Medina Apartment Hotels Launches New Website

Medina Apartment Hotels has today launched a new and improved website at www.medina.com.au .

The new look website is sleek and stylish and is full of new features, new imagery and refreshed copy making the site more user-friendly.

The website's new features include a hotel locator, an interactive map, image slideshows showcasing each property and a live weather feed so guests know what to pack for their stay.

The site also contains handy travel guides with hints and tips about the best things to see and do, the most delicious places to eat and the best shopping precincts for each of the eight cities that the hotels are located in.

Visitors to the site can book their stay at any Medina Apartment Hotel using the live booking system to take advantage of any last minute deals and guaranteeing them the best online rate available – minus the booking fee other sites charge. The rate you see is the rate you pay.

Medina Apartment Hotels provide the ideal getaway where you can enjoy space, service and style. With 23 locations around Australia Medina Apartment Hotels offer travellers the opportunity to experience the cosmopolitan culture unique to each Australian city, while being conveniently situated amongst theatres, restaurants and cafes making Medina an ideal choice for a city escape.

Search, select and book online @ www.medina.com.au

About Toga Hospitality

Toga Hospitality is one of the largest accommodation providers in the South Pacific and currently operates 48 strategically located Apartment Hotels and Hotels in Australia, New Zealand and Europe. This comprises of Medina Apartment Hotels (23 locations), Vibe Hotels Australia (seven locations) and Travelodge (15 locations) which consists of over 6,000 apartments and hotel rooms. In Europe, Adina Apartment Hotels are located in Berlin, Copenhagen and Budapest (three locations). www.togahotels.com.au

Quest Serviced Apartments Opens in Shepparton

Quest Serviced Apartments opened its doors in Shepparton on July 6, spending $13.5 million on the new development and providing much-needed corporate accommodation to the town's agricultural visitors.

The new complex will service the accommodation needs of the local farming and food production industries, but also welcomed technology, government department and bank guests travelling to the town for business in its first two weeks of operation.

Quest Chairman, Paul Constantinou, said that during construction, the project generated 200 jobs and brought an estimated $8 million to the region, supporting local suppliers and providers in the process.

"Opening up a new property in Shepparton made a lot of sense. The area is a fast growing business hub and Quest is positioned to provide travellers with the right accommodation option," Quest Chairman, Paul Constantinou, said.

Quest Shepparton is a modern property, featuring 69 studio, one, two and three-bedroom serviced apartments spread over four levels, with an anticipated 4½ Star AAA Tourism rating. The property includes on-site undercover car parking, gymnasium and conference facilities that can cater for up to 70 people.

Located close to the centre of town at 177-183 Welsford Street, Quest Shepparton boasts fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities, plus broadband internet access and Austar. It will also offer chargeback at a selection of local restaurants.

"Quest will have everything the business traveller needs. It will suit people staying for shorter periods and will feel like a home-away-from-home for those who want to stay longer," Mr Constantinou said.

The property has been purchased by franchisees Robert Sumpton, Peter Sweetland and Sonya Boaden. Robert and Peter are returning to the region after previously running a motel in Shepparton some years ago. Sonya previously held the position of National Operations Manager at Quest head office and will partner with Peter to run the property on a daily basis. 

Quest Shepparton is the fifth property to be opened this year by the serviced apartment group, which continues to expand despite today's tough business conditions.
 
About Quest Serviced Apartments

Quest has become Australasia's largest provider of serviced apartments, with more than 120 properties across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Established in 1988, Quest offers stylish, well appointed and spacious apartments designed with the business traveller in mind.

With separate bedrooms and living areas, fully equipped kitchens, additional amenities and high service standards, Quest provides flexible accommodation that allows its guests to work or relax in complete comfort.

Put on Your Walking Shoes and Head to Maleny

Put on your walking shoes and head to Maleny on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast to prepare for the Festival of the Walks from August 29 to September 13. The festival program not only includes scenic walks throughout the Sunshine Coast hinterland suitable for all ages but also lots of activities including music and dining.

