BridgeClimb, Sydney's Premium Outdoor Experience Launches Premium Online Experience

BridgeClimb are excited to announce the launch of a responsive version of bridgeclimb.com, taking users on a voyage from their desks to the top of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge through breathtaking images, inspiring video content and social interactions. 

The new website, with improved mobile and tablet performance, showcases the BridgeClimb experience, allowing users to scroll through the journey step-by-step: From arrival, to pre-climb preparation, to the Bridge's summit, and from Climb Leader stories, to Celebrity Spotting, to live social media platforms.

BridgeClimb CEO, Todd Coates, said, "Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge starts for the majority of climbers at bridgeclimb.com. With more than 1 million visitors to our web platforms each year, we recognise how important the web experience is as the first moment in a BridgeClimb journey.

“The all new bridgeclimb.com strives to inspire our customers to undertake the iconic voyage to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.  Climbers can quickly learn everything they need, be wowed by spectacular vistas and exciting presentations of the climbs and the Bridge, and purchase a ticket for a lifetime memory with ease and speed.”

The website also showcases hero and celebrity climbers and some of the unique and historical events, with the best views in Sydney, generated by BridgeClimb over 15 years.

BridgeClimb has recently been amplifying its digital offering across all fronts, with Facebook and Instagram all having grown in followers by more than 100% over the last 12 months.

BridgeClimb's Twitter and Instagram platforms have also been enjoying surges in followers led by popular influential climbers like fashion blogger Tuula Vintage, aka Jessica Stein and renowned skateboarder Tony Hawk, who generated an increase of more than 400 followers each overnight.

BridgeClimb offers a truly memorable experience, perfect for special occasions, family adventures, team building and corporate events. For more information, please visit www.bridgeclimb.com or call +61 (0) 2 8274 7777.

Record Tourism Growth for Whitsundays

After a number of challenging years, the Whitsunday region has re-emerged as a destination of choice for Australian travellers with the biggest growth of national visitors in all of Queensland, according to the latest National Visitor Survey.

Domestic visitors to the Whitsundays for the twelve months to March 31, 2014 have increased by 6.2 per cent – the highest growth rate for all Queensland regions.

Whitsundays Marketing and Development Limited (WMDL) Chief Executive Officer Danial Rochford said he was ecstatic to see such terrific results for the Whitsunday region.

“For the first time in a while, we have seen a strong growth in domestic visitors, visitor numbers and visitor expenditure for the Whitsundays which is just sensational,” Mr Rochford said.

“Visitor nights have increased by 4.4 per cent and visitor expenditure grew by 14.1 per cent equating to an additional $80 million dollars injected into our local economy over the past year,” Mr Rochford said.

WMDL Deputy Chairman and Chairman of WMDL's Tourism Advisory Group, Mr Jeff Aquilina said that this was a massive coup for the region.

“The results are phenomenal and I would like to pay tribute to WMDL and Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) for their hard work and commitment in promoting the Whitsunday region,” Mr Aquilina said.

“Under the leadership of CEO Danial Rochford, WMDL has focussed on working together in partnership with our local industry, the Queensland Government and the Whitsunday Regional Council,”

“Without doubt, the latest statistics, and the positive forward bookings and demand, are a direct result of this collaboration and I would like to congratulate everyone for their hard work,” Mr Aquilina concluded.

“These results also show that the region is on target to meet its 2020 goals of doubling visitor expenditure to $1.25 billion,” Mr Rochford said.

“Though these results are great, we still see room for significant growth beyond these figures and we are certainly focusing on driving new opportunities for the region,”

“Over the past eighteen months we have driven continuous activity in trade, digital, PR and marketing campaigns and without doubt this has contributed to the growth,”

“We are not going to stop marketing the Whitsundays and are already planning some of the boldest and most innovative marketing campaigns to raise the exposure of the region,” Mr Rochford said.

“These results are also a testament to the major injection of investment into our tourism industry,”

“In the last twelve months we have seen well over $100 Million dollars directly invested in projects such as the refurbishment of the One&Only Hayman Island, Beach Club on Hamilton Island, Airlie Beach Main Street, Abell Point Marina, the new Cruise Whitsundays terminal and the Port of Airlie,” Mr Rochford said.

“This is showing great investor confidence in our region and will only help the Whitsundays move to the next level,” Mr Rochford concluded.

In another positive sign for the future, Tigerair Australia is pleased with demand for its new Sydney – Whitsunday Coast Airport route which started operating in April 2014 and provides over 1000 additional visitor seats through Whitsunday Coast Airport every week.

They are seeing solid forward bookings, particularly through the current July and upcoming September school holiday periods.

