When it comes to classic off-roaders, few cars boast the same sort of all-terrain pedigree or inspire the same sort of passion as the Land Rover Defender.The iconic 4×4 enjoyed a 33-year-long production run, during which the car saw very few changes. When it was announced that the car was ending production in 2016, automotive enthusiasts were quick to snap up remaining dealership stock, and the intervening years have seen speculation continue to increase.While Land Rover have revived the Defender name, the ‘2020 Defender’ SUV shares little in common with its predecessor. While the original Defender was a utilitarian, boxy mountain goat of a car, the new Defender is a far more luxurious beast, aimed at a more upmarket audience. If anything, the new Defender has added more fuel to the fire when it comes to classic Defender prices.While there’s plenty of classic Defenders out there, particularly Down Under – they’ve always been popular and their use by the ADF means there’s plenty of ex-military ‘Perenties’ to be found – finding one in good nick for a reasonable price is a challenge.RELATED: Secret To Finding ‘Diamond In The Rough’ Classic & Second Hand Cars In AustraliaGood condition Defenders can fetch as much as $70,000, which is more than enough to buy you a top-of-the-line 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, for perspective. Mint-condition late-model examples or restored Defenders can even go for as much as $130,000. That’s 2020 Defender money for a car that first hit the market in 1983.With that in mind, many classic 4×4 fans have been forced to look elsewhere, with one retro runabout popping up more and more as a worthy alternative. The car in question? The Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser, better known as just the FJ – which is arguably a better car at a more competitive price.

Produced from 1960 to 1984, the FJ was responsible for making ‘Land Cruiser’ a household name in Australia, with the plucky Japanese 4×4 loved for its reliability and impressive off-road performance. An iconic car, the original FJ inspired the retro-styled Toyota FJ Cruiser produced from 2010 to 2017 (a car most purists will say doesn’t hold a candle to the original FJ).In that classic hipster way, the once agricultural, overlooked FJ is now quite a desirable little car, with prices for good-condition FJs increasingly steadily in recent years – but not as sharply as Defenders, crucially.Take these two 70s FJs listed on Carsales, one in Bondi and one in North Melbourne. Both are in almost perfect nick, with less than 150,000kms on the clock and plenty of ground clearance. Most importantly, they’re both going for much less than a comparable Defender – $33,000 and $40,000 respectively. Hell, you could get both for less than a single good Defender example.It’s a tantalising proposition, especially when you consider that FJs are miles more reliable than Defenders, are even more capable off-road, are aesthetically more distinct and carry far less of a ‘Lord Haw Haw’ reputation… But that’s just our opinion.The Defender and the FJ aren’t the only 4x4s that had long production runs yet remain decent investments. The third-generation Suzuki Jimny had a 20-year-long production run with virtually no changes, despite the fact that its design was already considered outdated when it first hit the market in 1998. Still, the diminutive cars hold their value surprisingly well to this day.Here’s some more food for thought: Defenders might be skyrocketing in price but they’re nothing compared to the insane speculation ‘bogan’ cars are seeing, however. A ute for $1 million? Suddenly six figures for a British boxy boy seems downright reasonable.

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• Sydney’s Used Car Market Booming, Gumtree Statistics Reveal
• Daniel Ricciardo’s New Supercar Shows Britain Makes Cooler Motors Than France

The post ‘Affordable’ Toyota SUVs Fast Becoming Perfect Alternative To Skyrocketing Defender Prices appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The beauty of the Internet is how interconnected it’s made humankind. You can literally browse the whole word from the comfort of your bedroom – and this has had an enormous affect on global tourism.Travel used to be seen as a sometimes dangerous, arduous process that involved a great deal of risk. Sure, travel can still be a risky proposition – especially right now when there’s a global pandemic – but the Internet has made travel more accessible than in any other point in human history.Don’t speak the language? Google Translate and Microsoft Translator are free. Need somewhere to stay? Services like Airbnb, CouchSurfing and Expedia make it easy to find accommodation, even on a shoe-string budget. You get the picture.One of the most valuable tools the Internet has blessed the modern tourist with are review sites like TripAdvisor that not only allow you to compare the prices of everything from hotel rooms to theme park tickets but also serve as platforms where users can share candid reviews about their experiences – so that you avoid the risk of ‘going in blind’. The big social media sites like Google and Facebook have got in on the action too, which collate reviews of everything from cities to restaurants to even geographical features. And this is where the silliness comes in.Google ‘the Mediterranean Sea’ and you’ll see that the famous body of water has a 4.6-star rating from over 36,000 Google Reviews. Which begs the question: why? Or more pertinently, who? Who on earth reviews a f*cking ocean?Dig through the reviews and you’ll see that a good portion of them pose that very question, as well as many aspiring comedians quipping about how the sea is “too salty” or has “too much water”. One reviewer put it best: “we’re reviewing a sea, soon we’ll get to review the Earth.”

