Top Luxury Holidays

Qualia Resort Whitsundays

Qualia is a unique Australian expression of world-class luxury. It is nestled into the secluded, northern-most tip of Hamilton Island, surrounded by the unsurpassed beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. qualias sun-drenched northern aspect provides the ideal location to appreciate the passing beauty of each day, with a choice of 60 individual pavilions, some incorporating private plunge pools. Or, experience the uncompromising luxury and privacy of the Beach House with its own guest pavilion. qualia is a truly special place where everything has been meticulously considered to relax the mind yet completely spoil the senses. This world-class resort immerses guest in a relaxed atmosphere, offering personalised and intuitive service. Facilities include two serene pools, a library, private dining room, two bars and restaurants and a fitness centre. And for that truly memorable experience step inside Spa qualia, which offers an extensive range of luxurious local and international treatments. Guests also have their own two-seater golf buggy, allowing the rest of the Island to be explored at a leisurely pace. For those with a more adventurous spirit, the Great Barrier Reef is the perfect place to make some unexpected discoveries. Head off on a diving or snorkeling adventure, or marvel at the wondrous diversity of underwater life on a reef tour. There are also all manner of water sports to pursue.

Southern Ocean Lodge Kangaroo Island

Southern Ocean Lodge is Australia's first true luxury lodge, offering a unique and exclusive travel experience on Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Floating atop a secluded cliff on a rugged stretch of coast, the lodge commands peerless views of the wild Southern Ocean and pristine Kangaroo Island wilderness. Located at Hanson bay on the Island's south west coast, the Lodge is 50 or 90 minute drive from Kingscote Airport or Penneshaw Ferry Terminal respectively. The Lodge operates luxury vehicle transfers connecting with all scheduled flights. 21 luxe suites offer mesmerising views of the Southern Ocean and environmentally senstive design. Interiors feature King beds, sunken lounge, glass walled bathroom featuring Southern Spa amenities and outdoor terrace with occasional seating and daybed. Other features include; walk-in robe, complimentary room bar, twice daily housekeeping, optional climate control, heated floors, internet, music system (with MP3 input), safe and telephone. Televisions are in selected suites only. 

Paradise Bay Eco Escape Resort Whitsundays

Paradise Bay Eco Escape is one of Australia's most unique and environmentally sustainable resorts, located in the beautiful Whitsunday Islands, just near the world famous Great Barrier Reef. Paradise Bay welcomes guests with the philosophy of relaxed eco luxury. Guests can explore the surrounding islands and reefs on Paradise Bays own 34 foot catamaran and the resorts gourmet chefs are waiting to delight guest pallets with fresh local produce, sea food and other tempting morsels. The resort is completely self-sufficient for fresh water, electricity and waste water disposal and uses a combination of solar power, natural gas and collected rainwater to provide every comfort and convenience expect by the most discerning traveler. This is a very unique way to experience and explore Australia's most spectacular natural region, with a maximum of 16 guests, an all-inclusive tariff, gourmet food and no single surcharge, TV, phones, children or day visitors.

Cape Lodge Yallingup

Cape Lodge in Yallingup is considered one of the premier hotels offering luxurious lodging amidst the fabulous surroundings. Cape Lodge in Yallingup located in the Margaret River Region in Australia is rooted in the heart of Margaret River Vineyards. It forms part of the town sites of Margaret River, Dunsborough and Yallingup. One can get to the hotel from the regional airport of Busselton, which is placed at a distance of 30 kms from the location of Cape Lodge . It is a drive of approximately 40 minutes to reach Cape Lodge from the Airport. The Perth Airport can also be availed which takes a leisurely drive of three and half hours to reach. The coach service, bus service, limousine and hired car can be used to commute to the hotel.Enveloped by magnificent gardens and overlooking a picturesque lake, Cape Lodge is a luxury boutique hotel. It boasts of 22 deluxe suites, which are well decorated and stylishly furnished and offers the perfect ambiance for a peaceful lodging. All the units are airy and brightly lit and convey a sense of elegance, space and charm. The comfortable linen and fabrics enable the guests to experience an opulent and convenient stay in the hotel. These fascinating rooms are all decked with the sterling room facilities at Cape Lodge which includes well-stocked mini bar, television with satellite connection , DVD and CD players and room service .The fresh innovative cuisines and selection of vintage wines served at the restaurant of Cape Lodge offers an impressive wining and dining experience to the guests. 

