On the outside it looks like just another café. But the hipster-looking diner named The Corner in the inner-city Sydney suburb of Camperdown is actually a 'learning lab' for McDonald's. And it's a smart way of providing feedback on a new trendy menu for the fast food giant.

Australians are the world's third biggest consumers of ice cream, eating 18 litres per year. Specialised retailer Gelato Messina has reported 60% year-on-year growth. Can stores like this “Aussie ice cream Mecca” beat the big franchises and redefine the nation’s food habits?

The travel industry thrives on the pursuit of happiness, but just how far will people go to ensure they are healthy as well? All the way to Australia, as it turns out. The healthy holiday industry is now worth $438.6 billion a year, and Australia is enticing travellers with its ‘wild bush luxury’, ‘indigenous ingredients’ and health-focussed hotels.

The sun-worshipping, beach-dwelling, slow-living Australian stereotype has never been less accurate. Tech-based solutions and on-demand services are creating an expectation of convenience. But while brands cater to the speed with which Australians consume, are they at risk of sacrificing an emotional connection?