Being one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, Vanuatu’s traditional practices, including ceremonial dance, magic and ritual, are alive and well. Ambrym is considered the black magic epicentre of Vanuatu and it’s where the Rom dance is performed.
The Fanla or Rom dance is connected to circumcision and initiation traditions for young boys and is an ancient ritual shrouded in secret knowledge. Costumes are kept in hiding until the ceremony begins and some of the masks can’t be used more than once.
Deep in the dense forest, there is a clearing where large drums sit. The rhythmic beating of drums and shakers begins as warriors dressed to represent evil spirits emerge, adorned in a mix of leaves and huge, brightly painted masks. The men stomp their feet in time to the drums, eerie chanting and soft flute music. Make no mistake, this is an experience that will give you goosebumps. This is no tourist show – it is genuine heritage and belief, wrapped in the supernatural and rich in symbolism.
The dance, while a form of magic, is also a method for younger members of society to move up the ranks. It’s also believed the fertility of the crops is affected when these dances are performed, and masks are burnt at the end of the ceremony to ensure evil spirits do not haunt the wearer or plague the village.
After landing at the tiny Lamap airport on Malekoula, you’ll head to a boat ramp, jump in a banana boat and speed out towards Maskelyn Islands. Your goal is to spot a dugong.
In the Maskelyn Islands, there are tiny jewels of land dotting the ocean and according to locals, there are lots of dugongs. As you dive down amongst the coral-covered rocks you’ll explore the abundance of sea life including sea turtles and tropical fish and coral-covered rocks. The crown in the jewell though is spotting a giant sea cow and the chances are increased at these depths. Soon enough you’ll be so close you will be able to see her pupils.
Dugon’s can be found with their young playing an endless game of chasey, circling around one another. They are about two metres long, have a plump appearance, and a fluke tail like a whale’s. It’s easy to see why some people call them sea cows. The dugong’s monolithic, imposing form can make divers nervous, but remember… dugongs only eat sea grass, rather than tourists.
After a mesmerising day of swimming amongst these giants of the sea watching them frolic and gracefully glide across the water, they’ll disappear into the depths of the water and you’ll wonder if any of it actually happened.
This isn’t the hardest walk you’ll ever take on, but there’s a fair chance the Nguna Volcano summit hike offers the best view of surrounding tropical islands you’ll find anywhere in the world.
Reaching Nguna and its dormant volcano is just as enjoyable as the walk itself. You’ll drive 45 minutes to the north of Port Vila, Vanuatu’s capital on the island of Efate, then head across Undine Bay on a local banana boat. The walk starts at one of the picturesque waterfront villages.
The hike to the peak of the island (and back) takes about three-and-a-half hours . You’ll take a well-used path that passes villages and community gardens before heading into the jungle. The final climb across grassy plains is steeper, but when you arrive at the summit it’s possible to look down into the dormant crater.
At approximately 500 metres of elevation it’s not exactly Everest, but you’ll work up a sweat and be impressed by the view of big blue sky and island after island for as far as you can see.
When you descend back to the start, you’ll be rewarded with a mouthwatering tropical fruit platter. Once you’ve wiped the mango juice from your chin, grab a mask and snorkel and jump into the ocean for a swim. The coral, turtles and marine life are next level and it’s a fitting denouement to a perfect day.
International travel might be off the cards for now, but that doesn’t mean we’re not taking full advantage of the Australian ski slopes, which have now reopened for business. Although it’s been a late start to the ski season, resorts are already starting to book out across New South Wales and Victoria, with restricted numbers allowed. Staggered lift ticket sales, accommodation bookings prioritised and limited sale periods have booking sites going into overdrive.
Thankfully, the weather is playing along nicely. Mount Buller, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek have already had an icy start to winter, with nice powder falling. Thredbo is a late starter, but the season is expecting great things throughout July and August, as it does every year.
As a ski or snowboard lover, the big question is: are you ready to hit the slopes?
If you’ve already booked, or you’re one of the thousands desperately trying to secure your spot on the mountains this winter, it’s time to get ready. And by ‘ready’ we mean making sure you have all the gear you need for a fantastic weekend (or week) of play.
Mountain Designs is easily one of the most recognisable brands in the world when it comes to winter clothing, with top-of-the-range jackets, vests, tops, pants and more available for the entire family. They provide everything you could possibly need to stay warm, dry and protected, from the base to the top.
