Feb 2

Feb 2 Revisiting Discovery Rottnest Island, Perth, Australia

In February 2023 we returned to Rottnest as what is fast becoming an annual Australian summer tradition. In this revisit post, we compare the available Deluxe Oceanside Tents and provide some further tid bits regarding the facilites and experience.

Oct 4

Oct 4 Silky Oaks Lodge Daintree, Queensland, Australia

D & A

Accommodation, Food & Drink, Destinations

The newest addition to the Baillie Lodges stable, Silly Oaks Lodge has always been considered one of Australia’s finest luxury resorts. However, with a multimillion makeover it is fair to say things have been taken to a new level, particularly on the cullinary front.

Aug 17

Aug 17 Bullo River Station, Northern Territory, Australia

D & A

Accommodation, Adventures, Destinations

800 kilometres from Darwin, Bullo River Station in Australia’s Northern Territory is a working cattle station with stylish accommodation and adventures to match.

Jul 20

Jul 20 Mount Mulligan Lodge, Queensland, Australia

D & A

Accommodation, Destinations, Food & Drink

Marketed as Queensland’s newest, all-inclusive luxury property, Mount Mulligan Lodge is part of an ever expanding list of must visit properties across the north of Australia. The lodge is located on a private working cattle station, and the accommodation sits below the majestic, and for some, fear inducing, Mount Mulligan. The nearby former township and mine is also the site of the “Mount Mulligan mine disaster”, Queensland's worst!

May 24

May 24 The Indian Pacific (Perth to Adelaide), Australia

D & A

Accommodation, Adventures

The Indian Pacific is one of Australia’s quintessential rail journeys. The famous transcontinental crossing runs from Sydney to Perth or Perth to Sydney, through the Blue Mountains, outback New South Wales and South Australia, Adelaide, and across the celebrated Nullarbor.

Apr 10

Apr 10 Karijini National Park, Western Australia

D & A

Destinations, Adventures

Dec 5

Dec 5 Discovery Rottnest Island, Perth, Western Australia

D & A

Accommodation, Destinations

Located on the far north east corner of Perth’s very own secret island hideaway, Discovery Rottnest Island is a must visit location for lovers of beach, sun and sand and (we think) is a great reason to add a visit to Perth to your Australia adventures. Arguably, provding the very best glamping experience in the state, with the highest category tents nestled right into the water front dunes of Pinky Beach, Discovery Rottnest Island has already become a regular summer haunt for these proud Perthites.

Nov 15

Nov 15 Kittawa Lodge, King Island, Tasmania, Australia

D & A

Accommodation, Destinations, Food & Drink

The isle of Tasmania is one of the most spectacular regions of Australia. In recent years, its startling natural beauty has been complemented by the rise of a thriving food industry and a burgeoning luxury accommodation scene – a windfall for discerning adventurers. It is on an island off the island that one of the newest and most extraordinary lodges has emerged – the petite, personalised and impeccably chic Kittawa Lodge of King Island.

Nov 10

Nov 10 Islington Hotel, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

D & A

Accommodation

Founded in 1804, Hobart is Australia’s second oldest capital city, after Sydney. On our last visit to Tasmania, we stayed at the newly opened and unabashedly modern MACq01 Hotel on the waterfront. But on this occasion, we embraced the city’s historical grandeur and refined elegance with a stay at the delightful Hotel Islington in South Hobart.

Dec 13

Dec 13 Samphire Rottnest, Perth, Western Australia

D & A

Accommodation, Destinations

Rottnest Island – Perth’s picturesque playground. A short boat journey across the water to an island of beaches, bays, bicycles and barefoot relaxation. With captivating quokkas and surreal natural beauty, it is a beautiful destination for both Perth locals and visitors to WA.

But while the laidback and casual vibe is ideal for engendering relaxation, is has long translated into a standard of accommodation that could be described, at best, as underwhelming. A recent glamping option was a significant step up from the age-old cottages, but there was still nothing on the island that could truly be considered luxurious.

And so it was with much anticipation that discerning Perth-ites awaited the opening of Samphire, Rottnest Island’s first luxury accommodation, in October 2020. And it was definitely worth the wait.

Nov 27

Nov 27 Securing Your Ideal Spot on Direction Island, in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands

D & A

Destinations, Adventures

In 2017, Cossies Beach, in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, was named the Best Beach in Australia. Located on Direction Island, one of the 27 palm-fringed atolls that make up the Cocos (Keeling) islands, DI is a must for any discerning itinerary. And if you are keen to score one of the best picnic spots on DI, read on…

Nov 26

Nov 26 How to Visit Direction Island, Voted Australia’s Best Beach, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia

D & A

Destinations, Adventures

Direction Island was voted Australia’s best beach in 2017, so really, there is nothing more for us to say. But, if you really want to make the most of your visit to this idyllic, uninhabited gem, we’ve got your back…

Aug 25

Aug 25 Berkeley River Lodge, The Kimberley, Western Australia

D & A

Adventures, Accommodation

In the furtherest corner of WA’s vast Kimberley region, Berkeley River Lodge is a luxurious hideaway on the shores of the sparkling Timor Sea. With stylish rooms, exceptional food and a wealth of outback adventures to be had, Australia’s most remote luxury lodge is a very special experience indeed.

Jan 27

Jan 27 Swell Lodge, Christmas Island, Australia

D & A

Accommodation

It is just before 6am, and the first rays of morning light are peeking into our tent. We have been gently encouraged awake by the same ocean waves that lulled us to sleep many hours before. From our balcony, the waters below are turquoise and cobalt, sparkling in the dawn light as they surge and crash over the russet red rocks. Brown boobies and frigate birds soar past at eye-level, hovering on the sea breeze, so close we barely need our zoom lenses. And around us, the red crabs mill, softly munching on the moist dewy leaves in the early morning cool, their bright orange claws clickety-clacking as they slowly amble by. Welcome to Swell Lodge.

Jan 8

Jan 8 Ninetysixeast Bed & Breakfast, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia

D & A

Accommodation

Our home in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is the delightful bed and breakfast Ninetysixeast. Named after the longitude of the islands, Ninetysixeast is the labour of love of Perth couple Colin and Christine, who have painstakingly restored their island bungalow for all to enjoy.

Dec 30

Dec 30 Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia

D & A

Destinations

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands. A necklace of palm fringed islands, encircling an emerald lagoon. An Australian territory but closer to Indonesia than mainland Australia. A tropical paradise and a multicultural melting pot with a fascinating history. And our home for the next few days as part of a visit to both the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island.

Jul 2

Jul 2 West Aussie Delicacies taking the World by Storm – Truffle Hunting in WA’s South West

D & A

Adventures

Surely you have heard the news by now… Lonely Planet have just announced their top 10 destinations in Asia Pacific and the winner is… Western Australia’s Margaret River and the South West! So here is just a taste, pun intended, of what one of our favourite regions in the world has to offer.

Apr 20

Apr 20 Decadent Dining at Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island

D & A

Food & Drink

Capella Lodge is Lord Howe Island’s most glamorous accommodation, and its restaurant is a celebration of local produce and Pacific-inspired cuisine. Adding to that is its sublime location, with spectacular views of the island’s lagoon and iconic twin peaks, and the best spot on the island for a sunset cocktail…