Be Shellfish! Treat Yourself to the Hervey Bay Seafood Festival

The Fraser Coast brings another exciting event to the table in August with the annual Hervey Bay Seafood Festival offering something for all tastes.

Hosted by the local fishermen who catch Hervey Bay's famous seafood, the August 9 festival will serve up fresh and delicious wild-caught ocean produce, loads of entertainment, competitions, cooking and catching tips and even an exclusive pop-up seafood and wine restaurant.

Hervey Bay seafood is known around Australia and the world for its freshness and flavour. Hervey Bay scallops, in particular, are prized by seafood connoisseurs world-wide for their superior appearance, texture and taste. 

Festival-goers can savour the region's signature shellfish and other tasty treats such as  blue salmon bruschetta, Mary River barramundi burgers, steamed king prawn buns, Verdelho and scallop pie, grilled fish wraps, seared cuttlefish with Greek salad, delicious desserts and so much more from the wide range of stalls spread across the festival venue, Fishermen's Park.

Hosted by respected Queensland chef Andrew Mirosch, the sit-down Tastes of the Bay long lunch event is a mouth-watering five-course showcase of local wild caught seafood matched with award-winning Sirromet wines. 

Other leading South East Queensland chefs including Citi Chef of the Year Josue Lopez and Javier Codina from Moda Restaurant Brisbane will share their culinary expertise while forums on everything from filleting to prawn peeling and scallop shucking will satisfy the keenest fishos.

Councillor for Events, Sport, Recreation and Open Spaces, Darren Everard, said the Hervey Bay Seafood Festival will be a wonderful celebration of the region's famous seafood hosted by the men and women who catch it.

“Excitement is building for what promises to be another sensational seafood festival and the only one of its kind in Australia managed by the local fishing industry,'' Cr Everard said.

“As well as showcasing our renowned fresh, wild-caught seafood, the festival also promotes responsible and sustainable fishing practices so our precious ocean resources can be enjoyed by generations to come,'' he said.

The Hervey Bay Seafood Festival is on August 9 from 10am to 4pm at Fishermen's Park, Urangan Boat Harbour, Hervey Bay. Admission is $5 for adults and free for under 18s.

Visit herveybayseafoodfestival.com.au. 

Getting there: The Fraser Coast is just three hours' drive north of Brisbane along the Bruce Highway. Both QantasLink (Brisbane) and Virgin Australia (Sydney) offer direct flights to Hervey Bay on a daily basis. Queensland Rail also offers travel to the Fraser Coast.

Staying there: A wide variety of accommodation choices appealing to all tastes and budgets is available at visitfrasercoast.com.

Traveloscopy | 

Your Margaret River Region Tops Delicious Produce Awards List

The Margaret River Region in Western Australia has been lauded as Australia's top food and wine destination, taking out the 'Outstanding Region in Australia' category in the 2015 delicious. Produce Awards.

Your Margaret River Region Chief Executive Officer Pip Close was delighted to accept the accolade on behalf of the region in front of a packed house at the awards evening, which was held at the prestigious Bennelong Restaurant at the Sydney Opera House on Monday night.

Although known predominantly for its world-class wine, the Margaret River Region is fast growing a reputation as one of Australia's hottest foodie destinations, with a focus on fresh, local produce and a down to earth, 'farm-to-fork' mentality which is widely embraced by local chefs and producers.

Now in their tenth year, the delicious. Produce Awards highlight independent producers from over 3,000 entries, thanks to the dedication of readers who nominate their local heroes, and the insight of its panel of renowned national chef judges including Maggie Beer, Matt Moran and Guillaume Brahimi.

The Outstanding Region in Australia is awarded each year to a destination that offers an outstanding and holistic Australian food and wine experience, with something on offer for everyone, whatever their budget.

According to the delicious. team, the judges felt that the Margaret River Region had worked successfully to combine, showcase and make accessible authentic experiences that appealed to a wide group of people.

The delicious. team affirmed that "with an amazing Farmers' Market, award-winning produce, food and wine experiences from the casual through to fine-dining, world-class accommodation and an internationally renowned annual food festival, the Margaret River Region was a deserving winner this year."

Ms Close was thrilled that the region's exceptional food and wine offering had been formally acknowledged by the delicious. Produce Awards.

