There is something quietly luxurious about arriving early enough to sit in an airport lounge and simply pause.
This morning, before my flight, I spent time in the Qantas Business Lounge in Sydney, with access included in my redeemed business class ticket. And I have to say, it set the tone for the day in the best possible way.
The atmosphere is what stands out first.
A low hum of conversation. People largely keeping to themselves. A few on phones, others reading or working. No chaos, no urgency. Just a sense of calm before movement. Bright and airy, it is a nice relaxed space.
Then there is the food.
A noticeable step up from what you would expect outside the lounge or even Qantas’s normal lounge. Fresh salads, scrambled eggs, gluten free sausages, baked beans, and a well stocked juicing station. Good coffee, hot drinks, and enough variety to feel like you have options without it being overwhelming.
It is not extravagant, but it is thoughtful.
One detail I always find slightly amusing is the absence of alcohol before midday. A consistent rule in Qantas lounges. And yet, when you consider how many travellers are crossing time zones, for some people it is midday. Or later.
Still, there is something refreshing about starting the day without it.
There are three showers for those in transit or wanting to refresh.
What the lounge really offers is space. Space to gather yourself, reset, and ease into the journey ahead. And in today’s world, that might be the most valuable luxury of all.
Iconic Bondi offers many dining options, but two stand firmly in family favourite territory for us; Icebergs Dining Room and Bar upstairs, and its more casual downstairs sibling, Icebergs Bistro. Both deliver excellent food and service, just with a different mood depending on what kind of day (or appetite) you have.
Today we settled into the Bistro and were looked after by Julio, an attentive maitre d who greeted us with, “If you need anything, just ask me.” True old school hospitality with genuine intent. The kind that makes you instantly relax because you know you are in good hands.
You can order via the QR code at the table or head up to the bar, which keeps things easy and flexible. The menu is extensive without being overwhelming and enough choice to feel exciting, not so much that you need a committee meeting to decide.
The special was octopus with a dairy free romanesco sauce. Of course that was my first pick. Tender, perfectly cooked and beautifully balanced with the nutty depth of the romanesco. Light, flavourful and just the right size to start.
I was there with my daughter and she chose the gluten free lamb ragout. Absolutely done to perfection. The pasta was beautifully cooked, the sauce rich and comforting, and — importantly — there was plenty of lamb. So many places skimp on the protein, but not here. This was generous, hearty and deeply satisfying.
For my main I went with the half chicken, and halfway through I realised I may have slightly over ordered… but no regrets. Juicy, well seasoned and cooked with that simple confidence that lets good ingredients shine.
We shared a side of baby cos lettuce with fennel, pear and parmesan, which was the perfect fresh counterbalance to the richer meat dishes. Crisp, slightly sweet and beautifully dressed.
Add in reasonably priced wines and an espresso martini for my daughter (which she declared “pretty good” high praise), and the whole experience just worked.
Great food. Excellent service. And then there is that view, the ocean breeze drifting through, and the unmistakable energy of Bondi. Some things you simply cannot put a price on.
Set back towards the city end of King Street in Newtown is the funky and colourful Calle Rey. Touting itself as a plant based Mexican eatery with non vegetarian options, it is one of those places that manages to be both relaxed and exciting at the same time. We really enjoyed our meal here.
The star of the show for me? The jackfruit nachos. I will absolutely be back for those alone. Smoky, rich and deeply satisfying, they genuinely taste like pulled pork but without the heaviness that usually follows. You get all the flavour and comfort, minus the food coma. Pair that with their happy hour margaritas and you have a very good reason to settle in for a while.
Between us we tried a mix of tacos, including mushroom and chicken, and of course we could not leave without sampling dessert. This was gluten and dairy free! The kids couldn’t believe it.
The tacos are vibrant, generously filled and full of bold Mexican flavours, while still feeling fresh and light. It is the kind of food that makes you feel nourished rather than weighed down.
One of the big wins here is that most of the menu is gluten free and dairy free. For anyone who eats this way by choice or necessity, that is an absolute gift. You can relax, order freely and just enjoy the experience without overthinking every ingredient.
The décor is delightfully funky and instantly took me back to the 1990s when I used to visit vegetarian restaurants around Newtown during my own vego phase. Back when BYO was the norm, the chairs did not match and the focus was on flavour, community and good vibes. Calle Rey captures that old school charm beautifully, but with a modern polish. Quirky details, colour, warmth and a sense that everyone is welcome.
Add in excellent value for money and genuinely flavour packed food and you have a little Newtown gem.
Foo Fighters. One of my favourite bands of all time. Right up there with Pearl Jam and INXS.
