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dreaming...
May 22 Issue 077
10 What an amazing country we live in, I am
constantly astounded by the beauty that
we have at our own front door!
I am writing this from Darwin Airport
after spending a weekend off the grid in
the Northern Territory.
I have been the guest of Outback Spirit at
their Seven Spirit Bay Wilderness lodge in
Arnhem Land. It’s located on the shores of
Coral Bay on the Cobourg Peninsula at the
very top of Australia.
The lodge offers a range of experiences
and adventures for guests to really become
immersed in the land. Activities run in the
morning and afternoon allowing time in
between to soak up the serenity by the
pool and enjoy delicious meals.
Go fishing to try and catch a Barramundi
or out on 4WD safari to discover pristine
From the beaches or local animals such as Buffalo
and Bentang, birds galore and if you’re
Contents 16 Publisher lucky a crocodile. We spotted a huge one
swimming into the beach. What a monster a
crocodile is. It was an amazing experience.
Jenny Piper May I encourage you readers to get out
4 Destination spotlight and explore not just our own country but
Discover where in the world you should visit the world. I hope you will be inspired by this
next issue to start spreading your wings again.
6 For foodies
Discover Melbourne through these fantastic
food tours
7 In the news
Catch up on the latest travel and cruise news
10 The Mediterranean's hidden gems
Anastasia Prikhodko uncovers some of the
hidden gems in the sparkling waters of the
18
Med
16 Take four
Shred New Zealand's lesser known ski fields
18 Cruise a different river
Myles Stedman explores river cruising EDITORIAL PRODUCTION AND EDITORIAL EXECUTIVE Suite 1, Level 2, 64 Talavera Rd
Publisher – Jenny Piper Anna Piper Macquarie Park NSW 2113 Australia
outside of Europe anna.piper@traveldaily.com.au Tel: 1300 799 220 (+61 2 8007 6760)
Contributors – Myles Stedman, Bruce
22 Ports of call Piper, Adam Bishop, Anastasia Prikhodko
DESIGN Travel & Cruise Weekly is part of the
Business Publishing Group family of
Explore some of the ports of call on a cruise ADVERTISING AND MARKETING Sarah Beyer
publications.
sarah.beyer@traveldaily.com.au
through the South Pacific Sean Harrigan
www.travelandcruiseweekly.com.au
advertising@cruiseweekly.com.au
26 Weekly Specials
Don't miss the latest travel deals!
©Viking Cruises
2 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 3
Vava'u, Tonga
Have you ever dreamt of swimming with humpback whales? In Tonga
you can! Vava'u is paradise for nature lovers, with clear blue waters
teeming with tropical fish, coral, and even the majestic humpback
whale. Visit from June to October to spot, and swim alongside, the
whales as they stop off in Vava'u on their migration north.
4 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 5
6 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 7
In the
News
For foodies
Tour with your tastebuds Virgin expands
flying in Western Australia
was in high demand, with
Virgin’s adults-only
Resilient Lady will cruise out
While they may not have Sydney Harbour to and nine wine tastings. The food is chosen with 737 MAX 8 the added capacity using
more efficient planes would
of Melbourne for the 2023/24
season, operating trans-
crow about, Melbournites can arguably take specifically to match the wine and if you’re Virgin Australia is on track also help improve Virgin Tasman cruises after making
line honours when it comes to the tastiest concerned about the waistline, there is a to return to 100% of its Australia’s carbon footprint. her way Down Under on a
food culture. There are plenty of tours 15-minute walk between each restaurant. pre-pandemic capacity by Hrdlicka said the fleet 44-night voyage from Athens
that will show you around the best cafes, next month, with CEO Jayne update was part of an overall to Sydney.
restaurants and bars on offer, here are just a Hrdlicka announcing the strategy towards achieving Branson said the local
couple to get your noshing started. addition of four new Boeing the targeted 33% domestic deployment was an exciting
Visitors can get a true taste of Melbourne’s 737 MAX 8 aircraft. market share as well as milestone for the brand.
dumplings scene with Walk Melbourne, where The new planes will enter the continuation of Virgin “Australia has a very
foodies will tour Chinatown and explore the service from February next Australia’s journey to Net special place in my heart and
area’s most renowned eateries. Between year, and form part of a Zero emissions by 2050. we can’t wait for Australians
bites, travellers can also learn about the broader growth strategy for and New Zealanders to
history of Chinese immigrants in the city
and how they’ve created their own distinct
the carrier which will see its
overall 737 fleet increase to a
Resilient Lady meet our Resilient Lady and
experience all that she has to
“Melbourne-Chinese” cuisine. Walks include
four venues to taste four very different styles
total of 88 planes. to cruise Oz offer in true Virgin style”.
