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Day tours for clients heading to the Comm Games on the Gold Coast

AAT Kings has a range of full day tours ideal for travellers, with time to spare, who are venturing to the Gold Coast for The 2018 Commonwealth Games. The Gold Coast is renowned for its year-round sunshine, with plenty to see and do along the 70km stretch of stunning coastline. It’s also the gateway to one of Australia’s most biologically diverse regions, the lush rainforest-cloaked hinterland and an array of Australia’s iconic wildlife.

AAT Kings’ three Gold Coast Day Tours all depart from the Gold Coast.

O’Reilly’s & Lamington National Park
Sample Queensland-made wines and fresh local produce and take in the spectacular panoramic views of the Gold Coast from Tamborine Mountain. Escape to a nature lovers’ paradise, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat for the treetop canopy walk to see ancient forests, discover historic logging tracks and hear the epic adventures of Queensland’s earliest settlers. Explore this sub-tropical rainforest and listen out for wonderful calls of native birds.

Koalas at Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital CREDIT: Harriet Taylor

Crocodile Express & Australia Zoo
Explore the iconic Australia Zoo, made famous by the late Steve Irwin (Crocodile Hunter). See a collection of some of Australia’s most dangerous reptiles and over 1,200 animals. Discover the many exhibits including the brand-new Africa exhibit and daily wildlife shows and gasp at exotic animals such as giraffe, rhino and zebra living together on a wide open plain. Get up close and personal with some of Australia’s unique wildlife such as kangaroos, emus and snakes.

Brisbane’s Best
Enjoy Brisbane sights from land and water, and enjoy the sights of historic Brisbane, with its innovative and vibrant CBD. From a trendy cafe club culture to thriving shops, enjoy a lunch break at South Bank Parklands. In the afternoon visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to hold a koala before a visit to Mt Coot-tha Lookout for a view of the city skyline to conclude a beautiful day.

MD of AAT Kings Hans Belle says: “The Gold Coast offers so much diversity and splendour beyond the sand and surf, and is just a stone’s throw away from some of Australia’s most renowned sights along with amazing flora and fauna. AAT Kings Day Tours are the perfect option for guests looking to explore some more of the sunny state as part of their trip to the Gold Coast and make the most out of a day of discovery.”

TOP IMAGE: Brisbane

05/04/2018

Attractions Australia Cruise News - General Featured Resources

First ever Sydney Fish Market ferry service begins 24 March

SeaLink Travel Group will begin operating the first ever Sydney Fish Market ferry service on 24 March 2018, initially on weekends only. Sydney Fish Market receives approximately 3 million visitors per year, with over half of them currently arriving by car, and General Manager Bryan Skepper welcomes the new ferry service.

“We have been advocating for a ferry service to Sydney Fish Market for quite some time so we are thrilled that our visitors will now have this scenic and convenient travel option between Sydney Fish Market and the city.

“Our last major market research project revealed that a ferry stop was one of the most commonly suggested improvements for Sydney Fish Market with 38% of respondents ranking it as a priority.”

The 30-minute service, between Sydney Fish Market and King Street Wharf one Barangaroo, will run every 30 minutes, between 9:00am and 5:00pm, and is priced at $9 per person one way and $15 per person return.

Over the Easter period, the Fish Market Ferry will also operate on Good Friday (30 March) and Easter Monday (02 April) 2018, in addition to the weekend service.

13/03/2018

Attractions Australia Daily News Resources Travel Tips

Sydney Museum launches special February tour for Chinese visitors

The Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney is launching a new, specially-designed product to welcome its Chinese visitors – the Endeavour Highlights Tour – and from 1-28 February 2018 the museum will offer Chinese language (Mandarin) guided tours of the museum’s main galleries, exhibitions and attractions.

Tours will run three times daily, seven days per week and will feature a visit to Captain Cook’s Endeavour replica, moored at the museum on iconic Darling Harbour. They will also include guided tours of a range of exhibitions including Passengers (Australia’s immigration story by sea), Navigators (a showcase of Australia’s relationship with Asia and Europe, featuring maritime navigation instruments, charts and maps) and Gapu-Monuk Saltwater (the museum’s recently opened Indigenous exhibition, exploring the landmark sea rights case of North-East Arnhem land).

