Jetsettersblog

This stylish boutique property has now opened in Brisbane’s inner-city Toowong.

Ideal for both business and leisure travellers, the Jephson Hotel is the first full-service property of its kind in the area. The hotel offers a range of accommodation, options including premium Studio Rooms, and Executive Suites through to spacious well-appointed one, two and three bedroom apartments. All rooms feature a private balcony, high speed internet, in-room safe and FOXTEL. Inter-connecting rooms are also available for families.

Overlooking Toowong’s main retail and café strip, the hotel is just 3km from the Brisbane CBD. Modern Australian cuisine is on offer at the Jephson’s elegant and relaxed J’s Restaurant and Lounge Bar, while the hotel’s conference room and rooftop terrace barbecue area cater for up to 80 people. Public transport, including buses, rail and the City Cat ferry, is all close by.

If you’re feeling indulgent, and need to host six people or more, why not try the top floor Penthouse Suite which comprises of three bedrooms and bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, separate lounge and dining areas plus four balconies.

Contact Information:
P: 07 3736 4400
W: www.jephsonhotel.com.au
Rates: Rooms are available from $100 per night.

Queensland’s award-winning eco tourism operator The Discovery Group has added two new adventures designed to showcase the best of World Heritage-listed Fraser Island and the Noosa Everglades.

The Noosa Everglades Canoe Discovery is a self-guided three day/two night canoe safari into the pristine wilderness of the Noosa Everglades. The tour departs from Noosa with a river cruise through the magnificent lakes and wetlands to the start of the Noosa Everglades.

Here participants pack their canoe and paddle upstream through the pristine wilderness before setting up camp for two nights.

There is ample opportunity to explore this magnificent region by walking the Cooloola Sandpatch – one of the largest coastal sand dunes in Australia.

The second new tour option, the Fraser Two-Day-tour, takes in the northern highlights of the island including all meals and four-star beachside accommodation at Happy Valley. Access to Fraser Island is via the “beach highway” departing Noosa via Rainbow Beach and travelling in a purpose-built “Warrior” 4WD.

Other highlights include guided rainforest walks, time out to relax and explore pristine wilderness, a refreshing lake swim at Lake McKenzie, as well as a visit to the Rainbow Gorge Sandblow, Eli Creek and Maheno Shipwreck.

Contact Information:
P: 07 5449 0393
W: www.thediscoverygroup.com.au
Rates: The self-guided Noosa Everglades Canoe Discovery tour costs $135 per person, including transfers, use of canoe, tent and all gear. Participants need only supply their food and sleeping bag. Departures are on the even dates of each month (e.g. 2nd, 4th, 6th etc).
The Fraser Two-Day-tour is priced from $369 per person quad-share and departs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Australian holidaymakers are in for a treat in their attempts to escape their hectic city lives, because Moreton Island is letting people choose their very own adventure.

On Brisbane’s doorstep, situated only a 75 minute ferry ride from the CBD itself, Moreton Island is the ideal inexpensive and quick getaway in south east Queensland. A long time playground for residents of Brisbane, it seems Moreton Island has turned up the dial for the urban adventurer.

Embracing their new tag line of Your Adventure, Your Way, a visit to Moreton Island means just that. No matter what your pleasure; be it four wheel driving , fishing for snapper with mates, exploring the island’s national park or relaxing around a campsite with your family, Moreton Island is offering visitors the chance to become the star of their very own adventure.

Moreton Island is over 98% national park, from the desert region featuring one of the world’s highest sand dunes, to the fragile wetlands, freshwater lakes and lagoons – home to abundant birdlife. Not to mention the pure white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters – breeding grounds for humpback whales, green turtles and dugongs – a natural paradise.

Nature is a big drawcard for the island, especially the environmentally conscious traveller, with so much to offer, including the specially designed Eco-village; carbon-friendly, self-contained units offering a modicum of comfort whilst embracing the outdoors.

Located in the township of Bulwer, the Eco Village is very reasonably priced with two bedroom self contained units, as well as dorm style accommodation for the bigger groups. Private homes and luxury villas are also available for rent.

For 4WD enthusiasts Moreton Island provides the perfect opportunity to get off the beaten track and explore the island in your own vehicle which you can drive on and off the MiCat Ferry. The uncrowded beaches and huge network of sand tracks that traverses the island can be explored in a day, or for those of us who aren’t quite so confident in the dunes, over a couple of days.

