On the weekend we took a day tour / road-trip across the Cairns Highlands in Tropical North Queensland, Australia. One of the highlights was tasting a little selection from Golden Drop Mango Winery (and I mean ‘a little’ as it was only 9am).
You can order online at www.goldendrop.com.au and set yourself up for creating one of these delicious cocktails (more on their website).
Sparkling Mango Cocktail
1.7L mango nectar
1-2 tablespoons Golden Mango Cello
1 1/2 cup frozen mango pulp
750ml Sparkling Mango Wine
In a large jug, combine all ingredients. Add ice and serve immediately before bubbles subside.
Orange Blossom Cocktail
52ml Gin
10ml Mandarin Cello
Dash of Bitters
Tonic Water, Soda or Lemonade (optional, to make a long drink).
Mango Daiquiri
1 small ripe mango
45ml White run, Vodka or Gin (optional)
45ml Golden Mango Cello
Sugar or caster sugar to taste
1/2 cup of ice cubes
15ml lemon or lime juice
Strawberry for garnish
Peel and slice the mango flesh from the stone and place in blender with all ingredients except the strawberry and blend until smooth. Garnish and serve in a chilled glass.
Cairns in Tropical North Queensland is world-famous as being situated on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, however there are so many amazing things to explore in the region.
In fact, you can experience a ‘snapshot’ of ‘Australia’ all within one easy-to-navigate area of North Queensland: Reef, rainforest and the Outback. Where to start though? My travel and adventure partner, Cooper, and I decided to give a new APP, Taste Paradise a whirl, however we combined a couple of its suggested trails (the Misty Mountain trail and Savannah Tablelands) into one. Hire a car, book a bus or jump on the Skyrail and begin in Kuranda…
You could spend a week cruising through the sublime landscapes of the Cairns Highlands / Atherton Tablelands − rainforest, dusty flat land, coffee plantations, bananas, nuts, citrus fruits, tea, green dairy pastures, mountainous trails, lakes, waterfalls and palm trees − eating and photographing every hour or so. We only had a weekend unfortunately, which was then condensed into a day, however an itinerary of interest which allows a food-loving traveller to not only see, but taste, the best Tropical North Queensland has to offer, could be as follows:
Kuranda Markets – for all your delicious locally grown produce, market-wares, rainforest charm and Golden Drop Mango Wine (also an optional stop available near Mareeba). Open from 9am, 7 days.
Jaques Coffee Plantation – rich history, delicious coffee and an interesting tour. Did you know the family who own this are from Tanzania, and developed the world’s first mechanical coffee harvester! Open 9am to 5pm daily.
Coffee Works, 136 Mason Street, Mareeba, open 9am to 4pm daily, for gourmet coffee, chocolate, liqueur and tea.
Mount Uncle Distillery and Bridges Cafe, on your way out of Mareeba on the way towards Atherton – premium liqueurs and spirits here, as well as a beautiful setting. This is North Queensland’s first and only distillery. Cellar room and tea room open 7 days, 10am to 4:30pm.
If you have time, you might like to take a detour towards Lake Tinaroo, or even stay at this lovely location overnight.
Head into Atherton and visit Gallo Dairyland for delectable product. Their website is really interesting and features great facts about the local dairy industry. Cheese and chocolate on the menu – need I say more?
The famous Nerada Tea plantation is along here too, 10km outside Malanda, open 7 days, 9am to 4pm − ideal for morning or afternoon tea.
You could drop by Malanda Falls for some photos before continuing to Millaa Millaa. The landscapes become markedly hilly and green throughout this region, as you’ve entered the beautiful misty mountains trail and waterfall circuit. Millaa Millaa Falls and lookout are also worthwhile, picturesque stops.
