Travel | Home Beautiful https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/lifestyle/travel/ Homes, Bathroom, Kitchen & Outdoor Fri, 24 Oct 2025 01:34:51 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/cropped-HBFavIcon2024.png Travel | Home Beautiful https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/lifestyle/travel/ 32 32 221866170 8 of the best Australian beach houses to book for a summer holiday https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/lifestyle/the-best-beach-houses-to-rent-airbnb/ Fri, 24 Oct 2025 01:31:05 +0000 https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/?p=1258066 Beach houses worth escaping to.

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Many of us dream of escaping to a beach house for the summer. Whether it’s for the weekend or the whole month, there’s something special that happens when you first slip off your shoes and relax into life by the sea. Long hours spent lounging on the veranda make the days feel longer, while salty ocean swims and plenty of sunshine help us sleep deeper, and of course, there are very few things that a glass of wine by the ocean can’t fix.

As any beach house-goer knows, the best beach houses aren’t the ones with the most modern furniture or the latest technology, but the ones that create a space for unwinding and connecting — a big deck with a view of the ocean, a wood fire within reach of a pile of board games, and the type of laidback interiors that don’t stress you out when your children drag half the beach inside.

With these features in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best beach houses to book all around Australia — from the wild coast of Western Australia to the prettiest corners of New South Wales.

Best beach houses to book in Australia for 2026

01

Eyre Peninsula, SA

Best for: couples, seclusion

Located on the Eyre Peninsula, this gorgeous little surf shack sits on a secluded section of the South Australian coastline. The shack’s interiors have been lovingly curated by South Australian interior designer Sarah Hall, whose choice of muted yellows and laidback furnishings give the home its nostalgic charm.

The highlight of the home is its ocean-facing front deck, where guests are invited to spend hours lazing in the hammock and watching the waves roll in. An indoor fireplace and record player bring an element of romance to the home, while an outdoor fire pit is the only place to spend cool evenings under the stars.

Key features:

  • Beachfront location
  • Off-grid and solar powered
  • Pets allowed
(Credit: Airbnb)

02

Falmouth, Tasmania

Best for: couples, families, winter escapes

This lovely fisherman’s cottage draws the romantics to Tasmania’s sleepy seaside town of Falmouth. The home’s careful curation of vintage knick-knacks, outdoor bath and proximity to the ocean make it somewhere that’s just as beautiful in a winter storm as it is in the morning sun.

Days are spent eating fresh oysters and spotting the local sea life, while nights consist of curling up with a glass of Tassie wine by the outdoor fire place and listening to the sound of the ocean.

Key features:

  • Ocean views
  • Cosy interiors
  • Outdoor bath
(Credit: Airbnb)

03

Narrawallee, NSW

Best for: groups of friends, big families

Beach holidays are better spent with friends, and this sunny beachfront home in the New South Wales town of Narrawallee ticks all of the boxes. With its high ceilings, stylish Hamptons-style interiors and deck overlooking the ocean, it’s a beach house that will please everyone — and with space for up to 10 people, you won’t have any problems fitting them all in.

The location on New South Wales’ beloved South Coast is also a highlight, with the property being just a 10-minute walk (or two minutes’ drive if you’re feeling lazy) to Mollymook beach.

Key features:

  • Hamptons-style interiors
  • Balcony views
  • South Coast location
(Credit: Airbnb)

04

Bremer Bay, WA

Best for: families, groups of friends

Nestled into the dunes of Western Australia’s beautiful Bremer Bay, this beach house sits on a generous 100 acres of bushland. With its big ocean-facing windows, timber-lined walls and oversized deck, the unique design embraces its spectacular natural environment.

The cosy woodfire fireplaces add to the property’s charm and make it hard to do anything else than curl up with your favourite book.

Key features:

  • Nestled into the landscape
  • Timber-lined interiors
  • Cosy wood fireplace
(Credit: Booking.com)

05

Bedarra Island, Qld

Best for: families, groups of friends

Fulfil your Robinson Crusoe fantasy at this secluded four-bedroom, three-bathroom beach-house hub on Bedarra Island in Far North Queensland. With a palm-fringed, white sandy beach on your doorstop, you can skorkel, kayak, fish for your dinner or simply rot on a beach blanket with a book… or three.

Because there are three buildings, including a renovated cottage once owned by Australian artist Noel Wood — which he lived in as a recluse for 45 years — there’s plenty of space for a couple of familes or a group of mates.

Key features:

  • Large covered deck
  • Freestanding bathtub with jungle views
  • 500m from the centre of Bedarra Island
(Credit: Booking.com)

06

Kangaroo Island, SA

Best for: summer escapes, large families

Kangaroos are literally your neighbours at this elegant new beach house in iconic Stokes Bay. Tastefully decorated in calming hues, ‘Coast’ will have you inhaling and exhaling slower than you ever thought you could.

