Blue Wren Winery, Mudgee - Winter Menu and Winter Packages Released

Kip Harris – Executive Chef and owner at Blue Wren, Mudgee continues to take the restaurant scene in Central West NSW to another level as he launches his new winter menu.

Boasting the only Chef’s Table experience in the burgeoning Central West NSW wine region, The Restaurant @ Blue Wren launches its new five-course tasting menu that exhibits a unique cornucopia of flavours and challenges the taste buds of the most discerning and adventurous diner.

One of the innovative dishes on the winter menu includes Crispy Skin Duck breast, duck liver ice-cream brûlée, pickled radish, cauliflower, crouton, dehydrated raspberry. (below)

“This dish is certainly a non-traditional mix of flavours but I love experimenting with methods when putting together the ingredients for a dish and pushing boundaries in playing with the diners’ perception of flavours” says Harris.

The Restaurant is quickly becoming a ‘must visit’ destination for those wanting to experience fine-dining in regional New South Wales and now provides ease for diners with private car transfers to those travelling locally.

“Since launching our first five-course tasting menu last season we have received a great reaction from our guests. People have trust in our unique flavours and gastronomy forms the foundation for a memorable experience”, says Harris.

The 37-year-old Harris took over at Blue Wren two years ago and has recently completed upgrades to the property of over half-a-million dollars.

His long history in hospitality, especially in the kitchen, has allowed Kip to develop a passion for preparing innovative dishes and create an unforgettable dining experience.

“I love to prepare food for people. One thing I really enjoy is researching and experimenting with new flavours and technologies for our menu at Blue Wren,” says Harris.

Some of the other unique items on the winter menu include dishes as:-

Himalayan salt rock seared scallop, pork belly, sage thyme barley caviar, corn dust, pork neck croquette, crustacean curd. (below)

Sous vide chateaubriand, cacao, smoked potato puree, pear, black pudding crisp, morel, vegemite foam, horse radish snow.

Cinnamon doughnut, malt custard banana ice cream, coffee crunch, crumb pistachio, callebaut chocolate, white chocolate bubble.

Blue Wren is situated on 65 acres and is only a short drive from the township of Mudgee. It boasts a new function area for weddings and events, as well as a stunning new homestead for accommodation – The Farmhouse @ Blue Wren that was launched earlier in the year.

Open for dinner from Wednesday through to Saturday, and lunch Friday through Sunday; the menu features a five-course tasting menu $98 per person with matching wines from the Blue Wren range at $35 per person

“The intimacy of our restaurant is reflected in the fact that the seating is limited to only 16 people. My guests can dine either at an intimate table, or I love arranging for an exclusive place at the Chef’s Table – where I wholeheartedly encourage my guests to discuss every part of their culinary journey with me”, says Harris.

Only a short drive from Mudgee and located adjacent to Mudgee Airport, Blue Wren is the ideal place in Central West NSW to enjoy magnificent food, coupled with quality wines from the Blue Wren range and stunning views overlooking the vineyards.

For further information please visit: www.bluewrenwines.com.au

Traveloscopy | 

Major events “Come to Life” on the Sunshine Coast

#Visitsunshinecoast Launch of new marketing campaign

Sunshine Coast Council and Visit Sunshine Coast, today (May 31) launched a new marketing campaign promoting the diverse range of major events hosted on the Sunshine Coast.

The campaign, Major Events 'Come to Life' on the Sunshine Coast, features television and radio ads, a 54 page major events guide with My Weekly Preview, digital and social media activation.

The joint campaign will be activated in the Sunshine Coast region, by Sunshine Coast Council and in key drive markets by Visit Sunshine Coast.

The campaign follows the successful 'World is Coming' marketing activation, which was a finalist in the Australian National Event Awards for best event marketing and which promoted the Sunshine Coast as Australia's regional events capital.

At the launch Mayor Mark Jamieson highlighted the importance of major events as an economic and tourism driver for the region.


