped sensibly, of course), a branded tasting cup, Long Rays tonic and soda water, and a tote bag to stash your purchases.

Food trucks will be on site to keep guests fuelled between sips, and every bottle on taste will be available for take-home purchase direct.

Tickets are $70 for a three-hour session, with “Any Session” tickets available for $110.

A limited number of masterclass tickets are available for $90, including entry to the festival.

Friday features the Hugo Vodka Masterclass, while on the Saturday, White Light Beverages will host a cocktail session with tips and tricks for tequila, vodka, gin and whisky, an insider’s guide to shaking the perfect margarita, elevating your martini, and making the most of their expanded award-winning range.

Distillers confirmed include Hugo Vodka, Prohibition Liquor Co, Ester Spirits, Volume Australia, White Light Beverages, North of Eden, Renegade Spirits, Gindu Distillery, Brix Distillers, Beachtree Distilling Co, Camden Valley Spirits, Noble Bootleggers, Turner Stillhouse’s Three Cuts Gin and more. 

Renegade Spirits and Gindu Distillery are among those making their Canberra debut.

Tickets are on sale at ginevents.com.au.

All change as major Australian hotels re-brand

Some of Australia's top hotels are to get new identities with a raft of changes being unveiled by global giant IHG Hotels and Resorts and its local partners from Salter Brothers.

New brandings revealed by the partners will see the Regent Hotels & Resorts brand return to Melbourne after 28 years and three properties to be re-badged as InterContinental properties. 

IHG and Salter Brothers will also launch a brand new hotel: Hotel Indigo Canberra

The new Regent Melbourne (above) will see the Rialto-located hotel transformation from InterContinental Melbourne in 2030.

IHG's luxury and lifestyle expansion also sees three of its popular and successful properties joining the InterContinental brand portfolio. 

Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach will become InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach; Crowne Plaza Melbourne will become InterContinental Melbourne and the Crowne Plaza Canberra will be redeveloped into the new InterContinental Canberra. 

A second hotel will also be developed on this site, to bring Hotel Indigo to Canberra.

At the same time, voco Gold Coast, which was the first voco hotel to open globally and another IHG/Salter Brothers collaboration, will undergo a refurbishment and expansion of its leisure facilities.

Matt Tripolone, IHG Hotels and Resorts managing director for Australasia Pacific, said: “We are delighted to announce an extended long-term agreement with Salter Brothers, which further strengthens our existing, highly successful relationship. 

"This partnership accelerates IHG's Luxury & Lifestyle growth in Australia and enables Salter Brothers to reposition key assets and unlock long-term value in this space.

“We're thrilled to be bringing our Regent Hotels & Resorts brand back to Australia after an absence of 28 years, with Regent Melbourne on track to welcome guests in 2030. 

"With three InterContinental properties also on the horizon, and a new hotel, Hotel Indigo Canberra, in our sights, we're delighted to have cemented our leading Luxury & Lifestyle position in the country.

“Overall, this agreement underscores the strength and evolving nature of Australia's hotel market and highlights the growing trend for conversions in our industry as guests increasingly seek immersive Luxury & Lifestyle experiences across the country."

Paul Salter, managing director of Salter Brothers, added: “We have a strong history with IHG spanning more than a decade, and are fully committed to our partnership which continues to drive growth for our assets. This new agreement represents over $1bn investment in the Luxury & Lifestyle segment and highlights our conviction in providing distinctive lifestyle experiences for travellers globally, with an emphasis on timeless style, culinary mastery and wellness facilities for guests."

Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach is currently closed for an extensive re-imagining to InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, opening in late 2025. 

IHG Hotels & Resorts has 76 hotels in Australasia operating under nine brands: Six Senses, InterContinental, Kimpton, Vignette Collection, Hotel Indigo, voco, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, with another 26 properties in its development pipeline.

Woolly thinking: Canberra's very sheepish festival

Australia is home to an estimated 69 million sheep and 35 million breeding ewes - and celebrates both its wool and its lamb industries.

There are also  hundreds of llama and alpaca farms across the country. 

