Office News

We are pleased to welcome Silika Meleah to our team in Sydney from the 15^th of March on!

ITB Berlin 2010

• All three Managing Directors of our three APTC branches in Australia (Stéphanie Karst-McGrath), Fiji (Monika Oldenburg) and New Zealand (Stephan Wendler) will attend this year’s ITB in Berlin
• The world’s largest Travel Trade Show will be held on 10 until 14 March 2010.

Product of the Month

 

New South Wales

Taronga Zoo Roar and Snore

Imagine spending the night amongst some of the World’s most endangered animals while also taking in the splendour of spectacular Sydney Harbour! What seems an impossible combination is now a reality with the opening of Taronga Zoo Roar and Snore. With an investment of $1.2 million in the new site this is a world class experience.

The ideal adventure for families and couples, Roar and Snore offers an exclusive opportunity for visitors to get up close to some of the Australian and Exotic animals. Including behind the scenes access and the chance to meet some animals personally, this is an experience you will never forget! An incredibly educational and fun experience you will gain an insight and appreciation into the conservation work carried out by Taronga Zoo while hearing fascinating stories about the animals.

The program includes:

• Guaranteed priority tent with Harbour Views.
• All meals: including refreshments on arrival, buffet style dinner, supper and light continental breakfast.
• An exclusive gift pack available only to international guests. Gift pack includes 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.
• Tent Accommodation - 17 large semi-permanent safari style tents - each tent with a double bed and capacity for additional beds.
• Behind the Scenes tours.
• Admission to Taronga Zoo for the day following your sleep over.

The camp site overlooks Sydney Harbour with picture-perfect views to the Harbour Bridge and Opera House from your tent! With new facilities, this camping trip is like no other. The chance to see koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, lions, tigers and elephants will send you to bed dreaming of your wild night in the Zoo!

 

What’s New

Australia wide

Voyages Hotels & Resorts / El Questro

• Voyages Hotels & Resorts will cease to manage El Questro as of 01st March 2010
• The new owners will be Delaware North El Questro Pty Ltd

Queensland

Queensland Rail

• Queensland Rail has recently announced the introduction of the Queensland Explorer Pass specifically designed for international visitors to the Sunshine State.
• The Queensland Explorer Pass offers unlimited travel for three or six months throughout Queensland, across the entire Queensland Rail long distance fleet until 31 March 2010.
• The Queensland Explorer Pass is available for travel in economy seats on the following Traveltrain services: Tilt Train (Bundaberg and Rockhampton only), the Sunlander, Spirit of the Outback, the Inlander and the Westlander.
• Pass holders may upgrade to business class seats on the Tilt Trains (Cairns, Rockhampton & Bundaberg) and any available sleeping berths.
• For further information please contact our office!

Holiday Inn Townsville

• Holiday Inn Townsville has recently celebrated the launch of their multi-million dollar refresh at an event opened by Townsville’s Lord Mayor and attended by over 100 key clients.
• Rich bronzed colours, contrasted with striking modern furnishings and signature indigenous artwork flows throughout the hotels new lobby, Shiraz Restaurant and all 199 guest rooms.

Pullman Reef Hotel Casino

• Café China will operate their flagship Chinese Restaurant in the Reef Hotel Casino complex.
• To accommodate one of the best and most well known Chinese restaurant brands in the Cairns market, Pacific Flavours restaurant closes for dinner service from Monday March 1st.
• Following a refit of the restaurant, Café China’s well known full service Chinese restaurant will open from July 1st 2010 serving lunch and dinner.
• During this time guests will continue to have the choice of the multi-award winning Tamarind Restaurant, the Flinders Bistro and the Café China Noodle Bar all located within the Reef Hotel Casino complex.
• Breakfast service will continue in Pacific Flavours until May. At that time it will move to full breakfast service in Tamarind with an all new breakfast menu including exciting a la carte options.

