New Hayman Short Break at Australia’s Top Resort

A Hayman Short Break is the perfect choice for an enjoyable time away with family and friends at Australia’s celebrated private island resort in the Great Barrier Reef.

Hayman presents an array of fabulous resort and Reef activities and adventures for all to share which showcase the stunning island setting and surrounds, including The Chef’s Table, Sand Flats Discovery Walk and Hayman Guided Snorkel Adventure.

The Hayman Short Break is priced from A$669 per person and includes:
 3 nights’ twin share accommodation
 Daily buffet breakfast in Azure overlooking the Coral Sea
 Paddleskiing, windsurfing and catamaran sailing from Hayman Beach
 Use of the gymnasium, sauna and steam room
 Activities including tennis, squash, croquet, golf putting and driving and island walks

Families can enjoy time together on their Hayman Short Break with a special Family Offer which is priced from A$335 per person twin share and includes:
 3 nights’ twin share accommodation
 Daily buffet breakfast
 2 complimentary 3-hour sessions at Hayman's Kids Club or Crèche

The Hayman Short Break and Family Offer are available for travel until 21 December 2010.

For bookings, contact Hayman Reservations on
T 1800 075 175 Toll Free in Australia or (61-7) 4940 1838
E reservations@hayman.com.au
W www.hayman.com.au

Hayman is owned by Mulpha Australia Limited and is a member of the prestigious organisation, The Leading Hotels of the World.

Spring into Action and Explore Marvellous Marlborough with Mercure Picton Marlborough Sounds

Shed those extra winter kilos and ‘spring’ into action with a ‘Cruise &
Walk’ package in New Zealand’s Marlborough wine region staying at Mercure Picton Marlborough Sounds.

Spring is the ideal time to experience the iconic Queen Charlotte Track in bloom with a day walk on one of New Zealand’s most picturesque walking tracks, accessed by boat cruise on the pristine waters of Marlborough Sounds with Cougar Line.

From just AU$235 per person your ‘Cruise & Walk’ package* includes two nights accommodation in an Ocean View Room at Mercure Picton Marlborough Sounds; continental breakfast in Chartroom Restaurant; a ‘Cruise & Walk’ day package with Cougar Line and a complimentary bottle of wine from the Mercure Grands Vins regional wine menu to enjoy in your room after a day outdoors.

For bookings email reservations@mercurepicton.co.nz or phone (+64) 3 573 7002. For further information visit www.mercure.com

Boasting stunning harbour views, the Mercure has been launched following the re-development of the former Yacht Club Hotel Picton. A further 17 rooms were added to the hotel’s original 31 which were upgraded to international Mercure standard. The hotel now offers a diverse range of stylish accommodation including deluxe Pool View rooms, Ocean View rooms and some luxurious apartments overlooking the entrance to the Queen Charlotte Sound.

Located on Picton’s harbour front, the hotel is just 1km from both the ferry terminal (which brings visitors from Wellington) and train station, minutes from the local airport and in walking distance of the Picton CBD and foreshore.

The Mercure is the region’s first international hotel and provides an ideal base for visitors exploring the Marlborough Sounds area, with internationally-renowned wineries such as Cloudy Bay, Oyster Bay and Hunter’s just over 15 minutes drive away. The Mercure’s Chartroom Restaurant and Boatshed Bar feature a wide selection of the region’s finest wines.

* Offer valid to 30 December 2010, subject to availability.

Cruise Northern California

California is the ultimate road trip state – most of the scenic beauty lies outside areas easily accessible by public transport and much of it is in Northern California. The region takes up a third of California’s land mass yet is home to less than a third of the state’s population. This means that visitors can expect to be immersed in nature – from rugged coastline, sprawling vineyards, ancient redwood forests, giant volcanos and waterfalls.

Here are some suggestions for a road trip through Northern California:

Day One
Pick up your choice of wheels in San Francisco – motor home, convertible or trusty family mover. Head north over the Golden Gate Bridge on Highway 101 and spend the first night in charming Petaluma, one of the best-preserved historic downtowns in the United States.

