What's New in Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

Revitalise on the Reef

Sunrise yoga on Sudbury Cay, drift snorkelling over giant clams at Lizard Island, and learning about traditional Aboriginal healing at Cooktown, are all included in the seven-night ‘Revitalise on the Reef’ wellness voyages with Coral Expeditions. Departing Cairns in September 2021, the Outer Great Barrier Reef expeditions are curated by wellness expert Kris Abbey, who will join guests on-board for one-on-one consultations.

www.coralexpeditions.com/au/destinations/great-barrier-reef/revitalise-on-the-reef/

Social butterfly invites guests

Affectionately referred to as the Crystalbrook Collection’s social butterfly, the five-star hotel Flynn is taking bookings ahead of its March 31 opening. Situated opposite the Cairns Esplanade boardwalk, Flynn features two glass pools overlooking the Coral Sea, 311 stylish rooms and suites, three levels of restaurants and bars, the Eléme Day Spa, a 24-hour gym, and meeting spaces for up to 120 people. The hotel’s ground-level restaurant, Boardwalk Social, is already proving a hit, cementing its place as the stomping ground for locals and tourists alike.

https://www.crystalbrookcollection.com/flynn

Centre for Indigenous art

First Nations art will feature prominently at Bulmba-ja, the new name for the Cairns Centre of Contemporary Arts, following its $5.9 million refurbishment. Meaning ‘house’ to the Yirrganydji and Yidinji peoples, Bulmba-ja incorporates a Yarning Circle and Elder’s lounge along with a unique integrated LED facade to display digital artworks. Home to JUTE Theatre Company and NorthSite Contemporary Arts (formerly KickArts), Bulmba-ja now includes Miriki Performing Arts and The Pryce Centre for Culture and Arts.

http://arts.qld.gov.au/centre-of-contemporary-arts-cairns/

Feast on exotic fruit

An expanded rare and tropical fruits display and a food trail taking in the Cassowary Coast’s best food producers are part of the Feast of the Senses festival on March 26-19. Celebrity chef Jo Whitton from Quirky Cooking will show her skills at the Australian Bananas River Feast in Innisfail on March 29, the market day featuring food vendors, local producers, art, artisan products, music and entertainment.

https://www.feastofthesenses.com.au/

Chill out in Port Douglas

Relax on a penthouse terrace with views of the Daintree rainforest at the newly refurbished Saltwater Luxury Apartments. The inviting outdoor couches and sun lounges are perfect for chilling out at the end of the day with a drink, or curling up with a book. Located in the heart of Port Douglas, and just a short stroll to the beach and the marina, the fully self-contained apartments have one, two and three-bedroom options.

https://saltwaterportdouglas.com.au/

Paddock to plate dining

Good cooking and great eating start with excellent farming and that’s just what you can expect at CC’s Bar and Grill at Bailey, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort in Cairns. Chef Matthew Larter, whose passion for beef has taken him around the world, serves Crystalbrook Signature Beef reared just 180km west of Cairns. He is part of a culinary trio including British-born chef Tyrone Hunt, who has a background in fresh seafood, and Mark Sinclair, who boasts an impressive professional pedigree in fine-wines and first-class hospitality.

https://crystalbrookcollection.com/bailey/food-and-drink/ccs-bar-and-grill

Ned Kelly Series on show

Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly Series will be on display at Cairns Art Gallery from March 6 to June 14 as part of a national tour of the Australian masterpieces. Cairns is the only Queensland venue hosting the 1940s paintings from the National Gallery of Australia Collection.

https://www.cairnsartgallery.com.au/

Day & night citizen science

The first Great Barrier Reef day and night citizen science program, aligned with the Australian school curriculum, has been launched by Sunlover Reef Cruises. The Marine Biologist for a Day + Astronomer for a Night program involves a daytime guided snorkel safari, and night-time camping in deluxe swags on the Moore Reef Marine Base to study the stars.

https://www.sunlover.com.au/pages/marine-biologist-for-a-day-astronomer-for-a-night

