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Billy Joel lists New York estate for $73 million

Legendary rocker Billy Joel is <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/music/billy-joel-in-tears-over-career-announcement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saying goodbye to The Big Apple</a> as he prepares to sell his jaw-dropping estate. The New York native’s property on the affluent Oyster Bay Harbour has a price guide of a staggering US$49 million (AU$73.4 million). According to the Wall Street Journal, the 26-acre estate comprises the original 14-acre property Joel bought for $22.5 million in 2002 and the adjoining area he’s purchased over the years. The property covers more than 600m of frontage on Centre Island, with the focal point of the estate being the 1,858 sqm main house with breathtaking water views. The home includes five bedrooms, six bathrooms, two half-baths, a playroom, a spa and hair salon, a bowling alley, and a wine centre. There is also an indoor pool, which the Piano Man singer has covered up to use as a music room as it offers fantastic acoustics, according to listing agent Bonnie Williamson, of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty. Parts of the main house are under renovation and are expected to be finished over the next several months. The magnificent estate also has a three-bedroom beach house, a three-bedroom guest apartment, and a four-bedroom gatehouse. Other amenities include a floating dock and boat ramp, two outdoor pools, and a helicopter pad. Image credit: Getty / Realestate.com.au

Real Estate

"Kids are quick": Romantic proposal takes wild turn

What was meant to be a beautiful proposal took a turn for the worst when the engagement ring plunged right through the jetty cracks and into the ocean below. Luke was down on one knee ready to propose to his pregnant girlfriend Stephanie on the Hervey Bay jetty while two-year-old Harper Jane watched on. But before they saw what was happening, Harper Jane quickly grabbed the engagement ring from the box and it slipped out of her hands. “Kids are quick, much quicker than you think - I didn’t actually realise she had grabbed it,” Luke said in a TikTok. Luke called out Harper Jane's name before immediately throwing off his thongs and taking his phone and wallet out of his pocket, ready to jump into the water. <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; vertical-align: baseline; width: 619px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7141170167098117402&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40alarcon_sinverguenza%2Fvideo%2F7141170167098117402%3Fis_from_webapp%3D1%26sender_device%3Dpc%26web_id%3D7070374670839465473&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Roboto, Rubik, 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">Blindsided in the moment, his friend called out that he couldn’t jump because it was too shallow causing him to change his landing mid way through which left him with an earache. But Luke was on a mission to find the ring and was excited when he heard Stephanie’s dad call out to say that he could see it. “I can see it! Stop there, by your right hand,” he could be heard calling out. Thanks to the crystal clear waters of Hervey Bay, Luke was able to find the ring quickly and get back to shore. The ring eventually ended up on Stephanie’s finger, with the couple then revealing that Luke also wanted to ask Harper if he could be her step-dad. “I’m committing to them both so I felt like both of them should be present,” he said. “It’s just funny. Even if we had lost (the ring), there would have been humour in it - just sadness, too. “That will go down in the history books for us.” Images: TikTok

Relationships

What Olivia Newton-John wanted after her death

A never before seen interview of Olivia Newton-John before her tragic death has aired on TV. The Grease star lost her battle with breast cancer on August 8 when she passed away peacefully at the age of 73. Olivia appeared in a special interview on Spotlight: Olivia - A Magical Life where she explained what she wanted to happen when she died. The beloved singer said she wanted her ashes to be scattered in Byron Bay, California and “in other places I love”. Olivia’s late mother and sister also had their ashes scattered in the popular holiday destination. “I don’t think I’ve really thought about it that deeply. We all should,” Olivia said in the interview. “But I’d like to be with them, I’d like to be with them … that would be nice.” The <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/honouring-dame-olivia-newton-john" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news of Olivia’s passing</a> was announced by her husband John Easterling on Instagram via his late wife’s account, and included an appeal to continue her good works in the field of cancer research: “Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time,” he wrote. “Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer. “Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the @onjfoundation." Her daughter Chloe also shared a series of <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/no-words-emotional-images-from-olivia-newton-john-s-daughter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heartwarming photos</a> upon the news breaking as celebrities and fans alike offered their condolences. The family have also accepted a state funeral from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. Image: Seven

Caring

Four people injured in stabbing frenzy

Four members of the public have been horrifically stabbed in what police have described as an “isolated” incident. The alleged offender randomly stopped four people in Murrays Bay on Auckland's North Shore about 11.18am on Thursday before stabbing them with “quite a large knife”. Another member of the public stepped in and stopped the alleged attacker with a clutch before police apprehended him. Luckily, none of the victims were severely injured but are being treated in hospital. Waitematā district commander Superintendent Naila Hassan commended the random person’s efforts, saying it could have been “a lot worse”. "This was an isolated incident," she said. "This offender was on the move, he was on foot, it started in Murrays Bay [where he stabbed members of the public], and he continued to walk through to Mairangi Bay. "A number of members of the public were following him and eventually one of them intervened. "It could've been a lot worse and that's why I really need to acknowledge the bravery of those members of the public that intervened to bring this to a conclusion." Superintendent Hassan gave a special shoutout to the members of the public who helped prevent the situation from getting any worse. "I really need to acknowledge the bravery of the members of the public who intervened," she said. A thank you to the public was also released on the North Shore, Rodney & West Auckland Police Facebook page. “We would like to acknowledge members of our community for their actions, who put aside their own personal safety to get involved in the events earlier today,” the statement read. “Whilst Police generally discourage intervening, we greatly appreciated their efforts today which undoubtedly prevented further harm. “We also want to thank those who called emergency services. “Understandably the community will be shaken by what has occurred today and I would like to reassure them that this was an isolated incident and we have the person responsible in custody. “There will be an increased Police presence across the community as a result of what has occurred. “We would like to thank the community for their patience as scene examinations and area canvases taking place.” The alleged attacker remains in North Shore Hospital under police guard where he is being treated for his injuries. He is yet to be charged. Image: RNZ

