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LATEST NEWS & OFFERS POSTED 21 MAY 2012 Family-owned Australian tour company APT has celebrated its 85th anniversary by being the only European river cruise line to be inducted into La Chaine des Rotisseurs. MORE Fly free to Lord Howe Island and save up to $4400 per couple on a week’s holiday. MORE Captain Cook Cruises is running a special Sydney Harbour breakfast cruise on Wednesday, June 6, to observe a transit of Venus across the face of the sun. MORE Combine whale watching with some vigorous exercise, spectacular nature and lessons in indigenous culture by taking a Royal Coast Walks guided hike. MORE Visit Las Vegas, Anchorage and Denali National Park, in Alaska’s rugged interior, before boarding Radiance of the Seas for a 35-night cruise. MORE Stay in luxury in Cairns and show off in an Audi. MORE Sydney’s Novotel Darling Harbour has family package for the Powerhouse Museum’s The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition. MORE Great Southern Rail has launched a range of holiday packages in conjunction with its various iconic train journeys. MORE Pay $2270 per person twin-share for a 14-night Fremantle-Singapore cruise next March on the much-hyped superliner Voyager of the Seas. MORE Great Singapore deals with Creative Holidays. MORE POSTED 17 MAY 2012 § Hunter Valley: The pioneering Cypress Lakes Resort in the Hunter Valley has joined Accor’s Grand Mercure network. MORE § Australia: Australia's east coast comes alive with the spectacular acrobatic displays of humpback whales between April and November. MORE § Australia: Shake off the winter blues and create lasting memories with one of SilverNeedle hotels great short break and holiday packages. MORE § Malaysia: The Rainforest World Music Festival is one of the world's most popular music festivals. MORE § Cruising: There's a fresh new breeze at sea, the all new Windstar renovation is complete. MORE § Cruising: Oceania Cruises’ new ship, Riviera, will embark on her 10-day maiden voyage today, 16 May, from Venice to Athens. MORE POSTED 16 MAY 2012 § Sydney: Captain Cook Cruises have unveiled their new look fleet of rockets. MORE § China: One of China’s most talked about new boutique hotels has opened up in the most unlikely place, the small ancient town of Pingyao. MORE § Bundanoon: For a two-night stay at Solar Springs from Friday June 1, departing Sunday June 3, guests can save $100 off the normal tariff. MORE § Saudi Arabia: Spectacular experience awaits guests at Swissôtel Makkah. MORE § Fiji: Vomo Island Resort Fiji offers you to ‘Stay 7 nights and only pay for 5 nights’. MORE § NewZealand: The Multi Award-winning Treetops Lodge & Estate, set within 2500 acres of native bush, will be hosting three exclusive ‘Wine & Food Winter Events’. MORE § Europe: Tauck is rolling out an extensive portfolio of more than 50 all-inclusive itineraries. MORE § Sydney: With over 60 million travel review and opinions you can't ignore the power of the people on TripAdvisor. MORE § Bangkok: Let lebua Hotels & Resorts Bangkok stave off the winter blues. MORE § Mount Isa: The stars of Australia’s rodeo circuit – and thousands of visitors – will head to the Queensland Outback. MORE POSTED 15 MAY 2012 § Egypt: Bench International has released a deal offering $500 per couple off an Egypt itinerary to mark the birthday last Tuesday of Howard Carter, the man who discovered Tutankhamen's tomb nearly 100 years ago in the Valley of the Kings. MORE § Christchurch: New Zealand's largest hotel group, Accor, has announced plans to reopen two of its four Christchurch hotels. MORE § Tasmania: Combining best value for money with all the must see sights, AAT Kings new 2012/13 Best Buys Tasmania brochure provides travellers with the ultimate. MORE § Phuket: Crowne Plaza continues to extend its brand presence in South East Asia with the opening of Crowne Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach Resort. MORE § South America: South American eco-adventure company explora has started their 2012 season of operating a range of seven different specially-designed nomadic journeys. MORE § Japan: In late November the gardens of Kyoto show their best autumn foliage. MORE § Europe: Insight Vacations has launched its 2012/13 Winter Europe. MORE § Borneo: YTL Hotels will open its highly anticipated development, Gaya Island Resort, Borneo on July 1. MORE § Tasmania: Offering two exciting classes in July, the luxury Red Feathers retreat and cooking school in Tasmania will provide guests with an exquisite culinary journey. MORE § London: With Ascot, Wimbledon and The Olympics around the corner, there is no better time to take advantage of the fabulous package currently being offered by The Capital Hotel. MORE POSTED 14 MAY 2012 § Santorini: Save $963 on a Greek island holiday. MORE § Melbourne: Melbourne’s Winter Masterpieces' accommodation sponsor Accor is offering packages priced from $169 per couple. MORE § Hong Kong: Flight and accommodation deal to Hong Kong. MORE § Endangered wildlife: International travel company PlanetWildlife is promoting experiential safaris aimed at increasing awareness of endangered species. MORE § Broome: A rare opportunity for real insight into Australia’s pearl industry. MORE § Gold Coast: Save more than $500 on a five-night