Product of the Month

Shangri - La Hotel Cairns

Nestled on the edge of Cairns’ magnificent waterfront, Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns boasts 256 elegantly appointed rooms and suites. All rooms feature contemporary interiors and panoramic views of Marlin Marina and Trinity Bay or the Hotel’s lush tropical gardens. The Hotel’s boardwalk offers an extensive array of innovative restaurants, cafes and bars and guests can relax while watching the yachts sail into the world class marina.

Only a short stroll from the City Centre, Esplanade Lagoon, Reef Fleet Terminal and an integral part of the Pier Shopping Centre. Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns is the ideal location for a Tropical North Queensland vacation. Guests will enjoy Shangri-La’s distinctive Asian hospitality mingled with an unsurpassed level of chic style and elegance.

The Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns has recently revised and reduced the rates for 2009-2010, and amended some of their Bonus Offers. Please contact our office for further details.

 

 

What’s New

New South Wales

Four Seasons Sydney

• has reintroduced their City View rooms as a lead-in room type for international visitors.
• They are offering very competitive rates, valid with immediate effect. Please contact our office for further details.

Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens

• Grand Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens has been rebranded to Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens.

Ozjet - Jetcruiser, Sydney

• Operates whale watching as the primary product on Jet Cruiser since the new ownership has become effective.
• Adventure Sightseeing will commence on a daily basis subject to minimum numbers. The 45 minute Adventure Sightseeing product currently operates on weekends at 3.45pm from The Eastern Pontoon, Circular Quay and can be opened for groups of 25 or more subject to availability during the weekdays.

Sydney Harbour Tall Ships

• Sydney Harbour Tall Ships recently launched 4 new exciting products:
• Tall Ship Champagne BBQ Brunch Cruise
• Tall Ship Wine and Canapés Dinner Cruise
• Tall Ship Laser-Clay Shooting with BBQ Lunch Cruise
• Tall Ship Experience with Live Acoustic Music
• Please contact our office for further details and pricing.

Taronga Zoo, Sydney

• Australian’s first Elephant was born at Taronga Zoo.
• Unfortunately there is no guarantee to see the Baby Elephant as he only ventures out with his mother when they want to leave the security and warmth of the Barn where he is spending most of his time. He is outside only very briefly most days.

The Grace Hotel, Sydney

• The Grace Hotel and Taronga Zoo are offering a new 3 night Grace Roar & Snore Package.
• The package includes:
• 2 nights luxury accommodation in a Superior Room (pre and post Zoo stay).
• Buffet breakfast at The Grace Hotel.
• Luggage storage (for the night at the Zoo).
• 1 night tent accommodation - 17 luxury semi-permanent safari style tents. Each tent with a double bed and capacity for additional beds.
• Guaranteed priority tent with Harbour Views.
• All meals at the Zoo: including refreshments on arrival, buffet style dinner, supper and light continental breakfast.
• An exclusive gift pack including ‘flip flops’, water bottle, a small face towel and an environmentally friendly soap bar.
• Animal Encounters with Australian Animals.
• A guided Zoo Night Safari Walk.
• Behind the Scenes tours.
• Admission to Taronga Zoo for the day following your sleep over.

Northern Territory

Kakadu National Park

• From 01 April 2010 the NT Government is reintroducing the National Park Fee for Kakadu National Park for all non-Territorians.
• The fee will be $25 for each visitor 16 years and over, and cover a visit of up to 14 days.

Queensland

Cape Tribulation Resort & Spa

• Has announced it will become a seasonal retreat opening 1 May - 30 November every year.
• The property will move to this new model this year with closure from 1 December 2009 to 31 April 2010, reopening for the new contract year 1 May, 2010.

Hamilton Island, Great Barrier Reef

• To celebrate the formation of the new era of luxury experiences within Australia two new packages have been launched:
• 1) Luxury Australian Experience (includes qualia, Southern Ocean Lodge and Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa)
• 2) Three Outstanding Regional Experiences (includes qualia, The Louise and Quamby Estate)
• Enticing value add offers will be provided at each property when the three modular products are booked within the same Australian Itinerary.

