You’re welcome in Maitland

Walker Water Works

Scenic beauty, heritage buildings, unique villages, welcoming people, an attractive lifestyle and convenient location are just some of the factors that lead visitors and residents alike to Maitland. At the heart of the city is Central Maitland, with its full range of shopping, business and civic functions as well as education, cultural and recreational services.

Built on the banks of the Hunter River, which brought life and trade to the early city, Maitland is one of the oldest heritage rich regional centres in Australia.

Whether you are here for a visit, a short time or a lifetime, the one thing you can be sure of is that you’re welcome in Maitland.

Walka recreation and wildlife reserve offering 112 hectares of park, lake and bush land surrounding the historic Walka Water Works, as well as being a popular picnic and recreation area in the Maitland district, is also steeped in history that gives it a special place in the Lower Hunter’s heritage.

The complex features its pumphouse with striking chimney and ornate brickwork and is one of the largest and most intact 19th Century industrial complexes in the Hunter Valley. The large lake area with over 300 species of birdlife and walking trails surround the lake.

Picnic and BBQ facilities are available and there is a children’s playground area at the old pumping station built in 1887. The area is also available for outdoor weddings and functions.

Maitland Visitor Information Centre,
Cnr New England Hwy & High Street, Maitland
PO Box 220, Maitland NSW 2320
02 4931 2800
welcome@mymaitland.com.au

MUSIC AND MARKETS IN NEWCASTLE

The Waratah Girls’ Choir Music and Markets will allow the Choir to raise funds to give girls and young women the opportunity of a once in a life time experience to sing at Carnegie Hall, New York. Trips of this magnitude come at a cost and not every family is able to afford such a life-changing experience for their child. The Choir works to give every member financial help to achieve this dream.

At the Music and Markets event you can hear the beautiful voices of the Junior Choir and the award winning performances of the Senior Choir (3.30pm and 6pm). Other highlights include performances by local musicians, a huge variety of arts and crafts, face painting, hair braiding, food stalls, a MASSIVE thrift shop of quality preloved clothes, bric-a-brac, hundreds of books and so MUCH MORE!!

Saturday 30th March 3:00 - 7:00pm
At The Grainery Church
11 Murray Dwyer Circuit, Mayfield West 2304

A Family-Owned, Boutique Hotel Group with Savoir Faire, a Sense of Spirit and Unique Hotels With Distinct Personalities Reflective of Their Own Arrondissement

It all began at this haven of peace in Brittany, as the family-owned and operated group was born in 1998. Here, CEO of B. Signature Hotels & Resorts, Anne Jousse, recalls her father being drawn to a neglected golf course and 15th century chateau. He purchased it and Anne Jousse began her new career as a luxury hotelier, where Domaine de la Bretesche soon became a Relais and Châteaux property with a Michelin-starred restaurant. Shortly thereafter, she expanded the group, opening boutique 5-star properties in the best arrondissements in Paris. Today, she still personally attends to each property and a distinct sense of place is felt at each lavish venue.

On the left bank, in the heart of Paris’ Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighborhood, the 108- room Hotel Bel Ami pays homage to its past as a former book factory. The area is home to many artists and writers and the contemporary décor was recently updated with a brand new lobby designed by Geraldine Prieur, exuding a modern vibe with large velvet sofas and golden Vico Magistretti lamps. The two top floors have also been recently renovated and Chef Simon Suzineau has been a vegetarian options and a sustainable approach. The spa features an urban oasis with treatments by Carita and a new wellness center by Maison Flamel. Founded by Samer Zakharia, a young designer from Saint Germain-des-Prés, this house of contemporary beauty pays tribute to Parisian alchemist Nicolas Flamel. It offers a unique skincare experience: a mix of scientific innovation and magical scents and textures. The face care rituals combine oxygen that is softly delivered by a patented device with biotech products. The results are astounding, leaving skin breathless and glowing. 

Nearby, the Hotel Montalembert features a close proximity to the Musee d’Orsay and world renowned shopping at Le Bon Marché. The entire property, including its 50 rooms and suites completed a full renovation in 2017. 2019 will deliver a grand announcement in the world of gastronomy with a Michelin starred chef, formerly a culinary journalist, coming to spearhead the restaurant. Stay tuned for more information soon! 

