Weekday fun package launched
THE St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort has created a Fun on Weekdays
package that offers a complimentary weekday night for every night booked in a
suite or villa. The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort, which opened in late 2011, is the crown
jewel along Yalong Bay, China’s premiere resort
destination on Hainan Island. As South China’s first St. Regis Resort,
The St. Regis Sanya Yalong
Bay Resort has already set a new standard of exceptional luxury, contemporary
sophistication, and bespoke services for visitors to Hainan.
The Fun on Weekdays package is aimed at
visitors and locals with no mid-week plans. Guests who stay one night in
any suite or villa will receive the following night complimentary in addition
to complimentary breakfast for two. The Fun on Weekdays package is
available for booking now until June 30, 2012. Blackout dates and terms
and conditions apply.
The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort is situated on a stretch of the most
coveted location on Yalong Bay, with exclusive access
to more than 800 meters of pristine coastline. A resort unlike any other on
Hainan, the St. Regis Sanya Yalong
Bay Resort offers wide appeal across a variety of audiences – from business
executives to couples seeking romance to families seeking a fun and relaxing
vacation. The resort is exquisitely designed with luxury in mind,
offering 401 contemporary guest rooms including 28 beachside villas. The
St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay
Resort offers a world of epicurean experiences, with three full-service
restaurants, a wine bar, and a tea room. In addition, the St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay will be the only
resort in Sanya that offers the
signature St. Regis butler service to all guests, as well as South China’s
first Iridium Spa.
For reservations and additional information, please
visit www.stregis.com/sanya
Thai travel fair
THE
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that this year’s Thailand
Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2012 trade fair will
highlight the variety of tourism products, experiences
and attractions the Kingdom offers under the theme “Customize Your Experience.”
TTM+ 2012, which will
take place at IMPACT Exhibition Centre Halls 5 & 6 in Bangkok during June 6
to 8, will see over 330 buyers from countries across the globe meeting with
more than 380 Thai sellers of tourism products and services.
TTM+ 2012 is focusing on
four key tourism categories, which are golf, ecotourism, weddings and
honeymoons, and health and wellness. Thai tourism products and services in
these categories have experienced tremendous growth over the past few years,
and this trend is expected to continue in the future, especially among repeat
visitors who account for about 60% of all international arrivals to Thailand.
TTM+ 2012will
kick off on June 5 with five complementary half-day tours for buyers attending
the trade fair. They can choose from customised experiences including Bangkok
Smile Bike; City Prosperous Twilight Capital; Shopping Phenomenon; Relaxing in
the City; and Spicy Route. As seats are limited and available on a first-come,
first-served basis, buyers should make their reservations early.
On
June 6, the first day of the actual trade fair, participants and members of the
media are invited to join a forum and panel discussion. The event kicks off
with a keynote speech on “A Changing World: The Challenges for the Tourism
Business” by Mr Bill Sanderson, Managing Director of Bill Sanderson Limited.
There
will also be a panel discussion on the topic “Customize Your Experience in
Thailand” moderated by Mr Mike Sebastian, Chief Executive Office, Asia Pacific
Golf Group. Panelists covering the four key tourism
categories being highlighted at TTM+ 2012 include
“Golf” by Mr Mark Siegal, Manager Director of Golfasian Co.,Ltd.; “Health &
Wellness” by Mr Andrew Jacka, President of Thai Spa
Association; “Eco-tourism” by Ms Chananya Phataraprasit, Executive Director of Asian Oasis; and
“Weddings & Honeymoons” by Ms Neha Mehrotra, Owner of Foreign Wedding Planners, Mr Kim Gwang Lim, Manager of the Happy Honeymoon Club, and Mr
Keith Baker, Manager of Tzell Travel Group.
Following
TTM+ 2012, buyers can enrich their Thailand
experience through several post-event tours that take place during June 9 to11. They can choose from three options: Golden Culture,
Weddings and Honeymoons, and World Heritage, at special prices ranging from US$200 to 600 depending on the route and accommodations.
Details
are available at http://thailandtravelmartplus.comand there are limited
seats for each option.
