Jetsettersblog

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Spring is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for a family spring break trip to shake winter’s doldrums. In Kentucky, spring breakers will find plentiful opportunities to experience world-class golf, fishing, hiking, camping, horseback riding, off-roading, and many other fun, adventurous things to do.

In Kentucky, you don’t have to venture far to have an exciting vacation that will create great memories for kids, college students, family and friends for years to come. These activities are easily accessible to visitors from throughout the Midwest and other surrounding states, allowing an escape that doesn’t require a long drive or expensive airline flight. Kentucky State Parks’ 17 resorts are open seven days a week and are the perfect place for a spring getaway. The park system’s 30+ campgrounds offer outdoor enthusiasts easy access to stunning scenery, outdoor pursuits, and budget-friendly spring break accommodations.

Golfers will find attractive packages at state parks. Eighteen state park golf courses in every region of the state offer championship play amid pastoral beauty. Economical packages start at $79 per person for one night lodge accommodations and 18 holes of golf with a cart. For more ideas about how to enjoy the great outdoors in Kentucky this spring, visit
THISI LINK.

Abercrombie & Kent unveiled two new family holidays featuring national parks in the American West, The Grand Canyon and Beyond and Discovering California’s National Parks.

The programs are led by expert guides who offer insider knowledge to illuminate the hidden side of the parks and their histories.

“Most families find that their daily lives are so hectic with work and school that summer vacations are the only time they have to truly reconnect,” said Bob Simpson, vice president of product planning and business development at Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC. “Travel is often the most uninterrupted time they spend together during the year.

But it shouldn’t be a chore to plan. And it’s too important to get it wrong. Our guests look to us to be responsible for their holiday from beginning to end and our goal in designing these new itineraries was to deliver a more active, more engaging, more personalized way to experience these extraordinary places as a family.”

The Grand Canyon and Beyond explores desert canyons, the Colorado River, Zion National Park’s trails and the rim of the Grand Canyon on little-known trails, led by Grand Canyon Field Institute guides.

The trip includes a visit to the studio of photographers Emery and Ellsworth Kolb. Clients can learn about the latest paleontological discoveries in Grand Staircase Escalante and the geology of Zion National Park from private guides.

Accommodations include the Enchantment Hotel in Sedona, with its acclaimed Mii amo Spa, and the Red Mountain Resort in St. George, Utah.

Departures are June 24 to July 1 and Aug 4 to 11. The price starts at $5,095 per person double occupancy. Bookings made by March 31 save $250 per person.

Discovering California’s National Parks presents California gold country and the scenery along the Pacific coast and in Yosemite National Park.

It includes a drive on Highway 1 to the Avenue of the Giants and Redwood National Park and a leisurely float trip down the American River through the heart of California’s gold country. Yosemite Conservancy guides take clients on an easy walk through Yosemite Valley or an energetic Glacier Point hike four miles down to the valley floor.

At a lunch at Ahwahnee Lodge clients will meet historian Lee Stetson (featured in Ken Burns’ National Park series on PBS) as he portrays 19th century naturalist John Muir. Also included is a private visit to Crystal Cave, a maze of stalactites and stalagmites formed of marble. Accommodations include Cavallo Point Lodge, one of Conde Nast Traveler’s 200 Best Hotels, and Carter House Inn, which is comprised of four restored Victorian townhouses in Old Town Eureka. Departures are June 21 to 30 and July 29 to Aug 7. The price is from $5,895 per person double occupancy.

Bookings made by March 31 save $250 per person. Abercrombie & Kent began offering African safaris in 1962, and today offers travel to more than 100 countries on all seven continents. For more information, call 800-554-7094.

Second spring gobbler license sales to close at midnight on April 20

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania hunters who would like the opportunity to harvest a second spring gobbler can purchase a second spring gobbler tag until midnight on April 20, according to Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe. In fact, thanks to the Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS), hunters can purchase a second spring gobbler tag at any issuing agent or through the agency’s website.

