Australian Traveller May 2021 - July 2021

IT PROBABLY GOES WITHOUT SAYING that we could all do with a weekend away after the year we have had. There is something deliciously special about the thought of stealing away for a few days. Maybe it’s because the concept of a weekend away or short break seems to be much more focused on indulging in some serious ‘you’ time as opposed to a long-haul holiday, where the aim is often to pack as much as possible in. I don’t know about you, but I regularly feel like I need another holiday to recover from the one I just had. But after a few days spent eating, drinking and relaxing, I’m raring to go. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you can’t be a bit intrepid when it comes to a…

A ROMANTIC WEEKEND ITINERARY IN MUDGEE Set your sights on Mudgee for a romantic weekend in NSW’s prolific Central Ranges wine region, complete with hot air balloon rides, glamping under the stars and wining and dining aplenty. SEARCH ‘MUDGEE’ IN OUR DESTINATIONS TAB THE BEST PLACES TO STAY ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA Discover the best of the best accommodation in this slice of European-style coastal living. SEARCH MORNINGTON PENINSULA IN OUR DESTINATIONS TAB THE BEST UNDER-THE-RADAR TOWNS TO VISIT IN AUSTRALIA THIS YEAR Are you tired of trying to plan a holiday only to find everywhere is booked out? Here are the up-and-coming destinations to get to now – before your dates are gone. SEARCH TOWNS ON AUSTRALIANTRAVELLER.COM IS THIS THE BEST ITINERARY FOR A SYDNEY STAYCATION? Home to the 29 groups of the Eora Nation, the most populous city…

WISH YOU WERE HERE THE RAZORBACK, VICTORIA’S HIGH COUNTRY Victoria’s High Country is compelling in all seasons. Linking up with a local photographer and guide to explore some hotspots around Hotham Heights, photographer Brook James took this dramatic shot in autumn on the appropriately named Razorback Ridge, which forms part of the 22-kilometre Mt Feathertop–The Razorback hike that runs high above the treeline between Mt Hotham and Mt Feathertop, Victoria’s second highest peak. “I actually did it in the snow a few years ago too,” says Brook. “It was picturesque but brutal! It’s a beautiful area, with amazing views of the Alpine National Park.” Take your time and bring plenty of water when summiting the steep and sometimes treacherous Mt Feathertop, he advises, and adds: “There is a really neat geodesic hut…

OVOLO SOUTH YARRA From its iconic location at the intersection ofToorak Road and Chapel Street in SouthYarra, Melbourne, Ovolo Hotels’ latest property stays true to the boutique brand’s penchant for exuberance and whimsy.With 123 rooms categorised as Go Go, Boogie, Groovy and Rockstar, the interiors are firmly in the funky-style category with ’60s and ’70s-inspired wallpaper, hulking velvet sectional lounges, in-room turntables and vinyls, original artworks by Mr Brainwash, and an abundance of orange, mustard and browns (all dreamt up by design rock stars Luchetti Krelle). Downstairs is statement diner Lona Misa, helmed by chefs Shannon Martinez (Smith & Daughters) and Ian Curley (French Saloon, Kirk’s Wine Bar), with a root-to-leaf vegan menu. ovolohotels.com AIDEN DARLING HARBOUR Installed in a remodelled 1930 s Art Deco building in the Sydney suburb of Pyrmont, at…

In a new light Peter Conistis, the owner of premier Sydney Greek eatery Alpha, is like a kid in a candy store. As he stands amid power tools and workmen in the Castlereagh Street space, which is nearing the end of an extensive front-to-back renovation when we meet, he points towards the largely finished open kitchen where a new wood-fired oven, smoker and spit roast are ready to be fired up. He tells me that it took seven years to get council approval for their installation due to safety concerns, which is ironic considering there is a fire station right across the road. Once the kitchen is up and running, under the watchful eye of head chef James Roberts, who has joined us on the construction site walk-through, it will produce the…

THE SHOREHOUSE, WA Hole yourself up for brunch overlooking Swanbourne Beach, just north of Cottesloe, in Perth. With its yellow-and-white-striped parasols popping against the blue duet of sky and Indian Ocean, this laid-back spot provides the ideal backdrop to start your day. Embrace the coastal locale with a blue swimmer crab omelette and cap it off with a Bloody Mary. If the Red Snapper – gin, horseradish, mustard, red wine vinegar and hot sauce – doesn’t wake you up, nothing will. shorehouse.com.au THE BOATHOUSE HOTEL PATONGA, NSW A weekend brunch in Sydney will ideally take place as close to the water as possible and the coastal-chic Boathouse Group does it best. You’ll find this lovely spot in the fishing village of Patonga, just beyond the city limits on the Central Coast (a 1.5-hour…