Explore Travel Live

A rare new resort has opened in one of Thailand's most protected escapes

Plus, three other things Explore is loving this week.

Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort.
Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort.
Anna Houlahan
June 7, 2026

Development is strictly controlled in Thailand's Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, which makes the arrival of the new Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort all the more special. Built using local, organic materials, this boat-only-access resort honours the indigenous Urak Lawoi people through its design and guest-welcome rituals. Dive with sea turtles during the day and dine on aromatic curries at night. outrigger.com

Floating fire and ice

Brave the chill in southern Tasmania with Kuuma Nature Sauna, Australia's first floating sauna boat. Moored at Margate Marina, the wood-fired vessel has three serene new experiences; a cruise with cold-water ocean plunges, a moody after-dark sail through the still North West Bay and dockside storytelling sessions around a crackling firepit. Running until August, winter never felt so inviting. Entry for the dockside Sauna Stories starts at $90 per person, while the After Dark cruise is $110 per person. kuuma.com.au

Wanderlust wins out

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Times may be tight but Australians refuse to give up their holiday plans. Travel is the nation's second-biggest financial goal of 2026, behind saving money, according to ING's Sense of Us report. Despite cost-of-living pressures and global events affecting travel routes, 73 per cent of Australians were planning a getaway, with an average projected spend of $3562 on travel over the course of the year. The urge to explore hasn't wavered throughout autumn, holding steady as Australia's priority leisure goal. campaigns.ing.com.au/senseofus

Reimagined icons

Whether you want to explore history or dine by the water, Sydney has two notable new attractions. The BridgeMuseum is welcoming visitors to step inside the original South-East Pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to learn about the iconic structure's history. Once you've worked up an appetite, head over to the Oriana at Circular Quay. The four-storey mega-venue has reimagined the Overseas Passenger Terminal, connecting the former Quay restaurant space and Squires Landing to create one venue. The focus is firmly on approachable, share-style dining with elevated pub classics and premium local seafood. bridgemuseum.com.au; theoriana.com.au

Anna Houlahan

Anna Houlahan is a journalist for Explore and the Senior. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au