“We've been thrilled with the support we've received locally for these new services and we're confident this new and only direct air service to the doorstep of the Whitsunday Coast will continue to be popular with Sydneysiders wanting to plan an Airlie Beach or island escape and also for local residents keen on a value airfare to Sydney,” said Matt Payne, Tigerair's Head of Commercial Performance.

Wotif Product Director at leading travel website Wotif.com Donna Rodios said that wotif.com is pleased to be partnering with WMDL on the current Perfect from Every Angle campaign, which is offering travellers great hotel and flight deals, as well as packages to the Whitsundays.

“The Whitsundays is a popular Queensland destination for travellers in summer, as well as in winter, with the tropical weather appealing to holidaymakers eager to relax on the beach, explore the Great Barrier Reef and make the most of the range of activities on offer,” Ms Rodios said.

“Aussie travellers love a winter beach getaway, with our winter survey revealing 72.5% of the 22,935 people surveyed prefer a hot beach holiday closer to home over a cold, snowy getaway. The Whitsundays ticks this box and it's why we are working with WMDL to ensure that Aussie travellers, especially from the southern states, get their fill of beautiful, pristine beaches this winter,” Ms Rodios concluded.

Warm Up This Winter by the Fireside

Gather your friends and family to discover the best winter indulgences in the capital region during this year's Fireside Festival.

Celebrating everything good about winter, this month-long Canberra region festival is all about curling up by a crackling fire with some hearty winter cuisine while enjoying a glass of fine local wine with friends. 

Make Canberra your destination to experience everything from degustation dinners celebrating local and seasonal produce to tastings of the region's best reds, as well as innovative and exciting performances, events and exhibitions.

Fireside Festival starts with the Fireside Truffle Weekend from 25-27 July with venues like Pod Food, Grazing and Poacher's Pantry showcasing the best of the region's truffles with inspiring dinners.

You can also celebrate the region's truffles with a deliciously rich and creamy brie-style cheese infused with truffles from French Black Truffles of Canberra matched to wine at Mount Majura Vineyard on 26 July.

Throughout August the celebrations continue with live music, winter horseback trail rides, assiette menus, tapas, launches of new season wines, 100 mile dinners, and some special accommodation packages. There's even fire twirling, art in the shearing shed, chocolate appreciation classes and so much more. 

Indulge in a Fireside Degustation at Pod Food with a seven or nine-course dinner available. Set among the beautiful established gardens of Pialligo Plantfarm and nestled in complete privacy in a quaint 1930s cottage, discover why Pod Food is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike.

Fireside Fondue at the Capital Wines Epicurean Centre is the perfect winter indulgence. Head to Capital Wines every Saturday and Sunday during August for a very wicked three cheese fondue with a delicious assortment of figs, muscatels, fresh veggies and bread for dipping.

Experience the beauty of Lake George and get some exercise at the same time by doing the Lake George Vineyards Walk throughout the Fireside Festival. Call in and see the staff at the Lerida Estate Cellar Door to pick up your map and some notes on the walk, and enjoy lunch at Café Lerida before or after the walk.

The Fireside Festival is presented by the members of The Poacher's Way. For festival event details, visit www.thepoachersway.com.au

Tourism Australia Targets China FIT Market With New Distribution Strategy

Tourism Australia is embarking upon a new 'high yield' distribution strategy in China, aimed at building an elite network of specialist travel agents, professionally trained to sell high quality Australian holiday packages to the country's rapidly growing middle classes.

Under the new model, Tourism Australia will work closely with a targeted group of travel agencies, each highly committed to developing new and innovative Australian tourism products for Chinese travellers.

Tourism Australia Managing Director, John O'Sullivan, said the move was closely aligned with its Tourism 2020 strategy and would encourage more affluent travellers from Australia's fastest growing and most valuable inbound visitor market to consider Australia as a holiday destination.

"We're starting to see a big shift away from lower yielding group travel to more free and independent travel," Mr O'Sullivan said.

“This is a lucrative market and one we're targeting through our marketing activities within China.

“The logical next step is to look at distribution, and how this too can be improved to better reach target these independent minded travellers," Mr O'Sullivan said.

Tourism Australia launched a major FIT tourism campaign in China in March, specifically targeting independent travellers by highlighting many of the country's unique and most distinctive holiday experiences.

Mr O'Sullivan said the vast majority of international travel out of China was still booked through travel agencies.

"Alongside the work we're already doing to increase flights and improve aviation access, we see an equally important role for travel agents to provide this new breed of independent Chinese traveller with the information and resources to build a much richer and higher quality holiday experience," he said.

Mr O'Sullivan said he was confident that the focus on higher spending Chinese visitors would be welcomed by the industry, who could expect to realise improved financial returns by investing in better quality tourism products and more 'China ready' experiences.

"Increases in independent travellers means more Australian tourism businesses are getting to welcome our Chinese visitors, as they go farther and experience more of our country," Mr O'Sullivan said.

