Celebrate Sydney’s distinctive lifestyle: Crave Sydney

DIARY ALERT

Celebrate Sydney's distinctive lifestyle with Crave Sydney

Sydney springs to life in October this year with the arrival of Crave Sydney, a brand new celebration offering 31 days of food, art, comedy and outdoor fun. Crave Sydney is a major event on the New South Wales Master Events Calendar and will take place each year.

Crave Sydney features seven events:

• Sydney International Food Festival, 1-31 October including the World Chef Showcase weekend (9-11 October)
• Art & About, 1-25 October
• Darling Harbour Fiesta, 2-5 October
• Sydney Harbour Island Hopping, 3-25 October (weekends)
• World's Funniest Island, 17-18 October
• Seven Bridges Walk , 25 October
• Breakfast on the Bridge, 25 October

Crave Sydney is one of five anchor events on the NSW Master Events Calendar created by Events NSW on behalf of the NSW Government.

What: Crave Sydney
When: 1-31 October 2009
Where: Various CBD and suburban locations

www.cravesydney.com

Taste the sweet life: Visit Sydney in October and immerse yourself in what this international foodie destination has to offer. There's undiscovered food precincts, waterside dining, ultimate picnics, food tours, cooking classes and local produce sourced from growers markets to enjoy. Plus delight in the beauty of the 'Bridges of Sydney', go Harbour Island Hopping, enjoy a cocktail in one of the city's new pocked-sized bars and take in side-splitting comedy at venues across the city. www.sydney.com

Head Off to Heron

Heron Island is famous around the world for its spectacular coral reef, its extraordinary variety of aquatic life, migrating whales, nestling turtles and as a breading ground for an abundance of birdlife.

This is the best time of year to travel to Heron Island. The water has better clarity and the colours appear brighter and bring out a more abundant array of marine life including manta rays and Humpback Whales. Snorkellers and divers will be rewarded with these perfect conditions.

Heading off to Heron Island just got more affordable with the Free Daily Meals offer. Until 30 September, guests staying for four nights or more can have their breakfast, lunch and dinner included for FREE^~! This is a saving of $69 per person per day, allowing you to treat yourselves to more activities!

And as always at Heron Island children 12 years and under stay and eat for free^.

And right now, if you book before 31 July 2009 you'll also save 50% OFF your return launch transfers from Gladstone to Heron Island.

A Million Daffodils in Bloom - Otahuna Lodge NZ

The magnificent Otahuna Lodge will open its doors to thousands of visitors this Daffodil Day to showcase its stunning gardens and raise money for cancer. The tradition that began 81 years ago at New Zealand’s largest historic property has been revived to celebrate the magic of these extraordinary gardens in spring and provide the public with a sneak-peek of the grounds of the luxury seven-suite lodge.

Current owners, Hall Cannon and Miles Refo, rekindled the event in 2006 when they bought the Lodge. The original owner, Parliamentarian Sir Heaton Rhodes and his wife Jessie, established the open day in 1928 at their impressive home in Tai Tapu, 20 minutes from Christchurch, to showcase the gardens designed by A.E. Lowe, who had trained at London’s famous Kew Gardens.

Mr Cannon and Mr Refo undertook an impressive restoration of the 12ha grounds and 1895 homestead and took great pleasure in reviving what was one of the most important events in the local calendar.

“It really is magnificent when the daffodils bloom on the Great Lawn each spring,” Mr Cannon said. “We estimate there could be as many as a million bulbs there today. Sir Heaton Rhodes was quite a gardening enthusiast and is credited with establishing one of the first daffodil collections in the country. Following the first planting of bulbs in the late 1800s thousands more have been planted. That certainly makes this one of New Zealand’s biggest daffodil fields and it is most likely the nation’s oldest, having been created well over a century ago.”

Visitors on Daffodil Day can also taste the wonderful cuisine of Otahuna Lodge’s Executive Chef Jimmy McIntyre with fingerfoods and coffee and tea on offer.