Roe cautioned that those who plan to purchase the second spring gobbler tag through the agency’s website should expect to wait seven to 10 days for shipping, depending on the volume of other online purchases. Also, all sales of the second spring gobbler tag will cease at midnight on April 20, which is the day before the one-day season for junior license holders and those participating in the Mentored Youth Hunting Program.

“Prior to the implementation of PALS, hunters had to wait until Jan. 1 before submitting a license application for the second spring gobbler tag, and then wait for the agency to mail the license back to them,” Roe said. “The old process was necessary to enable the agency to spread out the administrative workload of processing and handling licenses for the fall hunting seasons.

“However, thanks to PALS, hunters can now purchase the second spring gobbler tag at any issuing agent and walk out of the store with the license in hand, or they can purchase it online and wait for it to be mailed to them within 10 days.”

Roe noted that all general hunting license holders are able to take one spring gobbler as part of their general hunting privileges; the second spring gobbler tag license affords those hunters interested in this additional opportunity to take a second spring gobbler. Hunters may only purchase one second spring gobbler license during a license year, as the season limit remains two spring gobblers, and the daily harvest is one bird per day.

“So, if you are looking for that application in your digest or online to mail in, you won’t find it,” Roe said. “You can just purchase the special spring gobbler license either through the Game Commission’s website or visit your local license issuing agent.”

Fees set by state law for the special license are $21.70 for residents and $41.70 for nonresidents. For online orders, there are additional shipping and handling costs.

The 2012 spring gobbler season is set to run from April 28-May 31. Legal hunting hours for the opening day of the spring gobbler season through the third Saturday (April 28-May 12) will be one-half hour before sunrise until noon; the remainder of the season (May 14-31) will have legal shooting hours of one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.

The one-day Spring Gobbler Youth Hunt will be held on April 21, and will run from one-half hour before sunrise until noon.

To Connect with Wildlife, visit the Game Commission at the following:
Website: www.pgc.state.pa.us
Twitter: www.twitter.com/PAGameComm
YouTube: www.youtube.com/pagamecommission
 Facebook: www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaGameCommission

‘The Chihuahuan Desert Dirt Fest’ is scheduled to take place Feb. 16-18 in the Terlingua/Lajitas area of southwest Texas.

The International Mountain Biking Association’s internationally acclaimed and designated 54-mile Epic Ride in Big Bend Ranch State Park will be the festival’s featured route on Feb. 18.

The Dirt Fest offers three days of riding opportunities for all levels of riders, from beginners on mostly flat, historic 4×4 double-track ranch roads to advanced riders taking on the challenging single-track of the Dome Trail and Rincon Loops or the Epic Ride up Fresno Canyon to Sauceda.

The Lajitas and Contrabando trails are great places to develop and enhance mountain-bike riding skills, while at the same time experiencing and enjoying some of the wildest remaining desert landscapes in the United States.

Each day of the Dirt Fest there will be guided trips led by staff from Desert Sports, members of the Big Bend Trails Alliance and by Big Bend Ranch State Park rangers. Riders are welcome to ride on any of the trails without guides at their own pace. Guided rides in the park will accommodate advanced rider fitness and skill levels and mid-level rider fitness and skill levels.

Thursday’s opening-day options include rides of various distances through Big Bend National Park, the guided 30-mile Rincon Loop or the 18-mile Dome Trail or an unguided two-day Epic option.

Friday’s options include a single-track ride through the rolling hills at LajitasTrails system, the guided 30-mile Rincon Loop or the 18-mile Dome Trail or an unguided two-day Epic Ride option.

Saturday’s options include the grueling 54-mile Epic Ride, the Dome or Rincon Loops, roll your own or a children’s’ ride.

Riders may also take the two-day Epic Ride option if the 54 miles is too tough and arduous to ride in one day. Riders on this option are invited to make a 29-mile ride on day one then throw their feet up and relax with dinner, a hot shower and a good night’s rest before heading out again in the morning.

After a hearty breakfast on day two, riders can then complete the 25 miles back to Lajitas.

