Australian Traveller February 2019 - April 2019

THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK isn’t like anywhere else on Earth. I know, it’s a bold statement but it is not one I make lightly. Every year as we put together our outback issue I am reminded of how truly unique it is; and I feel truly privileged to live in a country that contains such drama, beauty and such spirit. Because the outback is not just about the landscape itself, even though it is a wonder to behold, it is about a collective character that goes a long way to short-handing who we all are as Australians. If tangible evidence of this is needed, look no further than the stories that populate the pages of this magazine; of course they are filled with breathtaking images of vast red expanses and sun-bleached interiors,…

HOW TO SPEND AN AWESOME 7 OR 14 DAYS AS A FAMILY IN THE RED CENTRE Covering everything from Uluru to the Devils Marbles, here’s a Red Centre itinerary for the whole family. SEE ‘DESTINATIONS’ FOR OUR RED CENTRE GUIDE BAROSSA VALLEY ESSENTIALS Glamping, art and of course, wine: for first-timers to this famed and fabulous region, here’s what to add to your itinerary. SEE ‘DESTINATIONS’ FOR OUR BAROSSA VALLEY GUIDE THE 10 BEST INDIGENOUS EXPERIENCES IN FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND From rock art tours to art classes and dining on native ingredients, immerse yourself in Indigenous Australia, the Queensland way. SEE ‘DESTINATIONS’ FOR OUR TROPICAL NORTH GUIDE THE TWEED: AUSTRALIA’S NEXT HOTSPOT DESTINATION With a secluded retreat designed for maximum relaxation, a fantastic regional art gallery and next-level produce, the stunning northern New South Wales region deserves your attention. SEE ‘DESTINATIONS’…

ESPERANCE It’s the colour of Esperance that gets you: apart from its famed, vivid-pink lakes, the stark palette of some of Australia’s whitest beaches is laid bare against shocking turquoise waters that hint at the teeming biosphere that is the Great Australian Bight. Tucked in on the south-facing shores of Western Australia, this is next-stop-Antarctica territory, with no shortage of tours to witness the dolphins, southern right whales and preening sea lions when you visit. WESTERN AUSTRALIA The 100-odd islands of the Recherche Archipelago stretch out as far as you can see, creating extra fauna-loving places for wild things to flourish; a cruise to Woody Island’s nature reserve brings you close to the fur seals that call it home. Follow the snorkelling trail, or laze on the swimming platform and soak up utter…

voco Gold Coast Reflecting the Gold Coast’s recent funky revival, voco has an eclectic, fun-in-the-sun feel befitting its location. Rooms are rendered in a palette of neutrals and blue with pops of sunshine yellow, and come with views towards the ocean or the hinterland. Throughout there is a roster of restaurants and bars, a day spa, gym and pool. goldcoast.vocohotels.com DAYDREAM ISLAND Daydream, one of Australia’s best-loved Whitsunday island resorts is reopening after a serious makeover, with three restaurants and three bars added. A few past favourites are returning, albeit amped up a notch, such as the Living Reef – a free-form coral lagoon where guests can join the team of marine biologists to feed baby stingrays or visit the underwater observatory. daydreamisland.com OVOLO THE VALLEY Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley just keeps getting cooler with the…

Ocean Grove Chalet Situated on the stunning Bellarine Peninsula, within easy reach of the Great Ocean Road, this 15-room hotel has a sleek, modern vibe throughout, with rooms ranging from standard to penthouse, and including generous family rooms. There are plentiful cafes and restaurants nearby and the beach is a short stroll away, presenting the perfect summer bolthole. oceangrovechalet.com.au The Hideaway Cabarita Beach A glamping village of luxury tents and caravans surrounded by nature in the NSW coastal town of Cabarita Beach, THE HIDEAWAY offers a stripped-back luxury with a hazy, nostalgic feel to it. Tents come with stylish furniture, some offering mini bars, air conditioning and other plush extras. hideawaycabaritabeach.com.au Vibe Adelaide The South Australian capital will get a stylish new hotel come 2020 when VIBE ADELAIDE opens, with swanky rooms, a lap pool,…

As Adelaide Central Market celebrates its 150th birthday this year, we chat to Poh Ling Yeow – one of its popular stall holders who runs eclectic and homely on-site cafe Jamface – about life at this foodie institution. JAMFACE HAS BEEN OPEN AT THE ADELAIDE CENTRAL MARKET FOR THREE YEARS – YET ANYONE WOULD THINK IT’S BEEN THERE FOREVER. HOW DID YOU CREATE THIS FEEL? From the moment we first had the idea of setting up in the market we spoke of it in terms of design. We saw it as a great opportunity to build a unique space that at the same time reflected the historic surroundings. WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR APPROACH TO FOOD AT JAMFACE? We make pretty much everything from scratch because we are passionate about…