Jetstar to launch low-cost direct flights to Sri Lanka

Jetstar has launched Australia's first low-cost direct flights to Sri Lanka. 

Flights will take off for the first time in August next year, with the launch of a direct low-cost service from Melbourne to the South Asian nation’s capital, Colombo.

Jetstar will become the first Australian airline to operate this route, flying three times a week between Melbourne and Colombo and offering more than 100,000 seats a year starting from $315. 

The year-round service will be operated by Jetstar’s fleet of 11 widebody Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which are progressively being upgraded to overhaul both the economy and business class cabins.

The interior refit includes more than doubling the number of business class seats and installing wifi so customers can stream entertainment to their own devices.

The addition of a new lie-flat crew rest area to allow flights of up to 16 hours will open the door to other long-haul destinations in the future. 

Seats for the new flights went on sale at midday with one-way fares available between Melbourne (Tullamarine) and Colombo from only $315 at jetstar.com.

“Colombo is an incredible destination, and from August next year, we’re excited to be making it easier for Aussies to experience everything the beautiful country of Sri Lanka has to offer,@ said Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully. 

“This new route out of our home base of Melbourne is part of a huge growth phase for Jetstar. We’ve added new destinations, more aircraft and we’re continuing to expand our international network to give travellers even more choice and opportunities to take off for less.”

Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer Lorie Argus welcomed the new flights. 

“We're thrilled to see Sri Lanka, one of the region’s fastest-growing destinations, become Jetstar's 10th international destination from Melbourne," Argus said. 

* Holiday Package Deals including return flights, five night's accommodation, bags, seats, daily buffet breakfasts with guaranteed room upgrades, late checkout and a bottle of wine on arrival at Radisson Hotel Colombo start from $1,102 per person, twin share. 

Anyone can be stopped and searched by police in Melbourne

Visiting Melbourne in Australia this summer?

Be prepared to be stopped and searched by police. There is no need for you to be suspected of a crime.

A wave of violent incidents in the city - some associated with migrant youths - has resulted in the addition of new "stop and search" powers for police by the state government in Victoria.

Police say the stops will be the equivalent of random breath tests used to catch drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

A “random selection of people using a thoroughfare” by foot or by car could be subjected to a pat-down search - without warrant or reasonable suspicion - at any time across inner Melbourne over the next six months," local media reported.

Police are adamant the stops will be random.

“It matters not your ethnicity. It matters not your race. It matters not your culture, age, any demographic,” Victoria Police deputy commissioner Bob Hill told reporters.

“We focus on the offending type, and we focus on preventing [certain] crimes from occurring in the first place, by a general deterrence approach.”

The expansion of search powers will apply across the CBD, Docklands, Southbank, the sporting and entertainment precinct and parts of East Melbourne and South Melbourne, until May 29, 2026.

During that time, police and protective service officers (PSOs) have the ability to randomly stop and search anyone, including by using an electronic wand or a pat-down.

People may be asked to take off items of outer clothing such as headwear and jackets, and to remove items from bags or pockets. Vehicles can also be searched.

Police have said no racial profiling would occur - but civil liberties groups are incensed.

Visions of generations past exhibited in Melbourne

The European Union’s flagship cultural diplomacy exhibition Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life featuring photographs by Luigi Spina has opened to the public at CO.AS.IT in Melbourne.

The Museo Italiano will be showing the images until December 23, offering a glimpse into one of Europe’s most iconic archaeological sites in the city considered the most European in Australia.

This free exhibition by the European Union Delegation to Australia is part of the EU’s foreign policy initiatives and aims to highlight the importance of cultural diplomacy between the EU with its like-minded partners.

The exhibition explores how history has shaped European identity and culture, and shows the everyday lives of Pompeii’s people, from intricate mosaics and personal graffiti to household objects and grand public spaces.

The commonalities with a modern way of life are striking and Melbourne - with its vibrant multicultural community and deep European heritage - provides the perfect setting for this dialogue between Europe’s past and a shared future, says the EU.

Renowned Italian photographer Spina captured the images during the Covid-19 lockdown, when Pompeii was closed to visitors.

His 38 large-format images take audiences inside the homes, streets, and everyday spaces of the ancient city, capturing a moment of stillness that connects today’s audiences with lives lived two millennia ago.

“As the EU-Australia partnership goes from strength to strength, we take time to celebrate culture, history, heritage and our shared humanity," said EU Ambassador to Australia, Gabriele Visentin.

