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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - Page 33
Travel APRIL 2012 www.TravelMonthly.com.au Phone: 1-800 231 311
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ALL THE WAY TO MANDALAY
■ Cruiseco has some thirty-eight luxury fly, cruise and stay packages along the legendary Irrawaddy River through Burma – also known as Myanmar – between June 29 this year and the end of April next year, at prices that simply cannot be beaten. That’s because it has taken an exclusive whole-of-ship charter of the boutique Orient Pandaw solely for Cruiseco guests. Its packages include return air and air taxes* from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth, 8-nights aboard the colonial-style riverboat that carries just 60 guests, most meals throughout the 11-nights of the package, soft drinks, local beers and spirits plus onboard gratuities and government taxes while on Orient Pandaw, extensive daily sightseeing with local guides throughout, a night in the deluxe Chatrium Hotel in Yangan, two nights in the deluxe Mandalay Hill Resort, and all transfers. Orient Pandaw will sail Cruiseco’s exclusive season upstream from Prome to Mandalay and downstream back to Prome on the Irrawaddy that was made famous by Rudyard Kipling’s Mandalay poem, with prices starting from just $4,999pp twin-share, including an Early Bird booking discount of up to $1000 per person. Check on availability. For detailed itineraries and the name of your nearest Cruiseco cruise-specialist travel agent, go to www.cruising.com.au *Air taxes could be subject to change, and some departures may require an overnight in Singapore at additional cost. Highlights will range from being aboard the teak and brass reproduction colonial river steamer itself, to Myanmar’s most-revered Buddhist temples, its earliest and most important archaeological site, a walled palace replete with the art works of early merchants and princes, British colonial towns and Italian and French forts built to withstand the British, ancient pagodas, a welcome into the daily life of a rural village, museums, a vast plain with the remains of 3000 of an original 10,000 temples, an ancient wooden monastery and a horse and cart ride.
A MONTH ON COAST 16-PAGE COLOUR GUIDE
To the Northern Hemisphere ■ SKIMAX has significant Earlybird offers to popular Northern Hemisphere winter holiday destinations such as Whistler in British Columbia, Aspen Snowmass in Colorado and Niseko on the Japanese island of Hokkaido.Whistler, about two hours from Vancouver, is enticing more and more Australian skiers and boarders with offers that include free nights and up to 50 per cent off accommodation. Based on a twin share hotel room at the Delta Whistler Village Suites, seven night packages start from $965*per person including 6 day ski pass. Valid for travel Jan 2 – Feb 12, 2013. At Aspen Snowmass, Skimax suggests staying at The Gant Condominiums, four blocks from the Gondola and three blocks from downtown Aspen. This Earlybird offer for seven nights with 6 day ski pass costs from $1,085*per person and is inclusive of one free night and 5% off accommodation. Valid for travel Nov 24 – Dec 15 2012. Japan’s powder capital Niseko, is offering savings of 30 per cent off accommodation for early bookers. From $1,199*per person twin share, enjoy seven nights at centrally located Yama Shizen Apartments and a 6 day ski pass. Valid for travel Dec 22 2012 – January 25 2013. For more details call Skimax on 1300 136 997 or visit www.skimax.com.au. *Conditions apply.
■ Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Grand Mercure Apartments Twin Waters has a 30 Night Deal for those wanting to escape the winter chill further south: from $3649 travellers can enjoy a month-long stay in a spacious two bedroom apartment – with seven of those nights free. Valid from April 9 until September 20 including the June-July school holidays, guests can also upgrade their month long stay to a three bedroom apartment priced from $4179, and with 10 free nights’ accommodation, making packages ideal for those who enjoy holidaying with family or friends. Rates also include weekly servicing. A shorter 7 Night Deal is also available from $949.00, in a two bedroom apartment including one free night or from $1045 for three bedrooms including two free nights accommodation. Providing a ‘home away from home’ ambience, Grand Mercure Twin Waters’ self contained apartments feature generous outdoor entertaining areas, gourmet kitchens, laundry, secure parking and contemporary furnishings. The resort has three swimming pools, BBQ areas, bicycle and walking paths and expansive lawn and beach areas. Located at the mouth of the Maroochy River and adjacent to Mudjimba Beach the property is ideally situated midway between the coastal townships of Coolum and Noosa to
the north and Maroochydore and Mooloolaba to the South. There is a supermarket and convenience store nearby and Grand Mercure Apartment guests have access to a range of restaurants, day spa and recreational facilities of the adjacent Novotel Twin Waters Resort; Brisbane is an hour south, and Sunshine Coast Airport five minutes drive from the resort. For further information or to make a reservation call: (07) 5450 6129, toll free 1800 665 476 or email res@grandmercure twinwaters.com.au * Grand Mercure Apartments Twin Water’s Winter Package is subject to availability, block out dates may apply, and bookings must be prepaid. No refunds are available.
