Jetsettersblog

The company has announced adjusted pricing for most of its 2011 & 2012 cruise options – an affirmative action designed to keep North Star in-step with a changed market.

Prices have been significantly reduced across the entire cruise schedule and persons with effected bookings would be offered adjustment.

In addition, North Star will offer an increase in the number of shorter duration cruise options and greater overall variety incorporating new destinations and, four completely different options to experience the magnificent Kimberley.

New schedule highlights include the Kimberley Snapshot – a one week opportunity to experience the entire Kimberley coast, Batavia Bound – a Fremantle departure focused on the stunning Abrolhos Islands and, the Montes Extravaganza – an opportunity for Pilbara mining communities to experience fishing paradise in style!

Commenting on the changes, North Star’s general manager, Mr Peter Trembath, said “the changes are consistent with North Star’s reputation for being a market leader and will surely make our cruises even more irresistible to the discerning adventurer!”

Full details are available at http://www.northstarcruises.com.au/sailingschedule.asp?Date=2011

True North Background

The multi-award winning adventure-cruise ship, True North, allows discerning guests to experience wilderness in surroundings more akin to one of the world’s most exclusive hotels.

Lavish features include:

* A sundeck, forward observation lounge, ship’s lounge, alfresco bar, internet café, plasma screens with interpretive information, lower deck dining room with large panoramic windows, and fine dining.

* All cabins feature enhanced décor, en-suite facilities, in-house entertainment and satellite telephones.

* Multiple expedition boats (6) allow passengers greater opportunity to do “what they want, when they want”.

* To add another dimension to adventure – most cruise options feature an onboard helicopter.

* The purpose built True North is able to explore the upper reaches of shallow river systems.

* Adventure-cruises are conducted all around the Australian coastline and in the stunning waters of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
The True North – one of the finest adventure-cruise ships in the world!

For more information visit

http://www.northstarcruises.com.au

Spicers Retreats, Hotels & Lodges is celebrating the opening of its first city property, Spicers Balfour Hotel in Brisbane, with a special opening rate for guests.

A city retreat reflecting the best of contemporary Queensland living, Spicers Balfour Hotel offers a restful and sophisticated escape just three kilometres from the CBD in the inner-city suburb of New Farm.

The hotel is welcoming guests with special opening rates starting from just $269* per room per night including full breakfast, canapés, parking (subject to availability), unlimited WiFi access and nightly turndown service.

Guests can choose from three room types – executive room, courtyard room or terrace suite.

Spicers Balfour Hotel has been created by award winning designers Coop Creative to offer a unique and intimate environment for corporate guests and leisure travellers to retreat and relax.

It offers nine spacious rooms with individual elegance and charm providing an indulgent haven with all the comforts and attention to detail expected from a leading hotel.

Externally the hotel draws its inspiration from the historic and grand Queenslanders for which New Farm is known, however step inside and the interior reveals an unexpected contemporary European design which is eclectic, quirky and comforting.

Each with a unique aspect, the guest rooms feature the finest Society Italian bed linens, spacious bathrooms with lush toiletries, state of the art Bose sound systems, iPod docking stations, comfortable work spaces, internet facilities and full security.

Spicers Balfour Hotel’s manager Matthew Simpson is welcoming the Hotel’s first guests.

“Balfour offers the discerning frequent traveller a new, surprising environment that will fast become addictive in a fabulous location close to the airport and minutes from the CBD.

Spicers Balfour sets a new benchmark for boutique hotel accommodation in Brisbane,” Mr Simpson said.

Perfect for business or pleasure, the hotel features a small boardroom for meetings of up to 16 delegates, pampering spa packages, sumptuous breakfast menu, dining room, library, secluded courtyard, spacious veranda, complimentary parking facilities and rooftop bar with views of the stunning city skyline and Story Bridge.

Perfectly positioned between the city heart and the airport, Spicers Balfour Hotel is within walking distance to some of Brisbane’s best dining, café culture and boutique shopping plus the glorious New Farm Park and river walk are on its doorstep.