"Melbourne is so often considered the most European city in Australia, and its vibrancy reflects these same values - freedoms that should be celebrated and preserved through greater dialogue and cooperation.”

Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life - Photographs by Luigi Spina will be held at CO.AS.IT. Museo Italiano, 199 Faraday St, Carlton, until December 23. Admission is free. 

Patisserie re-launch offers a treat for the sweet toothed

It is goodbye to Cinnabun and hello to Simply Mike's.

An artisan Melbourne cinnamon scroll maker has conceded defeat in his battle with a large American chain and has re-branded.

Cinnabon, which has nearly 2000 stores globally including 26 in Australia, threatened legal action against Franch-trained pattissiere Mike Ying if he did not change the name of his business.

To mark the name change, Albion-based Simply Mike's has launched a collab with Baileys in launching Baileys Cinnamon Scroll, a festive dish that promises "the warmth of cinnamon meeting the smooth richness of Baileys Irish Cream".

“The cease-and-desist notice didn’t break us: it only brought us closer to the people who love what we do,” says Mike Ying.

"We received hundreds of name suggestions from our community, and Simply Mike's felt right. It’s personal, it’s proud, and it reflects the craft behind every scroll. This new chapter is about celebrating creativity, flavour, and the scrolls that started it all.”

 
The re-launch will see free scrolls given away for the rest of the week.

“We were looking for someone who could capture the essence of Baileys in a way that felt local, playful, and full of character,” says Nishant Samuel, Head of Whisky and Liqueurs at Diageo Australia.

“When we heard Mike’s story, we knew we’d found the perfect partner.”

Baileys and Simply Mike's will be giving away free Baileys Cinnamon Scrolls until November 19 - while scrolls last.

Locals can visit the Albion location of Simply Mike's where there will be giveaways daily from 7am weekdays and 8am weekends.

Sweet tooths will be able to get one free scroll each during this period and the scrolls are not suitable for persons under 18 years.

Can’t make it? The new Baileys Cinnamon Scroll Liqueur is available to buy from various retailers now,: for those aged 18+.

See https://www.simplymikes.com.au/

New Melbourne hotel promises "best of both worlds"

If you want to stay close to Melbourne CBD - but not in the centre - then a new hotel opening might be of interest. 

Radisson Hotel Group has just debuted the Park Inn by Radisson Melbourne Carlton.

The city-fringe hotel sits adjacent to next Princes Park, opposite the Carlton AFL Club’s grounds, and is only 4 kilometers from Melbourne’s CBD.

The hotel features 89 rooms with views of Princes Park and the hotel’s outdoor pool. 

The interiors reflect Park Inn by Radisson's upbeat design ethos, creating a space where guests can relax and recharge. Families and small groups can enjoy the convenience of connecting rooms to stay together.

The new hotel is minutes from Lygon Street, Melbourne’s original Little Italy, with its many cafes, trattorias, pizza joints and gelato bars. 

Melbourne Zoo is a short 10-minute walk, with leading medical institutions, including the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, are within one kilometre.

The location is connected to tram routes, the University of Melbourne and city attractions. 

“We’re proud to introduce Park Inn by Radisson to Australia from a spot that feels authentically Melbourne," says GM Kathy Zha. 

"Our guests get the best of both worlds, the city’s energy within minutes and the calm of Princes Park right outside. 

"Whether here for meetings, medical visits, game day, or a weekend on Lygon Street, we’ll keep things easy, comfortable, and uplifting for guests.”

The outdoor swimming pool is now available and a new wellness hub is in development featuring an infrared and steam sauna, as well as a cold plunge experience.

The hotel runs up to 80% solar-powered energy, uses high-efficiency showerheads and taps. It features drought-tolerant native landscaping that needs minimal irrigation.

A multilingual team, speaking more than 10 languages, caters for international visitors. 

Breezy Marnong Estate offers more than just fine wine

Marnong Estate is a name that should be on the radar of wine lovers. And food lovers. And folk who enjoy a day or two away in the vineyards.

Owner Dino Strano is not a man to do things by halves. 

The builder and developer has already invested heavily - and has big plans in the pipeline for his property at Sunbury, just a hop, skip and jump from Melbourne Airport.

Following on from highly credentialed consultants, talented Alex Beckett leads the winemaking team and Shannon Fullerton is chief viticulturist.

