Jetsettersblog

The Kimberley Coast has appeared on a number of lists from one of Australia’s 10 most iconic landscapes and top 10 places to see the outback in style. To ensure you explore this wild and rugged coastline with the expedition cruising experts, Aurora Expeditions have released a special 10% discount for the first 20 passengers to book on any of their three Kimberley 2012 voyages.*

A true Australian pilgrimage to the Kimberley can be experienced with a romantic rail journey on The Ghan or The Indian Pacific, en route to or from a Kimberley voyage because of Aurora Expeditions’ new partnership with Great Southern Rail.

Aurora Expeditions offer three 11-day voyages to the Kimberley Coast, famous for its thundering cascades, abundant bird and marine life, boab trees, turquoise waters, burnished rock and Aboriginal art.

The first two voyages, Broome to Broome takes you into the deep heart of the Kimberley coast, exploring exquisite bays and offshore islands including Lacepede Islands, Horizontal Falls, Montgomery Reef, Raft Point and Bigge Island. The third voyage, Broome to Darwin, offers the many highlights of the first two voyages as well as the King George River and Joseph Bonaparte Gulf.

Passengers will travel onboard Coral Princess, a 35-metre luxury catamaran for just 44 guests. Aurora Expeditions’ most experienced expedition staff and crew will include expedition leader; Mike Cusack, Dr. Garry Darby; art historian, lecturer and author of aboriginal art as well as naturalist Chris Done, who lectures on the regions’ plants, animals, geology and aboriginal culture.

Aurora Expeditions is renowned for travelling to wild and remote areas of the world, with the aim of creating life long ambassadors to the environment. They attract small groups of like-minded, enthusiastic people, passionate about the Kimberley’s plants, wildlife and history.

Prices start from A$6,990 per person twin share

For more information and to order your free Kimberley Coast 2012 brochure, visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au  or call +61 2 9252 1033.

Media contact: Nicole Lenoir Jourdan – Nicole@fiverstarpr.com.au

*Limited time only. Book before 31st July 2011. Only applicable for the first 20 bookings on each voyage and offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

A stop at the destination retreat of Prana Spa at The Villas is one of the most memorable experiences of a trip to Bali. Located in Seminyak and named in the Top 10 of the best Relaxation/Spa Hotels in Asia, the area is alive with up-market shopping, international-standard restaurants, lively bars and a beautiful sandy beach.

Prana Spa welcomes all guests to Bali to come and enjoy a Spa experience with a difference, featuring fifteen single massage rooms, five spacious double treatment rooms and four Thai massage rooms.

Abundance is a strong suit at Prana Spa, with décor inspired by the legendary moguls of 16th century Rajistan – Prana Spa takes you into a world of amazing opulence. One of the most expansive treatment-based day spas in the region, it is relaxed and exotic at the same time – with arches and corridors, turrets, carved elephant heads and walls resembling palace battlements. There are lavish carpets, hand-painted ceilings, mosaics and carvings, elaborate treatment rooms and plunge pools.

The jewel in the day spa crown at PRANA is the Private Suite.

Escape into fantasy to a place where tired spirits can be renewed and life’s balance restored. Unhurried by pressures of the outside world, the over the top romance, stars, candles, and mystic aesthetic takes you on a journey back in time to the most exotic era in history.

Reminiscent of ancient Persia, Egypt, India, Morocco and the Middle East, the Private Suite has plenty to ooh – and ahh – about. Using only the finest in beauty treats, such as 24 karat gold and genuine pearl powder body scrubs to finishing with a Cleopatra milk bath with canapés and wine, guests enjoy the most decadent spa experience fit for kings and queens.

The Private Suite is dedicated to providing couples or friends a range of pampering spa packages like no other. Three to five hour packages have been tailored to indulge all the senses in opulent surroundings. An enormous freeform bath, tiled in dark gold hues, sits at the centre of the room surrounded by a lounging sofa, massage beds and deep red drapes to create an atmosphere of romance and tranquility.

“Luxury is all about time, it’s being able to put yourself into someone’s capable, caring hands and just have it all happen, and that is exactly what our guests enjoy when they book the Private Suite at Prana,” says Aleisha Lloyd, who oversees the full Spa facilities at Prana.

