Indholdsfortegnelse for July – October 2020 Collector’s edition i Australian Traveller

THERE’S NO POINT in sugar coating it: the last 12 months have been tough for Australia. While we have shouldered the burden of the current COVID-19 pandemic with the rest of the world, we were already reeling as a nation from our summer of devastating – and heartbreaking – bushfires. Plans to aid the recovery of fire-affected towns and regions – and our national tourism industry which was hit so badly during what should have been its busiest time of year – were just ramping up, with all of us filling empty Eskies and booking local holidays and weekends away, when the lockdown started. Then, nothing. As we go to print, however, things are finally starting to look up, with day-to-day restrictions being lifted and our flame-scarred landscape sprouting back…

ACCESSIBLE INDULGENCE RUSTIC CHARM Plan your next weekend fling at Dovecote , set on oceanfront farmland, or The Shed , located in the hills of Gerroa. GRAND DESIGNS Built in 1858 as a›‘gentleman’s country residence’, Terragong is a refurbished colonial Georgian-style heritage home with comfortable suites, as well as a wisteria walk and marquee lawn. SOUL OF GERRINGONG Choose between the colonial-style Soul Cottage or the light-filled Soul Farmhouse , which includes a barn and cabana. SUITE LIFE Check out the town’s retail and dining options before returning to The Sebel Harbourside Kiama . HOLIDAY PARK HEAVEN Pitch a tent, park a van or stay in a cabin at one of six holiday parks on the Kiama Coast. NATURAL SPACE Soak up some rays Breaking free from isolation, it’s…

BE EXCEEDINGLY CAREFUL about making a wine-fuelled promise in a South Coast restaurant to a charming stranger who sounds like he is named after a Mafia wise guy. The next morning, looking out to Tathra Beach’s significant horizon, ‘Fat Tony’ lays his right hand on my left shoulder as I prepare to fulfil my promise. The sea-spray uncannily parts; his silent seaward nod seals my fate. It’s time. There are some things you should know about ‘Fat Tony’. His restaurant is one of the best places on NSW’s Far South Coast for well-considered lavish portions of fruit-of-the-sea-focused mod Oz. Like Fat Tony himself, the service at Fat Tony’s Bar & Grill is unpretentious, more chinwag than transaction, and the vibe inside the heritage-listed former harbourmaster’s abode is grounded yet graceful.…

CUBBY BAKEHOUSE This bakery in the town of Chinderah produces seriously good baguettes and offers a menu of classics with a twist – try the karaage chicken bahn mi as an example. cubbybakehouse.com FARM & CO. This organic farm has a paddock-to-plate cafe, an Insta-worthy sunflower field, farm stall selling fresh produce and friendly animals that the little ones can get up close to. farmandco.com.au TAVERNA Locals flock to this relaxed Kingscliff restaurant for the Sunday night Chef ’s Table banquet; you should too. taverna.net.au HUSK DISTILLERS This paddock-to-bottle distillery produces rum and gin that can be tasted at its stylish cellar door. huskdistillers.com TWEED COAST SURF SCHOOL Learn to surf like a local with a local. tweedcoastsurfschool.com.au THE LYREBIRD TRACK Take an easy hike through the lush subtropical rainforest…

DUSK IS A DEAFENING TIME of day in North Queensland. In between the high-pitched creak of crickets, the croaking of fat frogs, and the Jurassic fracas caused by the flying foxes wheeling all around, there’s the ubiquitous sound of children squealing as they splash around in the city’s sprawling man-made lagoon. It’s easy to appreciate this nightly symphony while watching the colour seep out of the sky from atop the city’s Rocco by Crystalbrook rooftop bar, overlooking the Cairns Esplanade. The city best known for its reef and rainforest is ready to take flight again thanks in no small part to Crystalbrook Collection’s renovation of the city skyline with its swanky new accommodation offerings, all of which have been designed with distinct personalities and sustainable luxury in mind: there’s the…

