Audley have made a point of including some good value options as the current rate of exchange means that Australia can prove a fairly expensive destination for UK travellers. These include well located but simple city hotels and ideas for activities and excursions that are free or very low cost.

The Southwest

Sydney – Audley have included a page on Exploring Sydney with ideas for some more memorable ways to see the city including a private harbour cruise, a city bike tour and a backstage tour of the Opera House. In addition they suggest the Coogee to Bondi six kilometre walk – a free self-guided walking trail that takes you along the cliff tops of Sydney’s smart eastern suburbs, allowing you to share the stunning views enjoyed by its millonaire residents.

Lord Howe Island – Audley strongly recommend a stay here during the Australian summer when the Great Barrier Reef is at the height of the wet season. As visitor numbers are limited, the island is never crowded and you can explore the many walking tracks, snorkel among the corals or simply relax. Audley suggest staying at Capella Lodge which has just nine spacious suites and fantastic mountain and ocean views.

Melbourne – Audley recommend the drive from Sydney to Melbourne, stopping off at Jervis Bay and the Gippsland Lakes. In Melbourne they offer a range of accommodation including the Travelodge Southbank which enjoys a prime position and is superb value for money. They also encourage clients to go out in to Melbourne’s suburbs which have an eclectic mix of bars, cafes and shops and they suggest booking tickets for one of the many sporting events that takes place in Melbourne including the tennis, grand prix, horse racing and cricket.

Winelands – Audley have dedicated a page to the winelands and have included the new luxurious all-inclusive Kingsford Homestead as well as the Magill Estate where you can blend your own grapes and learn the secrets of winemaking.

Brisbane – As well as the city and its suburbs, Audley recommend exploring the seaside town of Noosa and the Noosa Everglades where you can take a boat trip or a canoe ride through a series of magnificent lakes and wetlands.

Another cost saving tip that Audley suggest is to become a temporary member of one of Australia’s Surf Life Saving Clubs – it’s free to join and you can eat and drink cheaply as well as getting the chance to meet locals and experience Australian local life. The Gold Coast has some of the best clubs.

The Northeast

As well as exploring the stunning coastline, Audley suggest going inland to the Atherton Tablelands and Daintreee Rainforest. They also recommend a visit to the frontier town of Cooktown and taking an excursion with an Aboriginal guide to some of the ancient rock art sites in the hills outside the town.

The brochure includes many of the well known islands in the Great Barrier Reef as well as the less known Haggerstone island which is a good all- inclusive option and a true Robinson Crusoe style rustic island experience.

The Red Centre

Audley have dedicated a page to Outback stations, giving various choices depending on whether you want to simply observe the day to day activities or get fully involved. One particular favourite is Bonds Springs where guests can stay in a restored cattleman’s cottage complete with veranda and obligatory barbecue.

The Northwest

A new way to explore the Kimberleys is to take the ‘Aerial Highway’ – a light aircraft network linking a range of luxury safari camps, remote cattle stations and key attractions. One of the places best visited in this way is Mitchell River National Park which would otherwise be a three day drive from Broome. Audley also suggest a stay at Faraway Bay which can only be accessed by light aircraft or boat and is certainly one of the most remote wilderness retreats in the world.

The Southwest

As well as exploring the city itself, Audley suggest heading south from Perth and exploring the rugged landscape and excellent food and wine produced locally. They recommend visiting the towns of Albany and Pemberton and have found some good accommodation options here including Cape Howe Cottages near Albany which are set in a private nature reserve with walking trails and a quiet beach close by. Audley have designed a good value 12-day Southwest Explorer itinerary from £2770 per person to include return flights, car hire and accommodation.

Tasmania

Tasmania offers a huge range of experiences and landscapes and makes a wonderful stand-alone itinerary. Audley feel that it is a microcosm of Australia’s best bits with incredible scenery, untouched wilderness, excellent walking, interesting convict history and superb food and wine. They suggest a 13-day Classic Tasmania self drive itinerary covering the entire island from £3620 per person to include return flights, car hire and accommodation.

