THE EAST MALVERN WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL RETURNS

Mark your diaries because the 2nd annual East Malvern Food & Wine Festival returns to East Malvern’s picturesque Central Park on Sunday19 November 2017, from 10:30am to 5:30pm!

Last year more than 3000 Melbourne foodies and wine lovers came together for an amazing day in the park, sipping and savouring over 100 wines and an extensive array of cuisines from specially invited local and regional culinary exhibitors and artisan producers.

This year will showcase a vast range of exquisite wineries from more than 15 Bendigo and Heathcote regions including Balgownie Estate, Tellurian Wines and Farmer and the Scientist. There will also be a new local craft beer and cider producer alley featuring Two Birds Brewing, Barrow Boys Brewing, Bad Shepherd Brewing Co and Captain Vanzibar. So come and enjoy a unique and intimate experience, meet the passionate winemakers and brewers and learn about, taste and purchase their premium award-winning wines and ales.

Feast on local Melbourne favourite food trucks and pop-up restaurant stalls including Richmond Oysters & Seafood Tapas, Riserva, Nepal Dining and That’s Amore Cheeses, and bring your shopping baskets and stock up on the best of Victorian produce, including locally produced cheeses, gourmet condiments, bespoke Christmas puddings and other festive season fare from artisanal producers such as NOGO Sauces, Tolpuddle Goat Cheese and Farm Foods, Josh and Sue, and many more.

We also have a full day of family and children’s entertainment planned, including roving entertainers, live music performances and magician master classes.

Don’t forget to bring your fur kids too and treat them to gourmet doggie morsels from the Canine Wellness Truck.

Entry is FREE and wine tasting glasses and ticket packages are available starting at $20, including a souvenir wine glass and tasting tickets.

EVENT DETAILS

When: Sunday 19 November 2017, 10:30am – 5:30pm
What: East Malvern Wine and Food Festival
Where: Central Park, Corner of Wattle Tree and Burke Roads, East Malvern
More information: www.eastmalvernfoodandwine.melbourne
Social Media:
www.facebook.com/eastmalvernfodandwine
#EMFWfestival
@eastmalvernfoodandwine

Bac Kan cultural festival celebrates unity

Bac Kan cultural village festival 2017

The Bac Kan cultural village festival 2017 has been held at the provincial cultural centre.

The two-day festival, which ended on August 2, is organised by the province’s steering committee and themed “all citizens unite to build a cultural life”.

It aims to popularise the state policy on creating a space for all quintessential cultural villages in the area. It will give groups a chance to meet, exchange and study each other’s experiences, allowing them to honour the outstanding faces in the movement; consolidate the achievements, and develop the culture and the Vietnamese people.

“The main contents of the festival include the introduction of specific cultural beauties and outstanding faces and families of the villages, praising the reservation and promotion of typical cultural values of the country and the preclusion of social evils, superstition and unsound customs, as well as building the new countryside,” said Mr. Dinh Quang Tuyen, Chairman of Bac Kan City’s People’s Committee.

Eight outstanding hamlets and villages attended the festival.

SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW OPENS TODAY

The Sydney International Boat Show opens tomorrow, Thursday 3 August, with excitement growing around the Darling Harbour Precinct. The halls of the International Convention Centre (ICC) and nearby Cockle Bay Marina are at capacity as exhibitors display their valued products, which includes boats, fishing gear and the latest accessories in marine technology.

The boats on the marina have caught the attention of passers-by, and Domenic Genua, BIA Marketing & Events Manager, is pleased by the great response. “The Show looks set to be one the biggest in recent memory. We are expecting around 60,000 visitors. The move back to Darling Harbour and the ICC to celebrate the Show’s 50th Anniversary is creating tremendous buzz around the city”.

With more than 200 boats berthed at the marina alone, and an additional 800 inside the halls of the ICC, there are hours to spend exploring the Show, looking at the latest and greatest products. The massive outdoor Event Deck overlooking the city skyline is also gaining some fame, with three massive pools set up for product demonstrations, and plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained.

With the 50th Anniversary of the Show taking place at the ICC, there are numerous transport options available that make getting to the Show easy. ICC is easily accessible by light rail, ferry and train, and is only a 10 minute walk from Central and Town Hall stations.