“Spas are becoming a more social experience, our guests are using them for family re-unions, brides for bridal parties or hen’s gatherings, and girlfriends are using the place to reacquaint,” Ms Lloyd continued.

Nonetheless, Lloyd sees romance as the driving force behind the popularity of the Private Suite. “Couples want to spend quality time together,” she says. For a minimum of three hours, couples get side-by-side treatments in an over the top romantic setting. “Guests love the authenticity of the Marrakesh inspired furnishings, jetted Cleopatra milk bath as much as they love the actual treatments,” she says.

Package Menus are based on two people:
Eastern Mystique – 3 hours
Jewel of the Nile – 4 hours
Sinbad’s Seven Voyage to Health – 4.5 hours
One Thousand and One Nights – 5 hours
“More than a spa-within-a-spa, it’s like having a vacation while on vacation,” Lloyd concluded.

The Villas is one of Asia’s most popular private and serene vacation spa retreats, offering unrivalled scenic beauty, superb dining and spacious accommodation, where guests can also relax and unwind in a tranquil setting of Prana Spa.

Rest and relaxation, wining and dining, hinterland escapes, active pursuits and an ever evolving events calendar confirm the Gold Coast as a fun-filled, year-long destination.

See below a list of new and exciting things to see and do during your next visit.

New Experiences
Inaugural EB Games Expo Announced – Biggest Gaming Event Ever In Australia
JPT Tour Group Part Of Gold Coast ‘Eco-Efficiency Cluster’
Shockwave at Dreamworld
New Treatments At Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa
Hilton’s Beach Valets Pamper Guests in an Australian First

Property News
Peppers Broadbeach Rated Best By TripAdviser
SeaWorld Penguin Encounter Gains International Recognition
Wyndham Corporate Centre Unveiled

Save The Date
Sanctuary Cove Winter Markets: Featuring Ben O’Donoghue and Alex Perry
Queensland Ballet Performs ‘The Little Mermaid’
Serge Dansereau To Cook At Palazzo Versace
Record Numbers Expected At Gold Coast Airport Marathon
Aussie Gold International Cheer and Dance Championships

Spotlight: Gold Coast Whale Watching

New Experiences

Inaugural EB Games Expo Announced – Biggest Gaming Event Ever In Australia
Australia’s largest video game and entertainment software retailer has announced what will be the biggest gaming event in Australian history, the EB Games EXPO to be held 15-16 October at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. EB Games EXPO will showcase the hottest new release and upcoming titles playable for the first time in Australia plus exciting live presentations from international game developers spanning across 10,000 square metres. EB Games is excited to announce the participation of global console giants: Nintendo, Playstation and XBOX360, world class gaming brands: 2K, Activision, Bethesda, Bluemouth, Capcom, Codemasters, Disney Interactive Studios, Electronic Arts, Incomm, Konami, Logitech, Mindscape, Namco Bandai Partners, Parrot AR.Drone, Plantronics, Pop Cap, QVS, Razer, Sega, Square Enix, THQ, Turtle Beach and Ubisoft and supporting partners: GameSpot AU, Game Informer, TLS Red Carpet Gaming, World Cyber Games and Save Point. www.ebexpo.com.au

JPT Tour Group Part Of Gold Coast ‘Eco-Efficiency Cluster’
The JPT Tour Group is participating in a joint initiative between Gold Coast City Council and EC3 entitled the “Eco-Efficiency Cluster”. Companies with a social conscience and eco-awareness principles are now seeking to work with hotels, tour companies and transfer providers who have the same goals; ie, to protect our environment and minimise their carbon footprint. The JPT Tour Group is working with 24 other tourism companies toward identifying more eco-efficient practices in the office and operationally, to develop an Action Plan toward achieving best eco-practices, to provide training and capacity building within our team, to identify strategies for raising awareness among our clientele and staff in relation to the importance of sustainable tourism and to encourage ‘whole-of-Gold-Coast’ destination eco-friendly outcomes. For information about JPT Tour Groups’ sustainability policy and how you can work with us, please contact Communications Manager Allison Forner Allison@jpttours.com Visit www.jpttours.com

