Jetsettersblog

Behind this secret curtain, nature has flourished, resulting in a vast and pristine wilderness described by Lonely Planet as ?one of the world?s most beautiful regions?.

Fire-spitting volcanoes cloaked in ice dominate the landscape; remote indigenous tribes live as they have done for centuries, while rivers filled with salmon attract the highest concentration of brown bears on the planet. Teeming with an astounding diversity of wildlife including whales, sea lions, otters and birds, against a backdrop of wildflower-filled meadows, verdant valleys and towering mountain ranges - the Russian Far East is an adventure lover?s dream.

Australian-owned expedition cruising company, Aurora Expeditions, invites you to uncover the majesty and mystery of this remarkable region on one of its three voyages departing in 2009.

Travelling aboard the ice-strengthened 100-passenger Marina Svetaeva, the three expeditions will explore secluded islands and sites that would be impossible by any means other than by ship.

The 14-day ?Ring of Fire? expedition to the Kuril Islands and Kamchatka departs on 11 July 2009 from Sakhalin Island in Russia and travels through the islands that lie like stepping-stones between Japan and Russia ending in the town of Petropavlosk.

The second 14-day ?Bering Sea Explorer? expedition to Kamchatka and Chukotka departs from Petropavlosk in Russia on 24 July and visits the Commander Islands, Karaginsky Island, the Chukotka Coast and Arakamchechen Archipelago, and some of the least visited wilderness areas on Earth.

The final 13-day ?Arctic Ocean Discoverer? voyage explores the Bering Straight and remote Wrangel Island, travelling high above the Arctic Circle where few have ventured. The voyage departs on 6 August 2009 and begins and ends in Nome, Alaska.

Prices for all three voyages start at US$5,490 per person and include accommodation and use of all public areas on board the ship, all meals, guided shore excursions, lectures with expert naturalists and historians, and all port taxes. Sea kayaking is an additional option.

For further information and bookings call 1800 637 688 or visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au

SkyAirWorld has announced an additional weekly flight between Brisbane and Cloncurry as a result of overwhelming demand on its new domestic service.

From Thursday 30 October, SkyAirWorld will operate four weekly flights between Brisbane and Cloncurry as an addition to the thrice-weekly Brisbane ? Cloncurry ? Cairns route, which commenced last month.

Flights between Brisbane and Cloncurry will now operate four days per week on a Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with economy fares starting from AUD$149.90 one way including taxes. The Thursday service will depart Brisbane at 6.10am arriving in Cloncurry at 8.50am and will then depart Cloncurry at 9.30am arriving in Brisbane at 11.45am, allowing passengers to easily connect to international flights.

SkyAirWorld CEO, David Charlton, said the additional service is a result of recent customer feedback and believed the additional flight would better meet customer needs.

?We have had an overwhelming reception from the Cloncurry community to our new services and Cloncurry and Mt Isa residents are delighted at the ease of being able to fly into Brisbane with our jet service,? Mr Charlton said.

SkyAirWorld is also supporting the Cloncurry community beyond the provision of aviation services. Last month SkyAirWorld sponsored ?Ladies Day? at Cloncurry Races, which included the donation of two return tickets on any leg of the new Brisbane ? Cloncurry ? Cairns service.

For a comprehensive overview of the SkyAirWorld flight schedule and booking information, please visit www.skyairworld.com ?or alternatively call 1300 SKYAIR

New Zealand airline Pacific Blue today announced further growth on both its trans-Tasman and Pacific network, adding direct flights between Brisbane and Solomon Islands (Honiara) and three extra seasonal flights each week between Wellington and Brisbane.

The additional capacity between Wellington and Brisbane begins 1 December 2008, in time for the busy Christmas travel period, and increases the weekly frequency on this route from five to eight for the summer.
Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said ?As with all our routes we keep a close eye on loadings and market demand and we believe the additional capacity on the Brisbane ? Wellington route will be warmly welcomed by the travelling public in both directions who are looking for a convenient schedule, great value and outstanding service during this busy time.?

