Tasmania's Off Season: Finding warmth on winter nights
No other Australian city lets you soak up the heritage vibe quite like Hobart, where cobblestone streets wind past a captivating mix of architectural styles, from elegant Georgian warehouses to striking Victorian and Gothic influences that tell the story of its past. And no other part of town offers quite as much old-world charm as Battery Point.
That's where you will find Maud's Cottage, a delightful wooden hideaway with the best of Hobart within strolling distance, including Battery Point's many inviting eateries (the scallop pies at Jackman & McRoss are a must-try). Maud's secret weapon is a copper bathtub under a retractable roof. Soaking in a hot bath on a cool night, stars blazing above you: now that's a relaxing way to end a day of Off Season adventures.
Discover the delights of the north
For some, Blakes Manor is all about the rooms, and it's not difficult to understand why. Housed in one of Deloraine's oldest buildings, each of the self-contained suites in this boutique property is opulently furnished. A favourite is the Blakes Mews Suite, with its rich red velvets and its antique brass bed.
What is loved most about Blakes Manor, however, is the custom itineraries hosts Georgia and Peter have created for guests. From bushwalks at Cradle Mountain and the marvels of the Marakoopa Caves to tracking down the area's best provedores (don't miss Ashgrove Cheese and The Honey Farm), they will help design your perfect winter trip. Picture the crisp, invigorating air accompanying your explorations, followed by the warmth and luxury awaiting you back at Blakes Manor. Whether you dream of a snowy hike or indulging in local delicacies by a crackling fire, Blakes Manor is perfectly situated to provide an unforgettable winter escape with local experts at your fingertips.
Hole up in a high-style haven
Now here's a surprise. King Island is known for its majestic landscapes where striking natural beauty unfolds along its captivating shores, but this also happens to be where you will find one of the most stylish stays around.
Kittawa Lodge is tucked away in the island's south-west, comprising over 750 metres of coastline and filled with an abundance of grassy dunes, private valleys, forested nooks and natural-spring dams. Your stay at the lodge crafts elements of luxury with the peaceful embrace of outdoor connection, with the seclusion to enjoy the sweeping panoramic views in the comfort of your own privacy.
Unwind in a bush retreat
In Tasmania, it is easy to get away from it all. Take St Martin's, a beautiful heritage-listed stone church nestled in the fishing village port of Dunalley. Transformed into a boutique home and events space, the design masterfully blends the striking Japanese 'shou-sugi-ban' charred timber technique with a beautifully modern kitchen and bathroom, creating a truly unique ambience. St Martin's serves as an ideal base for exploring the region's culinary delights, including the personalised tours to meet local food and wine producers around Dunalley.
Just a short 30-minute drive from Hobart airport, the Tasman Peninsula boasts a collection of remarkable vineyards, including Bangor, Cape Bernier, and Bream Creek. These vineyards contribute to the peninsula's exquisite offerings, easily accessible for visitors staying at locations like St. Martins.
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The Advertiser
6 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Family guide to snow season 2025: how to save money and keep your clothes toasty
A love of the Australian ski season could be 'exxy' but finding accommodation with a kitchen, parking in nearby villages, becoming a member of an Alpine club and loading up with groceries before a trip could save families a small fortune. Mum Sue Hopkin travels with her husband and two kids to Falls Creek each year to ski. Membership was a game-changer. "That basically changed our whole perspective on coming to the snow. "It's hard to get accommodation when you want it, at an affordable price," she said. "So becoming members made life so much easier because we always had accommodation, even though it's hard to get into during the season, but as a result of that, we have become part of an amazing community at Falls Creek." Ms Hopkin said there were some great restaurants, walking activities and fireworks every Thursday, which was always a thrill. Meanwhile, Canadian-born Dru Dundon grew up with a love for skiing so she was determined to give her son Angus a similar experience. "When you've grown up skiing, there's nothing better than introducing your children to the sport and seeing the smiles on their faces as they discover the thrill of skiing for themselves," she said. In August 2022, she and her son, as well as another family, set off from Adelaide to Thredbo. She admits it wasn't a cheap holiday, particularly as a single mother. "There is a big outlay," she said. "From fuel, accommodation, national park passes, lift passes and lessons to appropriate ski gear and clothing (that is only worn for one week a year and then they grow out of it!), the costs add up." But it was worth it. The two families stayed in a chalet in the Friday Flat area. During the week, the kids went to ski school. "This meant they were learning from trained