Shockwave at Dreamworld
Dreamworld’s latest addition to more than 30 rides, attractions and shows, Shockwave is a daunting sight along the park’s Ocean Parade. One hundred and fifty tonnes of steel, a massive turbine disc and the looming rises and dips of Shockwave’s vivid green track are set to challenge the bravest of action seekers. As you make your way onto the huge 24-person ride disc, cast your eyes onto the terrified faces of the spectators below. Don’t be fooled as the disc cranks to life, it only takes a few moments before the initial gentle sways to take a turn for the worse and become 360 degree spins of fury. At full speed you’ll be propelled at over 50kph down a 63m long wave-like track that plunges and climbs, so one second you feel completely weightless and the next the full load of gravity takes hold, all while circling at 12 revolutions per minute at up to 2.5Gs. Shockwave is an electrifying and fun open air adventure that promises to leave you spinning. www.dreamworld.com.au

New Treatments At Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa
Day Spa lovers will go ga-ga over two new treatments at the tranquil Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa. Firstly there is the Wongawallan Hot Stone Massage to warm the body and dissolve all tension, where you can surrender to the warm stone therapy and allow the ancient elemental powers of the earth to dissolve stress, fatigue and deep layers of tension. This 90 minute treatment is $190. Then unique to Ruffles, there is the Holistic Elixir, a Deluxe Organic Facial which uses powerful crystals for healing by amplifying skin renewal, using the powerful combination of crystal healing and organic formulas to empower the skin and soul. This 75-minute treatment is $165. To book call 07 5546 7411 or email ruffleslodge@peppers.com.au

Hilton’s Beach Valets Pamper Guests in an Australian First
Hilton Surfers Paradise has launched Australia’s first ever Beach Valet, providing guests with the ultimate luxury beach experience. The Beach Valet service offers five-star service that extends from the hotel to one of Australia’s most famous stretches of sand. With the concept of beach valets well entrenched at overseas destinations such as South Beach in Miami, Florida and Cannes in France, Hilton Surfers Paradise has introduced an Australian version of the concept exclusively for Hilton Surfers Paradise guests. Valets transport guests’ beach gear and belongings to the sand on world-renowned Surfers Paradise Beach, as well as bring guests cold drinks, ice creams, Hilton-branded sunshade or beach umbrella, carry and assemble beach chairs, bring fresh towels and children’s beach toys and provide guests with an esky filled with their choice of cold drinks, fresh fruit or snacks throughout the day.

Property News

Peppers Broadbeach Rated Best By TripAdviser
The world’s largest travel website, Trip Advisor, has given the new Peppers Broadbeach the top rating as Australia’s best hotel, ahead of 4,350 other properties. The rating is derived from feedback from guests who have stayed at the property and posted reviews. Some recent reviews about Peppers Broadbeach: “Best on the Gold Coast, Excellent in every way. A true 5 star resort, service staff made you feel wanted and important.” Fantastic breath of fresh air … “Loved it, outstanding rooms … Best mini bar I have ever seen – at last , no Pringles! This hotel deserves to be supported for making an effort to be different.” They’ve thought of everything. Absolutely beautiful rooms, faultless cleaning and top notch toiletries are provided. Overall a great location, beautifully appointed hotel, and top notch services and facilities. Highly recommended! www.peppers.com.au/broadbeach

SeaWorld Penguin Encounter Gains International Recognition
Sea World’s Penguin Encounter Exhibit has gained international recognition, claiming a coveted Zoo and Aquarium Association Award presented to the most innovative projects, outstanding conservation activities and exhibit designs, as well as the top education programs. The ‘Penguin Encounter’ complex took out the Exhibit Award in the Large Institution Category. Penguin Encounter is a building complex dedicated to the management and exhibition of King and Gentoo penguins in a climate-controlled environment meeting stringent Quarantine design and construction specifications. Penguin Encounter is a slice of Antarctica at Sea World, with up to 3 tonne of snow being created daily, plus icy rock formations and a crystal clear pool for the penguins to explore; it’s truly a spectacular exhibit. www.seaworld.myfun.com.au

Wyndham Corporate Centre Unveiled
One of the Gold Coast’s largest corporate employers, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific has undertaken the relocation of more than 500 staff members to the newly branded, Wyndham Corporate Centre in Bundall. The launch of the new Asia Pacific headquarters marks the beginning of a new decade on the Gold Coast for this global hospitality company. Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific launched the Vacation Ownership club, WorldMark South Pacific Club by Wyndham, on the Gold Coast in 2001 with one resort at Coolangatta and a small band of employees. Today, the company employs around 1,200 people and the WorldMark South Pacific Club has a network of 21 resorts throughout the Asia Pacific region. www.wyndhamworldwide.com

