WHAT’S NEW?

New South Wales

Australian Eco Adventures

Australian Eco Adventures offers a new Outback farmstay tour called Australian Wildlife, Farmstay and Remote National Parks. Highlight include;

• Explore the beauty of rural NSW
• View amazing numbers of Australian wildlife and birdlife
• Unique accommodation at working sheep and cattle station
• Meet and stay with the locals
• Visit the Hunter Valley and Mudgee wine regions
• Spend time travelling through the scenic Blue Mountains

Chifley Albury

• Chifley Albury has been sold and the new owners will operate the hotel as Rydges Albury Hotel.

Tobruk Sheep Station

• Tobruk Sheep Station, the genuine Aussie Outback experience next to the Hawkesbury River 70 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, is now open every day except Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Tobruk is an authentic working sheep station, Australian-owned and operated. For 16 years, its group-based product has paid great attention to feedback from clients. Tobruk specialises in group, incentive, family and individual programs, providing an authentic rural and outback experience.

Victoria

All Seasons Kingsgate

• All Seasons Kingsgate unveil new Superior Rooms.
• The hotel renovation program include 65 brand new superior rooms with en suites with soft furnishings to the remaining rooms together with internet facilities and digital LCD TV’s.
• Along the 171 rooms, they offer a great central location with quality services sure to please both business and leisure travellers alike.

Queensland

All Seasons Cairns Colonial

• All Seasons Cairns Colonial Club will join the Accor network in Australia in May 2011.
• An existing 345 rooms resort-style property, facilities include a restaurant and a poolside café, Conference Centre suitable for a variety of functions, 3 lagoon-style swimming pools and a fitness centre and spa.
• The hotel is located a short drive from the city centre and Cairns International Airport.

Mercure Kingfisher Bay Resort Fraser Island

• Mercure Kingfisher Bay Resort Fraser Island joined the Accor network this April.
• An existing hotel with 152 rooms, two restaurants and a bar.
• There are also 5 meeting rooms and resort style facilities which include two swimming pools, tennis courts, water sports and a Day Spa.
• The resort is located on the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island in Queensland which is known as the world’s largest sand island. Fraser Island is accessible by air 45 minutes from Brisbane, or a 4.5 hour drive north of Brisbane then a ferry to the island.

Paradise Resort

• Paradise Resort has recently been purchased by Zagames, a company that is focused on providing quality family entertainment, food and activities.
• With this has come exciting news that a state of the art sensational new Water Theme park and Aqua play area complete with giant tipping bucket, slides and large array of water activities is to be built in the central Resort area.
• The improvements are scheduled from 2^nd May 2011 until the 30^th June, which means that whilst the pools section will be closed.

South Australia

Outback Ballooning

• Outback Ballooning is now branching out to commence hot air balloon flights in the Flinders Ranges.
• Departing from Rawnsley Park Station, guests will have the opportunity to marvel at the beauty and complex landforms of Wilpena Pound from the air. Participants can stand back and take photos as the balloon is inflated and made ready to lift gently above the countryside.
• Once in the air, passengers will travel gently across the vast expanse of the Australian Outback - keeping an eye out for native wildlife - and watching the morning light bathe the hills and ramparts.
• After returning safely to land a light breakfast of exotic slices, muesli, cheese and biscuits accompanied by sparkling wine and fruit juice will be served.
• The 2011 ballooning season will operate between April and October/November.

Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours

• Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours are now offering 2 days of share touring and a private bird or bushwalking tour.
• Chris Baxter, one of the Wilderness Tors driver guides and Kangaroo Islands leading authority on birds will take participants on a private bird watching and bushwalking tours. This tour will show some of the 260 different species of native birds on the island.

Western Australia

Grand Mercure Apartments Cable Beach

• Grand Mercure Apartments Cable Beach Resort joined the network in February 2011.
• Previously known as Broome Sanctuary Resort, the resort has 154 apartments, conference rooms and a restaurant and bar, there are also resort-style facilities including three swimming pools and a Day Spa.
• The hotel is located in the coastal city of Broome in Western Australia, minutes from the well-known Cable Beach area.

Northern Territory

Bamurru Plains

• A highlight for any fisherman at Bamurru Plains is fishing on the Swim Creek floodplain by airboat.
• The camp’s airboats are fitted with casting decks to maximize the experience of fishing the floodplain in sport that are accessible to camp guests only.