Visitors on these tours will also have a photo opportunity on board the Endeavour with a 18th Century Captain’s hat, ideal for sharing on WeChat. And, in keeping with this year’s Chinese zodiac Year of the Dog, they will also have the chance to meet the museum’s resident canine, Bailey Haggarty, famous for chasing the seagulls from the museum’s ships and wharves.

Captain Cook’s HMB Endeavour

“We are delighted to announce the launch of this new product for our Chinese visitors,” said Kevin Sumption PSM, Director and CEO of the Australian National Maritime Museum.

“It is important for us as a cultural institution to deliver engaging programs and initiatives that cater to the growing demand from this market and allow our visitors to be fully immersed in the experiences on offer,”

Tours are available for small groups (minimum of 15 and a maximum of 35 people) and will run for approximately an hour. Tickets are available for purchase at the museum and are priced at $79 (Family), $32 (Adult), $20 (Child) and $20 (Concession). Ticket price also allow visitors the chance to explore the museum’s other exhibitions and attractions at their leisure, either pre or post tour, and includes a 10% discount voucher to the museum’s gift shop.

Tour times:11:00am, 12:30pm and 2:00pm daily
Booking enquiries: [email protected]
Make a booking

25/01/2018

Attractions Australia Daily News News

World Expeditions supports Uluru climbing ban announcement

The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park board decided unanimously yesterday to ban Uluru climbs from 26 October 2019.

The board, made up of eight traditional owners and three representatives from National Parks, made the decision after consulting with the wider Anangu community. Senior traditional owner and chairman of the board, Sammy Wilson, who spoke at Uluru for the announcement, said it was time to observe Uluru’s cultural significance, noting that it was not a ‘theme park’.

“It is an extremely important place, not a playground or theme park like Disneyland.

“The Government needs to respect what we are saying about our culture in the same way it expects us to abide by its laws.

“After much discussion, we’ve decided it’s time.”

The date of 26 October 2019 was chosen to coincide with the 34h anniversary of the return of Uluru to its traditional owners.

“Whitefellas see the land in economic terms, where Anangu see it as tjukurpa [cultural law]. If the tjukurpa is gone, so is everything,” Wilson said. “We want to hold on to our culture – if we don’t it could disappear completely in another 50 or 100 years.”

World Expeditions’ Responsible Travel Manager, Donna Lawrence, said the company welcomed the unanimous decision.

“Ceasing climbing of Uluru aligns with our core responsible travel value of consulting with local communities about what’s best for the host community and educating travellers accordingly.

“World Expeditions has a long history of successful collaboration with local indigenous communities, including the Arrente people in Central Australia on the Larapinta Trail, which has allowed us to develop a world class walk through some of Australia’s remotest and most spectacular landscapes.”

Uluru/World Expeditions

02/11/2017

Attractions Featured Music and entertainment

Offspring fans – stay at Nina’s house in Melbourne’s Fitzroy!

If you’re one of the many Offspring addicts left with a Proudman-shaped void now that the Aussie tv series ‘Offspring’ has left our screens for another season, fear not – Airbnb can have you checked-in to Nina’s house before you can say ‘Season Eight’.

The house in Fitzroy, which Nina, her partner Harry Crewe, and daughter Zoe currently call home, is an early 1900s Victorian home that has been elegantly transformed, thanks to the interior design work and styling of Melbourne-based Airbnb host Kali Cavanagh.

Nestled in the heart of Fitzroy, the three bedroom, two bathroom home sleeps up to six guests and is the perfect location for your next getaway. Close to an eclectic mix of cafes and bars, including many of Offspring’s most iconic locations, guests can experience the vibrant inner-city Melbourne lifestyle.

“It’s amazing to be able to open up my home and share it with all kinds of people, now including fans of Offspring also, through Airbnb. We have guests travel from all over the world to stay here. Whether they’re wanting to experience what it’s like to live like Nina Proudman, to enjoy a curated space or simply explore the amazing cafe and restaurants in Fitzroy community, it’s always a pleasure to share my home with new people,” said Kali.

