TRAVEL NEWS

October 12, 2008

Cruise the Whitsundays

SIT back on a luxury catamaran and let an experienced skipper sail you around the Whitsundays.

Sunsail Yacht Charters offers a package for people who want to sail around the beautiful Whitsunday islands, but don’t have the experience to charter a yacht.
 
The Luxury Crewed Cruise features three days and nights aboard a luxury 46-ft catamaran.
 
An experienced skipper takes you to all the best bays and snorkelling spots, while a hostess/chef cooks all the delicious meals and snacks and serves you beverages all day.
 
With four spacious double cabins, all with ensuite toilet and shower, the Luxury Crewed Cruise does not compromise on comfort or privacy.

A maximum of eight guests ensures attentive service throughout the trip.
 
Sunsail Marketing Manager Kim Lehmann said Sunsail introduced the Luxury Crewed Cruise in response to demand for a totally relaxing sailing holiday.
 
The cruise anchors in a different spot each night, allowing guests to see as much as possible of the Whitsundays.
 
The skipper’s local knowledge ensures guests visit all the hot spots, as well as those that are less well known but equally beautiful.
 
The catamaran comes equipped with a kayak, so guests can paddle off and explore the islands, as well as a motorised rubber dinghy so that they can be dropped off on the islands to go bushwalking. Snorkelling gear is also provided as part of the package.
 
The Luxury Crewed Cruise costs $1400 per person twin share including all meals and non-alcoholic drinks.
 
Sunsail Yacht Charters is based on Hamilton Island and has a special discount for cruises that depart on October 24, October 31, November 7 and November 28, 2008 that are booked directly with Sunsail.  

For more information visit www.sunsail.com.au 

____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

October 2, 2008

All-weather delights in the Maldives

A HOLIDAY in the Maldives means lazy days in the sun. One of the leading luxury resorts, The Naladhu, offers a five-star experience and prides itself on leaving nothing to chance.

So in the event that it rains, it is offering guests a $600 credit for each rainy day during their stay.

Situated on a private island, Naladhu is a collection of 19 beach and ocean houses with a personal butler to cater for every request.

The Naladhu Good Weather Pledge is valid until December 19, 2008 and will give guests a credit of $600 if it rains for more than three hours between sunrise and sunset.

For more information visit www.naladhu.com

____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

September 25, 2008

Scrabble festival on Norfolk Island

NORFOLK Island has made an art form of attracting music lovers, thespians, photographers and bridge players. Now it is going after wordsmiths who like to compete on the Scrabble board.

The 20th annual Norfolk Island Scrabble Festival will take place from October 12-19, 2008, for Scrabble lovers wanting to mix their favourite pastime with a relaxing break on the island.

Norfolk Island Tourism’s events manager, Rhonda Griffiths, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to pack your trusty Websters and join us for a week of keen competition on the Scrabble Board.

“The matches will take place each morning, be supervised by expert adjudicators and offer morning tea and a selection of trophies.”

Norfolk Air flies to the island three times a week from Sydney and Brisbane, twice a week from Melbourne, and flights from the Gold Coast beginning on October 2.

The Norfolk Island Travel Centre is offering a special Scrabble Festival package from $1276 per person from Brisbane and $1255 per person from Sydney. The package includes return airfares to Norfolk Island, eight nights twin share accommodation, eight-day car hire and transfers on Norfolk Island.

For more information contact the Norfolk Island Travel Centre on 1800 1400 66.

For more information www.norfolkisland.nf

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

September 17, 2008

School holiday fun in Surfers

SURFERS Paradise is in holiday mode with movies under the stars at Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Latin dancing in the streets, and live Jazz at Circle on Cavill.  

Kick off the school holidays on September 20 with a festival celebrating blues music and Cajun and Creole food at the Hard Rock Cafe, or enjoy the spectacle of dazzling fashion parades at Circle on Cavill Mall.

