Mapping the best way to explore the Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is the birthplace of Victorian wine. 

With a 170-year wine legacy, the region is one of Australia's most popular wine tourism regions. 

Just a one-hour drive from downtown Melbourne, the Yarra Valley offers not only fine cool-climate wines, but also great produce, pubs, breweries and distilleries. 

There are tastes of city sophistication here, but you are very much in the country. 

With over 80 vineyards dotted throughout Healesville, Coldstream, Yarra Glen, Seville and Lilydale, the Yarra Valley is regarded as one of Australia’s premier cool-climate regions, and is renowned for a wide range of wine styles, including chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, and méthode traditionnelle sparkling.

In recent years, other highly acclaimed varieties have joined the party, including nebbiolo, gamay, arneis, sangiovese and savagnin.

The Yarra Valley isn't one destination - it's a dozen little pockets, each with its own character, its own back roads, and its own reasons to linger, the Wine Yarra Valley organisation boasts. 

To make it easier to find your kind of day out, Wine Yarra Valley has grouped the region's cellar doors into a handful of trails. 

You can choose by sub-region, or your favourites. 

Pick one trail, follow the vines, and let the day unfold. 

Here's what you need to know: https://wineyarravalley.com.au/explore-yarra-valley-wine-trails/

New role for this little Fokker

After its final flight across Australia a QantasLink Fokker F100 jet aircraft has a new home at Shellharbour Airport, where it will begin a new chapter with the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS).

The recently retired 100-seat aircraft has been donated by QantasLink to HARS, where it will join its collection of aircraft as a public exhibit.

VH-NPU “Meekatharra” is the second aircraft to be donated to HARS, with another QantasLink F100 domated to its Parkes Museum in February.

Meekatharra will sit alongside Qantas’ first Boeing 747- 400, VH-OJA, that was donated by the Australian flag carrier in 2015. City of Canberra arrived at HARS following 26 years of service and is one of the museum's most visited attractions.

QantasLink’s fleet of F100s are being replaced by Embraer E190 aircraft to improve reliability, fuel efficiency and customer comfort. The first E190 is expected to arrive in Perth next month.

Meekatharra began flying for QantasLink in December 2016 and was the final F100 to be added to the fleet. The aircraft has flown more than 11,250 hours for QantasLink, carrying around a million passengers across regional Western Australia.

HARS President and chief pilot Bob De La Hunty said: “We're honoured that QantasLink has entrusted HARS with another important piece of Australian aviation history.

“Meekatharra will help tell the story of the aircraft that connected regional communities and supported industry across Western Australia.

“Our volunteers are passionate about keeping these stories alive and giving visitors the opportunity to experience these remarkable aircraft up close.”

* VH-NPU joined the QantasLink fleet in 2016 and prior to that it flew for American Airlines and Austrian Airlines. It recorded 9 million kilometres and 7,543 flights flown for QantasLink.

New vibe for one of Sydney's most recognisable hotels

Change is underway at one of Sydney's most instantly recognisable hotels.

Ovolo Sydney, on the Finger Wharf  at Woolloomooloo, is to be given a dramatic transformation with re-styled rooms at the forefront.

General manager James Clark said the hotel would be writing a new chapter.

“We’re incredibly excited to be making some big changes to Ovolo Sydney to enhance our offering, while evolving our unique sense of style,” he said.

“This is a major transformation of a heritage-listed property and one of only a handful in Sydney to be located right on the water. This evolution seeks to evoke luxury that feels effortless, hospitality that feels personal, and experiences that resonate long after checkout.

“We’re examining every stage of the guest experience - from the rooms to the shared spaces - to constantly ask ourselves, ‘how can we do better?’ to deliver ‘more’ with a sophisticated traveller in mind.

“The re-imagined Ovolo Sydney will serve as a luxurious haven for travellers, and the local community. Some places ask you to choose between destination and experience. Here, it is one and the same.”

A highlight of the overhaul will be the Rockstar Suite concept - two exclusive suites with private balconies overlooking Woolloomooloo Bay, with views and space to either entertain in style on the sun loungers, or retreat in private saunas and ice baths. 