Canberra’s Old Bus Depot Markets, will dedicate two days to showcasing all things woolly at the upcoming two-day Canberra Wool Expo, on the weekend of May 17-18.

“This is the chance for all visitors to the market to see the complete process from raw fibre, to yarn and then to the many fabulous finished wool products at this two-day wool extravaganza,” said Old Bus Depot Markets’ manager Richard Vagi.

 
“Locals and visitors to Canberra can come along to market and enjoy demonstrations including hand-spinning, weaving, crochet and cross-stitch, have a chat with the region’s most talented craftspeople and designers, and get up close to alpacas, llamas and sheep.”

Canberra Wool Expo has a long history at the Markets, with this being the event’s 12th year.

Having moved from a single day event to a two-day expo back in 2017, the event pulls crowds from near and far who come for the pure love of wool and its many uses.

In 2025, the expo will have more wool stallholders than ever before - and from all around Australia.

Wool producers attending will range from locals Black Wattle Yarn from Murrumbateman to Fibre Naturally Woollen Mill from Macclesfield in Victoria, and Kaalund Yarns from Banyo in Queensland.

“Whether you like the comfort of rugging up all cosy and warm in woollen garments in the cooler weather, find it relaxing to knit, crochet or craft with wool, or want to see some more traditional wool practices in action, the Canberra Wool Expo will be a great weekend out,” said Vagi.

“Many craftspeople from Canberra, the surrounding region and interstate come to create, demonstrate with, and sell wool at the Canberra Wool Expo. And families love it because the kids can get up close to llamas, Hephner the alpaca and Andy and Armani, two Black Nose Valais sheep.”

At the Canberra Wool Expo visitors can also try their hand at contributing to a giant crochet with the Knitters Guild NSW (Capital Region Group) as well as browsing and buying hand-felted garments and accessories, designer and farm label knitwear, and woollen yarns including hand spun and hand dyed.

The Expo will be open from 9.30am – 2.30pm each day. For more information, see www.obdm.com.au

Canberra's arts scene comes alive in April

Despite the presence of some boofheads elected to represent us in Parliament, the national capital of Canberra is also a city of art and culture.

 
Canberra is regarded as one of the nation's creative hubs - just don't tell Barnaby, Sussan and Angus.

 

The sprawling city boasts diverse arts scene, several national attractions and a thriving community of creatives.

This April brings four highly anticipated exhibitions to Canberra: the first solo exhibition for multidisciplinary contemporary Australian artist Thom Roberts at the National Portrait Gallery; a celebration of female artists at the National Gallery of Australia and a showcase of the works of glass maker Katie-Ann Houghton and industrial designer Tom Fereday at the Canberra Glassworks.

The Immersive World of Thom Roberts - National Portrait Gallery
https://www.portrait.gov.au/exhibitions/thom-roberts-2025 

From April 12 to July 20 with free admission 

Australian artist Thom Roberts (below), known for his bold portraits that morph people with trains and buildings, is bringing his first solo exhibition to the National Portrait Gallery. The exhibition showcases more than 100 works including paintings, installations, animations and some of his newest works.

Know My Name: Global - National Gallery of Australia
https://nga.gov.au/exhibitions/know-my-name-global/
From April 2025 with free entry, this collection features works of inspiring female artists from around the world who have pushed the limits of artistic practice. Expect to see the works from creative trailblazers such as American feminist artist Judy Chicago, Order of Australia artist Vivienne Binns and American neo-conceptual artist Jenny Holzer.

Arum + Meander - Canberra Glassworks
https://canberraglassworks.com/2025-exhibition-2/

https://canberraglassworks.com/2025-exhibition-2-kah/
From April 3 to June 8 with free entry Sydney-based designer Tom Fereday's solo show Arum celebrates the transformation of raw material into glass and highlights his interest in the tension that lies between natural materials and contemporary design. Glassmaker Katie-Ann Houghton, meanwhile, explores her fascination with urban landscapes in her newest exhibition Meander.

For more information visit https://visitcanberra.com.au/

Award-winning vineyard for sale

So you’ve dreamed about owning your own winery?

