Environmentally friendly resort
An initiative by one of the Bundaberg region's leading accommodation houses, Kellys Beach Resort, proves how seriously it take its environmental responsibility.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The eco-certified resort has partnered with Greenfleet, a leading environmental non-profit organisation and one of Australia's most trusted sources of biodiverse carbon offsets, to take practical climate action.
"Guests who book their stay at Kellys Beach Resort directly have the opportunity to make a donation, which we will match, towards planting a tree in the Barolin Nature Reserve," Kellys Beach Resort business director Loni Hammond said.
"This reserve has been planted to shield the local beaches of Bargara and Mon Repos from light pollution, as the beaches are the nesting sights of one of the largest sea turtle populations on the Australian eastern seaboard, including the endangered loggerhead turtle."
The Barolin Nature Reserve, which was first planted in 2017, has approximately 85,000 native biodiverse trees, and is now the largest reforestation project in the region.
Visit www.kellysbeachresort.com.au.
An outback arias
For the first time ever, Opera Australia will perform an exclusive concert in the spiritual heart of Australia, with the vast Outback plains and Bruce Munro's Field of Light as the backdrop.
The special gala performance, held under the stars on Saturday, November 2, promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience as some of the world's most renowned opera singers perform in a uniquely Australian setting.
Guests will celebrate Uluru's manifold wonders with renowned singers Natalie Aroyan, Lorina Gore, Diego Torre and others.
They'll sing a two-act program of famous arias - including Puccini's Nessun dorma; the Habanera from Carmen; and the hauntingly beautiful Au fond du temple saint from Bizet's The Pearlfishers - accompanied by a chamber orchestra and conducted by Tahu Matheson.
As the sun dips below the horizon, the desert's intense colours will change from luminous orange to deep purple. It's a splendid sight, with a magical soundtrack to match.
Visit www.opera.org.au.
Market it in Melbourne
Thought to be the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere, Queen Victoria Market is a Melbourne institution, with origins dating back to the 19th century.
Its well-loved market hall is famed for its fresh foods, baked goods, and artisanal products.
If people are looking for things to do in Melbourne at night for free, a stroll through the Queen Victoria night markets is a great way to begin the evening.
There are obviously plenty of places to stay in Melbourne, but certainly worth trying is the ParkRoyal Melbourne Airport.
Being adjacent to the Melbourne Airport has some clear advantages such as hassle-free stopovers, and the city centre is located 20 minutes away.
Visit www.qvm.com.au.
Whale of a time
You don't have to splash out a fortune to see the whales at play in Hervey Bay this year, with Mantra Hotels surfacing with a range of great value accommodation deals for this year's whale-watching season.
Known as the whale-watching capital of Australia, the laid-back seaside destination transforms into a heartland of humpback activity until September as thousands of giant humpback whales take time out from their annual migration in the calm waters of Hervey Bay.
Two of Hervey Bay's resorts, Mantra Hervey Bay and BreakFree Great Sandy Straits, are offering accommodation deals for holidaymakers looking for a whale of a time.
This year's offers include a 20 per cent discount off Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters tours when booked through hotel reception.
Stay, for instance, at Mantra Hervey Bay, an absolutely marina-front property situated near cruise departure points, over the whale-watching season from $117 per night (Sunday to Thursday, minimum two-night stay).
Visit www.mantra.com.au.
Icon's restoration complete
InterContinental Lyon-Hotel Dieu is open after a four-year restoration of one of the city's most iconic buildings, the former hospital.
The renovation of the Grand Hotel-Dieu complex is thought to be the largest private transformation of a historic monument carried out in France to date.
Interior designer Jean-Philippe Nuel focused on maintaining the original beauty and architecture of the building whilst offering a contemporary, understated luxury design which is rooted in the history of Lyon and the building itself.
Lyon was once the capital of the European silk industry, playing a central role in the Silk Road trade between east and west.
Rich silk fabrics contrast with the original architectural features of the building, such as stone floors, plastered walls and timber ceilings.
Rates start from $455 per night.
Visit www.intercontinental.com.
Spice it up with Lyndey
Lyndey Milan OAM, one of Australia's most experienced food professionals, will host a 12-day small-group culinary tour of Morocco next April in partnership with By Prior Arrangement.
The tour will visit diverse destinations such as Rabat, Meknes, Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains.
Highlights include personal hosting by Lyndey Milan, accommodation in authentic riads and dars, escorted visits to extraordinary cultural and historical sites including Jardin Majorelle and an excursion to a traditional Berber village in the Atlas Mountains.
Prices start at $8850 per person twin-share, including most meals.
Visit www.bypriorarrangement.com.