A mix of itineraries will
The fleet revamp will also
of dumplings, expert commentary and the see the retirement of Virgin’s Cruise lines continue to put range from two to 14 nights,
chance to try the city’s hottest chilli sauce. F100 aircraft, to be replaced their faith in the Australian with the ship offering more
For a more upscale experience, why not by Boeing 737-700s. market, with Sir Richard than 20 restaurants and
check out Hidden Secret Tours’ Progressive Hrdlicka said the airline’s Branson’s Virgin Voyages the “festival-style entertainment”.
Degustation Walk, a three-hour feast across resources sector and contract latest company to commit to Bookings are open now,
a trio of venues to sample multiple meals operating in local waters. with savings of up to 30%.
Images ©Visit Victoria
8 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 9
The Mediterranean
encompasses so much. There’s
the Levant in the east, the
European countries in the
north, and the Northern African
countries in the southern part
of the Mediterranean Sea. The
largest of the Mediterranean
countries such as France, Italy,
Spain, Croatia and Greece
traditionally have held the title
of most popular. But in the last
few years the likes of Cyprus,
Slovenia and Albania have been
experiencing impressive growth.
Cyprus
The island of Cyprus, divided
into a Greek southern side and a
Turkish northern side, has been
getting recognition for its pristine
beaches as well as for its history.
Paphos, located in the southwest,
is a designated UNESCO Heritage
site which features Roman
mosaics, discovered in 1942 by Opposite page: The Rock of Aphrodite, Cyprus
The
British soldiers digging an air Top: The Tomb of the Kings, Cyprus
raid shelter, along with the Pafos Bottom: Troodos ©Sun Island Tours
Odeon theatre which lies in the
tourist area of Kato Pafos.
Mediterranean’s
Another region worth noting is
Akamas Peninsula, home to Baths
of Aphrodite which contains a
natural pool and shower, Akamas
Nature Trails, Blue Lagoon and
hidden gems
Lara Beach.
Positioned nearly 2,000 metres
above sea level, Troodos is the
largest mountain range in Cyprus.
The island also includes a range
of museums such as the Painter
Frangoulides museum, the Folk
The Mediterranean is a huge area, much larger Art Museum and Arsos Icon
than the crystal clear seas of Greece and Italy that Champer.
we usually think of when this region is mentioned. When visiting the island nation,
make sure you visit these must-
ANASTASIA PRIKHODKO uncovers some of the see sights:
hidden gems in these sparkling waters. • Kykkos Monastery, believed
to have a portrait of the
Virgin Mary painted by St
10 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 11
in Zalec,
“
perhaps
a dream
come true
for some,
travellers
will find a
fountain that
provides
Lasko Brewery, Slovenia different
varieties of
Luke the Evangelist mountains and lakes. The Ljubljana known as beer
”
• Kourion, an ancient destination also has a the “City of Literature”
Greek archaeological thriving brewery, literature since December 2015,
site that overlooks the and food scene. when it was awarded the
Mediterranean In Zalec, perhaps a title by UNESCO, is big on
• Ayia Napa & Protaras, dream come true for recognising and celebrating
beachside towns with a some, travellers will find Slovenia’s cultural heritage.
multitude of restaurants a fountain that provides Bookworms should take note
and some of the most different varieties of beer. of the Slovene Book Fair
beautiful beaches Parched visitors are invited held in November, along with
• Limassol Castle, where to pour themselves their the annual World Book Day
Richard the Lionheart choice of beer for an on 23 April. Ljubljana also with Austrian dishes such
stopped on his way to instant refreshment. Other hosts book gatherings such as klobasa (a type of
the Crusades breweries worth noting as the Library Under the sausage), and breaded and
• Tombs of the Kings; include Thirsty River Brewing Treetops, where travellers pastry items such as borek.
and the Paphos in Bovec, which is also a can read, create, and Top: Hungarian influences are also
Archaeological site. small 14-person hostel; socialise. The event provides Ljublana, evident including goulash,
Slovenia
and HumanFish Brewery free reading and book paprika chicken, beef stew,
Slovenia in Vrhnika, which offers a browsing underneath the Bottom: and palacinke, which are
Zalec pancakes filled with nuts
tasting tour of various ales canopies of trees. beer
including pale ale, stout Slovenia’s neighbouring fountain, or jam and topped with
Bordering with Italy,
and India pale ale, along countries have contributed Slovenia chocolate. Italy has also left
Austria, Croatia and Hungary
with seasonal beers such as significantly to its cuisine, its mark with Italian pastas,
is Slovenia, traditionally
German doppelbock, Belgian including the typically gnocchi and risotto all part of
known for its beautiful
white and Irish red ale. heavy German food, along the Slovene diet.
