A Tasmanian rural retreat just down the road from Hobart Airport

 

When you have to wait for a mother chicken and her fluffy chicks to get out of your way before you enter reception you know you are staying somewhere a little different. 

Iron Creek Bay Estate is a hotel, a dining establishment, a vineyard, a function centre, wedding venue and a farm stay all rolled into one. 

You'll find it overlooking the water just outside Sorrell. down the road from Hobart Airport on the route to Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula. 

Talented chef Jesse Allardyce has built up quite a following for his seasonal, produce-driven cooking at the on-site Orana restaurant (above), which is becoming a popular weekend destination for Hobartians. 

He showcases local produce including Boomer Bay oysters, Marion Bay Poultry and Tongola Goat Cheese, as well as using fruit and vegetables from the property's gardens and orchards. Think cherries, apricots, plums, figs, apples and pears.

I tried calamari in pork and kombu broth with lardo and sesame oil; kingfish with buttermilk, snow pea and dill (both delicious), and a pear and chocolate creation that was deliciously decadent.  

Pair your meal with a glass of wine made from riesling or pinot noir grapes grown on the estate - the wines are made by Jeremy Dineen from Haddow and Dineen, previously chief winemaker at Josef Chromy.    

Breakfast is pretty basic, and, I suspect, a work in progress.   

There are several accommodation options - from colourful pavilions to pods - offering free wifi, Smart TVs, Orana bathroom amenities, air conditioning and energy saving lighting. 

On-site facilities include a gym, laundry and lounge 

Kids, particularly urban kids, will enjoy getting up close to chickens, ducks, peacocks, ponies, alpacas, sheep, rabbits and horses. 

Buckets of pellets are available at the reception for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the Tasmanian rural experience and feed the critters. 

Wildlife also abounds with echidnas, wallabies, pademelons all residents of the estate. There are 5km of pathways suitable for a stroll, or a trail run. 

The original estate on the site dates back to 1834 and is now owned by the Tao family, who live on site. 

 

You are just 10 minutes from Hobart Airport and a short drive from the town of Sorell. The Tasman Peninsula, wineries including Bream Creek and Bangor and historic Port Arthur are close by. 

A great venue for anything from business meetings to a family getaway. 

Iron Creek Bay Estate, 394 Arthur Highway, Sorell 7172. (03) 6292 5030. www.ironcreekbay.com.au 

* The writer was hosted by Iron Creek Bay Estate    

 

Monkey business: Why you need to be wary of simians when travelling

Monkeys can be a menace. Cute but dangerous. 

I've seen an unsuspecting shopper robbed of their groceries by an agile simian in South Africa, and an idiot bitten by a monkey in Bali. 

The closer humans come to their natural habitat the bolder monkeys become. 

Now a leading travel insurance company has issued a waning for holidaymakers; use caution or you may end up with a massive medical bill. 

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has just completed its 2025 round-up of travel insurance claims and reported that the number of travel insurance claims resulting from monkey-related incidents has surged by 350% in the past two years. 

While 78% of these claims were medical claims relating to bites or scratches from monkeys there were also several cases of theft-by-monkey.

In one case a traveller reported a gang of monkeys breaking into their villa in Bali and stealing a mobile phone - that one sounds dubious to me as monkeys prefer food to digital devices.

Others have had sunglasses and prescription lenses snatched straight off their faces - monkeys love shiny things. In another case, a child visiting Ubud Monkey Forest was hit in the eye by a monkey and required two rabies shots and a course of antiviral medications to combat potential rabies exposure.

Jess Strange, Chief Customer Officer at SCTI says: “Many people don't realise how quickly costs can add up when you fall ill or get injured overseas. Insurance isn't just about covering bills - it's about making sure you get the right care and support when you need it most.

“In some situations, getting home safely isn't as simple as booking a standard flight. 

“Customers may need to travel with a medical team, which often means an air ambulance or chartered flight - costs that can quickly climb into six figures. Even something as simple as upgrading a stricken traveller to premium economy or business class can add thousands of dollars to the bill."

It is pretty simple really. If you can't afford to take out travel insurance don't travel. Or be prepared to launch one of those annoying Go Fund Me pages to cover your stupidity. 

SCTI provides International Comprehensive and International Medical Only travel insurance policies for those travelling overseas. A Working Overseas policy is also available. Visit the website for more information: www.scti.com.au

Asian airports start screening for new virus

Here we go again.

Airports across Asia are starting to screen passengers for yet another potentially fatal virus.

After Covid and Monkeypox meet Nipah virus.

Nipah virus is a bat-borne, zoonotic virus that causes Nipah virus infection in humans and other animals, a disease with a very high mortality rate.

Numerous disease outbreaks caused by Nipah virus have occurred in south-east Africa and south-east Asia.

Nipah virus belongs to the genus Henipavirus along with the Hendra virus, which has also caused disease outbreaks

Authorities in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia have stepped up airport screening in an effort to prevent the infection from spreading, news hub Travel Mole reports.