Two spacious living areas mean that kids and adults can do their own thing, while a vast outdoor deck and BBQ with views over the bay and cliffs will bring everyone together to watch the sun go down. Take a 4-minute stroll to the beach, then wash the sand away in a beautiful stone outdoor shower.

Key features:

  • Sleeps 8 people
  • 50km from Kingscote Airport
  • Air-conditioning, dishwasher and streaming services
(Credit: Airbnb)

07

Yamba, NSW

Best for: couples, singles

Design enthusiasts will adore this lovingly restored beachside apartment in Yamba on NSW’s north coast — one of just three — reimagined by One Teaspoon designer Jamie Blakey.

The one-bedroom ‘Sundowner’ suite embodies midcentury surf culture and psychedelic vibes with a chic, harmonious colour palette, and it’s just steps from Yamba village, the main beach and an ocean pool. Its king bed is dressed in French linen, the bathroom features playful chequerboard tiles and there’s a communal backyard for unwinding after a surf.

Key features:

  • Record player
  • Custom kitchenette
  • Full laundry access
(Credit: Airbnb)

08

Marengo, Vic

Best for: families, groups of friends, pets

With only the Great Ocean Walk separating this pretty blue beach house from the sea, this property is the perfect place to spend some time on Victoria’s Otway Coast.

Outside, there’s a big ocean-facing deck to enjoy your morning coffee and a firepit for nights curled up with a glass of wine. The interiors are just as impressive with the property’s large kitchen boasting ocean views, which turn even doing the dishes into a pleasant task.

The home’s proximity to one of the country’s best walks, access to a private sauna and its acceptance of our furry friends only give the property bonus points.

Key features:

  • Pet friendly 
  • The deck’s ocean views 
  • Private sauna

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Why Sicily is the bucket list trip everyone’s talking about https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/lifestyle/sicily-travel-guide/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 07:48:12 +0000 https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/sicily-travel-guide If you haven't already fallen in love with this Italian island gem, allow us to unearth its many pleasures.

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Stepping off the beaten tourist track to the less well-known southern corner of Sicily, join travel writer Holly Byrne to immerse yourself in the soul of the island and its fascinating history. Venture south of the Italian peninsula to discover baroque architecture, pristine beaches and plentiful produce.

Sicily travel guide
The grand entrance of Dimore delle Balze, a 19th century estate near Noto, in Sicily.

Taking to the roads of Italy behind a steering wheel is a brave choice in any of the country’s 20 regions, but as locals will proudly tell you, Sicily is in a league of its own. The speed limits on road signs seem to be mere suggestions, and the blaring of a horn overrules the colours of a traffic light. Parking along narrow, cobbled streets is cortisol-inducing and you’ve got to stick to the right side of the road (that is, not the left). But with more than 25,000 square kilometres of volcanic terrain, rugged coastlines, and picturesque townships to explore and thousands of years’ worth
of history to discover, it’s well worth the risk.

Sicily travel guide
Noto Cathedral, a prime example of Sicilian baroque architecture, glows as the sun sets. (Credit: Image: Getty)

A crossroad of cultures, Sicily has a complicated history having been ruled by the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and the Spanish. Each rule left behind remnants of culture and tradition, making the island a true melting pot of the Mediterranean, which influences everything from architecture to the local cuisine – you’re just as likely to spot couscous on the menu as you are pizza or pasta, and may find yourself admiring a grand baroque church as well as an ancient Greek theatre all in the same day. It is the birthplace of arancini, the fried rice ball believed to have been invented during the time of Arabian dominance, and you can find dishes of every course seasoned with the pistachio nut or ‘green gold’ as it’s known.

Sicily travel guide
View of Noto Valley from the Manor Garden. (Credit: Image courtesy of Dimore delle Balze)

“While breezy seaside towns such as Cefalù and Taormina are the common itinerary headliners, the southeastern corner shouldn’t be overlooked.”

The island region is celebrated for its seafood, too, which should come as no surprise given its positioning in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Of course, this also means you’ll find some of the most blissful beaches (and beachside resorts) in Europe. But while breezy seaside towns such as Cefalù and Taormina are the common itinerary headliners, the southeastern corner shouldn’t be overlooked. Just over an hour’s drive from Catania Airport is Val di Noto.

Sicily travel guide
Experience the magic of the region with breakfast at Dimora delle Balze. (Credit: Image courtesy of Dimore delle Balze)

At its core, this region is an agricultural hub where local farmers work to produce everything from almonds, olives and citrus to beef and pork. Rolling green hills lined with crops ripe for the picking appear uninterrupted until you arrive at any of the eight townships of the area, all on the UNESCO World Heritage List, where it feels as though time moves a little slower. There are still beautiful beaches to enjoy – and just as with everything on this enigmatic isle, even the architecture has a unique Sicilian fingerprint.

