(Kicking) Community Goals
Shake off the home-body cobwebs, pack the car and head for CANBERRA and surrounds, where ABODE HOTELS offers all the creature comforts along with UNIQUE EXPERIENCES that will have you feeling like a local in no time.
WITH LONGER DAYS upon us and a feeling of optimism in the ever-warmer air, it’s time we stopped dreaming and started packing for that summer escape. From the sparkling NSW South Coast to the Canberra wine region, ’ eight properties are located in unique destinations that buck the trend of city-centric hotel brands, and invite travellers to explore regional and residential areas from relaxed yet stylish self-contained accommodation.
IN BALANCE
With focus on making guests feel right at home, this is not your standard, cut-and-paste hotel experience. The relaxed, serviced apartment-style rooms offer all the home essentials – such as unlimited free wi-fi, and rooms offering kitchenette facilities, a washer/dryer, Google STAYCAST streaming, a bar fridge to store your treats and plenty of space to spread out. Plus, all properties showcase environmentally minded features throughout, right down to the carbon-neutral toilet paper.
even has its own water tanks and a communal kitchen where you can cook up a storm with that day’s bounty sourced from the local markets.
And forget about organising a pet sitter – Abode’s pet-friendly rooms mean you can bring the whole two- and four-legged clan.
LOCAL FLAVOUR
Community connection and local immersion are at the heart of
ethos. As well as sponsoring professional and semi-professional sporting teams, the brand offers a digital room guide,
, which allows guests to filter by interest and plan their stay in the area.
It’s nothing out of the ordinary to see a fellow hotel guest cycling into the horizon on one of the hotel’s bikes, map of the region in hand – they’re likely bound for the local boutiques, or heading off on a self-guided scenic route of the neighbourhood. But for those who prefer to leave their itinerary to the experts, all of Abode’s eight hotels offer curated packages that are unique to the property’s location and celebrate the area’s natural environment, people and produce.
At beach lovers can make the most of being on the coast with a surfer’s package complete with their own surfboard, while adventure-seekers in Canberra can book a hot air balloon experience, or art-loving guests of can cycle past outdoor sculptures in the ever-burgeoning local arts precinct. Even Abode’s hotel grocery,
heroes local produce, with snacks, ready-made frozen meals and beverages available to purchase. All of experiences and amenities benefit small businesses in the area, giving these regional and suburban destinations a piece of the tourism pie and easing the risks of overtourism on our cities. Not to mention, you’re guaranteed to have a ball while doing them. Summer getaway? Sorted.
Find out more at
version whereas the six-day
UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves is a coveted list, recognising areas that demonstrate a harmonious relationship between nature and people. Designated in 2007, and given a further 10-year tick of approval this year, Noosa is one of just nine official Biosphere Reserves in Australia and was Queensland’s first.
Noosa has long been one of Australia’s most desirable holiday destinations thanks to a seductive combination of sparkling coastline, lush hinterland and relaxed atmosphere. And while locals get to bask in this beauty year-round, they also fervently protect and preserve their environment. The not-for-profit Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation is also key, delivering projects that enhance biodiversity conservation and promote sustainable living. All this while keeping the welcome mat out for sustainable and environmentally conscious tourism.
Overflowing with natural wonders, both physically grand and culturally significant, Noosa’s Biosphere is a dream for visitors, especially those who keep conscious travel front of mind. And the best part? Just about any itinerary is a conscious itinerary.
The world-famous beaches, for example.
is a threeday itinerary taking in some of the region’s
Noosa’s Iconic Beachside Experiences
glittering beaches, bays and coves. One of just 10 World Surfing Reserves on the planet – a nod both to the rolling barrels and coastal management – Noosa is a genuine surfer’s paradise and Noosa Main Beach is a sweet spot to start. Also on the itinerary: explore
, complete with its 11-kilometre walking trails; wander the stylish main drag, catch sunset at and enjoy the sand between your toes at and
, among others. celebrates the region’s natural wonders like no other. Weave through the , camera at the ready; explore
and its unspoilt beaches and forest wilderness, plus the popular beachside town of and World Heritage-listed (Fraser Island); hike, mountain bike or horseride through the , or BYO mountain bike for the
Reconnect in Noosa
also demands attention: its coast and bush trails teeming with Instagram-worthy sights, and the kind of rejuvenation only Mother Nature can provide.
visitnoosa.com.au
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD
Innovative and delicious, Noosa’s food and drink experiences are well worth celebrating, and you can make it official come December. Held from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December, the
will showcase the region’s renowned restaurants, chefs, breweries, distilleries, producers and roasteries.