APT have just launched their Australia 2025 program with some very exciting new itineraries and partnerships!
They will be taking guests down the Murray River on the brand-new luxury paddle steamer, the PS Australian Star. With transfers included from Melbourne to Echuca, having your very own Australian River Cruise experience couldn't be easier ;)
In another first for APT, they are partnering with Seabourn in the Kimberley. The purpose built and ultra-luxurious Seabourn Pursuit will take guests to stunning, remote locations in 2025. Additionally, a recent major renovation of APT’s Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge offers guests renewed opportunities for adventure and exploration in the region.
Tasmania also joins the boutique touring options offered in APT’s ever expanding Luxury Short Break program. Your can discover the diverse beauty of this great continent, by land or sea, with a range of itineraries to explore all-inspiring landscapes from Australia’s iconic outback to lush rainforests and jewel-coloured coastlines.
Come in and see as at Baulkham Hills and we can help you book you perfect Australian experience! These trips will book out.
River cruising is a very popular way to explore Europe as you only need to unpack once :) You will wake up in a new city every morning, travelling in comfort along some of the world's most iconic rivers.
Have you done a river cruise before?
If so, where have you cruised?
If not, where do you want to cruise?
Find inspiration in the wide open spaces of the Yukon. Located next to Alaska and above British Columbia, the Yukon is a road trippers dream with iconic highways, wilderness parks, gold rush history and a dynamic First Nations culture.
June and July welcome up to 21 hours of daylight. Perfect for road tripping through the Yukon’s eight unique regions or hiking the legendary trails of Kluane National Park and Reserve. Longer days are ideal for a horseback ride to take in the panoramic views of Fish Lake near Whitehorse. Or take a front row seat for the Yukon’s wildest views late in the (sunny) day by paddling the Yukon River. Larger animals, like moose and bears, can be seen foraging around rivers for fresh greens.
From mid-August to late September, the Yukon is positively ablaze in gold and crimson tones. Tombstone Territorial Park in the Klondike region puts on a show of colour that’s not to be missed. Take a photography tour, hike the world-renowned trails, drive further up the Dempster, or best yet, do all three.
As the autumn air becomes crisp and the nights grow long, a different kind of colour show begins. It’s the start of another aurora borealis season. If you’re planning on watching this spectacular natural phenomenon, dress for the Yukon fall conditions and bring a thermos of hot chocolate.
Winter in the Yukon runs from November to early March. Average temperatures reach highs of between -1° and -11° C and lows between -12° and -20° C. It can be hard to decide what to do first, so here’s a few wintery ideas: northern lights viewing, dogsledding, Ice fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, winter festivals, wildlife viewing, hot springs, cross-country and downhill skiing, and fat biking.
Don’t forget to look up. The long, dark winter nights set the stage for one of the most amazing, natural phenomena of the world—the aurora borealis. Prepare to drop jaw as you gaze up in awe at a light show that rivals a choreographed intergalactic l
Have you been to Canada, or is it on your travel wishlist?
Canada is the second largest country in the world and there really is so much to see and do there. Best of all, Vancouver is a direct 14 and a bit hour flight away from the east coast of Australia :)
What can you do in Canada?
- See bears in their natural habitat at lodges in British Columbia.
- Have a snow adventure in Whistler, or another awesome resort in BC or Alberta.
- Explore the spectacular Rocky Mountains in Alberta, staying in the iconic Fairmont hotels.
- See the Northern Lights in the Northwest Territories, the Yukon or Churchill, Manitoba.
- See Polar Bears on the Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
- Chase waterfalls in Wells Gray Provincial Park, BC or Niagara Falls, Ontario.
- Watch Icebergs float by along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, also known as Iceberg Alley.
- Practice your French in Quebec.
- Visit Maple Syrup shacks while road tripping through the Ottawa Valley
- Learn about Indigenous culture with unique experiences,
- Go White Water rafting
- Discover the gold rush history in the Yukon
As Canada Specialists, we can help you book your dream trip to Canada, including those special experiences which will make your trip perfect ;) Please get in touch to make a time to come in and see us.
https://www.flightcentre.com.au/deals/canada-alaska
Ellen recently visited Vancouver and Whistler on an educational trip with Destination Canada. One of the highlights was a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium, which is home to rescued sea lions and sea otters who can't be released back into the wild.
It's National Park Week in the USA! Did you know there are over 400 National Parks throughout the country? There are the well known parks such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Yellowstone as well as historic sites, national monuments and national seashores. If you have been to San Francisco, you have probably visited more NPS sites than you realise ;)
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/national-park-week.htm
Which National Parks have you visited?
Which one(s) are your favourite(s)?
What National Parks are still on your bucket list?
Experience unmatched natural beauty on this great value bucket list Canadian holiday and Alaskan Cruise with Cosmos.
