Jetsettersblog

New for 2009, Elite Vacations has combined its Indian Ocean and Middle East and Africa brochures to offer one new 100-page brochure. Commenting on the decision, Elite Vacations’ Managing Director, Peter Jackson* said, “With such a high proportion of our sales tailor-made and many of them two centres, it has become logical to have a one-stop-shop brochure. We are delighted that this streamlining process has also greatly reduced our carbon footprint.”

As in 2008, the new combined brochure is supported by a smaller-format dedicated 44-page Seychelles brochure** which offers greater detail on the operator’s leading destination.

In the combined brochure the UAE continues to dominate the Middle East programme: 13 properties in DUBAI now including the NEW Atlantis the Palm plus a selection of the emerging Emirates with hotels in AJMAN, RAS AL KHAIMAH and FUJAIRAH.

• LEAD IN for Dubai: Five nights b&b at the 5 star Hyatt Regency Dubai costs from £845pp including return flights with Emirates from Heathrow and private transfers. Regional departures available.

In OMAN, Elite’s private car cultural tour the ‘Oman Adventure’ takes in Muscat, Al Sawadi, Nizwa and Sur, with options to extend in Musandam and Salalah. The choice of hotels in Muscat includes the long awaited re-opening of the newly refurbished Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat.

• NEW: The 5 star Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat costs from £1329 per person for five nights, including return flights with Oman Air, private transfers and b&b accommodation.

The operator’s JORDAN programme is similar to 2008 with the popular ‘Jordan Discovery Tour’ visiting Amman, Jerash and Petra and options to further extend in Petra, Dead Sea or Aqaba (Red Sea).

Elite has devoted a full page of its brochure to Middle East two-centre arrangements of ten to 12 nights. Dubai is linked with Muscat, Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles and Sri Lanka.

• NEW: A 12 night two-centre of Sri Lanka and Dubai leads in for £1595pp including flights with Emirates from Heathrow, eight nights’ b&b at the Taj Exotica in Columbo, Sri Lanka and four nights’ b&b at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai plus private transfers.

For the SEYCHELLES, the operator is offering a total of 45 properties in 2009. Following their success in 2008, the number of Seychelles Secrets - small hotels, guesthouses and self-catering accommodation has been doubled. All these can be found in the dedicated Seychelles brochure, but a selection are in the main brochure along with hotels on the main islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, plus private island resorts including Bird, Denis and the newly refurbished Ste Anne Resort and Spa. A page on recommended island hopping itineraries demonstrates how product can be tailored to accommodate specific requirements.

• LEAD IN for Seychelles in 2009: £899pp for five nights’ b&b at Lazare Picault on Mahé including return flights with Air Seychelles from Heathrow and private transfers. Extra night from £30pp.

• UPGRADED: Five nights at the newly reopened 5 star Beachcomber Ste Anne Resort and Spa costs from £2169pp including return flights with Air Seychelles from Heathrow, private transfers, and half board accommodation in a Villa Beau Sejour

In MAURITIUS, Elite Vacations offers 25 properties including four NEW hotels, Sugar Beach, La Pirogue, Les Pavilions (recently upgraded) and The Grand Mauritian which opened in 2008.

• LEAD IN: Five nights at Bois d’Oiseaux near Trou aux Biches costs from £899 per person where four people share a two-bedroom self-catering apartment

• NEW: Seven nights’ half board at the 4 star La Pirogue in Flic en Flac costs from £1625 per person including return flights with Air Mauritius from Heathrow and private transfers

Elite Vacations is offering 13 properties in the MALDIVES with the new 5 star Diva Maldives resort on Ari Atoll making its debut.
• NEW: Seven nights’ half board in a junior suite at the 5 star DIVA Maldives costs from £2239 per person including return flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from London Heathrow and transfers.

In SRI LANKA, the programme remains largely unchanged with a seven night Sri Lanka Discovery Tour taking in Colombo, Kandalama, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya plus a choice of three beach hotels.

• LEAD IN: Seven b&b nights at the 5 star Taj Exotica in Bentota costs from £1109 per person including return flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow and transfers

In MADAGASCAR, there is a seven night Madagascar Adventure Tour plus three beach hotels for extended stays. Also available are options of two-centre holidays with Mauritius or with an East African safari using the new Kenya Airways service from Nairobi.

