Penola Beyond the Screen: Discover the Historic Limestone Coast Town Behind My Brilliant Career

Sharam Cottages, on Petticoat Lane in Penola

There is something special about visiting a destination that you have already encountered on screen.

For viewers of Netflix’s My Brilliant Career, the South Australian town of Penola may look strangely familiar. Its historic streets, heritage buildings, country landscapes and surrounding vineyards provide an atmospheric backdrop for the series, but the real Penola has a story that stretches far beyond television.

Located in South Australia’s Limestone Coast and surrounded by the celebrated Coonawarra wine region, Penola combines heritage, wine, food, historic architecture and fascinating Australian stories. The South Australian Tourism Commission describes the town as a picture-perfect country destination with a rich history and an impressive range of food and wine experiences.

For travellers who have discovered Penola through My Brilliant Career, a visit provides the chance to step beyond the screen and experience the places, people and stories that make this small South Australian town worth exploring.

Step Into the World of My Brilliant Career

Much of the appeal of Penola is its remarkable sense of place.

Historic bluestone and timber buildings line its streets, while the surrounding countryside quickly gives way to the vineyards of Coonawarra. It is a landscape that has retained much of the character that makes regional South Australia so appealing to visitors.

The filming locations associated with My Brilliant Career provide an added attraction for television and film enthusiasts, but visitors soon discover that Penola does not need a screen production to make it memorable.

The town's heritage streets, historic homes and long-established businesses provide their own stories, creating a destination where walking slowly can be more rewarding than rushing from attraction to attraction.

Yallum Park: A Historic Home Takes Centre Stage

Yallum Park

One of the most compelling places to explore is Yallum Park, a grand Victorian homestead closely associated with Penola's heritage and the filming of My Brilliant Career.

Built for John Riddoch between 1878 and 1880, Yallum Park is regarded as one of Australia's best-preserved historic homes. The property retains significant interior details, including historic English wallpapers, while its expansive gardens add to the atmosphere surrounding the house.

The homestead provides a fascinating insight into the lifestyle and architecture of South Australia's pastoral era.

Visitors can experience the property through guided tours, although Yallum Park remains privately owned. Travellers should check tour dates and availability before visiting, as access is limited.

For anyone travelling to Penola because of My Brilliant Career, Yallum Park is one of the places where the connection between television and the region's architectural heritage becomes particularly tangible.

Petticoat Lane and Penola's Heritage Streets

Petticoat Lane

A stroll along Petticoat Lane is one of the easiest ways to experience Penola's historic character.

The lane represents the oldest residential area of Penola, with historic timber and stone cottages positioned close to the road. Red gum kerbing, gardens, roses and lavender add to its old-world atmosphere.

Petticoat Lane is also connected to the story of Mary MacKillop, Australia's first saint, who lived and worked in Penola during the early years of her life and vocation.

Several historic buildings are preserved along the lane, including Sharam's Cottage. The cottage dates from the early years of Penola's settlement and was built by bootmaker Christopher Sharam and his family.

Today, the lane offers visitors a quiet opportunity to wander through one of the town's most evocative heritage precincts.

Discover the Story of Mary MacKillop

Penola holds an important place in the story of Mary MacKillop, Australia's first saint.

Mary MacKillop lived and worked in Penola, and the town is closely associated with the beginnings of her educational work. The Mary MacKillop Penola Centre provides an opportunity for visitors to learn more about this important period of her life and the development of her mission.

The South Australian Tourism Commission recommends the centre as a worthwhile stop for visitors interested in discovering Penola's connection with Mary MacKillop.

For travellers interested in Australian history, religion, education or social history, this is an important part of the Penola experience.

The Royal Oak: Where Penola's Story Comes Together

The Royal Oak Penola

In Penola, history is not confined to museums and heritage houses.

The Royal Oak Penola occupies a prominent position on the town's main street and has a history stretching back to the 1840s. South Australian tourism sources note the strong connection between the historic hotel and the naming of Penola, while the pub remains a place where visitors can enjoy food and local hospitality today.

The hotel is situated in the heart of the Coonawarra wine region and serves seasonal menus featuring local produce. Its bottleshop also features wines from Coonawarra, the Limestone Coast and elsewhere in Australia.

For visitors exploring Penola, stopping at the Royal Oak provides an opportunity to experience the kind of traditional country hospitality that has helped shape the town's identity.

From Historic Streets to Coonawarra Vineyards

One of Penola's greatest attractions is that its heritage and wine experiences are inseparable.

Beyond the town centre, vineyards stretch across the surrounding landscape, placing Penola at the heart of the internationally recognised Coonawarra wine region.

The region is particularly renowned for its terra rossa soils and premium wines, with numerous cellar doors providing opportunities to taste local varieties.

A Penola visit can therefore easily combine heritage sightseeing with wine tourism. Travellers can spend the morning exploring historic streets and cottages before heading into the vineyards for cellar-door tastings and a long lunch.

South Australia's official tourism itinerary highlights wineries including Bellwether Wines, Wynns Coonawarra Estate, Brand's Laira, Balnaves and Katnook Estate as options for exploring the region.

Food and Wine Add Another Chapter

Penola's food scene provides another reason to stay longer.

The town and surrounding Coonawarra region offer restaurants, cafes, cellar doors and long lunches that make local produce and regional wine part of the travel experience.

The South Australian Tourism Commission highlights food and wine as major attractions in Penola, with visitors able to explore boutique shops, cafes, restaurants and cellar doors alongside the town's heritage attractions.

For travellers following a Southern Ocean Drive itinerary between Adelaide and Melbourne, Penola makes an appealing regional stop where food, wine and history can all be enjoyed within a relatively compact area.

A Town Made for Slow Travel

Penola rewards travellers who take their time.