As part of an ongoing expansion plan Pacific Blue will also start flying direct between Brisbane and Solomon Islands twice a week from 2 December 2008*, with convenient connections from Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra and Melbourne. Connector fares from New Zealand to Honiara via Brisbane will be available shortly.

To celebrate the new destination the airline is offering a special Brisbane ? Honiara launch fare of AU$249* on sale now for seven days only for travel from 2 December 2008 until 31 March 2009. Regular lead-in fares will start from AU$379 one-way on the internet.
?This is the third new international destination we?ve announced in as many weeks and it?s exciting, particularly in this current climate, to be able to continue our expansion into new territories,? said Brett Godfrey.

? The increased seasonal Wellington ? Brisbane schedule from 1 December 2008 is:
o WLG-BNE: Daily morning flights and one Friday late afternoon flight.
o BNE-WLG: Daily evening flights and one Friday morning flight.
? The new Brisbane ? Honiara schedule from 2 December 2008 is:
o BNE-HIR: Mid-morning departure on Tuesday and Thursday.
o HIR-BNE: Mid-afternoon departure on Tuesday and Thursday.

* Subject to regulatory approval. All fares are subject to availability, are for one-way travel and include taxes, fares and surcharges. Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares are one-way on the net or AU$15 more by phone. A credit card surcharge of AU$5 per person per one-way flight is applicable for flights internationally. Fares are correct as at 3 Oct, 2008 and are subject to change. International return fare may vary with the addition of local taxes and charges.

Fly for Free to Orpheus this Christmas & New Year Christmas & New Year at Orpheus is not for everyone. However, this year you can be one of the selected few to spend this special time of year away from the daily stresses of work, traffic, smog, friends, family, day trippers, noisy children and world events. Rest assured, this doesn?t mean that the festivities and great food of the season will be bypassed. Far from it?.every detail will be taken care of in true Orpheus style.

For a limited time, Orpheus is offering FREE return scenic flights ex Townsville for any booking of five nights or more over the Christmas and New Year period ? offering a saving of AUD$900. This special offer is valid for travel only from 21 December 2008 ? 31 January 2009.

Escape to the sophisticated seclusion on Queensland?s Great Barrier Reef, to one of the last remaining privately owned island retreats in the world. Surrounded by 1,300 hectares of pristine national park, Orpheus is an exclusive hideaway for those seeking a natural, relaxing and rejuvenating environment of palm fringed bays and enticing translucent waters.

Strictly limited to 42 pampered guests, Orpheus offers premium services and total seclusion. The island is an idyllic haven for escaping the frenzied pace of modern life with no telephones, televisions, day-trippers, nightclubs or children under the age of fifteen.

Awaken on Christmas Day to spend the day however you please. Escape to your own private beach, take part in a local snorkel exploring the 1,100 types of tropical fish and abundant coral life in our surrounding waters, or simply relax by the pool and waste away the hours ? it?s your choice. Experience the award winning dining at Orpheus and join our Chefs for a gourmet Australian BBQ lunch, followed by a traditional five course degustation Christmas Dinner that evening with all the festive trimmings ? and all tailor made to your individual dietary requirements!

Plans are underway already for New Years Eve and it is sure to be a night to remember. The evening will begin with sunset drinks and canap?s, followed by a dining extravaganza guaranteed to tantalize the tastebuds. This exquisite evening is further complimented with your own exclusive band ? Mirasole. The acclaimed duo will bring in the New Year with laughter, dancing and spectacular dining.

Priced from AUD$3625 per person (based on double/twin share), the five night package includes:

? FREE return scenic flights ex Townsville
? 5 nights private beachfront accommodation in an Orpheus Retreat
? Meet & Greet with fresh fruit cocktail
? All meals ? including a la carte breakfast, alfresco dining or gourmet seafood picnic hamper and seven course degustation-style menu each evening
? Christmas & New Year inclusions
? Unlimited use of motorised dinghies, paddle skis, catamarans, canoes, snorkelling equipment, local snorkel trips, light fishing gear, pools, gymnasium, recreation room, tennis court, bushwalking and selected interpretive activities.

