Australian Traveller September - November 2021

WHERE TO LAY your head is one of the most obvious – some would say rudimentary – elements of travelling, but it is also the one that can have the most impact on a trip and the memories that you dip into on rewind for months and years to come. I don’t know about you, but I have been known to plan a whole trip around a particular bolthole inner-city hotel or vintage-filled country holiday rental. So when it was time to plan our annual 100 issue, unique accommodation was something I could definitely get behind. That’s not to say it was an easy task putting this issue together. First, with such a diverse landscape and so many sophisticated accommodation offerings, distilling hundreds of properties across the country down to just…

18 OF THE BEST REGIONAL BAKERIES AROUND AUSTRALIA Filling your cakehole with goods from a regional bakery is a proud Aussie road trip tradition – and these insider tips will make it even easier. VISIT ‘EATING OUT’ IN OUR EXPERIENCES TAB THE TOP 10 FESTIVALS IN ADELAIDE NOT TO BE MISSED Eat, drink, dance and be merry at one of Adelaide’s many vibrant festivals. VISIT ‘ADELAIDE’ IN OUR DESTINATIONS TAB WHERE TO EAT, STAY AND PLAY IN HERVEY BAY Hervey Bay is so much more than a simple stopover en route to K’gari (Fraser Island), as you’ll discover during a bliss-filled few days on Queensland’s Fraser Coast. VISIT ‘HERVEY BAY’ IN OUR DESTINATIONS TAB THE BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY WINERIES AROUND AUSTRALIA Family holidays don’t have to be all about the kids. Set your sights on wineries where the little ones are…

Unyoked aims to provide the most effective dose of nature in as short amount of time as possible. “Everything’s designed so you feel ‘unyoked’, which is to be free, without stress or worries,” say founders Cam and Chris Grant. “You’ll be totally immersed in nature, with no human elements within sight or sound, and feel dwarfed by nature at each of our sites, yet you’ll only be two hours from your home or office.” These off-grid tiny houses in spectacular secluded spots within striking distance of cities like Sydney (Sadie, pictured), Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane are a tonic for all ills. “We all feel it when we’re out there, and it’s something increasingly backed up by science – the more time we spend outdoors, and the closer to nature we…

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. There’s an indoor/outdoor…

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 Ballarat Holiday Park NRMA Parks and Resorts has added…

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 delivers…