Jetsettersblog

Celebrates its Grand Opening

Melbourne’s newest 4.5 star hotel, the 277-room Mantra Tullamarine Hotel, will officially open on Wednesday May 6th. The hotel, which is the largest property in the airport precinct, will be opened by Councillor Jack Ogilvie, the Mayor of Hume in Victoria.

Mantra Tullamarine Hotel, opened its doors to guests in January and has enjoyed solid bookings from corporate and conferencing sectors as well as leisure travelers seeking the convenience of a hotel that is less than 5 minutes drive from the Melbourne International Airport.

Featuring 277 luxuriously appointed studios and suites Mantra Tullamarine Hotel is also proving popular for conferences and events, especially weddings, seeking space for up to 300 people. The events facility at the property includes six spacious meeting rooms, two large inter-joining event rooms and pre function lounge areas along with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment.

Guests can dine in the onsite Woodland’s Restaurant Bar and Lounge seating up to 140 people and serving sumptuous food for breakfast, lunch and dinner

“Mantra Tullamarine Hotel is perfect for the travelling corporate market and local business community, with its prime airport location and relative proximity to the CBD,” said General Manager Steve Frichot

Mantra Tullamarine Hotel offers 24-hour reception and room service, concierge, professional business centre, same day laundry and dry cleaning service, lap-pool, sauna and gym, and an airport shuttle bus service during flight times.

Special opening accommodation rates are available from $125 per room per night. There is also a Day Delegate package for events and conferences. Starting from only $65 per delegate (minimum 12 delegates) the package includes: arrival, morning and afternoon teas, with full hot buffet lunch or working lunch platters.

For bookings call 03 9093 6500 or email tullamarine.res@mantra.com.au . www.mantra.com.au

About Mantra:

Whether for work or leisure, Mantra’s extensive collection of 50 hotels, resorts and apartments capture the natural charm and ambience of their diverse locations, from bustling cities to serene coastal escapes. Stylish décor, quality service and great locations are all part of the Mantra offering.

Singapore Botanic Gardens Celebrates 150 Year Legacy

‘Rubber: The Seed That Changed The World’
Anniversary Exhibition Charts Commercial Birth of Rubber

Singapore celebrates this year the 150th Anniversary of the founding of its famous Botanic Gardens (SBG), which today welcomes over three million visitors annually and is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Historically linked to Britain, the 52-acre green oasis “connecting plants and people” was modelled on Kew Gardens when it was founded in 1859 in the heart of what is today one of the world’s busiest port cities.

The fascinating exhibition: The Seed That Changed The World charts the commercial rise of rubber, championed by pioneering British botanists such as Thomas Ridley (a director of the SGB from 1888 – 1911) to its universal use throughout the world today. During the rest of the anniversary year, the SBG has planned a full list of activities and events including an exhibition on pioneering evolutionists Darwin and Wallace (July), and a photo exhibition of international rainforests staged in partnership with Kew Gardens and the Prince’s Trust (December).

In its 150 year history, the SBG has grown to include a five-hectare estate containing the world’s most comprehensive orchid culture, one of Asia’s largest collections of rare palms, a valuable library and herbarium, and a six-hectare tract of primeval forest, and Asia’s first children’s garden. Scheduled to open in 2010, an ‘Healing Garden’ will showcase some of the plants and herbs used in traditional medicine throughout Asia – keeping the Gardens true to mission as a recreational park, research and educational facility and national asset.

The on-going development of Singapore’s Botanic Gardens exemplifies the government’s commitment to a comprehensive ‘greening’ programme which began over forty years ago under the direction of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.

Between 1986 and 2007 alone, designated green areas and protected nature reserves grew from 36% – 46% and today comprises 9,500 hectares over 300 parks. In addition to the Botanic Gardens, some of these other ‘must-see’ natural habitats include the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, and the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.