• LEAD IN: A seven night Madagascar Adventure costs from £2598pp including return flights with Kenya Airways via Nairobi, transfers and full board accommodation (half board in Tana)

In 2009, Elite Vacations offers a choice of four 4 x 4 safaris in EAST AFRICA plus a choice of seven beach hotels in MOMBASA and ZANZIBAR

• LEAD IN: Seven half-board nights at the 4 star superior Ocean Paradise Resort in Zanzibar costs from £1098 per person including return flights with Kenya Airways from Heathrow via Nairobi and transfers.

WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS – Growth in 2008 has prompted Elite to expand the brochure coverage on weddings and honeymoons. The Gift Voucher scheme has proved very popular with honeymooners for reducing their overall cost or for upgrades.

TWO CENTRES - There is a greater emphasis on two centre options this year, and there are a further two pages suggesting popular African and Indian Ocean twin-centres, although different hotels and durations are also available.

SPA - The overall spa offering has been extended in response to the popularity of these properties in 2008, and two pages set out some of the most popular spas featured across a range of destination, and the treatments and products offered in each.

Peter Jackson**, Managing Direction of Elite Vacations, commented, “We continue to offer a cross section of product to appeal to most budgets. Our policy of treating all clients the same, however, means that no matter what the holiday cost our clients receive complimentary lounge passes at the UK airports and private transfers in resort.

Both Elite Vacations’ 2009 brochures are supported by the website www.elitevacations.com  which has been updated to offer greater choice and in many cases, more detailed information and further images.

• All prices are unconditionally guaranteed at the time of booking and include scheduled flights, airport lounge pass and private transfers (where appropriate).

• Contact: Elite Vacations 01707-371000; www.elitevacations.com
**Elite Vacations’ 2009 Seychelles brochure is currently the only one dedicated to the destination available in the market place this year

Summer in the Queenstown is the perfect time to explore the magnificent Queenstown region by foot. New trails including the Lake Hayes Loop and Jardine’s to Jack’s Point have this year been added to the already rich range of walks within easy reach of the resort. Visitors and locals alike enjoy one-day adventures and world famous multi-day hikes.

Some of the world’s great walks start from Glenorchy, a 45 minute scenic drive from Queenstown and venture into the heart of the Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks and include the Milford, Hollyford, Routeburn, Dart/Rees, Caples and Greenstone tracks.

Close to downtown Queenstown, a number of scenic walks can be enjoyed. You can scale the heights with the historic Queenstown Hill time walk for magnificent view or take a leisurely stroll around Queenstown’s beautiful lakeside gardens. . For a more challenging day walk, try the Ben Lomond Trail traversing over Bob’s Peak.

Destination Queenstown Acting CEO Graham Budd said that for many people, Queenstown’s walking options are the mainstay of their holiday experience.
“Walking is a great way to explore the region, and one of this region’s most long standing attractions. The wide range of walks mean you can be physically challenged, or enjoy a sedate stroll. It’s a great way to take in our stunning scenery, from Glenorchy, to Kingston, Gibbston and Arrowtown. We have an active Trails Trust which ensures new walks are continually added to our already considerable network.”

Mr Budd said multi-day walks are extremely popular at this time of year but warned visitors to book ahead.

“If you walk independently, be aware that Department of Conservation huts on the Milford Track are currently booked out for this summer, and the Routeburn is also popular, so consider alternatives such as the Hollyford, Caples, Dart/Rees or Greenstone Tracks. If you are looking to walk with a bit more comfort, there is availability on the guided options.”

Guided options are available to walkers looking to tramp in comfort and style. The trips cover accommodation in luxury lodges along the tracks, with hot showers, and three course meals to soothe the weary walker at the end of the day.

The Department of Conservation has a wealth of information about what to take, when to go and track information. The Department also offers free advice for walkers about the specific dangers of this region, including vastly variable weather and difficult off-trail navigation.

Mr Budd said walking is a part of Queenstown’s many attractions and activities.

