Holiday ideas: El Questro; Uluru and Kings Canyon; Lady Elliot Island; Japan
See the best of the red centre or take advantage of some lockdown-induced availability at the Kimberley’s El Questro Station.
In the red
Northern Territory
A six-day tour of Central Australia takes in some of the region’s best-known landmarks, from Uluru and Kata Tjuta, to Kings Canyon, and Standley Chasm in the West MacDonnell Ranges. The Gems of the Red Centre package also includes a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Field of Light art installation.
Fine print From $3157 a person, twin-share; book by September 30 for 10 per cent savings for travel throughout next year. Travel is by deluxe coach from Alice Springs.
Train of thought
Japan
If the Tokyo Olympics have you longing to visit the Land of the Rising Sun, Wendy Wu Tours has a 22-day rail journey covering the main sights of Honshu, Kyushu and Hokkaido. Highlights of the itinerary include Nagasaki, Kyoto’s temples, the snow monkeys of Yudanaka, magnificent Himeji Castle and the World Heritage-listed Shirakawago village.
Fine print From $13,390 a person including international flights; no single supplement; book by August 31 for departures in March and October next year.
Country roads
Western Australia
Covid lockdowns have opened up availability during August at The Station and Emma Gorge at Kimberley jewel El Questro. Travellers can take advantage of a pay-two, stay-three deal in twin tents at The Station or the powered, safari-style tented cabins (pictured) at the gorge.
Fine print From $175 a night for a twin tent; $350 for a tented cabin; for stays in August.
Reef retreat
Queensland
Immerse yourself in the marine wonders of Lady Elliot Island, off the coast from Bundaberg, with a five-night stay at the coral cay’s eco resort. Included in the package are daily breakfast and dinner, a glass-bottom boat trip, snorkelling equipment and a turtle nesting or hatchlings tour (seasonal). The island is a renowned habitat for turtles and manta-rays.
Fine print From $795 a person, twin-share; book by September 30 for travel from February 1-March 31 next year.
In the news
Tickets have gone on sale for Western Australia’s Gourmet Escape festival, to be held from November 17-21. Chefs such as Maggie Beer, Stephanie Alexander, Guillaume Brahimi and Curtis Stone are taking part in a program of 30 events from Perth and the Swan Valley to Margaret River and Rottnest Island. Prices range from $25-$300 a ticket.
Due for release on August 18, Great World Wonders by Michael Turtle (Hardie Grant Travel; $45) is a comprehensive album of 100 remarkable World Heritage sites, from the Taj Mahal to precious cave paintings.
Charter operator Kirkhope Aviation has launched a new brand, Australian Air Safaris, with plans to expand its repertoire of tours. As part of the change, it will offer departures from Sydney (Bankstown Airport) and more tours and departure dates from the Gold Coast. Early-bird sales launched this week, with discounts available until September 30.
The latest Academy Travel cultural lectures and live on-site tours with expert historians and guides have included topics such as Agatha Christie’s passion for the archaeology of the Middle East, and the wonders of the Bilbao Guggenheim in Spain. More in store each week.