“Each Ovolo property globally is a reflection of its surroundings - its art, its music and its hidden rhythms," Clark says. 

"Ovolo remains a cohesive collection but allows the local soul to shape the story it tells. We believe that true hospitality is felt, not seen. By obsessing over the details and removing friction before it occurs, we create a sense of cocooning calm. We don’t just provide a room; we curate a flow where every moment feels instinctive, fluid and entirely natural.”

Ovolo Sydney celebrates the history of the Finger Wharf, which was  built at the height of Australia's wool trade in 1915. 

It remains the world's longest timber-piled wharf and one of Sydney's most significant heritage landmarks, located next door to The Royal Botanic Garden and Art Gallery of New South Wales. 

See https://ovolohotels.com/ovolo/woolloomooloo/

Hobart to celebrate deep Antarctic links

The Tasmanian capital of Hobart has multiple links with the continent of Antarctica, being one of only five premier Antarctic gateway cities in the world. 

Hobart serves as the primary operational, logistical, and scientific base for Australia's engagement with the frozen continent and has one of the highest concentrations of polar and Southern Ocean scientists globally. 

It was also the final staging post for legendary explorers like Sir Douglas Mawson and Roald Amundsen.

The city will celebrate its links that week with the Australian Antarctic Festival, in what Destination Southern Tasmania CEO Alex Heroys describes as another key winter event for Tasmania.

“The Antarctic Festival returns to Hobart from August 20-23, celebrating Tasmania's unique connection to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, Heroys said.

“The Festival will transform Hobart's waterfront with a diverse program of expert talks, films, exhibitions, family activities, live entertainment, Antarctic-inspired food and drink, bringing Australia's Antarctic story to life.”

One of Hobart's favourite Friday night events will be transformed into an Antarctic experience when the Brooke Street Pier Hobart Twilight Market joins forces with the Australian Antarctic Festival on Friday night.

“For one night only, the popular waterfront market will embrace the spirit of Antarctica, with more than 40 stalls offering Antarctic-inspired food and drink, artisan products, books, family activities and polar-themed experiences,” said Lara Colrain, CEO of the Mawson’s Huts Foundation. 

“Visitors may even encounter a wandering penguin or hear a choir performing songs reminiscent of those that entertained and inspired early Antarctic expeditioners during long winters in the far south.”

The Aurora Flavours Trail, meanwhile, will feature Antarctic-inspired hospitality experiences at participating venues across the city. Many events are free, making the festival an accessible winter event for both locals and visitors.

https://www.mawsons-huts.org.au/australian-antarctic-festival/

Wild Harvest Seafood Festival returns

Love your seafood? East Gippsland in Victoria is calling. 

Fresh seafood, spectacular coastal scenery and three days of gourmet experiences are promised when the Wild Harvest Seafood Festival returns to tiny Mallacoota from September 25–27. 

One of Gippsland's signature spring events, the festival celebrates the region's seafood, coastal lifestyle and maritime heritage. 

At the heart of the festival is the Wild Harvest Market, where seafood harvested from Bass Strait takes centre stage alongside local produce, artisan makers, live music and seaside vibes.

Throughout the long weekend, visitors can look forward to fresh oysters, mussels, abalone, sea urchin and other delicacies from local waters.

There will also be live music across multiple venues, guided rockpool rambles and family fishing clinics and a community beach clean-up with Friends of Mallacoota.

Art exhibitions and installations at MA Space, a cruise aboard the historic M.V. Loch-Ard and a
short film sharing Mallacoota's maritime history and connection to the sea are also on the agenda.

Visitors can make a long weekend of it with 10% off accommodation at Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park during the festival in the town of around 1200 people. 

Book a minimum three-night stay between September 25-28 using the code Wild26 at mallacootaforeshore.com.au to access the offer (subject to availability).

For the full program, visit wildharvestseafoodfestival.com or plan your visit to Mallacoota at
visitgippsland.com.au/destinations/east-gippsland/mallacoota.

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

Hiroshima: From devastation to modern metropolis

Hiroshima may be a Japanese city with a tragic history, but it is also a vibrant modern destination. 

