Coonawarra vignerons hit the road again

One of Australia's most popular and longest-running wine events hits the road again. For the 23rd time.

The 2026 Coonawarra Wine Tasting Roadshow will bring the flavours and stories of Coonawarra to wine lovers across the country, from a spring Sydney Harbour wine cruise and an inner-city tasting with panoramic Melbourne skyline views, to a relaxed beachfront afternoon on the Sunshine Coast.

Backed by a close-knit community of passionate producers - from multi-generational family wineries to innovative new players - the Roadshow continues to champion the depth, diversity, and distinction of medium-bodied Coonawarra wines.

Emma Raidis from Raidis Estate (above) says the Roadshow is one of the highlights of the year for Coonawarra producers.

"We love the Coonawarra Roadshow because it's about so much more than pouring wine," she says.

"It's about meeting people face-to-face, sharing a laugh, telling our family's story and showing why we're so passionate about Coonawarra.

"Seeing the enthusiasm people have for our region reminds us why we do what we do, and we always leave with new friendships and great memories."

Tickets include event entry, souvenir Riedel wne glass, three hours of unlimited wine tastings, complimentary food offerings and the opportunity to meet the makers  

You'll find all the details here: https://coonawarra.org/coonawarra-wine-tasting-roadshow-2026/

Share some Sydney stories over a beer or two

 

One of Sydney's oldest and most storied pubs, Customs House Bar, is inviting both locals and visitors to raise a glass to history with the launch of Taps & Tales: Stories Brewed Since 1846, an immersive beer tasting experience celebrating nearly 180 years of hospitality at Macquarie Place.

Running every Wednesday (11.15am) and Saturday (2.15pm), Taps & Tales is a guided 30-minute tasting and storytelling experience, open to Marriott Bonvoy members, with guests able to join for free to participate.

Set in the heart of Circular Quay, close to the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the venue has welcomed guests since 1846. 

Originally the Customs House Hotel before evolving into what is now known as Customs House Bar, one of the city's most iconic hospitality destinations, Taps & Tales brings this history to life through a curated blend of beer tasting and storytelling.

Taps & Tales is promoted as offering guests a journey from the heritage of Macquarie Place, home to relics from the First Fleet and Sydney's first street lamp. 

From sailors and customs officers to city workers and legendary figures such as Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, whose aviation ambitions are "rumoured" to have been planned over a pint within these very walls, every sip comes with a story.

The experience also explores the venue's preserved heritage features, including its heritage‑listed marble bar and striking Victorian Italianate façade, while enjoying a guided tasting of the signature CHB Lager, crafted to reflect the bar's history and character.

“Taps & Tales was created to offer something truly distinctive - an experience where guests don't just enjoy great beer but connect with the stories that have shaped this venue for generations,” said Roman Kristek, director of food and beverage at Sydney Harbour Marriott.

“It's a celebration of Sydney's heritage in a way that feels authentic, engaging and distinctly local."

Bookings are available at customshousebar.com.au

How about a winter wellness package by the sea?

There is a new winter wellness package on offer at one of Sydney's hippest hotels. 

The packages are available exclusively at InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach from July 10-September 30, subject to availability. 

These deals combine luxury suite accommodation, Club InterContinental access and a  thermal experience at Èliva Spa, just steps from Coogee Beach.

Guests are promised "sweeping ocean views and the chance to spot migrating whales along the coastline before retreating to Èliva Spa to enjoy the facilities".

They can immerse themselves in magnesium mineral pools, infrared and salt saunas, cold plunge baths and a crystal steam room. 

From $700 per night, the package includes: overnight suite accommodation, Club InterContinental access for up to two guests, one 60-minute thermal facilities experience at Èliva Spa per guest, per stay, along with complimentary valet parking. 

For more info click HERE. 

Guillaume is back in Sydney - for four days only

Calling lovers of classic French cooking.

Star chef Guillaume Brahimi will bring his much-loved elevated bistro classics back to Sydney for four nights only this August, taking over Double Bay’s Baker Bleu from August 6-9.

For the first time in six years, Sydney diners will have the chance to revisit the dishes associated with the larger-than life chef’s cooking, from onion soup and cheese soufflé to roast chicken with tarragon jus, steak au poivre, profiteroles and lemon tart. 

Bookings open Thursday July 2, with reservations set to be available by phone only. How very old fashioned. 

