HELEN WONG’S TOURS’ NEW CITY COMBO PACKAGE

Xaimen and Gulangyu Island.

Helen Wong’s Tours, leading China specialist of 30 years, has unveiled an exciting eight-day group tour which combines a stay in China’s beachside Xiamen with three nights in the former Portuguese enclave of Macao.

The new “Experience Xiamen and Macao” tour follows Xiamen Airline’s July release of a “One Fare, Two Cities” dedicated return air fare and focuses on the highlights of the two contrasting cities.

Xiamen, on China’s south-east Pacific coast, is popular for its beaches, tree-lined paths, colonial villas and attractions such as UNESCO World Heritage listed Gulangyu Island and the historic Hakka architecture.

In contrast, Macao is famous for Portuguese-meets-Chinese characteristics and resultant fusion cuisine along with the UNESCO World Heritage listed sites and extravagant contemporary integrated resorts.

Priced from $1799 per person, twin share from Sydney, the new Helen Wong’s Tours package includes Xiamen Airlines return flight with three nights in Xiamen, daily breakfasts and lunches as well as guided sightseeing tours.

Guests will then take the short flight to Macao to spend three nights at the Grand Emperor with daily breakfast and further sightseeing tours.

Macao by Night

Return transfers, entrance fees and sightseeing as specified are included in the price along with travel kit and backpack, taxes, security and fuel charges (subject to change) and the services of English-speaking guides.

Regular “Experience Xiamen and Macao” tours will leave Sydney between October 2017 and March 2018.

Details: Helen Wong’s Tours, phone (02) 9267 7833 or check out www.helenwongstours.com

New book ‘The Catch’ explores the history of Fishing in Australia and what the future holds

In every Australian coastal town, there's a bait shop and a boat ramp and, in garages around the country, fishing rods await their next outing. Many of us have a special fishing spot and, from generation to generation, families pass on tips and exchange fishy tales of amazing catches and near misses. But the rich history of Australian fishing hasn’t been told—until now.

In the new book The Catch: The Story of Fishing in Australia (NLA Publishing, 1 October, $39.99), author and avid fisher Anna Clark celebrates the enduring pleasure of fishing. Clark provides a unique insight into its history, from the first known accounts of Indigenous fishing and early European encounters with Australia's waters, to the latest fishing trends; from the introduction of trout and fly-fishing to the challenges of balancing needs of commercial and recreational fishers. Readers learn fascinating stories, such as:

• the innovative ways Indigenous women did line fishing
• the challenges faced by the colonial fishing industry to sell fish before they spoiled
• how fishing for trout in Tasmanian rivers evolved once the trout became uninterested in artificial flies

As the only illustrated general history of Australian fishing, The Catch provides a captivating insight into the history of one of Australia’s favourite pastimes.

Dr Anna Clark is an Australian Research Council Future Fellow and Co-Director of the Australian Centre for Public History at the University of Technology Sydney. In 2003, she was awarded the NSW Premier’s Prize for Australian History and the Queensland Premier’s Prize for Best Literary or Media Work Advancing Public Debate for The History Wars, co-authored with Stuart Macintyre. Her most recent publication is Private Lives, Public History (2016). The Catch, her seventh book, is a perfect marriage between her love of fish and fishing and her passion for Australian history.

REGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR RFDS BIRDSVILLE RACES FUN RUN - Australia’s most remote fun run for the Royal Flying Doctor Service

Registrations have officially opened for the fourth annual RFDS Birdsville Races Fun Run – Australia’s most remote charity fun run in support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS).

Taking place on Wednesday August 30 – two days before the 135th Birdsville Races – the 6.1 kilometre fun run traverses the striking red terrain of the Simpson Desert, offering up a combined prize purse of $1,200 across men’s and women’s competition categories.

The unique outback fundraiser is open to walkers, casual joggers and serious athletes alike, with all funds raised going towards the RFDS – a vital charity that provides help to remote areas often cut off from medical services, as well as inter-hospital transfer services between metropolitan areas.

This year, the Birdsville Races have assigned a fundraising target of $10,000, which requires 100 people to raise $100 each.

All entrants are encouraged to create a fundraising page and seek sponsorship and support for the RFDS through the Everyday Hero website: www.everydayhero.com

Aside from the charity element, the event offers participants an immersive opportunity to take in the Australian Outback’s rich history and iconic landscape.

Spanning dirt, concrete and bitumen, the fun run kicks off at the famous Birdsville race track, heading down a path via the old Birdsville track, the original Diamantina Crossing and old causeway, before finishing up in front of the Birdsville Caravan Park.