Orion Expedition Cruises

• Orion Expedition Cruises is enhancing its Kimberley itineraries for the 2010 season, offering the most inclusive Kimberley experience together with service standards unequalled in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Due to a change in interpretation of Australian Government rules governing cruise ships in the Kimberley region, Orion is slightly altering its Kimberley itineraries. This provides the opportunity to enhance the itineraries with the following additions - at no extra cost to clients:
  - inclusion of complimentary flight over the famous Bungle Bungle ranges
  - inclusion of one night’s complimentary accommodation in one of Broome’s
  finest hotels including breakfast and transfers
  - now an 11 night holiday for the original cost of 10 nights

Victoria

Outlet shopping tours in Melbourne

• New tour operator in Melbourne
• Bargains & BubblesTour
• Enjoy a relaxed and fun day of discount retail therapywithout the worry of carrying bags or finding directions.
• DiscoverMelbourne’s famous discount outlets, accessories,handbag & shoe shopsand hard-to-find warehouse sales
• Includes: Cafe Lunch with a glass of bubbles and a shopping gift
• Departs: Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

• MelbourneShoppingPrecincts-Shopping & ChampersTourwill commenceon April7, 2010.
• Explore Melbourne’s famous inner urban shopping precincts such as Greville and Chapel Streets, Brunswick andGertrude Streets, Acland Street St Kilda without having to tackle trams or taxis with shopping bags
• Includes: Cafemorning tea and Lunch with a glass of champers and a shopping gift
• Departs: Wednesdays andSaturdays
• The hosts are flexible and suit the itinerary to the individuals

New South Wales

Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill in Hunter Valley

• Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill announces the launch of the newly refurbished rooms.
• 22 villa apartments have been given a facelift providing guests with an enhanced experience during their stay at Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill.
• All Superior Rooms at Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill have been refurbished, revealing a contemporary new look.
• Each room has been upgraded with new beds, LCD TVs, DVD players, modern kitchen and bathroom fittings and soft furnishings.
• These upgrades add to the existing features at Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill including kitchenette facilities in Studio Apartments, full kitchen facilities in One and Two Bedroom Apartments, corner spa baths in all rooms, outdoor pool, tennis court, BBQ area and onsite restaurant.
• To compliment the room upgrades, the hotel’s onsite restaurant has also been refurbished and rebranded to Hunter Café & Restaurant offering breakfast 7 days, lunch Thursday - Sunday and dinner Wednesday - Saturday.

Scenic World Blue Mountains

• Now offeringCafe Meal andRide packages
• Combined with the any of the amazing rides, Scenic Skyway, Scenic Railway and Scenic Cableway
• Perfect for the budget traveller looking for a lighter lunch option overlooking the famous Three Sisters

Sydney and Bondi Explorers

• Sydney and Bondi Explorers will be a 24 hour ticket from 1 April 2010
• 46 stops through Sydney CBD and Bondi, this is an excellent value product
• Sydney Pass 3, 5 & 7 day passes for the longer stay, budget traveller

Northern Territory

Darwin Airport Resort

• All Business Suites have now had a refurbishment completed. This includes new double beds & bedding, new furniture; including side tables, dressers, business desks, lounge chairs, and flat screen TV’s. The rooms have also been repainted, giving the Business Suites a bright and contemporary look.
• Breakfast is now available from 03.30am daily in Essence Restaurant.
• There are now flight arrival and departure information screens located in the Darwin Airport Resort lobby.
• The new Loong Fong Seafood Restaurant is opened now. Serving traditional Chinese favourites such as sizzling beef, Chinese mushroom and vegetables, plus a range of Aussie meals, such as fish ‘n’ chips, and grilled barramundi. The extensive menu features authentic Chinese and Western dishes.

Argus Apartments Darwin

• NEW PRODUCT - centrally located on the corner of Wood Street and Cardona Court in Darwin’s CBD.
• Argus Apartments is a new 4.5 AAA rated holiday apartment complex.
• The 1, 2 & 3 bedroom self contained apartments range in size from 220 sqm to 280 sqm and the penthouses are 580 sqm.
• All apartments have luxury modern and contemporary furniture custom designed.

Kakadu Culture Camp

• New safari tents have been constructed to double capacity at Kakadu Culture Camp.
• Coming into their fourth year of operation, the camp not only caters for self drive FIT’s, but now also hosts a small tour group.
• Operated by Aussie Adventure with 3 departures per week from Darwin.
• The group tours Kakadu’s highlights including Yellow Water boat cruise, Ubirr Rock and JimJim Falls and stays 2 nights at the Culture Camp where guests also participate in the Kakadu by Night Aboriginal Culture and Night Wildlife Boat Cruise.