As part of the new recruitment drive, Australia's national tourism organisation aims to sign up between 30 and 35 specialist agents in the first year - based primarily in the 'Tier 1' cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, plus a selection of 'Tier 2' cities, including  Nanjing, Hangzhou, Qingdao, Chengdu and Chongqing.

The new distribution strategy will be supported by increased advertising spending. New and innovative itineraries and programs, designed to meet the needs of Australia's target market in China, will also be developed and promoted by Tourism Australia, including through its China website, www.australia.cn

China is Australia's fastest growing and most valuable inbound tourism market, with more than 750,000 Chinese visitor arrivals spending more than $5 billion in the past 12 months.

Figures recently released by Tourism Australia suggest that annual spending by Chinese visitors to Australia could rise to A$13 billion by 2020.

Another International Accolade for Sydney

Sydney has been named the number one city in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific in Travel + Leisure's 2014 World's Best Awards 2014 in USA, beating nearest rivals Melbourne and Queenstown, New Zealand to take out the top spot.

In addition, Sydney dominated the City Hotels category in the Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific region, with the Park Hyatt, Intercontinental, Four Seasons Hotel and Shangri-La Hotel all named in the top five.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said she was delighted that Sydney has been recognised as the number one city by one of the world's most prestigious lifestyle magazines, Travel + Leisure.

“I am thrilled our beautiful Harbour City, Sydney has once again shined brighter than any other city in Australia and across our region,” Ms Chipchase said.

“It's little wonder Sydney is the number one city, with so much on offer for visitors from around the world, from our spectacular harbour setting, our many food and wine experiences, world class musical productions, festivals, sporting events and brilliant shopping,” she said.

The prestigious World's Best Awards 2014 are voted for by readers of Travel + Leisure and reflect the views of experienced visitors who travel the world.

Travel + Leisure is a premier travel and lifestyle magazine based in New York, with a global readership of 6.5 million. This year is the 19th annual Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards readers' survey.

The awards ceremony will be held in New York City on 24 July 2014.

Dirty Dancing - the Classic Story on Stage Returns to Sydney

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Major Events Andrew Stoner announced that the much-loved musical Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage, will return to Sydney in 2014.

“Securing the return of popular, long-running shows such as Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage, reinforces Sydney's position as Australia's live performance capital,” Mr Stoner said. 

“It is estimated that more than 43,000 intrastate, interstate and international visitors will come to see the musical over a three month season.

“That's great news for the NSW economy as the three month run is expected to generate up to $14 million in visitor expenditure.

“The return of this extraordinary live experience is a great reflection of Sydney's vibrant arts and culture industry. 

“Sydney has become renowned as the home of musicals and sought after Australian premieres, and we encourage people to make the most of the return of this stage favourite,” he said.

Based on the hit movie, Dirty Dancing, the stage adaptation was written by Eleanor Bergstein who also wrote the original screenplay and features music from the popular film soundtrack.

Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage, made its world premiere in Sydney in 2004, with subsequent productions playing to sell-out seasons in Germany and London's West End. 

This latest production is presented by acclaimed theatre producer and JC Williamson recipient, John Frost AM and will open at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in December 2014.

'Meet & Sleep' With a Twist at Mercure Sydney

Following the completion of the multi-million dollar revamp earlier this year, boasting an edgy new look, Mercure Sydney has launched the conferencing space with innovative event offerings, in keeping with the renaissance of the surrounding Sydney Central/Broadway precinct.

With top partnering suppliers including Cheeky Food Group, Best Buds Florist, BE Challenged, 3Minute Angels, Be Spoke Social, Sydney Brewery and De Bortoli Wines, giving an extra twist to events has never been easier.

From cooking and cocktail-making classes to massages and a lolly bar, there is a huge range of interactive activities available to cater to any conference requirements. In addition, unique event decoration ideas can also be specially tailored.

A 'Meet & Sleep' conference package is now available from $239 per person per day which includes overnight accommodation, Wifi and a full day conference package. All bookings must be made and secured before 30 November 2014. Terms and conditions apply.

Featuring eight event rooms in total, most with natural light, events up to 400 delegates can be hosted at Mercure Sydney. A fabulous outdoor entertaining balcony that comfortably stands 120 people is also available, which is ideal for luncheons and breakout facilities.

With all 517 accommodation rooms also part of the revamp completion, the relaxed yet contemporary approach featured in the rooms serves to be the perfect way to end off a full day of activities.

The flexibility and creativity of Mercure Sydney's conferencing facilities were on display in a recent events showcase which achieved strong positive reviews from the events organisers who attended.

To book your next event, contact 02-9217 6675 or email h2073-FB06@accor.com.

For more information on the package, visithttp://www.mercuresydney.com.au/hotel-conference-packages.html.

