The NEW holiday hotspots!

Karly – Regional NSW Hotels expert

If you like Byron Bay you’d love a trip to Brunswick Heads.
What makes Brunswick Heads a great holiday destination?
If you love the relaxed vibe of Byron, visiting Brunswick Heads is a game changer, delivering the chilled out feel of Byron and then some. Home to beautiful beaches, shopping gems and a variety of dining options, Brunswick Heads has that unspoilt coastal village vibe that will have you feeling like you’re a world away from the big smoke!
Top hotel picks?

If you’re saving your sand dollars Brunswick Chalets is a great option or if you want something a little more secluded, try The Pockets Rainforest Retreat, only a short 12 minute drive from the action.
Any hot insider tips? • Visit the iconic Hotel Brunswick: it offers excellent food, cold beers and a leafy, riverfront beer garden! A perfect way to end a hot summers’ day.
• Alfresco dining is the way to go in summer – make sure you book ahead to nab a spot during the busy periods.

Tarnya – Regional SA Hotels expert

If you like Barossa Valley you’d love a trip to McLaren Vale!
What makes this a great holiday destination?

With its idyllic Mediterranean-style climate, proximity to stunning beaches and wealth of food, wine and hospitality experiences, McLaren Vale is the perfect destination for a luxurious weekend stay.
Top hotel picks?

If you’re looking for an indulgent escape then head to Wine and Roses Bed and Breakfast. If a central location with a modern design is high on your wish list, try McLaren Vale Studio Apartments, & for the price conscious, McLaren Vale Motel & Apartments is a great budget-friendly option.

McLaren Vale Studio Apartments

Any hot insider tips?
• A hot flat white, the morning’s paper and tasty pastries at Blessed Cheese is a great way to start to the day.
• Pick up a bottle of Church Block from Wirra Wirra – you may even witness a watermelon being launched from a catapult!
• For fresh seafood & an amazing view – lunch at The Star of Greece is a must!

Andrew – Sunshine Coast Hotels expert

If you like the relaxed coastal vibe of the Sunshine Coast, you’ll love heading a little further north to the beautiful Rainbow Beach & Fraser Coast.
What makes this a great holiday destination?
This amazing little beach side town really makes you feel like you are 1000 miles away. The main street has great little local stores, cafes and the Iconic Rainbow Beach Hotel. With patrolled & 4wd Beaches, golf, shopping, dining and Fraser Island just a short day tour away, you can really do as much or as little as you like in this beautiful part of the Queensland coast.
Top hotel picks?
A few of my favourite options in Rainbow Beach are Plantation Resort at Rainbow and Breakfree Rainbow Shores. And if you do decide to stay on the magical Fraser Island you cannot go wrong with the iconic King Fisher Bay Resort & village.

Plantation Resort at Rainbow

Any hot insider tips? • You can’t go past a great meal and cold beverage at the Rainbow Beach hotel, this iconic pub has been rebuilt & is a centre piece in the main street.
• Book a one, two or three day Fraser Island escape where you will see the world’s largest sand island in all its glory.
• While on Fraser, a visit to Lake McKenzie is an absolute must.

Brett – Regional Victoria Hotels expert

If you like Mornington Peninsula fave Sorrento then you’ll love popping over to the other side of the Peninsula and visiting Flinders!
What makes this a great holiday destination?

If you are looking for a peaceful, relaxing and untouched corner of the Mornington Peninsula, then Flinders is for you. Located only moments away from all that the Peninsula has to offer, Flinders is a great little coastal town to base yourself when exploring the Peninsula’s sandy beaches, stunning wineries, pristine golf courses and who can forget the Peninsula Hot Springs – all within a short drive of your hotel door!
Top hotel picks?

The newly opened Quarters at Flinders Hotel is located right in the heart of town and provides an excellent, modern hotel with amazing service. Looking to stay just out of town? Only minutes up the road and offering great rates and packages for both members and non-members, the RACV Cape Schanck Resort is definitely a winner!
Any hot insider tips?
• The Mornington Peninsula is your playground! Jump in the car and explore. From hot springs to horse riding and coastal sightseeing to art galleries, there is more to keep you occupied than you will be able to poke a stick at.
• If you are travelling between November and April definitely check out Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm.
• For an amazing meal look no further than the Deck and Terminus Restaurants,
• Don’t forget to pop into Mornington Peninsula Chocolates on Cook Street for a sweet treat!

Sharon – Regional New South Wales Hotels expert

If you like Hunter Valley you’d love a trip to Mudgee.
What makes Mudgee a great holiday destination?

A 3.5 hour drive from Sydney, the Mudgee region is a popular destination for wine enthusiasts, offering an abundance of cellar doors & it’s very own brewery. Local markets, delicious restaurants, museums, history & the pretty surrounds make this the perfect place for a relaxing escape.
Top hotel picks?

