Jetsettersblog

Peppers Broadbeach, the Gold Coast’s newest five-star accommodation, is offering special opening packages for stays until March 1, 2011.

Operated by the Mantra Group, the property has opened its accommodation facilities with the full suite of Peppers services available when the property’s restaurant is completed next year. The complex’s two sculpted towers contain 505 one and two bedroom apartments with panoramic views to the Pacific Ocean and Gold Coast hinterland. Leisure facilities include Zen gardens, tai chi lawns, private cinemas, guest lounges, teppanyaki barbeques, steam rooms, saunas and lap, plunge and resort pools. Peppers Broadbeach will also offer a high level of customer service including curbside check-in via an iPad, a mini bar including local and organic products and, once the food and beverage facilities are operational, a pre-order gourmet pantry delivery service. Packages start from $265 per night for a one bedroom apartment and include a ‘Taste of Peppers’ gourmet hamper, unlimited new-release in-room movies, unlimited in-room internet and free onsite car parking. Bookings can be made through a travel agent, by calling 1300 987 600 or visiting www.peppers.com.au/broadbeach

Queensland’s newest day tour explores the untouched and remote west coast of World Heritage-listed Fraser Island.

The Tasman Venture tour allows guests plenty of time for kayaking, snorkelling, bush walking, beach fishing or just relaxing and soaking up the beautiful surroundings of Wathumba Creek. Highlights include a visit to enjoy panoramic views from the Sandy Cape Lighthouse and the opportunity to learn about the history, fauna and flora of the world’s largest sand island. The tour includes all activities and equipment, morning tea, barbecue and prawn lunch buffet, afternoon tea, and courtesy pick up and drop off from Hervey Bay accommodation. The Tasman Venture tour departs 8am and returns to the Hervey Bay Marina at 5.30pm. Price is $170 per person or $480 for a family (two adults, two children). www.tasmanventure.com

The quirkily-named Agnes LaLaLand Guest Houses are now welcoming holiday-makers at the Central Queensland seaside haven of Agnes Water, between Bundaberg and Gladstone.

The three modern and spacious guest houses, including one purpose-built for guests with disabilities, are located three minutes from the patrolled beach and shops. The fully self-contained units each feature two bedrooms plus a huge bathroom. Special opening prices start at $155 per night per couple. Packages include three nights’ accommodation and a family pass (two adults and two children) for a cruise to Lady Musgrave Island for $890 or two nights’ accommodation, a three hour surfing lesson and four hours’ electric bike hire for $299 per couple or $499 for a family of four. For bookings call (07) 4974 9554 or visit www.lalaland1770aw.com.au

While this year’s turtle season in Central Queensland is expected to be the best ever, a new charter boat is offering visitors plenty of water-based fun.

Lady Elliot Charters’ 44 foot fly bridge cruiser is now available for half-day seafood cruises and full day or overnight fishing charters. The six-hour seafood experience cruises off the coast from Bargara to Elliott Heads, anchoring for guests to enjoy a fresh seafood lunch, accompanied by beer, wine and champagne. The full day fishing charter heads out to local reefs and fishing grounds and caters for up to eight people, while the overnight charter takes in Fraser Gutters, Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Islands and surrounding reefs, and caters for a maximum of six. All fishing equipment is supplied, plus all meals onboard. For bookings contact Manta Bargara on (07) 4159 2266 or visit www.mantabargara.com.au

Hayman’s much anticipated Beach Villas are on schedule to be unveiled this month in Queensland’s beautiful Whitsundays.

The eight absolute beachfront villas will offer 120 square metres of luxury and stylish interiors including a stunning private pool. Hayman has also been undergoing a refreshment program including an upgrade to the island’s famous pool surrounds. New dining events are now on offer in the restaurants and an increased variety of resort activities and reef adventures available for guests. The first Hayman Private Residence designed by acclaimed international architect Kerry Hill will be offered for sale by the end of the year. These residences, nestled on the island hillside, together with an enclave of new Hayman Marina Residences, will present a unique opportunity to own a piece of Whitsundays’ paradise. www.hayman.com.au

The Feast of the Senses was inspired by rare and exotic tropical produce of Tropical North Queensland, but has now expanded to include a colourful calendar of cultural events.

