Newsletter October 09

Office News

Stephanie Karst-McGrath will be attending WTM (World Travel Mart) in London this November. Further details to be announced, meanwhile if you’d like to make an appointment please contact Stephanie.

Product of the Month

 

Wolgan Valley Resort

wolgan-valley-resort-_1_web.jpgExperience the breathtaking beauty of Australia’s natural landscape at Emirates’ conservation-led Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa located in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, less than three hours drive from Sydney.

Nestled between two National Parks and spread out at the foot of towering cliffs, Wolgan Valley Resort wolgan-valley-resort-_2_web.jpg& Spa is set within its own private conservation and wildlife reserve. This secluded resort occupies just two percent of the total land area of 4,000 acres and features 40 individual suites, each having its own indoor / outdoor swimming pool. The main homestead offers distinctive dining, luxury facilities and stand-alone Timeless Spa.  

wolgan-valley-resort-_4.jpgGuests are invited to take part in numerous excursions, based on the incredible beauty of the location, its wildlife and ecology and both settler and aboriginal history. Activities include guided walks to discover wildlife in its natural habitat, four-wheel drive safaris, mountain bike and horse-riding adventures through the spectacular landscapes, star gazing, Heritage and Aboriginal interpretative tours, and guided photographic excursions.

After two years of construction the Wolgan Valley Resort finally opened its doors again and there are some special offers due to the opening.

  • wolgan-valley-resort-_5.jpgSTAY 2 NIGHTS AND ENJOY AN ADDITIONAL NIGHT, FREE OF CHARGE Conditions:
    - This “pay 2 stay 3″ offer is valid from 01. Oct. to 23. Dec. 2009 inclusive.
    - Applicable to all room types
    - Valid for new bookings only
    - Not applicable with any other promotional offer

 

What’s New

Australia - wide

Central Aborigines Experience

  • Central Aboriginal Experience is an organisation who is promoting and supporting Aboriginal tourism throughout whole Australia and is cooperating with following tour operators:
  • RT Tours Australia,
  • Jungala Enterprises
  • Rainbow Valley Cultural
  • Apmwerre; Black Tank
  • Cultural Tours
  • Many Hands Art Centre
  • Hermannsburg Historical
  • Tjilpa Cultural
  • Wallace Rockhole Tourist
  • Tjanpi Desert Weavers

Connections

  • At 30th September 2009 Connections entered a joint venture with the travel company Intrepid Travel
  • Connections will no longer be a division of APT and will be established as a separate company
  • There is no change to the Connections 2010/11 rates & itineraries that have been issued already

Voyages

  • Voyages has sold Dunk and Bedarra Island Resorts
  • For following resorts contract for a sale in the future are already signed
  • Lizard Island Resort;
  • Kings Canyon Resort;
  • Wilson Island Resort;
  • El Questro Homestead;
  • El Questro Station;
  • El Questro Emma Gorge; and
  • Heron Island Resort

Queensland

 Kingfisher Bay Resort

  • From1 November 2009, Kingfisher Bay Resort Group will be relocating its Marine Operationsand Mainland Reception to premises at River Heads which is located a 20 min drive South of Hervey Bay City centre.
  • The Mainland Reception will be atRiver HeadsVillage,twominutes drive from the ferry departure point. Guests will be transported to the departure point by bus shortly before the ferry departure.
  • Reception facilities will allow people to wait for services in comfort, with the availability of food and beverages and car parking.
  • The Ferry has been refurbished with seating for 220 passengers on two decks with a fully licensed bar & snack food available on board.
  • The Ferry times will remain similar to the current timetable with the addition of more services.
  • KingfisherBayResort will continue to operate courtesy transfers from HerveyBayFraserCoastAirportand The Bay Central Bus Terminal

Outback Spectacular

  • A new show will open soon at the Australian Outback Spectacular. With a cast of larger than life characters and amazing animals, the new show will celebrate the link between stockmen and the legendary Australian Light Horse.
  • To accommodate the new show, the Australian Outback Spectacular will be closed for one week from Sunday 13 September- Monday 21 September.
  • Tickets to the new show, Australian Outback Spectacular 2 - ‘Heroes of the Light Horse’; commencing Tuesday 22 September 2009 are now available for sale.
  • In line with the launch of the new dinner show - ‘Heroes of the Light Horse’; Australian Outback Spectacular will also introduce, for the first time since opening in 2006, a brand new 12.30pm matinee lunch show.
  • The matinee show will be available for sale on selected Sundays commencing Sunday 27th September 2009.