Rather than trying to see everything in a few hours, visitors can wander through Petticoat Lane, explore the town's heritage streets, learn about Mary MacKillop, visit historic properties and then settle down for a meal or wine tasting.

The slower pace is part of the appeal.

Penola feels like a destination where the journey between attractions matters just as much as the attractions themselves. A historic building glimpsed while walking down the street can lead to another story, while a conversation at a cellar door can introduce visitors to another aspect of the region.

Penola Beyond the Screen

The popularity of My Brilliant Career may introduce new audiences to Penola, but the town's attractions are far older and more enduring than any television production.

There is the architecture of Petticoat Lane, the grandeur of Yallum Park, the story of Mary MacKillop, the history of the Royal Oak and the vineyards of Coonawarra.

Together they create a destination that is particularly appealing to travellers searching for historic towns in South Australia, Coonawarra wine experiences, Limestone Coast attractions and Australian film and television locations.

For fans of My Brilliant Career, Penola offers the chance to recognise familiar landscapes.

For everyone else, it offers something equally valuable: an authentic South Australian country town with stories to discover at almost every turn.

Plan Your Penola Getaway

Yallum Park

Penola is located in South Australia's Limestone Coast, in the heart of the Coonawarra wine region. It can be incorporated into a wider Limestone Coast road trip or Southern Ocean Drive itinerary, with Mount Gambier approximately 40 minutes away by road.

Travellers can combine a stay in Penola with visits to Coonawarra cellar doors, historic attractions and other Limestone Coast destinations.

Before visiting Yallum Park, travellers should confirm tour dates and availability because the property is privately owned and tours operate at selected times.

Petticoat Lane is open daily and provides a free opportunity to explore one of Penola's most significant historic precincts.

Whether you arrive because you saw Penola on television or simply because you are looking for an atmospheric country escape, this Limestone Coast town offers plenty of reasons to stay a little longer.

The screen may have introduced Penola to a new audience, but its real story is waiting beyond the final credits.

South Australian Tourism Commission 

Website: South Australia Tourism
Phone: 1300 655 276
Address: Level 2, 1 King William Street, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

Yallum Park 

Address: 4325 Mount Burr Road, Penola SA 5277, Australia
Website: Yallum Park
Phone: 0418 854 505

Royal Oak Penola 

Address: 31 Church Street, Penola SA 5277, Australia
Website: Royal Oak Penola
Email: info@royaloakpenola.com.auPhone: 08 8737 2322

Penola Coonawarra Visitor Information

Phone: 08 8737 2855

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

MUNDI MUNDI PLAINS CLEARED IN RECORD TIME FOLLOWING AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST OUTBACK FESTIVAL

Overcoming its toughest-ever start, the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash delivered its full festival line up - and today has triumphed against the odds to see the final festival goers exit the site with no delays

The iconic Mundi Mundi Plains have been cleared in record time, bringing the 2026 Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash to a close after one of the most challenging weeks in the festival’s history.

More than 10,000 festival-goers and almost 4,000 vehicles have now departed the spectacular Belmont Station site in Outback NSW, with organisers recording wait times of between zero and one minute during the major roll-out yesterday and today.

After record rainfall turned the festival’s arrival into its toughest yet, organisers have declared the 2026 event roll-out the best on record - a remarkable turnaround made possible by nearly three days of sunshine, resilient partons and an army of crew, volunteers and technology working behind the scenes.

“We’ve never had such a smooth roll-out across all our Bash sites,” said Festival Founder and Outback Music Festival Group Managing Director Greg Donovan.

“To have that after the start to the event we had has been such a relief, and a real credit to our team on the ground. We developed an app which helped us manage the roll-out, had other technology including number plate readers, a dedicated local Bash FM radio station broadcasting updates, drone assistance and the support of an incredible crew of volunteers on the ground - and it ran like a dream.”

Just over 3,200 vehicles departed the site yesterday, with a further 700 completing their exit today.

The smooth departure came after organisers deployed eight recovery vehicles, anticipating there may have been more need to help vehicles from the rain-affected plains. Instead, just one per cent of patrons required a recovery tow.

“We had the recovery vehicles on standby thinking we might need to do a lot more to help people off site - but it was amazing the way the ground recovered,” Donovan said.

“I’m sitting out here looking at a near-empty site. The stage team have also done an incredible job. Firstly getting the stage into place, and now packing down. They’ll leave here shortly and it will be just our core event team and the awesome volunteers who are still supporting us and beautiful wide-open plains. Mother Nature is giving us a farewell sprinkle at the moment with 5mm forecast to come - but nothing can stop us now. She tried her best, and while we didn’t entirely beat her, we went damn close.”

The successful conclusion comes after organisers made the difficult decision to close the gates before the festival was due to begin, with almost 30 per cent of the event site underwater following record rainfall.

The decision meant about 5,000 ticket holders were unable to access the site.

Rather than let the weather have the final word, the Bash team, performers and local community rallied to create an alternative festival experience, staging a series of free pop-up performances across Silverton and Broken Hill.

Furnace and the Fundamentals kicked things off at the Palace Hotel last Wednesday night, following their performance on the Mundi Mundi Plains.

The following day, the Silverton Hotel hosted performances from Shane Howard, Troy Cassar-Daley and Adam Thompson, before Shane and Troy performed a second show at the Palace Hotel.

The Hot Potato Band then took to the Palace Hotel stage on Friday night, with Fanny Lumsden performing on Saturday following her appearance at the Bash.

Shane Howard, the opening day of the Mundi Mundi Bash became a career milestone of its own, with the Goanna frontman performing a personal record four shows - including two free pop-up gigs - in a single day.

All 1 Day Early Entry and Standard Entry ticket holders who were unable to access the site because of the ground conditions will receive a full refund, regardless of whether they subsequently attended the final day.

Donovan said the response from the artists was emblematic of the spirit that has come to define the Bash.

