Nicola Billens, Author at Alquemie

Australia’s Best Guides – Jenny Garber | Contemporary art

Posted on November 21, 2016November 23, 2016 by Nicola Billens

Jenny Garber specialises in bespoke contemporary art tours. With a passion for art and through her extensive art networks, developed over many years of personal interest and professional pursuits, Jenny offers clients private introductions to the leading galleries, exhibitions, gallery directors, artists and curators who define Sydney’s vibrant arts scene.

Please explain a little bit about who you are and what you do?

My company, inART, specialises in private and unique art experiences in Australia and Internationally. With an extensive personal and professional network of global art world contacts, I’m able to provide private introductions and personal access to leading galleries, gallery directors, artists, curators, public and private collections as well as VIP guest status at art fairs.

I have conducted tours to Art Basel Hong Kong; MONA in Hobart, Tasmania; Sydney Contemporary, Canberra and Melbourne as well as hosting many international visitors on contemporary art tours in Sydney. Next year I’m including the opening of the Venice Biennale and a trip to Rome.

What got you started with your passion and what do you find most interesting about it?

I have had a lifelong interest in art and would always visit the public art institutions and museums and commercial galleries whenever and wherever I was travelling. I wanted to have a more formal basis to my interest in art, so attended the University of Sydney as a mature age student and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Art History & Theory and Literature.

Initially I started doing local contemporary art tours in Sydney and that expanded into the international tours as well. The art world is a fascinating world in which to work, not only do I have the pleasure of constantly viewing wonderful collections and exhibitions but also meet the most fascinating and interesting people. Dream job!

How do you bring contemporary art to life on your tours?

In the run-up to a local or international tour, I spend a lot of time researching the exhibitions, and artists, at the galleries I will be visiting so I can provide background information. Also, having the gallery director, or the artist, talk about their work provides a level of depth and expertise that is always insightful and knowledgeable. Contemporary art can sometimes be difficult to understand and its important that people feel relaxed in being able to express their opinion – I don’t want them to be intimidated, I ensure they are relaxed, engaged and interested.

Why do you think it’s important that people learn about contemporary art?

Many visitors to Australia are not aware of the rich cultural life we have here and it is a privilege for me to be able to take them on an art tour to show them the diversity of our visual artists, from traditional and contemporary Indigenous art to our contemporary Australian artists. When I am on an International art tour, it’s very exciting to be able to provide access to some of the world’s greatest galleries and art museums that teaches us so much, not only about history but also our contemporary view of the world.

If people wanted to find out more about contemporary art are there any particular books, documentaries or websites you would recommend?

That is a book in itself! There is a lot available online about Australian and Indigenous art. Also, the institutions such as The National Gallery of Australia, The National Gallery of Victoria, The Art Gallery of New South Wales all have excellent websites.

What’s your favourite Australian animal and why?

The Tasmanian Tiger – which is supposedly extinct. I grew up in Tasmania and there was often passionate debate about whether it was actually extinct or could still be living. If it is still in existence, then it’s certainly a wily little creature that has managed to elude all those who have been tracking it for many years.

What place is Australia’s best-kept secret?

The west coast of Tasmania

What haven’t you seen / done in Australia that you’d like to and why?

Ayres Rock – it’s a sacred and symbolic place and everyone I know who has been there has been moved by the experience.

Finally, how can people follow you on social media?

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/inartsydneyarttours/
Twitter – @inartsydney
Instagram – @inarttours

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

Australia’s Best Guides – Juan Walker | Aboriginal Culture

Posted on November 4, 2016November 21, 2016 by Nicola Billens

Juan Walker (Aboriginal name Karanba), is a Kuku Yalanji man from the Mossman/Daintree area and has been working as a tour guide in this region for fifteen years.

Juan regularly spends time with elders of the Kuku Yalanji people, hearing stories of the history, traditions, and culture, stories and information he holds dear to him, for his family and also shares as part of his tours, as he believes it is through the learning and sharing of his culture to all people, that an understanding and respect for Aboriginal beliefs is created, and this aids in the reconciliation process.

Please explain a little bit about who you are and what you do?

I am the owner/operator of Walkabout Cultural Adventures, a tour business operating in Tropical North Queensland, that offers unique tours focusing on Aboriginal culture, significant sites, environmental information and local tourist attractions. I have been guiding in the region for 15 years, having lived in this region my entire life. Walkabout Cultural Adventures offer interpersonal Aboriginal cultural based tours with small numbers on a half or full day basis.

