Top travel destination deals

30 January 2023

Start the conversation

By Rama Gaind.

Halong Bay, Vietnam.

If you are looking to tick off some destinations on your bucket list, then here are some travel options – for domestic and overseas – with some top deals that are on offer.

First, there’s The Whitsundays – then Vietnam.

Sail through the 74-island wonders and take a tour to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, kayak to secluded beaches or take it up a notch and zoom around on a jet ski or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and rub fins with the local marine life. Why not? You have the choice to do so.

There are some amazing deals on tours and accommodation on sale until 31 March. Everything is covered from palm-fringed island resorts, luxury five-star hotels, quiet self-contained holiday homes and apartments, exclusive resorts, action-packed holiday parks and unique backpacker accommodation.

Affectionately known as The Heart of the Great Barrier Reef, The Whitsundays, offer a broad array of experiences and lodging. If that’s not your style there is even accommodation floating on the water with bareboating and overnight crewed sailing experiences.

Some of these deals include; breakfast rate special for three nights at Hamilton Island – Reef View Hotel. Stay longer and save at the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort. Alternatively, go with the troppo deal where you get to stay for three nights and pay for two at the BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort.

Hanoi, Vietnam.

Opt for a Cruise Whitsundays Ultimate Whitsundays experience that has the Great Barrier Reef Adventure and Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach Half Day from $375pp. If you go for Ocean Rafting Fly & Raft package, choose either the Northern Exposure or Southern Lights tour to pair with a scenic flight from $439pp.

The Red Cat Adventures – Purrrfect 3 Day Trip – includes Falls to Paradise, Tongarra and Thundercat tours from $489pp. SeaLink Whitsundays has the book-now-and-save option for the Big Island Day Tour for $199pp.

Multicultural Festival

The 2023 National Multicultural Festival returns to Canberra after a Covid hiatus from 17-19 February.

The 25th anniversary of this much-loved community-led event will expand to Glebe Park for three days of performances, culture, entertainment, food and community spirit. With several stages, roaming performers, cooking demonstrations and streets filled with succulent food, there’s something for everyone.

The festival – a kaleidoscope of colours, sights, sounds and tastes – brings together more than 170 unique nationalities that are a part of the community today.

Vietnam highlights

If an overseas destination is your preference, then experience the best of Vietnam in style with an 11-day Qantas Tours package. This includes a visit Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Halong Bay and Hanoi from 30 May-7 November 2023.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort.

Delicious food, friendly locals, dramatic landscapes and rich culture: Vietnam has it all. Discover this incredible country for yourself in style with this 11-day small group five-star package.

Land in the economic and cultural capital of Ho Chi Minh City and uncover its distinguished history, vibrant energy and blend of ancient temples and modern skyscrapers. Head outside the metropolis to learn about the country’s wartime history at the Cu Chi Tunnels on a half-day tour before heading to the ancient trading port of Hoi An, which you’ll have time to explore at leisure.

It’s then onto the French-colonial capital city Hanoi, an intriguing blend of east and west. Marvel at its beautiful Old Quarter on a walking tour before driving through emerald rice paddy fields to the coast for an overnight cruise of breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay and then return to Hanoi to relax or take up an optional tour.

The tour includes: