Airline brings newest planes to Australia – plus more things to get excited about

There’s no way around it, despite the ongoing cost of living pressures, travel is booming as Aussies look to spend their money on memories more than ever.

From new hotel openings, new flights, and a host of fun new experiences opening up around the globe. Just in case you missed anything, here are some of the things happening in Australia and the world.

Airline brings latest luxury plane seats to Sydney

August 5: American company United Airlines is bringing its newest planes to Sydney.

The new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will fly between Sydney and Houston seasonally starting on October 26.

The airline says the “elevated interior features a complete nose-to-tail redesign across every cabin”. With 99 premium seats, it is “United’s most premium international aircraft to date.”

Economy has new 16-inch and 13-inch TV screens, while passengers in premium cabins will be able to try the latest luxuries.

United Polaris Studio is a new premium seat with privacy doors, an ottoman, wine pairings and caviar. Passengers also get wireless charging, Bluetooth, and a 27-inch 4K seatback screen – the largest from any US airline.

Read on for more travel news...

Discovery Parks reaches 100 sites milestone

August 5: Holiday park company Discovery Parks, part of G’day Group, is taking over four more locations with more on the way.

Travellers now have more than 100 parks to choose from.

Four Breeze Holiday Parks in regional Victoria, the Northern Territory and Western Australia are now part of the company.

The properties will be rebranded as Discovery Parks – Halls Gap, Discovery Parks – Grampians, Discovery Parks – Katherine River, and Discovery Parks – West Busselton.

It says it’s now Australia’s largest regional accommodation provider, and plans to double in size by 2031.

New parade starts at Disneyland Paris

July 24: A new parade featuring Disney Princess Characters has started at Disneyland Paris.

Rapunzel, Moana, Raya and Tiana star in Disney Princess Cavalcade.

It’s held place several times a day along the shores of Adventure Bay, the new lake at Disney Adventure World.

Guests will also be able to join in.

“At the midpoint, the cavalcade will sweep guests into an interactive sequence. Disney Princesses will step down from their floats and unveil their most iconic adventurer moves: Moana will teach several moves inspired by traditional Pacific Islands dance, while Raya will demonstrate moves inspired by martial arts,” Disney said.

“Alongside them, the Princesses’ adventure companions will invite select guests into the heart of the action to reproduce this choreography together.” 

New ultra-luxury lodge to open at Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa

July 14: Luxury accommodation company Beckons has announced plans for a new, ultra-luxury lodge set among the iconic red sand dunes of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa in the NT.

The retreat is the first new build for the brand, a curated portfolio of luxury lodges in the world’s most remote and remarkable places, since its launch in March 2026.

Plans have been approved following ecological, heritage and sacred sites assessments and consultation with Traditional Custodians it says.

The nine-suite retreat will offer unrivalled views of Uluṟu from the restaurant, bar and lounge, as well as from every guest suite and from the private plunge pool.

Located a short distance from the acclaimed Longitude 131°, the lodge is currently unnamed.

It is projected to open in early 2028.

The new build expands Beckons Australian portfolio alongside Southern Ocean Lodge, Longitude 131°, Capella Lodge, Silky Oaks Lodge, and The Louise.

South Sea Cruises launches new passenger ferry in Fiji

July 8: Travelling between Fiji’s spectacular islands is about to become even more comfortable, with South Sea Cruises Group welcoming its newest passenger ferry.

Carrying up to 227 passengers, Jaguar is set to join the fleet in August.

Purpose-built to connect travellers with the stunning Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, Jaguar offers a smoother, more comfortable and more sustainable way to experience some of the South Pacific’s most breathtaking destination the firm says.

Australia’s first Capella Residences announced

July 3: Capella Hotel Group and Brisbane-based developer Verso Projects have announced a landmark partnership to introduce Capella Residences Brisbane.

It will be the upmarket company’s first residential offering in Australia, set to open in 2029.

Set along the Brisbane River at Kangaroo Point, Capella Residences Brisbane will reimagine the historic Shafston House estate, which is says is one of the city’s most treasured estates that has stood for more than 174 years

The collection of luxury residences, will be complemented by hotel-inspired amenities, wellness facilities and Capella’s signature Living Room.

Virgin launches Australian-first free flight changes

July 2: Virgin Australia has become the first Aussie airline to offer passengers the option of getting on an earlier flight for free.

The airline has announced it is now offering eligible guests who purchase a domestic Economy Flex fare access to Fly Ahead, enabling them to move to an available earlier same-day flight.