12 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 13
Albania
as restaurants, beach huts, which is where the “Alps” Clockwise
cafes, and even museums. of Albania form. This is one from top
right:
In Albania's capital, of the most isolated places
Albania, on southeastern Tirana, two bunkers were in Albania, offering access View over
Europe’s Balkan Peninsula, is transformed into a museum. to pristine landscape along
Albanian
a small country with Adriatic mountains.
Bunk’Art is a history with a rich history of the
and Ionian coastlines and a museum and contemporary highlands that has remained Bunk'Art 2
staggering rural landscape. art gallery and features uninfluenced by outsiders.
served as
the interior
Across the nation travellers rooms staged as they would Travellers will find a small Ministry's
will find concrete bunkers have been in Hoxha’s time. local community that offers atomic
which were built during the The old bunker theatre homestay accommodation.
shelter.
communist government is also used for concerts, Nearby is also the expansive The
of Enver Hoxha from the lectures, and other events. Lake Koman, where a ferry
mountains
are a great
1960s to the 1980s. By 1983 About a 20-minute drive service can be caught to the place for
around 173,371 concrete away is Bunk’Art 2 which Valbona valley, the heart of hiking.
bunkers were constructed served as the Interior the Albanian Alps. One of the Lake
across the country. However Ministry’s atomic shelter. In most popular hikes or walks Koman,
now, with not much use for Northern Albania, travellers is Theth to Valbona, covering Albania
them, several creatives have ©Colin
will find the valleys of 17km and takes roughly six to Skidmore
given the objects new lives Valbona, Theth and Vermosh, eight hours.
14 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 15
Take Four Craigieburn Valley
Ski Area
While Queenstown in New Zealand is clearly a magical place, it
should be noted that The Land of the Long White Cloud has plenty Located just over 100km from
Christchurch, this ski playground
more ski attractions dotted throughout the country to woo tourists. is better suited to skiers of more
advanced abilities. The ski club
features a vertical range of between
Cardrona 1308 metres and 1811 metres, 400
hectares of skiable area and three
If heading to New Zealand with the family, fast rope tows. The area also has two
this all-rounder resort with a healthy mix of accommodation lodges, the main
beginner, moderate and expert slopes is a Koroheke lodge, which has six-bed
safe bet. Located on the South Island around dorm rooms, as well as Matuhi, which
50 minutes’ drive from Queenstown and three has private rooms. The site, less visited
hours from Dunedin, the ski fields range from than many other ski fields in the
1,260 metres to 1,860 metres and there are two region, also has the base for ski touring
detachable quad chairlifts, two fixed-grip quad expeditions when conditions permit,
chairlifts, one detachable express chondola, and is viewed by tourists who have
three surface conveyor learner lifts and one skied its slopes as a more affordable
platter lift to service the halfpipes and big air option with great powder.
©Benjamin Aubert via Flickr
jump. Snowboarding and skiing are well catered
for with two half pipes and four terrain parks.
There is also a high-performance centre which
trains more advanced skiers and snowboarders,
as well as extensive childcare facilities.
Mt Ruapehu
You’ve tried the rest so now try
the biggest. New Zealand’s largest
Mount Hutt commercial ski field is located on
the North Island and is home to
Rising out of the west of the Canterbury Plains, the World Heritage-listed Tongariro
the summit of the impressive Mount Hutt National Park. Boasting some of the
stands at 2,220 metres above sea level. The country’s longest ski runs and sublime
ski fields here are operated by NZSki and offer views on every trail, the action here
skiers a wide range of ski and snowboarder focuses on Whakapapa and Tūroa ski
appeal, with two surface/conveyor lifts, a areas. Whakapapa's old lava flows
high-speed six-seater chairlift, a high-speed make great natural half-pipes and
eight-seater chairlift and a fixed-grip three- challenging terrain for intermediates
seater chairlift all in operation at the site. While and experts, while beginners can
there are plenty of trails for beginners, the enjoy the learner slopes at Happy
most talked about attraction here is what’s on Valley. A freestyle terrain park
offer for the experts, including advanced runs completes the line-up, and you
through the rock formations at the top of the can watch all the action from New
field known as The Towers. The only drawback Zealand’s highest café at Knoll Ridge.