Palazzo Versace

The world's first Versace Hotel expresses Gianni Versace's vision through the inspired direction of Donatella uniting elegance, fashion and discerning style and service with a beautiful waterfront location. The first Palazzo Versace creates the ultimate experience in design and living, at the historic Fisherman's Wharf on the Gold Coast's Broadwater. This 205 room luxury international hotel, complemented by the neighbouring exclusive villa suites, expresses the exuberance of the Versace soul. Palazzo Versace proclaims its unique parentage proudly, breathing an air of incomparable serenity and refinement, speaking to the hearts of those who revel in beauty.

Best Beer in Australia

XXXX GOLD

XXXX GOLD is a refreshing mid-strength beer that continues the great tradition of FOUREX brewing heritage, by being brewed with the finest Australian malt, barley and unique golden cluster hops. XXXX GOLD has a balanced, smooth flavour and body, complimented by mild bitterness and a trace of sweetness from the extra malt.

VICTORIA BITTER

Dismayed by the quality of beers on offer in Australia back in 1854, Thomas Aitken, founder and head brewer of the Victoria Brewery, decided there ought to be a beer specially brewed for our harsh Aussie climate. A beer that is full flavoured, full strength and one that would quench a hard earned thirst like no other.

CARLTON DRAUGHT

Carlton Draught is one of Australia's biggest selling tap beers. This traditional full strength lager, available nationally, is renowned for delivering "brewery fresh" taste. Carlton Draught provides a crisp mid-palate flavour which is balanced with a clean hop bitterness and a slightly dry finish.

TOOHEYS NEW

Tooheys New is a standard Australian lager and the most popular of the Tooheys' beers owned by the New Zealand Lion Nathan beverages company.

It can be found on tap at almost any bar in New South Wales, it is currently gaining popularity in Queensland, although it is not so common in other states. It was first brewed in 1930. It was marketed in cans and bottles as Tooheys Draught, however this was changed to Tooheys New in 1998 for consistency. Currently Tooheys New is official sponsor of the New South Wales Rugby Union's club competition (the Tooheys New Cup), is the official beer of the Wallabies and sponsors the Melbourne Cup. Through 2006, it was also naming sponsor of the Australian section of the Super 14 Rugby Competition, but was replaced by Investec Bank after their sponsorship contract expired.


TOOHEYS EXTRA DRY

Tooheys Extra Dry, commonly referred to as a TED/TEDs (Tooheys Extra Dry), is a dry style lager owned by the Kirin beverages company part of Lion Nathan National Foods owned by Kirin.

It is sold throughout Australia, though only available in bottles (345ml and 696ml) and occasionally cans, until late 2005 when it began to be sold on tap. Tooheys Extra Dry sponsors the Big Day Out and many surfing events around Australia.

In May 2006, Tooheys Extra Dry Platinum, a beer with increased alcohol content of 6.5%, was launched, with the first shipment selling out in days. It is sold in 8-packs as opposed to the traditional 6-packs most bottled beers are packaged in.

In August 2009, Tooheys launched a cider, 5 Seeds, under the Extra Dry name in response to the growing cider market in Australia. 5 Seeds is a medium cider with tangy apple characteristics in both the aroma and flavour.

Australian Top Five Food

Pie Floater

Of all the Australian foods I came across in researching this piece, the Pie Floater is by far the most mind-blowing. Let’s go back to those meat pies mentioned above, only this time we’re going to take one of them, flip it over, and submerge it in a thick green bowl of pea soup. Wow. By now you should know that this glorious mush of a meal could only be improved by a coating of ketchup on top. Bravo, Australia. Bravo.

Vegemite

There’s no way we could celebrate Australian cuisine without mentioning this much maligned foodstuff. The notorious spread — popular enough down under that it’s distributed by Kraft — is actually made from yeast extract, a byproduct of beer brewing. The deep, bitter character of this widely-eaten toast topping is often described diplomatically as “an acquired taste.”

Dagwood Dog

It’s starting to become more and more apparent that the Australians are nothing less than America’s foodie soul mates. At their summer festivals (basically state fairs), you’ll always see Dagwood Dogs (sometimes called Pluto Pups) — deep-fried frankfurters encased in crispy dough. While they’re pretty much the same as our corn dogs, they have the added distinction of coming pre-dipped in ketchup for easy walking and eating.

Pavlova

Another one they tried to blame on someone else by using a tricky name, this dessert was created in honor of Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, who toured Australia in the 1930s. While there are now hundreds of different “pav” recipes found throughout the country, the basic idea is that it’s a crispy meringue shell, but when you break into it the inside is gooey like marshmallow fluff. Any type of fruit can be placed on top, and the finished Pavlova can be anything from an intricate, elegant creation to the hot mess.