Day Two
Start the day by hiking in Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve, before picking up supplies at the multitude of wineries along the banks of the Russian River in Sonoma Country. Spend the afternoon driving north and meandering through picturesque beaches and coastal villages like Jenner-by-the-Sea or Manchester Beach.

Day Three
Visit the coastal town of Mendocino – stroll through galleries and shops in this artist colony, walk through fern filled canyons at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, spot seals at the headlands at Fort Bragg or board the Skunk Train for the scenic 60-kilometre journey to Willits and back.

Day Four
Prepare to be awed. The aptly named Avenue of Giants is a 48-kilometre stretch of Highway One towered by 90-metre tall redwoods. The trees in Humboldt Redwoods State Park are the tallest trees in the world and visitors can get a sense for their enormity at the Meyers Flat Drive-Thru-Tree. On the coast, Humboldt Bay has the oldest Pacific Coast working lighthouse. Overnight in Eureka.

Day Five
Travel east on Highway 299 – the start of the Trinity River Scenic Byway which offers some of the most diverse scenery of any drive in far North California. Outdoor lovers can kayak and hike to waterfalls in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area or marvel at castle-like natural stone turrets at Castle Crag State Park. Everitt Memorial Highway provides breathtaking views of snow-capped Mount Shasta.

Day Six
Drive one of California’s only All American Roads: the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. The drive takes you to one of the regions most prized attractions – the 40-metre waterfall at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. A couple of hours south is Subway Cave, a 400-metre volcanic lava tube that remains a chilly seven degrees Celsius year round. Overnight at Hat Creek.

Day Seven
With volcanic pools, mud pots and thermal springs - Lassen Volcanic National Park provides opportunities to witness the results of millions of years of volcanic activity. The park has several hikes including Lassen Peak and Bumpass Hell. Overnight in Redding and stroll down Sacramento River National Recreation Trail where you can marvel at the Sundial Bridge – the largest sundial in the world.

Day Eight
From Redding, it’s approximately a 300 kilometre drive back to the San Francisco.

See www.northcoastca.com and www.shastacascade.com

Spanish Recession? Just Don't Take Their Food Away!

Reading the news in Australia, you could be forgiven for thinking that Spain’s economy is about to implode - but try telling a hungry Spaniard that!

You only have to sink your teeth into a succulent ‘cochinillo’ (roast suckling piglet), slop up the pan juices with a chunk of fresh crusty bread and wash it all down with a hearty Rioja red to appreciate why restaurants in Spain are bursting at the seams despite record unemployment rates.

Let’s be honest - who would swap a night trawling through fun tapas bars in search of the ultimate patatas bravas, plates of crispy fried seafood, homemade tortillas and rounds of icy cold beers for a night on the couch?

And would you save your ‘centimos’ for a rainy day when instead you could spend this afternoon scooping out the gooey, creamy, sheep milk cheese insides of a Torta de Casar whilst sipping a crisp manzanilla sherry? Don’t even answer that.

Convinced that it’s your duty to support the Spanish economy too? Then join Frank Camorra of the famed MoVida restaurants as he shares these treasures and more on an 11 night gastronomy tour through Spain.

“Spanish food is the Spanish way of life and it must be lived to be truly understood” says Camorra. “On the trip, we’ll go behind-the-scenes in fresh produce markets, on farms and in restaurants; we’ll eat the foods that even Spaniards travel miles to eat; and we’ll meet the characters whose passion for maintaining age old traditions is what makes Spain’s cuisine so unique”

The trip has been organised in conjunction with Biznaga Travel Company, which specialises in tailor-made cultural and gastronomy holidays in Spain. Owner of Biznaga Travel Company and co-host on the trip, Casey Death, said this trip not only provides the opportunity to learn first-hand from an incredibly talented chef and restauranteur, but also offers a unique insight into the Spanish cuisine and culture.

