eat! Berlin aiming to sparkle in spring

Berlin is one of the world's most vibrant cities - and a potential magnet for food and wine lovers early in the new year. 

The eat! berlin 2026 gourmet festival runs from February 19 to March 2, 2026 showcasing German and international cuisine.

The festival boasts a prominent international line-up including star Austrian chef Lukas Nagl, who will will be a guest at the "From the Other Shore" event at the Rutz Zollhaus, while leading Alsatian chef Lucas Ramstein will bring a culinary journey through France with "Le Tour de France" to the Brasserie Quarré at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski.

Among the two-Michelin-starred chefs are Tony Hohlfeld, who will create a special evening at Restaurant Horváth, and Daniel Schimkovitsch, a guest chef at POTS. 

The national line-up covers a broad stylistic spectrum - from classic produce-based cuisine to modern regionality and internationally inspired concepts.

Among the program highlights of 2026 is the premiere of "SpizzaPizza", which makes a promise of "from oven to hand in two minutes". 

Local star chef Tim Raue (top) will present his new gastronomic concept for the first time at eat! berlin and will showcase it on February 24 at his eponymous restaurant. 

There will be a completely Vegan cinema evening at the Astor Film Lounge, while a perennial audience favourite the Tagesspiegel Blind Date; where neither the chef nor the wine supplier is known.

With "SparklingB!", eat! berlin 2026 is expanding its portfolio for the first time to include a major, independent sparkling wine trade fair. 

See www.eat-berlin.de 

Vancouver puts on the culinary glitz

Vancouver is one of the most spectacular cities in North America. It has a great food and drink culture and has the advantage of being in Canada, rather than its belligerent neighbour. 

If you are heading to British Columbia early in the new year be sure to check out Dine Out Vancouver, Canada’s largest food and drink celebration, which will return for its 24th year. 

Destination Vancouver has announced that foodies can enjoy 19 days of feasting fun from January 21 to February 8, 2026. 

The Dine Out Vancouver Festival (DOVF) is an opportunity for visitors and locals alike to celebrate the city's culinary scene. 

Diners can look forward to a line-up of special menus from local chefs, unique culinary experiences, and a schedule of tasty events. 

The 2026 DOVF will showcase more than 400 restaurants from the North Shore to downtown, through Richmond and beyond, dishing up menus in fixed price points ranging from $25 to $70 per person.

Guests can also enjoy exclusive menus from Michelin-starred restaurants Burdock & Co. and Published on Main for $110.

The Dine Out Vancouver Festival will feature more than 30 ticketed dining events, including a three-course dinner in one of Rocky Mountaineer’s luxury rail cars at the Rocky Mountaineer Station. 

There will also be the “Chowder Cup”- a competition where chefs can showcase their creativity by featuring a sustainable seafood ingredient to win over a panel of judges. 

Also think events like a Sea Foraging Adventure. a Chinatown Walk, Talk and Dim Sum and a Grand Mezcal Tasting Event. 

Participating downtown Vancouver hotels will be offering up to a $250 Prepaid Mastercard with a two-night hotel stay, or a $75 Prepaid Mastercard with a one-night hotel stay (terms and conditions apply).

As the official airline of Dine Out Vancouver Festival, Air Canada will be offering discounted fares. 

For more info see https://www.dineoutvancouver.com/attractions/.

Many different facets of the Barossa

From new experiences, new tastes and new places to stay, the Barossa is one of the liveliest wine regions to visit in Australia.

New at Jacob's Creek, as part of its membership with Ultimate Winery Experiences, is a suite of horse riding experiences from their Barossa cellar door, created in collaboration with Olympic medallist and eventer Megan Jones and her team at Hallmark Farm.

The partnership aims to blend the best of wine tourism and agritourism, offering guests the chance to explore the beautiful vineyards and surrounding landscapes on horseback before returning to enjoy a taste of the local product.

The experiences range from a horse ride and picnic, to a scenic trail ride and private curated tasting.

Meanwhile, Barossa Grand Retreats’ Benbullen Pavilions (above), set within 10 acres of peaceful countryside in the Barossa, are aimed at couples or groups seeking privacy and comfort.

Surrounded by rolling vineyards and native landscapes, each pavilion features three suites, each with its own en-suite bathroom and private deck.

Open-plan living areas include gourmet kitchens with premium European appliances and a spacious butler’s pantry.

Located just outside Angaston, Benbullen Pavilions offers high-speed wifi and sustainable design principles.



When you've had enough wine but still want a drink, The Distillery Door at the Barossa Valley Distillery (above) might fit the bill.