In addition to seeing and experiencing the natural beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert mountains, canyons and springs, visitors can see archeological and historic sites along the way. Water aid stations will be available.

The two-day Epic Ride can be done either Thursday/Friday or Friday/Saturday.

Persons opting for one of the two overnight Epic rides must observe the following guidelines:

Make Big Bend Ranch State Park lodging reservations through TPWD’s Customer Service Center at (512) 389-8919.

The Bunkhouse is $35 a night per bunk, or reserve one of three rooms (one queen bed) inside the original ranch residence, the Big House, which is $100 per room (two people maximum occupancy).

Park entry fees are being waived during the three-day festival.

Meal reservations must be made and paid for in advance by calling BBRSP at (432) 358-4444.

A free bag shuttled is offered to riders.

E-mail park superintendent Barrett Durst at barrett.durst@tpwd.state.tx.us  for more information, as there is limited space available.

“This is truly an epic event with plenty of adventure, breathtaking views, spirit and soul rejuvenation, and healthy fun in the sun,” said Barrett Durst, superintendent of Big Bend Ranch State Park.

“The two-day Epic Ride opportunity this year should be a hoot. For many, the Dirt Fest adventure will be an experience of a lifetime. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department welcomes the citizens of Texas and from all over to visit and experience their grandest state park,” he said.

To pre-register for Dirt Fest, visit http://www.bikereg.com. For more information about the event, call Desert Sports toll-free at (888) 989-6900, or by visiting http://www.desertsportstx.com/mountain-bike-event.

http://www.desertsportstx.com/mountain-bike-event/
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/bigbendranch

PORT ANGELES, Wash.- Bringing together two diverse environments located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, adventurers can ride the mountain trails and paddle the coasts in the same day. Adventures through Kayaking offers combined trips with half the day spent kayaking Freshwater Bay and the other half mountain biking the Olympic Discovery Trail’s Adventure Route. Freshwater Bay is a favorite destination for kayakers with the opportunity to see sea otters, harbor seals, anemones, sea stars, and possibly even whales in the water.

Overhead bald eagles, cormorants, surf scoters and harlequins soar.

On the Adventure Route, beginners and intermediate riders will enjoy single track riding with the scenery of Olympic Mountains, Olympic National Park, glacier-fed lakes, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

For the independent adventurer bikes and kayaks can be rented through Adventures through Kayaking, Sound Bikes and Kayaks, and Olympic Raft and Kayak and other outfitters in Port Angeles.

Other popular kayaking destinations include Lake Crescent, Dungeness Spit Wildlife Refuge, and Lake Ozette. Many mountain biking trails can be found around the peninsula. Rental outfitters can help travelers find the best trails for their skill level.

After a long day of adventure, travelers can kick back in Port Angeles at a cozy B&B with a locally-made glass of wine, a rustic campsite near hot soaking springs, or a comfy lodge room by the harbor.

www.olympicpeninsula.org

The Department of Transportation is investing $40.8 million in 58 projects that should improve access to America’s national parks, forests and wildlife refuges by putting visitors on buses or on bike trails instead of in individual cars.

Projects will also modernize aging transportation infrastructure. The money is provided by the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks program.

The U.S. National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management and local partner communities will receive FTA funds for the projects, which range from redesigning and widening the Nauset Bicycle Trail at Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts to purchasing new buses to transport visitors between Sausalito and the Muir Woods National Monument in California.

“By taking cars off the road and reducing harmful emissions and pollutants in our nation’s most natural and pristine settings, we’re helping Americans and visitors from around the world enjoy the parks, forests and wildlife preserves the way they were meant to be enjoyed,” said FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff.

Administered by the FTA in partnership with the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service, the program funds capital and planning expenses for alternative transportation systems, such as shuttle buses and bicycle trails, in national parks and public lands. The goals of the program are to conserve natural, historical and cultural resources, and reduce congestion and pollution.