Save The Date

Sanctuary Cove Winter Markets: Featuring Ben O’Donoghue and Alex Perry
Sanctuary Cove’s Winter Festival will be coordinated 4-19 June, starting with an Art Weekend for two fabulously creative days. The Marine Village, Sanctuary Cove will be transformed into an art-lover’s oasis with exhibitions, workshops, activities and entertainment to suit all ages. On Monday 13 June it is the food-lover’s turn as celebrity chef, Ben O’Donoghue, makes a special appearance during an afternoon of events celebrating great food, wine and entertainment at the Village Green, Sanctuary Cove. Have your book signed, watch Ben perform an exciting BBQ Prawn cooking demonstration or simply enjoy a selection of wine and craft beers. King of Couture, Alex Perry, will turn up the heat on 17 June when he visits Sanctuary Cove and unveils his sultry collection “Cuban Princess” at an exquisite gala dinner for the charity AEIOU Foundation – for children with autism. To close the Sanctuary Cove Winter Festival, the children will take centre-stage. The extremely popular Mummy Tree Markets will be held on 18 and 19 June – a gorgeous designer market showcasing unique, boutique products and services for all the family. www.sanctuarycove.hyatt.com

Queensland Ballet Performs ‘The Little Mermaid’
Queensland Ballet is busy adorning their pointe shoes and fish tails, as the Company prepares to perform François Klaus’s The Little Mermaid at The Arts Centre Gold Coast on Saturday 18 June. Choreographed by the Company’s Artistic Director, François Klaus, The Little Mermaid has enchanted audiences in Brisbane, Sydney, regional Queensland, Japan and most recently China in March and April this year. Now this timeless tale from Hans Christian Andersen is set to make waves on the Gold Coast, where the Company will present two performances only on 18 June. www.artscentregc.com.au

Serge Dansereau To Cook At Palazzo Versace
On 25 – 26 June, Palazzo Versace’s award-winning Vanitas restaurant will play host to celebrated chef Serge Dansereau. The noted French Canadian chef from the iconic Sydney restaurant The Bathers’ Pavilion will be visiting Australia’s first and only fashion branded hotel for two exclusive cooking events. At the beginning of each class Serge will lead guests on a visual and entertaining tour of his latest gastronomic journey through France. Guests will learn about the locations dear to his heart and the dishes that have helped to inspire his latest culinary creations. Menu items for the two cooking demonstrations have been personally selected from Serge’s new book, French Kitchen. The newest book from his growing collection of titles sees Serge blend his French culinary techniques with tasty Australian produce to create fresh and flavoursome, easy to cook at home dishes. www.palazzoversace.com.au

Record Numbers Expected At Gold Coast Airport Marathon
A record of more than 25,000 runners from all more than 30 countries are set to converge on the Gold Coast this July for the Gold Coast Airport Marathon. The 33rd annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on 2 – 3 July and feature races for all ages and abilities. There will be the ultimate 42.195km Gold Coast Airport Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair Half Marathon, Southern Cross University 10km Run, Queensland Health 5km Challenge and Junior Dash 2km and 4km races. The Gold Coast Airport Marathon course is renowned for being flat and scenic, taking in the beautiful broadwater and surf beaches. The weather in July is traditionally good for running, with low humidity, no wind and mild temperatures, creating great conditions to achieve a personal best time. More than 2,000 runners will come from overseas with large groups from Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Korea. The Gold Coast Airport Marathon, organised by Events Queensland Gold Coast, has won the Queensland Tourism Awards Best Major Event/Festival for the past two years. Entries for the event are open until Friday 1 July at www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au

Aussie Gold International Cheer and Dance Championships
Don’t miss out on the Aussie Gold International Cheer and Dance Championships on Saturday 9 July at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Hundreds of cheerleaders and dancers from all around the world will be on the Gold Coast for a weekend of fun-filled competition across competitive divisions. Cheerleading combines gymnastics, dance and acrobatics into a fast-paced, spectacular routine. At the Aussie Gold International Cheer and Dance Championships, the fun doesn’t stop with the competition – there will also be golden giveaways, fun games and interactive activities at the ‘spirit-zone’. For more information please visit www.aussiegoldchamps.com.au