Discover public art in Cairns

Cairns Regional Council has launched a Cairns Arts & Culture Map showing where to see public art on display, including paintings in the Cairns Courthouse, light projections in the city, and Indigenous prints etched into the glass of the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

https://www.cairnsartsandculturemap.com.au/

Silkari rebrands Oaks Lagoons

Oaks Lagoons Port Douglas has been rebranded to Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas. The 176-room property, boasting one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including spa, swim-out and plunge pool rooms, is on Port Douglas Rd, a short stroll to Four Mile Beach.

https://www.visionary.com.au/blog/article/silkari-hotels-to-add-a-second-property-to-their-portfolio

First nursery for outer reef

The Great Barrier Reef’s first outer reef coral nursery has been established on a high-value reef by the Reef Restoration Foundation volunteers who successfully pioneered an offshore coral nursery at Fitzroy Island. The not-for-profit organisation partnered with Seastar Cruises to develop the nursery, near their Hastings Reef mooring.

https://reefrestorationfoundation.org/pages/media-releases

Indigenous stockmen recognised

The Indigenous Stock Workers display has opened at the Normanton Visitor Information Centre, recognising the Indigenous men and women who opened their land to agriculture and provided loyal service as stock workers. Funded through the Year of Outback Tourism Events Program, the display highlights the cattle industry in Normanton.

http://www.carpentaria.qld.gov.au

Aquarium by Night launches

Watch the underwater and coastal worlds come to life after dark at Aquarium by Night, a guided Cairns Aquarium experience giving a glimpse into the behaviour of the region’s nocturnal creatures. Corals glow, predators hunt and reptiles emerge from their burrows. Complete your evening at the Aquarium’s Dundee’s Restaurant for a dining experience with a sea life backdrop.

https://www.cairnsaquarium.com.au

A cultural perspective on climate change

Climate change is the theme for the 11th Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) on July 8-12, which will show a First Peoples’ point of view on how the local environment has changed. A showcase of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, CIAF features ethically sourced art, markets, music, dance, fashion, food, crafts, theatre and workshops.

https://ciaf.com.au/news/climate-change-inspire-artistic-response-showcased-2020-art-fair

Traveloscopy | 

Accor appoints new Director of Communications

Accor, Australia’s largest hotel operator with a network of over 380 hotels and apartments, has appointed Claire Haigh as its new Director of Communications for the Pacific region.

For the past five years, Haigh was Global Communications Director for Pernod Ricard’s Winemaking division and their portfolio of champagnes, spirits and wines in Australia and New Zealand.

Between 2008 and 2013 Haigh was Head of Communications for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants in the UK, and prior to that drove creative communications, strategic brand partnerships and external affairs for AB InBev, Coca-Cola and Oakley.

In her new role, Haigh will lead communications for Accor Pacific’s award-winning apartment, hotel and resorts portfolio which includes Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Mercure, Mantra, Peppers, Art Series, Swissotel and ibis, and premium membership platform Accor Vacation Club, across Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia and Fiji.

Haigh will also direct communications for Accor’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, and the group’s newly launched global lifestyle loyalty programme, Accor Live Limitless www.all.accor.com, where members enjoy access to the brand's whole suite of hotels, spas, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, as well as “money can't buy” entertainment, wellness and sport experiences.

Haigh commented, “There has never been a better time to join Accor and it is a fantastic feeling to come into a thriving and dynamic business.

“Accor are leading the future of tourism and hospitality, they have a phenomenal portfolio, and they are playing an active role in giving back to the planet and community via its Planet 21 programme, the Accor Community Fund, and Inclusion and Diversity initiatives.

“I look forward to collaborating with the teams across the business to deliver outstanding work, and I will be focused on growing brand value and visibility to support growth."

"Claire’s passion and expertise for how communications can drive business results and fit within an integrated proposition made her the ideal appointment," said Simon McGrath, Chief Operating Officer for Accor Pacific.

Accor is a major sponsor of the Australian Open and the official accommodation partner of the NRL.

Traveloscopy | 

Captain Cook's ‘Hot August Night’ Music Cruise back for 2020

Captain Cook Cruises spectacular, "Hot August Night" Music Cruise, on-board paddlewheeler PS Murray Princess is back for its third year in 2020 for one departure only, on Friday August 21, 2020.