This may seem trivial but it reveals an annoying truth about travel in the 21st century: all this extra information doesn’t actually help us.Online review sites seem like a democratic, elegant solution but in reality, they’re incredibly flawed. The wisdom of the crowd can sometimes result in a useful conclusion but often it results in a bunch of ill-qualified people talking about something they don’t know anything about. Because there’s no vetting, anyone can have their say, even people who haven’t even experienced the thing they’re reviewing. Case in point: more than a few of these aforementioned bedroom comedians…Restaurant reviews are perhaps the best example of this, as people online regularly give restaurants poor ratings out of entitlement, ignorance and spite. Was the food actually rubbish, or was the waiter not quick enough to your liking? Is that really an objective review of the experience? On the flip side, there’s also the phenomenon of ‘astroturfing’ to contend with, where sponsored or unobjective positive reviews masquerade as genuine grassroots support.RELATED: Noosa Restaurant Owner Destroys Rude Influencer With Brutal ComebackUnrestricted review services that let anyone post a review are also magnets for trolls, as well as entirely unrelated discourse. Something that’s quite heartbreaking is that more than a couple of the positive reviews of the Mediterranean Sea are from refugees desperately trying to attract attention to their plight. Make of that what you will.What this all means is that despite this wealth of knowledge, you can’t really trust it all completely. It’s why old-school offerings like Lonely Planet or Michelin guides still remain relevant and popular: they’re objective, concise and authoritative because they’re written by people who actually know what they’re talking about. A groundbreaking concept!At the end of the day, online reviews can still be a useful source of information for the budding tourist. But don’t take anything for gospel: do your own research; compare and contrast different reviews and platforms; go forth with an open mind. Oh, and if you’re going to leave a review, make it a useful one.

Read Next

• ‘I Just Wish More Americans Had Passports’: Famous Anthony Bourdain Quote More Relevant Than Ever

The post Ridiculous Travel Reviews Reveal Annoying Truth About Modern Travel appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Once upon a time we would have scoffed at the idea of wearing flamboyant, over the top floral and printed men’s shirts. But that was then, and here we are…in 2018 and for some reason we’ve accepted that flamboyant is the new black and it’s time to get onboard the bold shirt trend.

How To Pick A Great Shirt

This part’s the hardest. There’s a big difference between bold print shirts in quality and design, therefore you want to choose carefully.

1. Stick with pattern colours which are of complimentary colours already in your wardrobe. Mixing a pink shirt with khaki trousers is not going to work. Green, blue, black, red are all colours which are easy to match with trousers and shorts regardless of season
2. Choose patterns with objects which are interesting and not ‘lame’. Birds, plants are preferable over rocket ships and toilets
3. Fabric is important – silk is best, followed by wool/cotton. For the cheaper shirts from Zara you’ll be getting polyester which can smell pretty funky after a night on the dance-floor. (learnt that the hard way when I was 18)

“More versatile than you may think. Poolside in shorts, over a t-shirt with your fave jeans or tucked into a pinstriped suit. The bold print shirt is your next best friend.” – Jeff Lack, Stylist

How To Wear The Print Shirt

Smart Casual (With Trousers or jeans)

Make no mistake, the printed shirt is not formal suitable. Use it where you take fashion liberties and make a statement without offending the party hosts.

Here are our simple tips for making the bold printed shirt look amazing:

• Wear with drawstring or pleated trousers – tuck it in or leave out for a most casual look
• Combine with a plain black or blue suit as a statement piece
• No belt required – a bold print shirt can be a lot to take in so go belt-less if you can – it’s one less thing to catch the eye
• Pair with sneakers, oxfords or loafers (in the summer months)
• Ripped jeans…say no more

Beach Casual (With Shorts)

The printed shirt is the perfect beach to bar fashion item in summer. It looks dressy and will ensure you’re arriving in style (and with a collar). Keep the pairings simple, this means plain shorts (blue, black or white), classic sneakers or slip-ons and let the shirt do the talking. Hello darling…

RELATED: Rocking A White T-Shirt No Longer Needs To Be A Boring Affair

What To Buy

Printed shirts are not necessarily a case of ‘the more expensive, the better’. You can pick up inexpensive printed shirts from the likes of Zara. Slightly more expensive shirts are available from Calibre or REISS. If you have big bucks you can hit up Gucci or Stella McCartney.