“We are ecstatic to be named as Australia's most Outstanding Region – delicious. is an extremely well respected foodie publication. The Margaret River Region really is home to some of this country's most outstanding food and wine experiences so it's wonderful to see the region officially celebrated in this way,” said Ms Close.

“With tickets for the Margaret River Gourmet Escape going on sale today, this announcement is extremely timely.  Gourmet Escape is attracting phenomenal international attention; Marco Pierre White is coming for the first time this year, as apparently he has heard great things about the event from other celebrity chefs and is curious to see what our region has to offer,” she said.

Award-winning food journalist, restaurant critic and television personality Matt Preston, who is also a senior editor for delicious. and Taste magazine, endorsed the Margaret River Region's star status.

“It's a great culinary region that has that elusive combination of great local produce, great cooks, great restaurants and cafes, and great wines. 
Few pull off this quadrella with such stellar aplomb as Margaret River,” said Mr Preston.

Ms Close affirmed the region's diversity of tourism offerings was its point of difference to other wine regions in Australia.

“The most exciting thing about Your Margaret River Region, and what has been central to our recent rebrand,  is the fact that the region not only has exceptional food and wine experiences but also a huge range of other experiences for visitors – world class surf, spectacular limestone caves, mountain biking, hiking trails, whale watching - the list goes on," said Ms Close.

Ms Close congratulated Margaret River's Burnside Organic Farm who were medallists in the 'From the Earth - Primary' category, as well as a number of other local producers from the region who were finalists in the awards: Greenman Produce for both its pickled garlic and its honey, Leeuwin Grass Fed Beef, and the Farmhouse Margaret River for its Arkady lamb.

For the full list of winners head to delicious.com.au.

For more information on Your Margaret River Region, visit margaretriver.com. 

Traveloscopy | 

Tourism Australia and Expedia Join Forces to Promote Australian Tourism

Tourism Australia and the Expedia group have signed a multi-million dollar three-year marketing partnership aimed at developing campaigns and content to increase international travel to Australia. 

The three year Memorandum of Understanding represents the first formal agreement which Tourism Australia has entered into with a global online travel agency.

Tourism Australia Managing Director, John O'Sullivan, said the new commercial agreement was a deliberate move to focus on strategic partnerships which increased travel bookings and drove yield.

“Expedia is one of the world's leading travel companies with 20 years' experience of generating travel sales. It's this expertise and impressive track record we are excited to be tapping into through this exciting new partnership.

“Our research shows that our target customers are increasingly turning to online travel agencies when it comes to booking travel which makes Expedia an ideal conversion partner, particularly from our recently revamped australia.com website,” Mr O'Sullivan said.

“Partnerships are critical to Tourism Australia in terms of us increasing our customer reach, providing cut-through for our destination messaging and, ultimately, making it easier for consumers to plan, book and buy quality Australian tourism products.”

“Through our strategic co-operative partnership with Tourism Australia, we look forward to creating collaborative campaigns with our Expedia brand around the world to raise awareness and inspire more visitors to experience the natural beauty, unique cuisine, wonderful wine and so much more that Australia has to offer,” said Noah Tratt, global senior vice president, Expedia Media Solutions.

The first year of the agreement will focus on major campaign activity in the USA and UK, two of Australia's highest volume and highest spending markets. Marketing activities will be extended to additional markets over the course of the three year deal.

Mr O'Sullivan said that the partnership would extend beyond marketing to also include shared reporting on consumer insights and data analytics.

Traveloscopy | 

Essendon Fields Unveils New $60 Million Hotel and Events Centre Creating 400 Local Jobs

Since privatisation of Essendon Airport in 2001, Essendon Fields Pty Ltd has been transforming Essendon Airport into a vibrant business and aviation hub. Essendon Fields today unveiled its most exciting project yet – a new Hyatt Place Hotel with adjoining Events Centre.

Deputy Prime Minister, The Hon Warren Truss MP, officially announced details today of the new Hyatt Place Hotel and adjoining Events Centre also attended by local dignitaries as well as Andrew Fox and Max Beck representing the Essendon Fields joint venture owners, Linfox Property Group and Beck Property Group.

Mr. Truss welcomed the investment, which in addition to supporting aviation, will help drive future economic activity in Melbourne's North-West, creating around 400 jobs during the construction phase and ongoing employment at the Events Centre.

“Airports are now business destinations in their own right and provide a powerful economic engine for their home region and local communities,” Mr Truss said.