What got you started with your passion and what do you find most interesting about it?

Previously I was employed at Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa as the Aboriginal Activities Co-ordinator, and it was there I learnt the many facets of the tourism and hospitality industry. I saw that there was no Aboriginal cultural experiences that offered half and full day tours around the region, so I decided to start my own business. I have always enjoyed spending time with elders of my people, the Kuku Yalanji people, and it is from hearing their stories of the history, traditions, and culture, that form the basis of my tours. I enjoy learning and sharing my culture with all interested people.

How do you bring Aboriginal culture to life on your tours?

Given that the information I tell on tour is relevant to actual places we visit, and my own family history, it brings itself to life.

Why do you think it’s important that people learn about Aboriginal culture?

Aboriginal culture is significant to Australia’s history. I like to think that through the learning and sharing of my culture and history, that an understanding and respect for Aboriginal beliefs is created, and this aids in the reconciliation process.

What’s your favourite Australian animal and why?

Crocodile, we call it Bilngkumu in our language. It is our totem.

What place is Australia’s best-kept secret?

The Daintree rainforest.

What haven’t you seen / done in Australia that you’d like to and why?

Sections of the Western Australian coast, I’d love to see the desert meet the ocean, and the different wildlife.

Finally, how can people follow you on social media?

Facebook – www.facebook.com/WalkaboutCulturalAdventures
Twitter – www.twitter.com/WalkaboutFNQ

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

Wild Tastes of the Top End – An interactive four-day food safari with James Viles

Posted on October 6, 2016July 31, 2017 by Nicola Billens

In May 2017, Bamurru Plains plays host to one very special Australian experience for foodies. Drawing inspiration from the Top End’s bush pantry, one of Australia’s most respected young chefs, James Viles, will develop a Bamurru menu of local ingredients, textures and flavours that exist alongside each other in nature. From wild barramundi and pandanus to tea tree and heather berries, the menu will reflect the local area, sourcing and using only what is needed to deliver a delectable experience. Every dish tells a story. Every plant. Every seed. Every animal.

In addition to the safari style wilderness adventures that Bamurru Plains is world renowned for, the interactive itinerary will take you deep into the property, including gathering alongside James followed by cooking demonstrations and a wild bush masterpiece at the chef’s long table, hosted by James himself. All of this combined with the classic, indulgent touches and warm hospitality synonymous with Wild Bush Luxury.

Dates: 18 – 21 May 2017

DAY 1 – DARWIN TO BAMURRU PLAINS

A scenic air transfer departs Darwin landing at Bamurru Plains private airstrip. You’ll fly high over the twists and turns of the East Alligator River. Those black dots you thought were pandanus trees are actually moving wildlife. The flight is only 30 minutes, though you feel like you’ve landed in the wild. And you have. You’ll fly over Australia’s Okavango, the Mary River Delta brimming with life and goodness. A field guide will meet you on arrival for the short transfer on to the safari lodge. After your orientation, please regroup in the lodge for your first journey into the wilderness. This evening watch our resident chef create superb native Australian inspired dishes before sitting down to a welcome dinner with your group, with James and our safari guides. Over the coming days listen for stories the food tells.

DAY 2 – BAMURRU PLAINS

The alarm clock in the morning is the call of Magpie Geese and Whistling Kites as the orange light of dawn spreads across the floodplain. You don’t need to leave your bed to watch the parade of wildlife head on to the floodplain to feed. Your safari starts now. Breakfast will be followed by a morning adventure out on the floodplain in search of intriguing ingredients to connect with and to taste the environment around you. We may find redclaw yabbies’ or mud crab today. After this mornings gather, relax in the wet edge swimming pool on the wildlife observation deck while listening to the birds chatter, observe agile wallabies with their young and buffaloes splashing around the wetlands in front of you. This afternoon we venture out by open-top jeeps and watch the wildlife congregate around billabongs while enjoying canapés and bubbles as the sun sets over the savannah bush. What will today’s gathering session add to your locally sourced culinary experience tonight?

