MATES RATES FOR MANTRA SUMMER ESCAPES

PAT LAUNCHES MATES RATES FOR MANTRA SUMMER ESCAPES

Great 'Stay for 3, Pay for 2' night deals or discounted rates across Australia

Aussie icon and Mantra hotel ambassador, Pat Rafter has made some prime picks for surf and city getaways this summer at Australia's most sought-after holiday locations from the tropics of North Queensland to historical Tasmania, coastal NSW to the wild west of WA - and everywhere in between!

Now is the ideal time to book your great Australian summer holiday with Pat's Mates Rates on offer at a variety of spacious Mantra apartments and hotels throughout Australia, valid for stays until 31 March 2012*.

The balmy beaches of Tropical North Queensland are a bargain-hunters dream where a 'Stay 3, Pay 2' special applies. Rates start from just $140* per room per night at Mantra Esplanade, Cairns with more '3 for 2' night deals also on offer at Mantra Amphora, Palm Cove from $160* per room per nights and popular Port Douglas resorts from $150 per night including Mantra PortSea, Mantra on the Inlet, Mantra in the Village, Mantra Heritage and Mantra Aqueous on Port.

More great value 'Stay 3, Pay 2' deals can be found across leading Australian leisure destinations including Mantra on Salt Beach at Kingscliff in Northern NSW from $217* per night, Mantra Mooloolaba Beach on the Sunshine Coast from $198* per night, Mantra Hervey Bay from $140* per night and Mantra Erskine Beach Resort in Victoria's summer haven of Lorne from $179* per night.

The holiday mecca of the Gold Coast provides both an action-packed family getaway or a much needed escape to relax and rejuvenate.  Stay in luxury in the heart of Surfers Paradise at Mantra Circle on Cavill from just $176* per room per night in a One Bedroom Spa Apartment or enjoy the cosmopolitan coastal charm of Broadbeach at Mantra Bel Air from $120* per night in a One Bedroom Apartment.

Alternatively holidaymakers can follow the bright lights to the big cities for cultural encounters, a cosmopolitan vibe and endless entertainment with these sizzling Pat's Mates Rates.

Guests can enjoy the delights of Sydney from $165* per night in a Studio Room at Mantra Parramatta, the buzz of Brisbane from $135* per night in a Hotel Room at Mantra on Queen, the magic of Melbourne from only $179* per room in a One Bedroom Apartment at Mantra 100 Exhibition, the historical sites of Hobart from $141* per night in a One Bedroom Apartment at Mantra One Sandy Bay Road or the relaxed pace of Perth from $159* per night in a Queen Studio at Mantra on Murray.

For more great deals and to book call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

*Subject to availability. Block-out dates and minimum night stays apply. Valid for sale and travel until 31/03/2012.

 

Breaking news - All Qantas flights worldwide grounded

Qantas grounds entire domestic and international fleet

Qantas has just announced that effective immediately there will be no further domestic or international departures of its aircraft anywhere in the world, with the carrier locking out all employees who will be covered by the industrial agreements currently being negotiated with the Transport Workers Union (TWU), the Australian Licenced Engineers Union (ALAEA) and the Australian and International Pilots Union (AIPA).

CEO Alan Joyce said the step is being taken under the provisions of the Fair Work Act in response to the ongoing industrial action taken by the unions, with the lock-out in place until the unions drop their "extreme demands".

"Pilots, licenced engineers and baggage, ground and catering staff are essential to Qantas operations and the lock-out will therefore make it necessary for all Qantas aircraft to be grounded," he said, with this occurring effective 5pm Sat 29 Oct 2011.

Aircraft currently in the air will complete the sectors they are operating, but all future departures are cancelled "until the ALAEA, the TWU and AIPA drop the extreme demands that have made it impossible for agreements to be reached," Joyce said.

Jetstar and QantasLink flights will continue to operate, along with Qantas flights across the Tasman operated by its NZ-based Jetconnect subsidiary.

The lock-out is effective from 8pm AEDT on Mon 31 Oct, and until it commences all employees are require at work as normal and will be paid. Once it commences, employees who are locked out will not be required at work and will not be paid; employees working overseas will not be locked out and will continue to be paid; and all other employees are required at work and will be paid as normal.

Customers booked on Qantas flights should not go to the airport until further notice. Qantas is offering full refunds to customers who choose to cancel their flights, while full rebooking flexibility will be available to customers who want to defer their travel.

Customers who are mid-journey will be given assistance with accommodation and alternative flights, Joyce said, asking that only customers travelling within the next 24 hours call Qantas contact centres.