And you’ve got some cash stashed away, or are about to inherit bigly?

One of the Canberra District’s most celebrated wineries is up for sale.

Four Winds Vineyard, a family-owned business that recently swept five major trophies at the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards - including the coveted 2024 Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy - is on the market.

The sale will mark the end of an era for owners John and Sarah Collingwood, who took over the vineyard from Sarah’s parents Graeme and Suzanne Lunney 15 years ago.

Located 30 minutes from Canberra, Four Winds Vineyard is a popular destination for wine enthusiasts, producing award-winning riesling, shiraz, cabernet, and sangiovese.

Four Winds Vineyard’s 2023 Shiraz took out the Jimmy Watson award in November and the vineyard’s cellar door has become a magnet for day-trippers -– its signature woodfired pizzas and at-the-table wine tastings attracting nearly 30,000 visitors a year.

Ms Collingwood said that while sad to be leaving a place dear to three generations of her family, she and her husband and their two young children felt it was the right time to hand over the baton.

“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built, but it’s time for new adventures,” she says. “Winning an award as prestigious as the Jimmy Watson feels like the perfect high note to step away on. This place has given us a great sense of purpose and achievement – and we’re excited to see who will take it forward.”

The sale includes the Collingwoods’ four-bedroom home with tennis court and woodfired pizza oven in the garden, 12-hectare vineyard, and strong business infrastructure.

“This is more than just a home or a vineyard – it’s an established, profitable brand with national recognition. It’s not every day a property of this calibre comes up for sale,” selling agent Sam McGregor of Windrose Property said.

Top wine show morphs into mega festival

One of Australia’s leading wine shows is morphing into a four-day festival: the new National Wine Festival of Australia.

The event will be held in June, celebrating Australian winemaking excellence and marking the 50th anniversary of the National Wine Show of Australia.

The festival will begins with the 2025 National Wine Show of Australia trophy presentation dinner in the Great Hall of Australian Parliament House in Canberra on June 12. 

It will be followed by three days of wine tastings, masterclasses, themed dinners and special events at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra - A Park Hyatt Hotel.

More than 900 award-winning wines, including every entrant in the 2025 National Wine Show, will be opened for tasting during the festival [Warning wineries; they'll be asking you for more samples] for a premium masterclass featuring the trophy winners. 

National Wine Show chair of judges Matt Harrop will reveal what Australia’s best wine assessors look for in an award-winning wine and examine the characteristics that earned this year’s winners the nation’s top gongs.

Senator Don Farrell, Minister for Tourism and Trade, said the festival is well positioned to become a flagship event on the national calendar.

“Australian wine is one of our greatest tourism and trade assets, and I have no doubt that the festival will attract visitors from across the country and around the world," he said.

“The National Wine Festival will drive significant economic benefits while showcasing the innovation, excellence and diversity of Australian winemaking on a global stage.” 

National Wine Show of Australia Chair Andy Gregory said the festival would occupy a unique position in the tourism landscape. 

“It is the only true representation of every Australian winegrowing region - a one-stop shop to taste and learn about the very best of Australian wine,” Gregory said.

“We see the National Wine Festival as a powerful platform on which to strengthen Australia’s global reputation as a world-class wine producer. It’s a natural evolution of the National Wine Show in our 50th year.”

Tickets are on sale now at https://nationalwinefestival.iwannaticket.com.au/

New M.Burton wine range driven by innovation

 

Gundog Estate winemaker Matt Burton is a busy man. 

Not only does he produce several wine ranges under the Gundog label using fruit from the Hunter Valley, Canberra region and the Hilltops, he also crafts Yarra Valley wines in partnership with close friend Dylan McMahon under the Burton McMahon label. 

And he also has another small-batch project: M.Burton Wines, which produces just 50 cases each of the 2023 M.Burton Shiraz and 2023 M.Burton Riesling. 

The shiraz is a classic cool-climate shiraz made using grapes grown at the Long Rail Gully vineyard in Murrumbateman blended with a small portion from the Wallaroo vineyard at Hall, just outside Canberra. It spent 10 months on skins gaining texture and complexity

Think natural ferments, aromatic spice notes and a very silky palate. 