Ten
official partner hotels are offering accommodations to visiting buyers,
including the Centara Grand @Central World, Holiday
Inn Express Bangkok Siam, The Imperial Queens’ Park, Novotel
Bangkok IMPACT, Novotel Bangkok Silom,
Patumwan Princess, Pullman Bangkok King Power, Rama
Gardens, Siam City, and Swissotel Le Concorde
Bangkok.
TTM+ 2012 is expected to
attract more than 1,000 participants including buyers, sellers and the media.
For more information, visit http://thailandtravelmartplus.com
***************
Indians
are known to travel year round and the most visited destination by Indians is
Thailand.
For
the calendar year 2011, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has revealed that a
record number of 917,832 Indians travelled to Thailand in comparison to 791,185
in 2010, making it the number one destination for Indians with a growth rate in
excess of 16% in 2011. In 2012, this growth is continuing with 210,722 Indians
visiting Thailand from January to March, representing an increase of 1.64% over
the same period in 2011.
With
its wide range of offerings
that include leisure sports, fine dining, adventure services, wellness and
quality hotels and resorts, Thailand has been consistently increasing in
popularity among Indians from all parts of the country. Travel agents, tour operators,
and even niche segment travel trade members have actively been working with the
Tourism Authority of Thailand in launching new packages that encourage
first-time and repeat travellers. Packages that included destinations such as Pattaya and Phuket have now been
further enhanced to include new beach destinations such as Ko
Samui, Hua Hin and Krabi.
Mountainous regions of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have
also become attractive for the corporate sector in addition to adventure
seekers.
Best airline loyalty schemes
ONEWORLD alliance members swept
the board in a survey to find the best airline loyalty schemes - taking every
single top award.
American
Airlines' AAdvantage was judged to be the
best rewards programme offered by any airline in the Americas, and also the
region's best for outstanding benefit. British
Airways took the equivalent top two awards for airlines based in Europe or
Africa, with Cathay Pacific completing the oneworld
clean sweep by gaining both accolades for carriers from the Middle East, Asia or Oceania.
The
verdicts came in the first yet FlyerTalk Awards,
recognising the best loyalty programmes in the airline, hotel
and car rental industries in these three geographical regions.
lmost 150 loyalty
programmes across the globe competed in these debut awards, with voting taking
place between 16 January and 16 February this year. FlyerTalk.com
is one of the most popular travel loyalty discussion forums, with nearly
400,000 participants worldwide.
Of
its voters in the awards, FlyerTalk said: "These
are not casual travellers; they are industry influencers. Their favourite
programs are truly the best in the world -- because they have tried them all.
For
more details of the awards, see www.FlyerTalk.com/awards
Starwood rewards Grand Prix access
STARWOOD Preferred Guest, (SPG)
the loyalty program from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, has announced
a three-year partnership with the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team. SPG
officially launched the new global partnership at the start of Formula One’s
European season at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.
Formula One consists of a
series of races known as ‘Grands Prix’ held
on purpose-built and street circuits. Through this
new partnership with Mercedes AMG Petronas,
SPG is giving its members unique access to experience
exclusive Grand Prix events in destinations such as Spain, Monaco, Singapore,
Brazil, Abu Dhabi and more.
As part of the multi-year strategic partnership,
Starwood Hotels & Resorts becomes the preferred hotel partner of Mercedes AMG Petronas globally. Members of
the SPG program, which is free to join, can register
for their chance to redeem over 120 Access Like No Other experiences,
offering unparalleled access to the team.
These experiences include meet-and-greets with the
drivers and one-of-a-kind views of the pit lane from the team’s hospitality
suites at major Grand Prix events worldwide. SPG
members will have access to guided factory tours and live race screening events
taking them closer to the centre of the action – all by using their Starpoints. To take advantage of this access and more,
members can visit SPG.com/moments.
Wolgan’s new sales Director
WOLGAN Valley Resort
& Spa, the international
award-winning carbon neutral resort has announced the appointment of Morag
Ritchie as its new Sales Director.
Ms
Ritchie joins the Emirates property with more than twenty years experience in
the tourism industry across Tasmania, Queensland, and New South Wales. As a
specialist in the luxury segment, Ms Ritchie was most recently Director of
Sales for Hayman Island in the Whitsunday Islands and prior to that, six years
as Director, Sales & Marketing with Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts.
