After many months in lockdown, mountain bike enthusiasts hardly need an excuse to get among it, but they’ll be over the moon to know Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park is ready to rock ’n roll.
With 40 kilometres of world-class trails, designed and built by World Trail in Victoria’s stunning alpine terrain, Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park has been finessed with riders in mind to suit mountain-bikers of all experience levels.
For seasoned riders there’s the lofty altitude of the Summit, with plenty of drops, twists and turns to the thick forest of the Ticket Box. For the fearless, there’s Victoria’s longest unbroken gravity ride descending 535 metres through three of Falls Creek’s best trails. Hang one and hope for the best or, as the bikers say, “Huck and hope.”
Those with training wheels will enjoy Generator to Vortex, an easy combination ride through Falls Creek’s snowgum country back to the village.
The newest trail, Flowtown, features six kilometres of free-flowing trail. It’s stacked with gnarly berms, jumps and rollers, The final half that rides more like a pump track than gravity trail.
Riding doesn’t float your boat? There are plenty of stunning scenic hikes, trails, fishing and kayaking options in the High Country.
Compared to the hugely popular northern lights, very few people have had the opportunity to witness the magical aurora australis – often referred to as the southern lights – up close. But that’s all about to change with the news that Chimu Adventures are launching scenic flights over the Southern Ocean that will provide a front-row view to the captivating natural phenomenon.
Departing and returning to Australia’s major domestic terminals, the 10-hour flights will take place aboard a Qantas Boeing 789 Dreamliner. With 30 per cent larger windows than other Boeing aircraft, it’s the perfect plane for passengers to take in the aurora australis in all its glittery glory.
The flights will coincide with the autumn equinox, when the lights are at their brightest and most frequent, and a select crew of expert astronomers will be on-hand to provide information on how an aurora is created, and answer any questions. Budding shutterbugs keen to capture the once-in-a-lifetime experience will also be happy to know a professional photographer will be available to assist with any camera queries and dish out helpful tips.
Flying high above the clouds and far from any potential light pollution or weather systems, it won’t matter whether you’re seated in business or economy (Qantas will be offering services in both), as the aurora zone is sure to put on an unforgettable show.
Known for its rugged, mountainous terrain, pristine beaches and mirrored waterways, the southwest region of Tasmania has long been considered the state’s final frontier. And since it’s accessible only by foot, boat or light aircraft, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in this untouched landscape is with Tasmanian Boat Charters, on the Port Davey Expedition Cruise.
The four-, five- and seven-day voyages begin in spectacular style, with a breathtaking scenic flight from Hobart to the tiny settlement of Melaleuca. Here, your mighty vessel awaits: Odalisque, a custom-built 20-metre boat best described as a floating luxury hotel. Equipped with all the creature comforts you could ever need – think cosy beds, soft outdoor lounges, fridges stocked with ice-cold bevs and your own private chef – it’s the ideal home-away-from-home.
While each cruise is different (and often guided by the tides and weather conditions), the itinerary can be tailored to suit your interests. However, there are a few standout activities we think you won’t want to miss, including a six-hour hike to the summit of Mt Rugby, a jet boat excursion up the Huon Pine-lined Davey River and exploring ancient Indigenous middens at Stephens Bay. There are also plenty of opportunities to chat with local guides, take a dip at secluded swim spots and enjoy a gourmet picnic or two.
So if you’re eager for a taste of true Tassie wilderness (with a side of oysters and bubbles, thank you very much), jump aboard the Odalisque for one unforgettable adventure.
White sand under foot, turquoise blue ocean as far as the eye can see, coconut trees swaying in the breeze, surrounded by rows of vines. Wait, what? Yep, you heard us right. Dominique Auroy’s Vin de Tahiti, on the atoll of Rangiroa in French Polynesia, is home to the world’s only coral winery.
The vines are grown on a small motu (islet) at the end of a coral road a few minutes by boat from the town of Avatoru, which is a one-hour flight from Tahiti. The vineyard was created after years of research in order to understand the soil of the atoll and how the salty water would affect the grapes. Since 2010 they have also taken an organic approach to production.
Our pick: try the Blanc de Corail, a delicate white wine with notes of mango, pineapple and candied banana; or the Rosé Nacarat with melon, raspberry and redcurrant aromas. A visit to the vineyard is by tour only, but in this part of the world, the journey is all part of the experience.
Experience a taste of northeast Victoria when you tackle the best recreational cycling route in Australia, the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Beginning in Beechworth and finishing in Bright, not only will you burn calories on this leisurely ride, but you’ll also get to visit some of the state’s most vibrant regional towns.
Once you climb into your saddle and get pedalling, you’ll roll through stunning alpine locations, passing through natural bush and lush farmland, vast valleys and spectacular mountain ranges.
Don’t worry though, this isn’t the Tour de France, and the trip is suitable for all riders – even beginners with a pretty basic fitness level (e-bikes are also available). Along the way you’ll fuel up by sampling some of Australia’s finest local gourmet produce, wine and handcrafted beer. Smaller weekend groups even have the opportunity to partake in wine-making tutorials, talk to local farm gate producers and stopover at historic cellar doors.
