Korea’s Temple Cuisine Finds a Wider Audience

Korean Temple Food, Designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage

Temple food in Korea has long been shaped by Buddhist practice, developing over more than 17 centuries into a quietly distinctive culinary tradition. 

Asia's Iconic Skylines

 

Asia is home to some of the world’s most diverse and breathtaking city skylines—each a visual storybook reflecting the character, culture, and evolution of its destination. From ultra-modern towers that pierce the clouds to historic landmarks nestled between neon lights, Asia’s cityscapes offer unforgettable panoramas for every urban explorer. Whether you’re drawn to futuristic architecture, heritage treasures, or dazzling night views, these iconic skylines deserve a spot on every traveller’s bucket list.

Cruise trends: Small-ship cruising is going to be big

Australians are increasingly cottoning on to the joy of small ship cruising as this luxury sector becomes one of the most exciting growth areas in global travel. 

Where to Go in 2026: 13 Great Places to Visit

From cultural powerhouses stepping into the spotlight to wilderness escapes offering profound connection, A&K's experts forecast the destinations to visit in 2026.

After a period of shifting global priorities and renewed appreciation for meaningful travel, 2026 is emerging as a defining year for exploration. Travellers are venturing farther with a heightened interest in destinations that provide not only escape but also cultural exploration, immersion in nature and personal renewal. The demand for transformative experiences is at its strongest, as travellers seek journeys that foster authentic connections with place, people, and purpose.

The Heritage of the Barossa Valley || Colin Thiele

The Barossa is not just a place. For over a hundred years, it has been more than that – a way of life, an attitude of mind, a quality of spirit. It has been labour and music, church festival and vintage, worship, and the ringing of bells. 

Nobody born within earshot of that deep-toned tolling can ever forget the sound; it wrings the air, a sweet-sad note of joy and sorrow, a pain-joy, birth-marriage-death note as mellow as autumn sunlight. Out of the past, out of Silesian history, out of Lutheran conviction, it wells and flows over the Sunday valley.

The Story of Sydney's Famous Pubs – Then and Now

Step right up, ladies and gents, and raise a glass to one of Australia’s proudest social institutions—the humble pub! No other place tells the story of our changing ways quite like the local hotel. From the rough grog shanties of the gold rush days to today’s sleek city bars with their gleaming chrome fittings and cocktails that sound like something out of a Hollywood script, the Australian pub has seen it all.

When Ernest Hemingway visited Rick's Cafe in Casablanca

I stepped into Rick's Cafe, the smoke-filled air clinging to my skin like a damp shroud. The sounds of clinking glasses and muted conversations enveloped me, transporting me to a bygone era. I took a seat at the bar, ordering a whiskey as I gazed around the room. The walls were adorned with memorabilia from the iconic film, and the staff moved with the precision of seasoned performers.

The bartender, a gruff but kind-eyed man, slid a glass in front of me. "Sour Jdid," he said, his voice low and gravelly. I took a sip, the tangy flavours mingling with the smoky atmosphere.

I spotted her then, a woman sitting alone at a table, her eyes fixed on some distant point. She was a vision in red, her hair dark and luxurious, her skin like alabaster. I watched her, mesmerized, as she sipped her drink, her eyes never leaving the spot.

Visiting Historic Wallaroo in South Australia

The third point of the copper town triangle of 'Little Cornwall' at the top of the Yorke Peninsula was the first, in 1861, to be surveyed and served as the port for the export of ore and later for the grain produce of the area. 

Historic Echunga in the Adelaide Hills

Jacob Hagen, a "wealthy Quaker merchant and landed proprietor" who came to South Australia in 1839, was first to own the land which was to become Echunga. Soon after his arrival, he divided his Special Survey into township blocks, so even if he was not the first settler at Echunga, it is fair enough that the first inn there, built beside what was to become the main road, should be called the "Hagen Arms." He may even have built it, though the first official licensee was A. Adamson in 1853-59-preceded, in local tradition, by one Joe Fry.

Visiting the El Alamein War Cemetery and Museum in Egypt: A Guide

Located in the Egyptian desert, the El Alamein War Cemetery and Museum is a poignant tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. This sacred site is a must-visit for history buffs, war enthusiasts, and anyone looking to pay their respects to the fallen.

Visiting Historic Hobart, Tasmania

 

Among the Australian capital cities Hobart ranks second in age to Sydney and second to none in the beauty of its late Georgian architecture. Few Australian cities have retained so much of the nineteenth century.