Wolgan
Valley Resort & Spa features 40 individual suites, each with its own
private deck and swimming pool. Nestled between two National Parks and
bordering the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, the secluded luxury
resort actively protects its surrounding habitat and indigenous wildlife
species while delivering the first-class standards and quality expected from
luxury resorts.
Wolgan
Valley Resort & Spa is a member of Leading Hotels of the World, the world’s
largest luxury hospitality organisation, representing more than 450 of the
finest hotels, resorts and spas.
Hopping on ASEAN bandwagon
THE
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is getting on the ASEAN Economic Zone (AEZ) bandwagon by taking more than 100 staff members on a
discovery tour of Vietnam and Lao PDR in May and June.
The
AEZ, due to launch in 2015, aims at achieving greater
economic integration among the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN), as well as enhancing the flow of travellers within the region.
While trade expansion is the obvious primary goal of the zone, travel facilitation
across borders also rank high on ASEAN national agendas as countries look to
stimulate their economies through tourism, logistics development and bustling
border trade.
In
order to learn about the opportunities and pitfalls of the AEZ
in relation to tourism promotion, TAT is organizing two overland trips: Vietnam
during May 4-9 and Lao PDR during June 1-6.
Previous
staff outings have been to local destinations only. Mr. Suraphon
Svetasreni, TAT Governor, stated, “WE want our staff
to really get to know our ASEAN neighbours who are important tourist source
markets as well as main destinations for visitors from third countries. There
is much tourism potential for in these areas when Thailand enters the AEZ, but we must be ready to take advantage of that by
2015.”
Both
trips commence in Bangkok and enter Indochina through Thailand’s Northeast. The
Vietnam trip goes through Mukdahan Province in
Thailand, Savannakhet in Lao PDR and then to World Heriage Sites in Hue and Hoi An
and to the major port of Danang. The Lao PDR trip
goes through Nong Khai Province into Vientiane, then
on to Luang Prabang, a
UNESCO World Heritage city.
Mr.
Suraphon added, “We are going not solely for
marketing purposes, but we also want to gain closer relations with our
Vietnamese and Lao friends. Tourism is always a two-way business, so we are
keen on making the trips which we hope will spur further intra-regional
travel.”
Tourist news from New Zealand
THE
next few months provide an ideal time to get out and experience New Zealand in
hi-definition – the landscape is at its most colourful and fruitful. Relax in one of the many picturesque wineries, feast
on local delicacies, walk or horse ride the historic Central Otago Rail Trail,
or enjoy an art or music festival. Do it all
whilst taking in the expansive blue skies, long days, and incredible colours.
April
is a time when Australians and New Zealanders around the globe are preparing to
don their red poppies for the annual Anzac Day remembrance of our fallen war
heroes. Anzac Day - 25 April - is observed in
New Zealand and Australia as a day of commemoration for those who died in the
service of their country, and to honour returned servicemen and women. It’s also a day when we celebrate the enduring bond
between our two countries, and naturally start up the ongoing debate around who
invented the delicious Anzac biscuit.
otorua RailCruising – A self-drive rail adventure
Kiwi
innovation has once again enriched the travelling experience with a self-drive
rail journey. Designed and built in Rotorua, the RailCruiser V3000 is
the world’s first fully automated, state of the art petrol-electric hybrid RailCruiser.
Mamaku
Railway Station is the departure point for the Mamaku Express 2 hour RailCruising Excursion. Travellers
spend two hours independently cruising a variety of scenic landscapes from
farmlands to forests. The Railway offers gentle
curves and steep climbs with beautiful lake views and nature bush scenery. An informative audio tour uncovers the heritage of
past generations who built and lived their lives on the commerce of the rail. This trip is a perfect first RailCruising
experience for the entire family. www.railcruising.com
Te
Tihi o Tawa – Mountain biking in Rotorua
Te
Tihi o Tawa is the latest addition to Rotorua’s mountain biking network. The
Whakarewarewa Forest on the southern outskirts of Rotorua contains one of the oldest trail systems in the
country, offering an unbeatable riding experience. Te
Tihi o Tawa is grade 3 on the mountain bike trail
standards used in the rest of the forest. The
trail runs through mature forest and is generally descending with a total drop
of approximately 180m. www.riderotorua.com
Rock
star tours with Supertrike - Hawke’s Bay
A
unique and fun Supertrike Tour gives passengers big
engine thrills and a different take on Napier and Hawke’s Bay. With Vic
Jennings at the wheel of his 5700cc V8 Chevrolet supertrike passengers can sit back, relax and enjoy the
scenery – there’s always an optional blast on the highway for those real
speedsters amongst us. The supertrike
is designed to cater for all ages and has disability access.
