Orion’s New Zealand Highlights voyage

Join Australia's 5 star expedition cruise ship Orion to explore the amazing land and seascapes of New Zealand’s North and South Islands.

Experience the overwhelming grandeur of magnificent World Heritage-listed fjords, with spectacular glacial hanging valleys and plunging waterfalls, as Orion explores deep into Fjordland.

You’ll see abundant wildlife on New Zealand’s southern island and extraordinary lush tropical rainforests. From the natural beauty of Milford Sound to the spectacular Dusky and Doubtful Sounds, you will experience the best that this sought after destination has to offer.

This visually spectacular 10 night New Zealand Highlights voyage includes world famous Marlborough Sounds and the historic French settlement of Akaroa (population 680), an historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. Hawke’s Bay is famous for its wineries, orchards and

artisan food producers, and elegant Napier features some of the most outstanding 1930's Art Deco architecture to be seen anywhere in the world.

Enjoy the charm of Dunedin, settled by Maoris over four centuries ago, and a visit to the world's most southern capital, Wellington, the only capital in the "Roaring Forties" latitudes. Kaikoura features a dedicated wildlife habitat affording plenty of opportunities to see whales, dolphins, fur seals, albatross and mollymawks.

Orion’s expeditions invariably include contrasting highlights and in this instance a visit to the actively-volcanic White Island with its fluorescent green lake, sulphurous ponds and thermal vents is an exciting adventure not to be missed.

This voyage features beautiful bays, remnant and active volcanoes, exquisite wine country, calm harbours, wildlife and the scenic grandeur of exquisite National Parks and fjords all wrapped up in the 5 star comfort and service of Orion and her 75 crew.

10-night New Zealand Highlights:

Invercargill/Bluff to Wellington, 3 February 2010

Bluff, Milford Sound, Dusky Sound, Otago Harbour (Dunedin), Akaroa, Kaikoura Peninsula, Wellington, Marlborough Sounds, Napier, White Island, Auckland

Fares begin from A$8,175 per person for an ocean view category B stateroom; Junior Suites from A$11,280 per person and spacious Owners’ Suites with French Balcony are A$17,125 per person

Further information on Orion Expedition Cruises can be obtained by visiting the website www.orionexpeditions.com

For reservations or to obtain a brochure call Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate) or your travel agent. Email: info@orioncruises.com.au

Announcing BridgeClimb’s New Climb Base, a New Climb, and the first Sydney Harbour Bridge Visitor Centre

Today, Friday 2nd October 2009, BridgeClimb Sydney will launch its dramatic new Climb Base, which will be home to the first-ever Sydney Harbour Bridge Visitor Centre, as well as a new climbing adventure called The Express Climb.

Located next to BridgeClimb’s original operation, the new Climb Base boasts a one-of a-kind design, inside a grand heritage archway. The architecture incorporates smart, stylish features that create a theatrical experience for Climbers while still conserving energy and preserving the heritage of the space.

An awesome 7.3 metre ceiling fan, which can move up to 80,000 litres of air per minute, has been installed inside the Climb Base to cool Climbers on warmer days as they prepare for their Climb. Then, once Climbers are wearing their BridgeSuit, they will have the opportunity to walk along a catwalk, which is suspended over the Climb Base’s Café and foyer, before they depart for their Climb adventure on arches of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The new Climb Base will also be home to the first-ever Sydney Harbour Bridge Visitor Centre. Offering free entry and full disabled access, this will be the first fully accessible space situated in and dedicated to Australia’s icon. Visitors will be welcome to immerse themselves in interactive exhibits, display galleries and a 46 seat digital high definition cinema devoted to sharing the stories of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from preconstruction to the present day.

From today, Climbers will now have the choice of three amazing Climb adventures. The newest experience, The Express Climb, is the fastest Climb to the top of the Bridge. The Express Climb offers more of BridgeClimb’s team on hand to assist Climbers with a quicker Climb preparation. Climbers will now have the opportunity to discover the wonders of this amazing structure and the thrilling views of Sydney, in just over 2 hours.

The Express Climb will complement BridgeClimb’s two established 3.5 hour Climb experiences, The Discovery Climb and The Bridge Climb.
All three Climb experiences lead Climbers to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, are available at Dawn, Day, Twilight and at Night, and will captivate Climbers from beginning to end.

