40th Anniversary Issue

Volume 120 – 2023

In This Issue

Since the first issue of what was then called Vacations: Australia’s Getaway Magazine published way back in 1983, it has inspired, delighted and evoked emotion. Now celebrating its 40th Anniversary, Vacations & Travel – renamed in 1995 – its pages are still overflowing with beautifully written content and stunning images that stir a desire to travel, to explore, to be curious and maybe even venture out of our comfort zones. 

I have such a love for this magazine, having started working on it as editor back in 2000, with 14 years at the helm over two stints. Many editors have made their mark on this, the longest-running travel magazine in Australia, including Tony Hutton, Bev Malzard, Sarah Ranawake, Brian Johnston, Natasha Dragun and Katrina Holden. Now in the Signature Media stable, Vacations & Travel continues to go from strength-to-strength, and I am so humbled to be in the editor’s chair for this special issue – thank you to Cathy Wagstaff for trusting me with it.  

In this bumper 40th Anniversary issue, we present a trio of ’40 Best’ features; 40 Best Experiences, 40 Best Stays and 40 Best Destinations, along with feature stories on Bosnia, Seattle, Mauritius, Sonoma, cruising in Fiji, French Polynesia, and sailing on a tall ship to Antarctica. We are also proud to welcome Bruce Poon Tip to the Vacations team with his first column. 

They say life begins at 40, and the Vacations & Travel team will venture forth into the next decade with the same attitude to excellence we have always had. Here’s cheers!