Tasmania: take a walk on the mild side

Tasmania is home to some great adventure treks.

From the Overland Track to Three Capes Track, the Maria Island Walk, Bay of Fires, Bruny Island and the Walls of Jerusalem Natioaln Park, there are many multi-day walks to choose from.

Also think the Dove Lake Circuit at Cradle Mountain, Wineglass Bay in in the Freycinet National Park and Cape Hauy on the Tasman Peninsula.

For something a little bit different - and slightly less challenging - maybe seek out the new single day in the wild walks offered by Bakers Walking Company near Bakers Beach. They sound ideal for those who do not want to climb mountains or overnight in tents. 

The guided day walks explore a private 1,137-acre wilderness beside Narawntapu National Park that covers easy-to-moderate terrain through forest and open bushland. 

The experience combines a chance to enjoy Tasmanian nature and fresh air, local produce and small-group comfort.

Groups usually feature four to eight guests and allow plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and connect with the environment, says admin and trek leader Joel Badcock. A fresh Tasmanian lunch and refreshments are included, served on the property.

The day walking track covers around 7km and dis located just 15 minutes from Port Sorell, 30 minutes from Devonport and 60 minutes from Launceston. Days walks run for approximately five hours and feature wildlife-watching opportunities. 

Each walk is led by a local guide specialising in flora, fauna and natural history so walkers can discover the region’s geology, ecosystems and cultural storylines.

They are billed as being suitable for guests aged 12 and over, with flexible cancellation up to two days before departure.

The property is a luxury bush estate - twice the size of Monaco - but with no chance of getting lost or stranded. 

Bakers also offers a range of multi-day experiences including accommodation with all meals, as part of public or private groups. There is access to a sauna, and outdoor baths.

If weather makes it unsafe or unpleasant to walk, there is the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

See https://bakerswalkingco.au/day-walks/

Sorry for the flight delay: your pilot is drunk

Air India is under scrutiny after one of its pilots reportedly failed two breathalyzer tests and had to be escorted from a long-distance flight before take off. 

Canada's transport regulator has asked Air India to investigate the incident, which occurred at Vancouver International Airport. 

 
The incident was labelled as a "serious matter" by Transport Canada in a letter to Air India and authorities are likely to pursue enforcement action, news agency Reuters reported. 

The incident occurred on Flight AI186 from Vancouver to Vienna, NEWS 18 said. 

In a statement, Air India confirmed the flight from Vancouver via Vienna to Delhi on December 23 experienced a last-minute delay due to the incident, adding that an alternate pilot was brought in to operate the flight.

"The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the process of enquiry," the airline said in a statement. 

"Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations. 

"Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy."

The letter from Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen has asked Air India to provide its findings and details of steps taken to prevent future occurrences by January 26, Reuters said. 

India has been under intense scrutiny since the June 12 crash of a Boeing Dreamliner killed 260 people. India's aviation regulator has flagged multiple safety lapses at the airline. 

A slice of Italy for one night only

Looking for an excuse to visit the delightful Central West NSW town of Orange over summer? 

Mayfield Vineyard will to host an‘Aperitivo Evening’ in the vineyard on Saturday, February 7.

The evening will feature wine, Italian specialties and live music. 

Inspired by Italy’s aperitivo tradition, the event is billed as being all about being with friends, sharing a few bites of Italian delights, and sipping a refreshing cocktail or a glass of wine while enjoying a long summer afternoon.

“We would like to recreate the chill and joyful Italian aperitivo,” says Mayfield brand manager Lisa Ioannitis. 

“It’s about coming out to the vineyard, grabbing a spritz or a glass of wine, listening to some live music, and enjoying good food as the sun goes down.”

The vent will see Mayfield wines paired with Italian cuisine from Pellegrini's restaurant, which has outlets in Orange, and Chatswood in Sydney.

Tickets include a spritz on arrival and a small plate of Italian food. 

Guests will then be able to purchase additional Mayfield wines and plates of Italian nibbles from Pellegrini’s. 

Expect dishes like eggplant caponata on crostini, grissini, flor di latte with cherry tomato and basil skewers, and whipped ricotta with lemon zest and herbs.