“There are many options for a summer holiday in Queenstown, and walking can be complemented with everything from the sedate to extreme adventure activities. A flightseeing trip, spa treatment or booking in for a luxurious night’s accommodation are just some of the ways to recharge after a walk. Summer is a great time to get out on the water, or take to the air, so we certainly encourage visitors to allow time for these activities as well.”

For more information on guided walks and Queenstown activities, visit the Destination Queenstown website. For self-guided options, book your hut and learn about the track via the Department of Conservation website: http://www.doc.govt.nz

Voyages Hotels & Resorts is preparing for a strong 2009 season at El Questro Wilderness Park, following the region’s starring role in Baz Luhrmann’s Australia movie.

The magnificent Cockburn Range, located entirely on the million-acre El Questro Wilderness Park, provides much of the backdrop for many scenes in Australia, including the cattle droving shots, water crossings and the backdrop to Faraway Downs, the cattle station inherited by Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman).

With an anticipated rise in bookings due to the film, Voyages will be launching fantastic deals in January, to encourage holidaymakers to visit El Questro Wilderness Park as soon as it reopens after the wet in April 2009.

The El Questro Early Bird deal is a Stay Three, Pay Two special offer, representing a 33% saving off the nightly room rate at Emma Gorge Resort www.elquestro.com.au/emma-gorge-resort, and El Questro Station Township www.elquestro.com.au/township *

Three nights in a Tented Cabin at Emma Gorge Resort (twin-share) is priced at $540 per room with the Stay Three, Pay Two special offer. Three nights in a Bungalow at El Questro Station Township (twin-share) is priced at $624 per room with the Stay Three, Pay Two special offer.

El Questro Wilderness Park offers three accommodation types – Emma Gorge Resort El Questro Station Township and the exclusive El Questro Homestead – and opens from 1 April to October 31 every year, allowing for the dramatic thunderstorms to pass over the Kimberley and replenish its numerous gorges and waterfalls during the annual wet season.

Re-create your own Australia movie adventure with gorge cruises on the Chamberlain River, dips in Zebedee Springs thermal pools, horse-riding and barramundi fishing in helicopters. At the end of each day, relax in the outback in riverside bungalow accommodation at the Station Township or try the tented cabins at Emma Gorge Resort.

For a spot of luxury, treat yourselves at El Questro Homestead, the most luxurious cattle station property in the region and an icon of the Kimberley www.elquestrohomestead.com.au The private Chamberlain Suite offers a double bathtub on the verandah perched above the Chamberlain Gorge below, and is so popular can often be booked out months in advance.

Voyages El Questro Homestead in particular has already experienced strong demand for next year’s season, with a total of 40% of 2009 room capacity already sold.

Anna Guillan, Executive General Manager Sales & Marketing, Voyages Hotels & Resorts, said: “We’ve never seen sales this strong before. Now that the film is out on general release, we’re expecting sales to soar. It’s unprecedented and very exciting – but to avoid disappointment, people should book early.”

*Conditions apply, subject to availability. Rates are per room, valid for travel from 1 April 2009 – 30 April 2009 and 1 October 2009 – 28 October 2009. Package must be booked as a minimum three-night stay per room. On early check out the regular nightly rate will be charged. Quote TSA at time of booking.

Guests visiting Hamilton Island this summer will have the opportunity to go where no four wheels have gone before by jumping on a quad bike and discovering some of the Island’s spectacular terrain.

The guided Hamilton Island Quad Bike Adventure Tour is the Island’s newest adventure-based activity offering and, best of all, it also includes information on local wildlife, fauna and the Whitsunday islands.

Hamilton Island CEO Glenn Bourke said guests heading on the tour will be taken through a familiarisation so they can become more comfortable on their vehicle.

“Guests will be taken through a safety briefing and a confidence course to gain experience in quad biking prior to departing on the tour,” he said.

“The Kawasaki 4×4 360cc quad bikes are fully automatic and a breeze to operate for novice riders.”

The highlight of the tour is the view from Resort Lookout where guests will experience breathtaking 360 degree views of Hamilton Island and the Whitsunday islands.

The Hamilton Island Quad Bike Adventure Tour will operate from Palm Valley Activities and will complement Palm Valley’s other activity offerings of Target Sports, Go Karts and the Aquatic Golf Driving Range.