family Gold Coast holiday. MORE § Macarthur region: Aerobatic flights, hot air balloon trips, ghost tours, harness racing, historic inns and mansions, mountain biking and the biggest botanic garden in Australia feature in a new brochure called 101 Things to Do in Macarthur. MORE § Sydney: Discover Sydney’s best Portuguese tarts, handmade Belgian chocolate, Italian salami, Taiwanese dumplings and other authentic international flavours. MORE § Milford Sound: A bonus helicopter flight on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. MORE § Russia: Gateway Travel’s 10-day ‘The Russian Northern Express’ utilises the new high-speed Sapsan train. MORE § Cook Islands: In an attempt to increase self-sustainability, the 180 or so residents of Mitiaro, the fourth largest island in the Cook Islands, have launched the country’s first homestay project. MORE § Phuket: Looking to escape to Thailand over the winter? MORE POSTED 13 MAY 2012 § Cruising: The dream many avid cruisers have of sailing on one of Cunard’s magnificent “Queen” vessels can become reality by cruising on not one but two of the famous ships. MORE § Europe: There's no better time to plan a trip to Europe for the Christmas season than now - travellers can save money throughout the year and can take advantage of Trafalgar's early booking discount. MORE § Mallorca: Sunsail announced they will be opening a new yacht charter base in Palma on the island of Mallorca. MORE § Japan: Be brave and step off the beaten track. Japan is once again buzzing with tourists, but the majority are all going to see the same attractions. MORE § Nelson: Edenhouse, Nelson, New Zealand, situated within 48 acres of private grounds and extensive gardens, offers you a luxury weekend getaway. MORE § Fiji: Bebe Spa Sanctuary at Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji has released a new menu. MORE § Christchurch: Huntley Lodge, Christchurch's leading luxury boutique hotel, offers you an R&R weekend away. MORE § New Zealand: Grand Pacific Tours, the New Zealand Luxury Coach Holiday specialist, have released their dedicated 16 Day Single Travellers Highlights Tour for 2012-13. MORE § Samoa: Save 30% at Samoa’s premiere luxury resort, Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa. MORE § Cruising: Princess Cruises has launched its biggest ever range of cruises for Australians. MORE § Riverland: Captain Cook Cruises has announced it will operate a second seven night Renmark cruise. MORE POSTED 12 MAY 2012 § NSW/Queensland: Peppers Hotels and Resorts are offering superb pamper packages either side of the NSW/Queensland border. MORE § Prague: Eastern Europe travel specialists Beyond Travel are offering special discounts on a variety of “Stay Pay” hotel deals in Prague. MORE § Queensland: Saddle up and experience all the adventure of a magnificent working cattle property at Mount Mulligan Station. MORE § Queensland: You can experience everything Tropical North Queensland has to offer in style with Pullman Reef Hotel Casino’s Delicious Escapade package. MORE § Africa: ‘Spice it Up in the Serengeti’ is one of 20 indulgent itineraries on offer from The Classic Safari Company. MORE § Mount Cook: World-renowned tourist destination The Hermitage Hotel at Aoraki Mount Cook has just completed a $2.5million refurbishment programme. MORE § Hobart: Hobart's historic Hadleys Hotel has played an integral part in Tasmanian and Australian history. MORE § Auckland: There’s never been a better time to experience the suite life in Auckland. MORE § Beijing: One of the unique tours offered by the China Guide is a tour of Beijing's hutong neighborhoods by rickshaw. MORE § Coffs Harbour: Polish up on your swing dance moves and roll out the hot rods, Wintersun 2012 is hitting Coffs Harbour in June this year for its 25th anniversary. MORE § Beijing: Beijing's Summer Palace has inaugurated the Summer Palace Monitoring Center for World Cultural Heritage. MORE § Thailand: With the addition of the trendy and popular Oceanside Beach Club in 2010, the award-winning Putahracsa brought a hip and new feel to beachfront venues in the Thai seaside town of Hua Hin. MORE POSTED 11 MAY 2012 § Touring: APT’s Freedom of Choice local touring now has 200 experiences with the addition of three new options. MORE § New Zealand: Luxury accommodation provider Peppers Retreats and Resorts has added the multi-award winning Awaroa Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park to its expanding New Zealand portfolio. MORE § Cruising: Cruise specialists ecruising.travel have released their 26-night package from Sydney to Beijing on board the stunning Diamond Princess. MORE § Europe: Australian discount travel website, FlightsFlights, is offering new discounted flights to Europe with Air France for departures by May 30, 2012. MORE § Cruising: Cruiseco has a huge choice of dates between March and November next year for 21 day fly, river cruise and stay package between Paris and Prague. MORE § Melbourne: Doting daughters wishing to treat their mothers to something special this Mother's Day will find their wishes answered at The Langham, Melbourne. MORE § Queenstown: Hilton Queenstown has been named one of the hottest new hotels in the world by Conde Nast Traveler's 2012 Hot List. MORE § Cruising: Cruiseco has six exceptionally