You can now book for Australia's "next great walk"

 

Bookings are now open for the much-anticipated Ngaro Track, Queensland’s newest multi-day hiking experience on Whitsunday Island. 

World Expeditions is to deliver guided walks along the landmark 32-kilometre trail – the first of its kind in the region.

With first departures starting from May 2026, the World Expeditions Australian Walking Holidays division will provide a fully supported three-day/two-night walk complete with expert guides, all meals and purpose-built infrastructure including two campsites that showcase the natural beauty and cultural significance of the island. 

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Accessed by boat from Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour, the 32-kilometre Ngaro Track, which has been created by the Queensland Government, offers an opportunity to explore the biodiversity and Indigenous heritage of Whitsunday Island, the largest island in the Whitsunday Islands National Park and a key site within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Walkers will traverse rainforest, vine thickets, rocky headlands, and high lookouts like Whitsunday Craig. The Ngaro Track links iconic Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Walkers will enjoy multiple opportunities to take a dip in the ocean along the trail.

The project was developed in close partnership with the Ngaro People, traditional owners of Whitsunday Island. 

Interpretive totem posts carved from local hardwood feature art and stories contributed by Ngaro families, will offer walkers a chance to learn thee knowledge, values and ancestral ties that have been passed down through generations.

“At the heart of what we do is creating journeys that honour and protect the landscapes we explore,” said Michael Buggy, director of World Expeditions Travel Group (WETG) Australasian Operating Companies. 

“The Ngaro Track represents that mission. We’re privileged to work with the traditional owners of Whitsunday Island, the Ngaro People, to help shape this spectacular walk.”

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the multi-day Ngaro Track will open up one of Queensland’s outstanding destinations in a way that respects and protects Country.

“The Ngaro Track will soon become a must-do walking experience for the Whitsunday region, for people to embrace the stunning scenery, learn about cultural connections to the landscape, and leave only footprints behind,” Powell said.

“Showcasing the Whitsundays’ breath-taking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, it’s truly a perfect example of Queensland’s ecotourism potential - and it’s the tip of the iceberg for what’s to come."

The Ngaro Track has been enhanced with two purpose-built, elevated campsites - Bowarri yamba (Moon Camp) and Dhula yamba (Tree Camp) - developed to offer a low-impact, immersive walking experience. 

These facilities feature communal cooking areas and gathering spaces with sweeping views over secluded bays and beaches, marking a significant investment in sustainable visitor infrastructure.

Travellers joining the World Expeditions' guided Ngaro Track walk benefit from a fully supported experience: they walk with just a small pack and arrive to camps already set up with raised camp beds, comfortable tents, pillows and freshly cooked meals (dinner and breakfast), with a picnic lunch served whilst on the track. 

It is priced from A$2195 per person for three days/two nights including boat transfers. Bookings via worldexpeditions.com/ngw.

Independent walkers are also catered for on the newly constructed trail where they carry their own equipment, including tents, sleeping bags, food and cooking supplies. 

To preserve the remote and natural experience of the Ngaro Track, independent walker permits are limited to 15 walkers per section per day. Independent walker bookings for the 2026 season are available now from www.ngarotrack.com.au.

New Sunshine Coast hotel a shot in the arm for local tourism

 

The Sunshine Coast in Queensland is set to welcome its first international new-build hotel for four decades.

Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group with hotels, resorts and branded residences across 59 countries, this week advised that Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel is on track to open in April 2026,

Developed, owned and operated by KPAT Hotels under a franchise agreement with Minor Hotels, the 12-storey, 180-key property is promising to "set a new benchmark for premium coastal hospitality in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions".

"Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel represents a key milestone for Minor Hotels Australasia,” said Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels Australasia.

“The Avani brand’s modern, connected and design-led approach perfectly complements the Sunshine Coast’s laid-back yet sophisticated lifestyle. This project fills a long-standing gap in new hotel development for the region and positions Mooloolaba for its next phase of tourism growth.”

The hotel sits just 100 metres from Mooloolaba Beach - which is currently undergoing a major foreshore revitalisation with expanded parkland, enhanced access and new community spaces. 

Sunshine Coast Airport is only 15 minutes away, with key attractions such as Australia Zoo within a 30-minute drive.

The property features spacious rooms and one-bedroom suites ranging from 27 to 45 sqm, many of which offer interconnecting options, making them ideal for families and groups.

Each accommodation will feature contemporary design with coastal-inspired materials, offering 24-hour in-room dining and high-speed wifi connectivity.

Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel will feature three dining venues, including a signature restaurant and bar located on the 12th floor. 