“Not only will this development contribute towards local job creation on-site, the broader economy will benefit through the demand for day-to-day goods and services needed to operate the facilities.”

 “Today, our vision to deliver Melbourne's North-West an international first class hotel and state-of-the-art Events Centre becomes a reality. The hotel is an exciting addition to Essendon Fields and will service a growing need for airport travellers and local businesses. It also enhances the appeal for businesses to join the flourishing Business District at Essendon Fields.” said Chris Cowan, Essendon Fields CEO.

“The Events Centre will provide a venue of unprecedented facilities, space and technology for this area. This will be the only facility with this capacity in the region and it will further strengthen the unique amenity offering at Essendon Fields. Everything about The Events Centre is geared around guests having a first class experience.” added Mr. Cowan.

We are delighted to collaborate with Essendon Fields and have the opportunity to bring the first Hyatt Place, a brand known around the world for delivering a consistent service experience to Australia,” said Robert Dawson, Area Vice President, Pacific.

“Hyatt Place was designed for today's multi-tasking travellers 24/7 lifestyle by combining stylish design and practical amenities with forward-thinking technology and purposeful service. Hyatt Place Melbourne, Essendon Fields will offer a fresh and friendly stay experience, ideal for business and leisure travellers.  We are confident that travellers to Essendon Fields, a strategic gateway on the aviation corridor into Melbourne, will find the comfort they want and the service they deserve at Hyatt Place.”

The Hyatt Place Hotel and Events Centre are expected to be opened to the public early 2017.

The Larkin Events Centre pays tribute to Essendon Airport's first ever tenant, The Larkin Aircraft Supply Company Limited. As Essendon Fields undertakes its biggest development in its history, it acknowledges where it all began with Mr. Joseph Larkin way back in December 1921.

The Larkin Events Centre will boast a significant port cochere entrance lobby, large pre-function areas and state-of-the-art lighting and broadcast facilities.  The 1,700m2 event space will feature flexible and sub-divisible column free areas and a covered outdoor space with landscaped surrounds that will provide the flexibility for major indoor/outdoor exhibitions and events. It will have the capacity for 1,000 seats conference style or 700 seats banquet setting with the undercover outdoor area able to accommodate up to a further 200 seated guests.

Melbourne's iconic Peter Rowland Catering will manage all the catering and culinary needs of The Larkin Events Centre as well as an adjoining restaurant and bar.

“The spaces at The Larkin Event Centre will accommodate all kinds of events from intimate occasions, corporate functions and launches to grand scale celebrations and showcases.  All of this will be underpinned by the world-class culinary and catering excellence of Peter Rowland.” said John Isherwood, CEO of Peter Rowland Catering.

Traveloscopy | 

Hurry Earlybirds 2 on Tassie Walks Finish 31 July 2015

Hurry Earlybird Two Deals on Life's An Adventure Tasmanian Walking tours finish 31 July. Save $400 per couple on their Bay of Fires, Maria Island, or NEW Freycinet, 3 Capes or Bruny Island 3 day walking experiences. 

These affordable walking tours are all-inclusive. No need to carry heavy packs, your bags will be transported each day allowing you to walk with a small day pack. All meals are prepared for you served with Tasmanian wines. In fact, everything will be done for you except the walking!

On the Bay of Fires and Maria Island walks you will enjoy a great combination of one night camping and one night in accommodation. Arrive to find your walk-in tents with off the ground beds erected and ready for your arrival. A new range of accommodated walking experiences have also been launched for Freycinet, Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsula staying in eco friendly accommodation on both nights.

The Tasmanian walking season runs from September 2015 to April 2016. Guests booking early for this period, can save up to $400 per couple or $200 per person on any 3 day Bay of Fires, Maria Island, Bruny Island, 3 Capes or Freycinet Tasmania walking holidays with Life's An Adventure.

All inclusive 3 day packages start from $999 per person (Bay of Fires walk) for tours booked and paid in full by 31 July, 2015.

Life's An Adventure specialise in full supported walks in both Tasmania, NT and NSW and have won 
21 Tourism Awards of Excellence in the past four years.

For full details available on their website at:http://www.lifesanadventure.com.au/tasmanian-walking-holidays/ email:enquiries@lifesanadventure.com.au or phone (02) 9975 4553.

