Australia’s great outdoors are greater than most. The country’s dramatic natural landscapes include ancient rainforests, snow-capped mountains, boundless red deserts, and the world’s most spectacular reef.

Inhabiting those vast and wild lands is a plethora of unique critters. There’s the echidnas and quokkas. The kangaroos and koalas. The wallabies and wombats. The platypus, the dingos, the kookaburras, the sharks, the sugar gliders, and… you.

That particular critter occasionally yearns to leave his urban confines in favour of lusher, more natural spaces. He is, however, a creature of refinement and taste, and roughing it like his primitive forebears doesn’t always sound appealing.

Fortunately, ditching civilisation doesn’t have to mean ditching civility. Australia’s many glamping opportunities soothe the urge to merge with Mother Nature while providing your favourite comforts and conveniences. Here you’ll find a few of our top picks by state.

Glamping In Victoria

Cosy Tents | WEBSITE

Nestled in the hills of Victoria’s Hepburn Shire, Cosy Tents lives up to its name. Guests stay in canvas bell tents fully furnished with queen size beds, 1200 thread count linens, cooking utensils, wood burning stoves, and even Bose speakers. For additional fees, your stay can get even cosier with chocolates, champagne, massages, and a brekkie box delivered to your door. Communal facilities include a BBQ area, showers, and a fire pit.

Glamping In South Australia

Ikara Safari Camp | WEBSITE

South Australia’s premiere glamping getaway is Ikara Safari Camp. The camp’s 15 luxury tents in the Flinders Ranges National Park offer direct access to the incredible mountains, gorges, and rock formations of Wilpena Pound. When not exploring their surroundings via walking tours, 4WD rides, mountain biking, and scenic flights, guests unwind in tents equipped with king beds, ensuite bathrooms, reverse cycle air conditioning, private decks, and fire pits.

Glamping In Western Australia

Sal Salis | WEBSITE

Sand dunes and red kangaroos are your neighbours at Sal Salis, a beach-side safari camp on the shores of Ningaloo Reef. The remote location may be one of Australia’s best-kept natural secrets (and your new favourite place to get away from it all). While the elegantly appointed accommodations are exceptional, the highlight of the experience is the location itself. The reef is home to hundreds of species of coral and fish, as well as humpback whales and the gargantuan – but gentle – whale shark.

Karijini Eco Retreat | WEBSITE

The multi-award winning Karijini Eco Retreat is the first and only facility to offer comfortable glamping accommodation in Karijini National Park. Though it’s an unusually plush way to experience the unforgiving bushland, there’s no need to feel guilty about your splurge. The eco-friendly retreat mixes its opulence with solar panels, rechargeable lanterns, recycled timber, natural products, and a gray water treatment facility to maintain the beauty of the land it calls home. A portion of your lodging rate also goes towards the conservation of the park.

Mile End Glamping | WEBSITE

Get off the grid and get into the most unique accommodations to make this list. Guests of Mile End Glamping skip tent life completely in favour of shacking up in light-filled geodesic domes. Each one includes a private bathroom, kitchen, king bed, and an adjacent deck with a private spa bath and BBQ. A mammoth windowed wall ensures you can soak up the beauty of the Margaret River region without ever leaving your dome (though venturing out will put you a short drive from the area’s famous wineries, which are well worth a visit while you’re there).

Glamping In The Northern Territory

Longitude 131° | WEBSITE

We’ve written before about Uluru’s most magical escape, but Longitude 131° is so special it earns another mention. The campsite is set in the spiritual heart of the Red Centre, surrounded by the World Heritage-listed wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and just 20 kilometres from Uluru itself. From your base in one of 15 luxury tents, you’ll feel fully immersed in the extraordinary landscape and its rich cultural history – a rare opportunity Longitude 131° calls “a transcendent experience of discovery.”

Wildman Wilderness Lodge | WEBSITE

Two hours east of Darwin, on the fringe of Kakadu National Park, you’ll find the indulgent safari tents of Wildman Wilderness Lodge. This is bush luxury at its finest: an immersive adventure in Australia’s breathtaking Top End, coupled with gourmet meals, guided tours, and sundowner drinks beside the fire pit. Choose from one of the beautifully designed free-standing cabins or, for a stay closer to nature, a premium safari tent.