DAY 3 – BAMURRU PLAINS

Today you’ll explore a fascinating mixture of habitats including black soil floodplains, savannah bush, paperbark forests and mangrove river systems, each revealing its own beauty and food source. One minute you will harvesting paperbark, mudcrab and waterlilies in the paperbark forest and the next skimming the expanse of the floodplain by airboat spotting crocodiles whilst possibly hunting for barramundi or catfish. You’ll see startling varieties of birds into full flight. Here you’ll admire wildlife in extraordinary diversity and see first hand how James interprets each part of the country in a cooking demonstration. Your experience today will crescendo into a nine course masterpiece with matching wine at the chef’s long table and will be hosted by James himself. Here you’ll taste the creations while enjoying the classic, indulgent touches and warm hospitality synonymous with Wild Bush Luxury.

DAY 4 – BAMURRU PLAINS TO DARWIN

Enjoy a bird-walk around the main lodge spotting the Honey Eater, Forest Kingfisher, Mistletoebird, Blue Winged Kookaburra and the stunning Rainbow Bee-Eater before heading out to Bamurru’s brand new luxury bird hide. Raised six metres above the ground in the tree canopy overlooking the Mary River floodplain, the hide is the ultimate eyrie from which birdlife and other wildlife can be observed and captured undisturbed in their natural habitat. Transfer to the airstrip on the scenic flight back to Darwin departing Bamurru Plains.

MEET JAMES VILES

James Viles & John Cooper — James Viles & Bamurru Plains manager John Cooper forage for food

Chef and owner of two hatted Biota Dining & Rooms in the Southern Highlands of NSW, James Viles is one of Australia’s most respected young chefs and restaurateurs for his commitment to sustainability and his imaginative modern food. James’ vision for Biota Dining was to create a dining destination in regional NSW that supported both local farmers and growers, incorporating seasonal botanicals and drawing on both propagating and foraging for the menu. James’ food is produce and technique driven with a close affiliation to nature. Winning a coveted chef’s hat in the first year of opening and winning a second hat in its second year in 2012, Biota Dining has become one of the most awarded regional restaurants in Australia.

In November 2015, James released his first cookbook, Biota – Grow, Gather, Cook and has cemented his place as an authority in the Australian food scene. Career highlights include Regional Restaurant of the Year in 2014 and 2015 at the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Awards. Biota Dining was also included in Australian Gourmet Traveller’s Top 100 Restaurants in 2011 and 2012, among many others. To learn more about James Viles please visit biotadining.com

Inclusions:

Your Wild Tastes of the Top End Food Safari includes a creative four day program lead by James Viles, return scenic air transfers over the East Alligator River System from Darwin, guided wildlife and safari experiences, three night’s safari bungalow accommodation, all meals and beverages, a bespoke wild bush masterpiece menu developed and presented by James Viles and a copy of his new book Biota: Grow, Gather, Cook.

For further details on this itinerary please contact Alquemie.

For further information on Bamurru Plains click here.

The 4 day/ 3 night Murray River Walk – A Great Walk of Australia

Posted on September 16, 2016July 31, 2017 by Nicola Billens

The new Murray River Walk is a 40 kilometre (25 mile), easy to moderate walk showcasing the internationally recognised Riverland Ramsar Wetland region of the beautiful Murray River.

It’s a unique addition to the suite of Great Walks of Australia as accommodation is on an exclusive houseboat from where guests walk every day.

The Murray River walk — Unique Houseboat accommodation on the Murray River walk

Starting in Renmark, South Australia, the private trail passes ancient redgum forests, wetlands and red ochre cliffs. Walkers will encounter diverse wildlife and waterbirds along the river, creeks and old oxbow lagoons.

The walk departs weekly on Mondays between April and October and is done in groups of 10. As with all Great Walks of Australia, the food and wine of South Australia’s Riverland food bowl is exceptional.

Bamurru Plains – Luxury Lodges of Australia

Posted on September 12, 2016September 19, 2018 by Nicola Billens

Bamurru Plains, a Luxury Lodges in Australia’s Top End is one of the most stunning destinations in Australia. A profusion of bird and wildlife are on the doorstep of this unique bush lodge that brings a touch of style to the discovery of a remote and beautiful wilderness. We talked to the manager of Bamurru Plains to find out more.

Tell us a little bit about Bamurru Plains and what makes it so unique beyond great food, great wine and a very comfortable place to sleep?