“We were blown away by the support of the performers. Shane Howard, Troy Cassar-Daley, Adam Thompson, Furnace and the Fundamentals, Hot Potato Band and Fanny Lumsden all did pop-up gigs, offering their time for free to give our Bashers a lift. And we had other artists also keen to do the same, but weren’t able to get production and venue elements in place quickly enough when the full show was running on site It was humbling to see everyone rally and the vibe on site was electric. Jon Stevens performed for a powerhouse 1.5 hours to close the event and everyone else on the line-up was equally on a high and giving the crowd an incredible experience.

“The music industry has such an awesome reputation for being amongst the first responders in times of need and last weekend we experienced that firsthand. To say we’re grateful for everything they did - and the support team who work with them to make the magic on stage happen - doesn’t even cover it.”

Despite the weather-related difficulties, the 2026 Bash ultimately delivered on the things that have made the event one of Australia’s most unique festival experiences, and the country’s bigger Outback festival: big music, bigger skies and a crowd prepared to embrace whatever the Outback throws at them.

Charity remained central to this year’s event, as it does with all Bash events, with the inaugural Bash Choir and Mundi Undi Run raising an impressive $150,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service through ticket and merchandise sales.

Meanwhile, Big Blue Day and associated merchandise sales raised $228,000 for Beyond Blue, highlighting the importance of mental health support in regional and remote Australia.

Across the plains, Bashers also embraced the Mad Max Gathering, sunrise yoga, Mundi’s Got Talent and scenic helicopter rides, alongside the festival’s trademark combination of music, camping, community and spectacular Outback scenery.

Families, grey nomads, music lovers and first-time visitors travelled from across Australia to experience the event, with the festival’s weather-battered opening only strengthening the sense of camaraderie among those who made it onto the plains.

The sentiment from those who attended the event has been that the 2026 Bash has become less a story about the weather than about how people responded to it.

Patrons, performers, crew, volunteers and the local community adapted, improvised and kept the show moving - an approach that has become central to the identity of the Mundi Mundi Bash.

With another three days now in the books, the Mundi Mundi Bash will return in 2027, with dates to be announced tonight.

The festival continues to build its reputation as one of Australia’s most iconic and quintessentially Australian music festivals - an event where the Outback is not simply the backdrop, but part of the experience.

The 2026 Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash was proudly supported by the NSW Government via Destination NSW.

2026 Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash – SOLD OUT EVENT

Where: Belmont Station, Mundi Mundi Plains (9km north of Silverton, 35km north of Broken Hill)
When: The Mundi Mundi Bash event ran from August 20–22, 2026

More info & tickets: www.mundimundibash.com.au

Full Line-Up: The Teskey Brothers, Jon Stevens, John Butler, Boy & Bear, Baby Animals, Jessica Mauboy, The Whitlams, Leo Sayer, Tim Finn, Mi-Sex, Troy Cassar-Daley, Chocolate Starfish, Furnace and the Fundamentals, Wendy Matthews, The Radiators, Shane Howard, Fanny Lumsden, 19-Twenty, Legacy – 60 Years of Fleetwood Mac, Hot Potato Band, Tom Busby and Wes Carr.

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Show the World Our Home: Capture the Beauty of the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast

The Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast are home to some of New South Wales' most memorable landscapes, communities and travel experiences. Now Newcastle Airport is inviting photographers to capture what makes these regions special in a new photography competition celebrating World Photography Day.

Called "Show the World Our Home", the competition is encouraging people who live in, know and love the region to photograph the places, people and moments that represent home.

From spectacular coastal sunrises and iconic local landmarks to everyday scenes that reveal the character of regional New South Wales, the competition provides an opportunity to showcase the region through the eyes of the people who experience it every day.

Capture What Home Means to You

Photography has a remarkable ability to tell a destination's story.

A single image can capture a dramatic coastline, a quiet country landscape, a vibrant community event or an unforgettable aviation moment. Newcastle Airport's competition is designed to celebrate precisely these personal perspectives.

The Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast offer an extraordinary range of photographic opportunities. Visitors and residents can discover beaches, mountains, vineyards, forests, historic towns, rural landscapes and busy regional communities, providing an almost endless variety of subjects.

The competition is therefore not simply about taking a beautiful photograph. It is about showing the character and identity of the region.

Photography Categories for Everyone

"Show the World Our Home" features five photography categories, providing opportunities for photographers of different ages and backgrounds.

The Junior Photographer category is open to primary school-aged entrants aged 5 to 12 years, while the Youth Photographer category is open to secondary school-aged entrants aged 13 to 17 years.

Adult amateur photographers can enter the Community Photographer category, while the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Photographer category provides an opportunity for eligible entrants to share their perspectives and connection to the region.

The Aviation Photographer category is open to eligible entrants of all ages and provides an opportunity to focus on aircraft, airports and aviation-related subjects.

Parent or legal guardian consent is required for entrants under 18 years.

A Chance to Win a Travel Prize

Lake Macquarie 

There is plenty of incentive to get behind the camera.

Each category winner will receive a $500 Newcastle Airport travel voucher, contributing to a total competition prize pool of $3,000.

A separate People's Choice Award will provide another $500 Newcastle Airport travel voucher, with the winner determined through public voting from the shortlisted photographs.

The winning and selected photographs will also receive valuable exposure, with opportunities for images to be displayed throughout Newcastle Airport, featured across its digital channels and included in a terminal exhibition.

For photographers, this provides more than a competition prize. It offers an opportunity to have their work seen by travellers passing through one of the region's important gateways.

Key Dates for the Photography Competition

Entries are now open, giving photographers time to explore their surroundings and capture an image that represents their vision of the region.

Entries close on 18 October 2026.

Finalists will be announced on 2 November 2026, followed by the announcement of the winners on 19 November 2026.

Photographers considering entering should allow enough time to select their strongest image and complete the online entry requirements before the closing date.