Comments STB’s Area Director for Northern and Western Europe, Divya Panickar: “The 150th anniversary of the founding of the SBG is truly a milestone event in the city’s history. Like Singapore itself, the SBG keeps evolving to ensure it remains a vital and integral part in the lives of the city’s residents and a highlight on any visitor’s itinerary. It has come to mean much to the people of Singapore, and is well-deserving of its accolade by TIME magazine as “Asia’s Best Urban Jungle” in 2007”.

The Luxury Collection’s ITC Mughal Agra hotel’s ‘Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa’ Awarded

AsiaSpa India celebrated their 5th anniversary and gave away awards to recognize and applaud the Achievers in the Spa Industry. The Luxury Collection’s ITC Mughal Agra hotel’s Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa, received three awards at this event in the following categories:

1) Best New Spa in India 2) Best Interiors 3) Best Spa Marketing

Earlier in September 2008, Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa, was also singled out by UK’s Tattler Magazine, as the World’s Best City Spa.

At Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa, the spa experience is spread across more than 99,000 square feet. Widely recognized as India’s largest Spa, it follows Mughal tradition in its extensive use of greenery and water and interiors embellished with stone latticework, mother of pearl, inlay and mirror work. Eight exquisitely designed luxury treatment suites, offer traditional and international therapies. Among the important experiences offered is ‘The Royal Mughal Hamam’ – India’s first luxury hamam .

Babar, the first Mughal Emperor, is credited with having brought into India the pomegranate – the fruit that is the inspiration for the theme for Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa. Always considered special in India for its therapeutic properties, the pomegranate is now being recognized the world over for its healing qualities.

Babar’s legacy of fruit is highlighted through a luxurious ‘Pomegranate Aromasoul Massage’, which serves to detoxify, revitalize and elevate the senses. The ‘Pomegranate Ritual Scrub’, followed by the ‘Pomegranate Infusion Bath’, may be considered the ultimate in relaxation therapies – within a private garden atmosphere while sipping a glass of freshly squeezed pomegranate elixir.

Consistant with the demands of global corporate travellers, spas are fast becoming one of the essential offers at All ITC Luxury Collection hotels. Spread across the country, ITC’s Kaya Kalp Spas can now be experienced at ITC Sonar at Kolkata, ITC Kakatiya in Hyderabad, ITC Windsor at Bengaluru and ITC Maurya in Delhi.

Looking for savings but unwilling to sacrifice quality American patients shift toward a new medical travel destination- Poland.

LANCASTER, PA – American consumers are demanding. They are used to the highest quality of goods and services, the most imaginative commercials offering mind-blowing products, to excellent customer service, and generally to instant gratification. At the same time, in light of the declining economy and financial struggles, millions of them have been forced to limit their spending on a number of items or put it completely on hold. To many this meant putting their dreams or even their medical needs on hold as well, others started looking for options elsewhere.

Hundreds of thousands of Americans are happily discovering that they are able to afford health treatments if they travel abroad where cost for medical procedures is only a fraction of American prices.

More specifically, a price tag for a surgery outside the United States is on average three thousand dollars lower for a plastic surgery and even as much as ten thousand dollars lower for surgeries like hip replacement or gastric bypass.

Not surprisingly, CNN.com reports that over 750,000 American patients chose to travel abroad for medical treatments last year and this number is expected to increase threefold to over 2 million by 2010.

Still, many potential patients remain skeptical and they rightfully demand more answers. While overseas would I be able to communicate in English? Can I expect the same standards and quality I got accustomed to at home?

Is it even safe to travel to an Asian or South American country for medical procedures?

The concern is understandable given the fact that countries like India, Thailand, or Costa Rica are some of the most popular medical travel destinations. This, however, has been recently changing.

Research shows that Europe is currently the only continent where medical guidelines, quality, and safety meet or exceed North American standards and medical travel industry is noticing a substantial shift in that direction.

The number of Americans choosing European countries like Poland over other medical tourism destinations has been growing exponentially allowing them to take advantage of not only substantial savings but also safe, world-class health care at the same time.

An access to the newest European medical technology and techniques, highly educated nursing staff speaking a few languages including perfect English, and outstanding, internationally known physicians associated with top US programs and hospitals are among reasons why American patients increasingly choose Polish clinics for their medical treatments.