Hawaiian Shirts FAQ

See below for our exclusive selection of the best bold print and Hawaiian style shirts for men.

The post Bold Print Hawaiian Shirts Are The Future Of Menswear, So Get Used To It appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

To obtain an enviable rig of God-like proportions, not only do we need to dedicate hours upon hours to the gym, but we also need to dedicate just as much time (if not more) to the kitchen. It’s common to think we should only consume ‘healthy’ foods, but if The Rock‘s cheat days are anything to go by, that may not always be the case.It’s no secret that nutrition plays a huge part in our quest for larger muscles, with our bodies needing to be introduced to a calorie surplus if we wish to gain any real size.But consuming a huge number of calories isn’t always as simple as it sounds, as we need to look carefully at the macros within the foods we eat, breaking them down by protein, carbohydrates and fats. Protein, of course, is needed to help encourage muscle growth, so consuming food sources high in protein is vital.What we shouldn’t do, is focus on the calorie target alone, and reach it easily be gorging on foods high in fat and sugar. It’s not a case of eating more, but a case of eating right.But, as we’ve previously mentioned, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has other ideas, and, given the size of him, we’re inclined to sit up and take notice.The former professional wrestler turned Hollywood megastar, unlikely style icon and absolute unit of a human, regularly posts images to his Instagram account of his ‘cheat day’ meals. Cheat days are defined as pre-determined breaks in one’s diet, as a sort of reward and a reprieve from the other six days of diligent macro counting.With regards to weight loss goals, cheat days are said to be a huge no-no, as one day of high-calorie consumption can wreak havoc on the overall average for the week. However, for those looking to bulk up, cheat days can provide the extra calories and energy needed to achieve muscle-building goals.At least, that’s the message provided by The Rock.

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In his most recent cheat meal posts, comprising “waffles, bananas and peanut butter”, The Rock adds,

“This one timer gives me a small boost of carbs, sugar and fat – if you can find consistency with your training and diet – meals like this go a long way as your muscles, body and cognition absorb it all to keep us operating at that optimal level.”

“Powdered greens mixed in my water and a freshly empty bottle of maple syrup because I don’t f*ck around with my syrup.”“Boosted up, now let’s get to work and have a productive rest of the week.”It’s not the first time the Fast and Furious star has indulged in gluttony, as previous posts show him devouring other dishes such as pasta bolognese, complete with vodka-based sauce…

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…banana pancakes with more maple syrup…

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…and toast, with whipped cream, peanut butter and tequila-soaked coconut chips.

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Of course, if you follow The Rock’s advice – which we’ve also seen backed up by Australian poster boy Chris Hemsworth – and give your body a cheat meal it deserves, you need to make sure you’re training at a sufficient enough level to offset some of the high-calorie intakes, otherwise, you’re looking at a one-way ticket to a rotund belly.It’s certainly food for thought.

Watch The Rock’s most epic workouts below.

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The post The Rock’s ‘Cheat Day’ Advice A Welcome Reprieve For Macro Warriors appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

A heavy black wool suit and the summer sun just don’t mix. When the weather warms up, it’s time for a sandy-hued alternative to the dark colours you’ve been rocking all winter.

The trick is learning how to wear khaki without looking like you’re headed on a safari (unless you are headed on a safari, in which case you should probably at least swap your suit for something a little more rugged). A khaki suit can be formal or relaxed, preppy or even a little bit edgy if you wear it right.

What to keep in mind when buying the suit

Remember khaki suits are most common in the summer collections from designers. You’ll find them in cotton and linen fabrics but sometimes wool blends will be available too. We’d recommend sticking to a muted colour rather than something that’s too bright as it can sometimes look yellow. If you can go for an unstructured suit, that way it will work in casual dress occasions too. Don’t be afraid to separate the suit.

What to wear with your khaki suit

We prefer to pair white or light blue shirts with a khaki suit. It complements the khaki colour and maintains the fresh summer feel. Sometimes we’ll even stretch to a lilac gingham if we’re rocking accessories with hints of purple.