Enjoy a swim or surf or relax on the sandy beaches. Kids will enjoy the fun of the theme parks, including the tiger cubs at Dreamworld and the thrills at Movie World, Wet-n-Wild and Sea World.

There’s also a touch of India in the spectacular stage show The Merchants of Bollywood at Jupiters Casino.

One of the popular apartment-style hotels in the heart of Surfers Paradise is the Towers of Chevron Renaissance, special school holiday rates for apartments from one to three bedrooms, valid until October 12.

The 4.5-star apartment resort has a large leisure area featuring a lagoon style pool with spas, sandy beaches and landscaped gardens, making it an ideal area to enjoy a barbeque, swimming and sunbathing.

There’s also a health pavilion with an indoor 25-metre heated pool, spa, sauna and gymnasium, a private movie theatre, club lounge and games room.

Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre is located directly under the resort and offers boutique shopping, cafes, restaurants, bars and convenience stores.

For more information www.chevrontowers.com.au

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

September 10, 2008

Luxury safari lodges in Botswana

TWO new luxury safari lodges have opened in Botswana in the heart of the Okavango Delta.

CC Africa has opened Xudum Delta Lodge and Xaranna Tented Camp in a 25,000-hectare private park.

Each lodge accommodates a maximum of 18 guests who can explore the Okavango in 4WD vehicles, boats, dug-out canoes and guided walks.

Some of the finest game viewing in Africa is assured, with sightings of rare roan antelope, elephant, lion, hyenas and cheetah.

Xudum Delta Lodge sits on its own island and offers nine private suites crafted from timber.

Guests can enjoy the comforts of rooftop sleep-outs, private plunge pools and lofty hideouts.

Xaranna Tented Camp’s has nine suites with private plunge pools and superb views of the delta.

Guests can experience game viewing in one of Africa’s most celebrated wilderness areas while enjoying sophisticated luxury.

For more information visit www.ccafrica.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

September 3, 2008

New look at Novotel Twin Waters Resort

THE multi-million dollar two-year renovations at Queensland’s popular Novotel Twin Waters Resort have been completed.

The popular family resort on the Sunshine Coast has been a favourite for almost 20 years.
 
The 365 guest rooms have been refurbished in natural wood tones and soft colours and feature LCD flat screen televisions and broadband connections. There is a new restaurant and bar -- Nouveau Restaurant and Aqua Lounge and Bar have been built on the waterfront.
 
Novotel has retained its elegant Lily’s on the Lagoon restaurant offering a 180 degree over-water view while dining.

Resort facilities include windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, beach volleyball and bike riding. The resort also has activities at extra cost including a Kids Club, trampoline and trapeze classes at the circus school, Circus Espace.
 
Enjoy pampering with health and beauty treatments at the Lagoon Day Spa and play a round of golf on the championship course.

 
For more information visit www.grandmercuretwinwaters.com.au

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

September 3, 2008

Luxury beach houses for family holidays

FAMILIES can enjoy the luxury of a fully-equipped three-bedroom beach house with resort facilities on the Sunshine Coast during the September school holidays.
 
Grand Mercure Apartments Twin Waters has the three-bedroom beach houses available from $380 per night.

Larger families or groups are catered for with four-bedroom executive beach houses which sleep eight guests from $510 per night.

There are also two-bedroom apartments from $260 per night and three-bedroom apartments from $a night.
 
Apartments and beach houses all have large outdoor entertainment areas, gourmet kitchens and contemporary furnishings.

All guests have access to three swimming pools with barbecue facilities, plus free use of facilities at the adjoining Novotel Twin Waters Resort.
 
 
For more information visit www.twinwatersresort.com.au

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

August 27, 2008

Special package at Club Med Lindeman Island

CLUB Med Lindeman Island has a special offer for a holiday in the Whitsundays -– when you book a holiday before September 15, your travelling partner will stay for free, paying only for their flight and transfer costs.

