34 Kimberley Coast Departures for Coral Princess

Australia's small-ship cruise line Coral Princess Cruises pioneered the concept of small-ship luxury expedition cruising on the Kimberley Coast in 1996, and in 2012 operates a total of 34 departures between April and October.

Guests can choose to travel aboard the state-of-the-art Oceanic Discoverer or the legendary Coral Princess, both small ships purposely built for navigating the tidal extremes and rugged landscapes of this remarkable region.

"Clients will discover the Kimberley in total comfort and unparalleled style."

When your clients join Coral Princess in the Kimberley they will enjoy the benefits of travelling with an Australian owned and operated cruise line.

Cruising directly between Darwin and Broome, they will avoid the need to visit a foreign port, a regulation applying to foreign-owned operators.

They'll also enjoy two shore excursions most days aboard a fleet of inflatable zodiacs and the unique, specially designed 'Xplorer' excursion vessel, allowing exploration beyond the reach of other travellers.

With an expert team of Guest Lecturers, the attentive service of the all-Australian staff and the most comprehensive itinerary in the region, with Coral Princess Cruises your clients will discover the Kimberley in total comfort and unparalleled style.

Sacred stone takes Pride of Place at Dart River

A sacred mauri pounamu, or greenstone, has been blessed by 'kaumatua' – respected tribal elders – of the Ngai Tahu tribe in a ceremony attended by local dignitaries and business supporters.

The blessing highlighted Dart River Jet Safaris' Glenorchy Visitor Centre redevelopment celebrations. A mauri pounamu embodies a living, spiritual energy, shared with all those who touch it. It's a powerful symbol of the tribe's relationship to the land.

Waihōpai Rūnanga Upoko Michael Skerrett says the placement of the mauri pounamu strengthens traditional links with the iconic Ngāi Tahu Tourism experience and adds a cultural dimension to welcoming visitors to the area.

The mauri pounamu was sourced during an expedition led by Ngāi Tahu and the Department of Conservation. Rediscovered in 1970, the 'Te Koroka' site had remained untouched for 200 years.

Air New Zealand wins airline industry Oscar – again

For the first time in the nearly 40-year history of the ATW Airline of the Year award, an airline has won the award twice in three years. Air New Zealand has now won more ATW awards than any other airline in the past decade.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Rob Fyfe, who will travel to Singapore to collect the award on 13 February 2012, said the announcement came as a huge thrill.
“In our industry it’s equivalent to winning an Oscar. To pick up the award again this year is simply outstanding,” Fyfe said.
Judges said Air New Zealand’s industry-leading innovation and staff motivation had contributed to excellent market position, customer service, fiscal management and operational safety. Products such as the game-changing economy Skycouch seating on Air New Zealand’s new 777-300ER aircraft may have helped too.
Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) Chief Executive Tim Cossar said it was fantastic for the country’s tourism industry that Air New Zealand was “such a leader and trendsetter on a world scale”, recognised internationally for its success and innovation.

Australia's National Landscape
- THE KIMBERLEY

The Kimberley in Western Australia is one of the world’s great wilderness areas. Covering an astonishing 423,000 square kilometres, with 13,000 kilometres of coastline and more than 2,500 islands and reefs, it’s painted from a seemingly impossible pallete of colours – fiery red soils, pearly white sands, and bright turquoise waters.

How to get there:

Kununurra, Derby and Broome all receive direct flights from Perth, and Qantas, Airnorth, Virgin Australia, Skywest and Air Australia all provide a range of services to the region.
If travelling by car it’s essential to carefully plan the journey in advance, as many of the towns are remote with great distances between them. Hire cars are available from Perth or in major towns within the region such as Broome and Kununurra. Greyhound Australia also operates regular coach services between all major towns in the region.
Things to experience:

• Fly over the magnificent waterfalls of the Mitchell Plateau or the unique beehive-shaped domes of the Bungle Bungl e Ranges in World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park.
• Cruise along the pristine, untouched landscape of the Kimberley coast; or head offshore
• to dive amongst the coral gardens and marine life of the Rowley Shoals marine reserve.
• Saddle up for the Kimberley’s most iconic experience – a camel ride along Cable Beach
• at sunset.
• Journey through the heart of the Kimberley on a four wheel driving adventure along the 660 km Gibb River Road, and take a detour to stay in the region’s deluxe eco-cabins.
• Cruise the Lower Ord River and view giant saltwater crocodiles and an abundance of bird life; or drop a line to fish for an elusive Barramundi.
• Visit the spectacular beaches of the Dampier Peninsula and see the region through the eyes of an Indigenous person; go kayaking, snorkelling, mud-crabbing and fishing with local guides.
• See ancient rock art in Drysdale National Park or on the isolated Mitchell Plateau, home to the Gwion Gwion paintings.
• Fly to the islands of Buccaneer Archipelago, home to the famous Horizontal Waterfalls – described by David Attenborough as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”.
• Venture out to the Broome Bird Observatory on the shores of Roebuck Bay – a Ramsar listed wetland and one of the best places to view some of the thousands of migratory wader birds.
• Taste the distinctive lifestyle of the Kimberley and visit during the Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster, a two week festival held each year in Kununurra in May.

For more information on The Kimberley including a suggested Itinerary go to: www.tourism.australia.com/nl

Australia's North West Tourism

The Kimberley region in the North West of Western Australia offers outback adventures, luxury cruises and cultural experiences against a backdrop of spectacular scenery.

Best Of The Kimberley

Best Of The Kimberley is a Broome-based travel wholesaler specialising in arranging self-drive itineraries throughout the Kimberley and Top End.

Broome & The Kimberley Holidays

One call books it all.... With over 15 years of experience & local know-how, our exclusive holiday packages are guaranteed to inspire.

Kimberley Dreamtime Adventure Tours

2-3 days Kimberley Adventure including Nature, Wildlife, Interaction, Aboriginal Culture, Rock Art, Bushtucker, Fishing, Campfires & Dreamtime Stories near Fitzroy River, departing Broome.

Kimberley Wild Expeditions

Small, diverse groups explore the Kimberley in clean, comfortable vehicles. Guides have local expertise and passion to share its highlights and secrets.

Kimberley Wilderness Adventures

KWA Lodges, Camps and Adventure Touring Operations are eco-certified at the highest level and proud to be one of the few tour operators with Advanced Ecotourism certification, recognising outstanding economically, environmentally and socially sustainable practices. Small-group 4WD tours and fully escorted air safaris promise the adventure of a lifetime as clients explore Australia's last frontier.

Slingair Heliwork WA

The vast, awe-inspiring, ancient Kimberley landscape is best seen from the air. For the scenic flight of a lifetime, Slingair operates planes and helicopters from Kununurra, Broome, Bungle Bungle, Warmun, Mitchell Falls and Drysdale River Station. This award-winning operation gives plenty of choice: short scenic flights; fly/drive day-tours; extended air safaris, or tailored itineraries.

El Questro Wilderness Park

The eastern perimeter of The Kimberley, mostly unexplored, is one of the world’s last unspoilt frontiers. El Questro accommodation includes: Emma Gorge Resort – 60 superior safari-style tented cabins, each with private facilities; The Station air-conditioned Bungalows on the river (family friendly) or Riverside Camping; The Homestead – an exclusive retreat cantilevered over the magnificent Chamberlain Gorge.

Home Valley Station

This ultimate outback experience offers luxury, guesthouse, and eco-tent accommodation, and an inspiring range of activities on a huge working cattle station.

Kimberley Coastal Camp

A true rarity. Ancient rock art, spectacular fishing, gourmet food, beachfront accommodation, and unparalleled hospitality right in the heart of the Kimberley Wilderness.

WAITOC Association

Enjoy authentic Indigenous experiences from dreamtime stories to bush tours and art from one of the world's oldest living cultures.