News

Potential breakthrough in Theo Hayez case

Investigators are a step closer to solving the mystery of missing backpacker Theo Hayez, after honing in on WhatsApp messages he exchanged the night he vanished, to gain an insight into what happened. The Belgian teenager disappeared in 2019 from NSW hotspot Byron Bay, with an inquest on Wednesday hearing there had been a 'potential breakthrough' in the case. The development came just hours after Theo's parents suggested 'another person' was involved in their son's disappearance and police offered a $500,000 reward for information. 'I don't want to overstate it, your honour, but we know Theo was engaged in some WhatsApp activity just before 1 am on the 31st of May,' counsel assisting the coroner, Kirsten Edwards said. This activity was prior to a five-hour window when Hayez' mobile phone ceased communicating with the nearest tower. In a bombshell revelation, Ms Edwards said the investigating team had also found a mystery person 'who was communicating with Theo on the 31st of May' but it is not yet known when the two exchanged messages. But WhatsApp messages, very commonly used as the primary messaging app in Europe, are encrypted, making it virtually impossible to find out what the texts said without one of the senders' phones. Earlier on Wednesday, it was revealed the police officer who led the initial search for Mr Hayez was inexperienced, missed vital training and would have conducted the operation 'very differently' with the benefit of hindsight. Speaking at the inquest the same day police announced a $500,000 reward for information on his case. Senior Constable Louis Papworth admitted he had only previously conducted two minor searches before the 18-year-old went missing. Due to the urgency of the search and his inexperience, Papworth told the inquest he had made 'some mistakes.' If he'd had access to location data sourced from Theo's phone on the first two days of the search, it would have looked very different, Papworth said. With the benefit of hindsight, he would also have tried to find out more about Theo's interests and behaviours, to help tailor the search. The data showed Theo had spent seven minutes near cricket nets at a local sporting field, before charting a route through the Arakwal National Park to Cosy Corner Beach. 'If you'd had that access to that information, you would have approached the search in a very different way, and with a lot more intensity?' Ms Edwards asked at the inquest. More volunteers would have been sent to those areas and he would have sent detectives to interview 'vagrants' who were staying near the sporting field. The inquest continues, and is due to hear more new 'significant' evidence in the coming days. Images: Facebook

Travel Trouble

Keep an eye out for these 5 films from the Byron Bay International Film Fest

Though the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.bbff.com.au/blog/bbff-returns-in-2021-with-a-special-edition-programme-of-inspiring-and-uplifting-films" target="_blank">Byron Bay International Film Festival</a> has ended for this year, that doesn’t mean you missed out on its offerings. The nature of the Aussie film festival means that some films are already out, like <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/movies/how-to-watch-these-5-short-films-from-the-byron-bay-international-film-fest" target="_blank">these five</a>, while others are screened ahead of their airing to the general public. With that in mind, here are five short films in this year’s programme that you’ll want to keep an eye out for. Inner Portraits <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846493/film-fest7.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9a774b879fcb43b387b9f36e4c4c7414" /> Image: Supplied Photographic artist RJ Poole has made a rare appearance in front of the camera in Inner Portraits. The short documentary sees the Lismore photographer become the subject, relating his experiences as a soldier in Australia’s SAS regiment during his youth, interspersed with some of his proudest work. Having made its appearances at the Melbourne Documentary and St Kilda film festivals, the public release date for Inner Portraits is yet to be announced. Perfect Storm <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846492/film-fest5.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/bdcaf3e26bb34370a115bc896af9df84" /> Image: Supplied Set on the wild coast of Auckland, Perfect Storm follows one man’s enforced isolation from his loved ones during the pandemic. With a cast of just two, Perfect Storm shows how coming home to oneself and the environment can be a silver lining amid loneliness. CWA: Judgement Day <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846495/film-fest11.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c5d0bf976ef34c1f820e2d901c544d22" /> Image: Byron Bay International Film Festival Step inside the Country Women’s Association, an Australian icon and backbone of rural living, through CWA: Judgement Day. Set in a nondescript Canberra building, it follows a group of women gathering for a secret initiation into the world of judging for the CWA. With its world premiere at the Byron Bay film festival, this is one film to be on the lookout for. The Handyman <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846491/film-fest3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/1c8c0bef92754c67b8d253ce9b322559" /> Image: Supplied An Australian drama, The Handyman starts with Evelyn (Alison Whyte, The Dressmaker) about to end her life, until she is interrupted by an awkward handyman (Nathaniel Dean, Alien: Covenant). His need for work collides with Evelyn’s desire to make him leave, and she discovers that he has problems of his own to contend with. The Handyman has been making appearances at film festivals around the world since its premiere in Cairo last year, with its public release date still to be confirmed. Dandelion <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846494/film-fest10.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c9a2c329480442c5964d42fd16504ef9" /> Image: Supplied Dandelion takes on the tough subject of loving someone and supporting them on their mental health journey with quirks and comedy, all while replacing the strong female character trope with a more nuanced, vulnerable protagonist.