Their music has been woven through the fabric of my life in a way few bands ever are. Through raising three children as a single mum, their tracks were often the soundtrack to our weekends. The live album Skin and Bonesin particular was on constant rotation. It played while we splashed in the pool, bounced endlessly on the trampoline, cooked dinner together or eventually collapsed on the couch to watch animations like Madagascar or Hoodwinked.
So the Foos do not just have a physical presence in my life. They hold a place in my heart and soul.
The harmonies. The energy. And of course the iconic Dave Grohl “yearrrrrhhhhhhh” squeal, which I have proudly attempted to master over the years. If only to feel like I belonged to the legendary band’s spiritual circle for a moment.
Seeing them play in Launceston was pure gold.
UTAS is a very progressive university up there with Austin and Penn. Recent upgrades to all facilities have made this one of the best univesities I have ever visited and every building holds an inspired facade and unique energy. With that, the local oval (next door) is set to draw in more events and of course my ALF favsHawthorn, at least for the following year, until the local team gets up and running.
UTAS hosted the event, opening their facilities to the band and helping draw people to the northern end of Tasmania. It was a brilliant showcase of what a fantastic stadium and university Tassie has. You could feel the pride in the air.
Natalie, the deputy Vice Chancellor of UTAS, was absolutely beaming. While events like this are exciting on the surface, what really struck me was the deeper commitment behind it all. The drive to improve people’s status quo through education, community involvement and opportunity. That is what truly creates these seemingly “random” moments that end up meaning so much.
And then there was a moment that truly anchored the night in Tassie history. Dave took time during the show to dedicate a song to Brent, one of the survivors of the Beaconsfield mining disaster. You could feel the entire crowd shift. It was not just a rock concert in that moment. It was remembrance, respect and connection. A global rock icon acknowledging a deeply local story of resilience and survival. That is the kind of thing that stays with you long after the lights go down.
I felt incredibly grateful to be there. And honestly, anyone who attended should have grabbed a t shirt. This will go down as one of those legendary gigs. The kind where you say years later, “Remember that time I went to Tassie to see the Foo Fighters?”
But there is another Foo Fighters moment in my life that still gives me goosebumps.
Back in 2018, just after the massive earthquakes that devastated Lombok, I somehow found myself flying over there to help. Do not ask me how it all unfolded. One minute I was watching the news, the next I was on the island in the middle of recovery efforts, doing whatever I could. Nursing babies. Rebuilding floors. Buying food. Being welcomed into a community that had lost so much.
I did not sleep properly for five days because the earth kept shaking. Constant aftershocks. Adrenaline. Emotion. Exhaustion.
Eventually I made my way back to Bali and ended up at Old Man’s, completely sleep deprived and in need of release. So I did what any overtired, emotional human might do. I danced. First to Ash Grunwald then to the DJ.
That night Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana came on and I danced like my life depended on it. Apparently, while we were on the dance floor, another earthquake hit Bali. Hotels were evacuated. People ran into the streets.
Me? Completely unaware. Still dancing.
The next day I was at a favourite café and everyone was talking about the earthquake the night before. I casually said, “I was dancing to Nirvana and if I died to Dave Grohl while dancing at Old Man’s, that would have been perfect.”
The guy I was chatting to looked at me and said, “You know I was the manager of Nirvana.”
And that, right there, is the magic that seems to follow the Foos.
Their music shows up in the biggest stadiums and no doubt will continue to fill stadiums and our hearts for generations to come. In Tassie under bright lights and in Bali on a shaky night when the earth would not stop moving. Great event Utas and Utasstadium and everyone in Launceston who stepped up as gracious hosts.
And here’s is to you, Taylor Hawkins. We miss you, brother. And here is to the Foos, forever part of the soundtrack of my life.
This understated restaurant, Alida, lies beside the waterfall at the Penny Royal, Launceston, Tasmania and has a lot to offer. It is casual but very close to fine dining in delivery. Apparently Josef Chromy, local wine maker, dedicated the restaurant to his wife, Alida.
Tasmanian scallops with pumpkin cream, sage & pickled shallot
A fan of seafood, especially Tassie seafood, I am always on the hunt for restaurants that truly honour the art of bringing seafood from ocean to plate and allowing the produce to speak for itself.
I have eaten here before and it was stellar. This time though, two dishes in, I am feeling a little underwhelmed. Not bad by any stretch, just not quite hitting the heights I know they are capable of but after chatting with the maitre D’ things accelerate to world class again.
