You do not have to fly to have a great break. Travel editor Winsor Dobbin looks at some destinations that are just a drive – or bus ride – away.
Despite the presence of some boofheads elected to represent us in Parliament, the national capital of Canberra is also a city of art and culture that is regarded as one of the nation’s creative hubs.
The sprawling city boasts diverse arts scene, several national attractions and a thriving community of creatives.
This April brings four highly anticipated exhibitions to Canberra: the first solo exhibition for multidisciplinary contemporary Australian artist Thom Roberts at the National Portrait Gallery; a celebration of female artists at the National Gallery of Australia and a showcase of the works of glass maker Katie-Ann Houghton and industrial designer Tom Fereday at the Canberra Glassworks.
The Immersive World of Thom Roberts – National Portrait Gallery
https://www.portrait.gov.au/exhibitions/thom-roberts-2025
From April 12 to July 20 with free admission. Australian artist Thom Roberts, known for his bold portraits that morph people with trains and buildings, is bringing his first solo exhibition to the National Portrait Gallery. The exhibition showcases more than 100 works including paintings, installations, animations and some of his newest works (below).
Know My Name: Global – National Gallery of Australia
https://nga.gov.au/exhibitions/know-my-name-global/
From April 2025 with free entry, this collection features works of inspiring female artists from around the world who have pushed the limits of artistic practice. Expect to see the works from creative trailblazers such as American feminist artist Judy Chicago, Order of Australia artist Vivienne Binns and American neo-conceptual artist Jenny Holzer.
Arum + Meander – Canberra Glassworks
https://canberraglassworks.com/2025-exhibition-2/
https://canberraglassworks.com/2025-exhibition-2-kah/
From April 3 to June 8 with free entry Sydney-based designer Tom Fereday’s solo show Arum celebrates the transformation of raw material into glass and highlights his interest in the tension that lies between natural materials and contemporary design. Glassmaker Katie-Ann Houghton, meanwhile, explores her fascination with urban landscapes in her newest exhibition Meander.
For more info visit https://visitcanberra.com.au/|
—
Furry Friends Welcome
Dogs are now welcome to stay in premium studio retreats with their owners at The Lane Retreat, Bimbadgen in the Hunter Valley.
For an additional $50 per night, guests can now bring their furry friend away with them, with the use of a water bowl during your stay and pet waste bags included in the rate.
A few house rules do apply:
* To avoid any disruption to guests, dogs are not permitted to be left in a room unattended
* No more than one dog per studio retreat
* Owners must bring their own dog bedding and toys
* Dogs must be on a leash in public areas within the grounds of the property
* Should your pet cause damage during your stay, a minimum charge of $300 will be applied to your account
Set among 15 hectares of secluded vineyard and natural bushlands in the heart of Hunter wine country, The Lane Retreat is the perfect short break for couples just two hours’ drive from the inner west and one hour drive from Newcastle.
The Lane Retreat is in the grounds of Bimbadgen’s 50-year-old vineyards, combining natural beauty and calming seclusion with access to all the best dining, pampering and activities the Hunter Valley has to offer.
Developed by property and hospitality group Mulpha Australia, The Lane Retreat boasts 60 premium studio retreats with king bedding, a bathroom with double rain head showers and Hunter bathroom amenities, as well as a kitchenette with coffee maker, toaster, microwave and mini bar.
Each studio has an outdoor deck, where guests can enjoy views of the Broken Back Range or Bimbadgen vineyards. The property also has a swimming pool, numerous amenities and a bespoke pantry store offering espresso coffee, gourmet cheese and grazing food, wines, spirits, and other tasty goodies, along with bespoke gifts.
And for guests who want additional adventure, the property can help organise outside activities including hot air ballooning, scenic helicopter flights, golf, or a trip to the famous Hunter Valley Gardens.
*Stays must be booked on the Pet friendly Retreat rate on www.thelaneretreat.com.au
—
Cheesy destination
Hotels are always looking to stand out from the crowd and the The Porter House Hotel Sydney MGallery (top image) has chosen a potent drawcard: wine, and cheese.
The Porter House has just unveiled a city stay package for lovers of wine, cheese and luxury, with its Chardon-yay Stay package, which includes a curated chardonnay wine flight and cheese pairing with an overnight stay. Perfect for a weekend staycation.
The package is a collaboration with Handpicked Wines with the five-star boutique hotel offering guests the opportunity to explore the subtle differences in styles of the chardonnay grape from their Tasmanian, Mornington Peninsula, and Yarra Valley vineyards, alongside selected cheeses.
The hotel is one of the oldest buildings in Sydney, constructed of sandstone bricks, its exquisite façade has been restored, while the modernised interiors feature century-old artefacts displayed in its corridors on every level.
Commissioned in 1876 by philanthropist and horticulturist, Hugh Dixson, The Porter House Hotel started its life as a grand tobacco factory and was later a furniture and leather merchants.
“We are very lucky at The Porter House Hotel to be able to offer our guests exceptional wine experiences alongside a passion for showcasing Australia’s finest produce,” said Mitchell Turner, the hotel general manager.
“MGallery hotels are all about storytelling and this is our way to share the story of Australia’s wine culture through an immersive tasting of some of the best wines in the country.”
The Chardon-Yay package is available from $359 per night for one or $419 for two guests.
Just steps away from George Street, the hotel is within walking distance of the Sydney Opera House, The Royal Botanic Garden and Hyde Park. I stayed here shortly after it opened, and the location is excellent.
See mgallery.com or all.accor.com
See more of Winsor’s recommendations at www.gourmetontheroad.com.