The Distillery Door Tasting Room & Cocktail Bar is housed in the Old Penfolds Distillery in Nuriootpa.

It is home to some of the oldest commercial stills in Australia, including a Coffey Still of which there are only three in the world.

The Distillery is a celebration of all things spirits, offering tasting paddles of gins and cocktails, alongside local Barossa wines and beers from smaller producers. 

imbibe in the historic bar or in the botanical garden seating area outside. There are pizzas from Friday-Sunday.

See https://www.barossa.com/

Asia leading the way in the changing tourism space

Asia is at the forefront of emerging travel trends for 2026 and beyond, leading travel platform Agoda reports. 

“The travel landscape is transforming at an unprecedented pace – and Asia is at the forefront of emerging trends," says the Agoda 2026 Travel Outlook report.

"Our research finds that change is fuelled by emerging markets, new destinations, tech innovations, streamlined visa processes, expanded flight routes, improved tourism infrastructure, and more," says Agoda CEO Omri Morgenshtern. 

"With so many moving parts, 2026 feels like the beginning of  a new era in travel."

Based on survey and industry insights, the report identifies key insights poised to shape the travel industry in 2026. 

Efforts to reduce friction in travel are evident across Asia, in air travel infrastructure, visa policies, and digital finance, paving the way for increased intra-regional and international tourism. 

Airlines in the Asia Pacific region are scheduled to take delivery of an estimated 615 new aircraft in 2026. Additionally, AI innovation is driving the convergence of travel services, with travellers increasingly expecting the technology to provide travel inspiration and enhance the booking process.

Respondents in Agoda's survey stated that price remains a crucial factor for travelers when selecting accommodation, with savvy consumers seeking great deals that enable them to enjoy more experiences and visit more destinations. 

Secondary destinations continue to gain popularity as travellers look for authentic and immersive cultural experiences. 

Experiential travel, including concerts and food trips, is becoming mainstream, with travellers prioritising memorable experiences over simply visiting destinations.

The 2026 Travel Outlook Report by Agoda can be downloaded via https://ago-da.co/2026-report.

Image: Priyanka Juneja, Scop.io 

New report show travellers are taking new directions

What direction is travel headed in 2026?

Booming hotel group Minor Hotels says travellers are re-thinking how they move through the world, seeking multi-dimensional experiences that resonate emotionally, relationally and spiritually.

The new report released this week, the inaugural Minor Hotels Travel Trends Report, explores various dimensions of connection that illustrate the shift for hotels from simply delivering service to helping guests find meaning through their journeys.

“Today’s travellers want more than destinations, they want stories, connections and meaning," says Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels.

"Our trend report reveals a growing appetite for authentic engagement and conscious travel choices.

"For Minor Hotels, this is an invitation to continue shaping experiences that prioritise wellbeing and cultural depth, ensuring every journey offers something truly memorable.

"Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, the report finds that people continue to prioritise travel in the year ahead. The outlook for 2026 is overwhelmingly positive, with 94% of respondents expecting to travel as much or more in the coming year, with one-third planning more trips than in 2025.

"Ninety-four % plan to spend the same or more on travel in 2026, with almost half (47%) intending to increase their travel budgets. Luxury travellers are nearly twice as likely to travel more in 2026 compared to all respondents, with 61% expecting an increase in frequency."

The report says travellers are prioritising quality over quantity, seeking experiences that deliver personal value rather than simply more trips. While travellers remain optimistic for the year ahead, affordability remains a leading factor shaping plans for 53% of respondents, followed by seasonality (42%), ease of travel (40%) and time (40%).

Over half of respondents (53%) book their travel within three months of departure, showing a willingness to clear their schedule at short notice or to wait for greater clarity amidst ongoing uncertainty.

Hotel websites dominate as the most utilised planning tool for 80% of travellers, ahead of personal recommendations (35%) and online travel agents (29%). At the same time, emerging technologies, such as generative AI chatbots, are now used by 12%. Heaven help us all.

Even on group journeys, travellers are carving out space for solitude and nature to recharge with 71% of respondents agree that taking a break from technology, social media or work during their travel is important for their personal wellbeing.

"Forty-four percent plan to integrate more wellness or mindfulness - although I'm betting some of them have no idea what mindfulness is - rising to 73% among those already engaged in wellness practices. Spa treatments lead as the top-choice activity (75%), followed by nature-based experiences (59%) and fitness (49%).

Culture is discovered through flavour, with food the primary gateway for 85% of travellers, followed by historic architecture (71%) and nature (65%). Not so sure about all that love of architecture, either. 