SCOUT KEY, Florida Keys — As many as 600 amateur and professional astronomers from around the world are to gather in the Lower Florida Keys Monday through Saturday, Feb. 20-26, attracted by the chance for 180-degree viewing of the Southern Cross and other constellations during the 28th annual Winter Star Party.

The event’s primary draw for astronomers is the large number of southern constellations, comets, stars and other celestial objects that are visible from the Florida Keys — virtually the only place in the continental United States where they can be seen.

The Keys’ southern location and relative absence of large-scale artificial lighting at night provide optimal viewing conditions.

The star party is to take place at Camp Wesumkee, a Girl Scout camp at mile marker 34.5 off U.S. Highway 1 on Scout Key, formerly known as West Summerland Key.

The gathering is hosted by Miami’s Southern Cross Astronomical Society.

Founded in 1922, the SCAS is one of the oldest amateur astronomical societies in the Western Hemisphere.

As well as nightly stargazing opportunities, Winter Star Party participants can attend lectures and presentations by nationally recognized astronomers and guest speakers, shop for astronomy equipment from on-site vendors, participate in photo contests, compete for prizes and exchange information with fellow astronomy aficionados. Special camp activities are arranged for young astronomers.

Featured speakers include award-winning author and astronomer Stephen James O’Meara, whose books include the Deep-Sky Companion series, astronomer and telescope maker Mike Lockwood, astro-photographer and event director Tim Khan, solar system research and planetary photography specialist Dr. Donald C. Parker and star party founder Tippy D’Auria, a widely renowned planetary astronomer and astro-photographer.

The Winter Star Party is open to the public as well as to SCAS members, though registration is required prior to the event.

Tickets are not available for sale at the gate.

Event information and registration: www.scas.org
Lower Keys visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/lowerkeys  or 1-800-872-3722
Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV

With Christmas on our doorstep, it’s time to wrap up your love with a red-hot holiday to Queensland, Australia in time for the most romantic month of the year. Crank up the love metre to 100 with this list of accommodation, meals and experiences for that someone special for Valentine’s Day 2012.

Pulse quickening, heart racing…

Get your partner’s heart beating faster than a teenager’s at the premiere of Breaking Dawn with Queensland’s Top 5 most romantic experiences. There’ll be no excuse not to ‘put a ring on it’.

1. Whisk your loved one away for arguably Australia’s most romantic experience – a private scenic flight over Heart Reef in the Whitsundays complemented with snorkelling at Hardy’s Reef. You’ll soon discover why it’s one of the most popular spots to pop the question.
www.airwhitsundays.com.au

2. Take to the skies with a scenic hot air balloon flight over the Atherton Tablelands in Tropical North Queensland. When you come back down to earth in Mareeba, spend the day sampling local gourmet delights along the Mountain Tablelands Food Trail.
www.hotair.com.au/cairns
www.tasteparadise.com.au

3. Throw on some oversized shades and channel your inner movie star as you step aboard Noosa Dreamboats’ 1950s-style, gleaming hardwood boat for a classic river cruise. Pop a bottle of bubbly and relax in style as you explore the Noosa River on the Sunshine Coast.
www.noosadreamboats.com.au

4. Rub somebody up the right way with an indulgent Romance Ritual at the Healing Waters Spa at Silky Oaks Lodge, perched on the Mossman River. The couple’s treatment begins with a gentle all-over body polish, followed by a warm bath and Pure Radiance Facial. Topped off with a hair and scalp treatment, you’ll both be floating on cloud nine in no time.
www.silkyoakslodge.com.au

5. See Fraser Island from the air with one of Sunshine Aviation’s scenic flights, taking in the coloured sands, Rainbow Beach, Cooloola National Park, Noosa, Fraser Island’s lakes and more.
www.sunshineaviation.com.au

Get a room
Let’s face it, everyone wants to get lucky on Valentine’s Day. Forget the kids and neighbours and spice things up with a stay in one of Queensland’s Top 5 most romantic and secluded rooms.

