Australian Society of Travel Writers

Our last day on Flores @plataran.komodo began with a sunrise breakfast on top of Sylvia Hill. A steep drive up to Melo village for local culture and traditional dancing. Amazed by the colours and freshness of the fruit and vegetables at a local market. To end, a perfectly prepared sunset beach BBQ and more traditional dancing before retiring to our villa. #platarankomodo #hosted #astw_inc @astw_inc

Have you ever wondered what European river cruising with kids would actually be like? Honestly, before this trip, I would’ve said… probably not ideal. But after five nights onboard the @arosacruises ship SENA, I’m officially converted. Turns out, slow mornings drifting past churches, family Uno on the deck, cobbled towns just steps from the ship, and not having to constantly repack suitcases is actually kind of magic with kids. And the real surprise? Everyone genuinely relaxed. Including me! #Hosted #RiverCruise #CruisingWithKids #EuropeanRiverCruise #EuropeanWaterWays @myarosastory @astw_inc

Distilling a great day out in @visitgeelongbellarine into 40 seconds is hard! What a fabulous way to spend a Wednesday, in great company under sunny blue skies. Our @astw_inc day trip started with a ferry ride from the Docklands to Portarlington. The trip with @portphillipferries takes only 70 minutes and is super comfy. On arrival, we were whisked away on a bright purple bus by Margaret of @exploreaustraliatours . She took us to our first stop of the day: @quiddityplace for wine tasting, scallops and duck empanadas, and a tour of the winery’s art gallery. Next up, it was off to the lovingly restored @thequeenscliffhotel . What Rob, Tammy and the team have done here is nothing short of a miracle - from a dilapidated ruin to an absolutely stunning dining and accommodation venue. Lunch was ravioli, lamb and eggplant accompanied by four (!!) delicious wines from @banksroadvineyard . Visitor Information Centre volunteer Geoff then took us on a short walk to distill hundreds of years of history into 15 minutes, before depositing us at @theroyalqueenscliff for scones with jam and cream and a champagne tower. Then it was reluctantly back on the ferry to return to Melbourne. I will be back to explore this part of beautiful Victoria again soon! #astw #visitgeelongbellarine #travelwriters #travelindustry #visitvictoria

An extraordinary Vic members ASTW lunch this week. We were completely spoilt with a full day out on The Bellarine Peninsula! We enjoyed such exquisite experiences at @quiddityplace , @thequeenscliffhotel , @banksroadvineyard and @theroyalqueenscliff via @portphillipferries and @exploreaustraliatours ! Thank you for such a wonderful day, the team at Visit Geelong and The Bellarine ❤️ @visitgeelongbellarine #astw #visitgeelongbellarine #travelwriters #travelindustry #tourismvictoria 📸 @acrookgardner

Can we all just take a moment for this beautiful space??✨ Original LED lighting and tiles have been carefully refurbished (some even sourced from overseas to stay true to the building’s history). And this isn’t even the main attraction… just the reception hall. From here, you’ll find the fine dining experience at Mietta’s, the relaxed Conservatory, casual Cafe 1888, and the Boat Bar, complete with a hidden whiskey nook. Beyond the wrought iron lacework and bay windows, there are twelve stunning suites waiting upstairs. Safe to say, I’ve found my next weekend getaway at @thequeenscliffhotel ❤️ #TheBellarine #Queenscliff #VisitVictoria @visitgeelongbellarine @astw_inc

Floating, floating, floating in so many hues of blue on a sandbank in Baa Atoll - a dot in the Indian Ocean - then back to @avanimaldives (and still further beyond) … #avanifaresmaldives @avanimaldives @minorhotels @barkingowlcomms @anabel.dean20 @the.Australian #maldives #saveourplanet @nhcollectionmaldivesreethi

The @panpacificperth might just be one of the most generous hosts around. Last night’s @astw_inc dinner in Perth at @umaperth not only included 14 courses of flavoursome South American flair and a Pisco Sour workshop, but also a goodie bag that included a night in one of their fancy suites. The Pan Pacific’s 2025 gala event is still the talk of the town, no doubt so will last night! Thank you @theroamingflamingo for wrangling us perpetually travelling travel writers for another unforgettable event 🙏

Getting a free blow-out on the tarmac at Melbourne Airport! In a fantastic behind- the-scenes tour of Australia's best airport, we visited the private terminal, where queens and pop princesses pass through. Check its silver 1947 DC3 and the Aston Martin race car, a hangover from the recent Grand Prix. And then we visited the Honeypot (because everyone wants to know where the poo goes). We checked over the Control Ops centre to make sure all was in order, and taste-tested the new menus at Grace, in the Qantas terminal. A fascinating tour arranged for the Australian Society of Travel Writers by Melbourne Airport and @rebeccaandtheworld (we missed you!) #avgeek #aviation #DC3 #astw

Behind the scenes at Melbourne Airport with ASTW ✈️ From runway access (yes, under an A380) to the operations centre and even a peek inside the Melbourne Jet Base—such a fascinating look at how it all works. Really impressed by Melbourne Airport Assist too, helping travellers get from kerb to check-in with confidence. And a delicious lunch at The Graze in Terminal 1, sampling a range menu delights from SSP Australia. Thank you Andrew Lund and the team from @melbourneairportau ! #seniorsinmelbourne #travelmedia #astw @astw_inc #melbourneairport

Super interesting day getting an up close and personal, behind the scenes tour of @melbourneairportau with the @astw_inc . So much to see and learn and a very impressive operation. #travel #behindthescenes #airportlife

Thanks @travmedia , @astw_inc , all the tourism bodies, sponsors, hotels, and everyone who contributed to what was a fantastic few days of networking, learning, and growth. It has taken me a week to come up for air because it was all so good!🌍✈️ Although world issues may feel overwhelming at times, travel reminds us why it’s worth caring — it inspires connection, curiosity, and perspective like nothing else. Here’s to exploring thoughtfully, learning endlessly, and keeping the world a little closer together.

The @astw_inc lunch day is always the unofficial opening act before @travmedia IMM officially begins. 🍽️✈️ This year, The Grounds at South Eveleigh set the scene for a packed room, great conversations, and that familiar buzz of stories waiting to be told. Sponsored by @visitcolorado and @delta , it was the perfect excuse to reconnect with friends, swap travel tales, and ease into the days ahead. IMM starts now. 🌎 #ASTW #TravMediaIMM #TravelWriters #visitcolorado #TravelIndustry