“When Dino embarked on this project, he knew it would be ambitious," Beckett (below) says. "He has always taken the approach of seeking out talented and knowledgeable individuals to ensure that everything is done in the right way.”

There is upmarket villa accommodation - with an 80-room international standard hotel in the planning stage - along with two impressive on-site eateries: Cucina 3064 and the hatted La Vètta. 

Both are Italian accented, appropriate given the Strano family originally came from Sicily.

It is no wonder Marnong has quickly become popular with Melburnian wine and food lovers, as well as proving a busy wedding and function venue. There is bright, breezy and fun ambience here. 

Younger family members are nor forgotten. They can enjoy the gardens and the on-site petting zoo.

One of Marnong's major drawcards is its location. It is situated just 35 minutes north of Melbourne CBD in the heart of the Sunbury wine region. It is just 18km from Tullamarine Airport, and offers views that stretch to the Macedon Ranges.

The 480-hectare estate is also a working farm with Angus and Highland cattle grazing contentedly.

There is an original 19th century homestead along with the cellar door, eateries and function spaces.

Marnong now has close to 32 hectares of vines planted to varieties ranging from cool-climate specialities in chardonnay and pinot noir, to pinot grigio, montepulciano, fiano and sangiovese. The first plantings were in 2016.

On a recent hosted visit I was very impressed not only by the wines made by ex-Briar Ridge winemaker Beckett, but also the food and tourism offerings.

The architecturally designed lodgings offer comfort and tranquillity with studios starting from $279 per night and one-bedroom suites from $324.

Beckett was lured from the Hunter Valley by a $22 million state-of-the-art winery facility that is hugely impressive.

Good news for wine lovers: bottle prices start at a very reasonable $25 for the estate range and $35 for single vineyard wines. More expensive offerings are on the way.

Images: Winsor Dobbin/supplied

# The writer was hosted by Marnong Estate

See www.marnongestate.com.au

The Mulberry Group hopes Melbourne hotel collaboration will bear fruit

Melbourne's much-awaited Hannah St Hotel will feature five food and beverage outlets created and run by The Mulberry Group when it opens this summer.

The culinary offers will range from morning coffee and pastry to late-night cocktails and snacks.

Mulberry Group founder Nathan Toleman has operated venues like Top Paddock, The Kettle Black, and Higher Ground while it now operates Hazel, Dessous, Lilac Wine, Moll, and Heide Kitchen.

“From a young age, I’ve been obsessed with hotels – the excitement of checking in, exploring every corner, and discovering the magic of each space," Toleman said. "Some of my best memories are tied to hotels: Ett Hem in Stockholm, Chiltern Firehouse in London, and Chateau Marmont in LA.

"For me, a hotel represents an escape from the outside world – a place where every detail tells a story.”

The lobby bar has been reimagined at Hannah St by Nathan Toleman, Time & Place creative director Edward Pearse and Hannah St Hotel general manager Peter Minatsis (below)

“With Hannah St, we wanted to capture that same sense of wonder and excitement, but with a Melbourne heartbeat," Toleman said.

"A place that feels alive, authentic, and inclusive - not just for travellers, but for locals too.”

The 188-room Hannah St Hotel is the latest project from celebrated interior architect David Flack and his award-winning Melbourne-based team at Flack Studio.

“Hannah St Hotel offers more than just a place to stay - it’s an experience that will deliver the best of Melbourne’s cultural identity in one exciting destination,” GM Minatsis said.

“From our locally inspired interiors by Flack Studio to the curated art, food, and design collaborations, every detail is curated to reflect the city’s creative spirit."

The Mulberry Group will operate five distinct venues: Hannah St Coffee, Coupette Corner Bistro & Bar, Terrace Lounge on the rooftop, Bar Hannah in the lobby and The Carriage Lounge.

Developed by Time & Place, in partnership with construction specialists Hickory, MaxCap Group, and TFE Hotels, the hotel forms part of the Queensbridge precinct - a new mixed-use development designed to breathe new life into Southbank.

Visit hannahsthotel.com for more info.

New Melbourne hotel promises a different experience

Melbourne's busy Southbank precinct is to welcome a new hotel arrival this summer with the opening of Hannah St. Hotel - a boutique offering from Collection by TFE Hotels. 

