All the info you need to enjoy Australia's east coast with your furry friends

You know you are on a winner when you are publishing the seventh edition of a book. 

 
Travelling with Pets on Australia's East Coast by Carla Francis is about to be re-released having proven a big hit with pet lovers who like to hit the road with their furry friends. 

Francis is a freelance writer and a devoted pet owner who cannot stand to leave her dog behind when she travels. 

Her book takes in the huge area from from Port Douglas to Port Fairy, right through Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, and features everything from cat cabins to cute cockatiel-friendly caravan parks. 

If a property or service business welcomes canines or felines, it will probably be listed; from five-star hotels to campsites. 

Francis says her mission was "to provide a definitive guide to pet-friendly accommodation". 

So think doggie days out, dog-friendly beaches, parks, cafes, pubs and wineries, plus traveller’s tips for pet-friendly sightseeing.

Well laid out and chock full of useful info.    

Travelling with Pets on Australia's East Coast has an RRP of $34.99 and is published by Woodslane Press. It is available at bookstores and at www.woodslane.com.au 

How to take the best walks on Australia's wild side

One piece of advice that is key for anyone planning a holiday: Do your research.

You don't want to end up in a luxury hotel that is next to a major building site, or find that jellyfish make it dangerous to swim at your chosen beach resort.

Making sure you make the right choice is super-important if you are considering splashing out big bucks on one of Australia's famous - and sometimes challenging - multi-day walks.

A new book showcasing the best long-distance walks in Australia is perfect for anyone planning their next multi-day adventure.

Do you you need a tent? How much food will you need?

One of the greatest challenges can be searching through the options to find the right trail for you you and your abilities.

To help with this, editor and writer Wendy Bruere has assembled a team of experienced Australian writer-hikers, to survey and showcase the best multi-day walks Australia has to offer in the new book: Australia's 50 Best Multi-Day Walks.

Descriptions, essential planning information, tips, maps and photography will help inspire, and guide readers towards the right choice for their vacation.

Bruere is a Sydney-based writer and editor, specialising in outdoor adventure and climate change. She has combined with a team including John and Monica Chapman, who have been writing walking guides for Australians for over 40 years.

Australia's 50 Best Multi-Day Walks. Publisher: Woodslane Press. RRP: $39.99. Available at bookstores and at www.woodslanepress.com.au

First Michelin stars; now Michelin keys

Everyone knows about the Michelin stars awarded to outstanding restaurants, but now prepare to say hello to Michelin keys, which will be given to top-notch hotels.

The Michelin Guide has revealed plans for a new recognition of  “establishments offering exceptional hotel and travel experiences”.

It seems as if the initiative is designed to help drive bookings through the Michelin website.

The Michelin key will see hotels and accommodation anonymously reviewed and potentially awarded a key.

More than 5,000 properties worldwide will be featured when the list is published in the first half of 2024.

The group said that: “In response to the hyper standardization of accommodation (design, interior decoration, attention to detail in the room, etc), we wish to arouse the emotion of customers by directing them towards establishments that excel in all areas - architectural choices, the art of craftsmanship and detail to doing a job, and asserting your own personality.”

It said that the guide would recommend hotels across 120 countries, “with varied price ranges and diverse styles”, based on the following five criteria:

* A destination unto itself: the hotel contributes to the local experience
* Excellence in architecture and interior design
* Quality and regularity of service, comfort and maintenance
* Singularity reflecting the personality of the establishment, its unique character
* Consistency between the quality of the experience and the price paid

Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, said: “The Michelin key is a clear, reliable indication for travellers. Just as the Michelin star distinguishes those restaurants that are at the peak of their art, the Michelin key recognizes the most exceptional hotels throughout the world.

"It is also an acknowledgment of the teamwork of committed enthusiastic hospitality professionals."

For details see https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/news-and-views/michelin-guide-hotels-distinction-michelin-key