TRAVEL BRIEFS
John Crook
The mighty Murray
Choose the package which best suits you and your budget and you are on your way to mighty memories, Murray River style. Here’s one from Willandra Houseboats, Mildura. Three nights on board a houseboat of your choice. Deluxe is from $750 pp, minimum of two people. Luxury, from $880 pp (minimum four people) or super luxury from $1050 pp (four people). The package includes superb riverboat accommodation, full breakfasts, Gol Gol hotel dinner, Trentham Estate winery lunch, dinner at Stefano’s restaurant and pre-dinner drinks at restaurants. All meals supplied and if you so wish, a pilot is available. Such is the experience, I’m going back for another few days. Get the facts by visiting www.willandrahouseboats.com.au or call 0417 814 312. It is ‘my pick’ for the week.
Prague awaits
There’s a three-night stopover in the Czech capital for just $354 per person, twin share. Valid for the summer months of June, July and August the package includes accommodation and breakfast at the Hotel U Krize, which is a fully restored building in the heart of Prague. The price includes a combined walking and coach tour of the city and the castle district, the old town square and the Jewish quarter. Also, there are tickets to an evening performance of the black theatre. More information by contacting www.beyondtravel.com.au or ‘phone 1300 363 554.
Farnham returns,.. again!
Jack returns to the Hunter Valley in September for his Live By Demand tour. Peppers Guest House celebrates with a two-night package priced from $1999 per couple. That includes full daily breakfast, two VIP Deck packages to the Farnham concert at nearby Hope Estate winery (Saturday September 19) with transfers to and from the concert. View the concert overlooking the main stage where a four course meal, is available, with premium Hope Estate wines, beer and soft drinks. For bookings contact 1800 777 444. Conditions and terms apply.
Join the mega-liner
Sixteen nights cruising the Pacific is on offer, including seven ports. The huge Pacific Jewel sails out of Sydney on September 6 2010 unwinding prior to the first port of call, Norfolk Island. The price starts from $2949 pp twin-share.
Depending on the cabin category ecruising.travel has up to $100 in on-board credits. Some of the features include a 4.300 sq metre OceanView gym and health spa, hair and beauty salon, duty-free shops, a casino and special zones for the teens and children. Three restaurants, eight bars two pools and two whirlpool spas. For all the details telephone 1300 369 848 or check www.ecruising.travel
More local options
Through until July 26 Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill offers all the usual attractions and for the winter months a special event, Frozen in Time, which has a host of magical experiences including, ice sculptures reflecting the gold rush period, a snow slide and simulated snow falling in the main street. The normal attractions continues, such as the fantastic Blood on the Southern Cross sound and light show. Remember, it’s Ballarat and it’s cold, so rug up ! For bookings and further information call (03) 5337 1199 or email bosc@sovereignhill.com.au
Eurostar links
Linking London, Paris and Brussels a special summer fare has been struck. The leisure select fare is from $150 one-way and from $232 return. This applies to first class travel through August 31, with bookings made from now until July 27 2009. The fares include a champagne welcome drink, choice of meal, power plugs and large reclinable seats. Remember that standard on-line booking fee of $35 is additional. Check out www.railplus.com.au
ENDS
Visual : Pacific Jewel.