The $150 million new-build hotel is part of the landmark Queensbridge precinct - a new mixed-use development near to the Melbourne Arts Precinct. 

Designed by Melbourne’s Flack Studio, the 188-room hotel aims to fuse art, architecture and music influences "where grit meets glamour, and old meets new".

“This site is incredible, and Hannah St. will deliver an elevated and memorable hotel experience not only through the materiality and aesthetics of the design, but with the F&B and intuitive service on offer,” said interior architect David Flack of the facade, which has drawn comparisons to New York’s iconic Flatiron Building.

“We wanted to create a building that feels like it’s always been here. Something that’s part grand hotel, part underground bar, part cultural clubhouse - with spaces that feel layered and nostalgic, but completely of now.”

Guests can expect custom furniture, expressive colours and collectable art. 

Anchoring Hannah St. Hotel and the Queensbridge precinct will be The Clubhouse - floors dedicated "to lifestyle, movement, and connection" for house guests only.

Think a striking black and white 25-metre lap pool, steam room and sauna, a gym, wellness spaces, along with co-working studios, meeting rooms, and breakaway lounges. 

Evenings shift the energy: from rooftop cocktails on the sun-drenched (a bit optimistic, this is Melbourne) garden terrace to dinners in a private izakaya-style dining room. 

The hotel will offer two conference rooms, an indoor rooftop event space on the 10th floor with sweeping city views, and a collection of adaptable meeting areas. 

Visit hannahsthotel.com for more information.

Melbourne pub to unveil a $7.5 million revamp

One of Melbourne's favourite traditional pubs will unveil a new look in August after a $7.4 million facelift.

The Palace Hotel, a landmark in Camberwell in the inner east of the city, will have a revamped ground floor, while upstairs the restoration of the building’s original balcony will offer a relaxed new space.

A new menu from executive chef Tony Moss, will have a focus on sharing and snack-led social food for upstairs, including hand-stretched Roman-style pizza.

Downstairs will offer classic modern counter meals.

Venue manager Neil O’Connor says: "The Palace Hotel has always held a special place in Camberwell, and this renovation ensures it continues to be a cherished gathering spot for generations to come.

"We've created a unique offering that caters to every mood and occasion, from a casual weeknight to a sophisticated evening out, all built around a serious dedication to quality F&B.

The Palace has been a cornerstone of the local community for over 130 years. The renewal project, led by Cayas + Ward and built by Five One Group, celebrates the building's authentic character while introducing modern amenities and distinct experiences across its two levels.

ALH Hotels managing director Paul Carew says: "We're taking our redevelopments seriously to ensure every ALH venue, like The Palace Hotel, sets a new standard for customer satisfaction.

"We believe in honouring the rich history of these iconic venues while innovating, to deliver truly outstanding food and beverage experiences."

For more info see www.palacecamberwell.com.au.

Fancy a mental challenge? Meet Melbourne's new drawcard

Looking for something different to do in Melbourne this winter?

Prison Island just might fit the bill.

Promoted as being "packed with adrenaline, teamwork, and challenges", Prison Island is a new interactive adventure that can be enjoyed by friends, families, or corporate teams.

Opening on Friday, June 5, the new attraction will be located at District Docklands, bringing a completely new leisure concept to Melburnians.

Brought to life by immersive entertainment specialists Make It Now, and co-produced with leading global live entertainment platform Fever, Prison Island features more than 30 unique "cells" - each offering a combination of action games, sports, and skills-based tests.

Forget typical escape rooms, Prison Island is a fast-paced, team adventure where strategy and skills must be combined.

With 34 unique challenge cells to choose from, every room is a new mission, and every win gets you one step closer to the top of the leaderboard.

Teams of two to five players have 90 minutes to conquer as many challenges as possible - ranging from logical thinking and dexterity to physical tasks.

Each cell is individually designed to keep players constantly engaged, allowing friends, families and colleagues to reveal their competitive sides.

Originating in Scandinavia, the concept of Prison Island has proved popular in numerous European cities.

“Our mission is to bring people together through play and create an unforgettable experience. The various cells provide a dynamic and versatile experience that combines action, logic, and teamwork,” said Mikael Bouteillon, founder of Prison Island.

Tickets are available at https://feverup.com/

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.

New day trip offers overseas visitors a slice of rural Australia

International visitors to Melbourne are about to be offered a day tour to the Murray River and a river trip on a traditional paddle steamer. 

