Australian Traveller

IN AUGUST LAST YEAR, I spent 11 days on a ship tracing the coast of WA from Fremantle/ Walyalup to Broome/Rubibi. It was the first time in a long while that I lost track of the days – was it Wednesday, or Saturday? We measured time instead in whale sightings, shore landings, sea days and the arc of the sun across an endless horizon. It was slow travel at its best; you can read about my experience on page 98. It’s something I’m determined to do more of in 2026 – which Australian Traveller is declaring the year of the anti-bucket list. What do we mean by ‘anti-bucket list’? We mean experiencing destinations differently: like when Eleanor Edström travelled to Hamilton Island to jump not on a sun lounger but…

FIRST-EVER AUSSIE HIGHLANDER Global trekking company HIGHLANDER is heading Down Under this year, bringing a whole new approach to camping and hiking. Join its inaugural five-day hike in Mt Hotham come March to experience it for yourself, where you’ll clock kilometres by day and camp under the stars by night. Ocean-infused gin out of SA The gin produced by Coffin Bay Spirits is not just inspired by the ocean; it’s made from it. Using locally foraged seaweed and botanicals, the distillery has created a collection of gins unlike anything you’ve tasted before. Join a newly launched tour or tasting to try the range for yourself. NSW’s hidden stargazing cabin Getting cosy and admiring the night sky is an undying pastime, and what better place to partake than an adults-only cabin…

A CITY THAT VALUES creativity and originality, Melbourne/ Naarm is the perfect stage to celebrate two fashion iconoclasts. The NGV’s world-premiere exhibition Westwood | Kawakubo (until 19 April) connects the worlds of late British designer Vivienne Westwood and Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons – two figures who, in their own ways, challenged conventions of beauty, taste, gender and the body. “Visitors can expect to see 150 iconic works from fashion history against a backdrop of music and runway footage,” says NGV curator of fashion and textiles Danielle Whitfield. Staged as a conversation between the designers, “highlights include Westwood’s earliest punk garments from the 1970s, her sumptuous, corseted 18th century-inspired gowns and her famous tartans and tweeds. These are complemented by Kawakubo’s experimentation in patternmaking, fabric innovations and…

KEY PLAYERS Lizard Island Resort was the only Australian hotel to be awarded three Michelin Keys in the guide’s inaugural awards – the new global benchmark celebrating hotel experiences across more than 100 countries. Nine hotels earned two keys, including Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island, Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island (pictured above right) and Longitude 131˚ in the Red Centre. Spicers Peak Lodge in Queensland’s Maryvale (left and above left) and Spicers Sangoma Retreat in the Blue Mountains were also awarded two Michelin Keys. guide.michelin.com Menus in motion From 8–17 May, Tasting Australia’s eating and drinking festival presented by Journey Beyond will honour South Australia’s best produce, people and places. Among the highlights will be a host of events that invite festivalgoers to explore by plane, train and…

MILTON PARK MAKEOVER Salter Brothers Hospitality will unlock access to a piece of Southern Highlands heritage with the much-anticipated reopening of Milton Park in early 2026. The storied estate, relaunched as Ardour Milton Park Bowral after a multimillion-dollar refurbishment, will serve as the flagship property for Ardour Hotels & Estates. The luxury address, built as a grand country residence in 1910, will include The Polo Bar and signature restaurant, Horderns. ardourhotelsandestates.com Going the distance It’s just a tiny mile-long drive up the dirt road past the dinky sign leading to The Tiny Mile. But that’s where the journey to the riverside property begins. The Tiny Mile is a one-bedroom cabin set on a bend of Berady Creek outside Old Bar on NSW’s Mid North Coast. Embrace your country era with…

Pearler of a pav Even though it’s just an hour from Sydney/Warrane, The Pav (as it’s been dubbed) feels worlds away. The multi-level venue on NSW’s Central Coast includes Terrigal Pavilion, The Tropic restaurant and The General Store kiosk. And, once you nab a spot on the deck, you will want to stay put. Strut up the boardwalk for a sunrise smoothie, long lunch or boozy beachside dinner. The Pav is the latest venture from Ben May and Rob Domjen (Burleigh Pavilion, Mrs Sippy, The Joey) who have followed their ‘good times by the ocean’ template to a tee. terrigalpavilion.com.au SPANISH REVIVAL Those looking for post-surf sustenance will find it at Alzado, the new Spanish-leaning restaurant at Hotel Ravesis in Bondi. By day, the terracotta and timber-toned space looks out…