No prior experience is required – to drive all you need is a minimum of a learner’s driver’s licence and be over 16 years of age.

Tours depart from the Palm Valley Activity Centre daily and are $129 per person for a one hour quad bike experience.

Hamilton Island is renowned for its diverse range of activities enabling guests to do everything or nothing at all.

There are more than 40 activities to enjoy including Great Barrier Reef cruises, spa treatments, mini golf, go-karting, snorkelling, scuba diving, target shooting, catamaran and yacht sailing, tennis, sea kayaking tours, gymnasium, game and reef fishing, nature walks, whale watching (mid July to September), scenic flights over the Whitsunday islands and Great Barrier Reef, safari tours and much more.

For all Hamilton Island activity enquiries and bookings, please contact 07 4946 8305 or visit www.hamiltonisland.com.au

Looking for the ideal place to escape with your Valentine to make your summer sizzle without breaking the bank?

Hamilton Island is synonymous with luxury, glamour and above all exceptional quality making it the perfect place to fall deeper in love this February 14… and to sweeten the deal, Hamilton Island is offering couples two complimentary nights accommodation.

The ‘Pay for 5 Nights, Stay for 7’ package includes two free nights for every five paid consecutive nights when staying at Hamilton Island’s Palm Bungalows, Whitsunday Holiday Apartments or Reef View Hotel.

Couples will also enjoy unlimited use of catamarans, paddle skis, windsurfers and snorkelling equipment plus free use of the island shuttle service and return airport / marina - resort transfers.

Hamilton Island is the perfect destination for couples and honeymooners alike.

For the ultimate Valentine’s Day experience, in partnership with Aviation Tourism Australia, take to the skies in a helicopter for the breathtaking flight to Whitehaven Beach where a champagne picnic awaits.

Other experiences for romantics include the Captains Table dinner on the luxury cruiser Denison Star, where couple dine on the upper deck under a canopy of stars, or share an intimate sunset sail on Banjo Paterson, take a scenic flight over Heart Reef or indulge in a dual spa treatment at Hamilton Island’s Relaxation Centre.

Hamilton Island is perfectly situated on The Great Barrier Reef, amongst the 74 Whitsunday Islands and offers Australia’s most diverse island-holiday experience.

Jetstar, Virginblue and Qantaslink flights arrive and depart from Hamilton Island’s airport every day from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns while the Hamilton Island Marina provides a convenient gateway to the mainland and other Whitsunday Islands.

A seven night package starts from just $737.50* per person twin share. Bookings can be made by calling Hamilton Island on 13 REEF (13 7333) or visit www.hamiltonisland.com.au  for more information.

*Subject to availability. Offer valid for travel 18 January 2009 – 31 March 2009

The temperatures are up in the Outback, and come April as they drop, it’s the action that increases with festivals celebrating everything from music to opals and sporting events where horses, camels and humans are the stars. This is a bite size collection of what’s happening in the Outback in 2009.

Julia Creek’s popular Dirt ‘n’ Dust Festival (3 –5 April) returns for its 14th year in the tiny town in the north-west of the State complete with the popular Cow Poo Throwing Competition and Outback Bog Snorkelling Race. This annual festival is also famous for the Outback Triathlon, Australia’s Best Butt Competition and PBR Touring Pro Bull Riding Rodeo.

Music lovers need look no further than the Hughenden Country Music Festival (10-12 April), an annual Easter Weekend event. Crooners of all ages compete at the festival which has 10 adult sections and four sections each for Junior and Juvenile contestants. The Grand Champion takes homes $2000 and the Junior and Juvenile Champions, $1000 each. There is also a People’s Choice award and Encouragement award.

2009 welcomes back the biannual Cunnamulla Outback Masters Games (27 April-10 May) – the event with no participation criteria, except a minimum age and where one of the most popular events is the 470km bike ride from Cooper Creek to Cunnamulla. New events in 2009 will include woodchopping, kayaking and shearing.

