TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook

Sampling tantalising cuisine

The City of Greater Dandenong is home to a series of ethnic precincts featuring cuisine, cultural activities and fashions. The city fathers have introduced a food lovers’ tour of central Dandenong when participants are led on a journey of sensational food from around the world. Monthly tours include sampling food from Afghanistan, Africa, Lebanon and Turkey. Tours are monthly and cost $25 per person. For details telephone (03 9238 1566.

$1000 in Fiji freebies

Special rates are valid for travel to Fiji through March 31 2009. Packages include return airfare to Nadi flying with Qantas, three nights accommodation at Outrigger on the Lagoon, four nights at Castaway Island, bonus one-way scenic helicopter transfer between resorts, bonus one-hour spar treatment, bonus dolphin safari for two people, one night’s accommodation at Mercure Hotel Nadi (excluding Melbourne departures) and boat and coach transfers throughout. Check the prices for the preferred departure point for Explore Holidays by contacting your nearest travel agency.

Three nights wining and dining

South America welcomes you to a three-night gastronomic tour at the foothills of the Andes. Visit local wineries and fresh food markets plus colourful restaurants The tour is priced from $507 and that includes three nights accommodation, breakfast daily, private airport transfers and touring. Airfares to Mendoza, where the tour begins, are not included. For more info contact Travel Associates on 1800 044 066.

On the road to Mandalay….

Mandalay is just one of many wonderful surprises included in a 32-day fully-escorted tour from Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Temples, hilltop retreats, ancient trading ports cruising aboard a classic wooden junk, taking a hot air balloon over the temple city of Bagan,- then a two-day cruise aboard a boutique 48-passenger Pandaw 11,- just to mention a few of the highlights. For full details telephone 1800 083 141 or visit www.farhorizons.com.au

There’s nothing like Noosa

Hastings Street in Noosa calls and you are the target. There’s a range of superb Noosa escapes on offer, such as Bella Casa with its one-room Balinese style apartments nestled in between cafes, restaurants and those exclusive shopping outlets. Tariff there starts from $245 per room/night. Valid through September 19 2008. Just remember, there are around 120 Noosa accommodation options from which to choose. Visit www.noosa.com.au

Seven days checking out the Christmas markets

There’s a coach tour linking some of Germany’s Christmas markets and if you move quickly there’s a seat on board with your name on it. This year the tours, which operate late November and early December, include the markets of Munich, Salzburg, Rothenberg, Nuremberg and Frankfurt. Tours are priced from $763 per person/night, for the Christmas Delight. Festive Christmas markets is priced from $1,339 per person/night and the 11-day German Christmas Fantasy is from $2,263 per person/night. Full details by ringing 1300 558 987.

* Please note conditions may apply to these packages and prices are subject to change and availability.