Peppers Retreats, Resorts and Hotels has expanded its presence in the New South Wales Southern Highlands with the recent acquisition, this month, of historic Craigieburn Resort, Bowral. The property has been managed by Peppers since early 2007. Originally opened as a guest house in 1909, Peppers Craigieburn recently went through substantial refurbishments revitalising the retreat and provid...
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With the Boeing 787 Dreamliner making its international debut at Farnborough (UK) yesterday, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and chief executive, Jim Albaugh said the company is working hard to stay ahead of the competition as the market begins to rebound. He was speaking to the international media attending the Farnborough Airshow. Albaugh believed that despite some continued uncerta...
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Boeing’s newest passenger aircraft, the 787 Dreamliner made its international debut at the Farnborough International Airshow (UK) today. Boeing 787 program vice-president and general manager, Scott Fancher said he couldn’t think of a finer stage on which to present this highly anticipated airplane. This is the first international trip made by the aircraft and it flew direct from Boeing�...
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Noosa tourism authorities and retail outlets have joined hands in a promotion designed to lure visitors to spend more money at Hastings Street shops. The Hastings Street dollars deal, running from now until the end of August, rewards shoppers for every purchase of 50 dollars or more at participating retail outlets, from clothing and footwear to restaurants and boutiques. Shoppers will receiv...
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Australia’s BIG4 Holiday Parks is targeting families in their “Kids Stay Free” national winter promotion which runs from July 1 to August 31, 2010. Guests staying at any of the participating parks pay nothing for up to two children, when they stay a minimum of two nights. Accommodation costs are based on two adults and two children. There are over 50 properties to choose from, many...
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Travellers flying Tiger Airways are now offered online check-in as part of the low cost carrier’s streamlined services. Tiger Airways’ managing director Shelley Roberts said the introduction of web check-in meant Australians would save on travel time as well as the cost of their ticket. Roberts said web check-in would open up a new market for the airline and the facility complemented Tig...
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Australia’s famous long distance trains The Ghan and the Indian Pacific will feature on Australia Post’s new stamps entitled ‘Great Australian Railway Journeys’. The 55 cent stamps will be available this month at participating outlets. Great Southern Rail commercial director, Russell Westmoreland, said the move marked a special way to recognise the nation’s great train journeys. ...
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Travelling with Qantas? Well now you will be able to check-in using your mobile phone. How good is that? Qantas this week launched new technology enabling domestic Mobile Check-in as part of the arline’s “Next Generation Check-in” program. Qantas chief executive, Alan Joyce said the move was a key part of the carrier’s aim to streamline the domestic airport experience for customers. "Ou...
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Wild Mob, a not for profit organisation, is seeking volunteers for its volunteer holiday programs in Australia. The Brisbane-based organisation works with Australian natural resource managers to identify projects and then coordinates volunteers to take part. A qualified team leader attends each camp and ensures volunteers experience a mix of hands on work and education as well as enough time to ...
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Sydney’s iconic Captain Cook Cruises will partner one of Australia’s top touring companies, AAT Kings, to offer a new cruise & coach product featuring NSW regional and coastal attractions, following a grant provided by the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism. The grant will be matched dollar for dollar by the two organisations while they conduct a feasibility project for the scheme ...
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Western Australian resort, Faraway Bay, is offering two Bush Tucker and Camp Oven Cooking School packages, April 29 – May 2 and August 2- 6, 2010. The four day deal costs from $4450 per person and includes accommodation, air transfers from Kununurra, the cooking school and all activities, as well as meals and beverages. The school will provide guests with a unique opportunity to learn mo...
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NSW Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay has launched a $296,000 Outback NSW tourism campaign at Lightning Ridge which will promote this fabulous destination and encourage visitors to stay longer. McKay met with local tourism operators, councils and business leaders at the annual CountryLink Outback Tourism Symposium event in Lightning Ridge this week. She said industry events such as this played an ...
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Online travel company Expedia has discontinued cancellation fees on all flights, accommodation, tour packages and car reservations booked on its website Expedia.com.au Travellers can call the company’s 24 hour call centre and change or cancel their reservations without incurring Expedia fees. Expedia marketing manager, Louise Crompton, said sometimes circumstances could affect travel plans...
