Unique Escapes: January 2016

Unique Escapes

ContentsExplore America by rail with Amtrak Vacations 4-7 From the Deep South to the National Parks, discover the USA on a rail tour

Great Western American Adventure 8-9 Luxury escorted tour travelling across California, Arizona, Utah and Nevada

Canada’s Sunshine Coast: An Insider’s Guide 10-11 Read about this hidden gem on Canada’s west coast

Set Your Sights on Vancouver 12-13 Discover the city’s spectacular setting and culinary delights

Welcome to Alberta 14-15 Home to Canada’s Rockies, World Heritage sites and the “Stampede City” of Calgary

Spotlight Down-Under 16-33 Western Australia: Top 5 ‘Must Dos’ 18-19

Escorted Air Touring: Icons of Australia 20-21 The Great Barrier Reef: Quicksilver Cruises 22-23

Fraser Island’s Kingfisher Bay Resort 24-25

Explore the Yarra Valley & Mornington Peninsula 26-27

Discover New Zealand in Style: Escorted Touring 28-29

Milford Sound: New Zealand’s 8th Wonder of the World 30-31 Explore New Zealand’s Wine Regions 32-33

Winter 2016

Unique Escapeswith 1st Class Holidays

Editor’s Welcome...All of us at 1st Class Holidays hope you had a wonderful Christmas. With the turkey and stuffing behind us thoughts will soon turn to lifting the post-Christmas blues and that dream holiday.

In this edition of Unique Escapes we showcase some delights of a holiday “down under”. Enjoy the scenic delight of the TranzAlpine, one of the world’s most stunning rail journeys; explore the incomparable beauty of Milford Sound, New Zealand’s only fiord accessible by road and go in search of some of New Zealand’s finest vintages.

Learn about Western Australia and experience the country from the air on a unique tour that flies low and slow over some of the country’s iconic treasures - escorted touring with a twist. And explore the delights of the Mornington Peninsula and the Yarra on a four day self-drive.

In Canada, Sarah shares her sunshine coast experience and we explore vibrant Vancouver and the scenic delights of Alberta. Then we hit the rails as we explore the USA by train.

We wish you the very best for a prosperous, happy and healthy 2016.

Brian Hawe - 1st Class Holidays Product Manager

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EXPLORE AMERICA BY RAILwith Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations combines the thrill of riding the rails with inclusive travel packages for one-of-a-kind holidays throughout North America. They offer over 300 holidays to amazing cities, scenic landscapes and spectacular National Parks with options to depart from more than 500 Amtrak stations across America.

Explore some of the most beautiful destinations in the USA that can only be seen from a train. Their adventures cross States whilst capturing the beauty and the grandeur of the Great American landscape. Enjoy it all from the comfort of an observation car or private cabin or berth... Imagine spectacular Pacific coast views, watching waves crash along the shoreline whilst enjoying lunch in a dining car.

Amtrak Vacations has carefully crafted escapes that showcase the incredible variety that North America has to offer. Your itinerary is planned to make sure you get the most out of every destination. The hardest decision you will have left to make will be choosing when to leave!

Turn the page for a couple of examples of these memorable adventures...

JAZZ, BLUES & ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

This nine-day rail tour is perfect for music lovers! Begin in Chicago and discover its famous blues scene and explore all the popular sights with a sightseeing pass. Next take a relaxing train ride to Memphis, the birthplace of Rock ‘N’ Roll and home to Elvis’s Graceland. Your final stop is New Orleans, the Birthplace of Jazz where you will enjoy a jazz brunch, a city highlights tour and a cruise onboard a paddlewheel boat on the Mississippi River.

Day 1: Arrive Chicago Arrive in Chicago for your 2 night stay. See the sights with a 3 day hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass.

Day 2: Chicago Continue exploring the city with your multi-day hop-on-hop-off pass. This evening enjoy an included dinner at a local favourite restaurant. Afterwards, don’t miss the chance to experience one of the city’s famous blues and jazz clubs.

Day 3: Chicago – Memphis Enjoy another day sightseeing before taking the train south to Memphis. Overnight onboard the train in bedroom accommodation.

Day 4: Memphis After your early arrival into Memphis enjoy free time to explore the city. Visit the Rock’n’Soul Museum, Gibson Guitar Plant or take in the blues corridor of Beale Street. Enjoy 2 nights in Memphis.

Day 5: Memphis Today take a platinum tour of Memphis including Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion. This evening enjoy dinner at a popular Memphis restaurant.

Day 6: Memphis – New Orleans Ride the rails to New Orleans and admire the architectural treasures in the French Quarter. Spend 3 nights in New Orleans.

Days 7: New Orleans Enjoy a jazz brunch at the Court of Two Sisters restaurant, followed by a New Orleans city tour.

Day 8: New Orleans Cruise along the Mississippi River aboard a classic paddlewheel boat take a shore visit to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and a tour of the Chalmette Battlefield including the Malus- Beauregard House and the Chalmette Monument.

