travel
Into the wild, in luxury
South Australia's newest luxury nature stay, Safari Lodge at Monarto Safari Resort is now open.
Tucked in the heart of Monarto Safari Park's Wild Africa precinct, Safari Lodge redefines regional escapes in the Murraylands, bringing a slice of savannah-style luxury, just an hour from Adelaide.
With 20 private luxury safari tents positioned around a central waterhole, the Safari Lodge feels like watching a David Attenborough documentary, but in the flesh. Think zebra, giraffe and oryx wandering near your private deck.
The Safari Lodge stay, managed by Journey Beyond, is all-inclusive, meaning meals, drinks and wildlife experiences, including two-day admission into Monarto Safari Park, are part of the package.
The exclusive Wild Africa Sunset Safari is a particularly breathtaking way to end the day, with guests exploring the 550-hectare precinct aboard a custom-built, open-sided four-wheel-drive Land Cruiser alongside expert safari guides.
Private plunge pools, outdoor lounges and the lodge's Marula Day Spa offer relaxing spaces to recharge after a day exploring the wider 1500-hectare safari park.
A portion of every stay supports Monarto Safari Park's conservation programs, so your luxury escape also gives back to wildlife protection efforts closer to home.
Make the most of your Murraylands stay by visiting some of the nearby towns dotted around the region. Away from the lodge, there's a whole other world to explore. A stone's throw from Safari Lodge is Murray Bridge, Mannum, Coorong, and Langhorne Creek wine region.
The friendliest place on earth
Imagine holidaying in a place that feels just like home. That's how visitors view Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, with the town recently crowned one of the most welcoming places on Earth for 2026.
Each year, Booking.com sifts through more than 300 million verified guest reviews to reveal the destinations where hospitality shines.
From barefoot luxury to a splash of adventure, Noosa Heads offers the type of rest and relaxation a holiday should include. Swim in secluded coves at Noosa National Park, graze your way along the buzzing Hastings Street dining strip, or paddle out to ride the region's famously gentle waves.
Visit Noosa Heads during whale season (June to November) and you might even see migrating humpbacks.
A little closer to home, the Eyre Peninsula's coastal town of Port Lincoln was rated among the top 10 most welcoming cities in Australia.
Top 3 foodie tours.
Italy
Inspired by nonnas' recipes from across Italy, Italian food tours plate up more than just pizza and cured meats. Indulge in local Venetian pastries and organic olive oil while taking in some of Italy's most iconic sights.
Vietnam
From slurping Vietnam's national soup, pho, to wrapping your hands around a famous bánh mì, a traditional Vietnamese food tour shares secret spices from local chefs and takes you deep into the mayhem and magic of bustling Vietnamese markets.
South Australia
Venture on a Kangaroo Island food and wine tour and graze on local produce tasting platters and gourmet pizza before indulging in more wine and cheese boards at wineries along the island.
Book your next holiday with RAA Travel.
Visit travel.raa.com.au for details.
Meet the travel agent
Shawn Lowe
RAA Shop Mount Barker
Born on New Zealand's South Island, local travel expert Shaun has insider knowledge of travelling across the ditch.
What's the best way to see NZ?
For me, New Zealand is hands down a self-drive destination. If you like the idea of a bit of freedom, exploring NZ in a motorhome is a great way to do it. You can be at the beach one morning and the rainforest the next.
What are the hidden gems beyond the usual tourist spots?
If you want something a little less obvious, the Kauri Coast on the North Island still feels untouched and the forests out there are incredible. Waipoua Forest is the highlight, especially Tāne Mahuta – New Zealand's largest kauri tree.
It's one of those places that's hard to describe until you're standing there. On the South Island you'll find the Catlins which is off the beaten track. It shows a completely different side of New Zealand that most travellers miss.
What are the differences between the North and South Islands?
The North Island leans more towards culture, geothermal areas, and Māori heritage. The South Island is all about scenery – bigger landscapes, mountains, fiords and glaciers.
How easy is it to travel between the islands?
Super easy. The Interislander ferry takes you from Wellington on the North Island to Picton on the tip of the South Island or vice versa. It's an incredible journey that only takes about three hours one way. Otherwise, if you're short on time there are regular flights to get you from one island to the other.
Do you have any top tips for people planning their first trip to NZ?
Give each island the time it deserves. About 10 to 12 days for each island is going to feel unrushed, and you'll be able to experience all the must-visit attractions rather than just ticking them off.
Spirit of Tasmania's new vessels take sail
A new era of Bass Strait travel begins in 2026, with Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V expected to commence service between Geelong and Devonport from October.
Designed to carry more passengers, cabins, vehicles and freight, the ships offer a range of new offerings including pet-friendly cabins allowing guests to travel with their furry companions.
1800 passengers | 212 metres long | 301 cabins | 48.2km/h speed
South Australia to Shanghai, a Flight Away
Shanghai is now closer than ever for South Australians dreaming of late-night dumplings on the Bund waterfront precinct or the neon-lit skylines of Pudong.
Tickets are on sale for a new direct service between Adelaide and Shanghai, with China Eastern Airlines set to launch the highly anticipated route on 21 June 2026.
For local travellers, it means just one non-stop long-haul flight between Adelaide and China. For inbound visitors, the flight offers a direct path to South Australia's wineries, festivals and coastal escapes.
The seasonal service departs Adelaide Airport three times a week until 2 August, operating an Airbus A350-900 with 286 seats across business and economy. Following the seasonal service, the airline is set to return in early 2027.
New entry rules for UK dual citizens
If you're a dual UK or Irish–Australian citizen, there's an important change for travelling to the UK. UK and Irish dual citizens can no longer enter the UK using an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) on their other passport (for example, an Australian passport).
From 25 February 2026, you must travel to the UK using a valid UK passport, a valid Irish passport, or an Australian passport with a Certificate of Entitlement (COE). You must enter the UK with your UK or Irish passport (or a COE in your Australian passport). You can return to Australia using your Australian passport. Some airlines may accept an expired UK or Irish passport if you also show a second valid passport, but this is up to the airline.
IMAGES: Getty; RAA; SATC/Kangaroo Island Tourism Alliance; Tourism and Events Queensland/Demi Gavin.