Your Region, Your Story

The beauty of a regional photography competition is that there is no single definition of what makes a great image.

For one photographer, it might be the first light appearing over a Hunter beach. For another, it could be a vineyard landscape, a country road, a local sporting event, a historic building or an aircraft taking off against the evening sky.

"Show the World Our Home" gives participants the opportunity to decide what deserves to be seen.

For travellers, the competition also provides a reminder of the extraordinary diversity found within the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast. These regions are filled with destinations worth exploring, from coastal communities and national parks to food and wine regions, heritage towns and regional attractions.

How to Enter

Newcastle Airport

Entering the competition is straightforward. Participants need to complete the online entry form and attach their photograph.

Before submitting an entry, photographers should check the official competition terms, eligibility requirements and category conditions provided by Newcastle Airport.

The competition is an invitation to look at familiar places differently and consider what makes the region worth sharing with the world.

Whether you are an aspiring junior photographer, an enthusiastic teenager, an amateur adult photographer, an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander photographer, or someone fascinated by aviation, there is a category designed to give you a chance to tell your story.

Newcastle Airport

Website: https://www.newcastleairport.com.au/
Email: enquiries@newcastleairport.com.au
Phone: +61 2 4928 9800
Address: Williamtown Drive, Williamtown NSW 2318, Australia

Photography competition entries and full terms and conditions are available through the official Newcastle Airport competition information and entry page.

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Discover Hawai‘i Through Its Farms: A Taste of the Islands from Kona Coffee to Tropical Cacao

Hawai‘i is celebrated around the world for its beaches, volcanic landscapes, warm hospitality and spectacular natural beauty, but there is another side of the islands waiting to be discovered.

Beyond the resorts and famous attractions, Hawai‘i's fertile volcanic soils support an extraordinary agricultural heritage. From Kona coffee and tropical fruit to cacao, honey, tea and taro, farms across the islands produce distinctive flavours while offering visitors the opportunity to meet the people who grow and create them.

For travellers seeking authentic Hawaiian experiences, a farm visit provides an opportunity to connect with the land, learn about local agriculture and taste products at their source.

Hawai‘i Island: Where Coffee Meets Volcanic Soil

Hawai‘i Island, often known as the Big Island, is particularly renowned for its agricultural experiences. The slopes of the Kona district provide the setting for one of the world's most famous coffee-growing regions.

Kona coffee is closely associated with Hawai‘i and is valued for its distinctive flavour and the unique growing conditions found on the island. Visiting a coffee farm allows travellers to go beyond simply drinking a cup of coffee and discover how the beans are cultivated, harvested, processed and roasted.

Among the farms and agricultural attractions to explore are Greenwell Farms, Kona Joe Coffee and the Kona Coffee Living History Farm.

Greenwell Farms: Discover the Kona Coffee Story

Greenwell Farms

Greenwell Farms offers visitors an opportunity to experience a working Kona coffee farm and learn about the history and production of Hawaiian coffee.

A farm visit can provide insight into the journey from coffee tree to finished cup, while the surrounding agricultural landscape demonstrates how Hawai‘i's climate and volcanic environment contribute to the character of Kona coffee.

For coffee lovers, exploring a Kona farm is one of the most rewarding food experiences on Hawai‘i Island.

Kona Joe Coffee: Coffee with a View

Kona Joe Coffee 

Kona Joe Coffee offers another way to discover the agricultural heritage of the Kona region.

The farm is known for its coffee-growing experience and provides visitors with an opportunity to see coffee cultivation in the landscape where Kona coffee is produced.

Travellers interested in Hawaiian food, coffee culture and sustainable agriculture can combine a farm visit with the pleasure of tasting locally produced coffee.

Kona Coffee Living History Farm: Step Back in Time

Kona Coffee Living History Farm

The Kona Coffee Living History Farm provides a different perspective on the island's coffee heritage.

Rather than simply focusing on the finished product, the living history experience helps visitors understand the people, traditions and working practices that shaped Kona's coffee-growing communities.

For travellers interested in Hawaiian history and culture, the farm offers an opportunity to see how coffee became an important part of life in the Kona region.

From Coffee to Hawaiian Chocolate

Hawai‘i's agricultural story extends far beyond coffee.

The islands' tropical climate also provides favourable conditions for growing cacao, the crop from which chocolate is made. Visiting a cacao farm or chocolate producer offers travellers the chance to learn about an increasingly important part of Hawai‘i's food culture.

The Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory and Honoka‘a Chocolate Co. are among the experiences to consider when exploring Hawaiian chocolate.

Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory: From Cacao to Chocolate

At the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory, visitors can discover more about the transformation of locally grown cacao into chocolate.

Honoka‘a Chocolate Co

For travellers who enjoy food tourism, chocolate experiences offer a fascinating insight into the agricultural and production processes behind one of the world's favourite treats.

Sampling locally produced chocolate also provides another opportunity to experience Hawai‘i through its distinctive flavours.

Honoka‘a Chocolate Co.: Discover Hawaiian Cacao

Located in the historic town of Honoka‘a, Honoka‘a Chocolate Co. provides another opportunity to explore Hawai‘i's developing cacao and chocolate culture.

The experience highlights how local ingredients can be transformed into products that reflect the character and creativity of the islands.

A visit can be combined with exploring Honoka‘a and the surrounding Hamakua Coast, making it an appealing stop for travellers interested in food, culture and local communities.

Ancient Leaf Tea: A Different Taste of Hawai‘i

Ancient Leaf Tea

Coffee may be Hawai‘i's most famous agricultural beverage, but tea is another fascinating part of the islands' farming story.

Ancient Leaf Tea provides visitors with an opportunity to discover Hawaiian-grown tea and experience another side of the islands' agricultural diversity.