For further details and a copy of Audley’s Australia brochure call Audley on 01993 838 810 www.audleytravel.com

Follow Audley on Twitter www.twitter.com/audleytravel  Subscribe to Audley’s RSS feed of travel articles www.audleytravel.com/magazine

With today’s travellers seeking a more competitive deal when it comes to touring locally, Inspiring Journeys has significantly reduced the price of its Australian itineraries without compromising on delivering the very best in immersive and authentic experiences which the brand has become well known for. Furthermore, Inspiring Journeys is offering generous Early Payment Savings of up to $500 per couple on select journeys when you pay in full six months prior to departure.

Dedicated to showcasing the ultimate in Aussie adventures, Inspiring Journeys’ 2013/14 Australia program takes travellers on an enlightening path that allows them to get under the skin of each place they visit. In order to satisfy the experiential needs of travellers, each itinerary includes a cross section of discovery, exploration, learning and relaxing based activities to help shape and personalise your holiday while creating the ideal balance of fun, freedom and flexibility.

Travellers can explore the many wonders of Australia when choosing from each perfectly packaged itinerary included in the 2013/14 Australia program. Appealing to those witha liberated mindset who seek rich travel experiences and interactions, each journey includes enriching experiences in an intimate group such as; taking a scenic flight, learning how to find bush tucker, hiking through a rainforest or treating yourself to a spa session.

With a special emphasis placed on connecting with the environment, you can look forward to dining on locally produced cuisines inspired by the flavours of each destination, and staying in hand-picked wilderness retreats, lodges and resorts set in beautiful, unique locations when travelling with the brand. While travelling in a small group averaging 12-16 people, you will be transported by Inspiring Journeys’ luxurious, All Terrain 4WD Mercedes Benz vehicles which are designed to access areas off road that are often unreachable by coach.

Popular itineraries of Inspiring Journeys’ 2013/14 Australia program include:
5-day The Mysterious Northround trip from Darwin that stops at Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield. Highlights include taking in the views and escarpment at Ubirr in Kakadu National Park, seeing Aboriginal rock art, enjoying a Highlight Dinner cruise on Katherine Gorge and staying in safari quarters at the award-winning Wildman Wilderness Lodge. Priced from $2075 per person – twin share (land only), save up to $210 per couple when paying in full six months prior to departure. Departures available from 28 April – 20 October, 2013.
5-day The Colour of Red from Uluru to Alice Springs or vice versa. Highlights include witnessing the changing colours of Uluru during sunset, a guided walk around the rim of Kings Canyon, and exploring the mystical domes of Kata Tjuta. Priced from $1925 per person – twin share (land only), save up to $200 per couple when paying in full six months prior to departure. Departures available from 5 April – 23 October, 2013.
7-day The Unknown Wilderness from Launceston to Hobart. Highlights include exploring Cradle Mountain National Park and Dove Lake by canoe or guided bush walk, taking a river cruise down the Pieman River and Corinna, and indulging in the state’s finest wines and cheeses during a tasting session. Priced from $3250 per person – twin share (land only), save up to $330 per couple when paying in full six months prior to departure. Departures available from 14 April, 2013 – 14 December, 2014.

To view the Inspiring Journeys 2013/14 Australia program, please visit www.inspiringjourneys.com.au

Everyone has a story, so why not start your next chapter with Inspiring Journeys

- call 1800 INSPIRING (1800 467 747) or contact your travel agent.

The accolade coincides with the deluxe hotel’s launch of a new three bedroom Sub-Penthouse which has only been made available for booking to the public this month, ensuring its place as the premier five star accommodation option on the Gold Coast is firmly entrenched.

A spacious 340 square metres of coastal luxury, the Level 48 Sub-Penthouse boasts magnificent panoramas across the coast which can be viewed from floor to ceiling windows throughout, and a wrap around balcony to enjoy the 270 degree views from the Gold Coast hinterland to the Pacific Ocean.

An expansive open plan living area is complemented by extras such as a media room that includes LCD TV and entertainment system with X-box or Wii consuls available for hire; and a fully equipped kitchen with all high-end European appliances for gourmet decadence, imported stone bench tops and personal espresso machine.