Australia's Gary Mehigan Talks to Indian Masterchef Vikas Khanna

Award-winning Michelin Starred Indian chef, restaurateur, and cookbook writer Vikas Khanna - who is also the host of TV show MasterChef India - visited Melbourne as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia's series six, currently showing on Channel 10.

Vikas sat down with Gary Mehigan, renowned chef, restaurateur and judge on MasterChef Australia, after filming wrapped for the day.

Gary probed Vikas on his impressions of his home town, Melbourne, and the city's rising reputation as a foodie destination. The two discussed Melbourne's rich, multi-cultural heritage, the availability of amazing produce and the appeal of the gourmet regions surrounding the city for Indian visitors.

“I think it's a fantastic city, it's so multi-cultural yet it has this calmness and history, very much like Europe,” said Vikas.

“People are so passionate about what they are selling or consuming. Guys are buying all this fresh produce, and they are already talking to each other about they are going to cook with it.”

Gary added, “As a consumer, I can buy some of the best food on the planet. I can go to Victoria Market or Prahran Market or Preston Market and I can buy anything I want from baby artichokes or carrots to slippery jack mushrooms.”

“Mornington Peninsula is only an hour away and you get all these beautiful artisan producers and little wineries like Ten Minutes by Tractor. You can go and pick cherries, pick strawberries, buy a bottle of wine, have lunch overlooking a vineyard, go for a swim – all in a couple of hours then drive back to Melbourne,” said Gary.

Melbourne's hidden gems and laneway culture was also referenced by Gary, “The city alleyways, holes in the wall, the little surprises that make the food culture feel like an almost underground experience.”

Vikas added that Melbourne's appeal is as much about the people as the experiences, “A city is not made of tall buildings and beautiful structures; it's the people. I find Melbourne very much like friendship; it's not one big thing, its millions of small things put together which makes the city so warm.”

“Australia gets more and more enriched day by day, which can only happen to a country that is extremely welcoming,” said Vikas.

The episode is due to go to air on Australian television on Monday 23 June and will air in India soon.

Destination NSW Company Profile Press Releases (443) Photos (336) Videos (1) Calendar Attachments (25) www.destinationnsw.com.au It's On! In NSW This Winter

A stellar line up of major events is taking place across NSW this winter, reinforcing the State's position as Australia's events capital, declared Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Andrew Stoner.

“NSW continues to present a bumper events calendar to drive visitation to Sydney and Regional NSW,” Mr Stoner said.

“Leading the charge of major events kicking off this winter is a super line-up of sporting highlights which includes the Foxtel A League All Starts taking on Italian football giants Juventus, and the Wallabies challenging the All Blacks for the Bledisloe Cup, both at Sydney's ANZ Stadium,” he said.

“Art enthusiasts will once again be drawn to the annual Archibald Prize Exhibition when it takes centre stage at the Art Gallery of NSW, and at the Lyric Theatre, Strictly Ballroom The Musical continues to dazzle audiences.

“In Regional NSW, Lismore's Opera at the Channon enters its 17th year and promises to bring a feast of food, wine and song. In the State's north, acclaimed chamber music ensembles and international soloists will perform at the Bangalow Music Festival, while in Coffs Harbour, the endless summer rolls on at the Australian Surf Festival,” he said.

Families are also being encouraged to use the winter school holidays as a chance to refresh and reconnect during a short break in Regional NSW, as part of a new tourism campaign.

“With so much on offer in NSW, there's no need for the 'winter blues' these school holidays. Winter is a fantastic time to take an affordable family holiday in Regional NSW, with plenty of kid friendly attractions and adventures waiting to be discovered,” Mr Stoner said.

“Families can search destinations, accommodation and attractions on visitnsw.com/schoolholidays to plan the ultimate winter getaway. The School Holiday pages highlight family favourites across the State including zoos and wildlife, kid friendly attractions and great family drives,” he said.

Destination NSW is also working in partnership with Tourism Snowy Mountains and the region's four alpine resorts, Charlotte's Pass, Perisher, Selwyn and Thredbo, to present the 'Go Snowhere Else' campaign, which makes planning and booking a snow holiday in NSW easier than ever before.

“The campaign delivers attractive two and five day ski hire packages for planning a family or first-time visit to the ski fields, with information on choosing the best resort for your needs, accommodation and après-skiing,” Mr Stoner said.

Listed below are some of the major events NSW will play host to across the winter months:

• Australian Badminton Open, Sydney, 24-29 June
• Opera at the Channon, Lismore, 27 July 
• Archibald Prize Exhibition, Sydney, 19 July to 28 September 
• Fireside Festival, the Poachers Way, 1-31 August 
• Australian Surf Festival, Coffs Harbour, 2-19 August 
• Foxtel A League All Stars vs Juventus, Sydney, 10 August 
• Bangalow Music Festival, 15-17 August 
• Bledisloe Cup, ANZ Stadium, Sydney, 16 August 
• Dungog Festival, 28-31 August 
• 2014 Sydney Motorsport Park Supercar Race Weekend, 22-24 August 
• Bingham Cup Sydney 2014, 24-31 August 
• Strictly Ballroom The Musical, Sydney (now playing).