Day 9: Departure Your tour ends on checkout from your hotel.

View tour details...

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK EXPRESS

A ten-day tour from Chicago to Seattle through America’s most spectacular national park. Your tour begins in Chicago with an included tour and river cruise. Next board Amtrak’s Empire Builder train for the overnight journey to Glacier National Park. Spend 3 nights stay in this tranquil haven before you reboard the train to travel to the Emerald City of Seattle. A 3-day hop-on, hop-off tour pass is included, so you will see all the best sights including the world famous Space Needle.

Days 1 & 2: ChicagoSpend your first two days exploring Chicago. Take an included architecture harbour and river cruise and enjoy dinner on day 2.

Day 3: Chicago – The Empire Builder TrainEarly afternoon board your train and get settled into roomette accommodation for your overnight journey to Glacier National Park. Admire the stunning views from the train’s panoramic windows as you follow in the steps of the early settlers.

Day 4: Glacier National ParkArrive early evening for your 3 night stay in Glacier National Park. With more than one million acres of rugged mountains, tranquil lakes and dense forests, Glacier National Park is a haven for nature lovers.

Day 5: Glacier National ParkToday soak in the lovely scenery of the park on a relaxing lake cruise.

Day 6: Glacier National Park Enjoy a full day tour of the park on the Big Sky Circle Tour. Don’t forget your camera!

Day 7: Glacier National Park - AmtrakAfter a final day of exploring, step back onboard the Empire Builder for your overnight journey to Seattle.

Day 8: Seattle Welcome to Seattle! Get to know the “Emerald City” on a multi-day hop-on/hop-off tour. This fully-narrated excursion features famous landmarks, including Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square.

Day 9: Seattle Departure Continue your hop-on/hop-off tour of Seattle, why not visit the Space Needle Observation Deck for stunning views of Mt. Rainier, the lights of downtown Seattle, and Elliott Bay.

Day 10: Seattle Departure Your tour ends this morning in Seattle

View tour details...

Embark on the road trip of a lifetime across America’s West on a luxury escorted tour. Experience the truly marvellous and diverse composition of the American West on this 15 day premium journey with Insight Vacations. Explore glorious cities, spectacular wine country and dramatic canyons across California, Arizona, Utah and Nevada.

Your adventure begins in San Francisco where you can discover the sights of this bustling city and snap photos with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Move on to California’s lush premier wine country, the Napa Valley, and visit a family owned winery for a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting of their award-winning rich red blends.

Take in the spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains on your way to Yosemite National Park to explore its spectacular waterfalls, imposing rock formations and abundant wildlife. Then it’s back to the bright lights of the city where you can experience the glitz and glamour of Hollywood with an exclusive guided tour of the Dolby Theatre, home to the Academy Awards ceremony.

Cross state borders and travel through the Mojave Desert on your way to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the epic Grand Canyon. Journey through the Painted Desert, a colourful fantasy land of mesas, buttes and badlands before arriving at the remarkable Lake Powell, the most beautiful lake in the American west. Appreciate the true power of water over rock as you glide through the narrow sandstone turns of Antelope Canyon during a leisurely cruise across the lake.

GREAT WESTERN AMERICAN ADVENTURE

Once you arrive at Bryce Canyon National Park, take a leisurely walk along Sunset Point for breathtaking views of the great amphitheatres of odd-shaped monoliths known as hoodoos. The magnificent natural wonders of the West aren’t over just yet as you travel through the lush cliff-and-canyon landscape of Zion National Park en route to your last stop of the journey, the colourful and vibrant city of Las Vegas.

And what better way to appreciate the stunning contrasts of the great American West than with five star comfort and service? Your holiday with Insight Vacations will begin in true style from the moment you’re collected from your front door for a relaxed private car transfer to the airport, included in the price of your holiday. Enjoy a prime viewing position of America’s rugged landscape from inside a luxury high-deck 40-guest coach which boasts Business Class legroom, an onboard restroom and complimentary WiFi. Comfortable, stylish transportation is accompanied by the services of an experienced Tour Director who will open your eyes to the destinations you are visiting.

Each hotel you stay in is handpicked for quality, service and luxury, and Insight will manage check-ins, take care of hotel tips, and ensure your luggage is delivered swiftly and seamlessly to your room. Insight not only takes care of all the little things, they bring you the inspiring experiences that turn into long lasting memories.

For more information on this luxury escorted

tour visit us online or call a member of our

specialised team on 0161 888 5607.

British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast is an undiscovered jewel on Canada’s west coast, with rugged coastlines and incredible wildlife. Our team member Sarah recently experienced this beautiful region along with Vancouver Island and Victoria; here is a glimpse into her week.

“I flew into the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver with my fellow travellers where we collected a minivan and took a scenic drive through Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal. We boarded our ferry and took a smooth 40 minute journey to the stunning Sunshine Coast.

