Australian Stories

		Top reasons to attend the 2017 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
		In 2017, The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (31 March – 9 April) will celebrate its 25th year with a line-up of incredible events. Check out the guide on Australia.com for the festival’s top events, including exclusive Masterclasses run by chefs featured in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
		Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, 26 December 2016 – 1 January 2017
		The annual 628 nautical mile yacht race between Sydney and Hobart sees the world’s greatest yachts charge through Sydney Heads and turn towards the Tasman Sea. This course is described as one of the most gruelling ocean races in the world and is an iconic summer event. Find out more here.
		St Hugo and Wirra Wirra join Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia
		Two new South Australian wineries have been added to the Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia – Wirra Wirra in McLaren Vale and St Hugo in the Barossa Valley. Both wineries showcase South Australia’s unique and premium experiences that position the region as a major wine tourism destination. Find out more here.

Australian Stories - 8 December 2016

		Field of Light extended for second season
		Internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro’s immersive installation, Field of Light, has been extended for a second season, which will run until 31 March 2018. Set against the stunning backdrop of Uluru, the installation is made up of more than 50,000 solar powered spherical lights on stems. Find out more here.
		New ‘Bush Tucka’ walk for Rainforestation Nature Park
		Rainforestation Nature Park in Far North Queensland has launched a 30 minute ‘Bush Tucka Walk’, teaching guests about the traditional use of rainforest plants and fruits in Aboriginal culture. Find out more here.
		Cocos Keeling Island named best beach in Australia
		‘Cossies Beach’ on Cocos (Keeling) Islands has been named the Best Beach in Australia in the 101 BestAustralian Beaches list. The beach is one of Australia’s most remote beaches and, according to list curator Brad Farmer, is “as near perfect as a beach can be.” Find out more here.

World’s best sommeliers to visit Australia

The best sommeliers in the world have been invited to discover Australia’s incredible wine offering as part of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2017, being held in Melbourne in April. Find out more here.

New luxury hotel for Mornington Peninsula

Mornington Peninsula will welcome a new luxury hotel, Jackalope in early 2017. Jackalope is set on Willow Creek Vineyard and features two restaurants, 46 rooms and a 30-metre infinity pool. Find out more here.


Navy ship to become new dive site

The Royal Australian Navy’s former Landing Ship, HMAS Tobruk (II), will be scuttled in the Wide Bay area north of Hervey Bay and become a new dive site. Find out more here.


The Lights of Christmas, Sydney

The St Mary’s Cathedral forecourt will be the centrepiece of a stunning free light and sound show as the iconic building lights up Sydney with the Lights of Christmas show from 8 – 25 December 2016. Find out more here.


New Indigenous tourism development company launches

Cooee Traveller is an Indigenous Tourism Development and Management company focused on showcasing the world’s oldest living culture through tourism while providing improved financial and social outcomes for its Indigenous owners and stakeholders. Find out more here.

Australian Stories - 4 February 2016

Blues Fest, Byron Bay

Byron Bay will host Kendrick Lamar, Noel Gallagher and other world-class Blues & Roots acts for the annual music festival, Bluesfest (24 – 28 March). Find out more here.

Perth International

The Perth International Golf Tournament Golf Championship will take place at Lake Karrinyup from 25 – 28 February, with international golf stars including Thorbjorn Olesen from Denmark committed to play. Find out more here.

Rydges Cairns Swipe and Ride

Rydges Esplanade Resort has welcomed the first solar powered ‘swipe and ride’ bicycle hire station in Cairns, letting guests cycle to the Botanic Gardens, the Northern Beaches and more. Find out more here.

Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival

Sample some of Australia’s finest award-winning craft beers and ciders at the 9th annual Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival on Saturday 19 March. Find out morehere.

Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival

More than 100 established and emerging designers will showcase their work at Australia’s largest fashion event, the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (7 – 13 March). Find out more here.