Day tours from Melbourne take overseas tourists to Phillip Island, Puffing Billy, the Great Ocean Road, Ballarat and the Yarra Valley - but this will be the first to offer a typical Murray experience. 

Melbourne-based tour company Local Way Tours, established in 2022, is to launch a day tour from Melbourne to Echuca, where guests will enjoy a one-hour cruise on Murray River Paddlesteamers’ historic PS Canberra.

Starting from June 1 the full-day ‘Murray River Paddlesteamer and Wine Tour’ is designed primarily for international guests. 

Limited to just 15 guests per day, the small-group experience aims to offer an authentic taste of classic Australian countryside, blending river heritage, native wildlife, award-winning wine, and the Australian bush.

The 11-hour itinerary takes in Hanging Rock, the painted silos at Rochester, a cruise on Australia’s longest river, the Murray, native wildlife at the Kyabram Fauna Park and wine tasting at Mitchelton Wines on the way back to Melbourne.

The new trip will run every Wednesday to Sunday from Melbourne with a standard cost of $230 per person, or $190 for children. 

Until July 15, bookings will receive a 20% discount, with adult fares $184 and children $152. Quote ‘launch fare’ when booking direct with Local Way Tours on + 61 417 887 234. 

Local Way Tours managing director Ray Staindl said: “Day tours from Melbourne to other places like Phillip Island and Puffing Billy have become busy and everyone was offering the same thing so we decided to feature a destination no other day tour included and that was the beautiful Murray River. 

"Our new tour offers an immersive insight into the classic landscape of the Australian bush, with majestic river scenery, sweeping horizons, colourful history and our famous fauna and wines all featured in a stress-free, well-paced day and in small group comfort." 

Visit www.mrps.com.au

Hyde hotel brand makes its Australian debut

Does Australia need another new hotel brand? Probably not.

But we've got one anyway, with Ennismore launching its Hyde brand in Melbourne.

Hyde Melbourne Place is in the heart of Melbourne's CBD with the property formerly known as simply Melbourne Place marking the Hyde brand's debut in Australia.

Hyde has presence in locations including Miami, Dubai, London, and Johannesburg and is billed as offering "lifestyle hospitality".

Hyde Melbourne Place joins Ennismore's trio of flagship soon-to-be openings in Australia this year - Hyde Perth, Mondrian Gold Coast, and 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia.

“Melbourne's creative spirit, bold energy, and cultural richness make it the perfect setting for Hyde's Australian debut," said Jodi Brown, newly appointed general manager of Hyde Melbourne Place.

"With its bohemian aesthetic, playful spirit, and deep roots in music and design, Hyde Melbourne Place will offer guests more than just a stay: it will be a full sensory experience.

"We can't wait to reveal what's coming, including vibrant spaces, live music moments, and design that truly speaks to the heart of Melbourne's artistic community.”

Hyde Melbourne Place is at 130 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000. See https://all.accor.com/hotel/C4B0/index.en.shtml

Ennismore is a global collective founded in 2011 by entrepreneur Sharan Pasricha. 

Ennismore and Accor entered a joint venture in 2021.

Taste country wines in city style

Urban cellar doors are growing in popularity, bringing the tasting experience to time poor city dwellers.

Vinesmith, which operates Blue Pyrenees Estate and Glenlofty Estate, offers wines from both those labels at its Melbourne cellar door at 1 Flinders Lane.

Blue Pyrenees Estate, established in 1963, is renowned for its estate-grown wines, including the high-end Richardson Reserve and Estate Red.

Glenlofty Estate, meanwhile, is known for shiraz, roussanne/marsanne blends, and its cabernet sauvignon.

With these two estates in its stable, Vinesmith is now the largest wine producer in the Pyrenees. The wines are very well made.  

Glenlofty was purchased by the Richmond-Smith family in 2010 and took over Blue Pyrenees in 2019

Wine lovers can now experience both Glenlofty and Blue Pyrenees first-hand at Vinesmith City Cellar Door in Melbourne’s CBD. The facility was opened late last year and offerings here include wine bar and shop, bistro/restaurant.

A range of paid-for curated tastings is on offer.

Australia's popular wine and cheese party is back

One of Australia's most successful gourmet events, Mould x Pinot Palooza, is returning in 2025. 

The showcase of outstanding cheeses and stellar pinot noirs from across Australia and New Zealand, will return its food and wine tour to Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth in 2025. 

