Hot Deals
Tour, dine and stay
Enjoy the beauty and calmness of Kingfisher Island with this exclusive two night tour, dine and stay package.
Situated at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island is a World Heritage-listed island. The untamed wilderness and natural calm provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. On this amazing island, the highway is straight along the beach and through the sub-tropical rainforests, allowing you adventure and excitement on your 4WD adventure which is included in the package.
As part of this package, two nights at the eco-friendly Kingfisher Bay Resort will cost from $424 per person and include:
· two nights twin share accommodation
· return airport transfers
· daily continental breakfast
· daily buffet dinner
· full day ranger guided 4WD tour of the island including morning tea, lunch and National Park fees.
Valid until 31 March 2009, for more information, visit Travel.com.au.
Tassie sweepstake
Book travel onboard the Spirit of Tasmania for your chance to win one of five unique Tassie adventures.
The packages include:
A return trip for two on board Spirit of Tasmania
Two nights at Strathan Village
Two tickets on a Gordon River Cruise
Two nights at Cradle Mountain Chateau
Two tickets on Pure Tasmania’s Reflections and Rainforest Canoe
Two night at Country Club Villas
Two passes to Hollybank Treetops Adventure
Two nights at Henry Jones Art Hotel
Two tickets on Peppermint Bay lunch cruise.
To enter, book your trip onboard the Spirit of Tasmania before the 31 January 2009. Once you have received your confirmation number, enter it on the online entry form and cross your fingers.
There are also special day tickets available on selected day sailings for just $99.
For more information, visit The Spirit of Tasmania.
Free Gold upgrade
Enjoy a free upgrade to Gold Service on Australia’s favourite train journeys. Travel in luxury on the Ghan or the Indian Pacific and save $$$.
Book your 2009 rail holiday package in Red Sleeper Service on The Ghan or Indian Pacific and receive a free upgrade to the classic comfort of Gold Service^.
Save up to $675 per person as you upgrade to more space, more comfort, more facilities and more inclusions such as a private cabin, restaurant service for all meals, unlimited lounge bar access and much more.
Treat yourself with one of Australia’s legendary train journeys – and a holiday that starts the moment you board. With some of Australia’s most unforgettable landscapes on show with this unforgettable offer, it’s time to see Australia.
For more information, visit Great Southern Railways.
Summer in the city
Australian cities have an abundance of festivals and events during the summer months. Enjoy a city break at Stamford Hotels and Resorts and save $$$.
‘Summer Saver’ deals from Stamford Hotels and Resorts can save you 67% on the rack rates through out Australia and New Zealand, with prices from AUD$139. Prices include overnight accommodation and breakfast for two, when you stay at any hotel until 31 January 2009, conditions apply. Some of the rates on offer are:
Stamford Grand North Ryde - From AUD$139 (save 67%)
Stamford Plaza Double Bay - From AUD$220 (save 59%)
Stamford Plaza Brisbane - From AUD$199 (save 66%)
Stamford Plaza Adelaide** - From AUD$185 (save 61%)
Stamford Plaza Melbourne** - From AUD$230 (save 46%)
Stamford Plaza Auckland - From NZ$199 (save 66.5%)
For more details or to make a booking call 1300 301 391 or visit Stamford Hotels.
**Rates available at Stamford Plaza Melbourne from 12th December 2008 - 11th January 2009, Stamford Plaza Adelaide from 01 December 2008 - 17th January 2009, excluding 31 December 2008, public holidays and special event periods.
Stay seven, pay five
Merimbula is perfectly positioned for an easy drive from Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra and this stay seven, pay five deal, from the Coast Resort, makes it an affordable holiday destination.
Accommodation at the Coast Resort is in home sized luxury apartments or townhouses, just minutes from pristine beaches, and inland waterways. There is an abundance of activities to make you stay as active as you like, walking, tennis, fishing, golf, surfing and more, or just relax by the pool in a garden setting.
Stay between 31 January and 3 April 2009 to enjoy seven nights for the price of five, making this luxurious accommodation and ideal spot for a family get-together. Prices for a one bedroom apartment for seven nights start at $810, and a three bedroom apartment starts at $1119. Guests can also purchase a $100 voucher for Zanzibar Café at a 25% discount.
For more information, call 02 64954930, or visit Coast Resort.
Seek sanctuary and save 21%
Turning 21 is a big deal and the Hyatt Regency at Sanctuary Cove celebrates its 2009 birthday in style by offering guests the chance to save 21% in December and January.
Named Australia leading Golf Resort in 2007 and 2008, the luxurious Hyatt Regency has plenty to offer golfers and non-golfers alike. The one-acre salt-water beach lagoon pool will allow you to float away all your worries, as you enjoy life in the lap of luxury, knowing you saved money!