Base Layers
If you’re a seasoned snow king or queen, you know that the base layer is a second skin – and a must-have when you’re heading out on the mountains. Mountain Designs’ Merino Thermals are by far the pick of the bunch. Based on Woolmark® certified, 100 per cent Australian merino wool, the thermals are innovative, high performance and designed for comfort. Depending on your choice of product, the base layers are either entry-level polypro, 100 per cent wool or a merino wool and recycled polyester blend. Either way, they’re designed to dry fast, which is exactly what you need when you spend the entire day in snow, ice and puddles. Plus, they also wick perspiration away from your skin so you stay dry (and stink-free) while still being warm and breathable. You’ll barely notice you have them on!
Top Layer
Mountain Designs has a new range of softshell snow pants that are designed to allow you to perform all your favourite tricks without missing a beat. They’re heavy duty and durable, but at the same time remain stretchy and adjustable.
Men’s and women’s jackets and vests are a must-have for the ski season, and Mountain Designs has a huge range of colours and designs. One of the best products ever introduced are Mountain Designs’ 100 per cent RDS Goose Down vests. You’re unlikely to find anything warmer. They’re durable, water repellent and lightweight, not to mention easy to pack in your bag as they compress easily (and don’t lose their shape). Snow jackets with synthetic insulation or stretchy full fleece jackets that are quick to dry and wind resistant are another great option.
Wet Weather
With Mountain Designs’ range of women’s and men’s rain jackets, it doesn’t matter if you’re up the mountain covered in snow or hitting the trails when the sleet or rain hits, you’ll be protected, warm and comfortable. GORE-TEX® fabric is particularly popular as it’s waterproof, windproof and fully seam sealed. It also has a durable water repellent finish and the two-layer PACLITE®fabric technology makes the jacket more breathable, lightweight and easy to pack – so you can take it anywhere!
The best thing about Mountain Designs is that it’s an Aussie brand that’s been producing winter and snow gear specifically designed for the Aussie slopes since its inception almost 50 years ago.
This feature is sponsored by Mountain Designs, but we know you love good quality outdoor gear as much as we do, so we thought you’d like it.
At the heart of the Cook Islands in the South Pacific lies an unspoilt paradise; sans skyscrapers, fast food chains, and traffic lights. Rarotonga is surrounded by volcanic peaks, ridges, beaches, coastal lagoons and rainforest and with a circumference of only 32km means it’s the perfect destination to pedal a bike around.
This relaxed 4-hour bicycle tour guided by Storytellers Eco Cycle Tours is the ideal introduction into the island paradise of Rarotonga. You’ll pedal passed beautiful beaches, breathtaking mountainous scenery, down picturesque lanes, and lush farmlands; where you can sample star fruit, mandarin, guava, and noni. Stop to visit rural villages, take some snaps, cool off in the ocean, and tuck into a delicious lunch at a seafront restaurant. It’s all pretty laid back on this trip.
The Storytellers’ guides are passionate and knowledgeable and you’ll learn about the local culture, history, plant life, and environment. Covering about 12 to 16km over 4 hours, there’s a combination of road and track riding, that would suit the average fitness levels and riding experience…Cadell Evans wannabes need not apply.
For those who wish to bring little ones, children can also be catered for and at the end of the tour you can depart with a dose of good karma as 10% of the Storytellers’ profits go back into the community for development projects. It’s win win. Get pedalling!
Stanthorpe, QLD
There’s no denying the Granite Belt has done it pretty tough in the past couple of years, with bushfires tag-teaming drought. But all the myths you’ve heard about there being no water for showers and the like are all untrue, and only small sections of the region were damaged by fire. In fact, with the weather cooling it’s the perfect time to follow the Strange Bird Wine Trail. The region’s vignerons have an excellent rep for producing alternative varieties – those strange birds – and following the downloadable map will take you to Ridgemill Estate for saperavi and viognier, Golden Grove Estate for durif and barbara, and about 30 additional spots along the way. There’s plenty of other produce and hospitality to enjoy, too. granitebeltwinecountry.com.au
Wreck Bay, NSW
Discover more about the history of Australia in Booderee National Park, right near Jervis Bay. Booderee, or as it’s known in the local Dhurga language, Walawaani Njindjiwan Njin Booderee, is a spectacular spot blessed with pristine beaches (Green Patch Beach is pictured at the top of this page), historic sites and Australia’s only Indigenous-owned botanic gardens. It’s also where you join Galamban Aboriginal Tours to find out more about the local culture. Aunt Julie and her family offer a number of different experiences, including Bawa dung-arng (bushfoods, medicines and survival skills), Dgila-nung (weaving) and Dginngi nadgung, which means starry water and includes a spotlight stroll in the forest to a waterhole looking for nocturnal wildlife. galamban.net
Stirling Range, WA
There are plenty of reasons to make a beeline for Stirling Range National Park: the perfect isolation, the rugged and remote mountain landscape, the carpet of wildflowers come spring and the challenging walk to Bluff Knoll. But, as you might have already guessed, it’s quite a long way from just about everything. Luckily you can base yourself at The Lily, a quirky property right on the edge of the park. Stay in one of the cute self-contained cottages or, even better, in a restored Dakota C-47 (the military version of the DC-3). As well as hosting travellers, owners Pleun and Hennie Hitzert grind wholemeal spelt flour in a Dutch windmill on the property and are happy to show guests how it’s done. thelily.com.au
Blue Mountains, NSW