Mercure has unveiled the newest addition to its growing hotel portfolio in Japan with the opening of  Mercure Tokyu Stay Hiroshima in the city known for being bombed by the US with nuclear weapons. 

Located in the vibrant Hatchobori district, the 182-key hotel represents Accor's first property in Hiroshima, the second dual-branded collaboration with Tokyu Stay, and the 20th Mercure hotel in the country.

It is within a two-minute walk from Hiroshima Electric Railway's Hatchobori Station and offers easy access to Hiroshima's shopping, dining and cultural attractions. 

Inspired by Hiroshima's identity as a “city of water,” the hotel's design concept, “Beauty of Water and Light,” reflects the city's rivers, waterways and cityscape. 

Facilities include Share Lounge, a co-working space and lifestyle lounge that is open to both hotel guests and local residents. 

Hotel guests can enjoy craft bread created in partnership with long-established local bakery Aloft, as well as coffee by Hiroshima-based roastery, Mount Coffee.

Garth Simmons, divisional COO for Accor in Asia, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the opening of Mercure Tokyu Stay Hiroshima, an exciting collaboration that brings together the strengths of Tokyu Stay and Mercure to create a distinctive hospitality experience in Hiroshima. 

"As Accor's first hotel in the city and the 20th Mercure hotel in Japan, this opening marks an important milestone for our growing presence in the country. Hiroshima continues to attract increasing interest from international travellers, and we believe this hotel is ideally positioned to connect guests with the culture, creativity and warmth of the destination. 

"The double-brand concept also remains relatively unique in Japan and within Accor's global network, making this partnership with Tokyu Stay a meaningful example of how two brands can come together through a shared commitment to locally rooted hospitality.”

More than a guide book: Tokyo Story is also a love story

Tokyo is one of the most fascinating cities on the planet.

Huge, sprawling, intriguing and decidedly different.

Tokyo Story is both a guide book and a homage; full of local wisdom and insider tips.

I wish I had read a copy before a recent visit - here you'll find suggestions on the best hangouts, shops, bars and eateries.

If you want to know about hidden laneways with historic secrets, or tranquil temples to visit, you'll find all the details here. 

Similarly if you want to lowdown on anime and manga collectibles, or want to know the different noodle dishes on offer and where to find the best.  

But you'll also find useful facts on public holidays - there are 16 of them annually - and discover that Christmas Day is a working day like any other in the Japanese capital.

So lots more than the usual hotel recommendations and food markets.

Melbourne-based authors Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh say they have been obsessed with Japan since their first visit in the late 1990s.They have written 10 books on the country.

If you want to know about Tokyo's distinctive neighbourhoods - each with their own feel - you've come to the right place. 

Each chapter has nuggets of fascinating info across Tokyo’s rich history, culture and nightlife. 

Think fashion tips, ultra-cool listening bars, crazy moments of pop culture or where you might be able to buy a robot. 

There are also handy tips on navigating both Tokyo and Japanese etiquette. 

A delightful book for paging through if you have Japan on your travel radar. 

TOKYO STORY: A GUIDE. By Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh. Published by HARDIE GRANT EXPLORE. RRP $39.99/NZ$45.

Walk or cycle in the footsteps of heroes

 

With Anzac Day just around the corner, leading Australian travel provider UTracks is urging history buffs to consider walking, or cycling through the Western Front of World War I. 

The French region of the Somme and the northern region of Belgium known as Flanders are areas of natural beauty, flat lands with rich culinary traditions. 

Through this area runs the Western Front, a series of trenches built by the Germans in WWI stretching 700km from the Belgian coast to the Swiss border. 

Following the Western Front along quiet roads and bike paths, a journey can include a stop at Villers Bretonneux, where in April, 1918, the Australian Corps successfully stopped the advancing German troops. 

This is a region of open farmland and small villages, where history is remembered and Australian are still loved. There is an abundance of historical landmarks. 

The Somme was the site of one of the First World War’s largest and most destructive campaigns, continuing for more than four months, resulting in over one million casualties.