Barcaldine’s annual Tree of Knowledge Festival (1-4 May) enters a new era in 2009 when it welcomes home the main feature of its festival – the preserved remnants of the Tree of Knowledge which was tragically poisoned several years ago, are returning to the town. The Tree celebrates the town’s proud history as the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party and this year the festival will include the opening of the Tree’s new memorial. Visitors will also enjoy the Tree of Knowledge Race Cup, drag racing and the Speed Shears Competition.

The camels will be off and racing again at the famous Boulia Camel Races (17-19 July). The town’s regular population of 300 swells to 3000 for the weekend of racing which includes fireworks and entertainment. The event kicks off with a 400 metre Twilight Camel Race on the Friday night and continues over the weekend with Camel Race Heats for the Quarter Mile Flyer and Camel Cup. If you can’t make July, pencil in August for the Hughenden Camel Races, now known as the Sheikh Zayed International Camel Endurance Race (21-23 August), where camels from around the world race for a $50,000 prize purse.

July is opal month in the Outback with the towns of Winton and Yowah each hosting festivals to celebrate our national gemstone. Opal Expo (7-11 July) in Winton, where the Boulder Opal was discovered, showcases the stone in the rough and polished form. Miners sell their opals from the back of their vehicles, there is street entertainment, competitions, dinners and fashions parades. The tiny four block town of Yowah – a two hour drive from Cunnamulla – also hosts an annual Yowah Opal Festival (17 –19 July) each year. Home to the Yowah Nut Opal which was first discovered here at the end of the 19th century, the festival celebrates our national stone and gives visitors the chance to talk to friendly miners, have a fossick themselves, check out priceless collections and enjoy entertainment and markets.

The Mount Isa Rodeo (7-9 August) plans to continue where it left off at its 50th anniversary last year – with plenty of action and adventure. The largest event on the Australian rodeo calendar attracts the best of local and overseas competitors for events at the multi-million dollar, purpose-built Buchanan Park rodeo arena that can accommodate over 5,500 spectators.

Join thousands of visitors who flock to the tiny Outback town of Birdsville for the annual Birdsville Races (4-5 September), an event which has been running since 1882. The remote location lures characters from all over who cheer on the winners and sleep under the stars for this nationally famous event.

Celebrate Cunnamulla’s heritage at the end of year for the Cunnamulla Fella Festival (13-14 November). The Matilda Highway and Adventure Way lead right to this famous Outback town where a bronze statue of the ‘Cunnamulla Fella’ sits on his swag in the centre of town, immortalising the larrikin in all Australians. This action-packed Outback adventure is held in conjunction with the Bundaberg Rum Pro Series PBR Bull Ride.

For more information on these and other events in the Queensland Outback visit www.adventureoutback.com.au

For all fans of English heritage, Kelling Heath Holiday Park, located in the picturesque north Norfolk countryside is offering a fantastic four day heritage themed break that is certain to provide even the most inquisitive holidaymaker with an informative insight into the county’s illustrious past.

The award winning Holiday Park is offering a generous package that includes free access to the county’s top historical attractions and guided walks around areas of significant interest.

For all fans of English heritage, Kelling Heath Holiday Park, located in the picturesque north Norfolk countryside is offering a fantastic four day heritage themed break that is certain to provide even the most inquisitive holidaymaker with an informative insight into the county’s illustrious past.

The award winning Holiday Park is offering a generous package that includes free access to the county’s top historical attractions and guided walks around areas of significant interest.

Brand new for 2009, the package starts from only £296 for up to four people sharing a Luxury Holiday Home or £418 in a Woodland Lodge. Included in the package, guests will receive entry into the 18th Century Holkham Hall, famed for being the film location for The Duchess, a guided walk through the landscaped grounds and woodland gardens of the early 19th Century Sheringham Park, entry to the UK’s largest privately owned military museum at The Muckleburgh Collection and tickets for the North Norfolk Steam Railway.

Kelling Heath Holiday Park will also take the opportunity to show-off its 250 acres of unspoilt woodland and rare open heathland by taking guests on an informative history walk led by Jerry Kinsley. For those guests who will require a moment to digest the information they will be taking in during the day, then an ale or wine tasting session and complimentary passes to the health and fitness club further compliment this relaxing package.

Park manager Mark Durrant commented: “This package is a fantastic opportunity for us to show off not just how glorious the North Norfolk countryside is but also how historically diverse it is. Kelling Heath itself has a story to tell and we will be delighted to ensure our guest have an inspiring break.”

