Visitors fall hook, line and sinker for Fraser Coast fishing

The Fraser Coast has launched an exciting new sports fishing charter as anglers Australia-wide fall hook, line and sinker for the premier fishing destination.

Reflecting increasing visitor interest in the world-class fishing grounds of the Fraser Coast, charter operator Freedom III has introduced a new long-range, live-aboard sports fishing experience as a tantalising lure for novice and experienced anglers alike.

Operated out of Hervey Bay by Keith and Sue Reid, and hosted by Scott “Scotto” Mitchell and Andrew “Chozza” Chorley, Freedom lll is a luxury 17.7m catamaran originally custom built for renowned documentary film producer Ben Cropp.

Licensed for extended fishing expeditions up to 200 miles off shore, the vessel offers a varied range of options from micro and deep water jigging to popper fishing and billfish, depending on time of year.

Packages are available outside of whale season from $1125  per person depending on numbers and includes all accommodation and meals while on board. Some tackle is available on a cost for replacement basis however serious, sportfishers are encouraged to bring their own gear. A list of recommended tackle can be supplied depending on the time of year and main target species.

Manager of Tourism and TEQ Partnerships for Fraser Coast Opportunities, Robbie Cornelius, said the Fraser Coast fishing experience was one of a kind.

“The Fraser Coast is fast becoming a must-visit destination for fishing enthusiasts. There is nowhere else in Australia where anglers can catch all three of Australia’s iconic sports fish species – bass, bream and barramundi – in one place,’’ Mr Cornelius said.

Recently appointed the home of the Australian Fishing Championships for the next three years, the destination is protected from prevailing winds by the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, creating ideal fishing conditions.

“Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Strait form a meeting place for warm northern and cooler southern ocean currents, bringing with them twice as many species that can be found elsewhere,’’ Mr Cornelius said.

“The Great Sandy Strait provides one of Australia’s largest seagrass beds to act as a nursery for many larger fish species and a feeding ground for prawns and fish.

“No wonder anglers from around Australia and the world are getting hooked on Fraser Coast fishing,’’ he said.

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Snuggle up with Pullman Quay Grand Sydney in style this winter

This winter, Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour invites you to snuggle up in style and stay warm with a great selection of ‘Snuggle Up’ winter specials.

The ‘Winter Wonderland’ package is perfect for a great winter escape in Sydney. Darling Harbour has been transformed into a winter wonderland with the magical winter festival, Cool Yule, featuring an open-air ice skating ring as well as live entertainment and culinary winter delights. From $359.00 per night per suite, the package includes an overnight stay in a one-bedroom Garden View (upgrade to  a Harbour View suite for $40), two return ferry tickets to the Winter Festival at Darling Harbour and two welcome winter warmer drinks at ECQ bar. Offer valid for stays until 13 July and conditions apply.

Stay warm and toasty during July to September during a conference held in Pullman Quay Grand’s stylish conference venues with the ‘Snuggle With Us’ conference package. From $85.00 per person for a day package, a selection of winter warmer catering options is on offer. An indulging hot beverage served with Chef’s homemade banana bread and maple walnut butter is served on welcome, followed by hot chocolate with Chef’s selection of two delicious winter break items for morning and afternoon tea breaks. 

In addition, the delicious working lunch menu features a warming ‘soup of the day’. Valid for conferences held in the Lachlan or Macquarie room with minimum numbers and other conditions applicable.

Dining and drinking takes on a whole new level in winter as traditional winter warmer drinks are available to indulge in.

Warm up this winter at the stylish ECQ Bar with a traditional mulled wine, a hot red wine brewed with a mix of spices, or a hot rum butter, a mix of rum, melted butter and spices. For those looking for something more unique, ECQ Bar has a special winter warmer drink, The Blizzard. Made from a secret ECQ Bar recipe, it will evoke the tastebuds with a mix of both fruity and creamy sensations. All only at a drinks special price of $10.00 each, it is a great way to warm up after a fun ice skating session at Cool Yule or a night out on the town.

Q Dining restaurant will warm any foodies’ hearts with a special winter offer of a complimentary charcuterie platter for every two main dinner courses ordered. Featuring an open plan charcuterie kitchen, the stylish restaurant will deliver a micro-seasonal Sydney dining experience like no other, overlooking the harbour.  Bookings are required and the offer is valid until 30 August with conditions applicable.

