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One of the world’s last cultural frontiers
Melbourne based Sharna Crosbie recently visited the untouched paradise of PNG. Sharna spent time in Port Moresby and recommends visits to the Botanic Gardens, Bomana War cemetery or perhaps partake in a short one or two day trek along the famed Kokoda Trail. Upon leaving Port Moresby, Sharna travelled by private aircraft over some of the most remote areas in the world between Mt Hagen & Karawari. The Karawari area is located south of the Sepik River and is home to alluvial floodplains laced with narrow waterways. Sharna suggests a three night stay at Karawari Lodge to visit these remote villages and to learn of the interesting history of head-hunting as well as their current customs & culture. Sharna says “I was surprised by the openness and enthusiasm of these friendly people to share their customs and heritage with their visitors”.
A visit to the Southern Highlands was another highlight. Here you can base yourself at the comfortable Ambua Lodge, which offers guests breathtaking views of the Tari Valley and tours to visit the colourful Huli Wigme, spectacular waterfalls, and incredible birdlife. PNG also offers fabulous coastal resorts and diving opportunities. The city of Madang has been voted one the prettiest towns in the South Pacific and we can certainly arrange accommodation & touring in this region for your clients.
Travelling as a single woman, Sharna says she felt a little trepidation about PNG as a destination, however she found the standard of accommodation and security at the lodges and excellent assistance of local guides made her feel totally safe and secure at all times. “I was amazed by the diversity of culture and beauty to be uncovered here! PNG really is a hidden treasure!”
May – November is a great time to visit PNG with dry season in the highlands. The Mt Hagen festival which takes place in August is wonderful event offering colourful sing sings and celebrations - advance booking is required to secure tickets for 2011 festivals and a limited number of places are available, making this celebration a truly rare and exclusive travel opportunity that our travel specialists are thrilled to be able to assist you with.
Third in the Arts Series Hotel collection opens in Melbourne
This month has seen opening of the third property within the Arts Series Hotels of Melbourne. The first - The Cullen opened in October 2009, followed by The Olsen in March this year and now joined by just recently on 16 August, The Blackman.
Based on the works of Australian artist Charles Blackman, the 209 room boutique hotel is located on Melbourne's St Kilda road, just a tram-hop from Melbourne CBD and even closer to the thrill of Toorak Road and Chapel Street shopping and dining indulgence. Built within and above the historic Airlie Mansion, with an edgy, boutique interior each room features interiors specifically designed to compliment and showcase the stunning art of Charles Blackman, one of Australia’s most celebrated artists.
The three properties each have their own personalities, tied to those of each artist and his works. While all three are super contemporary, The Cullen is much more off-the-wall, funky and exuberant in nature. It’s location is right in the centre of the action of Prahrans’ night club and shopping precinct and would suit the young, adventurous and open minded. The Olsen is more gentrified, contemporary and luxurious with a prominent position on Chapel Street, lap pool overhanging Chapel Street and stunning vistas of the Melbourne skyline.
The rooms and suites here are larger and fine dining of Toorak Road is a short stroll away. All three properties offer Smart Car hire for their guests, with a number of vehicles kept on site. Long recognised as the environmentally friendly alternative, these little runabouts are city savvy and will get you around town to the galleries, cafes and iconic laneways that are Melbourne. The Smart Cars are available for hire by the hour, the day or a week.
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