Daydream Island Resort and Spa

  • Daydream Island Resort and Spa has introduced a check-in kiosk at Great Barrier Reef Airport (HTI) to help its guests get on with their holiday sooner
  • Daydream Island Resort and Spa director of sales Suzy Bohan said guests will now be greeted by island staff when they exit the airport terminal, where a speedy check-in process will start.
  • The kiosk has started operation on September 17 and is located near the luggage collection area outside the Hamilton Island airport terminal building.
  • Guests will still be responsible for checking in their own luggage with the ferry company, however bags will be delivered directly to guests’ rooms after check-in.

Rydges Sabaya Resort Port Douglas

  • Due to recent purchase of the Port Douglas property by Amalgamated Holdings Limited the name Rydges Sabaya Resort Port Douglas will be removed and replace with Sabaya Resort, Port Douglas.
  • The name change will already be in effect for the 2010-11 contract year.

Islander Resort Hotel

  • The hotel announced that thebed furnishingsin all of the one bedroom apartments have undergone a makeover.
  • The beds now have a modern feel with crisp white sheets, a valance around the bed and bed runners with matching cushions.
  • The new bed furnishings make a vast improvement to the look and feel of all of the rooms

Western Australia

Monkey Mia Resort

  • Due to government regulations the entry fee to the Monky Mia Park was increased at 1. September 2009.
  • This fee is not paid to the Resort but paid direct to DEC for the continual care, welfare, management and research of the Monkey Mia dolphins and is not included in any accommodation costs

Rottnest Island

  • Eco Adventures commenced its tour season for Rottnest Island at 26 of September,
  • The tours operate 5 days a week (from Thursday to Monday)
  • The tours have a duration of 90 minutes and packages which combine ferry transfer to the Island and the tour are available.

Tasmania

Bruny Wildlife Adventure:

  • As of November 1 2009 the Bruny Wildlife Adventure will no longer encompass thePeppermintBayshore excursion, thus allowing more time to exploreBrunyIslandand its gourmet food and beverage delights.
  • The food and beverage component of the tour will truly reflect the Bruny Island and Huon regions. Guests can witness firsthand where the produce comes from, where it is made and most importantly - tastings of these world-class delights

Adventure Bay Trading Company:

  • Adventure Bay Trading Company, will now change the name to Pennicott Wilderness Journeys.
  • Another important change is that both cruises will now operate every day of the year, except for Christmas Day. This change reflects the fact that year-round visitation to the state has shown growth in recent years.

South Australia

Hyatt Regency to InterContinental Adelaide

  • On 24 September, IHG took over management of Hyatt Regency Adelaide and rebrand the hotel as Inter Continental Adelaide
  • All 09/10 rates with Hyatt will be honoured
  • public areas, restaurants and Club InterContinental rooms upgraded within the next twelve months
  • Refurbishment of the rest of the hotel will follow within the next two to three years

Kangaroo Island Seafront Resort

  • Kangaroo Island Seafront Resort announced the opening of a substantially renovated Heritage rooms, with new en-suite bathrooms, furnishings and fittings and spacious modern atmosphere.
  • Rooms feature ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, flat screen television, free austar, wireless internet, tea & coffee making facilities, refrigerator, iron, ironing boards, alarm clock and Hair dryer.

Canberra

International Film Festival

  • The international Film Festival Canberra will be held from 28.10.09 to 08.11.09
  • During the 12-day celebration an exceptional selection of feature films and documentaries from around the world plus the best Australian new releases and retrospectives will be shown.