Halls are open from 10am to 8pm, while the Marina is open from 10am to 7pm. Beat the queues and get your tickets online now, for a chance to win a Hobie 12’ Eclipse valued at $2,990. Visitors wanting more information or to buy tickets should visit the website www.sydneyboatshow.com.au

SUMMER OF LOVE (THE OCEAN) AT THE AQUARIUM OF THE BAY

Get far out and go below the waves during 2017's Summer of Love celebration at the Aquarium of the Bay, from Aug. 5-12. Learn about the Bay's creatures, how to better protect our oceans, and the conservation challenges facing the global environment. The Aquarium and bay.org have awareness efforts such as the #strawlessocean campaign to educate visitors and residents alike.

Daily programming from Aug. 5-12 includes:

Aquarium of the Bay's Love Lab (aka Bay Lab)

11:15 a.m. – Love for the Ocean Craft (up-cycled craft making with a naturalist)
12:15 p.m. – Jelly Love Talk
1:30 p.m. – Love for the Ocean Talk (with a biodegradable straw giveaway)
2:15 p.m. – Love for the Ocean Craft
3:15 p.m. – Jelly Love Talk
4:15 p.m. – Love for the Ocean Talk

Aquarium of the Bay's Conservation Cart (in Canopy)

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Talk to a naturalist at our conservation cart about how you can show your love for the ocean this summer and make a reusable bag out of an old t-shirt.

Sea Lion Center on PIER 39

10:30 a.m. – Sea Lion Shenanigans
11:30 a.m. – Party for the Planet! (Learn how to throw a sustainable party this summer)
12:30 p.m. – Sea Lions and the Ghosts Below
1:30 p.m. – Sea Lions and Friends Movie Presentation
2:30 p.m. – Party for the Planet!
3:30 p.m. – Sea Lions and the Ghosts Below
4:30 p.m. – Sea Lion Shenanigans

The Aquarium of the Bay and the Sea Lion Center are both conveniently located at PIER 39 along the historic Embarcadero waterfront near Fisherman's Wharf. Aquarium activities are free with general admission, and Sea Lion Center activities are free for all PIER 39 visitors. For more information, please visit the Aquarium of the Bay online.

Note: programming schedule is subject to change.

JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS IN 2017

The Jewish International Film Festival returns to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra this November for another sensational year of outstanding Jewish cinema from all over the world, building on 28 years of Jewish film festivals in Australia.

A truly global selection of over 60 films from 24 countries including Israel, Australia, Argentina, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, UK and USA will celebrate the sprawling diversity of Jewish culture and storytelling.

The festival arrives in: Melbourne at Classic Cinemas, Elsternwick (Oct 25 - Nov 22) and Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn (Oct 26 - Nov 21); Sydney at Event Cinemas Bondi Junction (Oct 26 - Nov 22) and Hayden Orpheum, Cremorne (Nov 11 - Nov 22); Brisbane at New Farm Cinemas (Oct 26 - Nov 1); Perth at Greater Union Cinemas, Morley (Nov 8 - Nov 19); and will return to Canberra for the second year at Dendy Cinemas (2 Nov - 12 Nov).

“The 2017 Jewish International Film Festival has a packed program of world-class cinema, offering a fascinating glimpse into Jewish culture from around the globe,” said Jewish International Film Festival Artistic Director, Eddie Tamir.

Stay tuned for further announcements on the full program and international guests attending the Festival. Tickets go on sale Wednesday 27 September, 2017.

2017 Jewish International Film Festival screening dates:

MELBOURNE
25 October – 22 November: Classic Cinemas, Elsternwick
28 October – 21 November: Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn

SYDNEY
26 October – 22 November: Event Cinemas Bondi Junction
11 November – 22 November: Hayden Orpheum, Cremorne

BRISBANE
26 October – 1 November: New Farm Cinemas, New Farm

CANBERRA
2 November – 12 November: Dendy Cinemas, Canberra

PERTH
8 November – 19 November: Greater Union Cinemas, Morley

Stay up to date with JIFF:

Website: www.jiff.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JewishIFF
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jewishiff
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jiff_oz/

NEW! DISNEY CRUISE LINE SAILS TO CANADA'S EAST

Beginning September 2017, Disney Cruise Line will sail on two new itineraries between New York and Quebec City, including stops in several Canadian ports brimming with picturesque scenery and Canadian heritage. 