Tea cultivation demonstrates how Hawai‘i's varied elevations, climates and volcanic landscapes can support an impressive range of crops.

For travellers looking for something beyond the traditional Hawaiian holiday, a tea farm experience can provide a quieter and more immersive way to connect with the land.

OK Farms: Connecting Visitors with Local Agriculture

OK Farms

OK Farms offers another opportunity to experience Hawai‘i's agricultural diversity.

Farm experiences can introduce visitors to tropical crops and the challenges and rewards of growing food in Hawai‘i. They also provide an opportunity to understand the importance of local farming and the connection between agriculture, communities and the Hawaiian landscape.

For visitors interested in sustainable travel, farm tourism can be an especially meaningful addition to an island itinerary.

Big Island Bees: Discover the World of Hawaiian Honey

Big Island Bees

Hawai‘i's agricultural experiences also extend to honey.

Big Island Bees provides an opportunity to discover beekeeping and Hawaiian honey while learning about the relationship between bees, flowers and agriculture.

Honey tasting offers a surprisingly distinctive way to experience the island because the flavour of honey can reflect the plants and environment from which the bees gather nectar.

For families, food lovers and travellers interested in nature, a visit connected with Hawaiian beekeeping can add another dimension to a Big Island holiday.

Why Farm Tourism Belongs on Your Hawai‘i Itinerary

Farm visits provide something that traditional sightseeing cannot always offer: direct contact with the people and places responsible for producing the food and beverages visitors enjoy.

A coffee tasting becomes more meaningful after seeing coffee trees growing on the slopes of Kona. Chocolate has a different story after learning about cacao cultivation. Honey becomes more fascinating when visitors understand the work of bees and beekeepers.

These experiences also encourage travellers to look beyond the most familiar attractions and discover local communities, working landscapes and Hawaiian products at their source.

Taste Hawai‘i Beyond the Beach

   Greenwell Farms

Hawai‘i's farms reveal an island destination shaped not only by spectacular scenery but also by agriculture, tradition, innovation and passionate local producers.

From the coffee farms of Kona to cacao and chocolate, tea plantations, tropical produce and Hawaiian honey, the Big Island offers travellers many opportunities to experience Hawai‘i through food and farming.

For visitors seeking authentic Hawaiian experiences, farm tourism provides a memorable way to slow down, meet local growers and producers, learn about the land and take home a deeper appreciation of the flavours of the islands.

The next time you travel to Hawai‘i, make time to venture beyond the beach. The story of the islands is growing in their fields, orchards, coffee plantations and farms.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority

Website: https://www.gohawaii.com/

For destination information, travel inspiration and details about experiencing Hawai‘i, visit the official Hawai‘i tourism website.

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Arabian Travel Market 2026: Dubai to Explore the Future of Hospitality, Innovation and Experience-Led Travel

Arabian Travel Market (ATM)

The global travel industry will turn its attention to Dubai from 14 to 17 September 2026 when Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 returns to Dubai World Trade Centre.

Held under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology,” ATM 2026 will bring together tourism leaders, hospitality executives, destinations, technology innovators and travel professionals to examine the forces reshaping tourism across the Middle East and beyond.

Middle East Hospitality Looks to the Future

The Middle East continues to attract major tourism investment, supporting confidence across the region's hospitality industry.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, says continued investment in tourism across markets including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt is strengthening the industry's long-term outlook.

For hotels and resorts, this investment is creating opportunities to develop new destinations, accommodation concepts and experiences while responding to increasingly sophisticated travellers.

ATM 2026 will examine how hospitality businesses can remain resilient while adapting to rapidly changing consumer expectations.

From Hotel Rooms to Meaningful Experiences

One of the strongest themes emerging across global tourism is the shift from accommodation towards experiences.

Today's travellers are increasingly seeking memorable activities connected with gastronomy, wellness, culture, heritage and outdoor adventure. Hotels are therefore evolving beyond traditional accommodation to become gateways to local experiences.

This experience-led approach will be explored throughout the ATM 2026 conference programme, providing industry professionals with insights into how hospitality brands can create personalised and meaningful stays.

Can Hospitality Be Reinvented?

Arabian Travel Market (ATM)

The ATM Global Stage will host the session “Does the Hospitality Industry Need Reinventing?”, examining the commercial strategies being used by hotel operators to strengthen resilience and long-term value.

Topics will include asset repositioning, wellness, branded residences, mixed-use developments and experience-led programming.

Amir Golbarg, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels, will contribute to the discussion, which will also examine changing investment priorities and the strategies influencing the future of hospitality.

What Do Today's Travellers Really Want?

On the Future Stage, “Decoding Hospitality Growth – What Do Today's Travellers Want?” will explore the increasingly diverse motivations influencing travel decisions.

The session will feature Hala Matar Choufany of HVS, Justin Reid of Tripadvisor, Jad Shamseddin of Aleph Hospitality and Sarah Duignan of STR.

Discussion will focus on how hotels can respond to travellers seeking combinations of wellness, culture, connection, personalisation and value.

For tourism businesses, understanding these changing expectations will be essential as competition for international visitors intensifies.

Technology Takes Centre Stage

Arabian Travel Market (ATM)

Technology will be another major focus at ATM 2026 through ATM Travel Tech, a dedicated event examining innovations transforming the guest journey.

Artificial intelligence, predictive services, robotics, immersive technology and smart hospitality solutions are among the technologies changing how hotels interact with guests.

The objective is not simply to introduce new technology, but to use innovation to create smoother, more personalised experiences while improving operational efficiency.

Global Hospitality Leaders Head to Dubai

Leading hospitality brands expected at ATM 2026 include IHG Hotels & Resorts, Accor, Minor Hotels, Rotana, Hilton, Jumeirah, Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Rixos Hotels and Sofitel.

Their participation reflects the importance of the Middle East as both a tourism destination and a major centre for hospitality investment.

