Deals of the week, July 4: Abercrombie & Kent; Elements of Byron; Hunter Valley
Luxury guided walks, wellness retreats and cycling tours are all on offer in these packages.
Abercrombie & Kent will host a maximum 10 people on the Murray River Walk, a four-day adventure through the South Australian Riverland. The journey comprises gentle daily hikes of no more than 10km, with each night spent on an exclusive houseboat. Departs Renmark on September 14; from $2500 a person, twin-share; group booking only.
Outback oasis
Mount Mulligan Lodge in outback Queensland is welcoming the state’s residents back to the property with a special “Gday QLD” offer on last-minute stays of three nights or more before July 10. Two guests can take an Outback Room for $800 a night, a saving of $900, or groups of four can settle into an Outback Pavilion for $1455 a night, which represents a $1845 discount. Rates are inclusive of all meals, select beer and wine, excursions and use of an electric buggy.
Life of …
Riley, one of the recently launched Crystalbrook Collection hotels in Cairns, has reopened and has 10 per cent savings on all direct bookings. Also in the portfolio, Bailey is scheduled to restart on September 1, while the newest property, Flynn, will launch in October. Rooms from $221 a night with $100 drinks credit, early check-in and late check-out.
Tea for two
Guests who stay one night in an Overwater Lagoon Suite at the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort at Twin Waters can enjoy a Sicilian high tea plus a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine. The afternoon tea can be taken in the privacy of their room or in the Sola lounge. From $250 a night; book by August 29 for stays before August 31.
Well, well, well
Elements of Byron has reopened at reduced guest capacity and is offering its Wellness Experience at discounted prices. Guided nature walks, beachfront yoga and group exercise classes are all features of the package. From $1495 for five nights in a Botanica Villa, twin-share, including breakfast and Wi-Fi (a saving of $880).
Wheel deals
Italian operator A’qto Cycling is launching a series of four-day tours that deliver a slice of Italy in rural Victoria. With its usual destinations, including Puglia and Tuscany, off limits, A’qto is taking cyclists to Daylesford and Bright and their surrounds. Activities such as guided walks and cooking classes are available for non-riding partners. Departs September 4 and November 20; from $1595 a person.
On the hunt
Another company tapping Australia’s Italian connections is Hidden Italy, which has a six-night Wollombi Hunter Valley Escape. The trip includes fine dining in the wine region, vineyard visits and walks in national parks. Departs July 19 and September 6; from $3660 a person, twin-share, including accommodation in a historic Wollombi guesthouse.
Snap happy
Keen photographers can head to Lady Elliot Island, at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, for almost a week of nature-based snapping with World Photo Adventures. The operator has a five-night itinerary from November 23-28 that includes tutorials and night shoots at a location renowned for sea turtles, birdlife and orange hermit crabs. Book by August 1 for a $500 discount; from $4495 a person, including most meals and return flights
from Hervey Bay.
Tourism operators can send their Great Escapes to travel@theaustralian.com.au.
OUT + ABOUT
More than three quarters of Australian families will place greater importance on domestic holidays even when international travel becomes possible again, according to the latest research from Wotif.com. The travel site found more than 80 per cent of Australians feel they should support local tourism this year, especially destinations affected by COVID-19 and bushfires. Interest in regional centres has been unprecedented in all states for the June-July school holidays. The Whitsundays in Queensland has experienced a huge surge in interest of 1400 per cent, along with Geelong, Victoria, 1800 per cent; Golden Outback, WA, 700 per cent; Adelaide, 400 per cent; and Launceston in Tasmania and NSW’s Bowral, both 470 per cent.
World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island, off the NSW coast, will reopen to visitors from August 3. No cases of COVID-19 have been reported on the island, which is home to just 350 residents and usually has a cap of 400 visitors at any time. The destination went into lockdown on March 22. Qantas will restart flights on a 32-seat Dash-8 aircraft from Sydney from September 1, three times a week.
The road trip, particularly one with a caravan in tow, is undergoing a renaissance as travel restrictions ease. About 67 per cent of participants in a survey conducted by Caravancampingsales.com were more likely to consider buying a caravan as a result of the pandemic. The Caravan Industry Association of Australia has reported a significant jump in inquiries and sales in all states and territories, of up to 30 per cent, many from young newcomers to the sector.