Glamping In Queensland

Nightfall Wilderness Camp | WEBSITE

The Nightfall experience replaces the crowds and complexities of everyday life with a slower pace. On the glam front, guests are treated to architect-inspired luxury tents, sumptuous organic cuisine, personalised service, and a smorgasbord of curated experiences. On the classic camping front, the Lamington National Park location provides soaring cliff faces, lush tangled forests, crystal-clear tumbling waters, and a night sky filled with millions of stars.

Spicers Canopy | WEBSITE

At Spicers Canopy, you’ll wake up to a chorus of the Scenic Rim’s birds. You’ll stretch out in your king size bed, then step onto the polished floorboards of your eco tent. You’ll head to the lodge for a hot shower and breakfast, then spend the afternoon exploring the 5000-acre private nature refuge on a guided bush walk. Dinner will be cooked in the outdoor wood-fired pizza oven and dessert will be marshmallows toasted in the fire pit. You’ll end the night with a hot water bottle turndown service, buzzing to start over again in the morning.

Glamping In New South Wales

Tanja Lagoon Camp | WEBSITE

One hundred years ago it was a saw milling site. Fifty years ago it was a dairy farm. Thirty years ago it became a B&B establishment. Now it’s Tanja Lagoon Camp, an eco-sensitive retreat on a small pocket of privately owned land. The site contains just four safari tents – all built by local craftsman using local timber – to make the most of the setting’s bountiful tranquility. You’ll be especially thankful for the peaceful vibe when taking in the lagoon view from your tent’s private deck.

Paperbark Camp | WEBSITE

Just 2.5 hrs drive south of Sydney near the pristine waters and white sand beaches of Jervis Bay, Paperbark Camp offers a blend of fine food and wine, cosy canvas accommodation, and a serene bush setting – the perfect base from which to explore this nature lovers paradise. The camp’s 12 canvas tents are scattered amongst the soaring eucalypts and paperbarks, built above the ground to give privacy and capture the sea breeze. They also include an open-air private en-suite, perfect for bird watching and kangaroo spotting while you enjoy a steaming hot shower.

Glamping In Tasmania

Bruny Island Long Weekend | WEBSITE

The post Coolest Places To Go Glamping Around Australia appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

In a matter of just two weeks into his presidency, Donald Trump has managed to rile up millions of people from around the globe via his sweeping reforms.

The latest to join the outcry of blatant discrimination by the U.S President is the Nike CEO himself, Mark Parker.

Parker, who is often an advocate of political and human issues, released a public statement over the weekend which details Nike’s view on the of banning Syrian refugees from entering America alongside citizens of Muslim countries such as Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days.

In the statement Parker stressed that, “Nike believes in a world where everyone celebrates the power of diversity.”

“Regardless of whether or how you worship, where you come from or who you love, everyone’s individual experience is what makes us stronger as a whole,” he continued.

“Nike stands together against bigotry and any form of discrimination.”

You can read the full statement below in which Parker references four time gold medal distance runner Sir Mo Farah as a prime example of a person who left Somalia for Britain and now calls Portland home alongside his wife and children.

His training facility is located in Ethiopia which could jeopardise his return home to his family.

The post Nike Publicly Condemns Donald Trump's Muslim Ban appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Interior design styles are kind of like Kardashians. It feels like new ones keep popping up with no end in sight, and the average guy has no idea how to tell them apart.

In the face of a new home improvement project, you’re probably tempted to skip straight to the DIY part where you get to flex your muscles and show off your ability to use power tools – but before you turn your home into the disappointing version of a Benny Benassi video, you need to know what kind of space you’re creating in the first place.

The following list of interior design styles isn’t definitive, but rather a selection of some of the most common or popular styles you’re likely to see because…well…we just can’t name them all. But in our defence, we can’t name all the Kardashians either.

Modern

Modern design is rooted in minimalism. Function is the focus, so lines are clean, decorative elements are subtle and accessories are kept to a minimum. A modern space is likely to feature a neutral colour palette, polished surfaces, strong geometric shapes and asymmetry. Though some find modern design too harsh or cold, others find it calming and appreciate its ability to maximize a small space.