22/09/2017

Adventure Attractions Australia Daily News Earlybird offers/Specials/Client savings

Authentic Top End travel deal to Australia’s Red Centre

Intrepid Travel is offering an authentic and affordable Red Centre experience with its two-night Top End package on sale from $335* for a limited time.

The two-day trip offers the chance to witness an Uluru sunset and take a guided walk around the base of the rock as well as the chance to get up close and personal with the spectacular Kata Tjuta rock formations.

The package includes one night in a furnished tented camp, transport in all-terrain vehicles with an expert guide, breakfast and a dinner of native food under the stars.

The deal is valid for departures from 16-30 September, 2017.

For more information, booking and full terms & conditions CLICK HERE

*Subject to availability, conditions apply.

25/08/2017

Attractions Featured Music and entertainment Video

‘How’s the serenity?’ … Kerrigan family’s Bonnie Doon holiday home now on Airbnb

Straight from the movies – The Kerrigan family’s precious holiday home in Bonnie Doon is now available to book through Airbnb.

If you don’t know the reference then you’ve missed seeing one of Australian cinema’s classics – the 1997 movie The Castle. (And yes, Bonnie Doon is a real place, in northeast Victoria.)

Make yourself at home in the kitchen and cook up some rissoles or sponge cake as the family settles in around the refurbished 60s retro dining table. Or better yet, head to Lake Eildon and cast a line out in search of trout, redfin or carp – a winning combination for those who own a boat with a two stroke engine that can cruise on full throttle.

Priced from $200 per night, the Kerrigan’s Bonnie Doon holiday home sleeps up to six guests in the house, with an extra room (a Pool Room!) for additional guests.

Bonnie Doon Airbnb

25/07/2017

Adventure Attractions Daily News Eco/Sustainable Other Resources Tips, quizzes, guides, snippets

World Expeditions’ authentic bush tucker experience on the Larapinta Trail

A bush tucker experience is the newest experience on offer on the Larapinta Trail and World Expeditions walkers are embracing the chance to learn about – and taste – delicious bush tucker food.

The bush tucker food is prepared by Raylene Brown, the co-founder and owner of an Alice Springs catering company, Kungkas Can Cook, which specialises in native foods collected straight from country.

“Raylene developed her interest in bush food during her nomadic childhood, when she lived all over the Territory from Wave Hill to Katherine, Tennant Creek to Adelaide River,” says World Expeditions Operations Manager, Kirke Ranson.

“Along the way she developed an appreciation for bush tucker, and she shares her passion with trekkers, who are really enjoying foods like wattle seed damper, kangaroo fillet, bush tomato relish and bush dukkuh.

“World Expeditions clients also participate in a “Welcome to Country” at Angkerle Atwatye (Standley Chasm), where a member of the local traditional owners formally welcomes them.”

These experiences are part of World Expeditions’ most popular trek, the 6 day Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort, during which walkers carry only a daypack and stay at the exclusive World Expeditions’ permanent campsites.

Other itineraries include the 6 day Larapinta Challenger Trek, which takes in some of the toughest sections along the Larapinta, the 6 day Art Expedition Larapinta, the 6 day Women’s Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort and the 3 day Larapinta Experience in Comfort.

30/06/2017

Attractions Australia Daily News Family

Tangalooma Island Resort celebrates its 30th whale watching season!

A record number of whales is projected to pass by Queensland’s Moreton Island this year, home to Tangalooma Island Resort and The Tangalooma Jet, Australia’s largest whale watching vessel.

Tangalooma can boast Queensland’s largest and longest-running whale watching tours – its 30th season in 2017 – offering the closest whale watching experience from Brisbane, and a whale sighting guarantee!

In the 2016 season, the Resort’s whale watching scoreboard recorded 1133 whale sightings, 731 adults, 291 juveniles and 111 calves. The 2017 season began on 1 June and whales can be ‘watched’ until 15 October 2017!

07/06/2017

Attractions Daily News Other cruises Resources

Any excuse to get out on Sydney Harbour! Build your own cruise experience …

Every new visitor to Sydney fancies a trip on Sydney Harbour – even ‘jaded’ Sydneysiders will find any excuse to get out on the city’s glorious blue expanse.

