Margaret Barca

Australia

Writer at Freelance

Writer, editor, traveller. usually planning on being out of town... or maybe just reading a book #mbarcagrams

Articles

Seven incredible modernist homes in LA you can visit

3 weeks ago | smh.com.au | Margaret Barca

By Margaret Barca April 3, 2025 — 3.31pm, register or subscribe to save articles for later. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Modernism is a timeless theme in the sun-drenched city of Los Angeles, where architectural innovation and experimentation flourished from the 1920s onwards, and building your dream home – or dream life – is always on the agenda.
Five Greek islands that are more amazing than Santorini

Aug 21, 2024 | nzherald.co.nz | Margaret Barca

Five lesser-known Cycladic islands where stunning sunsets and serene beaches await, far from the bustling crowds. Photo / Getty ImagesThese Cycladic islands offer white-washed villages, crystal-clear water, boat-fresh seafood and truly dazzling sunsets – without the hectic crowds of Santorini, writes Margaret BarcaSifnosA small slither of mountainous island, Sifnos is renowned for its pottery and its cuisine.
Whales, world heritage and dingo tales on Qld's Fraser Coast

Aug 2, 2024 | thenewdaily.com.au | Margaret Barca

One minute we’re in chilly Melbourne, the next minute – well, a quick two-hour flight – we’re stepping into Queensland’s balmy air. In no time, we’re gliding out on the glass-like waters of Hervey Bay’s Great Sandy Strait on a sunset cruise. Whalesong Cruises heads out all year in its purpose-built vessel on the lookout for dolphins, turtles and dugongs. From mid-July to September, it’s peak whale-watching season along the “humpback highway”.
Bordeaux is the cheaper, less crowded alternative to Paris

Jul 22, 2024 | escape.com.au | Margaret Barca

It’s early on a grey, gloomy Sunday morning in Bordeaux. I arrived late the day before. I’m tired (a little too much vin ordinaire in Paris, perhaps). The streets are quiet, almost empty but for a few gaggles of tourists in plastic ponchos milling about, waiting for their tour guides. And then my own personal guide arrives. Wow. Bruno Beurrier is the guide from central casting. Tall, slim, with a flourish of salt-and-pepper hair, bold moustache and idiosyncratic beard.
YARRA in Bordeaux

Jun 25, 2024 | winecompanion.com.au | Margaret Barca

This content is available to members only For as little as $6.58 per month, you will have access to more than 145,000 tasting notes, the latest exclusive wine news, and more. Aaron Skovell, fresh-faced in a peaked cap and black t-shirt, looks as though he’d be right at home in a wine bar in inner-city Melbourne or Sydney. In fact, he’s in the heart of one of the world’s most famous wine districts, in one of the world’s most famous wine regions – Bordeaux.
How to spend a weekend in Victoria’s idyllic Yarra Valley

May 14, 2024 | luxurytravelmag.com.au | Margaret Barca

It’s still not dawn – though there’s a shimmer of Tiepolo pink low in the sky – and with a slight tug and a roar of flame, our hot air balloon lifts off the damp ground and floats silently up into the misty morning. We’re clustered into a sturdy basket, phones at the ready to capture every image, but soon we are just gaping in awe as the valley unfurls beneath us, low hills emerging from shrouds of mist, drifting as the sun rises over fields, paddocks and vineyards.
Forget Paris, we're heading to this Aussie country town instead

May 3, 2024 | couriermail.com.au | Margaret Barca

Grand buildings, broad boulevards, galleries, wine bars and leafy parks – no, we’re not talking Paris, we’re talking the once gold-rich city of Bendigo. It may be on a smaller scale than the French capital, but it’s surprisingly perfect for a Parisian-style weekend. Where better to start than a bar?
Forget Paris, we're heading to this Aussie country town instead

May 3, 2024 | escape.com.au | Margaret Barca

Grand buildings, broad boulevards, galleries, wine bars and leafy parks – no, we’re not talking Paris, we’re talking the once gold-rich city of Bendigo. It may be on a smaller scale than the French capital, but it’s surprisingly perfect for a Parisian-style weekend. Where better to start than a bar?
9 Italian Restaurants In Melbourne

Apr 23, 2024 | australiantraveller.com | Margaret Barca

With slick new openings, classic cucinas and masterful high-end dining, there’s a lot to love in Melbourne’s Italian restaurant world. Melbourne has long loved its Italian restaurants. But times change. The city seemed to fall a little out of love. That’s life. It can happen. Sure, the top-end classics continued, and endless old-school pizza joints and ristorantes peppered the inner city to the outer burbs, but the buzz wasn’t there. Then – suddenly – there was a flicker, a change.
At Fleet, one of Melbourne’s highest rooftop bars, sparkling city views meet rare-rum cocktails

Apr 23, 2024 | dailyaddict.com.au | Margaret Barca

Take the lift and be whisked to the 22nd floor of the new Vibe Hotel Melbourne. Step out into one of the city’s highest rooftop bars, the sleek Fleet – and prepare to be impressed. It’s a gleaming, almost clubby setting (but totally in a good way!) – rather like a private suite. There’s a little bit of a 1980s glow with amber and dusty pink shades, and plenty of comfy seating.