The Blackall Range is a perfect setting for the Festival of the Walks. With a selection of national parks and scenic reserves, Baroon Pocket Dam, lookouts and water courses, the area is great for getting outdoors. Map guides are available to point you in the right direction to experience a magnificent selection of rainforest and mountain walks, ranging from easy to strenuous, from 20 minutes to several days. The Festival includes The Great Walk that winds through the scenic Blackall Range.

Montville will play host to all forms of music over the three weekends of the festival while Maleny will feature a lively buskers’ beat.
A Festival of the Walks degustation dinner will be hosted at the award-winning Reserve Restaurant Maleny on August 30 and will feature local wines and food made with the freshest of local produce. The festival will close with a special dinner at On Mountain View near Maleny on September 13 with proceeds supporting Australia Zoo’s Wildlife Warriors.
For a detailed program of festival activities and information about the walks visit www.festivalofthewalks.com.au. . For the perfect short break any time of the year visit www.caloundratourism.com.au or phone 1800 700 899 to speak to a local about activities and accommodation.

Masquerade Party Fit for a Wildlife Warrior Princess

Crikey! Bindi Irwin is turning 11 on 24 July, and Australia Zoo is going glamorous for the occasion, throwing a Masquerade party fit for a Wildlife Warrior princess.

To help Bindi celebrate, all kids 14 years and under receive FREE entry to Australia Zoo on Bindi’s Birthday, with all of the glamour set to start at the extra early time of 8am!

The glamour won’t get in the way of the fun though, with a massive ballroom and free dance lessons sure to get the kids into the swing of things.

Even Australian Idol favourite, Jessica Mauboy, is coming to the party for a very special Bindi’s Birthday performance! That’s right – just before she joins Beyonce on her Australian tour, you can see Jessica Mauboy perform in the Crocoseum, and then meet her and get her autograph!

The former Idol contestant is excited to be performing at Australia Zoo, and is looking forward to a FUN performance, which will include four of her hits, and her soon to be released single, Up Down, as part of the celebration.

“I am going to help Bindi have a brilliant party and create a very unique and special day to remember,” said Jessica

The pop star also expressed her appreciation for Bindi and Australia Zoo’s efforts towards wildlife conservation.

“I know that Australia Zoo is very special in giving animals a living experience as close to their natural habitat as possible,” said Jessica.

“I really admire that Bindi wants to follow her father in teaching people to protect and preserve animals.”

The birthday girl herself is very excited about celebrating her birthday in style with the pop star.

“This is so exciting! To have Jessica Mauboy come to my birthday and sing in the Crocoseum is so beaut bonza!” said Bindi.

“I love having my birthday at Australia Zoo. It’s a day I get to share with everybody and say G’Day!”

Be sure to join in singing Bindi a happy birthday as she cuts her cake, and then get your very own piece! Plus check out FREE cupcake and cookie decorating workshops run by Green’s, and sign your birthday message on Bindi’s massive birthday canvas.

There will be STACKS of free fun, including Flipside Circus, where you can learn to juggle or hula hoop, or just hang out on the ripper trapeze. Plus check out the face painting, colouring competition, SandWizard, the Bead Fairy and craft table, where you can make your own mask or crown.

Don’t arrive fashionably late or you’ll miss out on your free muffin, and the first 1,000 people through the gates will also receive a FREE kids DVD thanks to Magna Pacific!

You too could be celebrating your birthday at Australia Zoo simply by entering the Major Prize Draw, where you could even win a high definition LCD TV and iPod docking system thanks to WOW sight and sound and LG. Strewth!

Get into the Masquerade spirit and enter the fashion parade for your chance to win some enchanting prizes.

All of the Masquerade fun, PLUS all of the slithering, swooping, jaw-snapping action of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors show, is sure to make you twirl, shimmy and shake!

Check out Terri, Bindi and Robert as they celebrate Bindi’s 11th birthday, only at Australia Zoo, where Bindi Rules!

How to SAVE with a Snow Holiday!

It has been a remarkable season at Perisher, and it's still early days! The snow deliveryman made his first appearance for the season on Saturday 5 June and has been working considerable amounts of overtime ever since.