Fantasea Cruising operates a fleet of vessels on Sydney Harbour with cruise experiences ranging from sightseeing and charters to whale watching and build-your-own-cruise. And in response to agent requests for unique and exclusive experiences on the harbour, the company has recently introduced ‘Picnic on the Harbour with Yellow Water Cruises’.

“[These] experiences …offer flexibility and the opportunity to not only see Sydney Harbour, but to walk on the beaches and go to places away from other tourists,” says Fantasea Cruising CEO Anthony Hayes

“Working in partnership with Bel & Brio, a funky deli at Barangaroo, the catering options are of a high quality, with a bottle of bubbles included, or red or white wine options if preferred. Our fantastic water taxis seat up to 16 or 24 people and our experienced skippers will whisk visitors across to Clark Island in the middle of the harbour for a picnic on the lovely green grass. They’ll then return to pick them up 2 hours later, or whenever they prefer. This is a fabulous way to experience Sydney like a local, not just see it out the window.”

Fantasea has also introduced a new on-the-water bar!

“Sydney Harbour has been crying out for an exciting new bar like Joy Bar. Designed with the coolest lounges, chairs and a funky wine bar ambiance, JOY Bar is the newest addition to Sydney’s nightlife scene. Available for charter, Joy Bar is going to be in high demand,” Hayes added.

Joy Bar

“Within the most common zone on Sydney Harbour – Zone 1 – all trips will incur a $40 booking fee plus just $10 per person thereafter. This makes travelling across the harbour more affordable than ever as for two people travelling within Zone 1, it’s just $60! Not to mention if you’re heading to one of the scores of harbourside restaurants, you’ll impress your dinner date and arrive energised for a great night out”.

… and Fantasea experiences are fully commissionable.

Fantasea Cruises on Sydney Harbour

29/05/2017

Attractions Daily News Earlybird offers/Specials/Client savings Other cruises

Murray Princess, Adelaide & Kangaroo Island Combo

Captain Cook Cruises and SeaLink have put together 8-, 9- and 12-night cruise and land packages discovering Adelaide, Hahndorf and Australia’s third largest island – Kangaroo Island.

Start with a two-night stay at the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel in Adelaide, including a full day Ultimate Adelaide and Hahndorf tour, then head to Mannum for a three, four or seven night cruise down the Murray River aboard the paddlewheeler PS Murray Princess.

Following the cruise, a complimentary coach will transfer guests back to the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel in Adelaide and the next morning guests will travel by coach to Cape Jervis to join one of SeaLink’s ferries to Kangaroo Island for a 2-Day Best of Kangaroo Island Tour.

For a few dollars more guests can upgrade to the early evening flight from Kangaroo Island to Adelaide.

The eight-night package starts from AUD$1713 per person twin share and includes three nights on the Murray Princess, four nights at the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel, full day Ultimate Adelaide and Hahndorf tour and one night on Kangaroo Island.

The nine-night package starts from AUD$2026 per person twin share and includes a four night Murray Princess cruise, four nights at the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel, full day Ultimate Adelaide and Hahndorf tour and one night on Kangaroo Island.

The twelve-night package starts from AUD$2597 per person twin share and includes seven-night cruise on the Murray Princess, four nights at the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel, full day Ultimate Adelaide and Hahndorf tour and one night on Kangaroo Island.

26/05/2017

Adventure Attractions Daily News Eco/Sustainable News Resources

New training guide for would-be Tassie Wilderness trekkers!

Travellers planning to undertake a walking tour in the Tassie Wilderness can now benefit from a specially-designed six month training guide launched by Tasmanian Expeditions (a division of World Expeditions).

Tasmanian Expeditions is the only company that offers every single iconic walking holiday in Tasmania, from gourmet walking tours to the Apple Isle’s most challenging bushwalking expeditions – and “How do I get prepare for a trek?” is the most common question they get from would-be adventurers planning to trek in Tassie.

