Gecko’s Launches New Asian Adventures – with $150 Off!

Gecko’s Adventures has launched two new Asia brochures, packed with grass-roots adventures from Kathmandu to Kerala, Bangkok to Beijing. And for bookings made before September 30, Gecko’s is offering $150 off all the featured holidays.

Thailand may be a well-trodden tourist destination, but Gecko’s has combined the more famous tropical getaways such as Koh Phang Ngan and Samui with exploring delightful stretches of coastline, beyond the bright lights, staying in tiny fishing villages in stilt houses built over the water.

The Southern Thailand Adventure, featured in the new Asia & China 2009-2011 brochure, also visits Khao Sam Roi Yort National Park, which translates as ‘Mountain of 300 peaks’ in reference to the karst outcrops that define the landscape. As with all Gecko’s adventures, the 12-day trip is designed for maximum immersion: groups are accompanied by a Gecko’s local leader; travel is by public transport and accommodation is in family-owned properties. The trip has monthly departures, year-round, from Bangkok and costs $1245 per person, twin share, land only.

Continuing Gecko’s theme of getting off the beaten track, all Gecko’s adventures in northern India now include a homestay in the pastel-painted rural village of Tordi Garh. Gelato-coloured walls offset brilliant saris, jewel-coloured turbans - and the warm smiles and traditional hospitality of the villagers, who rarely see travellers. Gecko’s groups are hosted by the owner of the Tordi palace, a direct descendant of the feudal lord who built the palace in the 16th century.

The Hidden Secrets of India trip, featured in the India & Nepal 2009-2011 brochure includes Tordi Garh, as well as the pink city of Jaipur, the blue city of Jodhpur, the lake city of Udaipur and Agra, to visit the Taj Mahal. It also includes Ranthambore National Park, for the chance of seeing a Bengal tiger. There are monthly departures, year-round, from Delhi, costing $1895 per person, twin share, land only.

The India & Nepal 2009-2011 and Asia & China 2009-2011 brochures are out now. For all new bookings made before September 30, Gecko’s is offering $150 off all trips, for travel between November 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010.

For further information, visit your travel agent or call 1300 854 500 or visit www.geckosadventures.com to download a brochure.

Indulge in Life at The Lakes

Indulge your girlfriend, spoil your sister or escape with the man of your dreams for a sublime getaway in Cairns.

The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa Indulgent Package starts at $357 per person for three nights accommodation in a one-bedroom apartment, a 60-minute Relaxation Massage at Reds Day Spa, Reds Pamper Pack, sparkling wine and chocolates on arrival and return airport transfers.

Only 3km from the Cairns International Airport and 3km from the Cairns CBD, The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa is close to the city’s shops, including DFO, cinemas and within easy reach of the Great Barrier Reef and Tropical North Queensland’s rainforests.

The award-winning 4.5 star resort is situated on 4ha of lush tropical gardens, scenic lakes and large resort style pools in the heart of Cairns city’s cultural precinct.

The Lakes is a member of Vision Hotels and Resorts. For bookings and information email reservations@visionhotelsandresorts.com or call 1800 666 614.

Crave Sydney Launch

Crave Sydney is a major new event celebrating Sydney’s unmatched way of life, offering 31 days of food, outdoor art and fun.

Fast Facts:
• Crave Sydney draws together:
o Sydney International Food Festival, 1-31 October
o Art & About, 1-25 October
o Darling Harbour Fiesta, 2-5 October
o Sydney Harbour Island Hopping, 3-25 October
o World’s Funniest Island, 17-18 October
o Seven Bridges Walk, 25 October
o Breakfast on the Bridge, 25 October
• Crave Sydney is the next new anchor event on the first ever NSW Master Events Calendar launched last October.
• Events NSW estimate Crave Sydney will generate more than $6 million in economic benefit for the State.
• Crave Sydney was created by Events NSW, on behalf of the NSW Government to drive tourism, attract investment and create jobs.
• For the full Crave Sydney program visit www.cravesydney.com

CRAVE SYDNEY EVENTS

The Sydney International Food Festival (1-31 October)

• The Sydney International Food Festival (SIFF) will run throughout October.
• The festival will replace the popular Good Food Month – growing the 11 year old event into something even bigger and better.
• A major highlight will be the World Chef Showcase - bringing together Sydney’s biggest names in food as well as top chefs from around the world.
• The Festival will also include Good Food Month favourites such as Hats Off dinners, Let’s Do Lunch and the Night Noodle Markets; a huge new program of community festivals and regional food events across NSW and a Barbecue Madness Launch weekend on 3 October.
• SIFF is presented by The Sydney Morning Herald.