The Hotel Vernet is conveniently located just steps away from the Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe. The recently fully renovated hotel has 50 rooms and suites, an art gallery and a fine-dining restaurant situated under a unique Eiffel glass dome. This luxurious destination was recently ranked #12 on the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2018 as one of the top hotels in Paris. 

Hotel Edouard 7 features 69 rooms and suites housed in an authentic Haussmann-style building overlooking the Opera Garnier. The entire hotel just completed a three-year renovation by designer Christophe Daudre, dividing it into three “Couture” floors (a real lesson in fashion and celebrating the couture style of the Saint-Honore district) and four “Edouard 7” floors (inspired by the jewelry world of Place Vendome), using a wide range of decor, materials and colors that make each room unique. The Hotel de Sers is in the heart of Paris’ Golden Triangle, just steps from the Champs Elysees. The former private mansion of the Marquis de Sers in the 19th century features 52 rooms and suites with large terraces overlooking the Eiffel Tower. The terrace off the lobby is currently being refurbished adding more of a garden space with a new bar and restaurant. It is currently open from the spring through the fall months and covered in the winter. 

Back where it all began at Domaine de la Bretesche, the luxurious 15th century castle located in the countryside between Nantes and Vannes, the Michelin starred Chef continues to delight esteemed guests through the New Year and beyond with special holiday menus and packages for Valentine’s Day at Le Montaigu. The Relais & Châteaux property features 31 rooms and suites, 21 villas and cottages, spa, swimming pools, tennis courts, restaurants and an 18-hole golf course. 

And the latest acquisition in the group is the Hotel Manapany in St Barth, where Anne Jousse purchased the existing property and rebuilt it as a 43-suite resort with a “back to the roots” philosophy as the island’s only luxury eco-lodge. This fall, the hotel reopened with a brand new 60-seat restaurant overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and a full rotisserie and Mediterranean inspired menu by the new Chef, Anthony Martel. They have also just launched “L’Atelier by Ced & Rod”, a custom couture atelier by designers Cedric Vernon Fahey and Rodolphe Ayer offering private consultations available to the hotel’s guests. 

Anne and her team have also created several partnerships this year in Paris through their sponsorhip of the Serusier, Bonnard, Gauguin and Kandisky exhibit taking place at the Musée d’Orsay from January-April 2019. The properties in Paris will be offering packages to guests with complimentary tickets to the exhibit. 

They will also be an official partner of the Israeli Film Festival in Paris from March 19 to 26 and the Hotel Bel Ami is a special partner of the Paris Déco Off from January 17-21. 

B. Signature Hotels & Resorts continues to grow as a brand and with their expansion to the Caribbean this year, they are reaching more US clientele with their exuberant spirit, reputable, designed hotels, French savoir-faire and the extraordinary service they are renowned for.

www.bsignaturehotels.fr

MORE EYES ON NSW AS NEW RETAIL TRAVEL STORE OPENS IN CHINA

Destination NSW has chalked up another tourism first, with a NSW-themed retail store opening in Shanghai this week. Chinese travellers will be provided with face-to-face information on Sydney and regional NSW destinations, events, experiences and travel itineraries.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said the new store, which was part of a collaboration between Destination NSW and China’s leading online travel agency, Ctrip, will target the 24 million people living in Shanghai.

“Never before have we opened a retail travel store and we are the first Tourism Organisation to do this with Ctrip, China’s largest online travel agent in Australia’s largest inbound market, so this is a major coup,” Ms Chipchase said.

“Located in the heart of Shanghai, the new retail store provides travellers with the chance to speak with a specialised travel agent to learn more about why NSW is the perfect holiday destination, whether it be for a holiday or business trip.

“The store will also host several consumer events throughout the year, highlighting some of NSW’s best experiences and major festivals including our fantastic regional food and wine destinations and Vivid Sydney, the largest festival of light, music and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere.”

The Ctrip Destination NSW Flagship Store in Shanghai will open for a year, from March 2019 until end of February 2020.

Hoshino Resorts Planning to Unveil a New-build Urban Hotel in Osaka in 2022

• A location to fully experience the potential of Osaka

Hoshino Resorts (Location: Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. CEO: Yoshiharu Hoshino) will be
targeting urban tourists with the opening in 2022 of a large-scale city tourist hotel in front of Shin-Imamiya station in Osaka.