Wildman Wilderness Lodge

• As of 1^st April, Wildman Wilderness Lodge has opened their doors.
• The lodge is situated on the beautiful Mary River wetlands and about 2 hours easy drive from Darwin, offers travellers the opportunity to explore this amazing region while staying in a choice of stylish eco cabins or luxury safari tent accommodation.
• A range of experiences including tours, cruises and overland safaris allows numerous opportunities for guests to explore the region. Guests can also register their special interest and have guides plan tailor-made trips around barramundi fishing, landscape and wildlife photography and bird watching.

Darwin Day Tours

• The Forgotten War - Bombing of Darwin WWII Journey is Darwin Day Tours new exploration into the historic past of the devastating Darwin Bombings.
• Japanese air raids on Darwin on 19 February 1942 were the largest attacks ever mounted by a foreign power against Australia. This tour showcases this captivating and important part of Darwin’s history in a 4 hour morning tour departing daily at 8.00 am.

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

TROPICAL FIJI TOUR

Legendary landing site of the Fijians, Garden of the sleeping Giant and Nadi shopping

After the death of Fijis former president Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, Fijis famous village Viseisei in the Nadi bay area has been closed for one month due to the several weeks compassionate leave for the deceased president. Now that the period of mourning is officially over, again we have the permission to operate guided tours to the village in ourTropical Fiji Tour.

This half-day tour takes you to the home of one of the most varied orchid collection in the South Pacific. Founded by Raymond  Burr in 1977, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant nestles in its own shady valley. The acres of orchids and flowering plants offer an interesting, relaxing way to experience Fijis unique tropical beauty. During the walk through the caring designed garden, you will learn a lot about the multifaceted flora of Fiji.

According to legend the first Fijian ancestors settled 3000 years ago in the bay of Nadi, and dispersed at the site which is now Viseisei Village. You will be taken on a guided walk through the village and the school (except Saturdays), where you can have a rare glimpse into the daily life of a renowned Fijian village, and see how Fijian children learn from their parents the trade to help them in their future lives.

After the visit of Viseisei Village you will have the opportunity to explore the city of Nadi. Numerous retailers offer tropical fruits and things of everyday needs on the large covered market. Try a sweet pineapple, or try a sip of kava, Fiji’s national drink. You will also have some time to visit the Hindi temple, look around Nadi towns busy street and perhaps buy gifts and souvenirs for your relatives and friends back home.

  

Tour operates from Monday - Saturday  with an English speaking

guide and on Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays with a German Speaking guide.

SPECIALS

Australia Wide

Maui Motorhomes Australia

• 15% off special
• For all new bookings received between 8 April to 6 June 2011.
• Travel date: 1 July 2011 to 30 September 2011.

Queensland

Paradise Resort

• Family fun package plus breakfast for the whole family

• Buffet Breakfast daily for the whole family
• Kids stay free - Free Rollaway bed for the 2^nd child in a Resort Room
• Kids play free- Free Daily Zone 4 Kids Club sessions for all children 0-12 years (one free session per child 0-4 years and two free sessions per child 5-12 years)
• On Sale: 14 April - 31 May 2011
• Travel: 1 May - 31 August 2011 (surcharges apply 1-10 July)

Daydream Island Resort and Spa

• Winter Warmer Sale

• Including: 4 nights accommodation, scrumptious full buffet breakfast daily, children stay and eat breakfast free of charge and over 20 free guest activities including catamarans, kayaks, open air cinema (Mon, Wed, Fri), fish feeding show, gym, rainforest walk and much more
• Bonus Inclusion: One free night included

• Starting 1 May through until 27 July 2011
• Travel from 1 June to 31 July 2011

The Angsana Great Barrier Reef Resort   

• Stay 4 - Pay 3
• Available for all suite/room types in bothPoolview and Beachfront, one/two and three bedroom suites
• Sale and travel period: 1st Mayuntil 30^th June 2011.

Kewarra Beach Resort & Spa Rates

• Kewarra Beach Resort & Spa has significantly reduced year round rates .
• Due to the significant reduction of the room rates they will be discontinuing the 5 and 7 night value adds that included a reef trip and/or breakfast.
• They will also discontinue the free family upgrade into a 2 Bedroom Bauhinia Suite for a family of 2 adults and 2 children under 14 years of age at the same rate as a One Bedroom bauhinia Suite.

