Travel packages: Norwegian Cruise Line; Kakadu; solar eclipse scenic flight; guided horseback ride
Cruise from Athens to Dubai, or choose an entirely different mode of transport in Victoria’s high country.
Exotic lands
Middle East
Norwegian Cruise Line’s spring sale includes $250 savings per cabin on its 19-day voyage from Athens to Dubai. History, faith and romance combine across 12 ports, including Haifa, with its Bahai Gardens, the holy sites of Jerusalem, Muscat, capital of Oman, and the chance to visit Petra in Jordan. Norwegian Jade also transits the Suez Canal during the sailing.
Fine print Departs November 13, 2022; from $5235 a person, twin-share, including specialty dining, beverage package and Wi-Fi. Book by September 30.
Summer lovin’
Northern Territory
A one-hour flight over the geological wonders of Kakadu National Park and a cruise on Yellow Water Billabong are highlights of a two-night summer package staying at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel. The hotter months are a dramatic time in the top end, featuring regular storms and flowing waterfalls. Daily breakfast and a four-course dinner with a bottle of wine round out this offering.
Fine print From $1259 a couple for stays until March 31 next year.
Shadow and light
Antarctica
A new Chimu Adventures scenic flight gives fully vaccinated passengers the chance to see either a total solar eclipse or views of Antarctica. Timed to take in the December 4 eclipse, the 16-hour flight on a Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner will first travel low over the frozen continent before soaring above the clouds for the main event. Customers swap seats halfway, depending on ticket purchased.
Fine print Departs Melbourne; from $999 for Antarctica viewing; from $5849 for total eclipse. Refunds for Covid-related cancellations.
Giddy-up
Victoria
A seven-day guided tour with Bogong Horseback Adventures takes riders to the highest point horses are permitted in Victoria’s alps. Covering 15-25km a day, you’ll wind through temperate rainforest and along heritage tracks with packhorse in tow, bedding down in secluded bushcamps just like cattlemen of yore. The journey culminates in a climb of Mount Bogong, Victoria’s highest peak.
Fine print Departs February 20, 2022; $2660 a person, including meals, mountain horse, helmet and oilskin coat, camping equipment.
In the news
Virgin Australia is adding two routes, Hobart-Adelaide and Hobart-Perth, to its schedule, with discounted fares up for grabs until midnight on Sunday. Prices start at $49 and $149 respectively, one-way economy; for travel from October 22 (Adelaide) and 29 (Perth) to February 28, 2022.
Fully vaccinated travellers booking a summer break in the Northern Territory are eligible for savings of $200 for every $1000 spent on flights, accommodation, tours and vehicle hire. The $5m Tourism NT Summer Sale is in collaboration with retailers such as Helloworld Travel, Holidays of Australia and Viva Holidays, and runs from October 1 to March 31.
Renowned chef Luke Mangan and the Luke’s Kitchen operation will be in charge of dining at Sydney’s new Kimpton hotel when it launches later this year. The CBD property, housed in the Art Deco former water board building, will be Australia’s first Kimpton property.
Sydney’s annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition, due to open from Bondi to Tamarama on October 21, has been postponed for a second consecutive year. Dates for the 2022 event are yet to be finalised. The Cottesloe Beach iteration in Western Australia will run from March 4-21.
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