Experience the Maritime charm of quaint fishing villages and rugged coastlines against a backdrop of brilliant autumn colours. 

The cruise is set to anchor in sites rich in history and art including Quebec City, Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island, St John’s in Newfoundland and Labrador, and the harbour city of Halifax in Nova Scotia. 

Click HERE to see full details of the cruise.

New Tourism in Queensland August 2017

QT Gold Coast's Yamagen

Are your tastebuds tingling? Is your sense of adventure peaking? Well if not, then wait 'til you see what's new in Queensland this month – you'll be booking your tickets and packing your bags faster than you can say 'holiday'! There's new ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef, tales of a bygone era to be told and many new digs to whet your appetite. Read on for new ways to explore Queensland in August:

Bucket List Beauty

Tick off a bucket list adventure 500 metres above sea level. Amytis Gardens Retreat and Air Fraser Island are offering a one-of-a-kind Sunshine Coast and Fraser Island experience. Indulge in the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland with three nights in a deluxe chalet nestled high in the hills amongst 16 acres of eucalypt trees, complete with a breakfast basket each morning and $50 credit towards the Amytis Day Spa, and then fly to world heritage listed Fraser Island, landing on 75 Mile Beach to meet your 4WD hire. Set off down the sand highway for a day of exploring, before returning with Air Fraser Island to relax by the fire with a glass of wine. Rates start from $598.50 per person twin share.

More information:
Anita Conroy
Amytis Gardens Retreat
P: +61 7 5450 0115
E: amytis@bigpond.com
W: www.amytisgardens.com.au

Rewriting history in Cairns

History buffs rejoice! The highly anticipated Cairns Museum has opened its doors to the public showcasing the city's past through four main galleries: Cairns Over Time, Old Cairns and the School of Arts, Living in the Tropics and Changing Cairns. The museum was curated by Jo Beasley and Jo Willis, installed by Michael Marzik accompanied by the master of material, Michael Marendy. Located in the School of Arts building in the heart of the city, the museum covers three floors and houses a large veranda doubling as a function space. If you're keen to get to know this tropical town, you can visit for $10 a day for adults and $5 for kids under 14, or locals can buy a $25 annual pass. Cairns Museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10am til 4pm, and closed on Sunday.

More information:
P: +61 7 4051 5582
E: info@cairnsmuseum.org.au
W: www.cairnsmuseum.org.au

Stay clam…

Long-time Cairns dive operator, Divers Den, has introduced a new, purpose-built vessel located in Port Douglas. AquaQuest, a 25-metre catamaran, offers diving and snorkelling day trips to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for seasoned pros and first-timers. Heading 62km offshore, the tours visit two different locations with nine locations to choose from including Agincourt, Opal and St Crispin's Reefs. For divers, AquaQuest is the only day trip vessel in Tropical North Queensland with on-board nitrox filling facilities and buddy diving system. Departing from the Port Douglas Reef Marina daily, the tour runs from 8.00am until 4.30pm, with prices starting from $176.50 for kids aged 4-14 and $236.50 for adults.

More information:
Pip Miller
Publicist, Pip Miller PR
P: +61 419 681 543
E: pip@pipmillerr.com.au
W: www.diverseden.com.au

Craft-y

Take a funky fresh microbrewery and add it to the Port Douglas Reef Marina, mix it with a brewery tour and you've got yourself a recipe for a good time. The popular Hemingways Brewery has commenced Brewery Tours at their waterfront digs, where they craft beer that is inspired by their tropical surrounds, using the purest sacred water from the Mossman River. For $25 per head, beer-lovers can enjoy the freshest local craft brews on a tasting paddle and get the low down from Hemingways' expert brewers on the process. The tours run for one hour from 11.00am on Monday's and Wednesday's and enclosed footwear is required.

More information:
Tara Bennett
Executive Officer, Tourism Port Douglas & Daintree
P: +61 7 428 581 404
E: eo@visitportdouglasdaintree.com
W: www.hemingwaysbrewery.com

Pasta la vista, baby!