Today, the Somme is largely rural. Fields have long ago been replanted, roads follow former supply routes, and villages have been rebuilt following widespread destruction. 

The Villers-Bretonneux Australian National Memorial overlooks the surrounding fields and commemorates more than 10,000 Australian soldiers with no known grave, while the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing records over 72,000 missing British and South African servicemen who died in the Somme sector.

For those seeking to understand the region more fully, UTracks offers walking and cycling routes based out of Amiens for self-guided walking and cycling itineraries. 

Tours include pre-booked accommodation, luggage transfers and navigation support via a digital app. Routes connect major memorials with smaller villages and lesser known sites, allowing travellers to experience a broader cross section of the landscape beyond the primary monuments.

See https://www.utracks.com/France/Self-Guided-Walking/Western-Front-Walk-Amiens-to-Arras or 
https://www.utracks.com/France/Self-Guided-Cycling/Cycle-the-Western-Front

Images: Supplied 

Shop swap: Wellness focus at new London hotel

Many new hotels in London are located in the East End, but Six Senses Hotels has gone west for its first UK property. 

Six Senses London has opened its doors within The Whiteley building, the former Whiteley's emporium and department store on Queensway in Bayswater. 

Close to Hyde Park and Notting Hill's colour, Six Senses London offers 109 rooms and suites, many with private terraces, alongside 14 branded residences. 

Crowning the hotel, the Whiteley Suite has a 125 square-metre roof terrace. 

“We wanted Six Senses London to feel like a hotel that embraces you from the moment you arrive," says GM Nick Yarnell. "Warm, genuine, and instinctive, yet delivered with exacting standards and quiet precision. 

"As part of The Whiteley, we honour the heritage of British craft and innovation while creating something that gives back to the neighbourhood and feels deeply connected to its community.”

The Whiteley's original Grade II listed façade has been maintained, along with its Art Deco heritage. 

At the centre of the hotel is the restored grand staircase, once the defining feature of the original department store. Deconstructed, lengthened, and rebuilt by hand, it now ascends through three floors up to the glass-domed ceiling.

Alongside London's first hotel magnesium pool, which supports muscular recovery and nervous system regulation, there is a 20-metre indoor swimming pool, a 325-square-metre fitness centre, and dedicated yoga and mindful movement studios along with a spa. 

Thirteen wellness spaces and six treatment rooms encompass cryotherapy, flotation, red-light therapies, a traditional hammam, and a sensory suite. 

Six Senses London offers "maverick British cuisine" at Whiteley's Kitchen, Bar and Café. 

Executive chef Eliano Crespi and head chef Jose Jara present vegetable-forward menus while at the bar, cocktails are constructed to work with or without alcohol. 

Above the lobby sits the world's first Six Senses Place - a social and wellness members' club. 

Reservations for Six Senses London are now open at sixsenses.com 

Melbourne welcomes a new international hotel

Melbourne has a new international hotel with the opening of Mercure Melbourne La Trobe Street on the edge of the CBD. 

Developed by Spacious Group with a $90 million investment, the 195-room property is being billed as the largest purpose-built hotel development to open in Melbourne CBD this year and the first new-build Mercure in the city centre in over a decade.

The 18-storey hotel features interiors designed by Sora Interiors and a hotel tower created by LiFE Architecture houses six suites, a restaurant and bar, and a gym. 

The lobby's aesthetic draws from the site's history as a tinsmith factory, most notably in an abstract artwork depicting tin offcuts that once would've littered the floors. 

The property' is a six-minute walk to Southern Cross Station, eight minutes to Marvel Stadium, and a 12-minute walk to Queen Victoria Market. 

“We're in a unique pocket of the city and are fortunate to have great separation between ourselves and other tall buildings on all sides,” said hotel GM Justin Phillips. “So no matter where you stay in the hotel, you've got great views, whether it's towards Docklands, back towards Flagstaff Gardens or views of the CBD and out towards North Melbourne.”

Guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows while select suites open onto private outdoor terraces. The décor in the rooms was inspired by the nearby gardens "with spring-inspired tones and nature-led hues layered through greens, blush pinks and soft neutrals".

