Bundanoon is Brigadoon for 39th Annual Highland Gathering

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STRUTH! 10,000 to visit Bundanoon is Brigadoon on April 9th

IN his continuing search for the more weird, wacky and wondrous in this world, David Ellis says that when some locals of Scottish descent decided to add a touch of their homeland heritage to the annual Boronia Festival in the little village of Bundanoon in the NSW Southern Highlands back in 1978, they wouldn't have realised quite what they were starting.

Because today their now-annual Bundanoon Highland Gathering, also dubbed Bundanoon is Brigadoon*, is one of the world's biggest gatherings of all things Scottish – and while the tiny town's population is still just a little over 2,500, an amazing 10,000-plus visitors will pour in for the 39th kilt-swirling fling on April 9th.

CAN'T miss it: Bundanoon railway station becomes Brigadoon
for the day on April 9th. (Destination Southern Highlands)

And they won't be disappointed for there'll be everything from a colourful street parade including the pipes and drums of an amazing twenty-one Scottish bands. And on the local oval no fewer than 120 food, crafts and souvenir stalls, massed performances by those pipe bands, Highland and Scottish country dancing, fiddler performances, traditional and not-so-traditional Highland games like tossing the half-power-pole caber, and a show by the always popular Southern Highlands Kennel and Obedience Club.

And for the 23rd consecutive year, the strong men of the Tartan Warriors will compete in the lifting of the Bundanoon Stones of Manhood… to see who is the quickest to raise five massive round stones weighing from 115kgs to 165kgs from the ground onto a row of barrels 1.2m high.

1954 movie poster

For us, however,  the interest will be more in the culinary creations from Brigadoon's many food stalls – delights like Scots pies and fresh-baked Highlands biscuits, butterscotches, chocolate and other fudges, drop scones, gingerbreads, shortbreads, the delightfully-named Tipsy cake, pancakes, hot potatoes... as well as traditional confectioneries, jams and preserves.

And if you're visiting by train, you won't miss just where to get off… CityRail gets into the spirit of things and re-signs Bundanoon station Brigadoon for the day.

For full details www.brigadoon.net.au

Top image: The pipes and drums of some twenty-one Scottish bands will lead the Bundanoon is Brigadoon street parade on April 9th and perform on the local oval during the day. (Jeff McGill)

* Brigadoon is a musical with a book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe. Songs from the musical such as "Almost Like Being in Love" have become standards. The story involves two American tourists who stumble upon Brigadoon, a mysterious Scottish village which appears for only one day every hundred years. A film was also made in 1954 starring stars Gene Kelly, Van Johnson, and Cyd Charisse (Wikipedia)

End of season places limited on iconic Australian walking holiday

Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk's 2015/16 walking season wraps up in May, and places are limited for keen walkers to experience this amazing walk before the colder weather sets in.

"There are limited places available on 17 different dates from now until 30 May 2016 – this is the last chance for people to make a booking to be part of this amazing experience," said Ros Young, Sales and Marketing Manager for Tasmanian Walking Group, a part of the Australian Walking Company which now manages Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk.

"This truly is a fabulous way to switch off from the grind of everyday life, take some much needed screen-free time, reconnect with friends and family, and with nature along some of Australia's most iconic coastline," Ros continued.

Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk is located at Johanna, 250km south west of Melbourne on Victoria's Great Ocean Road. All walks are 4 days/3 nights and include accommodation in eco-luxe ensuite villas in a natural rainforest amphitheatre, all gourmet meals (including morning and afternoon teas), return Melbourne transfers to the lodge, walking gear and a scenic helicopter ride over the Twelve Apostles.

"We are taking bookings now for the last of these spectacular experiences before the cold coastal weather sets in and indoor pursuits beckon," Ros continued,

Walks cater to small groups of up to ten, just perfect for people wanting to reconnect with their friends and family, or bond with new-found friends over this stunning shared experience.

"There are so many benefits to walking holidays – both health and social - so why not take some time out and join us on the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk," Ros concluded.

For more information, the full list of walking dates left for the 2015/16 season, or to book, visit www.twelveapostleslodgewalk.com.au or phone 1300 767 416.

Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk.

Phone: 1300 767 416 / www.twelveapostleslodgewalk.com.au

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/TwelveApostlesLodgeWalkAustralia

Twitter #12apostleswalk and Instagram@12apostleslodgewalk
 

Be Bora Bora Bound with Air Tahiti Nui

Air Tahiti Nui has released an array of great value packages to Bora Bora to tempt travellers to visit the stunning island paradise this year, featuring savings of up to $1950 per couple.

