Office News

APTC at ITB Berlin 2009

• This year’s tourism trade fair ITB is being held from 11 to 15 March. Here you can meet with APTC’s Managing Director Stephanie Karst-McGrath as well as Monika Oldenburg, Managing Director APTC Fiji, and Stephan Wendler, Managing Director APTC New Zealand.
• Learn more about the APTCgroup and our latest travel ideas for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands. We are looking forward to seeing you at our stand 119 in hall 5, 2A (stands Tourism Australia and Tourism Fiji).

Product of the Month

New South Wales

Chifley Potts Point, Sydney

• Chifley Potts Point opened in February 2007 after a $20 million refurbishment.
• The 4 ½ star hotel features 227 stylishly appointed guest rooms with funky new décor to complement the lively surrounds and uninterrupted city or eastern views. Four modern conference rooms are available with friendly and professional staff on hand who help to ensure the success of your function.
• There is the Cursa Restaurant and the Delta Bar on site, and a world of flavours represented in the some 250 bars, restaurants and cafes in the area.
• Guest access to Fitness First gymnasium across the road from the hotel and on site parking is also available.
• Chifley Potts Point is the ideal place to stay for both business and leisure travellers perfectly positioned in the heart of the Potts Point and Kings Cross entertainment precinct with the Sydney CBD right at your doorstep

   

  

 

What’s New

New South Wales

The Sebel Surry Hills Sydney

• Following an extensive $15million refurbishment, Citigate Sebel Sydney has successfully re-branded to The Sebel Surry Hills Sydney.
• A complete transformation has been undertaken with every facet of the hotel evolving into something bigger and better.
• The hotel now has a new façade and lobby and Australia’s first in ground glass aquarium.
• 270contemporary deluxe and superior guestrooms, including 10suites, perfectly located at the Southern end of the CBD.

The Edge

• The Edge features the new Blue Mountain attraction ‘Goomblar’s Dreaming’ with stunning visual effects and explosive sound.
• Let the rhythm and sound of this unique cultural experience, expressed in music (digeridoo), song and dance, take you on a journey of the land and its people.

Northern Territory

Anangu Waai

• For camel tours there now has been a maximum weight limit set up of 95kg (210lbs) per person in the interests of camel welfare and also for the comfort and safety of guests.
• These restrictions are now in force and guests exceeding this weight limit will not be permitted to ride the camels.

Arnhemland Barramundi Nature Lodge

• Arnhemland Bird Week 2009 from 22 to 29 June 2009.
• The all-inclusive birding and cultural trip will visit various bird habitats around Arnhemland such as the Blyth River Floodplain, Arnhemland stone country.
• Accommodation will be in cabins or tents, and will include cultural interpretation of the landscape and wildlife by Aboriginal traditional owners and much more.

Moonshadow Villas, Darwin

• Moonshadow Villas had a Monsoon Season freshen up the New Year with everything in perfect order and freshly painted.
• New for 2009 are Nespresso coffee machines in every villa and choices of Italian coffee pods. Moonshadow offers complimentary breakfast supplies of freshly baked apricot fruit bread, toast bread, Beerenburg jams, and complimentary champagne and beer.
• New also are organic coconut shampoo and conditioners and coconut soap for a wonderful tropical holiday feeling.
• Further to the new additions to the Moonshadow Villas are the acquisition of the new properties ‘Lotus at Envy’, a unique mid-city apartment, and ‘The Marilyn’, a five-star incredibly spacious, penthouse style apartment in the heart of Darwin

Skycity Darwin

• Skycity is excited to announce its newest dining venue, il Piatto restaurant.
• il Piatto is open to guests for lunch and dinner every day.
• Spectacularly located on the Mindil Beach side of the property, the restaurant boasts stunning views of the ocean, perfect for enjoying a meal with friends and a glass of wine from the extensive wine list.
• il Piatto’s innovative design encompasses a show kitchen, allowing patrons to observe the usually secret workings of the chefs in the kitchen and interact with the restaurant’s hosts.

Tiwi Tours

• Tiwi Tours resumes its 1Day Tour on 2March2009.
• This truly unique cultural tour gives visitors the chance to see a modern day Aboriginal community and learn about the Tiwi culture.
• Tours depart Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) and include return flights to Bathurst Island, morning tea, a traditional welcome ceremony, lunch and a visit to the museum and old mission precinct.
• Visitors will also visit two of the art centres in Nguiu where they have an opportunity to purchase locally made art at Island prices.