Additionally, Poland offers an easy and quick access to major European cities and most Americans typically prefer to spend a few days before the surgery in France, England, or Italy rather than in any third-world country.

Kari Group LLC specializes in providing access to plastic and cosmetic surgery treatments in Poland and according to company executives, their clients are not only looking for savings but, more importantly, for security and peace of mind. Americans appreciate the comfort of knowing that they will be cared for by an excellent English-speaking European surgeon in one of the best medical facilities in the world and that the treatment they will receive will not only be affordable but at the same time as good and safe as at home.

Probably one of the most frequent and important questions is: if healthcare in Poland is so good, why is it so much cheaper than in the United States?

This question is best answered by another question:

Why is US healthcare so expensive? High facilities costs, unpaid hospital bills totaling billions of dollars, high-priced medical education, costly research, and excessive malpractice litigation all add up to exorbitant prices for healthcare in the United States. In addition, American physicians who perform elective and specialty procedures, such as cosmetic surgeries, command very high fees from patients willing and able to pay, leaving those of more modest means unserved and seeking alternatives.

Healthcare in Poland is also less costly because standards of living are more modest, doctors and staff command lower wages, government-subsidized healthcare keeps private healthcare costs down, and malpractice attorneys are considerably more restrained. The most important reason, however, deals with economy and currency.

Poland is not yet using the European currency, but rather keeping their own currency.

This makes medical services in Poland even more affordable for an American patient. This will change when Poland adopts Euro, now is therefore, the best time to take advantage of substantial savings.

American consumers are demanding, and they should be, especially when it comes to something as important as their health.

For more information visit www.karigroupllc.com
or call toll-free 866-261-2927

Luxury Resort’s Refurbished Suites Now In Full Bloom

A luxury Caribbean resort has launched 42 revamped suites after a two year renovation project costing almost £500,000 pounds.

The Anthurium Lily suites at Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort in Saint Lucia offer guests a sumptuous taste of the Caribbean boasting four poster beds, plasma TV screens, marble bathrooms and sun decks with a sea view.

The one bedroom suites are testament to the high standards set by the resort which was recently voted Saint Lucia’s Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards.

Following a plantation style theme, the interiors mix natural materials such as sea grass and woven cane with hard mahogany wood to create a clean and contemporary feel. Offering excellent value-for-money the suites are perfect for honeymooning couples and those on a romantic break.

Anthony Bowen, vice president and managing director of the resort, said: “Windjammer aims to be the best in Saint Lucia and I am pleased to open our refurbished suites as testament to this fact.

“It has been a long project, but when looking at the standard of accommodation on offer, it is clearly a worthwhile one. The suites offer the comfort of modern living combined with beautiful sea views and seamless interior design.”

Windjammer Landing is a big hit with celebrities, brides to be and families alike and offers 247 suites and villas, all with spectacular views overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Set on a 65-acre plot in the North West of Saint Lucia near Castries, it also offers a good selection of beach and hillside restaurants, on site spa and dive school, as well as a nearby golf club.

Anthurium Lily suites start from £182 per night in peak season and £140 in low season.

Book online to receive 50% in Sun Dollars which can be spent on food and activities at the resort.

The resort celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and will launch a series of promotions surrounding this.

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, Labrelotte Bay, PO Box 1504 Castries Saint Lucia, Tel: 0808 101 7261 or book via www.windjammer-landing.com

Through The Past, The Pleasant And The Picturesque

Take the scenic routes through Georgia to discover interesting sights along the way from Antebellum homes, Callaway Gardens, the ghosts of Chattanooga, Tallulah Gorge, to the Showplace of the Cherokee Nation. With 300 species of birds, 1.6 million peach trees, Rose City and the ancient Kolomoki Indian Mounds, Georgia offers nine themed driving trails of discovery.

For over two decades, seven cities have formed the core of what is known as Georgia’s Antebellum Trail. Stately pillared manors line the streets of historic communities such as Madison, Washington, and Eatonton.