Contemporary

The terms “modern” and “contemporary” are similar, but not interchangeable where interior design is concerned. Modern design means a specific style, while contemporary can only mean trendy looks that are in style at any given moment. Contemporary interiors are comfortable and welcoming without being cluttered and dark. Smooth, clean, geometric shapes are essential, as is structural furniture and an emphasis on basic shapes and forms. Accents are graphic elements in artwork and occasional pops of bold colour.

Minimalist

Minimalist design takes a ’less is more’ approach to interior decorating. Everything is stripped down to its most basic state to achieve a Zen-like simplicity. Straightforward geometric forms, little ornamentation, simple materials and the repetition of structures put the focus on the essential quality of the space, rather than the objects that fill it. Minimalism is ideally suited to large, open spaces with natural light and cleverly hidden storage.

Classic

Order, symmetry and balance are the key elements of classical interior design. Classic spaces are often built around a focal point, like a bed or a feature fireplace, that forms the centre around which visual balance is achieved. In addition to the mirrored setup, classic design is characterised by natural colours, elegant (but not overly ornate) fabrics, and natural flooring made in wood, stone or marble.

Urban

Urban design blurs the line between domestic and industrial. Think concrete floors, exposed beams, metal siding, galvanised steel and unfinished surfaces. Unique, non-functional objects (at least in terms of a living space) are often used as features to create a distinct look that is both modern and bohemian. Urban interiors are often designed to create open space, sometimes in surprising ways, and allow for multifunctional rooms.

Art Deco

Once the definitive style of the ‘20s and ‘30s, Art Deco is now known for its industrial materials, lacquered wood and sparing use of colour. Deco furnishings are streamlined and geometric, with rounded fronts, sleek lines and mirrored accents. Lighting is especially important in this kind of design. Ceiling lights, floor lamps, table lamps and wall lamps are all used in union, typically emitting orange or yellow light that warms up the otherwise-sleek space.

Retro

“Everything old is new again,” as the saying goes. That’s the philosophy behind retro design, which gives old styles a modern twist. In this style, classic and contemporary mix together to create a space that is entirely unique and individual. Retro design elements can include materials, gadgets, shapes, objects or colours – anything from the past that can be reimagined in an eclectic space for the present.

Country

If you want to live in a cottage without having to deal with that pesky “actually living in a cottage” thing, give your pad a country makeover. This is your chance to scour flea markets and antique shops for rustic furnishings and handmade decorative doodads (or, if you’re feeling especially creative, to put your DIY skills to the test). Country style is cosy and comfortable but sometimes cluttered, so it’s not ideal for a small space.

Rococo

Let’s just say Rococo style is not for the faint of heart. It harkens back to the flamboyant interiors of 18^th century Europe, where intricate, ornate features were the order of the day. From the gold plasterwork, to the gilded mirrors, to the decorated ceilings, to the mahogany wood and rich fabrics, everything is over the top. Rococo is particularly known for the combination of gold and pastels and its sensuous, curved lines. Let’s be honest, this is rubbish.

Georgian

The Georgian style takes a uniquely international approach to interior design. Much of it is inspired by Ancient Greece and Rome, but Chinese influences also show up in flower motifs in fabrics and porcelain accessories. Colour schemes are pale and subtle, in contrast with more audacious floral patterns, gold and wall murals. Georgian furniture is delicate and elaborate, with ball-and-claw feet, ornate carvings and luxurious fabrics. A fireplace frequently is the centrepiece of the Georgian room.

Victorian

If there was a scale of interior design styles, Victorian would sit directly opposite minimalism. The Victorians never met a detail they didn’t like. Excessively decorative furniture, ornate accessories and flamboyant ornaments fill a Victorian room. Colours are deep, textures are rich, materials are exotic. But it’s not all extravagant; to contrast the opulence of the rest of the space, Victorian floors and walls are typically plain. This is what Ron Burgundy’s office would look like.

Eclectic

Eclectic style is here to save the day for the indecisive interior designer. As its name implies, it’s a catch-all approach to décor that borrows elements from other design styles. But don’t mistake that for an excuse to throw together anything and everything. Yes, eclectic interior design is about inspiring imagination with unexpected contrasts, but the space still has to look cohesive. Blends of patterns, textures and colours are common, but they are thoughtfully curated in order to create a space that’s surprising but still visually pleasing.