"The economic impact of major events can be broad and far-reaching as our region benefits from increased visitation and also the localised expenditure associated with holding the event," Mayor Jamieson said.

"Event guests come to participate and often stay and play and enjoy everything that our region has to offer.

"Successful events are also strong motivators that encourage event participants and their guests to return for holidays or business.

"Major events also generate invaluable direct and indirect exposure, as our region's natural setting is showcased to a wide audience via traditional and social media.

"So it's for these reasons that we've partnered again with our colleagues at Visit Sunshine Coast to develop and activate a comprehensive marketing campaign which highlights the amazing calendar of major events."

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Simon Latchford said the new events promotion completed the final theme of the 'Come to Life' national campaign launched by the regional tourism organisation earlier this year.

"Visit Sunshine Coast launched a new destination marketing campaign called 'Come to Life' building on the region's 'naturally refreshing' branding, earlier in the year. The campaign reflects the key brand pillars of contemporary beach culture; wonders of nature; innovative food and produce; immersive encounters, and now the final piece - exhilarating events.

"We know that events provide the perfect opportunity to not only showcase our region as a tourism destination but also position the Sunshine Coast as the regional events capital of Australia.

"Research indicates three-quarters of event attendees would not have gone to a destination, if not for an event. Also, for 57% of first-time visitors to the region, the event is the main reason for visiting and likewise for 69% of repeat visitors.

"We are pleased to again partner with Sunshine Coast Council to market the impressive events on offer throughout 2017, in order to drive interest and visitation from outside the region.

"The Sunshine Coast is highly regarded when it comes to premier sporting events, but we are also looking at raising the profile of music and cultural events. The Council is also looking to develop new events to continually diversify the portfolio and make it more aspirational to visit the region for an event."

Queensland Garden Expo Event Manager Marion Beazley said she was pleased to have the Garden Expo included in the new Come to Life campaign.

"We certainly appreciate the work that Sunshine Coast Council and Visit Sunshine Coast and do to promote major events like ours.

"The concerted effort to promote major events has resulted in heightened interest from local media and an increased appreciation of the importance of major events to our local economy.

Mooloolaba Business and Tourism Association President Bruce Ferguson said the Sunshine Coast seemed to be thriving and major events had contributed.

"Events and the tourism they bring are becoming a major industry and the events are going to keep coming," Mr Ferguson said.

"What is fantastic is that as a region we're becoming educated to the value of major events, how to leverage the benefits they bring and how to be good at hosting them.

"All of the national and international exposure from the visiting teams and guests is also invaluable to the long term positioning of the region as a tourist destination."

In 2017 the Sunshine Coast will welcome a large number of major events, reinforcing the region's reputation as the major events capital of regional Australia.

The Sunshine Coast will host more than 55 state, national and international, sporting, lifestyle and music events.  

These events are estimated to inject about $60 million into the local economy.

The region will welcome more than 130,000 guests, many of whom will stay on after the event and enjoy the beautiful surrounds.

The Major Events Come to Life campaign will run until November 2017 and will feature a diverse array of music, lifestyle and sporting events staged in the region.

Scotland: Sleeping in Castles

Who wouldn't want to stay in a castle and feel like royalty if they could? Not only can people visit amazing castles in Scotland- they can also take their pick of castle accommodation in Scotland, stay overnight, and really bring dreams to life. VisitScotland unveils its list of top Scottish castles guests can sleep in when visiting Scotland.

What can be expected on a castle break in Scotland?

· An unparalleled choice of castle accommodation to fit all budgets, from 5-star luxury castle hotels and exclusive use venues to castle campsites and self-catering options
· Serene locations, with some castles tucked away in some of the country's most beautiful landscapes
· Accommodation with a fascinating history, and masses of quirky tales and stories to uncover.

See below for some great castle accommodation in Scotland.