Maud Creek Lodge

• Explore Nitmiluk from Maud Creek Lodge private retreat and the exclusive experiences starts at the doorstep!
• Helicopters can land or take off on a private charter from the outback airstrip to overfly the spectacular scenery in Northern Territory.
• Other offers are candle light dinner under a blanket of stars or a visit to an Aboriginal community for a hands-on workshop.

Western Australia

Maitraya Luxury resort

• Maitraya is a luxury private retreat set on 200 hectares of breathtaking Western Australian coastline.
• The beautifully appointed, eight-bedroom homestead sleeps up to 16 guests and enjoys sweeping coastal views. The vast living space features two kitchens, a pool, spa, children’s play area and garden atrium.
• Outdoor delights include lakeside kayaks, a tennis court and walk trails dotted with wildflowers and wildlife.
• Private tracks lead to a perfect swimming beach, where whales, dolphins and birds often frolic.
  Maitraya is one of Australia’s most coveted coastal properties. Easily accessible by car or air, it is 20 minutes drive from Albany on Western Australia’s south coast.

Sail Ningaloo in style

• Sail Ningaloo has just launched their purpose built live-aboard catamaran, ‘Shore Thing’, in the pristine waters of the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park.
• Explore Ningaloo Reef, the largest fringing reef in the world, in luxury aboard this beautifully appointed vessel, which can accommodate up to 10 guests in comfort.
• Sail Ningaloo offers three, five and nine-day tours, which all include meals, snorkelling, kayaking and reef interpretation walks.

Cow Parade

• Cow Parade takes place in Margaret River region between 01 March and 30 June 2010.
• The CowParade is an internationally renowned event, previously held in Paris, Tokyo, London and New York.
• 80 life-sized fibreglass cows will be transformed into works of art by talented artists from across Australia.

Red Bull Air Race

• Red Bull Air Race zooms into Perth from 17 and 18 April 2010
• The world’s best race pilots will wow spectators by combining speed, precision and skill in the fastest, most agile and lightweight planes at The Red Bull Air Race World Championship.
• Perth’s installment is the only race of the series to be held in the Asia Pacific region and the only host city that sees the pilots take off and land at an airport in the heart of the CBD.

Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef

• Sal Salis has announced it will introduce 4 new luxury safari tents (boosting the total number to nine), when the wilderness retreat reopens on 14 March.
• The tents are set only a few metres from the WA shoreline and are appointed with comfortable beds and fine linen.
• Three night Whale Shark packages are available and include accommodation, meals and guided activities.

South Australia

Aurora Ozone Hotel

• Aurora launched its brand new Aurora Ozone Hotel Function Centre at Kingscote on Kangaroo Island on 28th January 2010.
• The new $2 million function centre consists of three rooms that can be used singly for smaller events, or linked by state-of-the-art screens and speakers so that up to 150 can attend a conference or function.
• The new function centre represents the first stage of development of the property.
• Future stages will include a decked beer garden integrated with a pool and gymnasium with plans for an additional 40 new hotel rooms having been drawn up.

Southern Ocean Lodge

• To maintain the high standard of luxury offered at Southern Ocean Lodge the property will close between 16 - 24 July 2010 for a refreshment.

Following two years in planning and development and in keeping with Baillie Lodges’ commitment to sustainable tourism, Southern Ocean Lodge now presents a ‘solar farm’ designed to increase the property’s capacity to self-fuel using solar energy

Specials

Australia wide

StayWell Hospitality Group

• Autumn special for certain StayWell Hospitality Group properties
• Minimum stay: 3 nights
• Valid: 01 March until 31 March 2010
• Not combinable with any other offer

Queensland

Paradise Resort Gold Coast

• We have received a special on sale now for Paradise Resort Gold Coast
• On Sale: 01 - 31 March 2010
• Travel: 01 March - 10 September 2010
• Surcharge: Saturday nights and travel between 02 - 11 April 2010
• Please contact our office for further information!