Way Outback Desert Safaris

• Wayoutback Desert Safaris will continue to operate their 5Day Breakaway 4WD Safari in the Red Centre, reducing them to the only operator to do so from 1April2009.
• Experience 1night each at Uluru, Kings Creek Station and the exclusive Oak Valley Aboriginal Community in private campsites. Along with 1night bush camping in the Western MacDonnell Ranges with no one around for miles.
• Operating 3times a week, this genuine small group safari of either 14 or 16 passengers takes people off road, along bush tracks exclusive to Wayoutback offering the ultimate Red Centre experience.

Queensland

Holiday Inn Cairns

• From 1April2009 Holiday Inn Cairns will be rebranding their inhouse restaurant Atriums to Sirocco.
• Sirocco is a Mediterranean style restaurant that was specifically developed for the Holiday Inn brand. Key features of the restaurant is a competitively priced menu and wine list, quality Mediterranean style cuisine, including authentic gourmet pizza, pasta, salads, seafood and grills, plus seasonal menu changes.
• Changes to the nightly Seafood buffet include: Seafood Buffet will be available 3nights a week (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday). On the other days the hotel will run with A la Carte menu plus a signature seafood platter for two.

Kuranda Scenic Railway

• Due to the changes in Queensland government liquor license, alcoholic beverages cannot be served before 10.00am, effective 25February2009.
• This ruling will effect the 8.30am Gold Class Service of Kuranda Scenic Railway.
• There will still be served a selection of non-alcoholic, hot&cold beverages and in addition a fruit juice based ‘Mocktail’.

South Australia

Kangaroo Island Lodge

• In March 2009, Kangaroo Island Lodge will become part of the Accor Asia Pacific Group in Australia to lead Kangaroo Island in its global positioning as ‘All Seasons Kangaroo Island Lodge’.
• The past year has seen significant investment at Kangaroo Island Lodge in refurbished rooms, exteriors and a new kitchen, in anticipation of this exciting opportunity. The property already enjoys a strong reputation for its food, wines and accommodation and the partnership with Accor is seen as a means of sustaining and improving this, with promotion to a global audience.

Victoria

Churchill Island Heritage Farm

• Churchill Island Heritage Farm now offers farming demonstrations every day.
• At any time of the day, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the heritage listed homestead and cottage garden and also pat the baby animals in the nursery.
• Each afternoon between 2.00pm and 3.30pm, Churchill Island comes alive with entertaining farming activities for everyone to enjoy including hand milking the house cow, sheep-shearing demonstrations, watching Australian working dogs herding ducks and cattle and blacksmith displays in the historic ‘smithy shop’.

Phillip Island Nature Parks

• Phillip Island Nature Parks have launched their latest education package ‘EcoExperience’.
• The package includes a ranger-led tour that incorporates Phillip Island Nature Parks top attractions: Churchill Island Heritage Farm, Koala Conservation Centre, Penguin Parade and Nobbies Centre.
• The Eco Experience package gives participants an in-depth, hands-on tour of the Nature Parks’ award-winning management, ecotourism and research programs. The Eco Experience is a perfect addition to an itinerary for groups or FIT visitors interested in ecotourism.

Western Australia

APT

• Following on from the demand created by they movie ‘Australia’, APT have been quick to react by adding six additional departures to its 13Day Kimberley Complete small group 4WD tour during August and September.
• The journey takes guests to Mitchell Falls, Emma Gorge at El Questro, the Ord River, Lake Kununurra and more. The new dates include 1and15August, 15,19,20and25September2009.

Stonebarn

• Set on a 160acre estate, in Pemberton, Stonebarn is an exclusive boutique accommodation experience. Four hours drive from Perth, this retreat is set amongst lush forest, trufferie, rivers and dams. Handcrafted with local stone and timber, Stonebarn includes 6large guest suites with private balconies overlooking the dam and river. All rooms are equipped with kitchenettes and stylish en-suites. Stonebarn is an adult retreat and not ideally suited to children. A restaurant is available for dinner and a full gourmet breakfast.

The Richardson Hotel & Spa

• The hotel has now been open for two years and offers luxury boutique accommodation conveniently located in West Perth, not far from Kings Park, Perth Convention Centre and Perth CBD. The hotel offers 74guest rooms and suites, most with private balconies and fabulous views.
• The Conservatory is open for breakfast and lunch with the Opus Restaurant open from 6.00pm daily. The Spa at The Richardson offers a range of specialty treatments, facials, body wraps and other services.