BridgeClimb Facts
-Over 2.4 million people have climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb, Sydney.
-BridgeClimb Sydney launched its new website on 2 October 2009.
-Over 9.0 million people have visited the BridgeClimb Sydney website since October 1998.
-58% of Climbers are international visitors, 24% of Climbers live in Sydney and 18% are domestic visitors to Sydney.
-The diameter of the large fan located inside BridgeClimb’s Climb Base is 7.3metres and can move up to 80,000 litres of air per minute.
-The magnificent steel-framed windows in BridgeClimb’s Climb Base, which were originally installed in 1934, have been fully restored to let streams of natural light into the building.
-BridgeClimb Sydney’s base under the arches of the southern approach was once used by the RTA as a tow-truck depot and before that by Darrell Lea as a chocolate factory.
-Celebrities such as Will Smith, Matt Damon, Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minogue, Justin Timberlake, Cameron Diaz, Robert De Niro, Pierce Brosnan, Cate Blanchett, Teri Hatcher, Prince Harry, and Crown Prince Fredrick and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark have all made ‘The Climb of their Life’.
-The oldest Climber to date was 100 year old Mrs Chris Muller.
-The most frequent Climber is from Sydney. He has completed 22 Climbs.
-On The Bridge Climb route, Climbers will scale 1332 stairs. On The Discovery Climb, Climbers will climb 1002 stairs.
-The largest BridgeSuit is size 6XL and was worn by a contestant from The Biggest Loser (Australia).
-The tallest BridgeSuit was worn by the UK’s tallest man, Neil Fingleton. Neil is 233cm (7ft 7) tall.
-The smallest BridgeSuit is worn by a Climber Bear (toy bear that wears a miniature replica of an actual suit).
-The farthest-flung reported sighting of a BridgeClimb T-shirt was on a traveller in a market in Marrakech.
-It is estimated that over 2500 couples have become engaged whilst climbing the Bridge with BridgeClimb Sydney.
-BridgeClimb Sydney is open up to 24 hours a day, 363 days a year. The earliest dawn Climbs depart at 3:15am.
-All fittings and links installed along BridgeClimb Sydney’s Climb routes are clamped onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge and are fully removable.
-All equipment used during the Climb has been modified or designed specifically for BridgeClimb Sydney’s operation.
-BridgeClimb Sydney has donated over $4.5 million worth of Climbs to various charities, schools and other organisations.

Bumper Snowfall Marks End to a Successful Season at Hotham

Hotham Alpine Resort’s 2009 snow season came to a wintery close on Sunday with a over half a metre of fresh snow falling over the closing weekend.

As Hotham’s lovable mascot Harry the Snowdragon performed his final act for the season, skiers and boarders made the most of the fresh powder and the Grand Final weekend half price lift tickets (for those wearing AFL jerseys) by taking to the slopes for one last time this year.

The snow storm marked the end to an eventful 2009 season which saw good visitation levels through most of the season. “It was pleasing to see so many Australians choosing to take their snow holidays at home this year. We managed to overcome challenging weather conditions and a tough economic climate to provide a good product and strong levels of guest satisfaction”, said Belinda Trembath, General Manager, Hotham Skiing Company.

To top off the unique winter experience Hotham Alpine Resort offered, visitors this season enjoyed a comprehensive calendar of events and entertainment, both on and off the slopes. Activities included international ski racing events, après evenings, fireworks, sunset tours, the world’s best athletes competing on the skier and boardercross track, kids snowmobiling, winter dogsledding, regular performances from Harry the Snowdragon, new terrain park events and features, snowsports programs and camps, grooming tours, spectacular views of Mt Feathertop, day spa winter packages, guided snowshoe tours, Olympic biathletes, and much more. There was something for everyone at Hotham whether it was skiing or riding… or simply relaxing in the alpine air and enjoying the Australian Alps National Park.

Hotham’s 2009 snow season facts and figures include:

• Hotham received well over 3 metres of fresh snowfall during the season
• Average natural snowdepth was 96cm during peak season
• Hotham’s state of the art snowmaking system topped up Mother Nature with enough snow to cover the MCG 10m deep in snow!
• Over 5000 hours of snow grooming was undertaken to create the perfect “corduroy”
• Hotham hosted 69 events including national and international ski races and the exciting 10 part ‘A La Carte in the Park’ series (rail jams, big air comp, slopestyle and banked slalom events)
• More than 50,000 guests took part in a Hotham Snowsports School lesson

So for now, it’s time to hang up the skis or board for summer and the team at Hotham look forward to seeing you on the slopes in 2010! For information on summer events at Hotham and Dinner Plain go to hotham.com.au.

In the Pink at Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa

What do the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Museum of Modern Art, Kensington Palace, Arc De Triomphe, the Burj Al Arab and now Cato’s Bar at Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa have in common…give up?…all are joining the 10th Anniversary of Global Illumination to raise funds and awareness of Breast Cancer. Often endearingly referred to as the ‘Pink Palace’, could there be a more obvious icon in Noosa than Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa to support this worldwide cause?

