Peek At Private Paradise

Rarely are you given the opportunity to peek inside a private paradise. Ralph and Janet Hogan are opening the gates to their private garden as part of the Australian Open Garden scheme, the weekend of 31st October and 1st November. Perched on a promontory, overlooking Hayman Island and the Coral Sea in Airlie Beach, Villa Botanica combines a magnificent sub-tropical garden in a stunning coastal setting.

Driven by a desire to create something significant and inspirational, owner Ralph Hogan says, “I am influenced by the turn of the century when people created lasting beautiful spaces. My newest addition to the garden is a Cactarium, which I like to imagine pays homage to the Art Nouveau hothouses of Europe.” The open garden weekend gives nature lovers the rare opportunity to experience the sense of life, growth and creativity in this wonderful setting.

The new Cactarium will be officially opened by popular gardening identity Helen Young, who will be available to talk to visitors over the weekend. The property includes one of the largest succulent gardens in Australia along with some rare and great cactii including a huge 55 year old Echinocactus grusonii. There is also a remnant native monsoonal vine thicket forest with some substantial Mackay Cedars, lots of tulip oaks, Burdekin plum and the local bottle tree, Brachychiton compactus. Jungle aroids clamber-up rainforest trees and a beautiful pebble pathway winds through the magic. There are elegant fountains, fabulous views, beautifully carved one-offs from Bali, niches of wonder and oddities.

Janet Hogan says “It’s a very beautiful location and one we have the great fortune to be custodians of. It’s a privilege we love sharing with others”. Villa Botanica is rarely open to the public, except for exclusive weddings and special events. Profits from the open garden weekend will be donated to Quota International of Whitsunday which is best known for its services to the hearing impaired. The garden will be open from 10am-4:30pm on Saturday and Sunday and the entry fee is $6.00. Over 250,000 people visit the open gardens around Australia each year.

Yoga in Paradise

Calling all Cairns yogis! Commencing Tuesday 1 September, Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club will offer twice weekly yoga classes in its beautiful tropical surrounds that are aimed at increasing spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing.

From next week, one of the region’s most experienced Hatha yoga teachers, Karen Thesinger of Xclusive Yoga will lead two, 90 minute classes from 6pm every Tuesday and 9am every Saturday.

According to Karen, yoga is a well-known, Hindu method of exercise and discipline aimed at spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing.

“I am thrilled at to have such a breathtaking environment as my backdrop to introduce the art and science of yoga. From our very first class we will explore this ancient, Eastern philosophy through the practice of ‘asanas ‘or postures that are all focused on promoting a healthy body and mind.

“These classes are open to everyone –those who are new to yoga and those continuing to develop their practice. Each class is designed to meet the individual needs of participants in a safe and encouraging environment and to inspire a sense of peace,” said Karen.

Each class comprises a series of warm-up stretches and postures, breathing techniques, alignment of postures and personal adjustments – culminating in a deep relaxation session.

Karen Thesinger is a qualified yoga teacher and member of the Yoga Teachers Association of Australia.

For more information, contact Karen Thesinger on Mobile: 0414 5232 439 or email: info@xclusiveyoga.com.au

Two Nights for One Deal

Book a three, four or seven night Fiji Islands Cruise with Captain Cook Cruises and receive two nights accommodation for the price of one at the Radisson Resort Fiji, Denarau Island.

Situated only minutes from Captain Cook Cruises port of departure; Port Denarau, the Radisson Resort Fiji is ideally situated to provide the perfect pre or post cruise accommodation.

Prices start at only $210 per person twin share for a two night stay at the 5 star luxury beachfront
Radisson Resort Fiji. The resort is nestled around lagoon swimming pools and lush tropical gardens and has everything you want – water sports, fishing, beach activities, golf, island tours, Harmony Retreat, Fiji’s only ‘White Water’ waterslide, dedicated Kids Club and a range of dining and entertainment options.