Bedrooms include a king bed in the master bedroom, with a queen bed and two singles in the second and third bedrooms. Three bathrooms will also ensure that enough space for personal pampering is available.　 Peppers Broadbeach beds are renowned for their comfort due to the specially designed plush-top mattresses and are accompanied by a seven-choice pillow menu to ensure the perfect night’s sleep is achieved.

Peppers Broadbeach General Manager, Adam Taloni, said the TripAdvisor accolade is a reflection on the level of service provided by his dedicated staff: “Guests walk away from Peppers Broadbeach with memories of a great stay and a great experience on the Gold Coast and feel compelled to share it on forums like TripAdvisor.”

“We have a beautiful product which is certainly a stand out on the Coast but the attention to detail provided by my staff, I believe, is what makes the difference,” he said.

Unlike any other hotel honours, TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions covering more than 650,000 hotels and collected in a single year from travellers around the world.

Peppers was amongst an elite group in the Australian list of Top 25 Hotels including fellow Queensland properties Lizard Island Resort and Qualia Resort Hamilton Island; The Langham in Melbourne; Byron at Byron Resort & Spa in Northern NSW and Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa which took out the top spot. Sister property, Peppers Airlie Beach also came in at Number 17 on the list.

Rates for the Peppers Broadbeach Sub-Penthouse start from $950 per night (low season) and from $1800 per night (high season).　 One bedroom apartments start from $248 and 2 bedrooms from $335.　 Visit www.peppers.com.au/broadbeach for bookings and further information.

Peppers Broadbeach is located cnr Surf Pde & Elizabeth Ave, just a short stroll to beautiful Kurrawa Beach and parklands; a 25 minute drive from Gold Coast airport and a 40 minute drive to the hinterland.

ABOUT PEPPERS
Peppers Retreats, Resorts & Hotels is Mantra Group’s luxury accommodation brand. There are 28 Peppers properties in Australia and New Zealand in regional areas, resort destinations and metropolitan locations with the first Peppers in Fiji due to open in 2012. All offer a level of style and quality to meet the expectations of the most discerning traveller: www.peppers.com.au

What began as a group of small boutique retreats now includes a host of luxury holiday resorts and the beginnings of a network of metropolitan based apartment hotels.　 Retreats include Peppers Guest House Hunter Valley – the historic heart and home of Peppers; Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, Peppers Mineral Springs Retreat in Daylesford and Peppers Craigieburn Bowral through to the impressive resort style accommodation at Peppers Salt Resort in Kingscliff and Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove.　 In New Zealand, resorts such as Peppers Clearwater Christchurch and Peppers Bluewater Lake Tekapo are complemented by boutique retreats such as Peppers Parehua Martinborough and Peppers Awaroa Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park. The brand’s first foray into metropolitan locations has been a great success with the opening of Peppers Broadbeach in 2010. Further CBD and regional locations around Australia and New Zealand are slated for 2012.

Since Club.CuSoon launched one year ago, more than 50,000 members have signed up for the online rewards program, which is free to join at www.clubcusoon.com.au, and are enjoying exclusive accommodation deals plus a raft of other benefits such as a guaranteed late check-out of 11am with bookings made through the club and 5 percent off on any rates available on the Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree websites.

For example, this week Club.CuSoon members can take advantage of a wide range of featured deals from a discounted coastal getaway at BreakFree Imperial Surf, Surfers Paradise, to a great-value city escape at Mantra Southbank in cosmopolitan Melbourne, or a special offer to experience a grand country escape at Peppers Manor House in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales.

Mantra Group Director of Marketing Ken Minnikin said Club.CuSoon members have received savings of up to a 62 percent off Peppers, Mantra and Breakfree rates across Australia and New Zealand.

“Club members are guaranteed the very best rates available anywhere online across the Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree brands.”

“In fact, they’re so heavily reduced, we can only offer them to Club members for a limited time.”

“And, unlike the plethora of deals and coupon websites out there, Club.CuSoon allows members to book direct with the well-known and trusted Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree brands and there is no waiting for vouchers to book like many coupon sites – bookings can be made instantaneously,” he said.