European settlement in Tasmania began in September 1803, when Lieutenant John Bowen took a party of convicts up the Derwent River to Risdon Cove on the eastern bank and established a settlement. He called it Hobart, after Lord Hobart, Secretary of State for the Colonies. Bowen was superseded in February 1804, by Lieutenant-Colonel David Collins, who had sailed for the Derwent after abandoning an attempt to establish a convict settlement at Port Phillip. Collins decided that Risdon Cove was an unsuitable place for a settlement and chose instead a site at Sullivan Cove, on the other side of the river. He called it Hobart Town.

The infant settlement took some time to become established and after seven years it was still only a jumble of miserable huts. When Governor Lachlan Macquarie arrived from Sydney in 1811 he 'observed with much regret' the wretched state of the township and directed that it be surveyed immediately. Mас-quarie issued a general order laying down a design that formed the basic plan of the city as it stands today.

When he revisited in 1821, Macquarie was well pleased with the town's progress and noted the 'Substantial Buildings... laid out in regular streets'.

Hobart's physical progress was not matched by an advance in the moral tone of the community. Lieutenant-Governor William Sorrell, who ruled between 1817 and 1824, found the convicts undisciplined and out of control. At night, the convict men, having no lodgings at all, would stalk the streets, committing acts of vandalism and violence. Many convict women joined the menfolk during their nocturnal marauding, while others preferred to prostitute themselves to military officers and government officials.

By 1827 Hobart's population was about 5000. Its thriving port was exporting wool, whale oil, sealskins and wattle extract. Deep-sea whaling encouraged ship-building and allied trades, and in the 1830s and 1840s Hobart was building more ships than all the other Australian ports combined.

It was during this period that the famous Battery Point-named after a battery of guns established to ward off a possible French attack-developed as the boisterous heart of the port. From a loose collection of farms in the late 1820s, Battery Point grew to become a busy seaport village by the early 1850s, inhabited by sailors, merchants, shipwrights and fishermen. It abounded with public houses such as the 'Whaler's Return' and the 'Shipwright's Arms'.

During the 1840s and 1850s the people of Hobart fought for the right to conduct their own affairs and there was strong support for the cessation of transportation. The free settlers saw the continued influx of convicts as a threat to the well-being of the town and formed defence associations to oppose it.

The end of the unpopular convict system finally came in 1853 with a decree from the British Government. Three years later Queen Victoria signed the document making Van Diemen's Land the first colony to receive self-government. On 1 January 1856, the colony's name was changed to Tasmania.

Hobart Town, as it was called until 1881, came of age in 1857 when it was incorporated as a city. But the town's progress had been marred by an event hundreds of kilometres away-the discovery of gold in Victoria. Freeman, bondsman and emancipist alike had swarmed to the goldfields, denuding Hobart of labour and turning it into a town of deserted houses.

The depression lasted a decade before Hobart once again boomed. Its most saleable commodity was the town itself. Hobart became 'the sanitorium of the south', a place where mainlanders could relax. And so it remains today. Hobart, least industrialised of the capitals, has been able to preserve more of its past than the others. The convict era remains only in mellow stone monuments.

Text source: Readers Digest Book of Historic Australian Towns 1982

Photographs: Roderick Eime 2024

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Hobart's twin attributes, its mountain and its river, combine to create an incomparable setting. Its other great strength is its preservation of the past, unspoilt colonial buildings are complemented, for the most part, by the more recent architecture.

Hobart, the southernmost and second-oldest Australian capital, sits confidently and comfortably amid the splendour of its natural setting between a massive mountain and a deep river estuary.

The city lies approximately nineteen kilometres from the mouth of the River Derwent and extends about the same distance inland to Bridgewater. On a clear day, the towering backdrop of Mount Wellington is visible from many points, rock solid against the sky or softened by a covering of snow. At other times, it disappears altogether in a shroud of mist or driving rain.

The suburbs of Hobart scale the mountain's foothills, climb all over Mount Nelson and spread along both shores of the river. East and west are joined by the Tasman Bridge, a little less symmetrical than it was originally since a cargo vessel rammed one of its piers and severed the vital cross-city road link in 1975. The subsequent repairs to this graceful concrete structure took over two years to complete.

Hobart's maritime ties have always been strong and it shows its best face to travellers approaching from the sea. Once whaling ships crowded the port in the days when the great whales still ventured upriver. Much, much later, freighters crammed the wharf space when they came to collect the annual apple harvest. Today, overseas ships berth almost in the city's heart, a stone's throw from the parliament, law courts, town hall, GPO, government offices, shopping mall, hospital and museum. Every year competitors in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race tie up at Constitution Dock at the foot of Argyle Street and the local people throw a huge New Year's Eve party to welcome them.

