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

Rum Tum Tugger and 2022 International Tour Company c Alessandro Pinna

CATS the musical is coming back to Sydney

17/10/2024

By James Banham

Step into a world of enchanting felines and timeless melodies as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical, CATS, returns to Theatre Royal Sydney. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in June 2025, this legendary production is set to captivate audiences once more, in the very theatre where its Australian journey began back in 1985. CATS first leapt onto the stage at the New London Theatre in 1981, revolutionising musical theatre with its dazzling fusion of music, dance, and T.S. Eliot’s whimsical poetry from Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. Since then, it has mesmerised over 81 million viewers across more than 50 countries, earning accolades including the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Musical. On Broadway, it reigned supreme for 18 years, collecting seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and establishing itself as a defining piece of the British “mega-musical” phenomenon. Producer John Frost of Crossroads Live reflects on the show’s enduring allure: “CATS is a legendary show that I’ve admired for over 40 years. A sparkling fusion of music, dance, and verse, it was revolutionary when it first opened and enticed new audiences into the world of musical theatre. I can’t wait to bring the original production of CATS back to Australia where it all began, at Theatre Royal Sydney, to celebrate its 40th anniversary in Australia.” The magic of CATS lies in its heartwarming tale of the Jellicle cat tribe. Each year, these unique felines gather for the Jellicle Ball, where their wise leader, Old Deuteronomy, makes the pivotal Jellicle choice, deciding which cat will… Read More

Dance, theatre and live music come together in Nobodaddy at Sadler’s Wells

17/10/2024

By James Banham

Experience the magic of dance at Sadler’s Wells Theatre this November with the enchanting production of “Nobodaddy,” brought to life by the brilliant Michael Keegan-Dolan and his acclaimed company, Tea? Da?sa. Running from 27th to 30th November, this groundbreaking performance promises to captivate audiences with its innovative fusion of dance, theatre, and live music. Following the success of their previous work, Mám, Keegan-Dolan returns to Sadler’s Wells with Nobodaddy, a powerful and evocative creation co-produced by Sadler’s Wells and making its London premiere. Inspired by a William Blake poem, this production emerges from the heart of Ireland’s Gaeltacht in West Kerry, offering a unique exploration of themes that resonate deeply with audiences. Nobodaddy is a large-scale dance and theatre ritual, featuring nine dancers seamlessly blending movement with song, accompanied by six musicians performing live on stage. The piece includes the extraordinary talents of renowned folk singer Sam Amidon, whose expertise in banjo, guitar, and fiddle enriches the performance. With seven acclaimed solo albums to his name, Amidon’s collaboration with Tea? Da?sa brings a vibrant, musical heartbeat to this immersive experience. The name “Nobodaddy,” an anagram for “Old daddy Nobody” or “Nobody’s daddy,” was coined by English Romantic poet William Blake. While Blake’s Nobodaddy represented a destructive divinity, Tea? Da?sa’s interpretation is a tribute to peacemakers and the harbingers of goodwill—an artistic nod to the power of unity and creativity. Created over eight weeks in the scenic surroundings of Kerry, Nobodaddy is a testament to Keegan-Dolan’s distinctive style of contemporary dance. The production is a celebration… Read More

The Lehman Trilogy 2024 L R Howard W Overshown Aaron Krohn © Mark Douet 50A6969.JPG