Book until 24 January 2009 and stay between 8 December 2008 and 31 January 2009 and 21% off your stay.
For more details, call 13 1234 or visit www.sanctuarycove.hyatt.com.
Declutter and detox
Once you’ve decluttered your home, and hopefully made a few dollars selling on your treasure, why not detox your body and mind at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in Queensland, and enjoy a special birthday offer of 50% off.
Set in the beautiful and calming Gold Coast hinterland, the Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, recently voted the “Favourite Spa in Australia” by SPA Finder Inc, is celebrating its third birthday by offering two people sharing the same accommodation 50% off regular rates.
Relax and unwind as you are treated to nurturing spa treatments, seminars and delicious organic food, which will have you de-stressed, detoxed and delighted. Enjoy a two-night retreat between 22 January and 23 March 2009, priced from $790 per person, fully inclusive.
For more information, call Gwinganna on 1800 219 272 or visit www.gwinganna.com.
Senior cruise specials
With cruising it’s about the journey just as much as the destination. Travelling between destinations is a breeze, as days at sea give you the opportunity to explore the ship’s fantastic facilities and excellent entertainment. Rhapsody of the Seas offers great senior specials for cruises from Australia to New Zealand and the South Pacific.
• 10 night New Caledonia and South Pacific cruise package starts from US $951.00**
• 11 night Great Barrier Reef cruise package starts from US $1510.00**
• 13 night New Caledonia and South Pacific cruise package starts from US $1062.00**
• 7 night Melbourne and Tasmania cruise package starts from US $945.00**
For more information, contact your local travel agent, remember to advise that you are over 55 to receive these amazing specials* or visit Royal Caribbean.
*Terms and conditions apply
Friday fare madness
Christmas is on its way and people are watching their pennies, which may be good news for those with a few extra dollars to spend on travel.
Jetstar have launched Friday Fare Frenzy and every Friday between now and Christmas, from 4pm-8pm (AEDT), they will release a series of low fares, on different routes each time.
For more information, visit Jetstar and sign up for their newsletters, or visit their site Friday between 4pm and 8pm.
Kids go free
Travelling to Papua New Guinea may be considered more of an adventure than a holiday. Now children can travel on this adventure free.
Enjoy the rich cultural heritage and unspoilt landscape of Papua New Guinea on one of two Aurora Expeditions cruises, and one child aged between 10 and 18 years of age, goes free for each full paying adult.
Choose from one of two 11 day voyages on board the 100-passenger ship, Marina Svetaeva, and enjoy spacious viewing decks and the opportunity for in-depth exploration of PNG’s bays and coral reefs, on a fleet of Zondiacs.
Voyage one departs 10 April 2009 and travels from Alotau to Rabaul (Lost in Paradise), during the Easter school holidays.
Voyage two departs 20 April 2009 and travels from Rabaul to Alotau (Islands of Smiles)
Prices start from $5,290 per person and includes all meals on board and Zodiac excursions but does not include airfares, transfers, tours of accomodation, other than onboard the ship.
For more information, contact Aurora Expeditions on 1800 637 688 or visit their website, www.auroraexpeditions.com.au
Free breakfast
Book your bed at a participating Accor hotel in Australia, New Zealand or Fiji and get breakfast for free.
Accor hotels are offering free breakfast with any room booked at particpating hotels until 31 January 2009, for stays between 1 December and 31 January 2009. This summer deal is a great way to cut the cost of holidays, with hotels available to suit most budgets.
Rooms starts from:
· $99 at All Seasons hotels
· $129 at Ibis hotels
· $139 at Mercure hotels
· $159 at Novotel hotels
· $179 at Grand Mercure hotels
· $230 at Pullman hotels
· $239 at M Gallery hotels
For more information or to make a booking, visit
Accor Hotels.
Two-for-one with Club Med
Escape for a peace of mind vacation and the second person stays free at selected Club Med Resorts in Asia-Pacific, happiness is on the horizon.
Ask for a quote today for your hassle-free, All-Inclusive Holiday.
Club Med has a large selection of Resorts for an incomparable All-Inclusive Holiday, where you can do as much or as little as you choose! Visit Club Med to discover more about the new experiences Club med has to offer.
Please note that this offer is valid for travel until 30th of April 09 and is even applicable during the school holidays*. No credit card fee for online bookings.
Club Med
Phone number: 1300 855 052
Email:
Website: www.clubmed.com.au
PS: Win a week of All-Inclusive Happiness at the new Club Med Nusa Dua. Enter now
Tropical North Queensland on sale
Enjoy a pre-Christmas break in Tropical North Queensland, before summer holidaymakers hit the beach, and save.