As they say, out with the old and in with the new! The iconic chef-hatted restaurant, Harrisons by Spencer Patrick, has fully adopted this notion, with new location and new fit out. Now open in the Sheraton Grand Mirage in Port Douglas, the dining hotspot oozes elegance with overhanging chandeliers, a new cocktail bar and lounge and alfresco dining. Choose from culinary delights like caviar served with sour cream and fried potato skins, or tortellini of endeavour prawns served with pickled cabbage, bacon, pork and prawn broth. Harrisons by Spencer Patrick seats up to 125 and is open daily from 12pm for lunch and dinner.

More information:
Tara Bennett
Executive Officer, Tourism Port Douglas & Daintree
P: +61 7 428 581 404
E: eo@visitportdouglasdaintree.com
W: www.harrisonsrestaurant.com.au

O-fish-ally open!

A Gold Coast dining icon has undergone a major facelift – QT Gold Coast's Yamagen restaurant has been reimagined, redesigned and refurbished, reopening its doors as one of the city's hottest new Japanese izakaya's. The 76-seat space introduces an innovative menu that fuses traditional Japanese cuisine with new flavours reminiscent of downtown Tokyo. Think sashimi tacos, yellowfin tuna tartare and master kobe wagyu. The new-look restaurant is a sleek oriental feel with pops of red and blue tones and features 15-seat sushi counter for exclusive dining. Eyes on the bar menu and you'll spot a long list of craft beers, top-shelf sake, Japanese whiskies and a range of unconventional cocktails. Yamagen is open for dinner 7 days from 5.00pm, located inside the QT Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise.

More information:
Kobi Facto
Director of Communications, QT Resorts and spaQ
P: +61 419 652 446
E: kobi_facto@evt.com
W: www.qthotelsandresorts.com/gold-coast

Toot toot, beep beep!

Thought you could only ride a Tuk Tuk in Thailand? Think again! Just Tuk'n

Around have been tooting their way around Airlie Beach with half-hour and one-hour informative tours for visitors, and have now introduced a progressive dinner concept that takes guests to some of the best eateries spots in town. Their new tour is set over three hours, transporting food-hoppers to Sorrento for pizzas and sundowners, then onto Shucks for oysters and Denman Cellars for share platters, finishing at KC's Chargrill & Bar for live music. Itineraries can be tailored to suit guests and daytime tours are available for booking. Three-hour tour prices start from $99 including food.

More information:
Deborah Friend
PR and Communications Specialist, Tourism Whitsundays
P: +61 7 4948 5917
E: pr@tourismwhitsundays.com.au
W: www.justtuknaround.com.au

You're knot gonna' believe it…

Another notch has been added to Mirage Whitsundays' luxury belt with the July 1 opening of their lavish new day spa. Inhale serenity and exhale your woes as you step foot into Tranquility @ Mirage. Mirage Whitsundays is located on the water's edge of Airlie Beach, with luxury apartment and villa accommodation starting from around $550 for two nights in an apartment per couple (minimum two-night stay).

More information:
Ben Clifford,
Marketing Manager, Mirage Whitsundays
P: +61 7 4948 1940
E: admin@miragewhitsundays.com.au
W: www.miragewhitsundays.com.au

First safari opens in Ha Noi

The 2.6-hectare safari comprises a complex of waterfalls, a bird park, rivers and mountains as in a primeval forest.

The site has various animals from South Africa and North America, such as zebras, white tigers, white lions, dotted hyenas, cheetahs, and more.

Accordingly, in the first six months of this year, the number of tourists to Bao Son Paradise Themed Park is equal to the total number of visitors in 2016.

SYDNEY BOAT SHOW'S NEW VENUE MAKES IT THE BIG EVENT IN TOWN

This year’s Sydney Boat Show, which runs from Thursday 3 August to Monday 7 August, is becoming the hot ticket in town, as it’s the first time that the one event fills the whole of the new International Convention Centre Sydney and is open to the public.

Sydney International Boat Show is organised by not-for-profit group, the Boating Industry Association, to allow its members to show the latest in boating to the public.

This event is the biggest to be held at the new Darling Harbour venue, and it’s the first big event which has the whole exhibition centre open to the public. Online ticket sales are stronger than ever before for advance purchase.

With over 200 big boats in Cockle Bay, plus over 800 boats in the halls, organisers are expecting both boaties and the general public to come through in large numbers.