Ocean and Land Based Adventures in Shark Bay - Western Australia

The Shark Bay World Heritage Area in Western Australia covers more than 2 million hectares, and is one of the world’s greatest secret wilderness treasures.
Rich with Aboriginal heritage, the fascinating combination of culture, wildlife, flora and stunning scenery is unlike anywhere else.
Darren ’Capes’ Capewell from Wula Guda Nyinda - Eco Adventures is a charismatic guide who offers cultural walking tours and guided kayak journeys over land and sea sharing an insight into the deep spiritual connection between the Nhanda and Malgana Aboriginal people and the spectacular coastal surrounds.
His entertaining personality together with his depth of knowledge and genuine respect for the environment ensures this fun and enriching adventure will be most memorable.

www.wulaguda.com.au

Capes’ brother Keith Capewell and his family run Aussie Off Road Tours providing a range of four wheel drive day and extended overland adventures into the surrounding National Park. Try your hand at beach netting to catch a tasty seafood dinner or go for a snorkel amongst the myriad of marine life.
Explore the old Peron Homestead and take a soak in the Artesian Hot Tub.  Enjoy the spectacular scenery whilst learning about the history, heritage and culture of this remarkable place.

www.aussieoffroadtours.com.au

NEWS CLIPPINGS FROM DOWNUNDER

Chinese tennis star Li Na bigger than Oprah for tourism – Melbourne Herald Sun, 17 January 2012
The success of Chinese tennis star Li Na in Australia has started a boom in Asian visitors that could be “more valuable than Oprah” [Winfrey] for tourism. Australian Open officials confirmed yesterday that fifth seed Li has been the driving force behind a 30% rise in ticket sales to China this year. Li also has played a significant role in a 400% rise in visitors from the Asia-Pacific since 2004.

24kg kingfish caught in Oriental Bay – Dominion Post, New Zealand, 30 December 2011
It was the “best show in town” as angler Doug Quirk pulled a 24kg kingfish from the waters of Wellington’s Oriental Bay. A delighted crowd of about 100 people gathered to watch – many snapping away on their cameras – as the local painter fought to bring the fish ashore at the popular city beach.  Kingfish proliferate in NZ waters and are common around Waiheke Island in Auckland, but 24kg in Wellington Harbour is a rarity.

Budget carrier AirAsia X to offer daily flights to Sydney – The Australian, 17 January 2012
Budget airline AirAsia X will begin daily flights to Sydney this year, in a move that could inject close to A$140 million into the NSW economy annually. NSW Tourism Minister George Souris says the new service from Kuala Lumpur will begin in mid-2012 and, eventually, will bring around 55,000 more international visitors to the state every year. Just days earlier, AirAsia X announced plans to scrap unprofitable routes to Europe and India.

Enter the dragon: Chinese arrive in numbers – The Australian, 23 January 2012
Last Tuesday the Australian embassy in Beijing issued a record number of visas to Chinese citizens for travel to Australia. A week earlier, Qantas began flying an A380 to Hong Kong and this week Cairns is due to receive charter flights from China during Chinese New Year. In the 12 months to June 30, Chinese tourists spent A$43.6 billion, making them for the first time Australia’s largest source of tourist income.

Cranky croc steals lawnmower – Sky News Australia, 29 December 2011
A saltwater crocodile at Central Coast Reptile Park has charged at two groundkeepers and stolen their lawnmower. The groundkeepers learned a harsh lesson from the cranky crocodile when grass cutting came to an abrupt end in the enclosure. The five-metre-long croc, Elvis, decided to deal with the noisy lawn mower himself on Wednesday morning, by hauling it into his pond.

Man films himself getting hit by lightning – Daily Telegraph, 23 January 2012
A Perth man has filmed the moment he was struck by lightning while watching a spectacular thunderstorm from his backyard. Russell Southey assured his wife “you’re safe here” as he made a video of lightning striking around his home in the early hours of Friday morning. The footage shows several massive strikes before the cameraman is suddenly thrown to the ground, screaming obscenities. Southey was taken to hospital but discharged soon after.