# Read the full report and the trends shaping travel in the year of connection here:
https://media.minorhotels.com/en-GLO/258457-minor-hotels-travel-trends-report-reveals-optimism-and-travellers-search-for-connection-in-20

Mövenpick goes large with new 1,530-room hotel

If you enjoy your hotels small and cosy then you've come to the wrong place. 

 
Global hotel giant Accor has just unveiled the world's largest Mövenpick brand hotel with the signing of Manila Bay Westside in partnership with Megaworld, the Philippines' largest township developer. 

The new Mövenpick hotel will have 1,530 rooms, marking a significant milestone in Accor's growth strategy in Asia. It is a re-branding of the Grand Westside. 

The revamp of the hotel will feature a sky bridge connecting it to the Westside City integrated casino and entertainment complex and the Grand Opera House.

Swiss-born, Mövenpick has evolved into a global brand "meeting the rising demand for high-quality, experience-driven hospitality among discerning travellers".

The hotel will be located within Megaworld's Westside City Township Development in Parañaque, a quarter offering a mix of retail, entertainment, business, and leisure attractions.

To re-open in mid-2026, Mövenpick Manila Bay Westside will offer a range of dining experiences including a specialty Filipino restaurant, an international all-day dining venue, and a signature bar. 

Guests will also be also enjoy Mövenpick's iconic Chocolate Hour, an immersive, complimentary experience offered every afternoon.

The hotel will offer modern, flexible meeting and event spaces. 

“Across Asia, we continue to grow sustainably by collaborating closely with our partners and ensuring we bring the right brand to the right market," says Andrew Langdon, Chief Development Officer, Asia, for Accor. 

"This reflects our owner-centric approach, our adaptability, and the strength of ALL Accor in amplifying the visibility of our premium brands." 

Cleofe Albiso, managing director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, said: “The opening of the world's largest Mövenpick is a powerful testament to our group's efforts to scale our world-class offerings and meet the demands of the broader international market. 

"It reflects our commitment to building the right facilities, empowering local talent, and reinforcing our readiness to welcome the rest of the world. 

"This partnership reflects our shared belief that the Philippines is ready to stand as a distinct global destination. As we rebrand Grand Westside Hotel into the world's largest Mövenpick, we continue to generate more jobs, help drive stronger tourism activity, and open doors for communities to grow alongside this development.”

The opening of Mövenpick Manila Bay Westside will see Accor become the largest international hotel operator in the Philippines with 13 hotels and more than 4,700 keys across eight brands. 

A way to reduce Hobart's massive potential stadium debt

 

How can Tasmania help ease its tremendous debt should the controversial new Macquarie Point Stadium get the go head?

User pays would seem to be be a very fair system to all should Hobart's contentious multi-purpose stadium eventually be built. 

The proposed stadium has critics who says who sat it is too expensive, in the wrong location, poorly planned and atrociously ugly. And does not need a roof. 

Others says it is essential for the state. Both for the progress of Tasmania's finances, tourism, and for the AFL dream to become a reality 

Fair enough. 

Let those who are keen on the stadium and want to attend events help pay for it to be build, and kept maintained. And those who do not want it can completely ignore it. 

To help cover costs every person buying a ticket for an event could pay maybe a $50 user premium. Each time they attend an event. Kids maybe $25, or even $10. 

The sports fans and concert goers will be able to pay for the right to attend the shiny new 23,000-seat stadium and enjoy all of its its benefits.

Because surely Tasmanians would not want the hopes and dreams of their children to be carried on someone else's shoulders.

And visitors splashing out on air fares and hotel rooms would be unlikely to be dissuaded by paying an extra $50 for a match, or concert ticket. 

Think what happens now. If you want to catch a bus, you pay for it. Or decide not to travel. . 

If you wat to go into a restaurant and eat, you pay the price. Or decide not to eat.

If you want to visit a national park, you choose to visit it and pay a fee, or have the freedom not to enter.

Similarly if you want to upgrade your airline flight. You pay a premium. 

Those who decide they want to attend one of the seven AFL matches to be held each year in Hobart could easily pay $50 (or even $100) per person extra per event. Or choose to go to a match in Launceston without a roof instead.  

They would get to see to see games they would otherwise have to travel to Melbourne so see. That said, they would be saving a lot of money on flights, hotels etc while also boosting the local economy. 

The same when Bruce Springsteen or Maria Carey, or a Creedence tribute band, play a concert under the expensive roof. 

Those who want to attend and pay a premium payment would be happy about for not having to travel interstate. Those who prefer not to attend do pay anything. 

For seven home AFL fames fans would play $350 each season, or maybe $700. Same with cricket same, and concerts.  

All perfectly equitable. 

In fact, what could be fairer?  All the while helping the state and reining in that potential massive debt.    