Movies

How to watch these 5 short films from the Byron Bay International Film Fest

The yearly <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.bbff.com.au/blog/bbff-returns-in-2021-with-a-special-edition-programme-of-inspiring-and-uplifting-films" target="_blank">Byron Bay International Film Festival</a> has returned for 2021, featuring a combination of feature-length and short films from Australia and around the world. With this year’s theme being ‘Shining Light in Darkness’, the festival lineup includes films that reflect life in isolation, processing loss, and finding happiness in unexpected places. The films will be screened at the Palace Byron Bay cinema and the Lennox Head Cultural Centre between December 17 and 21. Luckily, those who can’t make the festival can still catch these five films. Mourning Country <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846411/film-fest1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b9ad562690f9491289aba18ea0c0e302" /> ‘Mourning Country’ shares the personal experience of Budawang Elder Noel Butler. Image: Supplied Opening with shots of burnt landscape and charred remains as Budawang Elder Noel Butler calls for animals no longer there, Mourning Country explores the grief felt for the country’s unique wildlife to bushfires. The six-minute film follows Butler as he walks through the ashes of his property - destroyed in the 2019 Currowan fire - where his home and the Aboriginal Cultural Centre once stood. Capturing his mourning for the flora and fauna that once lived there and the life that begins to flourish, the film speaks to the “destructive loss” of life that comes from improper management of the land. Mourning Country is available to watch <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.ryanandrewlee.com/cinematography/mourning-country" target="_blank">here</a>, on cinematographer Ryan Andrew Lee’s website. The Kicked Dog <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846412/film-fest2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/39189f2a6983404c8d9d704c478c4b79" /> Alan Ford (pictured) stars alongisde Clive Russell in the black comedy 'The Kicked Dog'. Image: Supplied A black comedy from writer and director Max Hemmings, The Kicked Dog stars Alan Ford and Clive Russell (Game of Thrones) as Alan and Terry, two feuding brothers attempting to reconcile over a low-rent heist. As aged East End gangsters from a bygone era, they have limited time to mend their relationship before Terry’s dementia sets in. The Kicked Dog is due to be released online in July, 2022. Mirador <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846415/film-fest9.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/705d33c849ac4e76889a8b6cacab4210" /> Performance artist Angela Goh pushes film equipment through the Phoenix Central Building in a scene from Mirador. Image: Supplied An experimental look at performance art, Mirador follows performance artist Angela Goh as she navigates the winding interior of the Phoenix Central Building, a private performance space in Sydney. The film plays with perspective and distortion as Goh takes us through dark corridors, down stairwells, and along thin beams, showing how buildings can contain mysteries. Watch the film <a rel="noopener" href="https://versusversus.com.au/work/mirador/" target="_blank">here</a>. Our Country <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846414/film-fest8.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/82ff7d376b60479091d640c6e2890239" /> 'Our Country' is filmed on Dunghutti Country and features members of the community sharing their stories. Image: Supplied Though only five minutes long, Our Country explores the connection between people, country and culture for members of the different generations of the South West Rocks community of Dunghutti Country, on the NSW Mid North Coast. Keen to check it out? Head <a rel="noopener" href="https://robertsherwoodfilms.com.au/portfolio/our-country-short-film" target="_blank">here</a> to watch it. Lotus <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846413/film-fest6.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/52bb2b5714cd4ec78762a0aa4ac4d19e" /> Angelika Furstler recreates her near death experience in 'Lotus'. Image: Supplied Filmed almost completely underwater in the Mayan Cenotes, Lotus is inspired by filmmaker Angelika Furstler’s own near-death experience in Mexico while facing her biggest fear. It is a film that explores how one can grow from pain, anxiety and fear to find coherence, harmony and flow. Since Lotus is showing in international film festivals, the film’s <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.angelikafurstler.com/lotus-shortfilm" target="_blank">website</a> says it isn’t publicly available as of yet. It is expected to be launched online, and keen viewers can sign up to be notified when it is released.

Movies

Theo Hayez’s last moments before disappearing uncovered

Theo Hayez’s Google account has provided a “digital data trail” tracking what are suspected to be his last moments before his disappearance, an inquest has been told. Unfortunately, data that may assist investigators in their search cannot be accessed due to a legal technicality with Belgian authorities, a situation described by counsel assisting the coroner as “unacceptable”. Hayez’s family has flown into Australia to attend the inquest, which is expected to run for two weeks. Hayez was reported missing from Byron Bay in May 2019 after leaving a popular bar late at night. He was last seen leaving the Cheeky Monkeys bar just after 11 pm on May 31, 2019, and the last reliable data point placed Hayez and his phone at Cozy Corner near the Cape Byron cliffs. The court heard that a working theory from police was that Hayez fell while trying to climb the cliffs and was swept out to sea. “If the working theory is correct … his phone did not go with him because it was still working and transmitting data until about the afternoon of Saturday June 1, 2019,” Ms Edwards, counsel assisting the coroner, said. Despite extensive searches by SES teams and the police, his body was never found. His fat was recovered in bushland on the route he last took weeks after he disappeared. Ms Edwards said that location tracking data suggested he walked in the opposite direction of his hostel, but took ‘strange’ routes despite having a map open on his phone. She also said that investigators were attempting to get a statement and witness from the overseas investigators, but were hindered due to a multinational legal process not occurring. She told the court, “We tried to access that process... but it is not a process available for a missing persons coronial investigation. “We are stymied, legally, because we cannot access that treaty. Clearly, it’s an unacceptable situation where we cannot get access to what could be critical information about what’s happening that night.” The inquest, taking place in Byron Bay before State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan, continues. Image: Facebook