Boston Bun

Australia gets bonus points for trying to blame this monstrosity on us by using the surreptitious name Boston Bun. I’ve been to Massachusetts many times and have never seen a spiced potato bun covered in heaps of thick-thick coconut icing. But in Australia, these mysteriously named treats pair perfectly with a cup of tea.

Sports in Australia

Sport is something of a national obsession in Australia. We’re avid followers of ‘footy’, which covers everything from rugby union to the uniquely Australian AFL. We play backyard and beach cricket all summer and turn out in our thousands to watch the iconic Boxing Day test at Melbourne’s MCG. Summer is also the season we become amateur commentators at our Grand Slam tennis tournament. We have lush, championship-designed golf courses across the country and host many premier golf events. Our marathons attract hundreds of thousands of runners and rev-heads everywhere know about our car racing events such as the Formula 1 Australia Grand Prix.

Australian Football League (AFL)

If you see men in shorts leaping to great heights on a large arena with an oval ball, then you’re probably watching a game of AFL or Australian rules football. Developed in Melbourne in the 19th century, AFL is Australia’s premier spectator sport, and the most attended sporting league. Popularity is highest in Victoria, where it’s practically a religion, but Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane also have passionately supported AFL teams. The league comprises 16 teams which play 22 home and away rounds between late March and September. The four-week finals series culminates in the Grand Final, one of the country’s top sporting events.

Football

Australia’s beloved ‘footy’ covers four codes, which can get a little confusing. Depending on who you’re talking to and the state you’re in, this could mean Australian Football League (AFL), Rugby League, Rugby Union or the soccer that most Europeans know as football!  All codes command a strong, loyal fan base and share the same season from March to September. 

Rugby Union

Australia’s Rugby Union team is the Wallabies and each year – clad in green-and-gold - they compete with New Zealand and South Africa in the Tri-Nations Series. Their on-field battles with the New Zealand All-Blacks form the Bledisloe Cup, while the games with South Africa are part of the Mandela Challenge Plate. Every four years, Australia competes with rugby-playing nations from across the world in the Rugby World Cup.  Seven former Australian players, including Nick Farr-Jones, have been inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. Australia’s state teams play with each other and New Zealand and South African teams in the Super 14s.

Soccer

Australia’s first national soccer team was formed in 1922 for a tour of New Zealand. In 1974, Australia made their first appearance at the World Cup finals in West Germany. Today the national team –the Socceroos – has several World Cups behind it and is gaining success on the international circuit.  The Socceroos qualified for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa without losing a match. The whole nation will proudly be behind their progress through each round of the competition.

Tennis

Each January Australia becomes the headquarters for international tennis, hosting a number of tournaments in the lead-up to the Australian Open. Kicking off the season is Perth’s Hopman Cup, where eight top-ranking doubles teams compete for a tennis-ball trophy encrusted with Kimberley diamonds. In the first week of January, top male players warm up for the Australian Open at the Brisbane International. Female tennis stars hone their serves at the Moorilla Hobart International a week later. The tennis greats head to Sydney for the Medibank International, before Melbourne’s Australian Open at the end of the month. It’s the first of four Grand Slam tournaments, the others being the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.

Golf

With more than 1,500 golf courses across Australia, it’s no wonder golf is a popular leisure sport for Australians. We have both public and private courses, some which are champion-designed and many boasting spectacular views. Many courses are connected to luxurious resorts which offer ‘stay and play’ packages. Our top resorts are in southern Queensland, but Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia also have acclaimed resorts. Australia’s world-class players include Greg Norman, Geoff Ogilvy, Adam Scott and Karrie Webb. Our premier golf events are the Australian PGA Championship the Australian Masters and the Australian Open Golf.

Cricket

Australians have played cricket for more than 200 years and it's one of our most popular sports. Over summer we play it at picnics, barbeques, beaches and parks. The Australian cricket team, with their trademark baggy green caps, is one of the world’s top-ranking teams. The competition consists of Test series lasting from three to five days, One Day Internationals and the Twenty20 series. There is also the Ashes, where Australia and England compete for the charred remains of a wicket. Our most famous match is probably the one-day Boxing Day Test at Melbourne’s MCG. Australia’s cricket heroes include Sir Donald Bradman, Ritchie Benaud, the Chappell brothers, Waugh brothers, Shane Warne and Glen McGrath. 

Car racing

Car racing has a passionate following in Australia, which hosts a number of rubber-burning events. Each March, Melbourne’s Albert Park is the venue for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. In April or May, elite drivers race around Tasmania for the Targa Tasmania – a five-day tarmac-based rally. Primed V8 Supercars hit the Gold Coast in October for the Nikon SuperGP (formerly the Indy 300). Much fanfare accompanies this high-adrenalin race along the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit. You’ll also enjoy the buzz around the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1,000, held in Bathurst in October. 