The property will also feature a rooftop pool and bar, a lobby bar and a modern Australian restaurant that celebrates local produce and coastal flavours.

Wellness offerings will centre on AvaniSpa and AvaniFit. 

The launch of Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel is part of Minor Hotels’ global expansion strategy with the group aiming to exceed 850 properties by the end of 2027.

Meet the Queensland wine producer pushing the boundaries

Ray Costanzo is a winemaker who likes to push the boundaries. 

In addition to making the family's Golden Grove Estate Wines at Ballandean in southern Queensland, Costanzo and his wife Jen also craft some thoroughly modern wines in tiny quantities under their Storm King Wine Co. label. The brand is named after the area where they live.

Using fruit entirely from the Granite Belt, Storm King is making some of the best wines coming out of that state - using some non-mainstream grape varieties as well as extended contact with skins, natural ferments, hand plunging, basket pressing and minimal filtration.

All their previous vintages have sold out - a sign that the wines are hitting the mark with consumers. 

"This little brand is not about volume, or getting in people's faces," Costanzo says. "It is a project for my myself and my wife that that keeps us happy while also reflecting our sustainable lifestyle."

The new releases include the first vintage of gamay - the Beaujolais grape - from a minuscule first crop, along with a fun 2025 Vermentino, a 2024 Tempranillo and and a 2024 Mataro Graciano. 

There is also a rather more mainstream 2024 Shiraz/Malbec blend. 

The 2025 Gamay ($50) is a micro-production with fewer than 100 bottles for sale - so you might already be too late. Think partial whole-bunch, carbonic maceration, natural yeast, basket pressing and joyous youthful drinkability. 

"I'm very excited about the future of this variety down the road," Costanzo says.  

My favourite of the new releases was the super-gluggable 2024 Mataro Graciano ($45) with bright fruit, but impressive savoury notes. Very food friendly. 

The 2025 Vermentino ($40) is on the fun and funky side of the spectrum. Think natural ferment on skins, basket pressing, full malo, older oak and lees maturation. 

The Costanzos live off grid and make wines that are sustainable, made with minimal intervention but using their scientific backgrounds. 

The wines are bright and fun and offer good value. They might just change your mind if you have preconceived ideas about Queensland wines. 

See www.stormkingwine.com.au. But be quick - and get on the mailing list for future releases. 

  

      

Brisbane's Italian festival returns after eight years

One of Queensland’s best loved cultural festivals is making a comeback after an eight-year absence. 

Festitalia will return to Brisbane this Father’s Day, Sunday, September 7, transforming the RNA Showgrounds into an Italian-flavoured playground. 

“With a brand new home at the RNA Showgrounds, Festitalia is back with all the things we’ve missed: dancing the tarantella, pizza acrobatics, Nonna’s Kitchen stalls, opera singers, traditional folk bands, and so much more," says spokesman and former politician Santo Santoro. 

 "Festitalia is more than a festival - it’s a love letter to Italian culture. It’s a day that captures the sights, sounds, and soul of Italy – right here in Brisbane.”

This year’s program features entertainment ranging from opera to folk music; traditional dancers, theatre and acrobatics.

And, of course there is the food. Think wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, espresso bars, fine Italian wines, gelato carts, and food stalls dishing up regional specialties. 

Attendees can explore a petting zoo or vintage Italian car displays. 

Santoro said the Italian community has been a vital thread in the social, cultural and economic fabric of Queensland.

“From the post-war migration boom of the 1950s and ‘60s to today’s proud Italo-Australian families, Italian Queenslanders have made enormous contributions to agriculture, construction, cuisine, small business, and the arts," he said. 

"Towns like Stanthorpe, Ingham, and Brisbane’s inner north echo with Italian heritage - in the vineyards, the delis, the churches, and the kitchens. 

"But beyond the visible, it’s the values – family, community, hard work, and allegria – that continue to shape the state. Events like Festitalia don’t just celebrate Italy; they celebrate the strength, legacy and ongoing influence of one of Queensland’s most passionate and tight-knit cultural communities.”

Tickets are on sale now at www.festitalia.com.au

Image: Valeria and Aliandra Calabrese ready to celebrate on September 7. Supplied.  

From Queensland with a New York accent: a dinner truffle experience

Truffles are the stars of a new winter menu at W Brisbane’s signature restaurant The Lex.

The eatery is known for fusing Queensland produce with New York City influences, but the fungi are being sourced from the other side of the country in Western Australia.

Lex is showcasing a dedicated truffle inclusion, putting the spotlight on one of the season’s superstars: French Perigord truffles, with freshly shaved truffle added to their à la carte choices for $15 a gram.

