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myTax is fast and free – so why do 2 in 3 Australians still pay to lodge a tax return?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jawad-harb-1441668">Jawad Harb</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/elizabeth-morton-1218408">Elizabeth Morton</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a> Ten years ago, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) created the “myTax” portal, an easy way to lodge your tax return online. There was an “e-Tax” filing option before the 2015-16 tax year, but this was quite complicated and barely better than filling out a form online. In comparison, myTax <a href="https://resources.taxinstitute.com.au/tiausttaxforum/acceptance-of-mytax-in-australia">is simpler</a> and more automated. It’s available 24 hours a day, is free to use, and you will typically get your refund within <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Your-tax-return/How-to-lodge-your-tax-return/Lodge-your-tax-return-online-with-myTax/">two weeks</a>. But the chances are you won’t be using it. In fact, slightly less than <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/About-ATO/Research-and-statistics/In-detail/Taxation-statistics/Taxation-statistics-2020-21/?anchor=IndividualsStatistics#IndividualsStatistics">36%</a> of Australia’s 15 million taxpayers used the myTax portal in 2020-21 – the most recent tax year for which the tax office has published data. About <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/About-ATO/Research-and-statistics/In-detail/Taxation-statistics/Taxation-statistics-2020-21/?anchor=IndividualsStatistics#IndividualsStatistics">64% of tax returns</a> were lodged through tax agents. This is one of the highest rates among 38 <a href="https://www.oecd.org/about/">Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development</a> nations. Meanwhile, just 0.6% of Australians still used the paper-based form. <hr /> <iframe id="5Kdz0" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/5Kdz0/3/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe> <hr /> So why have Australians – who have quickly embraced the internet for everything from shopping to dating – been so slow to embrace myTax? For some, particularly older people, it’s about being intimidated by the technology. Others may be concerned with cybersecurity risk. But for most it’s about the perceived complexity of the tax system and the process, regardless of the technology. They see using a tax agent as easier and the way to maximise their tax refund. While in some cases this may be true, in many instances it’s simply a perception – but one the tax office will need to address if it wants to promote use of myTax. <h2>Reasons for the low uptake of myTax</h2> <a href="https://resources.taxinstitute.com.au/tiausttaxforum/acceptance-of-mytax-in-australia">Our research</a> suggests most people who have used the myTax portal think it is easy to use. We surveyed 193 taxpayers who have used the system. About three-quarters agreed the system was clear and understandable, and said they would keep using it. But of course these are people who have chosen to use the system, so their responses don’t shed much light on the reasons people don’t use myTax. Answers to that come from other published research, in particular from the <a href="https://www.igt.gov.au/">Inspector-General of Taxation</a> (the independent office investigating complaints about the tax system) as well as the House of Representatives’ Standing Committee on Tax and Revenue. Evidence submitted to these bodies indicate that Australians prefer tax agents to avoid errors in claiming deductions. The parliamentary committee’s <a href="https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/committees/reportrep/024169/toc_pdf/TaxpayerEngagementwiththeTaxSystem.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf">2018 inquiry</a> into the tax system was told the use of tax agents ballooned from about 20% in the 1980s, peaking at about 74% of all taxpayers: "The Tax Commissioner considered that the size of the TaxPack had probably contributed to that rise, driving many people with simple tax affairs to a tax agent because it looked daunting." In short, habits are hard to break. Having come to rely on tax agents, most Australians keep using them, despite the system being vastly improved. For example, the myTax system now simplifies the process by <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Your-tax-return/How-to-lodge-your-tax-return/Lodge-your-tax-return-online-with-myTax/Pre-fill-availability/?=redirected_myGov_prefill">pre-filling</a> data from government agencies, health funds, financial institutions and your own employer. About 80% of our survey respondents said this was helpful. <h2>Taking care of the digital divide</h2> This suggests the main barrier to increasing use of the myTax system is mostly habit and the perception the tax system is too complicated to navigate without an expert. There is also a small percentage of people who feel uncomfortable with computers. This is reflected in the minority of respondents in our study who said they were unlikely to use myTax again, as well as the tax office’s data showing some people continue to stick with paper lodgement. Those more likely to find the system daunting are the elderly, those with low English skills, people with disabilities and those with low educational attainment. These people’s needs should not be forgotten as the Australian <a href="https://www.dta.gov.au/digital-government-strategy">Digital Government Strategy</a> aims to making Australia a “world-leading” digital government by 2025, delivering “simple, secure and connected public services”. Even with the greatest online system in the world, it’s unlikely there will ever be a complete transition.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/207305/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jawad-harb-1441668">Jawad Harb</a>, PhD Candidate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/elizabeth-morton-1218408">Elizabeth Morton</a>, Research Fellow of the RMIT Blockchain Innovation Hub, Lecturer Taxation, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/mytax-is-fast-and-free-so-why-do-2-in-3-australians-still-pay-to-lodge-a-tax-return-207305">original article</a>.