Bad news, however, for Sydney, Adelaide and Hobart, who miss out this time around. 

These will be the first Mould x Pinot Palooza events since the departure of event founder and guru Dan Sims, so the pressure will be on the Revel Global team to match the excellence of previous years. 

The dates will be May 23-25 at the John Reid Pavilion at the Showgrounds in Brisbane, July 4-5 in Melbourne at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton and August 9-10 at the Silver Jubilee Pavilion at the Claremont Showgrounds  in Perth.

Pre-sales open today for previous party goers with public tickets available from tomorrow. 

Organisers boast: "From the creamiest brie to the stinkiest blue, the prettiest Yarra Pinot and robust Central Otago - we’ve got you covered."

Tickets are $59 plus booking fee and include unlimited tastings at featured stalls, plus a complimentary cooler bag, wine glass and tote.

See https://pinotpalooza.com.au/

Delta adds new flights to/from Australia

Timing is everything - and I'm not sure Delta Air Lines got its timing right with the announcement of its new flights between Melbourne and Los Angeles.

The announcement came on the heels of a whole batch of nonsense from Donald Trump and wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

Delta Air Lines will launch nonstop Melbourne flights from LA on Airbus A350 jets starting early in January. By which times things may have returned to normal. Or not.

The flights add competition to current providers Qantas and United Airlines.

Delta initially launches Melbourne flights with a three times per week service.

The airline already flies to Sydney and seasonally to Brisbane.

“This is a win for the whole state – for tourism operators, businesses, hotels and restaurants, and for families and travellers,” Victoria state Tourism, Sport and Major Events minister Steve Dimopoulos said.

“These new Delta flights will bring thousands more tourists from North America to Victoria.

“These new flights will also make it more affordable for families who have America on their bucket list."

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said: "North America is an incredibly important inbound market for us, and we’re proud to be partnering with Visit Victoria to help restore capacity on the Los Angeles route.”

Delta’s flights from LAX will depart on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with the return journey from Melbourne every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

The new flights are set to add an extra 86,000 annual seats between Melbourne and the US.

The Sebel makes its debut in a prestige Melbourne suburb

Farewell to Hotel 115, hello to The Sebel Melbourne Kew.

Accor, the largest hotel operator in Australia, has expanded its premier apartment hotel brand, The Sebel, with the addition of The Sebel Melbourne Kew.

Previously operated as Hotel 115, the property has been rebadged as The Sebel, one of Australia’s most established and recognised apartment hotel brands, following a franchise agreement with Regional Accommodation Group (RA Group).

The Sebel Melbourne Kew is the ninth property for the brand in Victoria and the 35th in Australia and New Zealand.

The property, RA Group’s first city-based hotel, complements their portfolio of eight regional properties across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. As part of the transformation, RA Group is undertaking an extensive refurbishment of the lobby and reception, with plans for progressive upgrades to the accommodation in the future.

The Sebel Melbourne Kew offers 89 hotel rooms and 23 one- and two-bedroom apartments, making it ideal for long-stay guests, families, executive travellers and conference groups.

The property also features a function space capable of hosting up to 130 delegates for cocktail receptions or 80 guests for banquets.

Situated 6km east of Melbourne’s CBD, The Sebel Melbourne Kew enjoys excellent connectivity via the Eastern Freeway and has direct tram services at its doorstep.

Kew is regarded as one of Melbourne’s most prestigious suburbs.

Accor Pacific regional Chief Operating Officer, Adrian Williams, said he was delighted to be working with RA Group, and adding The Sebel Melbourne Kew to Accor’s extensive network of hotels across Melbourne.

“We are thrilled to welcome The Sebel Melbourne Kew to our extensive network of hotels in Melbourne’s city centre and suburbs," he said. "This addition perfectly complements our portfolio in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, providing an exceptional base for both corporate and leisure travellers.

“With Melbourne’s calendar of iconic events, including the Australian Open, Boxing Day Test, and Australian Grand Prix, Kew offers the perfect base with its convenient city connections, leafy charm, vibrant village atmosphere, and outstanding cafes, bars, and boutique shops."

RA Group Managing Director, Dominic Quilligan, said: “Branding the property as The Sebel was central to the deal. My team is excited to work with Accor to utilise their knowledge and experience of the inner-city Melbourne market, as well as to witness the expected significant uplift in the property’s performance through Accor’s established distribution channels and marketing machine.”