Pre-designed tailored tours last from thirty minutes to two hours. www.supertrike.co.nz
Bay
of Islands Cruise & Kayak
Discover
the peaceful pleasures of kayaking the Bay of Islands with Cruise & Kayak -
a new soft adventure activity that’s ideal for families and novice kayakers.
Owner operator guides Taylor and Ruby built their own ‘mother vessel’ to
transport the kayaks and up to 14 passengers into calm beauty spots. The boat
stays with the kayaks so paddlers can take a break whenever they want. www.kayakcruises.co.nz
Personality
– Malcolm Law
Kiwi
running legend Malcolm Law is wild about New Zealand so he’s created the ultimate
fitness holiday package for punters who can crack the pace.
Law, who came into notoriety for running seven of New Zealand’s great
walks in seven days for Leukaemia & Blood Foundation NZ, has been an
aficionado of trail running in New Zealand and has brought this passion to
fruition in the tourism sector with the launch of his own trail running tour.
Running Wild NZ encourages runners of all levels to explore and share New Zealand’s iconic and beautiful wild places – through forests, alpine meadows and beaches, past lakes and rivers, and over mountain ridges. www.runningwildnz.com
Emirates has Facebook page
EMIRATES’ has officially launched its Facebook page – attracting more than 300,000 fans within the first
three weeks.
Millions of Emirates fans around the world can
now connect and engage with the airline directly through Facebook. Incredibly,
in its first two weeks Emirates was also established as the number one airline
on Facebook in the MENA region.
The Emirates Facebook page soft launch occurred
on 25th March in preparation for the April 2 launch of the airlines’
new global brand platform ‘Hello Tomorrow’. A series of teaser quizzes
highlighting vignettes from one of the new TV commercials were
featured, attracting more than 3330 likes and 1300 comments over a one
week period.
The page allows fans to interact with the brand
through Facebook exclusive content on the timeline feature, apply for jobs
through the careers app or find out more about sponsorships through its sports
and culture tab. Fans can also look at how Emirates has grown since its early
days in 1985 through Facebook’s milestone feature –
from its launch with just two aircraft, to its current status as one of the
world’s fastest growing airlines.
“Emirates new brand platform ‘Hello Tomorrow’ is
connecting people and cultures by creating relevant and meaningful experiences
and Facebook is a proven mechanism to do just that,” said Sir Maurice Flanagan,
Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline and Group.
“Our Facebook page is part of the vision we have for
the future growth of the airline, so it’s very encouraging to see that the page
has broken records in our first few weeks and is being received so positively
by our fans who are engaging with us.”
The Emirates Facebook page was set up to support
the company’s evolution from a travel brand to a global lifestyle brand. The
Facebook page will look at building stronger relationships with existing fans
and encourage more people to become Emirates fans through interactions.
Coinciding with the launch of the ‘Hello
Tomorrow’ campaign, fans of the page will be treated to a different advertising
creative every Monday to inspire them. The page will also look to engage with
fans through exclusive, targeted ‘Hello Tomorrow’ messages. The new global
brand platform includes a revamped website to reflect the new messaging and a new YouTube
channel where the new TV ads can be viewed - www.youtube.com/emirates
Visit www.facebook.com/emirates to ‘Like’ the page
China’s first Iridium spa
THE ST. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort, the premier luxury resort along Yalong Bay, is pleased to introduce South China’s first
resort Iridium Spa, a five-star haven of wellbeing that is unmatched in the
region. With a signature menu of customized experiences that combine
five-star pampering with traditional Chinese treatments and ingredients, Iridium
Spa at The St. Regis Sanya Yalong
Bay Resort will become a destination of its own for visitors to Hainan Island,
South China’s elite tropical playground. To celebrate the opening,
Iridium Spa is offering “Massage at the Beachside,” a romantic special offer
for couples visiting the area.
