Luke's Golden Chocolate Bar is a decadent bar of gold and caramel

Your washed-out weekend plans have just been saved by Sydney’s newest dessert.

Stay warm, cosy and satisfied while entering a world of pure imagination with the brand-new Luke’s Golden Chocolate Bar dessert.

I was lucky enough to be treated to a preview of the spring menu at Luke’s Kitchen, inside the gorgeous lobby area of Kimpton Margot. While it was all delicious – from fresh prawns to homemade gnocchi – it was dessert that stole the show.

This sparkly, golden bar of gooey goodness (available from today) was inspired by the children’s classic book and movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Luke's Golden Chocolate Bar dessert at Luke's Kitchen Sydney — It looks as good as it tastes, in my opinion. (Image: Chiabwut Sutthamaythee)

“Like many people, we grew up watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, dreaming of what might happen if we unwrapped a bar and found a golden ticket inside," chef Luke Mangan explained.

Described by Mangan as being “based on the classic Tim Tam, which I loved so much as a kid", I would say the comparison stops after considering the chocolate taste and crisp, biscuity bites. As gorgeous as it is on the outside – looking like an actual bar of gold, catching the light with its shiny surface – as Mangan said, “it’s all about what’s on the inside".

Cutting into the crispy wafer-like shell of Luke’s Golden Chocolate Bar (which was handmade and hand-painted) reveals a rich mousse of salted caramel that I personally could eat by the spoonful. Cleanse the palate between bites with the side of mandarin. Chef’s kiss.

The Golden Chocolate Bar will be available on the à la carte menu at select Luke Mangan & Co. restaurants. Order it as dessert, or, as I personally recommend, pop in to make it the main meal. Paired with Luke’s own rose, and you’re good to go.

Luke's Golden Chocolate Bar dessert after it's been cut open at Luke's Kitchen Sydney — It pairs very well with a rose. (Image: Chiabwut Sutthamaythee)

Now, this is enough for me, but there is a bit of an extra treat behind the limited dessert. 10 golden tickets are up for grabs across three of Luke Mangan & Company venues – Luke’s Kitchen, Luke’s Bistro & Bar and Luc-San – offering diners the chance to win over $50,000 in prizes. Think a four-day cruise with Carnival Cruise Line, exclusive superyacht dining experiences for 10, hosted by Mangan, or an intimate three-course dinner for two at Luke’s Kitchen.

“We want people to feel joy, surprise, and anticipation like a kid again, but in the best grown-up way," says Mangan.

“That moment of cracking the bar is meant to be shared, photographed and remembered. It’s about creating moments that spark connection and conversation."

Luke’s Golden Chocolate Bar launches at Luke’s Kitchen today, 22 August, and will be available until late October 2025 – or until all 10 golden tickets have been discovered, whichever comes first.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens, and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands, a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head. Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au.

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