AT Favourites From 2011: Managing Editors Choice

Here are the places AT’s managing editor, Quentin Long, wants to give special shout-outs to for 2011:
FAVOURITE REVITALISED-ABOUT-LIFE MOMENT
“Skiing in Hotham. After 20 years off skis I have never felt so reinvigorated and ‘life is about living’ as I did in the two days back on skis at Hotham. If you want to shed the sluggish and mundane of life, hop on a pair of skis.” mthotham.com.au

FAVOURITE FLIGHT OF THE YEAR
“Flying from Longreach to Birdsville via Bedourie and Boulia on a Skytrans flight. It was mindboggling to see the communities of red sand and desert surrounded by water for as far as the eye (and lens) could see.” skytrans.com.au

FAVOURITE UNEXPECTED WINE EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR
“Sitting down with Curly Flat’s Phillip Moraghan on a Wednesday afternoon in the Macedon Ranges, enjoying one of the greatest chardonnays and pinot noirs in the country with the place to ourselves. His insightful saying about winemaking and perhaps life (a quote from his obstetrician partner) has stuck with me: ‘The masterful art of doing nothing.’” curlyflat.com

FAVOURITE DAY OF THE YEAR
“Fishing with Brutus and the crew of MV Fascination on Lizard Island. Snorkelling and fishing on the ribbon reefs of the Great Barrier Reef is a day I will remember for the rest of my life. Best fresh sushi ever – from the ocean to my mouth in 20 minutes.” lizardisland.com.au

MOST HELPFUL CUSTOMER SERVICE OF THE YEAR
“Qantas. Every interaction this year as a paying ‘Joe Nobody’ flyer has been unbelievably good. Particularly in Auckland, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane. Pleasant, helpful and efficient. What more could you ask for?” qantas.com