Sourced from Oak Valley Farm in Western Australia, the truffles also star on a four-course Truffle Tasting menu, with menu highlights including a Moreton Bay Bug roll paired with smoky truffle aioli, and Tater Tots with crème fraîche and black truffle.

A winter hero dish, the slow-cooked and smoked Warilba lamb rump is served with parsnip, green carrot oil and shaved truffle. Guests can also opt to upgrade to the MB6+ Wagyu NY strip steak, topped with freshly shaved truffle and finished with a garlic jus.



Rounding out the truffle-laced experience are sides like roasted potatoes with rosemary garlic oil and truffle, Truffle Mac & Cheese with lobster, and creamed spinach with Gruyere cheese and Warrigal greens.

The winter dining experience at The Lex also features interactive elements that add a theatrical element to the menu - this is Brisbane, after all.

Guests can indulge in a caviar bump to start, preview a dry-aged tomahawk steak tableside, or end the evening with the cheese trolley.

The hotel says 85%+ ingredients are sourced locally from Queensland suppliers.

The Lex four-course Truffle Tasting menu is available until July 31 for for $145 per person with wine pairing options also available.

The Lex is open for dinner Monday-Saturday nights. Sounds right up my alley next time I am in Brisbane. 

You can book here.

New Brisbane venue with a view goes for gold

There's a new hot spot for dining with a view in Brisbane.

The Summit Restaurant has just opened at Mt Coot-tha and boasts spectacular vistas.

The new venue is a multi-million-dollar revitalisation of the heritage-listed site overlooking the 2032 Olympic Games city.

Think a dining room in the heritage building, a brewpub-style public bar, and a veranda with those panoramic views across Brisbane and out to Moreton Bay.

The food will be modern Australian using Queensland ingredients, including Elliott Heads spanner crab, Daintree barramundi and Longreach organic lamb - alongside ingredients grown on-site.

Queensland hospitality heavyweight Kym Machin, renowned for his time at acclaimed Brisbane institution Urbane, is the driving forced in the kitchen.

 


“With this menu, we wanted to tell a story of place, showcasing the best of Queensland while exploring our diverse climates, regions and native ingredients,” Machin said.

“When you’re standing at The Summit, you can see for miles - from the city to the bay and out to the hinterland - and we wanted the menu to reflect that sense of scale and beauty.

“In a destination as iconic as this, it’s essential that we celebrate and represent the growers, producers and communities who make Queensland so special. It’s not just about great food; it’s about creating a genuine connection to this land and the people who shape it.”

Menu highlights include Goldband snapper with wild garlic and native ginger; roast duck smoked over paperbark; as well as almond-fed pork with pickled apples, and pumpkin agnolotti with candied shoots.

There will be two tasting menus ($79 and $99), while the Bar Share menu highlights dishes like goat cheese puffs, lamb tacos and beef and beetroot tartare.

Mantle Group founder Godfrey Mantle said the opening of The Summit represents a major milestone for the group.

“The Summit is one of the most unique dining sites in the country; beautiful by day
and absolutely spectacular at night,” Mantle said.

The opening of The Summit Restaurant marks the first step in Mantle Group’s broader vision for the Mt Coot-tha summit, which includes concepts for a two-level Pavilion venue, a boutique gin distillery and a cultural tourism experience that will honour the mountain’s rich history and significance.

The Summit Restaurant is open seven days from 11am. See summitbrisbane.com.au

Get ready for a new luxury hotel on Australia's Gold Coast

The Mondrian hotel brand will make its debut in Australia when Mondrian Gold Coast opens this June overlooking Burleigh Beach, an iconic surf destination.

The Mondrian promises to offer expansive rooms -twice the size of the average hotel room in Australia - along with 132 studios, 76 suites, private beach houses, and the exclusive Sky House.

The hotel's dining precinct will showcase an all-day Italian restaurant, a lobby bar, seafood restaurant, and pool club.

The 208 hotel rooms will each have views of the Pacific Ocean, Burleigh headland, or the hinterland.

The one- and two-bedroom suites will feature full kitchens, open-plan living and dining areas, laundry, and bedrooms with en suites.

Each beach house features a plunge pool and terrace with beach access from the esplanade, along with a full kitchen, living area, dining for up to 12 people, and laundry amenities.

The 24th floor hosts the Sky House, featuring three king-sized bedrooms with en suites, entertainment spaces, a private chef's kitchen, a mixologist-ready bar, an ocean-facing terrace, and views stretching from South Stradbroke Island to Burleigh Headland.