One of the biggest drawcards on Moreton Island is the amazing fishing. Visitors can explore the hidden beaches and lakes to find a private fishing spot or sand or surf break for their daily catch.

And an island getaway would not be complete without a place to lay your head. Thankfully, accommodation on Moreton Island is plentiful and varied so it suits all different tastes and budgets in order to create a perfect family adventure or easy weekend getaway.

The serviced camping grounds are packed with quality facilities and are constantly maintained. However, the real beauty of Moreton is being able to camp of the edge of the beach with no neighbours in sight. Although amenities are further away you wake up to the sound of the waves and your morning wake call is the sea birds right outside your door.

No matter what adventure visitors have in mind for their trip to Moreton Island, there truly is something for everyone. So there’s nothing left but to step aboard the cozy MiCat ferry and sit back and relaz as you sail smoothly across beautiful Moreton Bay, on the way to enjoying Your Adventure, Your Way.

For more information, timetables and bookings visit www.moretonislandadventures.com.au  or find them on facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Moreton-Island-Adventures

A new gallery located in Longreach is showcasing stunning photographic images of Queensland’s Outback.

Situated in the main street, it is the perfect place to browse the latest exhibition and enjoy a relaxing drink or snack at the gallery’s coffee shop.

Feeling thirsty? Why not try the Outback blend coffee which is roasted specially for the gallery.

The gallery also features some works of other local artists so make sure you bring your wallet, as you may fall in love with a few pieces.

Co-owners Debbie and Peter Scott are both long-time photographers and also provide a range of photographic services for locals.

Contact Information:
P: 07 4658 0170
W: www.outbackpics.com.au

Park Hyatt Melbourne has exclusively partnered with the National Sports Museum to offer the ultimate sports accommodation package. Guests can enjoy an overnight stay in Melbourne’s largest and most luxurious guestrooms, welcome drinks in radii bar, a leisurely hot buffet breakfast, valet parking and two tickets to the National Sports Museum located at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from only AU$355* per night.

Located across two levels of the Olympic Stand, visitors can immerse themselves in some of the finest sports-related artefacts and interactive technology witnessed anywhere in the world. Guests can relive the greatest moments in Australian sporting history, run out Adam Gilchrist on a virtual cricket pitch, and test their own goal-kicking skills against AFL players. All of this is located just a handball away from Melbourne’s finest hotel.

Park Hyatt Melbourne offers an unparalleled hotel experience with all the luxuries needed to escape the winter months, including oversized spa baths with inset television, rooms with fireplaces, exquisite food at radii restaurant, indoor pool and spa, and rejuvenating treatments at Park Club Health & Day Spa.

The Sports Experience package is a must for AFL supporters visiting Melbourne to watch a game, a family friendly activity for the school holidays and couples looking for a unique weekend getaway.

Sports Experience package includes:
• Overnight accommodation
• Two welcome drinks in radii bar
• Buffet breakfast
• Valet parking
• Two tickets to the National Sports Museum
From AU$355* per couple, per night

For reservations call 13 1234 or visit www.melbourne.park.hyatt.com  and quote PM658.

*Subject to availability. Package valid until 30 December 2011. Two adult tickets per stay, valid one year from date of purchase.

An Australiana themed menu – crocodile sausage infused with lime and chilli, anyone? – is now available at Novotel Palm Cove Resort’s popular Cane Cutters Restaurant.

The new menu, which focuses on fresh local produce, will be available to guests throughout the month of June.

As a tribute to uniquely Australian cuisine, it includes a medley of Australian bush tucker including paperbark smoked banana prawns with lemon pepper, and macadamia & lemon myrtle crusted barramundi served with a bush tomato chutney and crocodile sauage.

The all Australian menu has been matched perfectly with a classic dry red or white wine from the “Valley of the Giants”. The “Valley of the Giants” is an ancient forest in Western Australia that is home to the enormous red tingle trees.

Modestly priced at $20 per a person, the menu has been specifically designed by Cane Cutters Executive Chef Geoff Cole to provide diners with a taste of Australian cuisine.

Geoff first began his career in Port Douglas and Cairns in 1990 where he was heavily influenced by classical European, Thai and Middle Eastern cuisines. Since then he has become passionate about Australian bush tucker food particularly after being exposed to the produce during his time working in Darwin.

Today at Cane Cutters Restaurant Geoff is focused on creating a menu that reflects all walks of life. Geoff hopes this particular tribute to Australian cuisine will highlight to International travelers and Aussies alike just how exciting and tasty bush tucker can be.

