Travel deals | GlobalSalsa: travel writer Belinda Jackson

Jul

TRAVEL DEALS 15 JULY 2012

TV chef Luke Nguyen on the road.

Got a secret crush on TV chef Luke Nguyen? Get up close and personal for a week in Yunnan; just read on…

VICTORIA
Halls Gap is the jumping off point for Victoria’s
Grampians National Park, with its renowned hiking and rock art galleries.
Staying in town, visit the meerkats and pandas at the local zoo. Families can
bunker down in Parkgate Resort, whose family rooms include a double bed and
bunks, kitchenette and bathroom. Facilities include tennis courts, pools and a
games room. Costs from $80 a night, minimum two nights, until September 21,
travel.com.au.

NORTHERN TERRITORY
Alice Springs is famous for the nearby MacDonnell Ranges,
but the town is also boasts some great indigenous art galleries and the next
Henley-On-Todd Regatta, a boat race down the (usually) dry riverbed, is on
Saturday August 18. Stay four nights, pay for three in a superior room at
happening Lasseters Hotel Casino, which, as the name suggests, boasts an international
standard casino. Book and travel before March 31. Costs from $510 a person for
four nights, twin share, 132 757, harveyworld.com.au

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
If Hugh and ‘Our Nic’ got your heart a-flutter as they
galloped across the remote Australian outback, you can relive the dream by
climbing in the saddle at the East Kimberley homestead that was a shooting location for Australia. Stay two nights in a
guesthouse room at Home Valley Station and get brekky included as well as free
activities such as a nightly star talk, horsemanship shows, on-site local
artists and 4WD and bushwalking tracks. Valid till August 31, the mid-season
muster deal costs from $240 a person for two nights, 1300 134 044, www.hvstation.com.au

NSW

Tower Lodge, Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia

Crackling
fires, beautiful food and a strapping red: is there any better way to embrace
winter? The Hunter Valley’s premium address, the sublime Tower Lodge, is
offering a mid-week getaway for two that includes dinner at the Valley’s
gastronomic mainstay, Robert’s, a bottle of the estate’s wine, breakfast,
pre-dinner drinks, afternoon tea and an upgrade to a fireside deluxe room on
stays on Sunday, Monday or Thursday nights. Normally $660 for the room only,
now costs $629 a room, (02) 4998 7022, towerlodge.com.au

QUEENSLAND
Honeymoons are an excuse to lash out on pure, indulgent
fabulousness. One of the Whitsundays’ most glamorous addresses, qalia on
Hamilton Island, welcomes newly-weds by throwing in a free night on seven-night
stays in a Leeward Pavilion. They’ll also include a bottle of champagne, sunset
cruise on its 45-foot cruiser, a poolside dinner, breakfast, golf buggy,
chauffeur services around the island as well as use of their catamarans, paddle
skis and other water sports equipment. You can even be dropped off on a
deserted beach if your heart desires. For stays on selected dates until March
31, costs $5010 a couple for seven nights, 1800 044 066, travel-associates.com.au

PORTUGAL

Design hounds will have an eye on Portuguese designer
Nini Andrade Silva’s streamlined interiors in Fontana Park hotel,in Lisb on’s
heartland. Summer specials see the 139-room’s rates as low as E69/$84 a night,
room only, or E94 including breakfast, 0011 800 3746 8357, designhotels.com

VIETNAM

VIETNAM: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula

Fans of architect Bill Bensley will already know where
Vietnam’s Son Tra peninsula is. His latest design, the new InterContinental
Danang Sun Peninsula, has opening specials including a buffet breakfast, wi-fi,
10 percent off in selected hotel restaurants and a shuttle bus into Danang City
and Hoi An’s old town. The hotel also hosts Vietnam’s first three-star Michelin
chef at its feature restaurant, La Maison 1888. Costs from US$220/A$215 a night
until January 1, 2013, +84 (0) 511 393 8888, intercontinental.com

FIJI

Skim the warm waters of Fiji in a helicopter or seaplane
to your luxe pad at the adults-only Tokoriki Island Resort, at the tip of the
beautiful Mamanuca islands. The 34-bure hotel is offering free transfers from
Nadi by air or sea for couples staying seven nights or more in a deluxe beach
bure or sunset pool villa, saving up to FJ$961.For travel between December 1 to
March 31 2013. Costs from $4131 a couple for seven nights, (07) 5524 5222, tokoriki.com

FIJI: Tokoriki Island Resort

UNITED STATES
Hollywood, Santa Monica, Vegas, San Diago and LA: it’s
the best of the American west with the Golden West Contrasts tour. Explore old
mines, new shopping and Disneyland is an added extra. The eight-day costs from
$1975. Book any Trafalgar 2013 America and Canada tour before August 31 and fly
return to LA with Qantas from $1499 including all taxes. Flight and tour package costs from $3474, 1300 663 043, trafalgar.com

CHINA
Harbour a secret crush on TV chef Luke Nguyen? Spend a
week cheek-to-cheek with him as you eat your way through the south-western Chinese
province of Yunnan. Luke explored the region while filming his TV series Luke
Nguyen’s Greater Mekong. Book the
11-day Yunnan Adventure before October 31 and your companion flies free. There
are four departures from March to October next year, and Luke will escort the
March 11 departure for six days. Costs from $4395 a person, 1300 229
804, aptouring.com.au

TOURWATCH

Go back to where Christmas all began, in Bethlehem, in a
20-day tour through the Holy Lands of Turkey, Israel and Jordan. Midnight High
Mass is celebrated on Christmas Eve in St Catherine’s Church, opposite the
Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, a highlight of this tour through the
cradle of civilisation. The route includes sparkling Istanbul and the Turkish
city of Konya, renowned for its whirling dervishes and allegedly the first town
to emerge from the Flood, the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem, and at
its feet, the Garden of Gethsemane. The journey culminates in New Year’s Eve in
the ancient city of Petra, in peaceful Jordan.
The tour departs December 15, and costs from $19,940 a person, twin
share which includes return airfares from mainland capitals, accommodation, all
meals, transport and guides, 1800 083 141, farhorizons.com.au

Source: Belinda Jackson, Sun Herald newspaper

Jul

TRAVEL DEALS 8 July 2012

Varanasi, Indina

Meet the living goddess in Kathmandu or walk God’s own country on the Great Ocean Walk in this week’s best international and domestic travel deals:

NSW

Ski Thredbo and Perisher without the crush of commuters.
Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa is on the border of Kosciuszko National Park,
and 15 minutes from both skifields, with a free shuttle to Thredbo’s ski tube
daily. The resort is throwing in $100 credit to spend in its restaurants, 10
percent off ski hire, hot brekky, and use of all resort facilities. Costs from
$266 a person for two nights’ accommodation based on four sharing a two-bed
lakeview apartment. Stay before September 30, 1800 020 524,
lakecrackenback.com.au