The Sebel Melbourne Kew marks Accor’s 42nd hotel in Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.

OPENING SPECIAL: Be one of the first to experience The Sebel Melbourne Kew and save 15%. Prices start from $152 per night. To book, visit ALL.com

Discover a wine show with a major point of difference

PULP is a wine show/tasting with a difference. 

The Yarra Valley-created event is billed as "The People's Wine Show", where wine lovers become wine judges. 

You can help choose 'Bougiest Bubbles' and 'Most Chillable Red'. 

So if that sounds like your bag put Saturday, February 15, at the Music Market, Collingwood Yards in Melbourne in your diary. 

The highlights will include "small-batch creations, unique blends, alternative tasting experiences, and bold collaborations that define the next generation of wine".

It might be an event that rewards popularity rather than traditional excellence. 

But that is a welcome change from the overloaded calendar of events where judges are supposed to choose the best of, say, 150 shirazes.

Participants at PULP get to sip, swirl, and savour dozens of wines created by the young and hip among Yarra Valley producers.

That might well mean a stinky, cloudy, "natural" offering is a winner in one of the six categories.

So be it. 

PULP tasters can sample dozens of wines, vote for their favourites, meet the makers, take home a wine cup and enjoy canapés while tasting.

Get Tickets Here

Individual tickets cost $59 with dual tickets $110 and tickets for a group of six $295. The evens runs from 3.30-6pm. 

PULP is organised by Wine Yarra Valley, the peak industry body representing the Yarra Valley Wine Growers Association. 

Emirates boosts direct Melbourne flight schedule

Emirates is introducing a third daily non-stop service between Dubai and Melbourne, starting from March 30.

The third service will be operated with a newly retro-fitted four-class Emirates Boeing 777-300ER.

It is equipped with both premium economy and new-generation business class seats.

The airline already operates two non-stop daily flights between Dubai and Melbourne using four-class Airbus A380s, as well as a daily flight that connects Dubai to Melbourne via Singapore with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

But the Emirates’ flights between Singapore and Melbourne will cease on March 30, news portal Travel Mole reports.

The aniline now plans to operate the third direct Dubai-Melbourne flight and a fourth Dubai-Singapore service with new flight numbers.

A third daily non-stop Melbourne flight means more convenient schedules and choice, with connectivity and travel options via Dubai to 27 European cities including London, Paris, and Frankfurt.

Emirates’ latest refurbished Boeing 777 includes eight first classs suites, 40 business class seats, 24 seats in premium economy, and 256 economy class seats.

The airline’s business class seat converts to a flat-bed.

Every business customer has aisle access with the four abreast layout. Customers will also be able to enjoy their own personal mini-bar, table for dining or working, and multiple charging outlets.

Cocktail in a can innovators shine on global stage

A small Melbourne business that dared to be different found its name up in lights in London this week.

Aussie-owned cocktail in a can company Curatif achieved a world-first three-peat as the best RTD producer at the seriously competitive International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC).

The award is even more noteworthy given Curatif was only founded five years ago.

I've tried the cocktails - and they are seriously good.

Matt Sanger (above), managing director and co-founder of Curatif ,was in London to receive the award.

“We were proud as punch with one producer trophy back in 2022, and absolutely stoked to go back-to-back in 2023, but this - to be the first producer in any category in 55 years to win three-in-a-row, is amazing," Sanger said.

"I’m so proud of our team and their relentless pursuit in cocktail making. I’m on top of the world and could not be happier for our team.”

The IWSC is regarded as the world’s leading competition across wine, spirits, and RTD.

It has been in existence since 1969 with judging conducted by a panel of global experts, including master distillers and sommeliers.

“Cocktails are fun," Sanger said. "They’re moments of frivolity and indulgence that tend to evolve and adapt. So as trends ebb and flow, we have the great indulgence of being able to ebb and flow with them. Making new drinks every other day - it’s a tough gig!”

The latest triumph has sparked plans for major expansion.

“It’s time for the rest of the world to enjoy Curatif’s world-class cocktails,” Sanger says. “We’re in discussions with distributors in Japan, Korea, and China at the moment and while we are in London we are meeting with a few very well-known retailers to see how we can elevate the next English
summer.

"A couple of Curatif tins on the Thames sounds like just the thing to me!”