is the lack of accommodation here, with most Meanwhile Turoa features south-west
visitors electing to stay in the nearby town of facing slopes with huge snow bases,
Methven, a 35-minute drive from the mountain. ©Charlie Lyons via Flickr wide tracks and epic volcanic terrain. ©Miles Holden
16 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 17
Cruise a
different river
The phrase “river cruise” typically evokes thoughts of
Europe, and the continent’s many diverse countries and
cities based around its variety of waterways. What often
goes overlooked though is the rich river cruise industry
outside of Europe; MYLES STEDMAN explores.
Africa
In some ways it is odd one can think of its trail, a cruise along the Nile is for true
a river cruise and not immediately conjure explorers who want the best of what a cruise
up the Nile, the world’s longest river offers: relaxation and exploration. Just some
(disputably). As far as a cruise destination of the fascinating ports offered on a Nile
goes, there are few greater than this north- cruise include Khartoum, the Sudanese
flowing African river: with the Mediterranean capital, where the Blue Nile and White Nile
Sea at one end, and 10 countries along tributaries meet. Most Nile cruises start and/
Viking Cruises is one cruise line that operates
river cruises in Africa. ©Viking Cruises
18 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 19or end in Cairo, where travellers rose petals, and clay dishes filled
can discover Ancient Egypt and its with oil & lit with wicks can be seen
antiquities, such as the Giza pyramid floating along the river at almost
complex, and the archaic cities of every point, usually released by
Memphis and Heliopolis. If you’re locals as a mark of devotion. In
keen for more, add to the end of every sense of the world, a cruise
your Nile cruise an ocean segment, along the Ganges is a true voyage of
exploring the Mediterranean, the exploration. Cruisers will typically
sea into which the river empties. explore popular ports such as
Varanasi, where you will experience
The Americas the daily Ganga Aarti ritual; and
meet saree weavers, goldsmiths, &
Road trips are one of the United pottery-makers along the banks.
States’ most popular travel styles; Many Ganges cruises round trip
a Mississippi River cruise takes the from Kolkata, where visitors can
best aspects of this, and removes marvel at the local sights, such as
the need to check in, unpack and the Victoria Memorial, Kolkata Gate,
find somewhere new to eat each and Vidyasagar Setu.
night. All the boring legwork is
done for you by the numerous
ships which travel up and down
Australia
the Mississippi throughout the There may be no better way to
year, passing through the states of support the return of the Australian
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, domestic tourism industry than
Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, patronising the growing Murray
Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. River cruise sector. The Murray
For American state collectors, that’s flows through some of Australia’s
10 of the far-less-commonly, but most charming rural towns, such as
far-more-interesting states you can Albury & Wodonga, Echuca, Swan
visit, from Minnesota in the north, Hill, Mildura, Renmark, and the aptly
and its blend of Scandinavian, named Murray Bridge. While our
German, and Native American country’s river cruising industry is
culture; to Louisiana in the south, still developing, the Murray actually
and its bizarre-yet-delectable treats, has a long history of ferrying
such as gumbo and etouffee. These Australians up and down its waters.
two states alone would make up In the 19th century, the Murray
enough for one trip, and they are supported a substantial commercial
just two among the 10 stops to make trade using shallow-draft paddle
on a Mississippi cruise. steamers, such as the Lady Augusta
Clockwise from top:
and the Mary Ann. Paddle steamers
Asia The Mississippi River
passes through 10 US are a popular way to travel the river
states. ©Viking Cruises to this day, with the Murray Princess
Almost nowhere on earth is there the largest and most notable.
