Go by Ghan: The Ghan Expedition is considered one of the great train journeys of the world. Photo / Supplied
Go by Ghan: The Ghan Expedition is considered one of the great train journeys of the world. Photo / Supplied
VICTORIAN VIBRANCE AT MANTRA
Like the idea of a long weekend in vibrant and beautiful Melbourne? Make plans for an October 16 departure and book by June 18. This one’s for couples or besties, priced from $1679 for two people ($839.5 each). Return Qantas fares and three nights’ accommodation atMantra on Jolimont are included.
Ride the historic rail pathway from Darwin to Adelaide aboard The Ghan next year. Departing on set dates in April, September and October 2024, The Ghan Expedition is considered one of the great train journeys of the world. A three-night, four-day trip is priced from $4665pp, share twin. All meals, beverages and off-train excursions to Nitmiluk (Katherine), Alice Springs, Coober Pedy and Manguri are included. Flights from New Zealand are additional.
Victorian vibrance: Spend three nights in Melbourne this October. Photo / Supplied
PACIFIC CRUISE ENCOUNTERS
Cruise the tropical waters around Fiji and Tonga aboard Pacific Encounter this August. Priced from just $1374pp, twin-share, this 10-night escape includes all main meals, many activities and entertainment. In the islands, you’ll get to explore freshwater rivers, see soaring mountains, lush green forest, and local growers selling fruits and vegetables. Travel from August 8 to 18.
Festival of lights: Te Ramaroa Nelson. Photo / Tim Cuff, Supplied
SWITCH ON TO NELSON
The Nelson Light Festival, Te Ramaroa, illuminates the top-of-the-south city from June 30 to July 4, with dazzling installations that attract around 40,000 people to see how the seaside city is magically transformed. The event is free.
Cruise with sports champions out of Sydney Harbour, aboard the Queen Elizabeth. Photo / Supplied
QE′S CRUISE OF AUSSIE CHAMPIONS
A seven-night sporting-themed cruise on board Queen Elizabeth, in a Balcony Stateroom, gives sport-minded passengers the chance to interact with champion sports personalities such as cricket player Brett Lee, footballer Adam Goodes, golfer Karrie Webb and sports journalist Mark Beretta. Priced from $1815pp, the itinerary includes Hobart, Port Arthur, Melbourne and Sydney, from where the cruise departs on February 13. Book by June 30.