Volunteer positions are also available to supporters who may want to help out on the day without running the track themselves. Volunteer registrations are now live at: http://www.birdsvilleraces.com/Volunteer

Volunteers receive an exclusive souvenir volunteer polo shirt and complementary two-day racing pass, granting them access to all of the exhilarating action at Birdsville’s iconic dirt race track – from punting and celebrating to trackside dining and Fashions on the Field.

“The RFDS Birdsville Races Fun Run is great way for the community to get behind the Royal Flying Doctor Service, while at the same time getting into the spirit of the Birdsville Races and experiencing some of the spectacular sites that Outback Queensland has to offer,” said Gary Brook, Vice President, Birdsville Race Club.

“You don’t have to be a serious runner to participate and there’s no time-limit for finishing. It’s all about having some fun, giving it a go and raising funds for a worthy cause that makes a huge impact in remote and regional parts of Australia.

“And of course, it’s pretty cool to be able to say you’ve run six kilometres in the middle of the Outback.”

The fun run is just one of many events taking place around this year’s 135th Birdsville Races, which runs September 1 and 2, 2017.

The event, which is Outback Queensland’s richest two-day horserace-meet, comprises a 13-race program, as well as a jam-packed schedule of outback entertainment and activities – from fashion competitions and film screenings, to cocktail parties and live music.

The Birdsville Races is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland’s It’s Live! in Queensland major events calendar.

Entries to the fun run are open until Friday, 25th August 2017 at 11:59pm. Registrations for adults cost $30pp, while children under the age of 14 are able to enter for free.

For more information and to register, visit www.birdsvilleraces.com/funrun

Advice for participants:

· Ensure appropriate clothing and footwear
· Bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water
· Take care - go at your own pace. If unwell, slow down, walk or withdraw. Ask marshals for assistance if required.
· Carry your mobile phone with you

Race Prizes:

· Open male: 1st $300, 2nd $200, 3rd $100
· Open female: 1st $300, 2nd $200, 3rd $100

2017 Birdsville Races RFDS Fun Run

Where: Birdsville, Queensland
When: Wednesday August 30, 2017
How much: $30 for adults. Free for children aged under 14.
More info: www.birdsvilleraces.com/funrun

Historic town to host Hoi An-Japan Culture Festival

The ancient city of Hoi An

The historic city of Hoi An will reenact a 17th century wedding parade held for Princess Ngoc Hoa and Japanese businessman Araki Sotaro in the old quarter as part of the 14th annual Hoi An and Japan Culture Festival from August 18 until August 20.

The city’s Culture and Sports Centre commented that the parade marks the relationship between the Japanese community and Hoi An City which began 400 years ago when Japanese traders docked at this bustling trading port. Many of the homes built by these traders have in fact been preserved to this very day.

Local residents preserved the tombs of Japanese traders who died in Hoi An in the 17thcentury. The oldest was Tani Yajirobei’s, who was believed to have died in 1647. His records included the oldest and clearest information related to his life, including a love affair with a local woman.

This love story reflected the close relationship between Japanese traders and Hoi An residents during a wealthy period of the town’s history in the early 17th century.

Japanese singers Min, Ueno Yuuka, One Asia Join Concert band, and the Hanoi Sennen Yosakoi Dance team will perform at the festival along with local folk art troupes.

Vietnamese and Japanese participants will demonstrate cosplays and martial arts performances of karate, judo and Vietnamese traditional Vovinam, while craftsmen will offer visitors traditional Yukata try-ons, origami (paper folding) and local lantern making.

Artist Nguyen Quoc Dung will display his photo collection at the city’s Sculpture Park on the Hoai River bank, while French photographer Rehahn will display his photos from his trans-Viet Nam field trips.

The city will also be exhibiting photos of the co-operation between Hoi An and Japan in the last two decades.

McCULLY'S GAP FAMILY DANCE

McCULLY'S GAP FAMILY DANCE
SATURDAY NIGHT - 5 AUGUST 2017
JOIN US FOR A OLD TIME FAMILY DANCE WITH LIVE BAND
"The Ray Boys"

7.30PM FOR 8PM DANCE TILL LATE.
Bring a basket supper to share. Drinks available from the canteen. 