South Australia

Chinta Air Tours

• The Southern Right Whales are starting to gather at the Head of Bight in South Australia. At the moment, there are approximately 40 whales in the area, with three calves.
• As in previous years, Chinta Air Tours offers a one day tour from Adelaide to the Nullarbor, which includes a flight over the whales.
• The package includes: Airport/hotel transfers from any hotel in Adelaide’s CBD, seats on a scheduled flight from Adelaide to Ceduna/Ceduna to Adelaide, a sole use air charter flight from Ceduna to the Head of Bight which includes a scenic flight over the Whales and along the Bunda Cliffs, refreshments and 4WD tour of Ceduna and surrounding areas.
• Tour departs on weekdays only (Monday to Friday). July and August is the time with the highest numbers of whales (between 70 and 100 is not uncommon), while after August, when the weather starts to warm up, is when the whales start to return to Antarctica.

Heading Bush, Flinders Ranges

• Heading Bush is now offering a three-day Flinders Ranges adventure, taking in the spectacular beauty and wildlife of the region from the comfort of an off-road vehicle.
• Departing every Friday and returning on Sunday afternoon, the focus of this tour is on bushwalking, photography and indigenous culture. The tour is a great option for clients wanting a cost effective seat in coach touring option to the Flinders Ranges.
• On this tour visitors will take in Alligator Gorge National Park, a camel safari, Wilpena Pound (with optional scenic flight), Rawnsley Park, Moralana Scenic Drive and the significant Aboriginal art site Yourambulla Caves.
• Accommodation is a Rawnsley Park Station, so clients can choose from camping, through to the luxury Ecovillas.

The Manna of Hahndorf, Adelaide

• The Manna of Hahndorf is a great new property located in the heart of Hahndorf.
• Ideal for small groups and self drive FITs, it has 51 rooms, five of which are spa suites with balconies overlooking the river. The rooms are well appointed with plasma televisions, wireless broad band internet and contemporary furnishings.
• The Manna of Hahndorf is set back from the Hahndorf main street and is close to cafes and restaurants, cellar doors, galleries and attractions. The property is located only 20 minutes from the Adelaide central business district.

Rawnsley Park, Flinders Ranges

• Rawnsley Park’s Stations new Sunset on the Chace experience includes a 30 minute 4WD to the spectacular Chace Range, gourmet canapés and wine/beer.
• The two hour tour departs daily at 4pm and is available to groups of between two and ten passengers.
• The new Starlight Dinner experience is amongst gumbarked Coolibah trees, under a canopy of stars and includes a silver service, four course dinner, Southern Flinders Ranges wines and tea/coffee.
• Offered twice a month on selected dates or by prior arrangement for groups of six or more.

Penfolds, Wynns Make Your Own Blend Tour

• Clients travelling from Melbourne to Adelaide have a great new touring option in the Coonawarra wine region. Penfolds is extending their popular Make Your Own Blend tour (currently runs in their Barossa Penfolds Winery) to their Wynns Coonawarra property.
• The tour turns visitors into the winemaker by giving them the opportunity to blend their own wine, and comprises of a short tour and history on Wynns and the winery before being guided through the blending process in the lab.
• Participants take home a bottle of their best blend.

Tasmania

Cradle Mountain Lodge

• The completion of sale of Voyages Cradle Mountain Lodge occurred on Monday 13 July 2009.
• The Hotel has now joined the Accor MGallery Collection, the second property within Australia to become part of this prestigious portfolio of select hotels that showcase exceptional Vision, Design, History and Location.
• Cradle Mountain Lodge is a unique and contemporary wilderness retreat on the edge of the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National Park in Tasmania. With 86 rooms, the Lodge has a restaurant, 2 lounges, a tavern bar and bistro and daily wine and cheese tastings.
• Surrounded by extensive walking trails, breathtaking scenery and magnificent wilderness, the Lodge is just over 1 hour’s drive from Devonport or 2.5 hours from Launceston.

Victoria

Sofitel Melbourne on Collins

• Shows off the newly refurbished restaurant “No35″ and has spent $1 million refurbishing the space.
• This restaurant will be used to serve breakfast, lunch (except Sundays where a Jazz Brunch is served) and dinner daily.

Specials

New South Wales

Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour

• The current low season rates at Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour have been extended through until 31 March 2010.
• Additionally they offer a B&B rate for groups, which is valid until Sep 2010.

Devere Hotel Sydney

• Offers an Early Bird Special from 1Oct09 to 31Mar10.
• For further details please refer to our online facility iCom or contact our team.

Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour

• Extends the BBT special until 31 March 2010.
• Stay at Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour before 31 March 2010 and receive complimentary full buffet breakfast in Corn Exchange Restaurant for 2 people daily.

Metro Hotel on Pitt Sydney

• Offers hot special rates valid until 28 Dec 2009.
• Please refer to our online facility iCom or contact our team for further information.

Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney

• Low season rates are now applicable to following high season dates: 12 October 2009 to 13 December 2009 and 1 February to 31 March 2010.
• Internet Access is provided on a complimentary basis to all guests.
• Additionally Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney offers a value-add for all bookings of 3 nights and longer. They will offer complimentary Full Buffet Breakfast for up to 2 pax daily in the Bistro-Fax restaurant. This value-add is available with immediate effect for all new bookings and valid for stays up to 31 March 2010 (excluding NYE - 30 Dec 2009 to 1 Jan 2010).

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

• Sofitel Sydney Wentworth revised rates for the Classic room.
• The lower rates are valid for all new bookings from the 01st August 2009 until the 31st March 2010.

South Australia

Great Southern Rail

• To follow up the first campaign celebrating The Ghan’s first 80th year a secondary offer is launched - a free upgrade from Red Service Sleeper to Gold Service.
• This offer is valid for bookings from 01 August 2009 until 31 March 2010, for travel from 01 November to 30 April 2010.

Queensland

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

• Effectively immediately Cairns Colonial Club Resort lowered their rates to the end of March 1011.
• Please refer to iCom for updated rates.

O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat

• New Stay 3 Pay 2 nights deal.
• Valid for bookings made between 01.07.09 - 15.12.09 for stays between 01.07.09 - 31.03.10.
• Great Value inclusions are: Complimentary early morning bird walk, complimentary two hour guided interpretive morning rainforest walk, complimentary evening spotlighting / stargazing tour.
• Kids Stay Free (when using exiting bedding) and Kids Eat Free for breakfast and dinner (from children’s menu when dining with parents in the Retreat Restaurant).

Palazzo Versace Gold Coast

• Thanks to the recent “Pure Value Campaign” Palazzo Versace offers lower rates for new bookings until 23 December 2009.
• The package also includes access to Salus Per Aquum (Adults Only), a complimentary Men’s & Woman’s mini Versace Fragrance, Valet Parking and Local Morning Newspaper.

Qualia, Hamilton Island

• Offers a Pay 2, Stay 3 offer.
• This offer is available for new bookings and is valid for travel up to 30 September 2009 with the exclusion of Race Week which is 21 - 29 August.
• The package includes: 3 nights accommodation for the price of 2 in either a Leeward or Windward Pavilion; Breakfast, lunch and dinner and non-alcoholic beverages at The Long Pavilion and Pebble Beach (qualia); All non-alcoholic beverages from the mini-bar; VIP return airport/marina transfers,VIP chauffer service around Hamilton Island; Use of a 2-seater electric golf buggy for duration of stay; Use of non-motorised watercraft.

Rendezvous Reef Resort Port Douglas

• Rendezvous Reef Resort offers bed & breakfast packages.
• Valid till 30 November 2009.

Western Australia

Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa

• Any new 4+ night booking confirmed at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa from the 27th of July 2009 will receive a complimentary $100 F&B voucher to be used at any onsite restaurant.
• Valid for travel period 1st August to 15th October 2009.

Rendezvous Observation City Perth

• Offers a very attractive lower rate until 31 March 2010 which includes two breakfasts.
• Please refer to our online facility iCom for updated rates.

Changes & Refurbishment

Australia - wideAccor

• As of 30th June 2009, all Urban Hotels left the Accor network.
• This includes Urban Brisbane, Urban St Leonards in Sydney and Urban St Kilda in Melbourne.

Gray Line Australia

• Released two new brochures for Tasmania and Brisbane & Gold Coast.
• Days of operations changed for Tour 771 Hobart City Tour, Tour 786 Bruny Island, Tour 761 Launceston City Tour and Tour 772 Launceston Highlights.

New South Wales

Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

• An upcoming upgrade program will take place at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney:
• Café Mix: From July to September breakfast and lunch will be relocated to Altitude Restaurant on Level 36. Dinner buffet during this period will be in the Bradfield Lounge on Level 1.
• Health Club: From July to September a temporary gym will be available. Treatment rooms will be relocated to Level 4. The swimming pool will be closed during the upgrade period.
• Blue Bar on 36: From October 2 to 24 a soft refurbishment will take place; the operation will remain open with reduced capacity.
• Hair and Beauty Salon: From September 3 to 11 the Hair and Beauty Salon will be closed for refurbishment, services will be temporarily unavailable.
• CHI Spa: The Spa will be introduced at Shangri-La in late November. Australia’s first CHI will feature six treatment rooms and offer a range of therapies based on the ancient healing traditions, philosophies and rituals of China and the Himalayas.