Money & Banking

Prince Andrew “terrified” to leave Royal Lodge amid eviction rumours

Prince Andrew is refusing to exit his royal residence as renovations are carried out on the Windsor property, despite advice to the contrary. According to The Daily Mail, the 63-year-old is putting his foot down over fears that he “might never get back in”, likely in response to circulating rumours that his brother - King Charles - wants to evict Andrew from the home as part of his grand plan to scale back the monarchy. While Andrew no longer holds any official royal duty after his involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, he still maintains his claim on the mansion with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. And now, that same property is set to become “virtually a building site”, with Andrew having hired builders to undertake necessary repair work on the property, tackling everything from damp to mould. As a source told Page Six, Andrew was reportedly advised to vacate “while work was undertaken” over the course of a few months, “but he’s refused because he’s so terrified that the property might be seized in his absence. “In the meantime, Harry and Meghan vacated Frogmore after being told they needed to leave to make way for Andrew but he is refusing to go there, even though he was given the keys. “He’s allowing Eugenie to stay there. She’s just given birth to her second child so while she recovers and gets back on her feet, she’s staying in Frogmore to be near her mum and dad.” And while some believe the temporary move would make sense for Andrew, his fears remain at the forefront. “It’s become farcical,' an insider told The Daily Mail. “Andrew has roof repairs scheduled later this summer which will take several months to complete and has been advised that staying in the house during those renovations could prove problematic. But he is reluctant to leave.” Buckingham Palace has yet to comment on the rumours, but another source is adamant that the Duke of York will remain in the property, <a href="post.php?post=134779&action=edit&classic-editor">regardless of alleged drama and financial woes</a>. As Page Six noted, Andrew has been making the most of money left to him by the late Queen Elizabeth to fix up the house, with one source explaining that “he’s been quite open about where the money has come from because he doesn’t want people to think he’s come up with it through other means. “The costs are expected to reach into the hundreds of thousands of pounds.” And, as they surmised, Andrew “is adamant that he will see out the end of his [75-year] lease at Royal Lodge.” Images: Getty

Real Estate

An Italian lodge jumps the Swiss border

The borders in the European Alps have been the source of some strange happenings recently, including a border-jumping ski lodge. Refugio Cervino, a two-storey lodge built on the Italian side of Theodul Glacier, has been slowly moving towards Switzerland - and its international movement has called its ownership and national boundaries into dispute. The border between Italy and Switzerland has previously been defined at the boundary of the Theodul drainage divide, the point where melted water either flows south to Italy or north towards Switzerland. However, rising temperatures have changed the flow of water. As a result, two-thirds of the Refugio sits in Switzerland while the remaining third is in Italy, and has become a subject of diplomatic negotiations. According to Agence France Presse, a compromise to redraw the boundaries was reached last year - but that doesn’t stop the ever-increasing glacier melt. Swisstopo, which stays on top of the official boundaries of the Confédération Helvétique, will be changing the boundaries in 2023. "We agreed to split the difference," chief border official Alain Wicht told AFP. Though international surveyors have previously been brought in to determine where the boundary should sit previously, Mr Wicht says the Refugio is a sensitive issue as the Theodul Glacier is “the only place where we suddenly had a building involved”. The Swiss have taken a more neutral stance in the debate, but the Italians are unwilling to part with the building without compensation, "The refuge remains Italian because we have always been Italian," Refugio’s caretaker, 51-year-old Lucio Trucco, says. For now, the refuge will be an enclave of Italy within Switzerland until the borders are changed. Image: Getty Images

