A brand-new spring hiking festival is launching in one of Australia's most beautiful regions
You don't have to be a hardcore hiker to join the adventure. WanderFest's inaugural program features five wildly different guided walks tailored for beginners, pros, youth, seniors and people with accessibility needs. Led by local experts, these hikes are also extremely inclusive in terms of price, with all tickets available for just $30.
Never been hiking before? This is your sign to start. The beginner-friendly three-kilometre F.R. Berry Reserve walk in Gidgegannup winds through woodlands and past wildflowers to a stunning waterfall, revealing one of Perth Hills' most underrated pockets of wilderness.
Consider yourself a hiking pro? You can take on the advanced 16-kilometre Kitty's Gorge trek in Jarrahdale. Warning: your legs will burn, but the breathtaking views of Serpentine Falls at the end will make every step worth it.
Little adventurers can join the family-friendly, 3.4-kilometre Piesse Brook return hike in Kalamunda; seniors can take it easy on the gentle five-kilometre Armadale Settlers Common loop in Bedfordale; and those with accessibility needs can sign up for the mostly flat three-kilometre Lake Leschenaultia walk in Chidlow, which is suitable for wheelchairs, prams and walking aids.
Perth Hills WanderFest is happening over the King's Birthday long weekend in Western Australia from September 26 to 29. While you're there, you might as well make a weekend out of it. Stock up on snacks at the local markets, reward yourself with a pub feed post-hike and rest your legs at a cosy B&B. WanderFest tickets go live on July 1, but all the hikes are ready for you to explore here.
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Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
'I had no idea Australian city is so lush, sophisticated and funny'
Throwing a couple of sunglasses into my suitcases, along with hats, shorts and some very, very heavy-duty sun cream, I sang: 'I'm off to see the Wizard – the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.' At which point my husband asked: 'Darling, why are you packing to watch a film on television? And it's not going to be on for ages. Christmas is months away.' Very funny. 'Not that Oz,' I replied. 'I'm going to be Australia's own Dorothy. Throw another shrimp on the barbie because Sydney, here I come.' I've always wanted to see Australia, not least to check out if koala bears really exist. And so, in lieu of a house swept up in a tornado, a la the original Dorothy, I opted for a rather more comfortable means of getting there via a Qantas double-decker. It's 22 hours flying time from London to Sydney, possums, so if you can I'd recommend breaking it up with Singapore or Hong Kong. But I was extremely keen to get there, so I did it in one go, with the result that when I got off the plane, the combination of the sheer beauty of the place and jet lag really did make me feel as if I'd woken up in an alternative reality. And I'd landed the furthest I'd ever been from home. First impressions: I absolutely loved it. Sydney is so green it could easily be the Emerald City, while it was far more sophisticated and cosmopolitan than I'd been expecting (Dame Edna would have a lot to answer for and yes, I know she was from Melbourne.) And the Australian sense of humour is dry and laconic, very similar to ours. The city is beautiful and the spectacular Sydney Opera House is worth those 22 flying hours alone. In pictures, it looks as if it's slightly separate from the main body of the city, but actually it's right at the heart of everything. People who are not going to see a performance congregate there because there are many bars and restaurants dotted around. A chum who has lived in the UK for 20 years but is a Sydney native, says she always arranges to meet friends there. The locals, incidentally, have been known to observe that it looks like nuns in a rugby scrum. Inside, the building is vast and cavernous and home to a number of theatres, including one which housed the Australian Ballet performing Nijinsky and I scored myself a ticket. Ballet, champagne – the Aussies live very well – and the most spectacular views over the harbour? Strewth, this is my kinda town. But we Dorothys are made of stern stuff and as well as knocking back fizz and appreciating high culture, there's a city to explore. With three clicks of the heels of her red shoes Dorothy could soar to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge – but the rest of us are more prosaically able to climb it. In total, it takes about three hours and provides you with more world-class views. Incidentally, you are breathalysed for safety before you're allowed on the bridge, so hold back on the fermented fruits of the country's numerous vineyards the night before. My personal Yellow Brick Road was George Street, which runs through the heart of the commercial and business district, which is also the best shopping area in the city. You can take the girl out of the Kansas shopping mall but you can't take the Kansas shopping mall etc etc. Check out the Queen Victoria Building, home to shops and cafes. There you will find international brands as well as Australian designer labels, which tend to be very brightly patterned – absolutely beautiful. I recommend Camilla and Leona Edmiston, where, in lieu of red shoes, I invested in a beautiful red silk dress. A local speciality, incidentally, are Australian opals, and you will find many jewellery stores selling them. Sydney is a very modern city but, of course, it is part of a history that extends back 65,000 years. There is a great deal of debate about what to call the people who were originally there before Europeans, including among those people themselves, but I'm going with indigenous on the grounds that it doesn't seem to offend anyone. And so I found myself on a Guided Tribal Warrior Cultural Cruise, a tour of Sydney harbour by boat. 