Level 2 at Mondrian Gold Coast is dedicated to wellness and fitness. CIEL Spa will feature a full program of research-driven bio-wellness treatments (ouch!) alongside restorative therapies and other treatments too frightening sounding to mention.

Guests can also recharge in the third-floor 25-metre resort-style pool and plunge pools infused with magnesium -a mineral known for its revitalising properties.

Bookings are now open with rates starting from $749 in a studio king. Which sounds a little hefty to me. Deals will doubtless become available.

# The Mondrian website boasts "Mondrian Hotels can be found in the heart of the most exciting cultural scenes in the world". That might be a first for the Goldie.

For more info see mondrianhotels.com/gold-coast

Quick change in Brisbane as the Hilton becomes an InterContinental

There will be a rapid turnaround in Brisbane as the Olympic city bids farewell to Hilton and hello to InterContinental.

IHG Hotels & Resorts and ISPT ahave announced the upcoming opening of InterContinental Brisbane.

The InterContinental Brisbane will open in late June following the signing of a long-term management agreement with ISPT, a leading property funds manager and developer of the150 Elizabeth Street precinct where the hotel is located.

The property is currently being converted from the former Hilton Brisbane.

Located in Brisbane's CBD on Elizabeth Street, it is the only hotel in Australia designed by the renowned architect Harry Seidler.

InterContinental Brisbane will undergo a two-year transformation.

Once complete, it will feature 321 guest rooms, many with views across the Brisbane skyline. The hotel will also boast four restaurants and bars and feature conference and events facilities.

Cameron Burke, director of fevelopment, Australasia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “We knew it would take a special property to bring our iconic InterContinental brand to life in Brisbane and are incredibly proud to partner with ISPT in support of the rejuvenation of this incredible asset and we look forward to creating an indelible beacon of hospitality for Brisbane.

“The Brisbane hotel market, and south-east Queensland region, is entering a golden era fuelled by transformative infrastructure projects, a booming tourism sector and the countdown to the 2032 Olympics.

"With record investment and a surge in both corporate and leisure demand, the region is fast becoming Australia's most dynamic hospitality hotspot.”

InterContinental Brisbane will open as the third InterContinental property in Queensland, joining InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef and InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort.

IHG currently operates 21 hotels within its luxury & lifestyle segment, with five properties in the pipeline, spanning its InterContinental, Kimpton, Vignette Collection and Hotel Indigo brands.

History in the bacon: Cassar-Daley to star at food festival

 

You can enjoy both bacon and fine music at the Kingaroy BaconFest this spring.

Australian country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley will be the headline act in the Queensland regional town on August 15-16.

The multi-award-winning singer-songwriter said he was excited to be returning to the South Burnett for an event that is all about one of his favourite foods to eat.

“I’ve heard great things about Kingaroy BaconFest and I’m looking forward to meeting the community and enjoying some local bacon,” he said.

The annual BaconFest began in 2018 and brings thousands of people to the region, which is the heart of Queensland’s biggest pork-producing region.

Newly appointed Chief Baconeer, Rob Fitz-Herbert, said to create the best possible venue for Troy’s performance, the festival would be moving from its traditional home in the town centre to Kingaroy’s Memorial Park.

“It’s an exciting transition for our festival," he said. "Our committee of volunteers and existing sponsors are buzzing with ideas about the potential this new site has to offer.

“Australian bacon will of course remain centre stage and will be featured, in its many and varied forms, by the food stalls and vendors that line our “Bacon Street” food precinct.”

Breakfast, celebrity chef demonstrations, a bacon eating competition, youth precinct and an official round of the Australian Barbecue Alliance Championship Series will star.

Cassar-Daley will take to the stage on the Saturday night.

For updates on when tickets go on sale, visit www.kingaroybaconfest.com.au.

The sun is back shining on the Sunshine Coast

Things are back to normal.

That is the message from the Sunshine Coast tourism industry in Queensland, which says it is ready to welcome holidaymakers with accommodation, attractions, and tours open and back to business as usual. 

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said his thoughts go to those who have been impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and offered thanks to the emergency services personnel who worked around the clock to keep the region and its visitors safe.

He said Sunshine Coast Airport was fully operational along with the public transport network, hotels, attractions, tours and restaurants. Some facilities, however, may remain disrupted due to a handful of roads remaining closed. Beaches suffered less damage than those on the Gold Coast. 

“We have a lot of ground to make up though - I haven't seen hotels this empty since the pandemic," Stoeckel said.

“But the good news is that our events are in full swing with everyone is looking forward to the Noosa Festival of Surfing this weekend that will show that our world-class beaches like Mooloolaba and Noosa are in great shape and ready to be enjoyed.” 