Escape winter for a holiday spent strolling along the beach, exploring the island or just relaxing by one of the resort pools.

Club Med’s all-inclusive activities include tennis, basketball, beach volleyball, kayaking, snorkelling and golf at Club Med’s nine hole golf course overlooking the Whitsundays. Club Med’s packages include flights, accommodation, three buffet meals daily, open bar and snacking service, nightly entertainment, transfers and taxes.

Bookings can be made for travel until December 21, 2008. Prices from Sydney start from $2252 for the first adult and $628 for the second adult, based on a 7-nights stay in superior twin share accommodation.

From Melbourne holidaymakers, prices start from $2551 for the first adult and $907 for the second adult, based on a 7-nights stay in superior twin share accommodation.

For more information www.clubmed.com.au

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

August 20, 2008

Beauty of body art at Eumundi carnival

THE 2008 Australian Body Art Carnivale will be held at Eumundi, on the Sunshine Coast hinterland, on September 20-21.

The event will showcase the talents of artists who create masterpieces on the human body.

Event organiser Peter Homan said: “The theme for this year’s body art competitions, including face painting, is The Natural World and the judges will be looking for creative edge, originality, use of colour and technical expertise.

“It will be a unique opportunity to watch Australia’s best full body artists and face painters do battle, and even try your hand at body art yourself by joining in various workshops.”

The carnivale will also feature traditional Aboriginal body painting using natural materials, pavement art, wearable art, photography competitions and a fashion parade.

Eumundi is famous for its craft markets every Wednesday and Saturday mornings which attracts thousands of visitors.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

August 13, 2008

Luxury South Pacific cruise

EXPERIENCE the delights of a South Pacific cruise aboard the luxury Prince Albert II during its inaugural cruising season in Polynesia next year.

The Prince Albert II is a luxury ship from the Silversea line and is offering discounts of up to 40 per cent on 10-15 day Polynesian cruises between March and September 2009.

The cruises include visits to the Society Islands and Tuamotu Archipelago. All-inclusive cruise-only fares start from US$3537 per person, double occupancy, for the 10-day Papeete cruises starting in March 2009.

Silversea is renowned for its luxury facilities including a choice of gourmet restaurants.

For more information visit www.silversea.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

August 13, 2008

Taste of Tahiti paradise

TAHITI'S beautiful Le Taha’a Island, also known as The Vanilla Island because of its many vanilla plantations and their cream-coloured orchids, is the perfect destination for a relaxing holiday in a spectacular setting.

Enjoy swimming in the turquoise-coloured waters of the surrounding lagoon, health and beauty treatments at the resort’s spa, and excursions to the local pearl farm.

Air Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Travel Connection are offering a new package to Vanilla Island, which includes 5 nights accommodation in an overwater suite at The Le Taha’a Private Island and Spa, with daily breakfast and dinner; two nights accommodation at the Sofitel Tahiti Resort; spa treatment for two people; return economy flights with Air Tahiti Nui and return domestic airfares within Tahiti; and all land transfers in Tahiti.

Prices start from $6425 per person, twin share from Sydney and $6595 per person, twin share from Melbourne.

The package is valid for travel between 16 November 16 and December 15, 2008 and is subject to availability and conditions.

For more information www.tahititravel.com.au and www.airtahitinui.com.au

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

August 6, 2008

Luxury weekend in the wilds of Kakadu

A LUXURY safari camp at Bamurru Plains, on the edge of Kakadu National Park in the top end of the Northern Territory, will be the setting for a Weekend at Bamurru, hosted by Atticus Fleming, head of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, from September 26-29.

The hosted weekend is designed to combine an ecologically-sensitive luxury experience with insights from one of the country’s leading environmentalists.   

Bamurru Plains CEO Charles Carlow said: “The weekends are designed as a casual, yet insightful experience of the Australian wilderness.

“There won’t be any lectures or formalities, just the chance to explore the savannah, floodplains and remnant rainforest in this un-touched corner of the country with one of the new breed of Australian conservationists.”

