Friday, October 17, 2008

City Information

Melbourne is Australia's second largest city (after Sydney), but is second to none when it comes to fashion, festivals and Aussie Rules football. Visitors come for its shopping, restaurants and nightlife. You can be sure that Melbourne will excite and entertain. Catch a tram to trendy Southgate, rub shoulders with locals at the Queen Victoria market or take in a show at the ornate Princess Theater. For a break from the hustle and bustle, cruise along the Yarra River or search for kangaroos and koalas as you come to appreciate a rich aboriginal heritage on an exceptional off-the-beaten-track Savannah Walkabout tour.

Hotel Information

3 Nights at The Langham Hotel. This hotel is Sister property to London's famous Langham Hotel, this 5 star deluxe hotel has Melbourne's most enviable location on the banks of the famous Yarra River with an established reputation as one of Australia's finest hotels. Inside, the hotel has been designed as a Victorian mansion. Award winning Melba Brasserie offers one of the best and most delicious breakfasts in the city. The recently opened 'Chuan' spa truly offers the ultimate in pampering also, with extensive treatment rooms specializing in a variety of local & Chinese therapies, aromatherapy steam rooms, conservatory covered pool, whirlpool and extensive gymnasium.

These residential style rooms incorporate the exciting surroundings of the Southgate precinct and Bay areas. Our guest rooms are designed with a sense of elegance and style, featuring king or twin bed configurations; marble bathrooms with separate shower and bath; a large work desk fully equipped with broadband internet access and well positioned to allow natural light; as well as a comfortable armchair and ottoman for relaxing in the sitting area. Each guest room is 380 square feet (35 square metres).

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Tour Information

A one day cultural and nature tour where you may see and learn about native animals and plants both in the famous open-range grasslands of Serendip Sanctuary on the Western Plains and in the bushlands of Brisbane Ranges National Park. We search for kangaroos, koalas, bird life and discover a rich Aboriginal heritage.  

Departing from your city hotel, we travel the short distance to the western plains of Victoria - one of the largest volcanic plains on earth. Open grasslands stretch in all directions with the occasional extinct volcano or ancient mountain range rising steeply out of the plain. There is a distinctly 'Australian' feel about the region.

Our first stop is Serendip Sanctuary, an open range reservation for rare and endangered indigenous wildlife of the Western Plains. Run by the National Parks Service, Serendip plays a pivotal role in the conservation of some of Australia's rarest birds. Seek out the large free-range mobs of our tallest kangaroo, the Eastern-grey and family groups of the world's second largest bird, the Emu.

We have a bush lunch before travelling to the Brisbane Ranges National Park, to walk a wide Savannah of grass, bush and wetlands searching for kangaroos and koalas. The park has a large population of wild Koalas. We also visit places of importance to the Aboriginal people of the region.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Restaurant Information

Tonight, dine in style aboard the unique Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Enjoy fine Australian cuisine and wines as you travel around the city aboard this specially renovated Tramcar. The tracks take you all over the Melbourne area past the city centre and into the more exclusive suburbs Melbourne is known for.

Monday, October 20, 2008

City Information

Uluru (Ayers Rock). If Sydney is the pulse of Australia, then Uluru is its heart. Rising over a thousand feet from the pancake flat earth, Uluru is a magnificent monolith which holds deep cultural significance for the Aboriginal people. It casts its spell as soon as you see it glowing in the distance, and you'll find yourself looking for glimpses of it's rusty peaks throughout your stay. Join a base walk and discover miniature pools and Aboriginal cave art hidden in the folds of rock, or enjoy first class dining on a sand dune at the Sounds of Silence dinner. West of Uluru lies a captivating collection of rounded rocks called Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Though less well known, many visitors believe that they are prettier than their popular neighbor.

Hotel Information

2 Nights at the Sails in the Desert Hotel. Welcome to Ayers Rock Resort's premier hotel! Slip into comfort and luxury right in the heart of the Central Australian Outback at Sails in the Desert Hotel. Relax in spacious, airy and exquisitely furnished rooms, enjoy a cocktail by the pool set amidst award-winning gardens, or sit back and relax under the magnificent white sails that give the hotel its name.