For more information, visit www.pullmanquaygrandsydneyharbour.com

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Discover the land of the thunder dragon with &Beyond

&Beyond’s Mountain Peaks and Monastaries offers seven days and six nights in one of the last remaining great Himalayan kingdoms, Bhutan.

Enigmatic and shrouded in myth, Bhutan is filled with tangible examples of its extraordinary culture, from the striking architecture of its mountain forts and monasteries to the images of Buddhist religious figures painted or carved onto the craggy cliffs. Frayed prayer flags flutter in spectacular mountain passes and prayer wheels turn slowly with the current of clear mountain streams. Grand examples of traditional design and architecture, Bhutan’s famous monasteries and temples cling to sheer cliff tops or majestically stand guard in its picturesque towns.

Blessed with an extraordinary range of natural habitats, from subtropical valleys to alpine peaks, Bhutan is also home to some exceptional wildlife, including the magnificent Bengal tiger and the elusive snow leopard, as well as the Asian elephant and the one-horned rhino.

&Beyond’s  Mountain Peaks and Monasteries itinerary includes sites such as: 

• Buddha Dodernma - a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue, filled with over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues. At a height of 51.5 metres, it is one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world.
• Punakha to Dochu La pass boasting a scenic forest of pine and cedar trees. The pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, and then descends into the fertile valley of Wangdue.
• Hiking to Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest) from the north of Paro Valley to Ramthankha, from where you start your hike to the). The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of tress festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche, founder of Buddhism flew from Eastern Bhutan on a tigress, bringing Buddhist teachings and meditated here on this cliff. This is one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights around the world.

Your accommodation will be in the luxurious surroundings of the Taj Tashi Hotel, Thimphu, Hotel Uma Punakha and the Hotel Uma Paro.

DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT Getting a private blessing at the Punakha Dzong or having your own personal postage stamp created with your image on it at the Thimphu Post Office.

&Beyond’s Mountain Peaks and Monasteries is priced from $US6945* ($AUD 7,437.65 as at rate 18/06/14) per person twin share and includes all accommodation, all transfers in a private vehicle and sightseeing, all entrance and monument fees, Bhutan visa fees and taxes.

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Spicers Balfour Hotel to Host Chefs in the City

Six of Spicers Retreats' award-winning chefs will be heading to Balfour Hotel in New Farm, Brisbane from July until the end of the year to showcase their incredible culinary skills to urban foodies.

Ash Martin, Executive Chef at Cotton's Spicers Hidden Vale, will be appearing on July 10th to create dishes that demonstrate the philosophy of 'paddock to plate' – incredible produce prepared expertly – displaying the best of the Darling Downs.

August 7th will see Cameron Matthews from The Long Apron, Spicers Clovelly Estate's hatted restaurant, using French techniques to create elegant dishes showcasing the local, seasonal produce.

The Peak restaurant's Executive Chef Doug Innes-Will from Spicers Peak Lodge has a reputation for using minimalist techniques with a strong respect for produce, producer and the environment. On September 4th he'll be at the Spicers Balfour Hotel to provide guests with the opportunity to see degustation style cuisine in action.

Mark Stapleton from the acclaimed Restaurant Botanica at Spicers Vineyard Estate in NSW will be displaying his skills for creating modern Australian cuisine on October 2nd. His dishes are renowned for their vibrant flavours created with locally sourced produce, and expert pairing with Hunter Valley wine.

The following month, Spicers Balfour will be showcasing the talents of Daniel Jarrett – Executive Chef from The Tamarind at Spicers Tamarind Retreat. Daniel will be creating an innovative Asian menu drawing on his sophisticated dexterity with distinct flavours and spices.

The last session of the year will see Ryan Whordley from Spicers Canopy bringing big flavours to the kitchen on December 4th. His signature style is a fusion of country fare and modern cuisine executed with a passionate take on classic techniques.

Chefs and the City is the dedicated foodies chance to experience Spicers Retreats close to home - but places are strictly limited. Each event consists of a four course dinner and is priced at $75 per person, or $130 per person with matched wines. For more information or to book call 1300 112 691.

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The York By Swiss-Belhotel Sydney Beats The Winter Blues With Amazing 30% Discount Offer

Leading global hospitality management chain Swiss-Belhotel International's flagship Australian property, The York by Swiss-Belhotel, Sydney has announced an Autumn and Winter 2014 Escape deal where guests staying three nights or longer have 30% reduced from their bill.