On arrival we drove through spectacular Gibsons Landing, a beautiful coastal community surrounded by mountains with Howe Sound creating the perfect back-drop. Our first stop was the Persephone Brewing Company where we enjoyed a short tour and tasted their craft beer. Next we took a scenic drive to Rockwater Secret Cove Resort, our hotel for the night. Our rooms were nicely decorated overlooking the pool and featured a fireplace, balcony and a Jacuzzi tub with rain forest shower was a nice touch. That evening we enjoyed a lovely meal in the hotel’s restaurant.

The next morning we took a guided hike to Smuggler Cove; a small picturesque anchorage on the south side of Sechelt Peninsula. Afterwards we got back in our minivan and travelled north to Madeira Park. We were told that it was a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ kind of town and it really is! We took a delightful harbour tour and witnessed some of the most beautiful scenery on the Sunshine Coast.

Our next stop was Painted Boat Resort Spa & Marina, nestled within 5 acres of trees. We settled into our spacious 2 bedroom villa which featured a kitchen and living room area and a wraparound balcony overlooking the harbour. That evening we all tucked into a barbecue with the beautiful Sunshine Coast as our back drop.

The next morning we took to the open waters and enjoyed a marine sightseeing tour to the Princess Louise Inlet and the famous Chatterbox Falls. When we arrived at the inlet it was like a different world. We enjoyed a picnic surrounded by the most beautiful mountain views.

AN INSIDER’S GUIDEto Canada’s Sunshine Coast

West Coast Wilderness Lodge

Next we headed to the West Coast Wilderness Lodge, our home for the night. This luxurious lodge was simply stunning; we enjoyed a lovely meal in their restaurant whilst we took in the spectacular views over the ocean.

It was an early start the next morning as we caught the ferry to Saltry Bay and then headed up the Coast towards Powell River. We took a short tour around the town’s brewery and sampled a few beers. Our next stop was Parksville on Vancouver Island; a 90 minute ferry ride away. We arrived at the Tigh Na Mara Resort for our overnight stay. The property was a real ‘home away from home’ with spectacular views.

The next morning we visited Merridale Ciderworks, Bistro & Orchard Spa nestled in the heart of Cowichan Valley. We enjoyed a stroll around the grounds and orchard before we took a look at the cellar & distillery. The famous Butchart Gardens in Victoria was next on our list. We took a guided walk around the 53 hectares of manicured gardens and learnt about the history of the gardens, nestled in an old quarry.

We then headed to downtown Victoria, full of historic architecture and British heritage. We checked into the Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites and then enjoyed a delicious dinner at The Oswego Hotel. We decided to take an evening stroll along the Inner Harbour; The Fairmont Empress & the Parliament Building look great lit up at night.

The next morning we boarded a covered boat and went in search of whales. Our expert guide gave us an informative commentary throughout and kept a close eye out for wildlife. Afterwards we visited the Fairmont Empress for Afternoon Tea; a tradition not to be missed in Victoria. That evening we enjoyed a fantastic meal at the Bard & Banker; the perfect way to finish off a fantastic week.”

The Sunshine Coast is a place where you can truly get away from it all amongst some of the most amazing scenery in British Columbia. If you want to experience a similar tour take a look at our Sunshine and Pacific Coast self-drive.

Rockwater Secret Cove Resort

Victoria’s Inner Harbour Whale Watching in Victoria

Set your sights on

VANCOUVER

SPECTACULAR BY NATUREGet a taste of the Vancouver lifestyle in Canada’s glittering city of glass. Hugged by mountains and surrounded by the clear waters of the Pacific, combine the twin delights of a modern city and timeless wild nature – all in the same day.

The clichés are true: you can snowshoe in the morning, kayak in the afternoon, and enjoy world-class shopping, bars, restaurants and entertainment – set against a backdrop of some of the most naturally beautiful scenery on earth.

Sightseeing options take you from the heart of the city to the wilds of nature – across air, land and sea! In just one day, you can take an exhilarating tour high above the temperate rainforest at the Capilano Suspension Bridge, soar across the country on the breathtaking ‘FlyOver Canada’ flight simulation ride, and end with Sea Vancouver’s thrilling Zodiac boat sightseeing adventure around the downtown waterfront.

Vancouver Skyline

Cycle City Tour in Stanley Park

WILD ABOUT THE OUTDOORS

Surrounded by soaring mountains, just 20 minutes from downtown, with the scent of the forest in the air, Vancouver is a nature lover’s paradise. Leave your hotel and make for the seawall, the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path: join the locals cycling, running or walking – with camera-ready views at every turn. Take a stroll through the urban rainforest and discover towering Totem Poles amongst the Douglas firs. Get to know the region’s wilder inhabitants with a whale watching excursion from Granville Island, or visit Grouse Mountain’s Refuge for Endangered Wildlife to see the resident grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola. Kayak along the shoreline or launch a stand up paddleboard from a sandy downtown beach. Head for the local mountains for a scenic hike – all of this within the city limits.

