Office News

In March we had several staff members attend famils on the Gold Coast, Red Centre and Tasmania.

Product of the Month

Boutique Wildlife Tours - putting the WILD back into Wildlife!

Imagine this . . . It’s your second night in Australia, and you find yourself in the Bush, peering through the gum leaves at a Koala in the wild. You’re travelling with an experienced Naturalist Guide, who’s explaining to you why Australia’s fauna and flora hold such an extraordinary place in world ecology.
Welcome to Boutique Wildlife Tours - a unique, in-the-bush wildlife tour departing from Sydney, that lets you see Australia’s most iconic native animals in their natural, undisturbed environment.
Shunning zoos and nature parks, Boutique Wildlife Tours takes you to the Southern Highlands, about 90 minutes from Sydney, to experience Australian wildlife in an unspoilt, bush setting. Utilising several thousand acres of pristine bush and farmland, Boutique Wildlife Tours promises you the chance to see Australia’s own “Big 5″ in the wild - Koalas, Kangaroos, Wombats, Platypus & Emus - as well as a host of birdlife and other animals.

Operating every day from Sydney, these are day-tours with a difference. A pick-up around 12 noon with drop-off around 10pm gives you a chance to sleep-in - but more importantly, allows you the opportunity to see the wildlife when you’re most likely to see it.

Fabulous cliff-top walks introduce you to Koalas in the grey-gum forests, followed by drives through the paddocks following Emus & Kangaroos. Spectacular birdlife includes Lyrebirds, Kookaburras, Cockatoos & Rosellas. As dusk approaches, walk the riverbank in search of Platypus, while Wombats, Sugar-gliders & Possums are spotted on night-walks using spotlights and torches.
The tour includes a picnic-style lunch, and hearty, country-style dinner in one of Australia’s oldest pubs. Travel is in 4WD vehicles equipped for exceptional wildlife viewing, with retractable sunroof, large picture windows, and an onboard TV/DVD connected to a 25x zoom video camera. A specialist Naturalist Guide is on hand to interpret all you see in a relaxed, informative way that makes the most of your experience in the Australian Bush.

Boutique Wildlife Tours is just one of the fresh and original tour offerings from Boutique Tours Australia, operating day tours in and around Sydney. They also offer Boutique Wine Tours to the Hunter Valley, and Boutique Mountain Tours giving a fresh approach to Blue Mountains touring, with a focus on aboriginal culture, and a promise to keep away from the crowds. For those looking for private tour options, Boutique Bespoke Tours offer luxury, tailor-made, private itineraries in and around Sydney.

What’s New

Australia wide

Virgin Blue

• Virgin Blue has announced that as of 02 August they will commence daily direct flights between Sydney and Ayers Rock (Uluru).
• The new flights will complement the existing airline capacity and provide terrific opportunities for renewed growth, expansion and promotion of this iconic destination.

APT and Intrepid Connections

• Intrepid Connections is the new name for Connections Safaris, following the implementation of a joint venture between Australian Pacific Touring (APT) and Intrepid Travel.
• The trading name and brand “Connections” will remain until further notice.
• There are no changes to the 10/11 Connections Small Group Touring programs or products.

Golden Chain Australia

• Golden Chain Australia enables you to access 135 unique properties across Australia
• Open Passes enable clients to free wheel right across the country, with no maximum or minimum stays. Properties are sold on three rate tiers: Gold, Green & Blue. Most of these motels have never been accessible to the international travel trade before. Please contact our office for rates.

New South Wales

Tower Lodge in Hunter Valley

• Restaurant NINE has opened at Tower Lodge, setting a new benchmark for Hunter Valley dining.
• Over the past nine years, Tower Lodge in the Hunter Valley has established itself as one of Australia’s finest and most exclusive boutique hotels.
• The consistent level of excellence in product and service delivery has seen Tower Lodge recently accepted as a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux hotel association.
• The intimate setting of NINE restaurant allows for a maximum of 16 guests only, ensuring the highest level of service and attention to detail.

