Monday 5 January 2009

Travel Briefs for w/c Monday January 5 2009.

TRAVEL BRIEFS

By John Crook

Dance in Adelaide

One of South Australia’s major annual events is WOMADelaide, scheduled to take place in Adelaide’s botanic gardens March 6 – 8 2009. The festival includes musical and dance performances with workshops and a wide range of arts and crafts. Two-night air and accommodation packages, with a weekend pass to the event, have prices starting from $775 ex Melbourne, $839 ex Sydney, $869 ex Brisbane and $1048 ex Perth. All prices are per person, twin share. For bookings and information contact Perchalla & Turner on 1800 136 037.

Who is Will Creedon ?

For eight years Will was one of the more colourful characters employed by the Roche group here he was successfully running Harrigan’s Irish Pub in the Hunter Valley. The magic is created there now moves to the Lambton Park Hotel, the pub which he recently purchased. The Irishman believes in the philosophy practised by the TV show, Cheers. Check it out, perhaps at his muso’s

Night on a Tuesday, or his piano night on Fridays. Good one Will. By the way, the Lambton Park Hotel is in Newcastle.

Captain Cook sailed past here

The bay named to commemorate James Cook’s visit in 1770 has to be one of Australia’s most beautiful. Close by the village centre, historic 1770 and national parks is Agnes Water and 1770 Getaway Holiday Retreat. I discovered tranquil Agnes Water several years ago. Memories are alive and continue to tempt. A most delightful couple, Michael and Vera Ferinac, live here and they sure do know how to treat guests at their fully self contained and air-conditioned luxury villas. Check their website www.1770getaway.com.au

Incredible wildlife encounters

Not everyone gets to see the Galapagos Islands, set there about 1000kms west of continental Ecuador. Here’s your chance to be among the chosen few.

This ten-day adventure includes seven nights in the island territory with return flights from Quito and heaps of opportunities to view indigenous wildlife. Included is a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, daily swimming and snorkelling, and return flights from Quito. There are monthly departures throughout 2009. Check prices, availabilities and conditions at www.statravel.com.au

Adventure available for sale until February 17 2009

The treasures of Asia are at your disposal during a 16-night cruise taking in Malacca, Penang, Phuket, Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Visit some of the most idyllic island. This Sun Princess cruise includes all onboard main meals, entertainment and taxes, charges and pre-paid gratuities. Pieces start from $2,829 pr person, twin share. Flights to where the cruise starts in Fremantle and ends in Geraldton, are not included. Check it out by calling 1300 363 428 or visit www.cruiseabout.com.au

One of the best

Looking for a total escape from this century ? Well, take a look at the Victorian gold mining town located just a few k’s from Maryborough. It is a treasure of a town. During the tougher months ahead it is in these small communities that we can find some respite. Talbot’s main street (pictured) reeks of a rich heritage. It’s buildings are a reminder of the glory days if yesteryear. Such views will help forget all this talk about recessions and the like. Talbot, here I come!