MOTORMANIA ZOOMING INTO CENTRAL QUEENSLAND
A new motoring event planned for Rockhampton and Gladstone from 16 to 25 July promises exciting activities across a wide spectrum of motor sports for both enthusiasts and visitors to Central Queensland.
Chairman of the Camco MotorMania CQ Committee, Ian Loxton says the event has been two years in the planning and brings together 18 separate motorsport organisations in the two centres.
"Competitions and displays will include street sprints, rallying, off-roads, speedway, drags, motocross, enduro karts, show and shine expos, specialist swap and car boot sales and an extensive trade fair," Ian said.
"There will be something for everyone so you don't have to be a dedicated motor aficionado to come and enjoy. Visiting tourists will also find plenty to catch their interest here in Central Queensland."
Chief Executive Officer for Capricorn Tourism based in Rockhampton, Mary Carroll says her organisation is right behind the initiative. "This is clearly another major Event-Tourism project for Central Queensland which will add to the depth and diversity of the activity-based tourism industry here in CQ.
"We have proven in the past that we can all put on a great event and the Camco MotorMania CQ will be up there with the best of them over the coming years."
Loxton and his committee already have plans for future expansion of the Camco MotorMania CQ over the next few years to include a Hall of Fame which will honour the contribution of local and national motoring and motor sporting personalities.
Preliminary estimates of visitation to CQ during the MotorMania CQ programme of events this year put the number of intrastate and interstate event-visitors and participants at around 20 000. Further details at www.motormaniacq.com.au
HELI-GOLFING, GAME-FISHING ON 20-PASSENGER NZ CRUISE
A FEW rounds of golf in New Zealand takes on new meaning with a package through ecruising.travel that'll have you cruising 5-days aboard a luxury expedition ship that takes just 20-guests – and for 18-holes of golf on three of those days, transfers to Championship courses by the ship's own helicopter.
For partners not into golf, there'll be the choice of optional guided shore excursions, or fishing with an onboard professional fishing guide.
Adding to this "lifestyle of the stars," you'll be transferred from Auckland airport by private vehicle to the luxury Sebel Suites for a night pre-cruise including breakfast, enjoy private luxury coach transfers to and from the Bay of Islands for your cruise, and then another night at the Sebel Suites and private airport transfers for your flight home.
This unique package on February 5 next year sees guests join motor-catamaran Island Escape in Whangaroa for 5-nights cruising the Bay of Islands with 18-holes of golf at each of the Kauri Cliffs Golf Course, Carrington Golf Club and Waitangi Golf Club's championship courses… including the helicopter transfers, green fees and cart hire.
All a-la-carte dining aboard Island Escape is included, and on the final day in the Bay of Islands choose from a free gourmet picnic ashore, beachcombing or exploration trips, kayaking, swimming or fishing; even on the way back to Auckland there's a stop at the Gulf Harbour Country Club for a last 18-holes.
Price starts from $5399pp twin-share including return air and taxes from Sydney, above inclusions, use of ship's tenders for line or game fishing, Sea Kayaks and snorkelling equipment, and free coffee, bottled water and juices.
For full details phone 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel
WIN AN OVERLAND ADVENTURE
Adventure World is offering Australian consumers the chance to win one of three Dragoman overland trips to Asia, Africa or South America.
Entrants must simply complete a registration form on the Dragoman website, http://www.dragoman.com/adventure-travel/competition.php by May 31. Entry is free and there is no requirement to purchase any product.
The prizes include:
. A 26-night journey through India visiting cities such as Chennai, West Bengal, Darjeeling, Sikkim and Nepal.
. A 21-night Africa overland adventure through Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and South Africa to see some of Africa's diverse wildlife
. A 28-day trip through Peru, including a seven-day hike in the Inca Heartland.
All Dragoman Overland journeys include land transport in purpose-built vehicles, tolls, ferry fares and taxes, entrance fees, services of well-trained crew and overland back-up and logistical support.
Dragoman tours have been operating for 28 years and use fully equipped overland vehicles and provide crew, cooks and local guides for the tours it operates in countries on every continent.
Dragoman specializes in overland adventure travel, which combines the touring aspects of a region with community projects which give travelers a close insight into cultural aspects of the region concerned.
More details contact Adventure World on 1300-320-795 or email info@adventureworld.com.au
VANUATU'S BOKISSA ISLAND RESORT ONE OF "WORLD'S BEST 50"
Bokissa Private Island Resort is the only hotel or resort in Vanuatu to feature in popular TV travel show Getaway's just-announced list of the 50 Best Hotel Rooms in the World.
Properties in the program ranged from the world's most expensive, those with the best penthouses and best views, to what the program rated as the world's best villas, wilderness resorts, lodges, 'old school retreats' and the best over-water resorts in "big cities, on tiny islands and everywhere else in-between."
Presenter Kelly Landry referred to Bokissa Private Island Resort's sixteen farés as "having absolute beach frontage and are air-conditioned if the nights are a little too balmy for comfort... (and have) ensuite, vanity and mini-bar and can be configured from single accommodation up to quad-share."
And she said the 25m freshwater pool with swim-up bar was the resort's centrepiece, with "the upper deck providing sea-gazing during the day and star-gazing at night," and that on Bokissa "shoes are optional, jackets and ties are not allowed, and meals are served to the toll of the island drum."
The 70ha rainforest, beach and reef resort is a 20-minute private boat trip from Espiritu Santo Island in Vanuatu's north, approximately 55-minutes flying time from capital Port Vila.
For information about holidaying on Bokissa Private Island Resort see travel agents or visit www.bokissa.com
ADDITIONAL ISLAND INFORMATION: The family-owned Bokissa Private Island Resort provides a luxury island holiday experience for those simply seeking to escape the rat-race, honeymooners and scuba-divers – its coral reefs are considered the most accessible, luxuriant and undisturbed shallow water reefs in Vanuatu, and unequalled in most parts of the South Pacific.
Dining features the freshest seafoods, famous Santo beef (that's exported to Japan,) and garden-fresh vegetables and fruits. There's diving, snorkelling, sports fishing, kayaking, spas, rainforest walks, bird-watching, a big selection of beach and board games and facilities and internet.
PORT DOUGLAS: BALMY AUTUMN DAYS, BIG DISCOUNTS
Autumn and winter are ideal seasons to enjoy tropical north Queensland with on-line travel specialist Discover Queensland offering discounts at six leading properties in Port Douglas including Sea Temple Resort and Spa, Mercure Treetops, Peppers and Mantra resorts.
Seven nights in a one bedroom apartment at The Heritage Port Douglas, a four star property a short walk from the wharf and Four Mile Beach is $900, a discount of 28 per cent. Alternately, four nights in a one bedroom apartment is $540.
Located on the secluded beachfront of Four Mile Beach, the luxurious five-star Sea Temple Resort and Spa has hotel rooms for four nights for $750, and four nights in a one bedroom apartment for $1050, a discount of 25 per cent.
Two bedroom apartments are $1290 and three bedroom $1590 for four nights. Designed with the utmost luxury and relaxation in mind, Sea Temple centers around an expansive lagoon pool and island bar.
The deals are available for travel until June 30 and from October 16 - December 18 and January 5 – March 31.
For further information on great Queensland holiday deals visit www.discoverqueensland.com.au or phone 1300 788 553.