Wotif.com have Tropical North Queensland on sale, making it a perfect destination to escape colder southern climes. Examples of accomodation offers are:
· Cairns Colonial Club Resort, from $94 per night, including complimentary airport transfers
· Cairns Sunshine Tower Hotel, from $80, two night minimum stay, including free bottle of sparkling wine and free parking
· Beach Front Apartments on Trinity Beach, from $115, minimum three nights stay
· Turtle Cove Resort, Port Douglas, from $110, minimum two night stay, tropical breakfast included
For more offer, visit Wotif.com
Stay six, pay three
Give the Christmas festivities a miss this year and head off to sunny Samoa with this great half-price accomodation offer.
Take advantage of Polynesian Blue’s new direct routes to Samoa and stay at Sinalei Reef Resort for half price. Stay six nights and pay for only three, plus enjoy breakfast and afternoon tea daily. And if you can stay longer, every second night is free.
Prices start from $1585 ex Perth, $1625 ex Melbourne and $1479 ex Sydney and include:
· return economy airfares to Apia
· six night accomodation for the price of three at Sinalei Reef Resort
· breakfast and afternoon tea daily
· return aiport/hotel transfers
· all pre paid taxes and charges
For more information or to book, visit Travel.com.au.
Tassie tour discounts
Enjoy double the discount on APT Tasmanian tours next year, making holidaying in Australia a more attractive option.
For passengers booking selected 12 day Royal Tasman tours between January and April 2009, APT has doubled its discount to $350 per person, lowering the price to $3795 per person. And those wishing to travel on the ten day Gourmet Adventurer can take advantage of an increase in the discount on offer from $200 to $250. The new discounted price of $3545 is available on three departures between January and March.
In both cases, prices include touring, most meals, cruising accommodation, national park fees and entrance fees, with flights to Launceston extra.
For more information on discounts, tour itineraries and departure dates, visit
APT.
Festive fun
Christmas is just around the corner and now is the time to be making travel plans with a special festive offer on Hayman Island.
Valid for stays between 22 December 2008 and 6 January 2009, The Festive Escape package will allow you to enjoy a luxurious Christmas break on this private island on the Great Barrier Reef.
Priced from $425 per person per night, based on a minimum two night stay and includes:
• daily buffet breakfast
• use of equipment for water sports
• fitness facilities including gym, sauna and jacuzzi
• use of activities centre, including tennis courts, golf driving range and croquet lawn
Guests staying for a minimum of three nights will receive dining vouchers to the value of $150, allowing them to enjoy any of the dining options available in the resort. During the festive period, there will be special Christmas activities, such as, carols by candlelight, Santa’s arrival on Hayman Beach and a Christmas Day service. For guest staying over the New Year period, entertainment will be in the form of a Midnight Swing extravaganza with music from the roaring 40s.
For more details of the offer or to make a booking, visit Hayman Island.
If Hayman Island is too rich for your budget, then maybe a recession busting South Pacific island break is more your thing.
As an Australian dollar destination, Norfolk Island gives you all the joy and adventure of overseas travel, without the devastating effect the exchange rate can have on your spending money.
Making Norfolk Island even more attractive is this festive package from Norfolk Island for under $1000. For just $999 with departures from Newcastle, Brisbane and Sydney and $1199 from Melbourne, you can enjoy:
- return air fares with Norfolk Air
- 7 nights accommodation in a comfortable self-contained unit
- car hire
- on-island airport transfers
- half-day island tour
- History Lovers Welcome Pack containing a museum pass, natural history DVD, free entry and afternoon tea at A Walk in the Wild rainforest trek, free miniature golf and a model of the Bounty sailing ship
Travel is available until 31 January 2009 and more information on the history and what Norfolk Island has to offer, visit Norfolk Island. Bookings can be made by calling toll free, 1800 1400 66 or email .
Australia on sale
Explore the backyard of your own great country and take advantage of Wotif.com’s great hotel savings.
Wotif.com have Australia on sale for under $200, and with overseas travel out of the reach of many, there’s never been a better time to revisit your favourite Australian landmarks.
Whether you’re a city dweller, a beach bum or looking to go bush, here’s some of the great offers available;
Peninsula Apartment Hotel – Darwin - $100 per night, rack rate $180
Park Regis City Quays – Cairns - $113 per night, rack rate $257
Majestic Oasis Apartments, Port Augusta - $121 per night, rack rate $224
Mangrove Resort Hotel, Broome - $120 per night, rack rate $240
Outrigger Twin Towns Resort, Gold Coast - $150 per night, rack rate $357
Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Kingscliff - $167 per night, rack rate $288
For these deals and more, visit Wotif.com
Sydney summer sizzler
Stay in the heart of Sydney over the summer months and stay at the Travelodge Wynyard for an industry rate of just $105 per room per night.
