Deals of the week, February 27: Indigo Hotel; Indian Pacific train; Wineglass Bay
Combine a classic train journey on the Indian Pacific with an epic cruise from Sydney to Perth, or embark on a tour of South Australia.
Market forces
The first Indigo Hotel in Australia opens on March 1 with celebratory savings of up to 50 per cent on stays until June 30. The 145-guestroom Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, which boasts the city’s highest rooftop bar, is next to the renowned fresh-produce mecca. All-day dining is at the ground-floor Market & Meander, with a strong focus on local ingredients and drinks. King standard rooms from $250 a night; book by March 31 for discounts.
Art starter
Cultural historian Nick Gordon is leading a three-day tour of NSW’s Wollombi and Hunter valleys, visiting local artists and leading regional galleries. Virginia Cuppaidge, Paul Selwood, Zoe Tweedale and Richard Tipping are among the creative talent surveyed on the Academy Travel trip, along with Bulgandry Aboriginal art site and the heritage town of Morpeth. Guests also enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at award-winning Bimbadgen Estate. Accommodation at Newcastle’s Rydges Hotel; March 10-13; $1890 a person, twin-share.
Rail and sail
One of Australia’s best-loved train journeys, the three-night Indian Pacific between Perth and Sydney, is paired with a voyage on the 272-passenger Golden Horizons square-rigger sailing down under next summer. The itinerary, of 33 or 34 nights depending on point of origin, calls at 19 ports, including Jervis Bay, Maria Island, Coffin Bay and Bremer Bay. Guests depart Perth by train on January 2 next year or Sydney by ship on January 6; from $19,795 a person, twin-share.
Eyre time
A whale-watching cruise in the Great Australian Bight Marine Park and an oyster-shucking masterclass and seafood feast at Smoky Bay are among the highlights of a three-day tour of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. From $1999 a person, including return economy flights from Adelaide to Ceduna; book by March 8 for departures July to September.
Land and sea
Kirkhope Aviation is also heading to SA, for a four-day fauna and feast tour that includes one night in Port Lincoln and two on Kangaroo Island. Gourmet seafood meals and wildlife tours are part of the package for a maximum 10 guests, who fly return by private aircraft from Melbourne’s Moorabbin Airport. Departs March 18 and November 11; $4790 a person, twin-share.
Take a break
A two-night city break at Melbourne’s Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens includes a host of enticements such as breakfast for two, welcome bottle of wine, $25 food and beverage credit, parking and late checkout. Accommodation is in a Superior Parkview room; from $199 a person with select travel dates to March 31 next year.
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Out + About
A new lookout at Tasmania’s Wineglass Bay has opened as part of a $7.2m boost to infrastructure at the popular tourist attraction. A new visitor gateway, including shelter and information area, is part of the project aimed at reducing congestion and enhancing the tourism experience. An Indigenous education program and a foreshore walk connecting Coles Bay to Freycinet National Park are also part of the plan.
Silky Oaks Lodge, the luxury property nestled in the Daintree Rainforest of north Queensland, will reopen on October 1. Owned by James and Hayley Baillie, the lodge closed last year and is undergoing a $15m renovation. Port Douglas-based architect Gary Hunt is taking care of design while Amanda Pike of Pike Withers will look after the interiors.
Princess Cruises is returning to Australia for the 2022-23 season, offering 134 departures on four Ocean Medallion-class ships. Royal Princess and Majestic Princess will be based in Sydney, along with Grand Princess in Melbourne and Coral Princess in Brisbane. Itineraries include circumnavigations of Australia, with international destinations such as Fiji and New Zealand in the mix. Fares go on sale to Princess Elite Guests at 9am March 2 and to the general public the following day.
TFE Hotels has launched a premium brand of Adina properties, designed to give guests a more high-end experience. A by Adina Canberra has opened, while a Sydney CBD property will debut in April.