Atticus Fleming is head of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, a non-government conservation organisation which owns and manages 19 properties covering nearly 2.5 million hectares.

Bamurru Plains is home to the wildlife, bird life and dramatic landscape of the Mary River floodplains to the west of Kakadu National Park.

The camp has nine safari suites blend with the surrounding bush, yet feature the comforts of a luxury hotel.

During the weekend, Fleming will guide guests on a private charter, flying by light plane and helicopter into the AWC’s Wongalara Sanctuary, home to more than 200 bird species. 

Cost of the Weekend at Bamurru Plains with Atticus Fleming is $3600 per person including three nights’ accommodation, all meals, beverages, safari activities, private charter flight transfers to and from Darwin and Wongalara, and a contribution to the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.

  
For further information visit www.bamurruplains.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

August 6, 2008

Virgin starts Melbourne-Auckland service

VIRGIN Blue Airlines will start daily return services between Melbourne and Auckland from September 22, 2008.

The new trans-Tasman flights will be operated by Virgin Blue’s international subsidiary Pacific Blue using 180-seat, Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive Brett Godfrey said: “We have been considering this route for some time.”

“It makes sense to us and we’re confident air travellers will feel the same way.

“We plan to offer tremendous value on both sides of the Tasman which has got to be good for travellers and also for visitor numbers to Melbourne and Auckland at either end of the route.”

Virgin Blue’s normal fares between Melbourne and Auckland will start from $279 one-way on the internet (inclusive of taxes, fees and surcharges).

For more information, visit www.virginblue.com.au

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

July 30, 2008

Photography classes on Norfolk Island

NORFOLK Island will stage its first Photography Week -- from September 27 to October 4, 2008 -- enabling film and video buffs to learn from the experts.

Guest presenter will be internationally-renowned photographer Ken Duncan, famous for his panoramic landscape photography.

Running a series of courses will be Norfolk Island-based Chris Ciantar, a veteran cinematographer who has worked in news and current affairs at the ABC, and digital photographer Rob Nisbet.

Trophies will be awarded for the best photographs taken during the week.   

Norfolk Air flies to the island three times a week from Sydney and Brisbane, and weekly from Melbourne and Newcastle, with flights from the Gold Coast to begin in October.

The Norfolk Island Travel Centre, which runs photographic tours all year round, has special Photography Week packages.

For more information, visit www.travelcentre.nf and www.norfolkisland.nf

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

July 30, 2008

Winter weekend of history in Port Fairy

THE Victorian seaside town of Port Fairy will come alive on the weekend of August 8-10 when its third ‘Winter Weekend’ will be held.

The weekend’s theme is A Celebration of History and Heritage and it will feature markets, food and wine tasting, exhibits, poetry readings, historic films and guest speakers.

Port Fairy is renowned as the “festival village” due to its popular music festival held on Labour Day in March. It is only a 20-minute drive from Warrnambool along the Great Ocean Road in the heart of Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast.

Among the guest speakers is amateur historian Lambis Englezos, who will talk about the World War I battle of Fromelles and the recent discovery of 175 missing graves of Australian soldiers.

For further information visit www.winter.port-fairy.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

July 23, 2008

Tantilising your tastebuds at Gold Coast festival

THE annual Tastes of Gold Coast festival of food and wine is one of the highlights of the Queensland events calendar and will be held at a variety of venues from August 22 to September 7, 2008.

During the 17-day festival, chefs and food producers from the Gold Coast will host more than 30 events catering for every taste and budget.

These include “A la carte on the beach” at Coolangatta, chocolate high tea at the Surfers Paradise Marriott, wine tastings, celebrity-chef cooking classes, French food and fashions, lavish banquets and outdoor celebrations.

Tastes of Gold Coast is organised by the Gold Coast City Council.