"Qantas regrets that this action has become necessary and apologises sincerely to all affected passengers," Joyce said.

He said the cost impact of the grounding would be $20 million per day, but said that the move was necessary because "customers are now f.leeing from us," with key high value customers now actively seeking to fly with other carriers because of the ongoing strike action uncertainty.

Joyce urged the union members to "consider their own interests and tell their leaders they want to reach reasonable and fair agreements that will be good for them and for Qantas".

MEANWHILE Virgin Australia has also just issued a statement saying it will accommodate Qantas passengers on current services where possible, and is also looking at putting on additional flights to support affected travellers.

Special "Stranded Passenger" recovery fares will be offered for those who are at a port away from home and hold a QF ticket to return home, initially within the next five days, with details to be shortly available at www.virginaustralia.com.

More information in Monday's Travel Daily.

New Bradman Gallery another reason to visit Cricket Nirvana in Bowral

The International Cricket Hall of Fame in Bowral is gearing up to open the new Bradman Gallery in late November 2011.  Set on the historic Bradman Oval, the very ground where the late Sir Donald Bradman honed his cricketing skills, the new Bradman Gallery will be the centrepiece of the International Cricket Hall of Fame which is a magnet for Cricket Tragics and sports fans alike.

"The Bradman Gallery underpins the International Cricket Hall of Fame and we are thrilled that we can take the Bradman story to a new level and introduce new audiences to the incredible achievements and legacy of Sir Donald Bradman" said Museum Curator, David Wells.

The new gallery will showcase items from the Bradman Museum that have never been on display before integrating low and high tech interactive technology to tell the story of 'The Boy from Bowral' and his incredible achievements both on and off the field.

"The International Cricket Hall of Fame goes from strength to strength and opening our relocated and expanded Bradman Gallery gives visitors yet another reason to visit the museum" commented Rina Hore, Bradman Foundation Executive Director.

Other elements of the new Bradman Gallery include a dedicated Bodyline Theatrette, a new interactive Tank Stand display, an interactive Bradman letter trail from 1926 to 2000 and the first ever display of Sir Donald's presentation coaching slides, shown in context and replicating his own presentations. Priceless pieces such as Sir Donald's first cricket bat and a selection of his baggy green caps will be on permanent display.

The official opening of the new Bradman Gallery will take place on Saturday 26 November 2011, and will be attended by a wide range of cricket dignitaries and VIP guests.

 
BACKGROUNDER

Sir Donald Bradman is loved and revered the world over, dubbed The Boy from Bowral, Sir Donald Bradman is one of the greatest sportsmen the world has ever seen. He represented Australia for 20 years, playing 52 Tests from 1928/29-1948. Knighted for his services to cricket in 1949, he remains the only Australian cricketer to receive a knighthood for services to the game. He retired from Test cricket with a batting average of 99.94, making his Test batting achievements nearly twice that of the nearest Test batsman.

Sir Donald's Honours include:

·                     1949 Knighted, the only Australian cricketer ever to receive a knighthood and the first Test cricketer so honoured.

·                     1979 received a Companion of the Order of Australia.

·                     1988 Voted the greatest male athlete of the past 200 years by the Australian Confederation of Sport.

·                     Selected as one of only two Australians by International Who's Who top 100 people who have done the most to shape the 20th century.

·                     Nominated among the Top Ten sportspeople of the 20th century by the World Confederation of Sport.

·                     1999 Named Male Athlete of the Century by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

·                     Ranked the No.1 Australian Athlete of the 20th Century by Sports Illustrated magazine.

·                     In 2000 he was voted the greatest cricketer of the 20th century by Wisden Cricket Almanack in a  unanimous decision of the 100 judges.

·                     Nominated captain of the Australian Cricket Team of the Century

 

Queensland Rail Ultimate Rail and Golf package

QUEENSLAND RAIL TEES UP GOLF EXTRAVAGANZA

If you want to take on a couple of Queensland's best golf courses, and see how the pros do it, too, then you have just a few days left to book a seat on Queensland Rail Travel's Ultimate Rail and Golf Package for 2011.

This package is another example of Queensland Rail Travel designing themed events for customers, following on from its sold-out food and wine MasterClass journey.

The only driver passengers will need is the one you pull out of your golf bag on the first tee at Hamilton Island Golf Club, as Queensland Rail Travel looks after all transport needs, whether it be by train, plane, or boat.

The fly-train-drive-chip-putt package will take customers to three of Queensland's most prestigious golf courses, accommodate them at two stunning locations, before they get to rub shoulders with some of the biggest stars in Australian golf at the PGA Championship.