Legal

Nicole Kidman’s TV home up for rental as Airbnb

Nicole Kidman is a titan Hollywood actress, and now her TV retreat has been put up on Airbnb! Her latest series, 9 Perfect Strangers, is filled with suspense, mystery and intrigue – all factors of what makes up a perfect TV programme for viewers to dig into while stuck in lockdown. With major Hollywood including Kidman, Melissa McCarthy and Asher Keddie, it is no wonder how the show has managed to capture the hearts of a nation. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843777/9-perfect-strangers-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/dca9880049c241cea7a426416507e76b" /> The unbelievable property, Soma Retreat, is tucked neatly into the Byron Bay hinterland, and has proven to be the perfect backdrop for the characters in the newly released adaption of Liane Moriarty’s Nine Perfect Strangers. Kidman’s character, Masha, runs a mysterious wellness getaway for rich city folk. And now, the owners of the retreat are allowing the public to spend a night at the extraordinary retreat, for $6500 a night. The place can fit up to 16 people and even has a fully fitted space that can be used as a yoga retreat, or an interesting hang out spot. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843781/9-perfect-strangers-7.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ef01a4d5e4d04c63881e4233ec5b5d00" /> The rental even has a sauna, magnesium ice bath, and a custom-made Zen garden. Staff and services can be booked at an extra cost too, including massages and meditation courses. In the show, Soma is dubbed Tranquillum House and is touted as a place for people to change their lives for the better.

Real Estate

Hidden Aussie beach cracks the top 10 in the world

A Sydney-based content creator has gone viral for his footage from beaches that are very definitely off-the-beaten track. Adam Rikys shares clips on <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@adamrikys/video/6985683756568808706?lang=en&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1" target="_blank">Tiktok</a> where he drops a pin on a new location in Australia using Google maps, then zooms in with stunning images of the beach, proving we’re a country full of hidden beachy treasures. In one of his latest videos, the creator chooses Turquoise Bay in Western Australia. Found in Cape Range National Park near Exmouth, Turquoise Bay was ranked as the sixth best beach in the world in Trip Advisor’s 2021 Travellers’ Choice Awards earlier this year. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLqMB0vJg2E/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLqMB0vJg2E/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Perth is OK! (@perthisok)</a> </div> </blockquote> With its crystal clear waters and white sand, it’s easy to see why it scored a top spot. However, the area is prone to strong currents, with inexperienced swimmers advised to take caution. Images: Venture Wanderer / Instagram, Hike Australia / Instagram

Domestic Travel

See inside Matt Damon’s $22 million Byron Bay beach pad

Matt Damon and his family have been welcomed with open arms by the closely-knit beach town of Byron Bay, NSW. To seal in their spot as residents, the actor has reportedly scooped up a $22 million mansion in the area. The unbelievable home was snapped up after a little over four days on the market, <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/oscarwinner-matt-damon-rumoured-buyer-of-22m-byron-bay-home/news-story/bb64832c4ae44fe83b48b34dca23f5ec" target="_blank">The Daily Telegraph</a> reported. While it has not been confirmed if the Hollywood heavyweight added the five bedroom property under his belt, he is a heavy contender. The home has sweeping views that overlooks Wategos Beach and is regarded as the of the area's most prestigious homes. In the middle of a quiet coastal town, the incredible property has all the bells and whistles including a heated infinity pool, tall ceilings and open spaces to host large gatherings. The property also offers three bathrooms and three car spaces. The Los Angeles based actor was spotted with his wife and three children holidaying in the coastal town in 2019 and rumours have ignited as to whether the family would be settling down. In 2019, Matt reportedly rented out the $4 million ($3.07m USD) property directly next door to Chris Hemsworth's property.

Real Estate

Chris Hemsworth's wife forced to flee car due to floodwaters

Chris Hemworth's wife Elsa Pataky was stuck in floodwaters as she tried to drive to her house in Byron Bay. She documented the journey on Instagram, saying that she was "a bit too optimistic" and was "so sure I could cross". The footage shows her car surrounded by floodwater. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837094/body-1-elsa.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/31b1c581acfb49078afb2db0967c58cb" /> Pataky continued to show her followers the journey, saying "Oh god, what am I doing?" and announced that her only option was "through the window". After climbing out of her car, she waded out of the water and received help from her friends who towed the car out of the floodwaters. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837093/body-2-elsa.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/7acd504605da4286ad90b70811c7af00" /> “What would I do without you guys,” Pataky said to her rescuers.

Travel Trouble

Zac Efron’s new Byron Bay pad

Hollywood actor Zac Efron is reportedly looking to settle down in Byron Bay, on the New South Wales coast. Reports from The Sunday Telegraph say the 32-year-old actor has developed a deep connection to the area - so much so he is now considering purchasing the home in which he's been staying. He may be purchasing The Boardwalk, a beachfront property located in the coastal suburb Broken Head which is super close to Byron Bay. The lavish property has private beach access, a 12-metre magnesium pool and an incredible spa as well as boardwalks with tropical gardens. The luxurious place also boasts an amazing bedroom, four and a half luxurious bathrooms and incredible bi-fold doors that open up and create an easy walk through from the kitchen and lounge to decks. Reports follow after it was widely believed Zac Efron was laying low for a few months in Byron Bay, however no photographic evidence has surfaced as of yet. See the gorgeous pad below.