International Travel

CRIKEY! The Crocodile Hunter Lodge opens on the Sunshine Coast

The Crocodile Hunter Lodge in Queensland, Australia, is a brand-new overnight experience launched by the Irwin family in June 2022. Completely inspired by Steve Irwin, who passed away in 2006, his family Bindi, 23, and Robert, 18, both continue to work with their mother to carry on the Irwin name with Australia Zoo, which has 700 acres of land housing over 1,200 animals. The lodge is less than a five-minute drive from the Australia Zoo, which started off as a reptile park run by Steve's parents in 1970. In the 1990s, it officially became the zoo that Steve and Terri, who tied the knot in 1992, ran together until his death. Guests who book to stay at the new lodge will have unlimited entry to the zoo, according to a press release provided to Insider. They'll also have a free shuttle service to and from the Zoo and exclusive opportunities to visit the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Speaking about the opening, general manager Luke Reavley said Robert made the pool at the lodge a unique experience by having photographs he took of two crocodiles printed onto the pool tiles, which makes swimming there "super cool, and a little unnerving." The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is home to a variety of local Australian species such as red kangaroos, echidna and emus. It's also a habitat for southern Australian koalas. The Lodge includes “eight family-friendly cabins, including an accessibility cabin, and offers services and facilities to suit everyone's needs, ensuring a pleasant and memorable stay," Terri Irwin said in the press release. The website also states the accommodations, dotted around the bush, have laundry and room service. Incorporating wildlife and conservation in this new luxury overnight experience is a "beautiful way" the family is honoring Steve's "legacy and everything he stood for," Bindi said. Booking a two-bedroom cabin will cost between $800 and $1,000. Image: Insider

Real Estate

Scott Morrison finally moves out!

Former prime minister Scott Morrison has finally moved out of The Lodge - 16 days after the federal election. He shared a photo of himself wearing a Cronulla Sharks jacket while hugging his pet dog Buddy on Facebook on June 6. “Home! Thanks to everyone in the Shire and St George for their warm welcome home,” Mr Morrison wrote. “It has been a great privilege to serve as PM, but my first honour has always been to serve as the Member for Cook. “Look forward to seeing you around more often. And as always #upupcronulla” At time of publishing, Mr Morrison’s photo received more than 19,000 likes and around 1,400 comments, many wishing him well and to spend time with his family. “Just enjoy being with your family and make up time with them,” someone wrote. “Thank you Scott Morrison for being a wonderful Prime Minister through such tough times in history, you and your party were amazing and we appreciate all that you have done. I don’t know how you kept up with everything. You are fabulous. Enjoy your well deserved family time,” another wrote. “Thank you Scott Morrison for being an amazing PM during very difficult times. You have kept us safe and looked after Australia. Best wishes in the next chapter of your life and enjoy family time,” one wrote. “Great photo. Enjoy a well earned rest ScoMo,” another read. Mr Morrison has since been replaced by Peter Dutton as leader of the Liberal Party following their loss at the election. In his first interview since being defeated, Mr Morrison admitted to being disappointed but accepted the result. “You accept the result and you move on and you’re thankful for the opportunity that you’ve had to serve the country,” he said. “When I was standing there on the Saturday night I was very mindful of what was happening in Ukraine, there is a country fighting for its very liberty and here we are a democratic nation changing a government through peaceful means. “The party will come together, it’s not the first time the Liberal Party has lost an election.” On May 30, the Labor party secured a majority government in the federal election after gaining the 76 seats they needed in order to govern in their own right. With a majority government, Labor won’t have to negotiate with an expanded crossbench in order to get legislation through the lower house. Images: Facebook