Explore Vancouver before boarding your Rocky Mountaineer train for a 2-day trip following the Fraser River through snow-capped peaks to Kamloops. Travel through the Selkirk Mountains before entering Yoho National Park, and wind through the Spiral Tunnels before your train climbs Kicking Horse Pass. Cross the Continental Divide before entering Alberta and Banff National Park and onto Lake Louise for a night. Travel through magnificent Jasper National Park, and arrive at the base of 12,972-foot Mount Robson on your way to Sun Peaks, then Whistler. Cross via ferry to Victoria for sightseeing and a visit to beautiful Butchart Gardens.
Embark on your 7-night cruise through the Inside Passage from Vancouver to Alaskan ports of call. Follow the coast through spectacular waterways to watch for orcas, whales, otters, and eagles. Cruise on to Glacier Bay, which has more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anywhere in the world.
This tour is extremely popular as it's such a good itinerary at a great price. Currently all departures for 2022 and 2023 are on request, so please get in touch with us to check availability and lock in this bucket list experience for you!
https://www.flightcentre.com.au/product/15396533
The Norwegian fjords are spectacular and the best way to see them is on a Hurtigruten Coastal Voyage ;)
Hurtigruten has been sailing the coast of Norway since 1893, visiting 34 coastal communities in all seasons. Hurtigruten still connects these communities, while offering a truly authentic experience for people who don't want to do a traditional cruise. 🛳
- Bask in spectacular scenery any season of the year as you sail past more than 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains 🗻
- Spend half your voyage on an Arctic tour of Norway, maximising your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in winter, or enjoying 24 hours of daylight under the Midnight Sun in summer 🌅
- Take your pick from seven to nine optional hikes and the complete list of optional seasonal excursions – more than 70 in total – to enhance your coastal experience ⛄️
Hurtigruten have developed some fantastic itineraries which add on to the Coastal Voyage and showcase the best Norway and Finland have to offer. We can help you book your perfect trip, just get in touch with your consultant or contact us in store.
*** PS. Hurtigruten have just released their Black Friday sale, with 15% off all 22/23 Coastal Voyages!!! This offer finishes December 5th, so don't miss out. ***
What destinations and experiences are on your travel wish list?
We are working from home during lockdown and would love to help you plan your 2022 and beyond travel :)
Norfolk Island offers all the things you love about the South Pacific, and a whole lot more. Around every bend you’ll find a new surprise or twist that will make you rethink your notions of paradise. The beaches are some of the Pacific’s best, with impossibly clear waters sheltered by teeming coral reefs just a short swim from the sand. But you’ll also discover moody cliffs where waterfalls tumble into the sea and dramatic headlands with views that go on forever.
Norfolk Island's culture, too, is unlike any other in the Pacific, proudly weaving together the DNA of Bounty Mutineers and their Polynesian families. And as for food culture, they have been enjoying organic produce and paddock-to-plate dining long before it became ‘a thing’. When it comes to nature, any ol’ island can grow coconut trees. The island is home to the tallest fern trees on the planet and towering pines that tickle the underbellies of passing clouds, while the lush forests and offshore islands are sanctuaries to some of the world’s rarest birds.
Best of all, residents from Australia are free to enter Norfolk Island without quarantine as long as they have not travelled from any declared COVID-19 hotspots. This means we can enjoy an overseas holiday in paradise NOW, just a two-hour flight from Australia’s East Coast. Ready to experience Norfolk’s incredible bounty? Pop in and see us in store, call us on (02) 9865 1400 or email your consultant to find out more.
PS. Don't miss out on the airfare sale which finishes March 23rd ;)
Oceania Tropics & Exotics
Oceania Cruises’ new Tropics & Exotics Collection brings you the seas less travelled and offers a fascinating array of cultures and colourful landscapes. Discover sun-filled escapes and an array of less-travelled islands such as Bonaire, Dominica and Guadeloupe.
Reservations now open! Tropics & Exotics 2022-2023 cruises. #OceaniaCruises #Caribbean #SouthPacific #Asia #Africa
PS. Oceania's World Cruise for 2023 was opened for bookings in January and SOLD OUT within 24 hours!!!! Demand for 2022/2023 small ship cruising is really high as people who had trips cancelled last year are rebooking for next year ;) So don't miss out, pop in a see us in store or email your consultant so we can lock in your holiday for next year, or beyond with a reduced deposit.
Viking expeditions
Created for curious, experienced travelers, Viking's new expedition cruise programme is very exciting. Experience all the comfort and elegance of their award-winning ocean cruise fleet with two expedition ships built specifically to explore the world's most remote destinations and allow you to immerse yourself in these regions.
