Indholdsfortegnelse for September - November 2021 i Australian Traveller

THE SURF YAMBA The northern NSW coastal town of Yamba now has a hotel to match its laid-back, funky vibe with the arrival of The Surf Yamba. From the outside, the boutique hotel, located across from Main Beach, has the generous rounded lines of a 1930s cruise ship, while inside the 12 rooms are bright and breezy, with lots of light wood, brass, terrazzo floors and dusky pink accents. The whole beachside-chic experience is topped off with a rooftop terrace and plunge pool with jaw-dropping views of the ocean. thesurfyamba.com.au OAKWOOD PREMIER MELBOURNE The first Oakwood Premier property in Australia, located in Melbourne’s Southbank , has 392 rooms and apartments, with 132 rooms designed for short-stay guests and 260 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments for travellers needing to stay longer.…

DOLPHINS Peer out to sea at any given point up and down the coast and it’s possible you might see bottlenose dolphins riding beach breaks with the surfers. Tune your radar for humpback and southern right whales from June to December. QUENDAS As for land-based creatures, kangaroos, possums, reptiles and more are found all through the park including the quenda; this ground-dwelling marsupial of the bandicoot and bilby family is endemic to the South West of WA and not to be confused with its doppelganger, the southern brown bandicoot. ROCK PARROTS Leeuwin-Naturaliste is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with opportunities to spot species of all shapes and sizes, from the dainty New Holland honeyeater to the more sizeable emu. Be on the look out for cheeky, chubby rock parrots foraging in coastal…

SUNNY DAYS SPENT BY the water are an iconic part of Australian life, and finding the perfect beach retreat – and managing to book it before everyone else does – is almost a national obsession. Thank goodness, then, for places like Love & Mutiny, a perfect manifestation of all of our beach shack dreams. Sitting on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, it is the passion project of sisters Emma Read and Sarah Hall (check out their other picture-perfect property My Sister & The Sea on page 78), who have transformed a weatherboard fishing shack into a funky stay worth the 2.5-hour drive from Adelaide. Inside, vintage pieces mix with retro creature comforts such as cocktail-making paraphernalia and a turntable (the property has no wi-fi or television, but it does have its…

When it comes to thinking, and more importantly, acting green, there are few places more entitled to boast about their bona fides than Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley. The bar was set high from the beginning, when it became the first internationally accredited carbon-neutral resort in the world upon opening in 2009. Since then the exacting standards it sets have never been compromised. Every element of its day-to-day activities, and its ongoing presence in the valley, are measured in the good that can be done, from recycling and waste minimisation to energy and water conservation to revegetation and wildlife preservation. It also plays out in the subtle hearts-and-minds education of its guests, giving them the opportunity to take part in daily conservation work that will leave a lasting impression long after…

28 KITTAWA LODGE, KING ISLAND, TAS INVARIABLY RUGGED and beautiful, abundant in wildlife and laden with local produce, Tasmania’s islands enjoy an enviable reputation. One in particular, off the North West coast in the middle of Bass Strait, is increasingly becoming one of the hottest destinations around. King Island is a sliver of land on the doorstep of Melbourne (a 35-minute flight away), yet a whole world removed. And, since opening in late 2019, one luxury eco retreat has helped put it on the map. Run by sea-changers Aaron Suine and Nick Stead, Kittawa Lodge (kittawalodge.com) is a destination in itself. Its pair of off-grid, one-bedroom lodges are architecturally designed and sit ocean-facing on a secluded 40-hectare property. With itineraries tailored for you daily according to your interests – and…

39 BROKEN HILL OUTBACK CHURCH STAY, NSW COULD THIS 109-YEAR-OLD STONE structure be the most wonderfully surprising stay in a place already full of surprises? Broken Hill is a quintessential outback town suffused with silver, lead and zinc-mining history and layered with a dynamic art scene and movie mythology set against a sprawling desert landscape. And the fact that its most luxurious accommodation is a Romanesque-style church adds another layer of intrigue again. This heritage-listed building has undergone a sympathetic restoration on the outside and a pick-your-jaw-off-the-floor transformation on the inside. Is that an antique altar fashioned into an island in the gourmet marble kitchen? Yes it is. Original pressed-metal ceilings soaring almost seven metres in height, and a dining table grandly set under the twinkle of a crystal chandelier?…