Travelodge Hotels offer city centre convenience without the price tag. The Travelodge Wynyard, is located in York Street, Sydney, ideally situated for visiting the Opera House, the Rocks, Darling Harbour or the Botanical Gardens.
If your trip is more business than pleasure, all 277 guest rooms in the recently refurbished hotel, includes broadband facilities and cable TV.
This rate is available for stays in a standard room between 1 December 2008 and 31 January 2009. For more information or to make a reservation, call 02 9274 1222 or visit Travelodge.
Pay two, stay three
Fraser Island’s Kingfisher Bay Resort offers the indulgence of pampering, with the adventure of four-wheel driving, all under the umbrella of an eco-friendly sustainable environment.
Book a two-night stay on the island before 24 December 2008 and enjoy the third night free. Accommodation starts from $99 per person per night twin share and there are a range of four-wheel driving tours which you can add on to your trip to ensure you enjoy the full beauty of the island. You can join a Ranger-guided tour or head off on your own to discover private beaches and untouched areas of Fraser.
At the end of a hard day’s sightseeing, kick back and relax with a cocktail or a “taste of Fraser” in one of the restaurants.
For more information on the “Pay 2, Stay 3” deal call 1800 072 555 or visit Kingfisher Bay.
Historic hotel offer
For 125 years The Hotel Windsor in Melbourne has been an icon of all that is regal and luxurious about staying overnight in a hotel.
Opened on 18 December 2008, guests booking into the Windsor, which was on par with Raffles, The Savoy and The Waldorf-Astoria, would pay the equivalent of 50 cents per night for a double room, including breakfast. To mark this historic anniversary, the first 25 guests to call on 18 December 2008 and book a room for the following month, can stay for 50 cents for a double room and 25 cents for a traditional single room, breakfast included. This rate is applicable for one-night-only and will not be valid on New Year’s Eve.
The hotel may have expanded over the years but guests today can still enjoy the luxury that this world-class hotel has to offer and the Victorian architecture evident in the original areas of the hotel.
To take advantage of this offer, call 03 9633 6002 from 9am on 18 December 2008 or for more information visit The Hotel Windsor.
Turtle voyage
From the beginning of October, green and loggerhead turtles are heading to Herron Island to start breeding. With this free night offer from Voyages Resorts, you could be joining them.
Some of these wonderful turtles will have travelled over 2,000km from their nesting ground to lay their eggs on the beach and by early November, you can witness the hatchlings running for the safety of the water.
Voyages Hotels and Resorts are offering guests two nights free accommodation if they book six. This represents a saving of 33%, achieving a nightly rate of $128 per person, per night (twin share) and includes a full buffet breakfast daily and island activities such as snorkelling and guided reef and birdlife walks.
For more information or to make a booking, visit Voyages.
Free camping
A few nights in a tent may not be your idea of a perfect holiday but you never know until you try and with BIG4 Holiday Parks offering a free night camping, now is as good a time as any.
Come Camp with Big4 is offering you the chance to stay at one of over 130 holiday parks around Australia on 7 November 2008 for free. All you have to do is bring along your tent, camping equipment and a sense of fun and adventure. This year, the event will support the Humour Foundation’s Clown Doctors by selling Clown Doctor dolls to raise money and donating money from the sale of BIG4 memberships.
Everyone needs some laughter in their life so head along to your nearest BIG4 park. For more information or to book you spot, visit Big4.
Step back in time
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Mercure Sydney offers guests the chance to reserve a room at 1998 prices.
The first ten guests to make a reservation each day throughout October can enjoy 1998 rates or just $98 per room, per night. Travel back to when John Howard was re-elected for a second term, a litre of petrol averaged 71 cents and Titanic won 11 Oscars, and enjoy a night in one of Australia’s great cities.
From its central location in the revitalised Broadway precinct, The Mercure Sydney offers a great four-star base from which to access the city’s many attractions. To help you make the most of your stay, the hotel also offers late check-out of 3pm on Sundays, perfect for those lazy weekend getaways.
To make a booking, call 02 9217 6666 and quote “Anniversary Special” to access the $98 special.
Tassie tour discounts
It may be an island at the very bottom of Australia, but Tasmania is very much part of this great nation. Bow you can save up to $100 per couple on a spectacular Tasmanian tour.
Evergreen Tours are offering a 10 day “Tasmanian Spectacular” tour, with up to $100 off per couple. Visiting Launceston, overnighting at Port Arthur, two Nights in Hobart, Burnie and the Tamar Valley. Included in this escorted tour are first class accommodation, all breakfasts, most dinners, all major sightseeing and attractions. Some of the other highlights on offer are Salamanca Markets, Gordon River Cruise, Cradle Mountain, Woolmers Estate & National Rose Garden and Anvers Chocolates. Priced from only $2419 pp, seats are limited and conditions apply. Call 1300 364 414 or visit Evergreen Tours.