“One of the other extraordinary aspects of our gardens is the potager garden and orchard, from which we source as much of our own produce as possible, all organically grown,” Mr Cannon said. “Visitors can also join guided garden tours to explore the Monet-style lily pond, the windmill-shaped Dutch garden, and the frog pond.” There will also be gardening demonstrations and live entertainment.

Otahuna Lodge will open on September 6 from 10am to 4pm. Tickets are NZ$15 for adults and $5 for children (cash only) at the gate. A donation will be made to the NZ Cancer Society from the sale of every ticket. The last Daffodil Day event raised more than $8000 for the Society.

To book: Phone +64 3 329 6333 or email enquiries@otahuna.co.nz. Visit www.otahuna.co.n

China in 5-Star Luxury – You’re Cruising

You can now enjoy a river cruise with one of Europe’s most respected riverboat specialists without going all the way to Europe to do it – and see some of the most fascinating sights in China at the same time.

ecruising.travel has 12-night packages in April, June and August of next year that include ten-nights cruising the Yangtze River from Chongqing to Shanghai aboard the luxury Viking Century Sun, a hotel night pre- and post-cruise in Shanghai, return air including taxes from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or Brisbane, and all onboard dining that includes a complimentary wine package, Welcome Cocktail Reception, and both a spectacular Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Dinner.

And ecruising.travel is selling this package from just $4899pp twin-share which is $1500pp off the brochure price – and throwing-in free air travel between Shanghai and Chongqing to join Viking Century Sun, and airport/ship transfers there as well.

Highlights of Viking Century Sun’s 10-night cruise include the Three Gorges, Lesser Three Gorges and the Three Gorges Dam, sacred Mt Jiu Hua, the birthplaces of porcelain and dragon boat racing, Hubei Province Museum in Wuhan and the architectural gardens of Suzhou.

For a fully-detailed itinerary and package inclusions phone 1300 369 848 or check-out www.ecruising.travel

VIKING CENTURY SUN additional details: The 306-passenger Viking Century Sun has all the comforts of a 5-star hotel, including both an elegant restaurant and a cafeteria on the promenade deck.

There’s a choice of bars either inboard or on-deck with 360-degree views, and a gym and beauty salon; all staterooms are “outside” with private balconies.

Ports of call include Fengdu, Shibaozhai, Jingzhou, Dongting Lake, Wuhan, Jingdezhen, Mt Jiu Hua, Nanjing and Suzhou with departures from Chongqing on April 25, June 18 and August 17 2010.

Best skiing for a decade in Canterbury

Mountains of 'powder-perfect' snow in Canterbury make best skiing for a decade

Canterbury's 16 ski areas are all clear and ready for more action, after a record-breaking school holiday season.

"With an ice-skating rink in the heart of the city and 16 ski areas within one to three hours of the city, Canterbury is a winter paradise for snow-lovers," says Kath Low, General Manager Marketing, Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism (CCT).

"Great air fare deals and exceptional value accommodation packages at www.christchurchnz.com make this the best winter ever to come to Christchurch."

A heavy blanket of snow, and forecasts of lots more to come on the Southern Alps has skiers and snowboarders revelling in some of the best conditions in a decade.

"Conditions are 'powder-perfect'," says Arthur McBride of Alpine Guides in Mackenzie district. "On the Tasman Glacier we have bluebird days and boot-top powder from the top to the bottom of our runs."

At Porters, just over an hour's drive from Christchurch, more than 10,000 skiers enjoyed perfect conditions during the school holidays, a record number, says Porters' General Manager, Uli Dinsenbacher.

"A steady stream of south-easterly systems and low wind snowfalls have left the mountain with a 1.2 m average snow base and 1.7 m at higher levels.

"The snow has packed in well and there's a good base for the remainder of the season. With more snow to low levels forecast for later this week, Big Mama looks more exciting than ever.  It's one of the steepest, longest straight runs in the Southern Hemisphere and there's a terrain park for snowboarders, plus good ski touring out along the ridge," he says.

