Tobias Handke

A Guide to South Australia’s 18 Wine Regions

When it comes to top-tier Australian wine look no further than South Australia. The Festival State is widely regarded as the Aussie wine hotspot and is home to some of the world’s most revered vineyards. Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Clare Valley are three of the most well-known regions in SA, but there are several…

22 January 202513 minRead time

South Australia

The Best Hiking and Walking Trails in South Australia

There are few things better than heading out into the wilderness and getting in touch with nature. As a proud South Aussie who loves nothing more than ditching civilisation for the quiet life, I can attest to South Australia’s incredible array of hiking and walking trails that take in all types of terrain. Whether it’s…

9 January 202512 minRead time

South Australia

The Best Beaches in South Australia

Whenever visitors to Australia talk about what they want to experience, our sandy beaches are usually near the top of the list. Bondi, Noosa and Byron are the go-to spots for tourists, but as any local knows, there are dozens of incredible Instagram-worthy beaches with golden sands and crystal-clear waters across this beautiful country of…

12 December 20249 minRead time

South Australia

Where To Eat, Drink, Play and Stay During a Weekend in the Barossa Valley

I might be biased as a South Aussie, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better wine region in Australia than the Barossa Valley. Less than an hour's drive from Adelaide, the area is home to around 150 wineries, each offering something new and exciting for lovers of vino. While a day trip is a…

11 November 202418 minRead time

Northern Territory

A Guide to the Northern Territory’s Big Things

The Northern Territory is best known for its breathtaking natural scenery and First Nations history, but you’ll also find some of Australia’s most intriguing Big Things when travelling through the Top End. The majority of Big Things in the NT are inspired by the local wildlife, while several also pay homage to the 65,000-year-old culture…

25 October 202410 minRead time

Food & Drink History

Reminiscing About Sizzler–Australia’s Favourite Steakhouse Paradise

If you’re under the age of 30, the word ‘Sizzler’ probably doesn’t mean a great deal. But for those of us lucky enough to grow up during the 90s, this chain of steakhouses was one of Australia’s great dine-in experiences. At least that’s how I remember it. Also Read: All-You-Can-Eat Pizza Hut, We Have to…

23 October 20247 minRead time

Australian Capital Territory

A Guide to the ACT’s Big Things

When most people mention the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) there are generally two things that come to mind—Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial. We’re here to inform you there’s a lot more going on in Australia’s capital, especially when it comes to the ACT’s collection of Big Things. There’s a surprisingly impressive range of…

23 October 20248 minRead time

Food & Drink Pubs South Australia

Where to Find the Best Parmis in Country South Australia

Editors note: I have absolutely no interest in getting into the parma/parmi debate. That's your business. The abbreviations or slang used in articles on The Local Rag are true to the author of the article you're reading. Nothing quite beats hitting up your local and getting stuck into a pint and a parmi. Whether your…

22 October 202412 minRead time

Tasmania

A Guide to Tasmania’s Big Things

The latest piece in our series focusing on Australia’s Big Things takes a look at the giant sculptures and statues found throughout Tasmania. Despite being Australia’s smallest state, there’s a surprising number of Big Things dotted around the Apple Isle. Due to its size, it’s super easy to jump in the car and spend a…

8 October 202411 minRead time

Western Australia

A Guide to Western Australia’s Big Things

Our search for each state’s wildest and wackiest Big Things continues. Having already written about our favourite Big Things you can visit in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, it’s time to head West. Western Australia has a healthy supply of Big Things worth discovering, including the Big Camera in Meckering and The…

18 September 202411 minRead time

Western Australia

The Best Small Towns to Visit in Western Australia

Western Australia might be the country's largest state but its population is just a mere 2.5 million, with 75% of those living in its capital, Perth. This is due to WA’s vast desert landscape, with much of the state receiving little to no rainfall, making it almost uninhabitable. But it’s not all arid climates and…

16 September 202414 minRead time

History Northern Territory South Australia

From Desert Tracks to Steel Rails: The History of The Ghan

Travelling Australia by train is a remarkable way to explore the country in comfort and style, with The Ghan one of the nation’s, if not the world’s, great train journeys. Celebrating its 95th anniversary this year, The Ghan is a national treasure with a rich locomotive history that every Australian should experience once in their…

2 September 20247 minRead time

Tasmania

The Best Small Towns to Visit in Tasmania

Tassie might be Australia’s smallest state but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in beauty and experiences. The place is like a mini version of Australia with a thriving art scene, vibrant food culture, incredible wine regions and some of the nation’s best national parks. And then there’s the people.…

26 August 202414 minRead time

Queensland

The Best Small Towns to Visit in Queensland

Continuing our series focusing on the best small towns in Australia, we turn our attention to the Sunshine State. Home to the Great Barrier Reef, pristine coastlines and tropical rainforests, Queensland is a nature enthusiast's wet dream, offering the very best of Australia’s beautiful and varied landscapes in one accessible region. When it comes to…

19 August 202415 minRead time

History South Australia

The Town That Saved South Australia From Bankruptcy

Head northeast out of Adelaide on the Thiele Highway towards the famed Barossa Valley region and you’ll find yourself passing through the unassuming town of Kapunda. Best known for being the site of one of South Australia’s most recognisable Big Things, the Big Miner, Kapunda is like any number of small country towns in the…

13 August 20245 minRead time

Tobias Handke

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