Real Estate

Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky offer rare glimpse inside $20 million Byron Bay mansion

Hemsworth and his family just moved into their $20 million mansion in Byron Bay. On Wednesday, the Australian actor’s wife, Elsa Pataky, shared a rare look into the lives of the Hemsworths’. The Spanish actress, 43, posted a rare video to her Instagram page of herself helping her three children decorate their gigantic Christmas tree. The couple’s daughter, seven-year-old India Rose, and five-year-old twins Tristan and Sasha – were all seen wearing adorable patching plaid pyjamas. In the clip, one of Elsa’s children offered a candy cane decoration to their mother, which she then placed high on the tree. The Hemsworths' tree was adorned with red poinsettia flowers and gold and red baubles, and also featured a gold star on top. In November, Elsa made a guest appearance on The Kyle and Jackie O Show to address complaints made by neighbours that her famous actor husband’s home “looks like a shopping centre.” “Seriously, it's not that big!” she said live on air. Elsa also added people believed the 4.2-hectare estate appeared bigger on aerial photographs due to the angle it was taken. Elsa married Chris, who reached international fame for playing Thor in the Marvel Universe films, in 2010. The couple had been dating for less than a year at the time. 36-year-old Chris purchased their Byron Bay property for $7million in 2014. They began extensive renovations in 2017 and the property is now believed to be worth in excess of $20 million. Scroll through the gallery to see the Hemsworth family.

Domestic Travel

How to make Jamie Oliver's bay salt prawn skewers with summer veg

Time to prepare 25 mins | Serves 4 Warmer weather brings memories of sun, seafood and barbeques - so why not combine them all? This recipe from Jamie Oliver puts a yummy twist on the good ol' shrimp. The bay salt flavour is unconventional but that's what makes this BBQ prawn recipe taste so delicious. Recipe from <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes">jamieoliver.com/recipes</a> Ingredients: <ul> <li>20 raw king prawns, from sustainable sources (ask your fishmonger), peeled and black veins removed</li> <li>4 small courgettes</li> <li>10 bay leaves</li> <li>1 tablespoon sea salt</li> <li>3 tablespoons good extra virgin olive oil</li> <li>Juice of ½ lemon</li> <li>2 large handfuls freshly podded peas</li> <li>2 large handfuls freshly podded broad beans</li> <li>1 small bunch fresh mint, leaves picked\</li> <li>A few chive flowers, optional</li> <li>Sea salt</li> <li>Freshly ground black pepper</li> </ul> Directions 1. First of all, get your barbecue good and hot. If you're using wooden skewers, soak four of them in some cold water for 10 minutes, so they don't burn when you put them on the barbie later. Thread 5 prawns on to each skewer, make sure you poke through the fat and the thin part of each prawn. Slice the courgettes into ribbons with a speed peeler or a mandolin. 2. To make the bay salt, crumble the bay leaves into a pestle and mortar and add the salt. Bash up the bay leaves until you have a vibrant green salt and all the bay leaves have broken down and released their natural oils. 3. Sprinkle each of the prawn kebabs with a good pinch of the bay salt. Drizzle them with a little olive oil and pat and rub everything in. Place the skewers on the hot barbecue for a couple of minutes on each side. Fill the rest of the barbecue with the courgette slices – as they are so thin, they'll only need cooking on one side. After 2 minutes, turn over the skewers and cook for a further 2 minutes while you start taking off the courgettes. 4. Pour 3 tablespoons of good olive oil into a large bowl. Squeeze in the lemon juice and add the peas, broad beans and grilled courgettes. Tear over the mint leaves and the chive flowers, if using. Season with a little salt and pepper and gently mix everything together. 5. Serve the vegetables in a big bowl in the middle of the table with the skewers on a wooden board next to it. Perfect light, healthy summer eating. Tips <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/seafood-recipes/bay-salt-prawn-skewers-with-summer-veg/">Jamie says: </a>The combination of bay leaves and prawns is quite an unconventional one, but I think it's a winner. This recipe will make enough for a decent batch of bay salt – you can use it instead of normal salt. You won't need as much as you would normally use though, as the bay gives it extra flavour. Bay salt is great if sprinkled over a shoulder of lamb, a chicken or a piece of pork before roasting. You can keep it in a container for a couple of months if you dry it out first. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/bay-salt-prawn-skewers-with-summer-veg.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Caring

20 people injured after violent volcano eruption off New Zealand coast

An eruption from a volcano on White Island in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty has taken course, with unconfirmed reports of up to 20 people injured. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12292240" target="_blank">The New Zealand Herald</a> reported rescue helicopters are on the way to the island and it is understood up to 100 people may have been on the island at the time of its disastrous eruption. White Island Tours boats were reportedly near the island. A level four alert has been raised – it is the second highest rating meaning there is an eruption hazard on and near the volcano. The island is 48 kilometres from the Bay of Plenty, a bight in the northern coast of New Zealand's North Island. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Whakaari/White Island is erupting. More information soon. <a href="https://t.co/B5m4BSa4bt">pic.twitter.com/B5m4BSa4bt</a> — GeoNet (@geonet) <a href="https://twitter.com/geonet/status/1203851449483984896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2019</a></blockquote> The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) released a national warning statement for a moderate volcanic eruption, describing the environment as “hazardous in the immediate vicinity of the volcano”. “Volcanic hazards may impact areas on and near the volcano. Ashfall may impact areas distant from the volcano. People should stay out of designated restricted zones.” <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D10212478296591803%26set%3Da.10203084101142788%26type%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="612" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> Cameras positioned near the volcano was believed to have displayed people hiking near the eruption site shortly before the explosion. Geological hazard trackers GeoNet had noted there had been somewhat of a moderate volcanic unrest on the island for weeks, before Monday afternoon's eruption. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Yup looks like it... Both of the cameras in the crater have changed significantly. <a href="https://t.co/eVEAfm94oo">pic.twitter.com/eVEAfm94oo</a> — Brady Dyer (@BR4DY) <a href="https://twitter.com/BR4DY/status/1203854492917063680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2019</a></blockquote> Dan Harvey, a man fishing approximately 40 km from the island, told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12292240" target="_blank">The New Zealand Herald</a> a dark plume of smoke projected into the sky about 2.15pm. “I looked over and saw a burst of steam coming up. There was nothing above the island at that time. It was just clear blue sky. It was unusual to see it go from nothing to steam erupting out of it,” he said. MORE TO COME. Image: Instagram @byminke