The post A Man's Guide To Knowing Your Interior Design Styles appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

There’s more to Instagram than celebs taking selfies and wannabe foodies snapping photos of brunch. For serious gearheads, there’s a whole world of automobile-obsessed accounts guaranteed to get your engine revving.

Instagram has blossomed into a go-to destination for car lovers, and there’s something to please every kind of enthusiast. Automakers, racing teams, and industry publications all have a presence on the photo sharing site. A few of our favourites include Petrolicious, Formula 1, Valkyr Productions, the DTM German touring car series, and Fiat Chrysler’s global Head of Design, Ralph Gilles.

But it’s not just big-name brands that make Instagram such fertile ground for car fanatics.
Both pro and novice photographers post their automotive snaps on the site, sharing everything from beautiful bodywork to the excitement of race day to the finer details of a car’s interior. Keep an eye on imagery from the likes of Amy Shore, Tim Brown, Larry Chen, GFWilliams, Peter Aylward, and DW Burnett (aka @puppyknuckles).

Casual aficionados have also made their presence known in Insta’s auto communities. Folks like NYCars, The Smoking Tire, CarLifestyle, Crank and Piston, PetroCamp, and Hoonigans simply can’t get enough of life on four wheels and they have the eye-catching feeds to prove it.

The post 31 Car Instagrams To Follow For Your Daily Petrol Fix appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Calling these “uncertain times” is an understatement. With what seems like a constant stream of bad news igniting publications and social feeds, there are a few things we desperately need right now.

Peace. Calm. A place to hide when the inevitable apocalypse comes to destroy us all.

All three are available at this stunning retreat, designed by Bjurfors Home and located in Stuga, Sweden.

The vibe is nothing but serene at this cosy cottage. Scandinavian design’s famous soothing effect is in full force, with plenty of neutral colours and inviting natural materials. White walls and floors instill an instant sense of tranquility. Furry blankets, large knits, and hide rugs add warmth. Wood features and a stone fireplace bring the outside in, putting the space in complete harmony with its natural surroundings.

The home’s exterior is equally inviting. Wood and stone again help the structure blend with its surroundings. A large table beckons to host friends (or fellow escapees of the apocalypse). A charming porch sparks visions of morning coffees sipped outdoors and shouting at errant children to get off your lawn.

The post Escape From It All At This Soothing Swedish Retreat appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

There are days when hitting up the local drinking hole just doesn’t cut it. You know what we’re on about. Tap beer begins to taste like grandma’s stale punch and your favourite bartender is leaving you for a cult.

What you need is a moment away to indulge in the finer drinks in life; to embark on a fresh new journey. Enter CASK, Australia’s latest bespoke luxury whisky service which is set to deliver some of the most memorable whisky experiences to your shindig.

CASK is a new venture headed by purveyors of whisky for purveyors of whisky. Their mission is to introduce Australians to the fine art of boutique, tailor made Scotch whisky. This can be accomplished via numerous formats including milestone celebrations, corporate functions, team building and networking events.

Given the exclusive nature of the bespoke whisky experience, CASK have capped their whisky sessions to 10 – 25 people in order to ensure that everyone goes home with a newfound knowledge and appreciation for the drink.

The bespoke experience is only limited to your own imagination and penchant for being inquisitive. CASK offer four unique tasting packages:

The 3.4.4:  An engaging look at how Scotch Whisky is made and the differences between Single Malts, Blended Malts, Blends and Single Grain Whiskies

Tour The Tastes Of Scotland: A taste discovery through Scotland that looks at the differences in flavour and style of Single Malt Whiskies from the Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside and Islands

The Garden Of Scotland: A sensory journey through the most beautiful whisky producing region. From the lush Glens to the mighty river Spey CASK looks at why over 60% of Single Malt Whiskies come from Speyside

The Big Smoke: A big peaty look at the world of smoky Single Malt Whiskies and what gives them their punch

Depending on the package, each experience is designated as CASK or Premium CASK with prices ranging from $80 per person for the former (5 deluxe whiskies) and $120 per person (5 super deluxe whiskies) for the latter.

Going beyond the norms is also at your disposal with CASK offering fully tailored experiences to suit your most demanding whisky endeavours.

For more details hit up CASK to kick off your new love affair with the good stuff.