Sitting on the traditional land of the Wangkangurra-Yarluyandi people, the heritage-listed Birdsville Hotel was erected in 1884 by publican William Blair. After his death in 1898, the hotel passed to the Queensland Trustee before being acquired by the Hayden family in 1912, the Gaffney family in 1918 and the Dixon family in 1947. Dick Smith famously purchased the property in 1979, but the day after the contract was signed the hotel burnt down. It was then acquired by David Brooks, a descendant of the Gaffney family, and his friend Kym Fort who ran it until the current owners, Courtney and Talia Ellis, bought it in 2019. The late ’70s fire wasn’t the only drama the hotel has endured (or the only fire; the first was in 1964): the outback outpost…

66 Eltham Hotel, Northern Rivers, NSW DRIVE INTO THE HILLS of the Byron Hinterland, along country roads sprinkled with seasonal fruit stalls, and wonder for a moment where exactly you’re going. Then pull up to the old Eltham Hotel, elegant with its Queenslander facade. “You’ve already taken a breath of fresh air and then by the time you get there, you’re greeted with great music, a big smile and a cold drink,” says Julia Ashwood. You’ve arrived. Two years ago, Julia, founder of The Vista, bought this historic pub with husband Matt Rabbidge and business partner Luke Sullivan. It was built in 1902, when the tiny town of Eltham was a thriving railway village, and has been a community hub ever since. The trio’s approach to its restoration was “consciously…

NAME: SHUTTERS ON THE HILL LOCATION: BYRON BAY, NSW DESIGN: ALIDA & MILLER IT’S ABOUT FIVE CLICKS as the crow flies from Byron Bay to Coopers Shoot, which is where you’ll find Shutters on the Hill, a swanky design-led property wrapped in a stylish, sage-green blanket of bushland. Bangalow-based interior designers Alida & Miller managed the makeover of this holiday rental, rebuilt by Belcon Constructions, which looks up the beaches as far as Lennox Head. Swan through the front door of the Main House and you will find yourself drawn from the entranceway to the living area where dramatic, big-sky views dominate. Marg Scholley and Kit Bettison are the mother-and-daughter design duo behind Alida & Miller and Marg says the vision for the four-room property was simple: “It’s The Hamptons…

Mercure Darwin Airport Resort Mercure Darwin Airport Resort’s new Tropical Pool Villas have added a new level of luxe to the property.The six new bungalows are designed for two, each with its own plunge pool looking out to bushland, private balcony and spa-worthy bathroom with rainforest shower. And there are more refurbishments to come in 2022. all.accor.com Crystalbrook Vincent The Crystalbrook Collection has welcomed Crystalbrook Vincent (above) into its roster of properties.The 166-room Brisbane boutique hotel, formerly The Fantauzzo, is positioned under the city’s iconic Story Bridge and just a few steps away from Howard SmithWharves with its buzzing bars and eateries. ArtistVincent Fantauzzo’s artworks still take pride of place throughout, with extra pops of colour introduced into rooms and public areas. crystalbrookcollection.com/vincent Big 4 NRMA…

MINJERRIBAH (NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND) + HERVEY BAY, QLD With sightings into November, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) is a top spot for whale-watching near Brisbane. Join a guided land-based whale and cultural walk with Indigenous-owned Quandamooka Coast (June to September). Further north and with a season also stretching into springtime, Hervey Bay on the Fraser Coast is a haven for humpbacks and famous for being one of the rare places they stop on their annual migration: to rest, relax and nurse their young before heading back to Antarctica for summer; this is why it has been designated the world’s first Whale Heritage Site. EYRE PENINSULA, SA One of the most stunning wildlife pilgrimage sites, the Head of Bight, four hours west of Ceduna on the Eyre Peninsula, sees southern right whales…

WHEN THE GRAND GARDEN PALACE exhibition building in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens burnt down in 1882, the feverish bid to replace what was lost formed the foundation of the Powerhouse Museum and its collection. A major new exhibition at its Ultimo site takes this moment in history as its starting point for engaging with our changing relationship with the eucalypt. Born of research by artist Agatha Gothe-Snape, its title taken from a 1930s text by early Australian conservationist Edward F Swain, Eucalyptusdom is a multisensory experience complete with soundscape and scent. The earthiness of petrichor permeates the space while personality-filled timber specimens interact with contemporary artworks to encourage questions and reflection. Rarely seen items drawn from the collection include hundreds of timber specimens dating from the 1800s that show the…