Spotlight: Gold Coast Whale Watching

Whale watching on the Gold Coast provides a fantastic opportunity for onlookers to get up close and personal with the largest living mammals on Earth. The waters along the Gold Coast are commonly referred to as the Hump Back Highway with approximately 25 000 viewing opportunities during the annual migration up and down the coasts of Queensland. Running from June through to November the Gold Coast boasts the longest whale watching season in the country. Departure points include Marina Mirage, Sea World, Sea World Resort, The Spit, Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta/Tweed Heads Golf Club. The whale watching season marks the migration of the Humpback Whale from Antarctica to warmer Queensland waters before they return with their newly born after covering a mammoth distance of 8,000kms during their amazing journey.

Gold Coast Whale Watching Operators:
Tall Ships – ph: 1300 942 537 www.tallship.com.au
Whales in Paradise – ph: 07 5538 5219 www.whalesinparadise.com.au
Sea World Whale Watching – ph: 133 386 www.seaworld.myfun.com.au
Coolangatta Whale Watch – 07 5599 4104 www.coolangattawhalewatch.com.au
Rivers Whale Watching Tours – 07 5527 6361 www.rivers.net.au

Gold Coast Tourism is available for comment:
John Kaarsberg
0411 511 029
john.kaarsberg@gctourism.com

Tourism Wollongong has announced an unprecedented number of Winter Deals including accommodation for a family of four from $42.50* per night.

Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort is located on the beach and offers open plan style units with bunk beds for the kids, a double bed for Mum and Dad, full kitchen facilities and complimentary parking. The Winter Warmers package starts at $42.50* per night for a family of four, with a minimum three-night stay.

Bulli Tourist Park is located just an hour south of Sydney and is offering seven nights for the price of six, with standard cabins accommodating two adults and two children from $80.30* per night.

Corrimal Beach Tourist Park is offering a great family deal valid for stays during the week. Stay four nights for the price of three, with cabins accommodating two adults and two children priced from $91.20* per night.

To see more fantastic deals including accommodation, activity and dining options please see www.visitwollongong.com.au

* subject to availability, conditions apply

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is reintroducing the Summer Saver concept offering guests 20 percent off on the best available rate in 29 deluxe hotels, in 16 countries and on 5 continents. Room bookings through www.swissotel.com, travel agents and third party channels lead to the 20 percent off deal, while bookings via the Swissôtel website additionally include a complimentary upgrade and late check-out.

From 1st July to 31st August 2011 vibrant cities with great shopping opportunities and numerous tourist attractions are waiting for guests to enjoy the special summer offer at any Swissôtel worldwide. The Summer Saver excludes taxes and service charges. Further information under http://www.swissotel.com/EN/Corporate+Promotions/summersaver.htm

In an historic first, South Australia will host some of the world’s top surfers this November after winning the rights to host an event on the surfing World Tour.

The inaugural Kangaroo Island Pro will be held at one of Australia’s most picturesque beaches, Vivonne Bay, from November 4 – 9, 2011. Former world champion Mark Occhilupo is already confirmed as a starter and he will be joined by up to 150 top male surfers from around the world.

The Kangaroo Island Pro will be the first time South Australia has hosted an ASP World Tour surfing competition – the highest rated surfing event SA can currently attract on the ASP World Tour. Presented by Sealink, the event is expected to inject about $2.5 million into the local economy in its first year.

Tourism Minister John Rau said the event would showcase Kangaroo Island and South Australia to the world. “The Kangaroo Island Pro will provide a fantastic opportunity to promote Kangaroo Island as a wonderful surfing and tourism destination, and it will also bring a new market of tourists to this amazing island,” he said.

The six-star ASP World Tour surfing event will attract prize money of $US145,000, the highest amount possible in its first year. The Kangaroo Island Pro will be highly competitive with professional surfers outside of the top 32 participating in order to secure points to advance their rankings into the top group. Surfing Australia will look at building a festival around the Kangaroo Island Pro, with details to be launched at a later date. Camping facilities for about 5000 people will be available at the festival and Sealink will be offering packages to the event.

Competing with Mark Occhilupo at the event will be South Australia’s Dion Atkinson, who is the top ranked surfer in the State and placed 39th in the world and current South Australian State champion, Teale Vanner, who is from Kangaroo Island.

