The world still has a hunger for Australian beef

The world can't get enough of Australian beef. 

The Australian beef industry looks set to remain on a firm footing through 2026 despite record production levels, thanks to strong global demand and resilient export markets, Rabobank says in its newly-released Australian Beef Seasonal Outlook 2026.

The annual report, published by the agribusiness banking specialist’s RaboResearch division, says while record supply levels - including high cattle inventories and peak slaughter volumes – present risks, particularly if seasonal conditions deteriorate, continued demand from international markets, led by the US, is providing an important support for prices.

The report author, RaboResearch senior animal proteins analyst Angus Gidley-Baird, said successive years of favourable seasonal conditions have allowed the Australian cattle industry to rebuild inventory levels to what RaboResearch believes to be the next cyclical peak.

“This will generate record cattle slaughter and production volumes in 2026,” Gidley-Baird said.

“Despite these record volumes, a strong global market is supporting record export prices and, in turn, historically-high cattle prices, particularly for finished cattle.”

RaboResearch projects this strong export market will continue through 2026 and into 2027, driven largely by import demand from the US market.

But  the report says inflationary pressures of the Iran war and the impact on consumer sentiment will need to be monitored.

“The strong export market is expected to provide support for the Australian domestic cattle market, and we believe should hold prices around levels seen through Q1,” Gidley-Baird said.

A deterioration of seasonal conditions would be the largest risk in the system, he said.

“With high cattle inventory, dry seasonal conditions – like those conditions being experienced in parts of New South Wales – could force producers to sell stock rapidly into a market flush with cattle. 

"Slaughter volumes are already at historically high levels, adding an additional 10% to these levels as we have seen in previous drought conditions would test the capacity of the system.”

Image: Beef Australia

Angove family celebrates 140 years of winemaking

 

Angove Family Winemakers is this year celebrating 140 years of family winemaking, reinforcing its position as one of Australia’s most enduring and progressive wine producers.

Founded in 1886 and now operated by the fifth generation of family members, the South Australian winery has evolved from its humble origins in Tea Tree Gully to be an exporter to over 20 markets. 

The milestone comes as the business continues to sharpen its focus on premium McLaren Vale wines and certified organic production, two pillars driving its current growth strategy.

Chairman John Angove said the anniversary reflects both legacy and forward momentum.

“Reaching 140 years is a proud milestone, but it’s also about what comes next," he said. 

"We’ve invested in premium vineyards, organic production and building a portfolio relevant to today’s consumer.”

Strategic expansion into McLaren Vale over the past two decades, including the Warboys Vineyard and cellar door has underpinned the company’s move into premium wines, with flagship releases such as The Medhyk, Warboys and, most recently, Brightlands leading the charge.

At the same time, Angove has cemented its position as one of Australia’s leading certified organic wine producers, with the Angove Organic, Wild Olive and Naturalis ranges prominent.

Joint Managing Director Richard Angove said the business remains focused on balancing scale with premium growth.

“We have a strong foundation in the Riverland, and the opportunity is clearly in premiumisation and provenance. Building our McLaren Vale base and organic offer are key to that story.”

Remaining privately owned, Angove sees its independence as a key competitive advantage in a consolidating global market.

Joint Managing Director Victoria Angove said: “The wine industry at its heart is about people and community. We have been very fortunate to have had a committed and hard-working team contributing to all areas of the business for so many years. 

"Our shared commitment to delivering consistently high-quality products to our customers strengthens year on year. We’re equally grateful to our great suppliers, partners and of course our customers.”

Qatar Airways unveils new routes to Venezuela and Colombia

 

Qatar Airways has announced two unique routes set to open up South American travel destinations. 

The Middle East airline it top operate flights to Caracas, Venezuela, and Bogotá, Colombia, from July. 

Inaugural flights will run on July 22, meaning Qatar Airways will serve over 160 global destinations this northern summer. 

Qatar Airways becomes the first Gulf carrier to serve Venezuela, and the first airline to operate flights from the Middle East to Caracas and Bogotá. 

Flights will depart every Wednesday and Sunday. 

The addition of Caracas and Bogotá marks the 15th and 16th destinations in the Americas served by Qatar Airways. 

The airline began serving South America in 2010 with its inaugural flight to Sao Paolo in Brazil.

Qatar will also operate four weekly flights between Doha
and Helsinki from July 15, increasing to daily from August 10.

The carrier will also return to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport from July 15.

Cycling tourism booming in south-east Asia

 

A new collection of holiday adventures combines one of the fast-growing destinations for Australians with the growing passion for active tourism.