There is a tennis court or the immaculate putting green for the energetic, or wander through the magnificent Mulgara Gallery and buy some local art. The Hotel also offers some fabulous dining experiences including the lively, brasserie-style Winkiku Restaurant and the resort's signature restaurant, Kuniya. All rooms have a private balcony or verandah, private bathroom (with bath and shower), air conditioning, mini-bar, television, and in-house video. Being in the middle of the desert does not mean luxuries have to be forgone.

Dinner Information

Sounds of Silence Dinner. Tonight is an outback dining experience to remember, the sounds of the didgeridoo, the taste of outback cuisine, the 'sounds of silence' and the Milky Way. Journey into the desert and see the brilliant outback sunset over Kata Tjutu (The Olgas). Enjoy a three course meal prepared before we dim the lanterns and listen to the sounds of the great outback. Excursion includes transfers, pre-dinner drinks (local beer, wine & soft drinks), Canapes, BBQ Buffet, Dessert, tea, coffee & port.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Tour Information

Discovery Ecotours gives you a unique opportunity to absorb the mystery, beauty and fascination of the Ayers Rock region of Central Australia in air-conditioned 4WD 's or mini buses. All guides are professional skilled in sharing their knowledge with visitors and in making your visit enjoyable and informative. The Eco Pass includes one afternoon tour (with sunset viewing) and one morning tour with light breakfast. You have the option to join the Night Sky Show at extra cost.

This is a vehicle based tour around Uluru (Ayers Rock), providing the opportunity to witness the spectacular sunrise and absorb Uluru's natural history and deep significance to the Anangu people. Short walks will bring you close to this wonderful and powerful place, viewing rock art, waterholes and appreciating the unique flora and fauna of Uluru. There is time to amble, to absorb images and to gain an insight into Uluru's remarkable presence. The final step is to the Uluru and Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Light breakfast included in morning tour.

Leaving from your hotel mid-afternoon, the Discovery Ecotours guide will explain the nature of the desert and its development. A short walk to the dune lookout puts one in touch with the environment and lets you delight in the spectacular panoramic view of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) - a very sacred place to the Aboriginal people. Arriving at Walpa (Olga) Gorge, walk into this mystic place, to hear how it has evolved over millions of years. The scale of the walls and the wind far above, add a sense of mystery here. The sky deepens and the great domes of Kata Tjuta (Olgas) flush red as the tour retires to the sunset viewing area to view the fantastic colour changes wrought by sunset. Sit back and absorb the desert solitude or relax and chat to your guide about Australia's red centre. The spectacle fades as you return to Yulara beneath a sky of brilliant stars. This afternoon tour is around 4 hours.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

City Information

Palm Cove is miles away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Cairns. Escape to a forest-fringed oasis where you will find peace and plenty instead of people and plans. Immaculate beaches, succulent cuisine and a heritage all its own, Palm Cove is a beacon of tropical paradise.

Hotel Information

4 Nights at The Sebel Reef House & Spa, just 20 minutes north of Cairns in Palm Cove, offers an elegance unrivalled by any other property in this area. Set in private grounds with tropical gardens, the sound of water trickling down from the waterfall into one of the three pools adds to the magic of this beautiful resort-style hotel.

The colonial-style Sebel Reef House hotel captures the ambience and charm of tropical North Queensland, with airy rooms, subtle furnishings with an elegant atmosphere and attentive yet personal service. Dining at the hotel is an experience in the open restaurant or on the deck looking out to the Ocean; the chef prepares the freshest of tropical produce for which the area is renowned.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Tour Information

Sail to Michaelmas Cay, The Island of Birds, a year round home to thousands of sea birds of some 14 different species. Its spectacular coral reef, which thrives in the ideal conditions of clear, shallow, sunlit water, is home to a variety of marine life including giant clams and brilliant fish. Because Michaelmas Cay is a National Park the fish are so tame you can feed them from the beach and birds know they are safe to wander among you with their chicks.

Lunch is a buffet of seafood, hot and cold meats, roasted potatoes, salads and tropical fruit, freshly prepared in the spacious galley. We spend four hours at the reef with time for a variety of activities. You may wish to do a guided snorkeling tour with a graduate marine biologist, scuba dive with a qualified instructor (extra cost), or just laze on the beach. Enjoy a leisurely sail back to Cairns and afternoon tea, arriving back at the wharf late afternoon.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Tour Information

Because of the nature of balloons they can’t be steered, instead they are carried along by wind currents. The Kuranda range provides a buffer from the coastal winds, making the gentle Mareeba valley the ideal place for ballooning, having less cancelled flying days than any other location in the world.