SAVOUR WEST COAST FLAVOURSWith an international reputation for its multi-cultural dining scene, Vancouver chefs use the best seasonal produce and superb seafood to create delicious farm-to-table cuisine. Pair your food with internationally-acclaimed wines from British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, or explore the world of Vancouver’s exciting craft breweries and distilleries.

Indulge your foodie side with a range of culinary walking and cycling tours that will give you the fast track to the city’s most appetizing hot spots. Taste your way around Granville Island, dive into delicious Chinatown or peddle your way through the Brewery District. For the ultimate tasty sightseeing experience, try a “fly and dine” floatplane tour: soar over skyscrapers, mountains, fjords and the ocean before a water landing, and then an oceanfront seafood feast.

A perfect opportunity to taste the city’s internationally-influenced, local sources and endless inventive fare is during Dine Out Vancouver Festival, January 15-31, 2016, Canada’s largest celebration of food and drink.

WILD ABOUT THE OUTDOORSSurrounded by soaring mountains, just 20 minutes from downtown, with the scent of the forest in the air, Vancouver is a nature lover’s paradise. Leave your hotel and make for the seawall, the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path: join the locals cycling, running or walking – with camera-ready views at every turn.

Take a stroll through the urban rainforest and discover towering Totem Poles amongst the Douglas firs. Get to know the region’s wilder inhabitants with a whale watching excursion from Granville Island, or visit Grouse Mountain’s Refuge for Endangered Wildlife to see the resident grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola. Kayak along the shoreline or launch a stand up paddleboard from a sandy downtown beach. Head for the local mountains for a scenic hike – all of this within the city limits.

View our Vancouver Guide to find out more about this cosmopolitan city.

Waterfront Sightseeing with Sea Vancouver

Visit the resident Grizzly Bears on Grouse Mountain

Sample the local cocktails

Meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients

WELCOME TO

ALBERTA

Alberta, Canada is undoubtedly one of the most breath-taking places on earth, as beautiful as it is varied in landscape and experiences. The freedom to choose your own pace is a huge appeal of self-driving tours, like our Alberta Adventure taking in the Rockies, Southern Alberta and Calgary.

CANADIAN ROCKIESStretching along Alberta’s western border, the Canadian Rockies contains a network of protected national parks. Banff and Jasper National Parks allow for unparalleled alpine scenery which will take your breath away with dazzling peaks, lush mountain meadows, turquoise glacial lakes, towering waterfalls and ancient glaciers. The alpine towns of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper are filled with top-notch dining and shopping experiences and are your gateways to outdoor adventure. As you slip into a natural outdoor hot spring, think about hiking, cycling, horseback riding, canoeing and wildlife viewing. There are wonderful photo opportunities around every corner; visit the glacially fed Moraine Lake in the beautiful Valley of the Ten Peaks with its distinct shade of blue or for stunning views of cascading waters and limestone caves take a walk through Johnston Canyon.

Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump - Credit Travel Alberta

Moraine Lake - Credit Corey Mike

Banff Avenue - Credit Banff Lake Louise Tourism

CALGARYSet dramatically between prairies and peaks, Calgary is a chic urban landscape surrounded by incomparable natural grandeur. It’s a place where you can savour the Rocky Mountain wilderness by day and world class cuisine and entertainment by night. Immerse yourself in Calgary’s Wild West spirit at the Calgary Stampede, The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Catch the excitement of bull and bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling and roping. Delve into the history of western Canada at the Glenbow Museum. Learn about the city’s origins at Fort Calgary. Discover “How the West was Once” at Heritage Park Historical Village – Canada’s largest living history museum. Or dare to step onto the glass floor observation deck at the top of the Calgary Tower for panoramic views of the city – and a clear view to the street, 160 m (525 ft) below.

You can visit all these places our Alberta Adventure self-drive tour visit us online for more information or call a member of our team on 0161 888 5606

SOUTHERN ALBERTAThe prairies of Alberta meet the peaks of the Rocky Mountains in Waterton Lakes National Park. Clear lakes, thundering waterfalls, rainbow-coloured streams, colourful rocks and mountain vistas await hikers and sightseers. Waterton packs a big natural punch into a relatively small and accessible area. North east of Waterton is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. One of the most extensive and best preserved hunting sites in North America, it is a testimonial to the way of life of the Plains Indians who for thousands of years drove the buffalo off the high cliffs to sustain their tribes. Learn about their culture through the stories of the elders. Visit the town of Drumheller in the heart of the Canadian Badlands. The swirl of canyons, coulees and wind-scraped hoodoos that surround it was once a lush tropical paradise where dinosaurs roamed. Visit the Royal Tyrrell Musuem of Palaeontology which has one of the world’s largest displays of dinosaurs.

Calgary - Credit Travel Alberta

Spotlight DOWN UNDER

2. SWIM WITH THE WORLD’S BIGGEST FISH IN EXMOUTHAnnually, from late March to early July, WA’s World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park is one of the only places in the world where you can swim with whale sharks. The world’s largest fish poses no threat to humans, giving snorkellers and divers a chance to experience the thrill of looking them in the eye as they mooch by, propelled by a gentle swish of their supersized tail fins. Boat and snorkel tours operate daily out of Coral Bay and Exmouth, and during the height of the season it’s not unusual for tours to encounter multiple sightings.