News

This beach officially has the whitest sand in Australia

Noel Schoknecht is a senior research associate at Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia. In 2005, when I was chair of the <a href="http://www.soilscienceaustralia.org/ncst" target="_blank">National Committee on Soil and Terrain</a>, I started a debate: where is Australia’s whitest beach? This was a diversion from the committee’s normal business of looking at the sustainable management of Australia’s soils, but it led down a path I hadn’t expected. What began as a bit of after-hours banter became a serious look across Australia in search of our whitest beaches. New South Wales had already laid claim to the title, arguing that Hyams Beach at Jervis Bay has the <a href="https://open.abc.net.au/explore/28273" target="_blank">whitest sand in the world</a>, purportedly backed up by Guinness World Records. As it turned out, both claims were false. Guinness World Records has no such category, and the whitest beach (as we found) is actually elsewhere. So we drafted terms of reference, and the search for <a href="http://www.whitestbeach.com/" target="_blank">Australia’s Whitest Beach</a> began. Over the next year samples were collected across the nation. The criteria were simple: samples had to be taken from the swash zone (the gently sloping area between the water and the dunes) and the samples could not be treated in any way apart from air-drying. No bleaching. No sieving out of impurities. Marine environment only. The results of the first judging in 2006 were startling. Of all the states and territories, the much promoted Hyams Beach in New South Wales came in fourth. Third was Victoria, second Queensland, and first Western Australia. The other states and territories came in at Tasmania fifth, Northern Territory sixth, and South Australia seventh. The ACT didn’t have a beach to sample, although technically some of the Commonwealth lands around our coasts could possibly come in under their banner (but that’s another debate altogether). <img width="500" height="NaN" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/198662/original/file-20171211-9383-1y7qak8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip"/> A sample of the main contenders for the whitest beach in Australia. Unfortunately, samples submitted from South Australia didn’t make the final cut. The winning beach was Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park on WA’s south coast, but in reality any of the beaches in this area could have been winners – Hellfire Bay, Thistle Cove and Wharton’s beach (just to name a few) are all magnificently white. A quick qualification here: the southwestern end of Lucky Bay, where many people enter the beach, is covered with seaweed – not the whitest bit! I should also note that all of the finalists in the whitest beach challenge were in their own right fabulously white. But when compared side-by-side, some beaches are clearly whiter than others. The Queensland team felt aggrieved, so in 2007 I carried out a repechage with new samples from Queensland at Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays, and Lake McKenzie on Fraser Island. Lake McKenzie was ultimately disallowed as it is a freshwater lake and the rules stipulated a marine environment. Meanwhile, Whitehaven didn’t quite cut the mustard in the judging and Lucky Bay in WA was again the winner. <img width="500" height="NaN" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/198665/original/file-20171211-9416-v5kr92.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip"/> Whitehaven beach in Queensland just missed out on the top spot in the recount. So what makes a beach white, and is it important anyway? The assessments were based on a visual comparison, so to remove any possible visual bias after the 2007 challenge all the samples were scanned for their reflectance – how much light bounced off the sand, essentially – in the visible and infrared wavelengths. Our assumption was that higher reflectance throughout the visual spectrum correlates with greater whiteness. As it turned out, the results from the scanning exactly correlated with the visual assessments. The eye is quite good at discerning small differences in colour and reflectance. (More background and the results from the competition are available <a href="http://www.whitestbeach.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.) So what makes a beach white? Obviously, a pristine environment helps. Another factor is the distance from rivers, which deliver coloured organic and clay contaminants to the coast. The geology of the area and the source of the sand are also critical, with quartz seemingly a major requirement for fine sands. Most white sandy beaches are derived from granitic, or less commonly sandstone, geologies that weather to produce fine, frosted quartz sand grains. Interestingly, sands made from shell or coral fragments just aren’t as white. <img width="500" height="NaN" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/198671/original/file-20171212-9392-1b85svb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip"/> The source of the sand is very important; sand made from shells or coral aren’t as white as quartz. Is it important? While this competition began in fun, I do believe it’s important. Beaches are places of refuge in this crazy world, and a pristine white beach indicates a cleanliness that is worth striving for. The reflectance of light off these sands through shallow waters near the beach creates a surreal, magical turquoise colour. White beaches are like the canary in the coalmine – once they’re spoiled, we know we’re in trouble. Even though this study was a first look at some of Australia’s whitest beaches, and sampling was limited, it did highlight the sheer number of wonderful sandy beaches that Australia has. The story’s not finished though. There are many white beaches out there yet to be sampled, and if you’d like to alert me to your potentially award-winning beach please <a href="https://theconversation.com/whitestbeachinaustralia@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a> or leave a comment on the <a href="https://whitestbeach.com/feedback/" target="_blank">whitest beach website</a>. It’s our responsibility, and I believe honour, to protect these amazing places. I’m sure there are more wonderful beaches out there that we haven’t sampled which may defeat Lucky Bay. Shelburne Bay in northern Queensland, for example, is a contender yet to be sampled, and there are some magnificent beaches on the east coast of Tasmania. Whatever the outcome, let’s celebrate the natural wonders that surround our country. Written by Noel Schoknecht. Republishd with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation.</a><img width="1" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/88393/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation"/>