The menu has fused Australian native bush tucker with quality produce to create a gastronomic experience for international and domestic guests.

Cane Cutters Restaurant is open seven days a week for breakfast and dinner. The Restaurant’s seasonal a la carte menu will still be available to all diners throughout June.

For more information visit: www.novotelpalmcove.com.au  or call: 07 4059 1234

To celebrate the launch of the new ‘Red Service’ aboard The Ghan and the Indian Pacific, Great Southern Rail are offering huge discounts on family holidays until the end of July.

Kids can travel aboard The Ghan or the Indian Pacific for just $99 per night when accompanied by two adults in the comfortable Red Sleeper Service.* This family travel special is valid until 31 July and offers a saving of up to $1340.

“A journey aboard The Ghan or the Indian Pacific is the perfect ‘budget friendly’ family holiday,” said Chief Executive of Great Southern Rail, Tony Braxton-Smith.

“Kids are fascinated by trains and what better way to teach them about Australia and our incredible Outback than with a family adventure across the continent?”

“The July school holidays will soon be upon us, so now is the time to book!” said Tony

Red Service was recently re-launched following a $6 million facelift which saw the introduction of the newly refurbished ‘Matilda Café’ diner aboard The Ghan and the new ‘Red Gum Lounge’ aboard both The Ghan and the Indian Pacific.

The new ‘Matilda Café’ features comfortable booth seating for guests to enjoy delicious freshly prepared snacks and meals, freshly ground coffee and a range of Australian wines and beers.

The new ‘Red Gum Lounge’ provides the perfect place to enjoy the panoramic window views, socialise with new friends, or spend a leisurely afternoon with a good book. Complimentary tea and coffee are available all day and a selection of reading material and a range of games are also provided.

Red Sleeper cabins feature a compact twin-share berth fitted with two facing lounge chairs by day that convert to upper and lower berths by night – perfect for family holidays across Australia. Twin berth sleepers have a wash basin, while showers and toilets are located nearby at the end of each carriage.

Guests can travel aboard The Ghan or the Indian Pacific with up to 40kg of luggage (two 20kg bags) per person at no additional cost.

“We have invested a significant amount in upgrading our Red Service and now is the best time to get on board and experience the fun of rail travel at a fantastic price.” said Tony.

To book your next family holiday, visit the Great Southern Rail’s website at www.greatsouthernrail.com.au  or call 13 21 47.

Bookings must be made by 30 July 2011, for travel before 31 July 2011.

*Terms and conditions apply.

European canal boat operator, Le Boat has announced savings of up to 20% on selected boats for June, July & August.

Mark Windsor, Head of Distribution for Le Boat Australia & Asia/Pacific stated these savings are significant for travellers heading to Europe and wanting to experience the European countryside from the intimacy of a canal boat. No experience is necessary to skipper one of these boats and with options such as bicycles allows the traveller to have the freedom of cruising as well as other members of the party to cycle along the canals or to venture into the many villages along the waterways.

Le Boat now operates in the FRIULI region of Italy, opening up the Northern Venetian Lagoon towards Trieste/Slovenia. Clients will be able to travel in peace along the beautiful ‘canale littorale’–seaside canals which run between Venice in the west & towards Trieste in the east. Le Boat has a total of 3 bases in Italy, each providing access to distinctly different cruising areas.

The new base at Precenicco will operate 17 boats. Precenicco base will offer round trips and one-ways to/from Casale only. Precenicco is a quiet town on the river Stella which flows through the Marano lagoon, famous for its two regional nature reserves –the Foci del Fiume Stella and Valle Canal Nova. A small ferry links them to the larger seaside resort of Lignano Sabiadoro. A huge variety of birdlife is found here, as well as old fishing villages and huts. It is a small elegant, Italian town with friendly ‘Osteria’(café-bars), an art gallery and small boutiques. There are narrow cobbled streets with 18thCentury buildings and churches and a well-kept market square.

August is an ideal time to visit the region as Precenicco’s ‘Festival on the River’ takes place at this time.

In addition to the significant savings, there is also a discount of up to 40% for selected one-way sailings as well as family discounts for children.

Bookings for 2012 can still booked at 2011 prices valid to 31 August 2011.

Further information is available from Le Boat on www.leboat.com.au  or by phoning 1800 803 988.

Le Boat is Europe’s leading self-drive boating holiday company, comprising of 1,000 canal boats and over 40 bases in eight countries including the UK & Ireland.