The York by Swiss-Belhotel has some of the largest serviced apartments in central Sydney. Strategically located in the heart of the financial and business district just minutes from Circular Quay, Sydney's Stock Exchange as well as many major financial and business institutions.

Offering the professionalism and passion of the Hong Kong-headquartered hotel group, who is expanding its international-standard brand of hospitality throughout the world. Swiss-Belhotel International is also actively looking to add to its portfolio in Australia.

Under the Autumn and Winter 2014 Escape deal, rooms are subject to availability and are inclusive of tax. Valid until 31 August 2014.

The York by Swiss-Belhotel's facilities and services include 150 residential suites, food and beverage services, non-smoking rooms, an outdoor heated swimming pool, fitness centre, Jacuzzi and sauna as well as 24-hour concierge service, business centre, WiFi internet access, secure covered parking, car rental and an airport shuttle service.

STRATEGICALLY LOCATED: The York has some of the largest serviced apartments in central Sydney, the heart of the financial and business district and just minutes from key attractions.

FLAGSHIP PROPERTY: The York is leading global hospitality chain Swiss-Belhotel International's debut Australian property, with the Hong Kong-based company eyeing other locations in the country.

Swiss-Belhotel International has more than 120 hotels, resorts and projects in its global portfolio. Voted one of the world's top 100 hotel groups in 2013 by HOTELS Magazine, it has a presence in China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman and Saudi Arabia, and is exploring options elsewhere. 

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Ekka time – and packages - with Accor Hotels Brisbane

Accor Hotels in Brisbane has signed on as official accommodation partner of Queensland's largest and

most loved annual event, the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka), creating a variety of exclusive ticket and accommodation packages for attendees this year.

For the first time, the iconic Brisbane Ekka will run across two weekends, from August 8 to 17. Accor’s Vice President of Operations for Queensland, Chris Sedgwick, said the new start date means Queenslanders and visitors will have more opportunity than ever before to experience the magic of the Ekka, and Accor’s exclusive packages available during the event.

“Accor is proud to partner with the Royal Queensland Show in 2014, and the extended dates mean that more people can now take advantage of our exclusive Ekka rates to enjoy the show for themselves.”

ice cream with iconic strawberries and cream at the Ekka

More than 400,000 people will come together over ten days at the 2014 Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) in Brisbane to see the best of Queensland with more than 10,000 animals, 23,000 competition entries, a smorgasbord of award-winning food and wine and hours of free family entertainment.

During the 10 days of Ekka, thousands of animals are housed and attractions hosted just 1.6 kilometres from the CBD-making this event truly unique in the Australian landscape and epitomising city meets country.

As Brisbane’s largest hotel network in Brisbane, Accor are offering a great selection of convenient CBD stay and play packages for Ekka-enthusiasts at a choice of seven participating Accor hotels.

Packages combine overnight accommodation for up to two adult and two children (under 16), breakfast at the hotel, and tickets to attend the Ekka for two adults and two children.

Participating Accor hotels include:

• 

  animals on show for children.

  Pullman Brisbane King George Square packages are priced from $281 per night
• Quay West Suites Brisbane packages are priced from $283 per night
• The Sebel Brisbane packages are priced from $257 per night
• Novotel Brisbane packages from $253 per night
• Mercure Brisbane King George Square packages from $266
• Mercure Brisbane (North Quay) from $243 per night
• Ibis Brisbane packages from $233 per night

For more information on Accor’s Ekka packages and hotel room rates call 1300 65 65 65 or visit http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotels-offers/promotion-27230-hotel-offer

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Exclusive 2015 Features Of The Fall Cruise Tour

THE popular exclusive 27-night Canada and New England "Features of the Fall" cruise tour has returned 
for 2015, designed by cruise specialists ecruising.travel with special prices and early booking bonuses for the September 21, 2015 departure if you book before July 31, 2014, including a free New York Helicopter Tour and a free Balcony upgrade when you book an Oceanview stateroom.

Fly from Australia to New York for a three night stay at the Westin New York Grand Central and use the included New York City sightseeing pass to explore the city that never sleeps.

Embark your Liberty of the Seas cruise on September 24 for a nine- night round trip cruise which includes port visits to Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Massachusetts.