1. qualia on Hamilton Island ticks all the boxes for an exquisitely private rendezvous. All of qualia’s 60 light-filled pavilions face the water, surrounded by tropical bushland with uninterrupted views over the sea. www.qualia.com.au

2. Check in for a romantic escape and get the creative juices flowing with a private art class at The Arthouse at Freestyle Escape on the Sunshine Coast. Nestled in the middle of 25 acres of rainforest, it’s the perfect place to read a good book, listen to the birdsong, and take in the views of the coast.
www.freestyleescape.com.au

3. There’s glamping, and then there’s the new Alure Boutique Villa’s Luxury Tent in Stanthorpe. The secluded African safari tent gives a whole new meaning to ‘roughing it’ with a fabric-draped four-poster bed just the beginning. With a private outdoor spa and even a chandelier you’d be forgiven for never leaving the ‘tent’!
www.alurestanthorpe.com.au

4. Mt Quincan Crater Lodge boasts 360-degree views over the Atherton Tablelands in Tropical North Queensland but you’ll feel like you have the place to yourself in your romantic tree house, complete with deep spa and fireplace. There’s no chance of being interrupted either – the only communication with the managers of the property is a light inside the cabin which comes on to alert you that your food has arrived at your door.
www.mtquincan.com.au

5. If you’re cashed up like a Kardashian, escape to your own private oasis in the Whitsundays at Woodwark Bay. More than 4000 acres of spectacular property is waiting to be enjoyed by no one but you.
www.woodwarkbay.com.au/

Love bites
If the way to your lover’s heart is through their stomach, sample Queensland’s Top 5 most romantic epicurean delights. Oysters are not the only aphrodisiac around.

1. Soak in the views of rolling mountains while enjoying a sumptuous meal with matching local wines at Sirromet Winery. There’s a reason this cellar door has a waitlist for weddings.
www.sirromet.com.au

2. Imagine sitting on Whitehaven Beach and ordering a chocolate fondue and bottle of Verve to top off a perfect day. Dial in a gourmet hamper, delivered to you anywhere in the Whitsundays with the most glamorous delivery service in Australia, Hayman Gourmet.
www.hayman.com.au/dining/hayman-gourmet/

3. Take a trip to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland to indulge in the French-inspired degustation at Spicers Clovelly Estate’s restaurant The Long Apron. Dine alfresco in the outdoor courtyard overlooking the immaculate lawn and gorgeous Jacaranda trees in full bloom.
www.spicersgroup.com.au

4. Enjoy a traditional Japanese dining experience, perched on the edge of the Noosa River at Wasabi Restaurant and Bar. The Tasting Menu is perfect for sharing with that special someone.
www.wasabisb.com

5. Top off a sun-filled Whitsundays getaway with the indulgent chocolate share plate at Tides Restaurant & Bar at Peppers Coral Coast, overlooking the infinity pool and Airlie Beach. Decadent is an understatement.
www.peppers.com.au

Ick-metre going off the richter?

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all bubble baths and candlelight. If you’re newly shacked up or just not feeling the love, go the alternative route.

1. Send ‘em packing with an Abseil experience from Story Bridge Adventure Climb.
www.storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au

2. Release his inner hoon with The WRX Experience Off-Road Rally Circuit on the Gold Coast.
www.wrxdrift.com.au

3. Want to get her heart beating faster? Throw her in the shark tank at Underwater World on the Sunshine Coast for a dive with a difference.
www.underwaterworld.com.au

Sustainable travel specialist Greenloons is offering five eco vacations for family vacations during spring break. The programs range from seven to 11 days and are accessible by domestic and short international flights.

Yosemite Park & Napa Valley is a seven-day trip that includes encounters with wildlife, camping, Yosemite Park and paddling the Russian River in Sonoma wine country. It’s priced from $849 per person double. Also offered are a seven-day Costa Rica Highlights Wonders program from $1,200; an eight-day San Diego, Grand Canyon & Vegas program from $949; an eight-day Kayak Belize program from $1,549; and a 10-day Mexico Monarch Butterfly Trail program from $1,199.

