Travel
Add these new hotels, resorts and experiences to your travel wishlist
FRESH HOTELS
New hotels for every budget, from luxury to inexpensive, have just opened (or are opening) this year. Visit now while they’re branding spanking new!
HIP URBAN HOTEL
Sage Hotel James Street, Brisbane Among the cool laneways of Fortitude Valley is the Sage Hotel James Street. The hotel features a well-stocked mini-bar with similar prices to convenience stores, which is a welcome relief. The hotel opens on February 28. Visit snhotels.com/sage/james-street-brisbane.
LUXURY IN THE CITY Sofitel Darling Harbour, Sydney It’s been 15 years since Sydney had a newly built five-star hotel, so the arrival of Sofitel Darling Harbour in September this year is big news. Expect 35 floors of pure luxury with a rooftop lounge and a deck with panoramic views of the city. Oh, and there will also be a helipad, should you want to arrive rock-star style! Visit sofiteldarlingharbour.com.au.
GLAMPING RETREAT Pinky’s
Eco Retreat and Beach Club on Rottnest Island, WA Rottnest Island is finally getting some new accommodation. Glampers will love the eco-tents with ensuites, while families will appreciate the two-bedroom option, and more budgetconscious travellers can take advantage of the simple tent. A licensed bar, cafe and restaurant will also feature at this spectacular location on the shores of Pinky’s Beach. For details check out facebook.com/ pinkysrottnestisland. IN THE ACTION
Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands Opening in March, Four Points is not only close to Etihad Stadium, it’s surrounded by new cafes and restaurants on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD. Another plus – the hotel will feature an outdoor heated pool, which is a rarity in big city hotels. Expect cool interiors and affordable prices, as well as harbour and city views. Head to starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints.
JUST-IN EXPERIENCES
A FUTURISTIC THEME PARK
Holoverse, Qld Check out the Gold Coast’s new theme park – the world’s first holographic entertainment centre! Don special glasses, a waistband and wand and enter another stratosphere as you explore 40 state-of-the-art hologram rooms. Trek through a jungle, soar over the Gold Coast, and even walk through a solid wall! Visit holoverse.com.au.
A NEW WALKING TRAIL
Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, SA Recently named one of Lonely Planet’s best new experiences of 2017, the five-day, 61km trail takes you to spectacular landscapes. Best experienced from March to November, you’ll trek across towering limestone cliffs and remote beaches. Visit kangarooislandwildernesstrail. sa.gov.au.
AN ECO WILDLIFE TOUR
Ninebot tour, Mandurah, WA These wetlands, an hour south of Perth, are full of wildlife to explore. No need to hike – take the new Ninebot tour (a lighter version of a Segway) through the Len Howard Conservation Park. It’s 90 minutes of family fun! Visit wheelingadventures.com.au.