The planned development is located in front of Shin-Imamiya station and close to Shinsekai, which is an area with high tourism potential as it is heavily influenced by charm and playfulness of Osaka.

The location is within walking distance of symbolic destination of Osaka such as Tsutenkaku and the Shinsekai area, making it an attractive location for tourists who enjoy urban sightseeing. The site is next to Shin-Imamiya station on the Nankai Electric Railway and JR Osaka Loop Line, providing a direct access from the Kansai International Airport. It is also connected to the Dobutsuen-mae station on the Midosuji and Sakaisuji subway lines.

The planned construction site is about 14,000 square meters and faces the platform of Shin-Imamiya station on the JR Osaka Loop Line. The creation of a green area integrated with the hotel building will make the hotel attractive to travelers and, at the same time, will create a landscape that will give commuters coming and going at Shin-Imamiya station a sense of greenery within the city.

The hotel is designed to allow tourists to get more enjoyment out of sightseeing in Osaka and its surroundings. A plan for a public area will be available to include services that give a sense of Osaka's history and local culture, such as restaurants and cafeterias where guests can experience Osaka's famous food culture, public baths to ease away the stress and tiredness of traveling, amusement facilities, and venues that will host events aimed at hotel guests, such as seasonal entertainment and public viewing of different events.

Osaka is one of Asia’s major cities with its own unique culture, which is an important base for Hoshino Resorts’ business. Through the operation of this city tourism hotel, Hoshino Resorts will also contribute to the revitalization of the area around Shin-Imamiya station. The aim is to develop not only infrastructure but also to collaborate with the local community in order to express the attractiveness of the area, and ultimately, to run “a hotel for enjoying Osaka sightseeing to the fullest.”

Facility overview
Name: undecided.

Location: Shin-Imamiya Ekimae (3-16 Ebisu-nishi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka)
Site area: 13,909 square meters. Opening: spring 2022 (planned)
Room size: from 30m2-

Access
Approx. 50 mins from Kansai International Airport via Nankai Electric Railway
Shinimamiya Station: Nankai Electric Railway and JR Osaka Loop Line
Also connects to Dobutsuen-mae station on the Midosuji line and Sakaisuji line

New Initiatives At IT&CM China and CTW China 2019 A Proven Success

IT&CM China and CTW China 2019 concluded on a high, as networking engagements remained strong till the close of the show. Delegates commended on the specially curated line-up that saw the addition of new initiatives for different buyer segments and exhibitors to further engage and cultivate potential procurement opportunities.

The inaugural Say Hi to Everyone interactive ice-breaker on the first day was well-attended by close to 300 delegates across exhibitors, buyers and media. Hosts Mike Williams, Senior Consultant and Partner of Gaining Edge and Olivia Jia, Senior Manager of IME Consulting, kept energy levels high as participants eagerly exchanged introductions and openly shared their objectives for attending this year’s event. The session undoubtedly set the tone for business activity during exhibition days.

Commended Natalia Agrel, Head of International Marketing from GL events “The ice-breaking session was a great opportunity for us to meet and establish the first contact with buyers in a more informal atmosphere. We had the chance to meet a couple of buyers and other important players in our sector which we can use to reference and benchmark against in the China market.”

The Meet The Corporates and Exhibition Walkabouts were also well-attended, adding to the buzz of business activity beyond the one-on-one structured appointments. Brand Showcase presentations saw a full house at its 9 sessions over 2 days. In total, featured destinations and brands including Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province, GL Events, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, MEET Taiwan, Qingdao Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau, Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Convention and Exhibition Affairs, and Zhuhai International Convention & Exhibition Center, that participated in the new initiatives, reported a positive experience.

Sophia Wang, Marketing Manager, Philippine Department of Tourism, a returning exhibitor complimented this year’s new initiative, Exhibition Walkabout, “This show offered us an opportunity to meet with potential event organisers who are interested in having their events in Philippines. We are glad to be given this platform to share what Philippines can provide to Trade Associations.”

Shared John Chan, Officer of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, “The Brand Showcase Presentation was a great avenue for us to show off our destination and what we can offer to the MICE and corporate travel buyers. We are very impressed with this new initiative provided by the organisers.”