The images of flames shooting up the cliffs at Grose Valley were horrifying, but thankfully much of the Blue Mountains was unharmed by bushfire and the region is most definitely open for business. Get to see a part of it hidden to most who journey through for the quaint towns and outstanding views by joining High and Wild Australian Adventures for a day exploring deep into the landscape on a canyoning trip. Scramble, abseil, hike, climb and, when the weather is warmer, add wading, plunging into and swimming in rivers and waterfalls to the adventurous mix. highandwild.com.au
Fingal, TAS
In the northeast corner of Tassie, bordering Ben Lomond National Park, you’ll find the ultimate getaway. The Creech is an old farm set on the banks of the South Esk River that has been completely transformed with the shearers’ quarters and a wool classer’s cottage converted into contemporary, cosy accommodation. Walk to waterfalls, ride horses into the mountains, go kayaking along the river, and enjoy the clubhouse and bar all miles away from the worries of the modern world. thecreech.com.au
Port Macquarie, NSW
The plight of koalas during the bushfires broke hearts around the world, but you can lend a hand to those who are caring for them in the aftermath. The Koala Hospital offers a 24/7 rescue operation and has been looking after the rehabilitation of a number of injured marsupials since the fires. You can drop in to the hospital every day to walk around the grounds, but there is also a daily guided tour at 3pm. While the koalas are being fed, a volunteer explains how they arrive in the hospital’s care, the issues they face and about koala conservation in general. Entry and tours are free, but donations are more than helpful. You can also ‘adopt’ a koala, either while you’re there or on the website. koalahospital.org.au
East Gippsland, VIC
Apart from being the largest system of inland waterways in the country, the Gippsland Lakes is a region of scenic perfection, outstanding beaches, quaint villages and top-notch fishing and boating. If you don’t have your own vessel, book your berth on Pam, a 64-foot ketch that goes for three-hour cruises daily from either Metung or Nungurner. The pearl lugger first sailed in 1901 with the name Dominion, before she was wrecked, rebuilt, assisted in World War II, then was sold off and abandoned. Current owners Dan and Wendy McLay found her in the Northern Territory in 1988, transported Pam back to Gippsland and completely restored her. Life’s a bit gentler for the old girl now as she sails around Raymond Island, Lake King and other local attractions, sometimes accompanied by pods of dolphins. pearlluggercruises.com.au
Mount Majura, ACT
Just outside Canberra there’s a farmer who is growing black gold. No, he hasn’t worked out how to cultivate oil; instead he grows the French delicacy, Perigord truffles, beneath oak trees. The winter months are the best ones on The Truffle Farm. June to August is the height of the season for these expensive fungi, and visitors can go out with Jayson Mesman and his dog Samson each Saturday and Sunday to dig some up. The tour, which includes an introduction to truffles and a small tasting, takes 90 minutes. Add brunch before the expedition or a six-course lunch after to get the full earthy experience. thetrufflefarm.com.au
Snowy Mountains, NSW
It’s not too long until the season begins at Thredbo – opening weekend starts on 6 June – and for the first time skiers and boarders will be able to get a new ride to the top of the mountain. Merritts Gondola will be the first of its kind on an Australian ski field and will whisk snow lovers from Thredbo village to the Cruiser area, which has terrain for beginner and intermediate skiers as well as access to some of the resort’s advanced trails. The best bit? It only takes six minutes to get there, rather than the previous 21 minutes. Just imagine how much more slope action you’re going to be able to get. thredbo.com.au
Kangaroo Island, SA
This is our idea of three perfect hours. Glide across the waves with the epic coastline of Kangaroo Island in view, and slow down when seals are spotted on the rocks or sea eagles swoop overhead. As part of the Island Explorer Tour with Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures you’ll also have the chance to swim with wild bottlenose dolphins, who often appear in a shallow turquoise bay. It’s a year-round option, and even if you don’t feel like getting wet, the curious marine mammals often swim and play around the boat to the amusement of those who stay on board. kimarineadventures.com.au
Adelaide Hills, SA
For those who like fast cars and good times, buckle up in a Ferrari 488 GTB or Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 and take an exhilarating drive through the Adelaide Hills into the Barossa Valley. You’ll stop at the Bird In Hand Winery for morning tea, before Hentley Farm Restaurant hosts the group for a five-course degustation lunch. There are stops at other wineries and distilleries along the way, too. (Seriously, you need to bring someone who doesn’t mind being the designated driver.) Each Prancing Horse Supercar Drive Day hosts a max of four luxe autos led by a dedicated vehicle offering support using a two-way radio. The base is gorgeous Mount Lofty House, so think about tacking on an extra couple of days to add to the decadence. prancinghorse.com.au
Tawonga, VIC
Look, we are definitely not going to hold your Man From Snowy River fantasy against you. In fact, here’s an amazing way to play it out. At Spring Spur in Victoria’s High Country you can spend the weekend discovering alpine valleys on horseback. And whether you’re a beginner rider or have calluses on your butt, there’s a sturdy, mountain-bred horse to take you through the terrain. At night, you’ll gather for meals in the Riders Lounge before retiring to the modern homestead accommodation. Ready to rough it? Spring Spur also hosts multiday pack rides starting in late spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom. springspur.com.au
When you think of idyllic island retreats, locations like the Maldives and Ibiza come to mind but it’s time to add a little known hidden gem called Bremer Island to that list.
