Gold Coast's newest hotels

It's a great time to travel inside Australia, with may new and exciting hotels opening. Enjoy the thrill of freshly decorated rooms in the latest fashions, discovering new dining expereinces and world-class facilities. If you like the new stuff here are the two latest editions to the beautiful holiday spot the Gold Coast in south east Queensland.

                       

Sea Temple, Surfers Paradise

Sea Temple  located in Surfers Paradise opened its doors late last year with 50 self contained beach view apartments. Each room is designed with floor-ceiling windows to admire the views and provide natural light. The rooms also feature large balconies, perfect for outdoor living. Spend your mornings reading the paper upon the day bed and sitting down for lazy breakfast at the outdoor dining setting.

Sea Temple, Surfers Paradise

The hotel has a number of facilities to keep your days busy from an outdoor pool, barbeque area, gymnasium, spa, sauna and steam room. With 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments available Sea Temple offers stylish accommodation in a great location. 

Sea Temple, Pool

Hilton Surfers Paradise

The Hilton Surfers Paradise  is located in the heart of Surfers Paradise. The hotel opened in November 2011 and offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom fully contained holiday apartments. Each room is luxurious, modern and spacious, offering all you would need for a business or leisure stay.

Hilton Surfers Paradise

There is a range of restaurant and bars available for guests including the impressive Salt Grill restaurant by celebrity chef Chef Luke Mangan. Spend lazy days making the most of the hotel's facilities; four pools, sauna, outdoor podium, private pavilion and terrace. 

One Bedroom Apartment

Location, Location, Location

The Gold Coast is full of fun and adventurous attractions as it is home to many theme parks. The beachside suburbs each offer their own attractions with fantastic shopping and dining available in Broadbeach, Main Beach and Surfers Paradise. 

4 Winter Family Activities

Ice skating

Australia’s favourite Winter Festival celebrating all things winter is back in 2012. Ice skate on Australia's largest outdoor ice skating rink, experience a multitude of Alpine inspired food, have a warming drink and some comfort food at the cozy alpine hut complete with warming fires. Bring the whole family along to watch the festivities including ice hockey and figure skating demonstrations. Locations of the festivals include Brisbane, Bondi Beach, Melbourne and Fremantle. Tickets can be purchased through the Winter Festival website.

Hiking

Why not take the family on a hike to warm up the body from those winter temperatures! Sydney siders only have to travel 50 minutes in order to reach the heavenly Blue Mountains. If you are in the Brisbane area why not take the family for a hike around the Mount Tamborine National Park. It’s only an hour’s drive and most tracks are short and relatively easy. If you’re in Melbourne and have a bit more time for driving, then why not venture to the Great Ocean Road. It’s a three hour drive but totally worth it! You can take the Great Ocean Walk where you will see the Twelve Apostles, then why not weave your way through beautiful National Parks.

London Bridge - Great Ocean Road

QLD winter weather

If you and your family are finding the winter weather unbearable, then why not consider a Queensland escape? Queensland’s climate is not as distinctive as the cooler climates of Australia’s southern states. In winter, Queensland has one of the world’s most delightful climates. The days are invariably mild, fine and sunny. If you head to Queensland’s coastal areas such as Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast or the Whitsundays you will experience warmer temperatures and rid of those winter blues!

Alexandra Headland - Sunshine Coast

Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo has great activities to entertain the family these winter school holidays. Watch Terri, Bindi and Robert feed their croc’s in the world famous Crocoseum during the 12noon Wildlife Warriors show. Don’t miss free wildlife shows, free kids rides, free face painting, free colouring competition and pony rides daily between 11am-3:30pm. Admission tickets can be purchased through the Sunlover Holiday website. Don’t miss the jaw snapping action!

Bindi Irwin - Australia Zoo

A to Z of Australia

A Airlie Beach is the perfect beach destination on the Whitsunday coast.

B The Big Banana is a popular tourist attraction in Coffs Harbour, NSW. It’s a bunch of fun!

C Carlton is an area in Victoria that is known as one of the greatest food districts in Melbourne. It’s well known for its ‘little Italy’ precinct on Lygon Street,

D The Dog on the Tucker Box is situated just outside Gundagai, and is a monument to our early pioneers. 

E The Emu is the largest Australian native bird and can run up to 45km per hour.

F Floriade is Australia’s celebration of spring, and features more than a million colourful blooms in Commonwealth Park, Canberra.