"Having worked with shiraz from the region for 17 years, I must say this wine takes it to a whole new level," Burton says. 

The single-site riesling was grown at a family vineyard at Gundaroo and is high in acid and classic varietal flavours. The juice was fermented in older oak barrels - most Australian rieslings are unoaked - and then spent eight months on yeast lees.

"We hope these wines demonstrate a spirit of innovation," Burton says.    

Don't expect any info from the minimalist labels, which contain just the name M.Burton and the words "love, courage and integrity". 

"There are no other wines in our range that so purely express what drives me, and the business, or demonstrate the spirit and collective skillset we are so very fortunate to draw upon in their making," Burton adds.   

 The supple and stylish shiraz costs $80 and the feisty riesling $50. See www.gundogestate.com.au. 

Hilltops region offers point of difference for wine lovers

I tasted a sensational bottle of nebbiolo last week.

It was the 2021 Ravensworth Hilltops Nebbiolo ($45), made by Bryan Martin, a long-time collaborator at Canberra-region stalwart Clonakilla.

But while Ravensworth is based, like Clonakilla, at Murrumbateman, the fruit for this wine came entirely from the Hilltops region near Young - the cherry capital of Australia.



The wine was very floral with red fruits and delicatessen elements. Lovely length, too.

It was a pity I had to drink it so young. It is a definite cellaring prospect and underlines Martin’s deft touch in the winery.

I first became aware of the quality of Hilltops fruit a decade or more ago thanks to wines labelled Moppity and Freeman Vineyards, which were both impressive and fairly priced.

Top Hilltops producers include Freeman Vineyards, Grove Estate, Moppity Vineyard, Grove Estate, Chalkers Crossing Vineyard and McWilliams Barwang.

My friend and colleague Rick Allen, wine writer for the Newcastle Herald, recently wrote an article about Hilltops wine.

Here are some of his words:

It’s basically an oversized granite rock, about 150 kilometres long and 50 kilometres wide, but to winemakers it’s 24-caratgold.

Because sitting on that rock, which is about two hours north-west of Canberra, is Hilltops, one of the most exciting wine regions anywhere in Australia.

Canny winemakers are queuing up to get their hands on Hilltops fruit, yet strangely enough, the region is still largely unknown to most wine drinkers.

Why is that? Winemaker [and grape grower] Brian Freeman, who has 200 hectares of vines which makes him easily the largest Hilltops producer, puts it down to a shortage of cellar doors.

“Not enough cellar doors means we don’t attract people, and because we don’t attract people no-one is putting up new cellar doors.”

It’s wine’s own Catch-22.

But as a premium grape growing region, it has "got the lot".

There’s hardly a variety that won’t grow there - not just grow but thrive - producing fruit of the highest quality.

At the last Canberra wine show for example, Hilltops wines collected eight trophies plus 15 gold medals.

Freeman says the secret to Hilltops’ success is a combination of soil and climate.

“The soils are deep and well drained,” he explained. “There’s also a layer of decomposed granite about 12 to 15 metres deep that has been formed over the last five million years which indirectly helps regulate the water supply for the vines.

“And we get ideal weather conditions - cool nights in summer and a very dry autumn … which is ideal for grapes to ripen.”

Freeman’s 200 hectares, for example, has no less than 27 varieties growing.

Hilltops has traditionally been known for shiraz and cabernet, but now the Italian varieties like sangiovese, nebbiolo, rondinella and fiano are really impressing”

Canberra winemakers use a lot of Hilltops fruit, but the Hunter Valley is in on the act too.

One of the first Hunter wineries to catch on about the potential of Hilltops was Hungerford Hill.

“We’ve probably been using fruit from there or the best part of 35 years,” winemaker Bryan Currie said.

“There’s not a grape variety I can think of that you can’t grow in Hilltops.

"It’s quite amazing.

"It’s warm enough that your grapes will ripen fully, but cool enough to allow really nice aromatics. The dry autumn means the grapes can have that long hang time … you can pick pretty much from February to June.

