Travel packages: Brisbane art tour; Canberra; cycling
Take your pick from beach retreats, cycling tours and cultural pursuits in these packages.
Snug by the sea
NSW
Kims Beachside Retreat at Toowoon Bay on the central coast, 90 minutes north of Sydney, has a special rate for luxury winter hibernation in a Terrace Spa Bungalow Suite to celebrate reopening after its annual makeover. The accommodation, set in subtropical rainforest, comes with a heated Jacuzzi on the private deck plus a large ensuite with spa bath.
Fine print $410 a night for two adults, including continental breakfast; two-night minimum stay on weekends. Valid July 23-August 31.
On your bike
Country NSW
Australian Cycle Tours is offering a four-day Capertree Valley In Comfort self-guided bike adventure. Pedal by day in the valley west of the Blue Mountains and close to the World Heritage-listed wilderness of Wollemi and Gardens of Stone national parks; by night, enjoy premium stays in a deluxe B&B and a boutique hotel.
Fine print $1520 a person, which includes e-bike hire, three nights’ accommodation, some meals and transfers from Mudgee.
Finer moments
Queensland
Cultural historian Robert Veel will lead an Academy Travel tour of Brisbane from August 31-September 3 taking in the European Masterpieces from the Met exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art and Brisbane Festival events, including Boy Swallows Universe, a play based on the novel by Trent Dalton.
Fine print $2580 a person twin-share includes three nights at Emporium Hotel South Bank.
Spring awakening
ACT
Spring will be here in a jiff and what better place to celebrate than Canberra where three innovative businesses (led by women) are offering a Great Things Come in Little Packages accommodation, art and wine experience. It’s put together by Gallery of Small Things, Lake George Winery and Little National Hotel.
Fine print Set aside September 24-26; $485 a person, twin-share.
In the news
Coming to Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula next year, Alba Thermal Springs & Spa will offer a range of indoor and outdoor bathing and treatment experiences. The 15ha luxury facility and cafe is expected to open next winter, with luxury villa stays available in 2023.
Global affairs and lifestyle magazine Monocle has named Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, as the world’s most liveable city this year. Sydney comes in at 10 on the list, Melbourne 17 and Brisbane 19.
Two new hotels to look forward to in New York, both designed by the hip firm Stonehill Taylor (think TWA Hotel and a renovation of the historic Algonquin): Margaritaville Resort, a vertical retreat on Times Square, and The Graduate Roosevelt Island with views across to Manhattan.
Viva la Truffle! is a new festival for fungus fanciers to be held at The Loch in Berrima, in the NSW Southern Highlands, on August 7-8 (Covid permitting).
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