1. RIDE A CAMEL INTO THE SUNSET IN BROOMEAustralia, believe it or not, is home to the world’s largest population of wild camels. In WA these ‘ships of the desert’ roam the outback in herds up to 100-strong. But in Broome, a resort town in WA’s tropical northwest, you can hop on the back of a domesticated camel and take a sunset ride along Cable Beach. The 22km beach is famous for its white sands, turquoise waters and ‘staircase to the moon’ (a naturally occurring column of iridescent colours created by the moon’s reflection on the sand).

Top 5 ‘MUST DOS’IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Snorkelling with a whale shark

Camel ride along Cable Beach

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS EXTRAORDINARY STATE, SUGGESTED ITINERARIES AND OTHER SIGHTSEEING OPTIONS TAKE A LOOK AT OUR ONLINE WESTERN AUSTRALIA GUIDE OR SPEAK TO A MEMBER

OF OUR DEDICATED TEAM ON 0161 888 5608.

5. GO FOR A WALK IN THE SKY IN WALPOLEDon’t miss the Valley of the Giants tree top walk in Western Australia’s Southern Forests. Suspended 40 metres above ground in the canopy of a giant tingle forest, its walkway spans a total of 600 metres, giving you a unique perspective to admire the foliage, the abundant birdlife and the view.

3. EXPLORE ONE OF PERTH’S 19 CITY BEACHESAustralia’s sunniest state capital, Perth enjoys more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and is home to 19 beaches. The most iconic beach is Cottesloe, which is a favourite amongst the locals, but others include City Beach, Scarborough, and Fremantle’s Port Beach. At dusk watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean - a light show not to be missed.

4. SHARE A BEACH WITH A KANGAROO IN ESPERANCEAt Lucky Bay in Esperance, south of Perth you can spend some quality time with the local kangaroos who can often be found sunning themselves on the beach. Join them on the sand, swim, fish or explore the bush walks. Take your best sunglasses; Lucky Bay is regularly named Australia’s whitest beach.

Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk / Credit: Jean Leggat

Meet the local ‘roo population in Esperance

Cottesloe Beach

ICONS OF AUSTRALIAPREMIUM TOURING BY CHARTER AIRCRAFT

The Great Ocean Road Visit Birdsville

Spectacular Whitsundays

ICONS OF AUSTRALIAPREMIUM TOURING BY CHARTER AIRCRAFT

Australia beholds spectacular and unique natural attractions ranging from stark red desert to unspoilt tropical paradises. Its wildlife is just as unique and unusual as its landscape. Bounding kangaroos, squawking cockatoos and frilled neck lizards, run amuk. All surrounded by thousands of kilometres of the most beautiful and dramatic coastline you are ever likely to find.

Explore the Icons of Australia with Australian Air Holidays; an all inclusive, fully escorted, premium air journey across Australia. Each destination and experience within has been handpicked so you leave feeling that you have ‘really experienced’ the breadth and best of what Australia has to offer

Fly in a comfortable 5O seat private aircraft, with no long bus rides or no time wasted hanging around airports this mode of travel is efficient and seamless. A feature of the tour is the ‘low and slow’ scenic flying where you get to experience the scenic delights from the air.

Starting in Melbourne fly down the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s great scenic drives. See the waters crash into the rock formations known as the Twelve Apostles as you fly past low and slow. Your first port of call is the nature wonderland Kangaroo Island.Australia’s third largest Island is a sanctuary for native flora and fauna.

You will then head inland to the most unusual and fascinating outback town Copper Pedy. Next head to the spiritual heart of Australia fly around the iconic Uluru the largest rock in the world and enjoy a special ‘Sounds of Silence Dinner’ in view of the great rock. In Alice Springs meet the inspirational Kangaroo Dundee and walk with him through his beloved Kangaroo Sanctuary.

On to Birdsville a remote outback post on the edge of the Simpson Desert. Have a beer in the famous Birdsville Pub and feel the quiet isolation before heading to Longreach one of Australia’s quintessential country towns.

Your air journey takes you away from the interior to the tropical coast where you will discover paradise at Airlie Beach the gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. Take a cruise through the islands and enjoy a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. The Icons of Australia tour finishes in Cairns and the adventure comes to an end.

If you want to find out more about the Icons of Australia tour, visit us online or speak to a member of our team on 0161 888 5608

Fly slow and low over the Olgas

Visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in

its wonder forever,” Jacques Yves Cousteau.

And so too, the natural wonder of Australia’s majestic Great Barrier Reef will cast its spell.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of our planet’s most unique and amazing marine spectacles and is the largest living structure in the world. It’s a complex maze of some 2900 individual reefs extending for 2300 kilometres along the north-eastern coast of Australia - covering an area about the same size as the United Kingdom! Or if you’re a football fan, about 70 million football fields! Entering the dramatic beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is an extraordinary experience. It’s a day that engages all your senses, lifts your spirit and takes you into another realm.