For more information www.tastesofgoldcoast.com.au

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

July 23, 2008

Hotel art at the Sofitel Melbourne

SYDNEY-BASED photographer Anne Zahalka made herself at home in the five-star Sofitel Melbourne on Collins in April this year as the artist-in-residence.
 
During her stay, Zahalka observed first-hand the comings and goings of a major city hotel, including the less-than-glamorous back-of-house operations.
 
The result is a series of photographs that are currently on display in the hotel -- free to guests and the public – in an exhibition titled Hotel Suite.

Zahalka is well known for her photography. A major survey of her work,titled Hall of Mirrors: Anne Zahalka Portraits 1987-2007, was organised by the Centre for Contemporary Photography in Melbourne and exhibited at the National PortraitGallery in Canberra. It is currently touring nationally.
 
The photographs range from guests photographed in rooms to breathtaking night-time panoramic views of the city from the hotel.

Zahalka said she was fascinated with the classifications given to different types of guests such as “the business traveller” and “the holiday maker” and their transient existence spent in plush rooms and suites.
 
“As I studied the flow of visitors moving in and out of the hotel, I could only imagine what went on behind closed doors. With that in mind I decided to explore the psychological space of the hotel room through the emotional states of the guests I’d selected as my subjects.”

Anne Zahalka’s photos are on display in Sofi's Lounge and the Lobby on Level 1 of the Sofitel Melbourne, 25 Collins Street, Melbourne, until September 2, 2008.

For more information www.sofitelmelbourne.com.au

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

July 15, 2008

Exploring Alaska and Canada

EXPERIENCE the beauty of Alaska and the Canadian Rockies by land and by sea with Princess Cruises’ latest tour packages.

The new 14-night Ultimate Rockies Adventure combines a seven-night Gulf of Alaska or Inside Passage cruise through Alaska’s remote waterways and fjords with a seven-night Canadian Rockies land tour. 

The land tour features two nights at Jasper enjoying the beauty of Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon, as well as overnight stays in beautiful hotels, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. 

Prices start from $5234 per person twin share, subject to availability. Airfare and hotel packages are also available.

Other Princess’ tours feature journeys on one of the world’s most spectacular rail trips, the Rocky Mountaineer.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

July 15, 2008

River cruises in Europe

AVALON Waterways has released a variety of river cruise options taking in Europe’s most scenic rivers and historic cities.

There are 23 sailings on offer between March and October 2009, reflecting the huge popularity of river cruising in Europe.

Some of the cruises on offer in 2009 include the 15-day ‘Magnificent Europe’ sailing along the Rhine from Amsterdam in Holland to Budapest in Hungary on the Danube, visiting riverside cities in Germany, Austria and Slovakia. The cruise costs from $3937 per person twin share.

The 23-day ‘North Sea to Black Sea’ cruise exploring Eastern Europe from Bucharest in Romania with visits to Varna on the North Sea, before sailing back along the Danube and Rhine to Amsterdam in Holland, starting from $7738 per person twin share

The 11-day ‘Flavours of Burgundy and Provence’ cruise travelling from Paris to Nice is hosted by former TV host Steve Liebmann. The cruise costs from $3445 per person twin share.  

Other river cruise options include the eight-day ‘Romantic Rhine’ between Amsterdam and Zurich, 11-day ‘Legendary Danube’ between Prague and Budapest and the 13-day ‘Blue Danube Discovery’ between Budapest and Prague.

For more information www.avalonwaterways.com.au

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

July 8, 2008

Special Club Med packages for Mauritius and the Maldives

CLUB Med’s luxury resort in Mauritius -- La Plantation d’Albion -- is set on a picturesque bay of turquoise blue waters nestled below a mountain range.

The resort is spread over 21 hectares and has 266 rooms, including 30 luxury suites with private gardens and balconies that have sea views.

Holidaymakers who book a romantic getaway to La Plantation d’Albion – and also at Club Med’s luxury resort at Kani in the Maldives -- before July 31, 2008 can enjoy a special package where their travel partner stays for half price.