For more information on visiting NSW, please see visitnsw.com  and Sydney.com

Pat Rafter Checks in Again as Mantra Ambassador

Following a successful three year partnership as Mantra Hotels Ambassador, much loved Australian sportsman Pat Rafter will again team up with the expanding Australian hotel group as it gets set to list on the Australian Securities Exchange.

The former world number one tennis player and current captain of the Australian Davis Cup team has signed on for a further two years with Mantra and will now be the public face of a $500 million listed company.

Rafter said he was looking forward to working with Mantra in its exciting growth phase:

“Mantra is a great young Australian brand and I'm really pleased to be working with them as they transition to a publicly listed company and all the opportunities this affords them.”

Kent Davidson, Mantra Group Executive Director of Sales, Marketing & Distribution said he was pleased to continue the relationship with Rafter whose profile has contributed much to the brand's recognition with guests.

“Pat clearly resonates with the Australian public as a respected and trusted figure and we have greatly benefited from our association with him.  He is well and truly part of the Mantra family and we love working with him.

“The further injection of capital resulting from our public listing will give us a great opportunity to realise our plans for expansion and Pat will be an integral part of that journey.”

During Rafter's tenure as brand Ambassador, Mantra's marketing has highlighted the dual network of both CBD and resort style accommodation choices.  Upcoming marketing campaigns will incorporate a focus on destinations and what is on offer in the cities and regions around Mantra hotel and resort locations.  The marketing campaign launched in conjunction with the announcement of Rafter's initial appointment saw a 30% spike in bookings with similar results occurring in subsequent campaigns over the past three years.

Mantra Resorts, Hotels and Apartments is Australia's fastest growing accommodation brand featuring over 50 properties in Australia and New Zealand, offering a choice of leisure and corporate style hotels, resorts and apartments. In the last 12 months Mantra has added four new properties to its portfolio in Brisbane, Melbourne, Wollongong and Broome and signed three future projects – two in Brisbane and one in Townsville.

Puka Park Renews With Nature in Mind

The success and delegates' enjoyment of any meeting or conference depends on the venue. Here is a New Zealand venue that has it all. The private location is dramatic, naturally pristine and close enough and accessible to Auckland, yet in a seaside location that seems a world away.

Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort, nestled in 25 acres of native bush, close to Pauanui Beach, is due to complete the refurbishment of its 48 chalets and public areas, to restore the tree house chalets to luxurious comfort level, with on trend fashion elements, fabrics, occasional furniture and accessories.

As delegates arrive they will immediately be embraced by the sense of tranquil peace surrounded by Coromandel forest and met by native birdsong. Checking in at the Lodge the delegates get a sense of the comfort and enjoyment from the facilities; the dining and social experiences; and the meeting spaces with the all important breakout rooms and team building opportunities on offer.

Finished with fabrics of natural flora designs and timber furniture feet, feature lamps and artwork frames, the ambiance is that of a mountain lodge.

The Chalet's new bathrooms are sleek and well fitted out, with extensive use of stone, luxurious showers and in some rooms large free standing baths.  These chalets amongst the trees are something to see and experience.

The draw of the wood fire in the main lounge will continue to be a feature whilst the addition of a fireplace in the restaurant will add to the overall dining experience. For groups the private dining area within the restaurant, lined by wall-mounted wine racks, will provide an intimate space for group dining.

Mixing eclectic visual art forms of digital graphics and traditional original artwork, delegates will be visually stimulated, and soothed at the same time, enveloped in comfort and warm service.

For delegates wanting down time, the outdoor solar heated swimming pool and spa offers hydrotherapy, whilst the gym and tennis courts encourage cardio activity. Mountain Bikes allow a chance to explore the local scenery, walking trails and visit the beach. There is an international Golf Course and excellent fishing close by too, for those with time to enjoy.

Puka Park Resort offers specially designed conference packages, unique dining and professional services for conference bookers. Ideally suited for small to medium meetings, conference organisers who request a proposal for an event at this natural New Zealand venue will be given the opportunity to experience the venue first hand with a hosted weekend away. Contact Martina Fiedler or Nick Simmons on 07 864 8088 or email sales@pukapark.co.nz

Top 5 Reasons to Escape to the Whitsundays This Winter

If you prefer to escape the cold and holiday somewhere hot, then ditch the winter blues and pack for the sunny Whitsundays. When it comes to choosing whether to freeze or fry over winter, Aussies love a hot

getaway, with 72.5% preferring to head to a hot destination, according to a winter survey by leading travel website Wotif.com.