  

Celebrating Tasmania and its seasonal bounty

 

Tasmania is renowned for hosting several outstanding festivals.

Events like Taste of Summer, Festivale and Dark Mofo are all major drawcards.

Less commercial and more connected, ECHO is the East Coast Harvest Odyssey festival, a smaller. more focussed "festival of the senses" that will run from March 13-15 in 2026.

The brainchild of singer and gin-brand owner Ange Boxall, ECHO has grown from small beginnings in 2019 into an event that Boxall describes as being "all about connection".

 


The event launch was held today in Hobart and full details are now available at echofestival.com.au.

ECHO is a festival of storytelling with close connections to First Nations culture, but also indigenous food experiences, hands-on adventures and music.

There is also plenty of wine, with several local producers involved - Spring Vale, Gala Estate, Mayfield Estate and Craigie Knowe among them - as well as Boxall's Spirited Gin brand.

From bush foods and medicine to morning yoga and drinks masterclasses, ECHO showcases live music, art, culture, storytelling and knowledge-sharing. It is a celebration both of harvest and the laid-back East Coast lifestyle.

"Our theme, Layers: Woven in Time, celebrates the people, stories and landscapes that give the East Coast its unique rhythm," says Boxall (below, at the launch).

 

"This year’s early program release features coastal storytelling with surf legend Dustin Hollick, woodworking using rare Hydrowood timbers, a cultural creative space with palawa creative Melissa West, blacksmithing in a historic forge and more.

"The music line-up brings together a powerful mix of emerging voices and established artists from Tasmania and beyond. Across intimate stages and open coastal spaces, musicians will share original sounds rooted in place, story and community. Expect soaring vocals, rhythmic collaborations and atmospheric performances that echo the landscape itself."

The much-loved Native Bounty Feast will also return as the key element of the opening evening.

ECHO, held in Swansea. is supported by the Tasmanian Government through Events Tasmania.

See https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/90c6baf5-d569-408a-bc77-91650ed7ff7b

Mount Pleasant joins wine tourism collective

Historic Mount Pleasant Wines in the Hunter Valley is the latest producer to join the Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia (UWEA) wine tourism collective.

One of the Hunter Valley’s most storied wineries, Mount Pleasant was founded in 1921 by Maurice O’Shea, who is widely regarded as one of the fathers of modern Australian winemaking for his pioneering approach to table wines, innovative blending techniques and use of French oak, at a time when fortified wines dominated the market.

Located in Pokolbin, a two-hour drive north of Sydney, Mount Pleasant offers visitors a heritage experience through its stylishly renovated cellar door and tasting programs.

Refurbed in 2022, Mount Pleasant’s cellar door is set within the original homestead buildings. The space offers an expanded tasting area, a private tasting room and a separate members’ lounge in the adjacent barn.

There’s also wine store described as “a Disneyland for wine lovers” housing some of Mount Pleasant’s oldest and most significant wines, where aficionados can purchase museum bottles.

Guests visiting the winery can choose from three Ultimate Winery Experiences ranging from $100 to $1000 per person.

Hosted by chief winemaker Adrian Sparks (when available), ‘The Maurice O’Shea Legacy’ experience is an immersive journey featuring a guided vineyard and winery walk, tank and barrel tasting, private tasting of rare wines and a shared-style lunch at the winemaker’s table.

‘The Mothervine Experience’ is a captivating journey through the origins of Australia’s pinot noir, which reveals how 70% of the country’s greatest pinot noir vineyards trace their lineage back to a single vine still thriving in Mount Pleasant’s historic Mothervine vineyard.

A guided vineyard walk is followed by a pinot noir-focussed winery tour and tasting followed by a charcuterie lunch.

‘Love on Mount Pleasant’ includes a self-guided tour of the estate’s private art and photography collection, which include pieces by renowned Australian artist and Archibald Prize winner Garry Shead, before a guided tasting of eight Mount Pleasant Wines accompanied by olives, cheese and lavosh.

Ultimate Winery Experiences executive officer Sarah Myers said she was thrilled to welcome Mount Pleasant to the collective.

“Mount Pleasant is a prestigious winery renowned for producing benchmark Hunter Valley styles such as semillon and shiraz, and with its stylish new cellar door and incredible art collection, it’s an unmissable Hunter Valley wine tourism destination,” she said.

“The site is home to some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world, dating back to 1880, so there’s an incredible amount of history for guests to unearth when they visit."

Mount Pleasant joins nearby Hunter Valley winery Audrey Wilkinson, and fellow New South Wales wineries Printhie Wines and Swinging Bridge – both located in Orange – as members of the Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia collective.