Available through the Virgin Australia app, customers can make the change without paying a fee or fare difference.

Virgin Australia Group Executive, Libby Minogue, said the feature offered “superior flexibility” for customers.

“This enhancement gives our guests greater flexibility without the added costs often associated with changing travel plans,” she said.

Virgin data showed more than 44,000 Virgin Australia guests moved to earlier flights over the past 12 months, saving a combined 143,000 hours in airport dwell time.

Kakadu’s iconic Gunlom Falls reopen

July 2:  Kakadu National Park’s most famous waterfall has reopened, just as the film which made the attraction a global tourism icon – Crocodile Dundee – celebrates its 40th anniversary.

The falls feature a lower pool and an upper set of rock pools, which offer panoramic views across Kakadu National Park.

A new walkway to the upper-level rock pools was made available to visitors last year, making the climb more accessible.

Deer Valley expansion continues

June 30: Deer Valley Resort in Utah, USA has announced the opening of the new Hail Peak Express lift.

It will offer access to 200 new skiable acres and seven new runs. Additional enhancements across the resort include a new family-friendly snow feature zone off Pioche Express and a 10-million-gallon reservoir adjacent to Park Peak for enhanced snowmaking efforts.

Since December 2024, Deer Valley skiing has more than doubled in size, marking the largest resort expansion in ski industry history.

The resort has added 11 new chairlifts since December 2024 and will have 4,500 skiable acres for the 26/27 winter season. 

United Airlines continues Starlink Wi-Fi rollout

June 23: United Airlines continues to roll out free Starlink Wi-Fi for MileagePlus members across its fleet.

The airline’s first transatlantic wide-body customer flight equipped with Starlink took off in June. It is the first of nearly 60 United wide-body aircraft expected to have Starlink this year.

More than 400 United planes have Starlink today, and the airline expects to outfit close to 1,000 aircraft before the end of this year.

Starlink Wi-Fi is free for United MileagePlus members, and customers will receive a notification before their flight if it’s equipped with Starlink.

New direct flights to Bali

June 22: Paradise is now a little closer for Canberrans, as Virgin Australia launches the first-ever direct flight between the capital and Bali. 

As of today, the airline will operate three weekly return flights between Canberra and Denpasar, adding more than 40,000 seats each year to the beloved low-cost holiday destination. 

The route, which marks Virgin Australia’s first international service from Canberra, will be on Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with Business Class, premium extra legroom Economy X seating and Economy Class options.

“Bali is one of the most popular destinations for Australians, and now thousands of Canberrans will be able to skip the queues and airport transfers, and fly direct from home,” said ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr.

The airline now flies direct to Bali from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Canberra.

To celebrate the new route, Virgin Australia has dropped sale fares from Canberra to Bali from $449 return (Economy Lite), available until next Friday, 26 June 2026. 

Regional wine region offers extra night free

June 16: A regional favourite near Sydney is offering holidaymakers an extra night’s break for free.

Mudgee, NSW is offering Aussies a free third night extension on weekend breaks at participating properties.

Dubbed The Rest Rebate it was inspired by research which showed 64 per cent of Australians have needed a holiday from their holiday, returning more tired than when they left. 

Find the Sunday night offer here.

Australia’s best luxury hotels named on top list

June 3: Some of Australia’s most luxurious hotels have been given the nod of approval by a top travel publication.

Condé Nast Traveler‘s new ‘Triple Crown’ collection aims to highlight the world’s best places to stay and some acclaimed destinations across the nation made the cut.

They’re hotels which have been recognised on the magazine’s three most prestigious lists: the Hot List, Gold List and Readers’ Choice Awards.

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, which opened in 2019 in the former General Post Office building, was one of them.

Manager John O’Shea said it was an “extraordinary honour for The Fullerton Hotel Sydney and a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire team” to be recognised.

A hip beachside stay also made it on to the list.

Motel-turned chic stay, Halcyon House, in Cabarita on the northern NSW coast gained the valued nod.

Manager Magnus Hojden, called the listing “incredibly special.”

Silky Oaks Lodge in Tropical North Queensland, COMO The Treasury in Perth, Park Hyatt Sydney, Saffire Freycinet in Tasmania and Southern Island Lodge on Kangaroo Island in South Australia were also given a mention.

Brand new Qantas plane unveils iconic design

May 29: Qantas' newest Airbus A321XLR has rolled out of Airbus' paint shop in Hamburg, Germany, showcasing a livery inspired by the Great Barrier Reef.