Accessories that work with khaki

As you’ll see in the gallery, blues ties are the most popular, but don’t let that stop you from trying greens and purples. If you can, go for brown shoes and the tone will match the khaki, otherwise, navy shoes will add a nice pop of colour. Loafers and lace-ups are both suitable too. And yes, match the belt with the shoes.

SHOP KHAKI SUITS 

Khaki Suit FAQ

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The post How To Wear A Khaki Suit appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Last Wednesday saw Joe Biden sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, a sigh of relief for many Americans and observers around the world after four years of Trumpian chaos.Three of the five living former presidents attended the ceremony: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, under whom Biden served as the 47th Vice President of the United States. Obama, one of the youngest men to have ever held the office, has lent into the ‘elder statesman’ role quite effortlessly, and for many remains a paragon of style and ‘cool’.Indeed, Obama cut a dapper figure during Biden’s inauguration, right down to his watch. Eagle-eyed watch fans were quick to spot Obama’s intriguing choice in wrist candy: a Rolex Cellini Time (ref. 50509), one of Rolex’s more obscure offerings and one of the most misunderstood collections in their repertoire.We’ve previously discussed the complexities of presidential watches here on DMARGE, and how most presidents have quite a conservative taste in timepieces. Some presidents splash out a bit when they leave office – Bill Clinton, for example, has quite the collection – and Obama’s Cellini is yet another example of how a president, once becoming a civilian, has ‘cut loose’ when it comes to their watch-wearing habits.But there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to the Cellini, and it’s worth exploring how this understated watch speaks volumes about Obama’s character.

First introduced in the 60s as Rolex’s dress watch line and named after a famous Renaissance goldsmith and sculptor, the Cellini line has always been a bit of an anomaly. Not only is it a dress watch line from a brand that’s primarily known for its technical ‘tool’ watches, but unlike Rolex’s other product lines, the Cellini line is rather ill-defined. Models from the 60s and 70s like the King Midas and Danaos are rather avant-garde, whereas modern Cellinis are very conservative and restrained.The Cellini line has always been overshadowed by Rolex’s more technical models such as the Air-King, GMT-Master and Submariner lines. Despite coming from the world’s most famous watch brand, they’re very much “if you know, you know” watches.RELATED: ‘Rocking The Boat’: New Holy Trinity Taking Watch World By StormRetailing for 21,500 AUD, Obama’s 39mm dress watch features no complications – it tells the time and that’s it – and would otherwise seem rather plain if you didn’t know it was made of 18ct white gold. It’s actually quite a famous watch and one of Obama’s favourites, the watch immortalised in art thanks to its appearance on his wrist in his official presidential portrait.It’s an inspired choice and immediately sparks some questions. Why buy a dress watch from a tool watch brand? Why spend that sort of money on something so understated? What does the watch tell us about the man?

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Investing in a Cellini shows that you’re focused on precision and quality rather than pomp and circumstance – emblematic of Obama’s character as a leader. It demonstrates a respect for tradition, yet a touch of individuality: US Presidents have long been associated with Rolex as a brand and consistently chosen to eschew flashy watches, so the Cellini follows in that tradition. But it’s also a unique, obscure choice that reflects Obama’s quietly revolutionary character. The Rolex Datejust that Biden wore for his inauguration sends a similar message.RELATED: Joe Biden Surprises Watch Spotters With New ‘Presidential’ PurchaseMore than anything, it shows that Obama has taste – something he’s always been renowned for, from his impeccable taste in modern music to his crisp fashion sense.Obama was in many ways a highly conventional president and statesman. But as the first African-American president, Obama will always be unique. His Cellini is the same: it’s a highly traditional dress watch from a highly unconventional brand. The more you think about it, the more you realise how well the Cellini suits Obama.Hopefully Obama’s endorsement of the Cellini will see more watch fans expand their horizons and take a second look at Rolex’s most underappreciated collection.

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The post Barack Obama Spotted Wearing The Most Unloved & Misunderstood Rolex Ever appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Every man will need a suit at least once in his life. Whether that be for work, a wedding, a divorce or a court appearance (you naughty boy, you), a hero garment is absolutely necessary in your wardrobe.

With fast fashion making its presence known in the past decade, it’s no surprise that men’s suiting has also made its way onto the digital market with online tailoring services popping up all over the place, asking no more than your measurements to complete a suit in a matter of four weeks.