To-date an accumulated 156cm of snow has settled across the resort, that's 71cm in June and 85cm since the beginning of July, allowing Perisher to offer excellent riding conditions across its four resort areas. At present the official snow reading, measured at Spencers Creek (1830m), is a respectable 112cm.

The forecast for the remainder of the season is looking very promising. Pete 'The Frog' Taylor from Australia's number one weather forecast site snowatch.com.au is calling snowfalls around the 22 and 26 July, with a significant front expected on 3 August. We have already seen some amazing powder days with snow up to the knees, make the most of the awesome conditions a start planning your snow holiday today.

To help get you started we've put together some hot tips on how to save money and time when planning your snow holiday:

Look for accommodation specials!
This winter the boutique Perisher Valley Hotel is offering an Indulgence Package Special. Book 2 nights accommodation from $720pp or 5 nights accommodation from $1585pp and you'll also receive; full breakfasts, a la carte dinners, 2 or 5 day Mountain Passes, courtesy oversnow transport from Perisher Skitube Terminal to the Perisher Valley Hotel, plus FREE half-hour massage and welcome drinks on arrival. This package is valid from 4 September to the end of the season and is subject to availability. Call 02 6459 4455 for details.

Purchase a Multi-Day Pass and SAVE!
To get the most value for your money purchase a 5, 6 or 7-day All Mountain Pass. A 5-day Mountain Pass will set you back $449 which represents a saving of $65 off the price of 5 individual day passes. Other benefits include:

Ski or board Sunday afternoon for FREE when you purchase any 5, 6 or 7-day multi-pass starting on a Monday, mountain access is valid from 1pm on the preceding Sunday.
Free 5th Lesson on Sunday afternoons when you purchase a 5 to 6-day First Timer Lesson and All Mountain Pass (Level 1 Lesson only).
Free Night Skiing for children with a valid Mountain Pass.
Free Mountain Pass and Skitube travel for children 5 years and under.
Skitube Travel between Perisher Valley and Blue Cow is included with any valid Mountain Pass.
Spring Super Value Prices!
September is a fantastic time to hit the slopes; the days are longer, the snow conditions excellent and there are always plenty of price specials available. This spring, purchase a 5-day consecutive pass for $427, which includes a 2.5-hour lesson daily, that's an amazing $85.40 per day including a lesson! This offer is valid from 7 September until the season closes, when pre-purchased before 31 August 2009. Log on to: www.perisher.com.au to view benefits.

FREE Overnight Parking!
For a more convenient and stress-free trip to Perisher take the Skitube! If you're staying on-snow then park your car in the overnight security patrolled car park at the Bullocks Flat Skitube Terminal. Parking is FREE of charge and Skitube tickets include the NPWS entry fee too. Purchase a Family Open Return ticket for $168 (2 adults and 2 children) and save!

Snowsports School Lessons!
Impress your friends, learn some new ski or snowboarding moves and blow them away with your expertise. Perisher's 2.5-hour group lessons for first timers through to the more advanced offer great value for money.

Private Lessons are another great way to learn and save. Perisher offers a variety of personalised private coaching options to meet all budgets, personal needs and schedule. You can learn in a one-on-one environment, or bring your friends or family with you. Book a one-hour Early Riser lesson (8.30am) for 2-3 people for only $125!

Forget the hassle, hire!
There's no need to lug all your gear to the snow, simply visit Perisher's Slopestyle Hire outlets in Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggins Holes, Guthega, Bullocks Flat or at The Station. They have all the latest equipment and clothing gear you will need to hit the slopes in style. If something is not quite right, they will simply exchange it at any one of our outlets.

Plus, if you hire snow equipment from any Perisher Snowsports Hire after September 7, you will receive FREE locker hire for the duration of the hire period. Stow your gear close to the slopes and save time on getting back to your accommodation.

You can Save 25% any time during the season by pre-booking your equipment hire through The Station at the time you make your accommodation booking.