Australian Eco Adventures

• Australian Eco Adventures has changed their Blue Mountain day tour itinerary. They will now visit another town called Hartley Vale, which has a unique history and more abundant kangaroos in the wild than any other location.
• Australian Eco Adventure will still include their exclusive experiences at Featherdale Wildlife Park in the morning, where guests have a unique introduction to the animals at the famous Breakfast with the Koalas
• Due to the changes mentioned above, the tour no longer include a visit to Euroka Clearing.

All Seasons Albury Lake Hume Resort

• Accor have a new All Seasons Hotel, the 82 room hotel located on the shores of Lake Hume, 12 km east of Albury, NSW. Perfect for conventions and recreational activities including wineries, goldfields, boating and fishing
• The hotel has a restaurant, bar and extensive leisure facilities including tennis courts, mini golf, games room, volleyball, two resort pools, sauna and children’s playground.

Skydive the Beach… Sydney’s only beach skydive

• It is now possible to experience the thrill of a beach skydive whilst in Sydney.
• Skydive the Beach is located at North Beach Wollongong, a 2 minute drive from the Wollongong city centre, and transfers are available from Sydney
• Maximum adrenalin, maximum fun…. Securely attached to a professional tandem instructor, exit the plane for over 60 seconds life-changing freefall. Smile, scream, wave, and take in the beach views up to 14,000ft above the beach.

Northern Territory

Outback Ballooning

• Changes to the tour itinerary: Effective 1 April the breakfast is replaced with light refreshments in the ‘bush’ after landing
• There will be champagne and fruit juice and an enticing variety of individually packaged savoury and sweet breakfast foods.
• Outback Ballooning’s guests will appreciate the remoteness of the desert environment wherever they land with food and chilled drinks,and without the need to drive to breakfast.

Alice Springs Helicopters

• The 10 minute tour ‘Just the Alice’ will cease its operation from April.
• Instead they have launched a new tour: Alice Dreaming. This is a brand new 15 minute scenic flight and features the beautiful ranges with aerial views of ‘The Alice’.

Gagudju Adventure Tours

• Previously named Kakadu Gorge & Waterfall Tour has a new name: “Gagudju Adventure Tours”.
• Part of the Gagudju Dreaming family, the indigenous owned Gagudju Adventure Tours is an all-day guided 4WD adventure to the less accessible parts of Kakadu. Discover the spectacular scenery of the escarpment and waterfalls including Jim Jim and Twin Falls in the dry season, with experienced guides.
• Tour includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon refreshments.Pick up and drop offs available from either Jabiru or Cooinda.

Queensland

Coal ship aground off Central Queensland’s Coast

• A Chinese-registered coal ship Shen Neng 1 ran aground off the Central Queensland coast about 70km east of Great Keppel Island on Saturday 3 April.
• Initial reports from the local tourism industry suggest that there has been no damage to business with all tourism services in the region operating normally.
• It’s important to note that Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef stretches more than 2,300km along the Queensland coast and the incident is localised to a remote area approximately 70km from Great Keppel Island, 500km from Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays, 1000km from Cairns and 400km from Fraser Island. There are no tourism operations in the close vicinity of the incident.
• Tourism Queensland is actively working with local authorities to ensure people have an accurate understanding of the affected area and will help to mitigate any effects of the incident on the local tourism industry.
• Local authorities have sprayed dispersant onto the slick which has broken the oil up and there have been no further spills. A floating boom is also currently being installed around the ship to limit the spread of any more oil.
• In the meantime, we encourage anyone concerned about their holiday plans to continue as normal as no tourism operators have been impacted by the incident and there are a wide range of activities available to enjoy in Queensland.

After Cyclone Ului

• The Whitsundays was recently affected by tropical Cyclone Ului
• Very little structural damage occurred throughout the region, and power was restored to all business centres and most residential areas.
• Tourism operators are back into full swing, with ferries operating between the islands and mainland, trips to Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef, bareboat and crewed charter boats operating as per normal again.