Hop aboard the
a river held with more reverence Murray Princess Perhaps the best aspect of the
than South Asia’s Ganges. Flowing and make your way Murray cruising sector is its diversity
through India and Bangladesh, the through rural NSW
and Victoria. ©Murray – passengers can enjoy port-less
Ganges is a sacred river to Hindus, Princess itineraries or a stop at almost every
who can be seen bathing in its town, while those short on time can
Seeing the vivid
waters, and paying homage to their colours of Varanasi cruise for as short as five hours, and
ancestors & gods by cupping the on the banks of the passengers in town for a bit longer
water in their hands, lifting it, and Ganges are a sight not
can sail for up to five days.
to miss.
letting it return to the river. Flowers,
20 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 21Pacific
Ports of Call:
Cruising can take you to all corners of the globe, poised to take in
breathtaking views, experience incredible cultures, and spot some of
the world’s rarest animals. With every port there is a ‘must’ moment!
To help you plan your next cruise, we’ve highlighted the main ports
of call for each region, along with all their “musts”. From the sights
to see, the experiences to try, and the flavours to delight your
tastebuds.
This week, we’re looking at just a few of the ports along a cruise in
the Pacific.
Pape’ete
Must see:
• A lasting legacy of the London Missionary Society, Temple de Paofai is a large, pink
temple, and in 1818, became the first Protestant church in town.
• Pointe du Taharaa – One Tree Hill offers sublime views of Matavai Bay all the way back to
Pape’ete, including the silhouette of Mo’orea in the distance.
Must do:
• Pape’ete Market is a local institution. This “marche” fills an entire city block, and is one
of the best places to buy a “pareu” (sarong), a shell necklace, or a woven hat.
• Notre Dame Cathedral takes pride of place in the centre of town. The building was
initially meant to be built from stone imported from Australia, but money for that
project ran out, and it was replaced by the church which still stands today.
Must try:
• A concept restaurant and bar-style bistro, Le Souffle is one of the most highly-rated
eateries in town. In addition to the restaurant’s titular dish, there is also a menu of daily
Pacific Dawn ©P&O Cruises specials based on the products available at Pape’ete Market - which you have hopefully
already visited.
22 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 23Bora Bora
Must see:
• Mount Otemanu is a jagged remnant of an ancient volcano, which sharply rises almost
1,000 metres from the surface of a sparkling, turquoise lagoon.
• Bora Bora is home to several varieties of sea turtle, including the green, hawksbill and
loggerhead species, all of which can be seen at Bora Bora Turtle Sanctuary & Museum.
Must do:
• In addition to white sand, picturesque Matira Beach offers scenic hiking trails, several
boutiques, and a number of restaurants, including the popular ‘Ben’s Place’ snack bar.
• Home to incredible sea life, take the chance to snorkel in the clear waters, and even
feed friendly manta rays.
Must try:
• Restaurant St. James discovers a “subtle and refined” cuisine combining French
gastronomy and Polynesian flavors in various breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.
Auckland
Must see:
• Great Barrier Island plays host to a range of wilderness adventures, just off the coast of
Auckland in the Hauraki Gulf. The island is entirely off-grid, relying on renewable solar
power and a collection of freshwater.
• If you’re up for a short trip out of town, Matakana Village Farmers Market is hosted on
Sats, and features live music and locally sourced organic goods. The Market is zero-
waste too, so make sure to bring your baskets or bags ahead of time.
Must do:
• Auckland War Memorial Museum tells the story of New Zealand, its place in the Pacific
and its people. Located in Auckland Domain, the Museum was constructed in the 1920s.
• The Sky Tower is a telecommunications and observation tower, but it is so much more
than that. For example, on level 53, visitors can both SkyWalk, and if brave enough,
SkyJump, off the side of the tower.
Must try:
• Located in St. Patricks Square, The Grove Restaurant is an upscale eatery which offers
five- or nine-course meals with a range of creative dishes.
24 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 25Specials Enjoy a Kangaroo Island
holiday with SeaLink bonus
of the accommodation offers
Week
Kangaroo Island is a must for anyone’s bucket list
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thanks to SeaLink’s accommodation packages with extra
bonus offers.
Find out more
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Seas Cruises'
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for 2022-2023 Canada & Alaska 2023 with
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Travelmarvel has released its Canada & Alaska 2023
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The offers are available on
select voyages booked from 1
April through to 30 June 2022,
giving travellers even more
reason to set sail this year.
Viking's new 2023 North
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departures
Viking has released six additional 2023 departures on
their most popular voyages in North America's Great
Lakes region, the 15-day Great Lakes Collection and the
8-day Niagara & the Great Lakes sailings. A $1,000 per
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26 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 Travel & Cruise Weekly Keep Dreaming 077 27Feeling
inspired?
Contact your local travel
agent to start planning
your next dream holiday
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