The hotel teams share curated neighbourhood recommendations, from a gin masterclass at Little Lon Distilling Co, rooftop movie night at Brewmanity Beer Co or dinner on The Q Train. 

On level six, the lift doors open to reveal the hotel's restaurant and bar, Foundry, which is open to guests and the public. 

The bar spills onto an outdoor terrace that is likely to be a popular spot for after-work drinks. 

“The sun sets behind Docklands, and during golden hour, the buildings are illuminated and the water sparkles,” said Phillips. “It's just a very nice place to be at that time of day.”

The hotel is an Accor property. 

“The opening of Mercure Melbourne La Trobe Street is a hugely exciting moment for Accor and for Melbourne's tourism offering,” said Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Accor in the Pacific region. 

“The hotel brings a bold new expression of our Mercure brand to the heart of the city, thoughtfully designed for how today's travellers live, work and explore.”

With over 1,000 hotels in more than 70 countries, Mercure is the largest midscale hotel network outside the United States. 

Otahuna Lodge offers a chance to be Lord of the Manor

Ever considered hosting a special occasion where you have an entire luxury property to yourself, your family and friends?

Historic Otahuna Lodge outside Christchurch in New Zealand has just launched its "Lord of the Manor" package.

Whether you're looking to celebrate a milestone birthday, family reunion or a memorable workplace retreat, weekend dates in 2026 are now open.

The Lord of the Manor package (available from May 1 through October 15) can be reserved at the rate of $NZ 9995 per night (weekday nights) or $11,995 (Friday and Saturday nights).

All Lord of the Manor bookings enjoy the following inclusions for up to 10 guests:

# Accommodation across five suites and two master suites

#·Pre-dinner drinks with canapés

# A four-course, set menu dinner

#· Matched wine pairings with every course

# Continental and cooked breakfasts.

Up to six additional guests (for a maximum of 16 people) can be added at a rate of $600 per additional person per night.

It is a remarkably stylish property celebrated for its architecture, award-winning gardens and sophisticated cuisine. A special place to stay.

For full details see www.otahuna.co.nz/

New whisky release is a tribute to times past

So you like your whisky on the bold side?

Tasmania's Callington Mill Distillery is this week releasing its latest cask strength dram, Town Hall, which is bottled exactly as it comes from the barrel at a whopping 66.1% ABV.

The new release is promoted as "whisky in its most authentic form - uncut, undiluted and unapologetically full in flavour". 

For purists, it is said to be the closest experience to sampling straight from the cask itself.

Released as the fourth instalment in the distillery’s Heritage Series, Town Hall is drawn from a single Portuguese port cask. 

It is distilled in the historic Midlands township of Oatlands, where the many sandstone buildings tell stories of a bygone era. 

Made in a very small batch, it will retail for RRP $195 and will be available online from Monday as well as at distillery cellar doors in Oatlands and Hobart. 

I asked to try it but no luck. But they did send me a bottle of the award-winning Callington Mill Invicta, which I look forward to trying. 

“Our Heritage Series is a tribute to Callington Mill’s birthplace, Oatlands, Tasmania, a town that seems to have stood still in time," says Callington Mill Distillery founder John Ibrahim. 

Built by architect William Henry Lord in 1882, the picturesque sandstone Town Hall has long been the heart of community life, hosting council meetings, dances, and early film screenings. 

It was one of the first rural venues in Australia to show feature films, making it a pioneer of cinema in regional Tasmania. 

“Driving down the main road of Oatlands, you get a real sense that it’s a place that truly values its history," Ibrahim says. "You can’t come here without being amazed at the effort put into keeping that village feel. It’s like stepping back in time.”

See www.callingtonmilldistillery.com

Old meets new at a hip new Shanghai address

Shanghai is one of the most fascinating cities; Hyatt's Andaz is one of the hippest hotel brands.

Put the two together and you have Andaz Shanghai ITC, which opened this week.

Located in the heart of Shanghai's heritage district, the new hotel is part of one of the city's newest landmarks, the soaring ITC Xujiahui complex.