Traveloscopy | 

APT Celebrates an Unforgettable Night at the 2015 National Travel Industry Awards

Leading luxury tour and cruise operator APT received three of the travel industry's most prestigious awards at Saturday night's glittering 2015 National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA). The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) 2015 NTIA named APT Best Tour Operator, Domestic; Best Tour Operator, International and Best River Cruise Operator.  

This is the second year APT has picked up a trifecta of NTIA awards. Commenting on the outstanding achievement, APT Chief Marketing Officer Debra Fox said:

“We are overwhelmed to receive these three awards. It is an outstanding achievement and we are all very proud. They demonstrate that APT is the leading tour and river cruise company in Australia. Receiving these accolades is no easy feat and it can only be achieved through exceptional relationships, service, product and delivery from all parts of our business around the globe. I would therefore like to thank all our staff for their continued dedication in delivering the highest calibre of product and service innovation, and in exceeding customer expectations on a daily basis.

“I would also like to thank our valued travel industry partners for voting for us and for their ongoing unwavering support. We have invested in one of the largest on road sales teams in the industry, all of whom are committed to ensuring our travel agency community receives the highest levels of service and support. In addition we are proud to create unforgettable holiday experiences which are proven to keep clients coming back to book APT trips repeatedly, creating a loyal client base for the agents who work with us. As always, this remains our continued focus.”

The awards are voted on by the travel industry, taking into consideration criteria such as product service, agent service, ease of booking, customer experience and diversity of product.  

This is the first time APT has won Best River Cruise Operator, a new category in this year's awards; the second consecutive year APT has won Best Tour Operator, International; and the fourthconsecutive year the company has been awardedBest Tour Operator, Domestic.

APT operates an impressive portfolio of luxury river cruise ships throughout Europe and Asia as well as destinations such as China, India, Africa, the USA and on the Amazon; a small fleet of three expedition cruise ships operating in both the northern and southern hemispheres; wilderness lodges and a fleet of adventure coaches in the Kimberley and Outback Australia; and a cruising and touring product range featuring a combination of cruise, coach, rail and air travel throughout Europe, North America, Russia, Africa, South America, Australia, New Zealand, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma), India and Antarctica. 

The award ceremony was held at The Dockside Pavilion in Sydney's Darling Harbour on Saturday 18 July 2015 and was attended by leading figures from Australia's Travel Industry.

To find out more about APT's award winning cruise and touring programs call 1300 196 420, visit aptouring.com.au or see your local business development manager.

Traveloscopy | 

The Ningaloo Reef: Home to Orcas, Whale Sharks and Humpbacks

The Ningaloo Reef, found on Australia's Coral Coast in Western Australia, is currently home to a hive of aquatic activity with sightings of Orcas and Humpback Whales in addition to the world's largest fish, the Whale Shark.

Approximately 20,000 people visit the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef annually to get up close with Whale Sharks, the gentle giants of sea, who migrate to the reef between March and July each year to feed on phytoplankton.  

However this week, tourists were delighted to witness the antics of a playful Orca, known to the locals as Augie.  All eyes were firmly on this natural performer as he leaped out of the water six times, while his three female companions unsuccessfully hunted migrating humpback whales.

Whale Shark tour leader and ocean photographer/researcher, Leith Holtzman, has encountered Augie and his pod four times this whale shark season and notes that the same pod visits Ningaloo annually at this time of year, with other orcas often in tow.

Holtzman's earliest sighting of the group was in 2005, in line with the increasing Humpback whale population, noting it to be a positive sign that numbers are returning to pre-whaling levels of the 1950s.

Referring to the work of colleague John Totterdell of WA's Marine Information & ­Research Group, Hotzman said that “There are 19 to 21 individual orcas in a local visiting population on the Reef… just when you think you have seen appreciated everything the reef has to offer; you see something you've never seen before.“

The Ningaloo Reef is a permanent home to a wide range of marine life including manta rays, several types of dolphins, sharks and turtles, hundreds of fish specifies and coral formations in addition to the visiting whale sharks, orca and humpback populations.

Australia's Coral Coast chief executive officer, David O'Malley, notes that due to the weakening of the Australian dollar “we're anticipating an increase in domestic and international tourists in the coming years, keen to experience the magic of the Ningaloo Reef”.

For further information, itineraries or booking a trip to the Ningaloo Reef on Australia's Coral Coast, visit www.australiascoralcoast.com.