IF YOU CAN'T DANCE - DON'T WORRY JOIN US FOR A SOCIAL NIGHT OUT & ENJOY THE MUSIC & MEET NEW FRIENDS
TICKETS AT THE DOOR 

Adults $10 - Family $25
Stick Lotto - Tickets sold on the night.
Family Atmosphere - Alcohol Free Area
McCully's Gap Hall is near Muswellbrook and is 10km along the Sandy Creek Road. (Sealed Road)
See you at the Hall.

TRIPADVISOR NAMES ST. PETE BEACH AND CLEARWATER BEACH TWO OF THE TOP 4 BEACHES IN U.S.

In 2017, St. Pete Beach was voted number 3 on TripAdvisor’s annual list of the 25 Best Beaches in America, with Clearwater Beach right behind at number 4.

The annual list is voted on by members of the world's largest online travel community. Winners are determined based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and averaged ratings gathered over a 12-month period. 

The two beaches make up 35 miles of white sand Gulf beaches that offer everything from high-end resorts, laid-back beach rentals and secluded islands.

World-First VR Puts Rare Encounter With Dwarf Minke Whales in Global Hands

2017 marks one of the best swimming-with-dwarf-minke-whale seasons with one scientist claiming the high encounter activity with swimmers to be “through the roof”.

Due to a short season, the remote location on the Great Barrier Reef, and just seven licences approved for swimming with the minke whales, only a few hundred people experience this natural encounter every year.

For the first time, a new (Virtual Reality) VR brings a taste of this rare experience to global screens.
See: http://bit.ly/2u1A5yX

For the past six weeks, hundreds of dwarf minke whales congregated in the remote northern parts of Queensland's Great Barrier Reef, having longer-than-usual face-to-face interactions with a few hundred lucky nature lovers.

According to Dr Dean Miller, a Port Douglas-based marine scientist and filmmaker, the 2017 minke whale season went “through the roof” with minkes arriving in great numbers and interacting with humans for extended periods of time.

“We saw up to 30 dwarf minke whales in the water at the one time, approaching snorkelers and wanting to socialise,”

“It shows that the population is very stable. The whales were as inquisitive as always and were incredibly active during the encounters,” said Dr Miller, who added that “It was one of the best seasons we've had.”

The Great Barrier Reef is the only place on the planet where adventurers can hold onto a rope and watch the underwater antics of dwarf minke whales. Ever since the first licenses were granted, swimming with minke whales has become one of the world's best and longest wildlife encounters.

For the first time, this incredibly rare event is now accessible to a global audience thanks to a newly developed virtual reality (VR) experience. Nature lovers can log on to the Queensland YouTube channel from their mobile and use the screen like their own goggles, moving it around to get a 360-degree view of the underwater action.

Dr Dean Miller created the virtual reality with the intend to inspire more people to visit the Great Barrier Reef to encounter these animals in their own habitat.

“There is nothing else like it on the planet,” said Miller. “It's the curious nature of the minke whales that make this experience so rare and sets it apart from other whale encounters.”

“Dwarf minke whales are considered the friendliest animals on the planet. (In one swim), we can have over 20 animals come and seek out human interaction for up to ten hours at a time. It is something everybody should experience. It will change your life forever.”

Janelle Toby, a Ballina resident and recent passenger on the Mike Ball Dive Expeditions agreed that the curious nature of the whales made a big impact on her.

“It's a treat to be that close to something that big and that magnificent,” Ms Toby said of the seven-metre long baleen.

“The best thing about it is that they are coming towards you. You are just out there floating in the ocean and they are choosing to hang out. It's great.”

First discovered in the mid-1980s, the Great Barrier Reef is the only known predictable gathering of these whales in the world and scientists such as Dr Alastair Birtles from James Cook University believe it also offers one of the longest wildlife interactions.

“There is no other wildlife interaction that lasts as long, where the animals come as close, and it's absolutely up to the animals themselves,” said Dr Birtles.

“There's no inducement; they're not fed in any way. They just come in because they are so extraordinarily curious about us.”

Swimming with the minke whales is a true eco-experience. Funding generated from the tourism enterprise is used to support the Minke Whale Research Project while swimmers are also encouraged to upload their own underwater photos and videos to assist with long-term photo-identification studies and to provide additional resources to the project's scientists.

Four tourism operators, including Mike Ball Dive Expeditions offer liveaboard minke whale expeditions, as part of the seven licences approved by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to conduct swims with dwarf minke whales.

The appearance of the dwarf minke whale heralds the beginning of a five-month whale watching season along the east coast of Queensland. The most popular whale watching, in terms of numbers, is the Humpback Whales which migrate to the warm waters of Queensland between June and November every year. Hervey Bay, some 290km north of Brisbane is best known for the calm waters that create both a breeding ground and a nursery for the migrating whales.