Cruising Deals
Classic International Cruises is offering pensioner card holders discounts of up to 37 per cent on two cruises from Australia this summer aboard its elegant flagship, Athena.
And even better, for all those pensioners who’d like to cruise in their own cabin for less than normal twin share per person rates!
And far from paying a hefty singles supplement – often double the normal twin fare - pensioners travelling alone can enjoy the comforts of their own cabin at fares less than those for normal twin rates.
The special deals are available for Australian Pensioner Card holders of any age in selected inside and ocean-view cabins on two of Athena’s voyages from Fremantle in Western Australia between January and March, 2009.
The pensioner deals are limited availability and may be withdrawn at any time:
· Seven-night round cruise from Fremantle, sailing on January 2, 2009, for Bunbury, Esperance and Albany. Twin cabins for pensioners start at $995 per person (normally $1295 per person) while solo pensioners can pay just $1195 for single use of a cabin (normally $1619 for single passengers), which is less than the standard twin cabin rate of $1295 per person.*
· Five-night round cruise from Fremantle, sailing on March 2, for Monkey Mia and Geraldton. Twin cabins for pensioners start at $775 per person (normally $995 per person) while solo pensioners can pay only $935 for single use of a cabin – a 37 per cent discount (normally $1492 for single passengers), which is less than the standard twin cabin rate of $995 per person.*
Classic International Cruises is also one of the few cruise lines which still offers single travellers the discount option to share four-berth or twin cabins with other solo passengers. And in another move to make cruising more affordable for single travellers, the cruise line does not force solo passengers willing to share to pay a single supplement if another ‘share’ passenger cannot be found. In this case, that passenger can enjoy solo use of the cabin at the twin-share fare.
Alternatively, for those passengers wishing to have single accommodation all cruises offer a graded single supplement depending on which category and this starts from 125% instead of the normal 200% supplement.
Book with Seniors Holiday travel here
If you don’t qualify for the above deals, have a look at some of the savings Evergreen Tours has to offer. Whether you want to cruise around New Zealand or head off to Europe, there’s plenty of cruise deals around to make your holiday more affordable.
Save $1000 per couple
Book an Evergreen Tours 15 day “Splendours of Europe River Cruise” and save $1000 per couple. Launching early 2009, many of the cabins will have all weather French balconies, making your cruise along the rivers of Europe onboard the new MS Amadeus Diamond more luxurious. Enjoy cruising down the Rhine, Maine and Danube rivers in an outside cabins, with all meals, major sightseeing, attractions and gratuities included. Cruise from only $4495pp (plus taxes) and save $1000 per couple when deposited by 31st Oct 08.
Fly free to New Zealand
Fly free to Auckland (paying only your taxes) when you book an Evergreen Tours 18 day “Grand New Zealand” tour. Visit the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin on a comprehensive escorted tour, which includes first class accommodation, all breakfasts, most dinners, all major sightseeing and attractions. Save up to $800 per couple including flights to Auckland, from only $3695pp. Limited Seats available & conditions apply.
Call 1300 364 414 or visit Evergreen Tours.
Half price crusing
Cruise the Murray River this summer on the Murray Princess and your travel partner travels for half price.
Captain Cook Cruises are offering 50% off a second fare for travel between 1 November 2008 and 28 February 2009, for bookings made until 15 January 2009. The PS Murray Princess is designed with the paddle wheelers that first cruised the Murray in the 1800s and it’s full steam ahead as the cruise heads towards the Murray Bridge, taking in the wildlife and Australian history along the way.
Passengers can enjoy nature walks of the wetlands and nocturnal eco-tours, giving access to some of Australia’s wildlife often not seen. Visits to historic ports and Aboriginal sites fill the days and there is an opportunity to visit some of the local vineyards and you can even enjoy an Aussie-style campfire barbeque on the riverbank.
Cruises depart from Mannum and are priced from $755 for the first person and $388 for the second person for the three nights wetlands cruise. Price includes meals, accommodation, onboard facilities, most tours and coach transfers from Adelaide.
For more information or to book your spot on a cruise, call 1800 804 843, or visit Captain Cook Cruises.
$100 road trips
The price of fuel may be at an all time high but $100 can take you further than you think in a fuel-efficient car.
Hire a fuel efficient car from Vroom Vroom Vroom for the weekend and $100 can take you up to 875km. Even factoring in the average cost of hiring a vehicle for the weekend, which can vary from state to state and depending on the time of year, you can get further by car than you can with the cheapest of airline fares. Some suggested weekend road trips are:
Sydney to Shellharbour via “Paradise”
A favourite with day-trippers since the railway brought the first tourists to town in 1887, Shellharbour is just an hour’s drive south of Sydney but some of the memorable sites along the way make it an unforgettable journey.