Queensland Rail Travel General Manager, Max Kruse, said the trip is an opportunity of a lifetime for golfers of all standards.

"Special packages like this don't come up very often, so if you want to put your game to the test on two of the best layouts in the country, then you had better get in quick," Mr Kruse said.

"After flying in to Proserpine and staying the night at Airlie Beach, we're going to whisk the group across to Hamilton Island.  It's then a short ferry ride over to the picturesque course on Dent Island, not much more than a five-iron across the water.

"This is the only championship island golf course in Australia, so it really is a unique experience.

From there, players and their partners can swap their spikes for something more sophisticated, with an overnight journey to the Sunshine Coast, travelling and dining in Queenslander Class on The Sunlander.

Mr Kruse said there will be even more time for customers to relax when they step off The Sunlander.

"Golfers don't normally like being in the sand, but we're going to put them up on the water's edge at Mantra Mooloolaba Beach for three nights.

"We've also managed to wedge in a day at the Australian PGA Championship at Hyatt Coolum.

"There's an amazing field lined up for the event.  Our tour group will get to see some big Australian names in action like Greg Norman, Adam Scott, Jason Day and Geoff Ogilvy, playing alongside visiting major-winners such as Y.E. Yang and Darren Clarke.

"I hope some of pros' skill rubs off on our players, as they finish the trip with 18 holes at the Greg Norman-designed Pelican Waters Golf Course.

After handing in their cards, passengers reach the 19th hole – Roma Street station – with a short trip home on the Tilt Train.

Seats are limited, and on sale until October 28, with a departure date of November 23.  The five-night package includes all travel, transfers, accommodation, green fees, and a ticket to the Australian PGA Championship for just $1719 per person twin share (ex-Brisbane/Gold Coast).

For more information log on to www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au

Palace drawn into Western Australian DNA mystery

RECEIVE THE ROYAL TREE-TMENT AT GRAND MERCURE BASILDENE MANOR, MARGARET RIVER

Buckingham Palace has been drawn into an international mystery and is endeavouring to validate the authenticity of a 100 year old oak tree growing at Accor Vacation Club's Grand Mercure Basildene Manor in Margaret River WA.

One hundred years ago in 1910 Percy Willmott, his wife Margaret and their three children left Fremantle port for a two month voyage to Percy's homeland England whilst their manor was being built in WA.

During their stay and on a visit to Buckingham Palace, Percy was walking through the manicured grounds when he sighted an acorn that he promptly picked up and popped in his pocket. He imagined this acorn growing into a majestic English oak tree on his Margaret River property, at his Georgian Victorian style Basildene Manor, named after his hometown of Basildon near Reading 

Percy planted the acorn at the front of Basildene Manor hoping to shade their new home, outside their bedroom window. This European sapling, struggled to grow in unforgiving soils and sweltering summers, out of place, amongst the stands of jarrah, karri and gum trees on the 14 acre property. But survive it did. 

Today, the majestic oak tree currently stands 32 metres tall and is still a favourite place for staff and guests to sit under, when visiting the world famous wine growing region 3.5 hours from Perth. The property was classified in 1978 by the National Trust of Australia as a significant heritage property, and listed with the Heritage Council of Western Australia in Sept 1991.

Of course Customs would frown upon such activity today, but photos of the WA tree are being compared to the famous oak tree at Buckingham Palace by head gardener Mark Lane, who is assisting Accor Vacation Club (owners of the manor) to ascertain if the "tall tree tale" is indeed correct, as they are set to celebrate the 100th birthday of the historic Hotel, in early 2012. 

Basildene Manor offers magnificent suites – some in the original homestead, with endearing names such as Cabernet, Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Verdelho

The lush gardens are now very well established, with trees, natives and herb & vegetable gardens, some of these featuring throughout the properties lounges and even make it onto the plates of the well known "Basildene breakfast."

A luxurious lounge and bar from a bygone era is nestled below the majestic sweeping staircase, and modern comforts abound in the Manor House, loved by locals and tourists alike, in a convenient position on the outskirts of Margaret River township, close to all the wineries and tourist attractions.

To enjoy your stay, as if "to the manor born," great rooms are on offer from $279 per room per night (2 people twin share) and include the well known Basildene Breakfast

To book at Basildene Manor please call   08 9757 3140 or visit www.accorhotels.com 

APT Outback deals for 2012

Australian holidays:  2012 Outback adventures – deals

Go Australian! APT's just released 2012 Outback wilderness adventures carry discounts of up to $900 a couple, if booked before February 29.

APT runs small group 4WD adventures to the Kimberley, Cape York, Red Centre, the Top End, the Gulf Country, Birdsville, the Pilbara, Flinders Ranges and Lake Eyre during the April-October season.