Click here to view the VR experience. Mandatory credit: Dr. Dean Miller.

Exclusive to SkiJapan.com a seven-night Appi package that includes a Free night and Free five day ski lift pass

Appi, one of the largest ski resorts in Japan, is located in the north east region of Honshu Japan's main island. It is quite accessible from Tokyo's Narita Airport using a combination of bullet train (Shinkanses) and local coach service. This resort is enticing a growing number of Australian skiers and boarders due to its snow quality, 18 ski lifts (including two gondolas) and extensive array of snow-covered terrain with some trails over five kilometres in length

Plus there's an additional Tree Run Zone in excess of 100,000㎡ opening for this winter that will provide extensive ungroomed terrain for snow enthusiasts seeking a typical Japanese powder experience.

Another attribute that will resonate with enthusiastic powderhounds is guidied SnowCat tours that commence in January 2018. Small groups, no more than eight in total, will gain access to unbelievable, untouched snow in the Hachimantal Mountains.

Exclusive to SkiJapan.com the seven-night twin share, ski in-ski out, Appi package includes: A Free night and Free five day ski lift pass, breakfast daily and return Airport Rail pass transfers.

The accommodation is at the impressive canary-yellow Appi Grand & Tower Hotel that boasts five restaurants, two bars, nightspots, coffee shop, public hot spring, sports club (heated pool, gym, squash court, etc) and snow equipment rental shop.

English-speaking staff and good signage make it easy to navigate the numerous aspects of this resort that is becoming more popular with snow enthusiasts from Australia.

Cost of SkiJapan.com's Appi special is from $985 per person twin share. That's a saving of $435 per person (total $870 twin share).

Conditions Valid for travel 25 Feb – 24 Mar 2018.
Price subject to change due to currency fluctuations. Book by 30 November for qualify for the free night Free lift pass available while stocks last and can be withdrawn at any time prior to payment.

Link to website http://www.skijapan.com/appi-winter-201718-specials/

SkiJapan.com Tel 1300 137 411

Travel DAZE | Sydney | September 25

Here we go again!

Innovation, like failure, is part of every great business story.

You won't always win, but you can learn how to turn failure into fame, profit and all-round high fives by attending Travel DAZE. We guarantee it*

Travel DAZE is a one day TEDx-style ideas and strategy forum for travel marketers, agents, business heads, strategists and technologists to probe their own and others' failures and prepare for success. We've lined-up international and locally acclaimed speakers to share stories on how they turned #failure into #success using innovation, experimentation and bravery.

If you work with travel brands, then this is the place to be. Buy yourself a ticket and earn a promotion/pay rise/possibly large profits or a knitted pullover for winter.
*Our definition of guarantee may differ from yours.

KORAIL PASS MAKES TRAVELLING IN KOREA BY TRAIN SO EASY

KORAIL is making it easier than ever for tourists and expatriates living in Korea to explore the country by train. Getting around by rail in Korea is fast, easy and reliable and you can travel from Seoul-Busan, the length of the country in around two hours due to the super- fast KTX services.

Travellers with a foreign passport can purchase a KORAIL PASS, valid for a specific duration and then travel freely all over Korea within their selected period.

KORAIL PASS is also now more convenient to purchase and use. Pass users can purchase tickets and make seat selections through the KORAIL website up to thirty days in advance without having to visit the train station in person.

Passes available range from 1, 3, 5 and 7 consecutive day passes, and a 2 and 4 day select pass which is for flexible use.

Prices for a one day pass range from 81,000 Korean won for adult (approx. A$90) and 40,000 Korean won for child (approx. A$44)

Prices for a 7 day consecutive pass range from 195,000 Korean won (approx. A$218) for adult and 97,000 Korean won (approx. A$108) for a child. Save more with the Saver Pass for a group of 2-5 persons with the same travel schedule (roughly 10 per cent discount).

Children under the age of 4 years are free when accompanied by one guardian who pays a regular adult fare. A youth saver pass is available to those aged 13-25 years or students holding an ISIC card.

Travellers need to pre-select the first date of travel within 90 days from the purchase date in advance. Seats can be booked online in advance. The KORAIL PASS can be purchased via the KORAIL website: www.letskorail.com or appointed travel agencies.

Plan your holiday to Korea and request free guidebooks/maps via the Korea Tourism Organization Sydney office website: www.visitkorea.org.au Email: visitkorea@knto.org.au