With Club Med’s all-inclusive six-night packages to Mauritius from Melbourne or Sydney, the first adult pays from $4812 and the travelling partner pays from $3537.

For Club Med’s all-inclusive seven-night packages to the Maldives from Melbourne or Sydney, the first adult pays from $4399 and the travelling partner pays from $3199.

The price includes return economy airfares, twin-share accommodation, three buffet meals daily including wine beer and soft drinks in a choice of restaurants, and open bar and snacking throughout the day.

Also included are sporting and recreational activities with expert tuition and nightly shows.

This package is valid for sale before July 31, 2008 and for travel until November 30, 2008.

For more information www.clubmed.com.au

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

July 8, 2008

New golf course in Tahiti

TAHITI has a new resort golf course on the spectacular island of Moorea.

Designed by Jack Nicklaus’ design company, the 18-hole course at the Moorea Green Pearl Golf Resort runs along a white sandy beach on the north-east side of the island, within easy reach of the airport.

The course features slender fairways, challenging water hazards and sand traps, plus magnificent views of Moorea’s mountains and turquoise waters.

Work is underway on a new integrated luxury resort -- the Warwick Moorea Golf and Spa Resort -– which will have 154 villas and rooms as well as a pool, restaurant, horse-riding facilities, spa and fitness centre.

The island of Moorea is only an eight-minute flight or 30-minute ferry ride from Tahiti’s main island.

The 18-hole, par-70 championship Moorea Green Pearl Golf Resort is only the second course to be built Tahiti. 

It joins the Olivier Breaud International Golf Course, built on the neighbouring main island in 1968 and home to the annual Tahiti Open.

or more information www.tahitinow.com.au

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

July 8, 2008

Fascinating tour of Morocco

VISIT the sights of historic Morocco on a 12-day “Jewel of the North” tour from African Travel Specialists that departs in October.

The tour includes the historic cities of Casablanca, Rabat, Fes and Marrakech and features visits to ancient ruins, cultural exhibitions and artisan workshops.

Highlights include a camel ride on the edge of the Sahara Desert, a sunrise drive and an exotic cooking demonstration at La Maison Arabe.

The tour is escorted by Sue Harms from African Travel Specialists and uses air-conditioned vehicles.

The 12-day/11-night “Morocco Jewel of the North tour” is priced from $8855 per person twin share, plus taxes and departs Australia on October 12, 2008.

For more information www.africantravel.com.au

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

June 30, 2008

Luxury Antarctic cruising

ENJOY a luxury Antarctic cruise with Silversea’s new ship, Prince Albert II.

The 11-day voyage departs Ushuaia, Argentina, on December 22, 2008 and includes six days exploring the spectacular scenery and wildlife of Antarctica.

The 6072-ton Prince Albert II features special amenities usually found on larger ships, including a spacious library with an internet cafe, boutique shopping, spa, beauty salon, fitness centre, sauna and two top-deck whirlpools.

Guests stay in luxury suites (some with verandas or French balconies) with marble bathrooms that include baths. Gourmet meals in the restaurants include complimentary wines, champagnes and spirits.

With a staff to guest ratio of one to one, the service is of the highest standard. On board will be experienced Antarctic naturalists and lecturers.

Cruise only fares start from about $7650 per person, double occupancy (plusport and fuel charges).

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

June 30, 2008

Grand holiday at Twin Waters

THE North Shore Twin Waters resort is nestled between a surf beach and a picturesque salt-water lagoon on the Sunshine Coast.

The cluster of villas and beach houses range in size from two bedrooms to four bedrooms, offering self-contained luxury and spaciousness that is ideal for families.

While there are swimming pools and BBQ areas at the property, the big advantage is that all facilities at the adjoining Novotel Twin Waters Resort are available to guests. These include a kids club and circus school, 18-hole golf course, day spa and restaurants including the top-class Lily’s On The Lagoon.

