We start this week with the news that VietJet’s direct Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to Ho Chi Minh City flights are a mere matter of weeks away. Before jetting off to explore Vietnam’s cacophony of sights and sounds, do a little exploring in Australia with our list of unbelievable natural wonders that you have to see at least once in your life. While you’re at it, a rejuvenating stay at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is on the cards. It’s a beautiful place to do a bit of late-night stargazing — almost as beautiful as the four mesmerising night sky experiences that we’ve chosen to take a closer look at.

TRAVEL NEWS

VietJet is giving away thousands of flights for free

Vietnamese carrier, VietJet is entering the Australian market in a very dramatic fashion. To celebrate their upcoming inaugural flights between the country’s southern hub, Ho Chi Minh City, and Sydney and Melbourne, they’re giving away thousands of flights for free (excluding the unavoidable taxes and charges, of course). 

AUSTRALIA

Ten unbelievable natural wonders to see at least once in your life

Exploring the farthest reaches of the globe is an enticing prospect, but just as much joy and wonder can be found in our own backyard. It’s not every day — or everywhere — you come across a naturally pink lake or real dinosaur footprints. In Australia, they’re just some of the mind-blowing natural wonders you must see at least once in your life.

WORLD TRAVEL

The world's most mesmerising night sky experiences

Your chance to spot planets, the Northern and Southern Lights, constellations, and the Milky Way are all within reach. Make your way around some of the most beautiful skies in the world. From stargazing to astrophotography, we’ve curated our top picks for the best night sky experiences.

QUEENSLAND

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat: A luxe green Gold Coast getaway

You know the retreat already sounds enticing when you discover it’s perched in an evergreen rainforest called Lamington National Park. The family-run O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in the Gold Coast Hinterland has been a nature lover’s playground for close to a century.

Its lush location and surplus of outdoor activities have made it a much-loved spot for many to disconnect from the chaos and constant noise of every day. Instead, latch onto the soothing sounds of nature with chirping birds, rustling leaves, and relaxing rainfalls.

Destination of the week

Isle of Skye, Scotland

Condé Nast named Portree amongst the ’20 most beautiful villages in the UK and Ireland’, and it’s not hard to see why. The colourful capital of the Isle of Skye — built only 200 years ago — is a dichotomy between old and new, grass and stone. Pink, blue, and yellow pubs and boutiques line the harbour, which is, in turn, encircled by rolling green hills. Head outside the capital, and it’s all mossy heath mores and medieval castles. Though it’s typically mild, wet, and windy, the outdoors is where you want to be, camera at the ready. Spot deer and white-tailed sea eagles on the land or look out to see to try to discern the whale splash from the white caps. Respite from the weather comes in the form of cosy local pubs and the tasting rooms at Talisker and Torabhaig distilleries. It’d be rude not to.

Photo of the week

Why is this location in New York called Dumbo? The name "Dumbo" stands for "Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass".

PHOTO BY: @imstepfan