Cruising

Exploring New Zealand’s Bay of Islands

Utah has its famous Mormon Road, but at the top of New Zealand's North Island is something that's arguably even cooler - an easily accessible island tunnel so big it can fit medium-sized cruise boats through it. Where/What is it? Sprouting proudly out of the Pacific Ocean off the wild end of the Bay of Islands' Cape Brett is Motukokako (Piercy Island as it was named by James Cook). an island dominated by its sheer cliffs that rise 148 metres out of the sea. It's likely Motukokako would've been considered just another big rock in the ocean had that same ocean not carved out a spectacular 16m-high hole at its south-western end. As a result it's become a must-do in one of New Zealand's most loved regions, an island that adorns 1000 brochures. Harbour cruises and jet boats will take you through the hole on a calm day and you can even land a helicopter on the top of the island and have a picnic. Why go? Getting to the island is a commitment, but it's hardly a chore. The route from Pahia takes you through the blue-green waters of a harbour of islands with more history and intrigue than any other in the country. Look for dolphins and spot the plaque laid where Cook anchored the Endeavour off the murderously beautiful Motuarohia. Take in the wealth of the part-privately owned Moturua, and see Sky TV NZ founder Craig Heatley's luxurious summer holiday home, with a rumoured tunnel through the island to get easy access to the jetty. Stop in the fishing-famous Otehei Bay and climb from there to the top of the biggest island of the lot, Urupukapuka, for panoramic views of the harbour. Once you're at the hole in the rock, you're in for some cheap thrills. There's some solid currents and if you're on the biggest boat possible - in this case, the <a href="https://www.dolphincruises.co.nz/" target="_blank">Fullers GreatSights dolphin cruise</a> - it seems for so, so long that it's going to be impossible to fit the boat through the gap. As the world goes dark, holler your best echo phrases, toot the horn and hold your breath for a minute until you emerge again in a burst of sunshine. Insider tip One thing the boat tours probably won't tell you is that passage through the hole is the subject of one of the most fascinating Maori claims of recent years. Motu Kokako Ahu Whenua Trust - the island's owners - <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/northland/bay-chronicle/9611576/Protest-over-Hole-in-Rock" target="_blank">want payment for the thousands of tourists who go through it each year</a>, while boat operators argue they have the right to navigate through it. It's a dispute that remains unresolved. On the way/near by Stop in Russell for quaint buildings, great beaches and some outstanding restaurants that make the former hellhole of the Pacific seem pretty special. How much? There's a number of options for getting to the hole in the rock by boat. The most popular is Fullers GreatSights half-day dolphin cruise from Pahia which costs <a href="https://www.dolphincruises.co.nz/bay-of-islands-cruises/hole-in-the-rock/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6_qB1oG11QIVCgoqCh0zPwiLEAAYASAAEgJnafD_BwE" target="_blank">$105 per adult or half that for kids</a> with advanced booking. A helicopter to the top will <a href="http://www.saltair.co.nz/bay-of-islands-scenic-flights-tours/the-hole-experience-heli-cultural-tour/" target="_blank">set you back at least $400</a>. Best time to go The Bay of Islands is a summertime playground in the winterless north. There's no bad time to go but winter's a good way to avoid the crowds. The writer travelled with assistance from the Bay of Islands Marketing Group. See <a href="https://www.visitboi.co.nz/" target="_blank">visitboi.co.nz</a>. Written by Chris Hyde. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a>