“And it allows us to produce wines that we just can’t do in the Hunter.

“Off the top of my head we take pinot grigio, fiano, tempranillo, graciano, malbec, cabernet and sangiovese. We also do a Hilltops shiraz which is very different to Hunter shiraz - more aromatic and spicy.”

Take a note of the Hilltops name … you’ll be seeing a lot more of it.

For one night only: Australian wine gets cosy with Albo

Just about every day of the year there is a wine show somewhere around the globe. 

And just about every day some wine producers will be rejoicing and sending out press releases saying their winning wine is "the best in the Barossa", "the best in Australia", or "the best in the world". 

It's a lot of fun and nonsense - but effective marketing for the winners. 

Gourmet on the Road does not cover wine show results for many reasons, not the least that many of the best producers in Australia/the world do not enter them.

But last night the winners at the National Wine Show of Australia - arguably the biggest of the year - were presented with their awards by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the National Press Club.

Murdoch Hill’s 2022 Rocket Chardonnay from the Adelaide Hills won the Prime Minister’s Trophy for Champion Wine of Show. 

The presence of the PM triggered a flurry of photos from winning producers keen to pose with the main man. 

I wonder if any of them had a word with Albo about his wrong-headedness over the Middle East, AUKUS and other important matters? 

Probably not. 

Anyway, here are some photos from the night. With Albo a ubiquitous presence. 

Should you be so inclined, The full winners’ catalogue can be found at  www.nationalwineshow.com.au/2024-results

Images: Studio Vita/Supplied 

Enjoy Christmas in July in Canberra - in June

Right across Europe, Christmas markets are a joyous tradition with festival goers braving the cold to enjoy themselves with mulled wines and roasted chestnuts.

Anyone who has watched the nightly weather forecast on TV will know that the Australian capital of Canberra reaches European-level low temperatures over winter.

Hence, the Xmas in July festival is returning to Canberra for its third edition.

Over 60,000 people attending the free festival in 2023, enjoying fire pits, and comforting winter food.

Returning for four days and nights of French-European Christmas vibes, the event will be held on the Parkes Place Lawns in the middle of the National Triangle in Canberra from June 27-30. So not really in July, at all.



The festival will offer artisanal products, comfort food, wooden huts, and Christmas decorations and fairy lights.

Over 40 pop-up restaurants are promised, showcasing French and European cuisines. So think melted cheese stations serving raclette and fondue; gnocchi in creamy mushroom sauce and oversized German hot dogs.

Hot chocolate and chocolate cocktails with toasted marshmallows will return, along with the ubiquitous mulled wine bars.

“In France, Christmas is all about embracing winter, feasting together, enjoying warm comfort food, delicious drinks and music surrounded by beautiful lights," says Vincent Hernandez, the festival director.

"It’s amazing to see how the Xmas in July brings everyone together in the middle of winter to do just that in Australia.”

For details see https://christmasinjuly.com.au/

A new Abode for visitors to Canberra

 

Abode Hotels has unveiled somewhere new to stay in the Australian capital of Canberra.

Abode Phillip will be the ninth accommodation option in the Abode portfolio.

With 54 self-contained apartment-style rooms, Abode Phillip accommodation is equipped with modern amenities including kitchenette facilities, a washer/dryer, and STAYCAST streaming.

Located just "a stone's throw" away from major shopping and dining precincts, entertainment venues, parks, and public transport hubs, Abode Phillip is billed as being suitable both leisure and business travellers.

"We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of Abode Phillip," said Brett Walker, general manager of Iconic Hotels by Geocon.

"Our aim is to provide our guests with a comfortable and convenient home away from home, offering a blend of modern amenities and prime location."

Bookings are now open for stays starting Friday, June 7. See https://abodehotels.com.au/hotels/phillip/.

Matt Moran expands his restaurant empire with two Canberra eateries

UPDATED with restaurants open 

 

Chef and restaurateur Matt Moran is expanding his empire with the launch of two new eateries in Canberra this week.

Moran has opened sister venues Compa and &Sando in the Australian capital.

The two venues are Moran’s first in Canberra. 