QUEENSLAND

North of Cairns and south of Cape Tribulation, with the
Daintree within cooee, Port Douglas has some pretty impressive neighbours. Take
a 4WD out for a bash, cruise the mangroves on a paddle boat or walk the
rainforests. Lazy options include hitting the spa or cranking up the barbie on
the rooftop terrace of Peppers Beach Club. Stay four nights, pay for three in a spa suite
at the Mediterranean-style resort. For travel until September 12, costs from
$331 a night, minimum four nights, 1300 987 600, peppers.com.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Crank up
the action on Kangaroo Island with a Winter Family Pack for four people, which
includes a private two-hour quad tour for four people, from six years and up,
and one sandboard and one toboggan ride down KI’s sand dunes, Little Sahara.
They’ll even wax your bottom to make you slide faster. The bottom of your
board, that is. Save $103 until August 31, costs $559, (08) 8559 4296, kioutdooraction.com.au

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Stay at one of the most glamorous addresses in the state,
Empire Retreat and Spa, in Margaret River. With just 10 suites around a rustic
farmhouse and its famed day spa and get a
gourmet hamper on arrival and $450 worth of spa treatments, as well as 15
percent off the nightly rate. Minimum stay two nights, book seven nights in
advance, until July 31. Costs from $1070 for two nights in a deluxe balcony
suite, 1300 896 627, mrandmrssmith.com

VICTORIA

Loving being single? Celebrate your freedom with
Bothfeet, which has waived the single supplement on its four-day self-guided Great
Ocean Walk. The deal includes three nights in the four-star bothfeet sustainable
eco-retreat at Johanna Beach, all meals by the in-house chef, transfers, track
notes and a satellite tracking beacon. Those canny creatures at bothfeet have
also included a foot spa in the deal. Book before July 31, costs $1325 a person,
1300 767 416, bothfeet.com.au

TASMANIA

Described as one of the world’s last true wildernesses
and boasting the purest air on earth, the Tarkine region contains the world’s
largest untouched rainforest. It is a highlight on the seven-day The Unknown
Wilderness through Tassie’s beautiful nature sites. Save $190 when you book
seven-day journey six months in advance, for travel between September 1 2012 –
August 31 2012. Costs from $3560 a person, twin share, 1800 467 747,
inspiringjourneys.com.au

USA

Bibliophilists staying in the Big Apple make for the four
boutique hotels of the Library Hotel Collection; #1 on Trip Advisor, The
Casablanca near Times Square, The Library Hotel on Madison Ave, the romantic
Manhattan Hotel Elysée, and the Art Moderne Hotel Giraffe on Park Avenue South.
The hotels are including breakfast, tea, coffee and snacks during the day,
daily wine and cheese reception, wi-fi and passes to the nearby New York Sports
Club, together worth $220 a night. Book by 31 July, get a box of Belgian
chocolates, a bottle of red and a novel. From $237 a night, +1 212 201 1155,
libraryhotelcollection.com

MALAYSIA

Reserve your slice of paradise on a private tropical
island off the Malaysian coast. Book a stay in a new Signature Villas Retreat
in the Pangkor Laut Resort and all meals, free spa treatments and a guided walk
through the two-million-year-old rainforests and Emerald Bay with the hotel’s
resident naturalist. For online bookings only until July 31, travel until
December 19. Save 44 percent, normally $994, now costs from $533 a room, a
night, 0011 800 9899 9999, ytlhotels.com

ENGLAND
This four-day tour does a genteel trot through the
rolling countryside of the Cotswolds,
before stopping in Bath, Stonehenge and popping in to see Windsor’s most
famous inhabitants. There’s old English ale to be drunk and late November and
December tours visit local Christmas markets. Book before July 31 and travel
before March 31 to score a 7.5 percent discount. Earlybird fares cost from
$1198 a person, twin share, 1300 100 410, backroadstouring.com.au

SOUTHERN AFRICA

Watch the savannah plains pass your window on a 15-night
train journey on the Shongololo Express, from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls,
through South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. Book
by July 31 for 2013 earlybird discounts as well as two nights’ accommodation
before or after the journey, airport transfers, wine and off-rail activities.
The Southern Cross route departs six dates in 2013. Ivory class costs from
$4099, saving $1667 a person, 0402 251036, discoverytravel.com.au

NEPAL & INDIA

The Kumari is the living Goddess, and her home is the
centre Kathmandu, in mystical Nepal. Pop in and say hi to the goddess on this
14-day tour of India and Nepal, visiting revered temples, stupas and shrines,
and maybe fly over Mt Everest, if your heart desires. Further south, play
chicken in Delhi’s traffic and pay homage to love at the Taj Mahal. Save up to
$551 a person on a Classical India with Nepal premium tour, departing 14
December. Now costs $5099 a person, twin
share, 1300 237 886, insightvacations.com

TOURWATCH

Hamilton Island is one of the Whitsundays’ most beloved
islands, yet 70 percent of it is national park. Whether you’re staying in the
super-luxe qualia or in the wallet-friendly Palm Bungalows, its new audio tours
will take you for a walk through the island’s history and botany, revealing
private beaches and top sunset-watching possies. Available in five languages, the
guides are a collaboration between a heritage writer and botanist, charting
Captain Cook’s journey through the Great Barrier Reef and chasing the island’s
beautiful blue butterflies. Download for free through Apple iTunes or stream
the Village Trail tour at www.hamiltonisland.com.au/activities/audio-tours
and m.hamiltonisland.com.au. You can even hire a pre-loaded tour on an iPod at
the Resort Centre or the Reef View Hotel.

Source: Belinda Jackson, Sun Herald newspaper

Jul

TRAVEL DEALS 1 July 2012

Nashville to New Orleans

QUEENSLAND

Noosa’s restaurant scene just keeps getting bigger, so
it’s convenient that the Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort & Spa is
set up on a hill overlooking the town, letting you stretch your legs and work
off those calorific meals. Stay three nights and get a free buffet breakfast
each morning (if you’re still hungry). Normally from $299 a night, costs from
$159 a night until December 31, quickbeds.com/escape

NSW

The 18th
Biennale of Sydney, a celebration of contemporary arts, is full-steam until
September 16, with performances across the city including Cockatoo Island, the Museum
of Contemporary Art and the Art Gallery of NSW. Every event, from
performances to film screenings and artist talks is free. BLUE Sydney, on Woolloomooloo’s
wharves, is giving the fourth night on the house when you stay three nights or
more until July 31, so you can stay longer to celebrate the three-month
festival. Costs from $900 for four nights, (02) 9331 9000, tajhotels.com

VICTORIA

The Olsen, Melbourne

Immerse yourself in the landscape art of painter John
Olsen, in a five-star suite at South Yarra’s The Olsen hotel. Suites include a kitchenette and the hotel’s
glass-bottom pool hangs over Chapel St for a bit of light exhibitionism. Book
two nights and get $100 credit to spend at its Spoonbill Restaurant or hire a
scooter or smart car to gad about town. The Ultimate Indulgence package applies
to stays until August 31. Costs $209 a night, 1800 278 468, artserieshotels.com.au

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Warm up in the Red Centre
with the Ayers Rock Resort Family Escape package. Save 30 percent, or $342,
staying in a four-star one-bedroom apartment at Emu Walk Apartments from July
1-November 30. The deal includes free
kids’ activities in school holidays, free Indigenous guest activities, and kids
under 12 stay and eat breaky free. Also includes airport transfers and Ayres
Rock Resort shuttle bus service. Costs from $798 per person for three nights, 1300 134 004, ayersrockresort.com.au/family-holiday/