“From the private visits to a paprika farm and a 250 year old sherry bodega that aren’t even open to the general public; to the full day with Spanish ‘foodie philosopher’, Fausto, or the private cooking class with the head chef of one of Spain’s most prestigious restaurants, this trip is quite simply, the experience of a lifetime” said Death.

There are only 4 spots left on the ‘MoVida Rústica’ tour which starts in Madrid on 17-28 October and costs $10,900 per person twin share. For all the details and to download the itinerary visit:
http://www.biznagatravelcompany.com/holiday_spain.php?id_planned=9

Lonely Planet Launches New Augmented Reality Guides for Android Users in Australia

Lonely Planet today announced its ‘augmented reality’ Compass Guides are now available for Google Android users in Australia, providing easy to use, mobile access to its best selling city guide content.

Lonely Planet is one of the first travel companies in the world to create augmented reality products for Australian travellers with Android handsets, launching a series of 25 Compass Guides for popular Asian, European and US cities. Anyone with these handsets can now experience travelling with augmented reality technology, where real life is annotated with Lonely Planet travel information.

“This is one of the most innovative things we’ve launched and we’re really excited to see how people use this application,” said Matthew Cashmore, Lonely Planet’s Innovation and Ecosystems Manager.

“The application pinpoints your exact location so that when you find yourself in a new city and want to know what there is to see and do around you, just look through the camera and a wealth of Lonely Planet information on the best destinations, accommodation, sites, bars and restaurants appear stuck like posted notes to points of interest around you,” said Cashmore.

Key features of the Compass Guides include GPS enabled maps and location based information for hundreds of points of interest for every city, while the phone’s built in compass allows users to see their current location and how far or near they are to destinations and sites. The guides also enable travellers to use all content offline (with the exception of the maps) meaning no roaming fees.

Twenty-five Lonely Planet Compass Guides are currently available; Amsterdam, Bangkok, Barcelona, Beijing, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, Paris, Prague, Rome, Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo, Sydney, Vancouver, Boston, Chicago, LA, Las Vegas, Miami, New Orleans, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington DC.

"Lonely Planet's commitment to innovation and new technology is unique. After being the very first travel content publisher to launch augmented reality applications in 2009, it is fantastic to see the next phase and expansion of their mobile product proposition," said Andy Gstoll, CEO Wikitude.

Lonely Planet’s Compass Guides are available for $4.99 USD from the Google Android store (available on all Android powered phones) and will work on all major Android phones back to the very first model, the G1.

Paint the Town Valentino Red on a Stylish Brisbane Stay

Tourism Queensland has shopped around for a stylish collection of deals for fashionistas flocking to Brisbane for the ‘Valentino, Retrospective: Past, Present and Future’.

Brisbane’s internationally-recognised Gallery of Modern Art will present the Australian-exclusive major exhibition exploring the work of the celebrated Italian fashion house Valentino from August 7 to November 14, 2010.

The five-star Brisbane Hilton Valentino package includes one night’s accommodation and buffet breakfast for two along with two tickets to ‘Valentino, Retrospective: Past/Present/Future’ from $250. This package including return flights with Virgin Blue is $335 per person from Sydney and $419 per person from Melbourne. Stay two nights and pay $459 from Sydney and $539 from Melbourne.

The Sofitel Brisbane Central Valentino package includes overnight accommodation in a Superior Room and breakfast for two, parking and two tickets to the exhibition from $265 per room. Include return flights with Virgin Blue for $340 per person from Sydney and $419 per person from Melbourne. Two night packages are $479 ex Sydney and $559 ex Melbourne.

Paint the town red and stay at the deliciously stylish Emporium Hotel in a King Suite. The Valentino package includes a bottle of French champagne, valet parking and two exhibition tickets from $349 per room. The same package with return Virgin Blue flights from Sydney is $385 per person and $469 per person from Melbourne. Stay two nights and pay $559 from Sydney and $639 from Melbourne.