Fraser Island?s iconic Cool Dingo group tour takes the hard work out of managing tides and navigation on the world?s largest sand island, and puts the enjoyment back in to touring.

These popular two and three-day group tours for 18 to 35-year-olds, were named Best Experience in Queensland for 2007 by some of the toughest travellers on the island?s sand tracks ? international and domestic backpackers ? and are equally appealing to locals.

Fraser Island is well known for beautiful, fresh-water lakes, lunar-like sand dunes, ancient rainforests and the spectacular 75-mile ocean beach, which comes complete with a shipwreck ? all of which are discovered on tour.

Tours regularly from Hervey Bay or Brisbane and take in Fraser Island?s top beauty spots including stunning Lake McKenzie.

?Forget fidgety nights with tents and sleeping bags… these fully guided and all-inclusive Cool Dingo Tours promise a good night?s rest on Fraser Island, with comfy lodge accommodation, hearty buffet meals, air-conditioned 4WD tours and return catamaran transfers,? Leisure Sales Manager Joe Currenti said.

?Cool Dingo tours are a great way to experience the world?s largest sand island - Fraser Island - and to meet like-minded travellers from around Australia and indeed all over the globe.?

?There?s plenty of 4WD action, great value and fun to boot ? and best of all no tents, no sleeping bags, no cooking, no driving and no worries.?

Cool Dingo ?Two-day, One-night? packages start from $289 per person, ?Three-day, Two-night? packages from $359 per person and ?Five-day, Four-night? packages from $457.

For the more adventurous, five-night Lady Elliott ?Coral Reef and Cool Dingo? packages are also available, with prices starting from just $799.

For more information on Cool Dingo tours visit www.cooldingotour.com

Norfolk Island?s infamous ghosts will be serenaded by angelic choruses during the 15th annual Norfolk Island Opera in the Ruins Festival in the island?s historic convict ruins from February 23-27, 2009.

The headline act will be Brisbane?s boutique opera company Operatif, featuring soprano Jennifer Parish, baritone Stewart Cameron, mezzo Dorothy Williams and guest tenor Benjamin Fifita Makisi accompanied by pianist Lynne Sterling Jordan.

Providing an added attraction this year will be Australian husband and wife virtuoso pianists Max Olding and Pamela Page, who have graced major international concert venues in the USA, UK, Austria and Hong Kong. In addition the Queensland Pop Orchestra Trio under concert master Julie-Anne O?Reilly will offer a selection of string and cinema classics, ballads and operetta.

?Opera in the Ruins continues to be one of the island?s biggest events attracting quality acts and great audiences,? said Norfolk Island Tourism General Manager Terry Watson.

?It?s not every day you get the chance to listen to such stunning music in such a dramatic setting and visitors can take time out between concerts to relax on our beautiful beaches, snorkel in stunning Emily Bay, paddle kayaks around the rugged coastline, explore the specialty shops to unearth some treasures, feast on the catch of the day at a sunset BBQ fish-fry or take in a round of golf at our scenic golf course,? he added.

Norfolk Select has special ?Opera in the Ruins? holiday packages including return flights from Australia, taxes ex Australia, seven nights twin share accommodation, airport transfers on Norfolk, half-day island tour, car hire (excluding compulsory insurance) and a full Opera in the Ruins package comprising six music events, two dinners and two morning or afternoon teas. The package is available from $1585 per person from Brisbane, $1646 per person from Sydney and $1624 from Newcastle, with add-on flights available from other ports. Conditions apply. Departure tax an additional $30 per person. Call Norfolk Select toll-free on 1800 724 400 or visit www.norfolkselect.com.au.

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

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