Ackergill Tower



Ackergill Tower is a magnificent 15th century Scottish castle, and is situated just 3 metres from breath-taking waters. Visitors can book individual rooms, or the tower can be booked exclusively, as one of the world's most select retreats located at one the UK's most unspoilt locations. A Scottish castle with accommodation offering unrivalled peace and seclusion, a home beyond 5 stars to spend time with the people that matter most. https://ackergilltower.com/

Culzean Castle



Just like a storybook castle, this fantastic example of Robert Adam's genius stands dramatically on a cliff with superb views across the sea to the mountains of the Island of Arran. Culzean is in the heart of Burns country, a central base for visiting the poet's haunts. There are also a number of other National Trust for Scotland properties within easy driving distance of the castle. http://www.culzean-eisenhower.com/

Dalhousie Castle

Dalhousie Castle Hotel is steeped in a wealth of history - indeed Queen Victoria and Sir Walter Scott have payed visits. The friendly atmosphere of Dalhousie Castle is created by the very special relationship between the staff, management and guests. With the timeless style of the castle, every stay is memorable, and many guests return year after year. http://dalhousiecastle.co.uk/

Borthwick Castle



Set amidst stunning rolling countryside only 12 miles from Edinburgh, this majestic and truly authentic castle was built in 1430 and has been carefully refurbished for private hire, corporate events and large family stays on an exclusive use basis. Walk through the arched stone gateway of Borthwick Castle and enter a hidden world of luxury and majestic style, steeped in 600 years of dramatic Scottish history. There are 10 uniquely designed bedchambers with lavish bathrooms, magnificent yet intimate dining and lounge areas, roaring fires, breath-taking views and spiral staircases inviting exploration and adventure. The cottage and Gatehouse bring the total accommodation to 12 bedchambers, sleeping up to 26 guests. http://www.borthwickcastle.com/

Glenapp Castle

Glenapp Castle is a fairytale castle hidden on the beautiful Ayrshire coast in Ballantrae, Scotland. Imagine exquisite rooms and outstanding cuisine. Perfect for rest and relaxation. The luxurious, award-winning five star hotel provides an intimate level of service, with genuine attention to detail. It has great beauty in its period furnishings and interiors and through the breath-taking gardens, forest and the seascapes that surround that castle. https://www.glenappcastle.com/

Sherbrooke Castle Hotel

The Sherbrooke Castle Hotel has undergone extensive refurbishment to elevate this house to the heights that it warrants. In the most prestigious of residential areas, and set in its own grounds, the hotel is 5 minutes from the City Centre and 10 minutes from Glasgow airport. https://www.sherbrookecastlehotel.com/

Inverlochy Castle



Inverlochy Castle sits nestled amongst the foothills of Scotland's highest mountain - the mighty Ben Nevis - and in some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland. A 19th century Scottish castle hotel that guests will never forget staying in. http://inverlochycastlehotel.com/

Castle Hotel Huntly

Set in 7 acres of parkland close to the ruins of Huntly Castle. Walking distance to town of Huntly and 18 hole golf course. Ideally situated for salmon and trout fishing. Also on routes of both Castle and Whisky trails. All twin and double rooms are welcome to single occupancy and the exclusive suite room hosts 24 hour internet access with free complementary Sherry. Haste ye back. http://www.castlehotel.uk.com/

Crossbasket Castle

Sensitively renovated, Crossbasket is a stunning 17th century castle transformed into one of Scotland's most luxurious hotel and event venues. Crossbasket Castle has many unique period features inside and out which have been restored to their original beauty using traditional craftsmen and materials. There are nine breathtaking ensuite bedrooms, each decorated in a period style and named in honour of a historical custodian of this magnificent Castle. Every bedroom is finished with stunning period window and bed dressings and complemented with original antique furniture and luxuriously oversized beds, this castle also hold an Albert Roux restaurant. http://crossbasketcastle.com/

Fasque Castle

Fasque House is a Baronial Mansion House situated in the heat of rural Aberdeenshire former family residence of Prime Minister Gladstone and the Gladstone Family. A 5* exclusive use venue with sumptuous rooms, delightful touches and splendid surroundings: Fasque Castle knows how to make guests feel truly welcome and comfortable with its range of superb accommodation – 19 bedrooms and cottages around the Estate. http://fasquecastle.com/

