AuthorsLara PiconeL

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.
Things to do in Katoomba: Waterfalls, hiking and high tea
Blue Mountains

Things to do in Katoomba: Waterfalls, hiking and high tea

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.

Read more
Grand Cliff Top Walk, Wentworth Falls
Blue Mountains

Things to do in Leura: waterfalls, hiking and saunas

With its mountainside charm and rich community feel, Leura is an idyllic location for an easy mini break.

Read more
Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Bowen Mountain
Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains accommodation: 21 stunning places to book now

From luxury hotels to family-friendly resorts and stylish holiday homes, this is the best accommodation in the Blue Mountains.

Read more
shops on the main street of Leura
Blue Mountains

Treasure-filled spots for shopping in Leura

Spend where you stay and take home something special from your mountain escape on a Leura shopping spree.

Read more
ballina
NSW

This NSW town is proving it’s more than just a gateway to Byron

From cool new cafes to pristine beaches, we’re making the case for Ballina as a destination for lingering. These are the best things to do when visiting.

Read more
top beach towns in Australia
Australia

The 10 best Aussie beach towns for an easy coastal getaway

Classic beachside destinations defined by sun, sand and sea. 

Read more
Couple soak in barrels at Metung Hot Springs
Australia

Head to these 10 Aussie wellness towns for the ultimate restorative escape

At these Australian destinations, wellness shapes the itinerary.

Read more
Riding with Zephyr Horses along the Byron Bay Coast
Byron Bay

This NSW town is officially the wellness capital of Australia – here’s how to experience it

As the winner of the wellness category in Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns, Byron Bay is all about uplifting holistic experiences from the corporeal to the spiritual.

Read more
the exterior of 25hours Hotel Sydney the Olympia
Sydney

25 of the best hotels in Sydney for your next city escape

These are our pick of the best Sydney hotels to complement your next city escape.

Read more