Sicily travel guide
Rooms at Dimora delle Balze are named after Sicilian artists and works, such as the Poesie room, which refers to poet Salvatore Quasimodo, who was born in Modica, Sicily. (Credit: Image courtesy of Dimore delle Balze)

The grand old town of Noto itself is described as the capital of Sicilian baroque, a distinguished and flamboyant style of architecture born here while part of the Spanish empire, after the region was destroyed by an earthquake in the 17th century. While the mainland’s Puglia region is known for its white buildings, Noto is distinctively ochre as homes, palazzos and soaring cathedrals were crafted from local limestone. Along the logically linear streets, artisanal shopfronts and charming trattorias are an exhibition of the region’s finest produce and crafts.

Sicily travel guide
The Eva room, named after the novel by Giovanni Verga. (Credit: Image courtesy of Dimore delle Balze)

Perhaps the greatest gem to discover near romantic, old-world Noto is Dimora delle Balze. The fortified 19th-century estate is about 20 kilometre south of Noto and has been transformed into farmstay-style accommodation. Sun-bleached courtyards, ancient gates and a regal bell tower make a grand first impression, while the rooms – some of which were once stables and storage– have been lovingly restored to become luxurious lodgings without compromising the historical character and charm of the property. Earthy hues, organic textures and balanced lighting imbue warmth more akin to a home than a hotel, while sweeping views of the surrounding farmland is a wholesome touch.

Sicily travel guide
L’Annunciata room, named for the painting by Antonello da Messina.

A TRAVEL GUIDE TO SICILY

WHERE TO EAT:
Lumìa Organic Restaurant, Noto. This is Dimora delle Balze’s onsite restaurant embracing the farm-to-fork movement and showcasing the estate’s produce.
Jonica Pesce Puglisi – Pescheria Ristorante, Piazza Sgroi, Noto.

WHERE TO VISIT:
Noto Cathedral, Piazza Municipo, Noto.
Vendicari Reserve, located between Noto and Pachino, visitsicily.info. Head there for a wonderful experience in nature.
Fontane Bianche, Syracuse, visitsicily.info.
Go for a white sandy beach and sparkling waters.

WHERE TO SHOP:
Vior Home, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 36, Noto.
Moro Design Store, Via Camillo Benso di Cavour, 48, Noto, morodesignstore.com.

GETTING THERE:
Fly into Catania Airport; flight prices start from around $2186* return from Sydney, depending on the time of year. Expect at least two stopovers along the way. Dimora delle Balze is over an hour’s drive from the airport and car hire in Sicily can be as little as $25 per day depending on the make and model.
Don’t want to drive? The property will gladly arrange a transfer service from Noto train station for around €108 each way. Visit flightcentre.com.au to help plan your trip and flights.

Sicily travel guide
The ancient area of Ragusa Ibla is dotted with baroque-style churches and palaces. (Image: Getty)

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1032537 Sicily travel guide Different interior styles of the world. Grand white mansion with columns, red-tiled roof, patio, large swimming pool, and garden with giant chess set. Packing cubes Sicily travel guide Sicily travel guide Sicily travel guide Sicily travel guide Sicily travel guide Sicily travel guide Sicily travel guide The ancient area of Ragusa Ibla is dotted with baroque-style churches and palaces. homebeautiful-1032537
See the real locations behind these beautiful book-to-TV adaptations https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/outdoor-ideas/book-tv-show-adaptations-real-locations-houses/ Thu, 04 Sep 2025 05:30:25 +0000 https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/?p=1276514 Come for the real estate, stay for the drama.

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The days of turning on the TV and being presented with just five channels are as ancient as carpeted bathrooms or popcorn ceilings. Now, we can access tens of thousands of shows on demand, with the tap of a device (or a quick word to a voice assistant such as Google Home).

So, choosing a TV show to watch can be trickier than selecting a shade of white paint. But if you’re an interiors enthusiast, real estate obsessive or travel aficionado, we know of a few series that will help you whittle down your watch list. You’ll want to binge them for the locations and settings alone, which are often not where you’d expect them to be.


Love literature, too? Perfect, because the shows we’ve handpicked for you have been adapted from much loved novels. From Pride and Prejudice to The Summer I Turned Pretty, book-to-TV adaptations are definitely having a moment.

Not to mention films based on classic books; Wuthering Heights, starring Aussie actors Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, is expected to hit cinemas in February, for example. (Check out the new trailer here.)

Here’s our guide to five new TV shows that were filmed in some of the world’s most gorgeous locations, houses and, well, castles.

Cast of new TV series adaptation of Pride and Prejudice walking through a grassy field on location.
The cast of the new TV adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. (Photography: Robert Ludovic)

1. Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen’s books have captivated readers for more than 200 years, and one of her most beloved, Pride and Prejudice, is being adapted again for the screen. Currently in production for Netflix, the six-part limited series will feature Olivia Colman, Rufus Sewell and Emma Corrin, with Jack Lowden as the iconic Mr Darcy.