The Tasmanian scallops in the half shell with pumpkin cream, sage and pickled shallot arrive looking absolutely beautiful. The colour contrast is stunning and the plating is elegant. But scallops are delicate little treasures and these were just a touch overcooked. Tasmanian scallops are, in my humble opinion, the best in the world. Sweet, subtle and silky when treated with care. Overcook them and they turn chewy, losing that ocean freshness that makes them so special.
For entrée I move to the Cape Grim beef tartare with gochujang, capers, chives and crisps. Yes, this one is gluten free. The tartare itself is beautifully cut and seasoned with confidence. The richness of the Cape Grim beef balances well with the punchy gochujang and the briny pop from the capers. It is bold, modern and very moreish. Perfect as a share plate.
For my main, it simply has to be seafood. The market fish of the day is Blue Eye Trevalla, which is my all time favourite fish. Found in Tasmanian waters, it has a firm, meaty texture with a clean, subtle flavour that I just adore. It is one of those fish that feels both luxurious and honest at the same time. Bitey yet delicate. To my palate, close to perfect when cooked well. This dish brings me back into happy territory and reminds me why I love Tassie seafood so much.
The wine list is simple, proudly Tasmanian and features some of my favourites. By the glass there is a Coal River Valley Riesling, a Hughes and Hughes Pinot Gris which I adore, slightly pink from a touch of skin contact, and a Granton Sauvignon Blanc from the Granton region. Granton is an up and coming wine region. Those of us who grew up in Tassie would never have guessed it would end up on the wine map, but here we are and the wines are genuinely world class.
For Chardonnay lovers, the Milton Reserve is an absolute standout. Textured, elegant and beautifully balanced, it is one of those Chardonnays that makes you slow down and really pay attention.
Of course, no trip to Tassie would be complete without sampling a few (or a dozen) of the world’s best Pinot Noirs. The Bremley is a standout. Simple but confident. The winemaker has really nailed what a great Pinot invites. Light, yes, but with depth, structure and a story behind every glass. It is a true crowd pleaser and I am so glad the wonderful maitre d suggested it.
I really feel this restaurant is an undiscovered gem in Launceston and would highly recommend a visit.
Today the wonderful staff sent me off with an alfogatto, just devine!
A last minute lunch with friends saw us dining at Luna Lu, tucked into The Rocks on New Year’s Day. With much of Sydney surprisingly closed despite the crowds still lingering in town, this felt like a genuine discovery.
I hadn’t been there since the 1990s, when Luna Lu was already known for its Peking duck pancakes something I still remembered fondly. This visit did not disappoint. On a cool summer’s day, celebrating both New Year’s Day and my girlfriend’s birthday, we were treated to an exceptional lunch.
Around the table there were dim sum and ribs, all delivered with a distinctly Chinese flair. I ordered the sesame prawn on gluten free toast and it was an absolute treat. If you eat gluten free, you know how rare it is to enjoy those nostalgic, deep fried favourites. Luna Lu nailed it.
A crunchy slice of gluten free bread topped with generous prawn meat, sesame seeds and a delicate garnish, each bite substantial and beautifully balanced.
For mains, one friend chose the duck salad, light yet generous, filled with tender shredded duck. Another had the crispy barramundi, perfectly cooked. I went with the miso glazed toothfish from Heard Island in Western Australia and it was cooked to perfection. The flesh was soft and fluffy, delicate without being bland or watery, full of flavour without heaviness. The accompanying vegetables pak choy and a Chinese style salsa complemented the fish rather than overpowering it.
Add to that relaxed outdoor dining and iconic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, depending on where you’re seated, and it made for a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
If you’re in Sydney and looking for laid back outdoor dining with excellent Asian inspired food, especially when many places are closed, Luna Lu is absolutely worth a visit and a previsit of the menu is a must.
Sydney does festivals, concerts and sporting events! When the city opens its heart to wine, it becomes an extraordinary experience ; a feast for the senses, where the Harbour sparkles, the Opera House glows, and some of the best of Australian vineyards pour their stories by the glass.
Welcome to the Sydney Cellar Door; a FUN & vibrant gathering along The Rocks, where heritage and innovation meet along side the water of Circular Quay.
Where Wine Meets the Water
There’s something intoxicating about sipping fine wine by the sea. At the Sydney Wineries Festival, the harbour breeze carries the perfume of summer, the clink of crystal (actually plastic) glasses blends with the rhythm of buskers in The Rocks, and the skyline creates a stage that even Bordeaux or Tuscany would envy.