INSPIRED BY an increased appreciation for luxury nature-based getaways, Spicers Retreats have launched Private Collection by Spicers, a portfolio of breathtaking holiday homes in Australia’s most iconic locations. Whether you’re dreaming of a spectacular beach house located mere steps from the water’s edge, or a tranquil retreat perched atop a lush mountain, each of the privately owned properties are designed to evoke a sense of place and peace. It’s not all about the setting, of course; each Private Collection by Spicers property is beautifully appointed with luxury amenities and personalised touches, ultimately serving the peak holiday home experience. Four unique properties are already available to book, and Spicers plan to add more than 50 private homes to the Collection within the next 24 months, with retreat-style offerings coming in locations…

THE GREAT WALKS of Australia (greatwalksofaustralia.com.au) is a roster of 12 walks offering up a diversity of landscapes, scenery, wildlife and experiences, every one of which is considered ideal for undertaking during spring. THE LARAPINTA TRAIL, NORTHERN TERRITORY This extended walk with Australian Walking Holidays covers roughly 72 kilometres over six days on one of the country’s most famous and rewarding hikes. SEVEN PEAKS WALK, NSW One for the bucket list, this five-day experience takes in Lord Howe Island’s dramatic peaks and lookouts, as well as providing plenty of time to make the most of its gin-clear waters, stunning UNESCO Heritage-listed nature and gracious accommodation at Pinetrees Lodge. SCENIC RIM TRAIL, QUEENSLAND This five-day adventure across the lush, undulating landscape of the Scenic Rim, with its mountains, escarpments, volcanic plateaus…

HARNESSING the magic of the Adelaide Hills is not a responsibility one takes lightly. After all, this is a region where wineries and restaurants beckon from leafy groves, abundant wildlife traverse patchwork valleys, and sun-dappled historic villages invite guests to get to know the backstory of some of Australia’s most iconic brands. Sequoia, Australia’s newest luxury lodge (on the grounds of Mount Lofty Estate), has not only harnessed said magic, it’s offering guests a journey of discovery rooted in the region’s spectacular produce, natural environment, history and wellness. THE PROPERTY Comprising 14 luxury suites designed with a focus on sustainability, and boasting panoramic views over the valley, guests can expect a trio of natural artesian spring-fed stone hot pools, an infinity pool, day spa and valley rim campfire amphitheatre. The…

1 No trip to King Island is complete without a visit to KING ISLAND DAIRY, where complimentary cheese tasting plates are available. 2 A southern expedition of the island will thrill the senses, taking in the breathtaking sights of SEAL ROCKS RESERVE, including the SEAL ROCKS BOARDWALK, the CALCIFIED FOREST and the COPPERHEAD WALK, as well as the southernmost tip of the island, STOKES POINT. 3 An expedition to the north of the island excites for its difference to the south, with the white sandy beaches of MARTHA LAVINIA and DISAPPOINTMENT BAY, as well as the tallest lighthouse in the southern hemisphere, CAPE WICKHAM LIGHTHOUSE. We also recommend a trip to PENNYS LAGOON, a perched lake on the way to MARTHA LAVINIA. 4 For the golfing enthusiasts, you are spoilt…

CORYNNIA STATION The accommodation on this merino and cropping property at Carrathool via Hay is charmingly decked out with vintage furniture and chintz. ELDEE STATION This ecocredentialled working sheep and cattle farm is 25 kilometres from Broken Hill; book the comfy Grae Suite. CARINYA STATION The camping on this Lightning Ridge property is no frills, but the insights into the workings on an outback farm are authentic and plentiful. CALLUBRI STATION Constructed from upcycled shipping containers, the Sky Suites on this 11,300-hectare working sheep property in the NSW Central West add a touch of modern luxury to the station experience, including a mineral plunge pool.…

The port of Fremantle, on the fringes of Perth, is on the up and up. Freo, as it’s affectionately known, is equally scruffy and smart and the gateway to one of WA’s coolest street scenes. The working port is located at the mouth of the Swan River and it’s where you will still find legit lobster boats pulling into the boatyards, one of which has become Little Creatures brewery and a prime perch for a pale ale. In addition to those endless ocean views, Freo (Walyalup) has less in-your-face charms such as its Indigenous history, walls of street art, and food and drink scene that nods to the diversity of cultures here. While the low-key port had previously attracted a boho-cool crowd, it’s now a place to go for everyone…

