Taronga Zoo is one of those places many travellers think they already “know” — but behind the iconic Sydney Harbour views lies one of Australia’s most important conservation stories.

If you’re the kind of traveller who loves staying somewhere with a true sense of place, then MACq 01 in Hobart is a hotel I absolutely love recommending.

Set right on Hobart’s historic waterfront, MACq 01 is not just a beautiful place to stay — it’s a storytelling hotel. Every room is inspired by a real Tasmanian character, from explorers and artists to pioneers, entrepreneurs and change-makers. Your room key doesn’t just unlock the door; it unlocks a story.

This is Tasmania done properly — thoughtful, immersive and quietly luxurious.

As the year draws to a close and we naturally start thinking about the journeys ahead, I love choosing something truly extraordinary for December’s Pick of the Month — the kind of trip that shifts your perspective and stays with you long after you return home.

For travellers who crave authenticity, exploration, and a deep connection to place, Coral Expeditions’ circumnavigation voyages of Australia are nothing short of spectacular.

Journey through vast desert landscapes, ancient rock formations, and peaceful mulga woodlands, experiencing both the raw beauty and deep spirituality of the region. Days are filled with guided walks and cultural interpretation; nights bring campfire dinners, comfortable eco-accommodation, and endless star-filled skies — all within the boundaries of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.