As the summer comes to its end, we usually expect things to quieten down in Sydney. But if anything, things have become even busier in the city. Huge art exhibitions like the Biennale are in town, new bars, new restaurants and even a dance-off comp (have you ever heard of ‘waacking’?) have kept us very busy. And in between all of this, there’s been a trip down to the beautiful Southern Highlands—there’s nowhere better to see the autumn colours—and a judging panel for Australian whisky! We hope you enjoy this Edition. Cheers—Jim & Christina xx 2024 sees the 24th Biennale of Sydney. This b ..read more

A city steeped in history and cultural diversity, Hungary’s capital offers a tantalising array of culinary delights that reflect its heritage, from traditional ‘mom-and-pop’ cafes to restaurants with clear international influences, here’s where to eat in Budapest. From the hilly slopes and crenelations of Fisherman’s Bastion in Buda to the flat, bustling Pest side of the city, Hungary’s capital is a wonderful city to explore. We’ve always wanted to come here, to see the mighty Danube that cleaves this beautiful historic place in two. Monumental architecture, a complicated history, a busy cosm ..read more

We’ve always said we travel for food! Driving seven hours south, almost to the border of NSW and Victoria, we’re off to the beautiful Sapphire Coast. About the halfway mark between Sydney and Melbourne, this region is home to some of the best oysters in the world! But it’s not just the oysters we’re making the trip for; the region’s annual food festival, EAT is on. This four-day tribute to the Sapphire Coast’s providores and culminates in a food stall street party right on the water. We’re also checking out a local motel that’s been fixed up, plus an a glamping retreat some 45 minutes inland ..read more

As far from the straight-up-and-down tower of a regular hotel as you can get, the Mercure Crocodile Hotel in Kakadu is as unique as its ancient, stunning surroundings. Here’s what to expect from this kitschy crocodilian crib. One of the last few roads in Australia where you can legally drive over 110km/h, the Arnhem Highway zooms us east out of Darwin into Kakadu National Park, 250km to its very end. As we roll through the dusty streets of Jabiru, the only town within an Australian national park, we get an uneasy sense that we’re being watched. Through low trees and bushes, the head and body ..read more

Anyone who has asked for a restaurant recommendation in the Hunter Valley will have heard the same response: ‘Esca. You have to go to Esca.’ But does Bimbadgen’s awarded eatery deserve all this attention? Just past the stairs down to the silver rows of Bimbadgen’s wine tanks and gantries, we’re welcomed at the door to Esca by a smiling maître d’. The restaurant’s busy tonight. From young, dressed-up couples on a date to old friends in flip-flops relaxing over a meal and a bottle from Bimbadgen’s cellar door, the spectrum of diners adds to the ambience. Light floods in through the windows lini ..read more

One of the smallest wineries in the Hunter Valley yet with a comfortable cellar door and excellent wines, Emma’s Cottage in Lovedale is a must-visit for any wine-lover. Surely, this road we’re on—the Wilderness Road—was named ironically. Cutting across Lovedale, the road shows us satisfyingly straight rows of vines, elegant wedding venues, health retreats, boutique hotels, even the grand black fences and corrals of a horse stud. But no wilderness. Close to the Pokolbin side of Lovedale, is Emma’s Cottage. This cellar door, set amongst its estate grapevines and tree-scattered lawns, is home to ..read more

With its iconic bell tower overlooking vines out to the Broken Back Range, Bimbadgen is a must-visit when you’re in the Hunter Valley. Check out all the things on offer at this award-winning winery in Pokolbin. I remember so clearly the first time we were introduced to Bimbadgen. We were on a drive with Hunter Valley legend Ian ‘Scarbie’ Scarborough of Scarborough Wines fame when we cheekily asked him for local tips for other wineries to visit in the Hunter. Scarbie came up with a magnificent list—humbly leaving his own off—that we published here. High on his list was Bimbadgen. He even took ..read more

Hidden from all but the ducks on the dam and the roos in the vines, the Lane Retreat is perfect for a romantic getaway in the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s best wine regions. We arrive the property just off Palmers Lane in Pokolbin keen for our long weekend of relaxation to begin. We’re early, which means our room isn’t ready yet. We’ll get a text and an email when it is. While we wait, we check out the large half-sandstone half-corrugated walls of the nearby barn. This is a popular wedding venue and there’s one being set up now; we watch the staff as they hustle to prep for the afternoon ..read more

Wine tastings, elegant restaurants, 3 nights in your own private retreat, hot air balloon rides and even a relaxing couples massage in your room for a romantic stay in the Hunter Valley! Here’s your chance to win this amazing experience for two. Working with our friends at Bimbadgen, we’ve put together an amazing experience that gives you so many of the best bits of the Hunter Valley and none of the stress of organising it. Christina and I have been visiting the Hunter and its amazing vineyards for years and we’re still discovering things about it. There always seems to be a new winery to fin ..read more

With the likes of the Wiener schnitzel, sacher torte and—controversially—croissants coming from Austria, you’d expect great things from its capital Vienna. Here are 10 places to eat and drink in Vienna Old Town. We love exploring new cities, and although Christina and I have transited through Vienna many times, we’ve never had time to leave the airport and see it. But on our train journey across Europe, we were able to stop in on this fascinating city, a centre point of so much history and culture. Click here for our full Essential Guide of Vienna. And as we discovered while we were there, Vi ..read more