London Bridge to the Goldfields of Sovereign Hill
Drive the 800km of the Great Southern Touring Route and save yourself a trip to the UK to see the London Bridge. All that remains of the natural double span bridge is the arch but the Twelve Apostles and the Great Ocean Road make it a journey worth taking.
Perth to Kalgoorlie
This journey will take you approximately six and a half hours, about 595km, allowing you to take your time, visit the quaint country towns en route, and enjoy the best of local hospitality with a farmstay.
For more information on car hire, visit Vroom Vroom Vroom.
Two-for-one cruising
There is no denying that cruising can be expensive but with some great two-for-one cruising and free return airfares, Oceania Cruises make that dream holiday a little more affordable.
Offering sailings in 2009-10 to Asia, Australia, South America, the Caribbean and Mexico, Oceania Cruises have a diverse collection of cruises which range from 10 to 40 days in length and follow 18 distinct itineraries.
Free round-trip economy airfares are included from over 100 gateways and along with the two-for-one cruising, are available on bookings made before 31 December 2008.
For more details or to book your once-in-a-lifetime cruise, visit Oceania Cruises.
Calgary Stampede 2009
4 days from $729 per person twin share departing Calgary 02 to 10 July, 2009
Contact Adventure Destinations on 1300 136 330 or visit www.adventuredestinations.com.au
Northern Lights of Yukon
5 days from $980 per person twin share.Departing Whitehorse 01 Sep 08 to 15 Apr 09
Contact Adventure Destinations on 1300 136 330 or visit www.adventuredestinations.com.au
Canada Motorhome
18 days from $2199* per person twin share, departing Australia 01 Feb to 21 May 09
*Includes airfares ex Sydney. Taxes extra.
Contact Adventure Destinations on 1300 136 330 or visit www.adventuredestinations.com.au
Japan rail pass discounts
One of the easiest ways to get around Japan is by rail and thanks to discounts on Japan Rail passes by HIS, this is now even cheaper.
Offered in two classes, Ordinary and the superior Green class, discounts apply to all seven, 14 and 21 consecutive day rail passes. Orindary passes start from $295 for a seven-day pass, $638 for a 14-day pass and $830 for a 21-day pass.
To understand the true value these passes represent to visitors, a seven-day pass is equivalent in cost to a return ticket between Tokyo and Osaka. An added benefit of the pass is that it can also be used on Japan’s extensive national network of buses and ferries.
Passes must be pre-booked and are only available to international visitors. For more information, visit Travel Japan.
Rail Explorer Pass
International travellers can now enjoy the best of Australian rail travel for a budget $690.
Non-Australian passport holders can enjoy unlimited travel, with Red Daynighter Seat service over a period of six months, on the Ghan, Indian Pacific and the Overland train services for $690. Great news for family and friends making the trip down under.
Red Daynighter Seats are comfortable and affordable, making them ideal for the more budget conscious traveller. All guests can access the Lounge Car, to meet other guests and enjoy affordable light meals snacks and drinks. Towels and soap are provided for every guest with showers and toilets located at the end of each carriage.
If you’re looking for a way to wow your visitors from overseas, the spectacular landscapes and wildlife that can be seen as these trains glide across Australia, will leave them with memories of their trip which will last a lifetime.
For more information on any of these train journeys or the Rail Explorer Pass, visit Great Southern Railways.
Save 30% on QLD rail
Let the train take the strain while you relax in luxury, enjoy first class service and save 30%.
Travel Queenslander Class on The Sunlander from Brisbane to Cairns as part of a five day package and save 30% on the rail fare, irrespective of which state you live in. Available for travel between 17 October 2008 and 28 February 2009, the package is priced at $959 for adult twin share and $1251 for a single and includes:
· Overnight journey in Queenslander Class, including all meals onboard
· Three nights accomodation at the Cairns Colonian Club Resort, with a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival
· Full buffet breakfast daily
· Dinner for two at the Homestead restaurant
· Kuranda Scenic rail and Skyrail Experience, including return hotel transfers
· Return transfers from station/airport to resort
For more information, visit Seniors Holiday Travel.
Cruise Vanuatu, fly free
Enjoy and intimate cruise around the islands of Vanuatu from Coral Cruises and take advantage of free return flights.
Carrying a maximum of 72 passengers, the Oceanic Discovery offers an alternative cruising experience to large ocean liners. The luxurious five night round trip starts in Port Vila, with the itinerary including Abrym Island, Maewo Island and Vanuatu’s largest island, Espiritu Santo.