The first European settlement here was made on the eastern shore at Risdon Cove in 1803 but lasted only a few months. The following year Lieutenant-Colonel David Collins moved the site to Sullivans

Cove and the settlement was soon named Hobart Town after Lord Hobart, then Secretary of State for the Colonies, Collins did well to choose one of the world's finest deepwater harbours but he was less adept at town planning. On his first visit in 1811. Governor Lachlan Macquarie observed with much regret the haphazard development of the new community and issued orders for an orderly layout to be devised. He named the seven main streets and Georges Square and climbed a small hill about one-and-a-half kilometres south-west of the then town to nominate the place for Anglesea Barracks, which is still occupied by the army.

The unusually high concentration of old sandstone and brick buildings, often the fruits of convict labour, is an abiding presence. The buildings are well-kept and hold their own against more modern architecture. The earliest surviving edifice is the Commissariat Store (1808-10), now part of the museum. The original part of Parliament House, at first the Customs House and constructed between 1835 and 1841, was designed by the notable architect John Lee Archer. The Cascade Brewery was built in 1832, and the Theatre Royal five years later. Laurence Olivier called it 'the best little theatre in the world'.

The splendid Georgian warehouses lining Salamanca Place rose commandingly between 1835 and 1860 and were the focus of commerce and trade for several decades. Many have made the transition to the twentieth century as shops, restaurants and art galleries, and the Saturday open-air market in front of them echoes the bustle of bygone days. Battery Point, close by, is so called because of the battery of guns established there in 1818. Ten years later a tall mast went up to relay the exciting news of approaching ships from a similar signal station on Mount Nelson.

The beautiful St Davids Park was Hobart's first cemetery, and it still preserves several headstones. Many notables are buried here, including Lieutenant-Colonel Collins and Captain James Kelly, who circumnavigated Van Diemen's Land and later became the Hobart harbourmaster.

Hobart blends the old and the new with a remarkably sure touch, and there is an absence of urban stress, which is hardly surprising because the population is less than 130,000. The 'rush hour' is a mere thickening of traffic for much less than sixty minutes. There are no large industrial districts and little air pollution, though the city is not completely free of environmental problems, concerns for the purity of the Derwent waters have vexed the residents since the earliest times.

Text: Readers Digest Australian Places 1993

Singapore's most luxurious hotels

The excitement of the global racing season is set to return to Singapore, lighting up the evenings with thrilling high-speed action. A survey by Booking.com reveals that nearly one in five (17%) of travellers from Hong Kong are eager to attend sports events, particularly among Gen Z, where the figure rises to 22%. To help fans immerse themselves in the exhilarating world of racing while enjoying a comfortable stay, Booking.com has curated a selection of engaging activities and accommodation options. This allows travellers to experience the thrill of the races while also exploring the vibrant city.

The Most Enchanting Hotel Gardens in Asia

Asia’s most enchanting hotel gardens combine lush landscaping, cultural heritage, and innovative design, offering guests tranquil escapes in both urban and resort settings.

3 Nagas, World Heritage Hotel in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995, attracts an increasing number of tourists with its gleaming temple roofs, decaying French colonial architecture, beautiful scenery and multiethnic inhabitants. 3 Nagas by MGallery, located in the heart of Luang Prabang, offers an elegant blend of Laotian tradition, colonial charm and modern comfort. 

Words: supplied. Photos: Roderick Eime

Visiting Flinders Island, Australia

Located in the Bass Strait, Flinders Island is a hidden gem in Australia's southeastern waters. This rugged and windswept island boasts breathtaking scenery, pristine wilderness, and an abundance of wildlife. As part of the Furneaux Group, Flinders Island offers a unique and unspoiled destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Coolcation Calling: 10 must-visit destinations that won’t have you overheated in busy tourist cities

Coolcationing is one of the hottest trends this year, so MGallery Collection boutique hotels have curated a list of the coolest coolcation destinations around the world.




Avoid sweltering hotspots this year with MGallery Collection's curated list of cooler alternatives for must visit destinations across the world.

The Art Gallery Hotels of Asia

We’ve put together a round-up of Hotels as Art Galleries. From supporting pottery art included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding to giant abstract interpretations of iconic cultural landmarks to a hotel art tour by a practising artist who also happens to work for the hotel’s restaurant services team… each hotel has a different take on engaging art lovers.