Fonab Castle Hotel and Spa

Located on the banks of Loch Faskally, Fonab Castle Hotel is only a short walk from the heart of the historic town of Pitlochry, allowing guests access to all of the local amenities the town has to offer. Since opening in 2013, Fonab has become a popular destination to enjoy friendly, attentive service, breath taking views, exquisite food and luxurious accommodation. http://www.fonabcastlehotel.com/

Transformational Travel will Define 2017

Travel has the power to transform both our own lives and the world we live in. When we push our physical and psychological boundaries, incredible things can happen. And that’s why transformational travel is set to change everything in 2017.

Tribesmen perform ancient ritual dance on remote island in Vanuatu. Heritage Expeditions. (Roderick Eime)

Transformational travel is the next evolution of experiential travel and while it maintains many of the elements of the original, it aims for a new level of consciousness that’s carried on long after the trip is over. Travel expert and doctoral researcher Michael Bennett has identified a three-phase process consisting of the departure, the initiation, and the return – the “hero’s journey” – where travellers venture into the unknown to learn wisdom from cultures and places outside their own, returning home to implement this knowledge, ultimately changing their lives and the lives of others around them. It’s this post-travel action that separates experiential travel from transformational travel.

When travellers have authentic, genuine interactions with other cultures, they stop seeing the world as so black and white. They can be inspired to donate to environmental or social causes after first-hand experience.

While luxury and unique experiences have always been the key selling points for providers in this sector, they are now beginning to focus on these more transformational aspects. Environmental sustainability, corporate social responsibility, immersive conservation programs and positive engagement with local communities have now become major selling points to travellers eager to make a change within themselves and for the places they visit.

Source: Luxperience News
 

Traveloscopy | 

Amazing Images of Australia from Above

SkyPixel Aerial Photography Contest Showcases the Best of Australia From Above

The winning photo, Refreshing Places to Float, taken by Airloft, focuses on a person enjoying on a float in a refreshing rock pool in Wyadup Spa, Western Australia.

SkyPixel, the world's most popular aerial photography community, Friday concluded the two-month Australia from Above aerial photography contest. This was SkyPixel's first region-specific aerial photography contest that showcased the stunning natural beauty of Australia seen from above.

Run in partnership with DJI and Tourism Australia, the SkyPixel Australia from Above aerial photography contest received over 6,000 entries, including photos from the inspiring expanse of Australia's pristine white beaches to the raw power of its rich, red outback.

The winning photo, Refreshing Places to Float, taken by Airloft, focuses on a person enjoying on a float in a refreshing rock pool in Wyadup Spa, Western Australia. For his winning entry, Airloft will receive a DJI Inspire 2 Premium Combo, a SanDisk 64GB Extreme PRO� MicroSD and 480GB Extreme� 500 Portable SSD, a 1-year Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan (1-year membership), and 2-nights at Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island and 2-nights at Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island.

SECOND: Sea of Green: The late afternoon sun shines through a breaking wave at Secret Harbour, south of Perth.

"The amazing work from participants really shows the growing interest around this new photographic artform and the potential of aerial technology" said Danny Zheng, DJI Vice President of Marketing. "We were thrilled to see so many quality entries, from local photographers as well as those outside the country who captured Australia's extraordinary beauty in an entirely new way."

The second and third prize winners were skysnaps with a photo titled Sea of Green respectively, one showing a breaking wave at Secret Harbour, south of Perth, and Yantastic for Rigby Island, and the other a top-down shot of a boat navigating its way through Rigby Island in Victoria. These winners will take home various DJI, SanDisk, Adobe and Epson products. Separately, 10 additional entries were shortlisted by SkyPixel users and awarded with an Osmo Mobile Silver, SanDisk MicroSD and Portable SSD.

