Looking for a place to kick back and relax, or are you a ken and active explorer? Either way, there's plenty to see and do on this wonderful planet of ours.
Tassie walking
The Tasmanian Walking Co reckons it is the only private guided-walking company with permission to stay within the Three Capes national park at night and now offers the “Three Capes Lodge Walk”, a 46km fully guided walking experience along the wild and rugged cliffs of the dramatic Tasman Peninsula.
Starting with an eco-cruise near historic Port Arthur, the Southern Ocean is a constant companion as guests traverse soaring sea cliffs, spy wildlife and flora, and absorb 37,000 years of history along the way.
Settle in each night in architecturally designed lodges to refuel with Tasmania’s finest food and drink. Guests can even enjoy a massage or spa treatment as they rest up.
The trips depart all year round with a maximum of 14 guests.
Visit www.taswalkingco.com.au.
Murray cruising
Captain Cook Cruises’ seven-night “Upper Murraylands” cruise, on board paddlewheeler PS Murray Princess will depart monthly this year.
The cruise explores the northern area of the Murray River from Mannum to Morgan, before returning to Mannum.
The cruise visits the historic towns of Waikerie, Morgan and Swan Reach, where guests can enjoy a guided walk of the townships.
Winelovers can indulge in a lunch and tastings at Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre, while at Caudo Winery there is a visit to the cellar door and a tour of the beautiful gardens and orchards.
Learn about Aboriginal history at the amazing Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve — one of Australia’s most significant archaeological sites — and enjoy a guided boardwalk tour of ancient rock carvings.
Fares start from $1902 per person twin-share and include accommodation, all meals, guided nature walks, eco-excursions, onboard presentations, the Captain’s dinner and dance, live entertainment, and use of the ship’s facilities including sun deck, bar, two lounges, restaurant and a mini-gymnasium.
Scenic coach transfers from Adelaide or secure car-parking in Mannum are included.
Visit www.murrayprincess.com.au.
Exclusive resort
The Sojourn Retreats group has re-opened the former Paradise Bay Eco Resort on the southern tip of Long Island in the Whitsundays, after purchasing it in March and spending the past year renovating the resort.
The resort was damaged by Cyclone Marcia and then Debbie, rendering it non-operational over the last three years.
The family-owned group plans to operate the new Elysian Resort in line with its Pumpkin Island Retreat, located in the Keppel Islands.
Elysian will take a luxurious approach as an all-inclusive retreat catering to a maximum 20 guests with a private chef, custom organic spa treatments and exclusive aquatic adventures showcasing the reef.
Visit www.sojournretreats.com.au.
Ethical elephants
World Expeditions has joined the Coalition for Ethical Wildlife Tourism to play its part in ending the suffering of wildlife for the entertainment of tourists.
The move is the latest in the company’s ongoing drive to deliver ethical wildlife experiences across its product range, following on from the 2014 removal of elephant rides from its program and the 2015 release of its Animal Welfare Code of Conduct.
The Coalition’s main objectives are to demonstrate a strong demand and support for venues considering becoming elephant-friendly (observation only) and to drive industry standards and government policies and legislation that better protect the welfare of animals and preservation of wildlife through tourism.
Phone 1300 720 000 or visit www.worldexpeditions.com.
Spectacular trek
Walking the Laugavegur Trail, one of Iceland’s most famous hiking trails, is a wonderful way to escape the country’s influx of visitors and to see some of the most beautiful parts of Iceland at the same time.
UTracks has added a third walking itinerary to its Laugavegur offering for the 2019 season.
Its new four-day Laugavegur Trail Highlights guided walk begins in the geothermal valley of Landmannalaugar in the southern highlands and heads south past small gorges to the Pórsmörk Valley.
Arriving at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which last erupted in 2010 and whose crater is completely covered by an icecap, marks one of the many highlights of the trip.
Prices start at $2290 per person twin-share ex Reykjavik.
Phone 1300 303 368 or visit www.utracks.com.
Ancient wonders
Now is the time to discover the ancient wonders of Egypt.
Step back in time to the cradle of civilization and explore the Land of the Pharaohs, with its colourful hieroglyphics and 4500-year-old pyramids.
Book by February 28 and get free economy flights on any journey of 20 days or longer — a saving of up to $4560 per couple — or save $2145 per couple with a partner-flies-free deal on any journey less than 14 days.
Phone 138 128 or visit www.scenic.com.au.