Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are sandy!
It’s time to relax, replenish and recharge with a Spring or Summer vacation.
We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us - there are plenty of places in our own backyard to see the waves kiss the shore, take the scenic route, or get some vitamin sea.
Travel is therapy for many of us – fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.
Here are five destinations to head to when you hit the road come holiday time:
Set on a small 10-acre farm in Carool’s picturesque countryside sits Potager - A Kitchen Garden, a culinary destination popular with locals and visitors alike. While guests come to taste sumptuous cuisine, they are spoiled with a panorama across a flourishing Northern NSW valley from inside a contemporary fit-out, in the stylish décor of local craftspeople.
Expect to taste fresh produce from the garden in entrées like crispy Bangalow pork belly, kimchi and seaweed cracker; followed by mains such as wild venison loin, parsnip, ink gin pickled blueberries and wattleseed jus.
A beautiful bistro on the banks of the majestic Tweed River in picturesque Murwillumbah, Tweed River House on River Street is the place to dine, drink and socialise. With sweeping views of majestic Wollumbin, this magnificently restored century-old house evokes the gentler pace of the Northern Rivers where you can dine on the river terrace, or inside under the statement chandelier and elegant pressed tin ceilings.
Confit duck cassoulet appeals to start, with Toulouse sausage, pork belly, white bean and orange stew and bush tomato oil; before a main of pink rump farm beef, smoked potato, duxelles, Bourguignon croquette, native pepper jus and quandong.
Unrivalled scenery and an unforgettable experience await diners at The Robertson Hotel Dining Room on Fountaindale Road. Majestically overlooking the town of Robertson, this unique historic property is set in 14 acres of beautiful gardens; ideal for a weekend getaway, wedding, or simply a memorable meal in the elegant dining room.
Offering accommodation, a restaurant, café, bar and piano room, there is something for everyone at this destination; perhaps enjoy a chilled glass of Riesling with a grilled seafood platter for two and red caviar crostini.
Find a flavoursome twist on outback living at Mt Mulligan Lodge on Mount Mulligan Road. Located on an entirely private 28,000-hectare property northwest of Cairns, this all-inclusive luxury lodge accommodates just 28 guests at any one time, ensuring a rugged and intimate escape.
"The culinary experience at Mt Mulligan Lodge showcases everything the Atherton Tablelands and Far North Queensland has to offer. This food concept delivers a connection to place for our guests, which is paramount for any luxury lodge experience,” says general manager Adam Barnett.
For an ideal destination to reconnect with nature and the people you love, head to Daintree Ecolodge on Mossman Daintree Road. Offering unique boutique accommodation in eco-friendly bayans immersed in the canopy of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest; this lodge is a rare jewel in Mother Nature’s crown, where lush tropical rainforest meets sweeping white sandy beaches and fringing coral reefs.
Featuring a main lodge with bar, Julaymba restaurant overlooking the onsite lagoon, wellness spa and swimming pool; there is something for everyone at this retreat; after a day of exploring enjoy a meal of spanner crab risotto, corn, chive and crustacean oil.
