By Rama Gaind.
Enjoy nature at its very best from your own private villa, nestled in lush tropical surroundings when you stay at the Niramaya Villas & Spa, Port Douglas. Exclusive package offer ends 12 December 2020.
With one of the most anticipated borders finally opening up between Greater Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland last week, competitive airfare prices has meant emotional, long overdue family reunions.
The price war has resulted in some amazing deals on numerous domestic routes by
Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar. It has also meant an approximate increase in domestic capacity of almost 70 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels. The anticipated re-opening of Western Australia’s borders to Victoria and NSW this week will, no doubt, also provide a much-needed boost to the economy.
The destinations are numerous. Summer is the time of year when Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef come alive. From the life coursing through the ancient trees of the Daintree Rainforest to the spawning of new coral on the reef, you could be there to experience it first-hand. Discover their greatness.
Exclusive to Qantas Holidays, you’ll enjoy great savings on a well-appointed spa suite or one-bedroom suite at Peppers Beach Club, Port Douglas. Special offer ends
26 December 2020.
Explore a unique corner of our world where the rainforest meets the reef, Tropical North Queensland is like no other place on earth. A place to unwind and connect with nature, every visit will leave you feeling great.
Gold Coast highlights
The Gold Coast is Australia’s playground, a sparkling strip of imposing high-rises, sun-drenched beaches, mansion-flanked waterways and world-class entertainment.
Enjoying an idyllic year-round climate, a spectacular range of natural landscapes and a large selection of attractions – covering everything from theme parks to shopping centres and nightclubs to restaurants.
Exuding a stunning contrast of natural and man-made diversity, the coast can be as scenic and serene, as it is fast-paced and bustling. It has a diverse and thriving dining scene, brimming with varying cuisines. At the southern tip of the strip, the relaxed beachside setting of Coolangatta is the Gold Coast’s go-to for casual dining. The sweeping views of Coolangatta Beach through to Surfers Paradise at one of Marine Parade’s eateries – are spectacular.
Bendigo Pall Mall: after a hard year for Central Victoria tourism – the Bendigo region is set to take off once more – thanks to Qantas’ plans to recommence flights from Sydney to Bendigo this month.
Just north, Burleigh Heads also presents a number of great causal dining options, speckled with the odd fine dining restaurant. Take a stroll along The Esplanade and Connor Street, where cafes, pubs and diners host most of the area’s dining trade. Broadbeach has one of the coast’s most on-trend dining scenes.
The main tourist centre, on Australia’s most famous coastline, Surfers Paradise has the biggest selection of the best dining and nightlife options in the region. The block made up by the Esplanade, Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Cavill Avenue hosts most of the area’s activity – with multicultural restaurants, seafood and steak houses, fast food chains, fine dining establishments, bars and nightclubs spilling into the streets.
Situated at Main Beach, Marina Mirage is considered the Gold Coast’s most upmarket dining precinct. Its waterfront boardwalk overlooks Broadwater’s floating marina and borders more than 90 designer boutiques and restaurants.
Surfers Paradise and Marina Mirage are the Coast’s premier shopping precincts.
Bendigo beckons
Whether you’re searching for a romantic getaway or a family holiday, you’ll find a picture-perfect tropical escape at Alamanda Palm Cove. Step out of your enormous suite and onto golden sands lined with overhanging palm trees, against the sweeping views of the Coral Sea.
Now that Qantas plans to recommence flights from Sydney to Bendigo this month, it will be a much-needed boost to once again connect regional Victoria’s arts and cultural centre Bendigo to Sydney.
Just in time for interstate travellers to plan their next Bendigo trip, the Bendigo Art Gallery has also announced availability of tickets for its new highly anticipated exhibition – Mary Quant – Fashion Revolutionary, kicking off on March 20, 2021 through to July 11, 2021.
To celebrate the recommencement of these flights – Bendigo’s leading accommodation venues have announced special offers of ‘Stay 3 Pay 2’ to welcome back guests that re valid from December 2020 to February 2021.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the global travel industry in 2020. While there has been a decrease in international tourism, optimism is now rife in the outlook for domestic travel in Australia. After all, hope springs eternal!
DETAILS BOX
Qantas Holidays
T: 13 70 66
W: www.qantas.com
Virgin Australia
T: 13 67 89
Explore the Bendigo Region
Bendigo Visitor Centre
Freecall: 1800 813 153
www.bendigoregion.com.au
