TRAVEL BRIEFS
John Crook
Wine and dine
The most popular accommodation package at Lindenderry Country House Hotel on the Mornington Peninsula offers two nights accommodation for two. It includes a daily Devonshire tea, a two-course dinner for two in the Linden Tree Restaurant accompanied by a complimentary glass of Estate wine and full breakfasts daily. Rates start from $695 per couple, subject to availability. The deal is available for two consecutive nights Thursday-Monday until August 31 2009. Lindenderry is a member of the prestigious hotel and resort Select Group. Check the packages by ringing (03) 5989 2933 or go visit www.selecthotels.com/lindenderry
Go sightseeing or a round of golf on this cruise
The ship is the Diamond Princess which sets sail out of Sydney on December 10, visiting Melbourne, Hobart, Dunedin, Christchurch, Tauranga and Auckland. All meals and entertainment are included. There's the captain's cocktail party, a dinner for two on one-night in the famous Sabatini Italian restaurant. For golfers there are numerous opportunities to test your skills. Sightseeing as an alternative. Prices begin from $4299 per person twin share for golfers and from $3799 per person twin share for non golfers. Telephone 1300 305 920 or visit www.cruisemart.com.au
Club Med Cruise
Cruising is huge and here's why! Club Med 2 has launched its '09 packages with fares from $4972 per person, twin share, on C deck for seven nights. It's an all inclusive cruise from July 23 – 30 2009. Gourmet buffet meals, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Cruise from Italy to Greece with four days in different ports in Croatia. Quite a few surprises (including one inclusive price, paid up front in Aussie dollars). Call 1800 258 263 or visit www.clubmed.com.au
Treetops joins network
One of Tropical North Queensland's pioneering resorts has joined Accor's Mercure hotel network, re-branded as Mercure Port Douglas Treetops Resort. Just a short walk from Four Mile beach, this renovated property has a new look and a new feel. The swim-up pool bar, the Tree bar and grill, and the Wharf restaurant are just a few of the reasons why you should consider a spot of paradise, Mercure style. Rates start from just $125 per night. For bookings ring 1300 65 5 65 or visit www.mercure.com.au
Big surprise on the mount
Over recent years great changes have been made to the high country behind the Gold Coast. Mount Tamborine can be one heck of a day's outing ex Brisbane or from the coastal strip. It has its own brewery which offers a tasting tray, Witches Chase cheese company, along with the 'beautiful' people working the canvas and other media. Such a friendly lot they are too.
Visit fjords by rail
Explore the spectacular west coast fjords of Norway by combining the scenic Bergen and Flam rail trips with bus and boat travel. Five itineraries which start/finish in Oslo Voss or Bergen. For example the Oslo-Voss-Oslo package, priced from $487 per person, covers 2nd class seating from Oslo to Flam, ferry and bus and then returning by rail to Oslo. Children from 4-15 travel at half price. You may break the journey, however, accommodation is not included in the price. More details by contacting www.railplus.com.au or telephone 1300 555 003.