The escorted touring component begins after the cruise with extensive sightseeing during two weeks travelling to Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, Quebec, Ontario and Michigan before arriving at your final destination Chicago. Highlights includeentry and excursions to more than 10 attractions including visiting Morse farm,  a cruise on Lake Champlain, dinner at the Marriott Fallsview Hotel, a Maid of the Mist cruise in Niagara Falls and entrance to the Willis Tower in Chicago, just to name a few.

Now priced from $9559 (was $15,419) per person twin share for an inside stateroom, the package includes return economy airfares from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane,  15-nights fully escorted tour including superior hotel accommodation, luxury coach transportation, all sight-seeing and entrance fees with a tour director,  three nights at the Westin New York Central Hotel, nine nights cruise accommodation with all main meals on board, airport and cruise terminal transfers and pre-paid service charges, port charges and government taxes.

Prices are available for departures from other capital cities.

The tour is limited to 50 guests, to reserve your place now contact ecruising.travel.

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Spicers Retreats Introduces Australia's Most Luxurious Four-Day Walking Experience

Explore some of the most beautiful scenery in Australia with Spicers Retreats' brand new luxurious four-day walking experience across the Scenic Rim region of South East Queensland.

The four-day eco-walk will allow guests to enjoy a privileged and exclusive way to engage with Australia's natural heritage - including stunning mountains, ridges, escarpments, forests and ancient volcanic plateaus set in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range and surrounded by World Heritage listed national parks.

Set amongst 30,000 hectares of parkland, consisting of state forests and national parks, combined with large portions of private land including Spicers Peak Station and a 2,800 hectare nature reserve, the Scenic Rim Trail is a truly unique adventure. Walkers will witness some of Australia's most spectacular views and the unique wildlife and plants only found in this region; including various types of Wallabies, abundant birdlife, native mammals and the even the occasional Koala. The experienced Spicers field guides will also take them on a journey through the stories, rituals and history of the traditional indigenous landowners.

The exceptional accommodation for guests embarking on this unique walk includes Spicers Canopy and Spicers Peak Lodge. Spicers Canopy consists of 10 Luxury Safari Tents, a main lodge with open fire place, a well-stocked library, central dining area, first class food and wine and dedicated hosts to take care of their every need. The final night of the trail includes a night at Spicers Peak Lodge, Australia's highest non-alpine lodge which includes a dedicated day spa, generous lodge suites, heated infinity pool and spa, and the hatted Peak Restaurant that serves a locally sourced degustation menu, guaranteed to deliver guests a culinary taste sensation.

Jude Turner, co-founder of Spicers Retreats explains: “We've created this walk to be able to give our guests a deeper look at the area, its landscapes and its history.

“What makes this walk unique is that a large portion of the trail is actually on private Nature Refuge or National Park only accessible through private land; making this trail one of the least frequented, previously only touched by early pioneers.

“The Scenic Rim Trail showcases a truly stunning collection of mountain panoramas, escarpments, forests and ancient volcanic plateaus by day and the Spicers special brand of relaxed luxury by night. We are thrilled to share this special part of the world with our guests from June 2014”.

The Spicers Scenic Rim Trail in detail:

Day One - Mt Mitchell Plateau

(13kms – 6.5 hours)

Starting with a 5km walk on the graded walking track to the twin peaks of Mount Mitchell, this walk takes in breathtaking views and concludes with an easy descent into Spicers Peak Station, arriving at Spicers Canopy late afternoon in time for a gourmet dinner matched with award winning local wines.

Day Two – River Loop

(6.5kms – 4 hours)

Day two presents a relaxing half day hike through Millar Vale and Oaky creeks, which is believed to have been the original route for indigenous traders passing through from the Great Dividing Range from Inland Australia to the coast. This day will start and finish at Spicers Canopy with the afternoon including free time for mountain biking, or a local food and wine masterclass.

Day Three - Spicers Peak Exploration

(10kms – 6 hours)

The most challenging but the most rewarding day of the trip – a 10km ascending trail which includes panoramic views of Spicers Gap and various types of terrain including giant ferns and 1000 year old Hoop Pines. A final ridge crossing and push to the summit will bring you out at the magnificent Spicers Peak Lodge for an evening of well deserved pampering and exceptional food and wine.

Day Four - Spicers Peak Lodge

An early morning walk to Ryan's lookout is an offer for those who still have energy to spare. For those less inclined, they can relax in the library with a book, participate in a game of tennis, indulge in a spa treatment at the in-house Spa Anise or take an optional helicopter joy flight over Main Range National Park.

