Jetsettersblog

Dreamworld and WhiteWater World has unveiled a new “family” ticket type that addresses the changing landscape of the Australian family by welcoming two adults – related or not - and two children to both parks at a substantial saving.

The Family & Friends World Pass lets mixed family groups, consisting of any two adults and any two children (4-13 years) hop between Dreamworld & WhiteWater World as often as they like, over one or two days for a 20 percent discount off the individual World Pass prices.

The $218.00 1 day Family & Friends World Pass translates to a $54.00 saving when compared with individual ticket purchases and is the equivalent of getting two parks for the price of Dreamworld tickets only.

Dreamworld’s General Manager for Sales, Ms Catherine McBean said the new family ticket type complements the findings the 2006 Census and addresses the changes in the modern family.

“The days of the nuclear family whereby two siblings share the same surname and the same mum and dad, are less obvious thanks to later marriages, remarriages, and co-habitation. Add to that the fact that almost two thirds of parents in a two-couple family are working and a traditional family outing is sometimes difficult to organize,” explained McBean.

According to the 2006 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), out of Australia’s 4.6 million children aged under 18 years, 22 percent, or one million, were in one-parent families while seven per cent were in step or blended families. (ABS: 2006 Census).

“We’ve noticed a change in the shape of families coming through the gate and it’s clear that there’s an important contemporary ‘family’ group emerging. That includes the ‘weekend warrior’ divorcee bonding with kids and another adult friend, as well as single mums banding together to take their respective children out for the day.”

“They’ve changed their concept of what a family is, and so have we.”

Ms McBean added that World Passes were a winning formula for blended families which have at least one child born to the couple cohabiting with at least one stepchild of either parent.

“Entertaining a ‘blended’ family with offspring from different marriages, and at times, hugely different age brackets can be challenging for a couple and it’s inevitable that one child may feel left out.

“The beauty of Dreamworld and WhiteWater World is that our parks have been shaped to appeal to all demographics, with rides and attractions targeting different ages all within footsteps of each other. The entrance to Wiggles World, for example, is 70 metres from the entrance to the Mick Doohan Moto-Coaster thrill ride. And in between the two is a coffee shop and some shade ideal for adults to recharge and regroup,” she said.

Ms McBean commented that as the only theme parks in Australia that are co-located via a central corridor, the World Pass is perfect for families wanting both wet and dry experiences.

“We find that most families start the day at Dreamworld, hit the thrill rides that challenge their age group, whether that be the SpongeBob FlyPants ride for a seven year old or the Tower of Terror for a 17 year old. Then when the mercury heats up, they cool off at WhiteWater World.

“As one of the most shaded water parks in the world, WhiteWater World is also a central spot for parents to chill while accredited lifeguards stand watch over their kids.”

Families and friends who choose the 2 Day Family & Friends World Pass can return to the parks for up to 14 days from the initial visit, provided they are the same signatories presented on first day.

Summer is finally here and to celebrate Captain Cook Cruises is letting the second person cruise for half price on any of its 3, 4 or 7 night Murray River Cruises.

The sale starts 20 September 2008 and ends 15 January 2009 and passengers can cruise between 01 November 08 and 28 February 09.

The historic cruise starts with the ship itself, PS Murray Princess. Finished with polished wood and gold trimmings and featuring a winding staircase, full-length windows and a paddle wheel encased in glass, these features help replicate the paddle wheelers that first cruised the Murray in the 1800’s.

It’s then full steam down the Murray between the Blanchetown area and Murray Bridge for 280kms of incredible terrain, wildlife and Australian history and culture.

The Murray Princess cruises past towering limestone cliffs, through picturesque gorges and along riverbanks lined with mallee scrub, red gum forests and century old stone causeways.

The wetlands attract an amazing array of Australian wildlife and over 350 species of birds. Led by on-shore guides, passengers can enjoy nature walks, nocturnal eco-tours and learn about the ecology of the river.

Each day features exciting day trips to historic ports, sacred Aboriginal sites, a sheep station and woolshed and a native wildlife shelter.

There’s a food and wine trial that enables tasting at a number of vineyards and cellar doors, and in the evening, an Aussie-style campfire barbecue on the river bank.

All cruises depart from Mannum. The three nights Wetlands Discovery Cruise departs every Friday at 4.30pm and prices start from AUD$775 for the first person and from AUD$388 for the second person. The four nights Outback Heritage Cruise departs every Monday at 4.20pm and prices start from $999 for the first person and from AUD$500 for the second person. The seven nights Murraylands & Wildlife Cruise departs every Friday and Monday at 4.30pm and prices start from AUD$1596 for the first person and from AUD$798 for the second person.