For your experience of a lifetime, Quicksilver, Australia’s most awarded reef cruise, will take you to the renowned Agincourt Reef at the very edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf, a jewel-like ribbon reef showcasing spectacular coral formations, colourful marine life and clear outer reef waters for the best underwater visibility.

You’ll cruise aboard Quicksilver’s fast and luxurious wavepiercing catamaran in air-conditioned comfort to an exclusive and spacious activity platform moored in the protected lagoon. Here, the widest range of activities awaits to experience this stunning reef world. Whether exploring in a semi-submarine, snorkelling with Nemo or donning a scuba tank, there is a reef experience suited to all ages and is accessible to swimmers, non-swimmers and divers alike.

QUICKSILVER & THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Friendly and attentive crew, including professional marine biologists, are on hand to ensure you enjoy and gain the most from your day. En route to Agincourt Reef, the marine biologist presentation sets the scene with a great insight into the reef’s exotic inhabitants so you can view the reef with informed eyes.

Even without entering the water, you can stay dry and explore from the comfort of a semi-sub. Seated just one metre underwater, experience a diver’s view of the reef with informative commentary as you glide slowly through reef lagoons. Then there’s the underwater observatory, you’ll be mesmerised as colourful fish dart and play in beautiful coral gardens.

For the more adventurous, first time divers can try an introductory scuba dive and for certified divers, diving the Agincourt ribbon reefs is simply spectacular. There’s also helmet diving suitable for non-swimmers, marine biologist guided snorkel tours to learn so much more about this remarkable underwater kingdom, and for a totally different perspective of the reef’s opal lagoons, scenic helicopter flights too. A sumptuous hot and cold tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon teas are included in your day.

A world of discovery and pleasure awaits when you cruise with Quicksilver, departing daily from Port Douglas and Cairns in Tropical North Queensland.

To find out more about this Great Barrier

Reef adventure visit us online or call a

member of our specialised team on

0161 888 5608.

Australia is known for its incredible natural beauty; white sand, blue skies, pristine rainforests, warm sunny beaches, amazing wildlife and beautiful sea creatures. At Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island you can experience all this and more in one World Heritage-listed location.

Located off the coast of Queensland, between the Sunshine Coast and the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island is a must-visit Australian destination with over 100 fresh water lakes, ancient sub-tropical rainforest, natural rock pools to swim in and a world-famous ship wreck to explore.

Kingfisher Bay Resort offers the ultimate experience for visitors to Fraser Island. Pioneers in eco-tourism, the resort embraces its natural surroundings and offers a wide range of sophisticated accommodation options from hotel rooms to self-contained villas.

With three restaurants, four swimming pools, ranger guided walks and four wheel drive island tours, canoe paddles, segway tours and natural therapies on offer, there’s no end to the ways you can choose to spend your days. When the sun starts to drop, finish the day with a cold beer or a glass of bubbly while taking in the gorgeous sunset.

For a fusion of modern cuisine with a bush tucker twist, the resort’s signature restaurant Seabelle offers a superb fine dining. They use the best fresh local produce and native herbs grown on Fraser Island to take your taste buds on a voyage around the region and beyond.

The calm safe waters of Hervey Bay, on Fraser Island’s western side, are one of the world’s best places to watch humpback whales. Each year from August to late October, thousands of whales head north to the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

KINGFISHER BAY RESORT THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE ON FRASER ISLAND

On their migration south, these giants of the ocean stop to rest, play, sing, and nurture their calves - one of only two places in the world where they do this. Whale watch operators in the region offer a money-back guarantee if you don’t see whales. For those with a sense of adventure, take the opportunity to swim with these remarkable creatures.

During the whale migration season, Kingfisher Bay Resort offers the Fraser and Whales package; with the opportunity to explore the best of Fraser Island and enjoy an incredible whale watching experience.

If you travel in search of awe-inspiring experiences and breath-taking natural beauty, if you are ready to embark on the ultimate Australian adventure full of welcoming smiles, sunny beaches and memories that will last a lifetime, you’ll find it at Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island.

See Humpback Whales

Elk Creek

Relax on the beach

Learn about the flora & fauna

Kingfisher Bay Resort Pool

Maheno Shipwreck

Our product manager Brian shares his experience on a recent trip to Australia’s Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula.

“Most of the visitors arriving at Melbourne’s international airport head straight to the heart of the city, and don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot to be said for a stay in Melbourne. But the savvy travellers pick up the car and head away from town and leave their stay in the vibrant Victorian capital until the end.