“Iridium Spa offers a five-star spa experience unlike
any other in the region, “said Sunny Heng, general
manager, The St. Regis Sanya Yalong
Bay Resort. “Iridium’s signature treatments and custom experiences
nourish both body and spirit, exceeding the
expectations of our guests and helping them achieve wellness and good health.”
Open since Nov. 2011, The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort is
quickly becoming known as the crown jewel on Yalong
Bay, China’s most exclusive beach resort area. As the region’s first St. Regis
hotel, The St. Regis Sanya Yalong
Bay Resort introduces a new level of luxury, sophistication and bespoke
services. The exquisitely designed resort is situated on one of Yalong Bay’s most coveted beaches, with access to more than
800 meters of pristine coastline. The resort offers 401 guest rooms and
suites, including 28 beachside villas that will exceed the discerning
expectations of St. Regis guests.
Iridium Spa, born from the DNA of the prestigious St.
Regis brand and, with four locations around the world, is setting a new
standard for spa luxury. Building on a legacy that dates back to the
original Iridium Room at The St. Regis New York, Iridium Spa articulates the
same distinctive elegance, delivering customized experiences that combine
signature St. Regis five-star pampering with traditional local treatments and
ingredients.
From now through April 30, Iridium Spa is offering
“Massage at the Beachside” -- unprecedented
pampering for couples in the spectacular environs of The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay’s Beachside
Villa. Experience Yalong Bay’s most exquisite
accommodations in the most luxurious way possible with a choice of Chinese
massage or foot reflexology while enjoying idyllic ocean views. “Massage at
the Beachside” is offered daily before sunset at RMB700
per couple, plus 15% surcharge; a reservation is required.
For more information on St. Regis Hotels &
Resorts, please visit www.stregis.com
What’s hot in Western Australia
Explore
Western Australia this WA Day
Make
the most of WA Day and plan a long weekend holiday.
Recently renamed by the WA State Government from
Foundation Day, WA Day is the perfect chance to
experience extraordinary Western Australia. This year WA
Day sees an extended weekend from Saturday 2 June to Monday 4 June. Events
taking place include the Kimberley Moon Experience (part of the Ord Valley
Muster), The York Gourmet Food and Wine Festival, Whale Song Augusta,Leonora Golden Gift, the Albany
Classic Motor Event and the Pinjarra Festival. Foundation Day traditionally
recognised the arrival of European settlers; the renaming acknowledges WA's indigenous people as its original inhabitants and
custodians, and unites all who have made WA their
home, including those who have migrated to WA from
around the World. westernaustralia.com
Chase
the sun to Australia's North West
Considered one of the World's last true frontiers, Australia's North West is a
vast wilderness with epic landscapes of red rock, white beaches, waterfalls and
gorges, and a rich Indigenous culture and history. And, while much of the
country prepares for winter, the North West enters its dry season -
characterised by warm sunny days and balmy nights, it's the perfect time to
visit. This year's season opening is celebrated with a number of inviting
travel deals - see the Tours and Accommodation section below for details. Australiasnorthwest.com
Western
Australia 'picture-perfect' for landscape photographers
Western
Australia has been ranked the most picturesque Australian State by renowned
Australian landscape photographers. In a list compiled by Australian Traveller,
the top 100 sites as voted by photographers included 22 striking locations in
Western Australia. Piccaninny Creek in the Kimberley was ranked the top WA location at 12th position, followed by Mitchell Falls at
number 13. Other picturesque Western Australia
locations making the list include The Pinnacles, Lake Ballard, Avon Valley,
Ningaloo Reef and Boranup
Forrest. australiantraveller.com
New
Highs at the Maj
The iconic His Majesty's Theatre is the only remaining working Edwardian
theatre in Australia. Home to WA Ballet and Opera,
it's the perfect venue to catch comedy, drama, dance opera, or evening cabaret,
and visitors can now also embrace the world of King Edward VII with a
traditional High Tea. His Majesty's Theatre is hosting High Tea on 13 May
(Mothers Day), 8 July and 14 October between 3-5pm,
$45 per person. Check out the treasure trove of theatre history at the Museum
of Performing Arts while there. For High Tea reservations email researvations@aegogdenperth.com.au or phone 08 9226
1066. hismajestystheatre.com.au
Pop
into a 140 Pop-Up
Embracing Perth's pop-up trend, 140 William Street has become host to a three
month long Pop-Up Project underneath popular rooftop restaurant and bar The
Aviary. The 140 pop-up community is the first of its
kind and scale in the Perth CBD, providing the group
of independent retailers and creatives a unique and
interesting platform to showcase their talents and wares, and more variety for
curious shoppers to treasure-hunt. Among the stores are Pigeonhole, pre-loved
fashion finds at Miss Brown Vintage, Andy Quilty's
art space, gifts at William Top, Pippa McManus, Zara
Bryson, We Heart Vintage and more. If you feel like a sweet treat, drop by the
retro-styled Miss Tartufo Azzura
Gelati Caravan and grab a gelato. one40william.com.au
Mad
for Mexican - Introducing El Publico
New to Perth's small venue hot-list, El Publico
promises authentic modern Mexican food complimented with a sophisticated menu
of all-important Tequila - or Mezcal as it's also
known. Reflecting the Mexican menu, the ambience is relaxed, easy, and promises
to be fun. El Publico adds to the Mexican wave which
is taking on Perth - its opening follows the meteoric rise of Mexican tapas bar
La Cholita which opened in Northbridge in December.