So think spectacular views from upper levels and a design that drew on the theme of nostalgia, referencing numerous iconic Shanghai sights, tastes, sounds and smells.

The Xujiahui district has a storied past and was at the forefront of development when Shanghai opened up to the outside world.

Motifs of the city's past, and present, can be found in the luxe rooms, restaurants, the rooftop bar and the open, neighbourhood-style corridors.

There are 267 rooms and suites offering floor-to-ceiling views.

There is a variety of accommodation options, many offering outdoor terraces, Nespresso coffee makers, Byredo Eleventh Hour amenities, made for Andaz.

Three culinary options are The Rooftop Bar; The West Wing, a European/Shanghainese deli and wine bar and he East Wing (above) with daytime buffets and classic Shanghainese dishes in the evening.

There are also opening offers for World of Hyatt members valid for stays from February 10 to May 2.

I've added it to my "to visit" list. It joins the brand's Asian debut property: Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai, in the city.

For more information, or to book a reservation, you can visit the Website.

Take a stroll through Tokyo's fascinating history

Tokyo may be one of the most technically advanced cities on the planet, but it also has a fascinating history. 

The Japanese capital is showcasing its cultural roots through “Edo Tokyo,” with a renewed focus on the city's historical identity, highlighted by the reopening of the Edo-Tokyo Museum (above) on March 31. 

Before it became known as Tokyo, Japan's capital was called Edo, a fishing village that grew into one of the world's largest cities during the Edo period (1603–1868). 

This era shaped the foundations of modern Tokyo, influencing its urban layout, commerce, arts, food culture, and everyday life. 

Even today, traces of Edo remain woven throughout the city, offering visitors an opportunity to experience history alongside contemporary life.

Following an extensive renovation, the Edo-Tokyo Museum will host immersive exhibitions, large-scale architectural reconstructions, and storytelling that brings daily acrivities and culture to life. 

Across Tokyo, visitors can encounter living history through a collection of sites that continue to shape the city's cultural landscape:

Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum: Located in Koganei Park, this open-air museum (above) preserves historic buildings from the Edo through early Showa periods, allowing visitors to walk through traditional townhouses, shops, and public buildings.

Ryogoku Kokugikan: The heart of Japan's national sport, sumo. Ryogoku has been closely associated with sumo since the Edo period, when the sport developed as both ritual and popular entertainment.

Kabukiza Theatre (Ginza):  Tokyo's principal kabuki theatre, where visitors can experience a performing art that originated in Edo's lively entertainment districts and continues to captivate audiences today.

Nihonbashi Bridge: Once the starting point of the Five Highways of Edo Japan, Nihonbashi symbolised travel, trade, and connection, and remains a historic and commercial centre of Tokyo.

Rikugien Garden: A classic Edo-period strolling garden, Rikugien reflects traditional landscape design inspired by poetry, seasonal beauty, and refined aesthetics.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has launched the official platform Journey through Edo's Legacy, featuring curated itineraries, historical insights, and travel inspiration focused on Edo culture.

Additional Edo-themed travel ideas and inspiration are also available on GoTokyo.org, Tokyo's official tourism website.

Leading airline celebrates its 100th birthday

 

Aviation pioneer Lufthansa celebrates its 100th birthday this week. 

The first “Luft Hansa” was founded on January 6, 1926 and had its maiden flight four months later. 

The now global powerhouse was created through a merger of Junkers Luftverkehr and Deutsche Aero Lloyd, the foundation for a success story in international aviation that continues to this day. 

The darkest chapter in Lufthansa’s history was during the Nazi era, when the airline became part of the Nazi regime and played an active role within it. 

Lufthansa is using its 100th anniversary as an opportunity to critically examine its involvement during this time and further address it based on historical research. 

With the re-establishment of the “second Lufthansa” in 1953, the legal foundation of today’s airline group was created. 

In 1955, flight operations resumed, and the journey of the newly founded Deutsche Lufthansa AG began.

"The 100th anniversary of Lufthansa is a moment of pride and reflection," the airline said in a statement. "At the same time, it represents a bold look into the future and the beginning of the company’s second century."