The winning photos were selected by a judging panel that included Tourism Australia's Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Ronson, Australian landscape photographer Kirk Hille, who won the Grand Prize in SkyPixel's first annual contest in 2015, Todd Kennedy, adjudged "Travel Photographer of the Year" by Australian Photography Magazine, and Tom Rex Jessett, a globetrotting New Zealand-based landscape and travel photographer.

THIRD: Top down shot of Rigby Island in Lake's Entrance, Victoria. Shot with Mavic Pro

Tourism Australia's Chief Marketing Officer, Lisa Ronson, was blown away by the quantity and the quality of entries. "There are some amazingly talented photographers out there who are using drone technology to capture some breath-taking images of Australia. Drone-facilitated photography as well as other new technologies such as VR and 360 are enabling us to tell our story in ways which were just not possible a few years ago. It's very exciting for our industry and will, I'm sure, provide inspiration to many Australian tourism operators as they look at new and engaging ways to promote their businesses," she said.

All the winning photos can be viewed here: www.skypixel.com/events/australia


Traveloscopy | 

Vivid Sydney celebrates the grit and glitter of Kings Cross

#ate17



For the first time, Kings Cross will be an exciting precinct that includes all Vivid Sydney pillars of light, music and ideas, called Vivid KX. The program will include a wonderful mix of genres, theatre, performance, story-telling and light art, and celebrate exactly what makes Kings Cross so special.

Vivid KX will explore the bohemian underworlds that gave The Cross its unique DNA through a genre-bending performance program; pop-up cinema screening the strangest, craziest and best in Australian film; and raw and riveting talks of the days of the ‘Golden Mile’.

For the first time at Kings Cross, the Coca-Cola billboard will come alive to celebrate the talent, colour, creativity and diversity of Kings Cross. Shot by portrait photographer Katherine Williams the Characters of Kings Cross series will feature moving black-and-white portraits of the individuals that make Kings Cross so special. The projected images will feature on the left-hand side of the sign, and will include familiar faces such as Kylie Kwong, along with other Kings Cross locals.

The famous Coca-Cola LED billboard will for the first time in 40 years transform into a continuous light show of vibrant colours and special effects for the entire 23 nights of Vivid Sydney. Read more

Traveloscopy | 

Accommodation boom across New South Wales

The State Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW has said growth in overnight visitation to NSW is stimulating an accommodation boom across the State.

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour opening 2017 (source: Accor)

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said this week’s Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) was a great opportunity to showcase both new and refurbished hotels.

“According to the International and National Visitor Surveys for the year ending December 2016, there were more than 33 million overnight visitors who stayed more than 183 million nights in NSW over the past 12 months,” Ms Chipchase said.

“New and refurbished hotels by the harbour, and luxury makeovers and quality boutique offerings are giving visitors to Sydney and regional NSW just what they want – accommodation in desirable locations, with a choice of styles and price points.

“Sky-high confidence in the visitor economy is driving the hotel boom with 7,800 new and refurbished hotel rooms under construction or approved for development and open for business by 2022.

“Our State is undergoing a major transformation to meet the growing demands from international markets, providing NSW hotels and operators with more opportunities than ever before to attract visitors.

“With occupancy rates rising from 75 per cent in to 76.3 per cent in the December quarter 2016, driven primarily by occupancy rate increases in regional NSW (66.4 per cent, up from 62.6 per cent), our State is leading the country when it comes to accommodation supply, demand and revenue takings.

“From Sydney to the Blue Mountains, the South Coast to up North, and out to Country NSW, we are seeing major refurbishments of heritage sites, to brand new beachfront pavilions and self-catering options as part of this hotel boom, and we look forward to highlighting the best of these exciting developments during ATE,” she said.

On top of the accommodation boom, other major infrastructure projects are underway including the harbourside development at Barangaroo, the Western Sydney Airport, significant upgrades to Sydney Airport and the planned regeneration of The Bays Precinct, a waterfront space in the inner west.

Click here to download the latest ‘Hotel News in Sydney and NSW’ Fact Sheet.

For more information on attractions and experiences in NSW, visit www.visitnsw.com and www.sydney.com.

Traveloscopy |