Porters is just one of the 'super-six' ski-fields in the Selwyn District, all within easy driving of the city. Superb club-field experiences are on offer here at Mt Cheeseman, Craigieburn, Broken River, Temple Basin or Mt Olympus. 

Mt Hutt, near Methven, opened early this year with a record first day base of 1.5m in late May. Regular snowfalls since have ensured fantastic conditions with an average base of 1.7m. It is one of the highest ski fields in the Southern Hemisphere and its altitude, combined with its battalion of snow guns, guarantees a long season.

The mountain is set for some spectacular skiing action from now until 20 September as several World Cup Teams are here in training for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The International Race Training Arena at Mt Hutt will be set alight by athletes reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h in the downhill training course. Teams this year include Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, New Zealand, and Australia as well as Olympic hosts Canada.

The Mackenzie area, a leisurely half day's drive from Christchurch, has seen an amazing start to the ski season, with huge numbers of skiers at popular areas such as Ohau, Mt Dobson and Roundhill, as well as the heli-skiing thrills of Tasman Glacier.

"After the huge numbers of school holiday visitors and fresh snow on the way, it just gets better," says Prue Blake of Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie.

"Tekapo township is a wonderful base for a skiing holiday with plenty of après-ski activity on hand at Alpine Springs thermal pools, ice rink and snow tubing with magnificent views of the lake," she says. "Mid-winter Christmas festivities at the new Peppers Bluewater add even more magic."

CCT's Kath Low says no other region in New Zealand can compete with Canterbury as a winter destination.

"A lot of investment has gone on in the region's top ski areas, as well as into our city's new winter experiences. We've now got world-class facilities that allow us to offer visitors the experience of a life-time. Our club fields are a brilliant experience too. There's never been a better time to come here for a winter ski holiday."

For more information on skiing, the Ice Dome in Christchurch's Cathedral Square and other activities and bookings go to www.christchurchnz.com or to the i-SITE Visitor Centre in Cathedral Square.

Photo credit: Canterbury skiing by Trevor Streat, Alpine Guides

London's Bright Lights are Calling

Whilst the current economic situation may be unsettling for many Australians, British Airways is encouraging Aussies to take advantage of the low airfares and reignite their passion for travel with return fares currently from $1,962 (including taxes) to London.

Recent statistics have revealed that Australians are still travelling and London is fast becoming the ‘hot spot’ for affordability as the dollar continues to soar.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics*, 483,700 business and leisure travellers in April embraced the value on offer and took to the skies. Compared to a year ago, travel trend estimates for departures were marginally higher than in April 2008. During April 2009, departures (508,400 movements) increased by 9.0% compared with March 2009 (466,300 movements).

Sam Heine, British Airways Regional Commercial Manager, said: “Regardless of the economic downturn, the latest figures reflect that Australians are still travelling and taking advantage of the strong dollar and fantastic fares which are on offer.

“London has never been so affordable and for those wanting to discover for themselves the deals and value on offer. Metrotwin.com, for example, is a great place to start for expert and up-to-date recommendations from local experts, bloggers and online communities, with the best restaurants, bars, shops, neighbourhoods and other places in London uploaded and reviewed.”

For more deals and special fares, visit ba.com to book flights, hotels, and car hire.

Notes to editors

* Overseas Arrivals and Departure (April 2009), ABS

Sydney to London fares start from AUD$1962.02 including taxes. Fares correct as at 17 July 2009. This fare is valid for sale from 18-31 July for travel from 1 September 2009 to 27 May 2010.

About British Airways

British Airways has a worldwide route network that covers more than 154 destinations in 75 countries and is one of the world's largest international airlines carrying approximately 36 million passengers around the world every year.

Last year (2008), British Airways was awarded best transatlantic and best business class airline by frequent travellers from across the world at the Official Airline Guide (OAG) Airline of the Year Awards.