News

Retreat with private lake and outdoor bar for sale

A massive mansion tucked away in the mountains with its own lake and outdoor bar has hit the market for the first time in 15 years. Cedar Lodge Retreat sits on top of Tamborine Mountain in Queensland and offers breathtaking views of Canungra Valley to the Great Dividing Range. “Every day you will feel like the last on earth to see the sun as it falls behind the ranges, displaying colours and visual tones which need to be seen to be believed,” the <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/tamborine-mountain-qld-4272-2017753766?utm_source=nine.com.au&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=editorial-content" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listing</a> reads. The huge property, which also offers another home on the land, can be accessed along a private road but is still remote and private. The main residence, which was built in 1974, boasts five huge bedrooms and four bathrooms and has been constantly renovated to “align with the estate’s timeless quality”. The Master Suite on the top floor, includes a kingsize bedroom, parents retreat, luxury ensuite with dual shower heads, spa and large walk-in-robe. The lounge room has high ceilings and an open fireplace which is perfect for those cooler nights. There is also a tennis court, a large basement wine cellar and an entire top-floor primary suite. The Outlook Bar is also perfect to host a number of guests with the stunning views. Built only 12 years ago, the second residence includes an open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen experience. Perfect for guests staying the night or a few days, with the four bedroom and three bedroom amenities. The property is only minutes away from the local town centre, multiple wineries, cafes, breweries and distilleries. Cedar Lodge Retreat will go to auction with the real estate agent keeping mum about how much the property could fetch. Images: Domain

Real Estate

“I take responsibility”: ScoMo takes the heat on vaccine rollout failure

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has taken responsibility for the slow COVID-19 vaccine rollout. "I take responsibility for the problems that we have had, but I am also taking responsibility for the solutions we're putting in place and the vaccination rates that we are now achieving," he said while in quarantine from the Prime Minister's residence, The Lodge. The Australian leader says one million Aussies have received a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in the past seven days. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842593/scott-morrison.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/cf053ec9445a4f0b8128c8537f7c8b7c" /> In Mr Morrison’s words, the country is on track to be vaccinated by the end of 2021. He said the program was about two months behind the planned schedule at the start of the year. "We've had our challenges with this program, we've had significant challenges with this program, as many countries have," Mr Morrison said. "What matters is how you fix the things that need to be fixed … today, with the most recent seven day's data, we finally hit that mark of a million doses in arms in a week." So far, 10.5 million people have received a vaccination, and 14 per cent of Aussies over 16 years of age are fully vaccinated. The Prime Minister said he has been in contact with the government's vaccine advisory group to discuss whether the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is preferred for people over 60. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842590/scott-morrison-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/af27e7c574514b4dad8ac2b119a73433" /> "It's a constant appeal, it's a constant appeal, I can assure you," he said. "They said they made that decision on the balance of risk, well it's now on them to constantly reconsider that risk." The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has stated that young people may be at a rare risk of developing blood clots from the AstraZeneca vaccine. It revised that age up to 60 last month. People under 50 are advised to wait for the Pfizer vaccine. Images: Getty

News

Queen caught up in new royal security scare

The Queen has been caught up in two major security scares in just six days. Reports claim two intruders, a 31-year-old man and his 29-year-old girlfriend, scaled a fence at Windsor’s Royal Lodge on April 25. Police intercepted the couple and arrested them. The lodge is home to Prince Andrew, near where Queen Elizabeth regularly walks her corgi dogs and goes horse riding. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841022/quene-elizabeth-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2005479a15c14898bb8b8f20cd79456d" /> Queen's Windsor Estate The breach follow just six days after a woman was mistakenly allowed into the Lodge grounds by security guards. The 44-year-old Spanish national claimed to be Andrew’s fiancée and was waved through by guards at the gate. The intruder spent 20 minutes travelling around the grounds before they attempted to enter the building. She told security her name “Irene Windsor” and proclaimed she was engaged to the Duke of York. Maps of the residence and a self-defence key ring were allegedly found in her handbag. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841024/quene-elizabeth.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f4c2b55936be46ec89ca27becf67b51d" /> Speaking to The Sun, Princess Diana’s former protection officer Ken Wharfe has called for security to tighten their reign on royal households. He said they are “totally unacceptable and make the Queen vulnerable.” “This is very worrying and things really need to change,” he added. Images: Getty