Since filming only started in July, the locations remain a mystery and Netflix has released just one tantalising image of the Bennet girls walking demurely through a grassy field so far. But you can visit some of the more recognisable settings of previous adaptions, and even Jane Austen’s real-life home.

Lyme, the English mansion and lake that was used as Pemberley in the filming of the Colin Firth adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
The magnificent Lyme Park was featured in the 1995 Colin Firth adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. (Photography: Milly Haire)

Open to the public, Lyme Park in Cheshire, UK, subbed in as Mr Darcy’s (Colin Firth) grand estate ‘Pemberley’ in the 1995 adaptation. The lake out the front of the historic mansion was the setting for that iconic swimming scene.

Bookworms flock to the Hampshire cottage in which Jane wrote all of her six novels. She lived there for the last eight years of her life; today, it’s a cherished museum.  

2. We Were Liars

Lovers of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket architectural style, characterised by shingles, gambrel roofs and preppy coastal interiors, will froth over the We Were Liars sets.

Based on the young adult novel by E. Lockhart, it tells the story of a mysterious wealthy American family ‘summering’ on a fictional private island, Beechwood Island, off the coast of Massachusetts. The property boasts four separate (made-up) homes: Clairmont; Windemere; Cuddledown; and Red Gate.

Wealthy family in We Were Liars TV series playing croquet on lawn outside Marthas Vineyard style white house with shingles.
The real star of the TV series We Were Liars is a stunning Nova Scotian homestead. (Photography: Jessie Redmond / Prime)

The series, which just premiered on Prime Video, was in fact filmed in Nova Scotia, on the Canadian coast. A sprawling beachfront mansion on Meisner’s Island posed for the exterior shots of the family’s main homestead, Clairmont, while interior shots were reportedly filmed on sound stages in LA (sorry to spoil the mirage).

A rustic cliff-top cottage in Indian Harbour, which was once a holiday rental, plays the part of Cuddledown in We Were Liars.

Lunenburg, a colourful UNESCO World Heritage Site settled in the 1750s by Europeans, provides a picturesque backdrop for the town scenes, including at a ye olde ice cream ‘shoppe’ and a saltwater taffy stall.

Outlander: Blood of My Blood actors filming on location in Scotland.
The prequel to Outlander, Blood of My Blood, was primarily filmed in picturesque Scotland. (Photography: Sanne Gault / Starz)

3. Outlander: Blood of My Blood

The wildly popular book series and TV show Outlander ran for seven seasons until 2024, and spanned countries and time periods — from 1940s Scotland to 18th century Scotland (and Paris) to North Carolina during the American Revolution.

It’s all a bit confusing, but there’s no shortage of mesmerising locations to drool over when you binge this ‘historical time travel romance’ series. Fun fact: since much of Outlander’s principal photography took place in rugged Scotland, the country has enjoyed a boom in tourism in recent years.  

Outlander buffs and ‘Heughligans’ — the community of fans of star Sam Heughan — were given even more geographical eye candy when the show’s prequel, Blood of My Blood, premiered in August.

Set entirely in Scotland, key locations include medieval castles Midhope (‘Lallybroch’ in the show) and Doune (Leoch in the show) and the quaint lakeside village of Luss, which are an easy drive from Edinburgh. If you don’t dilly dally, you can visit them all in one day.

If crumbling castles and bucolic hills tickle your fancy, then queue up Blood of My Blood on Stan.

Teresa Palmer in a messy garage in the ABC TV series The Family Next Door.
Teresa Palmer stars in Aussie drama The Family Next Door, based on Sally Hepworth’s novel. (Photography: ABC TV)

4. The Family Next Door

Bestselling author Sally Hepworth’s novel, The Family Next Door, has been adapted for the screen and we are here for it. Most of the drama occurs in a quintessential Australian cul-de-sac, Pleasant Court, when single, child-free Isabelle (played by Teresa Palmer, who in real life has many kids) moves into the family-centric neighbourhood. Naturally, Isabelle starts to unravel the neighbours’ secrets, and they’re not thrilled.

While the series is set in the idyllic Melbourne Bayside suburb of Half Moon Bay, according to Reddit sleuths, the cul-de-sac featured is actually an hour away in Eltham. Other scenes were captured in spectacular Anglesea, on the surf coast of the Great Ocean Road, and potentially Aireys Inlet.

“It is an honour to be bringing Sally Hepworth’s celebrated novel to the screen, and to be not only filming in the state where it is set, but showcasing to the world the spectacular Victorian coastline,” executive producer Melinda Wearne told the Surf Coast Times.

