Category: AUSTRALIA

Best hotel pools for your staycation in Australia this year

Updated: 19/06/2024

The reality of you leaving our little prison island this side of 2022 is pretty slim. Unless you’re good at taking advantage of those slim chances that come up once-every-never. So with that in mind, focus has turned to the beauty of the Australian staycation holiday in our own backyard and what better criteria to evaluate where you’re going to than the pool you’ll be floating around in all day? Here are 5 of Australia’s best hotel pools to consider: W Melbourne WET on Level 14 of the freshly opened W Melbourne offers spectacular panoramic views of the city skyline. The space is inspired by the curves of the Yarra River, with curved timber elements and gold roof that reflects the lights of the city at night. With an epic poolside bar and DJ booth the space turns it up for a bold party scene. The Ritz-Carlton, Perth The outdoor heated infinity pool at The Ritz-Carlton, Perth looks out over the Swan River, Elizabeth Quay and city skyline – offering the most exquisite views of Perth to take in while you soak in the sunshine and take a dip in the pool. One of the most luxurious spots in all of WA to be seen in your chic poolside gear. Guests can surrender to luxurious poolside pampering treatments without leaving the comfort of the sunlounge, while the Ladies and Gentlemen from the hotel’s signature cocktail bar Songbird serve up delicious light bites and cocktails to enjoy poolside. For those interested in the costs associated with maintaining… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIA, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Best hotel pools, Best hotel pools for your staycation in Australia this year, Hotel pools Australia

Ultimate winter wonderland guide: top holiday destinations you can drive to in Australia

Razorback_Lookout,_Flinders_Ranges_-_South_Australia

by THE F

Posted: 19/04/2021

We’re allowed out, the weather’s getting chilly and the desire to see more of our own backyard’s never been stronger! Here’s where to go if you’re in the ‘throw everything in the boot – like the spacious option of Toyota’s SUVs, like C-HR city SUV – and go’-kind of mood. NSW – Capertee Valley Capertee Valley is home to the world’s second largest canyon! Make sure you spend a night (or two) in the cosy comfort Bubble Tent, looking up all the bright stars and falling asleep to the sounds of animals, wind and rain. Of course there’s a wood-fired tub and a fire pit (outside the tent!) to keep you warm and relaxed. VIC – High Country A region of diverse beauty and breathtaking views, yes especially during winter season! Whether you’re up for a ski over the Alps or a romantic snow-watching with your partner, High Country has it all! SA – Flinders Ranges and Outback Snow falls in some rare parts of the Flinders Ranges (if you’re lucky), they said! Driving through the Flinders Ranges and Outback, you’d probably think that you’re in another planet, as the surroundings might be something you had never seen before! Don’t forget to pay a visit to the beautiful nature spring, Coward Springs. How springs, cold weather, good times – what more could you ask for? ACT – Snowy Mountain Perfect destination for those who enjoy skiing and snowboarding! But don’t worry if you’re not a sport enthusiast, other fun experiences are also available in this region… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIA, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Australia travel guide, Driving holidays ideas, Holidays you can drive to, Top winter travel ideas, toyota, Ultimate winter wonderland guide top holiday destinations you can drive to in Australia, Where to travel Australia, Winter holiday ideas

4 hotels to stay at in Queensland now the borders are open

by THE F

Posted: 30/11/2020

We’re taking any good news we can get these days and with the latest revelation that Queensland’s going to open its borders to Victoria and NSW, that’s about as good as it gets! With trips being planned and flights being booked, let’s take a look at four of urban Queensland’s top hotels to really throw the wallet at and spend some of those hard-saved Covid dollars. Riley, Cairns Crystalbrook Collection’s Riley is the pinnacle of five-star luxury in Cairns. The resort’s incredible food offerings include the highest rooftop bar in Cairns at Rocco, as well as Asian fusion at Paper Crane. For those looking to unwind guests can choose from the Eleme Day Spa, or simply relax by the pool with a beautiful view of the Coral Sea. Bailey, Cairns Modern, innovative and with an appreciation for the arts, Bailey celebrates originality and individuality. Guests can choose between the 5-star luxury of Bailey’s rooms and suites, and the equally luxe home-away-from-home oasis at Bailey Residences, featuring 1,2 and 3 bedroom residences. Culinary options include the reimagined steakhouse CC’s Bar and Grill. Flynn, Cairns The youngest sibling in Crystalbrook’s Cairns family, Flynn has just opened its doors to guests for the first time as of November 10. Boasting two glass-bottomed pools, casual eatery Boardwalk Social and 311 stylish suites, with the top three floors of the Esplanade tower offering guests the ultimate-luxe tropical escape, with large balconies to laze the day away. Flynn is the perfect new destination for those wanting to be in the heart of the action…. Read More