Banubanu Wilderness Retreat is located on Bremer Island, just a 15-minute flight from Gove Airport in the waters off Nhulunbuy in East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. East Arnhem Land is known for its pristine beaches, abundant sea life, lush tropical surrounds and its rich Yolngu culture.
Banubanu is an eco-sensitive beach retreat built in partnership with the Yolgnu people to ensure guests experience the natural wonders of the area and appreciate the rich history and culture of the Yolngu people.
Things move at a pretty slow pace at Banubanu…take some time to chill, reflect, go fishing, bird watching, beach combing, interact with the local Indigenous people; reconnect with nature…with no wifi, it’s the perfect time for a device detox.
For the more adventurous there is 4WD touring, fishing tours, crabbing and snorkelling. The surrounding region offers stunning scenic walks and is home to native wildlife, bird life and turtles. Oh yeah and all the food eaten is caught locally and is cooked to perfection!
On the spectacular coastline of Cape Leveque on Western Australia’s Dampier Peninsula the red rock of the desert drops down to white sand and the water is as clear as glass. Cape Leveque is at the northernmost tip of the Dampier Peninsula in the Kimberley region of WA and is 240 kilometres north of Broome.
While Cape Leveque is remote, you can swim, snorkel or sunbathe on the pristine beach, go fishing for barramundi, mackerel, tuna, cobia and sailfish, or meet up with the local Bardi community to find out about bush tucker and traditional ways of life. They also run the wilderness camp, Kooljaman, where you’ll find safari tents, log cabins, camping palm frond beach shelters, a restaurant, cultural and boat tours. You can also tag-along and try your had at mud crabbing!
The trip to Cape Leveque from Broome usually takes around three and a half hours in a four wheel drive on an unsealed road which is sometimes closed during the wet season. Or for the more adventurous ones with deeper pockets can enjoy a scenic flight over the area for a bird’s eye view.
July to October is whale season, with humpbacks cavorting just offshore on their southward journey.
The only thing better than waking to kookaburras’ song and the smell of bushland is doing so while rousing from your slumber in a plush canvas bell tent in country Victoria. Enter Balgownie Estate’s opulent glamping experience. Set just outside of Bendigo among the half-century-old estate’s working vineyard, the glampsite offers 15 bell tents, each with a queen-size bed, air conditioning, mini bar and a private deck to sip the winery’s best drop and admire the sweeping views.
While you could easily spend daylight hours exploring the town of Bendigo, there’s also the opportunity to do a wine tasting of the cab sav and chardonnay at the cellar door and have a chat with winemaker Tony Winspear. Don’t forget to book dinner at the one-site restaurant, where the chefs use local produce and the floor staff can help select wine matches.
When booking your stay, opt for the ultra-luxe Safari Tent; it features an en suite and outdoor hot tub, so if spooning with the sounds of nature chirping at your doorstep doesn’t get the blood flowing, a blast of bubbles is sure to tickle you pink.
What do miniature golf and cocktails have in common? Nothing, until now. By combining the fun of whacking balls past obstacles with delicately crafted cocktails, Holey Moley Golf Club has transformed a former church in Brissy’s Fortitude Valley into an entertainment mecca.
If you like witty puns (and who doesn’t?) you’ll froth over the drinks from the Caddyshack Bar, featuring concoctions with names like the Putty Professor, Tee-quila Mocking Birdie and Long Island Iced Tee. Juggle your putter in one hand and a beverage in the other as you make your way around the 18 holes, split into two different courses and each decorated with a unique theme. Book online to avoid missing out and remember to bring two pairs of pants (in case you get a hole in one – geddit?).
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