Green kitchen featured in ABC TV series The Family Next Door
Real estate agent Ange in her picture-perfect green kitchen in The Family Next Door. (Photography: ABC TV)

The interior of each 80s-era house reflects the personalities of the women who live there, from ambitious Ange’s spartan yet stylish renovation to vegan couple Lulu and Holly’s bohemian, low-tox abode.

Despite their different values and aesthetics, the women love a wine of an afternoon, in retro folding chairs on the street, while their kids run between backyards. It’s a lovely snapshot of Aussie suburban life… if not a little foreboding.

The real grey and white North Carolina house from The Summer I Turned Pretty.
The North Carolina beach house in The Summer I Turned Pretty gives main character energy.

5. The Summer I Turned Pretty

Like We Were Liars, this smash-hit series, now in its third season, embodies classic American coastal design. Think, wainscoting, light sconces, floral wallpapers and more hydrangeas than you can poke a secateur at.

Protagonist Isabel’s (‘Belly’) picture-perfect family home, in the fictional Cape Cod town of Cousins Beach, is actually a private residence on a golf course in Wilmington, North Carolina. So, unfortunately you can’t take a peek.

The summer I turned pretty
We’re going to see Belly, Jermiah and Conrad on the big screen, with a movie confirmed to be in the works. (Image: Fox Creative / Instagram via @thesummeriturnedpretty)

According to People, the real home in The Summer I Turned Pretty has five bedrooms and six bathrooms, an infinity pool and a private boat ramp. A landscaping team was brought in to elevate the already beautiful garden. As for the very Nancy Meyers-inspired kitchen and ‘coastal grandma’ interiors, these were reportedly created on sound stages (sorry).

The country club scenes were shot at the 130-year-old Cape Fear Country Club, while the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill subbed in for Finch College. This was author Jenny Han’s alma mater, making the filming of those scenes are full-circle moment for the writer, no doubt.  

This season, we see Belly flee to Paris — a feast for the eyes for Francophiles and architecture devotees. Come along for the ride on Prime Video.  

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1276514 pride-prejudice-new-tv-series-filming-locations A grand stone manor house, built in 16th Century style with a Queen Anne front pillared portico. Grounds surround the home with trees, hedges, bushes and lush grass. This house was the filming location of the Bennet family house in the BBC adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. A still from the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie, with the Bennet sisters and Mrs Bennet in the living room of their home. Château de Gudanes. pride-prejudice-tv-series-filming-locations-pemberley-house-lake we-were-liars-marthas-vineyard-nantucket-style-house-shingles-Jessie-Redmond-Prime outlander-blood-of-my-blood-filming-locations-scotland-Sanne-Gault-Starz family-next-door-tv-series-teresa-palmer-garage family-next-door-tv-series-abc-green-kitchen summer-i-turned-pretty-tv-real-house-north-carolina The summer I turned pretty The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart Real House Thornfield 'Colin From Accounts' filming locations The front door that featured in Breakfast at Tiffanys. homebeautiful-1276514
This luxury train through Canada’s Rockies is worth the splurge https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/lifestyle/rocky-mountaineer-train-canada/ Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:34:54 +0000 https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/?p=1275571 Jump on the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada for a heavenly journey through the clouds from British Columbia to Alberta.

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A red carpet is ceremoniously rolled out at the entrance stairs to one of the most luxurious trains in the world. As if on cue, first light breaks through the scattered morning clouds and casts the Rocky Mountaineer in an ethereal, golden glow that has us scrambling for our cameras before we’ve even left the station. It’s a welcome harbinger for the beauty that awaits us on our two-day train journey through the scenic Canadian Rockies.

The Rocky Mountaineer travels through stunning scenery. (Credit: Rocky Mountaineer)

We make our way up the stairs to the second floor of our cabin and find our assigned, heated seats beneath a panoramic glass-domed roof. Our onboard hosts Toni and Dyllan greet us with smiles and steaming cups of coffee. As the train chugs forward, we’re waved off by the Rocky Mountaineer staff, then watch as the landscape slowly shifts from urban cityscapes to the lush fields and cloudy blue rivers of the Fraser Valley.

This is the beginning of the iconic ‘First Passage to the West’ route; a 900-kilometre sojourn that takes us from the coastal city of Vancouver in British Columbia to Alberta’s bucket listtopping resort town of Banff. It’s the first of four rail routes crisscrossing Western Canada and the Colorado Rockies, following the same historic trails that early settlers took on foot more than a century ago (albeit ours is a more lavish experience).

Head to Moraine Lake while staying in Banff. (Credit: Rocky Mountaineer)

By lunch, we’re cruising alongside a turquoise blue lake framed by golden yellow larches and rust-red Douglas fir trees. As part of our premium GoldLeaf Service, we’re ushered downstairs to a dining room complete with plush booths, white linen-covered tables and crystal-clear picture windows (SilverLeaf travellers are served at their seats).