El Publico is located at 511 Beaufort Street,
Highgate. Its Co-owners are Paul Aron of Greenhouse,
and Michael Ford and Alex Cuccovia of Cantina 663. elpublico.com.au
Hot
spot - The Lost Society
Glitz
is set for Perth's west end when the CBD's newest
luxe bar, the Lost Society, opens its doors. A refit of the former Box Deli on
Hay Street, The Lost Society is all about glamour, fashion
and fun, serving premium spirits, wines, champagne and cocktails. A small-food
menu is available from lunch until late, and two private dining rooms entertain
those looking for a more intimate, exclusive affair. The Lost Society is
located at 918 Hay Street, Perth. facebook.com/lostsocietybarperth
Quincy
Boutique Hotel planned for Perth
A new five-story, 56-room hotel is set to open in Perth later this year. The
boutique accommodation will be built behind the existing Perth Ambassador Hotel
on Adelaide Terrace, incorporating a new modular construction method which will
see it completed in time for a November 2012 launch. The Quincy Boutique Hotel,
as it will be known, will be built by Singapore-based Australia Pacific Hotels.
Great
getaways to the North West
El Questro Wilderness Park is open for the
2012 season, and this year celebrates 20 years since opening its first guest
accommodation. In addition to the opening of stylish new suites, special offers
are also available throughout the season to mark the occasion. El Questro is recognised as one of Western Australia's most
scenic parks and has three existing accommodation options for visitors - The
Homestead, Emma Gorge and The Station. elquestro.com.au P. 1300 233 432
Celebrating
the opening of its first Kimberley experience, Wild Bush Luxury is inviting
guests to Kuri Bay for a series of
'Splashes' during May and June. The three or four night splashes are $3999 and
$4799 and per person respectively and include a coastal air safari,
personalised activities for exploring the coastline and islands of the
Kimberly, a behind the scenes visit to Paspaley pearl
farm and a complimentary night's stay at Kuri Bay,
saving $1,600 per couple. Conditions apply. kuribay.com.au
200km north of Broome on the Dampier Peninsula, Cygnet
Bay Pearl Farm is giving its guests a VIP backstage pass to its pearl
harvest as part of a two night package. The packages also include accommodation
in a deluxe safari tent, a sunset catamaran sail, 4WD
tour to Shenton Bluff, and all meals. The two-night
package is from $1,438 per person twin share, and runs on 26 June, and 3, 10
and 24 July. cygnetbaypearls.com.au P. 08 9192 4283
Don't
miss this year's Airnorth Kimberley Moon
Experience - AirNorth is offering a range of packages
from $710 - $1255 per person, inclusive of return flights to Kununurra ex
Darwin, Broome or Perth, three night's accommodation and a general admission
ticket to the Airnorth Kimberley Moon Experience. The
festival takes place over the June long weekend and is part of the Argyle
Diamonds Ord Valley Muster, a celebration of cultural diversity and country
hospitality. Conditions apply.
ordvalleymuster.com.au/-The-Experience-.html
P.
