Long Live the Mancation

Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
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For all that extra stuff we just couldn’t get into, for all that malarky to help you survive Mancation and a post Mancation world, here are a few tips and leads from AT to help you out…

More Mancation ideas…

1. Attend BBQ cooking school // There’s more to it than the odd splash of VB on the griddle. www.bbqschool.com.au, 1300 227 745

 

2. Go on a Victorian High Country Brewery Tours // Wine refugees rejoice! www.scruffybunch.com.au, (03) 9859 4932

 

3. Surfaris // Hang with mates while hanging ten at the same time. www.surfaris.com, 1800 007 873

 

4. Whisky Appreciation Course at the Tasmanian Whisky Appreciation Society // Because let’s face it: whisky ought to be appreciated. www.twas.com.au

 

5. AFL/NRL Grand Finals // Choose your poison for a weekend of unbridled sports passion. www.foxsportstravel.com.au, 1300 300 839

 

6. Go to Nimbo Fork Lodge // Fly-fishing heaven in a secluded valley in Tumut, NSW. www.nimboforklodge.com.au, (02) 6944 9099

 

7. Tee off at Coolum // Sound boring? Not if it’s the day after the Australian PGA, with signage intact and the course in full tournament nick. Priceless. www.coolum.regency.hyatt.com, (07) 5449 3581

 

8. Fire a WWII-era rifle // At several ranges around the country, try the Anzac Rifle Range in Malabar NSW to get you started. www.nswra.org.au, (02) 9399 0999

 

9. Superbike test drives // A bit like the Supercars Club, but with motorbikes. www.superbikeclub.com.au, (02) 9969 7344

 

10. Tarraleah Lodge Fly Fishing & Night Golf // Two passions combined in one brilliant five-star Tasmanian adventure. www.tarraleahlodge.com, (03) 6289 1199

 

11. Stalk a Tiger // See the great Tiger Woods while you can. You don’t know when the Victorian taxpayers will have enough money to lure him back. www.australianmasters.com.au, (03) 9864 1111, Nov 12-15, 2009

 

12. Attend the Boxing Day Test at the MCG // ’Nuff said. www.cricket.com.au

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

The Mancation make-good…

For being allowed to on your Mancation, here are a few suggestions on what you may have to do the following weekend to make up for it.

 

1. Book into a cooking class with your loved one.

 

2. Go to the theatre/the opera/a musical with your loved one.

 

3. Head off for a romantic weekend away with your loved one.

 

4. Pretty much just do something with your loved one.

 

5. Stay at home and look after the kids while your loved one heads off on a well-deserved Girls’ Weekend Away (see Just for the Girls).

What NOT to pack for your Mancation…

Lonely Planet guide. C’mon. Getting lost and never seeking advice is half the fun of being a man.

 

Mobile phones, portable DVD players or Game Boy.

 

Stubby holders. How else will you remember where you’ve been?

 

Your cordless hairdryer, moisturiser or hair removal cream.

 

Your wife.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

What to pack for your Mancation…

Don’t leave home without these essential Mancation items

 

Poker chips & playing cards… but remember, if you can’t spot the sucker at the table in the first half an hour . . . it’s you.

 

Berocca & Nurofen

 

Beer & bottle opener

 

Fresh underwear, deodorant and a toothbrush. You’re not an animal.

 

Hair of the Dog Recipe.

More

Pub-crawls: You have to fly before you can crawl

Houseboating: How’s the serenity?

Demolition Derbies: Become a Duke of destruction

Hunter or Gatherer: Which are you?

Stunt driving: Just like in the movies

Gone fishing: Trout, Barra and the deep sea

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Embrace that Sunday feeling at Hamilton Island‘s newest resort

    Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
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    This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.

    White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.

    pool at The Sundays Hamilton Island
    Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.

    Laid-back luxury

    The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.

    This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.

    Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.

    Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.

    balcony view from room at The Sundays
    Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

    Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views

    Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.

    Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.

    Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.

    inside a room at The Sundays
    Stylish rooms feature natural, soothing tones. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

    Excellent activities and amenities

    Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.

    Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.

    Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.

    Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.

    aerial shot of The Sundays pool and catseye beach
    Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Delectable dining

    What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club.

    Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.

    “The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.

    table spread including a lobster dish from Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays
    Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.

    A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.

    view from catseye pool club at The Sundays hamilton island
    Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Exploring the island

    While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.

    Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin.

    Looking for more tasty treats? Visit one of the island’s restaurants – there are more than 20 to choose from.

    Hikers on passage peak hike on hamilton island
    Take on the beautiful hikes of Hamilton Island. (Image: Nick Leary)

    Book your stay at The Sundays through hamiltonisland.com.au.

    Long Live the Mancation - Australian Traveller