Taronga Zoo, Sydney

• Redevelopment of the Front Entrance and Plaza area of Taronga Zoo will continue for up to 2 years constructing new visitor facilities and renovating the heritage front entrance building of the zoo. In order to undertake these works they need to change the way the zoo operates on a daily basis during this period.
• As of 1st of July 2009 the front entrance to Taronga Zoo will close as will the top plaza and exhibits in the immediate area. There will be no visitor access to the top plaza from this date.
• The entrance to the zoo will be via the new temporary entry via the education centre. The new entry includes all visitor amenities including a retail shop, cafeteria, toilets, zoo friend’s information, ticketing, administration for guest services and education centre.

South Australia

Kangaroo Island Seafront Resort

• Announced a “soft refit” of existing Heritage rooms, with an expected completion date of 30th September 2009.
• Guests in the new rooms will enjoy new furnishings, air-conditioning, new bathrooms, luxurious wool carpets, flat screen tv and free austar.
• The refit will ensure guests staying at Kangaroo Island Seafront Oceanview rooms will be staying in true 4-star comfort.

Queensland

Dunk Island and Bedarra Island

• Effective 1st August, in line with recent changes to luggage limits on commercial domestic flights, guests travelling to Dunk Island and Bedarra Island will now be limited to hand and checked luggage to a total of 23kg, with a maximum of 4kg hand luggage. One suitcase and one small carry-on item of hand luggage each is appropriate and soft suitcases are preferable.
• Luggage storage facilities are available at the Hinterland terminal, in Cairns.

Fraser Island Company

• There are temporary changes to The Fraser Island Company’s tour itineraries for all departures between Tuesday, 7th July 2009 and Tuesday, 1st September 2009.
• Due to matters beyond their control, the regular vehicle barge service to Moon Point will not be running during this time.
• Therefore the guided tours will be accessing Fraser Island via River Heads, located 15 minutes south of Hervey Bay. Subsequently all courtesy pick-ups will now be 15 minutes earlier to ensure to maximize the guests’ time on Fraser Island.
• The main itinerary changes will have all tours visiting Lake Birrabeen, the sister lake to Lake McKenzie, instead of Lake Garrawongerra or Lake Allom and Central Station instead of Yidney Rainforest.

Mercure Port Douglas Treetops

• Accor advised of the current work that is taking place at the Mercure Port Douglas Treetops.
• Refurbishment of 196 resort rooms includes painting of internal and external walls, corridors and rooms; cabinetry works within the rooms, installation of new locks, carpets, TV’s and air.
• This is expected to be completed by late August 2009.

Mission Beach Connections

• Mission Beach and Dunk Island Connection are now taken over by Sun Palm.
• Mission Beach Connections no longer exists as a company.

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns and Tradewinds Cairns

• In July a refurbishment program began at Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns.
• Another refurbishment program has also begun at Rydges Tradewinds Cairns.
• These programs are being undertaken to rejuvenate the exterior paintwork of both hotels.
• At this time, the expected date of completion is 31 October 2009.
• During this time, the hotel will be fully operational and it is anticipated the refurbishment program will cause minimal disruption and noise disturbance to guests during their stay.

Voyages

• The GPT Group has entered into a contract to sell Bedarra Island and Dunk Island Resorts to Pamoja Capital.
• The formal completion of the sale is currently planned to take place on 21st September 2009.

Warner Village Theme Parks, Gold Coast

• There have been some imminent changes to the Gold Coast Theme Park operations:
• Sea World will open its gates from 9:30am, with rides and attractions commencing from 10.00 am. The Park will close as normal at 5.00 pm daily.
• As of June, 2009, Warner Bros Movie World will open its gates from 9:30am, with rides and attractions commencing from 10.00 am. The Park will close as normal at 5.00 pm daily.
• Effective from July, guests visiting Sea World and Warner Bros. Movie World will no longer be permitted to bring in food & beverage items, including items in eskies and coolers.

Victoria

Australian Pacific Touring

• Changed the departure days for the following Melbourne Day Tours:
• Yarra Valley & Healesville Sanctuary / Yarra Valley Wineries (M65, M85).
• New Departure days: Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun (1st April 09 - 3rd Oct 09) and Daily (4th Oct 09 - 31st March 10).

Western Australia

Broome Sanctuary Resort, Cable Beach

• The changeover from Rendezvous is effective immediately.

They have taken over from Rendezvous and are operating independently as Broome Sanctuary Resort, Cable Beach.