Spicer’s Balfour Hotel was conceived by Brisbane businesswoman and philanthropist Beverley Trivett and developed in partnership with Graham Turner, founder of Flight Centre and Spicers Retreats Hotels and Lodges.

Spicers Balfour Hotel is located at 37 Balfour Street, New Farm, Brisbane. Tel 1300 597 540.

Visit: www.spicersgroup.com.au/balfour

*Valid to 30th November, 2010 and subject to availability.

The Moorings, the world’s premiere yacht charter company, is pleased to sponsor Expedition Biosphere Fakarava, a marine mammal research and conservation initiative.

This research mission focuses on studying whales and dolphins in a vast region of the South Pacific, French Polynesia’s Tuamotu and Gambier Islands, with special emphasis at Fakarava, Raraka, Aratika, Toau, Kauehi. These coral atolls near Tahiti have been designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.

Dr. Michael Poole, expedition leader, commented, “This area may harbor a distinct humpback whale population, as well as several dolphin species that remain poorly understood, and could be a crucial component for the conservation and management of marine mammals throughout the South Pacific.”

Noting their research findings to date in the Gambier Islands, Dr. Poole added, “…all of our data here are research firsts.

No one has ever before photographically identified humpbacks at these islands; no one has recorded whale song here; no one has obtained DNA from whales here. So, this is all very good and very important for understanding this endangered species within French Polynesia and across the entire South Pacific, which in turn allows appropriate conservation measures to be taken on their behalf.”

The Moorings is dedicated to leading the industry in sustainable tourism and providing vacations that offer unique cultural experiences, produce real economic benefits for the local communities and have a minimal impact on the environment. Cheryl Powell, Chief Operating Officer of The Moorings, remarked, “Preservation of our marine environments for future generations is imperative, and as a company, we’re dedicated to bringing heightened awareness globally to environmental conservation and preservation.

The objectives identified by the Expedition Biosphere Fakarava researchers are a perfect complement to our efforts as well, and we’re proud to sponsor such an important project.”

The Moorings provided the research team with a Moorings 4600 4-cabin/4-head catamaran from their charter base in Raiatea, French Polynesia, which was used as a mobile operations base for investigation and reporting during a period of their research in September 2010.

Throughout this time, regular field activity reports, photos and videos were provided at

www.moorings.com/ExpeditionBiosphere,

and further updates will be added as new findings are evaluated.

The research team includes Dr. Michael Poole, Dr. Marc Oremus, Renee Albertson, Pamela Carzon and Captain Alain Portal. Expedition Biosphere Fakarava has also been made possible by the Ministry of the Environment in French Polynesia, the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium (SPWRC), the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Dolphin & Whale Watching Expeditions (DWWE).

The Moorings (www.moorings.com.au ), the world’s premier yacht charter company, has delivered unmatched quality, service and attention to detail since 1969.

Sail-it-yourself bareboat yachts, crewed yachts with captain and chef, and power yacht charters are available.

The Moorings is owned by TUI Travel, PLC, one of the largest and most successful travel and tourism companies in the world. Trust in TUI: Your vacation is in safe hands.

Enjoy a gourmet getaway to Tamborine Mountain combining a cooking class with boutique accommodation.

The Tamborine Food & Wine Experience includes two nights’ accommodation for two at Witches Falls Cottages including your choice of gourmet or barbecue breakfast hamper, a cooking class at the Tamborine Cooking School with professional chef Terri Taylor for two adults, plus transfer by Rolls Royce with Chez Jacqueline Limousine Service to the cooking school in the morning and exclusive use of the Roller until returning to your cottage in the afternoon.

The package price for two adults mid-week is $760 and $860 on weekends. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the new Queensland Wine Centre nearby with around 100 wines and 14 Queensland wineries represented. Witches Falls Cottages, 132 Main Western Road, North Tamborine. Ph (07) 5545 4411. www.witchesfallscottages.com.au

Spicers Retreats, Hotels & Lodges has opened its first Brisbane property, Spicers Balfour Hotel in inner-city New Farm.