Captain Cook Cruises offer three, four and seven night Yasawa Island cruises and a 7 nights Northern Fijian Dateline cruise aboard the 120-passenger, fully accommodated MV Reef Escape cruise ship.

Giving passengers a truly cultural experience, all cruises visit unspoilt Fijian villages and handicraft markets, experience a traditional village sevusevu ceremony and Meke and Lovo feast, tour a village school and visit a village church and experience the beautiful sounds of the children’s choir singing.

As well as being immersed in Fijian culture there is plenty of time for relaxation and appreciating the beautiful marine life while snorkelling over amazing coral reefs, lazing on warm white sandy beaches, basking in crystal clear waters or diving in spectacular blue lagoons.

The three-night Southern Yasawa Cruise departs Denarau on Saturday at 2.00pm and Early Booking Savers (EBS) fares start from $900.00 per person twin share. The four-night Northern Yasawa Cruise departs Denarau on Tuesday at 2.00pm and the EBS fare is available from $1200.00 per person twin share. The seven-night Yasawa Islands Cruise departs Saturdays and Tuesday’s at 2.00pm and EBS fares start from 1995.00 per person twin share.

Prices include all meals on board, guided village and island tours, glass bottom boat excursions, on board entertainment and use of the ship's facilities including swimming pool, spa, pool bar, sun deck, sauna, cocktail bar, day spa and library.

This deal is available until December 2009 and valid for travel 20 October 2009 – 31 March 2010 excluding 28 December 2009 – 4 January 2010 inclusive.


For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises toll free from Australia on 1800 804 843; Int +61-2-9206 1100, Email: fiji@captaincook.com.au or visit www.captaincook.com.au.

Migaloo Cruises the Whitsundays

John Dyson, Skipper of Fantasea Adventure Cruising vessel 'Wonder', sighted Migaloo, the Albino Humpback Whale on the way home to Shute Harbour from Hardy Reef (51 Nautical Miles from the mainland), East of the Whitsunday Islands at approximately 4pm on August 25.

He spent around half an hour observing Migaloo for all 113 guests on board.

This was a very rare sighting and is believed to be the first sighting of Migaloo in the Whitsunday waters this season.

Migaloo Cruises the Whitsundays

John Dyson, Skipper of Fantasea Adventure Cruising vessel 'Wonder', sighted Migaloo, the Albino Humpback Whale on the way home to Shute Harbour from Hardy Reef (51 Nautical Miles from the mainland), East of the Whitsunday Islands at approximately 4pm on August 25.

He spent around half an hour observing Migaloo for all 113 guests on board.

This was a very rare sighting and is believed to be the first sighting of Migaloo in the Whitsunday waters this season.

Dad Knows Size Matters!

If Dad has a green thumb, why not take him to Kings Park - the biggest inner-city park in the Southern Hemisphere - and on Fathers Day this year, the park will be in the midst of its annual Wildflower Festival.

Peruse the many displays, walk one of the many trails, and admire the Kimberley garden. And when Dad works up a hunger during the festival, shout him a hearty lunch at one of the Park's many cafes and restaurants, or head to the coast and enjoy a beer as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.

If zooming around a race track sounds more like your Dad, then take him to Trackskill WA, where he can zoom around in a V8 Commodore. Alternatively, if Dad’s more into spectator sports, support WA’s local football league, the WAFL, and support a team in the first week of the finals, which happens over the Fathers Day weekend.

WA's South West is the perfect place to please the palette of the Dad who loves a good drop. In particular, the Margaret River and Great Southern wine regions are home to 220 grape growers and 100 cellar doors, with breweries, award-winning restaurants and much more, all making good use of the region's delectable local produce.

If Dad's a true wine lover, grab him a Cellar Door Pass. Available from the Margaret River Visitors Centre, each pass allows two people to collect special wine offers in Margaret River and the Great Southern region.

While down south, Dad might like to catch a few waves. Margaret River is one of the most consistent, scenic and laid back surfing destinations in the world, home to a huge crop of challenging and powerful waves over 40 scenic kilometres of coastline.