IMAGINE A beach-fringed city escape where you can spend your days plunging into crystal ocean pools, shopping chic enclaves or indulging in an incredible food culture. Remove the crowds and traffic from the picture, add an enviable laid-back atmosphere, and you’ve imagined Newcastle. An easy two-hour drive from Sydney, this coastal city makes the perfect weekender. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Newcastle. DAY ONE Rise and shine: Good morning! There’s something so intrinsically Newcastle about an early morning dip in the stunning MEREWETHER OCEAN BATHS. With all senses now enlivened, stroll to a nearby beachside cafe for a well-deserved coffee and acai bowl. Adventure time: Jump aboard a tour with COASTXP (coastxp.com) and slip through pristine waters and secluded bays, or opt for a magic morning of whale-watching…

I’M SUPPOSED TO BE ENJOYING THE SCENERY. Instead I’m cupping my hands greedily and considering that this is possibly the purest water I’ve ever tasted. In the dappled shade of spiky pandanus palms and melaleucas with flaking bark, Eli Creek seems to have a slight blue tinge. But I know that’s just an illusion. Forget triple filtered – this water has spent 70 years filtering through sand so fine it looks like talc before reaching the water table and re-emerging on Fraser Island’s east coast. As I float downstream, the sound of flowing water combines with the canopy overhead to completely shut out the rest of the world. And yet just 100 metres away, the knee-deep creek emerges onto a pounding surf beach where 4WDs and sunbathers are spread out…

Getting there The five-day ECO ABROLHOS cruise departs from Geraldton, a 4.5-hour drive north of Perth, or an hour’s flight with Qantas. Abrolhos cruises run February to May and September to October. ecoabrolhos.com.au Staying there THE GERALD is an impressively chic boutique hotel in Geraldton’s heart.The town’s main shopping street, beach and esplanade are less than a minute’s walk away. thegerald.com.au Eating there The Gerald’s nautically themed rooftop bar, called THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA, dishes up tasty, wallet-friendly share dishes – go for the fish tacos. Playing there Stop in at the free-entry MUSEUM OF GERALDTON for an encompassing history of the Batavia and other shipwrecks along the coast. museum.wa.gov.au/museums/museum-of-geraldton For more information visit australiascoralcoast.com…

Mt Mulligan Lodge, which forms part of the Northern Escape Collection, is completely off-grid and prioritises sustainability. The solar-powered property draws water from its on-site weir, before passing it through a high-tech filtration system, and all waste is managed and treated on site. A nose-to-tail food philosophy complements a commitment to highlighting local and native Australian ingredients. “We can do the whole butchery here and we also want people to get a sense of the Australian environment and showcase things like wattle seed and rosella flowers,” says chef Amanda Healy of her menu, which also champions Australian proteins such as emu and kangaroo, and uses fruit and vegetables from the Atherton Tablelands. “I like being able to tell people that nearly everything they eat was sourced somewhere between here and…

WHILE the COVID-19 pandemic has curtailed the staging of the country’s vibrant Indigenous art fairs this year and prevented visitors from interacting with artists in person at outback and remote art centres, many are now coming up with innovative new ways to present, interact with and purchase art (while still ensuring that money goes directly to the artists and communities); they are also planning to return bigger and better in the future. Add these fairs and centres to your dreaming list and visit the websites to keep track of virtual programs and 2021 dates. DARWIN ABORIGINAL ARTS FAIR (DAAF) Taking place on Larrakia Country at the Darwin Convention Centre, this annual fair (now in its 14th year in 2020) held in August has become one of the largest gatherings of…

IT’S RAINING when I arrive at the gates of Eden Equine in Bilpin, a 90-minute drive along the Bells Line of Road from Sydney. Considering what the town went through just a few days prior to Christmas 2019, I’m not complaining. That’s when the vicious Grose Valley Fire threatened to engulf this tiny hamlet of roughly 665, which is renowned for its apple and fruit orchards. As the gates open, an expansive property of rolling green pastures patchworked together by white ranch fencing (some of it destroyed in the fires, which burned through bush right up to the edge of the farm) stretches out in front of me. Grazing horses give me momentary attention as I drive along a tree-lined avenue bound for the newest addition to the property, a…