In Milledgeville, visitors can tour the Old Governor’s Mansion or observe Athens’ famous double-barrelled cannon before seeing “the town that time forgot- ” Old Clinton” or even search for the famous Confederate gold that is rumoured to have been hidden in Macon’s Hay House after the Civil War.

This year marks the trail’s 25th anniversary, and in honour of this occasion the first annual Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage takes place this spring.

It includes access to seven events and attractions, including private, historic homes not generally open to the public.

More than 300 species of birds seen across 100 miles of diverse, coastal habitats make the Colonial Coast Birding Trail a perennial favourite.

At 18 different sites along Georgia’s coast, from old rice fields to salt marshes, a wide range of winged life can be discovered, from an eagle over the Melon Bluff Preserve to an endangered wood stork silently fishing, while there are many 18th and 19th century historical places that provide the framework for the birding trial.

The Plantations and Pines Trail stretches west-to-east across southern Georgia. Visit Georgia’s wildlife at the new Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island and at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, created to protect one of the world’s largest intact freshwater ecosystems.

Famous for its amphibian and reptile life, visitors can scout out tree frogs and lizards or boat through the marshes with giant alligators. After leaving the swamp, stop and smell the flowers in Thomasville, “The Rose City.”

With over 7,000 roses publicly maintained throughout the city, it is the perfect place to hold the annual Rose Festival. Venture back in time at the historic Pebble Hill Plantation in the west or the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation in the east.

The Heritage Highway 441 Trail runs through the middle of the state, from north to south. At the top are the mountains of northern Georgia, offering spectacular views of peaks and valleys as the trail marches south, exposing Indian and Appalachian heritage along the way. As the mountains give way to the hills of the Piedmont, discover the antebellum homes and the historic cities of Madison and Milledgeville.

Continuing south, the hills lead to the flatness of the Coastal Plain, and to the blackwater river systems and thriving wildlife preserves.

Georgia’s Blue and Gray Trail is a composite of more than 60 battlefields, national parks, and museums.

Along the way, stands Chickamauga, the site of the second largest battle of the war and the first battlefield designated a National Military Park.

The ghosts of the Chattanooga National Cemetery and the memories at Margaret Mitchell’s Atlanta home where she wrote the Civil War novel Gone With the Wind, are just a few of the other attractions featured on the trail.

The Peach Blossom Trail stretches across eight counties in middle Georgia, showcasing the state’s illustrious and fuzzy fruit. This famous region of orchards produces 100 million pounds of peaches each year and is home to more than 1.6 million peach trees, comprising the state’s largest commercial peach-growing region.

In the spring, the trail is ablaze with delicate pink and white blossoms, while the summer months the ripened fruits are for feasting. Stop by a roadside stand or “pick your own” off the tree for an authentic Georgia experience!

Experience the Border To Border Trail and enjoy 320 miles of natural wonders, cultivated beauty and man-made marvels. U.S. Highway 27 spans all of Georgia, from the north to the south, and has everything from history to nature to modern marvels. Highlights include the breathtaking Cloudland Canyon, the elegant Callaway Gardens, the ancient Kolomoki Indian Mounds and President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Georgia retreat as well as the Little White House in Warm Springs.

Miles of mountain and lake views define the Southern Highroads Trail.

Featuring a wide variety of antique shops, arts, entertainment, dining, unique lodging and outdoor activities, this mountain route has much to offer. Discover why Ellijay is Georgia’s apple capital; savour the sights surrounding Tallulah Gorge or go tubing on the Chattahoochee River. Local vineyards offer liquid refreshment, a plethora of lakes and state parks offer unparalleled scenic beauty and historical sites such as the Chief Vann House, “Showplace of the Cherokee Nation,” are some of the unique attributes of the trail.

Historic Augusta is the starting point for the Woodpecker Trail, perhaps one of the oldest tourist routes in the U.S. ( Formed back in the 1920’s, it has gone through several periods of change, arriving at its current configuration in 2004).

It offers a variety of natural, historical, and agro-tourism opportunities, with everything from state parks to museums to the city of Vidalia, home of the world-famous Vidalia sweet onions!

