Travel Briefs

Travel Briefs
John Crook

Biking it in Chile
Spending a little over a week cycling through Chile is one way to seek out adventure South American style. The cycling tour takes in vineyards and the cultures of Chile. The package includes most meals, park and vineyard entrance fees and premium wine tastings, a city tour and seven nights accommodation in cosy hotels and lodges. The trips depart Santiago on November 1 and December 6 2008. Airfares not included. Get the facts by ringing 131 600.

Love that Windsor
One of the nation’s most luxurious hotels has to be the historic Windsor in Melbourne’s Spring Street. Through to August 31 spend a night at the Windsor and pay AUD$225 for a superior room. Because it’s winter each guest receives an umbrella or a scarf. The winter package gives you the chance to do sporting fixtures to live theatre, staying the luxury of Melbourne’s favourite hotel. Visit www.thehotelwindsor.com.au or telephone (03) 9633 6002.

They’re racing in the bush
Brunette Downs in the Northern Territory is the location for the 98th year of racing, the big event of the bush scheduled this year from Thursday 12 June to Sunday 15 June. Get out the RM’s and slow down the drawl as you prepare for the annual Burnett Downs races. Camp on site, but bring your own gear and whilst all meals are available from the camp kitchen, if you’re into vegetarian, byo. Check it out on www.abcraces.com.au

A touch of luxury in Oman
The letters SLH immediately grab my attention. Small Luxury Hotels providing a certain level of luxury and now that extends to the sandhills of the Arabian Gulf. An Arabian getaway is offered by a member of SLH, Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, located in the northerly region of Oman.

Old world hospitality is offered in this part of the world where once pirates clashed and dolphins continue to play. Get the prices and more details by contacting www.omantourism.gov.om

Get that Peppers feeling
There’s a terrific three-night package on offer from Peppers Beach Club at Port Douglas. The property is just a short walk from the café set which favours Macrossan Street. Those trendy cafes, bars, restaurants and shops await you. Valid through to June 30 2008, the luxury resort is offering a 10% saving on accommodation and their spa suite package is priced from $837 and that’s complete with continental breakfast daily, a bottle of wine on arrival and $100 food and beverage credit. Email portdouglas@peppers.com.au

The big catch
Dream away and brag about the ones that got away, or join Peter and Tim Baily and their African Anglers safari and take on barramundi-like Nile Perch (pictured). Known locally as ‘buffaloes’ gives one the impression that these fellows are BIG. Live aboard the boats skippered by savvy Nubian guides, with excellent dining and coldies included. If it’s a challenge you’re after, check out the details and prices by emailing peter@african-angler.net

ENDS