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
“A zoo without fences” is how the locals describe Kangaroo Island.
Happily, most of the animals are herbivores, and the rest are just too small to
tackle us humans. Bring on the cable knits and cute hats when you brave the
wilds of Kangaroo Island’s spectacular beaches with a cosy coastal getaway.
Kangaroo Island Seafront’s new three-star garden villas beside the ferry
terminal at Penneshaw are offering four nights for the price of three until
August 31. Costs from $1350 for four nights, 138 833, sunloverholidays.com.au

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Gun your 4WD down one of Australia’s most iconic outback
routes, the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley, on a 13-day exploration of deep
gorges, wide rivers and ancient cultures. The 4WD Kimberley Complete journey
starts and ends in Broome, and includes stays in luxurious tented camps,
wilderness lodges and outback stations and a helicopter flight over the
magnificent Mitchell Falls. Save $1000 a couple on August departures when
booked by July 14. Costs $12,990 a couple, 1300 336 932, aptouring.com.au

INTERNATIONAL

ABU DHABI

Tonight’s dinner will be served at a Bedu (bedouin) camp
amidst the sand dunes, with camel rides and a relaxing shisha (tobacco water
pipe) for afters. Stay four nights at the five-star Intercontinental Abu Dhabi and
pay for three, with breakfast, airport transfers, dinner in the dunes and entry
to the Ferrari theme park, with the world’s fastest rollercoaster, as you’d
expect. Book and travel by September 8. Costs $525 a person for three nights, 1300
747 400, creativeholidays.com

MALAYSIA

Book your slice of paradise on a private tropical island
off the Malaysian coast. Stay in a new Signature Villas Retreat in the Pangkor
Laut Resort and get a free spa treatment and a guided walk through the
two-million-year-old rainforests and Emerald Bay with the hotel’s resident
naturalist. Book online only until July 31, travel until December 19. Normally
$994, now costs from $533 a room, a night, 0011 800 9899 9999, ytlhotels.com

CHILE &
ARGENTINA

Shimmy your way through sultry Buenos Aires and shoot the
rapids in adventure-loving Pucon, across the border in Chile, in a 13-day
exploration of these two beautiful countries. The small-group tour also pulls
in at chic Bariloche, a delight for both powder hounds and summer hikers. Book by July 22 for August 1 departure to
save 25 percent. Was $1450, now $1087 a person, 1300 018
871, intrepidtravel.com

Nashville to New Orleans

USA

If your soul resonates to the twang of a slide guitar, if
Graceland is your heartland, or your jazz hands just can’t stay still, head from
Nashville to New Orleans on a 10-day tour of the American South. Highlights
including making a recording at the RCA Studio B and visiting plantations and
antebellum mansions. Save 10 percent on bookings made 12 months in advance. Costs
from $2,359 a person, 1300 230 234, globus.com.au

SPAIN

Visit what could be the world’s most beautiful bullring,
in Ronda, as part of this 10-day journey through the best of Spain, from the
promenades of Barcelona to the fantastical architecture of Granada’s the
Alhambra. Book by July 31 and travel by December 20 to get a free night’s
accommodation at the beginning or end of your trip. Costs from $11,285 per
person, twin share, 1300 851 800, abercrombiekent.com.au

TOURWATCH TURKEY

Get your hands dirty on an archaeological exploration of
the ancient caves and villages of Turkey’s UNESCO-listed Cappadocia region. Led
by archaeologist Dr Nota Karamaouna, the six-day journey is based in the
village of Üçhisar. “Walking through the Ihlara Valley is a truly heavenly
journey,” says Dr Karamaouna, who is working on her PhD on the region’s
Byzantine churches. “On the slopes of this 150m deep canyon, amongst the
abundance of fruit trees, are cave chapels and monasteries which always brings
to my mind the first Christian hermits and monks who began their religious
lives in the region over a thousand years ago.” Departs September 3 and
includes five nights at the Kale Konak cave hotel, most meals and balloon
expedition. Costs from $2145 a person twin share, +44 1600 888 220, petersommer.com

Source: Belinda Jackson, Sun Herald newspaper

Jun

TRAVEL DEALS: embrace or escape winter around the world

Oia village, Santorini, Greece

ESCAPE WINTER

GREECE

Received travel wisdom states that some of the world’s best
sunsets are to be viewed in the village of Oia, on the island of Santorini. Save
$963 when you book the cliff-top Fanari Villas for four nights between July 1
and September 30. Includes breakfasts and a bottle of local wine. Costs $1310 a
suite for four nights, 1300
853 953, travel agents, iconholidays.com

VIETNAM

For a steamy city break, you can’t go past Saigon, with its
rich food culture, so it’ll be as hot in the kitchen as it is poolside. Temps
don’t change much, the difference is how much rain you get. A three-day cooking
package includes classes at the Saigon Culinary School, accommodation and
airport transfers, travel July 1-September 30, from $275 a person, twin share,
1300 747 400, creativeholidays.com

MEXICO
The hotter the better: the Banyan Tree Mayakoba, in Cancun, puts its money
where its mouth is, offering a discount on your room, spa and boutique
that’s based on the temperature at noon
that day. Balmy Cancun sees noontime temps of around 30 Celsius, which will
give you 30 percent off. Book July 1-20, stay July 1-September 30. Costs from
$643 plus tax a night (before discount), 1800 050 019, banyantree.com

NORTHERN TERRITORY

The coldest you’ll
get on the Mary River wetlands, two hours from Darwin, is 19 degrees at night,
but in the daytime, up to a toasty 33 degrees, nirvana for us southerners. With
low rainfall, millions of birds gather at the remaining waterfalls, making this
a great time for twitchers. Stay three nights, pay two on stays Monday-Friday.
Book by July 31, travel by November 30. Includes breakfast and
three-course dinner daily. Tours and transfers from Darwin cost extra. Costs
$490 a person, two nights in a safari tent, (08) 8978 8955, wildmanwildernesslodge.com.au

ANGUILLA

Hot nights
in the Caribbean come with a cool price tag at the five-star Viceroy Anguilla,
which is offering four nights for the price of three until end October. Design
aficionados will know the resort, decorated by US interiors goddess Kelly
Wearstler. The rest of us just love the white-sand beaches, the spa, the
saltwater infinity pool… Costs
$1185 for four nights, +925 298 9325, viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

EMBRACE WINTER

Kenya Mt Kilimanjaro from Elerai

KENYA

Winter in Kenya isn’t exactly hardship, and it’s when all
the animals are most active. Save $1000 a couple on a seven-night Out of Africa
Air Safari departing July 15. Zip between the top game parks including Masai
Mara in a Cessna Caravan aircraft, staying in the tiny, beautiful Satao Elerai
near Amboseli and Satao Camp in Tsavo. Costs $4870 a person, twin share, 1300
195 873, benchinternational.com.au