Mount Pleasant is open seven days from 10am-5pm, and is located at 401 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin.

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Discover more at www.ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au.

Discover a new vineyard escape on the Great Ocean Road

 

Want to be among the first to check out chic new vineyard accommodation along the Great Ocean Road?

Basalt Retreat has just opened bookings for its new vineyard villas set among the vines of its 24-year-old near Port Fairy, where it grows pinot noir, tempranillo and riesling.

If you are looking for a gourmet-accented adults-only escape along the Great Ocean Road, these two villas - Pinot Noir and Tempranillo - might fit the bill.

Basalt's tasting room and eatery have proven popular with visitors, who can now, for the first time, stay for a few nights. 

Each villa stay includes a Queen bed with cloud-soft premium bedding; a selection of locally sourced snacks, wines and small-batch spirits; indoor fireplace for cooler evenings; a locally sourced breakfast hamper; kettle, toaster and coffee machine; a barbecue overlooking the vines and an in-room supper menu (pre-order required). 

Guests get a complimentary wine tasting at the cellar door and priority dining reservations. 

Villas cost from $495 per night with a two-night minimum stay, although one-night stays are available Sunday through Thursday.

"After years of dreaming, planning and careful craftsmanship, our boutique vineyard villas are now open for bookings," says vigneron/patron Shane Clancey. 

"Nestled within the vines of our 24-year-old vineyard, these architect-designed villas offer a rare experience on the Great Ocean Road. This is a retreat created for stillness, connection and quiet indulgence." 

It has been a while since I visited but Basalt is a delightful destination in a lovely location. 

For details see https://www.basaltwines.com.au/stay/

We’re thrilled to share something truly special. After years of dreaming, planning and careful craftsmanship, our boutique vineyard villas — Basalt Retreat — are now open for bookings. Nestled within the vines of our 24-year-old vineyard, these architect-designed villas offer a rare experience on the Great Ocean Road: a luxury stay immersed in nature, shaped by vineyard life, and made for slow, grounding moments. Wake to soft coastal light drifting through the vines. Settle in for long, Mediterranean-inspired lunches at the cellar door. Savour a glass of Pinot Noir on your private deck as the sun melts over the farm. This is a retreat created for stillness, connection and quiet indulgence.

Vietnam resorts target quick recovery after natural disasters

Some of Vietnam's leading tourist destination are racing to be ready for high season after after weeks of relentless rain and flooding.

The weather left historic cities in Central Vietnam submerged, mountain passes closed by landslides, and at least 55 people dead across six provinces, news hub Travel Mole reports.

As waters finally began to recede in parts of the region over the weekend, the scale of the devastation became clear. 

The popular city of Hoi An has been flooded three times within a month time.

The ancient UNESCO-listed town saw layers of mud coating its once-bustling walking streets after floodwaters retreated from the Hoai River.

Clean-up crews, armed with excavators and water tankers, fanned out across the town to scrape away sludge from sidewalks and shopfronts.

The middle section of popular Bach Dang Street, however, remained under about 40 centimetres of water.

Authorities have prioritized clearing the stretch from Chau Thuong Van to the iconic Pagoda Bridge to bring visitors back as quickly as possible.

Tourist boats continued to operate along the Hoai River even as workers raked mud into piles, removed debris, and pushed it back toward the river channel.

In coastal Nha Trang, entire neighbourhoods were submerged last week,

Deadly landslides ripped through highland routes near the Da Lat tourist hub, where hotel operators said bookings evaporated almost overnight as storms intensified.

Viet Nam Railways Corporation (VNR) on Friday announced the continued suspension of multiple passenger services departing from Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City, as widespread flooding in the south-central region persists.

International airports were operating normally despite some flight delays.

The environment ministry said 55 people have died, with 13 still missing. More than 300,000 people remained without power over the weekend.

Image: Hoi An, Shirren Lee, Scop.io  

Kirkton Park aims to bring some romance to the Hunter

The Hunter Valley is renowned for its fine food and wine but voco by IHG Kirkton Park wants to add some romance to the mix. 

Set on a 70-acre estate with rolling lawns and mountain views, the hotel has unveiled Beneath the Roses, a collection of romantic experiences created for couples who want to "reconnect in nature, surrounded by beauty and calm".

The hero experience is a private floral dining dome in the rose garden. 

Guests can start with a slow wander through the gardens, then settle in for high tea or a three-course dinner created by the Locavore Restaurant team, where estate-to-plate flavours take the lead.

