Office News

We are pleased to announce that Melanie Dieterle has been promoted into the role of Operations Manager, effective as of October. We congratulate her on her new role within APTC and wish her success in the new challenges which lies ahead.

Jackie Coleman is expecting her second baby, and we wish her good luck with the impending arrival. Jackie is planning to continue to work for APTC shortly after the birth.

Product of the Month

The Dot Painted Mountain Bike Tour

Ride the Cultural landscapes on Jungala’s Dot Painted Mountain Bikes along bike trails around Mpantwe (Alice Springs). From traditional to modern day history, join this experience rich in culture and learn of the significant meanings of this historic and spiritual region.

One of the first stops on the itinerary is at one of the very first sites created by the Ntyarike caterpillars. This Sacred site is a small ridge running east west, it is called Ntyarlkarle Tyaneme. It is the point where the caterpillars crossed the river. Here your clients will be officially welcomed in Arrernte, the local tribe and language group.

Learn of the traditional name for the area of Alice Springs - Mparntwe literally meaning meeting place. The caterpillars are the most important of the creation stories for the Mparntwe area. Once the caterpillars created Anthwerrke (Emily gap) to the east, they spread out in the general direction of the town area , producing the topographical features that we now see today. The three species of caterpillar involved are Yeperenye, Ntyarlke and Utnerrengatye. Even today, these caterpillar species can still be found.

Travelling past the casino and conference centre, learn of the importance of this area, once being ceremonial grounds. Continuing towards Ntaripe (Heavitree Gap), clients are given an explanation into this area of importance for traditional men’s business and the storage place for important objects. Following the mountain range clients can listen to the creation story of the Alhekulyele - the wild dogs. Most of the west side of Alice Springs is associated with this story. The story revolves around two dogs, a local dog and an intruder. The two dogs fought over a female dog whose cave and resting place still exists today on the mountain range. In the fight the local dog wounded the outsider and some outcrops were formed this is an area called Yarrentye, this place was formed by its intestines, most people know this place as Diaramar Village.

Travelling onwards clients will reach The Cultural Precinct. The Cultural Precinct is home to eight of some of the most interesting cultural and historical attractions in Alice Springs. With seven registered Aboriginal sacred sites and trees of significance the clients will venture inside to learn the history of Albert Namatjira and the beginnings of the contemporary art form Papunya Tula.

Visit Choritja, regarded as the real central point of Mparntwe along the river to the Old Telegraph Station. Learn of the history of the Old Telegraph station, being the first township and communication centre it was an Aboriginal reserve in the 1940’s and 50′ s and an area of great significance Aboriginal people and their ceremonial grounds. Here clients will gain a real and profound understanding of the government policies of the day - The Aboriginies Act and its implications and ramifications of the first inhabitants and custodians of the region.

Afterwards the tour travels to the Olive Pink Botanic Garden. Miss Olive Muriel Pink was an extraordinary individual - she contributed to the development of the field of anthropology, campaigned vigorously for the rights of Aboriginal Australians long before it was fashionable to do so, was an accomplished artist, and was the visionary force behind the development of the first Arid Zone Botanic Garden in the southern hemisphere. Admire the gardens where the batteries will be replenished with morning or afternoon tea before returning to the starting point in Alice Springs.

This half day safari will leave lasting impressions and offers a real insight into the history and culture of Aboriginal people. Learn firsthand the cultural significance of the region and associated stories from someone who knows the land intimately and share his story.

What’s New

Formula 1 Grand Prix, Melbourne

• Grand Prix dates have been announced to be 26-29 March 2009.

Premier Stateliner

• Premier Stateliner has sold the “Day Tour “section of the business to Sealink Travel Group.
• Sealink will continue to run the tours and honour rates given by Premiers Stateliner.

The Prairie Hotel - Sunsets, Saddles and Shiraz

• fantastic new Outback South Australia tour and experience,
• allows clients the opportunity of driving cattle in the Australia Outback, combined with gourmet dining and amazing outback scenery and hospitality
• Inclusions: 3 nights accommodation (1 night Prairie Hotel, 2 nights swag); 2 full days in the saddle; all meals and drinks including beer & premium wines with dinner; live entertainment each evening and Wallaby Watch tour

Anthology

• launch of new company called “Anthology, theTraveller’s Collection”
• Compendium of travel experiences offering guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and heritage in rare and interesting locations throughout Australia.
• for details please view the new website http://www.anthology.travel/ or contact our office for booking details, rates and itineraries.