Cruising

Mind-boggling Gardens by the Bay in Singapore

Justine Tyerman spends an afternoon at the magnificent Gardens by the Bay in Singapore where she marvels at the world’s largest glasshouse and tallest indoor waterfall, and a forest of ‘Supertrees’, as part of a Singapore Airlines stopover package en route to Laos with Innovative Travel… In the Cloud Forest I stood at the summit of the cool, misty mountain within spray drift of a beautiful waterfall, surrounded by a myriad of exquisite orchids, colourful anthuriums, bizarre carnivorous pitcher plants and ferns of every shade of green. <img width="442" height="294" src="https://travelmemo-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Singapore-Gardens-by-the-Bay-6.jpg" alt="Cloud Forest waterfall in Singapore's Gardens by the Bay" class="size-full wp-image-13083 no-display appear" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Cloud Forest waterfall. Image credit: National Parks Board, Singapore, Gardens by the Bay It’s a steep ascent but I made it to the top in a few seconds, thanks to a high-speed lift inside the Tropical Montane at the Cloud Forest, an astonishing manmade mountain, waterfall and garden complex encased within one of two enormous glass domes on the Singapore waterfront. It’s part of the extensive Gardens by the Bay built on 101 hectares of prime waterfront land at a cost of over $1b which opened in 2012. At the summit there’s the Lost World, a collection of vegetation normally found in the tropical highlands, 2000m above sea level. As I peered through the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at the glass dome beyond, I marvelled at the sheer genius and engineering involved in such an ambitious project. <img width="456" height="304" src="https://travelmemo-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Singapore-Gardens-by-the-Bay-5.jpg" alt="Cloud Forest - waterfall at night in Singapore's Gardens by the Bay" class="size-full wp-image-13079 no-display appear"/> Cloud Forest – waterfall at night A fine mist gathered on my hair and skin, so refreshing after the steamy 32 degree heat outside the cooled conservatory – a welcome oasis of cool on a hot, humid day.<img width="457" height="306" src="https://travelmemo-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Singapore-Gardens-by-the-Bay-7.jpg" alt="Cloud Forest and Cloud Walk - Sunset View in Singapore's Gardens by the Bay" class="size-full wp-image-13081 no-display appear" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Cloud Forest and Cloud Walk – Sunset View After exploring the upper reaches of the forest, I descended by way of the Cloud Walk, a pathway cantilevered out from the mountain that allows you to absorb the full scope of the garden. There are 60,000 plants and flowers in the Cloud Forest alone. The canopy-high Treetop Walk leads down to The Cavern and Crystal Mountain, a collection of stalactites and stalagmites and rock crystals including huge chunks of raw amethysts, and the Secret Garden where moisture-loving plants and prehistoric ferns thrive in a lush environment. <img width="470" height="355" src="https://travelmemo-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Singapore-Gardens-by-the-Bay-8.jpg" alt="Cloud Forest crystal mountains in Singapore's Gardens by the Bay" class="size-full wp-image-13082 no-display appear" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Cloud Forest crystal mountains. We experienced the catastrophic implications of climate change around the world within the 21st century in a virtual journey through time at Earth Check and +5 Degrees. The presentation ends with a thought-provoking challenge: ‘Gardens by the Bay use sustainable energy and sustainable practices to stay in balance with nature. What can you do?’ The Flower Dome A lower, elongated conservatory next door, houses the vast Flower Dome filled with 30,000 plants from every continent except Antarctica. Nine gardens take visitors around the world from the Canary Island date palms of the Mediterranean to the monkey puzzle trees of Central Chile, from ancient olive trees over 1000 years old to the baobab and bottle trees of Africa. The closest plant to New Zealand is the kangaroo’s paw in the Australian Garden. <img width="461" height="307" src="https://travelmemo-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Singapore-Gardens-by-the-Bay-4.jpg" alt="Tulipmania in the Flower Dome - Tulips in Singapore's Gardens by the Bay" class="size-full wp-image-13078 no-display appear" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Tulipmania in the Flower Dome. Interspersed among the flora are some impressive sculptures. La Famille de Voyageurs, a bronze by Bruno Catalano, is especially eye-catching. It depicts a life-size family of three – father, mother and child – heading away on a voyage, carrying their luggage. <img width="297" height="446" src="https://travelmemo-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/famille-de-voyageurs-Bruno-Catalano-Singapore.jpg" alt="Sculpture "La famille de voyageurs" by Bruno Catalano" class="size-full wp-image-13106 no-display appear"/> La famille de voyageurs by Bruno Catalano. Large parts of their torso are missing as if torn away, and they seem to stand with little support, giving them a floaty, dreamlike appearance. I studied them for so long, I lost the rest of my group. At festive times of the year, the dome is a riot of colour as Orchid Extravaganza, Yuletide and Tulipmania take over. Many accolades Gardens by the Bay has earned numerous accolades. The twin conservatories won World Building of the Year in 2012 and the Flower Dome holds the distinction of being the Largest Glass Greenhouse in the Guinness World Records (2015). Outside the domes, the choices are even more bewildering. There are the Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes, and Indian, Chinese, Malay, Colonial, Silver, Golden and Palm Gardens. For the youngsters, the Far East Children’s Gardens has a waterplay park, treehouses, adventure trail and toddler zone. Singapore’s largest outdoor entertainment space, the Meadow, offers a spectacular backdrop for large-scale events. Gardens by the Bay’s Supertree Grove Perhaps the most surreal of all the sights is the Supertree Grove, a forest of towering manmade trees, home to vertical gardens with over 150,000 plants and 300 species. <img width="457" height="304" src="https://travelmemo-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Singapore-Gardens-by-the-Bay.jpg" alt="Supertrees - Light and sound show in Singapore's Gardens by the Bay" class="size-full wp-image-13075 no-display appear" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Supertrees – Light and sound show. You can walk beneath the canopy on a dizzying 22m-high Skyway that circumnavigates the tree trunks. Every night at 7.45pm and 8.45pm, the trees are lit in a dazzling free light and sound show. It’s mind-boggling. <img width="461" height="307" src="https://travelmemo-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Singapore-Gardens-by-the-Bay-2.jpg" alt="OCBC skyway & supertrees - night view in Singapore's Gardens by the Bay" class="size-full wp-image-13076 no-display appear" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> OCBC skyway and supertrees – night view. But then again, a ship marooned on top of a three skyscrapers casino hotel is pretty surreal too. Only in Singapore… Image credits: National Parks Board, Singapore, Gardens by the Bay * Justine Tyerman travelled with <a href="http://www.innovativetravel.co.nz/" target="_blank">Innovative Travel</a>, a Christchurch-based boutique tour operator. Innovative Travel has a <a href="http://www.innovativetravel.co.nz/travel_companions.club" target="_blank">Travel Companions’ Club</a>, ideal for solo travellers. * <a href="http://www.singaporeair.com/" target="_blank">Singapore Airlines</a> flies from Auckland to Singapore daily, from Wellington four times weekly, and from Christchurch daily. Singapore Airlines and its regional wing <a href="http://www.silkair.com/" target="_blank">SilkAir</a> operate 139 weekly flights from eight Australian cities to Singapore. *Among many top tourist attractions included free in the Singapore Airlines stopover package are Night Safari, Singapore Zoo, Jurong Bird Park, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Cable Car to Sentosa Island, Singapore Flyer, and the SIA Hop-On Bus. Republished with the permission of <a href="https://travelmemo.com/asia/singapore/gardens-by-the-bay-singapore" target="_blank">Travelmemo.com</a>. <a href="https://travelmemo.com/asia/singapore/gardens-by-the-bay-singapore"></a>

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Billy Joel lists New York estate for $73 million

"Kids are quick": Romantic proposal takes wild turn