British Airways currently operates two flights a day from Sydney to the UK via Bangkok and Singapore, and with its codeshare partner Qantas, many additional flights from Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth.

While flights to and from Australia operate from London Heathrow’s Terminal 4, British Airways’ new home at Terminal 5, which opened on 27 March 2008, is the gateway to the airline’s worldwide network for passengers transferring to other destinations.

For further information on British Airways, please visit ba.com

What's hot in Dunedin for the second half of 2009

Dunedin, New Zealand's southern most city, is arguably the country's best kept secret. Well known as a university city, Dunedin punches above its weight as a place to visit. Recently Chris Martin of band Coldplay described his visit as "being in paradise".

Leading the way with tourism and conservation

From September 2009 Orokonui Eco-sanctuary will run tours of the 307 hectare native forest and wildlife sanctuary. Twenty minutes from the city centre, Orokonui is the only predator free area of native bush in the South Island.

Visitors will learn about the intricate world of Otago's coastal forest and rare native birds and reptiles such as kaka - New Zealand's curious parrot, and tuatara - described by scientists as living dinosaurs. www.orokonui.org.nz

The newest day tour on the Otago Peninsula, an area David Bellamy described as "the finest example of eco-tourism in the world", gives visitors the opportunity to plant a native tree. The Peninsula Excursion & Albatross Encounter tour includes a visit to the Royal Albatross Centre – the only mainland breeding colony in the world.

www.naturesguidesotago.co.nz

New Zealand's first dedicated thalassotherapy spa

Thalassotherapy uses ocean ingredients such as seawater, seaweed, mud and algae to replenish the skin. Treatments will be on offer at the new St Clair Beach Resort due to open in September 2009. The spa and 4.5 star seaside hotel will have views of St Clair, a popular Dunedin surf beach.

www.stclairbeachresort.com

Port Chalmers – a new destination

Work is underway for a new cycleway linking Dunedin to Port Chalmers, a historic settlement on the Otago Peninsula. The area, now popular with cruise ships in summer months, begun life as a trading port for sealers and whalers before going on to be Australasia's third largest port due to the gold rush.

Monarch tours will run a new day tour of Port Chalmers this summer.

www.wildlife.co.nz

New cafe hubs overlooking Dunedin

The hilly villages of Maori Hill and Rosyln are fast becoming the place to go for brunch and coffee in Dunedin.

The newest in the coffee cluster is No. 7 Balmac (www.no7balmac.co.nz) in Maori Hill where locals munch on fresh vegetables from the cafe's own garden.

In the neighbouring village of Rosyln, savvy visitors can explore the local hot spots including Rhubarb – a cafe situated in an old local butcher's store. Rosyln newcomers include Kiki Beware and Luna – both boasting sweeping views across the harbour and city.

Official recognition as a gardening destination

Dunedin is now home to the South Island's only garden of international significance – an official accreditation from the New Zealand Gardens Trust. The grounds are located at Larnach Castle which

Margaret Barker purchased 40 years ago at which time the grounds resembled over grown wilderness. The transformation is proof of Margaret's passion for gardening.

With two gardens of national significance, the country's first botanic gardens and an annual rhododendron festival, Dunedin is the perfect gateway to explore Otago's autumnal gardens.

www.larnachcastle.co.nz and www.dunedinnz.com

Robbie Burns club as popular as ever

Last month the Dunedin Burns club received a surge of new memberships as the city continues to celebrate its rich Scottish heritage. The 118 year old institution organises events in the city such as the 250 year anniversary of Burns in 2009. The city's heritage is also celebrated with a bi-annual Heritage Festival. Year round visitors to Dunedin can take a walking and bus tour of the city's Edwardian and Victorian architecture.


For more information on Dunedin visit www.dunedinnz.com

Best Western Announces 200,000-point Winners

For five years Stephanie Ibrahim, 16, has been caring for her autistic brother, while juggling  the demands of school. Last year her efforts saw her recognised as Young Carer of Victoria but this week she received another major prize, courtesy of Best Western and her mother.  