The event sprawls infront of the Museum of Contemporary Art, transforming the foreshore into a sensory playground. Cellar doors pop up along the grass, each offering a taste of NSW wines: Orange, Mudgee, Port Macquarie, the Hunter and more. It is some of Australia’s BEST for sure!
This isn’t just a tasting. It’s a journey through the terroirs of NSW, without ever leaving the Quay.
A Showcase of Australia’s Finest
From the crisp mineral whites of De Beaurepaire to the refined méthode traditionnelle sparklings of Cassegrain, and the robust, soulful reds of Glandore, the festival highlights the incredible breadth of Australian winemaking.
You’ll find:
Cool-climate Chardonnay from Orange and Tumbarumba
Elegant Pinot Noir from De Beaurepaire
Earthy, complex Shiraz from the Hunter wineries
Vibrant Tempranillo, Fiano, and Nebbiolo from the new-wave innovators redefining Australian wine! Giddy UP
Each stall tells a story. One of the things I love most about a wine festival is getting to “know” the wine maker!
Each pour holds a philosophy about land, the patience and the passion. The conversations are as rich as the vintages.
The Rocks: Where Heritage Meets the Modern Palate
Wandering The Rocks during festival weekend feels like walking through a living gallery. The mix of old-world charm and new-world creativity mirrors the evolution of Australian wine itself.
This is wine culture at its most joyful, inclusive and alive.
The Art of the pour
What sets the Sydney Wineries Festival apart isn’t just the setting , it’s the curation. The festival celebrates wine as art ; every varietal, a palette; every vineyard, a brushstroke. Winemakers aren’t just pouring drinks; they’re sharing their craft, their failures, their triumphs. You leave not just with your palate expanded, but your heart warmed.
Some I have never heard of and kudos to Cassegrain for exploring (and nailing) incredible blends. Please explore their incredible blends as they are smooth and eclectic.
It’s also a moment to reflect on sustainability. the quiet revolution taking place in vineyards across Australia. Many of the participating winemakers practise low-intervention, organic, or regenerative viticulture, proof that excellence and ethics can coexist beautifully. Many of the vineyards commited to low intervention such as Tractorless Winery with Melania and partner with their winery in the Southern Highlands.
A Toast to the City that Never Stops Creating
Sydney’s energy is contagious. One moment, you’re sampling a sparkling Semillon under the sails of the Opera House; the next, you’re dancing barefoot on the grass at First Fleet Park, holding a glass of Hunter Shiraz as the ferries glide past.
The festival caters for collectors, casual sippers, or just someone who loves being outdoors with good company, it’s impossible not to be swept up in the moment.
Raise Your Glass
Sydney’s Wineries Festival isn’t just an event. It’s a celebration of everything Australia does best; creativity, craftsmanship and conversations! All poured into one unforgettable weekend.
So next time it rolls around, mark the date, gather your people, and make your way to the Rocks in Sydney. Sam xx
PS: please support the above mentioned wineries. They are all local wineries meeting face to face with their customers.
When I need a little time out in Sydney, a pause from the pace, a sip of something special, I head straight to my favourite local wine bar: Vini Divini.
Tucked away like a European secret, this intimate wine bar is a haven for those who appreciate the finer things; great conversation, thoughtful wines and an atmosphere that instantly soothes the soul.
Philippe, Your Wine Whisperer
What makes Vini Divini truly exceptional is the personal touch offered by owner and wine connoisseur, Philippe. Always welcoming, Philippe is more than happy to chat about your palate, preferences, or mood and will recommend something that feels like it was bottled just for you.
Whether you’re a lover of bold reds, fresh minerally whites, or curious about natural or biodynamic wines, he’ll handpick a pour that surprises and delights. Trust him, he has a gift for reading the room (and your taste buds) and that European hospitality attentativeness.
Tip: Don’t be shy. Tell Philippe what you like, and he’ll likely introduce you to something new and unforgettable.
Sip, Savour, Snack
While the star of the show is undoubtedly the wine, Vini Divini also offers a small, refined bar menu that perfectly complements your glass. Expect Mediterranean-inspired light bites such as olives, charcuterie, cheeses, which are all sourced with the same care and finesse as the wine list.
It’s the ideal spot for a solo escape, a spontaneous date night, or an intimate catch-up with friends. Every detail, from the glassware to the playlist, feels curated, yet entirely effortless.
Private Tastings & Events
Looking to host something special?
Vini Divini also curates private events and tastings, offering a boutique experience that’s perfect for birthdays, team gatherings, or elegant celebrations. I am looking forward to helping out over summer with a few events! What a joy it will be.
Philippe will tailor the wine list, the vibe, and the experience to match your group, whether you’re sipping casually or diving into a more structured tasting.