Bamurru Plains is located on a 303sq klm pastoral property just to the west of Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia. With approx. 1/3 of this property being floodplain and with a saltwater river system and coastline as part of its boundaries the property boasts a huge amount of wildlife and different eco systems all with their own unique story to tell.

How is Bamurru Plains pushing the boundaries in guest experiences?

I would like to think it is through the deliverance of the experience to the guests. You are not just a spectator on the tour where you simply take photos of a magnificent landscape. It is through the guided experience where guests get to touch, smell, visualise and hear the stories of the environment so that they can take away knowledge as well.

What’s a recent (last 6 months) innovation at Bamurru Plains?

We have recently purchased seven Yamaha Grizzly quad bikes for our guests. It allows us to get into areas of the property which our safari vehicles cannot access, which form a guided experience is something unique, but it also allows the guest to be in control of their own machine which has been a winner with the guests.

What activity should guests not miss during their stay at Bamurru Plains?

An airboat tour across the floodplains (weather permitting).

Best dining experience at Bamurru Plains?

It has to be the communal dining experience which we do for every meal at Bamurru Plains. To me I think one of the key fundamental social issues is people do not communicate face to face anymore. Everywhere you look in the cities it is people communicating by phones etc. Whereas at Bamurru people are dining in what I believe to be the true outback way….together at one big table swapping stories of their travels and making in some cases lifelong friendships.

Please describe a typical guest at Bamurru Plains.

There is absolutely nothing typical about our guests. Everyone who stays here has a particular interest and it is up to us as the hosts to find what that is. Similar to our environment it changes daily and so do our guests.

Is Bamurru Plains child friendly?

Yes from 8 years old and above. Some great experiences for kids are doing a quad bike tour with their parents, swimming in the edge pool, an airboat tour across the floodplain or a river cruise spotting the resident saltwater crocodiles.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Yes…..see you all soon!

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

Australia’s Best Guides – Sean Blocksidge | Margaret River wine & nature

Posted on September 9, 2016November 21, 2016 by Nicola Billens

Sean Blocksidge is the owner/operator of the Margaret River Discovery Co.. In 2010 he won Western Australian Guide of the Year and his tours have been consistently rated the #1 Margaret River tour experience on Tripadvisor. Find out more about him.

Please explain a little bit about who you are and what you do?

I grew up in a semi-rural area called Wanneroo. Yes, wanna roo? It was here I learned the art of adventure ….. or more accurately misadventure. I developed an affinity with the Australian bush and learned about the environment that surrounded our property. Later I headed back into the lil big smoke, Perth, to study and develop a career in the tourism industry. I specialised in business and wine appreciation. I spent several years indoctrinated in Hyatt Hotel customer service, “yes maamm”. And went on to manage a big hotel and a small winery. Along the way I travelled a lot, three times round the world.

What I really missed though was being out in the bush. And I’d also come to realise that most visitors to the Margaret River region were missing the best stuff. How can you visit the area and miss out on experiencing the actual Margaret River of Cape to Cape Track? So having made lots of money for other people, and finally released from the corporate hamster wheel, I decided to take my biggest risk so far and open my own business; at the end of the tourist season and the start of a financial crisis in 2008. The calculated risk was how could I go wrong in Margaret River, a paradise on earth.

And here I am, all grown up, living like a kid again as I share my love of the natural world and showcasing some of Western Australias best food and wine experiences. I feel incredibly privileged to share such a special place.”

What got you started with doing wine and nature tours and what do you find most interesting about it?

I worked in the wine industry previously and had the great pleasure of tasting wine from all around the world. I quickly came to realise the Margaret River wine region is regarded as the most consistent wine producing region in Australia. That’s a remarkable achievement and something most wine drinkers don’t realise. So I wanted to help express that message, but do it in a fun and interesting way.

A lot of people think a wine tour experience is a big bus visiting as many wineries as possible. I couldn’t think of a worse way of spending a day. I prefer to do a few things and do them well, to genuinely connect with the experience.

I want people to really understand what makes the Margaret River wine region so special. Even if you are not that into wine it is still fascinating to discover how the ecology, geology and climate influence the lives and livelihoods of the people from our region.

How do you bring wine to life on your tours?

The whole day is about the French wine concept of ‘terroir’. It’s kind of hard to explain in English but essentially if refers to the geology, climate and ecology of the area in which grapes are grown. We discover why the Margaret River wine region is considered a winemakers paradise and how those conditions have created the most consistent wine producing in Australia.