World Expeditions has expanded its south-east Asia cycling portfolio with the launch of a new range of fully supported cycling adventures through Vietnam to meer demand for immersive active experiences. 

The launch comes amid a sharp rise in interest in south-east Asia travel, with page views on World Expeditions’ website up by 49% for Vietnam, 88% for Thailand and 85% for Indonesia, reflecting growing demand for destinations that are closer to Australia. 

The new Vietnam cycling range includes the 17-day Vietnam Cycle: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, the 13-day Ho Chi Minh City to Hue Cycle by e-Bike, the 10-day Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An Cycle, and the five-day Mai Chau to Pu Luong Cycle.

Each journey follows routes through Vietnam’s coastline, countryside and mountain landscapes, using quieter backroads and minor roads where possible. 

World Expeditions says the new departures represent a shift in the style of cycling product available in south-east Asia, with guaranteed departures, strong availability and flexible options designed to appeal to both experienced cyclists and travellers newer to active adventures. 

E-bikes are available across all departures, broadening accessibility and helping riders manage longer distances and climbs.

“We’re seeing strong momentum in south-east Asia, particularly for active travel experiences that allow people to connect more deeply with local culture and landscapes,” said Sue Badyari, CEO of World Expeditions.

“Cycling is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Vietnam because travellers move through villages, coastlines and rural communities at a slower pace and with greater connection to the places they visit. 

"These new itineraries combine high-quality support, excellent local expertise and reliable guaranteed departures, making them incredibly appealing for both travellers and agents.”

All trips are operated by experienced local cycling crews including guides, mechanics and drivers, with luggage transfers, support vehicles and accommodation throughout. 

Group sizes are capped at a maximum of 16 guests. 

World Expeditions has also highlighted growing interest in active water-based journeys through Vietnam and Cambodia via its On Water Expeditions brand, including the Mekong River Active Explorer from Saigon to Siem Reap, which combines cycling, kayaking and small-boat travel through the Mekong Delta and Cambodia.

The new itineraries are available to book now for 2026 departures via worldexpeditions.com.

Michelin Guide coming to Australia: but only to one state

The world-renowned Michelin Guide is coming to Australia - but only to the state of South Australia.

The inaugural restaurant selection will be revealed in October and will span the region.

The Michelin Guide was created in 1900 by the Michelin tyre company to support the growth of automobile mobility, guiding travellers and foodies to the best restaurants. 

The restaurant selection in South Australia will be made according to the guide's historic methodology  

“South Australia offers an impressive diversity of culinary expressions within a single destination,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide. 

“The strength of its identity lies in the freedom chefs enjoy defining their own voice, guided by outstanding produce, a strong relationship to the land and a confident openness to global influences. 

"Our Inspectors were struck by the authenticity and personality of the region’s dining culture, and we are delighted to spotlight South Australia on the Michelin Guide stage.”

The arrival of the Michelin Guide in South Australia is supported by the Government of South Australia. There is always money involved. 

“We are proud to welcome the Michelin Guide to South Australia,” said the state minister for tourism Emily Bourke. 

‘Today’s announcement is a fantastic recognition of what we already know: our state sits atop the nation’s foodie must-visit list. 

"With its mix of culture, food, wine, and natural beauty, South Australia offers a vibrant calendar of food festivals and wine events, celebrating culinary excellence, from city dining experiences to regional gourmet celebrations, and we look forward to sharing this with Michelin Guide readers around the world’.

Also, South Australia does not have the long established Good Food Guides, published by the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

Image: South Australian capital Adelaide. Supplied. 

Sri Lanka to offer free visas to visitors from 40 nations

Sri Lanka is poised to expand its tourism appeal after its parliament approved new regulations granting free tourism visas to travellers from 40 countries.

The initiative, approved under the Immigration and Emigration Act, is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen international tourism and attract more visitors to the island nation, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Speaking in Parliament, Ananda Wijepala, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, confirmed that travellers benefiting from the new free entry arrangement are from the following countries: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, the UAE, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia and Thailand.

Previously, the free visa program was limited to only seven countries: China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and Thailand.

Under the new rules, eligible visitors will receive a complimentary 30-day Sri Lanka tourist visa. 

Travelers will still be required to complete all standard entry formalities, including obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), but the visa fee itself will be waived

The government says the measure is expected to result in an estimated loss of around US $75 million in visa fee revenue but officials believe the policy could attract an additional 247,000 tourists and generate roughly US $317 million in tourism earnings. 

The move comes as Sri Lanka continues efforts to strengthen its tourism recovery and position itself as one of Asia’s most accessible and attractive long-haul travel destinations.

Image: Kalkudah Beach House by Teardrop Hotels