Among this year’s new delegation are local startups and tech enterprises which helmed the show’s first-ever Power Innovation Luncheon and MICE Innovation Hub. Shared 247Tickets, “Innovation has to do a lot with the scope and how people network these days. Having technology at our fingertips and sharing ideas and solutions is important in bringing everyone together under one roof.” The company shared the spotlight with CrowsNest, Guiddoo World, Maycur, UlltraSpace Technology Co. Ltd, and 1000Meetings.

With the refreshing appeal of this year’s new highlights and continued success of established sessions such as the business appointments, Association Day forums, CTW China conference, and hosted functions, buyer and delegate experience across board was at an all-time high.

Cai Liang, General Manager of UMICE Guangzhou, a returning MICE buyer, is pleased to attend this edition of IT&CM China, “I am happy to see more quality exhibitors in this IT&CM China edition such as Australia, Qingdao and Hainan. Exhibitors are very well-prepared to promote their products with detailed information provided especially Hong Kong.”

Arlene Orencia, Head of Projects and Programmes of ADFIAP, association buyer, said “Personalised agendas and show information were easily accessible and efficient through the inaugural debut of the app. Adding on, the complimentary Shanghai Food Tour was a fresh experience. I enjoyed it a lot. The event was very well-organised and I would like to commend the organisers for being prompt in responding to my requests”

“I am very impressed with the various conferences made available to us as well as the trends covered by the conference speakers. From there, I am able to gain new ideas in corporate travel and at the same time, understand the current market situation. These sessions are very helpful“, commented corporate travel buyer Wang Wei from the General Administration Department of China International Capital Corporation Limited.

Mentioned by Maciej Olbert, Travel Manager of Luxoft, “I'm so glad that I had a chance to participate in CTW China. The topics covered during the panel sessions helped me to understand the Chinese market and its challenges. I'm also pretty sure that new contracts with suppliers will be signed after the show, as a result of direct contact at this conference.”

IT&CM China and CTW China 2019 took place from 19 – 21 March in Shanghai. To explore how you can kickstart your exhibition, sponsorship, and networking experience at IT&CM China and CTW China 2020, contact us at itcmchina@ttgasia.com.
 
IT&CM CHINA & CTW CHINA 2020
Date:                    24 – 26 March 2020
Venue:                 Shanghai Exhibition & Convention Center of International Sourcing, China
Event URL:          www.itcmchina.com, www.ctwchina.com

EAT, STAY, PLAY IN GIPPSLAND FOR THE VILLAGE TAKEOVER

Jindivick 

Victoria’s biggest culinary secret will be unveiled when a star-studded line-up of chefs celebrate Gippsland’s world class produce during the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival’s takeover of Jindivick.

The Village Feast will transform the tiny town when Australia’s biggest names in food, including Matt Moran, Shannon Martinez and Victor Liong, along with iconic local producers, come together for an exceptional drinking and dining experience.

The event will showcase the state’s undiscovered food bowl in a truly unique setting, and shine a spotlight on the passionate producers, brewers, distillers, wine makers and chefs who are behind Gippsland’s growing culinary reputation.

The region, just 90 minutes east of Melbourne, may be more widely known for its vast natural beauty - from unspoilt beached to snow-capped mountains - but the untapped rolling hills of the south are a foodies’ dream destination.

Visitors to the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (MFWF) event on Saturday 30 March looking for a truly indulgent short break can continue their culinary adventure with these top places to eat, stay and play in Gippsland.
 
EAT
 
Cannibal Creek Vineyard
This award-winning French-inspired single estate cool climate vineyard is just 30 minutes west of The Village Feast in Jindivick. Recognised by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine as the Cellar Door with Best Food in Gippsland, the architecturally stunning corrugated iron and timber Cannibal Creek sits on the hillside in Tynong North. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting with cheese and charcuterie by the fireplace in the warm and relaxed setting. The restaurant celebrates produce from Gippsland and the onsite kitchen garden. 260 Tynong North Road, Tynong North, Victoria, 3813. (03) 5942 8380.
 
Hogget Kitchen
The Gippsland gem, located at the famous Wild Dog Winery, overlooks the vineyards and the Great Dividing Range. Gippsland chef Trevor Perkins showcases the region, bringing together the best of artisanal butchery, farm fresh vegies and charcoal cooking. Hogget Kitchen offers up a menu that speaks of simplicity, seasonality and generosity. The Warragul venue also acts as the unofficial cellar door for the popular small-batch biodynamic and minimal intervention wines by Patrick Sullivan. 6 Farrington Close, Warragul, Victoria, 3820. 
 