Throughout the anniversary year, Lufthansa will organize a variety of activities and events to honour the history and future of the aviation group.

These include a permanent exhibition at the Lufthansa Group Hangar One at Frankfurt Airport, dedicated 100-year airline liveries, special events, a history book, film and video productions, employee celebrations, customer events, as well as marketing and product campaigns.

The special “100 Years of Lufthansa” emblem will appear on boarding passes, at airports, and onboard Lufthansa flights in many places. 

Outside of airports – including in city centres – a poster campaign will tell Lufthansa’s story.

Besides operating flights under its own brand Lufthansa Airlines, the Lufthansa Group also owns several other airlines, including Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, Eurowings, ITA Airways and Swiss International Air Lines. 

It is the fourth-largest airline in the world by revenue. 

See https://www.lufthansa.com/

Culinary adventures and entertainment on the Bangkok waterfront

When it comes to location in Bangkok it is hard to go past Anantara Riverside Bangkok, a delightful riverside oasis in one of the world's busiest cities.

The hotel has just announced the grand opening of Sala Lakorn, a new restaurant on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Sala Lakorn is promising "world-class Thai cuisine with a captivating theatrical performance".

Guests are invited to an immersive evening of contemporary Thai culture and spectacle, available daily from 6pm to 10pm. 

The heart of the experience is "The Eternal Siam" (below), a show that is the vision of Manop Meejamrat (Kru Nai), a highly respected artist and recipient of the prestigious Silpathorn Award for Performing Arts.

The media release says: "The production masterfully blends stunning contemporary Thai performances with world-class visual effects and a powerful musical score. It takes audiences on a journey through the timeless beauty and spirit of Thailand, from the country's ancient origins to its vibrant present."

I'm more interested in the food; a buffet offering which showcases a mix of Thai culinary heritage and international favourites. 

A barbecue seafood section is a centrepiece, offering a selection of river prawns, blue swimmer crabs, slipper lobster, fine de claire oysters, and other delicacies. 

Signature Thai dishes include gang keaw wan gai (Thai green curry with chicken) and pla pad pak preaw wan (sweet & sour seabass) along with Thai street food favourites such as crab omelette with coconut siracha, sweet chilli sauce, bean sprouts and Thai herbs and live-action Som Tum stations.

International flavours include a China Town Station, where guests can enjoy scrumptious dim sum and favourites such as Hainanese chicken rice, and barbecue pork pork on rotation, while Indian favourites include chicken tikka, dal tarka and aloo shimla mirch. 

Sala Lakorn is aiming to become Bangkok's premier destination "for those seeking an evening of cultural immersion, exquisite dining, and world-class entertainment". 

For reservations and info contact +66 2431 9486 or email riversidedining@anantara.com.

Nagano offers a different slice of Japan

While popular Japanese destinations like Kyoto and Tokyo are trying to cut down on tourism numbers, others are lifting their promotional efforts to draw more visitors.

The lovely Nagano region is campaigning to draw more Australians off the beaten track to explore its traditional villages while taking in the mountain views.

A popular northern winter escape for Aussie skiers and snowboarders, Nagano is also showcasing other attractions that are a feature of the area all year round, including trekking and cycling .

The alpine region - about 250km north-west of Tokyo - wants to appeal to visitors interested in its traditions, culture and cuisine.

Visitors are being encouraged to look beyond the high-profile attractions which include Zenko-ji Temple, Matsumoto Castle and the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where snow monkeys bathe in the springs.

“Unlike the bustling cities of Tokyo and Kyoto, we are looking at attracting travellers to experience a more authentic, less touristy side of Japan,” said Helen Wong, Australian representative of the Nagano Tourism Organization.

“We aim to unearth a side of Nagano that will appeal and surprise Australians looking for an escape from the typical tourist crowds and in search of a special experience.

“In doing so, we are focusing on the alpine area’s traditional villages and the spectacular rural settings that surround them.”

One such example is the Nakasendo, a 534km ancient trail that connects Kyoto with Tokyo. Built during the Edo Period (1603-1868), it was one of the longest but safest routes to travel along between the old and new capitals.