priced fly, cruise and stay packages to Europe between June and October of this year. MORE § Fiji: For the first time ever Captain Cook Cruises is offering a 7-night Fiji golf cruise aboard small ship MV Reef Endeavour. MORE § Japan: Taking a bath in Japan is considered to be a cultural experience. MORE § Port Stephens: Raise your tea cups and toast to another long weekend! The Queen’s birthday long weekend is June 8-11 and Peppers is inviting you to celebrate in her honour with a range of ‘jolly good’ getaways. MORE POSTED 10 MAY 2012 § Europe: Interlude Tours’ annual 35-day European autumn itinerary will depart Sydney on September 18. MORE § China: Glenn Shorrock will perform an exclusive solo concert during Helen Wong Tours’ 12-day Cruise the Yangtze. MORE § Europe: Book by May 31 and get $100-per-person onboard credit for any seven-night-plus MSC European cruise departing in July or August. MORE § Hawaii: Hawaii’s Kohala Coast has long been largely the preserve of large resorts, but when it opens next month Lava Lava Beach Club will bring laidback barefoot luxury on a smaller scale. MORE § Mudgee: Newly opened de Russie Suites, in Mudgee’s historic Mechanics Institute, offers fresh, luxurious, self-contained apartment accommodation. MORE § Melbourne: I’ve long believed that hotels, resorts and holiday apartments should provide internet access on the same basis as they provide towels and soap — for free. MORE § Japan: Save more than $2000 on a family ski package in the Japanese Alps. MORE § Ayers Rock: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia has introduced a range of free daily indigenous guest activities at Ayers Rock Resort. MORE § Asian rail: Melbourne-based International Rail has added China, Vietnam, Thailand and Korea to its books. MORE § Arctic: Save 20 per cent on Peregrine Adventures’ 2013 Arctic voyages on board the Sea Spirit. MORE § New Zealand: Early-payment savings on New Zealand coach tours. MORE POSTED 09 MAY 2012 § South Korea: Visitors to South Korea can immerse themselves totally in the local culture through Koreastay, a home-stay program certified by Korea Tourism Organization. MORE § India: Holiday Specialists is offering a 14-day rail-and-private-car Footsteps of Buddha tour embracing six of the country’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. MORE § Europe: Save $1000 on your companion’s Rome airfare through Insight Vacations’ 2012-13 Winter Europe program. MORE § Kenya: An 11-night Kenya Conservation safari is one of 20 indulgent itineraries on offer from The Classic Safari Company this year. MORE § River cruising: A highlight of Uniworld’s 2013 boutique river-cruise program will be an Italian itinerary including the Po River and the Venice Lagoon. MORE § Aif travel: Discounted airfares to Singapore and Europe. MORE § Pyrmont: About 20 Mudgee winemakers will bring their wares to Sydney from May 18-27 for the Pyrmont Festival of Wine, Food and Art. MORE § Thailand: Save 25 per cent on rooms and breakfast with opening specials at the new Swissôtel Resort Phuket. MORE § North-East Victoria: The High Country’s winter tourism season will kick off with Queen’s Birthday long weekend festivities taking place across North-East Victoria. MORE § London: If you’re visiting London for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee or the Olympics, consider adding The Capital Hotel to your itinerary. MORE § Albany: Watch migrating whales playing in King George Sound, off the Western Australian town of Albany. MORE POSTED 26 APRIL 2012 § Cruising: Australians who now make up an amazing ten per cent of guests aboard the world’s most highly-rated boutique passenger vessels, the mega motor-cruisers SeaDream I and SeaDream II, can now lay claim to another record – we make more back-to-back sailings than guests from any other part in the world. MORE POSTED 24 APRIL 2012 § South Coast NSW: Winter indulgence package at Mercure Gerringong by the Sea. MORE POSTED 23 APRIL 2012 § Cruising PNG: P&O Cruises has added two dedicated Papua New Guinea itineraries to its 2013-14 program. MORE § San Francisco: Sunsail will offer a different type of US West Coast holiday opportunity when it opens a base in San Francisco in June with a fleet of Sunsail First 40s. MORE § Gold Coast: Save up to 65 per cent with Sea World Resort & Water Park’s Red Hot Special package. MORE § Vanuatu: Stay four or more nights at Vanuatu’s newly refurbished Melanesian Hotel and receive every second night free. MORE § Gulgong: Roll up your swag, practise your bush poetry and prose, and head west to Gulgong on the weekend of June 9–11 for the Henry Lawson Festival. MORE § Queenstown: Heli-skiing is obviously not just for the well heeled. Liquid Snow Tours’ new Queenstown Heli Shred package that includes a full day of heli-skiing with Southern Lakes Heli Skiing and a week’s accommodation. MORE § Cruising: Australians have the choice of more than 100 European voyages next year on Cunard’s ‘royal’ trio. MORE § Northern Lights: Given reasonable cooperation from the elements, Cruiseaway’s new 18-day fly-cruise-stay package next February should provide a great opportunity to witness one of the world’s most spectacular phenomena, the Northern Lights. MORE § Australian accommodation: Stay two consecutive nights and receive a complimentary