Surrounded by one of the world’s most beautiful blue lagoons, the island is perfect for those wanting to enjoy the warm waters of Tahiti, with plenty of water sports included in the packages, along with upgrades to the island’s famous overwater bungalows.

On sale until 24 March 2016, the offers include:

 A seven-night escape featuring five nights at the Matai Polynesia Bora Bora Resort in a garden view room with breakfast daily and complimentary use of kayaks, canoes and snorkelling equipment, two nights at Manava Suite Resort Tahiti, return economy flights and transfers throughout, including inter-island flights, from $2799* per person twin share. Upgrade to an overwater bungalow from an extra $1000* per person twin share.

 A seven-night escape featuring five nights at the Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort in a superior garden bungalow with breakfast daily and complimentary use of canoes and snorkelling equipment, two nights at Manava Suite Resort Tahiti, return economy flights and transfers throughout, including inter-island flights, from $3299* per person twin share. Upgrade to an overwater bungalow from an extra $1000* per person twin share.

 A seven-night escape featuring five nights at the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort in a garden pool bungalow with private plunge pool and breakfast daily, complimentary use of stand up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and snorkelling equipment; two nights at Manava Suite Resort Tahiti, return economy flights and transfers throughout, including inter-island flights, from $3999* per person twin share.

Upgrade to an overwater bungalow from an extra $1000* per person twin share.

For more information about the packages visit www.airtahitinui.com.au or call Spacifica Travel on 1800 800 722. For more information about the Islands of Tahiti visit Tahiti Tourisme www.tahiti-tourisme.com.au

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Cape York escorted 4WD tour - offer

Cape York 4WD tours

Save $1600/couple ($800/pp) in June-July

A $1,600 per couple ($800 per person) saving on June and July departures is offered by Off Road Adventure Safaris for its 8-passenger 15-day 4WD Northern Adventure accommodated tours from Cairns to Cape York.

The discount price of $7,995 per person twin share (otherwise $8,795) is the same price as 2015. Single supplement is $1,395.

Touring is in ORAS's new coach-comfort Mercedes 4WD.

The price includes full 12-days Cape York touring, choice of local Cairns tours, Kuranda VIP Skyrail, return flight to Cairns, 14-nights' accommodation, all meals, tea/coffee breaks, local park/guide fees, and ferry and airport transfers.

Stylish accommodation at Jabiru, Mungumby and Lotusbird safari lodges is featured as are two nights at the eclectic Portland Roads Beach House.

Also on the itinerary are the cape's national parks, rainforests and savannah grasslands, ranges of The Great Divide, waterfalls and clear water swimming holes, lakes and wide beaches, river crossings, the surviving section of the Overland Telegraph Track, remote art sites, birds and crocodiles, barramundi fishing, WWII sites, Thursday Island … capped with sipping wine at The Tip, and surprise stops.

See www.tourcapeyork.com.au , call 07 4128 2049.

Note:

·        Tour guide-driver is company owner, Mark Essenhigh. He has driven the Peninsula Development Road some 40 times so has acute knowledge of The Cape, and its people.



Additional detail

Cape York (as opposed to The Cape York Peninsula) was named by Captain Cook in honour of the Duke of York.  It is properly known as Pajinka and commonly referred to as 'The Tip', as in the northern most tip of Australia's mainland.

Off Road Adventure Safaris was purchased in 2010 by Mark and Jody Essenhigh of Hervey Bay, Mark has 30 years' experience as a tour operator and guide at Fraser Island, in The Outback, The Top End and Far North Queensland and Jody similar term of experience in business and tourism management.

The Cape York Northern Adventure is designed for discerning travellers who prefer true small group travelling over 20-passenger tour groups, stylish comfortable accommodation over camping and flexible itineraries over rigid schedules.

"Cape York is on their 'Must Do' list," said Mark. "They see it is as soft adventure discovery, they are challenging and curious, they want high quality food and interesting accommodation experiences."

"Without exception, our customers see themselves as travellers, rather than tourists, which is why we structure the itinerary to arrive at key sites before or after large tour groups so passengers can fully appreciate the scene and its solitude. They know it's a 4WD trek, they don't have 4WD skills and from their worldly travels appreciate the surety and value-add offered by an experienced driver-guide."

A "No Rush" philosophy also means the Off Road Adventure Safaris group is last to leave after breakfast, but they always arrive at the night's accommodation in time for sunset drinks. The day's journey is flexible to the needs of passengers. For instance, if the group wishes to linger at a swimming hole in preference to visiting an old mining site further on, so be it, says Mark.