NATIONAL VIETNAM VETS’ MUSEUM - INSIDE
‘Travel Monthly’ is published monthly by Local Media Pty Ltd, ABN 67 096 680 063, and is included in the Melbourne Observer, Sydney News and Brisbane Sun. Printed under contract by Streamline Press, 155 Johnston St, Fitzroy. Web: www.TravelMonthly.com.au E-mail: editor@travelmonthly.com.au Head Office: 30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham, Vic 3095. Phone: 1-800 231 311. Fax: 1-800 231 312. Responsibility for election and referendum comment is accepted by the Editor, Ash Long. Copyright © 2012, Local Media Pty Ltd.
Page 34 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 4, 2012
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Travel
Winter stays from Mid April to Mid September Come a nd stay at our beautif ul resort this winter a nd get away from the cold. With a mazing ocea n views, heated pool, 2 spas, a sauna a nd f ully self contained apartments so spacious you'll feel like your at home. We have some a mazing long stay dea ls There is a courtesy bus to the Ca loundra RSL, The Power boat club a nd The Bowls Club is just around the corner. Two couple dea l Stay 2 weeks in a t wo bedroom pa nora mic ocea n view apartment with 2 queen beds a nd t wo bathrooms for only $1600. 3 weeks for $2300 a nd four weeks for $2900
There are two towers with 10 f loors of luxury accommodation, offering a choice of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom holiday apartments, each of them fully self-contained with full size well appointed kitchens, laundry facilities, wireless internet, free in-house movies and Austar. Every unit features a large dining area and lounge which lead out onto a north-east facing balcony or patio, designed to make the most of the sunshine and the spectacular views over the Pumicestone Passage to the Coral Sea/Pacif ic Ocean, Bribie Island and Caloundra.
Unbelievable t wo couple dea l Stay t wo weeks in one of our lower f loor apartments with 1 Queen bed a nd 2 singles with 2 bathrooms for a n incredible $1000 a nd $500 per week af ter that !!! Be ver y quick. A ll our apartments face the ocea n a nd have a large ba lcony with a view. One bedroom dea ls Stay t wo weeks or more in one of our queen bedroom apartments on our lower f loors with lovely ocea n views for $450 per week. Telephone reception bet ween 9a m to 5pm to get one of these great dea ls on 07 5492 2200
Easter Specials Bring the k ids away to play at our friendly resort. Enjoy our huge heated pool with waterslide, have a game of tennis on our f ull size court, picnic and barbeque in the park next door or stroll out to the beach with no roads to cross for a price you really can af ford. Rela x on an evening in our on-site restaura nt a nd keep them quiet with our free in-house movie cha nnels a nd Austar. Stay 2 weeks from the 30th March in one of our one bedroom apartments, spacious enough for t wo adults and t wo sma ll children with sofa bed in the lounge area, for a great Easter holiday that doesn't cost the earth ONLY $ 1800 Come and stay in a t wo bedroom apartments from the 9th April for the second week of the Easter holidays for ONLY $750 for si x nights lower f loors with slightly interrupted ocea n views or ONLY $900 for si x nights high up with pa nora mic ocea n views.
Gemini Resort 49 Landsborough Pde, Golden Beach, Q!ld 4551 Phone: (07) 5492 2200. Fax: (07) 5492 1000 w w w.facebook.com/GeminiResort gemini@geminiresort.com.au
Page 36 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 4, 2012
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Travel Travel Escape the wet weather and come to Cairns – WINTER WONDER:
we are experiencing the driest summer in 50 years Bedroom fromnow $150 perpernight Save 50% on 11Bedroom apartments, only $90 night (min 3 nights). Bedrooms fromnow$180 perpernight Save 40% on 2 2 Bedroom apartments, only $126 night (min 3 nights) ValidAugust to 30/6/12,15 excludes Easter. Valid between - December 15, 2011
1, 2 or 3 BEDROOM SELF-CONTAINED APARTMENTS
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Page 38 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 4, 2012
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The Pavilions, Port Douglas Fact File
The Pavilions Port Douglas your place in paradise! Boutique holiday accommodation in Port Douglas Australia.
