Australian Stories: Travel Ideas

		A great time to visit the Reef
		While some of Australia’s cities are heading into winter, the Great Barrier Reef is preparing for its peak season. The reef boasts over 100 stunning islands across 2,000 kms of Queensland coastline and Australia.com has revealed their top 5 islands to visit for 2015. From a luxurious getaway at an award winning hotel or discovering the largest wild colony of koalas in Queensland, the list will inspire you to pack your bags and head to Tropical North Queensland this upcoming season for your own little piece of paradise.
		The Orchard House
		Australian culinary icon, Maggie Beer AM, has opened the doors to The Orchard House, a new luxury farmhouse in the heart of the Barossa Valley. Inspired by Maggie’s first home in the Barossa, The Orchard House features two spacious bedrooms, each with their own bathroom, and sleeps up to four adults. Guests can cook in the spacious kitchen or outside in the purpose built barbecue area overlooking the orchard, choose fresh herbs from the kitchen garden and wander through the fruit trees to pick fresh pears, apples and apricots when the season allows. PR Contact: Marie Demarcomdemarco@maggiebeer.com.au
		Vail Resorts to acquire Perisher
		Vail Resorts has acquired Perisher Ski Resort in New South Wales for AUD$176.6 million. The sale of Perisher, the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere, includes the resort areas known as Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Blue Cow and Guthega, along with ski school, lodging, food and beverage, retail/rental and transportation operations. With the upcoming ski season set to open on the 6 June, Vail Resorts also announced that Perishers’ Freedom Pass will go on sale this week for AUD$749 which includes access to 9 world-class resorts in the U.S. PR Contact: Kelly Ladygakladyga@vailresorts.com
		2015 Audi Hamilton Island Race Week
		The 2015 Audi Hamilton Island Race Week was launched this week at Matt Moran’s North Bondi Fish in Sydney. Held from 15 - 22 August, spectators will enjoy an amazing array of Australia’s finest food and fashion with 10 events planned to celebrate Hamilton Island and Audi’s 10-year partnership. Celebrities attending Race Week this year include Matt Moran, Shannon Bennett, Kylie Kwong, Richard Roxburgh and Collette Dinnigan. In addition, Guillaume Brahimi, a newly-appointed Audi ambassador, will host a sumptuous French seafood bistro experience at qualia, and guests will also be able to enjoy Hamilton Island’s first outdoor cinema under the stars. The full schedule will be announced in June. PR Contact: Stephanie Maguire smaguire@sefiani.com.au
		IHG to open Crowne Plaza in Tasmania
		InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced they will open a 187-room Crowne Plaza in Hobart, the group’s first property in Tasmania. Located in the city's central business district, the hotel is also a short walk to the renowned Salamanca Place, Constitution Dock and the picturesque Hobart waterfront. Crowne Plaza Hobart will feature a range of business and meetings facilities including a ballroom, meeting rooms, boardroom and 24-hour business centre. Guests will also be able to enjoy the hotel's all-day dining restaurant and unwind at the bar, or work out at the fully equipped fitness centre.
		Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month
		The Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month will unite locals and visitors through a love of food and wine during a month-long series of events in June. Some of the highlights will include the annual Whispering Brook Olive Long Table on 6 June which features a Mediterranean inspired menu prepared by Andrew Wright. ‘Eat Drink Run’ is held every Saturday during the event, which involves a tour of Hunter Valley’s leading venues with tasty morsels paired wine from the region and on 2 June. Attendees can also view a showdown as the Hunter Region takes on the Southern Highlands best chefs in the annual culinary Food Fight lunch. To view the program visit here.