"We're not a stop-watch tour," he said.

Half of last year's departures were booked by like-minded groups.

Over 12 days, the tour meanders over some 1500kms of red dirt roads, soft white sandy bush tracks and rocky river beds from Laura to The Tip, following travel on sealed roads from Cairns to Cooktown.

The tour takes ferries to Thursday Island and back to Horn Island for return flight to Cairns over The Great Barrier Reef.

The tour vehicle travels independent to other tour operators and tagalong 4WD groups and accesses surprise spots as well as sites not accessible to larger 4WD tour vehicles. The 50-km section of the surviving Old Overland Telegraph Track is a good example, as are Lockhart-Portland Roads-Iron Range sections and the beautiful Five Beaches drive.

As well as the featured lodges, accommodation is in motels and park cabins.

Best time to go. Mark believes May departures show The Cape at its greenest best following the January-April Wet Season, however peak season is June to August when temperatures are coolest. For the September departures last year, top temperature was around 28-30 each day, cooled by the prevailing South East Trades. Only one night guests had to slip on an extra layer.

Visit Eureka Skydeck for Easter school holiday fun

Eureka Skydeck have teamed up with Crayola this year to give kids the opportunity to take part in FREE Easter-themed bunny ear making and colour-in activities between 11am – 3.30pm every day of the Easter school holidays.

From 26 March until 10 April, Eureka Skydeck will have a Crayola Kids Zone filled with fun and interactive colouring in activities for the little ones to get stuck into.

Eureka Skydeck's much-loved mascot, Deckstar, will stop by to keep everyone entertained during the first school break of the year.

As well as the Easter-themed activities and Deckstar, The Walk green screen activation will also be in action for parents and kids to enjoy. This specially constructed green screen allows guests to imagine what it's like to tightrope walk from one point of Eureka Tower to the other as they cross the illusory tightrope – suspended high above the city of Melbourne.

The Walk Experience will bring out the virtual daredevil in visitors as they have fun trying to achieve a realistic and compelling shot of the daring feat. The 9" x 6" photograph comes with a digital copy ready for upload to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Walk Experience costs $15.00, plus entry to Eureka Skydeck.

For further information about Eureka Skydeck, visit www.eurekaskydeck.melbourne or call 03 9693 8888.

Captain Cook Cruises 'Vivid Sydney' 2016 Cruises on Sale

Vivid Sydney is back bigger and brighter from 27 May to 18 June, 2016 and Captain Cook Cruises is offering up to 35% off their Vivid cruises with an early bird special. Now everyone can afford to see the city come alive in a spectacular array of lights and projections from the water.

Book online at www.captaincook.com.au to receive deals on the Vivid Lights and Vivid 7.30pm Dinner and Drinks cruise.

For those short of time, the Vivid Lights cruise is ideal. Priced from only $25 per person, normally $39 per person, the one-hour cruise departs from Darling Harbour. Vivid Lights departs nightly at 5.30pm and 7.00pm from Darling Harbour King St Wharf No.1 with additional departures at 6.45pm, 8.00pm, 8.15pm and 9.15pm on peak evenings.

Enjoy the full canvas of lights over a leisurely dinner on the Vivid 7.30pm Dinner and Drinks Cruise aboard flagship MV Sydney 2000.  Normally $145 per person this cruise is available from only $99 per person and includes a 3-course Contemporary Australian set menu and an open bar of Tyrrell's house wine, Tooheys New beer and soft drinks. The Vivid 7.30pm Dinner and Drinks departs nightly at 7.30pm from Darling Harbour King St Wharf No.1.

Guaranteed window seating is available on the dinner cruise for an additional $25 per person.

For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises on

T: +61-2-9206 1111 or visit www.captaincook.com.au

 

Sydney’s swashbuckling line-up of holiday activities for an awesome Easter break

With the Easter break just a few weeks away and the Autumn school holidays soon after, Sydney offers families a fun-filled calendar of events and activities including swashbuckling pirate exhibitions, exhilarating adventure activities and superhero sleepovers.

According to Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Stuart Ayres, “Sydney is the perfect spot for a family trip during these school holidays, with warm sunny days creating ideal conditions for getting the family outside, and an exciting line-up of family-focused events that will keep children of all ages entertained and stimulated.”