Pick fresh veggies from the PEPPERGREEN FARM community garden, then take afternoon tea in its plush velour train carriage on site. peppergreenfarm.com.au Meet the longest dragon in the southern hemisphere at the GOLDEN DRAGON MUSEUM. goldendragonmuseum.org Join stalwart chef Bobby at MALAYAN ORCHID for incredible meals in a casual setting. malayanorchid.com.au Enjoy tapas at EL GORDO on eclectic Chancery Lane. elgordobendigo.com Go all out with a degustation at MASONS OF BENDIGO. masonsofbendigo.com.au Eat in or take home delicious local fare at BENDIGO WHOLEFOODS. bendigowholefoods.com.au Make it happen Getting there Bendigo is under two hours from Melbourne by road or train. Staying there THE RESIDENCE OF MACKENZIE QUARTERS is an 1877 building accommodating up to 12 guests in the heart of Bendigo’s arts precinct. mackenziequarters.com For more information visit bendigoregion.com.au…

FERMENT THE ORANGE WINE CENTRE & STORE Tucked next to Byng Street Hotel in a quirky heritage building, this gem of a wine bar and cellar door is a perfect intro to the region’s offerings. orangewinecentre.com.au GOOD EDDY Based out of an old print works in downtown Orange, this hip little cafe is joined by a boutique and florist to form a cool retail hub called The Collective. goodeddy.com.au THE SONIC A couple of blocks away and located in an old Masonic hall, this concept store combines fashion, homewares and coffee. thesonic.myshopify.com Make it happen Getting there Orange is a 3.5-hour drive from Sydney or Canberra. For more information visit visitcentralnsw.com.au…

stylish stays 1. The design-driven ABODE MURRUMBATEMAN has 50 stylish rooms, a large and cosy foyer and a communal gourmet kitchen where guests can cook up a storm with produce collected on your journey or dip into the pantry stocked with delicious local goods (including wines). abodehotels.com.au 2. The delightful boutique TALLAGANDRA HILL WINERY has three self-contained, stylishly decorated cottages to choose from. Prepare dinner yourself in the kitchen or order in a cheese or charcuterie platter and a bottle of the property’s finest and sit out on your deck overlooking the vineyard. tallagandrahill.com.au 3. YASS TINY FARM AND ACCOMMODATION has two eco-friendly, off-grid options: the Luxury Farmhouse Suite is a stylishly appointed self-contained suite with a king bed, full kitchen and fireplace; The Tiny House, located in the farm’s…

Getting there The MURRAY RIVER WALK departs from Renmark in South Australia. Fly from all state capitals to Adelaide, from where it’s a three-hour drive to Renmark, or fly from Melbourne to Mildura for a 1.5-hour drive. Rental cars and transfers are available from either city. Staying there Accommodation before and after the walk in Renmark is plentiful. The impressive Art Deco RENMARK HOTEL holds a commanding riverfront position. renmarkhotel.com.au Playing there The four-day Murray River Walk includes accommodation, all meals and beverages and more, and its season runs May to September. It forms part of MURRAY RIVER TRAILS’ portfolio of experiences alongside a three-day Murray River Safari and customised houseboat holidays, Murray River Escapes. For more information visit murrayrivertrails.com.au…

Any trip near the Murray River requires at least a cursory trip on the Murray River. Head to the historicVictorian town of Echuca (reached by bridge over the river from Moama), the boarding point for Murray River Paddlesteamer’s Wharf to Winery tour, a 30-minute cruise to Morrison’s Riverview Winery, Restaurant & Brewery on one of its vintage vessels: I did the trip on the 107-year-old PS Canberra. Lunch is served on the wide deck of Morrison’s restaurant, overlooking the river amid towering gum trees (and watched over by hungry kookaburras who are coaxed away from diners’ plates by the staff who feed them morsels of raw meat), and accompanied by a selection of its own whites and reds. (See #82 for more on the Murray River.) murrayriverpaddlesteamers.com.au…

