Hunter Valley Retreat

TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook

Hunter Valley retreat

Imagine!  A three-night stay in a one-bedroom cottage, in the Hunter Valley for just $300.  That’s a saving of $270 from the normal tariff.   You will need to book and travel by July 31 2008.  Visit totaltravel.com for more information on this hot deal from Berenbell Vineyard Retreat.

World Cars deal

Good savings on international car rental rates, with cuts by as much as $26 a day for rentals in the UK.  This follows the merger of World Cars and Auto Europe.  Rentals need to be made by July 31 and are valid for collection any time up to  December 31 this year. Also check on the rates for USA and the ‘rock bottom’ rates for NZ skiing trips this winter.   ‘Phone 1300 55 44 32.

Stay on original QM. Cruise on QM2

A unique package combining a stay on the original Queen Mary and then 15-nights cruising the Pacific aboard Queen Mary 2, paying from just $3799 per person, twin share.  That also includes two nights accommodation at the Airport Hilton, one night in the Queen Mary Hotel, cruising on QM2 to Australia, with all meals, on-board entertainment. port charges, taxes and transfers.   Airfares to LA not included.  Available until sold out.  Visit www.cruisespirit.com.au  

Wollongong packages save $$$ on fuel

Hotel Ibis, Novotel Wollongong Northbeach and Rydges Central City Wollongong currently offering decent deals.  Ibis with overnight accommodation in a Queen room with two for one coupons for brekky, lunch and dinner,  plus free entry to the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk.  This package is priced from $129.  Check on conditions. Telephone 1800 240 737 for the other good deals at the Gong, – or dial  1800 240 737.

Africa – discounted

There are savings of $160 per person per night at a range of top class camps and lodges at eight properties in Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe.  The normal rate of $550 per night has been reduced to $390 and available for travel between December 1 2008 and March 31 2009 (excepting over Christmas and New Year).  Included is luxury tented or lodge accommodation, with meals, local brand drinks, laundry, game park fees and wildlife viewing activities.  Contact Bench International for bookings and special rates for air travel – 1800 221 451.  

Platiinum offer

Fifty guests aboard the Ghan get to experience the classy Platinum service, which offers a total of 25 cabins, twice the size of normal gold cabins and with a double bed.   The Rail Plus tickets are priced at $2,975 per person and come with 24 hour service, priority boarding, a complimentary nightcap and turndown service every night.

Get the facts by checking www.railplus.com.au  

Get fueled up

Winter in wine country packages currently come with a $100 fuel voucher.  The deal is available at selected properties.  For example, at Peppers guest house in the Hunter Valley, the midweek rate is $592 per couple for a two nights stay, twin share.  That includes full breakfast for two and a bottle of Hunter Valley premium wine, plus that $100 fuel voucher.

Best thing to do is to visit www.winecountry.com.au and click on ‘hot deals’.

Please note prices subject to variation, conditions apply and subject to change.

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