AboutSeniors€¦ · Australia’s Great Train Journeys Kick back, relax and enjoy some of the best...

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Australia’s Great Train Journeys

Kick back, relax and enjoy some of the best train journeys in the world, through the centre of Australia.

The 2008–09 Australia’s Great Train Holidays brochure is now available, with loads of information and new package, tour and accommodation options.

The adventure of train travel across this great southern land offers passengers an unparalleled variety of authentic Australian experiences. Travel on The Ghan, Indian Pacific or The Overland and experience Australia as never before. If you are an Australian Pension and Commonwealth Senior Health Card holder an unforgettable train holiday is made even easier. With these cards you are eligible to save up to 55% on Great Southern Rail services. You can get even more generous concessions by using your Pension Free Travel Voucher*. This makes your next train holiday within easy reach. *Conditions apply. Visit www.gsr.com.au for full terms and conditions. THE LEGENDARY GHAN The name The Ghan was inspired by the pioneering Afghan cameleers who blazed a permanent trail into the Red Centre of Australia over 150 years ago. Boarding The Ghan in Adelaide or Darwin, you’ll experience one of the most fascinating great train journeys of the world. Marvel at the spectacular Australian landscapes; from the rusty reds of the MacDonnell Ranges surrounding the fascinating town of Alice Springs, gateway to Uluru and the Red Centre, then north to Katherine and the lush tropical splendour of Darwin. The north-south 2979km journey through outback Australia further enhances what is already considered one of the world’s great train experiences. Great Southern Rail is also excited to announce that the new Platinum Service will be launched on The Ghan service departing Adelaide for Darwin on 10 September 2008 and ticket sales are now open for booking Platinum Service is a new luxury level of train travel, like no other Australian train accommodation*. Platinum Cabins will be approximately twice the size of our standard Gold Twin Cabins with each room offering deluxe accommodation including double beds, spacious ensuite and 24-hour room service. They will have all the modern comforts, in a classic style, with a distinctly Australian character. The Ghan will now also offer accommodation options that rival the best world-class trains. This new service level is in addition to our existing Red and Gold Services, which will continue to operate on The Ghan. This means The Ghan will now cater to all budgets from Red


Service the most economical way to travel, through to Gold Service for those holidaymakers who want to travel in comfort and now the deluxe offering of the new Platinum Service. *Concession fares not applicable to Platinum Service.

THE MIGHTY INDIAN PACIFIC The Indian Pacific travels an amazing 4352kms from the Indian Ocean in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east. Unlike many other world-renowned train journeys, the Indian Pacific spends the majority of its time removed from civilization. From the barren Nullarbor Plains, where the uniquely Australian outback landscape stretches as far as the eye can see, to the lush green beauty of the Blue Mountains, the Indian Pacific traverses some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery. There is no better way to see and feel the magic of the Australian continent than on the world famous Indian Pacific and witness parts of Australia that cannot be seen any other way.

THE OVERLAND Travelling between Adelaide and Melbourne, The Overland began as the Intercolonial Express over 100 years ago. The century old name The Overland came from the affectionate term ‘Overlander’, an adventurer who had travelled across the country. More than a century later, there’s no more relaxing way to enjoy the trip between Melbourne and Adelaide than on the newly refurbished Overland. The Overland provides a comfortable, relaxing way to travel between the cities or to ease into a great holiday in either Melbourne, Adelaide or their surrounding regions.

On board, The Overland guests have the choice of two levels of service; Red Service and Red Premium Service. Red Service offers a value for money option with all the comforts you need, while Red Premium gives guests more services and more personal space. Both service levels offer guests ample room to move around the train and stretch their legs. The licenced Café Carriage also provides the chance to meet your fellow travellers and socialise in a comfortable, friendly environment.

The Overland operates daylight services to and from Adelaide three times a week.