The 12-day Adelaide-Adelaide Birdsville and Corner Country Tracks, for example, is priced from $5,245 per person twin share (from $4,995 per person with discount) which includes guided touring, accommodation, 27 meals and entrance and park fees.

Among the experiences are 4WD Ridgetop tour of Arkaroola, The Flinders Ranges, Mungo National Park, Burke and Wills Dig Tree, travelling the Birdsville Track and two nights at the Birdsville Pub.

Contact: 1300 229 804, see www.aptouring.com.au or travel agent.

APT Outback Wilderness Adventures: Truly off-the-beaten-track experiences, no more than 24 guests, travelling in custom-designed 4WD vehicles, escorted by fully-trained driver/guide, staying in a selection of resorts, lodges, pubs and hotels and fully-inclusive pricing of meals, sightseeing, entrance fees, permits and accommodation are some of APT's key adventure experience selling points.

 

FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF TILLY DEVINE AND DISCOVER SYDNEY’S GOLDEN MILE

‘Razor sharp’ tours of mobsters, murders and mysteries uncover city’s secrets

The Underbelly TV series has put the spotlight firmly on one of Sydney’s most vibrant and colourful areas and to celebrate the fourth installment of the franchise, the Mercure Potts Point is offering a special ‘Crimes and Passions’ package that includes overnight accommodation in a harbour view room, buffet breakfast for two, late check-out and a guided exploration with Bounce Walking Tours through the ‘Underbelly’ of Kings Cross – all for just $259 per night.

This fascinating tour takes you through the colourful history of Kings Cross with its mobsters, murders and mysteries as you follow in the footsteps of notorious criminals, prostitutes and crooked cops. With the Underbelly series currently screening, the tour is a great opportunity to hear the real stories behind characters such as Tilly Devine and Kate Leigh, stand on the site of unsolved mysteries, uncover the secrets of the sly grog and razor gangs and visit the original bar that started the Ibrahim empire.

The Kings Cross ‘Golden Mile’ literally stretches below the Mercure, but you will need to scratch the surface to uncover the street’s notorious past as today the area has been gentrified with trendy restaurants, boutique wine bars and upmarket clubs creating a sophisticated setting for the modern traveller.

Having recently undergone a $30 million refurbishment, the Mercure Sydney Potts Point boasts funky, colourful décor and spacious rooms, many with spectacular views over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, all within one train stop of Martin Place in the city.

This package is valid until 30th December 2011, subject to availability.

For bookings – call 02 9397 1777 or email reservations@mercuresydneypottspoint.com.au





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Free air fares for APT’s 2012 Europe golf cruises

Rounds of golf at three courses in Scotland, three in Germany and one in Austria are now part of a new series of APT Magnificent Europe luxury river cruises with land extensions next year which have been launched with a free airfares offer, including air taxes of $850.

Deal bookings must be made before January 31, 2012.

The 20-day Scotland and Magnificent Europe Golf Experience package starts in Glasgow on May 1 and September 23 while the 15-day cruise only version starts in Amsterdam on May 6 and September 28. All finish in Budapest.

Golf is played on Prestwick and Turnberry's Ailsa and Kintyre courses in Scotland, Frankfurter Golf Club, Beckbauer Golf Course and Wurzburg Golf Club in Germany and Fontana Golf Course in Austria

The 20-day trip is priced from $12,795 per person, twin share which includes golf  at the seven courses (or excursions for non-golfers), four nights at Turnberry Resort, one night at Glasgow Hilton, 14-night cruise, 48 meals (regional wine and beer with cruise lunch and dinner), airport transfers, cruise tipping and port charges.

The 15-day package is from $8,795, which includes golf at the four Europe courses (or excursions for non-golfers), 41 meals on the cruise as well as the above cruise inclusions.

Professionals Mark Gibson and Tim Moore are golf hosts.

The May departures are on the Aria Class ms AmaDante while the September departures are on the Concerto Class ms AmaBella. Both are from the 10-ship fleet of luxury riverships built by APT in partnership with European river ship specialist AMAWATERWAYS. 

Golfers supply their own set of clubs, wear normal club golf attire and produce a valid handicap card and play to the minimum handicaps set by each club.

Contact: call 1300 229 804, visit www.aptouring.com.au or see a travel agent.

Note: Details of the courses and professionals available on request.

 

Winners revealed at the Cruise International Awards 2011

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Emma Gardiner, Thai's Blogger of the Month

Congratulations Emma Gardiner, Thai's Blogger of the Month

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