By John Crook
The National Wool Museum in Geelong currently is featuring the works of the late Jan Mitchell, the artist who created 111 bollards along the Eastern Beach foreshore. The current exhibition salutes the lady who created a substantial change to the city's shoreline. Her painted wooden sculptures are infused with humour and a genuine fascination of her subjects. The exhibition is on show until 1 March 2009, but her major display can be seen simply by strolling the beachfront of Geelong.
Historic Saigon
I visited Vietnam as a war correspondent and promised to make a return after the war was over. The 27-day fully inclusive tour into Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia now provide the chance to fulfil that promise. The first available tour for 2009 departs Sydney March 11. The cost is from $5,980 per person, twin share. That includes return economy international airfares Australia and Vietnam departure tax accommodation and meals. Also, all local transportation in Indochina is included, along with daily tours and entrance fees. There are seven other tours departing in 2009. Telephone 1300 727 998 or google www.wendywutours.com.au
Check the 10 Commandments
Eqypt awaits as does her links with another world. Mount Sinai is just one of the major drawcards included in the offerings by leading travel wholesaler Explore Holidays. This is the site at which Moses is believed to have received the 10 Commandments. Join one of the on-site tours to Luxor, Aswan and perhaps Abu Simbel which is the site of one of the most spectacular monuments in the world, namely the 3000 year old temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertiti. These tours are valid to 30 September 2009. For more information or to make a booking contact your local travel agent or check www.exploreholidays.com.au
Mount Buller in Summer ?
Snow may have disappeared but the views are just as spectacular on Mount Buller.
Through to 1 February 2009 a Beerfest package is on offer at Mt Buller. So after a day's biking, abseiling, trekking or horseriding, Grand Mercure Chalet invites Beerfest-package guests to quench thirsts. Priced from $195 per room per night, that includes accommodation for two adults and two children in a King Valley room, full hot breakfast in the Black Cockatoo restaurant, two beverage vouchers to use in beer tasting and two ice cream vouchers for the kids. For bookings visit www.accorhotels.com.au or ring 1800 810 200.
Good deal between Oz and LA
Here's an alternative way to fly Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast or Melbourne to Los Angeles, including a free stopover in Fiji at a special return economy class fare. Fares are on sale from now until March 31 2009 and valid for travel between February 1 and March 31 2009. Reservations and more info from Air Pacific on toll-free 1800 230 151 or check it on www.airpacific.com
An African jewel
More than that. Mali is the jewel in the African crown and it's time to consider visiting this stunning country. Timbuktu, the fascinating Dogon people, - even a mud mosque, which just happens to be the world's largest mud brick structure. This tour starts and ends in Bamako. This is adventure plus with captivating villages and bustling markets. The price is from $2789, plus there's a local payment of 500 Euro. The package includes 11 nights' accommodation, three nights camping and 14 breakfasts, five lunches and two dinners- but who's counting ? Get the facts at www.statravel.com.au
* Please note conditions may apply to these packages and prices are subject to change and availability. This information is provided as a guide only. Check with your travel agency. Block out periods may apply. Need a holiday ? We're archived on http://travellersgoodbuys.info
ENDS
Visual : One of the 111 bollards created by the late Jan Mitchell. View the collection when next in Geelong.