Named Coral Sea, the aircraft is the seventh of 48 next-generation A321XLRs Qantas has on order, and will be flown home to Australia by Qantas pilots next month.

The design spans both sides of the 44 metre-long aircraft, and was a collaborative effort that celebrates Qantas' long-term partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

It features sea turtles, clownfish and coral from the reef, rendered in bold, bright colours across the fuselage.

"Queensland is a critical part of our network, and through the thousands of seats we provide into the state every week, we continue to play an important role in supporting tourism and regional connectivity," Qantas Domestic Chief Executive Officer Markus Svensson said.

Qantas and Philippine Airlines announce new partnership

May 28: Qantas Frequent Flyers will now have more ways to reach Southeast Asia and beyond thanks to a new partnership with Philippine Airlines (PAL).

Members can now book Classic Reward seats across the entire PAL network, offering greater access to North America, the Middle East and 15 new island destinations via Manila.

Frequent Flyers can use their points to reach 15 island destinations, including the world-renowned beaches of Boracay, the diving capital of Cebu, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palawan province.

Philippine Airlines operates 22 weekly flights between Australia and Manila, including daily services from Sydney on Airbus A330 aircraft and from Brisbane on Airbus A321neoLR aircraft.

New way for Aussies to fly to Europe with Vietjet

May 27: Vietjet has announced its first route to Europe with the launch of a new Hanoi - Prague service, creating a new and affordable travel option for Australians heading to Europe.

The new service will commence on October 10, 2026 and will operate twice weekly via Almaty, Kazakhstan.

The airline is already operating direct services between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to Ho Chi Minh City with convenient connections to Hanoi and other destinations across Asia and soon to Europe.

Digital incoming passenger card coming to Melbourne Airport

May 26: The Australian Travel Declaration (ATD) pilot program has expanded to include eligible passengers on selected Qantas flights arriving into Melbourne Airport.

It marks the third phase of the pilot program, which launched in October 2024, providing eligible travellers flying into Brisbane and Sydney (from August 2025) a streamlined, digital clearance process through border controls and biosecurity.

Eligible passengers flying into Melbourne Airport aboard Qantas flights QF154 and QF178 from Auckland and Queenstown, respectively, will be invited to complete the ATD through the Qantas app.

"Getting rid of the paper arrival card on eligible flights into Sydney and Brisbane has been enormously popular with international travellers," Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill, said.

"The inclusion of Melbourne in this pilot program is the next step in providing a more seamless experience at our borders for Australians and visitors alike."

First direct flight to the Maldives takes off

May 19: Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives has started the first direct flights between Australia and the Maldives.

Available only via Luxury Escapes, the weekly scheduled service between Melbourne and Malé will cut the journey time almost in half.

"This will be a landmark moment for Australian travellers. The demand we have already seen has been incredibly strong, with several flights totally sold out and school holidays about to hit capacity," Luxury Escapes Co-Founder and CEO Adam Schwab said.

Current flights from Australia to the Maldives require a stopover in destinations such as Singapore, Doha, Columbo or Dubai with a travel time of more than 20 hours.

Luxury Escapes has a launch offer starting from $2,599 per person all-inclusive for five nights, in a five-star resort.

Michelin Guide to launch in South Australia

May 12: The MICHELIN Guide has announce its arrival in South Australia.

The inaugural restaurant selection of the MICHELIN Guide South Australia 2027 will be revealed in October 2026.

From vibrant dining scenes to prestigious, internationally renowned wine‑growing regions and natural landscapes, the new guide will reflect the depth and character of the region's food culture.

Anonymous MICHELIN Guide Inspectors evaluate restaurants based on five universal criteria: quality of the ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavours, personality of the cuisine, and consistency both over time and across the menu.

"Today's announcement is a fantastic recognition of what we already know: our state sits atop the nation's foodie must-visit list," South Australia's Minister for Tourism Emily Bourke said.

"With its mix of culture, food, wine, and natural beauty, South Australia offers a vibrant calendar of food festivals and wine events."

Intrepid Travel introduces Stay Intrepid

May 12: Intrepid Travel has launched Stay Intrepid, a first of its kind experiential accommodation portfolio offering independently bookable stays.

Stay Intrepid is a curated collection of Australian properties, each acquired for their deep community roots and the kind of local experience that Intrepid Travel is known for.

Starting with five properties across Australia, with plans to grow the portfolio with multiple acquisitions each year.