The boutique hotel offers accommodation in nine spacious rooms featuring contemporary European design, just 3km from the CBD. Guest rooms feature Italian bed linens, spacious bathrooms, Bose sound systems, iPod docking stations, internet and comfortable work spaces.

A small boardroom caters for meetings of up to 16 delegates, with other facilities including a dining room, library, secluded courtyard, spacious veranda, rooftop bar with stunning city skyline and Story Bridge views plus complimentary parking. A special opening rate from only $269 per room per night is available until November 30, 2010 and includes full breakfast, canapés, parking (subject to availability), unlimited WiFi access and a nightly turndown service. www.spicersgroup.com.au/balfour

Brisbane Urban Adventure’s new “Brisbane River by Bike” tour explores the inner city including the historic Botanic Gardens and river foreshore.

Unearth the history of Brisbane’s historic landmarks, icons and stories.

Sip a cool drink perched right on the river, learn about New Farm Park and experience some of the local art and culture at the landmark Brisbane Powerhouse, ending with a ferry ride back to the CBD.

The two and a half hour tour costs $69 per person and bookings are essential (maximum 12).

For bookings visit www.brisbaneurbanadventures.com

Grab your walking shoes and check out the new guide to the Southern Gold Coast’s best coastal and hinterland walks and scenic lookouts.

Options include the 18km round trip Ocean Walkway linking Point Danger with the beautiful Currumbin Creek Estuary and the 12km round trip “Golden Four Beaches Walk” from Kirra via Bilinga and Tugun to Currumbin Rock where you can enjoy a cool drink at the local surf club at the end of your walk.

The “Cougal Cascades Walk” is at the top of the Currumbin Valley, 20km inland, and features the Mount Cougal section of the World Heritage-listed Springbrook National Park, which is part of the Gondwana Eastern Rainforest.

This 3km walk features the headwaters of the beautiful Currumbin Creek, an old sawmill and viewing platforms signposted with information boards on local indigenous and European history, flora and fauna.

The guide can be downloaded as a PDF by visiting

http://www.southerngoldcoast.com.au/things-to-do-on-the-southern-gold-coast.html

Rising from the deep in a flourish of bubbles I’m barely able to keep from squealing. But opening your mouth underwater isn’t a smart move, no matter how excited you are!

I’ve just surfaced from duck diving five metres to snorkel with an endangered Loggerhead Turtle on her graceful flight through the aquamarine waters of Lady Musgrave Island’s coral gardens. There’s only one word for the feeling. Delight.

Lady Musgrave is a pristine coral atoll on Queensland’s Southern Great Barrier Reef and I’m two days into an amazing and relatively unknown journey dubbed The Reef to the Outback – a touring route that combines adventure via air, sea, road and rail and links two of the state’s most iconic natural wonders, the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and the wide open spaces of Queensland’s ruggedly beautiful Outback.

Delight is thought that comes to mind many times during my six days on the road. Each day brings new and interesting possibilities, people and places, pieces of history and most importantly a refreshed wonder about life that comes with discovering the unknown.

The route is all via sealed road and is easily done as a self-guided fly-drive from Bundaberg, Gladstone or Rockhampton, or as my group did it, with the help of local tour operators. Paul Blampied from TQ Tours met us at Gladstone airport and looked after us like family (complete with practical jokes) for three days around Agnes Water and The Town of 1770.

Here we had a taste of the beach holiday of old combined with a range of adventures – the simple pleasures of unspoilt beaches, swimming, surfing, fishing, sailing and beach walks are enough for some but you can also learn to snorkel or dive off Lady Musgrave Island with Lady Musgrave Barrier Reef Cruises;

cruise on land and then on water with the dolphins on the Larc, a go-anywhere amphibious vessel;

hoon around town (responsibly!) on a 50cc Scooteroo motorbike that’s been modified and painted up to look like a mini-Harley Davidson;

learn to surf or sea kayak with 1770 Liquid Adventures, or buzz the Bustard Head lighthouse and land on Aircraft Beach on a thrill flight with Bruce Rhoades from Agnes Water – 1770 Flying School.

