Holidaymakers wanting a winter escape without breaking the bank need look no further than one of Australia’s most iconic travel destinations, writes Des Houghton.
Australia’s tourism industry has been recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and the reintroduction of international students, particularly from China, has helped boost travel numbers.
Despite the increase over the last few months, there has been a slight decrease in international arrivals and departures for the month of May, according to provisional figures from the ABS.
Sky News Business Editor Ross Greenwood is joined by NSW Tourism Industry Council Executive Director Paula Martin to discuss how these figures will impact Australia’s tourism industry.
Flight Centre is recommending trips to London, Fiji, Thailand and Western Australia.
And New Zealand, as always, is a good bargain for Aussies.
P&O Cruises has 13-night Kiwi adventure cruises from Sydney from $1,874 per person for a balcony room.
Prince Harry’s Noosa swim one of the reasons he believes his phone was hacked
Head to the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and the spectacular Fiordland National Park before returning to Sydney.
Similar trips are available from other capital cities to a host of South Pacific destinations.
Closer to home Luxury Escapes is offering stays of three nights for two adults from a bargain basement $899 – a deal that usually costs up to $1,831 – at QT Resort at Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise, staying in an “ocean view” or twin room with a private balcony.
QT is a short stroll to some of the world’s greatest beaches, nightclubs and restaurants.
The resort is also conveniently located for Sea World and other theme parks.
The deal includes daily buffet breakfasts, complimentary onsite parking and deals for children under 12.
However, there is a catch.
Locals Claudia Blood and Kristina Simic sample the delights of the QT Hotel in Surfers Paradise. Picture: Glenn Hampson
The competitive rate applies only to mid-week holidaymakers and there is a surcharge for weekend sojourns.
The epic Australian bush beckons in Kimberley Adventure packages put together by Travelmarvel.
Travel by 4WD and stay in lodges and luxury glamping digs for 11 nights while exploring the Australian Aboriginal Dreamtime myths and viewing rock art depicting cloud and rain spirits.
The trek begins in Broome and includes 27 meals, 11 breakfasts, seven lunches and 10 dinners.
Visit ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art at the Mitchell Plateau and hike to Mitchell Falls and cool down with a swim in the refreshing natural pools.
The tour also takes you to Emma Gorge, an oasis where you can bathe under a waterfall.
Stay at the Bungle Bungle, Mitchell Falls and Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodges. Prices start from $5,295 for a twin share and itineraries may change.
An epic Australian bush trip beckons in the Kimberley, with packages put together by Travelmarvel on offer from $5,295 for a twin share. Photo: Getty Images
Cape York Wilderness Adventures offers more tours to explore Indigenous culture and taste the tropics in a diverse bush setting with sandstone peaks and wetlands and with visits to Thursday and Friday islands.
A typical 13-day tour may set you back $9,295.
Travel in a 4WD convey and take a helicopter flight over Lakefield National Park 340k northwest of Cairns.
Flight Centre is putting together packages for Whistler Pride, the annual LGBTQ+ ski and cultural festival in the town Whistler north of Vancouver in British Columbia.
It runs for a week from January 26 next year.
A popular holiday spot is Whistler Blackcomb, a large ski resort offering snowboarding and tobogganing as well as skiing.
Ski jumping is popular at nearby Olympic Park, a venue for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. There is also plenty of chalet accommodation by the snowfields.
People want to spend and ‘enjoy life’ after COVID-19 as inflation soars
A family of four can stay at enchanting Rottnest Island off the coast of Perth in Western Australia.
Glamping packages on Rotto, as the locals call it, are $2,269 for four nights and include return ferry and coach transfers.
Qantas has resumed daily flights to Hong Kong following the chaos that followed COVID-19 and large street protests.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs says you no longer need proof of a negative COVID test to board your flight to the city state.
However, your temperature will be checked on arrival and you’ll be referred to Hong Kong’s Department of Health if you have COVID symptoms.
The Australian Government has warned that Hong Kong does not tolerate demonstrations, and advises travellers to avoid demos and large crowds.
DFAT also warns travellers not to photograph or film demonstrations for fear of arrest.