“Kangaroo Island is the perfect fit for this event, as it has vast amounts of unspoiled wilderness and wildlife and beautiful beaches that produce the surf required to hold a high ranking event,” Mr Rau said. “Visitors will be able to relax in the natural beauty of Kangaroo Island while watching some of the world’s best surfers compete.”

The South Australian Government, through the South Australian Tourism Commission’s major events arm, Events South Australia, is providing seed funding for the establishment of the event, which will be managed by Surfing South Australia.

Surfing South Australia Chief Executive, Steve Reddy, said the organization was “extremely excited to host a World Tour Surfing event on Kangaroo Island”.

“This event will provide amazing development opportunities for South Australia’s aspiring professional surfers, current professional surfers, judges, officials and volunteers. Surfing SA believes that this event will become an iconic Australian surfing event of which all South Australians can be proud.”

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) World Tour consists of the top 32 men (plus two wild cards) and the top 17 women competitive surfers in the world. This is the pinnacle of achievement for any aspiring surfer. The winner of this tour becomes the world champion.

To enter the top 32 in the World Tour, surfers need to compete in the World Tour Star series which ranges in points and prize money from one star to six star prime. The Kangaroo Island Pro is a Six Star event which will attract as many as 150 of the world’s highest ranked surfers.

MARK OCCHILUPO
Mark Occhilupo, was born in 1966 and grew up surfing in Cronulla. He started competing as a professional in the 1980s, winning a World Title in 1999. He is one of the most recognised surfers in the world. Now retired from the World Tour, he is heavily involved in the media, including being a presenter on Fuel TV. He is currently a competitor on Dancing with the Stars.

TEALE VANNER
Teale Vanner is South Australia’s second highest ranked surfer and is from Kangaroo Island. Teale is the current South Australian State Champion and former Australian Junior Champion. He is also surfing on the World Tour and is looking to improve his ranking.

DION ATKINSON
Dion Atkinson is South Australia’s top ranked surfer. He is currently placed 39th in the world, and needs to move up just seven spots to make it to the top 32.

For regular updates about the Kangaroo Island Pro visit www.kangarooislandpro.com.au

Sunsail, the world’s largest yacht charter company has just released specials for all destinations to encourage holiday makers to take advantage of the strong Australian dollar.

Head of Distribution Australia & Asia/Pacific, Mark Windsor, announced that Sunsail has taken the initiative for all destinations in announcing substantial discounts for those contemplating a sailing holiday during June and onwards.

Whitsundays
A 30% discount is being offered for all charters during the month of June. What a great incentive to escape the winter cold and explore the beautiful Whitsundays on your own Catamaran or Yacht.

And what better way to enjoy this than on a Sunsail 41, which has been added to the Whitsunday Fleet for 2011. The Sunsail 41 has taken on key design innovations which include the complete rethinking of the deck and sail plans to make this boat, not only fast, but incredibly easy to handle. Twin wheels and a large swim platform make spending time onboard the Sunsail 41 relaxing, comfortable and most importantly, fun!

Jeanneau’s version, the Sun Odyssey 409, from which the Sunsail 41 has been designed, has received the prestigious nomination for the 2010/11 European Boat of the Year, thus demonstrating the credibility of this outstanding new yacht.

If you’re unable to take advantage of the 30% discount a FREE DAYS stay pay offering is open to all bookings taken for 01 Jan-31 Mar 2012 – Pay 4 get 5; Pay 6 get 7 and Pay 7 get 10.

Caribbean
Caribbean bareboats are attracting a discount of up to 25% for charters of 14 or more days with a discount of 15% being offered for charters of between 5-13 days.

The discounts apply to all charters booked from 01 Jun-31 Oct 2011.

With the opening of a new charter locations in Belize & Grenada, adding to Sunsail’s other bases in the Caribbean, these destinations offers sailors the opportunity to explore one of Mother Nature’s best kept secrets.

Sitting on the eastern coast of the Central American coastline facing the Caribbean Sea, Belize is a unique treasure in the sailing world. Located in Placencia, Sunsail’s Belize base is the perfect starting point for a wonderfully varied charter holiday. With the picturesque Belizean coast stretching out over 185 miles, there is an abundance of things to do and see. The Marine life here is dazzling and yearning to be explored.