FREE Mountain Host Guided Tours!
Learn to ride around Perisher's enormous terrain on blue runs and discover secret nocks and crannies and personal favourites with Mountain Host Guided Tours! This is a fantastic opportunity for guests to ski or board with a veteran of the Perisher slopes for FREE. The first tour of the season commenced on Monday 20 July and will be on every Monday, Thursday and Saturday from now on. The tour will convene at the Mid Perisher Centre at 10:00am. Guests can register with Guest Services the day prior to ensure a place or can simply 'turn up' at the meeting place on the day, but with no guarantee of snaring a coveted spot on the tour. Call Guest Services on 1300 655 822 for details.

A snow holiday can be easy with a bit of planning, call Perisher Snow Holidays on 1300 655 811 or go to: www.perisher.com.au to find out how else you can cut the cost and save on your winter escape.

Winter Magic for Couples in Port’s Hinterland

Shed your winter woolies for a magical getaway in the hinterland of Port Macquarie, a warmer 4.5hours north of Sydney. It all begins 20 minutes from the coast, where country villages and 40,000 hectares of lush green valleys and forests, are one of the state’s best kept secrets. Stay in luxury accommodation, and save up to 50% off, unwind at winery events, indulge in cooking classes, or get outdoors on a horse-trail or micro-light flight.

The hinterland’s four star Telegraph Retreat is offering a ‘Luxury Winter Getaway’ package until 30 September 2009. Second and additional nights are 50% off (AUD$150) when you spend $300 on your first night in a romantic self-contained Spa Cottage with a breakfast hamper for two people. Add on bonuses include a half hour massage for two people or a two-course fireside dinner with chocolates and a bottle of Bago Vineyard wine. Plus enjoy fresh flowers, fluffy robes & complimentary slippers, therapeutic wheat packs, scented bath salts and hand-made oil soaps. Set on eight rural acres, and with a heated swimming pool, this is tranquillity at its best.

During the day, enjoy the crisp mountain air at Bellrowan Valley horse-riding, where you can join a two hour trail ride or overnight Pub Ride. The ‘Bellrowan experience’ offers magnificent vistas, through vast eucalypts, rainforest and fresh damper and tea at the Bush Inn on your return. For the more adventurous fly like a bird with Midcoast Micro-lights which offers scenic flights in an open two seater aircraft.

The Hinterland’s Bago Vineyards is a must-do wine experience. The cellar door overlooks the Bago Hedge Maze, which when fully grown will be the largest hedge maze in NSW. Enjoy a wine tasting and sample regional produce including 16 local cheeses, Lorne Valley Macadamias, honey and olives. On the second Sunday of every month ‘Jazz in the Vineyards’ offers live music on the manicured lawns amongst the vines. Bago is a great venue for private events and functions.

One of the hinterland’s best food experiences is at The Company Farm with its weekly program of four-hour cooking classes in the commercial kitchen. Local and guest chefs show you their skills with produce freshly picked from the farm, a sit-down lunch and stunning views through glass windows to the Hastings River. The program includes cheese-making, vegetarian, seasonal, international and cooking with allergies.

At the heart of the hinterland is Wauchope, a thriving rural town with cafes, restaurants, accommodation and the Hastings Farmers Market on the fourth Saturday of every month. From here take a scenic drive to Comboyne via Byabarra, where the green patchwork hills could be Yorkshire, England. At the dairy-farming Comboyne, enjoy lunch at the Udder Cow Café and cheese-tastings at Comboyne Culture Cheese.

Port Macquarie is a 4.5 hour drive north of Sydney and is serviced by regular QantasLink, Brindabella Airlines and Virgin Blue flights, just 40minutes from Sydney.

For more information and to book any of these activities contact the Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre on 1300 303 155 or book on-line at www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au.

Massive Greek Islands Cruise Sale - 2 For 1 Offer!

Limited availability, 2 for 1 special on Variety Cruises for selected departures and cabin categories. Save up to $3491 per couple!

For the first time ever Variety Cruises, the Greek island cruise company specialising in upmarket and casual cruising for no more than 40 passengers, is offering a massive 2 for 1 sale for selected cruise departures.