Experience first-class comfort with stunning views out the window in GoldLeaf Service. Here, Stoney Creek can be seen cascading down between the mountains. (Credit: Rocky Mountaineer)

The three course menu by executive chef Kaelhub Cudmore highlights locally sourced produce with hearty mains like Alberta striploin steak, Fraser Valley chicken paillard and pesto gnocchi, all made fresh in the onboard custom-built kitchen, accompanied by a drinks list stacked with Canadian wine.

I opt for a vintage rosé from BC’s Okanagan region, and clink glasses with my fellow travellers. The energy in the car suddenly turns raucous; someone’s just spotted a bald eagle perched in a scraggly nest on the right side of the train, but there’s a dramatic canyon begging for our attention on the left. It’s a recurring first-world problem we’re faced with throughout the trip: which way to look?

T
(Credit: Adobe Stock)

Thankfully, our hosts point out the best photo opportunities and must-see landmarks well ahead of time. As we roll by gushing rapids, rocky outcrops and glacial rivers they launch into tales of the Overlanders, Gold Rush villages and First Nations territories, providing a fascinating glimpse into the Pacific Northwest’s storied past. And to ensure we don’t miss a single view, we stop at sunset and spend our first night in a comfortable hotel in the prairie town of Kamloops, before departing again at dawn.

The train rounds a bend while passing through the Canadian Rockies.

“This part of the trip is beautiful and lush and you start to get the feeling that you’re going up into the mountains but you’re not quite there yet. There’s a sense of anticipation that I love,” chef Kaelhub tells us the next morning at breakfast. To get closer to the action, I venture out to the open-air observation deck; if my morning coffee didn’t wake me up, the ice-cold autumn wind certainly does the trick. I pull my coat tighter as I lean over the rail to get the perfect shot: the cobalt blue and gold Rocky Mountaineer curving onto itself before disappearing into a tunnel.

The gorgeous Lake Louise in Banff National Park. (Credit: Adobe Stock )

The second day passes in a joyful blur of snow-capped mountains, deer sightings, ‘Gin Rocky’ cocktails and laughter with new friends as we head into the World Heritage-listed Banff National Park. We arrive at the Rimrock Resort Hotel, an exclusive mountain retreat, after dark and are greeted with a nightcap in their cosy Larkspur lounge.

Hours later, I’ve finally fallen asleep – lulled by a phantom rocking motion from two days aboard a train – when the phone rings with a message from the concierge desk: it’s the aurora wake-up call. Upstairs at the hotel’s portico, the northern lights are on full display. A huddle of guests whisper in excitement as ribbons of emerald green and deep magenta light dance in the star-strewn sky above us. From first light to midnight aurora, this truly is the train trip of a lifetime.

Plan your trip to Canada’s Rocky Mountains

In Banff, the final destination on the Rocky Mountaineer train trip, there are jaw-dropping views at every turn. (Credit: Adobe Stock)

Where to stay

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Vancouver Locally known as the ‘castle in the city’, this luxury hotel is located downtown.
The Rimrock Resort Hotel, Banff Searching for the northern lights? Stay here for their aurora wake-up call.

Where to eat

RawBar, Vancouver Sustainable sushi paired with cocktails.
Teahouse in Stanley Park, Vancouver An elegant dining experience with views of English Bay.

Where to visit

Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver
Stanley Park, Vancouver The 400-hectare public park is a green oasis in the city.
Lake Louise, Banff Book the ‘Voyageur Canoe’ experience in the warmer months, or enjoy ice skating in winter.
Banff Gondola, Banff For sweeping views of the resort town.

Where to shop

Gastown, Vancouver For designer stores, gift shops and cool cafes and wine bars.
Downtown Banff, Banff For the year-round ‘Spirit of Christmas’ store and genuine Canadian goods.

Getting there

Vancouver is a 14-hour non-stop flight from Australia. Flight prices start from approx. $2246* for a round trip from Sydney to Vancouver with Air Canada. Rocky Mountaineer’s ‘First Passage to the West’ runs
between Vancouver to Lake Louise and Banff. The five-night journey starts from $3576* per person and includes two days onboard Rocky Mountaineer. Visit rockymountaineer.com

The post This luxury train through Canada’s Rockies is worth the splurge appeared first on Home Beautiful.

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1275571 rocky-mountains-train-journey-canada (2) rocky-mountains-train-journey-canada (4) rocky-mountains-train-journey-canada (3) Lake louise panorama in winter with snow covered mountains, Banf rocky-mountains-train-journey-canada (1) lake louise banff national park Banff High School Transit Hub bus stop. Banff Avenue in a snowy homebeautiful-1275571
Discovering the charm of Poet’s Lodge in Daylesford https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/lifestyle/poets-lodge-daylesford-accommodation/ Thu, 07 Aug 2025 07:46:18 +0000 https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/?p=1275022 It was truly a storybook stay.