Here are the top 5 reasons to pack your swimmers this winter and explore the Whitsundays.

1. Soak up the Vitamin D: In the recent Wotif.com survey, 34.8% of holidaymakers revealed going to the beach was their top hot activity in winter, followed by 29.2% favouring to explore new cultures, 24.7% relaxing by the pool, 9.3% drinking cold cocktails. You can escape the cold winter days and swap them for 22 degree days relaxing on the beaches at the Whitsundays. It's the perfect weather to go on a GoDo Whitehaven Beach sailing adventure with time to relax and roll out your beach towel on the powdery, white sand.

2. Swap hot chocolates for tropical cocktails: Relax on Hamilton Island and re-live your summer with refreshing cocktails by the pool or at one of the bars. The Hamilton Island Reef View Hotel has a range of refreshing cocktails on offer at the poolside Reef Terrace Restaurant. You can finish the evening with stunning sunset views sipping on a strawberry and orange 'Summer Love' cocktail at One Tree Hill, the Island's hill-top lookout.

3. Indulge and get pampered: Relax at Airlie Beach's Pinnacles Resort & Spaand get pampered with Endota's weekday June spa special. After your pampering, relax on the private verandah with views over the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands.

4. See the underwater world: With the water temperature rarely dropping below 23 degrees, it's just the right temperature to get up close with tropical fish and colourful coral species snorkelling or scuba diving along the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Did you know you can even spend the night out under the stars of the Reef?

5. Spot a whale: From July to October, whales are a common sight frolicking among the Whitsunday Islands and even occasionally out on the Great Barrier Reef. Those out on the water, the islands, or even just sitting in a café by the beach are regularly indulged by excited young calves and their mothers breaching out of the water, playing with boats and each other, and majestically gliding through the waters of the Whitsundays.

Escape to the Whitsundays this winter, visit www.wotif.com/whitsundays for flights, accommodation and packages.

Mercure Australia Launches New Hotel Lobby Concept in Brisbane

The Accor group's leading midscale hotel brand Mercure has commenced the roll out of its new interactive lobby concept in Australia, launching its first new-look reception space at the Mercure Brisbane this month.

 
The Mercure in Brisbane is the first in Australia to implement the new concept, originally piloted at the Mercure Tower Bridge in London in April 2013. 

Coming just a few months after Mercure Brisbane's multimillion dollar room refurbishment, the latest reveal for the hotel is striking with modernistic pops of pink and sophisticated new furniture and finishes for a fresh sense of arrival at the popular riverside hotel. 

A key feature for the new space is a free-form host pod in place of a traditional front desk that allows for a more seamless interplay between associates and guests. 

Mercure Brisbane General Manager Mark Wilkinson said feedback to the lobby design has been overwhelming, with guests and staff alike enjoying the interactive approach facilitated by the new environment. 

“We look at the lobby like a global space where you can check in, enjoy a free coffee, read or catch up online, and even meet with friends and colleagues in a casual and comfortable space,” said Mr Wilkinson. “It's a much more modern and appealing area for everyone. We've had positive feedback already from guests enjoying the more natural, side by side approach of conversing with our team members, without the barrier of a traditional bench in between.” 

Instead of using bulky desktop computers to check guests in, Mercure Brisbane staff now navigates the lobby space — which also includes more casual lounge areas to encourage interaction — with tablets. The lobby lounge area now also boasts a Nespresso coffee machine for guests to self serve coffee as they wish, a new reading area with magazine's brochures and ipads, refreshed mac corner with three computers for guests plus a refreshed concierge desk equipped with storage, direct lift access, and convenient wide corridor for immediate entrance to the hotel's conference rooms. 

Reflecting the brand's values of commitment, curiosity, authenticity, and offering an uncompromising quality guarantee, the Mercure lobby concept was inspired as part of the brand's overall repositioning, coinciding with Mercure's 40th anniversary last year, touching on everything from design to development.

Mercure's lobby concept, as well as other design changes such as upgrades to Mercure room designs, will continue to roll out across Australia over the next three to four years. 

Spicers Retreats Introduces Australia's Most Luxurious Four-Day Walking Experience

Explore some of the most beautiful scenery in Australia with Spicers Retreats' brand new luxurious four-day walking experience across the Scenic Rim region of South East Queensland.

The four-day eco-walk will allow guests to enjoy a privileged and exclusive way to engage with Australia's natural heritage - including stunning mountains, ridges, escarpments, forests and ancient volcanic plateaus set in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range and surrounded by World Heritage listed national parks.