Prices include all meals, accommodation, onboard facilities, most tours, scenic coach transfers from Adelaide or onsite car parking.

For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises toll free from Australia on 1800 804 843; Int +61-2-9206 1100, Email: murray@captaincook.com.au  or visit www.captaincook.com.au

Luxury accommodation marketing brand, Select Hotels & Resorts International offers sensational package deals this Spring from several Member Properties across Asia-Pacific. See below for packages from a diverse range of Select experiences including the family friendly Couran Cove Island Resort, Queensland, Spring skiers choice Edgewater Resort, Lake Wanaka and Thailand jewel Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, Phuket.

Couran Cove Island Resort, Sth Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia
Couran Cove Island Resort, located just 40 minutes by ferry from the Gold Coast mainland, is an idyllic holiday destination where you can find your space… your time… to escape, explore, relax and unwind.

Select Special:
Stay for 3 nights and receive a AU$150 cash-card to spend at the resort.

Package Inclusions:
3 nights accommodation in a Marine Deluxe Room
Full buffet breakfast daily
Return ferry transfers
Daily Bike Hire
AU$150 cash-card to spend

Valued from AUD$555.00 per person/twin share.

Terms and conditions:
Promo valid from 01 April - 26 December 2008 and 05 January - 31 March 2009.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
AUD$150 cash-card is non-transferable and can not be redeemed for cash

Bookings: www.selecthotels.com or charlotte@selecthotels.com

Edgewater Resort, Lake Wanaka, New Zealand
The days are longer, sunnier and warmer, just perfect for a September ski holiday in Wanaka. Enjoy the spaciousness of our one-bedroom suites for almost a week. Check the snow reports daily from the comfort of your phone and choose where to ski. Not a skier? No problem in Wanaka with its choice of attractions, boating, walks, golf and fun activities.

Select Ski Package

Package includes:
Six night’s accommodation in a one bedroom suite
2 continental breakfasts per day package
Children 12 and under stay FOC when using existing bedding.

Price: NZ$1,600.00 per suite includes GST

Terms and conditions:
Valid until 31 October 2008.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.

Bookings: www.selecthotels.com  or charlotte@selecthotels.com

Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, Phuket, Thailand
The elusive pleasures of traditional Thai calm and elegance are often advertised and rarely found. But cordoned off from the crowds of Phuket is an exception, a true sanctuary of Thai style: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Platinum Royale Package

Package includes :
8 days 7 nights Accommodation in our Beach Wing Suite
Airport round trip transfer by a private limousine
A complimentary Villa Royale selection Wine in suite
Daily Royale breakfast
Two Thai set dinner per Guest at Mom Tri’s Kitchen
Two hours of Villa Royale Thai massage per Guest at Mom Tri’s Spa Royale

Price: THB 48,500 (double)

Terms and conditions
Valid until 31 October 2008.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.

Bookings: www.selecthotels.com or charlotte@selecthotels.com

For Media Information:

Kate Gilfillan
kate@davcomm.com.au
+61 (0)2 9907 0020

Celebrate Spring with Select Hotels and book today!

Select Member properties for 2008 are:

AUSTRALIA: Q Station, Sydney; The Observatory Hotel, Sydney, NSW: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, Katoomba NSW; Tower Lodge, Hunter Valley, NSW; Kims Beach Hideaway, Toowoon Bay, NSW; Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island, NSW; Meadowlake Lodge, Milton, NSW; Hotel Lindrum, Melbourne, VIC; Select Burnham Beeches, Dandenong Ranges, VIC; Hotel Pension Grimus, Mount Buller, VIC; Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat, Kangaroo Island, SA; The Lodge at Tarraleah, Tarraleah, TAS; Couran Cove Island Resort, South Stradbroke Island, QLD; Paradise Bay Eco Escape, Whitsundays, QLD; Lindenwarrah, Milawa; Lindenderry

NEW ZEALAND: Carrington Resort, Karikari Peninsula, Northland; Kourawhero Country Lodge, North Auckland; Mangapapa Petit Hotel, Hawke’s Bay; Select Braemar Lodge and Spa, Hanmer Springs; Grasmere Lodge, Arthur’s Pass; Huntley House, Christchurch; Millbrook Resort, Queenstown; Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau; The Points Villas, Lake Taupo; Queenstown Park Hotel, Queenstown

