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Meet local producers and discover the Sunshine Coast’s fresh produce on the newly launched farm-to-fork brewery tour.

The tour, run by Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours, will share stories on how brewers and producers work together, including how they use spent grain from the brewery to feed local cattle, and finish with lunch at Brouhaha Brewery in Maleny.

At last count, there were 14 breweries in the region.

Glass House Brewery is the latest offering and is setting itself apart with a wholesome Italian-style cuisine.

What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than kicking back with a cold beer and gourmet pizza?

With seasonal menu changes packed with fresh local produce and new beers seemingly always on tap, no visit to Brouhaha Brewery in Maleny is ever the same.

The brewery turns three this year, and currently on tap is a beer brewed with mango, nectarine and peach, bringing a taste of the Sunshine Coast to the glass.

The Hawkesbury … April is a good time to pick some fruit. Image: Destination NSW.

The Hawkesbury region, on the northern outskirts of Sydney, grows some of the best produce in NSW and many orchards are open for you to pick your own.

April is right in the middle of apple season, so it’s the perfect time to grab a basket and stock up on the freshest fruit.

Try Pine Crest, Bilpin Springs or Shields orchards, then stop in for a tasting at the Hillbilly Cider Shed.

 Lizard Island … five days of luxury for the price of four.

Get five luxurious days for the price of four on Tropical North Queensland’s Lizard Island, with its private beaches and fabulous snorkelling.

The offer is available for all new bookings made before April 13 for stays until December 15, and also includes a $200 resort voucher for use on a range of activities from snorkelling and coral viewing cruises to fishing charters or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef.

Included in every guest stay on Lizard Island are gourmet dining, a selection of premium alcoholic and all non-alcoholic beverages, deluxe picnic hampers for private beach outings and the unlimited use of personal motorised dinghies, stand up paddle boards, sea kayaks and snorkelling gear.

Prices start at $1575 per suite per night based on twin-share accommodation.

Phone 1800 837 204 or visit www.lizardisland.com.au.

 

  Bill Parton and his boys … celebrating the party era of the 50s and 60s.

Kick up your heels and re-visit the golden party years of the 50s and 60s when vocalist Bill Parton and his band perform their ‘Rat Pack Era’ show on the Murray Princess music cruise departing July 19.

For three nights reminisce the good old days as Bill effortlessly combines jazz, swing, adult contemporary and easy-listening genres with modern show business.

By day discover the historic towns, food and wine and flora and fauna of the picturesque Murray River between Walker Flat and Murray Bridge.

Visit Murray Bridge and explore the quaint township and take a tour of the historic Round House.

Sample the delights of the Murray and Riverland regions with a structured tasting of delicious local produce and wines in the Sturt Dining Room.

And at Salt Bush Flat learn about the thriving ecology of the river and its flora and fauna on a guided nature walk.

Visit www.murrayprincess.com.au.

Adventuring in style … Turon Gates has added six new riverside, self-catering glamping tents.

Turon Gates has added six new riverside, self-catering glamping tents to its 6000-acre Blue Mountains property.

The new tents feature sophisticated neutral-toned teak and canvas interiors and combine rustic quality and functionality for adventuring in style.

Furnishings include a sumptuous four-poster bed, plus daybed and lounge area, elegant contemporary bathroom with a bath for two, kitchenette with Nespresso coffee machine, and a Danish wood burner stove for cosy nights.

All Turon’s glamping tents have a large outdoor deck with comfy day loungers and overlook the trout stream running through the property.

The tents are fully insulated and have window coverings that unroll for extra breeze and views — the perfect recipe for a romantic night under the Turon stars.

Glamping prices are from $231 per night.

Turn on or turn off at Turon.

Visit www.turongates.com.

 

 The Colombian countryside … exhilarating scenery for sure.

Leave the tarmac behind this November and head for the countryside on a 13-day cycling tour of Colombia.

Expect to see, feel and taste authentic Colombian hospitality as you coast along the sugar cane fields and vineyards along the Cauca river and through Colombia’s richest coffee region.

Climbing deeper into the Colombian countryside, you’ll be traversing some of the most exhilarating windy roads, whilst soaking up the authentic Colombian scenery rarely found in the capital.