“The dishes on this menu are my most highly requested bistro dishes, and are ones I love to cook,” Brahimi says. 

“I have missed cooking them for Sydney. Six years is a long time. To bring them back, in a room this intimate and with a team this passionate about what they do, is something I have been looking forward to."

The takeover will see Baker Bleu transform from neighbourhood bakery by day to intimate bistro by night.

Across the four-night residency, Brahimi will be in the kitchen, serving a four-course menu of elevated bistro classics. The press release says th menu “will bring together the signatures, favourites and generous French cooking that have defined his restaurants for more than two decades”.

Many of the dishes are featured in his recent book Plat du Tour, released in April this year. The experience will be strictly limited, with just nine tables available per service for seven sittings.

The four-course menu ($190pp) will include bread, a snack, entrée, main, dessert, petit fours and sides. 

Entrée choices include onion soup and cheese soufflé, while mains include roast chicken with tarragon jus and steak au poivre. Sides will include Paris mash, frites and green salad, with desserts including profiteroles, passion fruit soufflé and lemon tart. A tight wine list will reflect Guillaume’s personal favourites, available by the glass or bottle. 

The former Guillaume at Bennelong chef patron is currently operating his flagship Bistro Guillaume in Melbourne while continuing his role as a culinary ambassador for Crown Sydney. He concluded a 14-year run at Bistro Guillaume Perth in April.

Co-founder of Baker Bleu, Mike Russell, said: “Baker Bleu is a neighbourhood spot at heart, and there’s something special about opening it up at night and watching it transform into this intimate French style bistro experience. Guillaume has been a long-time champion of our bread, and we are so thrilled to host him. I’m looking forward to seeing the community come together around the table to enjoy our bread with some beautiful French food.”

Call 0458 400 327 from Thursday to book.

Bronte gets a new dining experience

Restaurateur Alex Cameron is helping transform Sydney beach suburb Bronte into a new gourmet hotspot. 

Fishnets, the second Bronte venue from Cameron’s Overwhelming Hospitality group, opens this week, building on the success of European-inspired Table Manners. 

“Fishnets is grounded in Japanese technique, but designed to be shared and enjoyed in a relaxed neighbourhood setting,” Cameron says. 

“It sits between the precision of fine dining Japanese restaurants and the ease of a local haunt. 

"I’m proud to be bringing another venue to Bronte and the surrounding area, and to show a different side of what we can do. There’s a growing community of venues here, and we’re hoping people start to see Bronte as a destination for dining.”

The menu is craftedby former Sokyo omakase chef Sanghyeop Kim in collaboration with group executive chef Luke Churchill, and centres on "a refined but approachable take on Japanese dining" with a strong sushi offering. 

Think a seasonal sashimi platter dressed four ways; a nigiri selection; and larger plates like Murray cod with turnip and roast chicken dashi, and a 500g tuna katsu with cabbage and Japanese demi-glace, or maybe pippies with yuzu kosho beurre blanc. 

“At Fishnets, we’re taking the precision of omakase and translating it into something more relaxed and shareable," says chef Kim. 

"It’s still about quality and technique, but in a way that feels approachable. I’m particularly excited for people to try our nigiri menu; this is where top-tier produce really comes to the forefront. 

"It’s about the balance of the rice, the temperature, and the quality of the fish. It looks simple, but it relies on precision.”

The drinks program at Fishnets has been designed to complement the menu’s precision and approachability, with a strong Japanese influence throughout. 

Fishnets will be open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday, with lunch over the weekend. Bookings are available via fish-nets.com.au.

Saint Peter marks birthday milestone with a new book

On September 1, Sydney dining icon Saint Peter celebrates its 10th birthday with a new book from chef patron Josh Niland.

Niland and wife Julie opened Saint Peter in 2016 on Oxford St in Paddington.

The restaurant has moved to new digs in the same suburbs, and gained international acclaim along the way. Our dinner there last year was a masterclass in hospitality.

"A lot has happened in the 10 years since," Niland says. "We have met some incredible people, cooked for you - our wonderful guests - and had the pleasure to work alongside and employ some very talented professionals."

The new Niland book is called Saint Peter: Chapter and Verse.

It comprises three essays sitting alongside just over 100 dishes, photographed by David Loftus, published by Hardie Grant Books.