The five new properties in Australia include:

• Daintree Ecolodge on Eastern Kuku Yalanji Country in Queensland's ancient Daintree Rainforest
• Edge of the Bay on Palawa Country along Tasmania's Freycinet coastline
• Arkaba Homestead on Adnyamathanha Country in South Australia's Flinders Ranges
• Bamarru Plains Limilngan and neighbouring Aboriginal Lands, Northern Territory
• Ooraminna Homestead on Arrernte Country outside Alice Springs

"There's a moment on every great trip where a place stops you in your tracks - where you stop being a visitor and start feeling like you actually belong somewhere. That's what these properties do, and it's what drew us to them," Richmond Sear, General Manager of Accommodation, Australia at Intrepid Travel, said.

Stay Intrepid properties are independently bookable, with no Intrepid tour required.

Webjet launches ChatGPT app

May 11: Webjet has today launched its ChatGPT app enabling travellers to search and compare flights and hotels directly within the chat experience.

As one of the first Australian OTAs to launch a ChatGPT app, the tech is helping to deliver smarter, faster and more personalised booking experiences.

"Australians are increasingly using AI tools like ChatGPT in their everyday lives, including for travel," Katrina Barry, Group CEO & Managing Director, Webjet Group said.

"As these platforms become more embedded in how people make decisions, it's important trusted travel brands like Webjet are part of that experience."

Virgin Australia brings viral dish to planes

May 6: Virgin Australia is bringing a viral food sensation to the skies.

It has unveiled a cheeseburger toastie as part of inflight menus.

The new sandwich creations have become a big hit with foodies, gathering more than 19.8 million TikTok views.

Their version has Australian beef, melted cheese, ketchup, mustard and a pickle as well as cheesy sauce. It costs $14.

READ MORE: 'I'd had enough': What's the etiquette around noise in hotels?

The airline says its ham and cheese toastie is a passenger favourite onboard, with nearly a quarter of a million sold on flights each year.

Ali Dunn, Virgin Australia General Manager Product & Customer Strategy, says: "We've designed our new menus to deliver bold, flavour-packed options that we know our guests will love."

The new Economy menu also includes corn chips with zesty salsa, a golden falafel wrap, and mac and cheese. Drinks include Hard Rated Lemon.

Lucky business class passengers can enjoy new dishes such as ricotta chocolate and hazelnut crepes and beef with polenta and pesto fusilli salad.

Virgin launches Australian-first flight search tool

April 7: Virgin Australia has introduced what it's calling an 'all-in-one flight search tool', bringing together cash fares, Points + Pay, Velocity Frequent Flyer Reward Seats and cabin types into one monthly calendar view.

In an Australian-first, the new search function helps to instantly compare options and choose the best value across the airline's domestic and international flights it says.

Rolling out progressively from 7 April 2026, the calendar will be available on the Virgin Australia website and app, with full availability to all customers by mid-year.

"Today, customers are typically limited to searching one route at a time, which can make it difficult to compare options and find the best value," Virgin Australia General Manager, Digital, Alex Plummer, said.

"This changes that, where for the first time, customers can see every available way to book flights in a single calendar view, unlocking far greater choice across dates and fares."

Luxury new Aurora Australis Suites christened on The Ghan

March 27: Journey Beyond has celebrated the arrival of the Aurora Australis Suites with a christening event in Adelaide this week.

Dubbed by Conde Nast Traveler as the "Best Way to See Australia in 2026", the new luxury suites, Aurora and Australis, will officially hit the tracks on The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern routes from April.

"The new Australis Suite and Aurora Suite set a new benchmark for space, design and service, elevating Australia's iconic rail journeys and placing them firmly among the world's leading luxury rail experiences," Journey Beyond's Executive General Manager Marketing, Justine Lally, said.

Designed by renowned global firm Woods Bagot, the suites aim to combine art deco luxury with elements to gain a true sense of the outback and the authentic landscapes of Australia.

The Australis Suite is three times the size of a Platinum cabin and features a separate bedroom with a fixed queen-sized bed, full lounge set, personal bar and ensuite.

Meanwhile, the Aurora Suite is double the size of a Platinum cabin and features a fixed queen-sized bed, lounge set, wardrobe and ensuite.

Demand for the suites has been high, with 2026 departures almost sold out and 2027 departures now open for booking. Prices start at $16,790 pp for the Australis Suite and $11,190 pp for Aurora journeys.

United Airlines introduces the United Relax Row

March 26: United Airlines has announced the introduction of the United Relax Row, a dedicated row of three seats in economy that transforms into a lie-flat mattress-type space after takeoff.