PACIFIC ISLANDS: Toberua Island Resort, Fiji;

ASIA: Saman Villas, Bentota, Sri Lanka; The Regency Wing of Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, Phuket, Thailand; Veranda Resort and Spa, Hua Hin, Thailand; Wanakarn Beach Resort & Spa, Phuket, Thailand

CHINA: 88Xintiandi Executive Residences, Shanghai

MIDDLE EAST: Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai, UAE

Choice Hotels Australasia (CHA) will introduce Econo Lodge as its new economy brand in Australia to meet the need for a more affordable accommodation option in the CHA portfolio.

Announcing the new brand at CHA’s annual conference in Sydney today, Managing Director David Bayes said Econo Lodge was one of the leading economy brands in North America, with almost 1000 properties open or under development.

“We are bringing Econo Lodge to Australia to complement our existing Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands at a time when challenging economic times are encouraging many travellers to look for broader accommodation options,” Mr Bayes said.

“Our Econo Lodge hotels will typically offer between 15 and 30 rooms and be 3 or 3.5 star rated.

They will not directly compete with our existing brands, for facilities, standards, services and rates.”

Mr Bayes said the first Australian Econo Lodge is expected to come online early next year. No plans were in place to launch the brand in New Zealand at this stage.

Reviewing the year, Mr Bayes stated that properties in the CHA network continued to outperform properties outside the group, due to the group’s diverse distribution channels and significant growth in internet bookings.

“Latest figures show that online bookings are accounting for almost 20 per cent of all CHA accommodation revenue in Australia, well ahead of the reported industry average of 13.2 per cent,” he told more than 300 delegates at the three-day conference at Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.

“Another measure of our ongoing success is the number of properties we are continuing to sign to our three key brands in this region.

Since our last conference in Cairns we have added 29 new properties, giving us a total portfolio of 280 hotels in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Singapore.”

Themed Charting Your Course to Business Success, the conference includes a range of keynote speakers and business workshops, and a Market Place of more than 60 preferred suppliers showcasing products and services available to CHA franchisees.

Caption: CHA Managing Director David Bayes launches the Choice Annual Conference at Darling Harbour today.

The most widely heralded ship to enter the cruise market this year, Celebrity Solstice, departed Meyer Werft shipyard yesterday in Papenburg, Germany, as the largest ship ever built by the longtime shipbuilder. In a milestone event known as “The Conveyance,” the 2,850-guest Celebrity Solstice made its way down the River Eems, as tens of thousands of area residents lining the river banks cheered and photographed the historic event.

“This is a very momentous occasion for Celebrity Cruises,” said the brand’s President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. “Celebrity Solstice is the perfect manifestation of what the Celebrity brand is all about: extraordinary service, spectacular dining, and fabulous style and design. And as the first in a series of five Solstice-class ships, it’s a vivid example of the growth and momentum of the Celebrity brand, and our commitment to meet our guests’ and travel agent partners’ demands for more vacation options with Celebrity.”

Among the wealth of attributes guests will find only on Celebrity Solstice are:
• The industry’s first Lawn Club, a lush, half-acre recreation area with real, growing grass.
• The industry’s first Hot Glass Show, with live glassblowing demonstrations presented in association with The Corning Museum of Glass.
• Larger staterooms, with design inspirations offered by a panel of five women, hand-picked for their unique travel and hospitality insights.
• 10 varied restaurants, ranging from the dramatic, two-level “Grand Epernay” main dining room with a sweeping wine tower, to four exquisite specialty restaurants, to several stylish, casual venues.
• An entirely new category of accommodations, “AquaClass,” designed to offer a spa vacation experience at sea rivaling the best of those on land.
• A state-of-the-art theater and stage design, with three new leading-edge shows custom-designed for Celebrity with Poet Theatricals, in their first cruise line partnership.

“There also is the intangible attribute which is consistent across the Celebrity fleet, and that’s the extraordinary, anticipatory service our phenomenal staff offer our guests every day,” said Hanrahan.
Celebrity Solstice will be berthed in Eemshaven, Netherlands, from September 29 to October 24, with two separate sea trials planned during that period, in addition to crew arrivals, training, provisioning and finishing work onboard. The ship will depart Eemshaven October 24 on a transatlantic voyage, with arrival in Fort Lauderdale planned for early November, followed by a series of promotional cruises for invited travel agents, press and other dignitaries. The ship will be named in formal ceremonies on November 14, and will begin its maiden season November 23, with a series of alternating 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, calling on San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, and Tortola during this Fall and Winter. Celebrity Solstice presents a series of romantic 10- and 11-night Mediterranean cruises from Rome beginning in Spring 2009.

Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Australia, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for four of the top ten “Top Cruise Ships in the World” in the large-ship category, as voted by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (February 2008 readers’ poll), Celebrity’s current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011, and a fifth in 2012.

Dust off the blue suede shoes and rock on over to Norfolk Island for some movin’ and groovin’ at the ‘Rock Around the Rock Festival’ from February 7-14, 2009.

Now in its fourth year, the annual festival will rock your socks off with an impressive line-up of musicians and an entertaining week of themed dinners, dance nights, workshops and tours.

The rock ‘n’ roll festival will incorporate the swinging beats of well known duo Franky and Johnny, the ever famous Dance On Band, hip group The Bob Kats and Norfolk’s very own local band – Wunna Rock!

Visitors to the island during the festival can purchase special Rock Packs, which include a welcome pack, half-day island tour, traditional cliff-top fish fry BBQ dinner, a night as a convict themed dinner as well as select dance lessons, dance nights and dinners.

The Rock Packs are additional to the holiday packages and are priced at AUD$480 per person from Melbourne, AUD$520 per person ex Sydney, AUD$545 per person ex Newcastle and AUD$588 per person ex Brisbane.

The Norfolk Island Travel Centre is offering special Rock ‘n’ Roll travel packages from AUD$1143 pp ex Brisbane, AUD$1189 pp ex Sydney, AUD$1169 pp ex Newcastle and AUD$1349 pp ex Melbourne. Included are return airfares to Norfolk Island, seven nights twin share accommodation, seven-day car hire (insurance and petrol are extra and payable direct), airport meet and greet, return airport transfers on Norfolk Island, complimentary ‘A Walk in the Wild’ tour and complimentary miniature golf.

For more information phone toll free 1800 1400 66 or email christan@travelcentre.nf. Departure taxes are not included.

For general information on Norfolk Island visit www.norfolkisland.nf

Dancers from The Australian Ballet will stage an exclusive outdoor performance of Wa, choreographed by Tim Harbour at qualia, Australia’s luxury resort located on the northernmost point of Hamilton Island. This will be the first time this piece, which was one of six works comprising the 2008 Bodytorque series, has been performed outside of a traditional theatre space.

The performance of the Ballet is the centrepiece of a weekend event appropriately titled “Pearls and Pointe in Paradise” – a collaboration between three high profile Australian entities – The Australian Ballet, qualia and Paspaley Pearls. Sarah Murdoch, Board Member of the Australian Ballet will be the emcee for this exclusive weekend.

Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet, David McAllister said “We believe Wa has a special synergy with the sensory feel of qualia as it depicts the harmony achieved when a community treats one another and their environment with sensitivity.”

Paspaley’s head of design Jurgen Kammler will also fly in for the weekend to host an exclusive showing of the Paspaley family’s private pearl collection. Kammler will take guests behind the scenes of the design and creation of one of the company’s exquisite pieces of jewellery.

There will also be plenty of time for guests to relax at qualia – swimming in one of the beautiful pools, enjoying a signature treatment at the beautiful Spa qualia or taking a boat across to one of the nearby islands for a private gourmet picnic on the beach.

Following the ballet performance, the Executive Chef at qualia will prepare a moonlight dinner by the pool at Pebble Beach. Guests will enjoy some of Australia’s finest cuisine matched with a selection of boutique wines. They will also have the chance to meet David McAllister and the dancers.

The event is open only to guests who book at the resort for that weekend Friday, October 31 – Sunday 2 November. qualia offers 60 elegant one bedroom pavilions. The north facing Windward pavilions which feature their own private plunge pool are $3,900 twin share. The newly opened Leeward Pavilions which are south west facing to capture the warmth of the sun during the day and amazing sunsets at dusk are $3,400 twin share.

Included in A Weekend of Pearls, Pointe in Paradise is: two (2) nights accommodation, the performance by The Australian Ballet, an event hosted by Paspaley, all food and non-alcoholic beverages consumed at The Long Pavilion (qualia), Pebble Beach (qualia) and selected Hamilton Island restaurants. All non-alcoholic beverages from the In Pavilion bar, two seater electric golf buggy, return Hamilton Island Airport/Marina transfers and, use of non-motorised watercraft.

