TRAVEL BRIEFS
John Crook
All good roads lead to Tassie
Tasmania is becoming the first choice of holidaying and arguably will become Australia's top destination. Look, it's a bit like going on an overseas trip, full of history, friendly folk, excellent wines and jolly good dining options. There is a real professionalism throughout the tourism industry. Whilst there are a number of five-star options, the good thing about the island State is that there are plenty of well priced accommodation houses on offer. During the off-season of course there are even better value options. With the way the world is at the moment, why look further than Tasmania ? To check it out go visit www.discovertasmania.com
Whilst on Tassie
If doing the Midlands Highway,- straight down the middle, cameras at the ready. A thought re accommodation. In Launceston, the Clarion Hotel City Park Grand (pictured) is a good option, well supported by Hawthorn football supporters whenever the Hawks are playing in Tassie. Whilst in Launceston include a visit to tant pour tant, my favourite patisserie. .Dining at or near Seaport is a recommendation with prices to suit most wallets, fish 'n chips to fine dining. Or for a barrel of fun try Smokey Joe's Creole café.
Clarion Hotel -Tel : (03) 6331 7633 www.cityparkgrand.com.au
Tant pour tant –Tel : (03) 6334 9884
www.tanpourtant.com.au
Smokey Joe's – Telephone : (03) 6331 0530
Book before June 30 2010 for discount
Discounted seven-night escapes to a 12th century Tuscan castle are available until the end of June. The rates are from $803 per room, with up to four people, including seven-nights accommodation (Sat to Sat) in a spacious apartment.
The castle, set in a large cultivated property of gardens, vineyards and olive groves, is owned by the Posarelli family It provides a good base to explore Tuscany and beyond. Self catering options are available, along with current taxes, maid service and a restaurant offering traditional recipes. Please note terms and conditions apply, so check by calling 1300 558 987
More Aussie excitement – mush mush
Set aside a few days in July so that you may attend the Fall's Creek classic sleddog exhibition event. This exciting on-snow event will be the first time a sledding exhibition of this type has been staged through an alpine village. The course is between 3.5km – 4.0km. Number of teams participating will be limited to 20. The teams will be predominantly made up of Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and Alaskan Huskies. The event is scheduled to begin at 7-00pm on Monday July 5th. For more details contact the Falls Creek classic sleddog committee president Shaun Butcher on 0418 885 612.
Discover Korea
There's a ten-day photographic tour departing Australia October 30th 2010. Organised by Discovery Australia the tour price is from $3950 per person twin share and will include visits to all the major regions starting with the capital Seoul. Visit the DMZ area with its tunnel, observatory, unification village and Freedom Bridge.
Sample shopping, cuisine, beautiful scenery, the temples and then get ready to enter the Korea Tourism Organisation's annual photo contest.
Full details of the ten-day photographic tour may be obtained by emailing david@discoverytravel.com.au and for more information on Korea how about visiting www.visitkorea.or.kr
Rail safari resumes
The 12-day Dune Express has been re-introduced, travelling the canyon and desert habitats of Namibia. The journey starts in Johannesburg, travelling west. Highlights include viewing the wildlife of Etosha National Park. The tour includes accommodation on the train, breakfast and dinner, airport transfers and daily sightseeing excursions on air-conditioned vehicles carried on the trail. Tour costs $3595 per person, with departures ex Johannesburg or from Windhoek on June 22. Not much time to plan. So get moving. For bookings, inclusions and conditions contact Bench International on 1800 221 451 or visit www.benchinternational.com.au