The Festival also offers additional events including Q&As, panel discussions and workshops hosted by talented filmmakers passionate about their craft and willing to share their knowledge.

Specials

South Australia

Arkaba Station - Opening Celebration Specials

  • Arkaba Station is opening on 1st November and has a special offer for the opening.
  • Stay 4 Nights Pay 3 Nights, OR
  • Stay 3 Nights and receive a free 30 minute scenic flight over Wilpena Pound
  • 3 nights at Arkaba Station in a Guest room with all meals, beverages and guided activities
  • Choice of 1 additional night at no extra cost or a 30 minute scenic flight over Arkaba, Wilpena Pound and the Elder Range
  • Valid for travel from 1 November 2009 to 31 January 2010 (excluding 22 Dec 2009 to 3 Jan 2010)
  • Minimum 2 Adults

Queensland

Rail Australia

  • Rail Australia offers a 20% discount on economy sleepers (three berth cabins) and economy seats on The Sunlander, Spirit of the Outback and The Westlander.
  • Also a 20% discount is offered on business and economy seats on the Tilt Train
  • Travel date is between 5th October 2009 to 31st January 2010 -(the offer is not valid between 18 December and 04 January)
  • For further information please contact our office

Peppers Hidden Vale

  • Peppers Hidden Vale Resort offers a special which includes full breakfast for 2 Pax daily, complimentary upgrade and late checkout at 3pm.
  • This special is valid for sale and travel from now until 30 November 2009
  • For further information please contact our office

Lizard and Bedarra Island

  • Voyages has announced an extension of the free regular return flights for 2 pax from/to Cairns/Dunk Island or Cairns/Lizard Island
  • Minium stay for this offers is 5 consecutive nights at either Lizard or Bedarra Island
  • Valid for sale until 31st October and travel date must be until 19th December
  • No blockout dates apply during this time period

Dunk/Brampton/Heron Island

  • Voyages has announced an extension of meal inclusive rates at: Dunk Island, Brampton Island and Heron Island
  • The rates can be booked until 31 of October 2009 and are valid for travels until 30 November (subject to availability at the time of booking)
  • And at Dunk and Heron Islands, kids also still stay and eat for free.
  • Please contact our office for further details

Brampton Island

  • The boat transfer to Brampton Island is now operating with a new vessel
  • The departure times have changed in order to align with major flight arrivals into Mackay from Virgin Blue and Jetstar, as well as Qantaslink and Tiger Air
  • Departure Times - Mackay
    The boat will depart Mackay Marina at 14.00 daily, with the transfer taking approximately 1 hour. The service operates once daily.
  • Departure Times - Brampton Island
    The boat will depart Brampton Island Jetty at 15.20 daily, with the transfer taking approximately 1 hour. The service operates once daily.

Orpheus Island

  • Orpheus Island has announced a Pay 3, Stay 4″ Nights special
  • Sales Period: 1 September 09 to 15 November 09.
  • Travel Period: 1 September 09 - 10 January 10.
  • For further information please contact APTC

Hayman Island

  • Hayman Island has a “Stay another day offer” which means Pay for three nights and receive a 4th night complimentary.
  • Daily buffet breakfast is also included
  • Sale date from now to 18th December
  • Travel date from now until 21 December

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

  • Cairns Colonial Club Resort offers a special where Children up to 12 years of age can stay and eat for free in the resort
  • The maximum is 1 Child per paying adult
  • The offer is valid from 01.10.09 until 31.03.10

Northern Territory

Ayers Rock resort

  • Ayers Rock Resort offers a “stay 3 and pay 3 nights special” for the sale and travel date between 27 August 2009 - 31 March 2010
  • Block out dates don’t apply, however availability of this offer can be limited during peak times.
  • Please contact APTC office for further information

Connections-Northern Territory Safaris

  • Ayers Rock: Connections offers a 50% discount for the second traveller when a Northern Territory Safari is booked
  • Sales time is October 2009 and travel must be until 31 of March 2010
  • Please contact APTC office for further information