Hayman

• Hayman offers a pay 3 stay 4 deal
• Extended validity 1 April - 30 September 2010
• Complimentary daily buffet breakfast in Azure for two people

• A la carte Escape
• NEW - Special Suites Offer
• 50% discount off Pool Suite or Lagoon Suite when booking “A la carte Escape”
• Validity 1 April - 30 September 2010

• Family Offer
• Extended validity 1 April - 30 September 2010
• Special discounts for second and third rooms for accompanying family members
• No minimum age restriction
• Two complimentary invitations per child to access Hayman Kids Club

South Australia

Oaks Embassy

• Oak’s Embassy is set to unveil a stylish new look in mid-march 2010.
• The transformation consists of a complete rejuvenation to floors, walls, ceilings, timber work, bathrooms, laundry, furnishings and window treatments.
• Guests will have a choice of one, two or three bedroom deluxe apartments or the popular executive apartments that also include a rejuvenating spa bath.
• Resort style leisure facilities include heated pool, spa, and the newly refurbished Mirage bar and restaurant offering the finest choice in contemporary Adelaide cuisine.

New South Wales

Sebel Pier One Sydney

• We have just received a special group BB rate for Sebel Pier One Sydney.
• Valid all year excl NYE/Ashes
• For further information please don’t hesitate to contact our office!

Captain Cook Cruises

• Due to the 40th birthday of Captain Cook Cruises the sales extended to 31st of March 2010
• Valid for sale: 01 January 2010 to 31 March 2010
  Valid for travel: 01 January 2010 to 31 March 2011 excl special event cruises
• Discounts based on 2010/11 Brochure Fares

• 2-Night Sydney Cruise - Minimum 15% off cruise prices plus free $40 Bar Credit per adult

• 3, 4 & 7-Night Murray River Cruises - Minimum 20% off cruise prices
Tasmania

Hotel Grand Chancellor

• Winter special for Hotel Grand Chancellor
• valid: 01 April - 30 September 2010
• Offer is valid for new bookings
• Offer will not be amended for existing bookings
• Blockout dates: 6th -9th May
• All bookings are subject to availability

• For further information please don’t hesitate to contact our office!

Victoria

Crown Metropol in Melbourne

• Crown Metropol provides a special Introductory Offer.
• The new and modern hotel has 658 rooms, inclusive of 33 Suites which exude a new luxury.
• The introductory offer is valid for travel 01 May 2010 - 31 August 2010
• It is subject to availability at time of booking and it is not valid for existing bookings.
• Valid for Sale from NOW!

Travelodge Docklands in Melbourne

• Stay 4 pay 3 deal from Travelodge Docklands.
• Availability: 22 February until 31 August 2010
• Bookings: Subject to availability

Northern Territory

Kings Canyon Resort

• Kings Canyon Resort is offering a Stay 2 nights Pay 1 night deal.
• Sale Dates: 24 February - 30 April, 2010
• Travel Dates: 01 March 2010 - 31 July 2010 (subject to availability)
• Blockout Dates: April 2- April 8th (inclusive ALL room types)
• Minimum night stay: 2 night minimum stay
• This offer is only valid for FIT’s and is valid for new bookings only, as recorded and received from the 24 February 2010.

Changes & Refurbishment

Queensland

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

• Please be advised Tjapukai by Day ONLY (9am-5pm) will be closed on the following days: Monday 17th May 2010, Tuesday 18th May 2010, Tuesday 1st June 2010, Saturday 19th June 2010, Monday 30th August 2010, Saturday 4th September 2010
• Tjapukai by Night (7pm-10pm) will operate as normal on all of the above closure dates.
• Tjapukai is also unable to provide Port Douglas transfers for Tjapukai by Day and Tjapukai by Night on the following dates in 2010: 05 - 09 March, 08 - 09 March, 11 - 12 March, 15 to 19 March, 22 to 26 March, 28 March and 30 March.