AMONGST Covid-19 lockdowns, travel windows have decidedly shrunk, so with only 24 hours available, my husband and I set out to elevate a simple Sunday night. We’ve upgraded from our aging SUV to a sexy new Jeep Compass S-Limited. Settling myself into the premium new interior and with Jeep capability on my side, I head for the hinterland. The winding backroads that link us to lesser-known hamlets like Dulong, Flaxton and Hunchy are a popular route for Sunday drivers, but our commanding grille and sleek LED headlights show up others like Miranda Kerr at her high school reunion. Blue skies flood the panoramic sunroof and the Active Lane Management System keeps me in check as I wend towards West Woombye. While our camping days aren’t behind us yet, everything is…

FROM THE MOMENT you’re welcomed to Norfolk Island with a cheery “watawieh!” it’s clear that you’ve landed somewhere that will intrigue and enchant. That warm greeting is delivered in Norf’k, a lilting hybrid of Old English and Tahitian. Developed by the Bounty mutineers, it’s still spoken by their descendants today. Norfolk Island, which sits about 1500 kilometres off the east coast of Australia, is the only South Pacific island Australians can freely visit right now, courtesy of its status as an Australian external territory. It has all the elements of a sub-tropical ‘overseas’ island holiday, including white sandy beaches, coral reefs, towering pine trees and a distinctive culture. Polynesians were the first to live on this remote speck in the ocean, and after Captain James Cook claimed it in 1774,…

WHAT DOES IT MEAN to be Australian right now? How has our wide brown land changed, not just over the last few years, but in the last 20? What do everyday Aussies think of where they live? What should we all be doing to ensure our singular natural wonders into the future (like the pristine Franklin River in Tasmania, pictured)? And how can we all embrace our nation’s spectacular and completely unique history, the one that stretches back through millennia, and the one that more recently has been influenced by arrivals from near and far? Join us for our Australia Now issue to find out.…

THE GOOD OIL Extra virgin olive oil and ice-cream: do or don’t? The latest lockdown culinary sensation going off on TikTok and leading to heated debate in living rooms everywhere has been put to rest by Australia’s very own Cobram Estate, which has stamped the trend as a definite do. According to the brand, olive oil ice-cream desserts have been on the menu in high-end restaurants and in the recipe repertoire of international chefs for years, and now you can do it at home. It’s easy: dish up two scoops of vanilla ice-cream, sprinkle with sea salt and top with a drizzle of Cobram Estate’s Classic ExtraVirgin Olive Oil.The ice-cream triggers the sensation of cold and sweet, the salt balances it out with a savoury element, and the olive oil…

FOR A COUNTRY MORE renowned for its parched climate and rich ochre desert sands, the transition from winter to spring is a delightful surprise for many, carpeting the landscape in a rainbow of colours that is a spectacular example of the wondrous contrasts in nature. Australia is, in fact, a bit of a hothouse when it comes to spring wildflowers (pun completely intended), with every state enjoying flourishes of vivid colour from an array of native flora. Special mention, however, needs to go to Western Australia which puts on one of the largest wildflower shows on Earth, with more than 12,000 species contributing to the wistfully ephemeral spectacle. Given its aforementioned position as the wildflower capital of the country, it’s little wonder that WA has its very own wildflower region…

1 Sequoia, Adelaide Hills, SA The sophisticated interiors and attention to detail are a complement to the spectacular landscape this brand-new luxury lodge is anchored in. BEING COSSETTED IN absolute luxury and interacting with nature at its most elemental need not be mutually exclusive. Sequoia, the newly revealed luxury lodge sitting on the side of Mt Lofty, high above the Adelaide Hills, definitely proves that. While nothing has been overlooked in the creation of the property, the sophisticated interiors and attention to detail are a complement to the landscape that it is anchored in, and the experiences that its location affords. It’s an approach or philosophy that the brand describes as being “nurtured by nature”. It is there in the way even the most indulgent aspects of the lodge, things…

12 The Potting Shed at Acre of Roses, Trentham, Vic Fringed by a French-style potager garden, a stay at the Potting Shed feels like a warm hug from a dear, old friend. EVER SINCE I READ The Secret Garden I’ve been drawn to whimsical gardens. If walking through a rambling, flower-filled garden is an antidote to modern ills, then staying in an old garden shed is tantamount to a course of therapy. Located in the small town of Trentham, 20 minutes east of Daylesford, the Potting Shed is a self-contained, garden-themed studio retreat on a quaint rose farm (acreofroses.com. au). Upon arrival I can see how much love the owners have put into this special place. What was once a working garden shed is now a cosy adults-only (but dog-friendly)…