The first Relax Row offerings will officially launch in 2027, and will be available on more than 200 Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 widebody aircraft by 2030.

The news came as part of an announcement that the US airline plans to add 250+ planes in the next two years, creating a "future-focused fleet with an industry-leading, premium experience".

New airplanes joining United's fleet between now and April 2028 include 47 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with the new Elevated interior, with the inaugural flying San Francisco-Singapore in April.

Jetstar launches new direct Bali flights

March 23: Jetstar has launched its first-ever direct flights to Bali (Denpasar) from Melbourne Avalon Airport.

Operating five return flights per week aboard Jetstar's Airbus A321LR, the service adds more than 120,000 seats and connects Victoria's west to Bali in just over six hours.

"Bali has always captured the hearts of Australians and now it's more accessible than ever for the Geelong region and beyond and we thank Avalon Airport for their support," Jetstar CEO, Stephanie Tully said.

The inaugural departure also marks Jetstar's first international route from Melbourne Avalon Airport, and the airport's return to international flying.

The new Bali route is part of Jetstar's growth at Melbourne Avalon Airport, which also includes the return of flights to Adelaide and increased capacity to Brisbane.

To celebrate, Jetstar is launching a 48-hour First Flight Sale starting at 12pm AEDT on 23 March, with domestic fares from $43 (eg Melbourne (Avalon) to Adelaide) and fares to Bali (Denpasar) starting from $195.

Air Asia touches down in Melbourne

AirAsia has also officially touched down in Melbourne, opening another new daily gateway to Bali and beyond for Aussie travellers.

Operating daily with an Airbus A320, the service will add more than 130,000 seats annually through Melbourne Airport, providing travellers with more choice and value.

The highly-anticipated service, operated by Indonesia AirAsia, which is part of AirAsia Group, is the latest network expansion for the low cost carrier in Australia.

Bluey and Bingo arrive for the first time at a Disney park

March 23: "Bluey's Best Day Ever!" debuted this weekend at Disneyland Resort in California.

It is the first time that Bluey and Bingo have featured at a Disney Park. The beloved characters appear on stage during set times throughout the day, joining a group of performers and musicians to bring popular games and cheeky dance moves from the series to the stage for real life.

There will also be unique photo opportunities like joining in with Bluey's school class photo and a new selection of treats and drinks themed to "Bluey" at select locations.

This all-new experience has arrived during the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, which honours seven decades of The Happiest Place on Earth.

British Airways to fly from Melbourne to London

March 17: New flights to Europe are set to start from Australia.

British Airways will start a daily direct service between London Heathrow and Melbourne Airport via Kuala Lumpur from January 2027.

Currently, the airline only flies via Sydney.

With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East it'll offer another option to get to Europe.

British Airways' Chief Planning and Strategy Officer Neil Chernoff said: "We're delighted to announce sizable growth to our flying schedule for Winter 2026, including a new route to Melbourne that I am confident will prove popular with our customers."

"We have a long history of connecting Britain and Australia, and we're excited to be returning to this great city.

"We're also increasing services across several high-demand routes around the world and together, these changes represent a significant investment in our network, adding even more options and choice for our customers."

First direct Sydney to Tahiti flight set to launch this year

March 4: Starting in December 2026, the national carrier for the Islands of Tahiti will be operating a direct flight from Sydney to the capital city of Papeete

Air Tahiti Nui will operate two flights per week, making it easier than ever to jet to paradise. Flight time will be about seven hours.

Before this route, the only way to get to Tahiti was with a stopover, typically in New Zealand or the US.

The new route means less time spent in airports and more time spent hanging out in the iconic turquoise waters of Tahiti.

"We are very pleased to announce this new direct service between Papeete and Sydney," said Lionel Guérin, Chief Executive Officer of Air Tahiti Nui.

"With two direct flights per week and our codeshare agreement with Qantas, this service offers Australian travellers' greater comfort and additional frequencies."

Uluru marks 10 years of the Field of Light

February 16: Australia's iconic Field of Light at Uluru will celebrate its 10th anniversary in April, with Ayers Rock Resort unveiling a series of celebrations for the artwork created by international artist, Bruce Munro.

Originally intended to be a one‑year installation, the artwork has attracted over 750,000 visitors since opening in 2016.

"Field of Light is now one of the most loved and photographed experiences in Australia," Matt Cameron Smith, CEO, Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, said.

