Epic. Legendary. The long coastline of Queensland evokes no shortage of hyperbole and is a magnet for sand and surf pilgrims. Alabaster and smooth, honeyed and wide, clandestine and concave: from the Far North and Cape York to Brisbane and Moreton, the state has a beach for everyone, regardless of preference and taste. From populist … More

Wellington is the incomparable, bona fide cultural heart and soul of New Zealand. The national capital famously punches above weight in a bevy of urbane departments. Be it cafés, bars and restaurants, independent bookstores, boutiques and vintage shops, museums, arts spaces, music halls and clubs, Wellywood is chockablock with charm. With that, discover some key … More

Can you provide me with a list of places in New Zealand that evoke Māori heritage and culture? Otis G., Adelaide Cape Brett Peninsula, New Zealand – Photo credit Māori culture is indelibly woven into the social fabric of New Zealand, from the All Blacks haka to Kiwi hip hop lyrics. Here, however, are some … More

For better or for worse, every city in Oz must face inevitable comparisons to Sydney and Melbourne. As Australia’s de facto “Third City” with just over 2 million people, Brisbane has probably had to put up with it more than the likes of Adelaide, Canberra or Perth. In years past, there was scant basis for … More

My husband is a massive beer fan. In advance of a trip to Australia in May, can you recommend some good brewery tours? Martha M., London Samples from Eagle Bay Brewery, Margaret River – Photo credit XXXX Ale House Black Street, Milton, Queensland Although I prefer a small batch producer over a beerhemoth anyday, the … More

Canberra, the staid, buttoned-down capital of Australia, demands to be appreciated for what it is. Sure, the ACT doesn’t reverberate with the rat-a-tat drumbeat of Sydney or evince the kind of cool, urbane sophistication of Melbourne but then again, how many cities stack up to that kind of one-two punch? Yes, indeed, like a certain … More