The virus, which is carried by fruit bats and ​animals such as pigs, can cause fever and brain inflammation and has a fatality rate of between 40% and 75%.

In Thailand, the Ministry of Public Health acknowledged heightened concern over Nipah virus and said passenger checks will take place at Thailand airports.

Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr Sophon Iamsirithaworn said Nipah is classified as a dangerous communicable disease.

Outbreaks have so far centred on Bangladesh and West Bengal in India.

“Although these areas are geographically distant from Thailand, close monitoring is necessary due to direct flights arriving at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket airports,” he said.

No confirmed infections have been detected yet.

Image: Edward Ortiz, Scop.io  

African wildlife experiences paired with top-notch wine and food

A lifetime ago I found myself on a slow train between Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) that stopped in bleak, dusty railway towns like Noupoort and De Aar in South Africa's Karoo desert.

The Karoo semi-desert can be unforgiving country, similar to the Australian outback, but it is also home to Samara Karoo Reserve (www.samara.co.za), one of South Africa’s most diverse safari destinations.

Samara is not only a game reserve - it also invites food and wine lovers to embark on a culinary journey through the heart of the Great Karoo semi-desert, "where sustainable, farm-to-table dining meets the wild beauty of the African bush".

Nestled in 67,000 acres of soulful wilderness, Samara offers big five wildlife encounters paired with an immersive food and wine experience that celebrates the region’s rich culinary heritage, exceptional local produce, and boutique South African wines from the Cape winelands.

And from May 16, Samara will host “Wine in the Wilderness” experiences to coincide with the “Stoep Tasting Wine Weekend” in nearby Graaff-Reinet.

Samara’s cuisine is rooted in the traditional flavours and ingredients of the Karoo, showcasing the area’s farm-to-table culture.

 

Executive chef Vandeline Pienaar uses Karoo lamb , along with indigenous herbs and plants such as spekboom.

Signature dishes include Karoo lamb burger with agave buds and Amagwinya (dumplings) with spekboom salsa.

Guests can enjoy a bush breakfast under the shade of a centuries-old shepherd tree, enjoy a picnic on the mountain plateau, or dining beneath the stars.

Each meal is paired with a curated selection of boutique South African wines, many sourced from family-owned vineyards practicing regenerative viticulture.

For those seeking a unique local flavour of the Karoo, Samara has partnered with Leonista Agave Spirit, South Africa’s award-winning organic agave distillery for a safari tasting; "pairing the bold flavours of Leonista with a wilderness experience".

For The Stoep festivities, Samara offers “Cheetahs and Cultivars” experiences in collaboration with renowned South African winemakers. The first weekend (May 16-18) will see Samara partner with Creation Wines from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. On the second weekend (May 23-25), Samara will welcome Simonsig Family Vineyards of Stellenbosch.

The reserve offers accommodation in two lodges. The Karoo Lodge is a renovated farmhouse with a veranda while the Manor House has an infinity pool.

All units have air-conditioning, a patio, tea-and-coffee making facilities. All meals and selected drinks are included and guests can join two daily game activities with an experienced game ranger. Port Elizabeth is a 2.5 hour drive and there is a private air strip located 20 minutes' drive from the lodges.

Such unique experiences do not come cheap, but I'd bet they will be truly memorable. I'd certainly be  tempted.

For further info, visit www.samara.co.za

A little slice of Australiana

Dagwood dogs, carnival rides, farm animals, woodchopping and politicians shaking hands in a bid for votes. 

It doesn't get much more small town Australia than this: the annual Huon Show in Tasmania, the southernmost region of Australia. 

Held at the Ranelagh Showgrounds, outside Huonville, this where the whole region comes together for one day; from dairy farmers to fish farmers; the unemployed to the over-tattooed. 

I hope you enjoy the images.

 

  

The ultimate African wildlife safari - by hot air balloon

Here's a trip that sounds well worth adding to your bucket list.

How about a balloon safari looking at African wildlife - from cheetahs to zebras - from above?

Aardvark Safaris has just announced a unique balloon safari crossing the Serengeti National Park.

In partnership with Serengeti Balloon Safaris and Wayo Africa Fly Camps, the six-day African safari adventure will take to the skies each day to traverse the Serengeti, Travel Mole reports.

The inaugural launch date is November 1-7.

Having taken balloon flights in South Africa and India, I can confirm there is no better way to observe wildlife - the animals are simply not concerned by balloons flying above them.

Starting and ending in Arusha, Tanzania, the new safari includes four nights fly-camping in cocoon tents (above).

Each morning, guests will be flown by hot air balloon to a brand-new wilderness spot - although it is not clear what happens if there is no wind.

Guests can then explore with fully escorted walking safaris and traditional wildlife drives.

Highlights will include flying high above the Serengeti as well as close-up wildlife encounters while flying at grass level.

Balloons will also land on the eastern shores of Lake Victoria.

Serengeti Balloon Safaris is the oldest hot air balloon safari company in Tanzania. It has flown over 250,000 guests in its 30+ years of operating.

The experience is bookable through Aardvark Safaris - but be warned. It does not come cheap.