Mungo Lodge

Surrounded by World heritage-listed sites of natural and cultural significance, Mungo Lodge is a four-star oasis of accommodation in the Outback, eco-certified and known for its commitment to environmentally sustainable management.

Catering for a limited number of guests (17 guest rooms), it provides fine food with a French touch.

Mungo Lodge is ideally located for nature tourism, cultural activities, stargazing and birdwatching, standing next to magnificent Mungo National Park and offering its own private airstrip.

BROKEN HILL -the real Outback

The city of Broken Hill has developed as a vibrant Mecca for artists and filmmakers, a long way from its roots as the site of the richest deposit of silver, lead and zinc the world has ever seen.

International-ready product includes luxury air charters, Aboriginal guided tours, 4WD and coach touring and accommodation ranging up to 4.5-star.

Plus five diverse, wildlife-rich National Parks, mining heritage, museums and Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Broken Hill is the real outback of NSW.

Reynella Rides now Advanced Ecotourism Certified

With over 40 years experience, Reynella explores alpine ‘Man from Snowy River’ country on horseback in Kosciuszko National Park.
Recently granted Advanced Ecotourism Certification and the only horse trek company in NSW to hold this, Reynella also holds a NSW Parks and Wildlife Service Eco Pass Licence and its leaders are accredited by Australian Horse Riding Centres.

4-6 night horse treks cater for beginners to advanced riders and explore breathtaking scenery, led by experienced bush men and women. First and last night stay at Reynella Homestead, and comfortable camping the other nights.

Free App from The Legendary Pacific Coast

The Legendary Pacific Coast is Australia’s most established and popular touring route, extending almost 1000km from Mt Warning in the north to the Central Coast in the south.
Pristine coastal areas and lush hinterland offer independent travellers grand outdoor adventures. More than 215 industry operators and four regional tourism organisations are collaborating to promote the route.
A free iPhone app provides information at travellers’  fingertips. See Where It Takes You in the Northern Rivers region of NSW.

The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa

Your clients will be inspired by nature at The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa.
Set within a stunning 45 acre subtropical rainforest, just moments from Tallow Beach, this multi award winning resort provides an idyllic escape in a relaxed atmosphere. Guests indulge in nurturing spa treatments, fresh local cuisine, endless walks through the rainforest, daily yoga and the 25m infinity pool.
Spacious well-appointed one bedroom suites feature a kitchen, separate lounge and dining areas, and fully enclosed verandahs.

Somerset Apartments Lord Howe Island

Centrally located and perfectly situated in palm groves between Neds Beach and the Lagoon, Somerset Apartments allows easy walking and biking to the island’s town centre, beaches, shops, restaurants, Visitor Centre and tour operators, making it an ideal holiday location.
Units come in studio, one-bedroom or family configurations, each with separate bedroom and living areas, ensuite bathroom and covered verandah overlooking palm forest and gardens.
Somerset Apartments’ new website has a live booking engine.

Pinetrees Lodge Lord Howe Island

Pinetrees Lodge on Lord Howe Island is one of the oldest family businesses in Australia.
Pinetrees is famous for great meals, personalised service and its stunning beachfront location. Guests discover world-class diving, snorkelling, fishing, walking, surfing and golf, or just relax and rejuvenate on one of Australia’s most beautiful islands.
 Pinetrees offers a great range of accommodation, including comfortable en-suite rooms, luxury Garden Cottages and 3 and 4 bedroom family cottages.

Milky Way Villas

Milky Way Villas, just one minute from pretty Old Settlement Beach on Lord Howe Island, offers excellent one-bedroom or two-bedroom self-contained villas with fully equipped kitchen and en-suite bathroom.
One-bedroom Mooreii villas are nestled in dense tropical rainforest, and two-bedroom Belmoreana villas have sweeping island views.
Tariffs include a complimentary food hamper, all linen and beach towels, and Milky Way runs a free shuttle van service to restaurants at guests’ request.