Stoeckel said the Sunshine Coast was getting back to business as usual. 

“To help the tourism industry, VSC has launched a new Real Time Social Media Campaign to show holidaymakers what the Sunshine Coast really looks like, right now, through photos and videos.

“The Real Time content will be shared using the hashtag #SunshineCoastForReal across VSC's official Instagram and Facebook pages and focus on showcase that our tourism industry is back open for business.  

“The best way to get people travelling again is by showing people exactly what the Sunshine Coast looks like right now.

“Some tourism businesses have not had any customers for a week, and it's so important that we get the tourism industry flowing again.”

The perfect side trip from the Gold Coast beaches

 

Summer visitors to the beaches of Queensland's Gold Coast are being urged to take a side trip to the vineyards of the nearby Granite Belt.

Local tourism operators say the Granite Belt Wine Country's combination of cool summer nights, farm-fresh produce and natural beauty offer a contrast to the glitter strip. 

Nestled on the Great Dividing Range, the Granite Belt is emerging as a summer escape for foodies, wine lovers, and nature enthusiasts. 

Under a three-hour drive from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or Byron Bay, the region offers an alternative to the summer heat of the coast.

"Granite Belt Wine Country isn’t just about incredible wine - though we have that in abundance," said Chris Nolan, president of Granite Belt Wine & Tourism. 

"It’s about the cool, fresh nights you won’t find anywhere else in Queensland, paired with seasonal produce, iconic national parks, and cosy accommodation that feels like a home away from home."



The average nightly January temperature drops on average to 4-5 degrees cooler than Brisbane and the Gold Coast. 

For nature enthusiasts, the Granite Belt boasts Girraween National Park, known for its dramatic granite outcrops, wildflowers, and wildlife.

“Summer has been amazing on the Granite Belt, we’ve had an incredible influx of tourists to the region all loving the cooler days and nights, low humidity, as well as seeing the vineyards blooming with life,” said Adam Penberthy, owner of the Ballandean Pub and Dear Vincent Wines.

“The pub has been bustling with out-of-towners coming in for a meal after a day exploring or swimming in our epic water holes, cooling off with a cold beer.

“At the cellar door, we’ve been amazed at how busy the summer season has been. Guests have loved our summer release wines Sunshine and our Pink Fizz Pet Nat, perfect for a long lunch under the shade of the 100-year-old olive tree.”

For more info about planning a Granite Belt getaway visit the Granite Belt Country website here.

Images: Georgie Lillis

Queensland's highest-profile wine producer for sale

The highest-profile wine producer in Queensland has just hit the market - and will cost you a cool $8 million.

Family-owned and -operated Ballandean Estate was a wine pioneer in the Granite Belt region, and its success has been driven by Angelo and Mary Puglisi.

Brisbane-based Baton Advisory is the selling agent.

It describes Ballandean as "the opportunity to own a flourishing vineyard winery nestled in the scenic landscapes of the Granite Belt.

"Situated in one of Australia’s booming wine regions, this well-established business is perfectly positioned to reap the benefits of the area’s burgeoning tourism industry, which attracts over 400,000 annual visitors.

"With major investments pouring into the local area from both government bodies and high-net-worth individuals, the region is poised for unprecedented growth, making this an ideal time to invest in this thriving business."

The news was broken by Wine Business Magazine.

Established in 1932, Ballandean Estate produces around 10,000 cases annually and has around 35 hectares of vineyards.   

  

New boutique resort for the Scenic Rim

 

A new boutique escape will open in the Gold Coast hinterland in early December.

Tamborine Mountain, in the Scenic Rim region, just an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, is set to welcome a revamped boutique hotel called The Tamborine.

The Tamborine is styled as a 1980s Hacienda-style motel, with views from each of the 23 rooms, all boasting private balconies or terraces and luxe king beds. 

Guests will be bale to unwind poolside - the resort will have a heated mineral pool and spa - while ordering drinks and bar snacks. 

There will be complimentary continental breakfasts and Peacock O’clock (hosted aperitifs) in the  lounge and bar area.

From the team behind Cassis Red Hill on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, The Tamborine is taking bookings now.

“Whether it be immersing oneself in nature, enjoying a tipple at one of the many and emerging micro-breweries and distilleries, or exploring the artisan wares the mountain is famous for, The Tamborine will be the perfect escape for our guests," says co-owner Nina Aberdeen. 

"We want guests leaving feeling enriched and connected, and eager to return."

Co owner Gina McNamara adds: "Every detail has been crafted to ensure that when guests arrive, they feel a deep sense of relaxation and belonging. We can’t wait to see them experience the stunning views, unwind by the pool, and explore everything the Scenic Rim has to offer." 