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The IMAX Melbourne has released a great program in time for the Easter holidays, including the following shows: *From Thursday March 25, enter the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons in the new movie “How to Train Your Dragon”. This new animated action comedy is based on the book by Cressida Cowell and tells the story of Hiccup, a Viking teenager who doesn’t exactly fit in wi...
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Parks Victoria and Conservation Volunteers Australia have joined hands to offer wildlife enthusiasts a unique experience of taking part in a small mammal monitoring project currently underway in Victoria’s Grampians National Park The project is investigating the impact of the severe 2006 Grampians wildfire on local native animals, as well as the success of fox control programs. Over th...
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The city of Melbourne - including retailers, restaurants, bars and attractions – is expecting it’s newly launched “Marvellous March” calendar of events to attract over 117,000 additional daily visitors to the city. According to industry body Tourism Alliance Victoria, Melbourne is the most lucrative domestic tourism destination in Australia, adding $4.7 billion to the city’s coffers...
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Belmont, Lake Macquarie, 90 minutes drive north of Sydney, will host Lakefest, featuring plenty of fun events for locals and visitors, March 12-21. Take your bike along the lake for a spin in Loop the Lake, bring your swimsuit for a paddle at Paddlefest compete in the Caves Beachside Resort Ocean Swim at Caves Beach. Lakefest, one of the major events held in Belmont will showcase the best of...
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Online travel agent ZUJI, Helping Holidays Happen, is offering travellers four reasons to book an Easter getaway in March and they include – no booking fees, no credit card fees, domestic and international flight options and a $20 e-voucher towards accommodation, in conjunction with any flight booked before 31 March 2010. There’s a choice of packages to destinations around the world includi...
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Need to Escape and Needitnow.com.au have joined hands to launch family holiday deals in each state - available until March 28, 2010. Deals include: Darwin, Northern Territory Two-bedroom apartment at Marrakai Luxury All Suites Darwin and including fully equipped kitchen and laundry. Cost $250 per room, per night, sleeps five. North Melbourne, Victoria Self-catering two-bedroom apartmen...
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Virgin Blue has named former Qantas executive, John Borghetti the company’s new chief executive officer and managing director, effective May 8, 2010. Virgin chairman Neil Chatfield, said Borghetti was a highly regarded executive with deep aviation experience and insights; proven strategic capabilities and strong marketing credentials. “Nobody knows the market better and he is passionate...
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The Powerhouse Museum and IMG Fashion have joined hands to mount an exhibition celebrating 15 years of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week. The exhibition, Frock stars: Inside Australian Fashion Week will open at the Powerhouse Museum on 22 April 2010, exploring what happens inside and backstage at this iconic Australian event. It will feature the history, highlights, controversies and achieve...
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The Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association has launched its line up of regional and Sydney wine and food festivals for 2010. They include: Hunter Uncorked Pyrmont - Sunday 18 April Hosted in Pyrmont Bay Park, the ‘BBQ & Shiraz’ themed festival will be perfect heading into winter months. Featuring 20 wineries and restaurants, live DJs, interactive games with Hunter Valley winemakers and ...
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South West Coach Lines and Veolia Transport have launched a new line of luxury coaches to complement the existing charter, express and school services. Australia’s newest coaches have started operating ex Perth to the south-west from February. The coaches feature plush Italian leather seats, multi-channel entertainment system and USB re-charge ports for iPods and other electronic devices...
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Leisure company, Dometic Group, is giving camping enthusiasts a chance to win one of three road trips around Australia. Visitors to the Adelaide Caravan and Camping Show at 11am on February 24, 2010 will be given this great opportunity to join the competition at the WAECO stand in the Wayville Pavilion at stand W18. The prize will include a 13-week expenses-paid road trip plus receive a make-ove...
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Melbourne’s iconic Hotel Windsor has released an Easter accommodation deal offering a two-night stay in a traditional queen room for $350 between April 2 and April 5. That is equivalent to just $175 per night, and for an extra $70 guests can upgrade to a superior room for both nights. To celebrate Easter, there will be some specially-made chocolate treats in each room and the breakfast buffe...
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