G The Great Barrier Reef off Queensland is one of the seven wonders of the natural world and is the only living thing on earth visible from space.

H Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria is a zoo specialising in native Australian animals.

I Icehouse is an Australian rock band best known for their iconic Australian song ‘Great Southern Land’, released in 1982.

J Jindabyne is a town in south-east New South Wales that overlooks Lake Jindabyne near the Snowy Mountains, in Snowy River Shire. It’s a popular holiday destination, especially in winter, due to its proximity to several ski resorts throughout the Kosciuszko National Park, including Thredbo and Perisher.

K Kangaroo Island off South Australia is often known as the ‘zoo without fences’. Expect to meet local sea lions on the beach at Seal Bay, and encounter little penguins at Kingscote and Penneshaw as they head home at dusk.

L Lord Howe Island is widely regarded as the most beautiful island in the Pacific. The island is about 10 km long and between 2.0 km and 0.3 km wide and is a World Heritage Site of global natural significance.

M The Melbourne Cup is Australia’s premier thoroughbred horse racing and fashion event of the year. The ‘race that stops the nation’ has had horses running for the win since 1861.

N Nimbin is a village in the northern rivers area of New South Wales that is well known for its hippy communes and alternate way of life.

O The Opera House is a Sydney performing arts centre and famous icon on the Sydney Harbour. It was designed by a Danish architect in 1973 and is listed as a World Heritage Site. 

P Pub Crawls are a regular Australian tradition, especially on weekends and public holidays, where groups of drinkers undertake marathon drinking sessions that move from pub to pub.

Q Questacon is Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre located in Canberra. This interactive science centre was Japan’s gift to Australia for the 1988 Bicentenary.

R Rottnest Island is located just off Perth, Western Australia and is surrounded by vibrant aqua blue water. This island is home to some of the finest beaches and bays in the world, with a selection of 63 secluded beaches and 20 bays.

S Sheep Shearing has had a strong historical background in Australia which began with the Australian settlement. It inspired many artists, poets and songwriters throughout Australia’s history.

T Tucker is Australian terminology for food.

U Uluru also known as Ayers Rock, is a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the Northern Territory, central Australia, and is one of Australia’s most recognisable natural landmarks. 

V Australia is well-known for its great vineyard regions such as the Hunter Valley, Barossa Valley and Margaret River regions which produce award winning internationally acclaimed wines.

W Whale Sharks are commonly found off the coast of Western Australia, specifically in the Ningaloo Reef. These sharks grow up to around 13 metres long, but there have been reports of sharks sited at around 14 metres. That’s one big shark!

X XXXX is a famous Australian brewery in Queensland that started brewing in 1878. "XXXX" itself refers to a traditional grading system for strong beer.

Y The Yarra Valley is located in Victoria and is renowned for its abundant vineyards, cellar doors and fine fresh produce.

Z Adriano Zumbo is Australia’s favourite pastry chef who has taken tastebuds around Australia by storm. He is famous for his colourful macarons and quirky sweet treats. You can find his sugar trail in Balmain, Pyrmont, Manly and Rozelle in Sydney. 

Trendy Travel Terms

Mancation

When 2 or more males gather for a holiday away from their partners and families, often involving manly pursuits such as fishing and paintball or attend sporting matches. It may also be a holiday to celebrate (or commiserate) one man’s upcoming marriage.

Brocation

Similar to mancation this is a gathering of males for a holiday together to enjoy each others company. Bros are described a good friends who spend a quite a bit of time together (often referred to as a ‘bromance’) in pursuit of shared interests and activities.

Babymoon

A couple’s holiday prior to the arrival of an expected baby (usually their first child). A chance to relax and enjoy each other’s company before the new arrival takes up all their time and attention.

Minimoon

Newly married couple who do not have time or monetary funds for a long honeymoon so instead take a holiday of a few days duration i.e. 2 or 3 days. The minimoon may occur at the same location as the wedding was held.

Buddymoon

This term refers to the invitation of friends to join you on your honeymoon. It may be that the wedding is held at a destination some distance from your home town (such as a tropical island) and guests are encouraged to stay a few days after the ceremony.

Mini break

Popularised by Bridget Jones book and movie series, a mini-break is a short holiday (often over a long weekend) to a destination within a few hours flying distance.

Nano break

For the X and Y generation this term means a 1 night break away from home. It’s so short it’s nano.