08 9168 1888 or E. travel@travelworld.kimberley.net.au
Ningaloo
Whaleshark Festival May 25 - 27
The Ningaloo Whaleshark Festival marks the beginning
of the whale shark season, welcoming the gentle giants back to the turquoise
waters of Exmouth. Showcasing Western Australia's extraordinary Coral Coast,
the festival features a family day in Federation Park with live entertainment,
music, exhibitions and educational displays. ningaloowhalesharkfestival.com
Argyle
Diamonds Ord Valley Muster May 25 - June 3
Experience one of the most beautiful places on earth through this celebration
of the East Kimberley region, highlighting its cultural diversity, stunning
landscape and country hospitality. Event highlights include the Airnorth Kimberley Moon Experience concert, Waringarri Corroboree, bush tucker cooking, comedy night
and the Barramundi Concert.
ordvalleymuster.com.au
York
Gourmet Food and Wine Festival
June 2 - 3
Based in the heart of the Avon Valley region, the York Gourmet Food and Wine
Festival celebrates Western Australia's gourmet food and premier wine. Fresh
produce, interactive cooking demonstrations, balloon artists
and face painters will entertain the whole family in the majestic York Town
Hall just a short drive north of Perth.
yorkwa.org
Whale
Song Augusta
June 2 - 3
Augusta is one of WA's premier whale watching
destinations, offering mesmerizing sights of these migrating marine giants.
Whale Song Augusta celebrates the return of the southern right and humpback
whales to Augusta and marks the start of the popular whale watching season.
Enjoy a market day, cooking demonstrations, entertainment
and a barbeque, among other family-friendly activities. margaretriver.com
Pinjarra
Festival June
2 - 3
This annual arts and cultural event in one of WA's oldest towns celebrates the Murray Region's rural
lifestyle and activities. The historic Edenvale
Precinct sets the scene for the Pinjarra Festival, offering a weekend of local
produce, sport, arts and crafts and entertainment for
the whole family. pinjarravisitorcentre.com.au
Leonora
Golden Gift June 2 - 4
Elite athletes from across the country and around the world will descend on
Australia's Golden Outback for the Leonora Golden Gift weekend. Featuring
Australia's richest 1,600-metre foot race, the Elite Mile, this athletic
carnival is supported by a free community concert, horse racing carnival,
fireworks, children's entertainment, market stalls and
street performances. leonora.wa.gov.au
Albany
Classic Motor Event June 2 - 3
Get up close and personal with magnificent motor vehicles as more than 180
vintage and classic cars drive into Albany. The Albany Classic includes the
Round the Houses Motor Event, family entertainment as well as two individual
hill climbs and motor events at Mt Clarence and the Albany Wind Farm. albanyclassic.com/
Truffle
Kerfuffle - Southern Forests Food Festival June 16
Manjimup is famous around the world for what it grows underground - the black
truffle - and WA's extraordinary Southern Forests
regularly produce 70 per cent of the nation's harvest. Live truffle hunts,
truffle dog demonstrations, master cooking classes and a local farmers market
come together to make Truffle Kerfuffle a popular celebration of this rare
fungus. trufflekerfuffle.com.au
Picasso
to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters
June 16 - December 3
More than 100 masterpieces by iconic 20th century artists - including Henri
Matisse, Marcel Duchamp and Jackson Pollock - will be on display at Picasso to
Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters. The exhibition will feature celebrated works
from The Museum of Modern Art, New York as part of the Art Gallery of Western
Australia's Great Collections of the World series. artgallery.wa.gov.au
Nature’s paradise
in Borneo
BOOK
now and save $240 per person on a six night Adventure World Wildlife tour of
Borneo, a great experience for wildlife and nature lovers; priced from $1,599
per person.
Highlights
include walks through the rainforest of the Kinabalu
National Park, the chance to observe the primates at the Sepilok
Orang-utan Sanctuary and watch turtles come ashore on Turtle Island; or the
opportunity to take in the beauty of wildlife along the banks of the
Kinabatangan River.
Package
includes six night’s accommodation, most meals, comprehensive sightseeing,
English speaking local tour guides, entrance fees, domestic airfares
and transfers.
Call
1300 320 795 and quote ESCAPE or see www.adventureworld.com.au
Seven Days / Six Nights from $1,599pp*
– including domestic flights
Valid
for sale and travel until 30 June 2012.