Kuranda Scenic Railway

• Due to blanket restrictions on licensed trading hours throughout Queensland on specific days of the year, alcohol service will not be available on certain Kuranda Scenic Railway services on some occasions each year.
• Upcoming restricted trading Days are Good Friday, 2 April 2010 and Anzac Day, Monday 26 April 2010
• Please note that for affected KSR services on these days:
• KSR Gold Class will be available without alcohol service.
• KSR Royale service will not be available.
• Only those services are affected departing Cairns Station 8:30 and Freshwater Station 8:50

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

• A refurbishment program is underway at Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns.
• This program is being undertaken to rejuvenate the exterior paintwork of the hotel.
• The timeline for the work program has been extended and the expected date of completion will now be 31 March 2010.
• 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.
• Work will be carried out on Monday to Friday from 08.00am till 05.00pm
• All exterior walls and fixtures of the hotel will be affected
• All guests will be informed of the exterior paintwork on check-in with a letter.

Holiday Inn Cairns

• The final phase of renovation of the guest room furniture and fittings will start in March 2010
• There may be some occasional noise associated with certain elements of the project, and so to minimize disruption, work has been scheduled between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Sunday.
• The rooms will be progressively upgraded over the period 1st March - 7th June 2010

  

South Australia

Southern Ocean Lodge

• Refreshment Week will proceed from 16^th to 24^th of July

New South Wales

Capella Lodge

• Lodges don’t accept bookings that arrive or depart on Christmas Day whilst this is a fixed rule for Capella Lodge due to maximise the experience for the in-house guests.

Metro Inn Edgecliff

• Metro Inn Edgecliff will be closing its operation as of the 8th March 2010. This is due to the lease becoming due and the building selling.

Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney

• Redesign process will take place from 1st March 2010 on until August 2010
• The hotel will unveil a new Lobby, Restaurant, Bar and Plaza Club Lounge
• Concerning the redesign of the Lobby level and with these changes there will come some periodic noise, however these works will be limited to between the hours of 9am and 5pm on weekdays.
• Bistro-Fax restaurant and ABX Bar areas will be redesigned. During this redesign process these venues will be moved to the Lower Ground level, located directly one floor below Reception.
• There will be a complete redesign of the Radisson Plaza Club Lounge.
• The Lounge will be closed for the duration of the project period.

Mercure Sydney Airport

• A soft refurbishment is being completed for levels 7, 8 and 9 including new wall coverings, floor coverings and new furnishings
• Date: 22 February 2010 until 31 May 2010
• Minimal disruption is anticipated as each floor will be closed off whilst work is being completed.
• Any heavy work will be undertaken during day time hours to avoid disruption to guests. Hours for heavy work are from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Western Australia

Ibis Perth

• Hotel Ibis Perth will undergo a full room and bathroom refurbishment.
• Works commence on 01 May 2010 and continue through to 31 October 2010.
• There will be noise present between the hours of 8am and 5pm as bathrooms will be renovated.
• Other areas of words include carpet, paint, TV’s and Internet connections however the furniture and fittings within the rooms will remain.
• Hotel corridors will also receive new carpet and paintwork.

Northern Territory

Holiday Inn Darwin

• Holiday Inn Darwin is undergoing a complete refurbishment of all its guest rooms and lobby.
• The floor-by-floor refurbishment started on 04 Jan 2010 and will finish by end April 2010.
• The new design maximises the unique shape of the rooms due to the tri-arc design of the hotel, each with its own Juliette balcony and floor to ceiling windows.
• Guests will enjoy new features such as new fixtures and furnishings (including elements of IHG’s energy efficiency program), choice of pillows, powerful shower heads and new bath products.

Outback Ballooning

• Effective 01 April 2010 breakfast will no longer be a part of the ballooning tour.
• Instead guests will be offered refreshments, including champagne, and souvenir sales at the balloon landing site.
• This change has been in response to customer requirements and will have the added bonus of avoiding any rate increases in 2010.
• This will shorten the tours by approximately 45 minutes.
• Post flight transfer times and connections to other tours will also be significantly improved

Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours and Adventure Tours (ATA)

• Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours is going from strength to strength in their partnership with ATA.
• They have welcomed thousands of visitors to their “country”, which has created jobs in the Wairuk Community.
• Pudakul has also coordinated a number of corroboree experiences for various conferences and special interest groups that have been very well received.
• ATA has confirmed that Pudakul will feature in their brochures in 2010 and will be included in selected Top End itineraries.