Week beginning 5 November 2007
travellers good buys: with david ellis
WRAP UP CHRISTMAS ISLAND-STYLE
WRAP up the Christmas shopping with a shortbreak at the same time to
Norfolk Island's annual Christmas Shopfest from December 11 to 14.
Low tax-rates mean imported clothing, footwear, cosmetics, perfumes,
cameras, toys and even diamonds are cheaper there than in Australia,
and during Shopfest there's a further saving of at least 25 per cent.
As well those who fly with Norfolk Air and shop at the discount
Twilight Markets will earn shopping vouchers to the value of $100;
3-night fly/stay packages start from $789pp twin-share ex-Brisbane
and $849 ex-Sydney. Details 1800 111 653 or res@norfolkpacific.com.au
THE laid-back village of Nelsons Bay on Port Stephens, just over
2-hours north of Sydney, is an ideal retreat for those looking to
fish, sea kayak, surf, scuba dive or spot dolphins and whales.
Between now and December 13, the exotic Bali at the Bay resort has
two 2-bedroom apartments from $235 per apartment per night –
including on the first morning breakfast with plunger coffee, fruit
juice, cereal, champagne and biscuits, dips and fresh fruit, and even
complimentary Bintang beer. Apartments have spas with gels and oils;
details on www.roamfree.com
PORT Vila's Erakor Island Resort & Spa has plenty to boast about: its
Chef Johnny Toara has been named Vanuatu Chef of the Year in the 3rd
Air Vanuatu National Salon Culinaire competition, and it's Lina Singo
the Junior Chef of the Year. More than seventy chefs took part in the
competition; see www.erakor.vu
GUESTS virtually have the Coral Sea lapping at their doorstep at the
Ellis Beach Oceanfront Bungalows 5-minutes from popular Palm Cove.
Prices start from $125 per night in a secluded bungalow with private
balcony, queen bed, ensuite, air-conditioning and TV, and there's
good access to the Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest; details 1800
005 125 or www.flightcentrehotels.com.au
A 10-day tour of South India by private air-conditioned car takes in
the extensive British Raj edifices in Chennai, the old trading port
of Kochi (Cochin) and a cruise through the Kerala backwaters. Price
from $1575pp includes twin-share, 9-breakfasts, one lunch,
English-speaking guides and entry fees. It operates all year from
Chennai, and finishes in Kochi; see travel agents, phone 1300 558 987
or see www.tempoholidays.com
CANADA'S Rocky Mountains snow season is expected to open this week,
with Australians continuing to be amongst the region's most
enthusiastic visitors: Australian company Ski Max says bookings from
here are up 20 per cent on just a few years ago, and with our dollar
at a 23-year high it expects even greater interest this year.
Fly/stay/ski details on 1300 136 997 or www.skimax.com.au
TRUE: THE 63,000 people who live within the inner commune of the
300-odd islands that make-up Venice, endure 20-million visitors a
year.