The “Feast” includes all local produce, such as vegetables, meat, seafood, herbs, spices and wines, and incorporates cultural activities such as art exhibitions; photography, recipe and fishing competitions; a rowing regatta and a scarecrow competition amongst the schools in the region. Major events include a Wine Fruit and Cheese Showcase, a Gala Dinner and a Market Day Extravaganza. www.feastofthesenses.com.au

The Barcaldine Tree of Knowledge Festival showcases, shares and celebrates with visitors and community, the essence of Barcaldine’s past and present, strong community spirit and Outback character.

The action-packed weekend begins on Friday night with the Sportsmen’s dinner, which is hosted by different sporting personalities each year. Join their community to celebrate the town’s proud history as the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party. The festivities begin with the main street coming alive with the street markets, while art lovers can view local miniature art displays. Experience the sights and sounds of a working shearing shed at ‘The Run’ display and enjoy the thoroughbred racing action at the ‘Tree of Knowledge Cup’ held at the showgrounds where spectators come dressed to impress. Evening entertainment includes a street party in the main street with live bands plus the Rev Fest Cruz (drag racing cars) procession of Show and Shine. www.treeofknowledge.com.au

Sleep in a restored Orient-Express railway carriage, take a helicopter ride over the widest canyon in the world, learn the ancient art of spinning, and photograph foxes in the wild – add these to your bucket-list of must-do unique experiences in 2011 in the Mudgee Region of NSW.

Mudgee Region Tourism Inc has compiled a list of its ‘Top 10 Unique Experiences for 2011′, proving it is far from your predictable wine region. It includes a mix of new touring, accommodation, dining and adventure ideas.

“Our top 10 unique experiences are all off the tourist track, a little bit quirky or simply lesser-known. Perfect for independent and adventurous travellers, they will leave a memorable imprint on a holiday in the Mudgee Region,” said Lucy White, CEO of Mudgee Region Tourism Inc.

“The list reflects how unique the Mudgee Region is and how we cater to all kinds of interests – food and wine, extraordinary places to stay, or taking an unforgettable nature and adventure tour.” said Lucy.

‘Top 10 Unique Experiences for 2011′ in the Mudgee Region is as follows:

1. Sleep in Orient-Express Railway Carriages at Ruwenzori Retreat – stay in 100-year old restored railway carriages set on a mountain top with its own dining carriage, outdoor fire pit and accommodating 12 people

2. Helicopter over widest canyon in the world – Capertee Valley helicopters will fly you over the Capertee Valley, the widest canyon in the world, with breathtaking scenery at dizzying heights

3. Photograph Foxes in the Wild – a wildlife photographers dream a new ‘Tour Now and Then’ takes visitors up close and personal to whistle-down foxes and see them under moonlight in the wild

4. Discover what’s inside at Rylstone’s Bridge View Inn – enjoy unexpected surprises at this newly restored historic building – 29 Nine 99 is a Chinese treasure trove for shopping with great yum cha; a tasting room for Debeaurepaire Wines; the Cottage Museum; and a quaint community garden

5. Learn to Spin – learn the ancient craft of spinning wool, felt and fleeces in a variety of colours and styles at Spun Out in Gulgong, classes start from $15pp with Patricia Bennet

6. Eat at Deebs Kitchen – carve your dinner off a pig-roasting carcass and eat at shared long tables at Mudgee’s most authentic Lebanese restaurant, located 8km outside of town, for $55pp and its BYO

7. Walk Gulgong’s Symbol Trail – take a walking tour of 70 tiles on the footpaths of historic Gulgong which used symbols as a secret language during the Great Depression

8. Learn to Fly over the Vineyards – take the controls and learn to fly in a light aircraft over Mudgee’s vineyards with Airwest Flight Training, introductory flights cost just $88

9. The Drip at Goulburn River National Park – walk through a cathedral-like atmosphere at The Drip, a towering sandstone cliff-face dripping clear spring water into the rocky river bed

10. Sleep in an old Church – stay in a converted catholic church which sleeps two people and is nestled in 150 acres just outside Mudgee, aptly named ‘The Church’

The Mudgee Region is a 3.5 hour drive from Sydney in the Central West of NSW.

