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.
waterlilies in the pond of Mayfield GardenGroup enjoying a tour of vineyards with Orange Wine Tours in Orange
Orange

Unmissable highlights on a road trip from Sydney to Orange

Make the journey to Orange as incredible as the destination with these must-sees along the way.

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Orchard Cottage in Leura
Blue Mountains

10 charming country stays in Leura to escape to now

From a retreat in a historic nunnery to sprawling resorts and contemporary builds with jaw-dropping views, Leura accommodation is bursting with country charm from all angles.

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View from the bath at Hilltop cabin at Logan Brae
Blue Mountains

Retreat to the mountains: 10 stays in Blackheath and surrounds

From covetable cabins to contemporary hotels, you’ll find the mountain retreat of your long weekend dreams in Blackheath.

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The view from Megalong Lookout Cottage
Blue Mountains

Katoomba accommodation: 9 incredible stays to try for yourself

Base yourself at one of these incredible Katoomba stays as you discover the stunning Blue Mountains beyond.

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the corner view suite balcony overlooking the Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains

A luxe stay at Echoes in the Blue Mountains delivers unbeatable views

Drop your bags and absorb the incredible Jamison Valley views from your room at the luxe Echoes Blue Mountains.

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cows grazing in the filed at Seclusions Blue Mountains
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.

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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.

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People shopping in the main street of Leura
Blue Mountains

12 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.

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