Our very own Fiona O’Dowd, Cruise & Travel Specialist, has just returned from a wonderful South African getaway.

“I have just returned from my amazing G Adventures tour through Southern Africa.

We started in Victoria Falls and travelled through Botswana, Namibia and finished in Cape Town South Africa.

What an experience, a wonderful small group tour of 12 people, all different nationalities. Our G Adventures Chief Experience officer Tafadzwa Makanga (Taffy), taught us so much about the African way of life, the animals, landscapes, and history of where we travelled.

Prior to leaving I must say I was a little apprehensive of the tour as I knew it would take me out of my comfort zone, a totally different type of holiday that I usually do. From spectacular Victoria Falls and meeting Crazy the elephant on the side of the road, to up close and personal with the animals in Chobe National Park what an experience.

And from camping in the Okavango Delta in Botswana only 100 meters from the beach with hippos and hearing the animals throughout the night, to watching the Milky Way in the beautiful African sky.

After leaving Botswana, we headed into Namibia to where the ocean meets the desert, an incredible sight and well worth a visit. After leaving Sandwich Harbour we headed to the famous dune 45 to climb the dune which sits 175 meters high. What an experience.

A must is to spend extra time in Cape Town and enjoy the wineries, and the beautiful coastline. A waterfront city with many restaurants and bars to be enjoyed.

G Adventures offer a range of optional extras that have been hand picked by their local ground crew.

Drop me a line au.centralcoast@atpi.com and I’ll make your South Africa Dream visit come true plus I’ll give you a very special discount off your next G Adventures tour when you book with me by 30 Nov 2025.

Africa is a life changing experience, and I can’t wait to return.”

*All of Fiona’s pictures are up close and personal and not edited – this is how close you will get to nature with G Adventures!

With New Year’s Eve fast approaching, there’s no better time to lock in your ultimate end-of-year celebration.

Why not treat yourself to the best seat in the house for the world’s most iconic fireworks display? With our Sydney NYE city stay packages, you’ll enjoy unbeatable views, a buzzing atmosphere and the comfort of a premium hotel stay right in the heart of the city.

Five night packages starting from $1,799 per person, and there’s something to suit everyone — whether you’re after a luxurious rooftop view, harbourfront elegance or simply want to stay close to the action without the stress of crowds or transport.

This is your chance to say goodbye to 2025 in unforgettable style and welcome the new year with a bang.

Availability is limited, so don’t wait, contact our team today.

Starting 22 December 2025, Shenzhen Airlines will introduce a new nonstop service between Shenzhen and Melbourne, enhancing connectivity between southern China and Australia.

The outbound flight, ZH811, will depart Shenzhen on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:55 p.m., arriving in Melbourne at 1:00 p.m. local time the next day. The return flight, ZH812, will operate Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, leaving Melbourne at 10:15 p.m. and landing in Shenzhen at 5:00 a.m. Beijing time.

This new route is set to significantly shorten travel time between the two cities and is expected to strengthen economic, academic, cultural and tourism ties between the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area and Australia.

Qantas’ International Red Tail Sale is now on, with incredible fares to some of the world’s most iconic destinations, but only for a limited time.

Whether it’s exploring the vibrant streets of Tokyo, heading off on a South African safari, hitting the slopes in Queenstown, or finally ticking New York off your bucket list, now’s the perfect time to lock it in.

Highlights include:

• Economy return fares from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney to Los Angeles or San Francisco from $1,099

• Business return fares from Melbourne, Perth and Sydney to London from $8,999

From the Americas and Asia to the UK, New Zealand and the Pacific, this sale offers serious savings on global getaways, but you’ll need to be quick.

Sale ends 11.59pm (AEST) on 4 August 2025, unless sold out prior. Terms and conditions apply.

Ready to book or want help finding the best fare? Get in touch today.

The New York hotel scene has been reinvigorated with the long-awaited reopening of the Waldorf Astoria New York. Originally opened in 1931 on Park Avenue, this iconic property closed in 2017 for an ambitious restoration led by architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. Now, after an eight-year project and several launch delays, the landmark hotel has officially reopened, unveiling a refined blend of historical elegance and modern luxury.

Initially expected to return in 2021, the reopening was postponed to 2023, then again to 2024, before finally being completed this year. The revitalised Waldorf Astoria preserves many of its most beloved features, including the Grand Ballroom and the iconic lobby clock, both restored to their original splendour. “Waldorf Astoria New York has always been the place to be in New York City,” said managing director Luigi Romaniello. “We know so many around the globe have their own fond stories with our hotel.”

A major change in the hotel’s redesign is the significant reduction in rooms, from 1,400 to just 375, allowing for some of the most spacious accommodations in the city. Guest rooms now start at 570 square feet, offering a more luxurious and expansive stay.

The property also introduces three new food and beverage experiences. Among them is a signature restaurant led by chef Michael Anthony, designed as a two-storey American brasserie with a first-floor bar and private dining spaces throughout. The Peacock Alley Lounge, a hallmark of the Waldorf Astoria brand, also makes a celebrated return.

For wellness seekers, the hotel now boasts one of the largest spas in New York City, spanning over 30,000 square feet and paired with a cutting-edge fitness centre.

The Waldorf Astoria New York is officially back, elegantly restored and ready for its next chapter.

To book, get in touch.