third night at Citadines on Bourke in Melbourne or any Somerset Serviced Residence in Melbourne, Hobart and Perth. MORE POSTED 20 APRIL 2012 § Cruising: SeaDream Yacht Club has a range of new additions from the best names in beauty in its Spas. MORE § Europe car hire: If you’re heading to Europe before June 30 this year and are still undecided about that car for a self-drive holiday, Renault Eurodrive have a huge $300 saving. MORE § Cruising: For a limited time, Aurora Expeditions is offering the chance to travel on a number of its iconic expedition cruises. MORE § Fiji: Located in the north west of the Fijiian Islands, Laucala is a private island of breathtaking natural beauty with crystal clear beaches, dazzling turquoise lagoons, rich green mountains and swaying palm trees. MORE § Australia & NZ: Raise your tea cups and toast to another long weekend! The Queen's birthday long weekend is 8 to 11 June and Peppers is inviting you to celebrate in her honour with a range of 'jolly good' getaways. MORE § Northland: Waipoua Lodge, situated on New Zealand’s Kauri Coast, offers you a luxury weekend escape. MORE § Brisbane: With Hilton Brisbane's $14 million refurbishment setting new standards for the city's upper upscale hotel market the iconic CBD landmark has unveiled the final piece of the puzzle - a swank new bar. MORE § Melbourne: Making Mums feel appreciated, pampered and special is the aim of Mothers' Day. MORE § San Francisco: San Francisco CityPASS, which saves 48 percent on attraction admissions, makes planning a getaway to this perennial American favorite a breeze. MORE POSTED 19 APRIL 2012 § South America: APT is offering a companion fly free deal, including air taxes, to join one of its 32 escorted small group South America tours next year, if booked by June 30 this year. MORE § Croatia & Slovenia: Beyond Travel has just released a last minute special - a saving of $1000 per couple – on the exclusive special journey “Croatia and Slovenia By Land and By Sea”. MORE § Sydney: After 989 whales were spotted in the 2011 Whale Watching season plus hundreds of dolphins and fur seals, Captain Cook Cruises is back again in 2012 with daily Whale Watching cruises. MORE § Tasmania: Tasmania's spectacular scenery and breathtaking views have been recognised by Australian Traveller magazine. MORE § Fiji: Within just seven months of operation, Tadrai Island Resort, Fiji, has been named in Holidays for Couples Top 25 Romance List for 2012. MORE § Green accommodation: As part of Accor's launch of PLANET 21, the group is introducing new key-cards, made from FSC-certified wood from responsibly managed forests. MORE § Atlantic: Cruiseco has three exciting new fly, cruise and stay holidays that take you to both sides of the Atlantic for literally two cruise holidays in one – and even better still, two people do the cruise sectors of these packages for the price of just one. MORE § Hotel dining: Whether taking a seaside, country or city break this autumn, Accor hotels is offering guests the opportunity to indulge a little more with a $50 per night credit to spend on breakfast, dinner or in the bar at over 50 participating hotels and resorts across Australia. MORE POSTED 18 APRIL 2012 § Cradle Mountain: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge is set to take gourmet dining to new heights when it plays host to Tasmania’s premier culinary festival, ‘Tastings at the Top’. MORE § Auckland: Cruise specialists ecruising.travel have just released special promotional return airfares when you book by May 31 to join a 12-night cruise on the Celebrity Solstice from Auckland to Sydney. MORE § Rwanda: Intrepid Travel has announced that for the remainder of 2012 it will absorb the USD $250 increase in gorilla permits that the Rwandan Government has recently announced. MORE § Kimberleys: One of Australia's most spectacular destinations, El Questro Wilderness Park, opened its gates again on 1 April, 2012 to welcome visitors to the magnificent Kimberley region in far north Western Australia. MORE § Queenstown: Holiday-makers from New Zealand, Australia and around the world can now check out the fantastic lineup of events for the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest winter party, the 2012 American Express Queenstown Winter Festival. MORE § Hunter Valley: The inaugural Snow Garden festival is set to take place at the Hunter Valley Gardens from 30 June to 15 July. MORE § Sydney: Mantra is making a night at the ballet even more memorable with a range of 'Ballet & Stay' packages on offer during the exclusive Sydney season of the English National Ballet. MORE POSTED 17 APRIL 2012 § South America: Waiving of solo-traveller supplement at Explora’s South Amercian eco-lodges in Atacama, Patagonia and Easter Island. MORE § Sydney Harbour: Book a group of four or more on one of Captain Cook Cruises’ Christmas-in-July High Tea at Sea departures on Sydney Harbour and save 20 per cent. MORE § Northern Europe: Discover the lands, lore and legends of the Vikings this August on Far Horizons’ 21-day fully escorted tour. MORE § Australia: Want to take that round-Australia adventure but have qualms about taking off alone? MORE § Worldwide luxury: Showing off its connections with fashion, Sofitel Luxury Hotels has launched a Spring and Autumn Collections