Traveloscopy | 

Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney Celebrates Singapore's 50th Anniversary Through Singaporean Food Festival

Sydney-based Singaporean food fans won't need to travel far to enjoy their favourite dishes during the Singapore Food Festival, 7 to 16 August 2015 at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney's Café Mix.

In honour of Singapore's 50th anniversary (SG50), Guest Chef Chia Jue Xian will fly in from the hotel's sister property in Singapore, to present a sumptuous feast of classic dishes like Singapore Laksa, Hokkien Mee, Chicken Satay and Indian Fish Curry.

Café Mix's hot and cold buffet and live food stations will be brimming with colours, aromas and spices for the Golden Jubilee, and diners will enjoy an array of classic Singaporean dishes including Gado Gado, Beef Rendang and Hainanese Chicken Rice. Other favourites on the menu will include Char Kway Teow, Chicken Curry, Nonya Chap Chye, Otah Otah and Sayur Lodeh.

The art of good food is intrinsic to the cultural fabric of Singapore. Whether people are enjoying classic family dishes at home, Satay on the street corners or dining at fine restaurants. The country's strong multicultural heritage means the national cuisine is a tasty reinvention of traditional Malaysian, Chinese and Indian flavours.

Undergoing a similar transformation itself, Café Mix has also seen a reinvention after its a la carte menu was redeveloped into a wild street food journey through Asia.

Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney's Head Chef Bo Sorensen, who has been behind reinventing the Café Mix menu to present Asian street food, is a fervent fan of Singaporean food.

“Singaporean food is this incredible mix of different cuisines,” he said. “I remember being in Singapore and the folks there are just so passionate about food! I thought, 'I'd love to recreate this in Australia', and this festival is the perfect opportunity.

“We are really excited to be joined by a master of Singaporean cuisine, Chef Chia Jue Xian, who will be here to collaborate with the team and create those flavours of Singapore that we all know and love.” Chef Sorensen added.

Tickets to the Singapore Food Festival buffet at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney are priced at $55 for lunch and $75 for dinner.  To book, phone Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney on (61 2) 9250 6000 or email dine.slsn@shangri-la.com.

For more information, visit www.shangri-la.com/sydney. 

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages more than 90 hotels under the Shangri-La brand with a room inventory of over 38,000.  Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.  Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.  The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar and Sri Lanka. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.

Traveloscopy | 

One Door Closes Another Opens - a New, Fresh and Contemporary Hotel for Rydges in Perth

Rydges has won the management agreement to operate the Kings Hotel Perth which will rebrand Rydges Perth after extensive refurbishment.

Rydges Hotels  recently refreshed its look, feel and service offering and now Australia's own hotel brand will be offering more choice for travellers in Perth after a rich 18 year history in the market with the signing of the management agreement to operate the 117 room Kings Hotel, located on the corner of Hay and Pier Streets in the Perth CBD.

Rydges has recently assumed management of the property and along with the hotel owner, Nobel Group, are currently working on the significant refurbishment of the property over the coming months - this will include repositioning the hotel and see the room inventory increased to 174 rooms with three levels of commercial office space converted into 57 new rooms and the existing rooms undergoing a full refurbishment, including new bathrooms.

The refurbishment is also planned to include all public spaces in particular the restaurant, bar and conference facilities. It is anticipated that once completed in mid-2016, the hotel will rate as a solid four star property and offer Rydges guests the experiences they have come to love such as exciting food and drink concepts for guests and locals alike.

Guests at the new look Rydges in Perth will also look forward to some of the standard Rydges Hotel offerings, which will be introduced upon completion of the refurbishment including:

• Free WI-FI for all guests - whether visiting overnight or just for a coffee.
• A new 'Rise Breakfast' concept, which takes a nod from nutritionist recommendations around a healthy breakfast being the most important meal of the day.  While still buffet-style in nature, the Rise Breakfast includes freshly-squeezed juice shots, made to order smoothies & juice blends, super healthy cereals and fresh fruit as well as a great range of hot options including eggs cooked to individual preference.
• In trademark AHL style, even the mini-bar has undergone a quirky designer overhaul with Rydges branded sweets, nibbles & potato crisps plus fun games & add-ons complimenting the overall offering.
• An expanded wine list showcasing a broader range of Australian and international varietals will cater to the more discerning taste buds.
• Stylish new uniforms with a relaxed yet ultimately professional vibe.

