Bartenders and mixologists have been naming drinks after people since forever, with cocktails like the Tom Collins* becoming household names. Could Grain Bar in Sydney be the next to write a name in history’s drinks list? From child star Shirley Temple to Count Camillo Negroni and 15th Century painter Giovanni Bellini, eponymous cocktails have made … Read more
Cold-climate wines are seen as the best – especially in Australian wine terms. Here’s a new range from one of Australia’s oldest wine families – McWilliam’s Winery – that celebrates the grapes’ high altitude. There’s something about the arcane science to making alcoholic drinks that fascinates me. It doesn’t seem to matter how many wineries, … Read more
Mudgee – a little over 3 ½ hours northwest of Sydney – is home to some of the greatest food and wine on the planet. Not to mention the friendliest locals in the country. Talking of locals, here’s the hot list from a Mudgee local on where to eat in this beautiful country town. Mudgee is … Read more
Playing tourist in your own city is a lot of fun – especially with cities like Sydney. So if you’re a local or if you’re just visiting, here are our tips on exploring Sydney and getting the most out of the Harbour City. Getting to see your hometown from a tourist’s perspective is fascinating. And … Read more
I first visited Byron Bay over 10 years when we were backpacking down the east coast. Sitting on the most easterly point of Australia, Byron is the first place to see the sunrise in Australia. This small coastal community has really developed into a haven for those seeking escape. We’re pretty spontaneous travellers and as … Read more
Dining in Graze at Elements is a surprising experience. Not only is the food superb but it’s not until you’re walking back to your room that you realise you’ve just eaten in a hotel lobby.* It’s been a while since Mrs Romance and I were last in Byron Bay. It’s good to be back in … Read more
Elements of Byron in the chilled beach town Byron Bay is all about relaxing in luxury. The romance of all 4 of nature’s elements comes together in this brand new resort on the northern New South Wales coast. It’s our hot tip of where to stay in Byron Bay. A lot has changed in Byron … Read more
There’s nothing like a local’s knowledge to get the best from a place. Here’s where to stay and where to eat in the little tucked away country town of Scone, New South Wales – the horse capital of Australia. Surrounded by the rolling hills of the Upper Hunter, the small rural community of Scone, NSW … Read more
Food, inspiration, art and style – all to the backdrop of the roaring ocean; that’s what to expect at Halcyon House’s restaurant Paper Daisy, just shy of the QLD border on Australia’s east coast. Halcyon House was once little more than a shabby surfers’ motel on the doorstep of Cabarita Beach 20 minutes south of the … Read more
I love Olivia Newton-John. It’s as simple as that. I even named my first bicycle after her. So when Mr Romance and I had the opportunity to stay at her wellness retreat – Gaia – in the Byron Bay hinterland, I couldn’t be more excited. Arriving at Gaia Retreat and Spa feels like time stands … Read more