Loch Brewery & Distillery
Small batch beer, gin, vodka and single-malt whisky with a cellar door located inside a former bank on the main street of picturesque Loch. After opening in 2014, the Loch Brewery & Distillery has since expanded production into the former butcher shop next door due to the growth in popularity and demand. Despite the expansion, the working hand-beaten alembic copper pot still is a centre piece of the converted cellar door with gin produced right in front of the eyes of guests. The brewery specialises in English ales with locally sourced wild hops while the distillery uses traditional methods with a quality or quantity mentality. Visitors hoping to pick up a bottle of the single-malt whisky will be disappointed with the latest release sold out within an hour online however a Gippsland 75 - a local take on the famous French 75 cocktail - will quickly easy the pain. 44 Victoria Road, Loch, Victoria, 3945. 0414 590 474.
 
STAY

The Village Feast Sleepover
Visitors to The Village Feast can come for the event and stay for the weekend with an indulgent glamping experience. Foodies can camp in style with a glamping package, including two nights in an Under Sky luxury tent, a chance to see life on Gippsland Jersey’s dairy farm and participate in the morning milking, and tickets to The Village Feast. Guests staying the weekend can relax and unwind on Friday night with an optional dinner menu from Mamasita and breakfast menu from Hotel Jesus Collingwood. After a day of exploring the Village Feast on Saturday, visitors can venture out to explore the south Gippsland region on Sunday. 335 Main Jindivick Rd, Jindivick, Victoria, 3818.
 
Walhalla’s Star Hotel
Located in the heart of the historic township of Walhalla, the Star Hotel features 12 larges suites. A reconstruction of the original gold-era Star Hotel which was destroyed by fire in 1951, Walhalla's Star Hotel has been designed for the modern visitor. Guests can enjoy the hotel's a la carte restaurant, which serves quality country style meals and a comfortable guest lounge where visitors can unwind with a book on a leather chesterfield. It’s the perfect time of year to visit Walhalla when the leafy town transforms with the spectacular red, orange and gold autumn colours. 130 Main Road, Walhalla, Victoria, 3825. (03) 5165 6262.
 
Click here for more accommodation options for The Village Feast.
 
MFWF EXPERIENCES
 

Jindivick 

Jindivick may take centre stage on Saturday for The Village Feast however foodies can satisfy their culinary appetite with a host of unique gastronomical experiences curated for those visitors still hungry. After the Village Feast, Melbourne Food and Wine and Visit Baw Baw have partnered together to offer some incredible once-in-a-lifetime activities that will delight and inspire the senses, including:

• The Secrets of Fly Fishing with Fly Addiction Fishing
• Wine Tasting with Patrick Sullivan Wines and William Downie Wines
• Tour of Tarago River Cheese
• Experience the Alpine Trout Farm
• Learn the secrets of sourdough with Real Bread by George
• Honey Hive Skills
• Tour of Butterfly Factory Dairy
• Open Studios West Gippsland

PLAY

Toorongo Falls
Surrounded by towering gums and lush ferns in the Toorongo Falls Reserve in Noojee is an impressive, tiered waterfall. Trekkers can take the 750-metre, mostly uphill, track to the viewing platform to watch the water tumble over the rocky cliff-face into the valley below. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature with a one-hour, 2.2-kilometre easy circuit walk to see both Toorongo Falls and neighbouring Amphitheatre Falls. The walk starts and ends at the Toorongo Falls day visitor area. Toorongo Falls Road, Noojee, Victoria, 3833.
 
Noojee trestle bridge
Set in beautiful tall forest, the majestic Noojee Trestle Bridge is the tallest surviving wooden trestle bridge in Victoria. The bridge is a legacy of the old railway that ran from Noojee to Warragul. It was originally constructed in 1919, but in 1939 was completely burnt down and rebuilt in the same year. The historical bridge spans 102 meters and is 21 meters high. Amidst scenic eucalypt and fern forest, the Noojee Trestle Bridge makes the perfect break for visitors to stretch their legs and enjoy the peaceful surrounds. The bridge also marks the starting point for walks and cycling. The Noojee Trestle Bridge Rail Trail is a short scenic cycling trail that climbs gently for three kilometres along a smooth dirt or gravel track. The Noojee Trestle Bridge Walk is six kilometres return, taking around two hours to complete. Mount Baw Baw Tourist Road, Noojee, Victoria, 3833.
 