WELCOME TO Gumbaynggirr Country, the bountiful land of its Traditional Owners, the Gumbaynggirr people. Known by many as the Coffs Coast (and by some as ‘that place where the mountains meet the sea’), the region always was and always will be a place of plenty for everyone – the Gumbaynggirr people welcoming visitors by delving into their rich past as the ‘sharing people’. This isn’t anything new of course: the pristine rivers, plentiful oceans and fertile forests of their country have always provided the Gumbaynggirr people with so much that they commonly shared food and resources with other Indigenous nations. The Coffs Coast is committed to providing a significant number of sustainable nature-based tourism experiences, helping Coffs Harbour become NSW’s first destination to become accredited under the ECO Destinations Certification.…

QUALIA The most luxurious resort option on Hamilton Island (and probably Australia) is qualia, which combines serious design flair with a cool exclusive clubhouse feel. Half the suites at the upmarket resort have plunge pools facing the ocean. The VIP vibes continue in the Long Pavilion, the airy and elegant restaurant that serves great Australian produce with a well-thought-out drinks list. The Long Pavilion is one of the best locations on the island to watch the sunset. (qualia is a featured100 Unique Stays – see page74) Hamilton Island Yacht Club Villas THE HIGH-END VILLAS DESIGNED BY ARCHITECT WALTER BARDA OFFER A RANGE OF SOPHISTICATED OPTIONS AND CAN ACCOMMODATE UP TO EIGHT GUESTS. EACH OF THE MARINA-SIDE VILLAS HAS FOUR BATHROOMS AND FOUR BEDROOMS AND INCLUDES SENSATIONAL VIEWS OVER DENT PASSAGE.…

Desert Gardens Hotel forms part of Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, alongside other accommodation options like luxurious Sails in the Desert, with its brasserie-style Ilkari Restaurant, and the surprisingly edgy Lost Camel Hotel, a contemporary and fun boutique-style option. Located 20 kilometres from Uluru,Ayers Rock Campground, meanwhile, lets you get as close to nature as possible with its campsites under native desert oaks while the showstopper of the bunch, undoubtedly, is Longitude 131° – Australia’s ultimate luxury camp (pictured).…

BOUTIQUE GIPPSLAND FOOD AND WINE Home to vast stretches of pristine coastline, peppered with fishing villages and coves, it’s no wonder seafood is a big deal in Gippsland’s boutique restaurants. You’ll find amazing seafood served up in places such as SODAFISH in Lakes Entrance, SARDINE EATERY & BAR in Paynesville and WILDFISH in Port Albert. Pairing food and wine with minimal food miles is standard in Gippsland, where farmers, winemakers and chefs collaborate in eateries such as NARKOOJEE near Traralgon, and HOGGET KITCHEN in Warragul. Tuck into a platter of Gippsland cheese at Inverloch’s DIRTY THREE WINES and treat yourself to a terroir-testing of the three pinots, each grown in the three vineyards that give the wine its name. Gippsland’s craft beer scene is just hitting its stride; you’ll still…

82 UNITED PLACES BOTANIC GARDENS, MELBOURNE,VIC At this urban oasis for design-conscious travellers a stone’s throw from the Melbourne CBD, it’s hard to know whether to stay cocooned in your suite or explore the city’s botanic gardens, river and NGV on your doorstep. WITH A COFFEE SHOP on every corner in neighbourhoods that invite you to become part of their fabric, Melbourne is the kind of city that makes you feel like a local within no time. And I love that feeling of familiarity I get from revisiting time and again. But I also love that it can surprise and reveal new sides to me, as it does when I check into United Places (unitedplaces.com.au). This small and luxurious hotel is an urban oasis set on the edge of the…

HOBART’S The Henry Jones Art Hotel is a place that defies being neatly labelled, even though it’s the birthplace of one of the country’s most beloved labels. Familiar to generations of Australians, IXL Jams were made in the sandstone building on Hobart’s waterfront for more than a century before the factory was reborn as the country’s first dedicated art hotel in 2004. There are more than 400 original artworks – all either by Tasmanians or depicting Tasmania – throughout the hotel, including a dedicated gallery space with solo exhibitions that change every six weeks or so. The hotel’s commitment to art goes further, with the creation of an annual 20,000 Henry Jones Art Prize for early-career Tasmanian artists. Perfect the art of fine dining in the hotel’s signature restaurant, LANDSCAPE…