Be warned though, not everything is as fruitful as it may appear. Fit, construction and material are the cardinal rules of a perfect suit and it’s extremely easy to get these wrong when you’re buying a suit in front of monitor whilst sitting in your underwear.

Follow these handy pointers when buying your next suit online and you’ll saved a lot of heartache, headache and money whilst still being the dapper ruler of your domain.

But First, Measurements

Before you even begin to consider things such as materials it’s imperative you know your own measurements. We’re not talking about your height here. Here’s what you’ll need to measure with a tape measure when buying a suit online:

Chest: From armpit to armpit wrapping the tape around your torso as you would a towel if you had man boobs. It might seem obvious but have the end of the tape facing the front of your body so you can read the exact measurements.

Waist: Take the tape to your waist around the point where your pants normally sit (just below your gut). Have two fingers between the measuring tape and your body to allow for a bit of comfort space. Once you’ve taken the measurement, try on a pair of your most comfortable trousers and compare the size as this will be closer to your actual waist size.

As with most suiting issues, always have a tailor you know on hand who can help with minor alterations. The waist is a lot harder to adjust than the length.

Know Your Fit & Size

Your own personal taste will draw you to a particular style of suit which often falls under three categories: Classic Fit, Modern Fit or Slim Fit.

Choosing the right one is dependent on your body shape hence the stress on taking measurements first. A good suit should conform with the natural lines of a man’s body regardless of if he’s skinny or big.

Here are the general rules for the right fit.

Slim Fit: Chosen by the trendy and dapper men of today, slim fit suits are made to sit close to a man’s body with trimmed down features such as the lapel and leg openings. The blazer length will also tend to be shorter allowing the body to appear taller. As such, slimmer men with lighter builds are best suited to slim fit suits.

Modern Fit: The modern fit suit takes elements of the slim fit cut and adds a bit more room for breathability. The shoulders are still narrower than a classic fit but the armholes are higher than a slim fit. Medium build men are best suited to this cut.

Classic Fit: The classic fit suit is designed for the more traditional crowd. Usually deemed power suits or corporate suits, the classic fit allows for the most room in the shoulders and torso area. This is best suited to men with bigger frames.

Be Realistic & Alter As Necessary

Remember that buying online is essentially a minor step up from buying ready-to-wear. As such, once you take receivership of the suit, try it on and don’t expect it to fit in all the right places the first time. Alterations are common and these are the areas you should check before bringing it in to get altered:

Shoulders: The shoulders form the framework for the rest of the suit so it’s imperative to get this part to sit perfectly – not too tight, not too broad. If buying online, consider the fact that different brands can offer different cuts. The suit should always sit snug on a man’s shoulder with the shoulder pads never extending beyond the actual shoulders when the jacket is buttoned up.

Chest: A suit blazer should sit comfortably flat and retain its shape on your torso whether it’s buttoned up or left opened. It should also contour around your waist to a degree in order to add to the body’s natural lines.

Lapels: Good lapels should always sit flush against your chest. If the jacket is buttoned up and there’s a gap then you’ve gone too tight across the chest. Another lapel rule is to match the thickness of the lapel to the thickness of your tie. Thin lapels and fat ties have never been a great look.

Sleeves: Suit sleeves should match the fit of your suit. Wide or gaping sleeves will only give you the old man look and make things look baggy. Make sure the length and girth of the sleeves and cuffs are adjusted by your tailor accordingly – not too long and not too short. It should sit just above the wristband to reveal a bit of the dress shirt underneath.

Buttons: they may be a small detail but they can completely ruin a look of they’re done wrong. Buttons should fasten flat on the jacket and not pull at your waist t create unsightly bulges.

Trousers: Trousers should never be neglected just because they’re the bottom half of the suit. The length and cut both attribute to making the suit look right. Slim trousers should go with slim suits and still retain the two finger gap rule in the waist. The length of the trouser can vary depending on the look a man is going for but a general rule is to have the break (trouser crease) sweeping over the top of the shoe with the back hem sitting slightly lower than the front. This will ensure the look isn’t baggy whilst avoiding too much sock show when sitting down.

Waistcoats: Waistcoats can add a dash of class to any suit and they’re a lot easier to wear since they have an adjustable strap on the rear. Still, it’s important to ensure the waistcoat doesn’t tug at the buttons similar to the blazer. And always leave the last button undone.