Just after dawn the cool air in the Mareeba Valley provides the stable conditions which are perfect for ballooning. Allowing our flights to always be controlled, with our landing being gentle affairs with the basket remaining in the upright position. After the 30 minute flight, come back to earth with a champagne breakfast - muffins, tropical fruits, tea, coffee, juices and Australian champagne.

Saturday, October 26, 2008

City Information

Sydney - It is no surprise that when the British first arrived in Sydney they named the area Botany Bay. Even today, with a population of over 4 million people and a reputation for fun rather than flora, one is still surrounded by bush land in this bustling city. Native Waratah wind their way through the historic Rocks area, palm trees frame long stretches of pristine beach, and Eucalyptus embrace the harbors endless and beckoning bays.

It is Sydney's manmade wonders, however, that draw most visitors. The Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge are the most photographed icons on the continent. Choose a Seaplane Safari experience and enjoy a bird's eye view of the Opera House's signature sails. See the Harbor Bridge up close and personal by climbing the metal monolith and enjoy stunning 360 degree views of the glittering vista below with BridgeClimb. Whether it is an early morning visit to the largest fish market in the southern hemisphere or your very first surfing lesson on Bondi Beach, in this vibrant metropolis you will find no lack of energetic escapes and dynamic distractions.

Hotel Information

3 Nights at the Four Seasons Hotel with Opera House View. The spectacular Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is just a stroll away from the harbour and the Opera House, and lies in the centre of Sydney's business district. The Hotel is well known for its impeccable service, comfortable rooms, and impressive views of the city and the harbour. The dining room at the Four Seasons is always filled with interesting people and the bar can be a great place to mingle with the Aussies. The Hotel offers 531 rooms & suites, elegantly decorated in a luxurious contemporary style. Views from the guest rooms include Sydney's most famous icons: the sunrise over the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Sydney Opera House, the harbour, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour and beyond. Half of the rooms enjoy full or partial harbour views. The Four Seasons Hotel Sydney - simply the best!

Virtuoso ammenities include an upgrade to the next room catagory (subject to availability) and a late check out of 4:00pm (subject to availability).

Monday, October 27, 2008

Tour Information

Sydney truly is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its spectacular harbour setting, fascinating convict history, bustling downtown area and an exciting blend of architecture, ranging from convict built early colonial style reflecting our heritage, through to the world famous Sydney Opera House.

This is a very special small-group tour designed to give you a feel for this great city by showing you more than just the normal must-see 'tourist sites' Because we only use small luxury mini-vans, we will get behind the scenes to some fascinating city and suburban areas. Your driver is a very experienced private guide able to answer questions and discuss things of interest, with the knowledge and flexibility to cater for most interests.

You will be collected late morning from your hotel to see the highlights of downtown Sydney before venturing into some of the exclusive harbour-side residential areas where we stop for a 2-course lunch at the Vaucluse House Tea Rooms. Vaucluse House is one of Australias most historic houses and was home to the father of the Australian Constitution.

From lunch we continue our sightseeing including the famous areas of Bondi Beach and Paddington before returning to the city to commence a leisurely cruise of magnificent Sydney Harbour aboard a sailing catamaran.

Your cruise ends at Circular Quay and Darling Harbour by 5pm, from where you make your own way to your hotel.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Tour Information

A full day tour in a special 4WD vehicle (12-30 seat vehicle may be used) with your experienced driver/guide. Depart Sydney via the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and past the 2000 Olympic Games site to the Blue Mountains National Park. We leave the main roads behind to travel deep into the bush and enjoy morning tea surrounded by kangaroos and kookaburras.

Travel to Leura Village and stop at Echo Point to view the Three Sisters rock formation. From here - we travel into the back country of the Blue Mountains World Heritage area. Enjoy awesome views, see waterfalls, and stretch your legs on a short bushwalk if you wish. Lunch is included today before continuing on the trail of the first explorers to cross the Blue Mountains. We arrive at Sydney's premier Wildlife Park (Featherdale Wildlife Park), where we see Kangaroos & Koalas up close, along with Dingos, Wombats and other Australian wildlife. Return to your Sydney hotel around 6pm.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008