program at more than 120 hotels and resorts worldwide. MORE § Fiji: Book through Escape Travel and stay seven nights at Fiji’s five-star Outrigger on the Lagoon for the price of five. MORE § Hawaii: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa has increased the Big Island's appeal through a land-and-sea-based excursion in partnership with the Nakoa Foundation. MORE § India: Australian herb-and-spice gurus Ian (“Herbie”) and Liz Hemphill will lead a small-group 17-day spice-discovery tour of India next January. MORE POSTED 15 APRIL 2012 § South Korea: Spring in Korea brings with it a feast of festival events all over the country. MORE § Antarctic: Cruiseco has added one of the last frontiers to its diversity of world-wide cruise holiday options. MORE § Kangaroo Island: The much-lauded and multi-award winning Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island announces its new three night cool season package. MORE § Brisbane: Brisbane's largest hotel, The Sebel & Citigate King George Square Brisbane, is thrilled to unveil a new room concept. MORE § Rome: Australian discount travel website, FlightsFlights, is offering a new discounted fly and stay package to Rome. MORE § North Queensland: For keen golfers wanting a taste of adventure, Skysafari, in conjunction with Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club have created the ultimate day tour. MORE § Tahiti: Discover French Polynesia’s “Celebration of Life” with the Heiva Festival. MORE POSTED 12 APRIL 2012 § Vanuatu: Children under 12 stay free and eat free when their parents book a fly/stay package at the newly re-furbished The Melanesian in Vanuatu by April 30. MORE § New Zealand coach touring: Book a New Zealand coach tour 12 months ahead and save up to $1700 per couple or book and pay the deposit before July 31 to save up to $1000 a couple are deals offered by APT on its just released 2012-13 season holidays. MORE § Thailand: Amari Hua Hin, the latest addition to Amari's portfolio of properties in Thailand, will open in June 2012. MORE § Europe: Trafalgar, the Insider of guided holidays, is pleased to announce the launch of their 2012 Autumn, Winter & Spring Europe brochure. MORE § Thailand: The Songkran Festival, also known as the "water splashing festival", marks the beginning of a new solar year and the summer season in Thailand. MORE § Singapore: Pan Pacific Singapore has announced that it will be embarking on the hotel's biggest transformation in its 25-year history. MORE § Miranda: Increased demand for accommodation in the Sutherland Shire has resulted in Metro Inn Miranda adding a new penthouse level with 14 superior rooms. MORE § South American youth travel: Can you feel that Latin fever? If not, you'll soon be 'livin la vida loca' with the launch of Contiki's 2012/13 Latin America brochure. MORE § Boston: With Boston CityPASS, savvy travelers can immerse themselves in Beantown's best attractions for a surprisingly attractive price. MORE § Australian holiday parks: Australia's favourite holiday park provider, BIG4 Holiday Parks has strengthened its already robust network by adding five new properties to its portfolio. MORE POSTED 11 APRIL 2012 § Cruising: Sailing on Cunard’s magnificent Queen Elizabeth is a life ambition for many people so imagine how good it would be to spend 14 days sailing around the Baltic on her and then joining sister ship Queen Mary 2 for a seven day voyage to New York. MORE § Cruising: Originally intended as a Soviet spy ship but now a popular floating country house, the stylish British cruise ship, Minerva, will offer a 29-night soft adventure ‘discovery’ cruise from Dubai to Singapore this December. MORE § Maldives: NIYAMA, Per AQUUM’s latest addition to their award winning portfolio is now open. MORE § Wellington: Heritage Hotel Management is delighted to announce the Wellesley Boutique Hotel, Wellington, New Zealand, as the sixth hotel to join the exclusive Heritage Boutique Collection. MORE § Ireland: Trafalgar invites travellers to make their friends and family green with envy by considering Ireland as a guided holiday destination in 2012. MORE POSTED 09 APRIL 2012 — PM [click for AM] § Cruising: Seadream Yacht Club will make a complete circumnavigation of the Black Sea in August next year. MORE § Canadian Rockies: Qantas Holidays are excited to announce that they are now offering Canadian Rocky Mountaineer journeys. MORE § Queensland in winter: While the temperature drops in the southern states, Queensland is preparing for a calendar of fun and wacky events to keep the winter blues at bay. MORE § Burma: Travel specialist Peregrine has been taking clients to Burma since 1999. MORE § Queenstown: Peppers Beacon Queenstown has unveiled a $1million makeover to boast the newest rooms in Queenstown just in time for a bumper ski season. MORE § Burma: Intrepid Travel has added a further 36 departures for its Best of Burma tour in response to exceptional demand from passengers. MORE § Paris: Australian discount flight site, Direct Flights, is offering a new discounted fly and stay package to Paris, flying Cathay Pacific. MORE § Vietnam: Buy Wendy Wu Tours’ 18-day Vietnam Highlights package and receive a $560 five-day extension to the old French hill station of Sapa for just $10 extra. MORE § Gold Coast hinterland: Treat Mum