Specials

New South Wales

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

• Offer your clients Sydney’s latest room product by booking a room or suite at the newly refurbished Four Seasons Hotel Sydney.
• The sleek new interiors throughout the 531refurbished rooms and suites are contemporary yet timeless and exude comfortable luxury in the heart of Sydney. Each rooms has been updated with the most superior technology available.
• Experience the new look Four Seasons with these exclusive offers valid for the month of March2009.
  - Free full buffet breakfast for up to tow adults in Kables Restaurant for any stay in an Opera View or Full Harbour View guest room OR
  - Get the 3^rd night free in any of the Premier rooms
• Valid for new FIT booking only under 10rooms and is subject to availability.

Northern Territory

Bamurru Plains

• To celebrate the new season, Bamurru Plains is offering two specials:
  - Book 3nights and receive an additional night free of charge OR
  - Take a complimentary 2.5 hour scenic charter flight over Kakadu National Park, Arnhem Land, Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls
• Valid for travel from 1 February to 30April2009.

Queensland

Voyages Bedarra Island

• Stay 5, pay 4 offer!
• Includes all meals, a selected range of premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, selected island activities including motorised dinghies, snorkelling, fishing, tennis, self-guided nature walks and gourmet picnic hampers. Also includes return launch transfers between Dunk Island and Bedarra Island.
• Conditions apply. Subject to availability. Minimum night stay applies.
• Valid for sale 1January-30April2009. Valid for travel until 31July2009.

Voyages Brampton, Dunk and Heron Islands

• Voyages is pleased to announce free transfers for Voyages Heron, Brampton and Dunk Islands.
• Sale Dates: 1March2009-30June2009
• Travel Dates:
   1 April - 30 November 2009 (Heron and Brampton)
   1 August - 30 November 2009 (Dunk Island)
• Minimum night stay: 3nights.
• Room Type Exclusion: This special is not valid in the Beach House on Heron Island.
• Subject to availability at the time of booking.

Voyages Lizard Island

• Stay 5, pay 4 offer!
• Includes all meals, a selected range of premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, selected island activities including motorised dinghies, snorkelling, tennis, self-guided nature walks and gourmet picnic hampers.
• Conditions apply. Subject to availability. Minimum night stay applies.
• Valid for sale 1January-30April2009. Valid for travel until 31July2009.

Voyages Wilson Island

• Stay 4, pay 3 offer!
• Includes all meals, a selected range of premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, selected island activities including snorkelling, fishing, self-guided nature walks, and gourmet picnic hampers. Also includes return launch transfers between Heron Island and Wilson Island.
• Conditions apply. Subject to availability. Minimum night stay applies.
• Valid for sale 1January-30April2009. Valid for travel until 31July2009.

Victoria

Phillip Island Nature Parks

• Free child’s ticket with every adult Penguin Parade General Viewing ticket purchased.
• Valid until 31March2009.

Western Australia

Cable Beach Club Resort, Broome

• Stay 4 nights and receive the 5^th night for free!
• Complimentary full buffet breakfast daily at the Sunset Bar and Grill overlooking the stunning Cable Beach.
• Complimentary return Broome Airport transfers.
• Complimentary welcome drink at the Sunset Bar&Grill for two adults.
• Kids eat for free (conditions apply).
• Valid for all room types from 1April to 31May2009.
• Valid for new bookings only effective 13February2009.

Seashells Resort Mandurah, Comet Bay

• The resort’s stay 5pay 4offer for low season 01/04/2009-30/11/2009 has now been upgraded to the offer stay 2nights and receive the 3^rdnight free!

Seashells Resort Yallingup, Margaret River

• Guests who stay for 2nights will receive their 3^rd night for free!
• Valid for all new bookings for stays between 1April and 30November 2009.

Changes & Refurbishment

New South WalesCrown Plaza Terrigal

• Crowne Plaza Terrigal has begun refurbishments to all guest rooms and will continue over the next 4 months over 4 stages. This highly anticipated project will see the hotel’s 196 guest rooms transformed by May2009. Design elements include orientating the room layout to maximize the stunning ocean views with finishes and colour palates specially selected to reflect the coastal surroundings.

Holiday Inn Sydney Airport

• The hotel airport shuttle bus will cease operation from 15February2009. At this stage Holiday Inn Sydney Airport is in the process of finding a solution, however nothing has been finalised as yet. Notice will be given as soon as a solution is found.

Old Sydney Holiday Inn

• The hotel will be upgrading its lobby lifts and only one lift will be in service during this upgrade. The upgrade will be commencing mid April2009 and concluding 30September2009. All efforts will be taken to ensure guests are not disturbed.
• Playfair Terrace Restaurant will be closed for dinner until further notice. The restaurant will remain open for breakfast daily from 6.30am to 10.30am. There are many fantastic restaurants in the local vicinity for guests to experience and our reception team would be more than happy to recommend a selection.
• During this time, minibar services will also be unavailable, should a guest require a minibar item, they can request this from room service for no tray service charge.

