A rare phenomenon recently proved to be a stunning form of entertainment for some Australians stuck at home. The Aurora Australis, or the southern lights, covered the evening sky in a green glow for residents of Hobart.
Tim Grimsey, a Hobart local photographer who frequently captures Aurora Australis, said: “As we are still in stay-home mode in Tasmania, I was lucky enough to be able to shoot the Aurora Australis from my front yard.
“It was so bright and wide that the arc could be seen dancing above Kunanyi/Mt Wellington. I honestly never thought that I would see the Aurora Australis so well from my home. It was such a delight and something I am sure I will never forget.”
Visit www.discovertasmania.com.au.
Lake Hillier: a surreal sight. Image: Jamie Hudson.
Australia is home to some of the most wonderfully unique landscapes and incredible natural wonders in the world.
Australia’s Pink Lakes, in South Australia and Western Australia, for instance, have to be seen to be believed.
Located on Middle Island in Esperance, Western Australia’s Lake Hillier is known for its baffling bubble-gum-pink hue.
It’s a surreal sight, the pink lake neighbours the dark blue waters of the Indian Ocean, with a strip of lush green forest acting as a barrier.
Five-star luxury: Riviera’s new MS Geoffrey Chaucer.
Riviera Travel River Cruises is looking confidently ahead to 2021 by launching its biggest-ever program of river cruises in Europe next year, with the Riviera season boasting a new five-star ship, a record number of sailings, a brand new cruise itinerary and more solo-only cruises.
The company will offer 350 sailings across Europe in 2021 on 20 different itineraries.
Its new 169-guest five-star MS Geoffrey Chaucer will offer a panoramic lounge, two restaurants, gym and plunge pool (heated in winter).
The new eight-day ‘Amsterdam, Cologne and the Best of Holland and Flanders’ river cruise from Amsterdam to Cologne will feature the canals, windmills, palaces and cultural highlights of Holland, the cobbled, medieval streetscapes of Belgium and the Gothic marvels of Cologne in Germany.
Fares in 2021 for an eight-day cruise start at $2459 per person.
Fares include shore tours as well as free wifi. Drink packages in 2021 are available from $199 per person for an eight-day cruise.
Phone 1300 561 001 or visit www.rivieratravel.com.
Norries Headland and Cabarita Beach: essential Tweed viewing.
Dreaming of a holiday in the beautiful Tweed region of northern NSW, for when travel is back on the table?
It can now be pieced together at home with a fun digital jigsaw puzzle series, launched by the Tweed Tourism Company.
Featuring iconic Tweed landscapes including the majestic Wollumbin Mount Warning and Cabarita Beach — named Australia’s best beach for 2020 by Tourism Australia’s beach ambassador Brad Farmer — the ‘Dream Now, Visit Later’ jigsaw series is available free online.
A calming, immersive video has also featured as part of the initiative, inviting viewers to fly high in the sky around towering Wollumbin Mount Warning, to marvel at the expansive orchards of Tropical Fruit World and to find peace with a serene paddle along the mighty Tweed River.
Visit visitthetweed.com.au.
Niagara Falls: attracts thousands of tourists every year.
The ferocious surge of water that cascades over Niagara Falls is like no other in the world.
The natural spectacle attracts thousands of tourists every year and it is not hard to see why. Seeing the falls from above and below are bucket list essentials and a highlight of any visit to the Great Lakes region of North America and Canada.
Located on the Niagara River, which connects Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, Niagara Falls actually is a group of three waterfalls — American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the most famous, Horseshoe Falls, which straddles the border between the United States and Canada.
In 2021, Victory Cruise Lines will have 26 cruises visiting the Great Lakes and Niagara Falls between April and November and, for a limited time, Victory is offering an early bird offer on all 26 cruises.
Prices begin from US$4481 per person, twin share, and guests can save up to US$2000 per couple if booked before June 30 this year.
Phone 1800 507 777 or visit www.cruisetraveller.com.
NOTE: Potential travellers should check the status of individual events and establishments with regard to the coronavirus outbreak.
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