travel In brief ...
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magine holding a sedated wild cheetah in your arms, fitting a radio collar to a leopard, photographing and studying whale flukes or tracking a lion. Award-winning, non-profit wildlife organisation Biosphere Expedition has launched its first office in Australia offering one and two-week wildlife conservation expeditions to remote regions such as the Caprivi, Honduras, Altai Mountains or Oman. Founder Dr Matthias Hammer says trips include studying snow leopards in the Altai Mountains; the lions, leopards and cheetahs in the Caprivi delta of Namibia, Botswana and Zambia; safeguarding the coral reefs of the Cayos Cochinos, Honduras; monitoring the chamois, wolves and bears of the Nı́zke Tatry mountains in Slovakia; researching the Arabian leopard in the desert mountains of Dhofar, Oman and studying the jaguars and pumas in Brazil’s Atlantic rainforest. ‘‘We offer people the opportunity to join genuine expeditions alongside scientists, where they will be able to undertake wildlife research and conservation activities,’’ he says. ‘‘Our expeditions are for those looking to do something more on their holidays than roasting on the beach. There are no special skills required and no age limits whatsoever – indeed, our oldest participant so far was 87.’’ Activities include learning how to use a map with GPS and a compass, collecting animal data, reading tracks and signs, using telemetry equipment and setting up wildlife camera traps. Some two thirds of the expedition
Left, data is collected from a sedated leopard in the Caprivi delta of Namibia and, above, a lion, also of Namibia contribution goes back into the project. One-week expeditions start around $1800, and two-week trips at $2000. ‘‘Our research projects have already made a difference with our wolves and bears expedition proving to the Slovakian Government the scarcity of wolves in that area and causing the subsequent removal of wolf-hunting licences,’’ says Dr Hammer. ‘‘We’ve also had a snow leopard protection area declared in Central Asia.’’ The company also runs taster weekends in Australian locations such as the Blue Mountains, NSW, and Lake Eildon National Park, Victoria.
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ravel Associates is offering seven nights accommodation for the price of five at the luxurious Taj Exotica Resort and Spa in the Maldives. Located on Emboodhu Finolhu Island, in the middle of the largest lagoon in the Maldives, villas have palm-thatched roofs,
are built from natural wood finishes and are delightfully appointed in classic Maldivian style. Enjoy an array of water sports including water tubing, knee boarding, wind surfing, diving, paragliding or water skiing. Prices start from $4985 per person twin share departing Sydney; $4965 from Melbourne; $4990 from Brisbane and include return airfare to Malé, seven nights at the resort in a lagoon villa (two free nights included in price), breakfast and return speedboat transfers. The offer is valid between April 17 and October 31. Phone Travel Associates on 1800 044 066 for more information.
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ake up to scent of wildflowers during a 15-day exploration through Western Australia from Escape Travel. The round trip from Perth travels to the Margaret River, Valley of the Giants,
Albany, Esperance, Kalgoorlie, Wave Rock and Monkey Mia. Western Australia is one of the richest wildflower areas in the world, encompassing more than 7000 species such as kangaroo paws, pitcher plants, banksias, dryandras and grass trees. Travellers on tour between August and November will be treated to a kaleidoscope of colour when the region’s native wildflowers burst into full bloom for spring. Prices start from $4235 per person twin share and include 14 nights accommodation, airport transfers, the services of a professional tour director and a driver, transport by luxury air-conditioned coach and sightseeing as per itinerary. Airfares are not included. This tour is valid for travel from May 16 until March 13, 2010, and valid for sale until October 31. Phone Escape Travel on 1300 799 783 or vi s i t www.es capet ravel.com.au for bookings.
HAVE A SHORT AND SWEET AS BREAK.
Te Henga beach, New Zealand.
Your next overseas adventure is probably closer than you think, thanks to Blue Holidays. In just a few hours you could be exploring New Zealand’s most vibrant city, all for a very small price. Auckland offers much more than the average weekend away – you can enjoy the cosmopolitan city life, spectacular landscapes and sparkling waters. In fact, just 40 minutes from the city you’ll find Te Henga beach, one of the most stunning black-sand beaches on the west coast. Whether you’re craving adventure, relaxation, culture or fine cuisine, Auckland has something for everyone. So pack your passport and book your Blue Holidays deal now at flypacificblue.com/auckland or call 13 15 16.
AUCKLAND
◊512 pp*
3 NIGHTS AND AIRFARES
Holiday includes return airfares departing Gold Coast Airport to Auckland & 3 nights accommodation at the Quadrant Hotel in a one bedroom. Stay 3 nights and pay for 2.
AUCKLAND 3 NIGHTS AND AIRFARES
◊524 pp*
Holiday includes return airfares departing Gold Coast Airport to Auckland & 3 nights accommodation at Rydges in a superior room. Stay 3 nights and pay for 2.
flypacificblue.com/auckland
The holiday program of
*Departing Gold Coast Airport to Auckland, New Zealand. Prices based on per person, twin share. Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Package price is per person twin share and is correct as at Mar 16, 2009. Package on sale until Apr 30, 2009 for travel until Jun 30, 2009. During some periods air and hotel pricing may not be available and surcharges may apply. Prices are subject to availability and are not guaranteed until the booking is completed and confirmed. Full payment is required at the time of booking and cancellation or amendment fees apply. Package pricing is based on web bookings or $40 more per person by phone. A credit card service fee of 1.5% of the total package price is applicable. Prices based on direct route, including taxes, levies and other government charges which may vary and are subject to change. Seasonal surcharges may apply. Hotel rates quoted are based on double occupancy, per room per night, unless otherwise noted. Prices based on lead-in room, additional rooms available. CumminsNitro © VIR 1474/GCBb