Viking Octantis & Viking Polaris will set sail in 2022, with a maximum of 378 guests on board, Every detail of the cruise is designed to appeal to the thinking traveler. Learn about the destinations with enriching lectures on geology, glaciology, marine biology, ornithology and more; gain an overview of activities to come during daily briefings; join the Viking Resident Scientists in the Laboratory or learn more at your leisure in the specially curated library. Guests are invited to engage on a deeper level during shore excursions by assisting in fieldwork or interacting in experiential activities.
There are some awesome savings when you book your Viking cruise during March ;) There is already limited availability on some of their sailings as people are rebooking their trips from last year to next year, so if you don't want to miss out, you can lock in your cruise now with just a deposit.
Please pop in and see us in store or email your consultant to check availability for you.
If exploring the Red Centre is on your #travelwishlist, and you don't want to self drive, Inspiring Journeys has just the tour for you!!! You can sit back and relax in the luxury 4WD vehicle as you experience the majesty of Uluru, Kings Canyon and the soaring West MacDonnell Ranges, taking in the beauty and enormity of your surroundings. View rock art dating back thousands of years, witness striking landscapes and be immersed in the stories of the Dreamtime.
OUTBACK CONTRASTS: A JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE is a 5 day itinerary starting in Alice Springs and ending in Uluru. It includes most meals, carefully curated experiences and 4-5 star accommodation. There is already limited availability on some 2021 departures, so please get in touch and we can check your preferred dates,
DAY 1 Welcome to Alice Springs
Immerse yourself in the history of Alice Springs. Explore the West MacDonnell Ranges on a walk through the dramatic Simpsons Gap. Relish spectacular views across Alice Springs from Anzac Hill. Enjoying an open-air dinner around a campfire with your local hosts, as the Milky Way lights up the sky.
DAY 2 Alice Springs – Kings Canyon
Now we’re off the beaten track exploring along the Giles Track, crossing dry river beds and outback landscapes to Kings Canyon Resort. This evening you’re treated to the unique Local Dining Experience, Under a Desert Moon, set in the wilderness under a canopy of the Southern Night sky (weather permitting). The only light comes from the moon and the flickering glow of the fire and the only sound is soft music intertwined with the whispering of the breeze through the Desert Oak trees and the crackling flames. Enjoy sparkling wine and canapés followed by a degustation dinner, prepared from fresh produce and ingredients unique to the Australian Outback.
DAY 3: Kings Canyon – Uluru
Gaze across the deep chasm at the edge of Kings Canyon as you embark on a sunrise 6km rim walk past the domed ‘Lost City' and down into the luscious ‘G
Coral Expeditions
Coral Expeditions has pioneered safe expedition cruising in the current environment. Since October 2020, they have taken intrepid groups of explorers to the remote islands, secluded bays and coastal trails of Australia. In small groups of less than 100, and with full health protocols on their Australian-flagged small ships, they set sail to blue skies and endless vistas.
If you are missing cruising, there are a couple of berths left on their next cruise, which departs in 2 weeks!!!! Please get in touch with us to find out more ;)
*** Exploring Ningaloo, Montebello & Abrolhos Islands ***
12 Nights | Departing Fremantle | Arriving Broome | Onboard Coral Adventurer
Departures: 10 March 2021 & 1 March 2022
This expedition explores Western Australia’s wild and largely untouched coast, with its contrasting coastal palette of rich red sands and turquoise sea. With a fascinating maritime and Indigenous history – from the Malgana people of Shark Bay to the exploratory journeys of William Dampier, Dirk Hartog, Baudin and Freycinet – this region is layered with stories. The natural coastal reserves harbour an abundance of bird life and fascinating marine species. Their guides will help guests explore the renowned Houtman Abrolhos Islands, Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Ningaloo Reef, Cape Range National Park, Montebello Islands, Muiron Islands and Dampier Archipelago.
** Expedition Highlights**
- Discover the fascinating history and natural wonders of the Abrolhos Islands, as you swim with friendly sea lions and snorkel over the fringing reefs
- Explore World Heritage Shark Bay with visits to Francois Peron National Park & Dirk Hartog Island, to discover the history and abundant wildlife of this region
- Discover World-Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef with scuba diving and snorkelling at outer reefs and from the beach at Turquoise Bay
- Discover sites of cultural significance to Indigenous Australians, including the Dampier Archipelago petroglyphs, with expert int
Santas Village
What destinations and travel experiences are on your Bucket List?
Ellen spent Christmas in Finland a few years ago, an experience which had been on her travel wish list for a while. Lapland was a dream come true, as she enjoyed a reindeer sleigh ride, driving a husky sled, snowmobiling and visiting Santa's Village near Rovaneimi.
We are going to be sharing travel inspiration on this page as well as awesome offers, so we would love to know what travel experiences you are dreaming about :)