New!! Tallship sailing experience, rainforest walking track, airport terminal and scenic flight options. Story ideas for Valentine’s Day,  green season and more.

What a start to the new year we’ve had in the Whitsundays! Stunning bright blue skies and azure blue seas, sparkling white clear sand and champagne sailing conditions have been enjoyed by thousands of visitors throughout the school holidays.

The local’s boats are getting a work out too and everyone has a smile on their face.There’s plenty happening here in the Whitsundays and the team at Tourism Whitsundays are always happy to help develop your story ideas, or help with new ideas. We update our top ten list of story ideas bi-monthly – here’s our latest ideas to get the creative juices flowing….

TOP TEN STORY IDEAS – JANUARY/FEBRUARY 12

NEW PRODUCTS
1. NEW! SAIL THE HIGH SEAS ON A TALLSHIP FOR A DAY

Traditional tall ship the ‘Derwent Hunter’ is now operating day sailing trips throughout the Whitsunday islands. The Derwent Hunter has been sailing the sheltered waters of the Whitsundays for 20 years and is a multi-award winning Adventure and Eco Tourism vessel. Now guests can enjoy the stunning traditional old tallship on one day tours rather than staying out on the boat overnight. Setting sail at 8am from the Port of Airlie marina in the centre of Airlie Beach, the Derwent Hunter hoists her traditional gaffed rig and sails north for popular and luscious fringing coral reef snorkelling spots off Hook and Hayman islands. After an eco guided walk on beautiful Langford sand cay, and lunch on board, the trip back to Airlie Beach across the Whitsunday Passage is a relaxing sail home.

The Derwent Hunter has a rich history, built in 1946 by a second generation shipwright from the famous Wilson Brothers shipwrights of southern Tasmania, she was appointed Australia’s first oceanographic research vessel in the 1950s with the CSIRO. She was featured as the ‘Pacific Lady’ in the hit family television series ‘The Rovers’ and continues today as a marine research vessel within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s ‘Eye on the Reef’ program.
Prices from $175pp. www.tallshipadventures.com.au

2. NEW! AIRLIE CREEK WALKING TRACK

Visitors can now explore the diverse and picturesque rainforest of the Whitsundays on a new walking track departing from central Airlie Beach. The Whitsunday Regional Council officially opened the ‘Airlie Creek Walking Track’ on 16 December 2011. The 850m track slowly winds up the hill behind Airlie Beach along a gravel path, featuring rare flora and fauna such as the Whitsunday Bottle Tree and the endangered Proserpine Rock Wallaby which are only found in this region. The track winds you through tranquil forest which is home to magnificent fig trees, sub tropical plants, beautiful native birds and ends up at scenic natural rock pools. The walk back offers views of the beautiful blue Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands with leafy frames.

Walking time: allow 1 hour. Access: from Waterson Way, Airlie Beach.

3. NEW! WHITSUNDAY COAST AIRPORT UPGRADE COMPLETE

The $9 million upgrade to the Whitsunday Coast Airport (in Proserpine, 25 minutes from Airlie Beach) has now been completed and return travellers to the airport won’t recognise it! While still retaining it’s charm as a small regional airport, the terminal building has been significantly expanded and refurbished including:

• bigger departure lounge, check-in and baggage claim areas;
• new baggage claim carousel inside the terminal building;
• new-look café and bar;
• new and refurbished security screening and arrival areas;
• relocated and refurbished airport offices;
• customs quarantine facilities for potential international carriers in the future.

Access to the Whitsundays is via both Whitsunday Coast Airport and the Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island. Direct and connecting flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns all service the Whitsundays. Bus and other public transport services operate from Whitsunday Coast Airport to Airlie Beach and ferry services operate from Hamilton Island Airport between the islands and Airlie Beach.