"The essays are about how the restaurant came to be, the business learnings along the way and the incredible highs and lows of the last decade," Niland says. "The recipes are the ones the restaurant has been built on for 10 years and include all the favourites. Documenting, cooking and shooting them all was truly a labour of love."

Pre-orders are now available at good book shops.

"Pre-orders are an important signal to the big bookstores of demand so this is, of course, very helpful ahead of the release," Niland says.

"As a thank you for pre-ordering, Julie has been working on a very special prize draw for Australian pre-orders, plus a gift for everyone who pre-orders worldwide. Keep your email receipt and we will send the full details [to mailing list members] in the coming weeks, including how to enter the draw and how to receive your thank you gift."

Hardie Grant Publishing says: "The book moves between story and craft – tracing the evolution of the restaurant, articulating Niland’s revolutionary whole fish approach, and offering a rare, deeply considered look at the mechanics of service.

"Recipes are presented as ‘verses’, interwoven through the narrative, spanning everything from foundational preparations to the dishes that have defined Saint Peter’s menus, including its most iconic and unexpected creations."

You can have a look at the book here: https://www.saintpeter.com.au/saintpeterbook

Saint Peter Chapter & Verse: The making of Sydney’s legendary seafood restaurant – in over 100 recipes. By Josh Niland. Published September 1 by Hardie Grant Books. $80/$90 NZD.

Franchising pays dividends for global hotel giant Accor

Hotel giant Accor has surpassed 150 franchise hotels across Australia and New Zealand, underlining its position as the largest and fastest-growing hotel franchise network in the Pacific region.

The milestone coincided with the annual Accor Pacific Franchise Conference taking place in Sydney, bringing together more than 270 franchise partners, hotel owners, industry leaders and Accor executives.

Over the past decade, Accor's Pacific franchise network has experienced significant expansion, particularly across regional and suburban markets, supported by growing owner appetite for globally recognised brands, strong distribution capability, loyalty-driven demand and operational efficiencies delivered through scale, the hotel group said in a media release.

Chief Franchise Officer for Premium, Midscale, and Economy, Leire Leoz, said the Pacific region has emerged as a strong growth market for franchising.

“Franchising is playing an increasingly important role in Accor's global growth strategy, and the Pacific region is a strong example of that momentum in action," she said.

"We continue to see strong interest from hotel owners seeking flexible operating models that allow them to retain the individuality of their assets while benefiting from the strength, scale and support of a global hospitality leader.”

Accor's franchise-forward strategy is a key driver of the group's long-term asset-light growth model, supporting expansion and strengthening owner partnerships across the Pacific.

Accor Chief Operating Officer in the Pacific region, Adrian Williams, said strong owner partnerships continue to underpin the growth of the franchise network.

“Our franchise network today represents a highly collaborative, performance-driven ecosystem built around owner success," he said.

"We continue to see strong demand from hotel owners who want access to Accor's powerful loyalty, sales and distribution platforms, while retaining the flexibility to run their hotels in a way that reflects their local character and identity. Importantly, many of our existing franchise partners continue to grow with us, with around half now owning multiple hotels within the network.

“At the same time, managed hotels remain strategically important to our long-term growth strategy across the Pacific. Our focus is on providing owners with the solutions that best suit their asset, market and long-term objectives.”

The Group will soon introduce its greet brand to the Pacific for the first time - another hotel brand in an already busy portfolio.

Accor currently operates more than 420 hotels across the Pacific region under brands including Sofitel, MGallery, Pullman, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Novotel, Mercure, TRIBE, and ibis.

Image: The Sebel Yarrawonga Silverwoods. Supplied.

Marriott hotel brand to return to Sydney

Marriott International has signed an agreement with Deicorp to open a new Sydney hotel next year. 

Courtyard by Marriott Sydney Crows Nest is expected to open in late 2027. 

The new-build hotel will form a central part of Falcon & Alexander, Deicorp’s $640 million mixed-use development in the heart of Crows Nest, just north of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

It will be operated by independent hotel manager Trilogy Hotels for Marriott, the media release says. 

Courtyard by Marriott Sydney Crows Nest will occupy the first three levels of the development and is set to feature 100 guest rooms. 

Hotel facilities are expected to include a contemporary restaurant and bar, meeting space, and fitness facilities.

The signing marks Courtyard by Marriott’s return to Sydney, joining existing properties in Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Darwin.