Prices for the five-night cruise start at $3150 per person, including meals and excursions, with free return flights from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane thrown in. The cruise departs on 10, 15 and 20 November 2008 and can be booked by calling 1800 079 545 or visit Coral Princess.
Free fuel alerts
The name isn’t too glamorous, but motormouth is a site we like very much. A running list of the best fuel prices in major locations plus free email updates are too good to ignore.
The site is still in its infancy, so it doesn’t cover all major cities, but for many capital city residents or visitors it does offer a useful way of comparing fuel prices and saving hard-earned dollars when buying petrol or diesel.
Find out more here
$1 campervan deals
If you have ever dreamed of heading off in a campervan to visit family or friends, or just wanted to explore Australia, $1 campervan relocations make it incredibly affordable.
Can you go on holiday at anytime and love the idea of hitting the open road? Then why not take advantage of a $1 campervan relocations, a great way of making travel affordable.
Campervans are usually booked to be driven from A to B and from time to time they need to be relocated ready for the next pickup. Occaisionally, DriveNow need people to collect their Campervans from various locations across Australia and drive them to where they need them, giving you the opportunity to enjoy accomodation and car hire for only $1 per day.
These offers are updated randomly but regularly, so check every couple of days and grab yourself a cheap beak away.
Start planning your next trip and see what DriveNow have to offer.
Campus accomodation
Ever wondered what happened to student accommodation on campus once the kids have headed home for the holidays? Enjoy urban short stays in campus accommodation for as little as $55.
Campus Living Villages offers quality, apartment-style accommodation at eight locations throughout Australia and New Zealand from $55 per night. Properties and stylishly furnished and range from studios to mutli-share apartments. Facilities differ from location to location but most include a secure on-site business center, conference venue and function rooms, internet and laundry service.
Available from the end of the academic year in November, until February, staying on campus gives you full access to sporting and leisure facilities that really are impressive.
Take advantage of truly affordable accommodation and relive your student life.
Value breaks in Mackay
Head off to tropical North Queensland and marvel at the beauty of Mackay for less.
Go platypus spotting and enjoy a Cool Break package at the Broken River Mountain retreat until 31 August 2008. Enjoy a three night stay in Cedar Lodge, with daily continental breakfast for two people, for just $468. For more information visit www.brokenrivermr.com.au
If eco-lodging is not your thing but you love the endless, white sandy beaches of Mackay, why not enjoy a six night stay for the price of four at Voyages Brampton Island. Package includes:
· six nights accommodation for the price of four
· daily buffet breakfast
· non-motorised water sports and island activities
You can also purchase a meal upgrade for $65 per person, per night, which includes all meals, two course lunch and three course dinner.
Brampton Island is mainly National Park, has 12 white sandy beaches, coral gardens and the resort itself offers golf, tennis, spa treatments and much more. For more information, visit www.brampton-island.com
All about you
Pamper yourself in five-star luxury on the island of Koh Lanta, Thailand, with these great value All About Me packages.
Langham Place Eco Resort and Spa, Krabi have introduced a series of packages aimed at meeting the needs of travellers looking to relax in five-star luxury on this beautiful island. The Buy Me, Place Me, Indulge Me and Surprise Me packages offer exceptional value in picturesque setting.
Starting at only $215 (approx) for two people sharing, the packages include three nights accommodation, breakfast, a fresh fruit basket daily and a late check out of 4pm, as well as additional extras depending on your package.
Packages on offer include:
Buy me from $215 (approx)
As above with roundtrip transfer to/from Krabi airport
Place me from $340 (approx)
As Buy me plus one Thai style set dinner
Indulge me from $482 (approx)
As Place me plus 60-minute Chuan Spa massage
Surprise me from $632 (approx)
As Indulge me plus
· One Thai set lunch
· Full-day sightseeing tour around Koh Lanta
· All you can drink mini bar
For more information, or to make a booking, visit www.langhamplacehotels.com
Taste Tahiti for free
A trip to Bora Bora may fall into the “once in a lifetime” category for most, but a free meals offer from Orient Express makes it that little bit more affordable.
Considered one of the most beautiful islands in Tahiti, Bora Bora is home to the Orient Express Lagoon Resort. Stay for four nights or more at the lagoon resort and enjoy complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner. This iconic resort is known for its exceptional French and local cuisine, as well as its exception five-star facilities. Lunch and dinner are served A la carte at the resorts stylish restaurants, offering a substantial saving on this idyllic island getaway.
