Great Southern Rail, operator of long distance passenger trains across Australia, now offers two ways to travel luxuriously on The Ghan through the heart of Australia - either by experiencing the new Platinum Service, which will be launched September 10, 2008 departing from Adelaide to Darwin, or by chartering one of their four unique private carriages.
Platinum Service is a new luxury level of train travel, like no other Australian train accommodation, and reflective of a deluxe hotel. Platinum Cabins will be approximately twice the size of the standard Gold Cabins. Each will offer deluxe accommodation including two double beds, spacious en suite bathrooms and 24-hour in-cabin steward service. They have all the modern comforts and are distinctly Australian in design. The service will be available once a week from Adelaide to Darwin and once a week from Darwin to Adelaide. Rates start at USD$2,854 one-way, per person, twin share.
The other option for discerning travelers is to charter one of Great Southern Rail's four private carriages. These range in size and can accommodate up to ten passengers. Travelers may be interested in the Chairman's Carriage where a private chef is available to prepare meals, or they may prefer the historical Prince of Wales Carriage, built in 1919 to accommodate a royal visit from Edward, Prince of Wales. This beautifully crafted timber carriage was recently refurbished and maintains many of its original features including ceilings of Wunderlich pressed metal and cathedral glass doors. Private carriage rates begin at USD$11,526 for travel from Adelaide to Darwin or vice versa.
The Ghan is a living legend. When the train first departed Adelaide for Alice Springs, it was intended that one day it would travel all the way through to Darwin. In 2004, more than 70 years, later that dream became a reality. Boarding The Ghan in Adelaide or Darwin, passengers experience one of the most fascinating train journeys in the world. They'‚ll have a chance to marvel at spectacular Australian landscapes from fertile countryside surrounding Adelaide to the rusty hues of the Red Center, onto the tropical splendor of the Top End.
About South Australia
South Australia, the fourth largest of Australia's six states, is located in the southern half of the country. Adelaide, the capital city, is a delightful jumping off point for exploring the region. Surrounded by parklands, Adelaide is home to just over 1 million people and the Central Business District is one square mile, perfect for exploring the fine museums, great restaurants, and the famed Central Market˜the largest covered market in the Southern Hemisphere˜on foot. South Australia is a haven for wine lovers as well. Over 60% of all Australian wines come from the state's wine regions - the Barossa Valley, the Clare Valley, the Coonawarra, and more. Soft adventure activities such as hiking, diving, and mountain biking abound in this nature-filled state. In fact, South Australia arguably has the most accessible wildlife in the country. Some of the best places to glimpse it are the stunning Kangaroo Island, rugged Flinders Ranges, and enchanting Gawler Ranges. Known as the 'Gateway to the Outback,' South Australia is also home to Coober Pedy, the world‚s opal mining capital.
For more information, call Wagstaff Worldwide at 323-871-1151.
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Working closely with customer feedback, Australian Pacific Touring, the South Pacific’s leading escorted operator, introduces smaller group sizes on their most popular products.
For the new 2008/09 season, APT’s Fully Escorted program will carry no more than 30 people. With flights included from Los Angeles, most meals, sightseeing and accommodation - these successful tours have a really exciting new feature of smaller groups. Guaranteed departures and a 98% satisfaction guarantee ensure confidence when booking these tours.
With emphasis on planning and the careful combination of inclusions and free time, the 22 day "Royal Escorted" tour continues to be the must do vacation. With time in both Australia and New Zealand, featuring so many of the must see sights plus a range of very special feature dinners, this really is a great way to experience the best of the South Pacific.
APT, has for many years led the way in concept touring. APT was the first in Australia to trademark the "Freedom of Choice Touring and Dining" concept, a radical departure from traditional tours to allow greater flexibility for the clients and the freedom to choose activities and meals that suit their personal taste – at no extra cost!
Smaller Group sizes are new to the Fully Escorted Series, however APT has for many years developed many regional "small group, gourmet and eco-sensitive" experiences, in Tasmania, Kangaroo Island and New Zealand. These are ideal experiences for the more independent traveler who enjoys the security of pre-planned arrangements.
For the totally independent traveler, who wants complete flexibility, our independent vacation options thread together a collection of the best sightseeing day tours, coupled with different levels of accommodation for any budget. Now smaller groups can be added to the list of reasons to choose APT for innovation.
APT is an USTOA member and has an additional A$5 Million Dollar Consumer Protection Plan for your client’s added security and protection.
Call 1 800 290 8687 or visit their web site at www.aptouring.com for copies of their 2008/09 Australia & New Zealand brochures.
For more information contact Bronwyn Wilson, Executive VP North America
Ward Reid, Sales Manager US 1 800 290 8687 sales@aptouring.com
Visitors travelling to the State of South Australia and its capital city of Adelaide can feel quite comfortable exploring on their own. Adelaide, surrounded by parklands, has a central business district that is just one square mile and many of the top museums, hotels, restaurants, and cultural experiences are all within this downtown district and easily accessible on foot. The top wine regions in the state such as the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, and Adelaide Hills, are no more than an hour and a half in any direction and all can be reached by charming two lane roads.
Self-guided touring in South Australia has become even more fun and affordable now that new travelers‚ passes are available - the Cellar Door pass, the Cheese and Wine Trails card, and the Discover Adelaide card.
Celler Door Pass and Cheese and Wine Trails Card
A choice of gourmet passes give visitors and locals alike a chance to indulge in some of the most amazing wines and food products in some of the top wine regions in the all of Australia.
Cellar Door Pass
For $80, pass holders receive:
· Premium wine tasting and winery tours for two at top wineries such as d‚Arenberg, Annie‚s Lane, Penfolds, Two Hands, Wolf Blass, and over 30 others
· 6 bottles of premium wines at a total value of up to $100
· Free delivery of 12 bottles to an Australian address with transit insurance
· Gourmet dining and special food offers
· A discovery CD and Cellar Door directory
· A VIP smartcard
Cheese and Wine Trails Card
Priced at $45, this pass provides:
· A four course, progressive picnic for two of local produce and cheeses
· A retail box with detailed maps of the regions and more
· A bottle of wine from any of the participating cellar doors (up to $20)
· A special tasting or touring experience from two featured cellar doors
A combination of the two passes, which includes all of the amenities, is just $105.
For more information on the Cellar Door Pass and the Cheese and Wine Trails visit www.cellardoorpass.com or www.cheeseandwinetrails.com.au
DISCOVER ADELAIDE CARD
The Discover Adelaide Card offers entry to 14 top local Adelaide attractions, at up to 50% off the regular price of admission. For $40 per card, guests receive eight passes to spend at their choice of attractions. Guests can simply visit www.bass.net.au to purchase the card and it will be waiting for them for pickup at the South Australian Visitor and Travel Centre right in the heart of the city.
Attractions include:
A journey to the Penfolds Magill Estate Winery just outside the city, where the first Penfolds grapes were grown
A visit to the Rodney Fox Shark Experience that boasts a collection showing the history of over 100 exciting filming and research expeditions led by one of the world's leading experts on Great Whites
A unique wildlife experience at Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary, where visitors can experience the Australian bush and mix with over 100 species of birds and many native mammals in a protected habitat
A tour of Tandanya Aboriginal Cultural Institute, Australia‚s first and oldest Indigenous-owned and managed multi-arts centre, and one of the finest places in Australia to see Aboriginal art
For more information on the Discover Adelaide Card visit www.adelaidecard.com.au.
ABOUT SOUTH AUSTRALIA
South Australia, the fourth largest of Australia's six states, is located in the southern half of the country. Adelaide, the capital city, is a delightful jumping off point for exploring the region. Surrounded by parklands, Adelaide is home to just over 1 million people and the Central Business District is one square mile, perfect for exploring the fine museums, great restaurants, and the famed Central Market˜the largest covered market in the Southern Hemisphere˜on foot. South Australia is a haven for wine lovers as well. Over 60% of all Australian wines come from the state‚s wine regions˜the Barossa Valley, the Clare Valley, the Coonawarra, and more. Soft adventure activities such as hiking, diving, and mountain biking abound in this nature-filled state. In fact, South Australia arguably has the most accessible wildlife in the country. Some of the best places to glimpse it are the stunning Kangaroo Island, rugged Flinders Ranges, and enchanting Gawler Ranges.
For more information on South Australia, contact the South Australian Tourism Commission at 888.768.8428 or visit www.southoz.com.
sco
The island state south of mainland Australia, Tasmania is a luxury wilderness escape boasting new eco retreates. Luxury comes to wilderness camping at the new three day/two night "Freycinet Escape,' while the new Lodge at Tarraleah pairs historic high-end boutique accommodation with outstanding fly-fishing. Each new experience is set amid a wonder of unique wildlife, from wombats to Tasmanian devils. And, in 2007, travelers and environmentalists alike can join forces to help save Tasmania's iconic mascot from the deadly Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumor Disease (www.tassiedevil.com.au).
