Travel

You might have noticed, if you follow us on Instagram, that I (Lucy) have been racing around all over the place recently – Sydney! Gippsland! Philip Island! However, one of the most memorable destinations I’ve had the great fortune to visit recently has been Flinders Island, a spectacularly beautiful island just off the North East Coast of Tasmania.

Along with my family, I was lucky to stay at Wombat Lodge, a cozy three bedroom farm stay property, located on a working cattle farm in rugged, beautiful Killiecrankie, towards the top end of the island. We spent a weekend exploring this truly remarkable part of Australia (that despite its remoteness, is only a one hour flight from Melbourne) and I’m happy report that all three of us came away totally smitten!

The Shed in Gerroa (90 minutes from Sydney) mixes coastal themes with a traditional country farmhouse vernacular. Situated on an acre of rolling farmland, the accommodation is nestled in its surrounding South Coast farmland with uninterrupted views to the ocean.

With simple, robust architecture, warm interiors, and a sunset outlook over the rolling waves and neighbouring Cambewarra Mountain, will you ever want to leave?

Interior designer Josie Simpson of Altus Design Studio purchased this Blue Mountains property in 2019. While the settlement took longer than expected, she used the time to collect all her ideas and inspiration buzzing around her head for a unique new accommodation offering.

Cloud Parade is the result of all that planning. With sublime escarpment views and a clean, contemporary interior scheme, Josie has created a cosy and sympathetic companion to the spectacular national park surrounding this home.

Making the most of potentially the best views in the country? Mission accomplished!

Anyone who has excitedly counted down the days to an upcoming trip knows the ways in which travel can be good for you. The optimism and excitement that comes wi

The Hunter Valley’s reputation for rustic sophistication is well deserved, but can sometimes eclipse the area’s other equally enticing attractions. *Hint hint* There’s a lot more to this region than beautiful wine (though there is a LOT of that)!

Beyond the stunning scenery and world-class wineries lie cute cafes attached to flower stores, galleries buried in bushland, and a divine accommodation offering perched atop a lily pond! Still need convincing? Read on for The Design Files’ hit-list of places to eat, drink, see + stay!

Nestled in 100 acres of rambling farmland and surrounded by dramatic sandstone cliffs, Warramba is an updated shearer’s cottage that makes for the most idyllic holiday oasis. Newly renovated by owners Neil Varcoe and Edwina Bartholomew, the rejuvenated pre-Federation homestead was opened up to guests in 2018.

With a wraparound verandah, an abundance of wildlife and a timber camping deck at the top of the property (aka the perfect sunset viewing spot), does a country retreat get better than this?

The Central Coast region of New South Wales is quintessential Australia. Dotted with surfy towns and glorious beaches along a pristine stretch of protected national park coastline, it’s the kind of Australia you see on postcards.

Don’t plan a trip there as a stop-off, there’s a holidays-worth of places to really sink your teeth into – including (but not limited to) the following recommendations, for TDF-approved places to eat, drink, sleep, shop and see!

You might have noticed, if you follow us on Instagram, that I (Lucy) recently spent a dreamy weekend away in Phillip Island!

I was incredibly lucky to stay at Five Acres, a brand new boutique accomodation offering of three beautifully designed farm-stay cabins, set amongst rolling hills and farmland, with sweeping views of Western Port bay. Today, we’re sharing a little tour of this very special new family-run accommodation offering, on Victoria’s rugged south coast!

We’re pretty well convinced that Byron Bay is the most popular place on the planet right now(!), so if you’re seeking a trip to the Northern Rivers, it’s worth looking slightly beyond the hustle and bustle to the region’s fringes.

Someone who did just that is personal trainer Sean Houlahan, who moved at the peak of the pandemic last year from Byron’s centre to Booyong, located 40 minutes away. 

Together with friend and interior designer Kimberley Wiedermann of Accolade Design, they’ve created a beautiful house built with recycled materials, which is now available to rent on Airbnb! 

Together, the twin towns of Albury Wodonga are one of the largest inland ‘towns’ in Australia, with a combined population of around 90,000 people. With plenty of period charm, acclaimed restaurants and museums, and beautiful scenic surroundings, there’s so much to love about these bustling regional cities. 

So next time you’re stopping off along the Hume Highway, or are seeking a weekend away, we’ve got you covered with these top spots to eat, drink, shop, stay, and experience in Albury Wodonga!