He adds: “The events and attractions that have been included in the heritage break package will give our guests a fantastic insight into Norfolk’s countryside and culture throughout the years”

Inntravel, who specialize in walking, cycling, skiing, horse-riding and touring holidays for `individuals who like to take their time to get to know a region’, have introduced Slovakia to their 2009 programme for the first time.

The company, who features holidays in Europe and North America, has added the new 7 night self-guided walking holiday with an itinerary that takes guests on walks through the Low and High Tatras Mountains and the Slovensky Raj National Park.

Categorised as a `grade 2 – 3’ (ie. Including mountain walking and some days up to 20km), the itinerary is a three center discovery holiday, with two nights at the Hotel Fim in Jasna, three nights at the Hotel Amalia in Nová Lasná and 2 nights at the Hotel Flora in Cingov. An optional add-on stay in Bratislava at the start or end of the holiday is offered.

Prices start from £448 per person, based on 2 sharing a double room on a half board basis, with rail transfers between the various centers. Guests are provided with maps and detailed walking notes outlining the routes each day.

For more information visit www.inntravel.co.uk

Not only was Kununurra, in the Kimberley of Western Australia, the set for Nicole Kidman’s new epic romance, Australia, but apparently its waters aided the ‘miracle’ conception of her daughter… For the opportunity to discover WA’s epic natural environment, ‘fertile’ liquids and develop a ‘love affair’ with Australia, Peregrine Adventures’ NEW 8-day Bungle Bungles Up Close journey combines driving, hiking and cruising into the parts of Purnululu NP and the Kimberley that can’t otherwise be reached! Selected departures from Kununurra between May and September 2009.

The tour begins from Kununurra, a 6000-inhabitant town founded to administer the Ord River irrigation project in the 1960s. From here, head west to world-renowned, million-acre Kimberley cattle station, El Questro, to hike into Emma Gorge and a soak in the remote thermal pools of Zebedee Springs.

For those wanting a more challenging walk, continue deeper via sheer cliffs into El Questro Gorge, where lush tropical vegetation and limpid pools await. Later, gain an alternative perspective, and a first glimpse of the Bungle Bungles, during a scenic flight, before setting up camp at the permanent Wilderness Camp inside UNESCO World Heritage Site of Purnululu National Park.

 2 days are dedicated to exploring the iconic ‘tiger-striped bee-hive dome’ formations, dramatic gorges, tropical pools, stunning caves and Aboriginal rock art of the Bungle Bungle Range.

Discover Echidna Chasm, a narrow gorge towering 100m with palm trees and unique rock markings, experience the echoing acoustics of Cathedral Gorge’s natural amphitheatre, and a further boulder-strewn gorge filled with Livistona Palms at Mini Palms Gorge. Enjoy a final glimpse of the spectacular landscape including the Argyle Diamond Mine and Dam during the return flight to Kununurra.

Finally, an afternoon cruise on the Ord River allows for opportunities to spot crocodiles and observe diverse birdlife before the tour concludes.

The tour costs from £1,670 p/p (twin share) including transport, accommodation: 2 nights hotel, 2 nights luxury tented camp and 3 nights wilderness camp, most meals including all breakfasts, wildlife cruise, local scenic flights, National Park entrance and fees and the expertise of a Peregrine local wilderness guide.

Peregrine Adventures
01635 872 300
sales@peregrineadventures.co.uk
www.peregrineadventures.co.uk

Adrienne Costin takes a look at what’s happening at the Gold Coast theme parks this summer.

Sea World visitors will be swept off their feet with the exhilarating Jet Rescue coaster where the cars are Jetskis and the track flies and twists past rock pools at 70 km per hour toward a dark, blowhole cave where a trapped sea lion waits to be rescued.

The new Ray Reef aims to remove some of the mystery surrounding one of the ocean’s most misunderstood inhabitants. Guests can appreciate the majesty of these creatures as more than 100 gracefully fly and glide underwater in their colourful home. Guests of all ages will be invited to feed, touch and observe the rays in this interactive and educational exhibit.