Legal

Te Ariki Nui: A luxury lodge in the remote wilderness of New Zealand’s Wanaka

Justine Tyerman comes across a 'talking landscape' on the outskirts of Wanaka in the South Island of New Zealand. I’ve made the pilgrimage to Wanaka hundreds of times since the days of my youth and we’ve always stayed within sight of the lake. The panorama of Lake Wanaka is without doubt magnificent but it’s a busy, bossy view which demands to be looked at all the time – jet boats, para-gliders, water skiers, kayakers, rowers and swimmers. The lake is seldom quiet and even when it is, it exerts a magnetic force that compels one to watch it. Hours can be lost just gazing at its changing moods from satin smooth to grey and stormy. But on this occasion, we needed a quiet hideaway to prepare for a family wedding, a place far enough away from the lake and the township to ensure privacy and deter well-meaning friends from ‘just popping in’. On the outskirts of town, we found Te Ariki Nui, an idyllic, peaceful rural retreat surrounded by the wild and rugged Central Otago landscape I’ve loved since my childhood days. Mountain ranges gouged by ancient glaciers, tussocks flattened by the wind and the snow, sweet-smelling pastel-hued lupins growing wild along the roadsides, sun-ripened sweet apricots and tart green gooseberries, lizards basking on the warm schist rocks, the shimmering dry heat of the Central Otago sun, pink sunrises and golden sunsets, the long dark shadows cast by the late afternoon sun . . . <img class="size-full wp-image-14499 no-display appear lazyloaded" src="https://travelmemo-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Te-ariki-nui-wanaka-landscape.jpg" alt="Te Ariki Nui Wanaka New Zealand" width="500" height="NaN" /> Te Ariki Nui sits light and low on the landscape, recessed into a shallow gully. We were only 10 minutes from Wanaka but Te Ariki Nui felt like a luxury lodge in a remote wilderness. Apart from invited guests, we saw no other human beings. Our only neighbours were the sociable alpacas in the paddock next door and a large family of bobtail rabbits. <img class="size-full wp-image-14502 no-display appear lazyloaded" src="https://travelmemo-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/wanaka-alpacas.jpg" alt="Alpacas in Wanaka New Zealand" width="500" height="NaN" /> The alpacas feeling the chill after a mid-summer snow storm. Te Ariki Nui exceeded all our expectations. Designed by award-winning architect Paul Clarke and runner-up in the 2005 New Zealand Home & Entertaining Home of the Year Award,it is the Wanaka home of New Zealand fashion icon Robyn Hall. <img class="size-full wp-image-14498 no-display appear lazyloaded" src="https://travelmemo-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Te-ariki-nui-wanaka-hollow.jpg" alt="Te Ariki Nui Wanaka New Zealand, photo by Simon Darby" width="500" height="NaN" /> Te Ariki Nui is nestled in a hollow surrounded by 4 hectares of land on the outskirts of Wanaka. Image credit: <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.wanakaphotography.co.nz/" target="_blank">Simon Darby Photography</a> The long, low concrete, glass and timber house sits quietly in its surroundings, allowing the landscape to take centre stage. I loved the simple, clean lines of the house – the dull sheen of the natural polished concrete floors, the warm glow of the tall beech doors and cabinetry against a predominantly white palette, the floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and the minimal adornment. “The landscape does the talking,” as Hall says. <img class="size-full wp-image-14489 no-display lazyloaded appear" src="https://travelmemo-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/te-ariki-nui-interior.jpg" alt="Te Ariki Nui Wanaka New Zealand" width="500" height="NaN" /> The interior has minimal adornment allowing “the landscape to do the talking”, as the owner says. Four bedrooms and three bathrooms including a lovely detached, self-contained studio provided ample private space for eight of us while the large open-plan kitchen, dining and living area was perfect for family dinners and socialising. The kitchen was equipped with every imaginable high-end appliance and utensil along with a generous array of pantry essentials. The massive floor-to-ceiling glass walls on both sides of the house slid aside to unite inside and outside living areas. Double-glazing, underfloor heating and a raised gas fireplace in the lounge would make Te Ariki Nui super-cosy in winter. <img class="size-full wp-image-14491 no-display lazyloaded appear" src="https://travelmemo-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/te-ariki-nui-living-area.jpg" alt="Te Ariki Nui Wanaka New Zealand" width="500" height="NaN" /> The massive floor-to-ceiling glass walls allow the ultimate in inside-outside living. Image credit: Simon Darby Photography The luxurious master bedroom at the far end of the house had an Agape tear-shaped bath by the window where you could bathe while communing with nature. <img style="text-align: center;" class="size-full wp-image-14487 no-display appear