VICTORIA

The young and the old get the best deals at Hotham, with
under 5s and over 70s skiing free, while kids 6-14 years ski free when they’re
with a paying adult who’s booked a three-night accommodation package during the
Value Season (September 17-30). Adults are best to snap up a three-day ski pass
for $270, saving $48, 1800 468 426, hotham.com.au

NSW

The Sydney Winter Festival runs July 22 – August 11, with
ice shows, ice-skating and, best of all, winter food to warm the cockles of
your heart and stomach. The InterContinental Sydney does its bit, serving
mussels and wine daily for $20. Save 20 percent off the best daily rate Fridays
to Sundays until September 30, includes buffet breakfast, internet and late
check-out. Costs from $550 for two nights, (02) 9253 9000, intercontinental.com

NEW ZEALAND

New
Zealand’s iconic Huka Lodge turns up the heat with cosy log fires and throws in
very special events at no extra costs. Get your pencils out for the Big Red
Dinner hosted by Waiheke Island’s Stonyridge Wines (August 11) or the Marlborough affair that
is Dog Point Winemaker’s Dinner (July 14). Costs from $795 plus GST a person, +64
7 378 5791, hukalodge.co.nz

South Africa Hluhluwe (Gecko Adventures)

SOUTHERN AFRICA

Rug up and climb aboard your safari vehicle to cruise the
wildlife parks of South Africa, Mozambique and Swaziland. The trip stars in
Jo’berg, finishing in Cape Town and includes guides, park fees and camping
gear. Get 30 percent off Gecko’s 23-day African Mosaic trip departing July 20.
Was $2583, now $1985 a person, twin share, 1300 791 478, geckosadventures.com

Source: Belinda Jackson, Sun Herald newspaper

Jun

TRAVEL DEALS: 24 June 2012

NSW

Senator Bob Brown, ex-judge Michael Kirby and sailor
Jessica Watson are all packing their bags and heading to Byron Bay for the
annual writer’s festival, 3-5 August, when the town goes crazy. Get in early to
grab a twin or double room at the Byron Bay YHA and save $25. They’ll also
throw a bacon & egg roll and coffee in for good measure. Costs $175 a room for two nights, 1800 678
195, yha.com.au

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Deep in the heart of Kakadu lies the Holiday Inn Gagadju
Crocodile, an Indigenous-owned, crocodile-shaped hotel 2½ hours from Darwin,
and close by the celebrated Aboriginal rock art galleries Nourlangie Rock and
Ubirr. Stay before September 29 and quote ‘stay clever’ to get up to 30 percent
off with free breakfast. Kids under 17 get to stay free, under 12s get to eat
free, too, until September 30. Normally $292 a night, costs from $244 a double room,
two-night minimum, 1800 007 697, holidayinn.com

Medina Executive South Yarra

VICTORIA

Facelifts deserve a party to show off, so the Medina
Executive South Yarra is cutting 10 percent off two-night stays in its newly
revamped hotel. With new furnishings and
kitchens, the apartment hotel includes a revamped pool, if you’re up to braving
the Melbourne winter, or the more sensible option, the Drawing Room’s fireplace
and cosy chairs. The deal includes continental breakfast for two, parking and
noon check-out on stays until August 31. Costs $294 for two nights, 1300 633
462, medina.com.au

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Truffle
season has begun in WA, and with the added lure of truly beautiful wine, why
aren’t we in the Margaret River right now? The tiny 4.5-star Losari Retreat is
carving 34 percent off stays in its six spa villas until September 4. With
their lake views, hot outdoor Jacuzzis, double showers and cosy lounges, the
villas are built for snuggling up. Otherwise, get out with horseriding on the
property or cruise the nearby world-class cellar doors. Costs from $490 for two nights, 1300 130 485, travel.com.au

QUEENSLAND

There’s a reason why Daydream Island is thus named: its
white-sand beaches and golden sunsets are the stuff of screensavers. Stay five
nights for the price of four in a garden balcony room with breakfast daily. Drawcards
include coral reefs, starlit cinema, the popular kids’ club and its famed spa. Book by December 20, travel by March 31, 2013,
land only. Costs $612 a person, twin share, 1300 747 400, creativeholidays.com

SOUTH
AUSTRALIA

One of Australia’s great multi-day walks, the Arkaba Walk
takes the slow route through the Flinders Ranges. The four-way walk covers 45km
and does it in style: it’s fully guided and fully catered for, with
pre-bush-dinner drinks and star-gazing from your cosy swag deck. Save 25
percent on departures on July 5 and 19, and August 23. Costs $1500 a person,
1300 790 561, wildbushluxury.com

NEW ZEALAND

Hurl your skis into the back of your campa van and head
for the hills this winter. JUCY Rentals is throwing in a free six or seven day
adult ski pass for Treble Cone ski field in Wanaka, worth NZ$570, with every
car or campa hired in NZ during July 1-September 30. Vans cost from NZ$25 a
day, 1800 150 850, jucy.co.nz

MALAYSIA

Stay three nights for the price of two at the five-star
Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur. Pay from $465 per person twin share for your stay in a
Horizon Executive room and get breakfast daily, return airport transfers and
club access with free non-alcoholic beverages and snacks all day, a free
cocktail buffet, drinks in the evening and internet. Valid for sale until
August 31 and for travel until October 31 and also between November 5and December
20, 1300 939 414, flightcentre.com.au

THAILAND

Get out of Phuket’s concrete jungle and into the tropical
jungle at the five-star Trisara, which has just 39 pool villas and 18 private
compound-style residences. The little resort, just 15 minutes from Phuket
airport, has 2km of private coastline. Book a two-night stay before October 31
and get US$200 credit for each night to spend in the resort’s restaurants, bars
and spa. Package includes airport transfers, breakfast, wi-fi, kids’ club and
daily snacks. Pool villas cost from US$695++ a night, +66 76 310
100, trisara.com

FIJI

The five-star Jean Michel Cousteau eco-resort, near
Savusavu, is offering six nights for the price of four, as well as free
massage, diving for certified divers, all gourmet meals, non-alcoholic drinks,
snorkelling trips and a marine biologist on tap, saving 35 percent. Garden view
bures can accommodate two adults and two kids under 13. Stay October
14-December 21, and January 7-March 31. Costs $2148 an adult for six nights, fijiresort.com

CRIMEA &
CENTRAL ASIA

Registan Square, Samarkand

Get around diabolical transport conundrums in Georgia,
Armenia and on the Silk Road by travelling by private jet. Fly Singapore
Airlines to Istanbul where your jet awaits to whisk you away to Kashgar in
western China, Samarkand, Bukhara and the walled city of Khiva. Armenia reveals
Yerevan, and explore cave frescoes in Georgia’s David Gareji Monastery before
arriving in Ukraine’s Yalta and Sevastopol. The
19-day tour departs September 3, 2013. Book by March 31, 2013, save $500. Costs
from $28,915 a person, twin share, 1800 650 738, captainschoice.com.au

