Drive the reef road
Stopping to enjoy the sights along the Great Barrier Reef Drive has become easier with the installation of more than 143 road signs featuring images of swaying palm trees.
Hugging the coastline in Tropical North Queensland, it is one of Australia's most picturesque roads, where rainforest-clad mountains descend to long stretches of deserted beaches.
Starting in Cairns, the drive culminates at Cape Tribulation, where two World Heritage areas sit side by side - the Wet Tropics rainforests of Daintree National Park and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
The 140-kilometre drive can easily be done in a day, but a five-day itinerary allows visitors to more fully explore the beaches, villages, rainforest, unique wildlife and Indigenous culture of Tropical North Queensland, as well as the colourful corals and marine life of the reef.
Pan Pacific savings
Save 25 per cent when booking a club room or suite at a range of Pan Pacific Hotels Group properties around the world, including all Australian Pan Pacific and Parkroyal hotels.
The deal includes daily breakfast, refreshments and evening cocktails, exclusive lounge access, as well as 3pm late check-out, and is valid for bookings until October 31 and for stays until March 31.
A key inclusion is Club-Lounge access with daily breakfast, refreshments throughout the day and evening cocktails.
Adventure on city's doorstep
Overseas visitors have long been enjoying the world-class experiences on offer in the NSW Blue Mountains but Sydneysiders remain largely unaware of what's on offer on their doorstep.
The Blue Mountains Adventure Company reports steadily growing international inquiries for its day adventure activities, ranging from introductory experiences for people wanting to try rock-climbing or abseiling for the first time, right through to advanced outings in all disciplines including canyoning, yet local business remains stagnant.
As well as the widely known Claustral Canyon, the company offers experiences in the lesser-known canyons such as Wollangambe, Serendipity, and Yileen, and employs a world-class guiding team with a strong focus on safety, the customer experience and environmental conservation.
Prices start at $185 per person to join a group departure.
Phone (02) 4782 1271 for more details.
Thai boating festival
The spirit and energy of boat racing returns to Thailand with the second annual King's Cup Elephant Boat Race and River Festival taking place by the banks of the Chao Phraya River from February 28 to March 1 next year.
Included in the line-up will be last year's winners, the Royal Thai Navy Seals.
Boats are specially commissioned and decorated with artistic elephant heads and tails inspired by traditional Thai fish motifs.
On land, spectators will be treated to three days of entertainment including concerts, arts and crafts, fun-fair attractions and a wide selection of delicious food and beverages.
A significant portion of ticket sales will be donated to elephant-related projects throughout Thailand.
Songs in the South
Iconic Australian singer-songwriter Paul Kelly will join Chimu Adventures on an Antarctic small-ship expedition cruise in March 2021.
Kelly will be travelling with Chimu on its 21-day Songs in the South voyage aboard the Ocean Endeavour to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. During the voyage, Kelly will perform three times amid the ethereal scenery of the world's final frontier - landscapes where the fragility of the planet can be seen in all its rawness, and where rich history abounds.
Explore South America
In April 2022, Latitude 33 will host its Venture to Peru and the Amazon journey, beginning with a seven-day tour of Peru, staying in some of the country's most stunning hotels in Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Guests then embark on a 22-night cruise along the Amazon and onto the Atlantic on board Seabourn Venture, a new expedition ship.
The adventure begins in Lima, with a night at the luxurious Belmond Miraflores Park, where Latitude 33 guests will be treated to a welcome dinner at the hotel's renowned Tragaluz Restaurant.
The next phase of the adventure begins with a flight to Iquitos to embark the 132-suite Seabourn Venture, which will explore the full length of the Amazon, and sail across the Atlantic to Cape Verde.
Prices start from $31,999 per person twin-share, including return economy-class airfares from Australia.
Phone 1300 636 848 for more information.