Over three nights guests will be taken on an intimate journey into the music of Neil Diamond through entertainer and storyteller, Dave Freeman. Experience the Neil Diamond voice, Neil Diamond story and amazing Neil Diamond show.

Enjoy a welcome three-course dinner and dance to the live tunes of keyboard artist, Paul Gill. On Saturday night get ready for a show to remember when Dave performs his "OMG Neil Diamond Sounds Like Me" show including storytelling, songs, dancing and music from Neil Diamond's famous Hot August Night Album.

On the final evening, dance the night away as Dave and Paul provide live entertainment, singing all-time favourite songs during the Captain's Seafood Buffet Dinner and Dance.

By day, the Murray Princess will travel along the Murray River between Walker Flat and Murray Bridge visiting historic towns and attractions along the way.

In Mannum join the Captain for a walk along the riverbank to the Mannum Dock Museum (entry is an additional cost of $5 per person) or simply take a walk around town.

At Murray Bridge explore the township and take a tour of the historic Round House or wildlife lovers can spend a morning visiting Monarto Zoo. See many of the Zoo's inhabitants including Giraffe, Eland, Zebra, White Rhinoceros, Cheetah, Lions, Hyena and Wild Dogs on a private Monarto Zoo Wildlife Tour (additional costs apply).

At Salt Bush Flat learn about the thriving ecology of the river and its flora and fauna on a guided nature walk, while at River View Lodge get up close to the river, its 20-million-year-old cliffs and amazing birdlife including darters, herons and egrets on the 'Dragon-Fly' Flat Bottomed Boat vessel.

Onboard the Murray Princess join the Captain for a general inspection of the wheelhouse, participate in a lively music quiz with Paul Gill, or play some bocce on the riverbank with Dave Freeman.

Enjoy the ever-changing Murray River scenery from the open-top deck. Relax in comfort in the paddlewheel lounges and watch the paddlewheel turn while admiring the rivers natural beauty including the magnificent towering limestone cliffs and riverbanks lined with mallee scrub, willows and red gum forests.

Be treated to a fine selection of food and wine in the ship's elegant dining room and bar. Start each morning with a hearty hot buffet breakfast and indulge in a two-course or buffet lunch each day. As night falls watch the sun set and enjoy a delicious cocktail before savouring a three-course meal or buffet dinner.

The three-night "Hot August Night" Music Cruise departs Mannum at 4.30pm on Friday August 21, 2020, and Early Booking Saver fares start from $931 per person twin share.

Fares include accommodation, all meals, guided nature walks, eco-excursions, onboard presentations, onboard WiFi, the Captain's Dinner and Cocktail Party, the "OMG Neil Diamond Sounds Like Me" Show, entertainment by Dave Freeman and Paul Gill, use of ship's facilities including a sun deck, bar, two lounges, dining room and a mini gymnasium.

Complimentary scenic coach transfers from Adelaide, or secure car-parking in and Mannum post cruise coach transfers to Adelaide are also included.

Private car transfers for up to four people are also available from and to Adelaide CBD to Mannum and return to Adelaide Airport for $150 per person each way, based on two people travelling.

For further information visit www.murrayprincess.com.au

Share the Love to Show the Love #LoveNSW

NSW's Tourism Recovery Campaign With Heart

The recovery of NSW's tourism industry from the effects of drought and bushfires is in everyone's hands with Destination NSW today launching its new marketing campaign, Now's The Time To Love NSW.

A rally cry to stay 'local', buy 'local' and post photos and videos of our favourite places with the hashtag #LoveNSW, the social media-led marketing campaign will utilise user-generated content to encourage Australians to get away and give back.

Getting involved is simple; visit our charming country towns and vibrant cities, enjoy our many natural wonders, and post imagery of the experience on social media framed by hands in the shape of a love heart.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said that the new campaign was focused on reminding travellers about all the amazing experiences on offer in Australia's number one holiday destination.

“The prolonged drought and unprecedented bushfires have broken our hearts and had a devastating impact on thousands of operators in our beautiful state,” Minister Ayres said.