The offers include the popular "Classical Greece" cruise aboard the brand-new, luxurious megayacht Harmony V. Her sister ship Harmony G operates the "Aegean Odyssey" cruise which includes the Turkish port of Kusadasi. For a little less luxury and a relaxed Greek experience, the "Jewels of the Cyclades" has October sailings on the 2 for 1 offer, operated by the motorsailer Galileo.

Handpicked Holidays loves Variety Cruises! We are a genuine Greece specialist, having worked, lived and breathed Greece since 1981.

Limited availability - don't delay!

For reservations and information, contact Robyn at Handpicked Holidays.
Phone: 02 9592 6555 | 1300 30 85 16 Outside Sydney metro
Email: greece@handpickedholidays.com.au

Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef in the top 28 natural wonders of the world

Two of Australia's natural icons - Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef - have been selected from the top 77 nominees to progress as two of the 28 Official Finalists in the global New7Wonders of Nature campaign, the New7Wonders Foundation announced today.

The New7Wonders of Nature's Panel of Experts, headed by Prof. Federico Mayor, former director-general of UNESCO, made the announcement in Zurich, Switzerland, crowning a further seven finalists than originally planned due to record levels of participation.

On behalf of the official supporting committee for Australia, Tourism Australia's Executive Chairman Rick Allert said all Australians should be proud that our iconic natural wonders have received such global recognition.

"A place among the ultimate New7Wonders of Nature would be a stunning achievement for our nation's iconic natural wonders and we thank everyone who has played a part in ensuring Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef have made it through to this third and final stage, still in the running for the ultimate accolade," Mr Allert said.

With the announcement of the final New7Wonders of Nature set for mid-2011, the real race for the title now begins. Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef will vie for a place in the final seven against 26 of the world's other most iconic natural sites including the Amazon; Angel Falls; Bay of Fundy; Black Forest; Bu Tinah Shoals; Cliffs of Moher; Dead Sea; El Yunque; Galapagos; Grand Canyon; Halong Bay; Iguazu Falls; Jeita Grotto; Jeju Island; Kilimanjaro; Komodo; Maldives; Masurian Lake District; Matterhorn/Cervino; Milford Sound; Mud Volcanoes; Puerto Princessa Underground River; Sundarbans; Table Mountain; Vesuvius and Yushan.

Spokesperson for the New7Wonders Foundation, Tia Viering said that the New7Wonders Panel of Experts had a tough decision naming the 28 finalists.

"Beginning with 441 nominations from 222 countries worldwide initially nominated in the campaign, we are now down to the final 28. It's been a stunning process to watch so many of the world's iconic natural wonders in the public spotlight and we are delighted to see both Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef are through to the third and final stage. They're up against the world's best – it's certainly going to be an exciting two years as we see which sites the public choose as the official New7Wonders of Nature," Ms Viering said.

Voting will now recommence at www.australia.com for the third and final stage of the competition. To make sure Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef land a place in history, log on now and have your say.

All votes are monitored by the New7Wonders Foundation and will alter the standing of each nominee in real time. Every vote will therefore count, and if you voted in the previous stages, you can vote again now as everyone is eligible to vote once in each of the three stages.

Launched in 2007 by the New7Wonders Foundation, the New7Wonders of Nature campaign is a global search to recognise the seven most wondrous sites across the world through the eyes of the public. Nominations for the campaign were open to any clearly defined natural site, monument or landscape that was not created or significantly altered by humans for aesthetic reasons.

More than one billion votes worldwide are forecast to determine the final New7Wonders of Nature across the campaign.

For further information on Uluru or the Great Barrier Reef, or to cast your vote please visit www.australia.com.

20-NIGHT LUXURY RIVER CRUISE TOUR PORTUGAL AND FRANCE

Cruiseco, a consortium of 160 of Australia’s leading cruise-specialist travel agencies, has designed a unique selection of 20-night luxury river-cruise-and-stay packages in Portugal and France between June and September next year in conjunction with AMA Waterways.

They embrace the best waterways of both countries, include extended pre- and post-cruise sightseeing stays, and there are enticing Early Bird savings for those who book before September 30 this year.