Italian steakhouse Compa is the main venue with neighbouring sandwich bar, &Sando an intimate and more casual venue.

It marks the first time Moran has opened a sandwich-focused venue.

“Canberra has long had some really exciting restaurants and talent, and it’s a region I have been visiting for many years," Moran said.

"I’ve been looking for opportunities in Canberra and have worked with many local producers for years; I can’t wait to open these two venues and have even more of a reason to spend time there.”

In line with Moran’s other restaurants, Compa and &Sando will focus on local, seasonal produce (is there one that doesn't nowadays?) with a simple ethos: good food and good company.

The menus will showcase local produce, while also including produce from Moran Family Farm including Black Angus and a selection of charcuterie cuts from the farm’s Berkshire pigs.

The menu at Compa will feature meat cooked on a custom Montague grill.

In addition to the strong showing of beef, the menu will include a range of pastas and an extensive list of sides including: cacio e pepe mac and cheese; sweet peas and Moran’s famous mash.

&Sando's deli-style sandwiches will be made from ingredients including salami, mortadella, ham, provolone, pickles and veg.

“&Sando is my first sandwich shop; it’s going to be a lot of fun!”, said Moran. “I love a good sandwich, whether it’s eating one at home or from one of the many great sandwich shops nearby.

"There has been a pretty big sandwich boom across Australia recently, and we look forward to bringing our own offer to the table”.

Located in the heart of Canberra’s CBD, Compa and &Sando have a mix of indoor and outdoor seating; Compa will have a total seating capacity of 116, while neighbouring &Sando will seat 18.

Studio A-N have designed the interiors and the venues are a partnership with The Fresh Collective.

Just capital: Get on the beers as part of your hotel package

What could be better after a hard day or two at work in Canberra than to wind down with a beer tasting?

The Avenue Hotel has just announced a partnership with BentSpoke Brewing Co. aimed at connecting visitors to the nation's capital with local artisan beer and cider makers.

Promoted as catering to an "untapped market", the hotel has put togrther a package combining a local brewery experience with its accommodation offering.

"Just like the wine and spirits industries in Canberra, there’s also a strong interest in local beers but there is a noticeable gap in the market for an offering which includes an overnight stay,” said Alison Jones, marketing manager for Capital Hotel Group, the parent company of Avenue Hotel.

“There’s no doubt the past few years have thrown up some challenges for the accommodation sector, so Avenue has been seeking new and interesting ways to entice visitors to the capital.

“The hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the capital’s best brewery, BentSpoke Brewing Co,, and for some time our guests have expressed a real desire to connect with authentic local brands and makers, particularly in the food and beverage space."

BentSpoke founder and brewer Richard Watkins said: "With over 50 different beers and ciders brewed annually from our brewpub in Braddon , we’re now firmly cemented in the Canberran and Australian beer scene - and we love when we have visitors to Canberra enjoying a local brew at BentSpoke."

The brewery tasting room is just a two-minute walk back to the hotel.

The new BentSpoke Beer Tasting Package includes BentSpoke’s signature sample bar for two with four beers of choice chosen based on guests’ preferences, an overnight stay in a superior king room at Avenue Hotel, breakfast for two at the hotel’, free parking and free wifi.

The package is valid from now for stays Thursday-Sunday until August 31.

The package must be booked at least seven days in advance. Prices start from $267 per room per night.

For more information, visit https://avenuehote.com.au/offer/2/bentspoke-beer-tasting-package

Walking in the footsteps of political giants

It is unlikely any guests at the Hotel Kurrajong in Canberra will stay as long as the hotel's highest-profile former resident.

Former Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley spent 11 years living at the Kurrajong, preferring it to The Lodge as his residence.

Australia's 16th Prime Minister is credited with giving Australia the Snowy Mountain Hydro Electric Scheme; establishing Qantas, the Australian National University, and the CSIRO; as well as establishing ASIO.

A stay at the Hotel Kurrajong offers a glimpse into Chifley's world – and history buffs now have a chance to retrace the footsteps of the man who was instrumental in shaping the development of Canberra and Australia.