During its inaugural year, the seaside resort Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliff in Northern New South Wales has been the favourite holiday choice of Club members along with properties located in the popular Queensland holiday hot spots of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

With an irresistible range of boutique Peppers Retreats, Resorts and Hotels, an extensive collection of contemporary Mantra Hotels, Resorts and Apartments and wide range of comfortably appointed BreakFree Hotels, Resorts and Apartments in all capital cities, coastal locations and regional destinations, Club.CuSoon provides the greatest choice and the greatest savings

Owner, Amanda Woodward, said for a small annual fee, premium listings offered accommodation operators the opportunity to showcase their property and how it caters for families.

As well as having a full page display, with photos, description and symbols, premium listings will also feature on the home page, be promoted in social media and be able to advertise deals on a new ‘Specials’ page.

Queensland’s Cedar Creek Lodges at Thunderbird Lodge is the first company to come on board.

Family Friendly Accommodation was created by Amanda, a Victorian mum with a career in marketing communications, 12 months ago.

“My aim is for Australian families to use the website as their first point when researching where to stay for a family holiday or weekend away.

“We now have hundreds of listings around Australia, as well as links to international sites to help families looking for holiday accommodation locally or around the world.”

Family Friendly Accommodation also features reviews written by parents, allowing them to share their finds with other families.

After 12 months of growing the website, Amanda said she is looking forward to 2013 being the year to let spread the word to more families.

“I’ve had really positive feedback, which is great. This website is my new ‘baby’ and I am passionate about helping it grow and prosper. I believe it has the potential to become the number one on-line research site for family friendly accommodation in Australia.”

Amanda can be contacted at amanda@familyfriendlyaccommodation.com.au

Michael Holtz, CEO of Smart Flyer, New York, gives his replies about the Australian and New Zealand travel scene

Q: Which product or service providers impressed you in 2012?
Luxury Lodges of Australia. Saffire Freycinet offers amazing scenery, close to the Bay of Fires, an oyster farm, all with Tasmanian culture. Wolgan Valley is a true outback experience, nestled just three hours from Sydney, complete with boxing kangaroos.

Q: Which airline impressed you most in 2012?
Virgin Australia — fresh service, happy cabin crew

Q: Which accommodation provider impressed you most in 2012?
Park Hyatt — they know how to anticipate client needs

Q: What three important things happened in 2012 that you think will have a big impact on 2013?
BRICS keep getting more important, capital markets improving, Delta buying the SIA stake in Virgin Atlantic

Q: What are the luxury travel trends we’ll see more of in 2013?
More exotic/over the top resorts/lodges.

Q: What are travelers increasingly looking for?
They still want to feel special

Q: What are the key trends to keep an eye on in 2013?
Value — BUT people WILL spend if the perceived value is there.

Q: As a travel buyer, what’s your philosophy?
Stay ahead of the pack. I constantly travel on behalf of my clients. The one thing that our clients value more than anything is how we help them optimize their time, and show them new experiences.

Karina Vilanova, General Manager, Plenia, Madrid
Q: Which product or service providers impressed you in 2012?
Jean-Michel Jefferson from Ahipara in New Zealand for his knowledge of the product, his ability to tailor-make all the programs and his passion for what he does.

Q: Which airline impressed you most in 2012?
Etihad Airways — for its guest service and attention to detail. We’ve used them for some of our clients and always had excellent feedback, even when problems arise.

Q: Which accommodation provider impressed you most in 2012?
Luxury Lodges of Australia — amazing locations

Q: What were the most over-used words or phrases in travel in 2012?
Misuse of the word “luxury.” Many people add the word “luxury” but that doesn’t mean that they actually have the product or the ability to deliver that service.

Q: What three important things happened in 2012 that you think will have a big impact on 2013?
Social media, economic crisis and insecurity in many Islamic countries

Q: What are the luxury travel trends we’ll see more of in 2013?
Respect for nature and ‘real’ social responsibility in travel. Also, families who want their children to participate by helping communities by living among them and getting a first-hand experience of the ‘other side of the coin’.

