Five next-generation cameras worth packing on your travels

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Actually, you don’t need a complicated camera to get a good shot. These next-generation cameras do all the hard work for you (and in travel-friendly sizes)

1. Canon EOS M

If you’re a budding photographer, choose this: it’ll give you images nearing professional quality (really) in a compact body, with the option of interchangeable lenses once you’re more confident. From $460, canon.com.au

2. Sony DSC-RX100 11

Similar to its big brother (see #6), this camera offers great quality images, and performs well in low light – perfect for those who aren’t willing to break the bank, but want a higher quality photo. From $750, sony.com.au

3. Nikon Coolpix A

Offering you the same image sensor found in the professional-level Nikon D-SLR range, this compact camera gives you quite amazing image quality, in a handy compact. From $1000, nikon.com.au

4. Panasonic Lumix GX7

This camera takes the kind of excellent quality shot you’d expect from this price range. It also includes built-in wi-fi (for easy image transfer to computers) and an easy-to-navigate display – all in a cool little retro-styled body. From $1000, panasonic.com.au

5. Sony DSC-RX 1

Picture a camera with one of those huge, telescopic-style lenses. Now, pack that punch into a camera that fits in the palm of your hand. That’s what this device offers – it’s a world first. Not surprisingly, it takes a brilliant shot. From $2300, sony.com.au

 

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Discover the Yarra Valley town made for slow weekends

    Kellie FloydBy Kellie Floyd
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    Once a service town for gold miners, Healesville has evolved into a destination brimming with character.

    If you trace your finger to the heart of the Yarra Valley on a map, you’ll land on Healesville – a charming little town framed by towering gums and rolling hills. Its main street is lined with cosy cafes, a bookshop, silversmiths, boutiques and a providore stacked with artisan breads and cured meats. In other words, all the essentials for a leisurely weekend. Just beyond the shops, parklands invite picnics, bush trails suggest a wander, along with an old tourist railway, distilleries and award-winning vineyards. Originally a service centre for the goldfields, the railway soon brought visitors seeking fresh mountain air. Today, it’s the kind of place that rewards a slow stroll.

    Staying in Healesville

    the lounge in one of the cosy villas at Healesvillas
    Inside one of the cosy villas.

    If sweeping mountain views are part of your accommodation prerequisite, Healesvillas are two architecturally designed villas sleeping six guests, complete with landscaped al fresco areas and a fire pit. Wander into town to visit Cheesemonger Sophie to help craft the perfect platter, and Barrique Wine Store for a local red, before returning to soak up the views.

    Dining out in Healesville

    small plates at No. 7 Healesville
    No.7 offers small plates and tasting menus centred on seasonal produce. (Image: Ben Frazer)

    For breakfast, head to My Little Kitchen Cafe , a cheerful spot on the main street known for its strong coffee and warm hospitality. Herd is a low-lit spot with serious style, serving up modern comfort food, or to sit beside wine barrels and underneath chandeliers head to No. 7 Healesville , a wine bar and restaurant in a converted warehouse.

    Drinking in Healesville

    a cocktail at Four Pillars Gin Distillery
    Enjoy a cocktail at renowned Four Pillars Gin Distillery. (Image: LVDI)

    Take a tour or sip your way through a tasting paddle at one of Australia’s most famous gin distilleries, Four Pillars Gin . If visiting a boutique winery is on the list, Boat O’Craigo wines has sweeping views over the vineyards to the hills beyond. The newest addition to the local drinking scene, Zoncello Yarra Valley serves a must-try Limoncello Spritz.

    the Boat O’Craigo winery
    Boutique winery Boat O’Craigo. (Image: Rob Blackburn)

    Healesville highlights

    If you’re after a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery, Silvermist Studio designs beautifully unique pieces. Lifestyle store Morris et al is filled with women’s fashion and homewares, and because everyone deserves a good book, Verso Books is a cosy independent bookshop with carefully chosen titles.

    Head to Healesville Sanctuary to get up close to some of Australia’s wildlife. If the weather is on your side, pack a picnic and head to Maroondah Reservoir Park to climb the steep dam wall, where kids and adults alike can’t resist testing out the booming echo. And if you feel like stepping back in time, board a vintage train at the Yarra Valley Railway .

    the Puffing Billy Railway
    Step back in time at the Puffing Billy Railway. (Image: Visit Victoria)