Australian Holidays and Travel Guide

Lara Picone

Travel Journalist

Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.

Blue Mountains

Hotel profile: Seclusions Blue Mountains

Lean into country style at Seclusions Blue Mountains, where cosy timber cabins are purpose-built to encourage romantic notions.

A group of people tour the intricate Jenolan Caves

Blue Mountains

A must-read guide to exploring Jenolan Caves

A vast and ancient network of limestone chambers, Jenolan Caves is an unmissable Blue Mountains highlight.

Tweed

Tweed markets for fresh produce and vintage finds

With incredible, locally grown produce and plenty of creatively inclined residents, the Tweed region’s markets are lively, community events where you can pick up all manner of delicious and beautiful finds.

Tweed

Tweed accommodation: 16 places to stay from Cabarita to the twin towns

Scattered with retro cool motels, hinterland hideaways and resort-style escapes, the Tweed is full of incredible accommodation from coast to caldera.

a table-top view of a sample food platter at Pipit Restaurant, Pottsville

Tweed

10 must-visit restaurants in Kingscliff and surrounds

Eat your way along the Tweed coast with these fantastic restaurants that showcase the region’s incredible produce.

Brisbane

Your ultimate 3-day Brisbane itinerary for a luxurious getaway

Discover city sights and island delights on this three-day itinerary showcasing the many sides of a Brisbane getaway.

Tweed

7 incredible Murwillumbah restaurants to try now

Tuck into the beautiful produce of the Tweed Valley at these Murwillumbah restaurants that showcase both provenance and culinary talent.

Australia

Everything to know before booking your first cruise

As part of our ongoing 'Everything you need to know about cruising‘ series, here’s everything a cruise novice considering taking the plunge on your first water-top holiday needs to consider before you set sail.

an aerial view of the woodlands and wetlands of Budj Bim

Great Ocean Road

Experience the remarkable Budj Bim Cultural Landscape

Take a diversion away from the Great Ocean Road to the World Heritage Site of Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, where the Gunditjmara community is sharing its remarkable story of ancient enterprise with the world.