First Hand Experience at Sea

TRAVEL BRIEFS

By John Crook

Big Fella Festival

New Years day and night should have a listing in your diary, for that's when the party starts at Falls Creek Alpine Resort. Jazz from Liz Cavanagh and her regular support muso's, just one of the headline acts at the inaugural festival. Check this out! Three nights lodge accommodation, continental breakfasts, Big Fella event pass for two, with a tariff from $207 per person based on double occupancy. It's valid Dec 31 2008 – January 2 2009. To book call 1800 033 079 or email fallscreekinfo@bigpond.com

Free nights and all your food

Enjoy bonus free nights in Fiji, where TravelOnline is offering special rates at Shangri-La Resort and Spa. Departures ex Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne with land only content priced from $1158 per person twin share. Check with www.tourismfiji.com for more information and bookings. The package is for six nights (but pay for the price of only four) and note that all meals are taken care of with some other extras included. The offer is valid for sale until 31 March 2009 and for travel to 25 December 2008 and from 11 January to 31 March 2009.

Luxury stone cottages

Never before have I experienced such high quality in a B&B, one which has been created out of stones from the property. When Liz and Kyle started building their stone cottages, there was a degree of doubt, almost ridicule, amongst locals. That has all changed. Their group of cottages are in the upper luxury area. Everview is located near Canowindra (NSW) and currently there's a 2-night accommodation package, with a complimentary bottle of wine, an upgrade to a gourmet breakfast and a late check-out. Tariff is $460 and valid Monday to Thursday. Check www.everview.com.au

Five star dining aboard

With 55 staterooms and 95 crew no wonder that SeaDream I and II continue to win awards, the latest being named the world's best five-star vessels,- thanks to Berlitz Guide to Cruise Ships and Cruising magazine. Check the prices at www.seadream.com, but remember the prices are inclusive of all 5-star dining, drinks from the open bars and wine with all meals, nightly cocktail parties, use of the 50-course golf simulator, gratuities and port charges and taxes. Just a slice of paradise at sea.

Billy has arrived

The Melbourne season of Billy Elliott will break all records. That's my opinion and is judged on the many reports I receive from friends who have caught the production. It plays Her Majesty's Theatre from December 13. Mantra Southbank has an offer worth pursuing. If my eyes are not deceiving me one package in particular is priced from $175 per room per night including show tickets, boxed continental breakfast for two, one pre-show drink per person in Up One Bar and a late checkout. There are more competitive packages at other Mantra properties in Melbourne. Call 1300 780 13 15 17. Conditions and some surcharges apply.

First hand experience at sea

In what I would regard as a super deal, I note we Aussies can now experience Queen Mary 2's features in a 15 nights cruise ex Los Angeles to Sydney departing February 10 2009. The price is from $2599 per person twin share . That is value! Air fares not included. Ring 13 24 41 or visit www.cunardline.com.au