For further information or bookings visit www.gsr.com.au or call 13 21 47


Maccu Pichu

Well, what can we say? We had no idea what a special place this is – and suspect it would take many visits, and much scholarship, to understand the importance of this ancient site. Located high in the “cloud forest” of the Andes, about 30 kilometres from the ancient Incan capital of Cusco, Maccu Pichu was the special citadel created by Incans in the 15th century for royals, astronomers, and scientists. It is often referred to as a ruin, but this is incorrect. Some 60 percent of the buildings are intact, 30 per cent have been restored, and it sis said that 10 per cent are yet to be discovered. Happily for the Peruvians (not to mention the rest of us), their Spanish conquerors did not discover this abandoned settlement during their time of occupation. In fact, it was only discovered by an American, Hiram Bingham, in the early 20th Century and even he was seeking another site. Today Maccu Pichu is a peaceful and uplifting reminder of an intelligent, sophisticated and humane civilisation which conquered other tribes, but then encouraged them to assimilate and work toward the common good. Many travellers choose to trek up the Inca Trail to the fortifications, but be warned this is a strenuous four-day challenge, often exacerbated by the effects of altitude sickness caused by the location 2970 metres above sea level. For a less punishing, but still rewarding, visit take the train from Ollyantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and stay at one of the hotels in town. Buses leave every ten minutes for Maccu Pichu and your entry fee entitles you to maximum access all day. You will need to purchase another ticket if you return the next day. For those flush with cash the Hiram Bingham explorer from Cusco offers a luxurious package of train travel, brunch, a guided tour, and cocktails and dinner upon return. But as we said, it’s not about the money…whether you trek, train or bus it in you will find this ancient town in the sky a truly uplifting and extraordinary place. Maccu Pichu - http://www.sacredsites.com/americas/peru/machu_picchu.html Hiram Bingham - http://www.railplus.com.au/pass.cfm?pass=hiram-bingham


Cruising the high seas

Cruising is fast becoming a popular means of travel, taking in different destinations, without the hassle unpacking each time. If a cruise is next on your travel agenda, then Great Deals Travel has a cruising option to suit your needs.

Springtime in Europe is great, cruise the Mediterranean from Nice, visiting Marseilles,

Provence and Barcelona. This 10 night western Mediterranean cruise will also visit Italy, stopping at Florence, Rome and Naples and will head for Barcelona via Valletta in Malta and Tunis in Tunisia.

Maybe a river cruise is more your thing. Why not celebrate New Year’s Eve aboard a deluxe Danube River cruise? Alternatively, cruise the canals and rivers of Eastern France by barge enjoying Gourmet Delights as you travel the Saone River. This cruise is also available from Dijon to Burgundy.

Tours and cruises can also be arranged to Portugal, France, Italy the Balkans, Czech Republic, Poland and Slovenia and Turkey. On the other hand, for the truly exotic, why not add India, Nepal, Tibet, China or Egypt to your travel plans.

Salmon fishing season in Alaska runs from 1 June to 1 September. While fishing in Valdez Bay as part of an Alaskan Fishing Adventure, see if you can spot eagle, sea otters, sea lions and other marine wildlife.

Great Deals Travel can also arrange honeymoon and romantic getaway and group travel. For dates prices and itineries, contact Maureen at Great Deals Travel, Associate Travel Agent with Global Travel Trends Inc, on mobile 0412 967 977 or email, [email protected].


Royal India

India has a choice of accommodation styles from deluxe hotels to mountain chalets, jungle lodges and houseboats. However, for a unique experience, there’s little to compare with choosing a palace hotel.

There are a number of gorgeous maharajah palaces and forts all over the country that have now been converted into grand hotels with all the mod cons. There are also a number of newer hotels that are built like palaces, much sought after by visiting presidents, prime ministers and film stars.

Many of the palace hotels have been used by Hollywood and Bollywood filmmakers as sets that needed no embellishment.

You can find a royal residence in the middle of a lake, in a forest, desert or on a hilltop. Great for trying out the royal lifestyle and what could be better for a second honeymoon – or just a romantic holiday. The largest number of royal palaces and heritage properties are all in the state of Rajasthan, which is studded with legendary forts and is the home of some of India’s most colourful people. An added attraction of these hotels there is that there is every chance of actually meeting up with some of the royal family who are still in residence at some of their properties. Another great maharajah experience is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, on a mountain ridge around a serene 100-acre royal estate. It is the Ananda Royal Spa, based on the philosophy of holistic health and well-being developed by the sages in India at least 3000 years ago and now much sought after around the world.

For more information contact India Tourism Sydney on (02) 9211 9555, email: [email protected], or visit http://www.incredibleindia.org/


Comfortable camping

Camping holidays are an Aussie rite of passage, with generations of children gritting their teeth at the thought of two weeks spent in a tent with their parents. Now the national holiday has just got a little more comfortable.

Located at Eurong on the famous 75 Mile Beach on Fraser Island, Base Camp Fraser Island has just the right balance of home comforts and life in the great outdoors to please the whole family. The undercover tented facility offers self-drive visitors well-priced accommodation, with a fully equipped kitchen and BBQ. All cooking utensils, linen and blankets are provided, making packing for your trip a whole lot simpler.

