Holiday ideas: superyacht sailing; Hawaii; Uluru; New Zealand
Take a cabin on a superyacht to cruise the Top End, or consider a small-group private jet tour to Uluru.
Super powers
Top End
Step aboard four-cabin superyacht Phoenix One for a 10-night trip from Broome to Darwin. The 35m vessel, with Jacuzzi and spacious aft lounge, will explore the Kimberley, taking guests to waterfalls, Indigenous rock art and remote bays. The yacht is among the luxurious options available to book by individual cabin with new operator YOTSPACE.
Fine print Departs July 18, 2022; from $19,420 a person, twin-share; includes meals and open bar. Six-night sailings available in June.
Up and away
Red Centre
Join just five other passengers on a six-day private jet adventure from Adelaide to Uluru via the Gawler Ranges and Coober Pedy. Swim with sea lions at Baird Bay, enjoy sunset at Sturt’s Lake, visit Pildappa Wave Rock, the Field of Light installation at Uluru and an opal mine tour at Coober Pedy. Guests spend three nights at Kangaluna Camp (pictured) in the Gawler Ranges and two at Uluru’s Longitude 131.
Fine print $9999 a person, twin-share; for travel until April 1, 2022.
Fly, stay, sail
Hawaii
Return economy airfares are included in a 12-night trip to Honolulu, spending five nights at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani at the centre of the Waikiki action. Guests then embark on a seven-night voyage around the islands on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America; includes dining, beverage and Wi-Fi package plus shore excursion credit.
Fine print Departs October 21, 2023; from $3990 a person, twin-share; book by October 31 this year.
Southern stars
New Zealand
There’s no single supplement for solo travellers on a 12-day journey around New Zealand’s south. Sailing on Ponant’s Le Soleal, guests depart Dunedin to see the natural beauty of Fiordland plus Ulva Island and remote Sub-Antarctic islands the Snares. The ship also calls at Akaroa and whale-watching hub Kaikoura (pictured).
Fine print Departs January 11, 2023; from $8920 a person; includes one night pre-cruise accommodation, airport transfers and $500 air credit per booking.
In the news
Celebrity Cruises is bringing its original Edge-class ship to Australia for the first time. Celebrity Edge, with its innovative Magic Carpet deck cantilevered over the sea, will sail voyages of six to 13 nights in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific from December 2023 to April 2024.
Hilton has unveiled its first LXR Hotel and Resort-brand property in the Asia Pacific region. Roku Kyoto, a 114-guestroom hotel in the Japanese city’s north, is located among the gardens and tea houses of Shozan Resort Kyoto, within walking distance of the Golden Pavilion and other attractions. From 120,000 yen ($1500) for two a night, with breakfast.
Shepparton Art Museum, the new gallery in the regional Victorian city, will officially open its doors to the public on November 20. The striking building will house 4000 artworks, with four gallery spaces, a cafe and event space.
Ovolo Hotels is rewarding fully vaccinated guests at its Australian properties with a pair of Riedel glasses valued at $55. The gift, part of the group’s VAX Pact pledge, is in addition to 20 per cent discounts for stays of two nights or more at hotels in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane (when travel restrictions allow).