THE COMBINATION OF EASE of access and natural wonders has seen the Blue Mountains occupy a special place in the heart of Sydneysiders for more than a century. Like a giant backyard, it’s the place they go to immerse themselves in nature, to suck in lungfuls of fresh mountain air and to get some cost-per-wear for their winter wardrobes that the Harbour City just doesn’t afford. While trains have been cutting a swathe through the mountains since the late 1860s, making its towns easily accessible to day trippers to this day, the best way to experience its compelling attractions is on a road trip. Plan to spend a minimum of three days exploring, although it is easy to fill up a week or more and still have plenty left for…

EXPLORE (AND SUPPORT) A DIVERSE COMMUNITY Hop in the car and head inland from the main coastal township for a scenic drive through hinterland, past rolling countryside, to charming rural towns such as WAUCHOPE, COMBOYNE and KENDALL and, while out this way, see the 200-metre ELLENBOROUGH FALLS. A 20-minute drive south of Port’s CBD will bring you to the peaceful enclave of waterways, beaches and villages known as ‘The Camden Haven’. The region’s diverse landscape is a rich food bowl, with more than 80 local farmers and producers: tour ROCKIN’ OYSTERS FARM on Camden Haven River; pick strawberries at RICARDOES; sample wine at CASSEGRAIN WINERY or stock up on gourmet fare at THE OTHER CHEF. You can then meet these producers atWAUCHOPE FARMERS MARKET (fourth Saturday of every month). It’s…

10 OF THE MOST MAGICAL FRASER ISLAND EXPERIENCES Discover Fraser Island’s rainbow-coloured cliffs, astonishing turquoise waters and more. SEARCH ‘FRASER ISLAND’ IN OUR DESTINATIONS TAB THE BEST WINERIES AND RESTAURANTS IN MARGARET RIVER If your idea of a holiday includes fine wine, sunshine and pure indulgence, this guide to the Margaret River region will have you packing your bags sooner rather than later. SEARCH ‘MARGARET RIVER’ IN OUR DESTINATIONS TAB THE TOP 10 TOWNS IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS You’ll need more than one weekend to uncover the natural beauty, culture and culinary delights that await you in each of these Blue Mountains towns. SEARCH ‘BLUE MOUNTAINS’ IN OUR DESTINATIONS TAB 6 OF AUSTRALIA’S BEST COASTAL WALKING TRACKS Explore the country’s diverse coastline of white sand, rugged cliffs, dense bush and…

BIRDSVILLE, QUEENSLAND TOWNS DON’T come much more iconic than Birdsville, located at the end of the 517 kilometre Birdsville Track in the sparse Queensland outback. Each year the population of roughly 115 swells to thousands with the staging of the Big Red Bash in July, the most remote music festival in the world, and the legendary Birdsville Races in September. While both events have been cancelled this year, we all know that you can’t keep a good Aussie town down (as you will see throughout this whole issue); dates are already confirmed for the 2021 events. In the meantime, the Birdsville Hotel – the most famous pub in Australia – is ready to welcome anyone who decides to holiday here this year.…

1 FLY TO ONE OF THE STATE’S MOST REMOTE LIGHTHOUSES The ultra-exclusive South Solitary Island Lighthouse Tour is only on offer for a few weekends each year. Eighteen kilometres off the coast of Coffs Harbour, South Solitary Island is home to one of the state’s most isolated lighthouses, which is rarely open to the public. Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight to the island and take a walking guided tour of the historic lighthouse and keepers’ quarters, which were built in 1880. The lighthouse has been automated since 1975. The tour operates in winter, so you may also spot humpback whales as well as dolphins, turtles and birdlife. Join the waiting list for priority booking when tours dates are finalised and get in touch to enquire about bespoke tours. 2 Take…