Each package begins with 3-nights in Lisbon and two days of escorted sight-seeing, followed by 7-nights aboard the luxury riverboat Amadouro on the Douro River from Porto to Vega de Terron and back to Porto with daily escorted sightseeing.

There’s then a flight to Marseilles to join the equally luxurious Swiss Pearl in Arles for 7-nights cruising the Rhone River to Lyon, again with daily escorted sightseeing, and a transfer to Paris for 3-nights, including 2-days sightseeing and optional tours.

Prices start from $9570pp* twin-share including First Class hotels in Lisbon and Paris, arrival and departure transfers in both cities and breakfasts daily, sightseeing as detailed in Cruiseco’s brochure, 7-nights cruising in both Portugal and France including onboard meals and onboard gratuities, wines with dinner and sightseeing as detailed. *Less $500pp if booked by September 30 2009.

For a detailed 8-page brochure phone 1800 225 656 for the name of your nearest Cruiseco cruise specialist Australia-wide or visit www.cruising.com.au

Skiers discover lesser-known Swiss resorts with Melbourne-based Swiss Trip experts

Switzerland has a reputation for superb albeit expensive skiing and snowboarding but, if you know where to look, it’s possible to find reasonably priced ski holiday packages in small and exquisite Swiss resorts.

Popular with Europeans, these ski resorts warmly welcome Australians - firstly because they see very few of us and secondly because they’re amazed we’d fly 24 hours across the world to ski there.

And the skiing is simply magical, with high altitudes, endless kilometres of runs, powder snow that stays crisp and dry, excellent lifting capacity and more than enough winter activities to keep every member of the family occupied for a week or two.

Crans-Montana, Leukerbad and Bettmeralp are three such resort villages discovered by Melbourne skiers Mara Winthorst and Tim Jones, who have skied in Switzerland for ten years and run Swiss Trip ski holidays for four years.

They chose these three because each is unique in some way, and all provide a first rate ski holiday at about half the cost of major ski resorts which attract high-spending international skiers.

A very good range of accommodation is available, there are plenty of bars and restaurants, and menus often feature local specialties such as raclette and cheese fondue with produce from the surrounding valleys, as well as varied modern cuisine.

A week’s skiing with Swiss Trip starts at $1,973 per person twin share for seven nights including Swiss Train tickets from airport to resort, meet and greet, hotel accommodation, breakfasts, ski passes and a day’s ski orientation with Mara and Tim.

“Every skier knows that arriving in a new resort, finding your way around and sorting out ski lifts and runs can be quite confusing and time-consuming,” Mara said.

“We make it all easy as possible, picking up guests at the train station, taking them to their hotel or apartment, then helping them organise ski hire and lift tickets. We also escort them around the village, pointing out ATM machines, grocery stores and restaurants.”

On the ski orientation day, guests are familiarised with the mountain terrain and are taken to the areas best suited to their abilities.

Crans-Montana

Twin villages located 1500m above the Rhone Valley, with views of the Swiss Alps from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc.

* 35 hotels, plus apartments.
* 27 lifts, 140km of runs, highest ski altitude 3200m.
* 5 minute walk from village to lifts.
* Packages from $1973 per person twin share for seven nights.

Bettmeralp

Located nearly 2000m above the Rhone Valley and bordering on the Aletsch Glacier, this car-free winter world is accessed only by mountain cable car.

* 6 hotels plus apartments.
* 36 lifts, 99km of runs, highest ski altitude 2647m.
* Ski in – ski out from traditional wooden chalets.
* Packages from $1992 per person twin share for seven nights.

Leukerbad

Switzerland’s largest thermal spa resort, with 65 thermal springs and numerous baths for après ski relaxation, surrounded by 4000m high mountains.

* 28 hotels, plus apartments.
* 11 lifts, 52km of runs, highest ski altitude 2610m.
* 5 minute walk from village to lifts.
* Packages from $2060 per person twin share for seven nights.

Further details: 1300 85 11 34, or www.swisstrip.com.au