Go BIG for one big year: Are you Australia’s next big travel reviewer?

BIG4 Holiday Parks is going BIG, launching “The BIG Aussie Review”, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel around Australia for an entire year, reviewing the places, people and moments that make our backyard so unforgettable. Applications open Monday 16 February 2026, with one lucky couple or family set to win a 365-day road trip around the country. To enter, Aussies simply need to upload a short video, reviewing something they love, via BIG4.com.au.

Mount Lofty House celebrates 40 years of hotel operations

Historic Adelaide Hills hotel Mount Lofty House will mark 40 years of hotel operations on 12 February 2026 with the launch of a commemorative two-night package, the Iconic 40th Escape.

Celestyal Cruises new Doha and Abu Dhabi F1 sailings for 2026

As sports tourism continues to boom in 2026, Celestyal has announced it will offer two F1 sailings as part of its 2026-27 Arabian Gulf season.

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary Unveils the “Glimpse of Bhutan all-inclusive package”

A Six-Day Immersion in Culture, Wellness and Nature

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary has launched Glimpse of Bhutan, a six-day, five-night wellness programme. The package includes accommodation at the sanctuary's Neyphu Valley location, all meals, daily wellness treatments, and guided excursions.

Guests participate in activities such as prayer flag rituals at Chele La Pass, monastery hikes, cultural immersion in Thimphu, and visits to Eutok Goenpa, Punakha Dzong, and Tiger's Nest. The programme features personalised wellness treatments and consultations with a Traditional Bhutanese Medicine doctor.

The package includes airport transfers and logistics. It is valid for stays until 31 December 2026 and includes one complimentary night.

Bhaya Cruises extends Ha Long Bay wellness sailings into 2026

Bhaya Cruises has extended its Bhaya Soul “Soul Sanctuary” wellness cruises in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay through to March 2026, following the launch of the program late last year.

The 2026 series will operate from January to March aboard Bhaya Soul, combining short wellness-focused sailings with cultural activities linked to Vietnamese artistic traditions. The cruises take place in UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay.

The top holiday hotspots where Aussies spent up big and businesses benefited

· Lorne (VIC), Lakes Entrance (VIC), St Helens (TAS), Swansea (TAS) and Jervis Bay (NSW) among beach towns that saw the biggest overall summer spending boost

· Two-week spending spike contributed an additional $84m to local economies, with restaurants, retail and accommodations among the biggest winners

· Hotspot and industry breakdowns and NSW case study below

Summer-loving Aussies are fuelling a boon for local businesses, with an 80% spending surge in key tourism hotspots.

Intrepid Travel Completes Purchase of Wild Bush Luxury Business from Experience Co

Intrepid Travel has acquired the Wild Bush Luxury business from Experience Co, bringing a range of guided walking tours and premium accommodation experiences under its ownership. The transaction was announced in December 2025 and is expected to be finalised by February 2026.