Chifley's Walk, which launched today, is the brainchild of teams from Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) and the Hotel Kurrajong, and an accompaniment for those who've sampled a Benny's Double in Chifley's Bar & Grill or spent a night in the hotel's curated 'Chifley Room'.

The 45-minute tour starts with a 750-metre stroll retracing the footsteps of then Treasurer Chifley and his PM, John Curtin, as they walked from the hotel to Parliament House each day – a habit that was captured by photographer Don Stephens in 1945.

When Curtin died, Chifley continued the tradition.

MoAD's Andrea Garcia says Chifley's Walk allows visitors to deepen their understanding of Old Parliament House by exploring the places where important decisions were made - King's Hall, the House of Representatives and the Prime Minister's Office.

“The synergy between Hotel Kurrajong and Old Parliament House helped inspire the walk,” she said.

“Hotel Kurrajong first opened in 1926 and Old Parliament House in 1927 - both were designed by John Smith Murdoch providing a residence and a working place to Members of Parliament in the nation's capital.”

Did you know, for example, that Chifley was the only Australian PM to qualify as a train driver? Or that he died whilst he was Leader of the Opposition?

“History well and truly comes to life as we retrace the well-worn path that Ben Chifley walked during the 11 years he resided at Hotel Kurrajong, including the time he served as Prime Minister, and the route other parliamentarians have since followed during the 61 years Old Parliament House housed the Parliament,” Garcia said.

Available exclusively for guests of Hotel Kurrajong for a nominal $20 fee for adults and included as part of the hotel's Chifley Experience package, Chifley's Walk runs every Monday to Sunday at 10am. Book via the hotel's website.

Simply capital: Canberra beer festival gets the go ahead

The Mercure Canberra will host the 15th Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival on Saturday, March 19 with an expanded venue, over 50 breweries, and a wide range of local food and entertainment.

The Festival will continue to use last year’s successful model of splitting the event into two ticketed sessions to provide plenty of space for attendees. The sessions will run from from 11am to 2pm, and 3pm to 6pm.

This year’s event will be held across the grounds of the Mercure Canberra and the adjoining lawns of Batman and Gooreen streets in Braddon.

Some 50 local and interstate exhibitors will be presenting up to 250 craft beers and ciders for tasting.

Complementing the beer and cider tastings will be an extensive range of popular food operators, including Bare Bones BBQ, Jacko’s Pizza, Gozlemes, and specialty trucks offering burgers, gelato and fish and chips.

Entertainment will include a woodchopping competition – and family activities will be available throughout the day.

Local brewers will include Bent Spoke Brewing Co, Capital Brewing Co, 3 Sons Cider and others, while interstate exhibitors include Sydney Brewery, Stone Dog Meadery, Mountain Culture, Mountain Goat Beer, Lord Nelson Brewery and 4 Pines Brewing. 

Specialist cideries including 3 Sons Cider, Franks Cider and Small Acres Cyder will exhibit their range of ciders.

Advance purchase tickets will be available for $20 per person ($30 on the day) through Moshtix (booking fees apply). Children have free access to the event when accompanying parents. Tastings are available for $2 each (100ml).

The Festival will again help raise funds for Rise Above Capital Region Cancer Relief, a locally based group that provides support for over 950 cancer patients.

Festival information: www.canberrabeerfest.com.au. Festival bookings: www.moshtix.com.au

Mercure Canberra is offering a Beer Fest 2022 package including overnight accommodation, a four-pack of award-winning Sydney Brewery beers, entry to the festival, and breakfast. 

The package is available from $149 per room per night for one or two people (conditions apply). See www.mercurecanberra.com.au.

A true taste of Australia is the hallmark on a new gin

The team at award-winning Canberra distillery Underground Spirits like to approach things a little differently. 

Underground Spirits recently released a new limited-edition gin on the Australian market, the second bottling of the popular Ad Crescendum Gin, a collaboration with the Australian National Botanical Gardens. 

Known as Ad Crescendum var. Flosferam (not the catchiest name, marketing types) the new gin features the flavours of some of the Garden’s Australian natives. This edition follows on from a successful collaboration in 2020 with the Australian National Botanic Gardens launched for their 50-year anniversary. 