Q: What are travelers increasingly looking for?
24/7 worldwide assistance

Q: What are you looking forward to in 2013?
Positioning ourselves as the number one tailor-made company in Spain

Q: What are the key trends to keep an eye on in 2013?
Emerging destinations in the south of Africa

Q: As a travel buyer, what’s your philosophy?
Value for money and personalized service that allows you to have flexible itineraries

About Luxperience
Luxperience is an exclusive business exchange for local and international travel trade held in the Australasia and Pacific region connecting the world’s most elite travel providers. The three-day business exchange from 2-4 September 2013 is a forum for ideas and collaboration dedicated to matching the needs of high end experiential travel buyers with inspiring suppliers. The inaugural Luxperience in September 2012 laid the foundations for an event in Australasia and the Pacific that aims to raise the profile of the region as an innovator in true experiential travel. Future events will maintain the intimacy of a growing community that is committed to high quality and inspirational travel experiences.

For further information on Luxperience, please visit: www.luxperience.com.au

The annual flagship publication features everything you need to know about what to see and do in Canberra during its year-long Centenary celebrations.
The 68-page guide features information about the Centenary, attractions, food and wine, nightlife, shopping, accommodation options and major events as well as the region surrounding the nation’s capital.

Australian Capital Tourism Group Marketing Manager Kelly Ryan said the Centenary was a great year for people to visit their nation’s capital.

“The Centenary program offers a diverse mix of events and activities from sport to science, the arts, community, architecture and the environment.

“The Centenary year kicked off last month with the National Gallery of Australia’s blockbuster Toulouse-Lautrec: Paris & The Moulin Rouge. Next month’s highlight events include the opening of Canberra’s newest attraction, the National Arboretum Canberra, and the hosting of the women’s golf event, the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open.

“There’s really no better time to visit and reacquaint yourself with the home of the Australian story.”

Copies can also be ordered by emailing the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre at crvc@act.gov.au or can be viewed online at http://issuu.com/acttourism/docs/canberra_visitors_guide_2013

Two of Australia’s most respected natural wine producers – Anton Von Klopper and Tom Shobbrook – tee up with Dusty Treweek of Wallis & Ed and guest chef Joel Alderson to create their five-course Wild Weeds & Wine dinner as part of this year’s earth-themed Melbourne Food & Wine Festival.

In preparation for the earthbound dinner that will be held on 4th and 5th March, Alderson and talented wine producers (Von Klopper of Lucy Margaux Vineyards and Shobbrook, winner of the 2010 Wine Australia Talent, Best New Talent; will forage amongst Victoria’s richest natural pastures for a one week 1,000 kilometre journey gathering edible weeds, succulents and animals. Delicacies foraged and sourced en route may include such finds as coastal seaweed, sea blight, samphire, pig face, acorns, dandelion, milk thistle, wood sorrel, eel, lobster and wild mushrooms. All dairy and animals will be sourced from biodynamic producers who have great respect for the earth, soil and nurturing. Sustainable produce will also be gathered from The Windsor Hotel’s vegetable patches located on the roof of the Federation Square complex. The Windsor is the first hotel in Melbourne to be part of the Pop Up Patch community initiative.

The filmed road journey that will be shown during the event begins in the Adelaide Hills at Lucy Margaux, winding its way through some of the richest Victorian pastoral pockets to culminate in the Bourke Street kitchen of Wallis & Ed.

Chefs Alderson and Treweek will bring earth to the table with their use of traditional cooking methods, exploring the role of earthly vessels and craft: curing with a block of salt; baking fish in clay; smoking with grapevines and using hay to roast. The majority of cooking will involve low intervention where food is prepared in as natural a state as possible.

All courses will be matched with a traditional and non-traditional pairing presented by Von Klopper and Shobbrook.

In celebration of the 130th anniversary of The Windsor, the cost per head is $130 for a five-course feast of wild produce and wine and will be held on 4th and 5th March 2013 at 6.30pm. Reservations open 1st February 2013 and can be made by calling 9633 6004 or emailing reservations@thw.com.au .