Finally, take a drive down a narrow road towards Mungalli Creek Biodynamic Diary. You could be forgiven for confusing this countryside with the rolling green lands of Ireland, but the Aussie accents and hospitality at this quaint tea-house will have you back in Oz in no time. Enjoy a Devonshire Tea or cheesecake, and don’t leave without purchasing some famous Mungalli Creek gourmet Greek-style yoghurt, soft or hard cheeses. If Gallo Dairyland is about cheese and chocolate, then this spot is about cheese and tea. All good by me!
Then complete your circuit by heading back towards Cairns (about an hour / hour and a half drive back to the city from Mungalli Creek).
Hong Kong is a busy, crazy, colourful, cool city. It’s one of those places where you could discover something brand new every day of a long lifetime spent there. We only had a few days to explore but still managed to squeeze in memorable, highly recommended experiences:
[More travel videos featured on YouTube’s TheSarahBlinco channel]
1. It’s easy and inexpensive to ride a ferry from Hong Kong (Kowloon, in our case) to Macau. This city has become known as ‘Vegas of the East’, and admittedly a vast majority of tourists visit to spend their money at one of the many large and lavish casinos here. I was more interested to venture to the ‘old town’ though, as it’s brimming with beautiful buildings reminiscent of Portuguese rule. It’s also more ‘Chinese’ in this area, with little English spoken, and traditional food and market stalls dotted throughout the narrow, crowded, and often cobbled side-streets.
2. There are plenty of gorgeous rooftop bars in Hong Kong and Kowloon, and although many are expensive, it’s worth finding your way to at least one during the evening to take advantage of what must be one of the most beautiful skylines in the world. Our picks are The Sky Bar, Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers (20 Nathan Road), and the simply stunning Aqua Spirit Bar (acqu.com.hk) across the 29th & 30th floors, (1 Pecking Road, off Canton Road) which is lit only by the Hong Kong city lights outside the venue! More than just a restaurant/bar, this destination is an ‘experience’; may I suggest you also try the Porn Star Martini. Don’t ask, just do it.
3. At 8pm each night of the week, Hong Kong’s extraordinary Symphony of Lights is showcased across the harbour. Whether you’re watching from a rooftop bar, down below on the waterfront or from any number of vantage points around Hong Kong and Kowloon, this show is awesome. A laser light spectacular bouncing through the sky, across the water and between key sky-scrapers of the city. Not to be missed.
4. Shopping, shopping shopping. Sure, there are designer boutiques here by the hundreds, but once you’re done spending large on brand names, bag a bargain at a cool Hong Kong market, like those in Temple Street, Kowloon. You’ll find all manner of useless yet fun items like handbags, laser lights, wigs, clothes, pens, magnets … anything really. It’s like a ‘live’ version of Ebay. Enjoy!
It’s been a while since I ventured out in Brisbane, capital city of beautiful Queensland, Australia, and I was keen to discover contemporary things to do in Brisbane at night on this city break.
I was lucky enough to attend higher education at the University of Queensland ‘back in the day’, and I also spent a number of years working at B105 FM – fun times, and I definitely feel affectionately towards this city.
Things to do in Brisbane at night: what’s new
A lot has changed in Brisbane over the past ten years – bars have opened and closed, tunnels and roads have appeared across the city and the Valley is now, well, super cool. Cloudland, anyone?
Even Festival Hall has transformed into an elegant apartment block – if you’re walking by the site on the corner of Charlotte and Albert Streets, check out the wall of fame in the foyer that features nostalgic photos of when major acts like the Jackson 5 and Beatles performed here.
We were keeping a keen eye out for my (very cool) auntie who was one of the revellers at the Beatles appearance in 1964.
Brisbane, where to stay
This past weekend we landed in the city as preparations for the Riverfire Festival were well under way.
Air Force jets soared across the sky as we watched from our fab Botanic Gardens-facing room at Royal on the Park, ideally situated in the heart of the city, just a block from the shopping hub that is the Queen Street Mall. This lovely hotel can be booked at a bargain if you take a look at your favourite hotel booking site (or direct to RotP’s site), and a brand new bonus for all guests is free use of an iPad during any stay.