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase says “The Sydney Royal Easter Show is one of the major events on the NSW Autumn events calendar, but there’s so much on offer in Sydney over the Easter and school holiday breaks that families will want to stay longer to fit it all in. From exciting arts-focused workshops at the 20th Biennale of Sydney to superhero-themed activities at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney has all you’ll need to excite the family for the whole holiday break.”

Destination NSW suggests these fun-filled activities in Sydney to beat the boredom these school holidays:

●  Superman fans and Batman buffs will love the action-packed line-up of events and activities running at thePowerhouse Museum these school holidays. Be sure to check out the popular Art of the Brick: DC Comicsexhibition featuring more than 120 large-scale LEGO sculptures inspired by legendary characters such as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Joker, Harley Quinn and others. Dress up as your favourite superhero and star in your own green screen photograph, contribute to the Museum’s giant comic strip, or book the popular Minecraft, movie-making, coding and claymation workshops. Budding superheroes are invited to see the Museum after dark at a Powerhouse Museum Sleepover from 15 – 16 April. Dressed up as your favourite comic book character take a tour of the museum by torchlight, hearing your favourite superhero stories before settling down for the night at the Museum.


●  Australia’s largest and most exciting contemporary arts festival, the 20th Biennale of Sydney, is on from 18 March to 5 June with the full program of events, exhibitions and family days free to the public. Pick up a Kids’ Passport, designed specifically to guide children and families through the city to explore a variety of artworks across all the Biennale precincts. Collect stamps in your passport at each venue you visit. Art-loving kids may also want to join adrop-in contemporary art workshop at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), or Tour for Tots, an art-making tour for 3-5 year olds at the Art Gallery of NSW.


●  Budding artists can step into the shoes of famed contemporary artist, Grayson Perry, at the MCA these school holidays in the free pop-up family space, ‘My Pretty Little Art Studio’. Join an in-gallery kids’ art trail, spotting riddles and patterns in Grayson’s work, and take this new inspiration back into the artist’s Studio to create artwork of your own. Make and decorate paper planes and get creative at the ‘design-your-own-pot’ station. Kids of all ages can step into the artist’s studio on weekends during the school holidays from 10.30am to 4pm and children under 12 get free entry into the exhibition.


●  Ahoy me hearties! Swashbuckling lads and lasses can walk the plank these school holidays, all the way to theAustralian National Maritime Museum for Horrible Histories – Pirates: the exhibition, an interactive, hands-on exhibition based on the best-selling children’s books, Horrible Histories. Take command of a pirate ship, design and project your own pirate flag, test out cannons and cutlasses and find your fate on the wheel of misfortune. Horrible Histories – Pirates: the exhibition is on until 27 April 2016 and runs in conjunction with a full program of school holiday activities at the National Maritime Museum including daily art making, games and dress ups as well as lively and interactive Science Show Performances and Family Film Screenings.



●  The iconic Sydney Royal Easter Show at Sydney Olympic Park is a must-visit event over the Easter break, showcasing the best of Australian agriculture and country life from 17 – 30 March 2016. Rides, animals, prize-winning produce and hours of entertainment await for the whole family and no trip to the Easter Show is complete without a visit to the famous Showbag Hall, where treats, toys and tonnes of fun can be found at every stall.


●  For those who are after a little adventure these school holidays, spend a day or two at the adrenaline-fuelled adventure facilities in Penrith. Book into indoor skydiving at iFly for the chance to feel the exhilaration of flight in a high-tech wind tunnel, or get wet at Penrith Whitewater Stadium on a guided or self-guided whitewater rafting course. Head to Jetpack Adventures to fly as high as 15 metres above the water on your very own jet pack, or jump on a fly board to soar super-hero style above the water before diving under it like a dolphin.


●  Who doesn’t love an Easter egg hunt? One of Sydney’s biggest and best is The Great CP Egg Hunt at Centennial Park on 26 and 27 March 2016. Join this fun and engaging Easter quest, follow the trail map, complete the activities and be rewarded with chocolate. For older visitors, explore Centennial Park at your own pace with their free self-guided Centennial Park History Walking Tour app, and learn more than 125 years of tales, intrigue and challenges of the parklands.


●  This Easter break, beautiful Manly Beach will play host to Australia’s biggest beach volleyball competition,Volleyfest. Running from 18 to 28 March, the whole family will enjoy the excitement of watching some of the world’s best players from 14 countries compete in a series of top quality international volleyball competitions. Aussie Stars Nicole Laird, Mariafe Artacho del Solar, Issac Kapa and Chris McHugh will be just some of the talent on show, hoping to qualify later this year to represent Australia at the Rio Olympics. For further information and tickets visit www.volleyfest.com.au.