Collaborating with the gardens means Underground had access to deep botanical knowledge which aided the selection, foraging and handpicking of the botanicals that went into this year’s recipe. 

When trying to find the ‘true taste of Australia’ in the gardens, Underground focused on the new Banksia Garden. 

The finished gin landed with native specimens like Banksia ericifolia (Red Cluster, Heath Leaved Banksia), Austromyrtus dulcis (Midgen Berry), Brachychiton populneus (Kurrajong) and Lemon Scented Gum. 

Part of the profits from this gin help support native plant conservation activities conducted by the Gardens.  

“It’s been amazing to taste the final product," said Underground Spirits’ CEO, Claudia Roughley. 

"It really is an amazing interpretation of what the Gardens’ Banksia Garden tastes like and that’s not a sense that you instantly consider when you’re visiting the gardens. Most people are content to look, smell and touch what’s growing at the foot of Black Mountain – now with this gin, you can taste it as well. 

“Gin is growing in popularity across the country and there is a real movement to find true Australian tastes and recipes that no one else can replicate and quality that can’t be copied. And that is what Ad Crescendum has become for us. 

“Having access to the nation’s leading botanic garden, its plants and its talented horticulturalists has really given us all the ingredients to authentically produce a taste of the Australian bush. And it’s a taste that is a world first – there’s no native Banksia-inspired gins anywhere on the market right now, and we’re proud to be trail blazing in this space with the Australian National Botanic Gardens team.”  

Ad Crescendum var. Flosferam is now on sale for $95 online direct from www.undergroundspirits.com.au and at other speciality independent liquor retailers and bottle shops.  

 

Simply capital: a novel stay in the Australian capital

Three of Canberra’s innovative women have collaborated to create a unique short-stay package bringing together art, wine and a luxurious spring stay in Canberra. 

The exclusive Great Things Come In Little Packages is aimed to appeal to lovers of ceramic art from emerging artists, cool-climate wines and boutique accommodation.  

“Great Things Come In Little Packages has been developed as a collaboration between Canberra’s tiniest gallery, Gallery of Small Things (GOST), the Little National Hotel and Lake George Winery,” said package collaborator and Director of GOST, Anne Masters.  

“We’re working together to showcase ceramic art and highlighting feature artist, Grace Brown of Oh Hey Grace on her first solo show in Canberra. And pairing her work with award-winning wines from boutique Lake George Winery and a stay at a small luxury hotel in the heart of leafy Barton, Little National Hotel. 

“We really want to support smaller businesses in Canberra including local art, wine, accommodation, transport and hospitality businesses, following a particularly tough 12  months for us all.” 

Great Things Come In Little Packages includes two nights’ accommodation at Little National with daily breakfast at Buvette Restaurant, private exhibition viewing at GOST, welcome drink with meet and greet the artist Grace Brown, a little ceramic workshop, a take home gift from the artist’s limited collection, and a personalised vine to wine tour at Lake George Winery.  

“We are confident Canberra Region advocates, and together invite visitors to experience a weekend away with our luxurious packages,” Masters said. 

 

Great Things Come In Little Packages is available  September 24-26 2021 only. The package costs $485 per person, twin share.  

For more information and to book visit www.galleryofsmallthings.com/great-things-come-in-little-packages-experience-weekend

Rex to fly Sydney to Canberra route from $99

Regional Express (Rex) has announced it will fly seven daily services between Sydney and Canberra.

 The airline will launch non-stop flights between the two cities from April 19, Canberra and Sydney from April 19, Travel Daily reported. 

Rex Deputy Chairman, John Sharp, accused Qantas of "fare gouging" on the route which it currently monopolises following the exit of Virgin Australia from the market.

Rex will open a lounge at Canberra Airport, with ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr describing the deal as a "vote of confidence" in the destination.

"We are delighted to be working closely with the airline and Canberra Airport through Visit Canberra to widely promote the new services and contribute to the growth of the route," Barr said. 

Flights on 33-seat Saab 340B turboprops will start from $99.