Fabric & Pattern Choice

This one comes down to climate and personal taste. A solid colour will be the safest bet when buying online since pinstripes and patterns are difficult to gauge from a computer monitor. As such, go for a solid navy, grey and linear check. Window pane patterns can also be winners.

A simple tip – wool for winter and linen for summer. Most online suit retailers won’t offer the choice of fabric weights so know what you’re using the suit for.

Polish It Off

When the base suit is looked after, polish things off with a matching pocket square or knitted tie to add character. Accessories such as tie pins and collar pins can also add wonders to a suit. Just be careful not to go overboard with it.

A dress watch is also mandatory to complete the look whilst belts are optional these days. Dress shoes? We’ve got you covered.

Buying Suit Online FAQ

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The post How To Buy A Suit Online & Have It Fit appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Sydney. A good looking and sprawling metropolis that’s known for its sparkling harbour and unique brand of laid-back glamour.Home to what is considered one of the most spectacular New Years fireworks displays, Sydney is more than gleaming waters, well-known bridges and one-way streets. The grungier, edgier side of Sydney shines through the Inner West with suburbs like Newton playing host to the more colourful characters of the city.With private beaches dotting the shores of the Northern suburbs and an array of fine dining restaurants popping up in the East, Sydney is an eclectic mix of styles with a darker underside to explore.So if you want to experience both sides of the coin, skip the hotels – although, Sydney is also home to some of the coolest hotels around – and take a look at one of these awesome Airbnb stays instead. And, once you’ve made a visit and you ‘complete’ Sydney, why not check out the Melbourne Airbnb stays that will make you want to soak up the Southern city’s nightlife.

Bondi Cloud | Bondi Beach

Any visit to Sydney will naturally have to include arguably the world’s most famous beach. But rather than rough it with the backpackers in a hostel, check yourself into Bondi Cloud and revel in gorgeous sweeping views of the entire beach. With enough space for four guests, you and a few friends can have dinner and drinks whilst overlooking both the ocean and the Icebergs pool, or take the very short stroll into town to bask in the abundant nightlife.Book @ Airbnb

Loft-style Penthouse Apartment | CBD

Of course, the other reason to visit Sydney is to experience everything the city has to offer, including the cool restaurants and cocktail bars, so where better to rest your head each evening than in this stunning loft-style Airbnb apartment in the CBD. Split over two levels and with acres of glass allowing for natural light, this apartment has amazing views of the skyline around it, along with a decked area for sunbathing and cooking up a storm on the BBQ.Book @ Airbnb

Waterfront Duplex | Balmain

If you need somewhere to stay in Sydney for a small group, this waterfront duplex in Balmain could be just the home you’re looking for. With direct views of Sydney Harbour, the city skyline and the ANZAC Bridge, this four-bed home with space for eight guests is an ultra-modern dream house. We reckon you’ll be hard-pushed to tear yourself from the heated pool.Book @ Airbnb

Little Italy Loft | Leichhardt

Ok, so we’ve already featured a loft-style apartment, and this is another, but this one is so cool we had to include it. Tastefully decorated and comfy enough for two to three guests, this apartment is well-suited to those just in town for a weekend. The indoor swing seat looks particularly inviting.Book @ Airbnb

Luxury Oasis | Manly

Of course, other than the world-famous Bondi Beach, Sydney is home to Manly, the birthplace of Australian surfing. A gem within the Northern Beaches, Manly is another must-visit place and we think this apartment with room for eight is a gem of its own. The open-plan living space is decorated to resemble the 70s, which is what swings it for us, with exposed brickwork and wooden furniture. A walk-in shower and private pool bring it back to the modern-day.Book @ Airbnb

Hipster’s Paradise | Camperdown

This Camperdown Airbnb pad may be on the smaller side, but it’s situated perfectly for experiencing Sydney’s Inner West. Exposed brickwork, vintage furniture and concrete flooring make it the perfect pit stop for an influx of hipsters on the hunt for the latest sneakers in Sydney.Book @ Airbnb

Bungalow On Sunrise | Palm Beach

Head up the coast a bit from the CBD and you’ll arrive at Palm Beach, famous for being the setting of Australian soap opera Home and Away. Easily one of the prettiest beaches in Sydney and with some of the best views in the whole of Australia, and this bungalow on Airbnb offers one of the best spots to experience those views. Sure, it might not have some ultra-modern conveniences that other homes in Palm Beach might offer, but it has oodles of charm and unobstructed views right over the ocean. And you can’t put a price on that.Book @ Airbnb