NAME: The Pavilions, Port Douglas ADDRESS: 35 Macrossan St, Port Douglas, Qld 4877 PHONE: (07) 4099 4888 FAX: (07) 4099 6025 CONTACT: Stephen Warden WEB: www.thepavilions.com.au E-MAIL: info@thepavilions.com.au
Just a one hour very scenic drive north from Cairns International Airport. As the Accommodation is located in the heart of Port Douglas you are only a short stroll away from everything in Port Douglas - beautiful 4 Mile Beach, 5 star restaurants, boutique and international designer shops, the eclectic Sunday market to the fabulous Marina Mirage. - 4 Star - Boutique Holiday Apartments - In the Heart of Port Douglas - Walk to Beach, Shops, Dining & Marina - Studio, 1 & 2 Bedroom Accommodation - All have Spa Baths & Private Balconies - Wireless Internet Available Example: 2 BEDROOM ACCOMMODATION - dual key Comprised of 1 Bedroom & Studio Apartments King size bed/twin Spa bath Air conditioning & ceiling fans Private Terrace with ceiling fan Television, Cable, DVD and Data Phone ADSL Wireless Service Kitchen/ette including fridge, microwave and hotplates Room Safe, Hairdryer, Iron Apartment serviced weekly
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - Page 39
Travel Monthly
Travel Hints
CELLAR-BRATING IN THE HUNTER
■ Six ‘new generation’ Hunter Valley NSW winemakers are going to hit the road between Melbourne and Noosa on the Sunshine Coast in April and May to promote their wines. They’re running an unusual competition for one wine buff and a friend to join them in their Big Green Bus from Byron Bay to Brisbane on May 16 and 17. Their so-called Caravan of Courage On The Road Again will feature pop up wine bars and dinners at which they will showcase their products, alongside those of other sponsors including Sip Your Style, Riedel, Binnorie Dairy Cheese and Budgy Smuggler. To enter the competition simply answer a few quick and easy questions on www.new generationhuntervalley.com.au The winner and a companion will get flights from Sydney or Melbourne to Ballina and return from Brisbane (or fuel assistance to drive from select closer regional areas,) transport on the Big Green Bus for two days, accommodation, transfers, and VIP tickets to the Byron Beach Cafe Pop Up Wine Dinner and the Brisbane Pop Up Wine Bar. There’s even a letter to the winner’s boss excusing them from work for two days, with the lucky winner being drawn on May 4.
ALL ABOARD THE ‘BIG GREEN BUS’
■ In his continuing search for the more weird, wacky and wondrous in the world of travel, David Ellis says the following announcements were actually made by drivers on London’s Underground rail:
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'Ladies and Gentlemen, I do apologize for the delay to your service. I know you're all dying to get home, unless, of course, you happen to be married to my exwife, in which case you'll want to cross over now to the Westbound and go in the opposite direction.'
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'Your delay this evening is caused by the line controller suffering from E & B syndrome: not knowing his elbow from his backside. I'll let you know any further information if I'm ever given any.' 'Do you want the good news first or the bad news? The good news is that last Friday was my birthday and I hit the town and had a great time. The bad news is that there is a points failure somewhere between Stratford and East Ham, which means we probably won't reach our destination.'
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'Ladies and gentlemen, we apologise for the delay, but there is a security alert at Victoria station and we are therefore stuck here for the foreseeable future, so let's take our minds off it and pass some time together. All together now.... 'Ten green bottles, sitting on a wall.....'.'
● The New Generation Winemakers’ ‘Big Green Bus’ The six winemakers are Thursday April 19 – Melbourne Tickets to the Pop Up Wine Bars in Melbourne, Sydney and David Hook (David Hook Thursday May 10 – Newcastle Wines), Andrew Thomas Friday May 11 – Sydney Brisbane are $30 each. They can be bought on (Thomas Wines), Rhys Eather Tuesday May 15 – Port www.newgenerationhunter (Meerea Park), Nick Paterson Macquarie valley.com.au; venues and (Mistletoe Wines), Mike De Wednesday May 16 – Byron prices to attend the Pop Up Iuliis (De Iuliis Wines) and Bay Wine Dinners in Newcastle, Andrew Margan (Margan Thursday May 17 – Brisbane Friday May 18 to Sunday May Port Macquarie and Byron Wines). They’ll be in these centres 20 – Noosa International Food Bay are also detailed on the on dates shown: and Wine Festival same site.
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'We are now travelling through Baker Street ... As you can se e, Baker Street is closed. It would have been nice if they had actually told me, so I could tell you earlier, but no, they don't think about things like that'. 'Beggars are operating on this train. Please do NOT encourage these professional beggars. If you have any spare change, please give it to a registered charity. Failing that, give it to me.'
During an extremely hot rush hour on the Central Line, the driver announced in a West Indian drawl: 'Step right this way for the sauna, ladies and gentleman... Unfortunately, towels are not provided.'
Caravans,Camping and Touring
Page 40 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Caravans,Camping and Touring
100% owned by Gumala Aboriginal Corporation ● Uniquely furnished luxury eco tents with full linen ● Hotel quality king or twin beds with private ensuite ● Outback style alfresco licensed restaurant and bar ● Campsites and caravan sites with BBQ facilities ● Guided coach tours and adventure tour arranged
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - Page 41
Caravans,Camping and Touring
Page 42 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 4, 2012
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Places To Go
NOT JUST FOR GROWN UPS explore ... discover ... have FUN!
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