It’s a short walk to the patrolled surf beach where you can get lessons in surfing. There are also bicycle paths around the resort. Hire a bike from the resort and explore the surrounding area.

Relax at the Lagoon Day Spa at the Novotel resort with a health or beauty treatment.

The Grand Mercure North Shore Twin Waters resort is offering a three-night rate of $599 in a two-bedroom apartment or villa.

Guests also have the option of upgrading to a three-bedroom villa accommodating six people for an additional $100 per night.  The deal is valid until September 19.
 

For more information www.northshoretwinwaters.com.au

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

June 24, 2008

Circus at sea

ENJOY the thrills of circus acrobatics at sea on P&O Cruises. The Circus at Sea features acrobatic stage shows of daring acts of balancing, juggling and roller boarding by a talented West Australian acrobatic family act known as Cameo Rascale.

Plus there will be free juggling classes for adults and children. Circus at Sea will be on selected P&O cruises during the year.

Cameo Rascale acrobat Steve Capener has been performing internationally with his wife Gayle for 18 years, while their two children Nicole, 10, and James, 12, joined the act six years ago to create a family show.

James will also host a separate class during select school holiday cruises for children aged 7-12 years in the kids club, the Shark Shack.

Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia which operates P&O Cruises in Australia, said the Circus at Sea program would give passengers the opportunity to try something they wouldn’t normally do on a cruise.

For more information www.pocruises.com.au

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

June 24, 2008

Tiger cubs born at Dreamworld

THREE Sumatran tiger cubs were born at Dreamworld on June 9, 2008 and are expected to make their public debut at the glass-fronted Tiger Island nursery next month.

Another Sumatran tiger cub Sali, which arrived at Dreamworld in May after being rejected by her mother at Perth Zoo, will join the new litter in the next few weeks.

Dreamworld’s Tiger Island opened in 1995 and is the largest interactive tiger facility outside the United States. Before the birth of the cubs it housed six rare Bengal tigers, eight Sumatran Tigers and two cougars.

By the end of July visitors to Dreamworld will be able to pat and have their photos taken with the cubs. A percentage of funds raised from all tiger walks and photos are donated to saving tigers in the wild.

Dreamworld is on the Gold Coast and is open from 10am to 5pm daily except Christmas Day.

For more information www.dreamworld.com.au

______________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

June 17, 2008

Sydney bonus for lucky Park Hyatt guest

GUESTS who stay at the Park Hyatt Melbourne on a Saturday night until August 31, 2008 have a chance to win a weekend escape at the luxurious Park Hyatt Sydney in the historic Rocks area.

One lucky winner will receive the prize which includes airfares, two nights accommodation, breakfast and dinner. It can be taken from September 1 until June 30, 2009 (subject to availability).

The luxury Park Hyatt Melbourne is situated in Parliament Place, a short stroll from the city centre and the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens.
The hotel was built nine years ago and has 216 rooms and 24 suites featuring timber panelling and Italian marble.

For more information: www.melbourne.park.hyatt.com

______________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

June 12, 2008

Noosa Longweekend

THE Noosa Longweekend, which has become an annual fixture since 2002, features 10 days of activities including theatre, film, music, food and street entertainment.

Held from July 4-13 in Noosa, it has become one of Queensland’s most popular cultural events.

This year’s highlights include satirist Max Gillies performing his show, No Country for Old PMs, where he delights in sending up a host of former prime ministers -- Robert Menzies, Malcolm Fraser, Gough Whitlam, Bob Hawke, Paul Keating and John Howard.

Popular ARIA-winning world music band Monsieur Camembert will play its brand of music that includes klezmer, tango, Latin, swing and jazz.

Leading actress Amanda Muggleton stars in the stage production of The Book Club, while the classic hit musical comedy, The Producers, returns in a new production.

Take the kids to a sand sculpting workshop with world champion sand sculptor Dennis Massoud and enjoy stories and dances from the Aboriginal Gubbi Gubbi tribe.