Hotel goes the extra mile for pampered furry friends

Does your dog like to be pampered?

If Melbourne is on your travel agenda then Pullman Melbourne on the Park had just launched a new pet suite for humans and their four-legged friends.

One of the hotel's suites has been upgraded to a pet's paradise, with the room including a private courtyard, grass mat and kennel.

“We are constantly looking for ways to expand our offering to make our guests' experience more enjoyable and what better than being able to bring your pet on holiday with you?” said general manager Stephan Leroy.

“We have extended our five-star service to cater to the needs of both pets and their owners, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all.”

So the room service menu features pet dishes like Unleashed Puparazzi: diced cooked Australian beef fillet, mixed vegetables and braised barley; and Pawfectly Healthy; poached chicken with oats, olive oil, spinach and egg.

With Fitzroy Gardens and Yarra Park right around the corner there are even some interesting walks for canine companions.

The offering also includes co-branded gummi tote bags and treats, poo bags and a frisbee for all guests to take home, along with a number of items available in the room to loan.

“We are delighted to join forces with Pullman Melbourne on the Park and bring the Paws on the Park collaboration to life,” said Natalie Asseraf, gummi's founder and CEO.

“At gummi, we know that our pets are fully-fledged family members and deserve only the best. Our colourful and fun products are designed to enhance our pets' lives and we're thrilled to be extending that to Pullman's guests and their fur-babies during their hotel stay.”

Pullman Melbourne on the Park's Pet Suite is now taking bookings directly via the hotel.

Pricing is in line with the daily room rate, with no additional charge for pets. And 10% of proceeds from all bookings will be donated to The Lost Dogs Home.

Book Accor Hotels via All.com

Horse racing to end in Singapore

Horse racing is often controversial. 

Animal welfare issues, cruelty, "wastage" and deaths from race falls are frequent topics - but the sport generates millions of dollars.

Singapore, which has hosted horse racing for two centuries, has, however, decided enough is enough.

The Singapore Turf Club will close its doors in October and racing will end after being a popular pastime since British Colonial days 180 years ago. It was founded in 1842.

The course will be used for public housing as the Singapore Government says housing needs are greater than the need for people to see horses being whipped for entertainment.

"Singapore is a city state with limited land,” the Finance and National Development ministries said in a media statement.

The Turf Club was in the past popular with visitors, expats and locals. It was visited by Queen Elizabeth II at its previous Bukit Timah location.

The current course is at Kranji, near the Woodlands district adjacent to the causeway overlooking Malaysia. The 124- hectare Kranji grounds opened in 1999.

Horse racing started to gradually lose its appeal about a decade ago when Singapore got its first casino, Travel Mole reported.

Spectator numbers have fallen by about half since 2010 and the pandemic closure also took its toll.

How to see Canadian critters in their own natural environment

Whitehorse is the gateway city to the wilderness of Canada's Yukon Territory.

The entire Yukon is a wildlife sanctuary; where moose outnumber the humans two to one.

For those who want to be certain of seeing native creatures up close, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve features 700 acres of snowy hills, marshes, steep cliffs and flat lands that provide a perfect ecosystem for 11 species of northern Canadian mammals.

The Yukon Wildlife Preserve is not a traditional zoo or theme park.

Instead, the animals live in large, spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitats, allowing them to live and behave as they would in the wild.

The preserve is committed to educating the public about wildlife conservation efforts and the importance of protecting northern Canadian wildlife.

Among the critters who might hope to see are bison, moose, mule, deer, woodland caribou, elk, mountain goats, Canadian lynx, and foxes.

The Preserve is located 25 minutes from downtown Whitehorse and visitors can walk, ski, snowshoe or fat-bike the five-kilometre viewing loop at their own pace, or jump on a guided bus tour.

Visitors wishing to take a bus tour are encouraged to book in advance to ensure availability.

For more information, visit www.yukonwildlife.ca.

# Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and direct flights between Brisbane and Vancouver four times per week. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas. Internal flights to Whitehorse and Dawson City are available on Air North and Air Canada.

More information visit travelyukon.com

Images: Cathie Archbould

A round of apaws for a Sydney hotel that lets pets stay for free

An increasing number of hotels are allowing guests to travel with their furry friends but the recently opened Kimpton Margot Hotel in Sydney goes an extra mile.

My friends at Eight Communications advise that the Kimpton is the only luxury hotel in Australia's biggest city that doesn’t charge extra to have your furry, feathery, or scaly family member stay overnight with you.

The hotel boasts that no matter the size, weight, or breed, if your pet fits in the elevator, they’re welcome to stay.

Now I have a friend with a very small donkey....

Kimpton's pet accessories include plush pet-bed loaners in your guest room, food, water bowls and mats; a concierge list of nearby pet-friendly restaurants, parks, groomers, and pet boutiques; door hangers alert other hotel guests and staff that your cat, dog, or other beloved pet is in the room and courtesy poo bags for when you take your pooch for a walk.

There are zero additional charges for pets and no deposit required.

https://www.kimptonhotels.com/