Hotel Chino Brisbane Apartments

• Brand new 4.5 star apartment hotel, with 66 rooms and several wheelchair access rooms. Facilities include fully equipped business centre, secure carpark, heated outdoor pool and spa; restaurants and bars
• Boutique style, modern design and the latest technology

Flames of the Forest

• Flames of the Forests recently achieved an inclusion in the Australia’s Top 100 Greatest Gourmet Experiences.
• Since 2003, Flames of the Forest has gained an international reputation for its rainforest experience which combines a magnificent six course banquet dinner in a spectacular candlelit setting

Hayman Island

• Night Reef Discovery: This Hayman Signature Experience invites guests to dive or snorkel the amazing underworld which abounds at night in the Great Barrier Reef surrounds. Hayman’s dive professionals will take guests on an unforgettable adventure to meet up with the incredible variety of reef creatures.
• Hayman is redefining the concept of luxury home ownership and an exclusive lifestyle with the release of 8 Hayman Private Residences. Each residence is being personally designed by Amanresorts and villas architect, Kerry Hill. Four of the 8 residences are under contract and construction is well underway on the first stage of the beautiful new 3 and 4-bedroom Hayman Private Residences.
• The residences will be nestled in the peaceful natural bushland which abounds on the eastern hillside of the island and offers sweeping views from the Whitsunday Passage through to the Coral Sea below.

Hamilton Island

• Hamilton Island’s main swimming pool (located near the Resort Centre) will be undergoing renovations from 10 May until 10 June 2010 and will be closed for use.
• During this time guests will still have access to Hamilton Island’s remaining pools including the Dolphin Pool (also located in the Resort Centre), Reef View Hotel and Whitsunday Holiday Apartment pools, Bougainvillea Pool and Beach Club pool (for Beach Club guests only).

Hyatt Regency Coolum

• The Golf Course is undergoing maintenance over selected periods during in August-October 2010. Further major renovations will be conducted in February 2011. Please request exact dates.

Sun-Air

• Due to recent renovations at the Sunshine Coast Airport, Sun-Air has made some small changes to the arrivals procedure.

Cairns Colonial Club

• Cairns Colonial Club Resort has had 200 of their 345 rooms completely refurbished.
• They have also made some changes to their current City Bus Transfers effective April 2010. The number of services have increased, and their will also be a small charge for this service.
• The Airport Transfers are not affected and remain Free for guests.

Victoria

Phillip Island

• Phillip Island Nature Park has launched a new product: an interactive, investigative, outdoor eco-adventure for student groups of 10 or more.
• Specially developed as a ‘hands on’ educational adventure for students to discover the lives of the Little Penguins, learn thechallengers they face and how the Nature Pak manages environmental and human threats to ensure their survival.

Western Australia

Aspen Resort

• Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, Kununurra Country Club Resort and Ningaloo Reef Resort previously known as ‘The Resort Destinations of Aspen Parks’, have recently rebranded as ‘Aspen Resorts’.

New look Kununurra Country Club Resort:  With a million dollar refurbishment complete, the new look resort takes centre stage as Kununurra’s premier Resort destination.

Specials

New South Wales

Pensione Hotel Sydney

• Pensione Hotel Sydney has a Low Season Special for the “Deluxe Double” room type only.
• Sell dates: 1^st April - 30^th June, Travel dates:6^th April - 30^th June
• Quote Special Code: HOT DEAL. Refer to iCom for rates

Wolgan Valley

• “Winter Escape Package” - including Two nights Heritage Suite accommodation with private pool ; Gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily; All non alcoholic beverages; a range of regional wines and beer with lunch and dinner; Two on-site nature based activities per person per day; A wine and cheese tasting; Port wine (or hot chocolate/marshmallows) on turndown each evening.
• Valid for travel from 1 May to 31 August 2010.
• Quote special code: WESC. Valid for new bookings only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer

Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island

• Relax and Revive offer: Enjoy four nights of blissful escape at Capella this season including one night’s bonus accommodation (Stay 4 Pay 3).
• Sophisticated Solo Bonus: Solo travellers can take advantage of the Relax and Revive offer and pay only the twin share rate.
• Valid for travel from May 1- September 11,2010.

Queensland

Mantra Group

• Selected Sunshine & Fraser Coast properties have released special Autumn B&B rates. Valid until 31 May 2010.
• All Mantra & Peppers properties include plated breakfasts and BreakFree properties offering deluxe starter packs.
• Best of Australia Self Drive rates available at selected Sunshine & Fraser Coast properties. Valid until 30 September 2010.