The newest way to explore south-east Queensland’s attractions is onboard Mr Day Tours.

There are five half-day itineraries and one full day tour to chose from, such as the ‘Moreton Bay Breezes’ – a tour taking in the city’s bayside and local seafood; ‘Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast Drive’; and ‘Brisbane and its Outback Drive’ to name a few.

Guests travel by air-conditioned mini coach which seats up to 11 at any time. All tours depart from Brisbane.

Contact Information:
P: 0419 788 026
W: www.mrdaytours.com.au
Rates: Half-day tours are $95 adults and $35 children. Full-day tour price is $170 for adults and $60 for children, and includes pick-up and return to city accommodation.
Other: Half day tours can be combined for a full day tour and tour requests to other attractions can be arranged.

Gibraltar Hotel, Bowral Opens to Wide Acclaim

Nestled on 100-acres, among century old elm and pine trees and under the shadow of Bowral’s iconic Mt Gibraltar, is the new Gibraltar Hotel, the most luxurious and modern hotel accommodation available in NSW’s Southern Highlands.

Just one and half hours easy drive from Sydney and Canberra, Gibraltar Hotel offers 76 luxurious suites each with vistas of beautiful Bowral woodland or Mt Gibraltar itself.

The Hotel also features a challenging 18-hole golf course, the largest conference centre in the region with a unique, elegant ballroom, six breakout meeting rooms, a wedding chapel with a full organ, as well as its own heated indoor swimming pool, cardio centre and luxurious Day Spa and Grooming Lounge.

Owner John Uliana says: “We wanted to create a destination where guests can simply relax and enjoy the Resort’s facilities or venture out and take pleasure in some of the many activities the Southern Highland’s has to offer.”

“Guests can enjoy cuisine from the Hotel’s restaurant, Gibraltar Grill, or dine in Harvey’s Bar overseen by internationally acclaimed Food & Beverage Manager, UgoBisognoand Chef, Jonas Ottosson,” says Uliana. “Ugo and Jonas have cleverly blended a mix of contemporary Australian fare with an international touch to deliver a menu which utilises fresh local produce, and is accompanied by a selection of the best Southern Highland cold climate and Australian wines available.”

Ottosson’s famous Grill is a key draw card for local and visiting food aficionados. Returning to the Highlands after a stint overseas, Gibraltar Grill is fast becoming renowned for featuring prime meat cooked to absolute perfection.

“It’s all about attention to detail so our guests can enjoy their steak just as they like it every time,” says Ottosson.

Gibraltar’s modern décor is an eclectic mix of Indian artefacts, paintings and sculptures by local Bowral artists, and New York City Chic.

“It’s a true blend of city chic meets country warmth with its individual stamp of luxury and comfort which will be appreciated by every guest and visitor,” says Uliana.

Surrounded by Gibraltar Country Club’s challenging 18-hole golf course, the hotel will appeal to golf enthusiasts wanting to enjoy a round or two during their stay.

“After a challenging day on the golf course, visitors can relax and enjoy the cocktail of the day or a glass of award-winning wine in Harvey’s Bar, named after one of Australia’s best loved musicians and local Bowral resident, Geoff Harvey,” says Uliana.

Harvey’s Bar is open daily from 11am with live entertainment each Friday and Saturday night.

“It’s fast becoming a favoured spot for Hotel guests and locals alike,” says Uliana. “Enjoy a lingering glass of wine while listening to Geoff tinkering on the ivory keys it simply doesn’t get more relaxing than that.”

Gibraltar Hotel is close to over 60 Southern Highland’s wineries, 16 cellar doors, Bradman’s International Cricket Hall of Fame, antique trails and Gibbergunyah walking track where walkers can mingle with kangaroos, echidnas and wombats before returning for a meal at the hotel’s landmark Gibraltar Grill.

The Gibraltar Hotel offers a number of affordable packages which combine meals, spa, golf and of course, a stay in one of its elegant suites.

The specially commissioned and designed AH Beard Continental King beds are so comfortable the hotel claims guests have been known to ask to purchase the bed or pillows on leaving. The spacious suites all feature digital flat screens TVs, Wi-Fi, glorious resort-like marble bathrooms including plush towels and robes.

“We know our suites are the most comfortable, relaxed and stylish in the Southern Highlands,” says Uliana, “and we look forward to welcoming you to the Highland’s best kept secret soon!”

For more information, visit www.gibraltarbowral.com.au