For younger members of the family or when the weather doesn’t quite meet expectations, there is a TV with satellite system and DVD player and hire available. The site offers private or dormitory style tents from $22 per person per night.

For more information visit www.basecampfraserisland.com.au


Canadian Rockies

Think Canada, and dramatic scenery, untamed wildlife and multi-cultural cities come to mind. Canada really is a must-experience, once in a lifetime destination.

And if you haven’t been before, or even if you have, Creative Holidays has the perfect holiday for you.

Over seven nights Creative Holidays’ Rocky Mountains Skeena Discovery trip uncovers some of western Canada’s most famous regions including Vancouver, Victoria, Port Hardy, Prince Rupert, Prince George, Jasper, Banff and Calgary. The best way to make the most of any Canadian holiday is to utilise the finest experiences on offer in each destination and this trip does exactly that.

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour in Vancouver, see the scenic Ocean Drive and Oak Bay as well as the fascinating Butchart Gardens. From Vancouver the trip takes to the road where you can soak up the breathtaking panoramic views of the Gulf Islands and the Strait of Georgia, before spending the night in Port Hardy. Of course, no trip would be complete without a cruise through Canada’s Inside Passage. From Port Harvey to Prince Rupert you will have time to enjoy the awe inspiring snow capped mountain and dramatic fjords, you may even catch a glimpse of some of the local inhabitants, including killer whales, sea lions and playful porpoise on this unforgettable cruise.

And then, the journey continues. There is no better way to see the areas between Prince Rupert and Jasper than by travelling through the rugged terrain on VIA Rail’s Skeena Service where you can relax onboard and just enjoy the dramatic scenery pass you by.

From there the trip heads to Calgary for a ride on the Athabasca Glacier, another unforgettable experience.

Creative Holidays’ seven-night Rocky Mountains Skeena Discovery tour is priced from $2908 (per person, twin share, land only) which includes seven nights’ hotel accommodation, most meals, sightseeing as per itinerary, transfers to Port Hardy, Prince Rupert and Prince George, B.C. Ferry Inside Passage cruise, VIA Rail “Skeena” Train between Prince Rupert and Jasper (Totem Deluxe Class), transfer between rail station and hotel in Jasper, and Banff Hotel to Calgary as well as a Ice Explorer ride on Athabasca Glacier.

For more information see www.creativeholidays.com


Experience Indigenous Australia

Experience Indigenous Australia, guided by the best in the business, as voted by travel agents around the world.

Bookabee Tours Australia is an Aboriginal owned four-wheel drive tour operation, which ensures that visitors to South Australia experience and enjoy the very best of

indigenous culture. As well as being voted Best Indigenous Tour Experience by Travelling in Australia magazine, Bookabee Tours also won the Indigenous Tourism Award at last year’s South Australian Tourism Awards.

Offering a range of experiences from a two-hour tour of Adelaide, to a five day Outback Discovery, Bookabee tours has something for all ages, tastes and budgets. One of the new experiences offered is a three day, fully Chauffeured Gourmet Tastes tour which combines food, which combines food, wine, luxury and Aboriginal culture in the stunning Flinders Ranges. The highlight of this tour has to be the meal of “feral food”, a sure-fire hit with everyone.

Find out more about the tours or book your indigenous experience by visiting http://satourism.sites.optin.com.au/satourism/sastories.html


Active Ireland

No matter what you enjoy doing on holiday, walking, golfing or fishing, Ireland offers all this and more, with scenery that is second to none!

How do you make the most of your trip to Ireland? Tourism Ireland should be your first port of call when planning any trip. They can arrange golfing, motoring and fishing tours and much more besides, making sure all members of the family are catered for.

Go Golf Home of the Ryder Cup in 2006 and boasting 30% of the world’s natural links courses, Ireland is a golfer’s paradise. With an estimated 440 courses throughout the island, you’re never far from some of the most challenging and picturesque courses in the world, and with so much on offer for golfing widows and widowers, everyone’s happy.