Art & About (1-25 October) FREE EVENT

• Unique installations, exhibitions and events enliven the laneways, parks, galleries and spaces of the City of Sydney in this annual public art festival.
• Highlights include:
o Open Gallery – an exhibition of works by contemporary NSW Aboriginal artists on street banners across the City.
o Sydney Life – a stunning outdoor exhibition of large scale photographs in Hyde Park North.
o Laneways By George! – Discover unexpected worlds in eight laneways transformed by creative installations.
o Uncover Oxford Street - intriguing shop front performances and installations, live jazz, art market and the Live Green House – showcasing sustainable design.
o I Heart Kings Cross – a community knitting installation covering trees and street poles in Kings Cross.
• Art & About is presented by City of Sydney.

Darling Harbour Fiesta (2-5 October) FREE EVENT

• Fiesta is Australia’s largest Latin American and Spanish music and dance festival.
• Fiesta will feature 70 of the best Latin bands and dance groups with 800 performers on three outdoor stages around Darling Harbour.
• For the first time in the event’s 18 year history, the program will feature two international bands – double-Grammy award winners Aterciopelados (Colombia) and exclusive to Sydney, Venezuela’s finest salsa orchestra, Bailatino.
• Fiesta is presented by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority.

Sydney Harbour Island Hopping (3-25 October)

• Sydney’s harbour islands will be open to explore, discover and share with an Island Hopper ferry ticket.
• Sydney Harbour Island Hopping will offer unique and exciting experiences for all ages on four islands - Fort Denison, Clark, Shark and Garden Islands.
• Clark Island will host the Perfect Picnic on 25 October.
• The Rodd Island Tea Dances on 21 and 22 October will be perfect for lovers of the music and dances of the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s.
• Sydney Harbour Island Hopping is presented by National Parks and Wildlife Service.

World’s Funniest Island (17-18 October)

• A two day comedy festival on Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour.
• With just one ticket, comedy fans can choose from 200 shows in 18 venues on Cockatoo Island.
• Acts include The Goodies and Alexei Sayle with locals Merrick & Rosso, Akmal, Fiona O’Loughlin, Heath Franklin’s Chopper, Tripod, Jimeoin, Scared Weird Little Guys, Sleek Geeks and more.
• Tickets include all shows plus ferry.
• World’s Funniest Island is presented by Australian Comedy Festival.

Seven Bridges Walk (25 October) FREE EVENT

• 25km walk around Sydney Harbour and over Sydney’s seven key bridges.
• A free community event for all ages where participants can start and finish at designated villages near one of the seven bridges along the walk.
• This year there will be an individual theme for the food, music and activities to give each Village a local community flavor.
• A great way to see Sydney, become active, improve health and raise money for four leading charities.
• Seven Bridges Walk is presented by the Pedestrian Council of Australia.

Breakfast on the Bridge (25 October) FREE EVENT

• Sydney Harbour Bridge will be transformed into the worlds most sought after breakfast destination.
• 6,000 lucky people will have the chance to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience on one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks.
• Images from Breakfast on the Bridge will be beamed around the world, showcasing again why Sydney is Australia’s number one destination.
• Breakfast on the Bridge is presented by the NSW Government and is part of Events NSW strategy to make Sydney and NSW Australia’s leading events destination

Take Part in Sea Turtle Rescue with Naturewise

Take off to blue skies and white sand beaches of Australia’s far-reaching coastlines, and join Naturewise on new hands-on conservation adventures to save our marine turtles.

Worldwide, there are seven species of marine turtles, and we are supremely lucky in Australia to have six of the seven species swimming in our waters. These wonderfully resilient creatures have lived in the oceans for more than 100 million years, adapting to constant environmental changes. But today marine turtle species are no longer able to keep up with the rapid changes to their environment, and their survival is under serious threat.

This October, join Naturewise for two weeks on the Cobourg Peninsula, a remote wildnerness found at the tip of Australia’s Northern Territory in Arnhem Land. The surrounding waters are teeming with sea life, colourful reef fish, dugong, crocodiles and dolphins, and the region is a significant nesting location for the nationally vulnerable, green turtle. As part of the small Naturewise team, participants undertake nightly patrols of the beach at Smiths Point, surveying turtle nests and providing important data for an ongoing research project in green turtle numbers and population dispersal.

