Office News

APTC at WTM London 2010

This year’s tourism trade fair WTM (World Travel Mart) in London is being held from 08. -11. November. Here you can meet with APTC’s Managing Director Stephanie Karst-McGrath to learn more about the APTC group and our latest travel ideas for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands.

Specials

Queensland

Dunk Island Resort

• Dunk Island Resort has advised a new ‘Stay 3 Pay 2′ offer.
• This offer is open to sale until 17 Dec 2010 and for travel until 31 Mar 2011.
• Blockout dates are 18 Dec 2010 to 09 Jan 2011 (inclusive).

Daydream Island Resort and Spa

• Daydream Island Resort and Spa have a new special in the marketplace for October/November.
• The ‘Dinner, Bed & Breakfast’ special includes a minimum 3 nights in a Garden Balcony room, full buffet breakfast daily, 3 course a la carte dinner daily, FREE return luxury catamaran transfers plus over 20 FREE activities including catamarans, paddle skis, open air cinema (Mon, Wed, Fri), fish feeding, gym, rainforest walk and much more! Up to 2 children stay and eat breakfast for FREE.
• This offer is valid for sale from 1 Oct to 30 Nov 10 and for travel from 1 Oct to 03 Dec 10.
• Please contact our office for cost details.

Victoria

Penguin Parade

• The Penguin Parade has put together an exclusive promotion for all the passengers travelling from now until 30 November 2010. 
• Every passenger travelling with APT will get a free heat pack. 

Tasmania

Quamby Estate

• As the Quamby Estate prepares for summer they offer a Pay 2 / Stay 3 special deal.
• Valid for sale and travel from 1 October 2010 to 31 December 2010.
• Please contact our office for detailed information.

New South Wales

Lilianfels

• With the end of winter comes the famous Spring Garden Festivals of the Mountains, transforming the region into a spectacular rainbow of colours. To celebrate the arrival of the blooms Lilianfels has released a delightful Spring Fever package.
• This package includes luxurious accommodation in deluxe room, delicious hearty breakfast for two served in the Orangery restaurant, spring cocktail drink voucher for two, complimentary access to the Spa and Fitness Centre with its heated indoor pool and seasonally heated outdoor pool and complimentary Australian newspapers.
• This offer is valid from 15th September to 30th November 2010.
• Please contact our office for detailed cost information.

Wolgan Valley Resort

• To celebrate the warmer weather, Wolgan Valley resort has introduced a new two-night package for spring and early summer, a special season at Wolgan Valley with longer days, stunning sunsets, sightings of baby wombats and joeys, and new seasonal fare. 
• The Spring Temptation package is now available for sale and valid for travel from 1st September to 19th December 2010.
• Emirates have announced an exceptional offer for First and Business Class customers.

• All Emirates First and Business Class passengers (including Australian and New Zealand residents) travelling to Australia or New Zealand between 1st October and 15th December 2010 are eligible for a two night stay for the price of one at Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, for stays between 1st October and 15th December 2010.

Product of the Month

 

Hayman Beach Villas

Hayman is set to introduce new levels of international resort excellence with the unveiling of an exclusive collection of magnificent Beach Villas at the premier Great Barrier Reef private island destination.
Hayman owning company, Mulpha Australia has engaged internationally renowned architect, Kerry Hill, to design each Villa, which will provide 120 square metres of sheer luxury, including a stunning private pool.

Opening in December 2010, eight absolute beachfront Villas, on the shores of Hayman, will offer breathtaking uninterrupted views of the sparkling Coral Sea and beyond with unsurpassed interior appointments.

This significant project for Hayman is part of a major upgrade program throughout the resort which includes the scheduled completion and delivery in 2010 of the first Kerry Hill-designed Hayman Private Residence, which is being anticipated to redefine lifestyle home ownership.

Mulpha Head of Hotel Investment and Hayman Managing Director, Lloyd Donaldson, who is overseeing the current projects, said the eagerly awaited opening of the new Beach Villas was evidence of a commitment to ensure Hayman maintained its position as one of the most celebrated private island resorts in a competitive world market.

Hayman is set to introduce new levels of international resort excellence with the unveiling of an exclusive collection of magnificent Beach Villas at the premier Great Barrier Reef private island destination.

Please also see link to Hayman Flyer: hayman_beach-villa_0810.pdf

What’s New

Australia wide

Great Southern Rail 

• Great Southern Rail is pleased to announce the launch of their Tropical Summer Campaign - FREE GOLD SERVICE UPGRADE.
• Similar to 2009, travel on The Ghan between 1 November 2010 and 31 March 2011 and receive a free upgrade from Red Sleeper Service to Gold Service. 
• To qualify book a minimum of 2 nights accommodation and 1 full day tour to receive this offer, noting that the land and accommodation does not need to be booked with Great Southern Rail.  
• This offer is valid for new bookings made between 23 August 2010 and 24 December 2010 and is subject to availability per departure and may not be available on all departures.
• Offer is valid for travel between Darwin to Adelaide or v.v and Darwin to Alice Springs or v.v. Offer is not valid for travel between Alice Springs to Adelaide or v.v.