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I have to admit, I hadn’t heard of Daylesford before The Block 2025 put it on my radar. As we covered the location in the lead up to the 21st season, it was starting to sound like quite the picturesque place. 

An hour out of Melbourne’s CBD, the historic country town is called the spa capital of Australia, and also boasts plenty of character-filled shops, cafes and accommodation options. You wouldn’t necessarily expect it to be the perfect setting for a drama-filled renovating series, but a girls’ weekend away? Absolutely. 

Home Beautiful team in Daylesford
Here we are with suitcases in tow. (Photography: Rebecca Hooton)

So, you can imagine how quickly I sent back a resounding “yes please” when Channel 9 kindly invited myself and my colleague Emily down to Daylesford for a first look at the completed houses ahead of the season premiere.

Sydney airport
An early morning start to fly out of Sydney. (Photography: Rebecca Hooton)

The flights were booked – the only thing still to lock in was where to stay. Poet’s Lodge was our instant first pick. As one of the oldest houses in Daylesford with plenty of charm, we knew it would be a fabulous place to cover for Home Beautiful

Poet's Lodge Daylesford kitchen
How could we not want to see the beautiful Poet’s Lodge kitchen in real life? (Photography: Abbie Melle)

The owner Angeline O’Bryan generously got us in for a night’s stay at short notice and we were off to The Block and Poet’s Lodge at Daylesford! I had a delightful phone chat with her on the drive from the airport to the cottage and I could tell how passionate she is about the place. She bought the property with her husband Richard in 2017 and they’ve restored it beautifully.

Poets Lodge Daylesford bathroom
The clawfoot bath and those dusty pink drapes were to die for. (Photography Emily Murray)

From the front picket fence to the baskets at the door and classic books throughout the house, you can see Angeline’s eye for decorating. I could have spent hours taking in all the collected artworks and special trinkets. It was quite chilly when we arrived, so we got the fire going with the pre-chopped wood and even the matches were in a gorgeous box. 

Poets Lodge Daylesford fire and wine
The wine and ready-to-light fire were a nice touch. (Photography Emily Murray)

We stayed in the Main House – the original 1852 colonial building on the property. There are two additional cottages they’ve added at the back, staying sympathetic to the era’s architecture. Angeline said it’s very popular for weddings, and we could see why, with four bedrooms in the main house and the two separate self-contained cottages.

Poets Lodge Daylesford library
This floor-to-ceiling library is a dream come true for a book lover like me. (Photography Emily Murray)

Wine was waiting for us on arrival and we enjoyed a glass before heading out into Daylesford’s main street, just minutes away. We had a hearty pub lunch at the Daylesford Hotel then browsed the homewares in Villa Daylesford. After stocking up with tasty treats to take back, we settled in for a cosy night in the cottage. 

Poets Lodge Daylesford bedroom
Can confirm this bed was as comfy as it looks. (Photography: Emily Murray)

The next morning, we grabbed coffee and breakfast at Larder cafe to fuel us for a big day at The Block. It was just a 10 minute walk to the Middleton Field estate, where The Block houses were built. This is no run-of-the mill estate, mind you.

Poets Lodge Daylesford bedroom
There were pretty little vignettes everywhere we looked. (Photography: Emily Murray)

Across from the build site were cute stores like The Daylesford Hot Chocolate Company, next to the gorgeous Wombat Hill Nursery and Florist. It’s also next to the breathtaking Wombat Park Estate – a huge and historic property with gardens that made us “ooh” and “ahh” as we passed. 

Home Beautiful team in Daylesford
Emily outside the Wombat Hill nursery as we walked towards The Block site. (Photography: Rebecca Hooton)

After meeting The Block 2025 teams and taking a tour of each of their houses, we headed to the Farmers Arms Hotel for lunch, hosted by Shelley Craft and Scott Cam. It was a whirlwind couple of days and we loved every second of our stay at Poet’s Lodge in Daylesford. If you’re ever looking for a weekend away outside Melbourne, I’d highly recommend it. 

Home Beautiful team with The Block 2025 team Mat and Robby
Hairdressers Robby and Mat had to be the funniest The Block team we met on the day. (Photography: Rebecca Hooton)

Even better if you’re a fan of The Block and want to have a stickybeak at the houses that were built on the 2025 series. If we had favourites, we might put bets on Emma and Ben’s… but you’ll have to stay tuned for our weekly hot takes where we share what we really thought about them all.

To book a stay at Poet’s Lodge in Daylesford, head to Airbnb.

Where we ate and drank in Daylesford…

Daylesford Hotel

We got the good old-fashioned schnitzel and steak at Daylesford Hotel, plus a glass of bubbly. They had the prettiest stained glass windows, good vibes and friendly staff.