Enjoy one night’s accommodation in a Superior Room at the Stamford Plaza Brisbane. The hotel’s Valentino package is $329 per person including breakfast for two, valet parking and two tickets to the Valentino exhibition.

Developed by Paris’s renowned decorative arts museum, Les Arts Decoratifs, the exhibition was first created as a celebration of Valentino’s 45th and final collection presentation in 2008.

Showcasing more than 100 exquisite haute couture garments and encompassing more than 50 years of fashion, the exhibition covers every collection from the Valentino fashion house, including designs from the very first collection made in 1959.

Designs from the house of Valentino have been coveted by millions and worn by fashions elite and this magnificent exhibition will include garments worn by stars such as Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor and more.

For more information on Brisbane and the exhibition visit www.queenslandholidays.com.au/brisbane.

The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive Saddles Up

South Australian Tourism Minister John Rau wished participants in this year’s Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive an enjoyable and uniquely South Australian experience as the State again underlines its claim to be the gateway to the outback.

The event, which runs from 30 July to 29 August, provides an unparalleled opportunity for the State to attract visitors seeking a memorable outback experience.

“The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive brings together the very best of South Australia – amazing landscapes, wildlife, great food and wine and friendly hospitality,” Mr Rau says.

“Guests live the life of a drover by day as they herd cattle through remote South Australia, and at night experience outback luxury, including a warm campfire, luxury tents and hot showers.”

The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive comprises six tours each lasting 5 days/4 nights and is held along the Oodnadatta Track within Anna Creek Station, the world’s largest working cattle station.

“The event positions South Australia as the gateway to the Outback, and motivates visitors from all around the world to experience the quintessential Australia,” Mr Rau says.

“Three quarters of participants have travelled from interstate and overseas for the event, with visitors coming from as far away as the UK, the USA, New Zealand, Singapore, Netherlands and the UAE.”

A number of media representatives will also join the Cattle Drive and will meet a range of local tourism operators who will promote the diversity of businesses and tourism experiences available in the Flinders Rangers and outback.

“Covering more than 80 per cent of the state, the Flinders Ranges and outback is a region of great diversity, attracting visitors who come here for nature tourism, bushwalking, wildlife, adventure four-wheel-driving, camping and aboriginal tourism,” Mr Rau says.

The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive is a partnership between the South Australian and Federal Governments, staged in close collaboration with regional communities, including traditional landowners and pastoralists.

For more information on the event, visit www.cattledrive.com.au.

Local Chinese Cuisine in The China Guide’s tours

The China Guide ( http://www.TheChinaGuide.com ) is taking travelers to good local restaurants on all of their China-wide tours. Food is a historical part of China’s culture with many types to experience; The China Guide gives its guests genuine Chinese cuisine. “We find that most travelers are taken to large tourist restaurants which produce generic dishes with little variety, based on what they think westerners will like. Tourist restaurants do not let travelers sample the unique foods of China. We are offering quality that’s not found on typical group tours,” says Judy Huang, Travel Manager of The China Guide.

The staff and guides personally select all restaurants included in The China Guide tours. The guides escort travelers to restaurants in local neighborhoods and make recommendations while helping with the ordering. Restaurants and ordering are kept flexible to client’s tastes, as there are many types of cuisines from all over China. “We try to include at least one restaurant from each specialty during the client’s tour,” adds Huang, “that can include spicy Sichuan, hot pot, dumplings and most popular, Peking Duck. There is so much to experience.”

Meals include unlimited dishes so that travelers can sample as much as they like. Standard drinks are also endless including local beer, which is commonly enjoyed with most meals in China. The China Guide encourages clients to try unusual things such as lotus root or sea cucumber, which are not commonly available in the West. For clients with a special interest in Chinese cuisine, The China Guide offers trips to local food markets as well as cooking classes. Dumpling making class is very popular with travelers and great for kids as well.