Covering more than 100 kilometres of both sealed and off-road tracks, other popular towns on the trail include Wangaratta, Rutherglen and Myrtleford.
No trip to New Zealand is complete without seeing the country’s flightless national bird. But the elusive kiwi doesn’t make it easy. Its numbers are dwindling, it’s nocturnal, and it’s usually only found in dense bush.
So, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, a luxury lodge in Hawke’s Bay on New Zealand’s North Island, has come up with a solution. The Kiwi Discovery Walk will ensure your close encounter with this furry creature endemic to our friends across the ditch. You’ll head out with an experienced guide as they carry out essential monitoring of the chicks, including checking the bird’s radio transmitters and weighing and measuring them to help monitor their wellbeing. And the best bit? Proceeds from the experience go to The Cape Sanctuary to help preserve the native species.
If that’s not enough of a kiwi experience for you, a stay at Cape Kidnappers also means you can join in a muster on the 2,430-hectare working beef and sheep farm, and even try your hand at shearing a sheep.
If you thought Melbourne’s drinking scene was lacking in the tailor-cum-bar department, you’ll be thrilled to hear about The Cloakroom Bar.
This 40-person establishment, hidden on the 46th floor of Southbank’s Shadow Play by Peppers, is managed by just three bartenders who make almost all of the specialty elements – infused liqueurs, house-smoked preserves – ahead of time.
The 10-strong beverage list is heavily influenced by Japanese flavours (most evident in the Day 1, a sake, Haku vodka and miso-infused pickled tomato cocktail), which makes perfect sense when you discover the made-to-measure suits are laser cut and handcrafted in Tokyo. The bar and tailor shop are separated only by a glass cabinet, although both spaces enjoy panoramic views across Melbourne’s cityscape.
It is difficult to explain the adrenaline rush when you first spot a 15-metre-long humpback whale rising out of the deep blue depths below your dangling feet. As it rises, your guide encourages you to “swim, swim, swim” until you’re within only a few metres of the huge surfacing mammal; so close, in fact, you can catch the gaze of its eye staring right through you as it surfaces for a breath. Suffice to say, this has to be one of the world’s great wildlife experiences.
And if you are going to swim with humpback whales then why not do it in the warm waters of French Polynesia while basing yourself on a luxury catamaran?
The team at Majestic Whale Encounters are experts in humpback whale experiences, with offerings in French Polynesia’s outer Austral Islands and Tonga. But if you want to do it in style, cruising Moorea on a yacht is the way to go.
Looking for an epic Vanuatu cultural event? Then the Maskelyne Canoe Festival, where there’s feasting, kastom dance, traditional craft and canoe making and, of course, the ultimate outrigger canoe race, should head to the top of your travel hit list.
Attended by locals and travellers, the festival takes place every July, in a tiny archipelago called the Maskelyne Islands, off the coast of Vanuatu’s second largest island, Malekula. The Maskelynes are a pristine group of low-lying islands with extensive reefs and mangroves. You’ll find welcoming bungalow accommodation, mainly on the island of Uluveo, at places like Batis Seaside Bungalows, which can be booked through Airbnb.
The two-day festival has four rounds of competitive canoe racing, which see men, women and children competing in individual, team and relay races. However, there‘s much more to do than simply watching the fast paddling action. Try traditional kakae (island food) or watch members of the local community perform kastom songs and dances.
Travellers are encouraged to spend more time in the area after the festival, exploring some of Vanuatu’s most linguistically and culturally diverse islands. As the islands are surrounded by a protected marine park, there’s the chance to snorkel the reefs – you might even get lucky enough to spot a dugong. Out of the water, hike diverse terrain or spend time in one of the local villages learning about the unique culture and history of the islands.
Did you know there’s just one place in Australia where you can go on a tour to spot killer whales? This is a natural lovers’ paradise but it is a little remote. The town of Bremer Bay sits on the Southern Ocean between Albany and Esperance in Western Australia.
It’s also where you’ll set sail on the Alison Maree, a modern, 20-metre-long catamaran specifically built for these parts. On your way out to the Bremer Canyon, where the whales live, you’ll listen to a presentation about what you can expect on your eight-hour expedition, although no two days are ever the same. Make sure you keep on eye on the sea though – pods of dolphins are often seen riding the boat’s wake.
Arriving at killer whale central, you’ll probably spy wildlife pretty quickly. It’s not always the killer whales that first come into view – you might also spot sperm whales, pilot whales, beaked whales, sharks or oceanic sunfish while pelagic sea birds fly above.
It won’t be long until the orcas appear. More than 250 are thought to inhabit this area and you’re almost guaranteed to see them. They’re often spotted breaching, spy hopping, surging through the wake, nurturing their young or working with other family pods to hunt.
On-board marine biologists will let you know what to look for throughout the day, and professional photographers are on hand to capture the experience. After your trip, you’ll be emailed the images as well as a daily blog explaining the day’s events.
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