Extreme 19th hole, South Africa

TOURWATCH

Tee off from the Extreme 19th Hole, which is accessible
only by helicopter, and aim for the green, which is 420 meters below, in the shape of the
continent of Africa. This par-three hole, in northern South Africa, is a golfer’s
dream. According to South African golfing great Gary Player, it takes 24
seconds for the ball to hit the ground, and there’s $1m for anyone who gets a
hole-in-one. Each hole of the 8km-long championship course was designed by top
golfers including Bernhard Langer, Luke Donald and Vijay Singh. This package
includes two nights at the Legend Golf & Safari Resort and green fees on
the 18-hole Signature golf course. Book and travel by August 31. Costs $499 a
person, 1300 320 795, adventureworld.com.au

Jun

TRAVEL DEALS: 17 June 2012

Cambodia: World Expeditions

$ TRANS-AUSTRALIA

Campervans are officially hot – you can strap your board
on, pack the kids or set up a moving lounge room and head across Australia. An
army of Dutch and German tourists can’t be wrong. Crank up the cost-effective
Aussie road trip adventure and save 5 per cent off for campervan bookings
before June 30 for travel until December 31 2012. Quote the promo code “FAIR”
when booking. Costs from $28 a day for a two-berth vehicle, relocations cost from
$1 a day, drivenow.com.au

$$ VICTORIA

Victoria’s little sister
of ski, Lake Mountain, is best known for its 37km of cross-country skiing and toboggan
slopes. Just two hours north of Melbourne, save $200 when you buy a Works
Package, which gets two adults and two children ski and toboggan hire, a 90-minute
cross-country ski lesson, family lunch voucher and vehicle entry. Costs
$249 for a family of four, (03) 5957 7201, lakemountainresort.com.au

$$ SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Lake Mountain, Victoria

Soak up the serenity in the Clare Valley, a renowned
antiques haunt 1½ hours north of Adelaide. Save $150 on a midweek deal
(Mon-Thurs nights) at River Walk Cottage until end July. The new two-bedroom
B&B sleeps six for an instant house party, with open fires and provisions
for the big brekky, chocolates and a bottle of Taylor’s wine. The nearby Rising
Sun is worth a visit for lunch. Costs $300 for three nights, riverwalkcottage.com.au

$$$ WESTERN
AUSTRALIA

The dolphins are on tap at the Shark Bay World Heritage
region, so it’s not a case of ‘blink and you’ll miss ‘em’. Stay four nights,
get one night free in a garden villa at the 3.5-star Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort.
Includes breakfast for you and the dolphins at a daily feed’n’frolic session.
Travel before until December 14 (excluding 4-21 July). Costs $830 for four
nights, 138 833, sunloverholidays.com.au

$$$$ QUEENSLAND

Take to the Sunshine Coast by foot on an eco-tastic,
small-group walking trip along the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk,
through the Glass House Mountains and Noosa National Park. Book the Sunshine
Coast Hinterland (6-10 August) followed by a Lamington National Park trip
(13-17 August) and save $200. Trips are fully guided and include meals, transfers
and accommodation, including O’Reilly’s Guesthouse. Normally $1690 a person for
a tour, book both by August 5, costs $3180 a person for two tours, (03) 9877
9540, parktrek.com

$$$$$ TASMANIA

The
Freycinet coast is home to one of the world’s best beaches, Wineglass Bay, and
the 11-day Forgotten
Coast trip lets you explore by boat, foot or kayak up to the wildly beautiful
Bay of Fires, on to Launceston and across the island in a small group of up to
16. Save $290 on bookings
made six months before departure, with departures from October 31 to April 24.
Costs from $5540 a person, twin share, 1800 467 747, inspiringjourneys.com.au

INTERNATIONAL

French food and tropical weather: Noumea

NOUMEA

French
food and tropical weather – isn’t Noumea just perfect? Stay five nights, pay
for four at the Ramada Plaza Noumea, which is also throwing in a Flavour Savour
tour, a French cooking class, daily breakfasts, a two-course lunch, 10 percent
off spa treatments and a voucher to blow at Le Casino. Costs from $1559 a
person, including flights with Aircalin, book until 3pm June 29, 1300 130 485, travel.com.au

$ MALAYSIA

Sandakan,
in Malaysian Borneo, is an eco-tourism paradise with bizarre proboscis monkeys,
love-filled orang utan sanctuaries and amazing caves. Times are a-changing with the arrival of the
first international hotel brand: the new harbourside Four Points’ opening
special runs until December 31 and includes breakfast for two, wi-fi and 4pm
check out. Costs from $67++ for a deluxe room, +60 89 244 888, fourpoints.com/sandakan

CAMBODIA & LAOS

Treat your bestie to an adventure with World Expedition’s
buy one, get one free 11-day small-group tours to Cambodia and Laos departing
July 20 and August 3 and 24. In Cambodia, discover Phnom Penh, take a cooking
class in Battambang and explore Angkor Wat by bike, then it’s all bears and
Buddhas in Laos. Costs $2790 for two people, 1300 720 000, worldexpeditions.com

$$$$ INDIA

Riding the Himalayas, Extreme Bike Tours

Ride an Indian through the Himalayas: the Indian is a
Royal Enfield motorbike, and the 15-day journey traverses the world’s highest
rideable roads from Leh, in eastern Kashmir, along Khardung La and into the
Nubra Valley, within co-eee of the Tibetan border and down to Manali, stopping
for pics of two-humped camels. Cut a third off the price when mentioning this page,
departs August 22-September 5. Now costs $2,565 for riders, $1,971 for pillion, land only, +91 9665 377 344,
extremebiketours.com

$$$$$ TURKEY

Your steed is a late model BMW motorcycle, the biking
nirvana is Turkey. Ride the stunning Turquoise Coast, visit poignant ANZAC battlegrounds
of Gallipoli and sleep in a cave hotel in the fairy chimney landscape of
Cappadocia on the 21-day Treasures of Turkey. To save 10 per cent on bookings
before July 31 for a September 4 departure, quote ‘SHTOT12’. Includes bike, fuel,
meals, accommodation and guides. Costs $10,208 for riders, $5,598 for pillion, land only,
1300 887 327, compassexpeditions.com

TOURWATCH

Visit Europe on a small-group, fully escorted tour that
includes boutique hotel accommodation and plenty of free time for your own
exploration and picnics! With transport in new nine-seater mini coaches,
Interlude Tours’ annual 35-day autumn Europe tour travels through France, Italy
and Spain. “We have a lot of repeat customers, so we go to different places
each year,” says tour owner and driver Jeanette Savage. “This year, we’re doing
a D-Day tour in Normandy, visiting the Guggenheim in Bilbao and we’ll stay
longer in Tuscany.” She’s also excited
about seeing the historic Bayeux tapestry for the first time. The fare includes
return air fares Sydney to Paris with Thai Airways, departing September 18.
Costs $10,995 a person, twin share, (02) 94052218, interlude-tours.com

Belinda Jackson
Source: Sun Herald

Jun

Travel deals: Destination Canberra special! 10 June 2012

Hyatt Hotel Canberra

$150 Happy Hour deals

Click onto ‘Happy Hour’, between 12-1pm every Thursday in
June, to book a great accommodation deal and get a $150 voucher to spend at the
Canberra Centre, National Zoo & Aquarium, Canberra Glassworks or a combined
3inFun pass plus Skate in the City experience. The 3inFun pass includes
entrance to the Australian Institute of Sport, Cockington Green Gardens and
Questacon (The National Science and Technology Centre), 1300 889 026, visitcanberra.com.au/winter