4. NEW! SEE THE WHITSUNDAYS FROM THE AIR

GSL Aviation is a new provider of fixed wing aircraft island transfers, scenic flights and air charter flights. For a scenic flight of the reef and islands or for a quick island transfer, GSL Aviation offer beautiful views from their fleet of high wing (meaning bigger windowed) aircraft to ensure you get the most from your experience.

Offering flights from the Whitsunday Airport (in Airlie Beach) over all of the major Whitsundays icons like the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsunday islands, a fixed wing aircraft is a more affordable option to see this stunning natural scenery from above.Island transfers are also available as a quick and easy, yet rock star, way to arrive at your island resort. Air transfers are also available between Hamilton Island Airport and the Whitsunday Coast.

Scenic flights start from just $69pp on a flight that includes beautiful Whitehaven Beach.

5. CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY IN THE HEART OF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

It’s that time of year, Valentine’s Day, when the romance really hots up in the Whitsundays. Who could go past the most romantic gesture of all – a scenic flight over the naturally formed Heart Reef – for a Valentine’s Day surprise for that someone special? Or why not write your message of love into the white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach, or picnic in a secluded bay on your own deserted island? The romance options are endless, and ’tis the season!

At Hayman there is a month long celebration of love, and any couple who become engaged on the island during February 2012 will be offered a complimentary wedding at the luxurious island resort. And for the ultimate indulgence on Valentine’s Day, in Fontaine, the resort’s signature restaurant, Hayman’s Chefs will be presenting their acclaimed Perle dessert, featuring a hand-crafted Valrhona White Chocolate creation draped with Depazzi white-gold earrings. The Depazzi Signature Earrings feature a pair of round flawless 11.5mm white South Sea pearls and a pair of Marquis cut GVSI diamonds in 18ct white gold – a breathtaking surprise for a special Valentine.

6. GREEN WITH GROWTH

February/March sees the traditional dominating bright azure blues of the Whitsundays somewhat overshone by the greens of North Queensland’s tropical green season. The cane fields of inland Proserpine are in full growth, a lime green winding and undulating carpet of colour leading towards Airlie Beach. The island vegetation is a thick and luscious forest green, dotting the horizon of the Coral Sea. The rainforest is cool and bright, with sub tropical species blooming and growing throughout the wet. One of Australia’s largest and significant wetlands, the Goorganga Plains, just out of Proserpine is teeming with flora and fauna life. The summer rain isn’t cold, and the tropical green season introduces a new range of sightseeing throughout the Whitsundays, including:
• The rain brings out all kinds of wildlife.

Birdwatch for Magpie Geese, Brolgas and Jacanas, and species migrating from Papua New Guinea such as Spangled Drongos and Buff-breasted Kingfishers. Frogs are also out and about, filling the air with raucous calls.
• If you’d prefer a guided tour, the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari includes a calm river cruise spotting crocs, and a wetland tour within the Goorganga Plains.

• Sit in one of the cosy, sheltered restaurants and enjoy great food and wine on the Airlie Beach Esplanade/Main Street. Cuisines are very multi cultural from fresh local seafood (the rains make for excellent Barramundi catching) to Indian, Italian, Mexican, modern Australian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese.

And if you’re wet already, then why not get out and do all the activities you’d planned – snorkelling, sailing, cruising and exploring the Whitsundays. Just because it is raining in Airlie Beach might not mean it’s raining on the islands, or at the Reef, or vice versa, so make sure you check with local operators as to the conditions of the day.

7. FOOD LOVERS LOVE THE WET

February’s green season rain in Northern Queensland has a very specific upside for food lovers according to Airlie Beach restaurant identity Kevin Collins from Fish D’Vine. The iconic local Fish Café, which outpolled Doyle’s in the Lifestyle Channel’s “I Love Food Awards” and was a finalist in the Queensland Tourism Awards, prides itself on true fresh local seafood and right now its Barramundi time. “For 9 months of the year we get daily deliveries of whole, locally caught barramundi and we fillet in house,” said Kevin. “The closed season from November means we’ve been relying on frozen Darwin Barra, so February 1st and a good dump of rain means it’s Barra Time in the Whitsundays!” Fish D’vine is a locally renowned seafood restaurant and Rum Bar offering something a little different from the rest, and has become a destination many consider a ‘must dine’.