lazyloaded" src="https://travelmemo-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/te-ariki-nui-bathroom.jpg" alt="Te Ariki Nui Wanaka New Zealand" width="500" height="NaN" /> The Agape tear-shaped bath by the floor-to-ceiling windows in the master bedroom. Image credit: Simon Darby Photography The bathrooms in the main part of the house featured glass-walled showers and unencumbered views of the landscape through full-height windows. An impressive gabion wall made with stones smoothed by the nearby Cardrona River provided a visual shield between the entrance pathway and the house. Rectangular steel inserts in the wall allowed light to filter into the hall and master bedroom without sacrificing privacy. A Jacuzzi in a sheltered courtyard offered hydro-therapy to soothe the nerves. It was quite surreal to soak in the pool surrounded by mid-summer snow on the peaks and ranges, the aftermath of an unseasonal ‘weather bomb’. Nearby, a table and chairs with a large shady umbrella was an ideal spot for alfresco dining. I liked to sit on the swing suspended from the terrace roof at the front of the house and watch the antics of the alpacas in the paddock next door. Hand-feeding the quizzical creatures provided a welcome distraction from wedding preparations. <img class="size-full wp-image-14503 no-display appear lazyloaded" src="https://travelmemo-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/wanaka-new-zealand-alpaca.jpg" alt="Alpacas in Wanaka New Zealand" width="500" height="NaN" /> Is it feeding time? I also loved exploring the stunning collection of sculpture Hall, an enthusiastic supporter of New Zealand art, had scattered around her 4-hectare property. Large sculptures were cleverly placed outside to catch the eye while smaller pieces quietly adorned the interior but did not challenge the dominant feature, the landscape . . . art framed by the windows. <img class="size-full wp-image-14484 no-display appear lazyloaded" src="https://travelmemo-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/sculpture-axeman-hannah-kidd.jpg" alt="Axeman Sculpture by Hannah Kidd" width="500" height="NaN" /> The axeman in the orchard at Te Ariki Nui never quite managed to fell the tree. The sculpture is by New Zealander Hannah Kidd To the right of the house, Hall has planted an impressive orchard of fruit and nut trees including hazelnuts, plums, peaches, pears, nectarines, redcurrants, cherries, apricots and gooseberries. The trees have to struggle to survive so Central Otago fruit has an intensity of flavour like no other region. And beyond the artworks, orchard and alpacas, a spectacular 360-degree necklace of majestic mountains - Black Peak, the Buchanan Mountains, Mt Maude, Mt Iron, Mt Barker, the Cardrona Mt Pisa Ranges - encircled the house. We seldom ventured into town, which was hectic with mid-summer madness, but spent our time rebonding as a family after too long apart, entertaining guests who had travelled from afar and buzzing to and from the lakeside venue with checklists of things to be done for the marquee wedding. It was like constructing a small village in a bare paddock from scratch, bringing all the infrastructure onsite. <img class="size-full wp-image-14504 no-display appear lazyloaded" src="https://travelmemo-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/wanaka-wedding-venue.jpg" alt="The Olive Grove wedding venue Lake Wanaka" width="500" height="NaN" /> The Olive Grove wedding venue overlooking Lake Wanaka That’s when our friends at JUCY Rentals came to the party, literally. The vehicle rental agency had offered us a generous bulk deal so JUCYs were out in force, ferrying people and equipment to the venue. Our eight-seater JUCY wagon was invaluable as a people, drinks and flowers-mover. And at the end of a busy day, soaking in the spa pool under the stars at Te Ariki Nui, was a magical way to unwind. Lounging amid the bubbles with a glass of bubbles was sheer bliss. Te Ariki Nui certainly lived up to its name – translated from the Maori language, it means “Above all others”. FACTBOX *Te Ariki Nui is an ideal base for pre- and post-wedding events and holidays at any time of the year. <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.tearikinui.nz/" target="_blank">www.tearikinui.nz/</a> *Pick up a JUCY Rental at Queenstown Airport and drive to Wanaka - 60 minutes over the Crown Range or 90 minutes via the Kawarau Gorge, both magnificent scenic experiences. The convenience of being able to pick up a vehicle at Queenstown Airport and drop it off in Christchurch, Wellington or Auckland makes JUCY a super-convenient choice for travellers arriving from overseas. <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.jucy.co.nz/" target="_blank">www.jucy.co.nz</a> * Air New Zealand flies daily to Queenstown from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch with connections available across the domestic network. <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/" target="_blank">www.airnewzealand.co.nz</a> Written by Justine Tyerman. Republished with the permission of <a rel="noopener" href="http://travelmemo.com/" target="_blank">Travelmemo.com</a>

