Much-loved Australian wine industry veteran dies

Mick Morris, a much-loved veteran winemaker and and one of the Australian wine industry's most respected figures, has died, his family reported today.

Mick (Charles Henry) Morris OAM, was 98.

Over a lifetime dedicated to his craft, he made an enduring contribution to the evolution and success of the Australian wine industry.

Mick Morris started his first official vintage as winemaker in 1953, quickly becoming a pioneer of durif (petite sirah)  as a table wine varietal, and was known for his world-class fortified wines.

His influence extended far beyond Rutherglen, where Morris Wines is based, helping shape Australian wine's reputation both at home and around the world.

"For all his achievements and honours, what those who knew Mick will remember most was the man himself," his son David and grandson Madden said in a media release.

"Mick was a fine, humble, immensely talented and extraordinarily generous person.

"He shared his knowledge freely, encouraged countless people throughout their careers, and remained deeply committed to his family, community and industry. His legacy will live on not only through the wines he helped create and the industry he helped shape, but through the many lives he touched along the way."

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, September 1. 

Andaz hotel brand set to make its Australian debut

 

The new Andaz Gold Coast is now accepting reservations ahead of its late 2026 opening, marking the debut of the globally known lifestyle hotel brand in Australia and the Pacific.

Located in Broadbeach, the heart of the glitter strip, the 202-room hotel will bring Andaz’s "design-led, locally-rooted" approach to hospitality to the dynamic coastal destination. 

Guests can expect contemporary guest rooms and suites, dining and social spaces, local experiences, elevated wellness and a pool deck designed to aid guests transition from laid-back days to vibrant evenings.

The site is surrounded by resorts, dining, entertainment, nightlife and shopping, placing guests moments from the beach, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, and the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“Andaz Gold Coast represents an important milestone as the Andaz brand prepares to debut in Australia and the Pacific,” says David Udell, executive vice president and group president for Asia Pacific at Hyatt. 

“The hotel has been designed to capture the optimism, creative energy and natural contrasts of the Gold Coast, giving guests new ways to experience the destination through design, food, culture and personal discovery."

The design was conceived by Australian architecture firm DBI Architects, with interiors by award-winning design firm Hachem. 

Nove Restaurant and Bar will "reinterpret Mediterranean hospitality through a modern Australian lens" while Vista Lounge and Verde Bar (below) will be a destinations for cocktails and bites. 

The rooms and suites will feature floor-to-ceiling windows with select rooms (that means more expensive rooms) will have private outdoor spaces.

The Grand Opening Offer provides 20% off eligible room rates, with World of Hyatt members able to receive an enhanced saving of 25%. The offer is available to book until December 22 for stays between December 14 and June 30, 2027.

Guests seeking an elevated coastal escape can book the Gold Coast Escape package, which includes a $100 dining and drinking credit and complimentary upgrade. World of Hyatt members can receive an additional 5% off eligible rates. 

Australians warned of risks when travelling for medical procedures

Travelling to Thailand, India or Malaysia  for medical procedures or dental work can save you a lot of money - but the Australian Government is preaching caution. 

Despite lower costs, shorter waiting times, and access to services not available in Australia, Australians need to be careful, Smartraveller.gov.au warns. 

 

Having a medical procedure overseas comes with extra risks, it says. Standards of care, infection control and legal protections can be very different in other countries. 

If something goes wrong, you could face serious health problems, extra costs, and trouble getting follow-up care.

Almost half of Australians have travelled or would consider travelling overseas for a medical procedure, according to travel insurance research by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Insurance Council of Australia.

Medical tourism can include cosmetic surgery, dental procedures, fertility treatment, eye surgery, weight loss surgery and other elective or specialist medical treatments.

Some people combine their treatment with a holiday but Smarttraveller urges those tempted to get reliable, official information before booking a procedure overseas. 

You should confirm the credentials and accreditation of your surgeon or healthcare provider, check the reputation of the clinic or hospital and understand your legal rights if something goes wrong. 

Image: Arindam Paul, Scop.io

Check out a new Melbourne hotel deal

It is a great time of the year to visit Melbourne.

Spring is in the air and the AFL season is approaching its climax - if the players are not too busy sniffing cocaine and partying with escorts in their hotel rooms. Allegedly. 

The latest offer is Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Docklands’ City Breaks deal, with an overnight stay from $169 after a 15% discount off the best available rate - and that includes a bottle of wine on arrival.

The Docklands location makes a convenient base for a Melbourne escape, with Marvel Stadium on the doorstep and the restaurants and waterfront attractions of Docklands nearby, while the CBD is within a stroll.

A bonus: the offer comes with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours before arrival.

The deal is available across 365 days, subject to availability, although blackout dates apply..

Details: https://travelodge.com.au/hotel-deals-and-offers/travelodge-city-break/?city=Melbourne

Phnom Penh to get the first Ritz Carlton in Cambodia

Cambodia is a fascinating Asian destination, a little rougher around the edges than some of its neighbours, but all the more interesting for that.

Marriott International and The Royal Group have announced plans to debut The Ritz-Carlton hotel brand in Cambodia in 2032 with The Ritz-Carlton, Phnom Penh and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Phnom Penh.

The plans reveal a new 152-key Ritz-Carlton Hotel alongside 119 branded residences.

“The Ritz-Carlton is defined by its presence in destinations of cultural significance and enduring appeal, and Phnom Penh embodies the promise and vitality we seek in the world's great cities,” said Brad Edman, regional market vice president for Marriott International.

“Combining an unrivalled downtown location with legendary service, sophisticated design, and a remarkable collection of hotel accommodations and branded residences, The Ritz-Carlton, Phnom Penh and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Phnom Penh are set to establish new benchmarks for luxury living and hospitality in the Cambodian capital.”

Located in a prime spot on Norodom Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in the Daun Penh district of the city, The Ritz-Carlton, Phnom Penh and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Phnom Penhare planned to form part of a new mixed-use development which also features an office tower.

The new hotel will be on the doorstep of the city’s main cultural and commercial attractions, including the Central Market, Royal Palace, and National Museum of Cambodia, while Phnom Penh’s new Techo International Airport is 20km away.

The rooms and suites will have views across the city and Mekong River. The design plans also include scope for an outdoor infinity pool, a fitness centre, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, and five restaurants and lounges, including a sky bar and an exclusive Club Lounge.

For info see www.ritzcarlton.com

New drinking establishments spring up in Victoria's Heartland

Looking for somewhere new to enjoy a drink in the Macedon Ranges and surrounds?

New in Woodend, Josephine's is described as a welcoming new wine bar championing the best of the Macedon Ranges and regional Victoria.

The cosy space, just off High Street, features a rotating selection of natural and minimal-intervention wines paired with a seasonal share-style menu showcasing produce from small organic farmers and artisan producers.

See josephineswinebar.com.au

Set to open in late August, Saint Brigid’s in Daylesford is a new cocktail and craft beer bar from the team behind Daylesford Brewing Co.

Located just off Vincent Street, the venue blends traditional English-inspired charm with a modern touch, offering signature cocktails, local craft beer and share plates from the adjoining Marrow kitchen.

See saintbrigidsdaylesford.com

Also in Daylesford, Leggatt St Bar is billed as an exciting new wine bar from the team behind Daylesford’s popular winespeake cellar + deli.

Leggatt St Bar is set to open on the shores of Lake Daylesford in late August. Featuring a curated wine list and a food offering shaped by the strong producer relationships developed through winespeake, the venue will focus on seasonal, share-style dishes thoughtfully paired with wine.

* Info provided by Victoria's Heartland Tourism. https://www.victoriasheartland.com.au/