'Here are the life jackets in case there's an iceberg in the harbour,' said the skipper (it was a boiling hot day and I told you the humour is laconic). We sailed to Clark Island, once a sacred ground for some of the indigenous people and these days, while much of it is open to tourists, there are some bits you must stay away from. We were shown around by a very personable indigenous brother and sister team – he played the didgeridoo to welcome us on to the island, and if you're a woman, here's a heads up – didgeridon't touch it. Not culturally sound. There we learned about ancient methods of fishing and farming while the men in our group were taught how to perform a traditional courtship dance. It is the women who choose their partners in this matriarchal society, although it is also said in the West that men chase and women choose. More in common under the skin and all that. And you can't visit Sydney without going to the beach. Bondi is the most famous one but another option, and it is worth it, is Manly Beach, a short ferry ride from Circular Quay, near the Harbour Bridge. We walked through the centre of the pleasant suburb to Cabbage Tree Bay – many restaurants were advertising Manly fish, which I first took to be extremely macho ocean life and then suddenly realised they were local fare. You can snorkel to get close-ups of oceanic life or simply wade through the surf and the fish will swim up to say hello. Or will they? Were they swimming – or circling? This is Australia, after all. The most common fish is the grouper: the male of which is blue and the female brown. He can fertilise up to five females, but if he dies, the strongest female will change sex, turn blue herself, and start fertilising off her own back, or gills, or whatever it is that fish do. They're very pragmatic in Oz. Two of us stopped at a local cafe where I learned about a speciality you will find everywhere. 'I'll bring you some banana bread,' said the waitress, magicking up a loaf and some butter enhanced with maple syrup. 'No I couldn't possibly, it's totally against my diet,' I said. 'Oh my word that smells amazing. Perhaps another slice.' No wonder this is such a sporty culture, they need to work off all the fantastic Aussie cuisine. I never did get a shrimp from a barbie but the fish I did have was superb. It was Australia that gave us fusion cooking, originally a combination of Japanese food and that of the West. On the way back to the ferry I stopped at a shop called Budgy Smuggler to buy, yes, a budgie smuggler for my very own Wizard of Oz – he laughed uproariously when he saw it but strangely has yet to try it on – before going back to sample the multiple delights the city has to offer. The tranquil Royal Botanic Garden is home both to indigenous species and those brought in from abroad. It also offers stunning views of the Opera House and the bridge from across the harbour. Slightly further out is Taronga Zoo, where you can both stay and dine and appreciate yet more spectacular harbour views. And the zoo is probably your best bet to see a koala bear as their natural habitat has been damaged in recent years. My only complaint about Sydney is that I didn't have enough time there. There are numerous museums, art galleries, restaurants – you could spend weeks there and never be bored. Would I go back? Like a shot and this time for longer. The whole place is magical. Simply wizard, in fact. GET THERE Qantas flies from Heathrow to Sydney starting at £1,475 return, £3,097 in Premium Economy. BOOK IT Rooms at The Langham hotel, Sydney, start at around £240 a night. MORE INFO
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Daily Mail
I live in Australia and believe this place has the best standard of living in the country: 'The most perfect weather you can get'
Australians have named what they believe to be the places with the 'very best' standard of living in the country - and some of them may surprise you. While Sydney and Melbourne may offer more career opportunities and plentiful dining options, many Aussies are opting out of crowded commutes, soaring rent and a 'lack of community' in favour of areas further afield. From the whale-watching capital of the world to a Tasmanian city, these are the spots some claim to offer the best standard of living for those who value decent home and rental prices, great weather, culture and 'overall good vibes'. Hervey Bay, Queensland Population: 65,000 (2024) Known as the world's whale-watching capital, Hervey Bay sits on the Fraser Coast, just 3.5 hours north of Brisbane. Locals say its unspoilt coastline, peaceful charm and laid-back pace make it the perfect place to raise a family or enjoy a slower lifestyle. Residents rave about the area's kid-friendly beaches, short commutes ('it takes 15 minutes to cross town'), and property prices that are still lower than most metro areas - though they're steadily rising. Urangan, a sought-after suburb, was given a special mention for its proximity to the boat club, fishing spots and the historic pier. The region is also seeing steady development, including new retail precincts and a proposed Sheraton hotel. But those who move there say you have to 'embrace the calm'. 'This isn't where you go out. This is where you go 'out',' one resident wrote online, explaining that the lack of nightlife is replaced with dinners at home, outdoor adventures, and a closer connection to family and friends. 'Apparently Hervey Bay has the most perfect weather in Australia,' another ex-local wrote. 'Just the right summer temps, just the right winter temps and a good amount of annual rainfall. 