to a luxurious Mothers Day package at Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa in the Gold Coast hinterland. MORE § Arctic: Aurora Expeditions claims it is the only “small ship” tour operator visiting the farthest reaches of the Arctic this year. MORE § Surfers Paradise: Celebrate Gold Coast art, culture, music and food at the Surfers Paradise Festival. MORE § Toowoomba: Queensland’s Skytrans is scheduled to begin flights between Sydney and Toowoomba on July 2, offering fast access to the Darling Downs and a raft of natural attractions and rural-based tourist activities. MORE § Cruising: Be among the first to sail aboard Princess Cruises’ spectacular new Royal Princess when it sails its first-ever Mediterranean cruise in June of next year. MORE § Maldives: Travellers to the Maldives can enjoy playing golf for the first time with the opening of a nine-hole course at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa. MORE § India: Save up to 13 per cent through early-bird booking on The Indian Maharaja, one of the world’s most luxurious trains. MORE § Whitsundays: The Derwent Hunter, a traditional tall ship which has been sailing the Whitsundays for 20 years, is now offering day trips from Airlie Beach. MORE § Auckland: Save up to $175 on a romantic weekend escape at Cotter House, an intimate Auckland art hotel and private retreat. MORE POSTED 05 APRIL 2012 § Cruising with kids: Leading cruise line MSC Cruises has stepped up its plans to attract more families by revamping and updating its Kids’ Club programs to satisfy all age groups. MORE § Germany & beyond: Long-distance rail travel seems to be thriving in Europe, and for a number of very good reasons. MORE § Port Macquarie: There might not be any snow at Port Macquarie, but the city’s Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park is certainly getting ready to show off a couple of snow leopards. MORE § Vietnam & Cambodia: Celebrity chef Luke Nguyen has designed two enhancements for APT’s Vietnam and Cambodia packages. MORE § South America: Travelling to South America has always seemed disproportionately expensive, so it’s great to see some real activity with discounted trans-Pacific airfares. MORE § South Korea: Get yourself to Expo 2012 Yeosu in Korea from 12 May to 12 August this year with newly released travel packages. MORE § Cross the Nullabor: The saying "life begins at 40" couldn't be more true for the Indian Pacific. MORE POSTED 03 APRIL 2012 § Kimberley: A special chartered voyage through the rugged Kimberley region aboard the luxurious expedition vessel, Orion, is being offered by Cruise Express. MORE § England: The famous McLaren MP4-12C sports car (12C) is now available for hire for the first time ever. MORE § Hangzhou: There are few places more romantic in China than Hangzhou. MORE § Greece: Busabout is offering a fantastic 2-day Greek Odyssey trip letting adventure seekers make the most of the 2012 European summer. MORE § Queensland: This ANZAC Day there’s no need to go to Gallipoli to show your respect; Queensland is teeming with memorial sites that pay tribute to our fallen soldiers, making a great pilgrimage holiday. MORE POSTED 02 APRIL 2012 § Bora Bora: Air Tahiti Nui and Select Vacations invite you on a family adventure to breathtaking Bora Bora with a new seven-night ‘Bora Bora Family – Kids’ package where children stay, play and eat free. MORE POSTED 30 MARCH 2012 § Pacific cruising: Save between $5200 and $11,000 per person on a 24-night cruise package from Los Angeles to Sydney on the Sea Princess. MORE § Egypt: Partner travels free on selected departures for Icon Journeys’ nine-day Treasures of the Nile package. MORE § International flights: Discounted flights to New York with one-day stopover in South Africa. MORE § Sydney: The Observatory Hotel, in Sydney’s historic Millers Point precinct, is offering an accommodation package in conjunction with the Art Gallery of NSW’s 2012 Archibald, Wynne & Sulman Prizes exhibition. MORE § Sydney: I’ve long regarded Park Hyatt Sydney, right on the city’s waterfront between Circular Quay and The Rocks as one of the finest examples of merging modern functionality into a genuinely iconic historic landscape. MORE § Piedmont: Hedonistic Hiking’s walking holiday in Italy’s Piedmont region this October will be a celebration of slow food and slow travel. MORE § Queenstown: Remarkables Lodge, nestled among the spectacular mountain ranges of New Zealand’s Queenstown, is offering a luxurious three-night getaway. MORE § Sunshine Coast: Save on family activities with the new Sunshine Coast Super Pass. MORE POSTED 24 MARCH 2012 § Turkey: Beyond Travel has expanded its Eastern European options by adding a range of Turkish short stays. MORE § Malaysia: From March through to October, Malaysia’s Pulau Tenggol Island and its Terengganu Marine Park offer some of the world’s finest diving and snorkelling. MORE § Ballarat: Double the fun these Easter holidays at Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill theme park. MORE § Camden: Get some thrills — and perhaps a few laughs — on a new adults-only ghost tour of historic 183-year-old Gledswood mansion, near Camden in the Macarthur region. MORE § The Rocks: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is offering families the opportunity for a