Glamping

Meaning ‘glamourous camping’, the term is given to camping in style. Glamping usually requires a designer tent with a permanent wooden floor and bathroom facilities offering clean water and flushing toilets. It allows travellers who are use to 5 star hotels enjoy the ‘great outdoors’ without ‘roughing it up’.

Flashpacking

Luxurious backpacking where the traveller takes their digital devices including laptop or iPad, smartphone and stay at high end backpackers that may offer double rooms, private bathrooms, TVs in room and luxury facilities such as hair straighteners and wifi internet.

Gramping

Children holidaying at their grandparents’ house or travel away from home with their grandparents.

Daycation

A day trip within driving distance from your home (ie road trip) or return flights to a destination for a few hours – such as flying to a city to ‘hit the shops’ for the day.

Staycation

The choice to spend one’s holidays at home, either to pursue activities around the home such as gardening or to explore your home town’s attractions.

Oblication

A holiday to assist a friend or relative with a chore, such as moving house or refurbishment or to attend a family event such as a distant cousin’s wedding or family reunion.

Voluntourism

A spiritually rewarding holiday (often in a 2^nd or 3^rd world destination) to help people or animals in need or conserve the planet with no monetary reward. It often includes accommodation and meals for repayment of your time.

Raycation

A holiday to a tropical or desert destination with the purpose of spending time in the sun, allowing traveller to come home and brag about their ‘holiday tan’.

Palidays

Spending your holiday at a friend’s house – who lives some distance from your home.

Set-jetting

Travelling to a destination featured in a film or television show to see the set/s that appeared on screen. Some tour companies offer tours of film and tv outdoor sets such as Rome’s day tour of the Angels and Demons filming locations and Wellington (NZ) day tour of hobbit landscape.

Frightseeing

A trip to an attraction or location that offers a darker side of life, such as a tour of London Dungeon, visiting a haunted house or taking a Sweeny Todd walking tour of East London.

Snowday

When one or more persons are forced to stay home due to extreme weather conditions. It also applies to a day trip to a highland destination that offers winter activities such as skiing, tobogganing and building snowmen. 

Engagementcation

Where one partner suggests a day trip or overnight holiday to their other half, with the intention of proposing to them on said holiday. This may include a special activity or surprise in order to set a romantic atmosphere for the proposal. 

El Questro Wilderness Park - The Homestead

After 20 great years of being Australia’s ultimate luxury outback escape, the El Questro Wilderness Park has taken its homestead to the next level in truly pampering its guests with their newly built exclusive Cliff Side Retreats. 

One of the three new Cliff Side Retreats overloking The Chamberlain Gorge below

El Questro Wilderness Park is one of the world’s most unique holiday destinations, providing a truly Australian holiday experience in the Kimberley near Kununurra. A million acres in size, El Questro is located in Western Australia’s untamed Kimberley region and extends for approximately 80 kilometres, most of which has never been explored.

After being voted second in Australian Traveller’s list of Australia’s 10 luxury lodges in 2011, the three new exclusive cliff side retreats solidify the property’s reputation as the ultimate luxury escape in one of the world’s last unspoilt frontiers.

The three new freestanding cliff side retreats set atop a cliff, overlook the Chamberlain Gorge, and offer sweeping views of the spectacular Chamberlain River as it flows from the heart of the gorge.

Cliff Side Retreats - El Questro Homestead

These architect designed suites feature:

·        Daybed and feather topped king size bed facing floor to ceiling sliding glass walls

·        Uninterrupted views of the El Questro wilderness and Chamberlain River

·        Spacious and light filled interiors

·        Quality furnishings and fittings in keeping with the environment

·        Walk through wardrobe

·        Private ensuite with uninterrupted views of the landscape

·        Free standing outdoor bath on the Cliff Side Retreat Verandas

·        Garden Rain Shower surrounded by magnificent stone walls to preserve your privacy

·        Bose Wave CD Player, iPod Dock

·        Bath and body treats from Aesop

·        Serviced twice daily

·        World class dining 

Free standing outdoor bath on the Cliff Side Retreat Verandas

The exclusive Homestead, open only between April and October annually, caters to a maximum of just 18 discerning guests whom are each treated to the highest levels of service, dining experiences and luxury.

Enjoy the luxuries The Homestead at El Questro has to offer, with its romantic and moody feel, created from natural materials in keeping with The Kimberley environment.

Stay four nights or longer and save 20% on accommodation. Available for sale and travel until August 31, 2012.