Wallis & Ed enjoys a prestigious location at 1 Bourke Street Melbourne and is a contemporary addition to its 1883 grand neighbour, The Windsor. Alderson and Treweek ‘s culinary talent shows they are not afraid to break the rules – as did the Royals after whom the bistro is named.

Captions/Wild Weeds & Wine/Melbourne Food & Wine Festival

Uploaded images corresponding to the release have captions imbedded in the meta data

1. (Shot of 2 chefs in restaurant, stools in background)

Chefs Joel Alderson (left) and Dusty Treweek prepare for their Wild Weeds & Wine dinner at bistro Wallis & Ed for Melbourne Food & Wine Week.

2. (Shot of 2 chefs in restaurant, pillar in background, Dusty smiling)

Chef Dusty Treweek of Wallis & Ed (left) and guest chef Joel Alderson will bring earth to the plate at their Wild Weeds & Wine dinner as part of Melbourne Food & Wine Week.

3. (Shot of Joel, preferred landscape shot, lights on left)

Wallis & Ed guest chef Joel Alderson will set off on a 1000 kilometre journey across Victoria’s richest pastures to forage with three respected biodynamic winemakers. The journey is in preparation for their Wild Weeds & Wine dinner being held as part this year’s earth-themed of Melbourne Food & Wine week.

4. (Shot of Dusty, blurred stools in background)

Wallis & Ed chef Dusty Treweek will use traditional cooking techniques such as roasting with hay and curing with salt for their Melbourne Food & Wine Week dinner, Wild Weeds & Wine.

5. (Shot of 2 chefs in garden, beetroot in foreground)

Wallis & Ed chef Dusty Treweek (left) and guest chef Joel Alderson pictured at The Windsor’s pop up vegetable patches at Federation Square. The chefs have begun planting in preparation for their Wild Weeds & Wine dinner. The hotel is the first in Melbourne to be part of the community schème.

6. (Shot of Pop-Up patch sign and chefs)
Guest chef Joel Alderson and Chef Dusty Treweek of Wallis & Ed pictured at Federation Square’s Pop up Patch where The Windsor is the first hotel in Melbourne to be part of the community scheme.

For further information please contact :

Chantal Hooper
chooper@thw.com.au or vbatters@thw.com.au  Tel : (03) 9633 6193

It also keeps senior Aussie tourists up-to-date with the latest travel news as well as entertained with a daily trivia quiz. And, most importantly, the YOURLifeChoices App knows the location of every public toilet in Australia, which means travellers are never caught out.

YOURLifeChoices website’s recent survey of 4100 Australians aged 55+ showed that 31 per cent own a smartphone and 28 per cent will be purchasing one in the coming year, while 25 per cent own a tablet and 40 per cent are planning to get one in the coming months. With easy access to the YOURLifeChoices FunOnTheGo App, mature age travellers have never had it so good.

To stay travel-savvy visit www.yourlifechoices.com.au/technology/app  and discover the FunOnTheGo App.

Canberra is celebrating its 100th birthday with a full five days of festivities including the Lights! Canberra! Action! film festival, a hot air ballooning event, Black Opal Stakes horse racing day and a spectacular birthday bash around Lake Burley Griffin on Canberra Day (11 March) which will feature the world’s longest ever bubbly bar, interactive art projects, a rock concert and the performance of a new Centenary symphony.

Plus Mantra on Northbourne is offering their Toulouse-Lautrec Package over the Centenary Long Weekend so guests can also experience the National Gallery of Australia’s exceptional Canberra only showing of French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who painted the social scene and underbelly of Paris in the late 19th century.

Mantra on Northbourne’s Toulouse-Lautrec accommodation and exhibition packages start from $219* per room per night (Friday and Saturday nights) and include accommodation in a Hotel Room, buffet breakfast for two and two adult tickets to the Toulouse-Lautrec: Paris & the Moulin Rouge exhibition to use at leisure.

Perfectly located in the CBD with shopping and nightlife at your doorstep, Mantra on Northbourne offers apartment style accommodation combined with all the facilities of a premium hotel.

Features include a choice of hotel rooms or superior one or two bedroom apartments, onsite restaurant, 24 hour room service, gymnasium, indoor heated pool and sauna.

Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au