HYATT HOTEL CANBERRA

Canberra’s most historic hotel, the Hyatt, is a sprawling
1920s pile in the parliamentary triangle, renowned for its afternoon tea in the
Tea Lounge and the place to be seen for Friday afternoon drinks. Stay two
nights in a Park Room and get 50 per cent off the Hyatt Daily Rate on stays
from Thursdays to Sundays until December 31. Costs from $187.50 a night, (02)
6270 1234, canberra.park.hyatt.com

MANTRA ON NORTHBOURNE

Warm up for
your ski trip with an overnighter in Canberra. Mantra on Northbourne gets you
up early and primed for the snowfields with a couple of beanies, two travel
mugs and a bacon & egg brekky roll and muffin with hot coffee or chocolate
thrown into the deal. The Go Ski Package is for stays Friday to Sunday until August 31 and saves
$50 a night. Costs from $219 a room, 131 517, mantra.com.au

NOVOTEL CANBERRA

Travel the world’s oldest highway through an exotic
exhibition now showing exclusively at the National Museum of Australia. Great
for kids and parents, with interactive computer displays and rooms lush with
silks and life-sized camels. The Novotel Canberra’s Cultural Getaway includes
tickets to the exhibition, a full buffet breakfast and a bottle of wine on
mentioning this column. Travel until July 29, costs from $180 a room, (02) 6245
5000, novotelcanberra.com.au

Crowne Plaza

CROWNE PLAZA

Get the winter woollies and the walking shoes out and
discover Canberra’s parklands and riverside walks, the National Gallery and the
National Portrait Gallery. Stay two nights at the Crowne Plaza Canberra and
save up to $230. Book the Discover package until August 17, stay until August
31, includes buffet breakfast. Costs from $175 a room a night, 138 388, crowneplaza.com/roadtrip

YHA

Families get the
best of the bunch with a Family 3-in-1 Fun Pass giving two adults and up
to three kids entry to Questacon, the Australian Institute of Sport and
Cockington Green Gardens when they stay at the Canberra City YHA. Package
includes breakfast and one night’s accommodation, until October 31. YHA members
get another 10 percent discount: membership costs from $32 for adults, kids
under 18 free with an adult. Costs from $295 per family a night, ensuite room
(non-members), save $49, (02) 6248 9155, yha.com.au

MEDINA APARTMENT HOTELS

Stay at one of Medina’s two apartment hotels, the Medina
Executive James Court in central Canberra on Northbourne Ave, or Medina Classic
Canberra in swanky Kingston, and get 25 per cent off the best available rate
and free parking for travel before July 10, quoting this deal. Costs from $230
a night before discount, (02) 6240 1234 (James Court), from $210 before
discount, (02) 6239 8100 (Classic Canberra), medina.com.au

Source: Sun Herald

Jun

Travel deals: 10 June 2012

Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan

AUSTRALIA

$ VICTORIA

With the AFL season in full swing, Melbourne streets are
a sea of two-tone colour combinations. Wear your heart on your sleeve, or
around your neck and join the throngs at Etihad Stadium. Every room in the nearby
Hilton Melbourne South Wharf has a city view, and the hotel is offering guests
20 percent off when they stay two nights, until December 31. Book seven nights
before you stay, rooms start from
$188 a night, 1300 445 866, hiltonmelbourne.com.au

$$ TASMANIA

In Tasmania’s highlands, your stomach will find its
heartland at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. Block your diary out for an
afternoon of Signature wine & cheese tasting, a three-course dinner in the
Highland restaurant as well as breakfast daily on its two-night Gourmet Escape,
staying in a Pencil Pine cabin. Appease guilt by strolling paths through some
of Australia’s most spectacular wilderness. Book and travel before August 31.
Normally $357, pay $292 a person for two nights, twin share, 1300 987 600, peppers.com.au

Cypress Lakes Resort

$$ NSW

If you
dream of golf or wine in your sleep, take it the next step at the Hunter
Valley’s Cypress Lakes Resort, whose 200 villas overlook an 18-hole
championship golf course or vineyards. The villas are self-contained and there
are also three pools, gym, kids’ club and golf and tennis clinics. Stay three
nights, pay for two on midweek stays Monday-Thursday. Accommodation is a
one-bedroom villa and includes buffet breakfast and Peter Morrissey toiletries.
Stay before July 30, costs from $398 a villa, 1800 061 818, cyrpessresort.com.au

$$$ QUEENSLAND

Cosy up at the Gold Coast’s most decorated hotel, the
lush Palazzo Versace, whose Captain’s Lounge, Aqua Marine package includes one
night’s accommodation, breakfast and 2.5 hours whale spotting in the VIP
Captain’s Lounge on the $3.5 million custom-designed whale watching vessel, Spirit of Migloo. Snack as you spot
humpback whales, dolphins, pelicans and hunting birds. Travel until 1 November,
costs $639 for two people, (07) 5509 8000, palazzoversace.com.au

Longitude 131, Uluru

$$$$ NT

One of the world’s most iconic views can be found outside
your luxury safari tent at Uluru’s Voyages Longitude 131° wilderness camp. Save
$468 a person when you book by March 31, travel until June 20 and December 1 –
March 31. Package includes all meals, drinks, tours, entrance to Uluru-Kata
Tjuta National park and return Ayres Rock Airport transfers. Costs from $2634 a
person for three nights, twin share, 1800 044 066 travel-associates.com.au

$$$$ LORD HOWE ISLAND

Set off the coast of Port Macquarie, Lord Howe Island is
billed as the world’s last paradise, with coral reefs to snorkel, fish to play
with and green sea turtles to admire. Capella Lodge’s Fly Free, Stay 7 Pay 6
rolls two deals into one, with free flights from Sydney and a free night when
you book a week’s stay on the island, saving $2200 a person. Travel between
July 28 – September 30. Costs from $3900 a person, twin share, (02) 9918 4355, capellalodge.com.au

INTERNATIONAL

$ GERMANY

Dresden’s old town is postcard perfect, with an ambience
of culture. Camp at the new Swissôtel
Dresden Am Schloss and save 20 percent on the best available rate
when you stay two nights or more on stays between June 30 and September 2. Ask
about their double air miles and get a room upgrade and late check-out. Costs
from $112 a night, 1800 12 1043, swissotel.com

Amari Emerald Cove Koh Chang

$$ THAILAND

Set on the Cambodian border, over 70 percent of the Thai
island of Koh Chang is lush rainforest, with rushing waterfalls and idyllic
beaches. And it sounds even better with a bargain: Amari Emerald Cove Koh Chang
is offering six nights for the price of three on stays between June 6-26 and
July 11-October 31. Honeymooners also get 4pm check out, fruit, flowers and
cake. Costs from $717 a person for six nights, twin share, 1300 939 414,
flightcentre.com.au

$$$ TIMOR-LESTE

Say hi to the neighbours, also one of the world’s newest
democracies, Timor-Leste. Intrepid’s 15-day tour stays at simple huts on remote
beaches, joins in local eco-tourism projects and spots whales while crossing
the Wetar Strait to Atauro Island and explore in an outrigger. Save $675 when
you book before July 11 for July 15 departures. Costs $2025 a person, land
only, 1300 018 871, intrepidtravel.com