New South Wales

Captain Cook Cruises

• Effective 01 November 2010 changes have been made to the Sydney Harbour Tribal Warrior cruise.
  Tribal Warrior will now run to a daylight saving timetable departing at either 1.00pm or 3.00pm.
• Cruises operate Wednesday to Sunday, subject to minimum numbers with a duration of approximately 2 hours.

Hunter Valley Gardens

• From 11^th October to 14^th November 2010, visitors to Hunter Valley Gardens will be greeted by an incredible sensory explosion of colour and fragrance as they view 35,000 rose bushes with up to two million rose blooms as part of the annual Rose Spectacular.
• During the Rose Spectacular, garden enthusiasts and lovers of nature will be delighted by the activities and interactive presentations about the history of roses and how to successfully plant and grow them at home.

• Please contact our office for further information.

Sydney Opera House

• A vision to take digital content beyond the confines of Bennelong Point is the driving force behind a range of technology initiatives at Sydney Opera House aimed to transform the way in which audiences can interact and engage with the global icon.
• Informing the digital strategy are three key objectives - increasing reach and access to performing arts, artists and the House itself; encouraging community participation and engagement; and creating new models for the development and distribution of Sydney Opera House experiences through digital channels.
• It also features the launch of the inaugural Sydney Opera House membership program, Insiders, providing loyal fans with a range of exclusive offers, events, and behind the scenes insights.

Queensland

Hotel Grand Chancellor Surfers Paradise

• Grand Hotels International has purchased the Courtyard by Marriott Surfers Paradise Resort, effective 21^st September 2010.
• They have re-branded the Hotel Grand Chancellor Surfers Paradise and will remain a 4 star property.

The Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary

• The Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary in Port Douglas has changed its name to Wildlife Habitat.

Lizard Island

• Effective immediately, Coral Reef Limousines will operate all private car transfers for Lizard Island guests between the Main Cairns Airport Terminal (Domestic & International) and the Hinterland Aviation Terminal.
• All transfers were previously provided by Sun Palm Transport.
• Upon arrival into the Main Cairns Airport, all guests will be met by a representative of Coral Reef Limousines at the baggage carousel in the Arrivals Hall. For guests returning from Lizard Island, they will be met at the Hinterland Aviation Terminal.

Tjapukai Aboriginal Park

• Tjapukai has advised a change of schedule to their normal programming for Tjapukai by Day.
• From the 4^th October 10 until 31^st October 10 they will not be showing their History Film in the History Theatre. This is due to the theatre being out of action while they install a brand new show that will commence on the 1^st November.
• In place of the History Film they will be offering guests the opportunity to have either a cultural lecture or participate in boomerang painting.

Fantasea Cruises

• Due to Daylight Saving affecting flights in and out of Hamilton Island, Fantasea has a new timetable effective fromSunday 3rd of October 2010.
• Please contact our office for further information.

Smartvisit Solutions

• Smartvisit Solutions has recently performed a review and rationalisation of all iVenture Experiences, with that a number of changes have been made to their product line.
• Therefore they advise that the following products will be withdrawn from the market in 2011:
  • Cellar Door Pass and Cheese and Wine Trails - Western Australia and New South Wales. These products cease operating on Sunday 30^th January 2011.
  • Cellar Door Pass and Cheese and Wine Trails  - South Australia. These products will cease operating on Sunday 13^th March 2011.
  • Adelaide Five in One Attractions Pack and Grey Line Tour Pack Adelaide. These products will cease operating on Sunday 13^th March 2011.

Mantra Group - Peppers Broadbeach

• Mantra Group has announced plans to open the Gold Coast’s first new five-star hotel in more than a decade.
• Mantra Group has signed an exclusive agreement with Niecon Developments to manage its $850 million twin residential tower development at Broadbeach, which comprises 505 residences.
• It will be the first five-star hotel on the Gold Coast since the opening of Palazzo Versace in 2000.
• The towers will be branded as Peppers Broadbeach and become the cornerstone of the Group’s five-star offering on the Gold Coast.
• Broadbeach would be launched in three phases, with a soft opening from October 2010.
• The hotel will officially open with the full suite of Peppers services in March 2011.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

• O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and Kewarra Beach Resort& Spa are pleased to announce an excitingnew package launching into the international market this month that blends the beauty of the beach with the magic of the rainforest.
• The package includes:
  - Four nights accommodation at Kewarra Beach Resort in a deluxe Pandanus Bungalow including return airport transfers and breakfast daily
  - Full day cruise on the Great Barrier Reef
  - Full day on the Kuranda Train and Skyrail to include Hartleys Crocodile Adventures
  - Two nights accommodation at O’Reilly’s including private return transfers and breakfast daily
  - Full use of the O’Reilly’s Discovery Program of guided rainforest activities
• The only component NOT included is the journey between Brisbane and Cairns.
• This package will be effective from September 1st 2010.
• Please contact our office for further information.

