Matty Somewhere

It’s Literally Straight on the Beach at ‘Strait On The Beach’!

Strait on the Beach at Holloways Beach offers relaxed beachfront dining with stunning ocean views, modern Australian cuisine, and friendly service. It’s an ideal spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch while enjoying the peaceful tropical atmosphere just north of Cairns. This post may contain affiliate links, to read more click here.T’s & C’s The winter…

Terrific Thai at Thai Naramit, Brisbane.

Thai Naramit is a popular Brisbane restaurant known for authentic Thai cuisine, including curries, stir-fries, seafood, and vegetarian options. Located in Hendra, not far from the domestic and international airport terminals, it offers dine in, takeaway, and delivery, with consistently strong reviews for food quality, service, and atmosphere. This post may contain affiliate links, to…

The New Cheeseburger Toastie on Virgin Australia.

Yes — Virgin Australia has just added a viral “Cheeseburger Toastie” to its buy-on-board Economy menu. It launched in May 2026 The toastie includes: Virgin says the idea came from a viral TikTok food trend with nearly 20 million views. This post may contain affiliate links, to read more click here. It’s part of the…

What is Betty’s Burgers in Australia like?

Betty’s has quickly become one of my favourite burger spots in Australia. Betty’s Burgers, founded in 2014 in Noosa, Queensland, is an Australian fast / casual burger chain which boasts over 60 stores nationwide. The burgers are consistently delicious, and the sides offer something a little different from what you’ll find at other burger chains,…

Crocodile, and Kangaroo Spring Rolls in Kuranda… Would You Give These a Try?

When visiting Kuranda in Tropical North Queensland, just outside Cairns, a visit to Kuranda Hotel is well worth adding to your itinerary. Surrounded by lush rainforest and rich local history, the hotel is within easy walking distance of attractions such as the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, as well as a range…

Chinese-Malay Cuisine at Malaysia House, Rockhampton, Queensland.

Malaysia House serves authentic Chinese – Malay cuisine with bold flavours and generous portions. Known for its char kway teow and its take on Hainan chicken rice, it offers an old-school, regional city dining experience with friendly service. This post may contain affiliate links, to read more click here. On a quick visit to Rockhampton,…

The Freshest Seafood at Prawn Star, Cairns Marina.

Prawn Star is a unique waterfront dining experience in Cairns, set on moored fishing trawlers. Known for exceptionally fresh seafood, it offers a relaxed, no frills atmosphere where prawns take centre stage, celebrating the region’s local catch. This post may contain affiliate links, to read more click here. I was meeting my friend James, a…

Authentic Thai Food at Thanon Khaosan, Sydney.

Thanon Khaosan is a wonderful Thai restaurant – in the ‘Thai Town’ area of downtown Sydney – known for bold street food flavours and lively atmosphere. Its menu showcases classic dishes with authentic flair, balancing spice, freshness, and rich textures that capture the spirit of Bangkok’s bustling food scene. This post may contain affiliate links,…

Rusty’s Markets in Tropical Cairns, Australia!

Rusty’s Markets in Cairns, Australia, is a vibrant local icon, offering fresh tropical produce, international street food, artisan goods, and a lively atmosphere. It reflects the city’s multicultural spirit and is a favourite gathering place for locals and visitors alike. This post may contain affiliate links, to read more click here. Since moving to Cairns,…

QantasLink Dash 8-Q400 – Horn Island to Cairns.

The Dash 8-Q400 operates the regular flights between Cairns and Horn Island, which serves as the main airport for Thursday Island. The aircraft is well suited to this route, offering a comfortable and reliable service connecting Far North Queensland with the Torres Strait. For many regional Australians, QantasLink is more than an airline, it is…

The Grand Food at The Grand Hotel on Thursday Island.

The Grand Hotel on Thursday Island, is a historic pub known for classic meals, cold drinks, and relaxed island hospitality, making it a favourite with locals and visitors alike. The hotel also offers accommodation, but for this post, join me as I explore what the food is like here. This post may contain affiliate links,…

The Wonderful Hay Street Food Market (at Paddy’s Market), Chinatown, Sydney

Opened in March 2025, the Hay St Market at Paddy’s Markets truly has something for everyone, with over 48 traders showcasing more than 25 cuisines from around the world. While I can’t try them all, I sample some of my favourites snacks and dishes, including fare from a two of my favourite celebrity chefs. This…

A Light Lunch at Lavana, Tapas and Bar, Sydney.

Lavana is a stylish waterfront tapas bar in Sydney’s Walsh Bay, offering Mediterranean inspired small plates, seafood, all with great friendly service. With its relaxed harbour views and welcoming atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot for lunch, dinner, or drinks with friends. This post may contain affiliate links, to read more click here. I’m with my…

Cruising Gorgeous Sydney Harbour with Captain Cook Cruises.

Sydney Harbour is truly the jewel in the city’s crown, with its sparkling waters and stunning views, iconic buildings and structures, what better way to take it all in than on a leisurely lunch or dinner cruise, combining breathtaking scenery with great food to create a memorable experience. Captain Cook Cruises operates a range of…

Breakfast at The Rocks Café, Sydney.

Breakfast at The Rocks Café in Sydney is a delightful experience, with hearty classics, fresh coffee, and a charming heritage setting, making it the perfect spot to start your day in this historic entertainment and dining precinct. I am here meeting my friend Susanne for breakfast after a very early shift at work, and we…

QANTAS Airways – Airbus A330 – Cairns to Sydney.

After another wonderful stay in Cairns, the city that feels like my second home, it was time to head back to Sydney. For this flight I chose Qantas Airways for three key reasons: first, the chance to fly on a widebody Airbus A330-200; second, I grabbed a seat with points (or miles) that was quite…

The Wonderful Food at the Historic Mount Kembla Village Hotel, Wollongong.

The Mount Kembla Village Hotel welcomes everyone with genuine warmth and country charm. With 16 beers on tap, a thoughtfully curated wine list, a wide range of spirits, and a menu crafted by a talented chef, there’s something for every taste. The wood fired pizzas are a local favourite, and the morning buzz of our…

Ochre Restaurant – Australian Indigenous food – in Gorgeous Cairns!

Ochre Restaurant in Cairns is a standout dining destination known for its innovative use of native Australian ingredients. Overlooking the waterfront, it offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. It’s perfect for visitors seeking a unique and memorable Aussie culinary experience. This post may contain affiliate links, to read more click here.. The menu showcases bold,…

The Malaya, Sydney, Malaysian food at its Best.

The Malaya in Sydney is an institution, renowned for its vibrant Malaysian and Singaporean flavours. Established in the 1960s, it continues to impress with signature dishes like chicken and pork satay’s, char kway teow, and beef rendang, and all served with warm, attentive service that keeps diners returning. This post may contain affiliate links, to…

A Road Trip to the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia.

My friend Shanny, who I’ve known for over 30 years, and I both needed a little getaway. With a few days off, we decided on a short escape to the New South Wales (NSW) South Coast—not too far from my home in Sydney and hers in Wollongong. This post may contain affiliate links, to read…

Virgin Australian Lounge – Gold Coast.

I’m back at another Virgin Australia Lounge, and this one in the Gold Coast is excellent, like most of them really. While the food is plentiful, the lounge offers sweeping views of the tarmac, making it a relaxing and great aviation viewing spot before my flight. This post may contain affiliate links, to read more…