It’s not a boring school lesson. It’s the opposite. It’s an exciting day showcasing the very best experiences and very best wine in the region. You’ll start the day with a leisurely canoe down the Margaret River. For many people they just stopped reading just then. They read the words ‘canoeing’ and went nahhhhhh not me.

Ok let me say if you are one of those people, open your mind to a new experience. I promise you wont get dirty; you wont get wet and you definitely wont fall in. I’ve been doing this for 8 years and NO ONE has ever got wet or dirty or fallen in.
I had Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear on tour one day and he described it as “Luxury Canoeing”. Invariably the people who didn’t want to go canoeing are the ones who love it the most. They didn’t realise they would be floating down a mirror flat section of the Margaret River, watching wildlife and surrounded by towering trees. It’s usually one of the highlights of the day. And if you really really really don’t want to do it then you can just opt out of that experience and take a short walk along the river.

Yep there will be wine. Plenty of it and premium stuff. We’ll visit one winery and do it well. Ridiculously well. And that’s the big difference in how we operate. We do a few things and do them well instead of rushing through the day. Our Discovery Tour lunch will include a behind the scenes experience at emerging superstar winery – Fraser Gallop Estate. This is the hottest winery down here at the moment. Winning a mind boggling number of awards and accolades in recent years and arguably the best value winery in the region. Their Cabernet Sauvignon has previously won best Cabernet in the world and the current release just scored a massive 97-points from Australian wine guru James Halliday.

Earlier in the day we’ll also pick up a bit on the Aboriginal and European history of the region with a visit to waterhole/waterfall and have a local honey tasting. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the outdoors and get a few special pictures for the camera.

It’s a day filled with highlights and we like to finish on a super high highlight with a 4WD adventure to link up with the most spectacular section of the legendary Cape to Cape walking trail. I’ll get you onto my favourite part and go for a short walk along the coast to discover the remote Wilyabrup Cliffs. This is an awesome opportunity to spot whales and wildflowers (seasonal) and access a location you couldn’t easily find by yourself.

Why do you think it’s important that people learn about wine and nature?

When I visit a region I want to connect with that place. I want to understand the environment and the people and the economy of the region and what makes it so special. Yes you could very easily just come to Margaret River and self drive or read a book or enjoy long lazy wine lunches but to really connect you need to understand the place. There is a fabulous passage in esteemed Australian Author Tim Winton’s new book, Island Home, that really describes what we do – ‘Seeing the country by car, you may think you’re in the landscape but really you’re in geographical limbo. Enclosed in your steel cocoon you experience the car first, the place you’re in comes a distant second.’

My philosophy is to get out of the car and meet the people, connect with the environment and have genuine local experiences.

If people wanted to find out more about wine and nature are there any particular books, documentaries or websites you would recommend?

The Margaret River region is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Thousands of different plant and animal species. There are lots of great botanical books but I would recommend local guide books by Jane Scott and Patricia Negus.

One of my all time favourite books to really understand the Australian landscape and the historical human context is the Future Easters by Tim Flannery. It’s relevant to all parts of Australia.

What’s your favourite Australian animal and why?

Sooo many favourites. I never get bored of Kangaroos. We have a mob in our front garden and I love watching their daily antics. Quokkas are awesome too, a Quokka selfie on Rottnest Island is a must do! My all time favourite bird is the Baudins Black Cockatoo. A magnificent bird that creates a spectacle in the sky as they flock. Unfortunately they are rarer than polar bears these days and in population free-fall decline. Many of the local birds are older than most Margaret River residents and would have seen every year of remarkable growth of the Margaret River wine industry 50 years ago.

What place is Australia’s best-kept secret?

Karijini National Park in the Pilbara region of WA. Arguably one of Australias most spectacular national parks and also our most under-visited. The Kimberley region of WA would be a close second. And in my top three best kept secrets would be the Ningaloo Marine Park, where you can dive with Whale Sharks and most recently they have opened it up to diving with Humpback Whales!

What haven’t you seen / done in Australia that you’d like to and why?

I am VERY embarrassed to say I still haven’t visited Tasmania. I know know what an idiot. Everyone keeps telling me how amazing it is. I plan to take the mountain bike and camping gear for an adventure in the net two years.