Funky Restaurants, Shops and Hotels

There are so many funky restaurants, shops and hotels opening up around Australia. These places are quickly becoming popular as they are more than just a location - they are an experience.  With quirky décor and funky design here are some of our favourite ones found in Sydney and Melbourne.

Funky Restaurants

York Lane – Sydney

York Lane is a funky inner-city venue that is an espresso bar by morning and licensed restaurant and bar at night.  Walking off the back lane in Wynyard, Sydney, you step into another world with vinyl records playing and split level seating. Grab a coffee in the morning, a fresh sandwich for lunch or enjoy drinks and tapas at night. 

Cookie – Melbourne

Cookie somehow manages to effortlessly combine a beer hall, cocktail bar and modern Thai restaurant into one floor. Located on Swanston Street in the city, this quirky venue offers up fantastic Thai fusion food in a tapas style menu. There is a large range of wines and beers to choose from and is open for lunch and dinner all week long.

  

Funky Shops

Blueprint – Sydney

This concept store is full of the world’s most unique and inspired gifts & homewares. The store is designed with colourful, free flowing interior and stainless steal walls lined with colourful shelves. Located in the new POST building in Potts Point's Macleay Street, this Australian first store will showcase products that can’t be found anywhere else.    

Genki – Melbourne

Genki located in Cathedral Arcade, Swanston Street, Melbourne, has obscure and desirable Japanese, European and US labels and accessories. This funky boutique shop is designed like an eight year olds bedroom and is full of clothes, accessories and bits and bots.

Funky City Hotels

The Cullen, Melbourne

The Cullen - Melbourne

This new concept in boutique hotels is located in Parham only 5kms for Melbourne CBD. The hotel has been inspired by one of Australia’s exciting contemporary artists, Adam Cullen and his funky artwork is displayed throughout. There are 133 rooms comprising of deluxe studio suites and luxury one bedroom suites, each with all the amenities you would need.

  

Blue Sydney, A Taj Hotel

Blue Sydney A Taj Hotel – Sydney

Blue Sydney is a stylish hotel full of personality and leisure, located on the historical Finger Wharf at Woolloomooloo, Sydney. Each one of their 100 guest rooms, including loft rooms offer modern contemporary décor.  This hotel is the perfectly situated to explore the city and surrounds. After your day of exploring enjoy a drink in the hotels recently refurbished and award winning Water Bar. 

Don't forget… Islands outside Whitsundays

King Island:

You could consider King Island as being the epitome of nature’s wonderland, with its long sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, magnificent offshore reef and its abundant native wildlife. Be sure to explore the island’s two nature reserves- Seal Rocks State Reserve, home to the amazing 7000 year old Calcified Forest, and Lavinia State Reserve, boasting fresh water lagoons and beautiful beaches.

There are plenty of things to see and do on the island, whether it’s going for a swim or surf at one of the islands many beaches, following the Shipwreck Trail, or heading north to spectacular Cape Wickham to see the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest lighthouse.

When some think of King Island, cheese comes to mind. King Island Dairy has made the island famous for its masterfully handcrafted and internationally renowned products like its dreamy double brie and tangy blue vein cheeses.

The island has ample fresh food that is highly prized throughout Australia. Don’t miss the fresh seafood – crayfish, abalone, oysters and King crabs are a specialty. 

Lord Howe Island:

If you want to escape to a world of its own, then Lord Howe Island is where you should be. This island is home to unique and rare flora and is a birdwatchers paradise, with more than a dozen species of sea birds coming here to breed.

You can cycle through the rugged volcanic peaks amongst lush forests and serene lagoons, or jump in a canoe and explore the islands calm ocean surfaces. At Ned’s Beach you can feed fish up to a metre long, or try catching one offshore from one of the local sports fishing boats. 

Aerial view - Lord Howe Island

Only a two hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane, this island getaway will show you what it truly feels like to be in paradise. The locals go to great lengths to make sure Lord Howe stays flawless, with less than 300 people living there and a limit of 400 visitors you know you'll have plenty of room to enjoy yourself, with no crowded beaches. 

 

Phillip Island:

Phillip Island is an ideal getaway to take the family to experience some Australia’s cutest wildlife up close.

The island’s most famous attractions are the little penguins. Stand along the observation boardwalks at Phillip Island Nature Park at dusk to see them waddle up Summerland Beach from the sea to their burrows on shore. Or get up-close and personal with them on a secluded beach location among sand dunes on the Ultimate Penguin Tour.