instructors in a fun, age-appropriate environment," she said. "It also meant the adults could enjoy themselves without worrying about keeping everyone safe and teaching the right skiing techniques. "I was jealous when, at the end of day 2, my son was already mastering small jumps and skiing backwards down the hill!" Angus is already begging his mother to come back, and Ms Dundon is off to Japan this year. "We plan to alternate cheaper holidays, such as camping, with snow trips," she said. Selecting the right accommodation is important for a good snow experience, Ms Dundon said. "At the end of a long day of skiing, being in walking distance to our accommodation was a god-send and meant we didn't have to worry about driving in the snow for the whole time we were there." Parking was also limited at Thredbo, so staying in the nearby Friday Flat area meant they didn't have to find a park each day. Food could be expensive, so she recommends choosing accommodation with a kitchen. "Our chalet had a full-sized kitchen and coffee machine, so we ate breakfast there each morning and the adults took turns cooking easy evening meals," she said. And do a grocery shop beforehand. "There is a small grocery store in Thredbo Village for emergencies, but the range is limited, so you wouldn't want to do a full shop there," she said. "We'd go back to the chalet at lunchtime and make toasted sandwiches for lunch, which saved money, and we avoided the lunchtime rush in the on-mountain restaurants. "We did have lunch at Eagles Nest one day - Australia's highest restaurant, with great views of the mountain and good, hearty meals. "It was very busy, so be prepared to wait for a seat." Conditions are generally quite mild at Australian resorts, so you don't need layers and layers of clothing, she said. "Merino wool thermals and a good water-proof jacket and pants should be enough to keep [kids] warm. "Don't forget to put all of your gear in the warming cupboard each night, so it dries and is toasty warm for the morning," Ms Dundon said. A love of the Australian ski season could be 'exxy' but finding accommodation with a kitchen, parking in nearby villages, becoming a member of an Alpine club and loading up with groceries before a trip could save families a small fortune. Mum Sue Hopkin travels with her husband and two kids to Falls Creek each year to ski. Membership was a game-changer. "That basically changed our whole perspective on coming to the snow. "It's hard to get accommodation when you want it, at an affordable price," she said. "So becoming members made life so much easier because we always had accommodation, even though it's hard to get into during the season, but as a result of that, we have become part of an amazing community at Falls Creek." Ms Hopkin said there were some great restaurants, walking activities and fireworks every Thursday, which was always a thrill. Meanwhile, Canadian-born Dru Dundon grew up with a love for skiing so she was determined to give her son Angus a similar experience. "When you've grown up skiing, there's nothing better than introducing your children to the sport and seeing the smiles on their faces as they discover the thrill of skiing for themselves," she said. In August 2022, she and her son, as well as another family, set off from Adelaide to Thredbo. She admits it wasn't a cheap holiday, particularly as a single mother. "There is a big outlay," she said. "From fuel, accommodation, national park passes, lift passes and lessons to appropriate ski gear and clothing (that is only worn for one week a year and then they grow out of it!), the costs add up." But it was worth it. The two families stayed in a chalet in the Friday Flat area. During the week, the kids went to ski school. "This meant they were learning from trained instructors in a fun, age-appropriate environment," she said. "It also meant the adults could enjoy themselves without worrying about keeping everyone safe and teaching the right skiing techniques. "I was jealous when, at the end of day 2, my son was already mastering small jumps and skiing backwards down the hill!" Angus is already begging his mother to come back, and Ms Dundon is off to Japan this year. "We plan to alternate cheaper holidays, such as camping, with snow trips," she said. Selecting the right accommodation is important for a good snow experience, Ms Dundon said. "At the end of a long day of skiing, being in walking distance to our accommodation was a god-send and meant we didn't have to worry about driving in the snow for the whole time we were there." Parking was also limited at Thredbo, so staying in the nearby Friday Flat area meant they didn't have to find a park each day. Food could be expensive, so she recommends choosing accommodation with a kitchen. "Our chalet had a full-sized kitchen and coffee machine, so we ate breakfast there each morning and the adults took turns cooking easy evening meals," she said. And do a grocery shop beforehand. "There is a small grocery store in Thredbo Village for emergencies, but the range is limited, so you wouldn't want to do a full shop there," she said. "We'd go back to the chalet at lunchtime and make toasted sandwiches for lunch, which saved money, and we avoided the lunchtime rush in the on-mountain restaurants. "We did have lunch at Eagles Nest one day - Australia's highest restaurant, with great views of the mountain and good, hearty meals. "It was very busy, so be prepared to wait for a seat." Conditions are generally quite mild at Australian resorts, so you don't need layers and layers of clothing, she said. "Merino wool thermals and a good water-proof jacket and pants should be enough to keep [kids] warm. "Don't forget to put all of your gear in the warming cupboard each night, so it dries and is toasty warm for the morning," Ms Dundon said. A love of the Australian ski season could be 'exxy' but finding accommodation with a kitchen, parking in nearby villages, becoming a member of an Alpine club and loading up with groceries before a trip could save families a small fortune. Mum Sue Hopkin travels with her husband and two kids to Falls Creek each year to ski. Membership was a game-changer. "That basically changed our whole perspective on coming to the snow. "It's hard to get accommodation when you want it, at an affordable price," she said. "So becoming members made life so much easier because we always had accommodation, even though it's hard to get into during the season, but as a result of that, we have become part of an amazing community at Falls Creek." Ms Hopkin said there were some great restaurants, walking activities and fireworks every Thursday, which was always a thrill. Meanwhile, Canadian-born Dru Dundon grew up with a love for skiing so she was determined to give her son Angus a similar experience. "When you've grown up skiing, there's nothing better than introducing your children to the sport and seeing the smiles on their faces as they discover the thrill of skiing for themselves," she said. In August 2022, she and her son, as well as another family, set off from Adelaide to Thredbo. She admits it wasn't a cheap holiday, particularly as a single mother. "There is a big outlay," she said. "From fuel, accommodation, national park passes, lift passes and lessons to appropriate ski gear and clothing (that is only worn for one week a year and then they grow out of it!), the costs add up." But it was worth it. The two families stayed in a chalet in the Friday Flat area. During the week, the kids went to ski school. "This meant they were learning from trained instructors in a fun, age-appropriate environment," she said. "It also meant the adults could enjoy themselves without worrying about keeping everyone safe and teaching the right skiing techniques. "I was jealous when, at the end of day 2, my son was already mastering small jumps and skiing backwards down the hill!" Angus is already begging his mother to come back, and Ms Dundon is off to Japan this year. "We plan to alternate cheaper holidays, such as camping, with snow trips," she said. Selecting the right accommodation is important for a good snow experience, Ms Dundon said. "At the end of a long day of skiing, being in walking distance to our accommodation was a god-send and meant we didn't have to worry about driving in the snow for the whole time we were there." Parking was also limited at Thredbo, so staying in the nearby Friday Flat area meant they didn't have to find a park each day. Food could be expensive, so she recommends choosing accommodation with a kitchen. "Our chalet had a full-sized kitchen and coffee machine, so we ate breakfast there each morning and the adults took turns cooking easy evening meals," she said. And do a grocery shop beforehand. "There is a small grocery store in Thredbo Village for emergencies, but the range is limited, so you wouldn't want to do a full shop there," she said. "We'd go back to the chalet at lunchtime and make toasted sandwiches for lunch, which saved money, and we avoided the lunchtime rush in the on-mountain restaurants. "We did have lunch at Eagles Nest one day - Australia's highest restaurant, with great views of the mountain and good, hearty meals. "It was very busy, so be prepared to wait for a seat." Conditions are generally quite mild at Australian resorts, so you don't need layers and layers of clothing, she said. "Merino wool thermals and a good water-proof jacket and pants should be enough to keep [kids] warm. "Don't forget to put all of your gear in the warming cupboard each night, so it dries and is toasty warm for the morning," Ms Dundon said. A love of the Australian ski season could be 'exxy' but finding accommodation with a kitchen, parking in nearby villages, becoming a member of an Alpine club and loading up with groceries before a trip could save families a small fortune. Mum Sue Hopkin travels with her husband and two kids to Falls Creek each year to ski. Membership was a game-changer. "That basically changed our whole perspective on coming to the snow. "It's hard to get accommodation when you want it, at an affordable price," she said. "So becoming members made life so much easier because we always had accommodation, even though it's hard to get into during the season, but as a result of that, we have become part of an amazing community at Falls Creek." Ms Hopkin said there were some great restaurants, walking activities and fireworks every Thursday, which was always a thrill. Meanwhile, Canadian-born Dru Dundon grew up with a love for skiing so she was determined to give her son Angus a similar experience. "When you've grown up skiing, there's nothing