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

10 excellent Katoomba restaurants to dine at now

Whether you fancy a fine dining affair or a more low-key night out, you’ll find a menu to whet your appetite in the beautiful mountain-side town of Katoomba.

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.

People walking the trail at Katoomba Falls

Blue Mountains

16 memorable things to do in Katoomba

The historic Blue Mountains town of Katoomba is a vibrant, creative enclave filled with attractions from outdoor excitement to cosy places to sit and sip.

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.

Yamba

Top Towns for 2022: Where to eat, stay and play in Yamba

The arrival of its first boutique hotel has helped usher in a new era of cool for Yamba. But the appeal of this quintessential coastal town remains timeless, writes Lara Picone. Discover why Yamba sailed in at no.12 on your list of Top 50 Aussie towns.

Broome

The unique appeal that crowned Broome your top town for 2022

Just what is it about this remote Kimberley town that gets under the skin and stays there? Lara Picone explores the unique appeal that landed Broome at the top of your list of Top 50 Aussie Towns.

Overhead shot of table with-food-and group of people eating a diverse range of meals

Australia

Australia on a plate: what the food we eat reveals about who we are

Nowhere does Australia’s melting pot multicultural society play out more obviously than through food. It tracks our history of immigration, our sometimes troubled journey to social integration and acceptance, and our recalibration as a nation of many finding common ground in a diverse national identity.