“Sydney remains one of our most important markets in Australia, and the return of the Courtyard by Marriott brand to the city is a significant milestone," says Tristan Cooper, Marriott International’s director of hotel development for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

"We believe the hotel will generate strong demand and contribute to precinct activation through its contemporary guest offering, and we look forward to seeing the entire precinct come to life.”

Earlier this year, Deicorp announced a separate collaboration with Trilogy Hotels and Marriott to deliver Sydney’s first AC by Marriott, as part of the Hyde Metropolitan development on Liverpool Street. 

Sydney goes French for four days and nights in July

Sydney's four-day Bastille celebration of all things French returns in July. 

Now in its 14th year, the Bastille Festival returns to Circular Quay and The Rocks from July 16-19. 

Free to attend and open to all, the festival will offers four days of gourmet food, French wine, live Gallic music and cultural performances in the heart of the city.

The expanded 2026 edition will feature 130+ exhibitors, 80+ dishes, 110+ free performances, and a new French-inspired flea market at Gateway Plaza. 

For the first time, the festival will extends beyond Circular Quay through a collaboration with the City of Sydney's busking program. 

“Every year, our aim is to share a slice of France right in the heart of Sydney,” says Vincent Hernandez, founder and festival director. 

“This edition promises to be our most ambitious so far, larger, more daring and more immersive, inviting visitors on a true ‘Tour de France’ of flavours, culture and experiences.

“Our goal is to make every dish feel like a journey, whether it’s a traditional specialty or something completely new inspired by French cuisine.” 

There will be close to 20 bars across Circular Quay and The Rocks. 

The program features cabaret and roaming mimes to a selection of incontournables, bringing Parisian energy to the harbour city. 

“At its core, Bastille Festival is about connection, to food, to culture, and to each other,” says Hernandez. “It’s about creating joyful, unexpected moments that bring people together.” 

See https://bastillefestival.com.au/sydney/

A chance to explore some of NSW's top drops

Calling all Sydney wine lovers. 

The Winter Cellar Door will be returning to Carriageworks in Eveleigh this winter. 

After the success of last year's NSW Wine X Carriageworks festivities, the event will return to the Blacksmiths Workshop at Carriageworks on July 5. 

Organisers promise a relaxed afternoon of wine and food under one roof and the chance "to meet the passionate people behind the labels". 

There will be over 20 wine producers from across New South Wales pouring a range of wines from "familiar favourites to exciting new releases and some undiscovered gems".

The full line-up of wineries will be announced later this month, but tickets are on sale now.

Potential imbibers can also pre-purchase tasting cups to enjoy fast-track entry on the day as well as going into a draw to wine a mixed dozen case of wine. 

The first 300 tickets purchased will also receive a free NSW Wine tote bag. 

The Sunday event will run from 11am-5pm. 

You can book here: https://events.humanitix.com/winter-cellar-door?c=nswwine

Final touches added to Coogee's hotel showpiece

An oceanfront pool deck, Club InterContinental with al fresco terrace and new wellness experiences have seen the completion of the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach.

The opening signalled the final pieces of the multi-million dollar project in Sydney's eastern suburbs with the Èliva Spa set to follow in early May.

At the centre of the experience is the hotel’s pool deck with coastal views.

The infinity-edge pool is heated year-round and surrounded by private cabanas, sun loungers and seating.

The adjoining poolside dining offering has been designed to mirror the ease of beachside living with a menu featuring classics as well as lighter dishes including new ‘Nourish Bowls’.

Club InterContinental at Coogee Beach, meanwhile, features comfortable lounges, low coffee tables and quieter nooks.

For more active guests, the addition of two pickleball courts is a one-of-a-kind Sydney hotel offering.

Èliva Spa will offer magnesium mineral pools, infrared and salt saunas, cold plunge baths and a crystal steam room alongside a dedicated recovery lounge featuring advanced wellness technologies such as "PEMF infra-red masks, LED facial masks, compression boots and vitamin C-infused showers for a refreshing finish".

Sounds scary!

“These new experiences reflect our vision to create a refined yet relaxed coastal retreat where guests can connect with Coogee’s natural beauty while enjoying a truly elevated stay," says hotel GM Melinda Lampier.

"From the year-round heated pool to the ocean-facing terrace, we have designed spaces that invite both locals and international visitors to linger, unwind and experience the rhythm of the coastline.”

InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, 242 Arden St, Coogee, NSW 2034

Click here for hotels and reservations and IHG One Rewards.

Enjoy an ANZAC Day beer or two for a good cause

Sydneysiders can enjoy a quiet - or not so quiet - beer or two on ANZAC Day and help raise money for a charity for the families of veterans at the same time.

A dozen Solotel pubs across the city will be offering 2UP and Karma Kegs will be pouring across all venues, with $1 from every pint or schooner donated to Legacy to support the families of Australian former military personnel.

ANZAC Day will see venues including The Clock, The Sackville and The Woodstock hosting 2UP from midday on April 25, with DJs and afterparties keeping the energy going into the evening.

Among the Solotel venues marking the day are The Clock in Surry Hills (top image), which will be taking over Collins Street to host the biggest 2UP ring in Surry Hills, as well as serving drinks from its street bar and firing up the barbecue.

Out west, the Albion Hotel in Parramatta promises the biggest outdoor 2UP arena in the area along with live entertainment and all-day barbecue and an after party.

In Rozelle, in the inner west, The Sackville's car park will see 2UP action kick off at midday, with an ANZAC Day menu, bars, live music and DJs.

Other Solotel spots to spend ANZAC Day around the city include: Bridgeview Hotel, Darlo Bar, Kings Cross Hotel, The Marly and The Regent.

See the full list of venues at https://solotel.com.au/  

A new take on a classic gin - with an artistic touch

Hendrick's Gin is one of the highest-profile spirits brands globally - and now it has a sibling.

Another Hendrick's' Gin, offering a new take on the ultra premium brand, is the first permanent addition to the range for a decade.

“Another Hendrick’s was created to explore contrasts - bright citrus and floral notes balanced with the depth of cacao," says Hendrick’s head of marketing Jonathan Sully.

Launched in 1999, with its distinctive dark apothecary bottle, Hendrick's Gin was a prime driver of the premium gin renaissance of the early 2000s.

Packaged in a striking white bottle, the new expression "is the complete opposite of what we’ve been doing for the past 25 years,’ said master distiller Lesley Gracie. 

"After experimenting with different elements from the Hendrick’s Gin Palace’s tropical greenhouse, I discovered this brilliant profile featuring a depth of flavour, hint of sweetness and lift of freshness that is completely distinctive.’

In Australia, the launch will be celebrated by a Hendrick's collab with artist Rone: Hendrick’s Gin Presents: Another TIME by Rone, billed as "an immersive exhibition where art and curious flavours collide, creating a layered, sensory experience like no other".

The free, two-day-only exhibition will be held on May 8-9 at Sydney gallery COMA.

“I’ve always been drawn to contrast - the push and pull between opposing elements and the emotion that sits in between - and Another Hendrick’s captures that same duality." says Rone in masterful marketing speak.

Guests who have tickets to the free, limited-run exhibition will also enjoy a complimentary Another Hendrick’s Spritz - a blend of Another Hendrick’s with peach liqueur, prosecco, and soda water, finished with signature cucumber slices and an orange twist.

Sign up to pre-registration for priority access to tickets before tickets go on sale to the public on April 23 here. Or visit www.hendricksgin.com.

Batik Air adds flights to Shanghai and Sydney

Batik Air has this week announced introduction of new direct services to two of its key global markets:  China and Australia. 

The introduction of a Kuala Lumpur-Shanghai service, commencing on June 23, marks a milestone in Batik Air’s network expansion into China, complementing its existing services to Changsha, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Kunming, Xiamen, and Zhengzhou. 

The route will be operated by Boeing 737 aircraft, further reinforcing connectivity between Kuala Lumpur and one of the Asia-Pacific region’s key economic and tourism centres.

Batik Air will introduce of a direct Kuala Lumpur–Sydney service commencing July 1, operated by Airbus A330 aircraft. 

The Malaysian carrier currently serves Australia through Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney via Denpasar, alongside 14 weekly direct Kuala Lumpur–Perth flights. 

The new non-stop Sydney service will operate seven times weekly. 

Batik Air Chief Executive Officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said the introduction of both routes reflects the airline’s continued commitment to building a resilient, demand-driven network while maintaining a measured outlook amid an evolving global environment.

“Batik Air continues to align its network with sustained market demand, and the addition of Shanghai and Sydney strengthens two of our most important international corridors,” he said. 