Prices start at $4915, including all accommodation, all internal transport, tour leader, bikes and vehicle support, all listed activities, all breakfasts and 11 dinners.

Phone 1300 131 564 or visit www.exodustravels.com/au.

 Evolution … save $6328 on cruise packages to the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands.

Couples can save $6328 on cruise packages to the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands this April and May, with a last-minute special from Contours Travel.

A remote and special destination that few Australians get to visit, the Galapagos Islands were made famous in 1835 by naturalist, Charles Darwin, who visited the archipelago as part of a five-year voyage which led to his iconic study The Origin of Species.

The last-minute offer represents a saving of more than 25 per cent and includes free return flights to the Galapagos from mainland Ecuador and free Galapagos National Park entrance fee.

The seven-night cruise is on board the Evolution, a 32-guest expedition yacht with spacious staterooms, inside and outside dining, entertainment centre, library, and comfortable accommodation.

Highlights include up-close animal encounters with the exotic Galapagos creatures, sandy beaches, crystal-clear caves, a submerged volcano and the opportunity to snorkel alongside tropical fish, sea lions, sea turtles and penguins.

The package costs from $6650 per person twin-share. Flights from Australia are extra.

Phone 1300 135 391 or visit www.contourstravel.com.au.

Dog-sledding in Sweden … an exhilarating experience.

UTracks has a seven-day ‘Sweden Northern Lights and Ice Hotel’ itinerary enabling travellers to immerse themselves in the winter wonderland of the Swedish Arctic Circle and hopefully be mesmerised by the dazzling Northern Lights.

And whilst the lights are a compelling drawcard for visiting Sweden in winter, there is so much more to do and explore.

Departing daily between December 15 and March 31, the ideal time to view the Northern Lights, the highlights of this adventure include a visit to the Abisko National Park, time in a Sámi Camp to witness the traditional lifestyle of the indigenous Sámi people, and experiencing the exhilaration of dog-sledding through alpine woods and across frozen lakes.

The journey concludes with a two-night stay at the original Ice Hotel, where guests have the option of an Ice Room, created by artists each winter.

Prices are from $3590 per person twin-share, including overnight train travel from Stockholm to the Arctic in a private sleeper compartment, a snowmobile excursion, four-hour dog-sled excursion and Northern Lights Station excursion; self-guided snowshoe excursion; five breakfasts and one dinner, and transfers.

Phone 1300 303 368 or visit www.utracks.com.

 Newfoundland … a charming and remote destination.

Explore the rugged landscapes of Newfoundland on a circumnavigating expedition of the Canadian island before travelling to the ‘polar bear capital of the world’, Churchill, to search for the majestic animals on a new fly-stay-and-cruise package from Adventure Canada and Cruise Traveller.

The 22-night ‘Polar Bear and Canada Fair’ package this September includes a 10-night cruise circumnavigating Newfoundland aboard the 198-passenger Ocean Endeavour, three nights of pre-cruise accommodation in Montreal and one in St John’s, a four-night Churchill Town and Tundra Adventurer package, as well as two-nights’ post-cruise accommodation in Toronto and two nights in Vancouver.

The package includes free flights from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, a deal only available for guests booking before June 30.

Newfoundland is a remote destination is known for its Viking history, year-round whale sightings, remarkable hiking trails and the humour and hospitality of those who call this island home.

Phone 1800 507 777 or visit www.cruisetraveller.com.au.

 Six Senses Samui … overlooking the Gulf of Thailand

Book to stay at Thailand’s Six Senses Samui before June 30 and save 40 per cent off the best available rate — plus kids stay and eat for free during the Easter holidays.

The 66-villa resort is set on a headland overlooking the Gulf of Thailand and claims to serve some of the best regional and international cuisine on Samui Island.

On-site activities include just relaxing by the resort’s main swimming pool, where burgers, pizzas and other favorites are freshly prepared, or the youngsters can join the Grow With Six Senses program which includes coconut painting, paper-folding classes, and rock painting.

Rates are from $483 per night in a Hideaway Pool Villa and include daily buuet breakfast and unlimited in-villa wireless internet.

Visit www.sixsenses.com.