Adventurers can camp in Magnolia Springs State Park, with crystal clear natural springs, or explore the natural wonders of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. The pine forests along the route hide the trail’s namesake, though a keen eye will reveal many red-headed woodpeckers along the way!

Please note that whenever driving in the State of Georgia holders of licences not written in English are required to hold an International Drivers Permit (IDP)’.

Blue and Gray Trail – www.blueandgraytrail.com
Border to Border Trail – www.exploregeorgia.org/border
Colonial Coast Birding Trail –
http://georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us/content/displaycontent.asp?txtDocument=85&txtPage=1
Georgia’s Antebellum Trail – www.antebellumtrail.org
Heritage Highway 441 Trail – www.441heritagehighway.org
Peach Blossom Trail – www.peachblossomtrail.org
Plantations and Pines Trail – www.exploregeorgia.org/plantationpine
Southern Highroads Trail – www.southernhighroads.org
Woodpecker Trail – www.woodpeckertrail.com

West Virginia has introduced a series of driving itineraries through its Mountain State highlighting its natural splendour, historical sites and unique culture.

George Washington Trail: History Comes Alive!
The George Washington Heritage Trail winds through several Eastern Panhandle cities and towns with impressive histories. Visit the bathtub in Berkeley Springs where George Washington “took the waters.” See the arsenal at Harpers Ferry where John Brown led his abolitionist raid and enjoy shops and fine dining in Shepherdstown.

Berkeley Springs, home to the winter International Festival of the Waters, is a year-round destination for arts, crafts and antique lovers. The annual Berkeley County springhouse tour allows visitors to see some of the historic homes and buildings in this quaint town.
• Nearest Airport: Dulles International Airport in Washington DC

Track the Cranberry Wilderness

Cranberry Glades is one of the real natural wonders of West Virginia. Visit the home to the largest fully steerable radio telescope in the world – The National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank. Take a free tour and learn more about how scientists are studying the world beyond our atmosphere.

The Pearl S. Buck Homeplace in Hillsboro is a rural tribute to the Nobel-prize-winning woman whose books about life in the Orient touched millions of readers around the world.

Three fly-drive options for travellers include:

• New York and fly to White Sulphur Springs, WV
• Dulles International Airport, Washington, DC
• Charlotte, NC

Midland Trail: West Virginia treasures
Along the Midland Trail, learn about the state’s African-American history and industrial beginnings. Visit Mountain Stage, the acclaimed public radio music programme for a new perspective on arts and entertainment and understand why West Virginia is “almost heaven.”

Experience the state’s rugged beauty from a bike, on a raft or on foot when visiting the New River Gorge National River area.

• Nearest airports: From New York, Washington DC, Charlotte or Cincinnati, fly to Charleston, WV’s Yeager Airport or Beckley, WV’s Raleigh County Airport

Lewis & Clark Expedition: History along the Ohio River

Many of the cities and town on the banks of the Ohio River are steeped in state and natural history.

This excursion recalls the travels of famed early American explorers, Lewis & Clark. Along the way, mix history with recreation by golfing at Oglebay Park, taking a critter cruise at Blennerhassett Island or counting the tunnels along a bike ride at North Bend State Park.

The city of Wheeling hosts a number of festivals, including the Festival of Lights in November and December, Oktoberfest in the fall and celebrations to the area’s African-American, Celtic and Lithuanian heritage.

Hatfield & McCoy Trail:

The Hatfield-McCoy Recreation Area Trails offer more than 350 miles of freewheeling and the challenges of all-terrain vehicle driving while learning a little about the Hatfields and McCoys, who fought their way into history books and became synonymous with “family feud”.

• Any international gateway airport on the East Coast to Charleston’s Yeager Airport

Holiday Shopping and Spa Luxuries

Experience the spa treatments in West Virginia’s mountains. Glade Springs Resort’s year-round activities include golf, equestrian, outdoor adventure, and spa treatments.

Nearby Tamarack and a holiday tour of historic Bramwell take visitors through the mountains to visit some of the state’s southern treasures.