They can make a night of it with the Dine Amongst the Roses package which sees couples enjoy country accommodation and breakfast for two, along with a rose-inspired treat set that includes a locally made Hunter Valley soap, a bottle of First Creek Cuvée and a macaron and strawberry tasting plate scattered with rose petals. 

Summer is peak time in the garden with the estate promoted as being ideal for "slow walks and long conversations". Presumably not about rugby league. 

Just a short drive away, Hunter Valley Gardens offers another floral experience, with its Rose Garden and seasonal displays. 

Overnight packages start from $495 per night and including accommodation for two, and breakfast for two at Locavore Restaurant, along with a choice of high tea or romantic three-course dinner in the floral dome, and treat sets. 

  

See https://huntervalley.vocohotels.com/

Global recognition for Sequoia Lodge in the Adelaide Hills

Luxury property Sequoia Lodge in the Adelaide Hills is the latest Australian property to be accepted into the exclusive Relais & Chateaux group, which represents 580 independently operated hotels and restaurants around the globe.

Relais & Chateaux recognises privately owned  top-notch hotels and restaurants.

Sequoia Lodge's custodians, South Australian hotelier David Horbelt and his family, together with business partner Malcolm Bean, developed the bijou lodge on the grounds of the historic Mount Lofty Estate, opening in August 2021.

Horbelt said Sequoia Lodge expanded on the story of the 175-year-old Mount Lofty Estate with 14 luxury suites offering 180-degree views of the vineyard of the Piccadilly Valley and "a level of opulence enhanced by exemplary personalised service and fine dining".

“The Lodge and its offering were born from our passion and deep connection with the beauty and history of the Adelaide Hills and the enduring hospitality story of Mount Lofty Estate, building on the much-awarded offering that Malcolm and I developed at Mount Lofty House,” he said.

“Surrounded by thousands of hectares of national parks and botanical gardens, Sequoia's guests connect not only with the land, but with its people through luxury bespoke experiences that celebrate our local artisans and produce.

“The Sequoia team's mission is to give guests an unparalleled journey of discovery of the Adelaide Hills' iconic food, wine, wellness, history and nature experiences through in-house dining and while exploring the region."

Each suite has a sunken lounge room featuring a stone-clad fireplace, a spa-retreat bathroom, and moon window allowing guests to sleep under the sky on a custom-made bed.

Artesian spring-fed pools, an infinity pool and a wildlife enclosure are within the lodge grounds. 

More information see sequoialodge.com.au.

# Established in 1954, Relais & Chateaux comprises a collection of 580 hotels and restaurants throughout the world, operated by independent owners.

See www.relaischateaux.com

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New adventures way out west

Looking for a new travel experience? Western Australia has plenty to share, both in Perth and the regions, Tourism Western Australia reports.

Helispirit and Box Hill Esperance partner on scenic experience

New premium accommodation offering Box Hill Esperance​​​​​​​ has partnered with award-winning aviation operator Helispirit to offer luxury experiences in the Esperance/Kepa Kurl region. Guests can now join a Helispirit tour direct from their doorstep at Box Hill and be whisked away on scenic flight before landing for a secluded beach swim or private picnic.

Lighting the Sound tour to pop up in Albany

Albany Tours has launched a twilight hike experience to coincide with the 'Lighting the Sound' event by Kari Kola, occurring over three weekends in Albany in March 2026. Beginning in the late afternoon, the hike will depart from Whalers Cove and conclude at Uredale Point (above) for a spectacular vantage point view of the installation.

Pemberton Discovery Tour launches new agritourism experience

Visitors to the Southern Forests region can discover more about the region's local incredible produce on a new tour by Pemberton Discovery Tours. 'Beyond the Farm Gate' takes food-loving visitors behind the scenes, with three exclusive stops to showcase the best produce of the season. Growers may include avocado orchards, apple or potato farms, strawberry fields or beef of poultry farms depending on the season.

Sunsets, sips and dips: new experience by Quokka

Quokka Adventure Tours has launched its 'Beaches of Perth Sunset Picnic and City Lights Tour' just in time for summer. Starting in the Perth CBD, the tour takes a scenic drive through several riverside suburbs, stopping briefly for a riverside stroll, before arriving at the iconic Cottesloe Beach. Here guests can opt for an afternoon dip, before heading north along the coastline to City Beach and Scarborough. Guest will enjoy a light supper accompanied by a glass of Margaret River wine (surely the local Swan Valley would be more appropriate). The return journey to Perth includes a dessert stop at Kings Park and Botanic Garden.

Wildlife tour experience launches in Perth

Off the Beaten Track's new Kaarakin Wildlife Experience invites visitors to experience the beauty of Banyowla Regional Park, located on the outskirts of Perth, while learning about the state's red-tailed and white-tailed black cockatoos. The full-day tour starts with a guided behind-the-scenes experience at the Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre, where guests meet cockatoos, kangaroos, emus and dingoes.