For more information visit http://www.discoverireland.com/au/

Fishing fun If fishing is more your thing, The Great Fishing Houses are 20 of the finest fishing establishments in Ireland. The guide offers details of where you can fish for your fish of choice, stay and eat, while making the most of what fishing in Ireland has to offer. For more information visit http://www.irelandflyfishing.com/

Cycling around With its quiet country roads, small welcoming communities and glorious countryside, cycling in Ireland really is a pleasure. You can take part in an organised tour, follow a pre-arranged route or head off under your own steam, whatever your preference, you won’t be disappointed. If a full cycling tour of Ireland is more than you can manage, then maybe hiring a bike for a day or two is more your thing. This can easily be done in most towns and cities. For more information on routes and cycling holidays in Ireland, visit www.cyclingireland.org

Walking out Untamed coastline, rolling countryside and wild mountains are just some of


the temptations for walkers heading to Ireland on holiday. With daytime summer temperatures ranging between 150 and 260 in the summer, it’s pleasant enough for those heading off on their own two feet to enjoy the scenery and experience. You can indulge in costal, mountain, historical and city walks, depending on what you hope to encounter on your way, and one thing’s for sure, you’ll never be disappointed.

Driving around By far the easiest and most relaxing way to travel Ireland is by car. With its quiet country roads, visitor attractions and welcoming accommodation, road rage won’t be a problem. See Ireland at your leisure, visit anywhere you want and be amazed by this gorgeous country. You can drive the costal route between Waterford and Wexford in the southeast, the Ring of Kerry or Londonderry and Sparrins region in the north.

For more information on routes, accommodation and car hire, visit http://www.discoverireland.com/au/


Cruising the Yangtze

One of the greatest rivers in the world – the mighty Yangtze River of China – captures the essence of true natural beauty and breathtaking scenery. Imagine nine glorious days onboard your five-star Victoria Cruise ship, experiencing quality personal touches and impeccable service that defines luxury cruising.

First port of call on your nine-day cruise is Nanjing, a city renowned for beautiful gardens and broad, tree-lined boulevards. Next day, experience the mountain scenery of Huangshan, which has been the inspiration of numerous Chinese poets and painters throughout the centuries. Finally, spend day three in Wuhan, one of China’s largest cities and known as ‘the passageway to nine provinces’.

Then it will be time to continue to enjoy spectacular days sailing along the mighty Yangtze and strolling through charming rural towns during your shore excursions. Relax and marvel at the breathtaking scenery as steep cliffs rise from the water’s edge to form fantastically shaped peaks and pinnacles. Cruise to Chongqing through the famous three gorges of Xiling, Wu and Qutan, which together are considered the most stunning stretch of the river.

Imagine a tour designed to capture the most beautiful natural scenery imagineable with the ancient and historical discoveries of Xian and Beijing.

For further information, please contact Helen Wong’s Tours Group Division on (02) 9267 8229 or 1300 788 328, or visit http://www.helenwongstours.com/


Solo Travel

Finding the right person to go on holiday with is never easy, and once you find someone you click with, you may have differing views on where to go. Try not to fear travelling on your own, the whole experience will more than like be extremely liberating.

As a solo traveller you can go where you want, do what you want, whenever you want. When you travel on your own, you’re more likely to take notice of different cultures,

meet more local people and have the travel experience that you really want. So now you’ve bitten the bullet and decided to go it alone, we have five strategies for first time solo travellers.

Follow your passion Consider basing your trip on your interests and/or passions – even if you have lonely moments, most of the time you’ll be immersed in something you enjoy. Don’t put yourself on a coach where all that is required is looking out the window and getting your bags to reception on time. Choose instead a cooking class, meditation retreat, hiking tour, fishing trip or canoeing adventure – anything where you can get involved both in an activity or learning experience, and with people who are like-minded.

Lonely hearts Don’t look for romance – it’s a bonus if it happens, but can be very disappointing when, most of the time, it doesn’t happen.

Chatterbox Become one. Force yourself to talk to strangers – and practice this before you leave. Expect knock backs and learn to be philosophical about them. Forget the Ritz Go for cheaper, share accommodation including backpackers and hostels. Some of the time you may want privacy and your own space, but you are much more likely to find fun company at a hostel and have a better time than in lonely five-star luxury.

Write it out Keep a journal. It will not only form a wonderful record of different sights and sounds, but can also be a trusted, discrete and non-judgmental friend to whom you can pour out your heart if you have an attack of the blues.


Now you’ve got some top tips to get you on your way, try reading the following book and check out our suggested websites. Travelling Solo: Advice and Ideas for More Than 250 Great Vacations by Eleanor Berman, The Globe Pequot Press For single and solo travellers interested in group tours or finding a travel companion – http://www.solotraveller.com.au/

Join the Solo Traveller Network as part of the Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia for the opportunity to meet and travel with other singles. – www.cmca.net.au

AboutSeniors€¦ · Australia’s Great Train Journeys Kick back, relax and enjoy some of the best...

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