Arrivals & Departures Weekly Travel News & Views 23 February 2026
WELL GROUNDED
Spare a thought for all who work behind the scenes at Perth Airport. I’m on a simple Qantas direct flight to Hobart, Tasmania, which, with an unusual early morning sou’-westerly wind behind us, will take just three hours, 25 minutes. I look down from the window of the Airbus 319-100, and the two baggage handlers have finished loading the plane and are leaving on their chunky little Toyota tow trucks. The plane is pushed back and (the first time I have ever noticed this) a young female airport worker walks alongside the front wheel, holding a lanyard that is fixed to the plane. It looks for all the world like she’s taking the plane for an early morning walk. When the Airbus is released by the push-back truck, she releases the lanyard, too. We are free to go. We are free to fly. We are leaving the everyday behind. Within minutes, I am in a world of white, fluffy clouds.
Qantas flies direct between Perth and Hobart on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays.
POWER CUT
Qantas warning: “Power banks are now limited to two per passenger. They cannot be used or charged on board and must remain within reach throughout your flight.”
TWO FIRSTS
I am going to Hobart for the first arrival in Australia of the world’s only luxury icebreaker expedition ship, Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot. And, as it turns out, for the announcement of the world’s first complete circumnavigation of Antarctica in 2028.
au.ponant.com
You can read more from my trip on page 10.
WORKING FOR YOU
While briefly in Hobart, I write lots of other stories. At least 2000 words a day. I like this “working for you”. I walk the waterfront, finding interesting things to do, go to the summit of Mt Wellington and to MONA, the museum of old and new art. All those stories will be published soon. I delight in “writing on location”, in Notes in my iPhone 17 Pro, sitting on the waterfront. And I particularly love one story, on a maritime theme (and there’s plenty of that in Hobart).
CAFE INSPIRATION
I savour “writing on location”, even at home. For our Round the World Dinner on March 12 (which is sold out), I have to write a fully scripted performance piece about the four places we will “visit” in food, words and music. And so I settle down at Two Dogs Laughing cafe in Fremantle, a favourite writing haunt. I’m happy being on the road, writing, even at home. Just as I finish the first paragraph, I look up, and there is composer and musician Steve Richter, with his dog Ringo. I am writing the script so that I can send them to Steve to write the accompanying music. And here he is. Would you believe it? Yeah, I believe it.
Ringo is named for Beatles drummer Ringo Starr.
TALKING TRAVEL
I am speaking at a Karrakatta Club Sundowner on Friday, March 6 — and you’re invited. Although this is the oldest women’s club in Australia, readers are welcome, as the evening is also about making new friends. But I will be trying to give it gusto, bringing to life the people I meet and places I visit. Adventures around the globe, and journeys in WA. It is from 4.30pm to 7.30pm at ANZAC House, Adelaide Terrace, in a room overlooking the river and Government House gardens. Tickets are $70 per person, including appetisers and welcome drink. Scan the QR code to book or call 9325 8111 on Monday or Tuesday for help. Men are welcome, too.
VINEYARD VIEWS
Aravina Estate in Yallingup has 21 modern cabins set beyond the lake on Wildwood Ridge. The cabins, with their contemporary design, high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, make the best of their vineyard surrounds. Aravina Estate, on Thornton Road, makes award-winning wines. Of the 73ha of the estate, 29.6ha is dedicated to 12 varieties of grapes. And there’s a new cabin.
aravinaestate.com
WA PARTY
The response from WA travellers has surprised the organisers of a private jet tour, which will see 16 guests fly in a Gulfstream 550 private jet to dine at six Michelin-starred restaurants, spend time with famous chefs and stay in amazing hotels. Limited seats remain on this one-off tour and all current confirmed bookings are from WA. Flavours of Asia by Private Jet — A Michelin Culinary Journey is the first of a new series of tour, each of which are one-offs, never to be repeated. This inaugural private jet tour by experts at H4U Travel is from $39,950 per person, all inclusive. Over eight days, the guests on Flavours of Asia will be taken by private jet to six Michelin-starred dining experiences across Asia. It is not just dining; it’s privileged access. Departing on April 21, 2026, this is the first of an ultra-exclusive series in Asia. For the full itinerary, scan the QR code.
WIN A GAP YEAR
Intrepid Travel’s newly released Golden Gap Year research reveals that 80 per cent of the Aussie respondents aged 55-plus, never took a gap year. (Fifty per cent of those under 55 did.) But 67 per cent of those who missed out have considered “making up for lost time” through extended travel. And 62 per cent would take 12 months off to travel if given the chance.
In response, Intrepid Travel is searching for one lucky, adventurous Aussie to live out the gap year they never had. A spokesperson explains: “This winning Australian aged 55-plus will score a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — 12 months of Intrepid adventures valued at up to $100,000, plus $25,000 to cover flights.”
Entries for Intrepid’s Golden Gap Year are open. Australians aged 55-and-over are invited to submit a written application or video. Entries close on March 15, 2026.
intrepidtravel.com/golden-gap-year
RABID BITER
Last week we warned about the dangers of not having good travel insurance.This prompted reader Jackie Bern to add: “Your article in Saturday’s West on travel insurance really resonated for me. We were in Bali for three months last winter and whilst there, hubby was bitten by a dog that was deemed rabid. Major clean-up of the wound, three vaccinations and over $1200 later he recovered well and Southern Cross Travel Insurance settled the claim quickly and efficiently with a personal touch, inquiring after his wellbeing. Definitely my insurer of choice now.”
YELLOW PERILS
I mentioned yellow fever vaccinations last week, and a reader rightly points out that there are warnings and cautions connected to this for those over 60. As our reader says, medical advice should be sought prior to booking any travel. Some countries require a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter.
MEETING READERS
Few things give me more pleasure than meeting readers. And here I am, sitting on the waterfront in Hobart, when I hear my name: “Stephen?” Two readers are here, about to be taken to the top of Mt Wellington to walk its trails, and are kitted out in quality 5.11 brand clothing and good leather boots.
FINAL WORD
Hobart tour bus driver Tony:
“When you step on a grape it lets out a little whine.”