better than introducing your children to the sport and seeing the smiles on their faces as they discover the thrill of skiing for themselves," she said. In August 2022, she and her son, as well as another family, set off from Adelaide to Thredbo. She admits it wasn't a cheap holiday, particularly as a single mother. "There is a big outlay," she said. "From fuel, accommodation, national park passes, lift passes and lessons to appropriate ski gear and clothing (that is only worn for one week a year and then they grow out of it!), the costs add up." But it was worth it. The two families stayed in a chalet in the Friday Flat area. During the week, the kids went to ski school. "This meant they were learning from trained instructors in a fun, age-appropriate environment," she said. "It also meant the adults could enjoy themselves without worrying about keeping everyone safe and teaching the right skiing techniques. "I was jealous when, at the end of day 2, my son was already mastering small jumps and skiing backwards down the hill!" Angus is already begging his mother to come back, and Ms Dundon is off to Japan this year. "We plan to alternate cheaper holidays, such as camping, with snow trips," she said. Selecting the right accommodation is important for a good snow experience, Ms Dundon said. "At the end of a long day of skiing, being in walking distance to our accommodation was a god-send and meant we didn't have to worry about driving in the snow for the whole time we were there." Parking was also limited at Thredbo, so staying in the nearby Friday Flat area meant they didn't have to find a park each day. Food could be expensive, so she recommends choosing accommodation with a kitchen. "Our chalet had a full-sized kitchen and coffee machine, so we ate breakfast there each morning and the adults took turns cooking easy evening meals," she said. And do a grocery shop beforehand. "There is a small grocery store in Thredbo Village for emergencies, but the range is limited, so you wouldn't want to do a full shop there," she said. "We'd go back to the chalet at lunchtime and make toasted sandwiches for lunch, which saved money, and we avoided the lunchtime rush in the on-mountain restaurants. "We did have lunch at Eagles Nest one day - Australia's highest restaurant, with great views of the mountain and good, hearty meals. "It was very busy, so be prepared to wait for a seat." Conditions are generally quite mild at Australian resorts, so you don't need layers and layers of clothing, she said. "Merino wool thermals and a good water-proof jacket and pants should be enough to keep [kids] warm. "Don't forget to put all of your gear in the warming cupboard each night, so it dries and is toasty warm for the morning," Ms Dundon said.
Sky News AU
7 hours ago
- Sky News AU
'Maori-white girl': Bikini-clad AFL WAG Rebecca Judd shocks fans as she reveals her little-known New Zealand indigenous ethnicity
Rebecca Judd has shocked fans by revealing her little-known ethnicity. On Monday, the wife of retired AFL legend Chris Judd, 42, took to Instagram Stories to share a video of herself flaunting her signature bikini body at the couple's weekender on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula. Judd donned the crocheted bikini from Australian swimwear brand It's Now Cool's new collection while proudly strutting around her outdoor spa. However, it was the mother of four revealing her ethnicity in the caption which really turned fans' heads. "Winter fit check with @itsnowcool. This little Maori-white girl needs a tan. See you soon, Broome," she wrote. Judd seldom mentions her New Zealand heritage from her mother Kerry Brown's side. Her father Hugh Twigly, is of Scottish and Irish descent. In 2023, the AFL WAG told Stellar magazine her family often travelled to New Zealand in her childhood, influenced by her mother's heritage. "Mum's side is MÄori, so we did a lot of trips to New Zealand when we were kids," the model said. "No one ever guesses that I'm MÄori. No-one. Ever." Judd said her family would all flock to her at her grandfather's farm in New Zealand, where they would enjoy a hÄngÄ«, a traditional MÄori cooking method in which food is cooked in an underground oven. "My pop has a big farm, and we'd have all the uncles and aunties over to have a hÄngÄ« every time we went over," she said. Judd's parents Hugh and Kerry relocated from New Zealand to Australia in the late 1970s to take advantage of the West Australian mining boom. After her parents separated, Judd and her sister Kate split their time between Perth and regional WA. In her wide-ranging interview with Stellar, Judd mentioned her family struggled to make ends meet growing up. "We didn't have much growing up, and every dollar counted, so we really respected our food, our home and our belongings," she said. In 2007, Judd moved to Melbourne with then-boyfriend Chris Judd. She completed her studies in speech and language pathology at La Trobe University and worked with adults in rehabilitation at the Alfred Hospital. Judd married Chris in Melbourne's Carousel at Albert Park in 2010, and they have four children: Oscar, 14, Billie, 11, and twin sons Tom and Darcy, nine. The couple documented their extensively redesigned $7.3 million Spanish Colonial house in Brighton, Melbourne's southeast, in the media.