luxurious getaway to the Royal Easter Show. MORE § Burma: The recent political thaw has created a boom in demand for travel to Burma (Myanmar) so adventure specialists Explore Worldwide has increased departures to the country by more than 70 extra dates during 2012. MORE § Cairns: Stay beachfront in tropical North Queensland at the four-star Australis Cairns Beach Resort. MORE § Groote Eylandt: Save $640 per couple on a two-night Weekend Escape at Dugong Beach Resort, an exclusive luxury eco-resort located in the Groote Eylandt Archipelago, north of Darwin. MORE § Asia: Voyages to Antiquity, a specialist cruise company renowned for its history-themed Mediterranean journeys, is expanding its program into the Orient. MORE § North-West Tasmania: Tasmanian Wild Abalone Tours combines adventure with luxurious rewards. MORE POSTED 16 MARCH 2012 § Italy: Super-cheap Italian rail journeys. MORE § Queenstown: Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa has teamed with Skimax to offer a luxury ski package on New Zealand’s South Island this winter. MORE § Phuket: Qantas holidays package to Phuket. MORE § Port Stephens: I do love Port Stephens Beachside Holiday Parks’ new ‘My Space’ campaign, which urges social networkers to stop downloading and spend their downtime by the beach with real friends. MORE § Coral Coast: Save 20 per cent on a minimum two-night stay at Peppers Coral Coast Resort. MORE § Ningaloo: The 2012 whale-shark season has just commenced in Ningaloo Marine Park, on Western Australia’s Coral Coast. MORE § Europe car leasing: Tour Europe in a brand-new Citroen leased for 17 days through Sydney-based globalCARS and get another seven to nine days free. MORE § Europe/China fares: Discounted online airfares to China and Europe with Direct Flights and China Southern Airlines. MORE. § Flinders Ranges: One of Australia’s leading travel photographers, Lonely Planet’s Richard I’Anson will lead a four-night luxury photographic retreat at Arkaba Station in the Flinders Ranges. MORE § Southern Highlands: Solar Springs Health Retreat is offering a three-day weekend package for the annual Brigadoon Highland Gathering. MORE POSTED 13 MARCH 2012 § Caribbean: Save up about 60 per cent this December exploring the colourful coral reefs, exotic sea life and ship wrecks of the Caribbean, using the SeaDream I or II as your floating five-star hotel. MORE § Uluru: Spend some of the Easter school holidays exploring the ancient landscape around Uluru while staying at the self-contained Emu Walk Apartments or the Desert Gardens Hotel. MORE § Pakistan: Looking for some real two-wheeled adventure? SpiceRoads Cycle Tours is offering two new 15-day itineraries in remote destinations in Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. MORE § Port Stephens: Book two nights at newly refurbished Nelson Resort in Port Stephens and get a third night for $10. MORE § Mudgee: Burn off the chocolate this Easter at the Mudgee Bike Muster, a family-friendly event which will be held in the Central Western NSW town from April 6-9 with the focus on recreational cycling, food and wine. MORE § Vietnam: Helen Wong’s Tours has added a 12-day Vietnam Culinary Delights itinerary to its 2012–13 program. MORE § Sunshine Coast: Easter family bonus packages at Hyatt Regency Coolum Golf Resort and Spa, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. MORE § Sydney: Kids travel for free on selected Captain Cook Cruises’ Sydney Harbour excursions these Easter school holidays. MORE § Florence: Sip chilled Prosecco overlooking the rooftops of Florence at sunset, stock up on sumptuous provisions next day at Florence’s central market, then head off to a luxury villa at the 11th-century Castello di Volpaia, as well as taking part in hands-on cooking classes. MORE § Lord Howe Island: Two internationally renowned Australian artists, Adam Rish and Archibald-winner Gary Shead, will host a small-group artists’ retreat at Lord Howe Island’s luxurious Arajilla Retreat from April 20-23. MORE POSTED 08 MARCH 2012 § Hong Kong: Wendy Wu Tours’ four-day ‘Hong Kong in Focus’ package offers the city as an excellent stopover option on the way to or from Europe, China or Japan. MORE § Fiji: Unlimited spa treatments at Fiji’s luxury Tokoriki Island Resort. MORE § Europe: Tauck’s new 10-day ‘A Taste of France’ itinerary explores the country’s rich culinary traditions, starting with a two-night stay in Paris exploring local food. MORE § Raratonga: Stay six nights for the price of four at Muri Beach Club Hotel at Raratonga in the Cook Islands. MORE § North America: Cruiseaway had combined some very different aspects of North America with its 30-night ‘Alaskan Skies & Panama Sighs’ tour. MORE § NSW & ACT: Easter deals at Crowne Plaza’s Canberra, Coogee Beach, Hunter Valley and Terrigal properties. MORE § Brisbane: Enjoy whistles blowing, carriages swaying and the smell of steam as you see Brisbane in a relaxed and quite different style. MORE § Blanket Bay: Even with a 40 per cent discount — which takes the per-person per-night tariff down to NZ$450 (about A$390) plus GST — New Zealand’s 12-suite Blanket Bay lodge is obviously not in any budget-accommodation listing. MORE § International: Save more than $4500 per person on a Cruise Express round-the-word fly/cruise holiday. MORE POSTED 27 FEBRUARY 