Dwellingup Mountain Bike Trail network complete

Dwellingup's growing reputation as a Trail Town has received a boost with the opening of Stage 2 of the Dwellingup Mountain Bike Trail network. Visitors to the region can now explore a 68km trail. Just over an hour from Perth, Dwellingup is known for its forests, rivers and array of wildlife.

Meet a sparkling new venue in Champagne

Anyone planning a trip to Champagne might want to make note of a recently opened wine destination.

Champagne Thiénot has marked marked its 40th anniversary this year with a move into wine tourism as it opens a boutique hotel, bar and spa, and tasting experience in the heart of Reims.

Called Le 3, after its address in pedestrian alley 3 Rue du Marc in the city, the new offering occupies a historic building not far Veuve Clicquot’s Hôtel du Marc.

Maison Thiénot - well known to Australians for its collaborations with Penfolds - was founded by Alain Thiénot in 1985, and is now run by by his children, Garance and Stanislas.

Thiénot describes Le 3 as “an immersive journey through Champagne tradition and innovation, with restored cellars, interactive exhibits, and an open-air garden”.

The venue also includes a vinothèque with Champagnes going back to the first vintage expression made by the house from the 1985 harvest.

Le 3 - a 10m-minute walk from Reims Station - also has a Champagne rooftop bar and spa, and an upcoming  boutique hotel with 12 rooms, news hub drinks business reports.

Maison Thienot says its purpose is to "provide an immersive and educational wine tourism experience centred on Champagne Thiénot".

The target audience is anyone interested in Champagne, from novices to aficionados, with options for both guided and self-guided exploration.

Check out this link: https://www.champagne-thienot.com/en/wine-tourism-experience/cellar-tours-at-champagne-thienot/

Date clash a serious stuff up for Hobart's winter tourism industry

The Tasmanian capital of Hobart is extremely quiet for virtually every weekend of winter.

Hotels have empty rooms; restaurants bemoan empty tables.

So the announcement on November 3 that crowd-pulling Dark Mofo, Australia's mid-winter solstice festival, would return to Hobart from Thursday June 11 to Monday June 22 universally welcomed.

Alongside the festival’s large-scale public art installations, will be live performances and exclusive musical acts.

Dark Mofo 2026 will also include familiar rituals: Winter Feast, Night Mass, the Ogoh-Ogoh burning and the Nude Solstice Swim.

Hotels will be full; bars and restaurants heaving.

That only leaves a dozen other weekends when Hobart's tourism operators would welcome some help from other events.

What a wasted opportunity then that after the hapless Tasmanian Government paid a million dollars for Richmond to play one home AFL game in Hobart in 2026, the AFL last week announced its fixture list.

Sure enough, the AFL chose Sunday, June 14, for the Hobart match between Richmond and reigning AFL premiers Brisbane.

Accommodation will be at a premium; many flights will be full with Dark Mofo attendees and any remaining seats will be priced stratospherically.

So who stuffed up? Jane Howlett, minister for tourism and events will plead ignorance. Dark Mofo will say it had announced its dates well in advance.

The AFL, one of the most arrogant sporting bodies on the planet, is unlikely to give a damn.

There will be two victims. The Tasmanian tourism industry. And interstate fans of Richmond and Brisbane. Just another stuff up. A shrug of the shoulders, Just move on.      

Asian travellers embrace solo journeys

Interest in solo travel is rising across Asia, digital travel platform Agoda reports. 

Agoda notes a 16% increase in solo accommodation searches compared to last year. 

This trend underscores a growing movement of travellers embracing the freedom and adventure of solo journeys, it says.

When planning their trips, solo travellers gravitate towards major cities in Asia. 

Tokyo (Japan) leads the pack, ahead of Bangkok (Thailand), Seoul (South Korea), Osaka (Japan), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) rounding out the top five destinations. 

These urban hubs offer a wide range of attractions, from cultural landmarks to world-class dining and lively entertainment, perfect for those looking to explore at their own pace. 

At the forefront of this trend are travellers from Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Taiwan, who make up the top five solo travel groups in Asia, Agoda's data show. 

While Japanese travellers dominate in numbers, interest in solo travel has grown the fastest among Indonesians with a 72% increase in searches. 

Thai travellers follow close behind, with a 37% rise in solo travel interest. This growth highlights a transformative shift in how individuals across Asia are redefining their travel experiences and looking beyond traditional group trips.