Category: AUSTRALIA, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: 4 hotels, 4 hotels to stay at in Queensland now the borders are open, Covid Queensland, Hotels guide, Queensland borders opern hotel guide, Queensland hotels

Essentials for a successful road trip in the outback

by THE F

Posted: 09/08/2019

Queensland’s Outback was visited by 864,000 domestic visitors last year, which led to $656 million in tourism spending. Australians appear to be unfailing in their eagerness to discover the majestic landscapes and ancient rock formations that the desert regions have to offer. While the Australian Outback is one of the most impressive destinations in the country, the rough terrains can be quite dangerous as well. That’s why you need to be adequately prepared in order to have a seamless and worry-free road trip. Here’s the essential information you need to know in order to have a successful road trip in the Australian Outback. The Right Vehicle For Your Off-Road Adventure Having the right vehicle is the most crucial part of a successful road trip in the Australian Outback. In order to drive through the long unsealed roads of the Outback Way, you’ll need to have an off-road vehicle like a four-wheel-drive truck or an all-wheel-drive SUV. 4WD tourism is growing at a rapid pace because Australians believe that it’s one of the best ways to experience the country’s desert regions, as well as other picturesque terrains like the savannah, alpine rainforests and beaches. Before you head off on your next adventure though, make sure that your off-road vehicle is in good condition. Have it serviced so that there’s less chance of your car breaking down along the way, especially since the heat and road conditions can be quite brutal in the Outback. It’s also essential to have a spare tyre, a complete toolkit, extra fuel and water in case of… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIA, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Australian road trip, Australian road trips, Guide road trips, How to do road trip, road trip

ARTS & CULTURE

Yayoi Kasuma makes more history at NGV Melbourne

22/11/2024

By James Banham

This summer, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne invites you to lose yourself in the extraordinary universe of Yayoi Kusama.

Why rush to see The Great Mughals at V&A: a celebration of opulence, art and culture

22/11/2024

By James Banham

Today, the Victoria and Albert Museum opens the doors to a landmark exhibition, The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence. For the first time in a major show, the monumental artistic achievements of the Mughal Empire’s ‘Golden Age’ (c. 1560–1660) take centre stage, showcasing the splendour, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange that defined one of the world’s greatest empires. The Glory of the Mughals The Mughal dynasty, rooted in Central Asia, was founded in 1526 by Babur, a Timurid prince who carved out an empire stretching from modern-day Afghanistan to the edges of southern India, and from Gujarat to the borders of present-day Bangladesh. At its zenith, the empire was known for its staggering wealth, progressive governance, and artistic innovation. Focused on the reigns of three of the dynasty’s most celebrated emperors—Akbar (r. 1556–1605), Jahangir (r. 1605–1627), and Shah Jahan (r. 1628–1658)—the exhibition illuminates a period when the Mughal court transformed into a cultural powerhouse. These were the rulers who commissioned masterpieces like the Taj Mahal and fostered an artistic legacy that blended Persian, Indian, and European influences. Unveiling the Court’s Creative Mastery At the heart of the exhibition are over 200 objects, breathtaking in both their beauty and their historical value. Visitors can expect to marvel at exquisite paintings, intricately illustrated manuscripts, luxurious textiles, vibrantly hued carpets, and dazzling objects crafted from mother of pearl, jade, rock crystal, and precious metals. Many of these treasures have been hidden from public view for decades, making this a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the artistry of… Read More

A Golden Adventure awaits at the Australian Museum with new Machu Picchu Exhibition