Finally, how can people follow you on social media?

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/margaretriverdiscoverytours

Instagram – I like to post a photo everyday to showcase the diversity of the Margaret River region. Feel free to follow and get a sense of the area before your holiday. https://instagram.com/discovermargaretriver/

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

Australia’s Best Guides – Sab Lord | Kakadu and Arnhem Land

Posted on September 5, 2016November 21, 2016 by Nicola Billens

Sab Lord is a larger than life character, and has been hosting guests in the Top End for 16 years. Sab grew up in the area that is now Kakadu and Arnhem Land and has a rather unique relationship with many local Aboriginal people. We interviewed Sab Lord to find out a little more about him…

Please explain a little bit about who you are and what you do?

I am a tour guide in the Northern Territory of Australia, I was born on a crocodile/buffalo station called Munmalary near the South Alligator River, I have been guiding for 25 years after working as a Jackaroo and bull catcher, managing stations in The Kimberley. I also played the best game in the world – rugby union. I grew up surrounded by Aboriginal people and their children were my playmates in an environment where you had to make decisions for yourself – unlike today.

What got you started with your passion and what do you find most interesting about it?

I loved learning about our environment and explaining the difference to visitors about Aboriginal People and how they live.

How do you bring Australia to life on your tours?

I speak my mind – I am not politically correct but with age comes wisdom so I enjoy discussing the environment and how humans impact it.

Why do you think it’s important that people learn about the Australian environment?

Because its where we live! People now have lost the understanding of living in the bush, now that so many people live and work in cities they have become very out of touch with nature.

If people wanted to find out more about the Australian environment are there any particular books, documentaries or websites you would recommend?

I love environmental warriors! I support The Sea Shepherd and Wildlife At Risk. I often recommend a book called The Future Eaters by Tim Flannery. Also Carl Warburton’s book Buffalos – Adventures in Arnhemland and The Green Eyes Are The Buffalos by Alan Stewart.

What’s your favourite Australian animal and why?

Wallabies, because of their freedom of movement at a quick pace.

What place is Australia’s best-kept secret?

Arnhem Land

What haven’t you seen / done in Australia that you’d like to and why?

Tasmania, to see the wildlife.

Finally, how can people follow you on social media?

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/lordssafarisnt/

Twitter – @lordssafarisnt

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

Pretty Beach House – Luxury Lodges of Australia

Posted on August 30, 2016July 31, 2017 by Nicola Billens

Pretty Beach House, an exquisite Luxury Lodge of Australia only 90 minutes from Sydney has room for only eight lucky guests. The all-inclusive guesthouse is situated within the Bouddi National Park and surrounded by several golden beaches. Deborah Ramsay tells us more.

Describe Pretty Beach House in 3 words.

Relaxed, effortless luxury.

Tell us a little bit about Pretty Beach House and what makes it so unique beyond great food, great wine and a very comfortable place to sleep?

Our guesthouse is surrounded by natural beauty including several glorious golden beaches & picturesque bays, all easily accessible for hiking expeditions along walking trails & over coastal sandstone cliffs. Indigenous rock art by the local Darkinjung tribe features at the doorstep of the guesthouse, dating back an incredible 10,000 years.

A ‘welcome to country’ indigenous smoking ceremony, is performed for every new guest, usually on arrival night. It’s a very special experience for our guests who absolutely love the interaction and engagement of a true aboriginal elder from our community.

How is Pretty Beach House pushing the boundaries in guest experiences?

By providing a complimentary indigenous Welcome to Country smoking ceremony for all guests. This experience is deeply spiritual and very engaging. Our property’s offering is also an all-inclusive package. All meals and even most beverages are paid for in the one tariff making the experience effortless for our wonderful guests.

A Welcome to Country ceremony at Pretty Beach House — A Welcome to Country ceremony

What activity should guests not miss during their stay?

Of course, the Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony, but the bushwalks are rather spectacular too. We have mountain bikes for guests to take whenever they feel like it, and paddle boards and kayaks can be hired from just down at the local bay. A ferry trip across to the famous Sydney beach of Palm Beach, is also a beautiful day out.

What is the best dining experience at Pretty Beach House ?

All All dining is curated by Stefano Manfredi – master of modern Italian cuisine. Italian born Manfredi is one of Australia’s most celebrated and influential chefs. Guests are often lucky enough to chat with Manfredi over the pass, and learn new culinary skills from the master himself.