New South Wales

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa

Romance Package

• Two nights accommodation in a Heritage suite with private pool, gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, non-alcoholic beverages, a selected range of local wines and beer with meals, two on-site nature based activities per day, bottle of Bollinger,a chocolate indulgence and rose petals on arrival, breakfast in bed on one morning of stay and Wolgan Valley CD gift.
• Valid 1^st April 2011 to 31^st March 2012

Winter Special

• Two nights Heritage Suite accommodation with private pool, gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, all non alcoholic beverages, 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.
• Travel validity from 1 July to 15 September 2011.

CHANGES & REFURBISHMENTS

Northern Territory

Carmichael’s Restaurant

• Effective immediately, Carmichael’s Restaurant at Kings Canyon Resort will be closed due to required maintenance works until further notice.

SKYCITY Darwin

• SKYCITY is currently undergoing a new development which will consist of 32 Lagoon rooms, 4 Signature Villas, salt water lagoon pool, pool side restaurant and a Day Spa.
• Works will now continue through until completion which is mid 2012 and will be taking place Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm.

Laseters Hotel Casino

• Laseters Hotel Casino is undergoing major refurbishments which entail 66 new room, new hotel entrance and reception area, new spa and gym, extension of casino floor to accommodate 100 additional electronic gaming machines and four table games.
• Completion is scheduled for April, 2013.

Crowne Plaza Alice Springs

• Crowne Plaza Alice Springs is currently undergoing a soft refurbishment program throughout the hotel including the installation 37″ LCD flat screen televisions, new working desks and ergonomic desk chairs to all guest rooms.
• The refurbishment will be finally completed by the end of May 2011.

Queensland

Heron Island

• Heron Island has advised there will be refurbishment works commencing to the Heron Island Rooms on Friday, 06 May 2011 and are expected to be completed by Thursday, 07 July 2011.
• The interiors of the rooms (excluding Turtle Rooms) will be enhancedcapturing the essence of the wildlife and the nature surrounding the island.The Beach House and Point Suites will have new bathroom fit-outs with new floor tiles throughout.

Tjapukai

• After cyclone Yasi and the heavy rain showers, Tjapukai has informed us that Tjapukai by Day is back fully functioning again.

Grayline and Australian Daytours

• Grayline and Australian Daytours have reassessed operational days for certain tours due to recent events that have affected Southern Queensland and impacted the current tourism situation.
• Please contact our office for further details.

Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa Gold Coast

• The Resort Pool and Oasis Pool Bar will be out of order for essential maintenance from Sunday 29th May 2011 until the Friday 10th June 2011.
• During this time the lap pool at the Golden Door Health Club & Spa located adjacent to the hotel will be available for guests use.

Bedarra and Dunk Island Resorts

• Both properties are temporarily closed in order to repair damage that was caused by Tropical Cyclone Yasi
• At this point both properties will re-open on 1 April 2012, and will be accepting reservations for this period and beyond next year.

New South Wales

The Grace Hotel

• The Grace Hotel is currently carrying out a soft refurbishment of their guest rooms and the estimated date of completion will be mid August 2011.
• The renovation will ensure more eco-friendly accommodation rooms and, of course, a higher level of comfort.

Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour

• The pool at Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour will be closed due to refurbishment effective immediately.
• The closure of the pool will last for a period of 6 weeks.

InterContinental Sydney - Café Opera

• InterContinental Sydney Café Opera will close for a major refurbishment on 25 May 2011 and set to re-open on 3 July 2011.
• During the course of the redevelopment the historic Treasury Room will be converted into a temporary home for Café Opera, offering a gourmet buffet and a la carte menu, with operating hours remaining as standard.
• The renovation will have no direct impact to InterContinental Sydney’s guests rooms and suites.

Tasmania

Peppers Calstock

• Calstock, Peppers Calstock, Deloraine, Tasmania, has closed for renovation and will not re-open until further notice.

Highland Restaurant at Cradle Mountain Lodge

• Due to refurbishments, the Highland Restaurant at Cradle Mountain Lodge will be closed from May 23^rd through to May 26^th 2011.
• Alternative dining options are available including the Tavern Bar and Bistro and a limited Highland Restaurant menu.
• Breakfast will be served in the Tavern Bar and Bistro.

Western Australia

Duxton Hotel Perth

• Duxton Hotel Perth is currently undergoing soft refurbishment works of all accommodation rooms, along with the fourteen accommodation floors.

InterContinental Perth Burswood

• InterContinental Perth Burswood is currently undergoing an ongoing modernisation project.
• As renovations of the guest rooms continue, renovations to the hotel lobby are also well underway with the new reception and concierge desks complete and back in operation. The remainder of the Lobby will continue to be upgraded through to December 2011.