2012 § Europe: Fly free to Europe for APT’s Christmas Amsterdam-Budapest river cruises. MORE § Europe/Asia rail: Beyond Travel is offering discounts of up to $940 per couple on first-class trains travelling the Trans-Siberian and Silk Road routes. MORE § Australia: Outback tour specialist Travel West is spreading its wings by offering air safaris over Central Australia and the Kimberley. MORE § Solomon Islands: Take a trip to the Solomon Islands to experience an island nation rich in World War II history and possessing some of the world’s most pristine and scenic waters. MORE § Cruising: Save between $1350 and $2500 per person on an 18-night Sydney-to-Honolulu cruise package the newly renovated Radiance of the Seas, calling at Auckland, Papeete, Moorea, Bora Bora and Hilo before disembarking in Honolulu. MORE § Vanuatu: Save 50 per cent on a four-night stay at Port Vila’s three-star Melanesian. MORE § Port Douglas: Potentially one of the best places to observe the total solar on November 14 will be northern Queensland’s Port Douglas. MORE § Noosa: From May 17-20, the Noosa International Food & Wine Festival will see some of the world's best chefs and Australia's best winemakers descend upon Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. MORE § Black Sea: Gateway Travel is offering seven-night ‘Black Sea Treasures’ cruises between Istanbul and Odessa between June and September from $3025 per person twin-share. MORE POSTED 15 FEBRUARY 2012 § Sydney: Combine the iconic AAMI Golden Slipper, Australia’s richest day of racing, with Sydney CBD accommodation. MORE POSTED 14 FEBRUARY 2012 § Samoa: Save 30 per cent at Samoa’s Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa. MORE § Sunshine Coast: Move north for the winter to Grand Mercure Apartments Twin Waters on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. MORE § Fiji: Pay $1490 for five nights for a bure (which can accommodate an adult couple plus two children) on Fiji’s Toberua Island Resort and get any extra nights for $1 each. MORE § Cruising: Oceania Cruises has teamed with Royal Theatrical Productions to feature Now and Forever — The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber on board its new 1250-passenger Riviera, which debuts in May. MORE § Mount Hutt: Kids 4 Free deal this winter at New Zealand’s Methven and Mt Hutt ski area. MORE § Magnetic Island: Romantic getaway at Peppers Blue on Blue Resort, Magnetic Island. MORE § Alaska: Bonus free night at the historic Baranof Hotel in Juneau when you take an eight-day Venture Holidays’ Alaskan cruise. MORE § Europe: Enjoy next festive season in Europe against a beautiful backdrop of grand cities, charming medieval villages and twinkling lights. MORE § Gold Coast: The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has announced the opening of its latest show, Yanguwah, the Gold Coast's first authentic indigenous dinner experience. MORE § Crete: Icon Journeys’ Island Explorer Crete holiday offers a private tour of Crete over six days in a deluxe Mercedes and the chance to explore Athens for three days. MORE § Canberra: This year’s Canberra Festival — from March 2-18 — marks the city’s 99th birthday and begins the countdown to our national capital’s centenary celebrations. MORE § South Africa: Save more than $1200 per couple on a Bench International Shongololo rail safari between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg. MORE POSTED 10 FEBRUARY 2012 § Europe: Le Boat — Europe's largest Canal Boat Operator — is celebrating Valentine's Day with a special 'Love-in Weekend'. MORE POSTED 09 FEBRUARY 2012 § Moorea: Air Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Travel Connection have launched ‘The Perfect Pearl’, a seven-night Moorea adventure package. MORE § Sydney: Heading to Sydney’s Capitol Theatre to see Andrew Lloyd Webber’s latest opus, Love Never Dies, before it closes at the end of March? MORE § London: Celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in plush class. MORE § Europe: Take out a 45-day-or-longer lease on a brand-new Renault Eurodrive mid-to-family-size lease vehicle before February 29 for collection before December 31 and save up to $330. MORE § England: Martin Randall Travel has employed the services of renowned scholars and historians to lead a series of tours focusing on the lives of three great Englishmen. MORE § Europe: Guests on Interlude Tours’ 2012 autumn tour to the UK and Europe will travel in two state-of-the-art nine-seat Citroens. MORE § Thailand: Opening specials at the new Ibis Hua Hin, located in the Hua Hin beachside resort area in Khao Takiab, about 200 kilometres from Bangkok. MORE § International flights: From March 7, Hong Kong Airlines will introduce a daily Sydney-London service using a combination of Qantas flights to Hong Kong and its own Airbus A330-200s configured to seat just 116 passengers in two business-class cabins. MORE § Europe: Fly free ex Sydney for 26-night Cruiseco packages taking in nine Central and Eastern European countries. MORE § Broome: Re-opening specials at Broome’s renovated Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa. MORE § Britain: Save $500 per couple on Botanica’s 11-day ‘British Isles Gardens, History and Birdlife Cruise’, which can be tied in with a visit to the 2013 Chelsea Flower Show. MORE |