Winterplace is Glade Spring’s sister property and offers downhill skiing, tubing and snowboarding.

• Fly into Dulles International in Washington, DC and take the commuter flight to Beckley, WV and rent a car or fly into Pittsburgh International Airport and take the commuter flight to Beckley.

A Little Bit of Switzerland

Like other states, West Virginia is a melting pot. Early settlers came from all over the world to carve out a new life for themselves here in the Mountain State.

Some communities, like Helvetia, still reflect the essence of the individual cultures of the people who established the towns. Late in February, the residents of Helvetia welcome spring and chase away “Old Man Winter” with their Fasnacht celebration. A ride across the mountains will take visitors to serene Holly River State Park for trout fishing and hiking along brooks.

How to Travel There:

• From East Coast international gateway airports, fly to Charleston WV’s Yeager Airport and rent a car.

Of The Mayan World

Cancún is a made-to-order resort, built specifically for tourism on the Yucatan peninsula which was settled by the Mayan’s 3,000 years ago. Vestiges of holy structures of this fascinating culture stand in Cancun preserved by dense jungles and rainforest – just a couple of hours away!

Chichen-Itza Voted one of the new ‘Wonders of the Modern World’ – and a UN World Heritage site- it is one of the largest and most impressive sites in Mexico and is just two hours from the resort of Cancun. The city first flourished during the Late Classic period (600-900 AD.)It has a perfect astronomical design in keeping with aspects of the ancient Maya calendar; at the two yearly equinoxes the sunrise creates the optical illusion of a snake moving down the steps behind each of two stone serpents heads.

Tulum is 80 miles south of Cancun and easily visited in a day.

It is one of the most-visited Mayan ruins in Mexico.Perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Tulum reached the height of its prosperity during the Post Classic period (900-1521 AD.)

In Maya ‘tulum’ means ‘wall’ and it is one of the very few walled cities the ancients ever built.

El Rey is located within the hotel zone of Cancun, between the ocean and the lagoon. Monuments of El Rey, (the King) the facades still retain relics of bright coloured mural painting. Today the ruins are still home to a multitude of placid iguanas, some close to 200 years old.
About Cancun – www.cancun.travel

Cancun is situated on the north-eastern tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the tranquil Nichupte Lagoon.

The destination is renowned for its 16-mile stretch of white sandy beaches, world-class hotels, exceptional recreation features and proximity to historic Mayan archaeological sites.

Visitors to Cancun can enjoy the Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest coral reef in the world and action-packed participatory sports activities that capitalize on Cancun’s exceptionally clear, blue waters.

Internationally acclaimed hit-maker Leo Sayer entertained guests at the official opening event of The Sebel Surry Hills Sydney.

The hotel, formerly known as the Citigate Sebel Sydney, has just completed a massive $20 million refurbishment to become Sydney’s latest 4.5-star hotel.

Located in the heart of Surry Hills on Albion St, The Sebel Surry Hills Sydney is Australia’s first hotel to feature an in-ground glass aquarium lobby.

The impressive 41,000 litre in-ground aquarium is home to 20 multi-coloured, Japanese Koi fish including the hotel’s mascot ‘Albie’.

Superbly located close to Sydney’s trendy shopping and dining precincts, including Oxford and Crown Streets, the Sydney Entertainment Centre, Darling Harbour and Central Railway Station, local residents can enjoy and relive a piece of history at the redesigned Townhouse Bar & Restaurant, named after the iconic Sebel Townhouse in Elizabeth Bay.

Memorabilia from the legendary Sebel Townhouse bar now surround the walls, including autographed black and white photographs which pay homage to the famous hotel’s long history of celebrity guests.

The Townhouse Bar is located on the ground floor corner of the hotel and opens up onto the street with alfresco seating, and in keeping with its original revered reputation, is open from 11am till late, 7 days a week, offering 12 beers on tap, cocktails and a menu of traditional ‘pub fare’ with a modern and seasonal twist.

The hotel’s 270 spacious and newly refurbished guestrooms and suites are highlighted by new king size ‘Cloud’ beds with a 15-cm thick bed topper offering exceptional comfort; other features include large LCD screens, modern timber furniture, new custom-designed sofas, work desk with ergonomic work chair and spacious bathrooms.