And when you want a break from cultural activities, head to Noosa’s village-style atmosphere with its superb beach, shops and restaurants.

For more information: www.noosalongweekend.com

______________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

June 12, 2008

New family resort for Tahiti

THE Legends Resort Moorea opens on July 1 on a seven-hectare hillside site on the beautiful island of Moorea.

The resort is situated on the north-western side of the idyllic Tahiti island alongside a turquoise-coloured lagoon

The resort has 45 luxury two-bedroom and three-bedroom villas which are ideal for families. Each villa has spacious rooms, a fully-equipped kitchen and laundry, flat-screen TV and a deck with Jacuzzi spa. At the resort there is a private catering service with a French chef, in-villa massage service, tennis court, gymnasium, scenic walking track and a delicatessen.

A fine dining restaurant will open at the resort in September.

General Manager Jeannine Bishop said the resort’s hillside location and self-contained villas made it attractive to families.

Children under 14 stay free and among the activities are lei making, Tahitian dancing lessons, jewellery making and beach activities.

For more information:

www.legendsresort.fr

www.tahitinow.com.au

______________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

June 1, 2008

New spa in the Red Centre

PAMPERING with health and beauty treatments has come to the Red Centre with the opening of a new spa at Ayers Rock Resort.

The $1.8 million spa opened in mid-May at the five-star Sails in the Desert hotel, operated by Voyages, and has four therapy rooms. Two of the rooms offer soaking tubs on the veranda.

The decor of the spa reflects the colours of the outback and will be popular with guests who want to unwind after a busy day of outdoor activities such as a walk around Uluru (Ayers Rock), a trek in the Olgas or a day tour to Kings Canyon.

For more information: www.voyages.com.au

______________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

June 1, 2008

Facelift for famous Fiji hotel

THE Sheraton Fiji Resort on Denarau Island is undergoing a $22 million refurbishment that will give a complete overhaul to all areas of the hotel including the lobby, swimming pool, recreational facilities and rooms.

Sheraton Fiji Resort is set on 25 acres of landscaped grounds only 20 minutes from Nadi international airport and has been popular with couples and families.

Situated next door to the Sheraton Denarau Villas and the Westin resort (which underwent a $15 million upgrade in 2006) and the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club with its championship golf course, it is part of the integrated complex operated by Starwood.

The Sheraton Fiji Resort closed in April and is scheduled to reopen in October 2008.

For more information: www.sheraton.com

______________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

June 1, 2008

Te Papa celebrates a milestone

WELLINGTON'S Te Papa museum is celebrating 10 years of operation and is enjoys continued popularity with tourists as well as New Zealanders.

Since it was built at a cost of $NZ300 million, the dynamic, interactive museum has attracted more than 14 million visitors.

As well as permanent exhibits that relive the history of New Zealand and the Maori culture, there are short-term displays, interactive children's discovery centres and even an earthquake house that simulates a real aftershock.

In September a new exhibition titled Our Space will open and will explore New Zealand's cultural identity through multi-media.

Te Papa is situated on the waterfront in Wellington and admission is free.

For more information: www.tepapa.govt.nz

______________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL NEWS

June 1, 2008

Spa pampering at Gwinganna

GWINGANNA Lifestyle Retreat, set on 160 hectares of high country at Tallebudgera, about 30 minutes drive from the Gold Coast airport, has one of the largest spas in the country with the opening of its 33-room Spa Sanctuary last December. It provides an indulgent retreat for guests.

At Gwinganna you can stay in the beautifully restored Heritage rooms or the Orchard Suites with sweeping balconies. Gwinganna's facilities include a gymnasium and private training facility, swimming pool with ocean views and a special pavilion for tai chi, yoga or meditation.
It offers nine health programs ranging from a two-night Healthy Weekend to the seven-day Gwinganna Detox.

For more information: www.gwinganna.com

Back to Travel home page