For travel professionals, ATM provides opportunities to discover new destinations, examine emerging travel trends, develop business relationships and understand where the industry is heading.

Arabian Travel Market 2026 

Website: https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html
Event dates: 14–17 September 2026
Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Email: enquiries@arabiantravelmarket.com
Phone: +971 4 438 0355
Address: Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Vientiane's Green Transformation: How a Laos-China Low-Carbon Project is Creating a More Sustainable City

Laos

Vientiane, the relaxed capital of Lao PDR, is taking another step towards a greener urban future through a major Laos-China low-carbon development project.

The Vientiane-Saysettha Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone is introducing clean energy, electric transport and modern environmental technologies designed to reduce carbon emissions while improving urban services.

The project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 1,200 tonnes each year, according to the China International Development Cooperation Agency. It forms part of China's wider South-South climate cooperation program and is intended to demonstrate how low-carbon technologies can support sustainable urban development in partner countries.

For Vientiane, the initiative represents more than an environmental project. It is part of the city's continuing transformation and could contribute to creating a cleaner, more efficient urban environment for residents, workers and visitors.

A Low-Carbon Vision for Vientiane

Officially inaugurated in 2022, the Vientiane-Saysettha Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone covers approximately 11.5 square kilometres.

The development is one of the largest Laos-China cooperation projects and has been designed as both an industrial park and a new urban area. It is expected to attract investment of approximately US$5 billion, bringing together businesses, infrastructure and urban development within a planned environment.

At the heart of the project is the concept of demonstrating how economic development and environmental responsibility can work together.

Rather than relying solely on traditional urban infrastructure, the demonstration zone incorporates clean-energy technologies and lower-emission transport as part of its development model.

Solar Energy Lighting the Way

One of the most visible elements of the project is the introduction of solar-powered street lighting.

Solar street lights can provide illumination while reducing reliance on conventional electricity sources and lowering energy consumption. In a growing urban area, such infrastructure can contribute to more efficient public services while supporting broader carbon-reduction objectives.

For residents and visitors, improved street lighting can also contribute to a more accessible and comfortable urban environment after dark.

The use of solar technology demonstrates how relatively straightforward renewable-energy solutions can become part of everyday city infrastructure.

Electric Buses and Greener Transport

Laos

Transport is another major component of the low-carbon initiative.

Electric buses have been introduced in the demonstration zone, together with new-energy trucks and specialised environmental vehicles.

Moving towards electric and other low-emission vehicles can help reduce the pollution and greenhouse-gas emissions associated with conventional fossil-fuel-powered transport.

For a developing urban area, the introduction of electric public transport also provides an opportunity to establish cleaner mobility infrastructure as the city grows, rather than having to replace large amounts of conventional transport infrastructure later.

The project therefore demonstrates how sustainable transport can become part of urban planning from an early stage.

Smarter Environmental Management

The low-carbon initiative extends beyond energy and transport.

Environmental monitoring vehicles and environmental law enforcement vehicles have been introduced to strengthen environmental management within the demonstration zone.

These vehicles can support monitoring activities and help authorities respond to environmental issues more effectively.

The combination of monitoring technology, environmental enforcement and clean-energy infrastructure reflects a broader approach to sustainable urban development in which environmental protection becomes part of day-to-day management.

Supporting Businesses and Jobs

The demonstration zone is also intended to support economic development.

According to information from the China International Development Cooperation Agency, the project has improved urban services and environmental management while creating employment and supporting business operations for hundreds of Chinese and regional companies located in the zone.

This highlights an important aspect of sustainable development: environmental improvements need to work alongside economic opportunity.

The zone is intended to attract substantial investment while demonstrating that industrial and urban development can incorporate cleaner technologies and environmental safeguards.

A Partnership for Climate Cooperation

Pha That Luang, Laos

The Vientiane-Saysettha project forms part of a wider international climate cooperation program.

It is one of 10 low-carbon pilot projects launched by China in partner countries under its South-South climate cooperation program.

These projects are intended to share experience, technologies and practical approaches to reducing emissions and strengthening climate resilience.

For Lao PDR, the initiative provides an opportunity to expand expertise in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable transport and environmental management while developing the skills required to manage increasingly complex urban environments.

Building Environmental Skills in Laos

Technology alone cannot create a sustainable city.

The project therefore includes training programs designed to strengthen Laos' environmental management capacity.

Training can help local officials and environmental professionals develop the knowledge required to operate new technologies, monitor environmental conditions and implement effective environmental policies.

Developing this local expertise is particularly important for the long-term success of low-carbon projects. Infrastructure may provide the foundation, but trained people are needed to maintain, manage and improve it.

What the Project Means for Visitors

Visitors to Vientiane may not immediately notice every element of the low-carbon demonstration zone, but the broader transformation has implications for the city's future as a destination.

Cleaner public transport, improved environmental management and more efficient urban infrastructure can contribute to a more pleasant city for both residents and tourists.

Vientiane is known for its relaxed atmosphere, Buddhist temples, French colonial influences, Mekong River setting and distinctive Lao culture. As the capital continues to develop, maintaining environmental quality will become increasingly important.

Low-carbon urban development provides an opportunity for economic growth without sacrificing the qualities that make Vientiane attractive to visitors.

A Greener Future for Vientiane

The Vientiane-Saysettha Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone represents an experiment in combining urban growth, investment and environmental responsibility.

With solar-powered street lighting, electric buses, new-energy trucks, environmental monitoring vehicles and strengthened environmental management, the project is introducing a range of practical technologies designed to reduce emissions.

Its expected annual reduction of more than 1,200 tonnes of carbon emissions demonstrates the potential impact of coordinated low-carbon measures.

The project also highlights the importance of combining infrastructure with investment, employment, environmental training and local capacity building.