The local business community can also take advantage of The Sebel Surry Hills Sydney’s 10 versatile conference and function rooms catering for intimate board meetings of 10 to more gala functions of 220 delegates. These rooms have received a complete transformation and now offer natural lighting, double glazed windows, variable set-up styles, spacious breakout areas and state-of-the-art audiovisual facilities, complemented by a dedicated in-house AV specialists. New carpets and paintwork provide an emphasis on simple, modern and clean lines.

The Sebel also features a complete range of recreational facilities including a 15-m indoor swimming pool, heated spa and sauna, fully equipped gymnasium and a rooftop sun deck.

To make a booked or for more information contact The Sebel Surry Hills Sydney on +61 (02) 9289 0000 or visit www.sebelsurryhills.com.au

The Sebel Surry Hills Sydney is managed by Mirvac Hotels & Resorts, renowned for its uncompromising level of service and attention to detail across 42 properties in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, making it one of the largest Australian-owned hotel groups. Mirvac’s hotels and resorts enjoy an unrivalled reputation under the well known brands of Quay Grand, Quay West Suites & Resorts, The Como, Sea Temple Resorts & Spas, Sydney Marriott Hotel, Citigate Hotels, Hotel Lindrum, Harbour Rocks Hotel, Harbour Lights Cairns and of course The Sebel Hotels, Resorts & Residences.

The Sydney-Melbourne Touring Routes showcase some of the very best of Australian scenery. Filled to the brim with a vast number of diverse and stunning landmarks, it is no surprise that the corridor between Sydney and Melbourne is one of Australia’s most popular and scenic self-drive holidays.

The well-planned cities of Sydney, Melbourne and the national capital of Canberra are each unique in their own way and have a wide range of activities to offer the intrepid tourist. With the option to drive at your own pace, take in the scenery at your own leisure, reside in Australian towns, observe Australian wildlife, visit historical landmarks and meet with the Australian people, the Sydney-Melbourne Touring routes are what constitute a perfect holiday.

Choose from three distinctive touring routes- all of which allow travellers to experience the many faces of Australia. Discover the breath-taking beaches and scenic coastal landscapes with a ‘Coastal Drive’ along the east coast. Take a trip back in time with the ‘Sydney-Melbourne Heritage Drive’ touring route which allows travellers to learn about the numerous histories and cultures present along the inland route. For those who crave adventure, pick ‘The Great Alpine Road’, which leads travellers on a dramatic journey up and over the Victorian Alps.

For those who choose to embark upon the ‘Sydney-Melbourne Heritage Drive’, be prepared to be dazzled by the many magnificent historical and heritage sites awaiting along the inland route between Sydney and Melbourne. Along the way, encounter historic gold rush towns, visit the Murray River and improve your golfing handicap by engaging in several rounds on the lush courses. In Canberra, witness the power play of Australian politics whilst taking in the nation’s history and culture by visiting an array of treasured museums and galleries.

Your first stop is Goulburn, a thriving and dynamic community. Ideally situated within easy reach of Sydney, Canberra, the South Coast and the Snowy Mountains Goulburn will lead you to the nation’s capital city of Canberra. With a population of over 340,000, it is one of the world’s few planned cities. The site of Canberra was selected for the location of the nation’s capital in 1908 as a compromise between rivals Sydney and Melbourne. A city in a park, it transforms with each new season, highlighted by glorious spring blooms that are celebrated at the annual Floriade spectacular from mid September to mid October.

Many of the nation’s treasures await discovery in Canberra. Showing Australia’s journey from an ancient Indigenous continent to a modern multicultural nation, the magnificent array of world-class national attractions hold and share the essence of Australia’s culture, democracy, history and way of life. Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia and the National Museum of Australia are a must-visit. Of course, after a busy day uncovering Canberra’s secrets, visitors can then enjoy fabulous local food, wine and nightlife.

