Deals of the week, November 21: Captain’s Choice, Scenic, Africa, Melbourne
Fly off on a luxury private tour of regional Victoria or take advantage of earlybird offers on European river cruises.
Tall orders
Luxury operator Captain’s Choice will take guests on an exclusive tour of regional Victoria next year, following the silo art trail. The six-day trip begins with a private charter flight from Melbourne to Mildura before heading to Wentworth, Horsham, Halls Gap, Dunkeld and Warrnambool, from where guests return to Melbourne on a historic train that once hosted the Queen. A degustation meal at the acclaimed Royal Mail Hotel and private paddle-steamer trip on the Murray River are highlights. Departs March 22 next year; $5900 a person, twin-share.
Safari so good
Bench Africa’s popular Highlights of East Africa tour takes guests to Kenya and Tanzania, and includes multiple game drives and walks to see the big five (lion, rhino, leopard, elephant and buffalo). Masai Mara Game Reserve, Serengeti National Park, the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge, where the Leakeys made their famed archaeological discoveries, are among the top itinerary picks. Multiple 2021 dates; from $8750 a person, twin-share.
Fly, be free
Wendy Wu Tours has revived its “partner flies free” offer for trips to Taiwan, South Korea and Vietnam next year through to 2022. The deal saves couples up to $1200 on the 14-day Scenic South Korea tour, while solo travellers can take $600 off the single supplement. The operator is seeking deposits of only $99, with one date change allowed for any reason without charge.
High times
The vineyards of Victoria’s King Valley and the natural beauty of the High Country are in the spotlight on a condensed version of Hidden Italy’s gourmet tour of the region. The four-night itinerary, for a maximum 10 people, includes walks in Mount Buffalo National Park, Beechworth Historic Park and the King Valley. Departs December 3; $1750 a person, twin-share, including all meals and drinks.
Stylish couple
The Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank is welcoming its first guests, and now the accommodation group known for its green and design credentials is preparing for the debut of Adina Apartment Hotel West Melbourne on December 4. The Southbank property offers floor-to-ceiling views embracing the Yarra, CBD and Port Phillip Bay; launch rates from $159. The West Melbourne hotel, which promises a Zen urban experience, is in a blossoming city-fringe precinct close to Queen Victoria Market; from $190.
Get in early
Economy-class flights are included along with savings of $1200 a person on selected European river cruises with Scenic in 2022. The earlybird offer applies to sailings on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers plus itineraries in France and Portugal when booking a Diamond or Sapphire deck suite.
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OUT + ABOUT
Australia has received a community restoration award from Lonely Planet for its tourism efforts in rebuilding communities and encouraging plant and wildlife regeneration after last summer’s bushfires.
NGV Australia in Melbourne’s Federation Square reopens on Monday with a Destiny Deacon retrospective exhibition, her first solo show in 15 years and featuring more than 100 multidisciplinary works. Look too for Tiwi, the largest show of art from the islands north of Darwin ever staged. NGV International on St Kilda Road is back in business on December 19 with Triennial; the showstopper is likely to be giant mirrored sculptures by Jeff Koons.
Making a splash again is Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, onthe corner of Flinders and King streets, with newcomers including a huge Tasmanian king crab and six dainty tree frogs joining old favourites such as king and gentoo penguins, sharks, tropical fish, a large saltwater crocodile and mesmerising jellyfish.
For those who like their stars under the stars, Moonlight Cinema is back for summer and celebrating its 25th anniversary. Screening of movies, which are largely oldies, goldies and family suitable, begins in Centennial Park, Sydney, November 26; Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane, November 27; Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth, December 3; Botanic Park, Adelaide, December 11 (COVID willing); and Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, January 7, 2021.