Set amongst 30,000 hectares of parkland, consisting of state forests and national parks, combined with large portions of private land including Spicers Peak Station and a 2,800 hectare nature reserve, the Scenic Rim Trail is a truly unique adventure. Walkers will witness some of Australia's most spectacular views and the unique wildlife and plants only found in this region; including various types of Wallabies, abundant birdlife, native mammals and the even the occasional Koala. The experienced Spicers field guides will also take them on a journey through the stories, rituals and history of the traditional indigenous landowners.   

The exceptional accommodation for guests embarking on this unique walk includes Spicers Canopy and Spicers Peak Lodge. Spicers Canopy consists of 10 Luxury Safari Tents, a main lodge with open fire place, a well-stocked library, central dining area, first class food and wine and dedicated hosts to take care of their every need. The final night of the trail includes a night at Spicers Peak Lodge, Australia's highest non-alpine lodge which includes a dedicated day spa, generous lodge suites, heated infinity pool and spa, and the hatted Peak Restaurant that serves a locally sourced degustation menu, guaranteed to deliver guests a culinary taste sensation.

Jude Turner, co-founder of Spicers Retreats explains: “We've created this walk to be able to give our guests a deeper look at the area, its landscapes and its history.

“What makes this walk unique is that a large portion of the trail is actually on private Nature Refuge or National Park only accessible through private land; making this trail one of the least frequented, previously only touched by early pioneers.

“The Scenic Rim Trail showcases a truly stunning collection of mountain panoramas, escarpments, forests and ancient volcanic plateaus by day and the Spicers special brand of relaxed luxury by night. We are thrilled to share this special part of the world with our guests from June 2014”. 

The Spicers Scenic Rim Trail in detail:

Day One - Mt Mitchell Plateau

(13kms – 6.5 hours)

Starting with a 5km walk on the graded walking track to the twin peaks of Mount Mitchell, this walk takes in breathtaking views and concludes with an easy descent into Spicers Peak Station, arriving at Spicers Canopy late afternoon in time for a gourmet dinner matched with award winning local wines.

Day Two – River Loop

(6.5kms – 4 hours)

Day two presents a relaxing half day hike through Millar Vale and Oaky creeks, which is believed to have been the original route for indigenous traders passing through from the Great Dividing Range from Inland Australia to the coast. This day will start and finish at Spicers Canopy with the afternoon including free time for mountain biking, or a local food and wine masterclass.

Day Three - Spicers Peak Exploration

(10kms – 6 hours)

The most challenging but the most rewarding day of the trip – a 10km ascending trail which includes panoramic views of Spicers Gap and various types of terrain including giant ferns and 1000 year old Hoop Pines. A final ridge crossing and push to the summit will bring you out at the magnificent Spicers Peak Lodge for an evening of well deserved pampering and exceptional food and wine.

Day Four - Spicers Peak Lodge

An early morning walk to Ryan's lookout is an offer for those who still have energy to spare. For those less inclined, they can relax in the library with a book, participate in a game of tennis, indulge in a spa treatment at the in-house Spa Anise or take an optional helicopter joy flight over Main Range National Park.

The three night / four-day Scenic Rim Trail is available for groups of 10 walkers leaving every Saturday during the season, prices start from $1899 per person, twin share and is all inclusive. For more information, including maps and booking details, please visit: http://www.scenicrimtrail.com/

Interest Brewing Around Canberra's Newest Microbrewery

The launch of BentSpoke Brewing Co. signals not just the launch of Canberra's newest microbrewery and taphouse, but also another milestone in the transformation of inner-city suburb Braddon.

Once home to a jumble of car yards and specialist shops, Braddon has undergone a transformation to re-emerge as the city's dining hot spot. The arrival of Bentspoke Brewing Co. adds to the exciting talent and ambitious new dining ventures moving into the area.

One of Australia's most respected and awarded brewers, and co-owner of Bentspoke Brewing Co, Richard Watkins has already produced a variety of brews with names such as the Barley Griffin, Mort's Gold and Braddon Bitter, paying homage to Canberra identities and landmarks.

“We've only just started to break in the brewery,” Mr Watkins said. “Eventually we will boast 18 different varieties of beer and cider all brewed on premises, including cask conditioned real ales, lagers, seasonal one off batches, and barrel aged Belgian styles.”

Hand crushed cider is another speciality of Bentspoke, closely supervised by co-owner Tracy Margrain.

“We're delighted with how our first cider has turned out. It was crushed locally in Pialligo from Batlow apples,” Ms Margrain said. “With both our beers and ciders we're delighted to be bringing a new artisan experience to this already vibrant neighbourhood.”

Beers will be available to purchase both over the bar and to take-away in custom-made two-litre flasks, called “Travellers”. While the ability to take home fresh, high quality draught beer is a concept relatively new to Canberra, the owners expect it to quickly gain popularity.  

With the brewery on full-display patrons can watch the head brewer hard at work on the next batch as you sample the latest brew. Brewery tours, brewer talks, tasting paddles, and 'meet-the-producer' dinners are in the planning as the brewery ramps up production.