Queensland Rail’s superbly comfortable Spirit of the Outback train took us overnight from the coast at Miriamvale to Longreach. After being rocked gently to sleep we woke to breakfast in the dining car watching the red landscape and the roos as we forged deeper into the vastness. Alan Smith, of Outback Aussie Tours, who surely must be the happiest man in the world – met us at the station and was our outback guide and guru relating local history, myths and legends and more than one tall story during our three days together. How he loves a city slicker audience!

We began by dusting ancient dinosaur bones – something anyone can do for a day or three months if you have the interest and the time at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs – a non-profit, volunteer science and education initiative which is painstakingly piecing together Winton’s dinosaur finds walking deep into a gorge to view Aboriginal rock art.

The highlight for me was an overnight stay with the Phillott family at Carisbrooke, a working sheep and cattle station, about half an hour southwest of Winton.

The red mesa ‘jump up’ landscape is enthralling and if you go don’t miss the trek to Python Gorge to see Aboriginal Rock Art – it’s another delightful experience. The contrast of red rock, shady gums and beautifully preserved art was a real treat and one of those things words don’t capture, and one that not too many people have done.

If you’re looking for more wow-factor, a visit to Lark Quarry Dinosaur Track ways – the only recorded dinosaur stampede on earth – is the place. Here you’ll see hundreds of 100-million year old dinosaur footprints preserved in rock formed from mud that once bordered a prehistoric lake.

History is everywhere but there are four must-dos to gain an appreciation for those who pioneered this vast land.

The Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton traces the story of Banjo Patterson and the story behind the famous ballad; take a ride on the restored Cobb & Co Coach at Winton; the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame brings to life the hardship, innovation and enduring spirit of the outback’s men and women; and the Qantas Founders Outback Museum tells the story of the birth of an airline.

A sunset dinner cruise on the MV Longreach Explorer followed by billy tea and damper, campfire yarns and guitar sing-a-long with Alan and his mates on the bank of the Thompson River was a great way to finish our amazing Reef to Outback tour. It’s certainly a track less travelled – what are you waiting for?

Getting There

When to go:
The Reef to the Outback can be travelled year-round, with March to November the coolest time to visit.

Getting Around:
Paul Blampied – TQ Tours www.tqtours-australia.com
 Spirit of the Outback www.traveltrain.com.au
Alan Smith, Outback Aussie Tours www.oat.net.au

Where to stay:
Mantra Pavilions Mirage on 1770 www.pavillionsresort.com.au
Carrisbrooke Station www.carisbrooketours.com.au
Albert Park Motor Inn Longreach www.albertpark-longreach.com.au
 Aussie Betta Cabins ph 07 4658 3811

Where to play:
Larc 1770 Environmental Tours www.1770larctours.com.au
Lady Musgrave Barrier Reef Cruises www.lmcruises.com.au
Liquid Adventures www.1770liquidadventures.com.au
Lark Quarry Conservation Park www.dinosaurtrackways.com.au
Outback Sunset Cruises www.outbacksunsetcruises.com.au
Qantas Founders Outback Museum www.qfom.com.au
Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame www.outbackheritage.com.au
Cobb & Co Coach ride Kinnon & Co www.kinnonandco.com.au
Waltzing Matilda Centre www.matildacentre.com.au

Best Western is giving travellers even more accommodation options in Queensland with the Best Western Portobello Resort Apartments joining the global chain.

The Best Western Portobello Resort Apartments are located in the heart of Broadbeach on the Gold Coast, just minutes walk from the beach, Pacific Fair Mall, Jupiter’s Casino, the Gold Coast Convention Centre, restaurants and cafes.

The property offers well appointed and spacious 1 & 2 bedroom fully self-contained accommodation with private balconies.