“These routes support tourism and business travel while enhancing overall connectivity between Malaysia and key global markets.”

Singapore Airlines goes large on new Western Sydney International Airport

 

Singapore Airlines will launch daily non-stop flights between Singapore and the new Western Sydney International Airport from November 23.

The airline will operate its Airbus A350-900 medium-haul aircraft, which features 303 seats in two cabin classes: 40 in business class and 263 in economy class, subject to regulatory approval..

The inaugural flight, SQ201, is scheduled to depart Singapore at 11:30am on November 23 and arrive at 22:20pm. The return flight, SQ202, is scheduled to depart Western Sydney International Airport on the same day at 23:55pm and arrive in Singapore at 05:05am the next morning.

Combined with SIA’s four-times-daily services to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport, the airline will operate five daily flights to Sydney: Australia’s financial hub.

With the addition of Western Sydney International, SIA will serve eight destinations in Australia. Scoot, SIA’s low-cost subsidiary, serves three destinations in Australia.

“Singapore Airlines’ services to Australia’s newest gateway at Western Sydney will deliver more choice and strengthen connectivity to this popular destination for our customers," says Dai Haoyu, senior vice president for marketing and planning.

"Western Sydney’s late-night departure capacity will enable a seamless travel journey and connections through Singapore Changi Airport, to more than 130 global destinations served by the SIA Group.”

Simon Hickey, CEO of WSI, said: “Western Sydney International Airport is thrilled to be partnering with Singapore Airlines, bringing more of its Skytrax certified 5-Star service to the people of Greater Sydney.

"Our 24-hour capacity, coupled with Singapore Airlines’ extensive global connectivity, will open our city to the world in new and exciting ways. From Sydney to Singapore and beyond, we are pleased to help herald this new era of aviation that will ultimately give Australian travellers more choice and flexibility on when, where, and how they choose to fly.”

Tickets are on sale from today.

Cocktails on a budget; and giant steaks to share

Calling lovers of affordable cocktails, and big slabs of red meat.

At a time when budgets are stretched, Potts Point eatery Le Frérot has just launched two weekly offers for Sydney drinkers and diners.

From the team behind acclaimed Franca Brasserie and headed by group executive chef José Saulog, Le Frérot has launched these deals for early-in-the-week visitors.

M&M Mondays (Martinis & Margaritas)

Le Frérot is kicking off the week with M&M Mondays, offering $10 martinis and margaritas all night from 4pm. Sounds good - could get messy.

T Bone Tuesdays

Le Frérot is serving up a $99 1kg T-bone steak with bottomless fries every Tuesday. Designed to be shared between two with fries that keep coming.

Run by the team behind Franca Brasserie, Le Frérot is a seven-day, all-day offering.

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

Saint Peter to mark 10 years of innovation

The best meal I had in 2025 was undoubtedly dinner at Saint Peter in Sydney - in the restaurant's new home at the Grand National Hotel. 

Josh and Julie Niland are masters of the art of hospitality. 

The multiple courses of seafood were of exemplary quality - and the service was of a rare standard of excellence. 

Niland celebrates fish in all its glory - and makes even unfashionable cuts a treat. This is food that is innovative and inspired. 

It was fascinating to watch him conducting his kitchen brigade like a conductor leading an orchestra (above). 

Saint Peter will celebrate its 10th birthday in September and throughout 2026 the venue will hosti a series of collab dinners with chefs who have shaped how the Nilands think and work.

Chefs who will feature include Virgilio Martinez, Wylie Dufresne, Peter Doyle, Joan Roca, Pascal Barbot and Kylie Kwong & Steve Hodges.

The first dinner is with Rasmus Munk from Alchemist in Copenhagen, currently #5 on the World's 50 Best. Best be quick. 

In the meantime, Saint Peter will be offering seafood all over the Easter holiday this year - a serious treat from a restaurant rated in the world top 100. 

From Good Friday to Easter Sunday, Saint Peter will be open for both lunch and dinner over all three days. And for an extra experience you can stay the night in the recently opened hotel rooms.

For details see https://www.saintpeter.com.au/ 

Saint Peter & The Grand National Hotel are at 161 Underwood St, Paddington, NSW, 2021, Australia. (02) 9167 3703. hello@saintpeter.com.au

Direct flights to open from Sydney to French Polynesia

It is about to get a lot easier for Australians to fly to French Polynesia. 