"The rise in solo travel across Asia has become a defining trend in 2025 that reflects a growing desire for personal discovery and meaningful cultural immersion," says Jay Lee, regional director for North Asia at Agoda said. 

"Agoda is thrilled to support these journeys by offering a wide array of options tailored to solo travellers, ensuring they have everything they need to make their trips unforgettable."

See Agoda.com for more information.

Image: Terran Goodwin, Scop.io

Tauck talk: growing demand for river cruises

River cruising is booming, with travellers embracing the concept of exploring Europe while sleeping in the same space.

Tauck has this week today announced five new European river cruises for 2027, released earlier than ever, driven by what it describes as "exceptional demand".

Tauck’s growing fleet will also welcome two new river cruisers: the ms Saudade, sister ship to the ms Andorinha on the Douro (above), and the ms Reverie, sister ship to the ms Serene on the Seine (below).

Designed to meet evolving guest preferences, Tauck will also introduce a new six-day river cruise format, set to launch in late 2026, and will expand shorter itineraries for 2027.

To be offered primarily during the shoulder seasons, these journeys provide guests with the added benefits of milder weather and fewer crowds along Europe’s most popular rivers.

These shorter itineraries will also make river cruising more accessible to travellers with tighter schedules (read Americans who only get limited vacation time).

David Clark, Tauck's managing director Australia, said: “Our guests can now book these highly sought-after river cruises for 2027, providing earlier access than ever, which I know will be well received by the Australian market.

"Our growing fleet continues to unveil Tauck’s innovation, unique access and trusted expertise as we prepare to embark on our second century."

The business reports ever-increasing demand.

“We’re seeing extraordinary growth across our river portfolio, and that inspires us to find new ways for guests to experience Tauck,” said Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh.

"River cruising continues to be one of the most popular ways to experience Tauck for the first time, and with these new shorter itineraries, we can now offer that exceptional entry point to guests with limited time."

With departures in March and November, Essence of the Seine is a six-day journey round trip from Paris debuting the launch of the ms Reverie. Sailing through the heart of Normandy, visits will include Rouen and the D-Day Beaches of Normandy, a cider and calvados tasting in Vernon, and a gala evening at a historic château. (From $5,290 per person double-occupancy, plus airfare).

Essence of the Danube is a six-day sailing journey between Budapest and Vienna aboard the ms Joy. Highlights include guided sightseeing in Vienna and Bratislava, a gala dinner with live music and performance at Vienna’s Palais Pallavicini, and a wine tasting in Dürnstein. Departures are available in October and November. (From $4,540 per person double-occupancy, plus airfare).

Tauck is also deepening its commitment to Portugal’s Douro River, where demand remains strong and cruises often sell out well in advance.

For the first time, Tauck is opening reservations for these 2027 itineraries earlier than ever, allowing guests to secure preferred departures with risk-free deposits while final details are being completed.

For more details see www.tauck.com.au.

Northern Territory aims to lift visitation and tourism spending

The Northern Territory Government has unveiled a new visitor economy strategy, which aims to grow tourist spending from $1.5 billion to $2.2 billion by 2032.

It was launched at this week’s inaugural Destination NT tourism industry event.

The Top End will also seek to lift overnight trips from 1.2 million to 1.5 million over the next seven years, as part of its new roadmap to grow year-round visitation, Travel Bulletin and local media reported.

The strategy will be guided by the newly formed Tourism and Events Northern Territory and focus on showcasing the Territory's distinctive character, from its food and festival scene to natural and cultural tourism offerings.

“The NT visitor economy is a key part of the NT economy and lifestyle; when it thrives, the Territory thrives and Australia thrives,” said Minister for Tourism Marie-Clare Boothby.

“With two World-Heritage listed national parks and a lifestyle the rest of the nation should envy, the NT has what Australia and the world are looking for.

"We are focusing on five clear objectives: investing in infrastructure, improving connectivity, growing our workforce, lifting our global brand, and expanding experiences all driven by real data, modern technology and partnerships.

“Our people within the industry are the ones who make every stop along the way worth a visit – it’s part of our Territory spirit, which sets us apart from the rest of Australia.”

For the year ending June 2025, the NT recorded the strongest growth in visitor numbers and expenditures around the nation.

Department of Tourism and Hospitality CEO Suzana Bishop said the strategy captures the Territory’s trademark collaboration and drive.

“The strategy captures the ideas and ambitions of people driving the Territory’s visitor economy while establishing clear accountability across sectors that influence tourism and whole of visitor economy outcomes,” she said.

The NT Visitor Economy Strategy 2032 implementation roadmap will be delivered in March 2026, with the full start with partners in May 2026.

Image: Mindil Beach Markets, Darwin