The famous doors of Zanzibar open to a world of history and culture

Zanzibar's doors are a real treasure trove of history and culture. Let's dive in and explore why they're so significant.

First off, the doors themselves are stunning pieces of craftsmanship. Intricately carved with geometric patterns, floral motifs, and Arabic calligraphy, each door is a unique work of art. You can almost see the skilled hands of the craftsmen who spent hours perfecting every detail.

If John Steinbeck visited the ancient city of Luxor

Travels in Dust and Time: A Journey to Luxor

The road from Cairo unrolled like a dry ribbon, a tether pulling us toward something older than cities, older perhaps than memory. Luxor, they called it now, though once it bore the name Thebes, a place of gods and pharaohs, of temples so large a man could lose his own smallness in their shadow. I came not as a scholar, nor as a pilgrim, but with the kind of hunger that comes from hearing whispers in stone.

Boryeong Mud Festival: A Messy Delight in South Korea

Every July, the sleepy coastal town of Boryeong in South Korea transforms into a muddy playground, attracting thousands of thrill-seekers and fun-lovers from around the world. The Boryeong Mud Festival, also known as the Daecheon Mud Festival, is a messy extravaganza that promises an unforgettable experience.

Done Isle of Pines? Try Lifou: Discover lesser-known New Caledonia

Travellers who have had the opportunity to visit New Caledonia are likely familiar with areas such as Upi Bay in the Isle of Pines, Anse Vata Beach in Nouméa, or the lighthouse at Amédée Island. While these spots are well-deserving of another visit, there’s a hidden world of untold beauty waiting to be explored outside of the go-to spots. From secluded beaches and sparsely populated regions, these lesser-known treasures offer travellers an authentic, peaceful experience where they can truly uncover the heart of the destination. 

Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Temple of Abu Simbel in Egypt

The Temple of Abu Simbel is a majestic rock-cut temple complex in southern Egypt, built by Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BC. The complex consists of two temples: the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor and Nefertari.

Sofitel suggests seven other places to go for a mid-year break

Swap bigger cities for the lesser-known destinations that deliver just as much beauty, culture, and charm - if not more

Destinations to visit in Australia's Northern Territory

The Northern Territory (NT) in Australia is a must-visit destination for adventure-seekers and nature lovers. The region boasts unparalleled landscapes, including Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, home to the iconic monolith Uluru (Ayers Rock). Visitors can experience the rich Aboriginal culture by learning about the history and traditions of the indigenous people, viewing Aboriginal art, and attending cultural events.

Canada: Ignite your wanderlust in the Yukon

With endless daylight stretching deep into the night, Canada's Yukon Territory is a summer playground like no other. Beneath the glow of the midnight sun, this northern wonderland offers an unparalleled canvas for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Whether you're hiking through untouched wilderness, paddling historic rivers, or spotting wildlife under a never-fading sky, the Yukon's extra hours of sunshine ensure you'll pack more thrills into every unforgettable day. Read on for some of the best ways to soak up the sun.

Stays with bite: Australia’s food and wine hidden gems

  

It's no secret that today’s travellers pack their appetites along with their suitcases when heading off on holiday. With this in mind, Choice Hotels has tapped into its on-the-ground intel across Australia to identify some of the best spots beyond the capital cities for discovering a sublime food and wine experience that only locals know about…until now.

India's House of Glass

With its unique creations and focus on targeting the fashion-conscious set, Ame De Verre is on its way to becoming India's leading home art boutique.

Imagine your home adorned with the finest stained-glass decorative items—from lampshades to window and door panels—or abstract artworks that not only add value to your living area but also do it in style.

Visiting The Great Sphinx of Giza

Carved directly out of the bedrock during the 4th Dynasty (c. 2613-2494 BC), the Great Sphinx is the oldest of Egypt's colossal statues and, with a length of around 72 m and a height of approximately 20 m, the largest. Ancient Egyptian sphinxes represented the king with the body of a lion, a clear demonstration of his power.

Enjoying the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge in Doha's Hamad International Airport

The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge at Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha is one of the most luxurious airport lounges in the world, and it is reserved for Qatar Airways and oneworld business class passengers. Here’s how to make the most of your experience.