Bookings for the event can be made at 1300 780 959 or by emailing luxuryspecialist@hamiltonisland.com.au

In recognition of the high standards found at qualia, the resort has recently been awarded Best New Accommodation by Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine and was named joint winner in the Best Resort category by HM Magazine. It also featured in the “It List” of the 30 best new hotels around the globe in Travel and Leisure magazine, USA. Conde Nast Traveler in the UK selected qualia as the only Australian property to put on their Hot List. qualia also made the hot list for the same publication in the USA.

Viking River Cruises is happy to announce its Early Booking Discounts for the 2009 sailing season has been extended and now expires on the 31st of October. Valid for cruises in Europe, Russia and China and now also including sailings on the newly renovated Viking Surkov in Russia and their ‘Roof of the World’ itinerary, a 16 day adventure exploring the imperial treasures of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, 6 day Yangtze cruise as well as the Tibetan plateau known as ‘the roof of the world’.

The Grand European Tour, the iconic Amsterdam to Budapest cruise, from Holland’s windmill studded tulip fields to Germany’s fairytale castles, from the engineering marvel of the Main & Danube Canal to the picturesque vineyards of Austria’s Wachau Valley, this epic voyage presents the highlights of Holland, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Starting from $5,799 per person in a category B deluxe stateroom, now offered with a saving of $1,250! Book and pay in full by 31 October and all you pay is $4,549 per person for an all-inclusive 15 day cruise along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers in a deluxe category B stateroom or higher.

Viking River Cruises award winning 12 day Yangtze cruise, Imperial Jewels of China, exploring cosmopolitan Shanghai and the historic imperial treasures of Beijing such as the Forbidden city, the Great Wall and famed Summer Palace combined with a cruise between Wuhan and Chongqing through the wildly beautiful Three Gorges and Lesser Gorges is also now offered at a discount. Save up to $750 per person in a deluxe category B stateroom or higher, now starting from $2,749 per person including the fantastic discount.

Grand European Tour, 15 days, Amsterdam to Budapest &
Eastern European Odyssey, 16 days, Bucharest to Nuremberg
For stateroom category B or higher - save $1250 per person
For stateroom category C or lower - save $500 per person

Treasure of the Rhine, 15 days, Switzerland to Belgium
Portraits of Southern France, 8 days, Chalon-sur-Saone to Avignon
Rhine Getaway, 8 days, Amsterdam to Basel
Romantic Danube, 8 days, Budapest to Nuremberg
Cities of Light, 12 days, Paris to Prague
Elegant Elbe, 12 days, Berlin to Prague
Paris and the heart of Normandy, 8 days, Paris to Le Havre
Tulips & Windmills, 10 days, Amsterdam to Amsterdam
Danube Holiday Delight, 8 days, Passau to Vienna
Danube Explorer, 8 days, Vienna to Nuremberg
China’s Cultural Delights, 17 days, Beijing to Shanghai
Imperial Jewels of China, 12 days, Shanghai to Beijing
Roof of the World, 16 days, Beijing to Shanghai
For stateroom category B or higher - save $750 per person
For stateroom category C or lower - save $500 per person

Waterways of the Czars, 13 days, St Petersburg to Moscow
Russian Rhapsody, 16 days, St Petersburg to Moscow
Footsteps of the Cossacks, 11 or 12 days, Kiev to Odessa
For all stateroom categories - save $500 per person
EBD discount for Viking Surkov is $350 per person, all categories.

For Terms & conditions please visit www.vikingrivercruises.com . All prices are listed in Australian dollars. Book and pay in full by 31 October 2008 and valid on 2009 sailings only.

For bookings and enquiries please contact your local travel agent or Viking at:
Australia:  Australia@vikingrivercruises.com or toll free number: 1800 829 138
New Zealand:  Newzealand@vikingrivercruises.com or toll free number: 0800 447 913

About Viking River Cruises is the leading river cruise line in the world, operating the world’s largest fleet of 22 deluxe vessels built specifically for river travel providing unique, deluxe vacations. All 22 vessels are fully owned by Viking River Cruises and operated by Viking River Cruises own Swiss hotel management and staff. Viking River Cruises is a member of International Cruise Council Australasia.