For a true outback adventure, take Dad on a trip to Australia’s North West. This area can provide a range of adventures, with a taste of red dust, with everything from bushwalking tours, helicopter rides, and fishing safaris – all in an area that’s still so untouched, spectacular and pristine.

Or if Dad likes a gamble, take him back to the original Goldfields for a game of Two-Up, and to uncover the history and outback legend that has become the State’s biggest region. And while there, he might want to want to check out the start of the Nullarbor Links – the longest and biggest golf course in the world which is set to open in October.

Stretching along the Eyre Highway from Kalgoorlie to Ceduna in South Australia, the recently opened 18-hole par 72 golf course spans 1,365 kilometres with one hole in a participating town or roadhouse.

Each hole includes a green and tee amongst a rugged outback-style natural terrain fairway, providing a quintessential Australian experience and a fantastic attraction for travellers along the highway.

No matter how fussy your Dad is, you can be assured Western Australia has something to satisfy him this Fathers Day.

For more information, visit westernaustralia.com

Trekking for the Greater Good

The ultimate holiday for adventurous spirits, wanting to experience new cultures first hand and even spend their vacation time doing something for the greater good, has to be the upcoming Variety Vietnam Hills Trek & Community Project.

The trip offers travellers a unique opportunity for like adventurous and community minded peoples of all ages, to see the real Vietnam form the fascinating bustle of Hanoi to the seclusion of the Mai Chau highlands as well as participating in a community project.

The packed 13 day itinerary gives a birds eye view of daily life, including working sugar cane, tapioca, rice paddies and peach plantations while staying in charming traditional long houses and meeting indigenous hill tribes including the H'mong, Thai and Muong along the trek through remote mountainous villages in parts of the country that receives very few visitors. And the highlight, a stay at the village of Bao La commune getting to know the minority White Thai people, while constructing a much needed classroom for the village’s children, which culminates in a handover ceremony.

Participants must fundraise $7,000 to participate in the trip, of which at least half will go to Variety the children’s charity while the remainder covers the trip including return airfares (based on a Sydney departure), English speaking tour leader, accommodation on a twin share basis at standard hotels with daily breakfasts in Hanoi; home stay accommodation in Mai Chau; airport transfers if arriving an departing on group flights; all group transport; all trekking arrangements (local guides, porters, permits, sleeping gear); all entrance fees on sightseeing days; meals as mentioned in the itinerary; and arrangements for the community project. Participants are also given assistance with a Fundraising Tool Kit, with ideas, advice and support as required. For anyone that preferred to make a contribution to Variety rather than fundraise, such donations are tax deductible.

It is hoped the Trek will raise more than $100,000, some of which will be used to buy a new Variety Sunshine Coach to transport disadvantaged Australian children to extra curricular activities from sporting lessons to educational programs and holidays.

Variety NSW Chairman, Greg Edwards, said Variety’s mission is to alleviate children’s suffering wherever it occurs, commenting “At Variety we respect children, both in Australia and across the world. This journey of a lifetime will provide an unforgettable experience that participants will take away for years to come and it will leave a lasting legacy for children in a developing community and in Australia.”

If the lure of experiencing a country from this truly local perspective, meeting like-minded people, helping raise funds for kids in need and assisting with the community project, aren’t incentive enough, the Vietnam Trek is also a great substitute for a health resort, with around 14 kilometres gentle trekking a day along village paths, part and parcel of the holiday!

To register for the Trek Vietnam program please call Inspired Adventures on:
02 9262 7882 or visit: www.inspiredadventures.com.au

Save $2000 on Auckland to Sydney Fly, Cruise, Stay

SAVE AUD$2000 a couple on a 13-night fly, cruise and stay package from Auckland to Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney aboard mega-liner Diamond Princess in January next year, simply by booking through ecruising.travel

The package includes one-way air from Sydney or Melbourne to Auckland, air taxes, a night in Auckland at the Stamford Plaza with breakfast, and twelve nights aboard the spectacular 116,000 tonne Diamond Princess – one of the largest cruise ships to visit Sydney.