In less than an hour you’re in the heart of one of the country’s premier wine and food producing areas, the Yarra Valley. This is an area that boasts a mix of breathtaking views that travel over vineyards, farmland, waterways and forest. My drive to the historic Chateau Yering was manageable after my flight down under; my stay both peaceful and delightful. There’s attentive service from the friendly staff, delightful cuisine in Eleonores restaurant and in the grounds of this Victorian mansion, a cellar door where you can sample the Yering Station vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The beautiful Yarra Valley

Chateau Yering

Sample the world class wine

EXPLORE THE YARRA VALLEY & MORNINGTON PENINSULA

FOOD AND WINE HEAVEN.... AND THE SCENERY’S GOOD TOO!!

As you drive the sleepy lanes of the Mornington Peninsula following the wine and produce route it’s hard to believe that you’re only an hour or so from bustling Melbourne. Leafy lanes reveal a new vineyard or producer at every turn, some with restaurants, many offering tastings. There’s over 50 wineries on the peninsula, each benefits from the unique micro climates provided by this unique landscape of valleys and escarpments. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the stellar wines, and there’s a growing rivalry with craft beer and cider makers and artisan gin, vodka and grappa producers too.

I was in wine heaven, and with boutique wineries like Ten Minute’s by Tractor and Stumpy Gully was pleased I had the extra suitcase allowance my ticket with Etihad allowed me in economy class…..”

If you would like to do a similar self-drive as Brian, take a look at our Coastal Drive, Mornington & Yarra Valley Tour.

A day spent exploring the vineyards and farm gates with their fresh local produce turned up some true delights, from the fruit wines of the Badger Creek Blueberry Farm to the delightful sparkling wines of Domaine Chandon, and some great Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from boutique producers.

I passed up the chance of an early morning hot air balloon trip due to a fear of heights and instead headed south bright and early through the misty Dandenong Ranges where I was thrilled at the sight of kangaroos and wallabies feeding in the early morning light. It didn’t take long to reach the coast and follow the road to Flinders, a quiet village with a range of quaint shops selling art and antiques, and my stay at the Flinders Hotel. It couldn’t be more of a contrast my stay in the Yarra, with the aptly named “Quarters” the latest addition to what was at one time the village pub and restaurant. Recently built, the accommodation is modern with every conceivable amenity and conveniently across the car park form the pub, restaurant and a delightful gourmet restaurant.

Mornington Peninsula

NEW ZEALAND IN STYLEEXCLUSIVELY YOURS

Overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound Explore Christchurch

Learn about the Maori culture in Rotorua

Ride the famous TranzAlpine Train

New Zealand is a destination rich with natural beauty. A place where you can see fiords carved by glaciers, experience authentic Maori culture and witness sleeping volcanoes. Take in this unique beauty from a spectacular viewpoint, often only accessible by rail.

Our 19 Day Rail, Cruise & Coach Holiday allows you to experience the ‘land of the long white cloud’ in absolute luxury and enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys. Visit all the ‘best of’ attractions of the North and South Islands including 4 rail journeys and 5 scenic cruises. Relax in armchair comfort as you travel through each region by modern coach, feeling secure in the hands of a professional Coach Captain and experienced Tour Guide.

Experience the Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine rail journeys as part of your tour. Both feature huge panoramic windows and roof skylights, allowing the best view of the scenery, while the comfortable seats have plenty of legroom.

The Coastal Pacific is a truly remarkable rail journey that commences at the coastal port of Picton. Travel through the picturesque Marlborough wine region then continue along via a thin wedge of land pinned between the Pacific Ocean on one side and the rugged beauty of the coastal mountains on the other. You may see amazing wildlife from your carriage before arriving at the village of Kaikoura.

Enjoy an expedition on the famous TranzAlpine, one of the great train journeys of the world. Depart Christchurch and travel through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, follow the Waimakariri River, climbing into alpine scenery on a series of spectacular viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the Southern Alps.

Another key highlight of your holiday is an Overnight Cruise in the Milford Sound, see spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. Enjoy a delicious carvery buffet, spend the night on board the Milford Mariner and wake up in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Upgrade to the Ultimate, Rail, Cruise & Coach Tour and travel in ‘business class on wheels’ aboard the deluxe Ultimate Coach with 20 luxury leather seats, panoramic viewing and a level of unparalleled comfort. The beauty of travelling in a small group is that every aspect of your holiday is personal. Travel is at a relaxed pace, with more time to explore at your leisure. Enjoy premium accommodation and a number of exclusive extras.

The Ultimate tour itinerary features slight variations such as an exclusive Overnight Cruise on Doubtful Sound (replacing Milford Sound). Escape to the peace and tranquillity of Doubtful Sound, the magnificent Fiordland Navigator blends old world charm with modern, as you cruise through some of the fiord’s most stunning scenery.

All tours are inclusive of return airport transfers in New Zealand; premium hotel accommodation; most meals and an extensive range of pre-paid attractions & sightseeing.

Choose one of these spectacular tours and return home with memories to last a lifetime. There is no better way to visit New Zealand!