●  The Kids in the Park program at Sydney Olympic Park offers more than 50 activities to choose from during the Autumn school holidays. From BMX racing and flying trapeze, to Sand Art Fun and filmmaking workshops, Kids in the Park offers oodles of fun for kids of all ages, whatever their passion. There’s also a range of walking tracks, bike tracks, BBQ areas, playgrounds and fountains to explore.


●  The Sydney Opera House is inviting all curious minds to come and play, to look for clues, laugh at rules and ask silly questions in their April school holidays program that runs from 9 – 24 April. Join the beloved characters of David Walliams’ acclaimed book, Mr Stink, as they come to life on stage, or get the most out of your visit with a Day Pack; an A reserve ticket to Mr Stink, delicious lunch, souvenir photo and a Junior Adventure – a jam-packed journey through the iconic Sydney Opera House. Bring your children’s creative imaginations to life at Creative Play: Digital Drawing Wall, when professional illustrators invite kids to help them turn the walls of the Western Foyer into a large scale creative artwork. Award-winning actress Virginia Gay appears in a comic cabaret, Cautionary Tales for Children, a show as wicked as it is hilarious. And, if you’ve got some restless tweens and teens on your hands, the Flying Fruit Fly Circus has you covered with its edgy show Stunt Lounge.


For more information about spending the school holidays in Sydney please visit www.sydney.com.
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Save up to $500 on African adventures

World Expeditions is offering savings of up to $550 per person on its 2016 African adventures* for travellers attending their Africa Roadshow information nights. For example,

Simply attend a free Africa Roadshow event in your capital city, book an African adventure up to two weeks after the event and enjoy a range of savings (and receive all the inspiration you will need to start planning your next African adventure).

*Conditions apply.

Further information at www.worldexpeditions.com or 1300 720 000.

Ultimate All Inclusive Hawaiian Cruise Holiday

THE ULTIMATE ALL INCLUSIVE HAWAIIAN CRUISE HOLIDAY

Only Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Pride of America lets you fully experience the richness and beauty of Hawai’i with visits to four magnificent islands in seven days.

As the only cruise line sailing round-trip from Honolulu year-round and with overnight stays on Maui and Kauai, you have the freedom and flexibility to delve deeper, to truly explore.

With the freedom of ‘Feel Free’ cruising, there’s no time like the present to cruise Hawai’i on an adventure that will create memories of a lifetime.



Ecruising have packaged up this magnificent cruise with all the elements you need for the perfect Hawaiian holiday:

• Return flights with Hawaiian Airlines
• 3-nights accommodation at either the Hilton Hawaiian Village or Hilton Waikiki – right in the heart of famous Waikiki Beach*
• Return private transfers from the airport and to the port
• A Pearl Harbour, Arizona Memorial and City Tour

MORE DETAILS



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Book a New Zealand Holiday with APT and Fly for Free

APT is offering the chance to fly to New Zealand for free, including air taxes of up to $600 per person, across a range of holidays from its latest 2016/17 brochure.

This offer includes APT's new luxury coach tour and ocean cruise holiday, the 24-day New Zealand Voyager.

Priced from $8,995 per person, twin share, the fully inclusive journey commences in Christchurch with a journey aboard the TranzAlpine train to Arthur's Pass.

Guests then take in the Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown and Lake Tekapo before flying to the North Island.

From Auckland, it's on to the Bay of Islands for two nights before heading back to the capital to transfer to the 14 night cruise.

Sailing aboard Holland America Line's ms Noordam, and staying in a Verandah Stateroom, guests explore New Zealand from the coastline.

Following the Islands clockwise from Auckland, stops include Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Dunedin, and the Milford Sound before heading to Tasmania and then Melbourne and Sydney.

As well as staying in leading hotels such as Te Waonui Forest Retreat at Franz Josef and The Hermitage Hotel at Mount Cook, guests also enjoy the chance to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, take a dolphin-watching cruise through the Bay of Islands and also sample some of New Zealand's famous wines.

Included in the price are free flights from Australia; a free internal flight in New Zealand; all accommodation, 57 meals; a dedicated APT Tour Director and driver; all sightseeing and entry fees; tipping, porterage and port charges on the cruise; and airport transfers.

Offer is valid on all bookings made and deposited by 31 July 2016. Terms and conditions apply and offer is subject to availability.

For further information call APT on 1300 196 420, visit aptouring.com.au or see your local travel agent.