“Just like our range of beers and ciders, the BentSpoke space will constantly evolve,” Mr Watkins said. “We hope you'll find a little something new every time you visit – whether that's a new brew, a custom-made tasting paddle, or a secret addition to our mural wall.”

BentSpoke Brewing Co. is located just around the corner from the popular Lonsdale Street, home to exciting dining ventures like Italian and Sons, Autloyse, Elk & Pea, Lonsdale Street Roasters, Eightysix and more.

Among the eclectic mix of offerings in this trendy inner city suburb, including a vegan bakery, a cocktail bar, and an eclectic mix of homeware stores, vintage op shops, pop up art, hairdressing salons and fashion boutiques, Canberra's newest microbrewery is in good company.

Ayers Rock Resort Launches Weekend Sundown Sessions

Ayers Rock Resort is offering yet another reason to escape to the spiritual heart of Australia with a series of Weekend Sundown Sessions every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 26 June until 11 October 2014, offering free entertainment that will make a weekend in the Red Centre even more special.

Free to all guests staying at the Resort, Weekend Sundown Sessions will be held at the Resort's Amphitheatre, where guests can kick back, relax and enjoy the entertainment. A pop-up food stall, offering a selection of casual meals will add to the relaxed outdoor ambiance.

On Thursday nights, guests can grab a mug of hot chocolate for a moonlight cinema experience under the sparkling outback night sky. The selection will celebrate some of Australia's most iconic full length movies and Indigenous short films, such as Australia, Rabbit Proof Fence, The Sapphires and many more.      

Friday and Saturday nights feature live music sessions with Indigenous singer/songwriter Warren H Williams, a three-time ARIA nominee and Golden Guitar winner. Warren has released nine albums and played with the likes of the late Dr Jimmy Little, Greg Champion, Troy Cassar-Daley, Johnny Chester, Pixie Jenkins and Ted Egan. Warren recently played at the Resort's Tjungu Festival and was a great crowd favourite.

“With many guests coming to Ayers Rock Resort to escape their fast-paced city lifestyles for a weekend, the Weekend Sundown Sessions add yet another element to a weekend of relaxation and escape,” said Ray Stone, Voyages Executive General Manager Sales Marketing and Distribution.

Getting to the Resort has never been easier, from 28 June 2014, Jetstar's service from Sydney to Uluru will change to a daily service and commencing 29 June Jetstar will introduce a new four times per week service from Melbourne Tullamarine to Ayers Rock Airport (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday).

For more information, visit www.ayersrockresort/events or call 1300 134 044.

Ayers Rock Resort Announce Astronomer-in-Residence Program

Ayers Rock Resort, in partnership with the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for All-sky Astrophysics (CAASTRO), are delighted to announce a new Astronomer-in-Residence program commencing Saturday 7 June through to Friday 7 November, 2014.

Free to all guests staying at Ayers Rock Resort, a series of Astronomy information sessions will be held at the Resort's Town Square between 12:30pm and 2:30pm every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The resident Astronomer will entertain and engage guests in discussions about the stars, planets, cosmos, galaxy and the Big Bang theory.

The Astronomer-in-Residence will also engage with the existing on-site Star Talk Team to impart knowledge and enhance existing guest experiences for activities including Sounds of Silence, Tali Wiru and Outback Sky Journeys so that guests will benefit long after the program is complete.

“We are delighted to announce our new Astronomer-in-Residence program which will further enhance the guest experience at the Resort by enlightening those already familiar with astronomy or those new to studying the wonder of the cosmos,” said Ray Stone, Voyages Executive General Manager Sales Marketing and Distribution.

“The spiritual heart of Australia also offers one of the best vantage points in the world to explore the galaxy with its low humidity and minimal light pollution - ideal conditions for Astronomy enthusiasts. We encourage all our guests to come along and meet with our Resort's resident Astronomer,” said Ray.

Ayers Rock Resort will also hold an Uluru Astronomy Weekend, in partnership with CAASTRO from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 August 2014, hosted by popular scientific personality Dr Karl Kruszelnicki.

“These two programs present an excellent opportunity for junior and senior Astronomers in CAASTRO to engage with the public and share their knowledge – while, at the same time, enjoy the incredibly clear skies and superb visibility of the night sky themselves.” said Professor Steven Tingay, the leader of CAASTRO Education & Outreach.

Event highlights include “Stellar Sounds of Silence,” a bush tucker inspired dining experience with a special tour of the outback night sky with Dr Karl, as well as an interactive lunchfor astronomy enthusiasts “Panel Predictions” which provides a platform to ask all those burning questions, and a glamorousStudio 54 inspired Galaxy Star Ball.

For more information, visit www.ayersrockresort/events or call 1300 134 044.