Australasia

Oceania announces savings of up to 60% on winter cruises
Oceania Cruises is offering up to 60% off winter 2009/10 cruises, with a lead-in price of just £1799 for a 21 night sailing from Australia to Thailand, including up to 60% saving, free pre-paid gratuities and a single occupancy supplement of just 25% (all prices exclude flights).

Western Australia enjoys eco-tourism boom
With more than 12,000 km of pristine coastline and so many unique natural landscapes and ecosystems, it’s no wonder that many tourism operators are introducing sustainable principles to ensure Western Australia’s (WA) precious assets are protected.

AJ Hackett Bungy scores ‘Golden Backpack’ award
Queenstown’s AJ Hackett Bungy has won a coveted ‘golden backpack’ after being voted Best Tour/Activity in New Zealand. The Golden Backpack Awards, run by leading backpacker publisher TNT Magazine, are Australia and New Zealand’s only dedicated awards for the independent travel sector.

Biosphere Expeditions announces first Australian project
Biosphere Expeditions – the award winning, non profit making conservation specialist which is celebrating its tenth anniversary, has announced its first ever project in Australia. It is on one of the world’s most strikingly beautiful stretches of coastline, 130km south of Broome in Western Australia, and will survey the iconic flatback turtles.
Lily Allen to make cameo appearance on Neighbours this week
Britain’s very own Lilly Allen will be making a cameo appearance on Neighbours on Tuesday 10 November, following in the footsteps of Aussie talent such as Kylie and Jason and Bouncer the dog.

Golfing kids play free at Millbrook resort
Queenstown’s five-star Millbrook resort is investing in the future of young golfers throughout New Zealand by introducing a new golf programme this summer.
Air Pacific launch new route between Hong Kong and Fiji
On December 3 Air Pacific will launch their new twice weekly Boeing 767 service between Hong Kong and Fiji which is sure to boost UK visitor numbers to the South Pacific Islands.

Iconic New Zealand hotel launches exclusive package
One of New Zealand’s most iconic hotels has launched an exclusive package for visitors seeking a luxury getaway amidst Queenstown’s stunning scenery and world-class attractions.
Jetsetting Beckham boys are flying high
As Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz Beckham continue to lead the kiddy jetset, ebookers.com, one of Europe’s leading online travel agents, today reveals that four out of five (81%) British children under the age of three have been on at least three holidays outside of the UK since birth.

A new era for luxury travel in Australia
The much-anticipated Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Australia’s first luxury conservation-based resort and Emirates Hotels & Resorts’ first development outside Dubai, welcomed its first guests today.
Iconic Uluru to get new sunrise viewing platform
A brand new viewing platform will be unveiled at Uluru (Ayers Rock) on 8th October, allowing visitors to the sacred site in Australia’s Red Centre gain a whole new perspective of the iconic rock.
Cooking schools and gourmet retreats in South Australia
South Australia (southaustralia.com) is a gourmand’s dream offering an abundance of first class eateries, food and wine trails, markets bustling with fresh local produce and numerous cooking schools offering the opportunity of being tutored by top Australian chefs, a few of which are highlighted here.

Embark on your own rock star tour
The rock-star on tour: astonishing locations, the best hotels, wild nights, broken strings and hearts, and great music. For many, the celebrity road-trip is a dream, but with Flight Centre’s Round The World Experts, it’s a reality.
The Gap Year challenge is on
The Gap Year is back! This year the ground breaking reality TV show will follow five lucky Bebo users on an unforgettable journey to the adventure capital of the world - New Zealand.
10 reasons to visit Samoa
Samoa is located in the heart of Polynesia and is often referred to as 'The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific'. The Samoan islands offer lush green rugged landscapes, deserted beaches, pristine turquoise waters and a fascinating culture to explore.