One of Phillip Island’s other main attractions in the V8 Supercar Championships, which roars through the island in May. You can race around the Phillip Island Circuit on some hot laps with a professional, or drive the replica Grand Prix track in a go kart.

Be sure to explore the island on foot or bike along on of the trails, or take a swim or surf at one of the islands great beaches. Make friends with some cuddly natives at the Koala Conservation Centre, where you can cuddle a koala or head down to Seal Rocks, where you can check out some fur seals as they laze along the beach.

Phillip Island penguins

Rottnest Island:

Surrounded by the most vibrant aqua blue water, this beautiful island is home to some of the finest beaches and bays in the world. You will be spoilt for choice with a selection of 63 secluded beaches and 20 bays, perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, surfing, diving and snorkelling.

The best sheltered bays and beaches great for taking a swim include the Basin, Longreach bay, Little Parakeet Bay, and Geordie Bay.

As the island is a nature reserve, public vehicles are not aloud, so the best and most fun way to explore the island is by bike.

The variety of fish, coral species and shipwrecks in the waters surrounding Rottnest Island make it one of the most fascinating snorkelling destinations to be found in such close proximity to a capital city.

The island has the best of both worlds, because it is the perfect getaway for lovers wanting to take long strolls along a sunset lit beach, or a great place to take the kids to enjoy some fun in the sun. 

Norfolk Island:

Norfolk Island is a green paradise in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean that is the perfect island destination if you want to escape the rest of the world.

The island has a rich colonial history, and this can be seen in its beautiful architecture. You can spend your afternoon on a Convict Settlement Tour of the Kingston area, where you can walk through the cemetery, old gaol, boat shed and other ruins.

If getting active is more you thing, then head to Slaughter Bay for some windsurfing. The island also has great fishing, and locals say catching fish like Red Emperor’s and Kingfish is almost guaranteed. Emily Bay is said to be the safest swimming beach, but the best snorkelling is at Cemetery Bay, Slaughter Bay and off the Salt Mill.

As this island is not considered a territory of Australia, but simply a territory under its own control, a passport is required. 

 

Kangaroo Island:

This island is one of Australia’s great natural wonders, and is often known as the ‘zoo without fences’. Expect to meet local sea lions on the beach at Seal Bay, and encounter little penguins at Kingscote and Penneshaw as they head home at dusk.

On Kangaroo Island you can indulge yourself in some of South Australia’s renowned food and wine. The fresh local seafood is second to none, and the locally produced wines, pure Ligurian honey, hand made cheeses and fresh yoghurt are sure to treat the most discerning taste bud.

Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island

Not only is the wildlife and food great, but the scenery is really something that needs to be seen to be believed. Walk amongst the amazing rock formations, like the huge weather sculpted granite boulders, the Remarkable Rocks and the equally impressive Admirals Arch.

Want to go for a surf or swim? Well you better head down to Pennington or Stokes Bay. There is no need to fear over-crowded beaches on this island, as the sensational surf breaks are a well kept secret. The islands sandy beaches and wonderful turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, surfing and fishing.

You can access the island by ferry or plane to visit for a day or stay a while. There really is no other place quite like it.

3 Boutique Retreats

Rawnsley Park Station: Flinders Ranges

If you can imagine waking up on a brisk winter’s morning, rugging up in your winter warmers and sitting on the balcony while you drink your morning coffee, only to have your breath taken away by the Flinders Ranges, then Rawnsley Park Station is where you should be. By day, take a balloon flight over the spectacular Wilpena Pound, and by night dine next to the warmth of Rawnsley’s Woolshed Restaurant’s fireplace.

Rawnsley Park Station

Spicers Tamarind Retreat: Maleny

Nestled in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, just nearby Maleny, lies a tranquil paradise perfect for an intimate and luxurious winter getaway with someone special. Here you can do as little or as much as you want. Relax in your own private outdoor cedar hot tub, while listening to the sounds of the waterfall and abundant wildlife, then dry off in front of the fire place or even learn how to cook Thai cuisine at Spicers Tamarind Retreat's restaurant.

Spicers Tamarind Retreat - Restaurant

Cape Lodge: Margaret River

The perfectly manicured gardens and riverside location of Cape Lodge paints a perfect picture of the essence of winter. This world class hotel is positioned along the beautiful region of the Margaret River and gives all the creature comforts needed to get through colder temperatures. This stylish lake house has its own vineyard that produces fine Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz exclusively for guests and also features a lake side restaurant, ranked number four in the world by Conde Nast Traveller.