All dining at Pretty Beach House is curated by Stefano Manfredi — All dining is curated by Stefano Manfredi

Please describe a typical guest at Pretty Beach House.

Well, our guests are special. They are looking for total relaxation, privacy and relaxed luxury at its finest. They might be hopeless romantics with a proposal in mind. They may be honeymooners, babymooners or discerning globe trotters. They might be baby boomers who spend their well deserved time at the finest hotels across the globe. Each and every one of our guests are unique and we love to create very special experiences for them depending on their needs.

For more insight, read a review of our stay at Pretty Beach House here. It is also the perfect place for groups of friends.

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

Lake House – Luxury Lodges of Australia

Posted on August 30, 2016July 31, 2017 by Nicola Billens

Award-winning Lake House in Daylesford just 90 minutes from Melbourne is as famous for its fine dining as it is for its boutique accommodation. Set within picturesque spa country, this family-run Luxury Lodge of Australia is a foodie’s delight and offers one of the best cellars in the country. Larissa Wolf-Tasker fills us in about this magical property.

Describe Lake House in 3 words.

Gourmet | Country-chic | Service

Tell us a little bit about Lake House and what makes it so unique beyond great food, great wine and a very comfortable place to sleep?

Lake House is family owned and operated. It began as a restaurant in 1984 when Alla & Allan, husband and wife (artist and chef) opened the doors of their Lake House which had taken four years of building, plotting and planting. More than 30 years later Lake House is still owned and operated by the family including myself, my partner and 120 industry professionals.

The property is situated on six acres of country gardens; much of it planted by the previous generation, on the edge of lake Daylesford. It’s a rambling seasonal garden with old established fruit trees, fragrant old fashioned roses, lilac, magnolia and Daphne.

Lake House is near to the village of Daylesford which is filled with quirky shops, bars, cafes and galleries. A short stroll or bike ride will get you into the heart of the village within ten minutes but guests more often than not will spend hours exploring the main street and laneways on route.

This region is a land of extinct volcanos and boasts the largest concentration of naturally occurring mineral water springs in Australia. There is now an enormous spa industry built around the health giving properties of this mineral water and you can see the evidence on the springs on site where the waters flow above ground in creeks, water features and shallow pools. A local water diviner came on site to discover the underground springs and we now have water available for people to drink on site as well as bath in. The volcanic activity millions of years ago also ensured productive volcanic soil resulting in a diverse organic and biodynamic farming industry. As a result our restaurant has a consistent supply of extraordinary produce. It’s a pretty special place.

How is Lake House pushing the boundaries in guest experiences?

Our purpose built Cooking School gives guests an opportunity to get their hands dirty in either an intimate class of ten or amongst a masterclass with some of Australia’s leading chefs. The full calendar for the year ahead is always released in December and spaces fill quickly.

What’s a recent (last six months) innovation at Lake House?

We are always moving forward and now in our fourth decade the Lake House continues to grow and evolve with refurbished accommodation, brand new facilities and plenty of wistful country inspiration. The Lake House Team have never been known to rest on our laurels; now launching the newly refurbished Waterfront Suites. This update comes hot on the heels of the new Waterfront Pavilion – a private dining room for up to 40 guests on the lagoon shore, The Lagoon Deck – a place to enjoy afternoon aperitivo high in the poplars overlooking lake Daylesford, and the refurbished Lodge Studios and Suites in the original homestead.

The cooking school at Lake House, Daylesford

What activity should guests not miss during their stay at Lake House?

A Signature Salus Bliss – it’s a combination of soft body polish, rhythmic massage and hot volcanic stones

Best dining experience at Lake House ?

Our restaurant is a destination in itself. Dining in the restaurant is the signature experience of a stay at Lake House and our tasting menu that changes with the seasons is a definite must-do. The Lake House Restaurant is listed as one of Australia’s best and this year alone has been included in every major national industry and media award.

Please describe a typical guest at Lake House.

There are no typical guests. We practise a very bespoke style of hospitality. Every day and every guest is a new opportunity to create very special memories.

Is Lake House child friendly?