Sydney Wildlife World

• From 16February2009 the ‘Breakfast with the Koalas’ experience will only be available for bookings of a minimum of 10 guests.
• Bookings require a minimum of 48hours notice.

Northern Territory

Voyages Ayers Rock Resort

• Winkiku Restaurant, at Voyages Sails in the Desert Hotel, will close for dinner from 6February until 9April2009.
• Please note that Winkiku Restaurant will still be open for breakfast as usual during this period.
• Sails in the Desert Hotel’s award-winning signature restaurant Kuniya and Tali Bar as well as the other restaurants throughout Ayers Rock Resort will remain open.

Voyages Kings Canyon Resort

• Carmichaels Restaurant will close for dinner until 31March2009 inclusive.
• Please note that Carmichaels Restaurant will still be open for breakfast as usual and for group lunches as required.
• During this period group dinners reserved at Carmichaels Restaurant will now be in the Desert Oaks Cafe where a three course (multiple choices for each course) Table de Hote dinner will be served. The contracted buffet dinner rate will be honoured.

Queensland

BreakFree French Quarter, Noosa

• Ivory Bar, adjacent to BreakFree French Quarter, has closed down - effective immediately.
• For now there is no restaurant onsite - it is still unknown if a new restaurant will take its place.
• Major refurbishment of guest rooms will be taking place Monday to Saturday from 9.00am to 4.00pm within the following periods of time:
   - 23 February to 31 March 2009
   - 4 May to 15 June 2009
   - 27 July to 31 August 2009
   - 9 November to 14 December 2009
• Excessive noise may result in the initial 2 weeks. Once the initial demolition works are completed, noise is restricted to general construction noise.

Fantasea

• The 3 Island Whitehaven Beach Cruise and the 2 Island Discovery Cruise were removed from Fantasea’s programme. This change is effective immediately and will continue into the 2009/2010 period.

Green Island Resort

• Due to operational changes at Great Adventures, the3:30pm Cairns boat to Green island will not be running on a daily basis.
• This service will be running intermittently, effective immediately.
• Important to note that all current bookings for the 3:30pm departure time will be honoured.
• This operational decision will be reviewed on the 1May2009 and you will be notified of any changes.
• Please ensure at the time of booking Green Island Resort, you check with our office to see if the 3:30pm boat is operating on the date you may require or around that time.

Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise

• The operating hours of Sirocco Restaurant have now changed to the following:
• Breakfast: 6.30am to 10.30am
• Dinner: 6.00pm to 10.00pm
• Room Service Take Inn menu will still be available to 11.00pm and limited Take Inn menu from 11.00pm onwards.

Mantra Legends Hotel, Surfers Paradise

• Refurbishment of the Fables Restaurant from 24February to 4March 2009.
• The restaurant service will not be affected.
• Towards the end of this period Fables Restaurant will be operated in the Banquet Rooms on Level 1.

Mantra Sun City, Surfers Paradise

• From 1March2009 the Sayas Poolside Café and Bar will be closed from Monday to Friday. It will only be open from 11.00am to 5.00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa Gold Coast

• Maintenance to the resort lagoons will require the closure of part of the North Wing accommodation rooms between 27April and 8May2009.
• The hotel rooms which will be out of order on the North Wing will be the Garden and Lagoon category hotel rooms.
• Please be assured guest impact will be minimal as there will be no allocation of guests in the Garden and Lagoon rooms on North Wing during this period.

Voyages

• Amendment concerning Remarkable Rainforest and Reef (please disregard the information in the last newsletter):
  - Package inclusions have been removed (transfers and dinner at Silky Oaks Lodge) and should be booked as add-ons.
  - The room type at Silky Oaks is based on the best available at time of booking.
• Minimum 3 nights stay at Lizard Island.
• Bonus:
  - 1 night accommodation at Silky Oaks Lodge.
  - 1 full breakfast at Silky Oaks Lodge per person.

Western Australia

InterContinental Perth Burswood

• From now until December2009 the hotel will be undertaking a partial renovation of selected Club InterContinental guestrooms. InterContinental Perth Burswood and its adjoining facilities will continue to operate as normal with minimal disturbance to guests. An extensive schedule of works will occur Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 5.30pm and Saturday from 9.00am to 1.00pm. All measures will be taken to ensure discrepancies are kept minimal.

Destination Management Company