“Sydneysiders love a big event, and we think there’ll be a lot of people coming to view the spectacle, and see what the fuss is about at the new International Convention Centre”, said Howard Glenn, CEO of the Boating Industry Association.

“We’re getting ready for a lot of enquiries, with a new stand called “My First Boat”, where the public are invited to ask questions about how to get into boating, and how to understand the great variety that is on display.

“On the open Event Deck, where you can see all the city towers and lights, we’ve got some supersized swimming pools where people can actually try out kayaks and paddle boards.

“We look forward to welcoming thousands of boaties, potential boaties and anyone else interested as we present Australia’s biggest ever boat show”, Mr Glenn said.

The Sydney International Boat Show opens from 10am to 8pm, Thursday 3 August to Monday 7 August at the International Convention Centre Sydney at Darling Harbour, with the Cockle Bay Marina open from 10am to 7pm.

As well as the boats, the venue offers food, drinks and spectacular city views, adjacent to all the Darling Harbour restaurants and attractions.

Tickets can be purchased online now. Visitors wanting more information or to buy tickets should visit the website www.sydneyboatshow.com.au 

King & I Boutique Spa - for the massage that leaves you feeling refreshed and full of energy

King & I Boutique Spa

Recently I stayed a few nights ion Bangkok on my way back home to Australia after attending the Mekong Tourism Forum in Laos. I had heard that Bangkok was famous for its Day Spas and its Traditional Thai Massages. Never having experienced a Thai Massage before, I was keen to try one out.

I chose the King & I Boutique Spa at its.new Sathorn Branch for my Traditional Thai Massage. This was recently opened in 2016 and is located in a quite street off the busy Sathon Tai Road. It is a family run business that was founded in 1999.

I was impressed with the King & I Boutique Spa modern building it was housed in and the plentiful use of lush green plants. The reception area was very welcoming with its traditionally Thai styled interior of floral tapestries, heavy wooden doors, and pictures of the King lining the walls. There are three large golden thrones, which makes you think you are actually in a King's Palace.

King & I Boutique Spa

I was booked for a 7pm Traditional Thai Massage. The reception staff were friendly and spoke good English. I was offered a welcome drink, and an explanation of the massage service. I was the taken up the lift to the floor of individual rooms dedicated for Thai Massages. I changed out of my clothes into a loose fitting golden Thai silk shirt and long pants. My massage room was clean, quiet and relaxing.

I was not sure of what to expect from my Thai Massage, and was worried that it might be too rough for me. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how good my Thai Massage was. It was performed by a professional licensed female therapist who applied just the right amount of firm pressure without it hurting. Several times during the massage she asked if the pressure being used was right for me.

King & I Boutique Spa

My massage ended and I changed back into my clothes and went down the lift where I was offered another hot drink which was lovely. The price for a Thai massage was very fair and the massage was very good.

The King & I Boutique Spa a offers a complete range of massage services, including -

• Traditional Thai Massage,
• King & I Oil Massage,
• Foot Reflexology Massage,
• Head, Shoulders, Back Massage,
• Aromatherapy Massage, and
• Thai Aromatic Herbal Ball.

King & I Boutique Spa

The King & I Boutique Spa uses only use naturally extracted oils for its Aromatherapy treatments. I was pleased to notice that they operate their own laundry facility to maximize the level of hygiene and that they only use allergic-free chemical-free detergents for all linen and towels to prevent any allergic reactions.

The price for a Thai massage was very fair and the massage was very good. I left feeling refreshed and full of energy. The ladies were all very well groomed, lovely, sweet and smiling. When I return to Bangkok I am looking forward to having another massage treatment at the King & I Boutique Spa.

The King & I Spa has 2 branches in Bangkok:

King & I Spa and Massage

Sukhumvit Branch
Sukhumvit Plaza First Floor, Sukhumvit Road, Soi 12, Bangkok
Closest BTS Station: Asoke
Telephone: +662 653 0700

King & I Boutique Spa

Email: spa@kingandi.co.th

King & I Boutique Spa

Sathorn Branch
199/1 Sathorn Neua Road Soi 12
Closest BTS station: Chong Nonsi
Open: 10.00 in the morning to 23.00 at night
Telephone: +662 635 4772
Email: spa@kingandi.co.th

Website: http://www.kingandi.co.th/