T Travel List: Josh Niland To Open a New Restaurant on Hamilton Island

Plus more experiences and destinations to have on your radar this month.

Article by Hollie Wornes

Moraea Farm.Photograph courtesy of Rachael Tagg / Moraea Farm.

Summer is just days away, and while the festive season can be full of joy, some of the most relaxing moments can come once the Christmas hype is over. Whether you’re planning an end of year getaway or considering a 2025 escape, the editors at T Australia have curated a list of must-visit destinations and experiences to add to your itinerary this month and in the months to come. From a brand-new restaurant by one of our former cover stars to a luxurious farm stay in Berry, find our T Travel List below.

Moraea Farm, Berry NSW

Moraea Farm.
Photograph courtesy of Rachael Tagg / Moraea Farm.
Moraea Farm.
Photograph courtesy of Rachael Tagg / Moraea Farm.

Located just a two-hour drive from Sydney, Berry on New South Wales’s South Coast is a prime destination for families and groups. The town offers plenty of eateries to explore (a stop at the famed donut van is a must), with some of the region’s best wineries and beaches just moments away. The Linnaeus Collection — a “deconstructed hotel” collective — has several properties in the area which boast luxury and space.

Their collection spans homes in the heart of town and farms scattered across nearby rolling hills. The latest addition to its portfolio is Moraea Farm, previously known as Far Meadow Cottage. This property blends the charm of an old-school farmhouse with all the modern comforts you’d expect from the group.

Unique among Linnaeus properties, which typically feature four rooms, Moraea Farm boasts five spacious bedrooms. The home is designed to encourage togetherness, with expansive outdoor kitchen and dining areas ideal for creating lasting memories over slow-cooked meals in the heart of nature. For special occasions, guests can book a farm-to-plate-inspired culinary experience in the on-site private dining space. It’s available to all Linnaeus Collection guests and offers bespoke menus curated by Alex Prichard of Icebergs.

linnaeuscollection.com.

Josh Niland To Open a Restaurant at The Sundays, Hamilton Island

Josh Niland Cover Preview
"If you’re able to balance the amount of emotion and ego you need within cooking, then you’ve got a pretty good concoction." Josh Niland wears Gucci pants and jacket, gucci.com; and AGMES brooches, agmesnyc.com. Photograph by Jason Loucas. Styling by Patrick Zaczkiewicz.

Earlier this year, the pioneering chef Josh Niland graced the cover of T Australia’s “Yes” issue — and we couldn’t have selected a more fitting talent. In 2024 alone, he has appeared on ABC’s “Australian Story” and Network Ten’s “MasterChef Australia”, and cooked at the Coachella music festival, California’s Malibu Pier and the Whitsundays resort qualia, passing through the portal into global celebrity chefdom. Then, in August, after a year of delays, the relocated Saint Peter opened in Paddington’s The Grand National Hotel — which has gone onto win a very deserved third chef’s hat. If that wasn’t enough, Josh and his wife Julie Niland have just announced they’ll be opening a new restaurant at Hamilton Island’s new family-friendly resort The Sundays.

Set on the backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef, the restaurant located in the new 59-room hotel will showcase Niland’s signature whole-fish ethos while also incorporating a selection of meats and local ingredients.

“Josh and Julie’s approach to food is nothing short of exceptional,” says Nick Dowling, the acting CEO of Hamilton Island say.

“Their creativity and expertise will offer our guests an experience that is uniquely connected to the island’s natural setting … The Sundays marks the beginning of a bold food and beverage strategy, ensuring the island remains a must-visit destination for travellers seeking world-class dining and unforgettable experiences.”

hamiltonisland.com.au 

The Clan Hotel, Singapore

The Clan Hotel infinity rooftop pool.
The Clan Hotel infinity rooftop pool. Photograph courtesy of TFE Hotels.

Singapore is often an overlooked destination for Australians passing through on longer journeys, but it’s a city brimming with culture and luxury hotels worth discovering. A standout is The Clan Hotel, an urban retreat located in the heart of the vibrant Chinatown district.

Step inside to experience a seamless fusion of modern design and rich heritage. The hotel honours Singapore’s traditional clan associations, offering a unique blend of contemporary comfort and cultural elements. With a fine dining restaurant, a rooftop infinity pool, and exclusive wellness experiences, it’s tempting to stay put at The Clan. But when you’re ready to explore, some of the city’s best shopping and eateries are just moments away.

tfehotels.com

Oceania Cruises Hosts a Cooking School at Sea

Oceania Cruise kitchen
Photograph courtesy Oceania Cruises.

In celebration of its 15-year milestone, Oceania Cruises has introduced new culinary classes for 2025, which spotlight dishes from the Pacific Northwest, Polynesia, Australia, and more.

The Culinary Center, which features over 60 classes taught in custom-built kitchens with professional-grade equipment, offers guests the opportunity to explore a destination’s culture and history through a chef-guided experience. Don an apron and cook with chef Kathryn Kelly, Oceania Cruises’ director of culinary enrichment and founder of The Culinary Center.

The new cooking experience is available in more than 40 destinations worldwide, allowing guests to shop for fresh ingredients at local markets and learn from regional experts. oceaniacruises.com