A country escape straight out of a fairytale, a spectacular bottomless brunch in Sydney and our verdict on one of Australia's first Michelin restaurants: THE DETOUR

Nestled in the Southern Highlands, Ardour Milton Park Bowral emerges as a refined blend of historical elegance and contemporary luxury. Recently renovated by the team behind Lilianfels in the Blue Mountains, this estate invites visitors into a serene retreat characterized by its lush gardens, heritage architecture, and tranquil ambiance. The approach through a tree-lined driveway sets a storybook tone that extends into the interior, where guests find a peaceful reprieve mere 90 minutes from Sydney.

The estate’s culinary offerings reflect a dedication to quality and creativity under the guidance of Executive Chef Mark Holland. Dining venues such as Horderns Restaurant and The Polo Bar showcase dishes like grilled Abrolhos Island scallops with puttanesca butter and lemon, as well as gnocco fritto accompanied by nduja and honey. The menu balances freshness and richness, with highlights including Hiramasa kingfish crudo and Riverina Black Angus sirloin featuring spring garden herb salsa. Desserts maintain this standard, with the Eton Mess combining native ingredients and classic flavours in an innovative presentation.

Beyond dining, Ardour Milton Park’s wellness sanctuary, Èliva, offers a comprehensive retreat experience. Facilities include traditional and modern treatments, an oil-blending bar for customized skincare products, and a variety of relaxation and fitness amenities such as PEMF mats, vibro-acoustic lounges, and Pilates sessions. This wellness focus complements the estate’s overall atmosphere, making it a compelling destination for those seeking a restorative escape close to urban centres.

Shifting to Sydney’s skyline, Crown Sydney’s CIRQ restaurant introduces a bottomless brunch that marries indulgence with striking harbour views. Priced at $145 per person, this two-hour experience features unlimited Chandon, a welcome cocktail, and a generous tiered charcuterie, culminating in a Greek-inspired main course highlighted by whole spit-roasted lamb. Accompanied by classic sides like tzatziki, olive tapenade, and lemon potatoes, the brunch is elevated by a live DJ and panoramic vistas, creating an appealing social setting.

For those inclined, a staycation at Crown Sydney enhances the experience with the venue’s luxury accommodations and diverse dining options. The recently opened Golden Century restaurant is noted for its authentic Cantonese cuisine and signature desserts, including a fresh fruit and taro ball icy dessert pot. The hotel also offers innovative beverage experiences, such as the Belvedere Dirty Brew Coffee series, further emphasizing its role as a hub for culinary and leisure indulgence.

In South Australia, the culinary spotlight falls on Africola, a South African-inspired establishment in Adelaide led by acclaimed chef Duncan Welgemoed. Despite high demand and limited availability, the restaurant impresses with vibrant dishes and an energetic atmosphere. Signature starters like the crispy chicken tea sandwich introduce diners to bold flavours, setting the stage for mains such as peri peri chicken with chakalaka sauce and wagyu sirloin accompanied by padrón peppers. The balance of spicy and tender elements has garnered strong praise, with complementary sides enhancing the overall meal.

Africola’s reputation extends beyond the food, reflecting a lively dining environment that attracts a dedicated following. Its acclaim as one of Australia's Michelin-recognized venues underscores its importance in the national gastronomic landscape. Visitors often find themselves planning return trips to Adelaide specifically to revisit the restaurant’s distinctive offerings.

Together, these destinations illustrate the rich diversity of Australia’s food and hospitality sectors—from countryside luxury and wellness to urban sophistication and multicultural cuisine. Each location offers a unique encounter, whether through heritage and nature, waterfront vistas and social dining, or the vibrant fusion of international flavours in a metropolitan setting. Collectively, they contribute to a dynamic narrative of Australian lifestyle and culinary excellence as reported by dailymail.com.