From the new base at Port Louis Marina in St. George’s, Sunsail will offer bareboat and skippered charters on a fleet consisting of 36 to 38 foot catamarans and monohulls, exclusive to Sunsail. Known as the Gateway to the Grenadines, the cruising grounds of Grenada (The Spice Island) offer the most exceptional sailing conditions in the Eastern Caribbean along with pristine reefs, colourful coral gardens and access to the famous Tobago Cays!

Discounts of up to 15% also apply to charters in the Tahiti, Tonga, Asia, Seychelles & up to 50% in the Mediterranean.

Sunsail are also offering a 6 month advance booking discount of 10% for all reservations for November 2011 onwards.

For more information contact Sunsail on 1800 803 988 or visit www.sunsail.com.au .

For any further information or images please contact:
Mark R. Windsor
Head of Distribution
TUI MarineAustralia & Asia/Pacific
Sunsail, The Moorings, Footloose & Le Boat
M: +61 407 842 903
www.sunsail.com.au

Why Choose Sunsail in the Whitsundays?
• The only yacht charter company based on Hamilton Island• Free marina berth• Free airport transfers• Located in the heart of the cruising ground• Full pre-provisioning service

About Sunsail
Sunsail offers a wide choice of sailing holidays with 800 yachts in 29 locations worldwide, and Beach Clubs in Mediterranean. Alongside Yacht Charter and Flotilla Sailing holidays Sunsail also offer, Sailing Schools, Team Building and Events. Sunsail was founded in 1974 and is owned by TUI Travel, PLC. For more information, please visit www.sunsail.com.au

Australia will capture your heart and soul – so lets capture and celebrate Australia on camera.

To celebrate the magic of Australia, Wilderness Tours Australia is launching a photo competition to win a Lumix Tough compact camera.

We should all be proud of Australia – from the pristine beaches to the wild and rugged land, the relaxed lifestyle to the friendly and easy going people…

Australia has touched the hearts of many, so lets get involved and feel proud to belong to this captivating land by sharing your own Ultimate Australian Experience.

Wilderness Tours Australia were exploring ways to involve the community in the future of Australian Travel and have come up with the photo competition “Whats your Ultimate Australian Experience” which is focused on the community and Australia.

The Competition is completely free to enter. All you need to do is email a photo that you have taken of either you or of your favourite Australian destination/experience. Submissions for the photo competition will be accepted until11:59 pm EST on 15th September 2011. There is no limit to the number of photos a contestant may submit; approved submissions will be published on the Wilderness Tours Australia facebook page. Visitors to the facebook page can place their vote by “liking” the photo. The 10 most liked photos will go in to the final – and Wilderness Tours Australia will then choose the most creative or inspiring Australian Experience photo.
Everyone that submits a photo will have the opportunity to inspire and share their passion with millions of people as Wilderness Tours Australia will also be posting pictures on their website and travel brochures.You will find all the details on Whats your ultimate Australian experience photo competition, at: www.wildernesstoursaustralia.com

Long Island Resort in the Whitsundays has recently unveiled its refurbishments to the public, including the hotel restaurant and refreshed public areas.

If you are looking for a laid back, casual atmosphere with beautiful, natural surrounds then Long Island Resort is ideal – catering for both couples and families.

The resort offers the choice of beachfront, garden or lodge rooms and facilities including pool and pool bar, tennis, gym, restaurants, spa, mini golf and a kids club.

There are also plenty of activities on offer including more than 20km of hiking trails to explore, plus water activities including: snorkelling, sailing and scuba diving.

Contact Information:
P: 1800 075 125 (within Australia) or + (61 7) 4946 9400 (international)
W: www.longislandresort.com.au
Rates: Garden Rooms are priced from $150 per night. Packages are also available including breakfast and transfers, or all meals.

AQUARIUS BACKPACKERS GOLD COAST LAUNCHES NEW BUDGET CONSCIOUS PACKAGES

In an area where backpackers are a dime a dozen there’s always the danger that budget accommodation just won’t make an effort.

Not so for this colourful Hostel where cleanliness is as important as having a good time – and that’s considered very important.

This boutique Hostel offers a range of budget conscious packages combining accommodation with top rated activities on the Gold Coast.

To check out these neat little packages head to www.aquariusbackpackers.com.au  - here you will find inexpensive, fun filled short break that won’t hurt your bank account!