Where to have a drink at night in Brisbane
Come Friday afternoon, we were ready for a drink and catch-up with old friends and family.
The Port Office Hotel on Edward Street is a contemporary bar, often associated with a bit of a ‘yuppy’, suited-up crowd – we therefore expected drink prices to be quite hefty.
Fortunately, we were pleasantly surprised to discover a neat little ‘happy hour’ on drinks from 5 to 8pm – one to remember if you’re up this end of town on your own city break.
We indulged in some fun cocktails (at $5 each!) and I reminisced on one of my more memorable birthday celebrations – my 25th that I’d hosted in this very same location.
I’ve just realised that was a number of years back though, so I’ll omit the exact date in this particular column!
Dining in Brisbane at night
By 7.30pm it was well and truly time for dinner. I must say, I was happy to discover quality eateries offering reasonably priced cuisine are once again back on the menu in Brisbane city.
For a long while it seemed ‘after dark’ options were few and far between.
We were led to Nagomi at Eagle Street Pier, boasting river views and just a few minutes walk away from the Port Office.
If you enjoy Japanese dishes as we do, then you’ll LOVE this place. The food was divine, and at around $6 per dish (designed to share amongst friends), value is excellent too. Can’t wait to head back here!
Local’s tip: From 5.30 to 9.30pm on Thursdays for $25 it’s all-you-can-eat. YUM.
Go dancing at night in Brisbane
Finally, like the ‘good old days’, it came time to dance.
We’d heard a rumour that the Pig ‘n Whistle Riverside on Eagle Street played an awesome selection of music – you know, the kind of music we ‘used to’ love dancing to – like Vanilla Ice, tracks from the Dirty Dancing soundtrack; Britney, Christina, Maroon 5, crazy boy-band dance tracks and even a little Funky Cold Medina… yep, ‘the Pig’ is where it’s at.
Felt like it was 1997 ….er… 2005 again.
Either way, if you want to go dancing and relive your Uni days (90s through to today), this is the place to end your night. After all, it is music that truly makes a good night out great!
It’s one of North Queensland’s prettiest, most stylish beaches, and this weekend (while visiting newly wedded friends, Kellie and Damian on their honeymoon) we spotted five weddings along the beach at Palm Cove! Great that they all chose Saturday afternoon (because it was gorgeous, especially compared with Sunday which was a bit drizzly and disgusting); but I was wondering how they all came to divvy up a spot on the beach front. Seems all went off without a hitch though, and we didn’t notice any runaway brides later on in the evening – just a few tipsy revellers resort-hopping.  Seems it ’tis the season for tying the knot, but we were just as happy watching the spectacle and indulging in $10 cocktails during Vivo‘s happy hour from 3pm. This 2-minute video offers a dreamy snapshot of what it’s like in this idyllic little beach precinct 25-minutes drive from Cairns (on the way to Port Douglas):
Or, show Palm Cove some FACEBOOK love for all the latest updates on happenings in the area.
Travelled: to Qualia Resort, Hamilton Island and Hayman Island.
Lived: like a Queen! And experienced a sea plane for the first time.
Learned: humans really shouldn’t feed wildlife – the rubbish we eat completely ruins not only the eco-system but a wild animal’s natural ability to live, hunt, protect itself and grow.
Already unsure as to how this particular weekend could get any better, Tamara impressed me by taking us to one of the jewels in Hamilton Island‘s gleaming crown – Qualia – an ultra-exclusive, private retreat that offers guests ‘Qualia-only’ beachfront, dining and spa space. We were privileged to join an early morning yoga class overlooking the ocean (the epitome of Zen), followed by a delicious breakfast in Qualia’s long pavilion.
As I indulged in Eggs Benedict with a special touch of avocado and spicy tomato, I couldn’t help but gaze out at the ocean and mountain views thinking, “how on Earth did I end up here?”.