8. HOTEL AND DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

There’s a buzz around the Whitsundays at the moment, with refurbishments and developments keeping the local building trade busy. Coral Sea Resort right on the waterfront in Airlie Beach has almost completed a full refurbishment, with the iconic red and yellow Tuscan style building now a much more subtle taupe and navy nautical feel following an entire exterior re-paint, and internal soft furnishings are all currently being upgraded to match. At Hotel Group has added a fourth property to it’s portfolio. At Whitsunday Vista Resort (located on Hermitage Drive overlooking the Port of Airlie) joins At Water’s Edge Resort, At Marina Shores and At Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat as a 4 star affordable option within the group.

The receivers of the Port of Airlie are investing substantial funds into finishing off the development to make it welcoming and appealing for visitors (and suitable for sale). A large grassed parkland now overlooks the marina berths which are being completed, Fantasea Adventure Cruising is completing it’s ferry terminal in the port and has already commenced some operations from there, and retail shops continue to open up in the precinct. Unfortunately Club Med announced in late 2011 that it would be closing it’s resort on Lindeman Island on 31 January while it looks for a buyer for the property.

The owner of Icon Hotels which operates Paradise Bay Eco Escape has gone into voluntary administration and this resort remains open and operating through January and February as a buyer is sought.

INDUSTRY LEADERS
9. TOP OF THE 2012 WISH LIST

The Whitsundays continues to feature firmly on traveller’s wish lists, with recent awards and achievements confirming the destination as a 2012 holiday must do. Australian Traveller Magazine’s Readers Awards have awarded Bareboating* in the Whitsundays the best Cruise/Yachting Experience in Australia. Beating out the growing popularity of cruise ship holidays, bareboating throughout the Whitsunday Islands was voted by the most important people in the industy – travellers themselves.

The Australian Traveller Readers Awards are the only consumer awards for tourism in Australia.Wotif.com has also released it’s top 20 destinations for 2011, with Queensland the most popular state and Airlie Beach ranking 20th of all cities and towns in Australia.Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer Peter O’Reilly said this was a fantastic achievement.”Bareboating is a quintessential Whitsundays experience and to have the travelling public voting for this experience over larger cruise ship holidays is a great indication that the local marine industry should do well this year,” Mr O’Reilly said.”Airlie Beach has now held it’s place in Wotif.com’s Top 20 for 2 years running, up with much larger holiday destinations and even bigger cities and business centres,” he said. “These results come on top of Google announcing 3 Whitsundays destinations in it’s Top 10 most searched holiday destinations for 2011, so we are looking forward to an influx of inspired travelers booking a Whitsundays holiday this year!”

*Bareboating refers to a holiday where you literally hire a bare boat and ‘skipper yourself’ on the boat for a number of days. The Whitsundays offers the Southern Hemisphere’s largest fleet of skippered and chartered vessels including sailing and motor yachts and catamarans.

10. STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE

Despite the challenges of the past year, everyone in the Whitsundays is still smiling. That’s because Tourism Whitsundays, Tourism Queensland and Enterprise Whitsundays have launched the ‘Smile Whitsundays’ initiative. Smile Whitsundays aims to take customer service to a new level, with over 200 Whitsundays businesses committing to striving for the best customer service in Australia. Smile Whitsundays businesses have committed to a standard ten point customer service charter and agreed to strive for excellence in customer service.

Visitors can recognise businesses that have committed to Smile Whitsundays by their smile badges, official Smile Whitsundays logo in their window, and the customer service charter on display. For more information on the campaign, including viewing the customer service charter, go to www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au/Smile

JUST WANT HOT DEALS?
There’s always a good deal on offer for a Whitsundays holiday for you to publish – go to www.facebook.com/WhitsundaysQLD  - the Hot Deals tab has all the latest deals available that can be used.