


Staycation at Flagship Mercure Melbourne Doncaster
We (Sam and David) enjoyed a stunning staycation at flagship and award-winning Mercure Melbourne Doncaster, invited to stay in a top notch suite; surely one of the best hotel and accomodation options for business people and travellers in the region.

Stunning Staycation at Rydges Camperdown in Sydney
Stunning staycation at Rydges Camperdown the perfect place to stay in Sydney. What sets Rydges Camperdown apart is its location (with city views and close to King St Newtown), great team, affordability, pool facility, undercover parking and excellent Rowley’s restaurant.

Henry Sugar Launches Henry Home

Staycation at Eclectic The Motley Hotel in Richmond
The Motley Hotel in Richmond is a hotel that inspires with its artistic, eclectic and vibrant accommodation, rooftop bar Threads, and standout restaurant Ms Parker. First impressions count, and when you approach The Motley from Bridge Rd Richmond you are struck by the heritage terrace facade, and then the stunning lobby/foyer upon entry. We were invited for a staycation (David and Sam) at this impressive new Melbourne hotel.

Stunning transformation of iconic Rydges Melbourne
The transformation of landmark Melbourne hotel Rydges Melbourne is striking, featuring a full scale refit, local art, stylish design with warm and earthy tones, top notch facilities including a fitness studio and rooftop pool, stunning Bossley dining and bar, and large conference and event spaces. We were invited to enjoy a staycation at Rydges Melbourne and experience it's delights.

Must-Visit Botanik and Kabinett in Kyneton
Botanik Kyneton is a luscious cocktail lounge and bottle shop that specialises in aromatised wines, vermouths, aperitivi and amari, almost all of which won’t be found at mainstream bottle shops.
This is a must-visit in stunning Kyneton, and a place which offers new experiences and adventure. Guests can expect the largest collection of aromatised wines in Victoria available for tasting, with a unique experience for lovers of these underrepresented wine varieties, and for those yet to be initiated.
We were invited to Botanik Kyneton, as well as connected Kabinett to experience this unique and exciting offering. Thanks to Botanik we also stayed in Kyneton Springs Motel and had a delicious dinner at Spaghetti Bar in Piper St (see my social posts).

Staycation at Cleveland Winery in Lancefield
A slice of heaven in Lancefield. Awesome staycation at Cleveland Winery in Macedon Ranges with Sam. Extraordinary estate with sweeping views, first class accommodation, rewarding wine tasting at cellar door and superb dining at The Carriage House restaurant. A gateway and base to enjoy so much of the region.

Jin Bar Launch at Dorsett Melbourne
Fun night at launch of Jin Bar at the new Dorsett Hotel in West Side Place in the Melbourne CBD. Freshly shucked oysters at our table from Melbourne Oyster Butlers, Bass and Flinders gin cocktails (with Director/Head Distiller Holly on hand), and superb canapés.

Stylish Pullman Melbourne & Blossom Bar staycation
Pullman Melbourne Swanston is the perfect place to stay in the Melbourne CBD, and has recently launched Blossom Bar, Melbourne's highest rooftop bar. Featuring Bottomless pizza parties and live music, as well as sweeping CBD views from Level 14, Blossom Bar at Pullman Melbourne has become a popular destination. We were invited for a staycation at Pullman Melbourne and to experience it's attractions.

Brown Brothers Easter Family Festival 2023
The Easter Long Weekend wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the King Valley. It was time to grab the picnic rug and folding chairs and head down to Brown Brothers winery for the Easter Family Festival. It was an epic two days with largely great weather (we returned back to a cold wet Melbourne).
Lifestyle, Fashion, Things To Do

Best Melbourne Second Hand and Op Shops
Op-shops, or thrift stores, have become increasingly popular in Melbourne as a way to find unique and affordable clothing, furniture, and household items. These stores offer a wide variety of items at a fraction of the cost of retail stores, making them a great option for those looking to save money or add some unique pieces to their wardrobe or home. In this essay, we will take a look at some of the best op-shops in Melbourne.
Here are our Top Melbourne Second Hand Shops and Op Shops for range, price, ambience and "charitability".

LIV Munro by Moonlight Event - A New Way to Live in Melbourne
LIV Munro is a game-changing Build-to-Rent development by Mirvac Group, and is a totally new, secure and exciting way to live and rent in the Melbourne CBD adjacent to Queen Victoria Market (QVM). Early adopter renters are able to shape a new community at one of the most vibrant locations in Melbourne. Image credit cover: Bates Smart.

The Red Series - Best Wines of Western Victoria
Distinguished winemakers from the Grampians and Pyrenees will gather in Ballarat on Saturday 30th July as the city plays host to The Red Series, a showcasing of the finest wines from Western Victoria. Held at the historic Ballarat Mining Exchange, wine-lovers can discover the rich history of winemaking across the two regions, sample some of their best drops and take home a bottle or two to enjoy in their own time.

Launch of Oakwood Premier Melbourne
Oakwood Premier Melbourne, the newest luxury accomodation in Southbank, was launched in style with a night of opulence and enjoyment! Oakwood Premier Melbourne is Oakwood's most luxurious offering and first location in Australia, featuring 132 hotel rooms and 250 serviced apartments, in a dazzling 40 story tower.

Epic Dinner at Cirrus Dining in Sydney
When it comes to seafood restaurants in Australia, Cirrus Dining has to be around the top of the tree. I was able to enjoy an epic dinner at this waterside restaurant at Barangaroo in Sydney with foodie friends. It was great to see Barangaroo itself teaming with life, and the excitement of VIVID Sydney a futher attraction for those venturing out in Sydney.

Staycation Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley
Balgownie Estate is an impressive resort destination, featuring Balgownie Suites, new Cellar Door, Restaurant 1309 and Day Spa. We were invited to experience the luxury accomodation and dining in the new restaurant. If you're looking for a staycation in the Yarra Valley, or even in Victoria, this is a great option!