As Vientiane continues to grow, initiatives such as the Vientiane-Saysettha Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone could help shape a more sustainable urban future for Lao PDR.

For travellers, a greener Vientiane offers the prospect of experiencing the Lao capital while benefiting from cleaner transport, improved urban services and a city increasingly conscious of its environmental responsibilities.

China International Development Cooperation Agency

Website: http://en.cidca.gov.cn/

Address: Beijing, China

For information about China's international development cooperation programs and South-South climate cooperation initiatives, visit the official CIDCA website.

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Tourism 2035: Australia’s Bold Roadmap for the Future of High-Value Tourism

Australia’s tourism industry is looking towards the future with the release of Tourism 2035, a new national strategy designed to guide the growth and development of the visitor economy over the next decade.

Released at Tourism Australia industry briefings in Brisbane and Cairns earlier this month, Tourism 2035 provides a forward-looking roadmap for strengthening Australia’s position as a world-class tourism destination while focusing on high-value visitors, memorable experiences, sustainability, connectivity and the opportunities created by major events.

For tourism operators, destination organisations, accommodation providers, airlines, attractions and other businesses across the visitor economy, the strategy offers valuable insights into how Australia can build a more competitive and resilient tourism industry through to 2035.

A New Vision for Australian Tourism

Tourism is an important contributor to Australia’s economy, supporting businesses, jobs, regional communities and destinations across the country.

Tourism 2035 recognises that the next decade will bring significant changes to the way people travel, what visitors expect and how destinations compete internationally.

Rather than focusing simply on increasing visitor numbers, the strategy places greater emphasis on growing high-value tourism and encouraging visitors to stay longer, spend more and experience more of what Australia has to offer.

This creates opportunities for destinations to develop experiences that showcase Australia's unique natural landscapes, culture, food, events, wildlife, cities and regional communities.

For travellers, this approach could lead to an even greater choice of distinctive Australian experiences as destinations and tourism businesses respond to changing visitor expectations.

Major Events as a Tourism Opportunity

Major events are identified as an important opportunity for Australia's visitor economy.

Sporting competitions, cultural festivals, entertainment programs, business events and international conferences can attract visitors who may otherwise not have travelled to a particular destination.

Events also provide an opportunity to encourage visitors to extend their stay and explore the surrounding region.

Queensland provides a strong example of the potential of major events, with Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Cairns and destinations across the state hosting an increasingly diverse calendar of international and national events.

The Tourism 2035 focus on major events is particularly relevant as Australian destinations compete to attract visitors and business travellers in an increasingly competitive global tourism market.

Connectivity Will Shape the Visitor Economy

International and domestic connectivity remains fundamental to Australia's tourism future.

As an island continent, Australia depends heavily on aviation and other transport connections to bring visitors into its major gateway cities and connect them with regional destinations.

Tourism 2035 highlights the importance of connectivity as Australia seeks to make travel easier and strengthen links between international markets and Australian destinations.

Improved air services, stronger domestic connections and better transport infrastructure can help visitors move beyond Australia's major cities and discover regional and remote destinations.

For tourism operators, improved connectivity can open new markets and make it easier for travellers to include multiple destinations within one Australian holiday.

Sustainability Becomes Even More Important

Sustainability is another key consideration for Australia's tourism future.

Travellers increasingly want meaningful experiences that respect the environment and contribute positively to local communities.

Australia is particularly well positioned to respond to this demand because of its extraordinary natural attractions, from the Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforests to ancient landscapes, beaches, national parks and unique wildlife.

Tourism 2035 provides an opportunity for the industry to consider how these assets can be protected while continuing to provide memorable visitor experiences.

Sustainable tourism is not simply about reducing environmental impacts. It can also involve supporting local communities, celebrating regional produce and culture, protecting natural attractions and ensuring destinations remain enjoyable for future generations.

Creating More Distinctive Destination Experiences

One of the most exciting opportunities for Australian tourism is the continued development of distinctive destination experiences.

Australia is much more than its internationally recognised gateway cities.

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and Darwin provide important entry points, but Australia's tourism story extends into regional towns, coastal communities, wine regions, tropical destinations, the outback and remote landscapes.

Developing compelling experiences can encourage travellers to explore beyond traditional tourism routes.

Food and wine, Aboriginal culture, nature-based tourism, adventure, wellness, wildlife, arts, heritage and regional events all have the potential to contribute to a richer Australian visitor experience.

Queensland at the Heart of Tourism’s Future

Tourism and Events Queensland

Queensland tourism leaders provided an important local perspective during the Tourism Australia industry briefings held in Brisbane and Cairns.

Queensland attendees had the opportunity to participate in exclusive question and answer panels featuring senior Tourism and Events Queensland representatives, including Chief Executive Officer Craig Davidson and Group Executive Commercial and Partnerships Ollie Philpot.

The sessions provided an opportunity for industry representatives to hear directly from tourism leaders and explore issues affecting the future of Queensland's visitor economy.

Queensland is particularly well placed to benefit from the opportunities outlined in Tourism 2035.

The state combines internationally recognised destinations with a diverse range of tourism experiences, including the Great Barrier Reef, tropical North Queensland, the Whitsundays, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and regional Queensland.

Brisbane and Cairns Showcase Different Sides of Australia

Holding Tourism Australia briefings in both Brisbane and Cairns was particularly significant because the two Queensland destinations demonstrate the diversity of the Australian tourism experience.

Brisbane is a sophisticated riverside capital with a growing reputation for food, culture, major events, business events and leisure tourism.

Cairns provides access to some of Australia's most internationally recognised natural attractions, including the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforest.

Together, the destinations demonstrate how Australia's tourism future can combine major urban centres with nature-based and regional experiences.

A Strategy for Tourism Operators and Industry

Tourism and Events Queensland

Tourism 2035 is not simply a document for government and destination marketing organisations.

Its direction has relevance for tourism businesses across Australia.