Novotel Rockford Palm Cove

• Family Offer available at Novotel Rockford Palm Cove
• includes: Kids FREE zone 3hour session + dine freewhen with paying adult.
• Free Kids zone session is available for one 3 hour session per child, once only over duration of stay aged 4-12 years old. Subject to availability.
• Kids zone includes: Games in the pool and snorkelling lesson, sand sculpture, pirate Treasure hunts, mini Olympiads, team building activities, parachute play, mask making, making puppets, pottery classes, play station and Wii games available and indoor and outdoor games plus team sports.
• Valid for sale and travel until 31 July 2010
• 4 nights minimum stay required
• Valid for the following room categories: Superior Room and 2 bedroom Apartment

South Australia

Crowne Plaza Adelaide

• Opening Special : Valid until 30 Jun 10 (excluding 27/05-04/06)
• Special rates available for Standard & Superior Rooms, not valid with any other offer and for new bookings only.
• Special offer code - ADLOP must be quoted.

Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island

• Stay four nights and pay only for three (Stay 4 Pay 3). The four night Remarkable Retreat offer includes one night’s bonus accommodation with our compliments, a KI EpicureanHamperand two$50Southern Spa vouchers per booking.
• Sophisticated Solo Bonus: Solo travellers can take advantage of the Remarkable Retreat offer and pay only the twin share rate.
• The Remarkable Retreat isvalid for travel from May 1- August 31,2010.

Tasmania

Mercure Launceston

• Attractive and newly released ad-hoc group rates available at Mercure Launceston.
• Valid: 01 April 10 - 31 August 10
• Based on minimum 10 rooms, maximum 30 rooms.
• Porterage not available
• Please contact one of our groups consultants for further details.

Victoria

Crown Metropol

• Opening Special in a Luxe Room
• Valid for travel 06 April - 31 August 2010; excluding Special events
• Quote code LWWPRO for this special offer.

Changes & Refurbishment

New South WalesInterContinental Sydney

• Club InterContinental will be undergoing a refurbishment program during April.
• The refurbishment will focus on upgrading the soft furnishings.
• During this time Club InterContinental will be relocated to the Harbour Room on Level 31, where guests will be able to access all of their amenities including deluxe breakfast, afternoon tea and twilight drinks and canapés.
• Guests who have booked a Club room will be notified of the change of venue upon check in.

The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa

• The Resort will be closed for upcoming maintenance plans from Tuesday 1st June 2010 through until Thursday 8th July 2010 inclusive.

Queensland

Hamilton Island

• validity for the Stay 5/Pay 4 deal in our tariffs should read; valid 11 April 2010 - 19 August 2010.

Lizard Island Resort

• Refurbishment works commenced in the Lizard Island kitchen on 17 March; expected to be completed by 21 June, 2010.
• During this period there will be minimal noise and disruption to guests and the majority of the work will be restricted to time periods outside of breakfast, lunch and dinner service.

Mantra Sun City, Surfers Paradise

• The property is currently undergoing refurbishment, scheduled to finish by the end of April.

Quay West Suites Brisbane

• Soft refurbishment of ground floor and rooms
• Start of works is still to be advised - approx June 2010 over 2 months
• Affected establishments are rooms, dining room/restaurant and bar/lounge

Western Australia

Hyatt Regency Perth

• Hyatt Regency Perth will commence a guest room redevelopment program in March 2010.
• All guestrooms are planned for upgrades. The work will be undertaken progressively through to September 2010 with some new rooms becoming available as early as June.
• In this phase Regency Club® rooms on floors 9 and 8, and guest rooms on floor 7 will be completely redesigned. Other floors will undergo a soft refurbishment including upgraded furniture, new carpet, fabrics, lighting and new frameless glass shower screens in the bathrooms.
• In addition to this, every room in the hotel will be upgraded to include new doors with electronic locking system and flat-screen LCD televisions.
• The project work will typically occur Monday through Friday from 9:00am until 5.00pm daily

Seashells Serviced Apartments Scarborough

• The exterior of both main buildings and the Collections building will be painted over a 4 month period commencing early April 2010.
• Any disruption, including smell will be extremely minimal