The post A New Bespoke Whisky Experience Has Arrived In Australia appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Yet another reason it’s time for the man bun trend to die: according to a scientific study, bald men appear taller, stronger, and more dominant than men with longer manes.

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania conducted a series of three experiments to examine how a man’s choice to shave his head influences perception. Participants were asked to rate photos of men on a series of traits, like attractiveness, agreeableness, confidence, and masculinity.

In Study 1, men with shaved heads were rated as more dominant than similar men with full heads of hair. However, the researchers couldn’t rule out the possibility that these men possessed other, innate qualities – perhaps correlated with their decision to shave their heads – that drove the perception of dominance. These men may have been viewed as dominant regardless of hairstyle, so a second experiment was performed.

In Study 2, participants rated photograhs of four men with hair and photographs of the same men with their hair digitally removed. This time, ratings of dominance, confidence, masculinity, age, height, and strength were all higher for the images with a digitally shaved head than with hair.

Study 3 sought to find an alternative explanation for the differences in perceived dominance, and shed light on whether men with thinning hair can alter their social standing by shaving their heads. Participants in the final experiment were presented with descriptions only, no photos. Overall, the subjects were perceived as more dominant when described as having a shaved head, rather than thick hair or thinning hair.

The effect was consistent across all three studies. A shaved head not only makes men appear more dominant, but also boosts perceptions of him across a range of other desirable traits.

The implication is clear (and not such good news for the grooming industry). Balding men may be better off embracing the razor and finishing what Mother Nature started than fighting hair loss with expensive products and procedures.

As Larry David said, ‘‘Anyone can be confident with a full head of hair. But a confident bald man—there’s your diamond in the rough.’’

The post Men With This Hairstyle Are Perceived As More Dominant appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

If there’s one thing real estate geeks love, it’s old buildings repurposed into stylish – and sometimes unexpected – modern spaces.

Here on D’Marge, we’ve coveted ancient caves converted into serene Spanish abodes. We’ve ogled factories that have become lofts and warehouses that have become homes. We’ve even seen a church transformed into an oasis for skateboarders and street artists.

And speaking of churches…

These stunning churches converted into homes will renew your faith in the power of interior design. Not every designer would be up to the task of merging modern furnishings with stained glass and cathedral ceilings, but in the right hands, the blend of old and new works beautifully. See for yourself in the gallery above.

Converting a church comes with unique challenges. Renovation costs can be high, especially if the original structure lacks facilities like a fully-equipped kitchen or bathroom. The layout could be a difficult departure from a conventional home. Energy efficiency is a concern, and if the building is historic, you may face restrictions on the changes you’re allowed to make. You may even find yourself with a graveyard on your property.

But imagine walking through your double front doors into a room with vaulted ceilings. It’s cavernous, but still cosy. A colourful pattern is splayed across the floor, courtesy of your soaring stained glass windows and the generous light they let in. The old walls and wooden beams speak volumes about a time gone by, while contemporary furniture and a minimalist colour palette keep your home connected to the present.

The post These Churches Were Converted Into Surprisingly Stylish Modern Homes appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Attention all hipsters. The word on the street is that the man bun is making you go bald.

Whilst the man bun might seem like a recent development in the world of everchanging 21st-century hairstyles, it has actually been knocking about for years. In the early noughties, David Beckham made function fashionable, gracing us with his man bun on the soccer pitch, and even before that George Harrison of The Beatles rocked a tousled top knot in true 70’s fashion.

Nowadays, the man bun is everywhere. From Jared Leto to Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Hemsworth to Bradley Cooper, the man bun challenges stereotypes and is the perfect solution for dudes with long hair who still want to look slick. There are even social media accounts dedicated to the hairstyle (just take @manbunmonday), an overabundance of YouTube man bun tutorials and its very own Wikipedia page. 

However, recent reports show that the lusted-after man bun may be contributing to hair loss. According to the experts, a tight man-bun style could cause ‘Traction Alopecia’, which in layman’s terms is gradual hair loss caused by a pulling force on the hairline.

While the condition is mostly seen in women who consistently wear ponytails or buns, dermatologists say that men who rock a man bun on the reg could be speeding up their rate of hair loss.

The post The Humble Man Bun Could Be Causing Premature Balding appeared first on DMARGE Australia.