For more information and all details on Viking River Cruises product, service, please go to www.vikingrivercruises.com or contact Teresia Fors, Managing Director Australia & New Zealand, +61 405 644 550 or teresiafors@vikingrivercruises.com

A 19-night cruise from Bangkok to Sydney aboard one of the largest liners to visit this country, is selling through ecruising.travel from as low as Aud$2349pp twin-share, which includes air from Sydney to join the 116,000 tonne Diamond Princess, and a night pre-cruise at Bangkok’s legendary Banyan Tree Hotel.

This special price through ecruising.travel is more than 40% below previously advertised lead-in prices, and needs to be booked as quickly as possible as there are only limited Inside Cabins available at this price; Outside Cabins with a partially obstructed view are available from Aud$2549pp twin-share, also more than 40% below the previously advertised.

Diamond Princess that was launched in 2004 will sail from Bangkok’s Leam Chabang on November 23 this year, visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Kota Kinabalu, Darwin, Palm Tree Island, Airlie Beach and Brisbane.

For full details phone (aus) 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel

FURTHER SHIPBOARD DETAILS: Guests on Diamond Princess have a choice of nine Traditional, Anytime, Specialty and Casual Restaurants to suit every mood, including a 24-hour Horizon Court, a patisserie, pizzeria, hamburger and hot dog grill, and an ice-cream bar, while a range of bars and lounges includes one specialising in wines and caviar.

There are four pools including a “swim-against-the-current,” numerous hot tubs, a 9-hole putting course, virtual golf simulator, Lotus Spa, gym and fitness area, Broadway-style showroom entertainment and late-release movies, guest lecturers and a 24-hour internet café

The Qantas Wine Show of Western Australia will hold its 31st Annual Awards Dinner on Tuesday 21 October at Hyatt Regency Perth, with the black-tie event offering the finest of West Australia’s award-winning wines from the 2007 show and a menu showcasing the best flavours of the state, as well as respected WA winemaker and senior judge, Vanya Cullen as the keynote speaker.

A treat for all lovers of good wine, this is a gala Awards Dinner for the state’s premier wine-judging event and the only wine show to judge exclusively Western Australian wines. The Qantas Wine Show of Western Australia Awards Dinner sees the state’s best wineries and winemakers come together for a celebration of the wine industry, with wine lovers and enthusiasts also enjoying the opportunity to discover the winning wines from the 2008 show as trophy winners are announced in 17 categories, selected from the more than 1200 wines entered annually.

Guests at the stylish event will have the opportunity to drink select gold-medal winning wines from the 2007 Wine Show throughout the night, including of some of the finest wines being produced in Western Australia.

Highly respected Western Australian winemaker and senior judge, Vanya Cullen will speak at the dinner and offer insights into the judging of the 2008 entries, as well as discussing the emergence of the Western Australian wine industry over the past 30 years to become a major player in producing some of the best wines in the world, and commenting on the changing face and style of the WA industry.

Wine Show Committee Chairman, Angelo Diletti said the Awards Dinner was a unique opportunity for like minded wine and food lovers to gain insights into Western Australia’s best wines from Vanya Cullen, a masterful winemaker and judge who has pioneered the emergence of the Western Australian industry over the last 20 years.

Internationally renowned wine journalist, James Halliday, is the Chief Judge for the 2008 Wine Show, with the show marking one of Halliday’s final appearances as a judge, having recently announced his retirement from wine judging.

Unlike the Perth Royal Wine Show, which accepts entries from throughout Australia and New Zealand much like many other shows around the country, the Qantas Wine Show of Western Australia has long been recognised as an important opportunity to identify the emerging wineries and wine regions within Western Australia, by comparing wines from throughout WA with one another to annually determine the state’s top drops.

Tickets for the 2008 Awards Dinner, to be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Perth, are AUD$175 per person and available for purchase from the Wine Show’s website at www.wineshowwa.com.au.

The ticket price includes a stunning four course meal from the talented team of chefs at the Hyatt Regency Perth, featuring a range of wonderful ingredients from throughout regional Western Australia. Gold-medal winning wines from the 2007 Wine Show will be served throughout the night.

A week after the Awards Dinner, wine enthusiasts will have an opportunity to sip and sample all of the trophy winning wines from the 2008 show, as well as many other gold medal winners, when the Hyatt Regency Perth holds the annual Qantas Wine Show Top 50 Tasting in its Terrace Ballroom on Wednesday 31 October.

Further details on the 31st Annual Awards Dinner and the Top 50 Tasting are available from the website, www.wineshowwa.com.au, or via the Wine Show Awards Dinner Bookings Office on (08) 9381 4200.