Stephanie Ibrahim has been given 200,000 FlyBuys points, which she says, she will use to fund a well-earned holiday to New Zealand.

Stephanie's mother, Bernadette entered Best Western's Win a Share of One Million FlyBuys Bonus Points competition. Entrants were required to stay at a Best Western property and answer the question, "What would you do with 200,000 FlyBuys points?" Bernadette's answer was selected as one of five winners.

"I am so happy! I never win anything," Bernadette says. "I told my daughter as soon as I found out I'd won and I said, 'this is all about you!' I will give you all the points and you can do whatever you wants with them.' She cried because she was so happy and she said she will go on a holiday to New Zealand."

Karen Mellish, another of the five winners, said she would buy her kids an iPod each and treat her "dearly loved, husband" to a nice dinner, a cruise on Sydney Harbour and two tickets to Tasmania to go trout fishing – a reward for his years of hard work, during which she has "hardly ever seen him."

Jan Mitchell, another worthy winner said, "Being a carer for my sick and elderly parents, who haven't got the travel bug out of their system, I would…like to take them on little overnight stays." With her prize, Jan plans to take her parents to Goulburn, where all their six children were born, to give them a trip down memory lane. This will be the first of many small holidays to come, Jan says.

Kimi Anderson, General Manager of Sales and Marketing for Best Western Australasia says, "we are really pleased to see the prizes going to such deserving people. Best Western has always been a company that invests greatly in caring for our guests. We are happy to be able to extend this philosophy further."

All five competition winners will be receiving the 200,000 FlyBuys points in their accout within the next few weeks.

For more information on Best Western or to book accommodation at a Best Western property, call 131 779 (from Australia), 0800 237 893 (from New Zealand) or log on to www.bestwestern.com.au or  www.bestwestern.co.nz

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Signspotting: The belly laugh of travel

Need a break from all the worries of the world with a belly laugh? You've come to the right place. 

SIGNSPOTTING 3: LOST IN TRANSLATION

Compiled by Doug Lansky 

Finally, the third collection of hilarious signs from the team that brought you Signspotting and Signspotting 2, each of which enjoyed runaway success with worldwide sales of around 100,000 copies. And that was before the GFC gloom descended! 

US national and resident of Sweden, Doug Lansky has been collecting photographs of funny signs for 15 years – ever since he was caught off-guard by his early travels. Now, 40,000 photos later, and with more coming in every day, he is up to his third collection. And it's the best yet. 

This Australian edition of Signspotting 3: Lost in Translation features more than 130 of the most amusing and absurd signs that you will see this year. 

It's hard to imagine a world without signs. No stop signs, no arrows, no speed limits, no warnings. No bright colours screaming for your attention. Take a good look next time you step outside - signs are virtually everywhere. In the county of Kent, England, alone, they discovered they had 140,000 signs. 

But do we really need them – any of them? In 2007, the German town of Bohmte (population 13,000) decided to remove all of their signs and street markings. 

Why? Because they wanted to make their roads safer. They had tried speed traps and cross walks – the usual fixes – but those didn't seem to keep the cars and trucks from racing through their main street, treating pedestrians and cyclists like expendable supporting characters in a video game. 

Taking a page out of the reverse psychology handbook, Bohmte decided drivers were too comfortable with signs – to the point that they ignored them. By removing them, they believed drivers would get nervous and hit the brakes. 

What happened? One eyewitness, Tony Paterson, a newspaper reporter from London's Independent, noted that vehicles that 'pass along this stretch of sign free road seem to be driven by swivel-headed paranoiacs with rubber vertebra. They crawl along at little more than 15 miles per hour (25 km/h), their occupants constantly craning their necks to make double sure that they are not going to hit anything, be it a pedestrian, cyclist, or even another car.'

RRP $16.95

ISBN: 978-1-74211-652-5