From the 19th – 26th October, Cato’s Bar on Hastings Street will be transformed emerging as the ‘Hastings Street Headquarters’ raising both awareness and funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Apart from being bathed in a glorious pink hue, Cato’s will be lighting the way for this month long focus. Guests of the Resort will be invited to participate by placing pink light globes in their rooms, staff will be dressed with pink highlights and pink inspired cuisine will be served…so if you’re asked ‘would you like pink champagne or a pink pasta, don’t be alarmed its all for a good cause! A target of $10,000 has been set with merchandise available for sale and collection tins provided at Cato’s Bar on Hastings Street

Noosa’s calendar of events for October include: National Pink Ribbon Day on the 26th (be sure to come to Cato’s Bar on the 26th as the “Best in Pink” will win a night’s accommodation and all “patrons in bras” will get their first pink beer for free!) a stylish cocktail soiree at the Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club on the 29th and for the not so serious, a Fun Run on the 30th.

“We’ve got some great fun activities planned for the week of the 19th and the energy amongst the team to support the cause is just fantastic. Noosa will play an important role and we will do all we can to support global research and awareness for this very serious disease” said General Manager, Stephen Ferrigno.

So don’t miss out and turn a get together in Cato’s with family, friends or workmates this October into a celebration of the local community’s commitment to breast cancer research.

For bookings or further information telephone the Restaurant on 7 5449 4754.

14-16 Hastings Street
Noosa Heads, Qld 4567
sheraton.com/noosa

Change Your View On The Ultimate Meeting Room

Welcome to Level 8 meetings and events at the Hilton Brisbane. Prepare to have your view changed on the ultimate venue for conferences and meetings, private dinners – business or pleasure – and memorable social celebrations. Level 8 will elevate your view of conference and meeting venues.

Boutique in every aspect from décor to personalised service, privacy and comfort, our meeting rooms are bathed in natural light, packed with state of the art technology yet stylishly devoid of clutter to provide the most creative, inspirational and soul energising environment.

Previously an observation deck, Level 8 was redeveloped in the hotel’s extensive refurbishment program in 2006. The large open space was redesigned into three superb meeting rooms, equipped with the very latest in technology.

Designed for the discerning conference client who demands a comfortable and flexible space, Level 8 meetings and events spirits guests away from the frantic pace of business life to an oasis where, the imagination is fired and the corporate and creative soul re-energised. Bathed in natural light from floor to ceiling windows, these pillar-less rooms offer extraordinary views of the city and outstanding hospitality and service clients have come to expect from Hilton Brisbane.

Located at mezzanine level away from the hustle and bustle of the hotel, Level 8 offers guests a high level of privacy. Catering for up to 60 delegates (theatre style) and featuring a large pre-function area, level 8 offers amazing flexibility of space as boardroom by day becomes spectacular private dinner venue by night.

Meeting packages on Level 8 can be tailored specifically to the clients needs. Day delegate packages start from $79.00 per person and include a whiteboard or flipchart, pens, pads, mints, arrival espresso coffee, morning & afternoon tea breaks and lunch in the Atrium Restaurant. For private dinners the opportunities are endless, choose from our celebrity inspired ‘Creative Catering’ menus or have our Chef design something special from our ‘Quintessentially Queensland’ menu.

Complementing the boutique-style Level 8 facilities is the extensive range of event space on Level 5. This 2500 sqm state of the art, purpose-built event floor accommodates up to 2000 delegates and offers a range of small meeting rooms as well as expansive pre-function areas and two elegant ballrooms.

Since opening its doors in 1986, the Hilton Brisbane has been regarded a true international hotel. One of the hotels to be designed by award-winning Australian architect Harry Seidler, Hilton Brisbane features an eye-catching curved design and boasts the largest atrium in Australasia, stretching 83 metres in height and topped by a spectacular glass dome. All 319 accommodation levels open out onto the atrium, giving the hotel a sense of spaciousness and light.

Budget Cutting Accommodation In The Nation's Capital City Of Canberra

Are you looking for a unique and affordable accommodation option in Australia’s cultural capital city of Canberra? CLV Smart Stays offers the perfect campus stay at the University of Canberra Village, a short drive from the city’s lively heart and close to a host of Canberra’s major attractions including the Australian Institute of Sport and Parliament House.

CLV Smart Stays Canberra offers superb self contained open plan living accommodation for a fraction of the price available anywhere else in this region. With a unique mix of affordable rates and modern living the property is suitable for group accommodation or short stay solutions during the summer months.

Canberra offers a diverse range of experiences from world class dining, wineries, hip bars and sporting events to an endless array of cultural activities but the affordable accommodation options can be few.

CLV Smart Stays Canberra General Manager Robert Moyle brings a wealth of experience to the role with 19 years in hospitality management including positions with Marriott International and a General Manager’s role at one of Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific properties.