Spicers Balfour Hotel

• Spicers Balfour Hotel has opened Monday 20 September.
• Unparalleled in Brisbane, Spicers Balfour Hotel offers the discerning frequent traveller a new, surprising environment in a fabulous location just minutes from the airport and CBD. Classic Queenslander on the outside, chic European-inspired oasis on the inside, Spicers Balfour Hotel boasts nine stylish rooms, rooftop bar, gym, boardroom and a host of luxurious touches.

Mercure Cairns Harbourside

• Mercure Cairns Harbourside has been officially updated by AAA from a 3.5 star to a 4 star hotel effective immediately.

Western Australia

Pinctada Cable Beach Resort

• On Sunday 12 September, at the AHA National Awards held at The Westin in Sydney, Pinctada Cable Beach Spa Resort was the proud winner of the ‘Australian Hotels Association National Awards For Excellence 2010 - Best Resort Style Accommodation’
• Australia’s Best Resort Style Accommodation award is judged on an ‘unannounced’ site visit with judges considering all aspects of hotel operations including service, guest rooms, facilities and amenities, restaurants and bars, decor and environmental sustainability.
• Pinctada Cable Beach’s signature restaurant SELENE Brasserie was also a finalist in the category for Australia’s best restaurant in the accommodation division of the awards.

Rottnest Express

• Eco Adventure Tours will be given a new name “Adventure Rottnest Tour (Code: EC)” and kicking off the season on the 25^th September.
• By popular demand, they have decided to run this tour 7 days a week for this season.

• Whale Watching Tour 2010 will be commencing on Saturday 18th September with the sister company Oceanic Cruises.
• Departs daily from Perth and Fremantle, including two Hour Whale Watching Adventure, expert commentary by the Centre of Whale Research, exclusive on board Whale Watching interpretive DVD, use of binoculars, underwater equipment to enable you to listen to whale songs, free courtesy coach transfers from most CBD and Fremantle hotels, Swan River Cruise with full commentary and the opportunity to explore historical Fremantle with great discounts
• In the unlikely event that whales are not sighted during the tour, customers will be entitled to one free whale watching tour booked within the same season.

• Please contact our office for detailed information.

South Australia

Otway Fly

• Otway Fly Tree Top Walk has announced the construction of a new and exciting Zip Lining Adventure Tour through the rainforest due for launch early October 2010.
• Zip Lining is a relatively new action eco adventure activity using cables suspended between trees throughout the forest.  Visitors are harnessed then attached to the cable as they zip through the canopy between nine “cloud stations”.
• The whole tour will extend the tree tops experience to between 3-4 hours. 
• To cater to the expected increase in visitation, the Otway Fly visitor information centre and cafe will also be expanded. The existing undercover outdoor pavilion, and walk in area, will be enclosed to encompass two zip line fit out rooms and the training centre. 

Northern Territory

Skycity Darwin

• SKYCITY remain the leading 5 star beachfront resort in Darwin, was recognised again, taking out the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards for Luxury Accommodation for the second consecutive year.

Outback Private Tours

• Effective immediately, Outback Private Tours & Transfers has announced the business closure.
• As an alternative On Tour NT, Turn the Beat Around and VIP Touring do language tours in the Red Centre as well.

Changes & Refurbishment

Northern TerritorySkycity Darwin

• Work on their new resort has commenced and SKYCITY Beach Resort is due to open
   in May 2012.

Queensland

Hayman

• Work on their beautiful new Beach Villas is progressing well and they remain on schedule to open in December 2010.
• Each of the eight beachfront villas offering 120 square metres of luxury including breathtaking Coral Sea Views and unsurpassed interior appointments featuring a stunning private pool.

Victoria

Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

• Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne has commenced installing a new air-conditioning system into all rooms which will greatly enhance the comfort and experience of the stay.
• This is being done in conjunction with soft room refurbishment of the remainder of the standard rooms. To minimize clients’ disruption, the hotel will be taking two floors out of commission at a time with the aim of having the air-conditioning system completed by April 2011.

Western Australia

Pinctada Cable Beach

• Pinctada Cable Beach offers two different packages, effective to 31 March 2011  
• ‘Broome Summer Holiday Escape’: Stay for 3 nights or more and enjoy a bottle of fine Australian or French sparkling wine, full breakfast daily, Mercedes Benz airport transfers and a Resort credit of $100.
• ‘Pinctada Summer Family & Friends Escape’: Stay for 2 nights or more and enjoy the value of 2 adjacent rooms per night, full breakfast daily, a Bottle of fine Australian wine and Mercedes Benz airport transfers.