Flying high: Marnong Estate makes a statement

Make a note of the name: Marnong Estate.

First the Victorian red wine producer snapped up talented winemaker Alex Beckett, and now it has released a new collection of premium reds: 2024 single-vineyard expressions of sangiovese, montepulciano, and pinot noir, along with a 2023 single-vineyard shiraz and a more affordable 2024 estate pinot noir.

I've just tasted the 2024 montepulciano and pinot noir, along with the 2023 shiraz, which share a common thread of cool-climate elegance and hints of subtle minerality throughout the range.

You won't find Marnong in one of the major wine regions but it is in one of the oldest; located in Sunbury, just down the road from Melbourne Airport.

It sits 300 metres above sea level and is just 35 minutes from Melbourne CBD. There are 34 hectares under vine, with more planned. 

“Our wines are carefully crafted to capture the essence of the cool climate terroir through a balance of traditional and innovative techniques," former Briar Ridge winemaker Beckett (below) says.

 "The 2024 Single Vineyard collection is a perfect showcase of this - wines with remarkable complexity, refined structure, and a perfect harmony between fruit expression and savoury characters.”

Of the trio I tried, the intense and savoury montepulciano was narrowly my favourite, just edging the spice notes of the shiraz. Both are very good buys, and extremely food friendly.

The prices are: 2024 Single Vineyard Sangiovese $35; 2023 Single Vineyard Shiraz $40, 2024 Single Vineyard Montepulciano $35, 2024 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir $40, 2024 Estate Pinot Noir $25.

Marnong is certainly on my list for my next visit to bleak city. The property, with the original homestead dating back to the 1840s, is a luxury wine and dining destination with accommodation to match.

Visitors can taste at the cellar door, or dine in at one of two Italian restaurants, La Vètta, and Cucina 3064, or enjoy coffee with a view at Caffè Vista.

Marnong Estate holds wine and chocolate tastings at its cellar door - but you'll need a reservation for that. See www.marnongestate.com.au.

Bali bans small plastic water bottles

Bali has taken a major stop towards reducing plastic waste.

The holiday island's governor, Wayan Koster, has banned the production and manufacture of water in small plastic containers, newsletter Bali Update reports.

All plastic containers with capacities of less than one litre are included. The decree effectively ends the use of plastic cups of water, small drinking bottles, or half-litre water containers.

The Provincial Government of Bali said the move represented "a collective, systematic, integrated, and culturally based action to alleviate the growing trash problem".

The memorandum is intended to dramatically reduce plastic waste across six sectors: offices, traditional villages, businesses, hotels and restaurants, educational institutions, marketplaces, and places of worship.

The includes severe enforcement provisions. Sanctions include revocation of company permits and licenses and suspension of financial aid to traditional villages.

Conversely, community members who consistently support the program to eliminate one-time-use plastics will be given government incentives and rewards.

Governor Koster said the move would apply across the armed forces, the Indonesian police, village chiefs, community leaders, and community organisers.

“We must stop using single-use plastic and process waste starting from the source," Koster said. "Use compost, maggots, animal feed, or other modern systems. This is a collective movement, not just a campaign.

“Green hotels, green malls, green restaurants - that’s the future of Bali. If a destination is not environmentally friendly, don’t expect to be visited by international travellers.”

Tourists will now need to provide their own stainless steel drinking bottles.  

Malaysia promoting wellness travel experiences

Tourism Malaysia has unveiled a new collection of wellness tourism packages, offering visitors to the Asian nation a range of rejuvenating escapes and nature-based experiences.

The wellness packages are designed to cater to modern travellers seeking physical vitality and emotional balance, the organisation says.

Packages are available in several destinations - including Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Selangor.

Tourism Malaysia is partnering with 12 leading industry players - including travel agencies, hotels, and wellness centres to craete 36 different wellness packages, new bub Travel Mole reported.

Guests can stay at top resort properties including Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur (above) and The Datai in Langkawi.

Malaysia is home to 365 registered spas under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, offering an array of different therapies.

These range from hot stone massages and aromatherapy to hydrotherapy, herbal baths, and Ayurvedic treatments.

Urutan Malaysia is a signature massage technique.

The packages also comprise nature-based excursions that connect travellers with local life.

These include visits to fruit farms, coffee roasters and herb growers and exploring rural landscapes.

“Malaysia offers a unique wellness experience rooted in our diverse cultural heritage and natural landscapes,” said Sulaiman Suip, director of Tourism Malaysia in London.

“These thoughtfully curated packages are designed to cater to the growing demand for travel that supports physical, mental, and emotional well-being.”

See https://www.malaysia.travel/

Wine and food to the fore as small producers get together

Enjoy visiting smaller wine producers? Fancy a day or two in the Yarra Valley? 

The Shortest Lunch festival returns on June 20-21 with 13 family-run wineries linking up for two days of cool-climate wines, hearty winter fare, fireside tastings and live music, all in celebration of the winter solstice.

