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Chateau Yering – Home of luxury hospitality and fine dining
In the heart of Victoria’s wine region of the Yarra Valley lies Chateau Yering, a gracious five star boutique hotel elegantly decorated with period fittings throughout, offering guests a luxury stay with fine dining.
Recently their signature restaurant ‘Eleonore’s was named the ‘National Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year’ as voted by Australia’s most coveted Australian restaurant awards – the ‘Savour Australia Restaurant & Catering HOSTPLUS Awards for Excellence’. Their Head Chef Mathew Macartney prepares exquisite meals using only the freshest local produce accompanied by outstanding Yarra Valley wines from their historic cellar, built in 1840.
Their apprentice chef Colin Wilson has also just won ‘Apprentice of the Year’ and with that accolade had the amazing opportunity to meet with the Queen!
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NEW: Sydney Opera House Tour & Chef's Plate
Begin your journey by exploring underneath the sails with a spectacular Sydney Opera House Tour, taking you inside one of the world’s greatest performance venues. You will see inside the theatres, discover the stories, history and magic of the House and learn of how architect Jorn Utzon’s heritage-listed masterpiece came to life.
You can also decide when to take your Opera Kitchen three-tier gourmet tasting plate, before or after your tour as lunch or return for dinner at dusk or a late supper. There’s nothing more to do than sit back at Sydney’s newest dining spot and indulge in famous oysters, mini wagyu Burgers or dumplings and soak in the Sydney Harbour views.
Opera Kitchen is home to Sydney’s best chefs, food artisans and producers that will tantalise your tastebuds and leave you spoilt for choice. The perfect way to experience one of the world’s most stunning icons and Sydney’s newest dining destination.
Saffire wins Architecture and Travel Accolades
World Architecture News, a website for the global architectural community, has awarded Saffire Freycinet on Tasmania’s east coast as winner of the Hotel of the Year 2011.
The stunning design of this luxury coastal sanctuary by Circa Architecture impressed the judges for capturing the essence of the unique region.
Saffire also recently won a coveted Australian Gourmet Traveller Magazine Travel Award for 'Best New Hotel, Resort or Lodge 2011'. Saffire came runner-up in the 'Best Hotel or Resort Dining 2011' category as well.
“That show stopping view across Great Oyster Bay to the granite hulk of the Hazards and beyond is enough to arouse wanderlust in the most sensible of souls. Dream location aside, Saffire’s other strong qualities are its size – just 20 luxurious suites among the peppermint gums - and sweeping architecture.” - Australian Gourmet Traveller Magazine.
Also in Tasmania – MONA, Museum of Old and New Art was awarded Standout Australian Travel Experience -
“Hobart millionaire David Walsh, iconoclastic owner of the Museum of Old and New Art, successfully dazzles and defies the conventions of gallery going with his fantastic new museum on the fringe of the Tasmanian capital. The Fender Katsalidis-designed fortress of rusted steel fused onto primitive sandstone feels like a metaphor for Walsh’s eclectic private art collection (reputedly the nation’s largest) that marries ancient artefacts with bracingly modern installations. So keenly awaited and so feverishly hyped, since opening in January MONA has proved itself to be that rare commodity among Australian attractions = an instant success, an international drawcard and a growing source of national pride.” - Australian Gourmet Traveller Magazine.
Swim with Great White Sharks
Where in the world can you swim with Great White Sharks in just one day? Port Lincoln in South Australia is a little known town providing access to some of Australia’s most incredible sea life.
Experience the chance to see the legendary Great White Shark in its natural habitat. Take a day on the water to visit Shark Bay at the Neptune Islands in South Australia, home of the world’s largest predatory fish! On the way see the spectacular scenery as you cruise through the Thorny Passage and expect sightings of dolphins and local Sea Birds. When the Sharks arrive you can choose to take a splash and get into the cage to actually swim with these endangered species. This is the only berly (baiting or chumming) free Eco friendly Great White Shark Cage Diving Experience in Australia. Sharks are attracted to a unique sonar signal rather than the more gruesome method of baiting. This way you will observe the naturally curious creature in a calm state rather than in an agitated and aggressive state.
Port Lincoln is serviced by 25 flights daily from Adelaide making it easy to connect through to major cities in one day. Other sea creature experiences in the region include swimming with the mighty tuna, gentle dolphins and playful sea lions.
Touring with a twist 60’s style
Introducing one of our most unique guides - Richard Graham. Richard is many things – inspirational tour guide, entrepreneur and Sydney local – but most importantly, it’s his passion for his home town that’ll make your day in Sydney unlike any other.
With a passion for cars and especially early model Holdens, Richard transports his guests in a beautifully restored and air-conditioned 1964 EH Holden Premier – an iconic model that was also Australia’s most popular car in its day. In this vehicle you are invited to be a part of Australian culture and become a local for a day. The truly authentic experience is polished with first class service and your personal Sydney local guide.
This very exclusive and off the beaten path touring option caters for no more than three guests at a time. During a day out with Richard you’ll take in Sydney inner city suburbs and cafe lifestyle, locals’ favourite scenic waterfront walks, a harbourside bush walk, fantastic views of Sydney and her icons, lunch in a fine dining restaurant and a private two-hour cruise on the Hawkesbury River. Morning tea, afternoon tea, lunch and cheese and drinks to conclude the day are included in this personalised experience.
Three, four, five and ten hour options are also available.
Coconut Grove, Port Douglas
A heavenly retreat awaits in the heart of Port Douglas at Coconut Grove – Tropical North Queensland’s newest and most impressive interpretation of luxurious Port Douglas accommodation. Only 3 years old, these 5 star, fully self- contained and truly glamorous apartments are the perfect fit for guests seeking a contemporary accommodation experience second to none. Roof top and level one apartments boast their own swimming pool and spa while the size and layout of the Balcony Apartment are perfect for enjoying all that the Tropical North has to offer. The modern, chic finish of these apartments combined with unrivalled facilities and services will leave no guests’ expectations unmet.