Diamond Princess sails from Auckland on January 16 2010, visiting Tauranga, Lyttleton for Christchurch, Port Chalmers for Dunedin, a full-day’s scenic cruise of the Fjordland National Park, Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney.

The price now starts from just AUD$1599pp twin-share through ecruising.travel (down from AUD$2599pp) including all dining in the traditional International Dining Room, either of four Anytime Dining restaurants, or a 24-hour buffet; there’s also the choice of two Speciality dining venues in which cover charges apply.

Diamond Princess also has a Wine & Caviar Bar, three lounges and bars, a patisserie, ice cream bar, pizzeria, a hamburger and hot dog grill, and daily traditional afternoon tea.

Onboard facilities include four pools, hot tubs, a spa, gym and fitness area, nine-hole putting course, virtual golf simulators, jogging track, shuffleboard and centre court, art exhibitions and lectures on areas visited.

For full details phone 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel

Discover a Different Side of Sydney Harbour with Island Hopping

This October, the National Parks and Wildlife Service will bring Sydney’s protected Harbour Islands to life like never before. Get on board for SYDNEY HARBOUR ISLAND HOPPING, part of Crave Sydney – a major new celebration of Sydney’s unmatched way of life, offering 31 days of food, outdoor art and fun throughout October.

For the first time, Fort Denison, Shark, Clark and Garden Islands will be linked with an Island Hopper ferry ticket, with exciting and unique experiences and activities planned for each island. Sydney Harbour Island Hopping is a full day excursion with something for everyone, from the youngest school-age children through to their grandparents.

Also in October, will be the first ever RODD ISLAND TEA DANCE for lovers of the music and dances of the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, and the PERFECT PICNIC for anyone looking to chill an afternoon away with their mates on Clark Island.

SYDNEY HARBOUR ISLAND HOPPING – every Saturday and Sunday between 3-18 October

Departing Circular Quay each half-hour on the first three Saturdays and Sundays of October, the Hop will be a celebration of our Harbour islands’ colonial and cultural history and natural beauty.

Be astounded by Fort Denison, which began its colonial life as a sinbin for the garrulous and unruly before becoming the centrepiece of Sydney Harbour’s defence. Learn about Sydney’s last line of maritime defence while taking tea from the battlements, as the clash of the stonemason’s hammer keeps time for the island’s all-day musical entertainments.

Marvel at the mysterious and exciting prehistoric predators and mythical indigenous creatures on Sydney’s original animal quarantine station, Shark Island. Picnic as life-sized Jurassic carnivores and their more amenable herbivorous counterparts literally bring the untouched wilderness of Shark Island to life, courtesy of groundbreaking live theatre company, Erth.

Learn to survive Australia’s natural conditions from the very people who thrived here for thousands of years, living in harmony with their environment. On Clark Island, hang out with Tribal Warriors and learn how to fish, dance and appreciate Aboriginal culture.

Discover amazing relics of Australia’s Naval history and experience the mighty power of our nation’s maritime fleet on Garden Island – the traditional home port of Australia’s Navy for over two centuries. Hold the con on a simulated open bridge of a World War II Destroyer, view the depths through the only fully operational submariner’s attack periscope available for public use in Australia, and learn about military technology and ordnance of yesterday and today.

The Sydney Harbour Island Hop will depart Circular Quay every half hour between 9:00am and 3:00pm on the first three Saturdays and Sundays of Crave Sydney, between 3 and 18 October. Ticket prices, which include all ferry passes, and the exciting and captivating experiences planned on each, are $48.50 for adults, $35.00 for concessions and $16.50 for children. A transaction fee will apply. For more information or to book, visit www.harbourislandhopping.com.au or call Ticketmaster on 136 100.