21/11/2024

By Danielle Kirk

Sydney, prepare yourselves for a cultural gold rush. From November 23, the Australian Museum is rolling out its latest blockbuster, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru. This dazzling exhibition is your passport to ancient Peru, featuring 134 priceless treasures from the land of the Incas and 14,000 years of history. Think glittering jewels, royal tomb artefacts, and a VR journey to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It’s more than a history lesson—it’s a time machine with all the bells, whistles, and human sacrifice relics you could dream of. Following the success of the Ramses Exhibition at the Australian Museum (fun fact, it became the highest grossing exhibition in the State’s history, selling over 500,000 tickets!), Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru is created in partnership with Peru’s Museo Larco, Museo de Sito Manuel Chavez Ballon, and Neon Global, taking you on a journey through five ancient Peruvian empires, spanning over 3,000 years of rich history. Parts of the collection have only been shown in four other cities around the world, in fact, some of the artefacts have never left Peru before, and now we’re lucky to set sights on them in Sydney. Expect to see the most opulent Andean gold collection to ever leave Peru, intricate ceremonial masks, and objects that whisper secrets of long-lost rituals. For the tech-savvy explorers, the Machu Picchu and the Spirit of the Condor VR experience will transport you above the clouds for a bird’s-eye tour of the legendary citadel. Guided by the… Read More

NGV Architecture Commission 2024: Home Truth by Breathe

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In a bold reimagining of Australian home design, Home Truth by Breathe has been announced as the winner of the NGV Architecture Commission for 2024. This captivating installation takes the form of a labyrinthine house-within-a-house, challenging the notion of ever-expanding home sizes in Australia. At the heart of this design is a powerful message: rethink how we build to create more sustainable, higher-quality, and community-orientated living spaces. Home Truth invites visitors to step into a space that questions the ethical and ecological ramifications of the sprawling, oversized homes that have become prevalent across the nation. An external frame mirrors the silhouette of the average Australian home, which, at 236 square metres, ranks as the largest globally. Nestled within this silhouette is a serene timber structure, representing a smaller, more sustainable living footprint. This juxtaposition of scales is not just an architectural statement but a call to action. By contrasting these two structures, Home Truth shines a light on how smaller, more considered homes could help reduce suburban sprawl, mitigate environmental impacts, and enhance community wellbeing. It is a thought-provoking invitation for audiences to consider alternative, sustainable housing models that could lead to positive lifestyle changes. Visitors entering through the expansive garage door of the larger house find themselves navigating a maze of rooms and corridors, eventually arriving at the intimate timber retreat. This wooden haven offers a space for meditation and reflection, presenting a tangible vision of a more sustainable housing future. Constructed from framing pine and Saveboard, Home Truth uses materials emblematic of current… Read More

LOEWE PRECO SS25 SUNA FUJITA CERAMICS RGB CROPPED 4X5 3 5

Suna Fujita, LOEWE & Melbourne Art Fair to exhibit works

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In an exciting fusion of art and fashion, Melbourne Art Fair has announced a groundbreaking partnership with LOEWE, the esteemed luxury fashion brand renowned for its dedication to craftsmanship since 1846. This collaboration brings to life an exquisite preview of Jonathan Anderson’s renewed partnership with the Kyoto-based ceramist duo, Suna Fujita, marking a world-first exhibition in Australasia. The LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection made its debut with an intimate showcase at LOEWE’s Melbourne Collins Street store, offering an exclusive viewing experience of twenty whimsical ceramic pieces. These delicate works, celebrated for their intricate hand-painted scenes featuring ocean creatures and cosmic animals, seamlessly blend artistry with everyday function, transforming accessories and ready-to-wear items into enchanting works of art. Fair Director Melissa Loughnan expressed her enthusiasm for this creative union, stating, “This partnership is a reflection of Melbourne Art Fair and LOEWE’s shared commitment to supporting living artists and creatives, and an exciting precursor to the 18th edition of the Fair, which promises to be one of our most dynamic and anticipated showcases yet.” The collaboration not only highlights the playful essence of Suna Fujita’s ceramics but also underscores the vibrant art scene that Melbourne Art Fair champions. Launching today, the LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection is available both in stores and online at loewe.com, continuing until 29th December 2024. This artistic venture paves the way for the 18th edition of Melbourne Art Fair, set to take place from 20-23 February 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The fair will present a remarkable assembly of… Read More