To book any of these experiences, and for more information and ideas on things to see and do, go to www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au  or contact the Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6372 1020.

Australis Hotels and Resorts are offering up to $50 Escape Dollars, that can be used like hotel cash when you holiday at a participating Australis Hotel & Resort this Summer.

Six idyllic Australis hotels and apartments in some of our favourite holiday destinations are offering Escape Dollar paybacks. The longer the holiday, the more we give back!

- $50 Escape Dollars when you stay 5 consecutive nights or more
- $30 Escape Dollars when you stay 3 or 4 consecutive nights
- $20 Escape Dollars when you stay 2 consecutive nights

Australis Diamond Beach Resort & Spa is located 3 hours north of Sydney on the New South Wales mid-north coast. Be as active or as idle as you like with the Resorts very own endota spa. The stylish and relaxed spa is sure to impress offering luxurious yet affordable treatments utilising certified organic skin and body products. Stay from just $130 per night* (5 night minimum stay).

50 minutes from Brisbane you will find the Australis Sovereign, Surfers Paradise. It’s the perfect base for your Gold Coast Summer adventure. An ideal holiday destination; theme parks, premier golf courses, shopping-not to mention long stretches of golden beaches that everyone will love! The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down with the renowned Gold Coast nightlife offering great restaurants and exciting bars and clubs. After a day and evening of fun and excitement relax and rejuvenate at Australis Sovereign from $135 per night* (5 night minimum stay).

Let your Escape Dollars lead you to sophisticated Noosa for some relaxation and a little indulgence. Browse the boutique lined main street, sample fine cuisine at one of over 100 restaurants in town, people watch over a latte at a stylish café or be pampered a luxurious day spa-who knew there was so much to do when relaxing! Australis Noosa Lakes by the shores of Lake Doonella and the Noosa River is only minutes away from the town centre and is offering resort style accommodation from only $99 per night* (5 night minimum stay).

Other fantastic destinations include the beachfront Australis Shelley Bay Resort in Hervey Bay, Australis Margaret River, in WA’s famous Margaret River wine region and Australis Retreat at Wisemans on the banks of the Hawkesbury River only an hours drive from Sydney.

Spend your Escape Dollars for cocktails by the pool, dinner in the hotel’s restaurant, a room upgrade or buffet breakfast just to name a few suggestions, the choice is yours!

To make your holiday booking call 1300 650 464 or visit www.australishotels.com/summer

*Conditions apply. For stays until – 28 Feb 2011. Exclusion dates apply. Min night stays apply.

Vatulele Island Resort, Fiji, have just announced the extension of the Free Nights Free Flights special.

Stay an amazing 5 nights in a stunning Deluxe Beach Bure or Deluxe Beach Bure with Pool, and receive your 5th night absolutely FREE!! If this deal isn’t already sweet enough for you, Vatulele are also providing you with complimentary return flights from Nadi to Vatulele.

Somewhere between 5 stars and heaven … Vatulele Island resort is located on one of the most stunning islands in the world. Once you arrive you know that you have reached paradise, the sounds, smells, and sites of Vatulele will remain with you forever.

Let us welcome you back to Vatulele, 5 Star Fijian Luxury with a saving of over USD$2000!!

Terms & Conditions;

* Book by 31st March 2011
* Travel until 31st March 2011
* Not valid from 15 December 2010 to 10 January 2011
* Free Flights are combinable with Stay 5 Pay 4 (valid for Bure categories only)
* Available for NEW bookings only, from ALL markets
* Flights are limited to scheduled departures only
* Max 2 return flights per room booked
* Minimum 5 night stay
* Free Flights are not combinable with any other offer in the market.