All apartments feature a fully equipped kitchen with microwave, oven and stovetop, complete laundry facilities, TV with eight Austar channels and internet access.

The 2 bedroom apartments are all split level penthouses, located on the top floor, featuring a private rooftop courtyard and spa bath. The facilities include a heated pool, spa, BBQ entertainment area, games room, secure undercover parking and more.

For more information or, to book accommodation at the Best Western Portobello Resort Apartments, call 131 779 (from Australia), 0800 237 893 (from New Zealand) or log on to

http://portobelloresort.bestwestern.com.au

or for discounts, the banner ad at right.

WHEN an intrepid bunch of folk set off on a new 4WD charity event through western Queensland last year, they were simply out for a good time to help a good cause. Few expected what most came to describe as ‘the experience of a lifetime.’

The inaugural Angel Flight Outback Trailblazer was a madcap, magical adventure that left its participants in awe of the land, exhilarated at the camaraderie and deeply moved by the spirit of everyone involved.

Hard to beat, you might think. But the 2010 Angel Flight Outback Trailblazer is shaping up to again eclipse expectations and build on its reputation as Australia’s must-do new motoring experience.

“Hang onto your hats, pack you swag and enter a team now for seven of the most action-packed days and magical nights you can imagine,” says Outback Trailblazer organiser, Lance Smith AM. From October 17 to 23, the convoy of ‘outback angels’ in 4WDs, utes and off-road coaches will take part in everything from an outback ‘oompah’ Okterberfest in Jundah to raft races on Muttaburra’s Broadwater, yabbie races at Aramac and dining with the dinosaurs on a Winton plateau.

A spectacular highlight will feature 20 massed choirs from Queensland country towns and schools joined by Angel Flight Outback Trailblazer patron Tania Kernaghan and father Ray Kernaghan for an inspirational early Christmas in Longreach.

Compered by Channel Seven presenter Dean Miller, the Woollam Constructions ‘Deck the Hall’ Bush Christmas Pagaent at the Stockman’s Hall of Fame on October 21 will even see Santa give his reindeer a spell to arrive by a traditional outback bullock wagon.

Also on Trailblazer’s 2010 itinerary will be a stirring welcome at Barcaldine’s Tree of Knowledge Memorial for VIPs aboard Queensland Rail’s Spirit of the Outback, drive-in movies at Jericho, a teddy bears picnic in Tambo and a 60s-themed finale party in Blackall.

The event, supported by several regional councils, RACQ, QantasLink, Queensland Rail, Queensland Events, Tourism Queensland, GBA Consulting Engineers, Woollam Constructions, Ballandean Estate Wines and a host of businesses, raises funds for Angel Flight Australia.

Established in 2003, Angel Flight co-ordinates free non-emergency flights for financially and medically needy people to assist patients, family and carers travelling to and from medical appointments anywhere in Australia.

Volunteer pilot ‘angels’, who donate their time, skills, aircraft and the bulk of their costs, have so far flown more than 8000 missions helping over 1800 people.

“Angel Flight relies entirely on donations, so fundraising ‘earth angels’ like the Outback Trailblazer participants are critical to keep the service aloft,” said Barcaldine Regional Council Mayor Rob Chandler.

“We’ll be raising the dust on outback dinosaur trails, visiting a bush pub or two, meeting kids from tiny schools, sharing yarns with characters of remote Queensland and stopping in at sprawling stations, all under the watchful eye of two RACQ teams to keep us on track.”

Team nominations are now open for the 2010 Angel Flight Outback Trailblazer, which is offering participants the chance to share in over $20,000 worth of prizes along the way.

Organisers are urging would-be trailblazers to sign up fast as team numbers will be limited.

Everyone is a winner – Angel Flight of course, all the communities along our bush route and, most certainly, each of those lucky enough to be an ‘outback angel’ team member.

For further information, the full 2010 itinerary and entry forms, visit the event website www.outbacktrailblazer.com.au  or call Andrea Lingard, Barcaldine Regional Council, 07 4651 5600.