Over the past decade, there have been times when it would have been prudent, one might say essential, to have a pair of waterproof pants—and waterproof bag for electronics—with me. Alas, we are not always…
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Austin-Healey was a British sports car maker established through a joint-venture between Austin—a division of the British Motor Corporation—and the Donald Healey Motor Company in 1952. The Austin-Healey 100-6 was the second of the three Austin-Healey models later known as the Big Healeys. Introduced in 1956,…
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On the former site of the Harold Park Raceway, Tramsheds is billing itself as a ‘community of good food and learning’. Developers Mirvac have built an enormous number of residential apartments on the site, however,…
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Osaka Trading Co. is a new Japanese restaurant from the team behind Tokyo Bird in Surry Hills. Located in the foodie mecca that is Tramsheds Harold Park, Osaka Trading Co. serves sophisticated Japanese cuisine alongside…
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The Boathouse, situated on picturesque Lake Daylesford, was completely rebuilt following a devastating fire in 2012. Originally managed by the team behind The Argus, it was taken over in mid-2016 by the previous owners of The Farmers Arms. New management…
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The Grampians Mountain Range comprise a series of five spectacular sandstone ridges running north-to-south in Regional Victoria. Rising abruptly from the surrounding Western Plains, the area offers a network of walking tracks allowing you to explore cascading…
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These images were taken along the road from Ballarat to Mt Abrupt in the southern Grampian mountain range. This year saw bumper crops in regional Victoria due to the additional rain late in the season. It…
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The Farmers Arms serves sophisticated country fare in a relaxed pub setting. On the same site since 1857, it is the oldest pub in Daylesford and was built before the town’s Post Office (1858), Telegraph Office (1859) and the Railway…
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One of the joys of visiting a true megacity is the depth of its niches. In Japan, practically every interest is explored and this means stores selling the highest quality denim, leather, lacquer and ceramics. A favourite of mine is The…
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The Walls of Jerusalem National Park, part of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area, retains much of its character due to its relative inaccessibility and remoteness. There are no facilities for casual visitors which means bushwalkers need…
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Cradle Mountain, in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, rises 1,545 metres (5,069 ft) above sea level and is one of the principal tourist attractions in Tasmania. It is composed of dolerite columns with a distinctive ‘cradle’ shape giving it its name….
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Regular readers of The Better Living Index will be aware of my ongoing passion for great coffee. Over the past seven years, we have written about the best of Sydney’s highly competitive coffee scene and made a point…
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Sculpture by the Sea Bondi is on again this year—its 20th anniversary—with a wonderful selection of sculptures by local and international artists. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk, shown here are…
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Lowe Winery and Cellar Door is an idyllic place to spend a warm spring afternoon in the shade of the vines. Farmed according to the Luna calendar, these organic and bio dynamic wines that are hand-picked…
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Bistrot Gavroche is a Parisian style brasserie in Sydney’s Chippendale precinct. Housed in a beautiful old rum warehouse, Bistrot Gavroche has created a traditional French bistro atmosphere with its imposing oakwood entrance, brass-railed banquette seating,…
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Italian & Sons is one of a number Canberra dining venues that impresses both visitors and locals alike. Highly praised by food critics for its take on the traditional trattoria, Italian & Sons sense of hospitality…
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The Deus Surf Swap was on again this weekend at Sydney’s Bondi Pavilion. Celebrating music, good food and a love for the provenance of old surfboards, this year’s event focused on the humble twin fin….
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The TSS Earnslaw is a vintage paddle steamer that has been operating on Lake Wakatipu in the mountain town of Queenstown, New Zealand since 1912. The twin-screw steamer was built in Dunedin, dismantled and then transported…
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Milford Sound, on New Zealand’s south island, is one of the most beautiful—and wettest—areas in the world. Seals, dolphins, waterfalls and a spectacular vista amply reward you for the four hour drive from Queenstown which passes through…
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It’s interesting being back in London after a prolonged absence. First impression; the food is certainly better with our taste buds the beneficiaries of free European migration. Beginning at Heathrow, it was clear just how much the food…
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