The three night / four-day Scenic Rim Trail is available for groups of 10 walkers leaving every Saturday during the season, prices start from $1899 per person, twin share and is all inclusive. For more information, including maps and booking details, please visit: http://www.scenicrimtrail.com/

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Good Morning Good Night Melbourne: Tourism Operators Team Up to Offer Unique New Package

Looking for a completely new way to see and enjoy Melbourne? Or wanting a special adventure experience to share with friends and family?

The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, the only giant observation wheel in the Southern Hemisphere, and Global Ballooning Australia, one of Australia's leading hot air balloon operators, have teamed up to provide exactly that, and more.

Their exciting new Good Morning Good Night Melbourne package offers an early morning hot air balloon ride over the CBD and the city's leafy inner suburbs and an evening ride on the Melbourne Star.

The package ensures two stunning perspectives of Melbourne: dawn slowly breaking across the city from the hot air balloon and the city's nightscape from the 120-metre-high Melbourne Star, which also features its own LED lighting spectacular from dusk until midnight every evening.

"It's a unique way to enjoy a birds-eye view across Melbourne at two different times in the same day," Melbourne Star CEO Chris Kelly said.

"We think the package will have particularly strong appeal for visitors to the city who are looking for that truly memorable tourism experience, but it's also a fabulous new Melbourne adventure for locals and certainly a completely new way to celebrate a special event."

Global Ballooning Australia director and chief pilot, Kiff Saunders, said the package added a new highlight to the city's range of tourism experiences.

"The sensations of riding in a hot air balloon and on a giant observation wheel are in themselves highly memorable, with a distinctive lighter-than-air feel," he said. "Add in the unparalleled views of Melbourne at two very different times of the day and the Good Morning Good Night Melbourne Package becomes something very special."

A single ticket for the package starts from $472.00. The Melbourne Star and Global Ballooning Australia both offer wheelchair access. Tickets and booking details are available from www.melbournestar.com and www.globalballooning.com.au

The Melbourne Star has attracted more than 150,000 visitors since opening on December 23, 2013. It is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, with last admission at 9.30pm. The Melbourne Star is the first, more complex, solid steel wheel design to be built in the world to this size.

The Melbourne Star is owned by Sanoyas Rides Australia Pty Ltd and is managed by Melbourne Star Management Pty Ltd.

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Save Up to 40% Plus Free Breakfast at Over 2,200 Hotels Globally With Accor's Super Sale

Accor's famous Super Sale – arguably the best online hotel sale in the world – is on again, offering discounts of up to 40% plus free breakfast for Accor loyalty members or 30% with free breakfast for the general public who book directly at www.accorhotels.com with rates from as little as $25 USD per room per night.

The sale applies to selected hotels across Accor's Pullman, MGallery, Grand Mercure, The Sebel, Novotel, Suite Novotel, Mercure brands, Ibis, Ibis styles and Ibis budget hotels will offer 30% off.

With 2,200 hotels to choose from across five continents – including 444 in Asia Pacific - the sale offers something for every traveller. Whether you are looking to book a shopping expedition to London or Seoul; a romantic break to Paris or Bali; relaxation on the beaches of Phuket or Barcelona; a weekend getaway to Hong Kong or Tokyo; or a business trip to Sydney or Beijing, Accor's Super Sale provides an affordable way to do it.

The sale applies to bookings made online from 17th June to 27th June for members of Le Club Accorhotels and Accor Advantage Plus and from 23rdJune to 27th June for the general public, for stays between 11th July and 31st August 2014.

To take advantage of the best deals, join Accor's loyalty program – Le Club Accorhotels – today.  Membership is simple and free of charge – visitwww.accorhotels.com/leclub and start earning points towards future hotel stays and other great rewards.

Bookings are subject to availability and conditions apply. To find your perfect Super Sale escape, visit www.accorhotels.com

Accor, the world's leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe, is present in 92 countries with nearly 3,600 hotels and 460,000 rooms. Accor's broad portfolio of hotel brands - Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, The Sebel, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Suite Novotel, Mercure, Adagio, ibis, ibis Styles, ibis budgetand hotelF1 - provide an extensive offer from luxury to budget. With more than 160,000 employees in Accor brand hotels worldwide, the Group offers its clients and partners 45 years of know-how and expertise.

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