Domestic Travel

Secluded lodge on Airbnb comes with a cave

“Hatter’s Hideout and Lodge” is an <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_auhomepage" target="_blank">Airbnb</a> property offering the best of both worlds. Have you always fancied yourself a camper, but also know you are a little too high maintenance? With this listing, you can enjoy all the rustic pleasures of camping, while those who wish still have a warm bed at a whim need not worry. Hatters Hideout features a unique, hand-built lodge on eight private acres of lush Blue Mountains wilderness, stocked with every last essential (kitchen, heating, internet, barbecue) and boasting panoramic views across Mount Wilson, Wollemi National Park and the World Heritage Area. Located in Bell, New South Wales, the residence sleeps up to 16 guests and offers the perfect, natural landscape as an entertaining area. The Cave is 20 metres high, wide and deep and of similar size and shape to a small shell of the Opera house, though reportedly, with even better acoustics! The natural, cathedral like, sandstone structure has been carefully developed using minimal impact construction and facilities to ensure the environment remains as pristine as possible for future generations to enjoy. The 25-metre-high arched opening faces north west with wind and weather protection by a grove of coachwood trees and 30-metre-tall carved rock columns known locally as "pagodas", a predominant feature in the primitive landscape. It is well equipped for a group picnic or party and can either rest your weary head on the lush pillows in the lodge, or sleep in natural luxury with all camping gear provided. Along with your booking, enjoy an interpretive “Bush Walk & Talk" to the Cave, to introduce you to the environment, the facilities and the “minimal impact" philosophy of Hatters Hideout. Scroll through the gallery above to see image of this natural treasure and <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/535709/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_Hatters_Hideout" target="_blank">click here to view the listing.</a> Related links: <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/04/you-can-stay-in-a-french-castle-with-airbnb/">Spend the night like a royal in this French Castle</a> <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/04/converted-church-airbnb-in-adelaide/">Spend the night in a converted church in Adelaide</a> <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/04/repurposed-shipping-container-airbnb/">Sleep in a repurposed shipping container in Tasmania</a>