An equally awesome adventure awaits in Western Australia in November and December. Travel south of Broome, to Eco Beach, a nesting region for the threatened flatback turtle species. On this Naturewise trip, participants will also undertake nightly beach patrols, assisting wildlife researchers in collating much needed data on flatback turtle populations.

With prices beginning at only $480 per person (6 days, Eco Beach), all Naturewise Conservation Holidays are fully inclusive of accommodation, delicious meals, conservation activities, project transport and experienced guide. Naturewise is limited to only ten travellers to minimise our environmental impact, and ensure a quality experience for everyone involved. We encourage early bookings to secure a place!

For full details and to make a booking go to www.naturewise.com.au or free call 1800 032 501

CLASSIC "YESTER-YEAR" SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISE PERU TO SYDNEY

One of the more unusual South Pacific cruise holidays for those seeking the out-of-the-ordinary, departs Lima in Peru next January for Easter and Pitcairn Islands, Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Hobart and Sydney.

And making this 34-night cruise all the more memorable is that it is aboard Saga Ruby that offers a unique cruising experience of classic yester-year English graciousness, ambience and indulgence for just 660-guests.

Cruiseco has a fly, cruise and stay package that includes air and taxes from Sydney to Lima, two nights in Buenos Aires with breakfasts daily, a Buenos Aires City Tour and Dinner Show, transfers and a night in Lima with breakfast.

Saga Ruby will sail from Lima’s port of Callao on January 28 2010 for a day at Easter Island with a launch or tender landing, a day at anchor off Pitcairn Island*, and days ashore in Papeete, Bora Bora, Apia, Suva, and Lautoka.

In New Zealand there’s a day each in the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Lyttleton (Christchurch,) Dunedin, a cruise of the New Zealand Fjords, followed by Tasmania and a day in Hobart, and Sydney.

37-night Fly, Cruise and Stay prices start from $11,695pp twin-share and are subject to availability at time of booking; for more details phone 1800 225 656 or visit www.cruising.com.au for the name of your nearest Cruiseco cruise specialist Australia-wide. *Passengers do not go ashore on Pitcairn Island.

SAGA RUBY offers an elegant, award-winning Dining Room with anytime nightly dining between 6.45pm and 9pm, a casual Lido Café for breakfast and lunch, traditional English Afternoon Tea, several bars and lounges, a ballroom and live stage entertainment, spa, library and computer centre.

TD Breaking News - $181m profit for Qantas

Qantas profit slumps

Qantas has just reported a $181 million pre-tax profit for the year to 30 Jun, down 87% on last year.

Yields slipped 4.3% due to weaker domestic and international demand, while the overall load factor also fell 1 point to 79.6%.

The carrier said the result was also impacted by one-off events including $130m in extra costs due to industrial action by the Australian Licenced Aircraft Engineers Association, and an estimated $45m hit due to swine flu.

CEO Alan Joyce said the diversity of the Qantas Group's operations had contributed to it "being one of the few airline operators worldwide to produce a full year profit, despite the impact of the global economic downturn.

"There has never been a more volatile and challenging time for the world's aviation industry," he said.

Joyce also announced the addition of four Airbus A330 aircraft, on six-year leases, to allow for Jetstar's long-haul international growth.

"These new aircraft will support the airline's growth across its internatioanl network which covers Australia, South East Asia and the Asia Pacific ahead of the delivery of the Qantas Group's first B787-9," he said

More information in today's Travel Daily

Emerald Valley Villa : Eco-Luxe Super Special

Emerald Valley Villa is the premium Luxury Villa Holiday Rental in Byron Bay. A private estate with resort style facilities located in the lush
hinterland above Byron Bay, Australia.

Eco-Luxe Super Special
AUD$750 per night, minimum 3 nights
AUD $5,000 per week until December 2009

Sleeps up to 8 people
Rates are valid from 01 August - 30 November, 2009
Spa treatments, daily housekeeping & catering can be arranged at an additional cost.

Set on 80 abundant acres, overlooking a remarkable rainforest valley in lush Byron Bay hinterland is Emerald Valley Villa - a unique, eco-friendly development providing premium luxury private rental accommodation like no other.

Creator of Emerald Valley Villa, Michael J Robison says, “Emerald Valley Villa is an exemplary model of sustainable living without compromising luxury or technology. All the building structures and grounds have been designed for minimum impact on the surrounding environment; the Villa is climate neutral and runs on 100% green power.

