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Crystalbrook Collection has scheduled the opening of the five-star Flynn, the group’s newest Cairns property, for November 10.

As Queensland’s border closures begin to lift, Crystalbrook Collection is ready to welcome all Australians back to the Sunshine State with open arms.

Situated on the Cairns Esplanade Boardwalk, the hotel features views of the Coral Sea, glass-bottomed hotel pools, a 24-hour gym and 311 rooms and suites.

The ground-level restaurant, Boardwalk Social, opened in January, and the hotel’s signature restaurant, Flynn’s Italian, and Whiskey and Wine bar will open soon.

Visit www.crystalbrookcollection.com or phone 1300 00 20 50.

 Enchanted Fig Tree: a meal hosted by some of South Australia’s most celebrated chefs.

SeaLink Kangaroo Island has partnered with the Enchanted Fig Tree to bring together a series of wilderness dining events,  Gastronomo, hosted by some of South Australia’s most celebrated chefs, from 11 December to 30 April.

Visitors will dine in the dappled light of the 100-year-old Fig Tree’s boughs after the venue closed to the public in 2018 when a localised fire partially burnt the property.

Over Gastronomo’s five-month season, guests will begin their culinary experience with a welcome cocktail beside the Mulberry Tree or in the property’s rustic shearing shed, before dining under the gnarled limbs of The Enchanted Fig Tree.

Here diners will be treated to any number from 1000-plus combinations of multi-course meals inspired from the sea, land, and earth, heroing local produce and created by a range of guest chefs, including the likes of Simon Bryant (Tasting Australia Director), Duncan Welgemoed (Africola) and Emma McCaskill (ex The Pot & Magill Estate Restaurant). Renowned wine critic, Nick Stock, will curate a 100 per cent Kangaroo Island wine list to delight the palate.

Cost of lunch is $135 per person including a Kangaroo Island Spirit welcome cocktail.

Visit www.sealink.com.au.

 Ship Inn Stanley: nestled at the base of The Nut.

The boutique accommodation market in North West Tasmania has shone since the Ship Inn Stanley burst onto the market in 2019.

Nestled at the base of The Nut and overlooking the panorama of a wild windswept bay beyond, the property is celebrated as one of the country’s finest storytelling guest houses.

Local owners Kerry and Alastair Houston are delighted to unveil a new offering within the walls of the historic inn.

“This new two-bedroom, two-bathroom luxury apartment allows guests to immerse themselves in the story of Thomas Holyman,” said Kerry.

“It provides an intriguing glimpse into the seafaring adventures of a mariner known for his forthright nature and brash vocals.

“Barrel-chested and full bearded, one can imagine this salty old seadog resting by the roaring fire, just a stone’s throw from the water’s edge.”

Tasmanian timbers, vintage artworks, historical artefacts, fine linens and contemporary fittings have quickly become hallmarks of the Ship Inn Stanley.

Roaring Tom’s boasts two king bedrooms, two bathrooms, a generous chefs kitchen clad in stone and timber, expansive dining area and stunning lounge with wood fire.

The apartment can easily accommodate two couples or extended family travelling together.

Offering three separate outdoor patio areas, there is no shortage of space in which to relax and guests can soak in glorious ocean and garden views.

The apartment is priced from $450 per night and includes continental breakfast provisions.

Visit www.shipinnstanley.com.au.

 Thedbo: one of Australia’s premier year-round adventure destinations.

With domestic tourism predicted to surge, Thredbo, one of Australia’s premier year-round adventure destinations, will welcome guests to the Snowy Mountains with the summer season officially launching on 21 November.

Thredbo claims to offer the only summer-long chairlift access in the country, and the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park has more than 34-kilometres of trails.

This summer, riders will be able to purchase a Mountain Biking Season pass for unlimited lift access for $499.

Day passes, rental and Mountain Bike Clinics and programs will also be available for purchase.

For those who prefer boots to bikes, during the warmer months Thredbo transforms into a hiking mecca with more than 20 guided and self-guided hikes on offer.

For the ultimate bucket list experience guests can hike the country’s highest mountain, Mt Kosciuszko to stand at the top of Australia.

This year guests can purchase a Hiking Season Pass for $299. Day passes and the Guided Hikes program will also be available for purchase.

Visit www.thredbo.com.au.

 Uluru: an Australian icon.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has been named in Lonely Planet’s Top Three Best Places to See in the World in 2020.

Australia’s spiritual heartland was ranked third after Petra and the Galapagos Islands by leading travel authority, Lonely Planet’s 2020 Ultimate Travel List, confirming what many Australian’s already know: Uluru is an iconic, must-see destination.

In an unprecedented 2020 that’s limiting international travel and impacting domestic visitation, Uluru is being acknowledged for the destination’s sustainable practices and ability to connect travellers with Aboriginal culture.

Uluru climbed in the rankings from 33 in 2019, to three in 2020, making it the best-performing Australian ‘must see’.

Visit www.northernterritory.com.

 Intrepid Urban Adventures: online virtual experiences.

Intrepid Urban Adventures, the day tour arm of global tour operator Intrepid Travel, has launched online virtual experiences for travellers to bring a piece of the world into their home amid the global pandemic.

From hands-on cooking classes to traditional art instruction, yoga and more, each experience connects travellers with local guides around the globe for an interactive one- to two-hour session that brings the authenticity of each country to their doorstep.

Experiences are hosted over Zoom and can be booked as either join-in or private classes and are open to all levels.

Join, for instance, a Frida Kahlo Watercolor Painting Class and learn about Mexican pop art and create a watercolor masterpiece inspired by the works of Frida Kahlo.

With the guidance of a local artist in Mexico City, guests will paint their own work of art by following simple steps and using materials that are easy to find online or in any art store.

As they paint, they’ll learn about Frida’s life as an artist and worldwide feminist icon.

Visit www.urbanadventures.com.

 Solo cruising: surge in popularity.

A 400 per cent surge in solo passenger bookings for luxury, European river cruise line, Riviera Travel River Cruises, has prompted the company to offer a record 15 solo-only sailings across an unprecedented 10 itineraries in 2021 – its biggest variety of solo-only departures yet.

The 15 new solo-only sailings in 2021 range in length from five to eight days, departing between March to November, 2021.

Fares are available from $2179 for solo travellers for a five-day ‘Amsterdam, Kinderdijk and Dutch Bulbfields’ cruise in Holland.

Fares for an eight-day cruise start at $3599 for solo travellers for a ‘Douro, Porto and Salamanca’ river cruise in Portugal.

Fares include daily guided excursions, onboard meals and Wi-Fi.

Because each cabin only has one passenger in it on these special sailings, rather than two, solo guests also enjoy the benefits of a more spacious ship.

Phone 1300 561 001 or visit www.rivieratravel.com.au.

NOTE: Potential travellers should check the status of individual events and establishments with regard to the coronavirus outbreak.