Accommodation

Lucy Turnbull takes media on rare tour of The Lodge

The gates of The Lodge have been thrown open to give the Australian public a rare glimpse of the Prime Minister’s residence after an almost $10 million refurbishment of the historic place. The Lodge, on Canberra's Adelaide Avenue, was opened in 1927. Despite most prime ministers living in the Georgian-style home during their time in office, there have been no major renovations to the place. The refurbishment was first approved in 2013 when Julia Gillard was Prime Minister and then extended during Tony Abbott’s prime ministership. "I would think with the work that we've done we'll be able to use it for a very long time to come," Deputy Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Elizabeth Kelly, told Macquarie radio. The Lodge now boast a new roof, kitchen and bathroom, replacement wiring, the removal of asbestos, and a security upgrade. The total cost of the renovations came in at $9.4 million, much more than the initial expectations of just over $3 million. The Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and wife Lucy moved into the residence last weekend to host a reception for 2016 Australians of the Year. Mrs Turnbull took media on a 20-minute tour of The Lodge this week, an event that has been likened to the White House tour Jackie Kennedy gave to a CBS news crew in 1962. <blockquote class="twitter-video"> The Lodge: Lucy Turnbull's tour of the newly renovated Prime Minister's residence. <a href="https://t.co/6rm43QpgOj">https://t.co/6rm43QpgOj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/auspol?src=hash">#auspol</a> <a href="https://t.co/AUfpfHmMNv">https://t.co/AUfpfHmMNv</a> — 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) <a href="https://twitter.com/7NewsSydney/status/693550991652712449">January 30, 2016</a></blockquote> Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/02/cat-shows-dog-how-to-escape/">Hero cat shows anxious dog how to escape</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/01/petition-to-put-fred-hollows-on-5-dollar-note/">Petition to put Fred Hollows on $5 note gains support from high profile Aussies</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/01/can-you-find-the-6-words-hidden-in-this-picture/">Can you find the 6 words hidden in this picture?</a>

News

Is this the most beautiful hotel in the world?

You’d be forgiven for thinking this property is not a hotel and more like something straight from the set of a fantasy movie. Located in the middle of the southern Andes sits this man-made volcano with a stunning waterfall cascading down its side. It’s also the home to the spectacular Montaña Mágica Lodge, a luxury hotel in the heart of Patagonia's 300,000-acre Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve.Completely made out of wood and stone and located under the majestic Andes Mountain range, the unique hotel is right in the middle of one of the most valued – and endangered – regions in the world.Aside from simply relaxing inside the one-of-a-kind hotel, venturing into the rainforest offers guests the opportunity to spot many unique animals, such as the Pudu Deer, which is the world's smallest at just 13 inches tall.Walking around the five-floor hotel it is enchanting. Boasting an all-natural decor in its 13 small rooms, as well as several hot tubs carved out of gigantic tree trunks, and an intimate bar and restaurant area. But there’s a catch: to experience the “erupting” hotel, guests will need to brave a swinging rope bridge to enter, as it is only accessible by foot.If you can brave the entry, though, among the activities on offer are mini golf, where the holes are made out of the natural terrain, horseback riding, rafting, plenty of hiking trails and a chance to try the longest zip wire in South America, which runs through the nature reserve at a height of 1,500 feet. Now doesn’t that sound blissful?Built inside of a man-made volcano and with a waterfall cascading down the sides, it's hard to beat this hotel when it comes to the wow factor.<img width="920" height="1208" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/22/09/26D48B8100000578-3003903-In_the_middle_of_the_Chilean_Patagonian_rainforest_is_the_Monta_-a-3_1427016051372.jpg" alt="In the middle of the Chilean Patagonian rainforest is the Montaña Mágica Lodge, a luxury hotel built inside of a man-made volcano" class="blkBorder img-share" id="i-b659ab2c6e994bda">This is the bar and restaurant - complete with all natural wood and stone decor. <img width="879" height="540" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/22/09/26D48B7200000578-3003903-The_inside_bar_and_restaurant_is_just_as_beautiful_as_the_exteri-m-2_1427016033823.jpg" alt="The inside bar and restaurant is just as beautiful as the exterior, with it's all-natural wood and stone decor " class="blkBorder img-share" id="i-52731856625f84bd">Related links:<a href="/news/news/2015/02/cyclone-brought-town-together/" target="_blank">How Cyclone Lam brought this small town together</a><a href="/news/news/2015/02/frozen-niagara-falls/" target="_blank">This photo of a frozen Niagara Falls is breathtaking</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/02/meteor-exploded-over-new-zealand/" target="_blank">A meteor exploded over New Zealand</a>

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