Local tourism authorities are delighted by the re-birth of what was formerly known as the Mount Tamborine Motel. 

“With its stunning, unique offerings as not only a midweek getaway or weekend destination but also a highly sought-after wedding destination, Tamborine Mountain attracts over 5,000 visitors per week seeking relaxation and adventure," says Christelle Moller, executive officer of Destination Scenic Rim. 

"The booming wedding industry injects over $20 million into the local economy every year and as this sector, and the tourism industry continues to grow, demand for accommodation has continued to grow. 

“The Tamborine, as a beautifully. re-designed boutique accommodation offering of 23 rooms and its thoughtfully curated experiences, provides a unique experience to enhance visitors stays, complimenting the established boutique getaway cluster on the mountain.” 

The Tamborine is at 99 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain. See www.thetamborine.com.au

New five-star Noosa resort gets the go ahead

The team behind Brisbane's award-winning The Calile Hotel has been given the go ahead for another property - this time at Noosa on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland.

The Calile Noosa, a proposed five-star development, has been given final approval by Noosa Shire Council with work expected to begin on the 2.4-hectare site at Serenity Close, Noosa Heads, in early 2025.

Tourism Noosa CEO Sharon Raguse applauded the announcement, highlighting the significance of the development for Noosa's tourism industry.

“We are thrilled to see the approval of The Calile Noosa, as the importance of new and enhanced products, particularly accommodation, in our region is recognised and welcomed by us," she said.

"This is especially significant as it marks the first five-star hotel development in over three decades.
.
“The demand for high-quality hotel offerings to attract high-yielding visitors is critical, and The Calile brand is set to become a key driver in bringing both international and interstate visitors to Noosa."

The Calile Noosa, designed by renowned architects Richards & Spence, will feature 153 rooms, 29 suites, and four villas.

The resort will offer guests spacious luxury, with facilities including a 50-metre main swimming pool, a second quiet pool set in a private garden, and a wellness centre. The project is also targeting carbon-neutral operations.

“We are especially excited that The Calile Noosa is being delivered by the Queensland-based Malouf Family, who have a strong passion for placemaking and a deep appreciation for the unique qualities of Noosa," Raguse added.

"Their understanding of what makes this region special shines through in their commitment to creating a development that not only enhances Noosa's offering but also aligns with its values of sustainability and community."

Andaz hotel brand to debut in Australia

 

It has taken 17 years, but the Hyatt group has unveiled plans for its for first Andaz hotel in Australia.

The Andaz brand (meaning personal style in Hindi/Urdu) was launched in 2007 and Andaz Gold Coast will open in 2025 as part of The Star Gold Coast integrated resort.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has entered into agreements with a Destination Gold Coast Consortium for an Andaz resort.

Destination Gold Coast Consortium is a joint venture between parent company,The Star Entertainment Group, and its two partners, Far East Consortium and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises.

The Star Gold Coast is slated to open in mid-2025, marking the debut of the Andaz brand in Australia and the Pacific region.

“We are thrilled to announce plans to bring the Andaz brand to Australia's premier resort destination in collaboration with The Star Gold Coast,” said David Udell, group president, Asia Pacific, for Hyatt.

“Hyatt has had a brand presence in Australia for over 40 years, and we are excited to expand our luxury, lifestyle and leisure offerings into sought-after destinations like the Gold Coast. This resort will complement our current portfolio of 10 hotels under five distinct brands in Australia, including Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Centric and Hyatt Place.”

I'm sure I am not alone in being unable to differentiate between those brands.

“We are delighted to welcome Andaz Gold Coast to our world-class tourism and entertainment precinct," said The Star Gold Coast general manager hotels Steven McPharlin.

"As part of The Star Gold Coast's AU$2 billion (approximately US$1.33 billion) masterplan, we are proud to continue our investment in this dynamic city while also providing new employment opportunities alongside vibrant hospitality experiences.”

With close to 30 global properties, including in gateway cities such as Tokyo, Singapore, New York and London, and resort destinations like Bali and Maui, the Andaz brand "celebrates and empowers self-expression through imaginative travel".

That's marketing speak. I have no idea what is actually means.

But "the ethos of sophisticated whimsy encourages guests to connect with their innermost curiosities and awaken to new experiences with a local twist". OK.

The Star Gold Coast is set on Broadbeach Island.

Occupying floors six to 21 of the 65-story second tower, the Andaz hotel will have 202 guest rooms and suites, a fitness centre and three food and beverage outlets.