Bamurru Plains-Wild Bush Luxury

  • With the wet season drawing near, Bamurru offer the following end of year specials for bookings from now until end of October.
  • Stay 4 Nights Pay 3 Nights, OR
  • Stay 3 Nights and receive a complimentary one-way transfer by helicopter from Darwin to Bamurru
  • 3 nights at Bamurru Plains in a Safari Bungalow with all meals, beverages and guided activities
  • Choice of 1 additional night at no extra cost or a one-way helicopter transfer from Darwin to Bamurru
  • Valid for travel from 1 to 31 October 2009
  • Minimum 2 Adults

Western Australia

Sal Salis Spring Special

  • Stay 5 Pay 4 plus a bonus free night in Perth
  • This spring special offers guests a complimentary night when they book 5 nights at Sal Salis as well as a complimentary night at Perth’s leading luxury hotel, The Richardson Hotel & Spa.
  • Offer valid from 1 October to 15 December 2009
  • Complimentary night in a Classic Room at The Richardson is valid for use between 1 October 2009 and 31 January 2010 (subject to availability)

Tasmania

Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston

  • The Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston has a special room rate which is valid from 01 October 2009 to 31. March 2010.
  • Rates are for new bookings only
  • For further details please contact APTC

Changes & Refurbishment

New South Wales Swiss Grand Resort and Spa

  • Plans to redevelop the Swiss-Grand Resort & Spa, Bondi Beach have been shelved due the global financial crisis.
  • Due to that the temporary closure of the hotel is not necessary and it will remain open for the next years.
  • The hotel will undergo a soft refurbishment to its conference inventory and rooms instead

The Grace Hotel

  • The Grace Hotel has commenced a major renovation program. The project will refurbish and improve the health and fitness facilities located at the top floor of the Hotel.
  • Due to that the pool, sauna, steam room, and spa has to be closed for a number of weeks with the scheduled completion due around the 1st of December 2009
  • The gymnasium however will still be available between the hours of 6:30am and 9:30pm each day.

. The Mencies Sydney

  • The Mencies Sydney The Menzies Sydneywill be conducting areplacementof old chilled water piping inthe hotels South Wing
  • The work will start at 2nd November2009 and is expected to be completed by31 May 2010

Queensland

Angsana Resort

  • Angsana Resort will carry out renovation works at the beach front pool from 23rd November to 18th December
  • Work is planned to be carried out between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday
  • Some occasional noise can be generated during this time
  • The resorts other two pools will remain open during this time

Kewarra Beach Resort

  • The Kewarra Beach Resort will be embarking on a major renovation and capital improvements project.
  • The work will commence on April 9th 2010 and will continue through to June 1st 2010
  • During this time Kewarra Beach Resort will need to close.

All Seasons Cairns Gateway Resort

  • All Seasons Cairns Gateway Resort will be painting the exterior of the hotel starting on the 19th October 2009
  • This is expected to be completed by19thNovember 2009.
  • Minimal disruption to Resort guests is expected during this renovation period

Cable Fantasea-Reefworld North Pontoon. .

  • Fantasea needs to carry out routine maintenance on the Reefworld North pontoon and as a result the platform will be closed from Thursday29thOctober 09to Sunday 15th Novemer 09
  • During this time period the ReefworldSouth will be used which has similar features as Reefworld North

Western Australia

  • The Citigate Hotel Perth has completed a $9 million refurbishment. The hotel now features 278 refurbished guestrooms, new restaurant, stylish bar and revitalised lobby.

Tasmania

Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston

  • Three floors of Hotel Grand Chancellor in Launceston will be refurbished within the next 6 months. This will include new beds, linen, TV’s and paintwork.

Canberra

Novotel Canberra

  • Novotel Canberra’s multi-million dollar refurbishment is well underway with completion due in early October 2009.

The new Novotel Canberra will showcase quality upgrades to all guest accommodation, the hotel restaurant and bar, and all public areas while doubling the size of the hotel lobby and increasing hotel capacity by one hundred guest rooms with the addition of two new floors.