The training guide draws on the experience of the company’s dedicated team of professional guides who are all passionate about sharing Tasmania’s great wilderness areas. One of those guides, Oscar Bedford, guides hundreds of travellers around the Tasmanian wilderness each year.

“The best way to discover Tasmania is by foot so the more time you put into trek training in the months leading up to your trip, the more you will enjoy your experience,” Mr Bedford said.

“Trek training is more than just walking; it’s preparing the body for the increased intensity of undulation, terrain, pack weight, kilometres walked and overall endurance.

“Our six-month Tasmanian Expeditions trek training guide has been developed with a moderately graded trek in mind, such as the Overland Track or the Walls of Jerusalem Circuit.”

Click here for the guide.

Tassie Wilderness Trekkers

05/05/2017

Attractions Daily News News

A new way to snorkel at Whitehaven Beach

Cruise Whitsundays has a new product offering on all Whitehaven Beach tours, the Seabob Underwater Jet Experience, which is easy for all ages, with the minimum age being 12 years old.

Cruise Whitsundays chief executive officer Nick Hortle said the tour will enhance guests’ time at Whitehaven Beach by enabling them to snorkel at ease with Seabob.

“Seabob is a personalised motorised buoyancy aid that guests hold onto while snorkelling. Guests can now enjoy and explore the beauty of the inner reef to its full capacity. It allows you to play on both the surface and cruise underwater,” he said.

*The Seabob experience is available on all Whitehaven Beach cruises except the Camira Sailing Adventure.

20/03/2017

Adventure Attractions Daily News Earlybird offers/Specials/Client savings

Whale sharks ‘on sale’

The whale sharks have arrived early at Ningaloo Reef and to celebrate, Broome, Kimberley & Beyond has released discounted airfares to Exmouth, with hotel deals across the Coral Coast. Return airfares to Exmouth start at $298 from Perth, $718 from Melbourne, $758 from Sydney and Brisbane, and $598 from Adelaide.

Travellers will be able to choose between Exmouth and Coral Bay, with 4-night accommodation packages including bonus offers with each stay.

Deals include a $50 food and beverage voucher and free daily breakfast at Mantarays Ningaloo Resort, car hire and a restaurant voucher with Exmouth Escape Resort, and discounted rates on whale shark and humpback whale tours.

Swimming with the whale sharks is high on the bucket list for many travellers and with their early arrival, it’s expected to be a good year. After a successful inaugural season of swimming with the humpbacks, the tours will be running out of Exmouth again in 2017.

Broome, Kimberley & Beyond are also offering packages to the Mackerel Islands, cruises aboard the Eco Abrolhos and stays at wilderness retreat, Sal Salis.

Airfares must be booked in conjunction with land packages and are on sale until 10 April or until sold out.

Call 1300 357 057 or email [email protected]

17/03/2017

Attractions Events Family Featured Upcoming Events

Bigger, bolder, brighter … Vivid Sydney 2017

Vivid Sydney returns bigger, bolder and brighter in 2017, with a new precinct at Barangaroo, an expanded light walk through the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, and imaginary creatures that will transform the sails of the Sydney Opera House.

From Friday 26 May to Saturday 17 June, Vivid Light will transform the cityscape into a creative canvas, take over Sydney stages with Vivid Music’s biggest program to date, and provide a global forum for creative conversations at Vivid Ideas.

For the first time, Vivid Sydney will stream into Barangaroo, with a trail of installations winding through laneways, past the waterfront and into a foodie paradise.

The festival’s bright lights will return to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney with an expanded trail that will take visitors through the heart of the beautiful harbourside oasis.

At the heart of the Vivid Sydney light walk, the sails of the Sydney Opera House will be brought to life by a series of imaginary creatures morphing and moving between each other across the iconic sails.

City icons will again be transformed, including the façade of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. Interactive lighting display Dreamscape will let visitors put their mark on the city’s skyline from Circular Quay along the Cahill Expressway to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Popular precincts Chatswood, Taronga Zoo, Martin Place and Darling Harbour will return in 2017. Once again, the festival includes Vivid Music and Vivid Ideas, as well as Vivid Light.

Image: Lighting the Sails artist impression, Audio Creatures, artist Ash Bolland

15/03/2017

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