With accommodation options ranging from motels to luxury bed & breakfasts there is something to suit everyone! AJ’s Mudgee Guesthouse offers five star luxury, just 2.5km’s north of the Mudgee township and close to all the vineyards & wineries while Owl Head Lodge features motel style units and unique self-contained cottages, with a rural outlook.

AJ’s Mudgee Guesthouse

Any hot insider tips?
• The Logan Tasting Room at Logan Wines won the Best Cellar Door Experience category of the Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine awards in 2012!
• Mudgee Fine Foods Farmers Market is held on the third Saturday of each month. Browse the stalls, while listening to local musicians & sampling delicious food – it’s the perfect way to spend a morning!

Alex – Western Australia Hotels expert

If you like Margaret River you’d love a trip to Swan Valley.
What makes Swan Valley a great holiday destination?

The Swan Valley is Western Australia’s oldest wine growing region just half an hour from Perth. It is a smaller, more boutique alternative to Margaret River, and much closer to Perth if you only have a few days to explore. The picturesque vineyards create the perfect backdrop for wine tasting, and with over 40 cellar doors in the region you will be spoilt for choice. If you prefer the amber ale, there are a number of local boutique breweries that have been emerging in the region and becoming very popular.
Top hotel pick?

Novotel Swan Valley Vines Resort offers a relaxed atmosphere with an award winning golf course and restaurant and bar onsite.

Any hot insider tips?

• If you don’t want to drive, you can winery hop in a horse drawn wagon or chauffeured classic car.
• For a real wine experience you can create your own blend of wine at Sandalford Winery.
• Make sure you visit historic Guildford and stroll the antique strip, browse the boutiques and art galleries or enjoy an afternoon of live music in the beer gardens.
• The Feral Brewing Company is a popular spot in Guildford to sample award winning beer or wines and enjoy some delicious seasonal fare.

Tori – Gold Coast Hotels expert

If you like the beaches of Surfers Paradise, you’ll love visiting Broadbeach instead.
What makes this a great holiday destination?

If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach has everything and more. Known for its great shopping, nightlife, dining and world class beaches, Broadbeach has come a long way in recent years, with the addition of Peppers Broadbeach and its surrounding cafes and boutiques.
Top hotel picks?

Whether you’re looking for a romantic couples escape or a girl’s getaway, Broadbeach has it all. The Iconic Jupiters Hotel & Casino Gold Coast is an absolute must if you like all your creature comforts on your doorstop or BreakFree Neptune is centrally located and a great choice for extended stays. Don’t forget to check out the secret hotels in Broadbeach as you will definitely not be disappointed!
Any hot insider tips? • Have a delicious smoothie or coffee from Manolas Brothers Deli.
• Join the locals and have a great pub lunch at Kurrawa Surf Club.
• If shopping is more your thing then visit the boutiques around Peppers Broadbeach.
• If you happen to be in town on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, you will be able to catch the Broadbeach craft markets.
• And of course you cannot visit Broadbeach without a stroll to the beach and some great people watching!

Neal – Melbourne Hotels expert

If you like the Melbourne CBD you’d love a trip to South Yarra instead.
What makes this a great holiday destination?
In two words… Chapel Street! If you’re looking for an alternative to the bars, restaurants and shopping in the CBD, most locals would urge you to jump on a tram from the CBD and head to South Yarra instead.
Top hotel picks?
For luxury head to The Lyall or for something funky Art Series – The Cullen is for you
Any hot insider tips?
• Jam Factory is one of the main focal points of South Yarra. An actual jam factory at one time, it’s now a fashion and culture hub with cinemas, bars… and is also home to Australia’s very first Top Shop/Top Man!

Kate – Tasmania Hotels expert

If you like small European town feel and the foodie scene you’d love a trip to Hobart.
What makes this a great holiday destination?
It is impossible to compare Hobart with any other Australian city. It has a European feel with the beautiful heritage buildings (somewhat like areas of Melbourne but without the big city feel and crowds). Hobart has a contemporary culture, stunning natural surroundings of Mt Wellington and the harbour and of course the gourmet experiences.

Lonely Planet’s annual list of the hottest destinations to visit next year has named Hobart as number 7 of the top 10 best cities in the world! They say that “now is the time to discover what’s going on down there before the rest of the world catches on”. Who am I to argue with Lonely Planet? 🙂
Top hotel picks?
For exclusive luxury the Mona Pavilions are just incredible, and the Islington offers a boutique option that blends regency architecture with modern luxuries. For a good central location on the harbour the Hotel Grand Chancellor has options for most budgets.

Islington