Hotels and resorts can consider how to create longer-stay experiences. Tour operators can develop new products that connect visitors with local communities and environments. Attractions can explore sustainable operations and new visitor experiences. Regional destinations can work to improve connectivity and build stronger reasons for travellers to stay longer.

The strategy also provides an opportunity for businesses to think beyond traditional tourism markets.

High-value tourism can involve attracting visitors who are interested in premium experiences, business events, nature, culture, food, wellness, adventure and longer Australian holidays.

The Next Ten Years of Australian Tourism

The tourism industry is entering a decade of significant opportunity and change.

Tourism 2035 provides a national framework for thinking about how Australia can grow its visitor economy while protecting the qualities that make the country distinctive.

Major events can attract new visitors. Better connectivity can make destinations more accessible. Sustainability can help protect Australia's natural and cultural assets. More compelling destination experiences can encourage travellers to stay longer and discover more of the country.

For tourism businesses and destination leaders, the challenge will be turning these opportunities into practical experiences that deliver genuine value for visitors and local communities.

Tourism and Events Queensland

For travellers, the future looks equally promising.

As Australia works towards 2035, visitors can expect an increasingly diverse range of experiences designed to showcase the country's extraordinary landscapes, vibrant cities, unique culture, regional communities and world-class hospitality.

Tourism 2035 therefore represents more than a strategy for the tourism industry. It is a vision for how Australia can continue to welcome the world while creating a stronger, more sustainable and higher-value visitor economy for the decade ahead.

Tourism Australia

Website: https://www.australia.com/

Tourism and Events Queensland

Website: https://teq.queensland.com/

Email: info@queensland.com

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Become a Winemaker for a Day: Discover Pinot Noir Blending at Tamar Ridge in Tasmania

Tamar Ridge 

For wine lovers visiting Tasmania, there is now an exciting new way to go beyond wine tasting and experience the creative craft of winemaking for yourself. Tamar Ridge has launched its Winemaker for a Day: Pinot Noir Blending Experience in Tasmania’s celebrated Tamar Valley, inviting visitors to step behind the scenes and create their own Pinot Noir blend.

This hands-on wine experience offers an engaging opportunity to taste individual Pinot Noir clones and vineyard parcels before experimenting with different combinations to produce a blend guided by your own palate.

Located in one of Tasmania’s most renowned wine regions, Tamar Ridge provides the perfect setting for discovering how vineyard site, grape clone and individual wine components can influence the character of a finished Pinot Noir.

Step Inside the World of Winemaking

The Tamar Ridge Winemaker for a Day experience gives guests a fascinating introduction to the decisions involved in producing premium Pinot Noir.

Rather than simply tasting a finished wine, participants can explore the individual components that contribute to its aroma, flavour, structure and balance. Guided by the knowledgeable Tamar Ridge cellar door team, guests taste different parcels and discover how each brings its own distinctive characteristics to the final blend.

It is an opportunity to experience winemaking from a new perspective and understand why Pinot Noir is such an intriguing variety for blending.

Create Your Own Pinot Noir Blend

The highlight of the experience is putting your palate to the test.

Guests can take inspiration from the Tamar Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir, experimenting with different components to understand how the finished wine achieves its style and balance. Alternatively, participants can forget about following a particular formula and create a completely individual expression of Pinot Noir.

The experience places the decision-making in the hands of each guest. Different proportions can produce noticeable changes in the wine, making the blending process both educational and entertaining.

For anyone who has ever wondered what it would be like to work as a winemaker, this provides an opportunity to discover just how much skill, judgement and creativity goes into creating a bottle of wine.

Discover the Character of the Tamar Valley

The Tamar Valley is one of Tasmania’s outstanding wine regions, and its cool-climate conditions provide an ideal environment for producing distinctive wines.

The Tamar Ridge experience showcases the diversity and character of fruit grown across its vineyards while demonstrating how individual parcels can contribute different qualities to a finished Pinot Noir.

For visitors exploring Tasmania’s food and wine attractions, the experience provides a memorable way to connect the landscape, vineyards and winemaking traditions of the Tamar Valley.

Why Pinot Noir Makes the Perfect Blending Experience

Pinot Noir is particularly fascinating when explored through blending because relatively subtle differences between components can influence the character of the final wine.

One parcel may contribute fruit intensity, another may provide structure, while another can add aromatic complexity or balance. Bringing these elements together allows guests to see first-hand how winemakers make decisions when crafting a premium Pinot Noir.

As Katherine Brown, Luxury Portfolio Manager for Brown Family Wine Group, explains, the experience gives wine lovers the opportunity to understand the influence individual parcels can have on the finished wine.

“Pinot Noir is particularly fascinating to explore in this way because each component brings something different to the blend.”

A Unique Tasmania Wine Experience

Tamar Ridge 

The Winemaker for a Day: Pinot Noir Blending Experience is designed for both enthusiastic wine lovers and travellers looking for an unusual experience in Tasmania.

Whether recreating the style of Tamar Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir or creating something entirely different, guests can experiment, taste and learn in a relaxed cellar door environment.

It is an experience that combines wine education, creativity and tasting, making it an appealing addition to a Tamar Valley itinerary.

For visitors searching for things to do in the Tamar Valley, Tasmania wine experiences, Pinot Noir tastings or unique food and wine experiences in Tasmania, Tamar Ridge’s blending experience offers an opportunity to do more than simply taste wine. It allows visitors to become part of the winemaking process.

Winemaker for a Day: Pinot Noir Blending Experience

Business: Tamar Ridge
Location: Tamar Valley, Tasmania
Price: $110 per person
Bookings: Winemaker for a Day: Pinot Noir Blending Experience.
Website: https://www.tamarridge.com.au/
Phone: (03) 6330 0300
Address: Tamar Ridge, Tamar Valley, Tasmania, Australia.

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/