Marathon

Marathons are big on Australia’s sporting calendar, and most of these also feature half marathons, 10km and 5km races. The Great Ocean Road International Marathon happens in May and the popular Gold Course Airport Marathon draws distance runners from around the world in June.  Each August, elite runners and thousands of Sydneysiders take part in City to Surf, a scenic 14km course between the city and Bondi Beach.  The Sydney Running Festival happens in September, with different courses to suit different fitness levels. The 42km marathon travels from Milsons Point, over the Harbour Bridge and through Sydney’s inner-west and CBD to Centennial Park.

Australia's Best Restaurant

Quay

Peter Gilmore's Quay. In it's second year in the World Top 100 Restaurant list, Quay came in at number 27 and earned the title of Best Restaurant in Australiasia. It also retains 3 hat status in the SMH Good Food Guide and 3 stars in Gourmet Traveller magazine into 2011.

Overlooking Sydney Cove, Quay features stunning views sweeping across from the Sydney Opera House at one end to the Sydney Harbour Bridge at the other end. The dishes are as aesthetically pleasing as the views, they are beautifully plated with vibrant colours in forms that draw inspiration and metaphors to scenes and objects from nature. Past the superficial, the menu doesn't fail to deliver quality and creativity. Textural variety and complexity is a notable feature of Peter Gilmore's cooking and is showcased in dishes such as the Jackfruit Snow Egg or the Eight Textured Chocolate Cake. Rare and unusual ingredients are sourced from around Australia to create dishes that are as much about balance as they are about contrast of flavours and textures. Dining at Quay is a captivating experience that showcases the great diversity and quality that modern Australian cuisine can offer, set amidst some of the most iconic scenery that Australia can offer. Check out the videos of head chef Peter Gilmore talking about some of his signature dishes at Quay.

Attica

Ben Shewry's Attica. Again, the only Victorian based restaurant in Australia to make the World Top 100 list in 2011, it has climbed up the list 20 places to number 53. It is now also the second highest Australian restaurant on the list. Set in the unassuming suburbs of Melbourne, dining at Attica is all about the food. Ben Shewry delivers tantalizing combinations of unique and eclectic ingredients, some of which are foraged by Shewry himself in the morning near his home on the Bellarine peninsula. These are then prepared using elaborate techniques and an array of home-brewed technology within the kitchen of Attica. Though the wine list, setting and service is no match for most of the other restaurants on our list the heights delivered by the food elevate Attica to its current position.

Tetsuya's

Tetsuya Wakuda's Tetsuya's. One of Australia's most internationally recognised restaurants, Tetsuya's for the first time has dropped out of the World Top 50 and now ranks at number 58 in 2011. Previously it had been inside the the top 50 since the award's inception in 2002. At its peak it ranked number 4 in the world in 2005 and for 7 years has been the highest ranked Australian restaurant on the list. It has retained 3 hat status in the SMH Good Food Guide from 1992 until 2010.

The cuisine is a fusion of Japanese and classical French technique that consistently produces dishes of high quality. The menu may be regarded as more conservative and less bold than some of the other top restaurants in Australia but what is consistently delivered is almost perfect flavour and textural combinations. The dining area overlooks a serene Japanese garden and the friendly, informative service adds to a complete dining experience.

Marque

Mark Best's Marque. In its second year in the World Top 100 Restaurants list it came in it at number 70 and was also awarded 2011 Restaurant of the Year by the SMH Good Food Guide. Self described as a modest family run restaurant it seats 50 people and the front of the house is run by Best's wife Valerie.

The menu is predominantly French influenced that delivers highly intelligent and original flavour combinations. New age techniques are used but without ego and only when relevant to amplifying the best aspects of an ingredient in a dish. An excellent wine list is matched expertly to the menu. Marque puts on a personable yet world class dining experience in all aspects and is deservedly one of Australia's best restaurants.

Vue de Monde

Shannon Bennett's Vue de Monde. The name literally translates to 'view of the world' and represent's Bennett's imaginative and ambitious view of the world through food and wine. In 2007 it achieved a plethora of top honours, taking out the Restaurant and Catering Australia's Restaurant of the Year and Best Fine Dining award, Gourmet Traveller's Restaurant of the Year, The Age Good Food Guide's Restaurant of the Year and a number 71 ranking in Restaurant Magazine UK's Top 100 list. It has since dropped out of the World Top 100 list but still maintains 3 Good Food Guide chef's hats and 3 Gourmet Traveller stars.