Emerald Valley Villa was developed as a landmark demonstration of how design, technology and ecology can combine to create luxurious living without causing harm to the earth” says Robison.

Amidst the relaxing atmosphere and scenic views, Emerald Valley Villa offers the ultimate in world-class standards within a completely private and secure environment for up to 8 people. Architectural and design elements gracing the property pay homage to Bali’s unique arts and traditions whilst embracing modern design aesthetics.

Recycled hardwoods, imported stone and marble is featured throughout the villa, right down to the hand-cut stone framing the garden flower-beds. In addition, this private estate boasts a master suite and three expansive bedrooms all with adjacent marble bathrooms opening onto private, tropical gardens.

Guests can enjoy swimming in the pure oxygenated spring water pool, complete with carved Balinese fountains and pool-side lounges, or relaxing under the stars at night in our open air Jacuzzi. Two 200 year old teak Rice Barns – one overlooking the fabulous pool, the other overlooking the valley where you can enjoy the private lake below - provide reclusive or romantic comfort day or night. During the cooler months, the floors are evenly heated by an eco-friendly thermal system, while a double fireplace offers the perfect setting for those special romantic evenings...

Onsite luxurious spa therapies including a private marble steam room, state of the art kitchen, outdoor BBQ and daily housekeeping services are available to all guests. In addition, all modern technologies are onsite including broadband internet, satellite television and telephone facilities.

For easy access to all areas of the property guests have complimentary use of the fun 4 x 4 Polaris-Ranger. Emerald Valley Villa even boasts its own private waterfall and lake complete with a custom made River Pavilion where you can spend a day in secluded paradise with an abundance of rare wildlife which will simply amaze you including our very own resident platypus'.

The extraordinary landscaping has been terraced into four levels, all carefully planted with fragrant flora including gardenias, jasmine and champaka amongst many other graceful flowers and blossoming trees.

Emerald Valley Villa is a private estate and a landmark demonstration of how design, technology and ecology can combine to create luxurious living without causing harm to the Earth. This is the ultimate retreat. Let Emerald Valley Villa take you on a mystical journey like no other...

Is ‘Birthday Girl’ Australia’s Oldest Koala?

Believed to be Australia’s oldest koala, aptly name ‘Birthday Girl’, will celebrate her 22nd year at
the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital on Saturday 19 September. The ‘Family Fun Day’ will be
dedicated to the grand old lady with a birthday atmosphere, kid’s games, a birthday card
colouring competition, cake and educational tours of her home at the Hospital.

Now in its second year the Family Fun Day has free entry for locals and visitors from 9am to
3pm. The Hospital is the only hospital in the world that is dedicated to the care of koalas - it
treats and rehabilitates around 300 of our furry friends every year.

‘Birthday Girl’ is one of the Hospital’s earliest patients, turning 22 this year, but she has defied
her age with mischievous escapes thanks to wonder drugs. Volunteers believe she could be
Australia’s oldest koala by measurements and teeth wear. They normally live to be 15 for females
and 13 for males.

‘Birthday Girl’ first came into the Hospital in 1990 for a check and relocation and returned 4
years ago in 2005 with chronic arthritis. Anti-inflammatory drugs gave her extra willpower when
she “self-released” from a deemed ‘escape proof, fenced yard’, and needed a special operations
‘abseil’ rescue from a nearby tree.

The Hospital is run by volunteers and the Family Fun Day is designed to raise funds for the
$180,000 costs to annually run the Hospital. This includes treatment rooms, eight intensive care
units, a 24 hour rescue and treatment operation and 33 recovery yards. Visitors can meet
‘Birthday Girl’ and other koalas 7 days a week, 365 days a year from 8am to 4.30pm. Entry is
free, donations accepted, and there is a daily ‘Feed, Walk and Talk’ tour at 3pm.

The Koala Hospital is located in Port Macquarie on the Mid North Coast of NSW, 4.5 hours drive
from Sydney. Tourists from all over the world visit Port Macquarie’s Koala Hospital, which attracts
more than 24,000 visitors a year. The ‘Adopt A Koala’ package costs AU$40 per year and
includes a certificate of adoption with a photo, the name of the koala and a short story about its
life. Overseas adoptions cost AU$50, a true Aussie gift for international family and friends.

The Koala Hospital, Lord St, Port Macquarie - go to www.koalahospital.org.au or call (02) 6584
1522.