Transport is available from the Orange Visitor Centre to Mayfield for an additional charge of $25.

The event will run from 4.30pm to 8pm with tickets $65 per person, tickets available here.

 

British Airways masters the art of weasel words

British Airways appears to have mastered the art of weasel words.

The British flag carrier has always stood out from its rivals by offering two or three hot breakfast options on its Club Europe business class flights to leading European capitals.

No more.

And the removal of hot breakfasts is not a cutback, or a reduction. Instead, BA describes it as a "simplification".

As of January 7, BA will be "modifying" the breakfast service on many of its short flights within Europe for those lucky enough to be business class.

The airline currently offers two or three hot options but will instead simply have one option on select routes -a fruit plate, yogurt, and a heated pastry.

This policy will apply on flights to and from Amsterdam (AMS), Belfast (BHD), Brussels (BRU), Dublin (DUB), Jersey (JER), Manchester (MAN), Newcastle (NCL), and Paris (CDG). All other routes will continue to receive a full hot breakfast. For now.

British Airways says it is making this change in order for cabin crew to have “more time in the cabin with customers".

Which is, of course, BS. The only interaction most passengers want with crew is to get breakfast.

To be fair, European rivals (like Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, SWISS, etc do not serve hot breakfasts on short flights. But BA appears to be reducing one of its points of difference to save money.

Cost cutting pure and simple despite BA claiming its Club Europe service is "feature packed" and a "perfect combination of efficiency, convenience and comfort". 

Sydney does NYE in style

Sydney always hosts one of the first - and finest - New Year's Eve celebration on the planet.

The City of Sydney has sent me some image to share, even as many of you are still awaiting your own NYE fireworks.

 








Nearly a million people are estimated to have come together on the night for the traditional fireworks display on Sydney Harbour.

People across the foreshore also observed a minute’s silence at 11pm remembering the victims of the recent Bondi terror attack. “New Year’s Eve is about more than just fireworks and once again we showed the best of Sydney. It was a true reflection of who we are - a diverse, inclusive and creative city,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“I was truly impressed by the phenomenal New Year’s Eve show that brought together fireworks, music, lights and pylon projections into a show Sydney will be proud of.

“In a show of support for the Jewish community, we respectfully marked the horrific attack in Bondi that has brought so much sorrow to Sydney over the last few weeks.

“I was moved to see people right across the harbour embrace the moment of unity, showing the world we will not let this hateful act of terror divide us. We are a respectful, inclusive and welcoming city, and a home to so many people of different nationalities and faiths. Sydney demonstrated to the world that we stand together as one community.

“I’d like to thank our amazing events crew, the thousands of emergency service men and women, security and transport staff, volunteers, as well as our clean up teams who gave up their night to allow us to enjoy the celebrations safely.

“I hope New Year’s Eve gave people the chance to end 2025 on a positive note and I wish everyone in Sydney a peaceful, safe and prosperous start to 2026.”

Nine tonnes of fireworks were shot from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, six city centre buildings and 8 platforms on the harbour.

Images: City of Sydney

Fancy a quick trip from London to Armenia?

One of the bonuses about visiting the UK is the easy availability of a range of cheap flights on budget airlines.

If you fancy a couple of days on the French Riviera, or maybe a weekend in Dubrovnik, then airlines like Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air offer a massive range of destinations.

Low-cost carrier Wizz Air recently added Yerevan in Armenia (above) to its destinations from Luton Airport. That's an exotic getaway.

Wizz Air is adding a 15th aircraft to its Luton base, alongside launching six new direct routes to popular and emerging destinations across Europe.

The newly announced services will also connect London Luton with Alicante in Spain, Lyon in France, Corfu in Greece, Faro in Portugal and Turin in Italy.

The new Yerevan route opens up a non-stop connection between the UK and the South Caucasus, making Armenia more accessible for tourists, business travellers and those visiting friends and family. A trip to Mount Ararat sounds enticing. 

The expansion follows Wizz Air’s acquisition of valuable take-off and landing slots previously held by TUI Airways at Luton, where it uses Airbus A321neo aircraft.

The new routes form part of Hungarian-owned Wizz Air’s fleet expansion. The Budapest-based airline now flies to over 200 destinations.