Getting there Fraser Island is 250 kilometres north of Brisbane and ferries leave from River Heads or Inskip Point.The nearest airport is at Hervey Bay, 20 minutes’ drive from River Heads. Once there, travel is only possible via 4WD so you’ll need your own vehicle and experience driving on sand, or you can sign up for a tour. Staying there KINGFISHER BAY RESORT (kingfisherbay.com) is the only accommodation that can be reached without a 4WD. Options further afield include EURONG BEACH RESORT (eurong.com.au) and private homes for rent on the island’s east coast. For more information visit visitfrasercoast.com…

BYRON BAY IS FIXED in most people’s imaginations as a laid-back coastal idyll, where the Hollywood A-listers Chris and Liam Hemsworth catch waves with their fellow locals, and shoes – and sometimes shirts – are optional most of the time. Sun, sea and surf in endless supply. But Byron Shire boasts more than just beaches. Heading inland from the coast to Byron’s lush hinterland will deposit you in any number of quaint villages and towns that are definitely worth exploration. Set course south-west out of Byron itself and don’t stop until you reach the delightful town of Bangalow, an easy 15-kilometre drive through lush vegetation. Bangalow, with a modest population of just a few thousand, is a picture-postcard proposition – its main street lined with heritage shopfronts and cafes, and…

REEF HQ AQUARIUM Explore the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet at Reef HQ, the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium. Be sure to take a tour of the Turtle Hospital, which turned 10 last year, to see how sick and injured turtles are cared for. HIKE CASTLE HILL Dominating the city skyline (above), Castle Hill is a heritage-listed pink granite monolith (and also a suburb of the same name) that you should definitely hike to the top of for sunset. Its panoramic views over the city and out to the ocean to Magnetic Island are spectacular. THE STRAND A 2.2-kilometre palm-lined parkway, The Strand runs along Townsville’s thriving beach foreshore. Lined with cafes and dappled with shady spots perfect for settling in to read your book, this is the…

THE KANGAROOS WERE AMONG the first to return. Today, they laze and graze in mobs on lush open grasslands: recent rains and the resilience of the bush itself mean the valley has never looked greener. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, in NSW’s World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains region, had no choice but to close temporarily due to surrounding bushfires late last year but its reopening brought with it a renewed sense of purpose. While there is still visible scarring in the surrounding bushland when I visit, the resort’s passionate field guides have been blown away by the landscape’s incredible natural regeneration and are inviting guests to contribute to its recovery and ongoing care. As Australia’s first conservation-based luxury resort, Wolgan Valley prides itself on its symbiosis with, and respect for, nature…

Pack your Esky full of the region’s fresh organic food and artisanal, hand-crafted products. Here are some suggestions: SUTTON’S JUICE FACTORY For natural juices and handmade apple pies. suttonsfarm.com.au ASHBERN FARMS Pick your own strawberries and enjoy yummy ice-cream. ashbernfarms.com.au STANTHORPE CHEESE For a great selection to accompany your wine purchases. stanthorpecheese.com.au MT STIRLING OLIVES Try the fruity, cold-pressed extra virgin oils. mtstirlingolives.com JAMWORKS GOURMET FOODS For jams and relishes made from local produce. jamworks.com.au ANNA’S CANDLES For soy-based scents. annascandles.com.au WASHPOOL FARM SOAPERIE For natural products and soap-making workshops. washpool.com.au…

DAYDREAMING about your future plans? You are not alone, wanderlust is at an all-time high. But in a country with so many alluring possibilities – urban escapes, pristine beaches, rugged outback, gourmet delights – where you’ll be heading first will be a tricky choice. Unless, of course, you opt for all of the above. Inspiring Journeys’ A Journey to the West itinerary is a showcase of Australia’s most remarkable features. It is a celebration of the Lucky Country, and a timely reminder of just how lucky we are. The spectacular contrast of coast and outback provides the backdrop for this seven-day adventure. First stop: Perth, a city on the right side of a vibrant transformation, brimming with historical, cultural and dining treasures, and the gateway to the renowned Margaret River…