For more information, check web site www.discovertasmania.com.
Opened in March 2008, Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island's newest luxury resort, is destined to be Australia's leading example of sustainable tourism accommodations. Its unique location, stunning views, contemporary environmental design, locally sourced food and beverages, personalized activities and signature wellness spa, will ensure its status as a South Australian icon.
LOCATION
Located at secluded Hanson Bay, on Kangaroo Island's southwest coast, the promise of exclusivity is immediate. A cathedral of arched native trees line the entry and the Lodge appears as if by magic. Set in natural bush land, Southern Ocean Lodge overlooks a dramatic section of coastline. Rugged cliffs, wild ocean, white sandy beaches, and virtually untouched native vegetation are complemented by an ecological design and organic interiors. Ever sensitive to the precious landscape, the Lodge will allow visitors to experience the coastal wilderness and plentiful wildlife, for which Kangaroo Island is known, in impeccable style.
DESIGN
The luxe twenty-one-suite property, whose site adjoins two National parks and is at the heart of the island's major attractions including Flinders Chase and the Remarkable Rocks, has been designed to blend into the landscape. Nationally renowned architect Max Pritchard, who has a unique understanding of the location as he was born and raised on Kangaroo Island, has designed Southern Ocean Lodge. Every consideration has been given to navigating the fine balance between nature, comfort, and modern style.
The property features an environmental design with very low visual impact, featuring a signature palette of materials - primarily local limestone - recycled timber, and glass. Combined with designer furnishings and custom artwork, the Lodge aesthetic is fresh and contemporary. From the grandeur of the Great Room to the subtle indulgences of the suites, guests will feel immersed in the spectacular surroundings.
SUITES
Each suite has been designed to capture the coastal panoramas and features custom-designed interiors. All feature large sleeping areas, sunken lounges, dramatic glass-walled bathrooms, and outdoor terraces with seating and daybeds. Other amenities include walk-in closets, complimentary in-room bar, twice daily housekeeping, optional climate control, heated floors, internet access, music system with MP3 input, premium toiletries, safes and telephones (televisions are available in some suites). The Osprey Pavilion, the ultimate suite, has a unique curved floor plan that affords 180° views of the ocean, beach and wilderness, in addition to an open fire area, a private plunge spa, and a sculptured bath and double shower.
RESTAURANT
In a state known for its exceptional food and wine, Southern Ocean Lodge plans to uphold this tradition and has aspirations to be a South Australian culinary landmark, showcasing the freshest island and local seasonal produce available. The restaurant will feature a convivial open bar and walk-in wine cellar. A spectacular sweeping panorama of Hanson Bay will provide a dramatic backdrop for savouring contemporary menus. With pure Ligurian honey, exceptional seafood, cheese, olive oil, and more on Kangaroo Island, there will be no shortage of gastronomic temptations.
SPA
Perched remotely on a dramatic cliff top, Southern Ocean Lodge Spa Retreat will be an intimate and private oasis of calm. Combined with the cleanest air from Antarctica, which is then highly oxygenised from the pounding surf, the spa will provide a pure natural environment in which to rejuvenate. A signature spa menu will offer a range of traditional and cutting-edge treatments, and a healthful spa cuisine program will compliment the spa experiences.
EXPERIENCES
Southern Ocean Lodge is located at the heart of Kangaroo Island's major attractions. Resident naturalist staff will be on hand to provide guided coastal adventures, local touring, and interpretive presentations˜all included in the room rates. Southern Ocean Lodge will also work with local tour operators to offer a variety of charter-based touring. Other activities include coastal hiking expeditions, food and wine experiences, beach fishing, aerial tours, kayaking, mountain biking, surfing, marine zodiac boat rides, and stargazing.
ABOUT BAILLIE LODGES
Created by the partnership of James and Hayley Baillie, the company is founded on rare credentials perfectly suited to deliver an exceptional product that is both in line with premium market expectations and adhering to strict environmental principals. As founding Managing Director of P&O Australian Resorts, James was responsible for award-winning benchmark sustainable products that were developed and operated within World Heritage National and Marine Parks.