“The Gold Coast is a world-renowned region, and it is energizing for the tourism industry to be welcoming a new international hotel brand to the region,” said Patricia O'Callaghan, Tourism and Events Queensland chief executive officer.

“More than four million Australians visited the Gold Coast last year and we are steadily working our way to recover international arrivals to one of Australia's best known and well-loved destinations.”

To learn more about Andaz hotels see www.andaz.com.

Sunshine Coast comes alive in October

The Sunshine Coast is a delightful region north of Brisbane that has become quite a gourmet hotspot.

From coastal stays to hidden gems in the hinterland, the Sunshine Coast offers a wide range of accommodation options.

The showcasing of local products includes the annual Sunshine Coast Pop & Pour Festival, which will take guests on a journey to 10 of the region’s craft breweries and distilleries.

Another upcoming event will showcase the coast’s biggest "Big Thing" when The Big Pineapple Festival returns after a three-year hiatus in October.

Heavy metal bands The Amity Affliction, superstar Tones and I, and hip-hop trio Bliss n Eso are the big names heading this year’s Big Pineapple Music Festival.

The festival, returns on October 19, and is being billed as “an unforgettable day of live music, delicious food and vibrant experiences”.

A week later, on October 26, The Sunshine Coast Pop & Pour Festival is a one-day brewery and distillery adventure. Pop & Pour’s hop-on-hop-off buses will take you on a journey through the Sunshine Coast’s vibrant beverage scene.

Where to stay? Here are a couple of recommendations from local Peter Hook, a global PR master.

Glen Eden Beach Resort is located in one of the Sunshine Coast’s most in-demand villages, Peregian Beach. Located just 10-minutes’ from Noosa with direct beach access, the resort is under new management and is getting a fresh new look - with refurbished public spaces and furnishings.

In Mooloolaba, Mirra Chana’s beach-level three-bedroom apartments have undergone renovations with contemporary furnishings, deluxe bathrooms and fully-equipped full-size kitchens. Mirra Chana is billed as "the perfect beachside getaway" with direct access to Mooloolaba Beach and only a short walk from The Wharf Mooloolaba.

Richard Branson’s Sunshine Coast home, Makepeace Island (above), has re-opened to the public following extensive refurbishment including new bathrooms and furniture, a new tennis court and barge. This heart-shaped private island resort caters for groups up to 22 guests, with three two-bedroom villas and four private rooms with en suites in the Bali House.

Ramada Marcoola Beach, meanwhile, is undergoing a $2 million “Hamptons-style” refurbishment of 24 of its holiday apartments and hotel rooms.

Despite being built in 1916, Elsie’s Cottage opened for guest stays for the first time last month. This hinterland retreat is named after the youngest granddaughter of Joseph and Alice Dixon, pioneers of the Sunshine Coast in the 1800s. The cottage has been restored by Joseph and Alice’s great-great-grandson Matthew Clarke and his wife, Sarah. It sleeps four and has en-suite bedrooms along with panoramic views over the Blackall Range to the coast.

Built in 1895, Montville Estate offers a large original homestead as well as a private self-contained luxury cottage on a sprawling country property.

And if your fancy a splurge, Oceanview Helicopters is set to launch a new "Picnic on a Peak" experience that will provide an aerial tourism and local food experience. Guests will traverse some of the Coast’s 100 kilometres of beaches before heading into the hinterland to collect produce from local suppliers before flying to a hidden gem perched on top of the Blackall Range for a gourmet picnic with sweeping views. Sounds fun. 

Food festival aims to bring home the bacon

There is nothing like a good pun - and the folks behind Kingaroy's much-loved BaconFest are full of 'em.

Apparently it is when Kingaroy gets "piggy with it" for "another crackling instalment" of food fun.

Here's their news: "Bacon lovers are already sizzling with excitement with the news that the Kingaroy BaconFest is back on the local food festival menu for another year".

Set tantalise the taste buds of festival goers from August 16-18, the two-day festival will see celebrity chefs Alastair McLeod and Justine Schofield "bringing home the bacon" alongside Sunshine Coast foodie favourite Matt Golinski and long-time BaconFest ambassadors Dan and Steph Mulheron.

The program is, I am assured, brimming with mouth-watering swine-inspired food and drink, the annual bacon-eating competition, a smoke-off contest, and the Rasher’s Run through the South Burnett Rail Trail.

Early bird entry tickets for the festival are being released on June 12 with 30% discount on offer until June 30.

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

Holiday Inn goes big on the Sunshine Coast

The booming Sunshine Coast region of Queensland is to get a new high-rise international brand hotel.