Vue de Monde attempts to create a dinning experience that cannot be replicated at home. The menu is ultimately based on French style cuisine but with creative, playful and unique interpretations. Touches of imaginative décor add to the sense of an alice in wonderland dining experience. The service is meticulous and an extensive international and local wine list serves some great matches.

Top Australian Songs

True Blue - John Williamson 

You cannot get much more iconic than this 1981 Australian folk song. The song is jam packed with Aussie slang lyrics and hidden meanings about mateship and the Australian way of life.

 Down Under - Men At Work 

This patriotic song topped the Australian, Britain and American music charts in the 1980s, giving the band instant success. Singer Colin Hay has said "The chorus is really about the selling of Australia in many ways, the over-development of the country."

Still Call Australia Home - Peter Allen 

This 1980s ballad portrays a longing for the Australian home life. Versions of the song have been used in many advertising campaigns, such as Qantas and TasTV.

Khe Sanh - Cold Chisel 

Released in 1978, this popular Australian song is regularly seen as a resonant symbol of the Australian culture. The lyrics focus on a bitter and disillusioned Australian Vietnam veteran who struggles to fit into society after returning from the war.

Great Southern Land - Icehouse 

This single was released by Australian rock band Icehouse in 1982. Noted as one of the most enduring songs about Australia, it describes the hidden spirituality our country possesses, without reverting to over-worked cliches.

 Beds Are Burning - Midnight Oil 

This 1988 rock song hit not only the music charts, but also a few political nerves. The song is about giving Australian land back to the Aboriginal people in Western Australia.

You're The Voice - John Farnham 

Released in 1986, this song is one of Farnham's biggest international successes. The song is crying out for unity and peace within the world, and was awarded the 1987 ARIA Award for 'single of the year'.

Sounds of Then - GANGgajang 

GANGgajang are an Australian rock band formed in the 1980s. Although their success wasn't immediate, the band became instantly popular when Sounds of Then, otherwise known as This is Australia, was used as a promotion for the Nine Networks Station in 1996.

Better Be Home Soon - Crowded House 

Crowded House are a very successful New Zealand/Australian based rock group formed in the 1980s. The band has had consistent commercial and critical success all over the world, and is a major contributor to Australia's music culture.

For The Working Class Man - Jimmy Barnes

Australian rock singer Jimmy Barnes released this hit song in 1985, from his self-titled album Jimmy Barnes. This song defines what it is to be an Australian, and is a tribute to the working class man of the 1980s.

Top Australian Universitiy

Australia is a country blessed with a high quality tertiary education system. Whether you plan to study English, economics, journalism or nursing, a university education is both affordable and beneficial. Not only will you acquire a degree that will propel your career to a higher level, but you will also make friends that will last you a lifetime.

University of New South Wales 

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is the destination of choice for the best and brightest students from NSW and Australia. Famous for the calibre of its graduates, the University’s motto –Knowledge by Hand and Mind – epitomises the philosophy of balancing the scholarly and the practical.

Although the main campus is located in Kensington, UNSW has many partnership programs, the most notable of which is the partnership with the Australia Defence Force. The Australia Defence Force Academy (ADFA) campus is located in Canberra and all officers in the Australian Defence Force pass through its hallways. This partnership offers the UNSW student an additional route should he or she feel inclined to enter a career in the military.

University of Melbourne 

Home to the prestigious Melbourne Business School, the University of Melbourne was ranked in 2010 as the second best university in Australia. Without doubt one of the best features of the University of Melbourne is its diversity, with international students from all across the globe calling the Melbourne campus home.

University of Queensland 

As the oldest university in Queensland, UQ has quickly developed a reputation for being one of the best places to study in Australia. Its teachers have won more Australia Awards for University Teaching than any other university, and its support for early to mid-career researchers is admirable. It more than deserves a place in Australia’s top five University’s.

Australian National University 

Located in the ACT, the Australian National University (ANU for short) is Australia’s highest ranked university, with an international ranking of 17th out of the 200 most prestigious universities in the world.

ANU has built a great reputation thanks to the calibre of its staff and its excellent faculties. It regularly draws high-calibre speakers, such as the Prime Minister of Malaysia and former Australian PM Malcolm Fraser. If you get the opportunity to study at ANU, grab it with both hands because you will not find a better university in the Southern Hemisphere.

University of Sydney 

As Australia’s first university, students at the University of Sydney will be stuck by the rich tradition of the Sydney campus. With a great diversity of courses on offer, students will receive a fantastic education from the academic staff, many of whom are leaders in the respective fields.

Located in Surry Hills, the lifestyle of University of Sydney students is second to none. The wonderfully eclectic bars and cafes of Newtown are a stone’s throw away and the Sydney CBD is just a five minute walk.