The Age
9 hours ago
- The Age
Australia news LIVE: ‘Part-time parliament' to sit for fewest days in 20 years; Accused triple murderer Erin Patterson returns to witness stand
Latest posts Latest posts 6.58am Tourists run for cover as Italy's Mount Etna erupts in fiery show of smoke and ash Milan: Sicily's Mount Etna has put on a fiery show, sending a cloud of smoke and ash several kilometres into the air, but officials said the activity posed no danger to the population. The level of alert due to the volcanic activity was raised at the Catania airport, but no immediate interruptions have been reported. An official update on Monday (Tuesday AEST) declared the ash cloud emission had ended by the afternoon. Italy's INGV National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology said the spectacle on Europe's most active volcano was caused when part of the south-east crater collapsed, resulting in hot lava flows. It was the 14th eruptive phase in recent months. The area of danger was confined to the summit of Etna, which was closed to tourists as a precaution, according to Stefano Branca, an INGV official in Catania. Sicily's president, Renato Schifani, said lava flows emitted in the eruption had not passed the natural containment area, 'and posed no danger to the population'. 6.51am Strip clubs to education hubs hacked in password grab By Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson More than 2300 business websites, including dozens in Australia, have been compromised and used to steal consumers' information as part of a year-long, 'highly orchestrated phishing campaign', a security firm warns. Almost 80 small and medium-sized Australian businesses have been hacked in the operation, with the websites targeted ranging from a children's education provider to three Queensland strip clubs. Australian online security firm CyberCX revealed details of the attack on Tuesday after alerting compromised businesses, and warned consumers to take care when following website instructions, including completing CAPTCHAs. The details come weeks after several superannuation firms were targeted in a co-ordinated online attack and less than a year after 12.9 million Australians had private information stolen from health provider MediSecure. In a paper called DarkEngine detailing the campaign, CyberCX said it discovered a group had compromised at least 2353 websites since June 2024, including 79 from Australia, 50 from the United Kingdom, and 34 from Canada. The online criminals targeted hundreds of websites using 'search engine optimisation poisoning' to publish hacked versions of a commonly used website management tool, the report said. This allowed them to install malicious code on the websites, including fake CAPTCHA features ordinarily used as a security measure to identify website visitors. The effort and resources put into the phishing campaign suggested the criminals behind it were highly motivated, CyberCX intelligence and public policy director Katherine Mansted said, and would sell whatever credentials they could steal. 'They're quite omnivorous - there are sex shops through to kids' education websites,' she said. 'What their objective is here is to compromise as many ordinary citizens' computers as possible for the purposes of financially motivated crime.' Stolen credentials such as personal information, logins and passwords had become the leading cause of online attacks, Ms Mansted said, taking over from email phishing attempts. 'What we're seeing is an ongoing professionalisation and industrialisation of the cybercrime ecosystem,' Ms Mansted said. 'I'd love to say that by outing this particular campaign the harm is stopped but it's not, as this is just an example of what we're seeing more and more of.' Individuals who might have had their details stolen in the Dark Engine campaign should change their passwords, employ a password manager, and use multi-factor authentication on accounts when possible. Website visitors should also carefully scrutinise CAPTCHA features that look unprofessional, appear in a pop-up window, or ask users to copy code into a computer's command prompt. Stolen passwords were also used to break into 10 AustralianSuper accounts in April in a theft that cost $750,000, National Cyber Security Co-ordinator Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness confirmed in May. AAP