It was one of five major roads established at the time, but unlike others that have succumbed to modern development, much of the Nakasendo in the Nagano Prefecture has remained untouched.

Parts of the road that people travelled along hundreds of years ago, as well as the towns in which they stayed during the long journeys, can still be seen today.

“Magome, Tsumago and Narai are the most well-preserved and popular towns to visit,” said Wong.

“Visitors can walk among these ancient settlements and along the old roads that connected them, and you will experience a slice of Japan’s history that many of today’s guests miss."

Recent figures released by the Nagano Tourism Organisation show the Australian market at number two behind Japan’s neighbours Taiwan for time spent in Nagano.

For more details see https://www.go-nagano.net/en/

New book aims to make Champagne more accessible

 

Champagne connoisseur Sally Hillman wants to challenge some Australian preconceptions about the world's favourite sparkling wine. 

In her debut book, Celebrating Champagne: A Wine for All Seasons (Hardie Grant), Hillman seeks to prove Champagne etiquette isn’t a rigid list of dos and don’ts. 

Set for release on September 16, Hillman’s book devotes a chapter to etiquette, guiding readers through the rituals of France’s most celebrated wine. 

From the language of the bottle and the art of the pour to the sensory reasoning behind traditional serving practices, Hillman says she aims to answer "all burning questions with warmth and wit". 

She also debunks enduring myths, including the old “spoon in the bottle” trick, replacing folklore with practical options. 

The book blends history, cartography, and French culinary culture with recipes paired with Champagne styles. 

“Savouring Champagne is about more than the pop of a cork,” says Victorian Hillman. “It’s about respect for the wine, for the craftsmanship and for the moment you’re in. That’s the real etiquette.”

You can pre-order here for $79.99: https://sallyhillman.com.au/shop/champagne-book/celebrating-champagne-by-sally-hillman/

New Jersey celebrates 50 years of Born to Run

Believe it or not, it is 50 years since Bruce Springsteen released his seminal Born to Run album. 

The Boss's home state of New Jersey is celebrating the milestone of a man whose music has been the soundtrack to so many of our lives. 

That very poster above still hangs on my home office wall. 

The Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music in West Long Branch, NJ, will hold a multi-day celebration of the 50th anniversary of the release of the landmark album, which hit on August 25, 1975. 

Tickets for the main event, a full-day symposium that will take place on September 6 in Monmouth University’s Pollak Theatre, will cost $150. 

The symposium will feature panels, presentations, and interviews with members of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, as well as with journalists and historians, music industry legends, and special guests.

Born to Run is one of rock’s great masterpieces,” said Robert Santelli, executive director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music. 

 “Just a few blocks from where the symposium will take place is where Springsteen wrote the album.

"To revisit the making of the album and to examine Born to Run’s place in American music history is a great honour and a quintessential example of the way the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music works to deliver unique insights about, and preserve the legacy of, our cherished American music genres and artists.”

The Born to Run celebrations also include:

* A special presentation of Tuesday Night Record Club on Tuesday, September 2, at Monmouth University’s Great Hall Auditorium or via Zoom. This event is free, but you must register at: https://springsteenarchives.org/.

* A special viewing of rare footage from the making of Born to Run and from the 1975 Born to Run tour, hosted by filmmaker Thom Zimny on September 5 at Pollak Theatre. Tickets for this event will be $50 and will also be available for purchase at https://springsteenarchives.org/.

* A new exhibit celebrating the photography of Eric Meola, whose iconic photo of Springsteen and saxophonist Clarence Clemons graces the Born to Run album cover. The free exhibit will be open to the public in Monmouth University’s Rechnitz Hall DiMattio Gallery from Saturday, September 6 through December 18, 2025.

* Walking tours of the West End section of Long Branch, where Springsteen lived in 1974 and 1975 when he wrote the songs that comprise Born to Run. The September 7 tours, which include the chance to view Springsteen’s rented West End cottage, will take place at 11am & 2pm. Tickets will be $40, and will also be available at https://springsteenarchives.org/.

Sounds like it might be worth a trip for ardent fans.