Yes however we are on an unfenced lake and ask parents to be mindful of the natural landscape. Onsite there are plenty of activities for kids – feeding the kookaburras, geese and ducks, fishing, flying kites, tennis, basketball, lake walks etc. Nearby there is also quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, horse riding, three golf courses and the Wildlife Park.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

We have a few more unusual parts to the property. Our own resident artist Allan Wolf-Tasker’s studio is on site. At the moment he is working on a new exhibition “Lake Daylesford” which will be shown in Melbourne in November 2016. His studio is open to hotel guests or by appointment. We also display the work of several local artists throughout the gardens, in the public space and in the hotel rooms themselves.

The Lake House is also regularly featured on shows such as Masterchef. Culinary Director Alla Wolf-Tasker AM is an icon in the hospitality industry and is often representing Australia’s food and wine in partnership with Tourism Australia overseas.

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Australia’s Best Guides – Paul Bester | Nature & photography

Posted on August 30, 2016November 21, 2016 by Nicola Billens

Paul Bester is living the dream. Based at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, his passion for nature and photography, as well as his upbringing in Africa make him one of Australia’s best guides. We found out more about him…

Please explain a little bit about who you are and what you do?

As the Head Guide at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef I spend a lot of time out in the field with our guests, taking them on guided kayaking or bush walking in the Cape Range National Park, however, as we are a small team and in a remote location, I get involved in all aspects of the Camp from maintenance to training of the new guides and even waiting on tables at night. It is a varied life but I feel privileged to be in such a beautiful and natural location.

What got you started with your passion and what do you find most interesting about it?

My great passion is for the natural world, it always has been. I grew up on a tobacco farm in Zimbabwe and after studying in Cape Town spent time as a Ranger at a private reserve adjoining the world famous Kruger National Park. During these years I decided to focus on photography – it began as a way to connect with guests – helping them operate their, often very new, cameras. Soon I was spending all my free time expanding on my photography skills. I still love photography but I don’t get as much time as I would like for it. I could not be happier than when I am out in nature, surrounded by rugged, beautiful and wild landscapes with time to focus on my photography.

How do you bring the Australian natural world to life on your tours?

It is easy to bring the nuances of the Australian bush to life, there is so much that is completely unique here – flora and fauna that evolved differently and uniquely. You need to be out on foot, driving around you miss so much, the combination of a good walk, blue sky, the sounds of birds and insects, stopping to study tiny flowers or discover an ancient fossil …. All around us is life and once you get chatting about it, there are so many stories and fascinations to share.

Why do you think it’s important that people learn about the Australian natural world?

I think connecting with nature is something we all need to do more of. Disconnecting from the digital age and being totally surrounded by the Cape Range and Ningaloo Reef is an opportunity for most guests to slow down. What we do out here is good exercise for the body and for the soul. Bush walking, swimming, kayaking, leaping into the ocean to swim with a whale shark, seeing whales breaching as you have your breakfast, I can’t help feeling that if people feel connected to our natural world they will be better at protecting it in the future. To me it is important that I give them this chance to connect, by sharing my knowledge.

If people wanted to find out more about the Australian natural world are there any particular books, documentaries or websites you would recommend?

There are endless Field Guides to Australia’s plants, fish, reptiles, animals etc and once a traveller has found their particular interest they might care to invest in a good one. Out here we don’t have TV or internet so I am a bit out of touch with documentaries etc. We have a good library here at Sal Salis and I am working my way through it, I am currently reading a book at the Yamatji aboriginal people of the Gascoyne region, it is a collection of their memoirs and it spans the last 100 years.

What’s your favourite Australian animal and why?

Black footed rock wallaby, because it is endemic to the Cape Range National Park and because it is a positive conservation story, its numbers are increasing and we certainly see them on most of our Mandu Mandu Gorge walks. I love that I can share this beautiful creature with our guests.

What place is Australia’s best-kept secret?

Well perhaps I am biased but I would have to say Ningaloo Reef!!

What haven’t you seen / done in Australia that you’d like to and why?

OK, perhaps I am a little addicted to white sand and snorkelling and plenty of bush to explore but I would love to get over to the Whitsunday Islands.

Finally, how can people follow you on social media?

I am not very good at social media because, as I said, I don’t have internet at the camp but when I do spend time in town I pop up a photo on …

https://www.facebook.com/paulbesterphotography

https://www.instagram.com/paulbester88/
Photo thanks go to guest Nanda Haensel, Singapore.

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