"We're incredibly proud to see it reach a decade, shining brighter than ever. This anniversary is a chance to celebrate the artwork, the landscape and the cultural stories that make this place so special," Matt said.

Inspired by desert wildflowers bursting to life after rain, the artwork features 50,000 solar-powered stems illuminating an area the size of seven football fields.

On select dates in March, guests can book the Field of Light Dinner or Star Pass and experience an exclusive personal introduction to the installation by Bruce Munro. He will also host free Q&A sessions at Arkani Theatre, Ayers Rock Resort.

"Field of Light began as a personal response to the beauty and energy of the desert at Uluru. I never imagined it would grow into a global series of installations," Bruce said.

Iconic 'Kangaroo Route' flight takes off

February 4: Travellers took flight today on a journey of a lifetime with Captain's Choice, who have recreated the iconic Qantas Kangaroo Route from Sydney to London.

This is the first time the Sydney to London route has taken place since the 1940's, though this time passengers will fly on a chartered Qantas Airbus A330-300.

It will make stops in Darwin, Singapore, Kolkata, Colombo, Cairo, Toulouse and Rome, staying in luxury hotels and experiencing the highlights of each destination along the way.

Passengers were surprised at the gate ahead of their Kangaroo Route adventure by Qantas staff wearing vintage Emilio Pucci uniforms from the 1970s.

The Kangaroo Route was made famous by Qantas last century and describes the commercial passenger air routes flown between Australia and the United Kingdom via the Eastern Hemisphere.

The route has been operated since the 1930s but earned its legendary moniker in the 1940s as a descriptor for the "hops" that were reminiscent of a kangaroo's, covering long distances.

The price of the trip started at $49,950 per person and includes all meals, drinks, hotels, tours, transfers, tips and, of course, flights.

Etihad brings newest luxury cabins to Melbourne

February 4: Etihad Airways has upgraded its Melbourne - Abu Dhabi service, deploying its latest Boeing 787-9 aircraft from 1 February.

Previously operating the Boeing 787-9 on the route, the newer aircraft increases capacity across cabins, with the total seats per flight up from 290 to 303.

In business class there are 32 enclosed suites with sliding doors, arranged in a 1-2-1 layout.

Etihad now operates daily Boeing 787-9 services from Melbourne, alongside 10 weekly Airbus A350-1000 services from Sydney, including double-daily flights on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

All Etihad services operating to and from Australia now feature the airline's latest generation cabins making the airline the only Gulf carrier to offer fully enclosed Business Class suites on all Aussie routes.

A taste of Australia opens in Dallas Texas

February 3: Australian-inspired café, Little Ruby's has opened its first-ever location outside of NYC, opening in Dallas, Texas.

The hospitality collective behind the venue is The Wish You Were Here Group and was founded by Australians whose roots trace back to Sydney's Northern Beaches.

Little Ruby's has exported Australian café culture to the US, with menus and design inspired by laidback beachside living.

Dishes are named after iconic Sydney beaches, and its cult-favourite Bronte Burger has consistently featured on lists of New York City's best burgers. Little Ruby's is open for brekkie, lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Qantas new Economy Plus seats take off

February 2: Qantas has also announced the first flights offering the new Qantas Economy Plus seating will take off on Friday, February 6.

The new cabin product, announced last year, offers up to 40 per cent more legroom, priority boarding and priority access to overhead baggage space.

The economy plus seats will cost an extra $30 on routes such as Sydney-Melbourne; $70 for Sydney-Perth and $35 for Melbourne-Auckland. On international routes that cost starts at $90.

The new seats will be available on Boeing 737, Airbus A321XLR and A220 aircraft, operating across the domestic network and to international destinations including New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and Bali.

From mid-2026, Qantas Economy Plus will also expand to the airline's Airbus A330 fleet.

"We've seen strong interest in Qantas Economy Plus from customers already, and we know it will be a great benefit for both our business and leisure travellers," Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson said.

G Adventures and National Geographic Expeditions team up for new 'Signature' itineraries

January 15: A brand new collection of high-end travel experiences, National Geographic Signature with G Adventures, have been unveiled.

The itineraries will offer rare access to the world through the lens of National Geographic, focused on expert education and immersive experiences that ensure meaningful benefits for local communities.

On sale now, the collection features 32 trips across 28 destinations, ranging from shorter seven-day trips to longer 19-day, more in-depth adventures across Southern Africa and Peru, to Japan, Costa Rica, Central Asia, Morocco, Vietnam, Palau (a new destination for G Adventures) and more.