ABOUT KANGAROO ISLAND
Located just off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island, with its outstanding natural beauty, rare wildlife and wide range of diverse activities make it the ultimate vacation destination for lovers of the great outdoors. In addition to being home to some of the richest and most diverse flora and fauna found anywhere in the world, Kangaroo Island is also known for it's incredible food, wine and unique locally-made products.
From Adelaide visitors to Kangaroo Island can take a short 30-minute flight or a 45- minute ferry from Cape Jervis on the mainland to the Kangaroo Island port, Penneshaw.
Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa has been awarded Deluxe Hotel of the Year 2007 by the Australian Hotels Association.
Orient-Express Hotels Australia was given multiple reasons to celebrate at the awards ceremony as Darley’s was also named Regional Restaurant of the Year by the AHA.
The Australian Hotels Association (NSW) awards for excellence are recognized as the most prestigious awards in the hospitality industry, honouring the achievement of excellence in a wide range of categories across the accommodation division.
“Once again the awards are a credit to all of the wonderful staff at Lilianfels, who are passionate about providing exceptional service to every guest. I’m delighted to have won Regional Property of the Year, and to having Darley’s awarded Regional Restaurant of the Year” said Robyn Pontynen, General Manager of Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa.
Darley’s award consolidates the Blue Mountain’s up-and-coming reputation for fine dining, creating the perfect environment to enjoy tantalizingly authentic flavours and stylish presentation, enhanced by prompt, professional service. Executive Chef, Hugh Whitehouse, modern Australian cuisine is based on his philosophy of refining and redesigning classic dishes, influenced by each changing season. For inspiration, Hugh visits local farms, sourcing stone fruit in the summer, chestnuts and game in autumn and specially grown organic vegetables the year round. “This place is so well suited to cold climate cooking,” Hugh says, “slow cooked dishes, food that nurtures… it’s what people like.”
Nestled on the edge of the Jamison Valley, Lilianfels offers sublime views of the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains and luxurious surrounds.
For further media information, or images, contact Max Rodella, Marketing Communications, Ph: 02 8248 5281 or mrodella@observatoryhotel.com
The lodge is exclusively located among Desert Oak trees (some believed to be over 400 years old) in a remote part of Kings Creek Station, 22 miles from Kings Canyon, 300 miles southwest of Alice Springs by paved road and 190 miles northeast of Uluru (Ayers Rock).
The lodge site has 10 deluxe tented cabins with full en-suite (hot showers) and private decking looking into the outback and a separate dining/lounge facility and outside dining-campfire area.
APT US Sales Manager, Ward Reid, said the lodge offered a quiet, stylish and private Outback bush accommodation experience. “Extremely comfortable, roomy and well-appointed cabins combined with a very high quality of dining, a quiet, true Outback bush setting and just 20 guests maximum, make this lodge a special place for visiting Kings Canyon,” he said. “As a dinner-bed-breakfast experience, it offers high value.”
APT also operates wilderness lodges in the Kimberley in Western Australia.
Eleven new packages from Alice Springs have been designed with exclusive short touring to the surrounding region. See ancient petroglyphs (Aboriginal rock carvings), chance to spot wild camels, kangaroos and other wildlife, guided Kings Canyon walk, overnight Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge.
Existing short break tours visiting Kings Canyon (ranging from 2 days to 14 days) operated by Australian Pacific Touring have the option to upgrade to stay at the exclusive Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge.
ings Canyon Wilderness Lodge is available for special interest groups and private self-drive travelers, on available status. Prices are $180 twin share per person and $315 single, which includes dinner and breakfast. Bookings are essential.
Three course dinner includes entrée of Morton Bay bugs, mains of barbecued barramundi/kangaroo/camel combination with vegetables and salads, dessert and tea/coffee … followed by campfire chat with fellow guests, APT guides and lodge staff as well as night sky telescope viewing. The Lodge is licensed and offers a quality selection of beverages.
Breakfast is cereals and cooked meals to order, provided by chef-host team Rowan and Jacinta Wilson, formerly of Hinchinbrook Island on the Great Barrier Reef.
For more information on Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge or any one of APTs products, contact Ward Reid, US Sales Manager, 1-888-299-1428; ward.reid@aptouring.com.
Australian Pacific Touring (APT) is celebrating 80 years of sharing their passion for the lands “Downunder” with a fabulous Free Fiji offer on their flagship Fully Escorted vacations.