This continued to play on my mind as Linda and I wandered down to the guests’ private pool and beach-front (pictured below) to snap a few photos. Lucky patrons lazed on comfy sun beds, soothed by the lapping ocean and warm environment, no doubt admiring the view which included a whale playing in the inlet!
Next we were in for a real treat! The five of us, along with our belongings, were packed carefully on board an Air Whitsunday sea plane – destination: super exclusive, beautiful Hayman Island. Grinning like a 5-year-old I held on tight to my handbag as we took off across the ocean. Gliding over coral reefs and Whitsunday islands of all shapes and sizes, we stared in awe at the beauty that we, as Australians, so often take for granted. A highlight of the flight was the fly-by of spectacular Whitehaven Beach – a stunning and iconic Queensland location, popular for weddings and tourism photo shoots.
Take a 60-second flight with us:
The sea plane engines quietened as our pilot guided us down on to the water, and we gently sailed our way into Hayman’s ‘backyard’. I have always dreamed of visiting Hayman.
As a teen – a child of hard-working parents, doing their utmost to provide a decent education for their kids – I attended a private school brimming with ‘privileged families’, and I recall some of my classmates telling stories about Hayman. It sounded so flash, high-end, luxurious. Let me assure you, it is.
Serene, absolutely beautiful, and I now am the one who is privileged to have visited. Walking through the doors into my sensational pool-view apartment, I was overwhelmed by the now familiar, “how did I get here?” feeling. In fact, thanks to Hayman (and all of the Whitsundays, actually), my enthusiasm and delight for travelling ‘in my own backyard’ has been renewed. Hayman Island really is a paradise, second to nothing witnessed on the Travel Channel, anywhere in the world.
From the mouth-watering fine-dining menus, peaceful spa treatments, landscaped gardens, open air gym, tennis facilities and beaches to the water sport activities, island hopping adventures and reef diving, it’s all here (and more!) – indulgence and fun at your fingertips. Save your pennies people, this spot is worth it. Whether you’re in a beach villa, pool-side or lagoon-view apartment, it’s all luxury and five-star service. And why would you travel overseas to experience paradise when you can support local operations like this? Enough said.
Any Whitsundays experience will provide ample opportunities to do whatever you fancy – rest, relax, exercise, indulge. The Whitsunday Islands are sublime; everywhere we went the service was excellent and amenities certainly five-star. See you all again soon, with any luck ;-)
GREAT BARRIER REEF, KEY FACTS
The world’s largest coral reef system.
In 1981 was deemed a World Heritage Area.
Spans an area almost one and a half times that of the UK or roughly the area of Germany.
Comprises just over 2900 individual reefs; around 760 of these are fringing reefs, which can be found on sections of the mainland shores and islands.
The reef includes 900 islands, 600 of which are continental islands, such as those 74 in the Whitsundays; others are coral cays formed though build up of coral.
The GBR is home to 10% of the world’s fish species; includes 1625 species of fish, 400 species of hard coral, more than 150 species of soft coral, six of the world’s seven species of marine turtle, 30 species of whales and dolphins, 133 species of sharks and rays, 215 species of birds and approximately 1300 species of crustaceans.
[Sources: Great Barrier Marine Park Authority (GRMPBA), UNESCO, Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM), Great Barrier Reef Foundation]
Featured image by Paul Benjamin, creative commons
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In fact, you can experience a ‘snapshot’ of ‘Australia’ all within one easy-to-navigate area of North Queensland: Reef, rainforest and the Outback. Where to start though? My travel and adventure partner, Cooper, and I decided to give a new APP, 
way towards Atherton – premium liqueurs and spirits here, as well as a beautiful setting. This is North Queensland’s first and only distillery. Cellar room and tea room open 7 days, 10am to 4:30pm.
Finally, take a drive down a narrow road towards 
This past weekend we landed in the city as preparations for the Riverfire Festival were well under way.
By 7.30pm it was well and truly time for dinner. I must say, I was happy to discover quality eateries offering reasonably priced cuisine are once again back on the menu in Brisbane city.