Thredbo WHY THREDBO? It looks more like a European-style ski village than a purpose-designed ski resort; homesick Austrians designed it (in the ’60s) to look like the Tyrol region they left behind. Most bars and restaurants offer stunning views over the slopes, all accommodation is a short walk to the lifts (some hotels are ski-in/ski-out) and the skiing is some of Australia’s best. WHO IT SUITS There’s more to do off-piste at Thredbo than at any other ski resort in Australia, so most will love this place. Thredbo Village has a large variety of cafes, restaurants and retail stores, as well as an art walk featuring more than 30 sculptures and paintings. SKIING KUDOS Thredbo has the highest vertical drop of any Australian resort, and its longest run (the Supertrail).…

WE ARE PROUD to have partnered with Tourism Australia to produce this special edition of Australian Traveller, aimed squarely at helping get the country’s tourism industry back on the road to recovery and you, our readers, back out on the road doing what you do best. Here, Tourism Australia’s managing director Phillipa Harrison talks us through the Holiday Here This Year campaign that we’ve all so passionately got behind and shares her outlook for domestic travel in the months ahead. CAN YOU GIVE US SOME BACKGROUND AS TO HOW TOURISM AUSTRALIA GOT ‘HOLIDAY HERE THIS YEAR’ UP AND RUNNING SO QUICKLY IN RESPONSE TO THE BUSHFIRES? The impact of the summer bushfires was immediate and devastating for the affected communities, and then there were other tourism destinations that were not…

DO THE RIGHT THING With each state and territory in the country overseeing its own social distancing policy, there can be variations in what you can and can’t do depending on your location. The best rule of thumb is to follow the Australian Government’s recommendations as a minimum. • Keep 1.5 metres away from others wherever possible • Avoid physical greetings such as handshaking, hugs and kisses • Use tap and go instead of cash where possible • Practise extra care if you are using public transport • Avoid crowds – if you see a crowded space do not enter • Avoid large public gatherings • Practise good hygiene • Stay at home if you have any cold or flu symptoms, seek medical advice and get tested for COVID-19 OFFSET…

Staying there Situated in the vibrant jetty area, THE OBSERVATORY HOLIDAY APARTMENTS comprise one- to three-bedroom modern self-contained apartments, with views of the foreshore or the ocean. With sweeping ocean views of Solitary Islands Marine Park, BARELLEN BEACH HOUSE is an exquisite five-bedroom holiday home that offers a beachside luxury experience for groups and large families. The recently refurbished DIGGERS BEACH COTTAGE is a bright and airy three-bedroom stay located in the quiet suburb of Diggers Beach, just minutes from Coffs Harbour. Eating there A coastal getaway calls for fish and chips by the sea and COFFS HARBOUR FISHERMAN’S CO-OP makes one of the best versions on the coast. Coffee and creativity go hand-in-hand at OLD JOHNS CAFE in Coffs Harbour, which hosts regular exhibitions and events alongside its casual…

Come for Bon Sol, stay for Burleigh’s burgeoning food and drink scene. LABART Hatted Labart is a sleek bistro in the heart of Burleigh serving exceptionally executed fare in a beautifully inviting setting. A level up. restaurantlabart.com RICK SHORES This is absolute ocean-side dining that’s both polished and delicious.The views are spectacular, but it’s not the only show-stopper here. rickshores.com.au BURLEIGH PAVILION Occupying a vast space above Rick Shores, the Burleigh Pavilion is bringing back the Gold Coast’s halcyon days; it’s chic, casual, and en pointe. burleighpavilion.com ROSELLA’S Proving Burleigh’s bar scene is on the up-and-up, Rosella’s is cool, clever and authentically Australian. Pop in for imaginative cocktails, natural wines and fun, on-theme bites. rosellasbar.com.au…

IF THESE past few months have taught us anything, it’s to appreciate the simple things in life: space to breathe, natural beauty, connection to nature and each other. So now our dreams are finally answered and we can explore this great land of ours again, where better to do that than the coastal region of Port Stephens? This quintessential Australian enclave strikes the perfect balance between life’s simple pleasures and indulgences – natural beauty, heart-pumping adventure, and a collection of coastal towns that ooze soul. Located on NSW’S North Coast, just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney and a hop, skip and jump from Newcastle Airport, this coastal region boasts pristine landscapes that are a nature lover’s dream. Anchored by a tranquil bay and the GREAT LAKES MARINE PARK, aquatic adventures…

