Lake Macquarie – the perfect destination for a romantic weekend away

The kids are back to school and life is starting to return to normal, it’s time for you and your significant other to treat yourselves to a child-free weekend escape.

Lake Macquarie is perfect for a quick couple’s getaway, and is only a 90-minute drive up the M1 from Sydney. This laidback coastal destination has plenty on offer for couples wanting to relax, reconnect and ramp up the romance without being too far from home.

Aussies urged to make a #RoadTripPledge

Famous Australian faces get behind new campaign backed by Stayz to drive regional tourism and get Aussie families back on the road travelling again

Intrepid Travel gives Aussies a new way to explore their own backyard

The brand-new tour range will bring travellers together closer to home, while supporting local communities along the way

Intrepid Travel, the world’s leading sustainable tour operator, has introduced a new collection of tours called Intrepid Local, with initial offerings in Australia, New Zealand and Europe. With 75+ multi-day adventures, these trips will give travellers the opportunity to explore closer to home while many international borders remain closed.

Winter Weekend Road Trip to Hunter’s Maitland

Historic, foodie, cultural and picturesque, the Hunter Region’s vibrant destination encourages local travellers to “Make it Maitland” this winter. Appealing to families, young professionals and the 50+ alike, its open spaces and proximity to Sydney, Central Coast and Newcastle offer a relaxing weekend escape.

Accor launches ‘Time to Drive’ deals to entice travellers to get on the road again

Enjoy peace of mind in a safe and clean environment with fully flexible rates from as low as $85* per night at more than 340 hotels, resorts and apartments across Australia and New Zealand. Plus, earn 3X rewards points.

With travel restrictions easing and our human desire to reconnect with one another rising, now is the perfect time to drive, to explore, and to discover a dream holiday with friends and family in your own backyard.

New five-star hotel to open in Margaret River

Margaret River's popularity as a world-class destination has been further boosted, with luxury hotel chain Marriott International announcing it will open the region's first five-star resort. The announcement of the Westin Margaret River Resort & Spa earlier this week demonstrates long-term confidence in WA from one of the world's largest hospitality organisations. The Westin Margaret River Resort & Spa will be located on the southern headland of Gnarabup Beach, and will include 120 guest rooms, on-site dining venues, and meeting and event space. The project is expected to create more than 300 jobs during construction, with more than 100 ongoing local jobs to be supported once it opens its doors in mid-2023. For more information, read the full story

TripAdvisor Report: Beyond COVID-19

Tripadvisor published a new report, “Beyond COVID-19: The Road to Recovery for the Travel Industry.” The study shows the world is still hungry for travel: Over two-thirds of travellers (68%) reported already thinking about where they want to go next.

Visit Maldives re-appoints travel & lifestyle PR specialists AWA in Australia

The Maldives opens borders next month 

Independent public relations and communications agency Anne Wild & Associates (AWA) is delighted to announce it has been re-appointed as Visit Maldives’ Australian PR and Trade Representatives for a second consecutive year from 1 June 2020.