The current Rydges Perth in Hay Street is set to close its doors on August 31 and Rydges is excited to be able to retain the Rydges brand in Perth and offer our guests and Priority Guest Rewards members a new, fresh and contemporary hotel.

No strangers to taking the lead with their hotel brands, AHL also operate the multi-award winning hip QT Hotels & Resorts and new urban, industrial and art-inspired Atura Hotels.

Become a Priority Guest Rewards member to start receiving great benefits and rates today across all Rydges and all AHL hotels and resorts -www.priorityguestrewards.com.au 

Traveloscopy | 

World renowned Lego exhibition premieres in Sydney

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres has announced the NSW Government has secured the world premiere of renowned New York LEGO brick artist Nathan Sawaya's latest exhibition, exclusively for Sydney, ahead of the exhibition's world tour.

The Art of the Brick: DC Comics sees the world's pioneer LEGO artist Nathan Sawaya collaborate with Warner Bros and DC Entertainment. It will show exclusively at Sydney's Powerhouse Museum from November 2015 to May 2016.

Bust of Superman

“The Art of the Brick: DC Comics is a blockbuster international exhibition bringing the characters and stories from DC Comics' 80-year history to life in large-scale LEGO brick sculptures,” Mr Ayres said.

"The exhibition, secured for Sydney by the NSW Government through our tourism and major events agency Destination NSW in partnership with the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS), will attract thousands of visitors, and is expected to generate close to $6 million in visitor expenditure for the State.”

The Art of The Brick is the most successful LEGO brick exhibition series of all time, and Nathan Sawaya is known world-wide for his awe-inspiring LEGO brick creations. This exhibition appeals to visitors of all ages with its recreations of heroes and villains including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and The Joker.

Wonder Woman

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase, said Sydney is Australia's cultural and artistic hub, and a fitting first stop for the world tour of this latest installment in The Art of The Brick series.

“The Art of the Brick exhibitions have been staged in many of the world's great cities including New York, London, Shanghai and Paris, so this world premiere of The Art of the Brick: DC Comics is another events coup for Sydney,” Ms Chipchase said.

Rose Hiscock, MAAS Director said, “We are excited to be working with Destination NSW to premiere this fantastic new show to Australian audiences. The Art of the Brick: DC Comics continues our tradition of exploring art and design through
contemporary culture.”

Traveloscopy | 

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney Named No. 1 City Hotel in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2015

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney has been named No 1 City Hotel in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific in Travel + Leisure's 2015 World's Best Awards. 

The hotel was voted number one by the discerning readers of US Travel + Leisure magazine, confirming the hotel's reputation for delivering the most memorable guest experiences in the Australasia region. 

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney General Manager Rudolf van Dijk: “This award is a wonderful re-enforcement of the positive feedback we consistently receive from our guests at the hotel.  The guest experience is our number one priority and we place a huge emphasis on our employees providing the best possible service for every guest. 

We are absolutely thrilled to have been voted number one in the region - it's a true testament to our dedicated and passionate employees who consistently deliver hospitality of the highest possible level,” said Mr van Dijk. 

This recognition comes in the wake of numerous refurbishments to the hotel including the opening of Pei Modern by chef Mark Best (Marque, Pei Modern) in October 2014, and the arrival of Endota Spa in November 2014. 

The hotel will be officially presented with the award at a ceremony in New York on July 23, with all the results to be published in Travel + Leisure magazine's August edition. The list of awarded hotels in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific can be read here: http://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best/hotels-australia-new-zealand-south-pacific 

For general enquiries and reservations phone (02) 9250 3100 or visit www.fourseasons.com/sydney 

Traveloscopy | 

Tasmania Reinvents Island Escape: Named One of the World's Best

Name the world's best islands and one could be forgiven for picturing palm trees and coconuts to a Hawaiian themed soundtrack. But according to Travel + Leisure, America's largest travel magazine brand, Tasmania is the best island in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. What's more, the readers rated Tassie fourth among the world's top ten islands.

Each year, the Travel + Leisure readers vote for their favourite destinations as part of the World's Best Annual survey. The island rankings are based on readers' ratings of five characteristics:natural attractions/beaches, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people/friendliness, and value.