Brandy Creek Estate
After over indulging in Gippsland’s culinary delights, visitors can complete their short break at Brandy Creek Estate’s day spa with signature spa packages designed to relax, restore and re-energise. With a peaceful valley outlook across rolling vineyards to the Baw Baw Ranges, Brandy Creek Day Spa offers five treatment rooms, a tranquil relaxation area, luxurious change room facilities and a Turkish Hammam. Those still hungry can enjoy the property’s tasty tapas dishes, paella feasts and churrasco barbeques with uninterrupted views over the vineyard, olive grove and neighbouring farms. 570 Buln Buln Road, Drouin East, Victoria, 3818. (03) 5625 4498.
 
Click here for more Things To Do.

CANBERRA’S ULTIMATE OUTDOOR SLEEPOVERS

From glamping to traditional camping, here’s our top five ways to spend a night in the stunning surrounds of the Territory’s great outdoors.

Family glamping at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
The ultimate family sleepover is calling Tidbinbilla home during school holidays in Canberra. The best thing about the Wildfest Pop Up Wilderness Family Camp is the hard work is taken care of – there’s no need to pitch your tent or cook your dinner or breakfast.

Explore sections of the vast 54.5 square kilometre nature reserve with ranger-guided activities exploring the area’s diversity of wildlife as well as the rich indigenous history of the traditional lands of the Ngunnawal people and European settlement in the Tidbinbilla Valley.

The sleepover itinerary includes Dreamtime stories by firelight, day and night wildlife encounters and ACT Parks and Wildlife offers and ranger-guided walks.

Keep your eye out for Wildfest Pop Up Wilderness Family Camps during the school holidays.

BOOK FOR APRIL 2019 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS HERE

Winery glamping for couples
Stay in an immaculately fit-out bell tent overlooking the vast landscapes of Canberra and beyond at the Naked Cubby, nestled above Mount Majura Vineyard just 15 minutes’ drive from the city.

The Naked Cubby is a couples’ retreat that’s all about simplicity, reflecting the idea of having a stripped back experience. No wifi and no technology; just books, nature and stars.

The bell tent is permanently located on a custom-built deck overlooking the vines, 600m uphill from the cellar door. The proximity of the vineyard to the city creates a backyard getaway experience where you can immerse yourself in the Canberra wine region without forfeiting the creature comforts of home.

Choose from a Schmick Stay, which includes additional luxuries during your stay such as a gourmet picnic hamper from Schmicnics and a bottle of Mount Majura wine, together with a local breakfast hamper. Or opt for a Simple Stay, where all you need to do is come along and switch off for a night before waking up to spectacular views and a local breakfast hamper.

Rustic cottage at Tidbinbilla and Namadgi
If you are not a fan of tents but still want to get away from it all, then Nil Desperandum is the cottage for you. With the mountains of Tidbinbilla as picturesque backdrop, this spot is perfect for groups and ideal for those who want a base for bushwalking, bird watching, stargazing or just relaxing.

You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and food. The historic rammed earth cottage has three rooms, toilet facilities, running water, solar lighting and a fire pit and barbecue – but no electricity – all from a very reasonable $149 per night.

Want to spend the night in Namadgi National Park? Ready Cut Cottage, a 1927 heritage cottage, is for hire from $220 per night. This spot is ideal for walks including the Yankee Hat Walk, which leads to an Aboriginal art site. With three bedrooms, a bathroom with a shower and tub and an outdoor toilet and fully equipped kitchen and a short stroll to the Gudgenby Valley, it’s a great spot for a weekend away.

Camping with city benefits
Exhibition Park – Canberra’s showground area and home of the National Folk Festival and many other events and trade shows – boasts the only pet friendly camping in Canberra and offers stays of up to 28 days. With a range of powered and non-powered sites available including large drive through sites, grey and black water dump points, campground accessibility has never been easier.

Exhibition Park is also home to the popular Capital Region Farmers Market, ideal for stocking up on local produce. Just an eight minute drive from the city centre, convenience is enhanced with public transport from the main gate to take you directly to the capital's top attractions.