“We have discovered a real gap in the current market by successfully offering contemporary and affordable accommodation for large sporting, business or community groups’ right down to independent travellers. And the best part is, there really is no better place to stay and save when visiting the Nation’s capital,” Mr. Moyle said.

A new stage of the village was completed at the start of this year boasting 507 new rooms, 5 star energy efficiency and two spacious common areas with e-library and plasmas with Foxtel. The look is modern, fresh and relaxed with striking decor featuring soft shades of grey and white with a splash of citrus and all rooms are well appointed with contemporary furniture and modern appliances.

A host of different accommodation types are available including 1, 2 or 5 bedroom apartments or even 12 bedroom dorm style options. The property now has 1334 rooms and therefore the unique added ability to house up to 1000 smart stays guests at any one time.

Single room rates start at $85.00 per room per night, or perhaps you’re in the market for a 12 bedroom apartment for $780.00 per night, your affordable and unique Canberra adventure is just an email or phone call away.

CLV Smart Stays – big on service, low on price

www.clvsmartstays.com.au

Emirates' Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa heralds new era of luxury travel in Australia

Emirates' commitment to Australia has been further cemented with the opening today of the much-anticipated Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, the country's first conservation-based luxury resort and Emirates Hotels & Resorts' first development outside Dubai.

The completion of this AU$125 million project represents a significant investment in the Australian tourism industry, as well as in local communities surrounding the resort. Six years in the making, it required extensive coordination with local, state and federal governments and underlines the importance of the Australian market to Emirates globally.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: "Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa's combination of iconic location, understated luxury, privacy and outstanding conservation values is unparalleled in Australia. Heralding a new era of luxury travel in the country, the resort actively protects its surrounding habitat and indigenous wildlife species while delivering the first-class standards and quality expected from luxury resorts."

His Highness continued: "The project wasn't without its challenges, but we hit all our key milestones and delivered on our promise to have the project completed by October 1 this year."

The resort demonstrates the Emirates Group's commitment to broader social, ecological and environmental sustainability both in Australia and across the world. Built on the same principles as Emirates' acclaimed Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, the resort is fully integrated into its environment and supports wide-ranging conservation practices focusing on endangered species protection.

"Since the opening of Al Maha a decade ago, Emirates airline has built its businesses on the basis of being sustainable and environmentally aware; and leading in wildlife conservation, in particular the protection of endangered and threatened species. With the opening of Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa in Australia, we are expanding our unique luxury conservation based resort philosophy into a different country, a different continent and a different ecological environment," His Highness added.

Located between two of Australia's most prominent national parks and bordering the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Wolgan Valley was selected by Emirates after an extensive research for a location that lent itself to world-class conservation-based practices.

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is the only Australian resort in recent history to receive permission to be built adjacent to a World Heritage Area.

His Highness said: "Australia has a fascinating history, heritage, and of course unique wildlife; not to mention some of the most exciting landscapes in the world. We believe Australia has great potential and we are extremely proud that Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa will not only showcase a slice of Australia's heritage, but will also contribute to the country's prospects for developing this calibre of conservation-based, luxury tourism." 

Wolgan Valley is rich in historical significance. Charles Darwin was a visitor in 1836 and the property's original homestead, which dates back to 1832, has been fully restored to its former glory, providing a fascinating glimpse of the region's heritage for guests.

His Highness commented: "The feedback from the travel trade guests who visited Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa during the pre-opening phase is that it is truly unique in Australia. With its world-class facilities, we are already seeing strong local and international interest from both the leisure and business markets."

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa features 40 individual secluded suites, each with its own indoor / outdoor swimming pool, private verandah, separate living and sleeping areas, luxurious en suite bathroom and double-sided fireplace.

The resort's architecture is progressive in its sustainable philosophy but classic in its aesthetic approach. Its design, inspired by original Federation style, is reminiscent of traditional rural Australian homesteads.

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa incorporates the 'Timeless Spa' branded facility. Originally created at Al Maha, Emirates' own luxury Spa brand is an integral part of the guest experience. The Timeless Spa concepts focus on natural products, and the provision of holistic treatments which revitalize the body and enhance relaxation.

A major focus of the guest experience at Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is the quality of Australia's finest produce – enhanced by the resort's regional, seasonal and organic food philosophy.

Activities at Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa will include guided walks to discover wildlife in its natural habitat, four-wheel drive safaris, mountain bike and horse-riding adventures through the spectacular landscapes, star gazing, heritage and Aboriginal interpretative tours, guided photographic excursions and visits to the Wollemi Pine Grove.


Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa:

Tel.: +61 2 9290 9733 – Fax: +61 2 6350 1801

Street Address: 2600 Wolgan Road, Wolgan Valley, Lithgow 2790 NSW, Australia
Postal Address: PO Box 390, Lithgow 2790 NSW, Australia
Visit www.wolganvalley.com - Email: info@wolganvalley.com