Tasmania is thrilled to be listed as one of the world's best ten islands and re-define what international travellers are seeking in island destinations. It is the ultimate validation of how a destination is serving Travel + Leisure readers, from experienced global travellers.

Acting Chief Executive of Tourism Tasmania, Guy Taylor, said that Tasmania's holiday appeal continues to grow stronger and spread further every day.

“Over the past 12 months, Tasmania has received a host of global awards and accolades, and the latest Travel + Leisureannouncement is yet another reason why more people should visit Australia's premium island state”.

The world has awoken to the lure of this island at the world's edge. Lonely Planet named Tasmania one of the world's most desirable regions in 2015 and even Chinese President Xi stopped in to say hello. We invited the world to dinner as part of Restaurant Australia and it appears visitors are wanting a second helping, coming in numbers never seen before.  

At the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, Tasmania collected a record trophy loot and even came home with a newly named Australian Tourism Legend in Rob Pennicott. Oh, and this year Bill Lark flew off to London to be inducted into the World Whisky Hall of Fame.

So what's the appeal of Tasmania?

Tourism Australia Managing Director, John O'Sullivan, said “In many ways this is an island which really epitomises the essence of Australia's destination appeal - raw, unspoilt natural beauty, incredible fresh food, wine and culinary experiences, all shared by warm and passionate people.”

Just an hour from Melbourne and 90 minutes from Sydney, one could ask the droves who came for the Dark Mofo winter festival or those planning to experience Australia's premier coastal bushwalking experience- The Three Capes Walk due to open late 2015. Then there's the islands off Tasmania- the wildlife haven of Maria, foodie's paradise of Bruny and remote allure of Satellite.

As Travel + Leisure readers propel Tasmania to the heights of world's fourth best island, we quietly pump a fist for other awards including best whisky and Pinot in the world, best private art gallery, best bushwalks, best boutique hotel, best beaches, top golf course and cleanest air on the planet.

We could go on, but it's a feeling best experienced on the island. Is it the romantic notion of being surrounded by water? Or the mix of four seasons rather than the sweltering island heat of tropical neighbours? Or that two thirds of Tasmania is accessible wilderness? Whatever it is, we do 'island life' a little differently in these parts.

It seems Travel + Leisure readers quite like our island style. And nothing makes us happier than when the people choose Tasmania. One lucky Australian fan might be lucky to head across Bass Strait to collect Tassie's Trophy Cabinet as part of our latest comp. Island treasure – it's always been worthy of crossing seas for. Just ask a pirate.

For more information on Tasmania, visit www.discovertasmania.com.au.

Traveloscopy | 

Oaks Pinnacle, Melbourne Renamed as Oaks South Yarra

One year after opening its doors to travellers, the new-build Oaks Pinnacle hotel – part of leading accommodation provider Oaks Hotels & Resorts' 51-strong property portfolio – has been renamed as Oaks South Yarra, effective immediately.

The rename is in recognition of the property's covetable inner-city South Yarra location, situated on Yarra Street and intersecting with Toorak Road, providing guests with unprecedented access to Chapel Street's world-class shopping, dining, nightlife and entertainment.

Head Commercial Officer for Oaks Hotels & Resorts, Rex Demanser, commented,“We believe the renaming of Oaks Pinnacle to Oaks South Yarra is a more fitting title that sets the property apart from our CBD and Southbank properties. It will also ensure the hotel's location is front of mind when travellers are choosing Melbourne accommodation for business or leisure stays.”

To celebrate a successful first year of business and its new name, Oaks South Yarra has released an incredible 'Winter Warmer' deal, inviting travellers to stay in style in a studio from $99 per night (minimum two night stay), available for stays until 30 September 2015. Studios are contemporary in design and feature full kitchen facilities, a private balcony with city and laneway views, bright interiors and modern appliances.  

Spanning 10 floors, Oaks South Yarra boasts a rooftop terrace and sundeck for guests to enjoy, while a range of public transport options are available on Oaks South Yarra's doorstep, including the South Yarra train and tram stations, for guests wanting to discover all that Melbourne offers.

Oaks South Yarra is one of six Oaks Hotels & Resorts' properties in Melbourne, including Oaks on Collins, Oaks on Market, Oaks on Lonsdale and Oaks on William in the CBD, and WRAP on Southbank.

Terms and conditions apply; subject to availability; minimum two-night stay; valid for travel until 30 September 2015; unserviced rate.

Traveloscopy |