The China Guide

The China Guide ( http://www.TheChinaGuide.com ) is a Beijing based travel agency, American owned and operated. Specializing in western-style service and quality with hassle free web bookings, they work with clients to customize tours that match their travel style. Operating only in China, they have up to date knowledge and offer exciting experiences for travelers including their famous Sleep on the Great Wall tour. The China Guide avoids the common factory shopping stops that are not reflective of the true China.

Half-Price Hong Kong with Freebies and Singapore Cruise

DON’T fly all the way to Hong Kong and as soon as you arrive jump on a
cruise to Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore – book through ecruising.travel
and they’ll include four nights pre-cruise in Hong Kong in November with
sight-seeing passes included, enough time for duty-free Christmas shopping
– and a price nearly 50 per cent below the originally advertised.


As well, when you get off your luxury 5-star Legend of the Seas in
Singapore after her 13-night cruise from Hong Kong, there’ll be a river-
side hotel there for another day and night’s duty-free shopping or
sightseeing.

This 18-night package is now priced through ecruising.travel from just
$3799pp twin-share, compared with an originally-advertised $7449pp. And it
includes 4-nights pre-cruise at the Empire Hotel & Resort Kowloon in Hong
Kong, a free Hong Kong Peak Tram Pass, free Discover Hong Kong with the
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Experience, a free 24hr MTR Pass and a free return
Airport Express Ticket – all those freebies valued at HKD364 (approx
AU$52.)

The 70,000 tonne Legend of the Seas then sails on November 9 this year for
Vietnam with an overnight in Hanoi, a day each in Hue/Danang and Nah Trang,
Ho Chi Minh for another overnight in port, Bangkok (overnight,)
Sihanoukville in Cambodia for a day, and Singapore where there is a night
post-cruise at the Novotel Clarke Quay hotel.

For a fully-detailed itinerary, phone 1300 369 848 or visit
www.ecruising.travel

ADDITIONAL SHIPBOARD INFORMATION: Royal Caribbean Line’s superliner Legend
of the Seas offers a diverse choice of dining options including a glass-
walled dining room with spectacular views, and a range of bars for all
occasions.

There’s an indoor/outdoor pool in a Solarium with a sliding roof, another
pool outdoors with four whirlpools, a rock-climbing wall, a Centrum with an
open atrium featuring a range of shopping outlets, 9-hole miniature golf, a
spa and fitness centre, and a youth club.

65 More Reasons to Stay at Novotel Melbourne on Collins

Enjoy a great night’s sleep in the Novotel’s exclusive new Premier Rooms.

Novotel Melbourne on Collins, already a much loved CBD hotel of choice, can
now boast 65 new reasons to stay having unveiled 65 brand new Premier Rooms
following the completion of its newly built wing of executive style
accommodation.

And while the hustle and bustle of Melbourne is right at your doorstep, the
new rooms guarantee a great night’s sleep, tucked away in an exclusive
private wing, with no ‘through traffic’ and free from lift well and
peripheral noise. The new rooms offer both stylish, contemporary
accommodation and luxurious spa suites and with a host of Melbourne in
Winter events taking place – Mary Poppins, the Tim Burton exhibition,
European Masters and the Titanic Exhibtion – the Novotel’s fantastic
CENTRAL location will have you situated within walking distance from each.

To celebrate the launch of their brand new rooms, Novotel Melbourne on
Collins is offering a special ‘Great Night’s Sleep’ package from just $397
per night for two people complete with all the essential items to ensure
blissful slumber, including: chamomile tea; a relaxation CD, lavender
massage oil, do-not-disturb sign, and a journal and pen to record any last
minute thoughts and free your mind before shut eye. Plus you can enjoy a
full buffet breakfast for two in Michel’s restaurant to ensure your great
night’s sleep is followed by a perfect start to the morning. Offer valid
to 30 December 2010, subject to availability.


For bookings visit www.novotelmelbourne.com.au or phone 03 9667 5800