WA IS A BIG, bold place that takes up almost half the country – and more than half of that is glorious Golden Outback. Stretching from Mount Augustus in the north, all the way south through countless outback adventures to the blinding white sands of Esperance, the road trip potential is vast. There’s so much to explore, the real challenge lies in deciding what not to see. SPOILT FOR CHOICE Do you make the pilgrimage to MOUNT AUGUSTUS, twice the size of Uluru and three times as ancient? Do you pull up a chair right on the beach at LUCKY BAY for a barista-brewed ‘Kangacino’ literally surrounded by curious roos? Or do you surf the famous granite face of the 110-metre-long WAVE ROCK, one of the Wheatbelt’s most iconic landforms?…

Getting there The Granite Belt region is about three hours’ drive from both Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Staying there Accommodation options within the Granite Belt area include B&Bs, cottages and lodges. If you want to get an early start for a walk at Girraween, then GIRRAWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL LODGE (girraweenlodge.com.au), WISTERIA COTTAGE (wisteria-cottage.business.site) and GIRRAWEEN COUNTRY INN (girraweencountryinn.com.au) are close to the park entrance. For more information visit granitebeltwinecountry.com.au and southernqueenslandcountry.com.au…

If there’s one place that epitomises all facets of Orange’s new energy, it’s BYNG STREET BOUTIQUE HOTEL – a historic homestead that has been transformed into a 4.5-star hotel by proprietorsThomas and Kristen Nock. Of its 22 guest rooms and suites, three are in the heritage wing – Kit Kemp-inspired affairs, with luxe finishes and original features including a balcony and fireplace.The rest are part of the hotel’s modern wing, which has been juxtaposed onto the back of the house with strong lines, light-filled spaces peppered with local artwork, and a pop artist’s palette. “We wanted a little bit of quirk, a sense of fun,”Thomas tells me of the property’s striking design.“We worked closely with our designer on colour, and embraced it.You might not have this much colour at home…

Food and wine are fine, but the real joy of a Scenic Rim visit is surely the magnificent Green Cauldron countryside, with its dramatic mountain ranges and verdant valleys. From sedate, well-marked tracks, to challenging mountain scrambles, you’ll love walking here. LOWER PORTALS TRACK Mt Barney National Park (7.4 kilometres/three hours) MEE-BOR-RUM CIRCUIT Moogerah Peaks National Park, Mt French section (720 metres/15 minutes) MT EDWARDS SUMMIT TRAIL Moogerah Peaks National Park, Mt Edwards section (six kilometres/3.5 hours) RAINFOREST CIRCUIT AND MT CORDEAUX TRACK Main Range National Park, Cunninghams Gap (Rainforest Circuit 1.6 kilometres/30 minutes; Mt Cordeaux Track 6.8 kilometres/2.5 hours) PALM GROVE CIRCUIT Tamborine National Park, Palm Grove section (2.7 kilometres/one hour) CURTIS FALLS TRACK Tamborine National Park, Joalah section (1.1 kilometres/30 minutes) WITCHES FALLS CIRCUIT Tamborine National Park, Witches…

THE MIGHTY MURRAY RIVER is the longest in Australia (and the third longest navigable river in the world after the Amazon and Nile), weaving its way through three states – NSW, Victoria and South Australia. Concentrating on the stretch running from Albury in NSW to Echuca in Victoria in the Murray Valley food bowl – one of the country’s most productive agricultural areas – offers up the perfect bite-sized (literally) road trip, filled with scenery, food and passionate locals. A TASTE OF VALLEY LIFE After arriving into Albury Airport on the (delayed) morning flight from Sydney, I forgo exploring the town and hit the road instead, determined to cover the roughly 227 kilometres to make it to the border town of Moama (the twin town of Echuca on the opposite…