“That's why now's the time to love NSW – we need to show the world that our many spectacular sights and experiences are in great shape, and they're welcoming visitors right now,” Ayres said.

Joining the #LoveNSW movement is easy:

1. Take a #RecoveryWeekend in NSW
2. Capture a photo in an iconic and inspiring NSW location, framed by your hands in a heart shape
3. Share the photo on social media with the hashtag #LoveNSW

For more info check out www.visitnsw.com/love-nsw

Traveloscopy | 

The new 20s: Intrepid predicts travel trends for the decade ahead

Climate change and friendships key themes

At the launch of the new Lonely Planet and Intrepid trips, the small group adventure company revealed their predictions for how travel will evolve in the new 20s - in what they describe as the decade for the planet and bringing people together.

Australians urged to holiday at home to boost bushfire recovery

AUSTRALIANS are being encouraged to throw their support behind Australia’s tourism industry in the wake of the devastating bushfires by holidaying in their own backyard.

Tourism Australia’s Holiday Here This Year campaign launched today taps into the overwhelming goodwill and support for local communities impacted by the recent bushfires, by urging Australians to plan, book and take a domestic holiday and share their experiences with friends and online.

Supported through a $20 million government funding boost, the campaign forms part of a coordinated marketing push involving all states and territories that provides a unified platform to galvanise the tourism industry and Australians.

Tourism Australia Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison, said that the Holiday Here This Year campaign would help spread the important message that Australian tourism was open for business and ready and eager to welcome visitors.

“There is no doubt that Australian tourism has been hit hard by the recent bushfires. It’s critical that we help the industry get back on its feet as soon as possible,” Ms Harrison said.

“The desire from ordinary Australians to assist the communities impacted both directly and indirectly by the bushfires has been overwhelming. This campaign seeks to show them how they can directly support the recovery by simply holidaying here in Australia.

“We are currently in the middle of the peak summer period and we’re already seeing an impact on tourism as people delay or cancel their travel plans, including to areas that haven’t been directly affected.

“That is why we are asking people to commit to holidaying in their own backyard this year - whether it’s a drive up the coast, taking a trip interstate, or ticking off a bucket list destination - and to spread the word that Australia is ready to welcome more travellers.

“Holiday Here This Year is a practical way that Australians can help bushfire affected communities by filling hotel rooms, restaurants, caravan parks, beaches and more.

“The launch of the campaign is the first of a package of measures that we’ll be rolling out over the coming weeks and months to help Australian tourism rebuild and recover.”

The Holiday Here This Year campaign will be rolled out across print, social media, billboards across major cities, content partnerships, radio and outdoor advertising, with Australians being encouraged to demonstrate their support using the hashtag #holidayherethisyear.

Tourism Australia will be making it easier than ever for consumers and industry partners to find the resources and inspiration needed to plan and book a holiday in Australia and help out affected communities in the process thanks to additional information and resources at www.australia.com/holidayhere.

This will also include practical tools for industry to use in their own marketing initiatives.

A summary of some of Australia’s most popular destinations for international travellers, and whether they have been impacted by the current bushfires or are safe to visit, can be found at https://www.australia.com/en/travel-alerts.html.

SWISS to serve new Daxing International Airport with its Beijing flights

SWISS will be switching its services between Zurich and Beijing to the Chinese capital's new Beijing Daxing International Airport in March. The move will also provide more attractive departure and arrival times for travellers on the route.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is to switch its Zurich-Beijing services from the present Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to the new Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). The change will be made with the start of the 2020 summer schedules at the end of March.

The move will offer travellers more attractive timetables on the route. The eastbound service will leave Zurich late in the afternoon and arrive in Beijing just after 09:00 on the following day. The westbound flight will depart from Beijing at 11:00 and arrive in Zurich at 15:35 on the same day.

SWISS serves Beijing daily in summer and five times weekly in winter. The route is operated using Airbus A330 equipment.

The new Beijing Daxing International Airport, which was designed by top architect Zaha Hadid, opened last autumn and is in the south of the city. The new facility meets all the requirements of an airport today, and is ideally linked into the public transport network. The airport is set to become one of the world's busiest by 2025.