Packages on offer are priced per person and start from $5029 ex Sydney and $5199 ex Brisbane and Melbourne, (seasonal surcharges may apply) and include:
· Five nights accommodation, with all meals free
· Return air fares
· Return transfers, including domestic flights to Bora Bora
· One night in Papeete
Travel is valid from 1 April to 21 December 2008. For more information or to make a booking, contact your travel agent, or click here.
Stunning Vancouver Island
Whales, gardens, islands, stately buildings, wineries, gourmet cuisine – Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, has it all. From 01 May to 30 September 2008, for $595 per person, you can transfer from Vancouver to Victoria, stay two nights’ in great accommodation, visit Butchart Gardens, tour the stately town of Victoria and take a floatplane back to Vancouver.
For more information, call Talpacific Holidays on 1300 737 201 or click here
Spirit of Tasmania
Spirit of Tasmania provides grandparents with a wide variety of accommodation and onboard entertainment facilities to make sailing with their grandchildren extremely convenient, comfortable and enjoyable, including the Children’s Room on Deck Seven. For more information, call 13 20 10 or click here
Travel and learn
Odyssey Ed-Ventures are educational travel programs designed with those over-45 in mind. They offer 41 programs which go to Europe, the Middle east, Africa, Asia and the Americas, as well as eight programs in Australia. Operated by the Australian & New Zealand College for Seniors, Ed-Ventures will broaden your knowledge and incease your understanding of wherever you visit. For more information, click here
Tours for all the family
Travel with kidz can help work out the best possible itinerary for you and your family. They know all the destinations and accommodation that cater for the needs of different family members, which as we all know, can vary quite a bit. To find out more click here
Family experiences in the U.S.
Family Experiences tours are designed especially with cross-generational travel needs in mind. They provide affordable and hassle-free holiday options in America. The tours balance group activities, free time and child-focused activities with the more broad-appeal sightseeing. Find out more
55 per cent off The Ghan
Government funding, combined with the Great Southern Rail discount, will provide pensioners with a saving of up to 55 per cent off the adult fare in Red Kangaroo Daynighter Seats and up to 32 per cent off the adult Gold Kangaroo Service fare. Special Veterans will now receive a reduction of up to 90 per cent off The Ghan, which runs between Alice Springs and Darwin.
If you have always dreamt of travelling on The Ghan to the Northern Territory, that dream is now much more affordable. Find out more
35 per cent off tropical cruises
Cruise the north of Australia for less. Travel between 1 December 2007 and 31 March 2008, and you can save more than $400 on a three-night south-bound Cruise with Captain Cook. Or save 35 percent on a seven-night Cape York cruise.
For more information call Captain Cook toll free on 1800 804 843 or click here
Farmstay fun
For only $125.00 - $150 a night, you can experience life at Brindabella Station, a turn of the century homestead which was the childhood home of Miles Franklin, author of My Brilliant Career. This beautiful working farm offers fishing, canoeing, horse riding, bushwalking, viewing of native animals and birds in the valley. Located in the high country, Brindabella runs both sheep and Murray Grey cattle. Accommodation is restricted to non-smoking guests. (Adults only in the homestead, children only catered for in the cottage.) For more information, phone (02) 6236 2121 or click here
The London Pass
This pass gives access to London’s museums, historic buildings and locations!
The London Pass is museum/attractions pass which bills itself as the ‘Passport to London’ allowing free entry into over 60 London attractions. The Pass is valid for 1, 2, 3, or 6 consecutive days.
The prices range from 1-day adult $89 to 6 days $200, with children (5 - 15 years) receiving a further discount.
Enjoy free priority admission into over 60 London attractions including the London Zoo, The Tower of London and Windsor Castle, a free 128 page colour guidebook and discounted offers at selected restaurants and attractions.
Find out more at Rail Plus’ website, including the full list of attractions.
Solos not slugged
Travelling solo but sick of the single supplement? Why should solo travellers be slugged with an extra cost? There is an alternative.
Most accommodation prices are quoted as twin share, and if you’re single you only find out what the added extras are if you ask. The solo traveller website offers great deals on accommodation which understands that it shouldn’t cost more to travel alone. There are a surprising number of deals for singles from hotels across the country. For more information: http://www.solotraveller.com.au/
Beach beauty
South Australia’s beaches are this country’s best kept travel secret. Whether you want spectacular dunes, crashing waves or calmer waters, the Yorke Peninsula’s unspoilt national parks offer great fishing, surfing, snorkelling and diving, as well as bushwalking, birdwatching and fascinating history.
For the marine-minded, there are two underwater trails for the beginner and the experienced diver, as well as historical jetties which provide excellent opportunities to see historical shipwrecks.
Yorke Peninsula can accommodate you in a range of fashions – from beach shack getaways to romantic bed and breakfasts. Walk Innes National Park or take in the history of the natural resources museums and mining communities.
For more information or download the visitor guide.