'I have no source for that but I really have read that a couple of times and I can agree after living there for three years. I understand it's got the usual drug/crime problems now but really which towns don't have those problems these days.' Hobart, Tasmania Population: 56,000 (2025) According to locals, Hobart offers world-class scenery with the conveniences of a capital city and is great for those who love nature, crisp winters and a slower pace. Just minutes from its charming centre there are national parks, picturesque villages and views over the Derwent River that are 'absolutely world-class'. Hobart has an arty, nature-loving, slightly old-school English vibe, with friendly pubs, good food and a creative community. But there's a catch - jobs can be scarce, so it's ideal for those who can work remotely or already have a secure income. 'Tasmania is one of the most liveable places on earth if you make a good wage. I'd move there in a heartbeat,' one Reddit user wrote. 'It has fantastic access to nature, good food, amazing produce, wineries, cheaper rent, and is genuinely a great community,' another added. 'My partner and I moved here knowing no one and have both ended up in good jobs with a great lot of friends.' Capertee Valley, NSW Population: Around 130 (2021) A few hours from Sydney lies Australia's second-largest canyon - a vast, breathtaking landscape almost completely encircled by national parks. The Capertee Valley offers sandstone cliffs, abundant wildlife, and blocks of land so large (often over 50 acres) that neighbours are few and far between. Locals say it's an outdoor lover's paradise, with hiking, bird-watching, and complete seclusion. 'Capertee Valley ranks high for me. Incredible landscape and lifestyle a few hours from Sydney,' one said. The impressive Pantoneys Crown monolith is a 'must-climb', offering panoramic views of the dramatic escarpment. And while it feels remote, the valley is still within reach Mudgee, Bathurst and Lithgow - making it a sweet spot for those who want both peace and access to city centres. 'Other areas nearby [I'd recommend] are along the Turon River, and a beautiful valley system that runs east of Lake Wyndamere from Hayes Gap through Lue, Rylstone/Kandos and Dabee into the Capertee Valley at Mt Morgan,' another wrote. 'Wolgan Valley is also good, but has been cut off for a number of years by landslides. All these areas are well served with nearby major centres but Capertee Valley is at the top of my list.' What other places have the 'best standard of living' in Australia? Reddit users named a number of other places they'd either lived or desire to live due to 'high quality living': 1. Canberra, ACT Why? 'Very high salaries but has cheapish rent compared to other Australian cities and certainly compared to Sydney,' one wrote. 'It's definitely a specific vibe here, and for those that are into it Canberra is wonderful,' another said. 2. Townsville, QLD Why? 'I've lived in several capitals but living in Townsville was easy and unstressful,' one said. 'Second Townsville. Lovely city,' another wrote. 3. Perth, WA Why? 'Perth [has the] highest wages in the country and is still cheaper than most of the east coast. We have fantastic beaches that are never over crowded too,' one wrote. 'Perth is pretty great... closer to Asia, still relatively affordable, some of the best beaches in the world, perfect weather a majority of the year except for a few weeks,' another added. 4. Darwin, NT Why? 'Gonna shock some people when I say this. Darwin. I could afford to live alone, a block from the ocean, five minutes walk to a 50-metre public swimming pool with a reliable 17-minute driving commute to work,' one wrote. 'The only things that s*ck about Darwin are the expensive and long flights home, the weather and the real lack of good shopping. But if you can work around those you can have a great standard of living for a lot less than what you'd get in the big five.'
Time Out
06-08-2025
- Time Out
How to get tickets to Oprah in Australia: pre-sale, prices, cities and more
If you're famous enough to be known by just your first name, you know you're a legend. Oprah, we're looking at you. Soon, you can see the world-renowned talk show host IRL, as she's just announced a series of super special in-conversation events across Australia this summer. It'll be the first time Oprah has visited our beautiful country in a decade – her last visit was in 2015 – with one-off events happening in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Oprah In Conversation will see Aussies hear firsthand from the megastar – with Oprah sharing personal insights and reflections on everything from the power of authenticity to the necessity of resilience. Said to resonate with anyone seeking purpose, inspiration or a spark to change the path of their life, Oprah's in-conversation event is sure to leave you feeling invigorated. When is Oprah coming to Australia? Oprah will host four one-off events in Australia, including: Sydney 's ICC Theatre – Thursday, December 4 Adelaide Entertainment Centre – Saturday, December 6 Brisbane Entertainment Centre – Monday, December 8 Melbourne 's Plenary, MCEC – Thursday, December 11 When do Oprah tickets go on sale? General public tickets go on sale on Tuesday, August 12 at 10am local time. You can find out more on Ticketek. Is there an Oprah pre-sale? Of course! Telstra pre-sale tickets go on sale on Wednesday, August 6 at 9am local time. The TEG Dainty pre-sale follows on Thursday, August 7 at 10am, and the Amex pre-sale kicks off on Friday, August 8 at 10am. You can find out more here. How much are tickets to Oprah? Tickets for Oprah In Conversation start at $134.50 per person in Sydney and Brisbane, and $109 in Adelaide. RECOMMENDED FOR YOU: 🥳 🤘🏾