The property is just minutes walk away from some of the best dining experiences that Port Douglas has to offer.
Additional services available on request include personal nanny, personal chef and inhouse massage therapy. The property works closely with Port Douglas catering offering delivery of breakfast packs and meals and can offer a fully stocked pantry on request.
Papua New Guinea Festivals
If your clients are thinking about travelling to Papua New Guinea, then right now is the time to consider incorporating one of the amazing cultural shows that take place throughout the year.
The Tumbuna Sing-sing - May
Tumbuna is the Tok Pisin (the lingua franca of Papua New Guinea) word for ancestors. "Taim Bilong Tumbuna" refers to the time before the white-man came, being the ways of the ancestors.
The Wahgi Cultural Show - June
The Wahgi Show is held in the village of Nondugl - a village where time has stood still. Situated half way down the Wahgi Valley, Nondugl is a village where people still live a subsistence lifestyle, growing their own food and going about their daily lives, much as they have for thousands of years. The Wahgi Cultural Show gives an in-depth perspective into life in the Wahgi Valley, showcasing sing-sing groups mainly from the local area. It is a chance to really experience how the people of the Wahgi Valley live, both in daily life and in times of great celebration.
The Mount Hagen Cultural Show - August
The most famous cultural show in Papua New Guinea, The Mount Hagen Cultural Show, is held in August. The Mount Hagen Show brings together sing-sing groups from all over the country in an amazing conglomeration of colour, beauty and culture.
Goroka Show - September
Held in September every year, the Goroka Show is famous for its dazzling array of sing-sing groups, showcasing some of the many cultures of Papua New Guinea - the Goroka Cultural Show is an event not to be missed.
The Morobe Show – October
The Morobe Show is the oldest festival in Papua New Guinea. Essentially staged to showcase technological improvements in the regions agricultural industry, it is one of Papua New Guinea's largest events drawing crowds of over 30 000 annually.
The Alotau Canoe & Kundu Festival Tour - November
The War Canoe & Kundu Festival is a small and friendly cultural show, allowing attendees to interact with the performers. It celebrates the culture and tradition of War Canoes and inherited Kundu drums.
There are still places available on fully escorted scheduled and private departures for the above events, please contact our Australian office for further details.
Oprah's Ultimate Australian Adventure
Oprah Winfrey and 302 of her audience members travel Down Under for "Oprah's Ultimate Australian Adventure," a four-part television event. Oprah first surprised the audience members with the trip during the "Oprah" show 25th season premiere.
Inspired by Oprah's journey, Akorn has designed a trip to take your clients to the same destinations as Oprah. Oprah began her Australian adventure with a bang as she landed on Hamilton Island and has a close encounter with a pair of frisky koalas. She loved the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef and hosted a beautiful beach barbeque with celebrity chef Curtis Stone. Oprah then travelled to Uluru where she experienced the spiritual heart of Australia and an unforgettable dinner under the stars with local Aboriginal people. Oprah also faced a crowd of 10,000 in Melbourne's Federation Square. Nearly 500 feet above the Sydney Harbor, Oprah and her audience made their way to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb to attempt an all-new world record attempt. Plus, the fleet set sail for a once in a lifetime regatta with Oprah's first mate, Russell Crowe!
Experience an itinerary that traces Oprah's footsteps in Sydney, Melbourne and Hamilton Island and spend two nights on Kangaroo Island, considered Australia's Galapagos. Image copyright 2010 Harpo Productions – photographer George Burns
> Click here to view the full itinerary
International Beach Polo Festival for Broome
The unique Kimberley region of north west Australia is set to host Australia’s first international beach polo festival in Broome from May 8 to May 15 2011. The competition is expected to attract polo players and tourists from around the world. The cornerstone of the festival is Paspaley Beach Polo, Australia’s first and only beach polo event, which was launched at Broome’s iconic Cable Beach in May this year as a one-day, one match event. Next year, the event will be elevated to a genuine sporting league with teams competing in a round robin qualification competition to secure one of four places in the finals which will be held on the weekend of May 14 and 15. The festival’s beach action will conclude with an international test match between Australia and a visiting country. Pinctada Cable Beach, named Australia’s Best Resort Style Accommodation at this year’s AHA National Awards for Excellence, will again be the official hotel for the tournament hosting players and a variety of polo-themed functions. Cable Beach is one of just five exotic locations around the world to host beach polo, along with Miami in the USA, Poole in the UK, Dubai in the UAE and Goa in India. To stay at Pinctada Cable Beach or visit during the festival, contact Akorn.
NEW: Rotten Point House – Great Ocean Road
Enjoy isolation and privacy at the magnificent Rotten Point House on an untouched cliff top over-looking Johanna Beach and adjacent to the Cape Otway National Park. This architecturally designed house with stunning views over the Southern Ocean to Moonlight Head is located between Victoria’s Apollo Bay and the 12 Apostles situated on 100 acres of native bushland adjoining the Great Otway National Park. Sleeping up to eight people in four bedrooms and two spacious bathrooms, a family or group of friends can enjoy the floor to ceiling windows providing ever changing views from each room. The kitchen is fully equipped for cooking up a feast. Or you have the option of a private in-house chef on request to create incredible meals from fresh local produce. In house massages and guided activities can also be arranged. Guided walks based at Rotten Point House are available in 3, 4 and 6 days duration. During your stay you’ll walk through tall forests, along remote beaches, atop towering sea cliffs and alongside pristine estuaries. The diversity of native habitat provides home for a fascinating range of Australian native animals to spot along the way.
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