Wet ‘n Wild Water World’s newest ride, Kamikaze, is a wet/dry attraction where water spray jets provide a frictionless surface on a giant U-shaped slide as riders on rafts plunge down a sheer 11m drop at an angle of 70 degrees. Definitely not for the faint-hearted!

Warner Bros. Movie World open their much awaited Hollywood Stunt Driver show this summer. The presentation showcases the legendary car chases, car crashes and stunt scenes made famous in Hollywood’s greatest movies. Looney Tunes fans will also enjoy What’s Up Rock?! from Kids’ WB featuring characters including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Lola Bunny, Tweety, Sylvester, Wile E. Coyote and Taz. Kids’ WB! stars Georgia and Shura lead the fun, animated and interactive musical show for kids of all ages. It will screen daily at 11.30am.

A new 4000sqm roof has also made it the first all-weather theme park on the Gold Coast. The roof covers a large area of the park including Main Street and The Plaza.

Australian Outback Spectacular has added a selection of new scenes to their popular show including a replica of a Cobb & Co. Coach drawn by five Percheron horses, extreme Roman Riding which includes four horses and two stockmen jumping fire, the hilarious antics of the Great Australian Pig Race, and new music by singer/songwriter Lee Kernaghan.

Dreamworld lives up to its name with a haunting new attraction, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor LIVE! which has been themed to preserve the look and feel of the popular movie. Guests become part of the action as they navigate dark winding tunnels in a quest to escape the wrath of a mummy Emperor. Be warned, the special effect and creepy cast of the living dead aim to scare!

Turn from terror to tiger treats, Dreamworld’s Sumatran tiger cubs are now six months old, cute and curious, and will star in their own 15 minute presentation Cub Chaos, 10.30am daily at Tiger Island from December 26-January 26. If you miss the show watch out for them as they take their daily walks through Main Street.

You’ll work up a sweat and have lots of fun when Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary opens its Extreme Green Challenge on December 16. The safe, fun and exciting treetops ropes course was developed in association with Adventure Parc and has been trialled over the two previous school holidays. Set in the grounds of the Sanctuary, Extreme Green has 14 challenges including rope bridges and ladders high into the treetop canopy and a flying fox over the Crocodile Wetlands. Entry is $10 extra on the Sanctuary entry fee.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary also open Australia’s Green Cauldron Experience and Green Guardian Theatre from December 13. The Green Cauldron explains how Currumbin’s scenic beach headlands were created from ancient lava flows and showcases the wildlife of the region, and the Theatre screens wildlife documentaries and live animal presentations in air-conditioned comfort. A Forest Walk will open in January, giving visitors the chance to explore the coastal eucalypt and rainforest areas on walking trails and interpretation sites.

Dreamworld and Wet’n’ Wild will also be celebrating New Year’s Eve with sepcial festivities planned for families on December 31.

Dreamworld will hold its first Party in the Park from 6.30pm-10.30pm. Guests will enjoy rides, live performances, roving artists and appearances by Nickelodeon and Wiggles Friends characters. Pop superstar, Ricki Lee, is the headlining act, Steffi Burns, the Gold Coast’s version of Hannah Montana, will perform hits from teen idols, and puppeteer and tenor, David Hamilton will entertain with his life-sized marionettes. Selected rides and attractions will be closed - River Rapids, Log Ride, Australian Gold Rush, Big Brother, Tiger Island and the Australian Wildlife Experience.

The Biggest’n’Best Kid’s New Year’s Eve at Wet‘n’Wild Water World includes face painting, karaoke, roving characters, competitions, a premiere Dive’n’Movie presentation ‘The Tale of Despereaux’ and fireworks. All festivities are included in normal admission to the park, and in keeping with tradition, Wet’n’Wild will turn the clocks forward so families with young children can celebrate the New Year at 9pm. Gates open 10am with water slides and attractions operating until 8.30pm. New Years Eve Party and free activities will run from 2pm to 7pm, with the movie screening from around 7pm.

For more information:
Sea World, Wet‘n’Wild Water World, Warner Bros. Movie World, Australian Outback Spectacular – www.myfun.com.au
Dreamworld – www.worldsinone.com.au
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - www.cws.org.au
The Gold Coast – VeryGC.com.au