A vintage visitors' guide to Egypt's Temple of Karnak

Welcome to the Glorious Temple of Karnak

Perched along the east bank of the eternal Nile, in the splendid city of Luxor—ancient Thebes—stands one of the most awe-inspiring architectural feats of antiquity: the Temple of Karnak. Here, beneath the ever-watchful Egyptian sun, echoes of the grandest pharaohs linger in stone, whispering tales of gods, kings, and divine power.

Visiting the Royal Thai Airforce Museum in Bangkok

The Royal Thai Air Force Museum is a treasure trove of aviation history, showcasing a vast collection of aircraft, equipment, and uniforms. As you step inside, you'll be taken on a journey through the history of Thai aviation, from the early 1900s to the present day.

Silos, Towers and Walls, Giant murals bring sleepy Australian towns back to life

Once bleak and blank structures, now giant works of contemporary art, Australia's silos are just the start of this ambitious revitalisation project.

Photos Roderick Eime

Most will tell you it all started with Victoria's Silo Art Trail is a unique and breathtaking outdoor art gallery that stretches across rural Victoria, showcasing vibrant and large-scale murals painted on grain silos. The trail, which spans over 200 kilometers, features works by some of Australia's most renowned street artists, including Guido van Helten, Julia Volchkova, and Matt Adnate.

The Silo Art Trail was born out of a desire to revitalize and celebrate the rural communities of Victoria. In 2015, the town of Brim, in the Wimmera Mallee region, commissioned Guido van Helten to paint a mural on the town's grain silo. The project was a huge success, attracting tourists and putting Brim on the map.

Since then, the Silo Art Trail has expanded to include silos in the towns of Lascelles, Rosebery, and Patchewollock, among others. Each silo features a unique and thought-provoking design, often reflecting the local culture, history, and environment.

The murals are visually stunning and tell stories about the people and places they represent. For example, the silo in Patchewollock features a portrait of local farmer, Nick "Noodle" Hulland, while the silo in Lascelles depicts a group of children playing in a wheat field.

The Silo Art Trail has had a profound impact on the local communities, injecting new life and energy into the rural towns. The trail has also become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over Australia and the world.

In addition to the silos, the trail also features a range of supporting infrastructure, including interpretive signage, walking trails, and picnic areas. Visitors can also explore the local towns, which offer a range of accommodation options, cafes, and restaurants.

The Silo Art Trail is a testament to the power of art to transform and revitalize communities. It is a unique and unforgettable experience showcasing rural Australia's beauty and creativity. Whether you're an art lover, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique adventure, the Silo Art Trail is a must-visit destination.

Not all Silo Art is in Victoria

Rural Australia is home to a plethora of stunning silo art, beyond Victoria. Here are some notable mentions:

New South Wales Silo Art Trail

- Barraba: Features a poignant theme of drought.

- Dunedoo: Showcases multiple silos, including one with legendary racehorse Winx.

- Grenfell: Boasts a spectacular representation of the local shire.

- Gunnedah: Includes an image of Dorothea Mackellar and an extract from her famous poem, "My Country" .

- Merriwa: Highlights the importance of the merino-sheep industry.

- Murrumburrah: Illustrates scenes of great significance to the area.

- Portland: Honors former Portland Cement workers.

- Weethalle: Portrays the region's deep agricultural heritage.

Western Australia Silo Art Trail

- Albany: Pays tribute to the region's unique culture.

- Northam: Features a silo that started the Australian Silo Art Trail movement in 2015.

RELATED STORY: Western Australia's Silo Art Trail

Queensland Silo Art Trail

- Yelarbon: Showcases a unique shape and vibrant colors.

- Cunnamulla: Features a water tower with an endearing design.

- Windorah: Boasts a water tank with scenes of Outback mustering life.

South Australia Silo Art Trail

- Quorn: Features a silo with light projections of moving stories.

- Kimba: Showcases an enchanting piece of silo art with a young girl overlooking a purple sunset.

- Cowell: Boasts a three-silo piece featuring a local celebrity, Lionel Deer.

- Farrell Flat: features a colourful sunset with a train – a nod to the town’s history.

- Owen: depicts two scenes and is an ode to the town's agricultural and military history.

Not all art is on a Silo

Besides silo art, Australia's rural townships are home to a diverse range of street art forms, including:

Water tower at Yerong Creek NSW

1. Water Tower Art: Many rural towns have transformed their water towers into vibrant works, showcasing local themes and characters.

2. Mural Trails: Several rural towns have developed mural trails featuring a series of murals painted on buildings, walls, and other structures.

3. Street Art Festivals: Events like the annual Street Art Festival in Benalla, Victoria, bring together local and international artists to create large-scale murals and street art installations.