Specials

Rydges Sabaya Resort Port Douglas

• Rydges Sabaya are offering special rates for travel from September 2008 to 31 March 2009.
• Along with great savings on the rates they are offering numerous Value Adds and Bonus Nights as seen below:
• Complimentary Breakfast Daily
  or
  stay 3 nights in a Resort Room and the 4th night is Free - Room Only
•  Stay 6 nights in a One or Two Bedroom apartment and the 7th night is Free - Room Only
• Rydges Sabaya are offering Kids the chance to stay and eat for free
• This offer will apply in conjunction with the following: Children 12 years & under eat breakfast free when dining with 2 paying adults (max 2 children) & Children 12 years & under stay free utilising existing bedding

Sebel Reef House and Spa Palm Cove

• Special Offer: Stay four consecutive nights and pay only three nights.
• Validity: 1 December 2008 - 31 March 2009, inclusive. Valid for new bookings only

Mantra Treetops Resort & Spa, Port Douglas

• Offer: Reduced Bed and Breakfast Rate
• Booking period: from now to 31 March 09
• Travel period: from now to 31 March 09

Properties: Selected Stella Queensland properties

• Offer: Stay 3/Pay 2
• Booking period: from now to 31 October 08
• Travel period: from now to 24 December 08

Captain Cook Cruises

• Murray Summer Sale special offer for 3, 4 & 7 Nights Cruises
• valid for sale: 01 October 2008 - 15 January 2009, valid for travel: 01 November 2008 - 28 February 2009
• Special Code: A25 -must be quoted at time of booking request

Not valid on existing bookings or EBS fares. Limited availability.

Changes & Refurbishment

Rydges Capricorn Resort

• From 1 September 2008, the Rydges Capricorn Resort will be return to its original brand and be known as Capricorn Resort Yeppoon.

Sofitel Name Changes

• Sofitel Brisbane now becomes Sofitel Brisbane Grand Central
• Sofitel Gold Coast now becomes Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach

Hobart Airporter Shuttle Bus

• As of the 31^st of August The Hobart Airporter Shuttle bus ceased being the operator at the Hobart Airport.
• Tasmanian Redline Coaches is the new operator offering shuttle transfers between airport and the city.

All Seasons Katherine

• All Seasons Katherine is currently undergoing refurbishment which is expected to be completed at the end of October.

All Seasons Perth

• All Seasons Perth wish to advise that there has been some slight delays with the refurbishment and the new expected completion date is 1^st of November 2008.

Mercure Hotel Perth

• As of the 1^st of September, Mercure Hotel Perth became smoke free.

De Bortoli

• De Bortoli Restaurant will be undergoing a refurbishment and will be closed from Monday 22^nd September 2008 to Thursday 2^nd October 2008.
• Cellar door and Cheese Shop will be open as usual.

Hotel Ibis Melbourne

• Building works will be taking place adjacent to Ibis Melbourne
• Refurbishments within the hotel have now been completed.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

• An office tower adjacent to Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is currently being demolished.
• Expected to be completed 31st October 2008

Rendezvous Reef Resort

• Rendezvous Reef Resort is celebrating the rapid progress of their $8million refurbishment. Works will continue for the next three months to transform the external aspects of the villas and modernise all public areas.
• Due to be finalised in December 2008.

Sofitel Reef Casino Cairns

• Sofitel Reef Casino Cairns will be re-branded as Pullman Reef Hotel Casino Cairns as of 01 December 2008.

The Manly Pacific Sydney

• The Manly Pacific Sydney managed by Novotel is excited to announce that they are in the final stages of refurbishment with all areas to be complete by end of October 2008.

Cable Beach Club Resort

• Please note the following changes:
• Cable Beach Club Resort will be including full buffet breakfast for stays from 1 October 2008, minimum 4 nights stay required, offer valid for new bookings only.
• The resort will now re-open on Friday 27 February 2009 (not 1 March as previously advised).
• Cable Beach Club Resort Day Spa facilities are due to open early 2009.

Fantasea

• The MV Fantasea Ammari will be stood down from service during November and December 2008 for unplanned maintenance. Cruises up to and including 31st October 2008 will be unaffected though the cruise beginning the 31st October 2008 will be the last scheduled cruise for 2008.
• FIT bookings for the MV Fantasea Ammari cannot be accepted for November and December 2008 - nor any dates beyond this until further notice. Fantasea will release details of the adjusted itinerary for 2009 once finalised.

All Seasons Oasis

• All Seasons Oasis is currently undergoing refurbishment.
• Work is expected to be completed by the end of November.

Green Island Resort

• Green Island Resort has announced some room configuration changes: Five Island Suites have been converted from Twin configurations (2 x double beds) to Island Kings featuring one king size bed.

The resort’s premium Reef Suites have undergone a stylish soft refurbishment

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