The Shortest Lunch offers the chance to meet the makers behind the cellar doors and discover small-batch wines. 

Guests will be able to taste over 100 wines, including exclusive aged and new-release drops, with food menus that span wood-fired flatbreads, slow-cooked ragu, vegan Mediterranean fare, and spiced apple desserts, all priced under $25. 

It is a family- and dog-friendly event, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options at every stop, and live music and vineyard views included.

Tickets start at $35 for a full weekend pass (including a souvenir tasting glass), with Wine & Dine ($70) and VIP packages ($100) also available. 

The line-up of participating wineries includes: Boat O'Craigo, Fin Wines, Helen's Hill Estate, Seville Estate. Seville Hill, Soumah (a must-visit),  Steels Gate, Sutherland Estate, Tokar Estate, Yering Farm, Bilanook Estate, Whispering Hills and Yileena Park. 

Expect sparkling, rosé, red, white, orange, Pet Nat and dessert wine styles, along with small-batch ciders and beers. 

Use the code EARLYBIRD before June 1 to receive 10% off all ticket types. Proceeds from the event support vital local causes, with over $100,000 raised to date for groups such as the local CFA, SES and Make-A-Wish Australia.

See www.shortestlunch.com.au for tickets and more information on the wineries, menus, ticket types and transportation.

War zone no more: a beach getaway with a fascinating story

Fancy getting a group together to really get away from it all?

The image above certainly stirred my interest,, even though I have never visited Sri Lanka and have no immediate plans to do so.

Teardrop Hotels has just unveiled Kalkudah Beach House, which will be open for stays from June 1.

The secluded retreat is on Sri Lanka’s untouched east coast and is a six-hour drive from Colombo, 35 kilometres north of Batticaloa and an hour’s drive from Polonnaruwa.

Kalkudah Beach House is set within a 25-acre coconut estate - it doesn't get much more country that that - with direct access to Kalkudah Bay, a stretch of soft, golden sand and calm waters.

The Main House was originally acquired as a family holiday home in the 1970s and known as Eastern Breeze Estate. During Sri Lanka’s 26-year civil war, the estate was abandoned and intermittently occupied by both the Sri Lankan military and Tamil Tigers.

The current owners purchased the property in 2004, shortly after a devastating tsunami swept through the region. The building had fallen into disrepair and required extensive refurbishment.

Over the past 20 years, a slow and deliberate evolution has shaped Kalkudah Beach House into what it is today. Additions include a two-bedroom villa, 22-metre swimming pool and water purification system that integrates the gardens and estate and fills the pool.

The Main House "blends timeless charm with modern comfort" with three large bedrooms with room for up to several adults. 

The Palm Villa, meanwhile, is single storey villa with two suites, each suitable for up to three adults or two adults and one child.

Guests can book rooms individually, reserve an exclusive two-bedroom or three-bedroom villa, or opt for a full buyout of all five rooms for a private experience.

Fishermen bring in their daily catch right in front of the hotel and a la carte dining features dishes like sea crab and grilled reef fish.

Kalkudah Beach House has announced an Early Bird Offer with discounted room rates of 10% (until September 2025 15 and April 1-September 15, 2026) and 20% for September 16, 2025 until March 31, 2026). 

 The Early Bird Offer is priced from $US270 per night for two people in a beachview bedroom including accommodation, breakfast, afternoon tea in the pavilion from 3.30-4.30pm and social hour with complimentary local beer and house wine at the bar from 5-6pm.

See www.teardrop-hotels.com

 

Seniors in one Australian state to enjoy free weekend public transport

Good news for local seniors who love travelling in the Australian state of Victoria.

In a move aimed at easing cost of living pressures and encouraging regional exploration, the state government is to make all public transport free on weekends to holders of Victorian Seniors cards from January 1, 2026.

The initiative will allow more than 650,000 seniors to travel by train, tram or bus for free across the entire state on weekends - saving regular travellers up to $360 a year, local media reported.

Seniors currently enjoy free travel on weekends within two local fare zones, but pay for longer journeys.

Under the new plan, restrictions will be lifted, offering free weekend travel across all 16 fare zones, from outlying areas including Wodonga, Warrnambool and beyond.

“This is about making it easier for seniors to see family, enjoy a day out with the grandkids or experience the best of Victoria - without the extra cost,” said Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.

The policy builds on a regional fare cap introduced in 2023, which significantly reduced concession fares - cutting the cost of trips like Bendigo to Melbourne by more than half.

Seniors will continue to get a 50% discount on weekday fares, but on weekends, they won’t pay a cent,” said Minister for Public Transport Gabrielle Williams.”

In neighbouring South Australia seniors get free transport 24/7. 

To access the free weekend travel, passengers must use a Senior Myki transport card and carry their Victorian Seniors Card while touching on and off as usual. While the system will still record trips, no fares will be deducted.

To be eligible for a Victorian Seniors Card, residents must be aged 60 or over, a permanent resident of the state, and work fewer than 35 hours per week.

The deal will not extend to visitors from interstate and overseas.