Timor-Leste woman (Intrepid Travel)

$$$ EAST AFRICA

See the best of the African east, covering Kenya, Rwanda,
Tanzania and Uganda by safari truck with up to 23 new mates, ticking the Big
Five off your safari list. Save 30 percent off Gecko’s 22-day Complete East
Africa trip when booked before June 30, for travel by December 31. Prices
include transport crew, all park fees and camping gear. Was $4448, now $3580 a person, twin share
1300 854 500, geckosadventures.com

$$$$$ ENGLAND

Celebrate Chic Britannia by doing London in serious
style. Your hotel is either the deeply luxurious 45 Park Lane in Mayfair or the
The Hempel near Hyde Park. Add on dinner at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester,
afternoon teas at The Ritz and Brown’s Hotel and passes to the Tate Gallery,
V&A Museum and Buckingham Palace’s ‘Diamonds: A royal Jubilee Celebration”.
Includes return business-class fares with China Southern Save 5 percent on
bookings before June 30 for travel between June 30 – October 7. Costs from
$9585.50 a person, for five days, twin share, (02) 9144 6015, thechictourismcollection.com

TOURWATCH BHUTAN

Inner peace is found in the “land of the thunder dragon”,
the ancient Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan, which hosts the Mindfulness Yoga and
Meditation Retreat in January 2013. This 11-day tour explores the remote
Thimphu and Punakha valleys, with guided walks and visits to temples and
markets around the Paro valley as well as a Lhab Sang Puja, a ritual ceremony
and blessing by Buddhist monks. The journey includes six nights at the
luxurious Zhiwa Ling Resort where Mindfulness Yoga instructor Sally Flynn will
lead the group through meditation and yoga suitable for all comers, from
beginners to devotees. The tour departs on January 9, 2013. Costs from $4323 a
person twin share (excludes airfares), 1300 367 875, bhutan.com.au

Source: Sun Herald

Jun

TRAVEL DEALS 3 June 2012

AUSTRALIA

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Tee off on the championship 18-hole golf course, then
dine on local crayfish: that’s sooo Victor Harbour. Top it off with a stay at
the McCracken Country Club for just $99 a couple for one night to complete a
great break. Stay two nights and get a bottle of wine and free dinner, stay
three nights and get your green fees thrown in as well. Book until June 24,
stay until August 31, (08) 8551
0200, countryclubs.com.au/wintersale

VICTORIA

Winter’s coming so it’s time to rug up and break out the
fortified wines. Go back to the heartland, Rutherglen, where it all began in
Australia, which holds its annual Winery Walkabout next weekend. All winter, Tuileries
Rutherglen is offering a two-night midweek package that includes cooked
breakfast, cocktails and a three-course dinner for two. Save $160 until August
31, costs $415 a couple, two nights, (02) 6032
9033, tuileriesrutherglen.com.au

Sea World

QUEENSLAND

Check out -TRex and mates at Sea World’s new Dinosaur
Island, on the glittering Gold Coast. Linked by monorail to the fun park, the
4.5-star Sea World Resort & Water has a day spa and two lagoon pools. Stay
until June 29 and save up to 65 percent, with unlimited entry to Warner Bros
Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild Water World. Stay two nights and get free tickets to Sea
World’s dolphin show. Costs $139 for two adults, $10 for each kid, 1800 074
448, myfun.com.au

TASMANIA

It may be a small island, but seven days in Tassie and
you’ll be on your feet to see the island’s icons, including serene Lake St
Clair, a cruise on the Gordon River, cheese tasting and Launceston’s fabulous
Cataract Gorge. Book the Western Icons Best Buys Guided Tour six months in
advance and save $170 per couple. Tours run from September 18 to August 31
2013. Costs from $1615 a person, twin share (land only), 1300 228 546, aatkings.com.au

NSW

The larder’s full of the best of the Hunter: Peterson
Champagne House Sparkling Cuvee, the Smelly Cheese Shop’s cheese platter,
Margan wine and sweets from the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company. Save $110 on a
three-night midweek getaway at the adults-only retreat, Somewhere Unique, set
amongst the bushland in Wollombi. Also
included is a brekky hamper and bikes to work it all off, until August 31.
Costs $798 a couple, three nights, (02) 4998 3257, quote “Midweek Winter
Getaway”, somewhereunique.com.au

TRANS-AUSTRALIA

Go for Gold! We don’t mean become an Olympian, we mean
travel Gold Service on the Indian-Pacific, and save $525 on the iconic
trans-Australian crossing from Perth to Sydney. Gold class gets you a cosy
sleeper with ensuite, a steward to fluff pillows and bring you a morning cuppa,
journey commentary, all meals, tea and coffee. Book before June 30, travel until August 31. Costs
$1653 one-way, 132 147.

The Sarojin, Thailand

INTERNATIONAL

THAILAND

Wine lovers in Asia are on first-name basis with The
Sarojin’s sommelier, Dawid Koegelenberg, four-time winner of the Wine
Spectator’s award of excellence and darling of the London A-list for serious
wine dinners. Get one night free for every night you stay at the hotel, an hour
north of Phuket, until October 31 – which means stay three nights, get three
nights free, with free breakfast and sparkling wine. Costs from $412 a night, a
room, 02 9211 6590, sarojin.com

VIETNAM

There are parts of the world that tell you just to stop,
smell the roses, the jasmine, the sandalwood and the champagne; to wit Vietnam’s
Nam Hai hotel. Set on Hoi An beach, your bed for the night is a pool villa,
with never-ending champagne on the breakfast buffet, butler service, a spa treatment, lunch,
afternoon tea, snacks in the villa and mini-bar a-go. Book two nights before 30
June for travel before March 31, get another night free, from $1803 a person
for three nights, 1300 320 795, adventureworld.com.au

Pines Lodge, Beaver Creek

USA
Rated North America’s top ski resort, Colorado’s Beaver
Creek has its fair share of celebrity fans (think Tom Hanks, Tiger Woods), yet
you can still find a bargain in town: save 35 percent, that’s $247, at the
ski-in Pines Lodge. Stay seven nights, get a six-day lift pass valid at Beaver
Creek, Vaile, Breckenridge and Keystone resorts. Book before October 1, travel
November 21 – December 14. Costs $829 a person, twin share, 1800 335 724, mogulski.com.au

INDONESIA

You know you deserve a personal assistant, and COMO
Shambhala’s people excel at the job: let them lead you to a yoga class, to your wellness
consultation, to your massage… Book a
fully inclusive seven-night wellness programme at the breathtaking Ubud retreat
which includes full board and they’ll add three massages, transfers, all meals
and activities, until March 31st 2013. Costs $5,180 for two people, +61 361 978
888, comoshambhala.como.bz

Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer

CANADA

Be nurtured by nature as you roll through the Canadian
Rocky Mountains, spotting bears, eagles and majestic deer while nursing a drink.
This eight-day tour includes two nights on the Rocky Mountaineer in
RedLeaf class, seven night’s
accommodation, tours of Vancouver, Jasper and Banff, a helicopter tour and a
bonus $550 credit to spend on meals, hotel or cabin upgrades. Costs from $2899
a person, twin share, 1800 044 066, travel-associates.com.au

TOURWATCH

See and capture the beauty of Turkey through the eyes of
Lonely Planet photographer Richard I’Anson, author of a swathe of take-me-there
coffee table travel photography and guidebooks. And what’s more, he’ll help you
snap the shutter on your own amazing photographs of one of the world’s most
fascinating countries. Split between East and West, Turkey straddles two
continents and the stops on this tour, which include Antalya, Cappadocia,
Istanbul and Fethiye, give plenty of unique subject matter, from cave towns to whirling
dervishes, ancient markets and classic Mediterranean seaside beauty. The tour
includes boutique four-star accommodation, transport and entrance fees. Departs
August 19, costs $3999 a person, land only, 1300 720 000, worldexpeditions.com

Jun

TRAVEL DEALS: 27 May

AUSTRALIA

$ TAS

It’s all about the oysters in this part of the world: take a
seat on your suite’s balcony and you’ll be looking across the D’Entrecasteaux
Channel to Bruny Island, where the oysters are so big, they have their own
postcode. Not beloved of the bivalve? You’ll still enjoy a 34 percent discount
at The Cove Kettering Luxury Suites, until September 30. Costs from $180 a
night, 1300 130 485, travel.com.au

$$ NSW

The brand-new Gibraltar Hotel Bowral on the southern
highlands is 1½ hours from the city. The 72-room hotel’s opening package throws
in $273 extra value which includes one night’s accommodation, two one-hour Kodo
massages in the Bowral Day Spa, breakfast, wi-fi, two rounds of golf or a yoga
class, and the chance to book an extra night for $175. Stay Sunday-Friday, or
add $70 for a Saturday night stay. Total value, $612, costs $349 a room, (02) 4862
8600, gibraltarbowral.com.au

$$$ VIC

Forget the Tour d’France, what about a tour of Gippsland?
The 2012 RACV Great Victorian Bike Ride, pictured, November 24 – December 2, cycles from Lakes
Entrance to Phillip Island, and more than 4000 cyclists are expected to turn
up. And they’ll all be camping (there is a softie motel option, too). The 591km,
nine-day tour averages 70km a day and is fully catered for, with medical teams
at the ready. Book by July 27 to save $100, costs $865 for adults, $625 for
kids 13-17, $315 for kids 6-12. Three- and one-day options also offered, 1800
616 600, greatvic.com.au

$$$ SA

It takes just an hour to blow the cobwebs out of the hire
car from Adelaide airport to the liquid heaven that is the Barossa Valley. One
of the swishest little self-contained cottages in the Barossa, Seppeltsfield
Vineyard Cottage sits on its own boutique vineyard in the historic heart of the
wine region. Normally $620 a night, until August 31, its winter weekend package
costs $570 for two nights, (08)
8563 4059, seppeltsfieldvineyardcottage.com.au

$$$$ QLD

Flip the dictionary open at ‘glamping’ and you’ll find a
picture of one of Wilson Island’s six five-star safari tents. The little island
is a coral quay off Gladstone, on the Queensland coast, and takes just 12 lucky
guests over 18 years. Book before August 31 for its four-night package which
includes full board and free boat transfers from Gladstone. Costs from $2195 a
person, twin share, 1800 044 066, travel-associates.com.au

$$$$$ WA

The remote Ngauwudu Safari Camp, high up on the
Kimberley’s Mitchell Plateau, is open exclusively to Outback Spirit guests when
they explore this remote corner of the Kimberley on a 15-day journey which
includes viewing Bradshaw and Wandjina rock art and a helicopter spin over the
fabulous Mitchell Falls. Save $500 a person on selected departures of the
Exquisite Kimberley Adventure in August and September, costs $7395 a person,
twin share, 1800 688 222, outbackspirit.net.au

INTERNATIONAL

$ MALAYSIA

Malacca is between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and its
historic quarter bears the hallmarks of Peranakan Chinese culture and its role
as a former Dutch colony. Stay two nights and get the third night half-price at
the Majestic Malacca resort on stays before September 30 (excludes July 20 –
August 30). Costs from $385 for three nights, +60 3 2783 1000, ytlhotels.com

$$ EUROPE

Skip the summer crowds and meet the real locals on a
Winter Express 11-day trip through six countries. Cycle Amsterdam, cruise
Venice’s canals, see why Paris is called the city of light. Starting and ending
in London, the tour includes most meals, coach transport and a witty leader and
driver, from November 2012– March 2013. Save up to 10 percent if booked by June
11, Costs from $987, 1300 886 332, topdeck.travel

$$$ TAHITI

Shake it with the professionals during French Polynesia’s
Heiva Festival, a celebration of life. The two-month festival, which runs until
July 22, is a burst of music, colour and local traditions. Grab a package that
includes airfares, transfers, seven nights at Sofitel properties and get a free
4×4 champagne sunset tour, from June 1 – October 31. Costs from $3950 a person,
twin share, 1300 858 305, sofitel-frenchpolynesia.com

$$$ NEW ZEALAND

Get a glimpse of Maori culture at a Hangi feast and
concert, followed by a visit to the Agrodome Sheep Show, then balance with the
unearthly beauty of the Milford Sound and Bay of Islands. Book this 17-day
coach tour six months before you travel and save up to $380 a couple on
departures from October 6 to September 30. Costs from $3775 a person, twin
share (land only), 1300 228 546, aatkings.com.au

$$$$$ USA

If diamonds are your best friend, you’ll love learning
how those little beauties are fashioned for your fingers. And maybe snap up one
or two at wholesale prices. Why not get a Mac make-up lesson, zip over the
skyline by chopper, go behind the scenes on Broadway and get luscious locks at
Bumble & Bumble? Oh New York, you really do spoil us. Book a seven-night Quintessential
New York journey before June 15, quote SHNY, and get a free night at the Hotel-on-Rivington,
worth $400. Tour departs November 17, costs $5899
a person, twin share, 0408 721 569, travellingdivas.com.au

TOURWATCH

Majestic pines, rugged cliff faces, the fine arches of
historic buildings and perfect sweeps of sand make Norfolk Island a painter’s
paradise. Catch the vivid colours and scenery of the South Pacific on a seven-night
painting holiday. You’ll be accompanied by Australian artist Belinda Biggs, who
offers artistic tuition during the week: you don’t have to be the next Gauguin, beginners are most welcome. When you’re not wielding
the brush, explore the island’s history, the sights of World Heritage-listed
Kingston or its coral reefs. Psst: it’s a tax-free shopping haven, too. Package
includes flights to the island, seven nights’ twin-share accommodation at
Hibiscus Aloha, car hire, transfers, a round of golf and guided walk. Travel
October 5-12, costs $1780 a person, 1800 140 066, travelcentre.nf

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