Continue on to Gundagai, situated in New South Wales on the Hume Highway. Although a small town, Gundagai is a popular topic for writers and has become the representation or an icon of the typical Australian country town.

Next stop is Holbrook – the perfect town for those lovers of antique treasures, with the area being home to the Woolpack Inn Museum- with its array of antique machines and instruments. Holbrook is perhaps best known for its full-sized submarine, the HMAS Otway. Motorists cannot help but see it as they drive through the town, and once seen, curiosity runs rampant.

After a stop here, carry on to Albury-Wodonga – situated on either side of where the nation’s busiest highway crosses our greatest river. As a meeting point of contrasts and cultures the town’s significance stretches all the way back to the first Aboriginal inhabitants who gathered here long before the arrival of Europeans.

The region surrounding Albury-Wodonga is incredibly unique and offers travellers an amazing combination of past and present as well as a meld of cultures and histories. With a great variety of things on offer – from sports to gardens, gourmet dining to bush tucker, wine-tasting to historical landmarks, Albury Wodonga has something for everyone to relish.

Why not explore Albury’s Regional Museum, which reflects and celebrates the regions diverse cultural heritage or take in the excellent views of Albury-Wodonga from Monument Hill and the War Memorial.

There is a wide array of accommodation available for visitors to Albury-Wodonga. Stay overnight in a bush getaway or inner city establishment – choose from traditional B&Bs, self contained cottages, caravan parks through to quality motel and hotel accommodation ranging fro five star to budget.

Head onto Rutherglen- Australia’s oldest wine growing region situated in North East Victoria.

This old gold rush township established in the 1850′s has worked to preserve it’s features to allow travellers an opportunity to see a town with an old feel, but still has the contemporary conveniences of a tourist destination.

Discover Yarrawonga- Mulwala where you will find the largest public access golfing complex in the southern hemisphere. You can stay on-course in Yarrawonga –Mulwala or Cobram-Barooga or choose other resort style, self contained accommodation options in the region. Take advantage of Yarrawonga- Mulwala farmland where many farms are open to the public for fruit picking, wine & cheese tasting.

Yarrawonga- Mulwala is situated on the shores of Lake Mulwala – an expansive man-made lake. Lake Mulwala offers visitors a variety of aquatic water-sports from waterskiing to kayaking or canoeing or for those who just want to relax why not take a comfortable cruise around the lake or travel a little further down the river and cruise the Murray River through the Barmah Forest aboard the Kingfisher.

Travel into Bendigo, a town with a wide range of amazing experiences. There’s the authentic deep-shaft mine experience at Central Deborah Goldmine- where visitors are able to travel underground in a miners’ cage- and the famous Vintage Talking Tram Tour that weaves through the streets of Bendigo, telling wonderful stories of days gone by.

For those curious about the Chinese heritage of the area, the original 1860’s Chinese Joss House and the Golden Dragon Museum- housing the world’s longest Imperial Dragon, Sun Loong- is open to exploration.

For those great lovers of art, the Bendigo Art Gallery has a fantastic reputation and a significant collection of works. For the active there is Australia’s highest vertical slide at Discovery Science & Technology Centre as well as a number of walking and cycling trails through Bendigo’s beautiful city centre and beyond.

For those interested in gourmet food and wine, why not pedal your way along one of the four cycling trails created to guide you to the many treasures to be discovered in the Bendigo wine region.
Bendigo’s early wealth is evident in its Victorian-era sandstone buildings, century old gardens and established trees.

Choose from a wide selection of accommodation available, from boutique hotels, self-contained cottages, motels and B&Bs.

Finally, you arrive at your destination of Melbourne. It is a city of mystery, history, diversity and creativity – with its winding lanes and labyrinths peppered with classy cafes, fine restaurants, clandestine jazz bars, grand theatres, funky fashion stores, kinky bars and contemporary art galleries, Melbourne is a glorious celebration of old and new.

With an endless variety of destinations and landmarks to discover and explore along the ‘Sydney-Melbourne Heritage Drive’, no matter what your time frame, budget or passion- there is really something for everyone!

www.sydneymelbournetouring.com.au