IHG Hotels & Resorts today announced the signing of a Holiday Inn & Suites property, partnering with Felix Capital to open Holiday Inn & Suites Caloundra Sunshine Coast in early 2028.

Overlooking the beach, the new hotel will form part of a mixed-use development in the heart of the Sunshine Coast.

The 160-room hotel will include 33 suites and feature Holiday Inn brand hallmarks including an open lobby, all-day dining restaurant and lobby café, meeting spaces, a fitness centre, outdoor pool and Kids Club.

The hotel's signature will be a rooftop restaurant and sky bar.

Caloundra is a 90-minute drive from Brisbane, and just 35 minutes from Maroochydore Airport.

A light rail with connectivity from Brisbane Airport was recently announced by Queensland State Government, to be completed in advance of the 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane.

Cameron Burke, Director of Development, Australasia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “We're delighted to be bringing our Holiday Inn & Suites brand to the Sunshine Coast and thrilled to be partnering with Felix Capital on this exciting hotel in Caloundra."

Where have all the flowers gone? To Toowoomba every one

It is one of Australia's longest-lived festivals, and the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers will this year celebrate its 75th anniversary.

In the event's first year, in 1949, a bullock team led a street procession that stretched three miles in length through Toowoomba, an idea that used the “Garden City” reputation to generate economic prosperity following the hardships of war.

Fast forward to 2024 and the 75th anniversary event features close to 80 events over four petal-filled weekends from September 13 to October 7, with the theme It’s A Party.

Highlights this year include the full Queensland Symphony Orchestra performing under the baton of chief conductor Umberto Clerici, a 75th Memorabilia Exhibition, new dining experiences and the return of several former carnival queens.

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald said the entire region was excited about the 75th anniversary of the event.

“What a year for Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers and what a year for everyone who has ever taken part, walked in the parade, wandered the gardens, danced at the festival, and worked as a volunteer or team member,” he said. “It’s your time to party!

“We know what Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers means to the region - recent statistics from Tourism and Events Queensland unveiled a fresh milestone for last year’s event with a record-breaking attendance figure of 417,517 - an impressive 14% surge compared to the 2022 results and the first time we have topped the 400,000 mark.

"Importantly, this also means direct and incremental spending across the region reached a total of $24.54 million, another record for the event."

See tcof.com.au

Cobb & Co Festival turns the clock back 100 years

This August will mark 100 years since the last horse-drawn Cobb & Co mail coach kicked up dust on the dirt tracks of outback Queensland.

To celebrate the centenary milestone a special 10-day Cobb & Co Festival is planned.

The Cobb & Co Festival will run from Friday, August 16, through to Sunday, August 25, in the Maranoa region, 500km west of Brisbane. 

The all-ages family friendly festival will culminate on August 24-25 with a re-creation of the last Cobb & Co mail run in Australia on the 76-kilometre Cobb & Co Way, an historic route that runs between the towns of Surat (population 402) and Yuleba (population 271), both of which are now mere dots on the map.

The festival aims to pay homage to the legacy of Australia's last horse-drawn mail service.

Mail will be collected from the Surat Post Office by a replica coach from the Surat Cobb & Co Changing Station Museum that will be pulled by three different teams of five specially trained horses that will be rotated every 10km throughout the two day trip. 

The replica coach will follow a cavalcade of more than 300 people on horseback, in buggies and on wagon and bullocks to the Yuleba Post Office.

“Back in the day the Cobb & Co coach drivers had to battle bushrangers and extreme conditions in isolated regions to provide the all-important mail delivery service throughout the outback," said festival organiser Paul Masson.

"Our re-creation is going to be much easier and more celebratory - but will be a definite nod to the essential and often dangerous service Cobb & Co drivers provided 100+ years ago.

"Our participants will make the trip across two days - camping in the bush on the journey, just as the travellers did all those decades ago. 

"It’s going to be a once in a lifetime ride-along experience for keen horse riders, and for festival goers to witness the spectacle.” 

The festival will kick off with the Cobb & Co Long Table Dinner under the stars with events including bullock wagons, a horse art exhibition, markets, coach rides, bush poetry, clay shooting, the Cobb & Co Festival Ball, period dress-up and live entertainment and an open-air concert taking place over the following 10 days.

The festival is a mix of free experiences and ticketed activities. The full program will be released shortly. 

A special song written and performed by Golden Guitar-winning country music singer Josh Arnold for the Cobb & Co Centenary Celebrations titled Cobb & Co Country (see music clip here Cobb & Co Country) has already been released and has hit #1 on the Australian Country Radio charts.

For more info see www.cobbandcofestival.com.au, where tickets are now on sale. .