RODD ISLAND TEA DANCES – Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 October

Be transported to the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s as Rodd Island hosts Tea Dances on 21 and 22 October. Offering up everything from the Charleston to the pulsating rhythms of Latin America, the New Trocadero Dance Orchestra will set the mood for the romantic and sophisticated Tea Dances.
The dances will be held in the colonial style dance hall, built in 1889 and home to one of the best spring dance floors in the southern hemisphere. Dance the day away or just enjoy the atmosphere, whether reliving the majestic musical period or experiencing it for the first time.
With three two hour sessions per day at 11am to 1:00pm, 1:30pm to 3:30pm and 4:00pm to 6:00pm, the Rodd Island Tea Dances will be great for anyone keen on the music and dances of the era. The ticket price of $50.00 per adult ($40.00 concession) includes return ferry transfers from Circular Quay and all dining and entertainment on the island. A transaction fee will apply.
For more information or to book, visit www.harbourislandhopping.com.au or call Ticketmaster on 136 100.

PERFECT PICNIC – Sunday 25 October

If the idea of an afternoon hanging out with your mates on one of Sydney’s harbour islands grabs you, the Perfect Picnic on Sunday 25 October is for you.
DJ Lady Tre will set the ambient mood for an afternoon chilling on Clark Island. Bring your own picnic and drinks, with prizes throughout the day for the best costumes and picnic setups. Explore the island and get into group games, or just lay back among the trees in the biggest picnic Clark Island has ever seen.
The ticket price of $50.00 per adult ($35.00 concession) includes ferry shuttles to and from the island, which will leave Circular Quay every half hour between 11am and 5:30pm on the day. A transaction fee will apply. For more information or to book, visit www.harbourislandhopping.com.au or call Ticketmaster 136 100.

About Crave Sydney
Sydney Harbour Island Hopping is one of seven events in Crave Sydney. Other events include Sydney International Food Festival, Art & About, Darling Harbour Fiesta, World’s Funniest Island, Seven Bridges Walk and Breakfast on the Bridge. To plan your Crave Sydney experience visit www.cravesydney.com .
Crave Sydney is one of five anchor events in the NSW Master Events Calendar created by Events
NSW on behalf of the NSW Government.

Celebrating 90 Years with British Airways

British Airways celebrates 90 years of leading the travel industry today. On August 25, 1919 the world's first daily international air service was launched from London to Paris, operated by Air Transport & Travel Ltd - a precursor to British Airways.

Since then, the airline has carried more than 1.2 billion customers on its extensive network, and become recognised as one of the world’s elite carriers. Next year, British Airways will celebrate 75 years of flying Down Under. On 20th April, 1935 the first flight took off from London and touched down 12 days later in Brisbane.

Paying tribute to the airline, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "British Airways has never lost the pioneering spirit and vision that saw it take to the skies with the world's first daily international flight from London to Paris on this day in 1919.

“Ninety years on, the world's most iconic airline is still proudly flying the flag and remains a great British brand. Many congratulations to all its staff - past and present, on this special day."

British Airways chairman Martin Broughton said: “Over the past nine decades, British Airways has played its part in many historic episodes. We provided the first air links to far-flung capitals in the days of empire, flew Winston Churchill across the Atlantic during wartime, brought Queen Elizabeth back to Britain after the passing of George VI, repeatedly led the way with aircraft innovation and have often proudly transported home our sports teams from success overseas.

“We have a rich history supporting Britain and will carry this forward to our centenary and beyond.”

The airline is marking the occasion in various ways. Swarovski, the world’s leading producer of precision-cut crystal, has loaned a giant bejewelled Union Flag to the airline. The stunning 4ft by 2ft artwork is embossed with more than 126,000 crystallised Swarovski Elements ™ and will be in the British Airways arrivals lounge in Terminal 5 until September.

An internal exhibition will showcase memorabilia from nine decades of travel, while customers in Terminal 5 have been treated to cabin crew and TV personality Kirsty Gallacher modelling vintage uniforms in the terminal in the run up to its anniversary week.