Lehman Trilogy is the play to see in London this season

13/10/2024

By James Banham

The return of The Lehman Trilogy to London’s West End is nothing short of a theatrical triumph. Having garnered critical acclaim and five Tony Awards®, this production reclaims its rightful place on the stage at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, dazzling audiences with its epic narrative and stellar performances. With its limited run until 5 January 2025, this is an unmissable opportunity to witness a play that has captivated over half a million viewers worldwide. Penned by the masterful Stefano Massini, adapted by Ben Power, and brought to life by the visionary director Sam Mendes, The Lehman Trilogy is a sweeping saga that chronicles the rise and fall of a family that not only changed the world but also shaped modern financial history. The story begins on a cold September morning in 1844, with a young Bavarian immigrant dreaming of a new life, and unfolds into a gripping tale spanning 163 years, culminating in the dramatic collapse of Lehman Brothers. This production boasts a formidable cast, with John Heffernan delivering a magnetic performance as Henry Lehman. Heffernan, known for his roles in Edward II and Oppenheimer, brings depth and nuance to the character. Alongside him, Aaron Krohn shines as Mayer Lehman, drawing on his rich experience with Sam Mendes’ previous works, including Cabaret and The Bridge Project. Howard W. Overshown rounds out the trio with his compelling portrayal of Emanuel Lehman, further solidifying his reputation from notable performances in Richard III and A Soldier’s Play. The ensemble is supported by a creative dream team, including set… Read More

What to see at Victorian Opera’s 2025 season

09/10/2024

By James Banham

Victorian Opera’s Season 2025 is set to be a dazzling display of theatrical brilliance, blending rare operatic masterpieces with the glitz of Broadway and literary adaptations. Topping the season’s bill is the first-ever fully staged production of Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical, “Follies,” running from February 1-6 at the iconic Palais Theatre in St Kilda. Picture this: a run-down theatre on the brink of demolition becomes the backdrop for a starry reunion of former chorus girls, rekindling the magic of their interwar performances. With luminaries like Marina Prior, Antoinette Halloran, and Rhonda Burchmore gracing the stage, it’s bound to be a spectacle that will go down in Australian musical theatre history. Under the expert artistic direction of Stuart Maunder AM, Victorian Opera continues to innovate and enchant. After their previous successes with productions like “Sweeney Todd” and “My Fair Lady,” Maunder once again teams up with Tony Award-winning designer Roger Kirk AM to bring this glamorous vision to life. The musical prowess of Phoebe Briggs and Orchestra Victoria will ensure a mesmerizing auditory experience. Come August, the Palais Theatre will once again be abuzz with excitement as Victorian Opera presents a fresh take on Mozart’s “The Abduction from the Seraglio.” This darkly comic opera is a heady mix of romance, heroism, and a touch of humor, set against Mozart’s emotionally charged score. Directed by Constantine Costi and featuring talents like Cleo Lee-McGowan and Katherine Allen, this production promises a thrilling ride through an operatic landscape filled with loyalty, love, and laughter. October brings us “Katya… Read More

If you like art, then you need to visit Royal Academy London

05/10/2024

By James Banham

At the dawn of the 16th century, the artistic landscape of Republican Florence became the stage for an extraordinary convergence of talent and ambition. Three illustrious figures of the Italian Renaissance—Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael—found themselves vying for the favor of the city’s most influential patrons. On January 25, 1504, Florence’s leading artists gathered to determine the rightful home for Michelangelo’s nearly completed masterpiece, David. This pivotal meeting included Leonardo da Vinci, who, like Michelangelo, had recently returned to his birthplace, setting the scene for a creative rivalry that would shape the Renaissance. The exhibition, beginning with Michelangelo’s acclaimed Taddei Tondo, delves into the competitive yet inspiring relationship between Michelangelo and Leonardo, and the profound impact they had on the youthful Raphael. Visitors will encounter some of the finest examples of Italian Renaissance drawing, including Leonardo’s Burlington House Cartoon and preparatory studies by both Leonardo and Michelangelo for their murals commissioned by the Florentine government for the newly built council hall in the Palazzo Vecchio. Organised by the Royal Academy of Arts, London, in collaboration with the Royal Collection Trust and the National Gallery, this exhibition offers a captivating journey through the artistic rivalry and collaboration that defined a pivotal era in art history. Michelangelo, Leonardo, RaphaelFlorence, c. 15049 November 2024 – 16 February 202510am–6pm, Tuesdays to Sundays10am-9pm, Fridays