Campgrounds around the capital

Take your pick from the many campsites surrounding the capital – from Kowen Forest, to Namadgi National Park, Woods Reserve, north of Gungahlin on the Centenary Trail and the Cotter Reserve. Explore your options on the Parks and Conservation website and then book your spot online.

For more options of where to stay during your Canberra break, check out our page.

A CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS SPARKLING

Sparkling SYDNEY, the first of its kind unique sparkling wine festival will launch at Pirrama Park, Pyrmont on Sunday 19 May, 2019, 11.00am to 5.00pm.

This inaugural major food and wine event will be a celebration of flavour, sustainability, and ethical produce with Sydney’s glistening harbor celebrating the very best in bubbles, from Sparkling Cuvee, Malbec, Shiraz, Pinot Chardonnay, Moscato, Zibibbo to Prosecco, Cava and many more.

A one of a kind cohesive sensory experience, each element, be it beverage, produce or gourmet food, is carefully curated to tie into the central theme ‘SPARKLING’.

This free event will showcase over 60 sparkling wines from both local and international wineries. The premier Australian list includes Peterson House Ltd, Redbank Wines, Savannah Estate, Stonehurst Cedar Creek, Gooree Park Wines, Tamburlaine Organic Wines, Santa & D'Sas,  Bunnamagoo Estate,  Hungerford Hill, Lerida Estate, Mount Majura Vineyard, Pinnaro Wines, Gundog Estate and Vinden Estate. International sparkling wines will be presented by XWineandZ, Made in Italy, Direct Wine Cellars and EuroConcepts.

There will also be a special array of Sparkling Bar activations during the Festival. Stop by the Bellini Cipriani Bar where visitors can savour the luxury of simplicity with a combination of the finest prosecco and fresh Mediterranean white peach, bought to Sparkling Sydney by Venice’s famous Harry’s Bar. For the ultimate food pairing experience, wander over to the The Ridge North Lilydale Sparkling Rose + Oyster Bar to try Tasmania’s Best Small Vineyard of the year 2017 their Sparkling Rose matched with delicious NSW Signature Oysters.

In addition, Fever-Tree and Adelaide Hills Distillery will be bringing to life the Fever-Tree Gin and Tonic Garden Bar. Featuring the award-winning range of gin from the Adelaide Hills Distillery including the highly acclaimed Green Ant gin. Here consumers will have the opportunity to discover and immerse themselves into the different flavour profiles of gin and the importance of pairing with the correct tonic to create the perfect Gin and Tonic.

Expect a wonderful balance of gourmet food and Australia-wide regional produce and fine beverages with a combination of international flavours and local regional themes, all alongside with the breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour from the iconic Pirrama Park in Pyrmont.

Sparkling wine glass with tasting tickets are also available on the day with packages starting at $20.

So, plunge into the shimmering pool of plenty this May. 

WHAT: Sparkling SYDNEY
WHEN: Sunday 19 May, 2019. 11am- 5pm
WHERE: Pirrama Park, Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont
TICKETS: FREE - Tasting Packages start $20
MORE INFO: www.sparklingsydney.com.au 
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/SparklingSydneyPyrmont/

New sightseeing flight in Da Nang and Hue

This April we are excited to introduce to you our new day tours with sightseeing flight in Da Nang and Hue. See the former imperial capital of Hue as never before on a scenic 30-minute seaplane flight. You will be able to see Hue’s UNESCO-listed Citadel and Imperial Enclosure as well as the coastline from a different point of view the. This experience will also allow you to see the “fish mazes” of the 24km-long Tam Gian Lagoon where three rivers empty out into the sea.

Besides Hue, the postcard-pretty coastline of Danang is even more spectacular when viewed from above. The 30-minute scenic flight follows the coast from Son Tra Peninsula – home of Monkey Mountain and Vietnam‘s tallest Lady Buddha statue – and along the Han River, spanned by picturesque bridges, then down to the Cham Islands, near Hoi An.

INDOCHINA TRAVEL SERVICES CO., LTD.
website: http://www.itsvietnam.com
Address : Suite 1705 - Artex building - 172 Ngoc Khanh, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Tel : + 84 24 62514052
Fax : + 84 24 62514051
Email : info@itsvietnam.com