EXPERIENCE THE ROMANCE OF RAIL TRAVEL

THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE

The Ultimate Coach

Dedicated Tour Guide

MILFORD SOUNDTHE EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD

Imagine a place where tree clad rock faces plunge into to the sea; a place where waterfalls cascade hundreds of feet and blow away in the wind; a place where marine life basks on rocks in the sun, where rain or shine, tranquillity reigns supreme. That is Milford Sound…

In the far south west of New Zealand’s South Island, Milford Sound sits in the Fiordland National Park, a hidden secret waiting to be discovered.

Māori people discovered it over a thousand years ago, and followed tracks across the MacKinnon pass to collect the precious jade they found there. They named it Piopiotahi after the piopi bird that is said to have flown there and died in mourning after the legendary Maori hero Maui died trying to gain immortality for his people.

These days there’s no need to trek over the mountains to see this natural wonder. Most people visit whilst in Queenstown and make the trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling farmland to Te Anau, a lakeside town on the shores of Lake Te Anau. Then it’s a stunningly scenic drive passing Mirror Lakes and through the mountains, with the soaring snow clad peaks of Mt Christina and Mt Talbot, to the Homer Tunnel. It’s less than a mile through the tunnel, but you exit into another world, with a stunning vista of the fiord ahead of you and, as you get to sea level, a seemingly almost tropical environment with tree ferns and gurgling streams and the mighty Mitre Peak.

Wet or fine, Milford Sound is incredibly grand. At 1692 feet, Mitre Peak magnetises photographers, and the fiord’s sheer cliffs and scenery that has remained unchanged throughout the ages excite both admiration and apprehension. As you cruise along the 10 mile length of the fiord you’ll experience dozens of waterfalls cascading down the tree clad cliff faces, some reaching a thousand metres in length. Smaller falls from such heights may never reach the bottom of the sound, drifting away in the wind; larger ones crash dramatically into the sea in a fury of spray and foam. The deep waters are rich in sea life and if your luck’s in you’re sure to see seals basking on the rocks, dolphins and between August and February the Fiordland crested penguin, one of the rarest in the world.

And for the ultimate experience, you can return to Queenstown by air, flying over the stunning mountain scenery filled with snow clad peaks, verdant valleys and icy blue white glaciers.

There’s little wonder that Rudyard Kipling described this piece of heaven as the Eighth Wonder of the World.

MILFORD SOUNDTHE EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD

Art Deco Napier

The Cook Strait

Sample the Pinot Noir

Vineyards near Queenstown

Hire bikes to explore the vineyard

Continue north to the pretty Hawkes Bay area and the art deco town of Napier. This is New Zealand’s second largest wine producing area and home to olive groves and fruit farms as well.

Sunny Hawke’s Bay has been an abundant source of fine wine since 1851; its well-established wine tourism trail also showcases the region’s art deco architecture (mainly in Napier city) and artisan producers. You’ll find crisp Chardonnays and Bordeaux style blends as well as some interesting Malbec in the boutique wineries.

Cross through the stunning volcanic landscape to Lake Taupo and past the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua to Auckland, the City of Sails. Enjoy city life for a day or so and make a visit to Waiheke Island to visit some delightful boutique wineries and enjoy some superb cuisine.

Last stop on your adventure is where it all began, the Northland. The first vines in New Zealand were planted in the Bay of Islands by the missionary, Reverend Samuel Marsden in 1819. In the late 1800’s, the Croatian gum diggers arrived in Northland, bringing their European tradition of winemaking. This has been the foundation of the New Zealand wine industry, and many of today’s successful wine companies are able to trace their history back to Northland.

Take a look at our Queenstown Wine Trail or our Nelson Wine & Art Tour.

For lovers of wine a journey through New Zealand is a journey through Paradise, for this is a country with such a diverse range of climatic and soil conditions that it produces some of the finest New World wines.

From the crispest Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to the Kiwi’s favourite red, Pinot Noir, you’ll find a variety of wines to suit all palates. Made by small wine makers who take a true pride in their craft and tend vineyards that have been in the family for generations they are a true delight to the palate.

Start your adventure in the South Island, where you’ll find the most southerly wine region – the Otago. Not far from the snow clad mountains, Queenstown and stunning Lake Wakatipu, it’s here that the cooler temperatures are ideal for New Zealand’s infamous Pinot Noir, arguably the best in the world, and almost all of the vineyards in the region produce this delightful wine. Head northwards past Christchurch to New Zealand’s largest wine producing area, the Marlborough region, where the warmer, sunnier climate is ideal for New Zealand’s most famous wine export – the Sauvignon Blanc.

After a few days relaxing and tasting the straw coloured nectar, head across the Cook Straight on the InterIslander ferry to Wellington and Wairarapa. Maori for ‘glistening waters’ it is a compact yet diverse region of boutique producers offering high-quality examples of a wide range of varieties including a spectacular Pinot Noir.

WINES OF NEW ZEALANDfrom Pinot Noir to Sauvignon Blanc

Sample the wine in Hawkes BayExplore the vineyards n Marlborough

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