February 26: QT Melbourne has introduced its first-ever Wellbeing Dog-cierge, Russell, in partnership with Guide Dogs Victoria
The 20-month-old Blonde Labrador Retriever is ready to deliver joy, comfort, and companionship to those who walk through the hotel's iconic copper doors.
This pooch officially takes up residence at QT Melbourne on 27 February and is named after his new home at 133 Russell Street.
To celebrate Russell's arrival and support Guide Dogs Victoria, QT Melbourne is launching a series of experiences, with proceeds benefiting the charity, including puppy yoga, puppychinos and dog-friendly treats from DeliQT, and pet-friendly accommodation.
Russell has received extensive training with Guide Dogs Victoria to assist individuals with low vision or blindness.
However, his affectionate nature and playful spirit made him an ideal candidate for a wellbeing role rather than a traditional guide dog.
Now, he's found his perfect home at QT Melbourne, where he'll greet guests, lead morning walks, and spread wellness through his irresistible charm.
Read on for more travel news…
If you thought 2024 was a huge year for travel, watch out because 2025 promises to be even bigger and better.
Aussie are saving for and spending more on travel and experiences than ever, despite an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, and continuously changing travel requirements around the world.
From new hotel openings, new flights, and a host of fun new experiences opening up around the globe, this year is set to be a fun-filled year of exploring.
Just in case you missed anything, here is some more of the most exciting things happening in Australia and the world.
February 21: Virgin Australia is currently leading the country's major airlines on on-time performance (OTP) and the completion of scheduled flights, according to January data released by the Bureau of Transport Research and Economics (BITRE).
Virgin Australia completed 99.2 per cent of scheduled domestic flights in January and achieved a departure OTP rate of 78 per cent – ahead of its major competitors, including Qantas and Jetstar,
The airline's completion rate remains above the long-term average for Australian domestic carriers of 97.8 per cent and is closing in fast on the OTP long-term average of 80.7 per cent.
This month's on-time arrivals figure was lower than the long term average performance for all routes (80.7 per cent).
For arrivals Rex Airlines actually performed best at 80.4 per cent, followed by QantasLink at 77.9 per cent, Virgin Australia at 77.1 per cent, Qantas at 72.3 per cent, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines at 71.6 per cent and Jetstar at 69.7 per cent.
The Qantas network recorded 75.6 per cent for on-time departures, just narrowly landing behind Virgin.
Of the 59 routes which met the criteria for on time performance reporting in January 2025, the Adelaide-Gold Coast route had the highest percentage of on time arrivals (93.0 per cent) and the highest percentage of on time departures (97.7 per cent).
Cancellations were highest on the Canberra-Sydney route at 6.1 per cent, followed by the Sydney-Canberra route at 5.3 per cent, the Broome-Perth route at 5.1 per cent, the Sydney-Port Macquarie route at 4.9 per cent and the Adelaide-Sydney and Sydney-Adelaide routes at 4.8 per cent.
February 20: InterContinental Sydney is launching a new bar experience with a twist – it's in The Southern Hemisphere's oldest lift from 1851.
The journey begins in the iconic Treasury atrium, where guests step into the hidden historic lift. As it ascends and descends, mixologists craft micro cocktails on the spot, each nodding to the hotel's storied past.
The experience continues at The Treasury Bar, where a second cocktail from a curated menu is served tableside, paired with two small plates.
The Southern Hemisphere's Oldest Lift Bar will open for guests, each Friday and Saturday from February 21, 2025 to 29 March between 4pm – 6pm, set at $69 per person.
January 22: Curtis Stone will unveil a slice of his latest Beverly Hills culinary sensation, The Pie Room, in an exclusive pop-up event in Melbourne's bustling Fed Square.
Taking place tomorrow, January 23, 2025, from 7am, attendees can enjoy a pie free of charge or choose to make a small donation to the American Red Cross or World Central Kitchen.
Donations from The Pie Room will go to support those impacted by the fires in LA. Visitors will also have a chance to win a holiday to California.
January 9: Visitors to Byron Bay, NSW, will now be able to enjoy a brand new walking tour that provides an Aboriginal perspective of the coastline around the iconic Byron Bay Lighthouse.
The two-and-a-half-hour circular tour covers the 3.7 kilometre Walgun Cape Byron Lighthouse Loop Trail.
Tour provider Delta Kay is a highly respected Arakwal Bundjalung woman whose ancestors have lived in the area surrounding Byron Bay for thousands of years and passed down Arakwal customs, knowledge, ceremonies and stories to her for safe keeping.
Beginning at Clarkes Beach, the tour takes guests up the Tallow Ridge Walking Track through serene coastal rainforests before reaching the Cape Byron Lighthouse, revealing breathtaking panoramic views of the region.
The tour then follows the Cape Byron Walking Track past Australia's most easterly point, Wategos Beach, The Pass and then returns to Clarkes Beach.
"There are opportunities to learn some Bundjalung language and we'll explore native bush foods, natural medicine, tools, weapons and artefacts," Delta said.
Read on for more travel news….
January 9: Emirates is set to become the world's first Autism Certified Airline™, a major milestone in making travel more inclusive and accessible for all.
Developed in collaboration with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), the certification incorporates the lived experiences of autistic individuals, global thought leaders, industry professionals and healthcare experts.
The aim was to establish new industry-leading standards for accommodating passengers with autism and sensory sensitivities during air travel.
Over 30,000 Emirates ground staff and cabin crew will undergo specialised training covering autism awareness and sensory sensitivities, with a target of at least 80 per cent of customer-facing staff completing the program.
Beyond training, Emirates is introducing innovative resources like digital 'sensory guides' detailing the airport and onboard environment, and will offer sensory products, such as fidget toys or aids, to further enhance comfort and reduce anxiety.
January 7: The iconic Emirates A380 has returned to Copenhagen after a nearly five-year hiatus, marking the return of the only international airline operating an A380 to the country.
The increased capacity is a welcome addition for Australian tourists, with Australian travellers amongst the top 10 visitors to Denmark onboard the airline.
The A380 touched down this week just in time to celebrate the airport's jubilee, marking 100 years of operational excellence.
The airline's daily A380 flight will depart Copenhagen at 14:45hrs and arrive in Dubai 00:10hrs local time. The return flight, EK151 will depart Dubai at 8:30hrs and arrive in Copenhagen at 12:30hrs, local time.