Cape Lodge, Margaret River

Uluru - Australia's most sacred land

Uluru in the centre of Northern Territory is a sacred destination that needs to be explored at least once in your lifetime. Experience the beauty of Ayers Rock the living cultural landscape of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. With the beautiful red earth and magnificent surroundings it will definitely leave you breathless.

A cloud icing Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Accommodation

Voyages Ayers Rock Resort is a paradise in the vast red desert, home to a range of different accommodation options.

Ayers Rock Resort

Voyages Outback Pioneer Hotel is a 3.5 star hotel that celebrates pioneering past and traditional Aussie hospitality.

Voyages Emu Walk Apartments offers 4 star spacious apartments that are great for family and friends. 

Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel has 4.5 star stylish hotel rooms with amazing views.

Voyages Sails in the Desert Hotel is the resorts most premier hotel, self rated at 5 stars it showcases Aboriginal heritage and culture.

If you are looking for a unique holiday experience then consider the exclusive Voyages Longitude 131°.  Situated on a secluded sand dune, the 15 luxury tents are decorated individually to pay homage to an early Australian pioneer or explorer.

Must Do Experiences

Sound of Silence Dinner

Not to be missed when in central Australia is the Sounds of Silence Dinner. It is a magical dinning experience under the stars in the middle of red desert, with views to Ayers Rock. Enjoy a gourmet buffet of modern Australian delicacies and sip on Australian wines. Relax to the sound of a lone didgeridoo and watch as the sky puts on a colourful display as the sun sets.  

Sounds of Silence, Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Uluru Sunrise, Climb or base Tour

To experience the colours of Uluru change as the sun rises, join a sunrise tour. Once the sun is high in the sky you will partake in a Guided Base Tour of Uluru, where you will learn about the rock's history, stories and wonders.

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Tali Wiru - Dining under the outback stars

By Stephanie Terrett

Late last month my friend and I took off on an adventure to the red centre. We wanted to do something different from the all those years of beach holidays we had taken with our families and friends. So we decided to get adventurous and take off into the outback, and get in touch with our true Aussie spirit in a bid to experience the ‘true’ Australia. So we thought what better place to do this than make a visit to Uluru (Ayers Rock).

We’d heard good reviews from our friends about Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, and chose to stay at one of their Sails in the Desert Resort rooms, because of its 5-star (AAA) rating and because of us being self-confessed ladies of luxury could not pass up the opportunity to enjoy a girls only week of pure indulgence!

Voyages Sailes in the Desert

The staff were really inviting and friendly, and we felt at home in our room, with all the creature comforts of home. We were in awe of the how secluded we were from the outside world and felt peaceful out in the desert.

Now, I am not a spiritual person, but I must say as I sat out on our little courtyard at night, the desert stars and the sounds of the wilderness out in the unknown, gave me a real sense serenity.
 

Tali Wiru

We planned many activities to keep us occupied during our stay, to ensure we didn’t miss one thing. By far the best part of the trip was the ‘Tali Wiru Experience’.

Listen to me when I say you have not lived until you take yourself on this magnificent dining experience, it really is like no other.

The ‘Tali Wiru’, which means ‘Beautiful Dune’ is a big contrast to just your everyday restaurant. Instead of walls, you are surrounded by the true beauty of Australia as you dine underneath a star lit Southern Desert nights sky.

Things started off in the afternoon with Champagne and canapés as we watched the sun set behind Australia’s iconic sacred site, Uluru. My friend and I thought it was very intimate, and would be ideal for couples and honeymooners.

The 4-course dinner was absolutely divine, it was truly fine dining at its best! After eating the seared parmigiano gnocci I was in PURE HEAVEN! The menu was very diverse and unique, and consisted of a variety of iconic Australian produce such as Hervey Bay scallops, king prawns and  kangaroo to name a few.

And how did they know chocolate mouse was my favorite? 

 Tali Wiru

After having eating all 4 courses, each matched with a-list premium Australian wines, restaurant guests were then captivated by the culturally enlightening dreamtime stories told by a local storyteller.

His stories gave us insight into Aboriginal history, language, spirituality, land and culture, which was something we hadn’t previously learnt. 

Tali Wiru

When the night ended we were all very satisfied, but at the same time very sad it was all over!

So make sure if you or someone you know is ever considering making the journey to the Uluru (Ayers Rock) area, you must bear in mind this must do life changing experience!