Opera House Views | Kirribilli

Sure, oceanic views are amazing, but how about swinging open your French doors and looking straight out towards the Sydney Opera House? It’s a view not experienced by many, but you’ll be able to experience them every single day (or at least, for the duration of your booking). We’ll admit the rest of the Airbnb apartment is nothing too special to write home about, although of course its well-decorated and clean. But with views like these, we wouldn’t care.Book @ Airbnb

Royal National Park Retreat | Bundeena

If walking is your jam, then the Royal National Park in Sydney’s South is your mecca and this gorgeous home in Bundeena places you just moments away from the numerous trails and waterfalls on offer.RELATED: Best Walking Routes In SydneyYou’ll really have to force yourself to leave through the front door though, as this Airbnb home is so jaw-droppingly beautiful you’ll want to stay inside for the length of your stay. With lashings of wood coupled with touches of modern black anthracite, this home is both an architectural and a nature lover’s paradise.Book @ Airbnb

Sydney Airbnb FAQ

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The post Sydney Airbnb: 10 Amazing Sydney AirBnbs For Unique Stays appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

There’s nothing better than a summer barbeque, and it wouldn’t be a proper barbie without some hefty sides of beef. You can almost picture it already: sun shining, cold beer in one hand, tongs in the other…

But in what’s sure to be a worrying development for all aspiring grill jockeys, beef is experiencing one of the biggest price rises in living memory. Since June 2020, Australian beef prices have been the highest in the world, with that trend only exacerbating, according to Meat and Livestock Australia, the industry body.

It’s not much better overseas. Aussie prices might be the highest but beef prices from all the major beef-producing countries (with the exception of Uruguay) are all on the up.

“Global cattle prices remain disjointed, with a variety of supply and demand factors influencing sharp price movements throughout the year. The rising number of COVID-19 cases in the US, dry conditions in South America and the shift in seasonal conditions across Australia remain key influences on cattle prices at present,” the MLA relates.

“Our nation’s cattle numbers are the lowest they have been in 20 to 30 years due to the last drought. But good rains on the eastern seaboard have seen good pasture, therefore farmers are restocking their herds, pushing prices up,” MLA Managing Director Jason Strong shared with Good Food. He continues:

“What we have to understand is that here in Australia, we produce some of the best quality beef in the world, and that there is global demand for that beef… local steak lovers are competing with consumers in Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul and Los Angeles.”

So with beef the least accessible than it’s ever been, what should Aussie foodies looking for a luxurious meal (not to mention Aussie restaurants keen to replace their classic big-ticket menu item) do?

The answer is simple, if superficially ludicrous: eat lobster instead.

 

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Beef prices might be at a record high but Western Australian rock lobster prices are at a record low, with major supermarkets selling whole lobster for as little as $20, The Guardian reports.

Why so cheap? It’s thanks to our escalating trade dispute with China, which has seen Australian lobster literally waste away in Chinese customs thanks to this tit-for-tat stouch. China has slapped bans on Australian beef imports as well as lobster imports, but these have had far less of an impact on prices: for comparison, we export 27% of all our beef to China (MLA stats), but around 94% of all our lobster, The Sydney Morning Herald reports. Additionally, domestic consumption and demand for beef is far higher than it is for lobster, further driving lobster prices down.

So while the trade war has been devastating for many sections of the Australian economy – particularly Western Australian lobster farmers, who have seen their biggest market close its doors overnight – one of the few positives for Australian consumers is that domestic lobster has never been cheaper or more accessible. And with no end to the trade war in sight, lobsters could soon be replacing steaks on the plates of Australia’s gourmands.

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The prospect of lobster in the shell instead of sirloin is certainly appealing… Who doesn’t love ‘balling on a budget’? But the reality is more complex than that.

Lobster might be cheap but supermarkets are struggling to keep up with demand, so the prospect of actually finding a cheap crustacean isn’t as straightforward as advertised. Lobster is also a far harder to prepare and less versatile protein than beef is – it’s a bit too much to handle for most home cooks. And on a more essential level, beef is ingrained in our national psyche in a way that lobster isn’t, or is likely to ever be. In short? People will always be happy to fork out for steak.

But if you’re feeling adventurous, take advantage of the cheap prices and make like The B-52s. Good eats await.

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The post 'Surf & Turf War': Lobsters Could Soon Be Replacing Steaks On Australian Plates appeared first on DMARGE Australia.