Air Tahiti Nui this week announced an expansion of its international network with the launch of a new direct route between Papeete and Sydney. 

The new service is part of the airline’s strategy to strengthen long-term connectivity between French Polynesia and the major regional hubs of the South Pacific. Air Tahiti Nui previously used to serve Sydney until 2009.

The route is scheduled to launch on Monday, December 14. Air Tahiti Nui will operate two flights per week, providing travellers with a direct, regular and nonstop option between Tahiti and Australia. 

The new connection will significantly reduce travel time and simplify journeys between the two regions, travel news hub Travel Mole reports. 

French-accented Tahiti and its Islands have a growing appeal for Australian travellers with 8,165 Australian visitors in 2025. 

“We are very pleased to announce this new direct route between Papeete and Sydney," Lionel Guérin, CEO of Air Tahiti Nui, said. 

"With two direct flights per week and thanks to the code-share agreement with Qantas, this service will provide Australian travellers with greater comfort and more frequency options, especially when combined with our twice-weekly service to Auckland in New Zealand.”

Ticket sales are expected to open later this month. 

Bloodsuckers poised to descend on Sydney

It's about to get bloody in Sydney.

Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires, an award-winning exhibition, will open at the Australian Museum in time for the autumn school holidays with the curtain dropping on Thursday, April 2.

The immersive exhibition features more than 100 objects, specimens, large-scale models, digital interactives and installations, combining science, pop culture and curiosity.

The exhibition was developed by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada.

Kim McKay, director and CEO of the Australian Museum, said the exhibition would bring visitors face to face with some of nature’s most sophisticated micro-predators, but with a new appreciation.

“Some of nature's most extraordinary survivors often give people the creeps, but this new exhibition, Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires, showcases just how astonishing these species are," she said.

"They have mastered the art of survival in ways that are impressive, demonstrating the power of evolution in action, playing critical roles in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

“By bringing this exhibition to Sydney, we're inviting people to look beyond the misconceptions and engage with the science that shapes our world. Inspiring curiosity and deepening visitors’ understanding of biodiversity is at the heart of the Australian Museum’s mission.”

The exhibition features vampire bats, black flies, candiru catfish and medicinal leeches, while exploring bloodsuckers’ impact on literature, mythology and popular culture.

Check out australian.museum/exhibition/bloodsuckers/ General public tickets go on sale on March 18.

Qantas unveils new seasonal flights to Las Vegas

 

Qantas today announced it will be the first airline to operate a non-stop route between Australia and Las Vegas.

The new seasonal Sydney–Las Vegas service will run from December through to March 2027 and will save customers up to five hours in travel time by eliminating the need for connections through another US city.

Las Vegas becomes the 101st destination on the Qantas network and the airline’s eighth city across North and South America, joining Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, Dallas, New York, Vancouver and Santiago.

Available for booking from today, the service will operate during some of the city’s biggest global events and expos including the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world’s largest and most influential tech show, and as Vegas plays host to the National Rugby League’s (NRL) annual season kick off: Las Vegas Festival. 

For the past two years the airline has operated charter flights in partnership with NRL from Australia’s East Coast to Las Vegas to get Aussie fans to games. Flights took off this week and, for the third year, in a row are fully booked.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said strong customer demand for international travel is driving the airline's expansion of seasonal services to destinations like Las Vegas.

“Australians' appetite for international travel continues to be incredibly strong." Wallace asaid. 

"Rome and Sapporo have shown us there's real demand for seasonal services to destinations people want to visit at certain times of year, and we're continuing to expand those direct connections around the world.

"Our historic fleet renewal is giving us the flexibility to deploy aircraft where we see demand, opening up route possibilities that simply weren't there before."

Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, said Qantas’ new non-stop service was a testament to the strength of the Australian market for Las Vegas.

“Australia has consistently ranked as our second-largest overseas market and our top international market without a nonstop flight," Hill said. "More than 250,000 Australians visit each year, drawn by the breadth and depth of experiences Las Vegas offers. We are grateful to Qantas for their partnership and confidence in our city.” 

* Sydney (SYD) to Las Vegas (LAS) will operate as QF55, with the inaugural flight taking off on December 29, 2026 and initially operating until March 12, 2027.The new route will operate on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft three times per week on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Economy return fares start from $1,099.