TRAVEL BRIEFS
John Crook
A dining experience like no other
A recent visit into the central Victorian city of Castlemaine gave me the chance to join locals at The Good Table. This is one of the best restaurants I've included in my Central Victorian travels. Their six course tasting menu' is on offer at just $50 a head. Beverages are additional. Each month Chef Alex Perry orders in local produce for his menu. November for example included eggplant and zucchini flowers from Dragi, Diggers Rest; tomato and stone fruit from Uncle George Harcourt; Butter from the Myrtleford Butter Factory; goats cheese from Holy Goat Organic Farm, Sutton Grange; and on the list goes. December will have a different list of local inclusions, January ditto and so on. We chose our dishes from the menu. Prices are very reasonable. A true gourmet's experience. A return visit is guaranteed. Lunch and dinner Thursday to Sunday. Reservations (03) 5472 4400 or go visit www.thegoodtable.com.au
Cairns to Cape York
A 12-day Cape York and Cooktown in depth is planned for next year. The price is from $5795 per person, twin share and that includes a $600 per couple saving for bookings made before February 29. The price includes guided touring in a custom-designed 24-passenger 4WD vehicle, accommodation, 26 meals, flights from Horn Island to Cairns, entrance fees, permits, transfers and cruises. Highlights include Cairns, Kuranda, Cape Tribulation, the Daintree, the Bloomfield Track, Cooktown (one of my favourite Oz destinations), Weipa, Coen, the Gulf Country, Cape York and Thursday Island. One heck of a tour. Get the facts by visiting www.aptouring.com.au, travel agents or call 1300 229 804.
Celebrate Next Christmas
The deal is a 12-night cruise from Sydney to Auckland aboard one of the largest and most spectacular super-liners ever to visit Australia. Join the 122,000 tonne vessel in Sydney where the celebrations begin. There are two nights post-cruise in Auckland's Stamford Plaza Hotel. There's one-way travel from Auckland back to Sydney. You really need to get all the details for what looks like one of the best value-for-money tours in 2012. Full details from travel agents, or for detailed itineraries and the name of your nearest Cruiseco cruise-specialist travel agent go to www.cruising.com.au
Snake charmers and fortune tellers
It has to be magical Morocco. It is an eight-day package planned for those folk with limited time and on a budget. It's amazing what one can cram into eight-days. Morocco, Rabat, Marrakesh and Casablanca. Leave it to Temp Holidays and they have the answer. A glance at their latest brochure will provide the answers. The tour is priced from $737 per person twin share. Conditions do apply, so telephone 1300 558 987 or go visit www.tempoholidays.com. The folk at Tempo have the answers.
* Please note conditions may apply to these packages and prices are subject to change and availability. This information is provided as a guide only. Check with your travel agency. Block-out periods may apply.
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