For more information on animal attractions and travel contact the Greater Port Macquarie Visitor
Information Centre on 1300 303 155 or book on-line at www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au

Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront Wins Best New Hotel at 2009 HM Awards

Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront has won Best New Hotel at the 7th Annual HM Awards Gala Dinner held on Friday 14 August 2009.

The HM Awards showcase outstanding achievements within the hospitality and tourism industry across Australia, New Zealand and some South Pacific countries and recognise  people, departments, properties and chains across 40 categories in front of the industry's leading hoteliers, staff, key suppliers and dignitaries.  

Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront, opened in March 2009, and is situated on the spectacular Darwin Waterfront.  The 120 room hotel offers guests the chance to trade in traditional accommodation for a fresh, viberant alternative with a contemporary edge.  In line with the 'Vibe' style, every aspect of Vibe Hotel Darwin has been designed to mirror a great lifestyle – the rooms are stylish, the menu in the Curve restaurant is tempting and the location provides easy access to the best that Darwin has to offer.

According to Rachel Argaman, CEO of Toga Hospitality, "We are very excited to take out the Best New Hotel Award for Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront.   This Award is a testament to our team's continued commitment to delivering a consistently high level of service and fantastic facilities for our guests to enjoy."

Vibe Hotels can be found across Sydney, Melbourne, Darwin and the Gold Coast.  Each hotel is an expression of the city village in which it is located and reflects the local surrounds from beach-chic to city-slick or urban-cool, allowing travellers to experience and absorb the essence of the destination.

For further details check out www.vibehotels.com.au

SOUTH AMERICAN ADVENTURES WITH SILVERSEA

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is offering four colourful South American voyages between the vibrant cities of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santiago (Valparaíso), Chile in December 2009 and January 2010. With great airfares available and the Qantas direct service to Buenos Aires, as well as direct LAN services from Sydney via Auckland to Santiago, spectacular South America has never been more accessible for Australian travellers.

Choose from a 16 day cruise departing Buenos Aires for Santiago on 4 December 2009, calling at the Uruguayan ports of Montevideo and Punta del Este; Puerto Madryn in Argentina, and Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, then cruising the Magellan Strait. The all-suite Silver Cloud moves on to Punta Arenas, spending two days meandering through the magnificent Chilean Fjords and visiting the Chilean ports of Laguna San Rafael, Puerto Chacabuco and Puerto Montt. All-inclusive, cruise-only fares start from just US$7,197* per person, double occupancy. Silversea's generous fare includes luxury cruising to exciting ports; all-suite accommodation; gourmet meals; complimentary wines, Champagne and spirits, and all gratuities.

Alternatively, start your journey in Santiago and spend Christmas and New Year at sea in luxurious Silversea style, with a 16 day departure on 20 December. The festive voyage calls at Puerto Montt and Laguna San Rafael, cruising the Chilean Fjords and Magellan Strait to Punta Arenas and Ushuaia in Argentina, with its dramatic backdrop against the jagged Martial Range. After cruising Cape Horn and celebrating the New Year at sea, Silver Cloud visits Puerto Madryn, Montevideo and finishes in Buenos Aires on 5 January. Guests aboard this voyage will be entertained by fascinating guest lecturer Michael Buerk, one of Britain's leading broadcast journalists who has reported for the BBC on subjects ranging from royal weddings to the Ethiopian famine in 1984. All-inclusive, cruise-only fares start from just US$7,547* per person, double occupancy.

Slightly shorter 15 day options depart Buenos Aires on 5 January 2010 and Santiago on 20 January 2010, with fares starting from US$7,113* per person, double occupancy.

For more information please contact Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or toll free 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com

Silversea Cruises is recognised as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance.  With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II in 2008, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents. Silversea has recently entered Luxury Travel & Style Magazine's Platinum Hall of Fame, having been named Best Cruise Line by Australian readers for the past five consecutive years. For two consecutive years Silversea has been named 'Best Luxury Cruise Line' in the TravelWeekly Asia Awards and for nine consecutive years "Number One Small Ship Line" in the Readers' Choice survey conducted by Condé Nast Traveler magazine in the USA. In 2007 Silversea was the only cruise line named in the UK edition of Condé Nast Traveller's "Top 100 Luxury Travel Experiences", at the same time topping the Small Cruise Line award for the eighth time. Silversea has been selected as "World's Best Small-Ship Cruise Line" seven times in the Travel + Leisure (USA) readers' poll and was rated Number-One luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index.