Daylesford Hotel Victoria
(Photography: Emily Murray)

Larder Daylesford

Such a cute and cosy cafe, we got really good coffees at Larder and excellent scrambled eggs on toast. It was warm, relaxed and the food came out really quickly.

Larder Daylesford
(Photography: Emily Murray)

Farmers Arms Hotel Daylesford

We ate at the Farmers Arms Hotel Daylesford with The Block teams, with the most incredible spread of cheeses, roast meats, salad and veggies. It was a jovial atmosphere in a grand old building.

Farmers Arms Hotel Daylesford
(Photography: Emily Murray)

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1275022 Home Beautiful team in Daylesford Sydney airport Poet’s Lodge Daylesford kitchen Poets Lodge Daylesford bathroom Poets Lodge Daylesford fire and wine Poets Lodge Daylesford library Poets Lodge Daylesford bedroom 2 Poets Lodge Daylesford bedroom Home Beautiful team in Daylesford (2) Home Beautiful team with The Block 2025 team Mat and Robby Daylesford Hotel Victoria Larder Daylesford Farmers Arms Hotel Daylesford homebeautiful-1275022
Jackie O’s Scotland Island holiday has us dreaming of booking these waterfront shacks https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/lifestyle/scotland-island-accomodation-guide/ Thu, 03 Jul 2025 06:58:30 +0000 https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/?p=1272466 The island is only an hour from Sydney's CBD.

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Ever since radio presenter Jackie O shared photos of her idyllic family holiday on Sydney’s Scotland Island, we’ve been dreaming of making a trip there. As only one of two inhabited islands in the greater Sydney area (the other being Dangar Island in the Hawkesbury), the island has always held an element of mystery for mainlanders. Despite being located just an hour from Sydney’s CBD, the island’s water-only access and tiny island community makes it feel worlds away from the rest of the city.

Jackie O's holiday on Scotland Island.
Jackie O’s son looking out to the surrounding Pittwater from their holiday house on Scotland Island. (Credit: @jackieo_official)

While the island isn’t hard to get to (just take a ferry from Church Point), it’s not set up for day trips and is best experienced in your own holiday rental, where you can bid farewell to the rest of society and truly enjoy the secluded nature of Scotland Island.

From charming waterfront shacks to more luxurious holiday homes and cosy B&B lodgings, there are a number of accomodation options available for those curious about life on the island. Find all of our favourites below.

How do you get to Scotland Island?

Scotland Island is only accessible via the water. Regular ferries run from Church Point to the island but you can also take a water taxi or private boat as well. If you need a water taxi then Pink Water Taxis are an on-demand service based at Church Point Ferry Wharf.

The best accomodation on Scotland Island

Waterfront cottage on Scotland Island.

Best for: couples

This charming waterfront cottage exudes the romance of a ship’s cabin with it’s wide open windows, sweeping water views and cosy timber interiors. Curl up with a pile of books in front of the indoor fireplace or spend hours lounging on the sunny balcony or beach below.

Key features:

  • Two guests
  • One bedroom
  • Waterfront
A modern waterfront cottage on Scotland Island.

Best for: modern luxuries

For those who want to experience the serenity of island life without leaving behind their modern conviences, this home’s airconditioning, wireless internet, smart TV and nespresso machine is sure to please. Plus, with two bedrooms in the main house and a private studio directly behind, there’s plenty of room for everyone.

Key features:

  • Six guests
  • Three bedrooms
  • Waterfront
Waterfront accomodation on Scotland Island

Best for: families

It would be hard not to feel relaxed when you step into the laid back, lightfilled interiors of this waterfront cottage. With water views, its own jetty and a beach, you won’t have any problems keeping the kids entertained. Plus, the sunny deck is the perfect place to enjoy a few sundowners.

Key features:

  • Six guests
  • Two bedrooms
  • Waterfront
Scotland Island accomodation

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Best for: groups of friends

With room for up to eight guests, this gorgeous waterfront home is the perfect place for a weekend away with friends. The large decks offer panaromic views of the surrounding Pittwater, while the attached dock means that you can hire or bring your own boat to explore the surrounding bays and beaches.

Key features:

  • Six guests
  • Three bedrooms
  • Waterfront
A waterfront cottage on Scotland Island

Best for: laid back charm

Located right on the water, this sweet fisherman’s shack is perfect for getting back to nature. From the back door, you can slip straight into the cool water or spend afternoons lounging on the outdoor couch until the sun goes down.

Key features:

  • Two guests
  • One bedroom
  • Waterfront
Scotland Island BNB accomodation.

Best for: Bed and breakfast

For those that prefer the comfort of a traditional B&B then the Scotland Island Lodge is the perfect option. Renowned for its big English breakfasts and exceptional hospitality, it’s somewhere you will be well looked after.

Key features:

  • One bedroom
  • Shared bathroom
  • Water views

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