W/c September 8 2008 Travel Briefs

TRAVEL BRIEFS

John Crook

Luxury afloat

Mildura seems such a long way from anywhere, however, the journey is rewarded with this luxury gourmet getaway. Willandra Houseboats, based in Mildura, has an exciting offer, for $750 per person, with a minimum of two. The deal is three nights on board a deluxe houseboat, bottle of local wine on arrival, breakfast provisions, dinner at the Gol Gol hotel, lunch at Trentham Estate winery, a degustation dinner at Stefano’s restaurant, pre-dinner drinks, an on-board catered BBQ dinner. Contact Chris or Marina at relax@willandrahouseboats.com.au

The Coast Starlight

Good news from Amtrak and its daily services between Los Angeles and Seattle. Newly refurbished parlour cars provide a classier way of travel between the two ports. The Coastal Starlight coach fares are as low as US$52 between LA and San Francisco and US$98 one-way between LA and Seattle. For those who prefer the sleeper services they have access to have all the trimmings including an on-board ‘theatre’. For all the details telephone 1300 300 713.

Noosa and Fraser Island

Combine the two wonders of Queensland on a deluxe one-day adventure. There are some awesome accommodation options, and to enhance the holiday include a 4WD experience on the world’s largest sand island. There’s even champers on the beach. There are available slots through to the end of October 2008. Price is from $189 per person. Check the accommodation and also more info on the day tour by clicking on to www.noosa.com.au

Jobs scarce here? – try OWH

There’s a two-week program which allows vollies to get their hands dirty, helping to save the Amazon in Ecuador by working on a range of conservation activities. Priced from $930 per person multi-share the price includes volunteer placement, share accommodation, three meals a day, in-country fee, in-country support and access to a 24-hour emergency line.

Airlines to Ecuador, tourist visa and internal transport are not included in the price. Check details at 1300 651 639 or visit www.owh.com.au

Queen Mary a grand old girl

Check the inclusions associated with an 11-night 5-star cruise on the spectacular Queen Mary 2, sailing from Sydney to Hong Kong with prices from $3999 per person, twin share. That includes a night at the Peninsular Hotel, transfers, a return Hong Kong Peak tram sky pass and also air from Honkers back to Oz. Taxes and fuel surcharges are not included. Queen Mary 2,- what an experience ! Details from www.ecruising.travel or call 1300 369 848.

Guests disappear in a romantic world

What a way to go! CC Africa is growing with more luxury properties, two of which are in the Okavango Delta. These are most definitely ecotourism experiences. Some of the best game viewing in Africa. Each lodge accommodating a maximum of 18 guests. Choose from lodge accommodation or stylish en-suite safari tents. For all the information visit www.ccafrica.com

Pilots touring guide

Motorists demand all the info on accommodation, touring and facilities, so when airline pilots decide they too want access to the latest travel news, they purchase the Pilots Touring Guide. The guide is the bible for pilots on holidays, with 230 destinations ranging from country and coastal towns to farm-stay, unique bush pubs through to grand resorts. The publication features maps and details of what there is to do and see, through to where to purchase aviation fuel. The cost is $33 plus $6 postage and handling and is available from PilotsTG@bigpond.com

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

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