Website link:
http://www.adventureworld.com.au/tours-and-destinations/asia/south-east-asia/borneo/tours/wildlife-tour-of-borneo-(1)/
Hamilton Island calendar
JUNE
-
The island plays host to the annual Hamilton Island Cup from 14 – 18
June, Australia’s largest outrigger event and one of the world’s largest canoe
regattas. Last year over 1000 paddlers took part from all over Australia plus
international teams from Hong Kong, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand
and Canada. The Cup features more than 100
sprint and medium-distance races and caters for every type of paddler including
outrigger canoe, stand up paddle boards and surf skis. The
main event is the 42-kilometre marathon Hamilton Cup, an impressive sight for
spectators as the canoes circle Hamilton Island and race through the
Whitsundays.
http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/hamilton-cup/
JULY
–
Foodies should flock to Hamilton Island to enjoy the ultimate food and wine
event, set against the stunning backdrop of the Whitsundays.
The Great Barrier Feast kicks off with guest chef, Guillaume Brahimi, (6 – 8 July) from the much-applauded Sydney Opera
House flagship restaurant, Guillaume at Bennelong. http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/feast/
This
month, Hamilton Island also plays host to a special photography workshop with
two of Australia’s best known photographers, David Oliver and Peter Eastway. AWAY in the
Whitsundays photography course runs from 29 July – 3 August, offering the
opportunity for hands on expert tuition in one of the most beautiful locations
in the world. http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/photography-course/
AUGUST
–
This is the month that Hamilton Island hosts Australia’s largest and most
prestigious off-shore yachting event - Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 17
– 25 August. From serious offshore racing and
fabulous super-yachts to onshore glitz, glamour and gourmet fare, Audi Hamilton
Island Race Week offers guests the opportunity to experience the best the
Whitsundays has to offer. http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/race-week/
This
is also an ideal time for family travel – Hamilton Island’s winter is mild and
comfortable for younger members of the family. Excursions to the Great Barrier
Reef, snorkelling safaris and a trip to see the island’s koalas, kangaroos and wombats at ‘Wild Life Hamilton Island’ make
holidays for children both educational and fun. Accommodation and meals in
selected restaurants are free for children up to the age of 12, whilst the Clownfish
Club offers activities for children up to 14 years. http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/family-holiday-activities/
SEPTEMBER - is whale watching
season when visitors can see baby humpbacks that have been born in the warm
waters of the Whitsundays, travelling past the coast in pod sizes of between
eight and ten whales. Whales, which can vary in length from five to 18 metres,
can also been seen in their migrating season (June to September) from Hamilton
Island itself.
OCTOBER
–
Spring is a perfect time for guests to tee off with a round of golf at the
Hamilton Island Golf Club, Australia’s only 18-hole championship golf course
situated on its own island. The 6,120 metre, par 71, course is located on Dent
Island, a five minute boat ride from Hamilton Island. Created
by five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson, the course is gaining a
reputation as one of the world’s top courses not least because of the stunning
Whitsunday views from each hole.
The
crowning glory of the course is the Chris Beckingham-designed
clubhouse, ideally perched to take in the fantastic views of Passage Peak and
the Coral Sea. The clubhouse offers an idyllic spot for non-golfing partners to
relax over a laid-back lunch or for golfers to take stock of the day’s game
over a cold drink. http://www.hamiltonislandgolfclub.com.au/
NOVEMBER – The Australian
Ballet returns for the fifth consecutive year to present an intimate outdoor
performance at Hamilton Island’s luxury resort, qualia. Pas de Deux in
Paradise will be staged from 16 – 18 November. http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/australian-ballet/
Also
this month, the Triathlon (10 November) and Whitehaven Beach Ocean
Swim and Junior Triathlon (11 November) take in some of the Whitsunday’s
most iconic locations for a sporting epic. http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/triathlon/
DECEMBER
– Hamilton
Island will host the 2012 SB3 World Championships
from 13 - 20 December. Laser SB3’s
are a one-design Sports Yacht which are fast and technical by nature and
attract some of the best sailors in the world. The racing is extremely close
not to mention exciting and each boat is sailed by three or four people with a
maximum crew weight of 270kgs. The surrounding
Whitsunday waterways and the island’s wide range of facilities will make the
2012 championship an event not to be missed. http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/sb3-worlds-2012/