It’s an elegant, understated setting that speaks to true wine lovers and those who are just beginning their journey.
If you’re in Sydney and looking for somewhere warm, relaxed, and a little bit magic, Vini Divini is it.
The ten day festival offers lots of elements relating to film. It aspires to show case many genre and pop culture movies, inspire film makers and give people insights to the nuances of making films.
So far I have gone over three days attending three totally different events.
On Friday I attended the Gold Coast Women in Film day and listened to upcoming producer and actor, Gracie Otto. It was a wonderful lunch that was inspiring. Bizaare at QT is one of my favorite lunch time buffets, the talks were good and the crowd better. Mingling and chatting to women in film, about the lack of female presence and influence in Australian Film was interesting, topical and made me more determined to get my documentary about Nepal off the ground sooner.
Grace Otto and me at The Gold Coast Women in Film Lunch
On Saturday I took my son to the Gold Coast Art Centre, where we went to a couple of workshops about film production. One on crowd funding, and the other on being a director for the first time. Good to hear from people who have been through the process and their pearls of wisdom.
And tonight was superb. The night is called SIPfest – multiple short movies shown on the beach in Surfers Paradise.
It was a spectacular night, warm and comfortable.
Well supervised by the police, not that they were needed, it was a really cool crowd, the audience were invited to vote for their favorite.
Tonight a short film called Upside Down Feeling won the awards.
I am looking forward to more. To find out what’s on check out the program here.
A special place hidden away in the Gold Coast Hinterland is OReilly’s.
Established in the early 1900s as a family homestead and place people could come to do bushwalks, the history remains very much a part of the land.
The old homestead still exists and host dinners, the reception, the discovery centre, the library (with books, a fireside and piano).
There is a lot to explore with bird feeding which delights kids as they come and sit on your head, arms, anywhere, very comfortably. I remember bringing my children here and them loving the bird experience.
There is also a birds of prey experience which runs every day at 1pm. The bird handlers and birds themselves are magnificent. Swooping from behind people in the crowd, eating and landing with incredible accuracy the show is worth seeing and it will leave you with a new perspective and adoration for the hunters of the skies.
From the main guest house there are a myriad of walks. The famous border walk which goes to Binna Burra is currently closed due to bush fires affecting Binna Burra in 2019. There are however many of other extensive walks, you just have to chose how long you want to walk for.
Waterfalls, creeks, rock formations there is a lot to see.
One hour, 2 hour, half day and full day walks are all easily to find and well signed.
For the shorter walks you can get away with sneakers but proper walking gear is a bonus for the longer walks.
The Tree Top Walk is a must for day trippers and is suitable for children and adults.
It is hard to describe the enormity and stillness in the rainforest. O’Reilly’s is in the Lamington National Part and is one of the oldest rainforests in Australia.
The forest is beautiful and soft with bright green leaves sprinkled amongst Australian natives and the fern undergrowth. When one looks up you can see elkhorns, stag horns and crows nests all growing juxtaposed to tree trunks and nestled in branches.
I love looking up in the rainforest and letting my eyes dance with birds, trees and leaves.
Birds and wildlife are prolific at O’Reilly’s and there are many of animal encounters offered throughout the day and a fantastic way to see Australian wildlife if you aren’t in Australia for long, or if you have children.
Oh and on the subject of kids, if the walks aren’t enough, the birds, there are also two pools, a spa (when covid restrictions are lifted), a kids club, a plane relic, documentaries to watch, and at night there are glow worms.
There are only a handful of options for eating. Guests can order their breakfast or eat in the cafe when it opens.
Lunch can be purchased at the cafe, or there are many picnic spots and you can BYO.
Dinner is only available to guests in the dining room.
Seeing as the drive is around 1hour45mins from the Gold Coast, it can be a long day, or if you stay a welcomed escape. It is only a thirty minute drive from the Gold Coast to Canungra but from there it is approximately an hour mainly due to the single lane, winding road. It can be scary for first timers so take it slowly.
There are a couple of styles of accommodation starting with a basic hotel room. Whilst the interiors are warm, they are pretty basic and small.
There are newer rooms for higher rates but not necessarily worth it if you are mainly here to walk and explore.
The newish villas are very nicely appointed but book out especially in school holidays. These are the best option if you have children as they can house a large family, including a large deck, BBQ facilities, bedrooms, kitchen etc.
I love O’Reilly’s and will continue to come here as long as I can and hopefully bringing my grandchildren and great grandchildren one day. It’s that sort of place.
Private Tastings & Events