Clients often refer to APT’s Fully Escorted programs as their ‘dream vacation’. Fully Escorted first class tours for the 2007/08 season have been reduced in price and now start at $2,335 including all domestic air in Australia and/or New Zealand, extensive sightseeing and superb meals. International air is also available for one stop shopping. For customer satisfaction, easy sale and great commissions (up to $1,770 per couple) ask for the Fully Escorted vacations from Australian Pacific Touring.
Fiji is the perfect relaxing tropical stopover on a South Pacific vacation and clients can save $920 per couple on APT’s Free Fiji offer. Bookings must be made by 31 March 2007 and travel by 31 March 2008. Many seats still remain but space is limited and subject to availability.
Australian Pacific’s 2007/08 vacations offer an extensive range of superb tours throughout Australia and New Zealand. With guaranteed departure dates, fully inclusive pricing, and regionally escorted and small group vacations ranging from 2 days to 28 days there is a holiday to suit every budget. For those with less time, there is a full range of independent city stopovers plus full and half day sightseeing.
APT is an USTOA member and has an additional A$5 Million Dollar Consumer Protection Plan for your client’s added security and protection.
Call 1 800 290 8687 or visit wesite www.aptouring.com for copies of their <2007/08 Australia & New Zealand brochures.
National Geographic’s KakaduCam, the first webcam installed in Australia’s World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, officially launched September 22, 2006 in New York City’s Grand Central Station.
Giant screens beamed live images from Kakadu National Park to thousands of commuters and travelers during the ‘Experience Your World’ event, a week long interactive photography exhibit celebrating international and national parks.
Developed by Tourism NT in conjunction with Tourism Australia’s three-year Global Programs initiative, the KakaduCam delivers live images and audio of native wildlife to more than 4.3 million website visitors.
By day, visitors will be able to see a parade of wildlife including kangaroos, crocodiles, birds, butterflies, wallabies, snakes and possums. At night, visitors to KakaduCam will be able to hear the authentic sounds of Australian animals as they hunt, feed and play. Following the launch, Tourism NT hopes to add a feature that will enable visitors to speak with local rangers and listen to traditional stories from the Aboriginal elders of Kakadu dating back more than 50,000 years.
For live images from the KakaduCam visit www.ngm.com/kakaducam.com
Ninteen caves have been discovered at Pungalina Station in the Northern Territory’s gulf country, a new exclusive safari camp located on a 500,000-acre cattle station. Identified by the Victorian Speleological Association from Melbourne, four of the sites have been deemed safe for visitors to access and explore - Totem Pole, Ballroom, Elsa’s and Oliver’s.
The Ballroom and Totem Pole caves are the largest and visitors are encouraged to walk freely around the interior or go for a dip in the warm swimming hole at the bottom of Oliver's cave.
Access to Pungalina is possible by four-wheel-drive or light aircraft. Charter flights to Pungalina are available from Darwin and via Kirkhope Aviation from Melbourne.
For more information visit www.pungalinasafaris.com.au
Warumungu Cultural Experiences is a new Aboriginal tourism venture in Tennant Creek operated by Jackie Hingston-Namikili, a local Warumungu interpretive guide.
Jackie provides travelers with insights into Warumungu culture, focusing on the Partta people of the area.
Travelers can opt for a guided tour to Myil Purnurru, an ancient rock formation on the outskirts of Tennant Creek, bushwalk through the country of the Three Sisters dreaming sites or experience Kunjarra, a women’s sacred site. During the tour to Lake Mary Ann Jackie provides travelers with her own interpretation of the relationship Partta people have to this area. Jacke also discusses the history of Tennant Creek and visits the original Tennant Creek waterholes and the old Telegraph Station.
For more information visit www.nyinkkanyunya.com.au
Bamurru Plains, a new wilderness experience situated on the coastal floodplains of the Mary River delta, will open its doors to the public in October 2006.
Tailormade for affluent adventurers, this new property will begin operations with three ensuite safari rooms with plans for six additional rooms to be complete by February 2007. All accomoodation has been designed in bush luxury style.
Unlike many remote lodges in the territory that close during the wet season, Bamurru Plains encourages travelers to experience the floodplains that are teeming with wildlife from October to April.
Located on Swim Creek Station, the property is 2.5 hours by road from Darwin or 20 minutes by air.
For more information visit www.bamurruplains.com
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