In my decidedly inexpert opinion, holidays are the fountain of youth. Research shows that holidays can cut blood pressure, aid in better sleep better and relieve stress. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that nothing gives one a natural glow quite like a few days of sun and sea. And, as a […] Read more…
It has only been a few months since Tropical Cyclone Debbie hit the Whitsundays with ferocious force, but we’ve already revisited several times to soak up the sun, sand and a little family fun. And while the area has certainly undergone something of an environmental makeover, I can happily confirm that Airlie Beach, the gateway […] Read more…
For us, Airlie Beach is more than just a gateway to the reef, it is also a gateway to gorging on fantastic food. With sublime restaurants and upmarket cafes serving everything from the freshest seafood to incredible organic superfoods, Raffles and I suggest factoring in eating, right alongside snorkelling and swimming, when planning your Airlie […] Read more…
Airlie Beach is a small beachside town with a big village atmosphere and the perfect spot for families to access the extraordinary Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. And, we’re happy to report that, despite Cyclone Debbie’s tempestuous tantrum, it is a patch of paradise that is as beautiful and welcoming as ever, as we discovered during […] Read more…
The deep sapphire of the sea, the green of the islands and the reef’s fusion of fifty shades of blue make the Whitsunday Islands beautiful beyond description. Long term fans of the gorgeous area, we certainly didn’t need to be asked twice for a return visit. And though between visits Cyclone Debbie’s dramatic environmental makeover wreaked much […] Read more…
What could be better than a room with a view over South Bank and the beautiful Brisbane River? A suite with a view, natch! It is getting rather chilly Sydney side and the winter blues have me over-sleeping, and over-eating and over-imbibing. OK, I’d be doing that no matter what the temp, but the lure […] Read more…
Brisbane, you’ve changed. I mean, come on, it has only been a couple of years between dates but while my back is turned, you’ve gone and turned into a whole new city, flirting with other visitors and flashing your new boutique restaurants, cool craft breweries, and sexy small bars. And don’t even get me started […] Read more…
So tonight we went to taste our way around Vivid Chatswood, an experience that was as educational as it was delicious. So how was it educational? Well, for starters the buildings and streets of Chatswood have gone “Steampunk”, which is something I’ve never heard of before. So I learned tonight that steampunk is kind of […] Read more…
Once upon a time there was a smart and sweet beauty who loved her family, cake and to dance, though not necessarily in that order. Beauty was a little upset by the behaviour of The Beast (her mother), a mean creature who had the audacity to have been working a few too many hours of late […] Read more…
Who’d have thought that a visit to an Aboriginal dance performance would lead to one of the most authentic and incredible Indigenous experiences of Raffles young life? Certainly not me. But that is exactly what happened at Katoomba’s Waradah Aboriginal Centre. We find ourselves at the centre after stopping to wax philosophic with Katoomba’s famous […] Read more…
The Eats worlds are more than a little sweet on exploring the Blue Mountains. And it’s not just because of its epic vistas, thrilling adventure activities, world-class galleries, gorgeous gardens and fabulous wildlife. Nope! It is because we are world-class gluttons. You see, the Blue Mountains isn’t just for romantic escapes or family breaks, it […] Read more…
“Mum, this place kinda feels like home,” declares a smiling Raffles within minutes of checking into the harbour front Crowne Plaza Newcastle. And while our actual home may not boast a marble-clad foyer, an army of friendly-staff or stunning views over Newcastle’s working harbour, he’s right, this place does radiate a special “at home” kind […] Read more…