4. Aboriginal Street Art: Many rural towns are home to vibrant Aboriginal street art, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Indigenous Australians.

5. Rustic Sculpture Trails: Some rural towns feature sculpture trails, where local artists have created intricate and often humorous sculptures from recycled materials like metal, wood, and stone.

6. Pub Art: Many rural pubs have become canvases for local artists, featuring murals, paintings, and other forms of street art that reflect the pub's history and character.

7. Silent Streets: This project, launched in the town of Yarram, Victoria, features a series of murals and street art installations that celebrate the town's history and culture.

8. Utility Box Art: Many rural towns have transformed utility boxes into miniature works featuring local themes and designs.

These forms of street art not only add vibrancy and character to rural townships but also provide a platform for local artists to showcase their talents and tell their stories.

MORE PHOTOS BELOW 

Kangaroo Creek Reservoir in Adelaide, South Australia

The widened spillway and new embankment completed in 2019 (Supplied: SA Water)

Construction commenced in 1966, a pivotal moment for South Australia’s water infrastructure. The dam, built by damming the River Torrens west of Cudlee Creek near its junction with Kangaroo Creek, was completed in 1969. 

Visiting Lyndoch in South Australia's Barossa Valley

Lyndoch. Source: Expedia

 The town’s history is deeply rooted in its Indigenous heritage, with the Peramangk people originally inhabiting the area. Their lifestyle, based on local flora and fauna, was disrupted by European settlement following the arrival of colonists in July 1836. By December 1837, Colonel William Light, a key figure in South Australia’s early exploration, named the valley Lyndoch after his esteemed friend Thomas Graham, Lord Lynedoch, commemorating their shared military history at the Battle of Barrosa in 1811. This naming, potentially a misspelling, reflects the town’s historical ties to British military figures.

The Birthplace of the Barossa Valley

Land sales began in 1839, and by the early 1840s, figures like Edward Rowan took up land, leading to the establishment of nearby Rowland Flat. Lyndoch is often credited as one of the first areas in the Barossa Valley to grow grapes, with plantings by 1847 at Pewsey Vale by Mr. Gilbert and at Jacob’s Creek by Johann Gramp, who produced wine by 1850. This early viticultural activity set the stage for Lyndoch’s enduring association with wine production.

Further historical notes include its connection to the Barossa Valley railway, with a station operational from 1911 to 1968 for passengers and fully closed in 2014, also used for goods and timber transport. The town’s historical significance is also marked by its sister city relationship with Georgetown, Texas, established in 1986 during sesquicentennial celebrations, highlighting international ties.

Geographically, Lyndoch is positioned 58 km northeast of Adelaide, along the Barossa Valley Highway, between Gawler and Tanunda. Its elevation stands at 175 meters, with an average annual rainfall of 560.5 mm, contributing to its suitability for viticulture and lavender farming. The town’s location, an hour’s drive from Adelaide with multiple access routes, enhances its appeal as a getaway destination, with options like the eastern approach through ranges or via Gomersal Road.

Attractions and Activities

Historic pub, the Lyndoch Hotel (Expedia)

Lyndoch's attractions cater to both tourists and locals. The Lyndoch Lavender Farm, located at 407 Tweedies Gully Road, is South Australia’s largest, offering tours, a cafe open from 10 am to 4 pm (weekends January to August, daily September to December, excluding public holidays), and an online store for lavender products (Lyndoch Lavender Farm). It’s a multi-award-winning site, family-owned for over 30 years, providing a unique rural experience.

Historical sites include the Hoffnungstahl memorial, 3 km southeast of Lyndoch. This memorial commemorates a German pioneer settlement founded in 1847 that was abandoned after flooding in 1853 despite warnings from local Peramangk people. This site, detailed at Monument Australia, adds a layer of historical intrigue.

Lyndoch Lavender Farm (Tourism SA)

Wine enthusiasts can explore numerous cellars, such as God’s Hill Wines and 1837 Barossa, with tasting rooms offering premium wines and scenic views. The town also features the Lyndoch Hotel, a family-owned pub in Gilbert Street, known for its bistro, gaming, and accommodation, with midweek lunch specials and seafood days (Lyndoch Hotel). 

Feature Accommodation:

Lyndoch Grand is the new name for the former hotel and inn built in 1855 and now features seven tastefully restored bedrooms and ample open spaces for relaxation and enjoyment.

MORE: www.lyndochgrandaccommodation.com.au

MORE: Lyndoch at Aussie Towns