Travel agency giants take another major hit

Embattled travel agency group Flight Centre is embarking on another round of store closures.

It confirmed this week that a further 91 stores in Australia will close as state border restrictions and a non-existent overseas travel market continues to shackle the business.

"Without question, the past six months have been the most challenging period in our almost 40 years in business," said Flight Centre Australia managing director James Kavanagh.

"Never before had we imagined - let alone faced - a scenario whereby all discretionary travel would be halted for a prolonged period."

The company will have 332 stores remaining but about 60 of these will remain closed for at least another six months.

"These shops are expected to reopen when governments lift these restrictions and as travel reawakens."

Flight Centre announced the closure of 100 stores several months ago. It said that around 4,000 workers have lost their job since the Covid-19 pandemic started.

"We are incredibly sorry that some of our great people are not able to continue on their Flight Centre journey with us at this time but we are taking steps to preserve as many roles as possible," Kavanagh said.

The company doesn't believe a full travel market recovery will happen until at least 2023 and maybe even longer.

Tthe coronavirus pandemic has led to its share price tumbling 64.6% since the year began.

Explore the history on Sydney's doorstep

Even in lockdown, Sydney residents can still explore their own city and its history. 

It has been 75 years since the end of World War II with many stories and discoveries still to be unveiled. 

Sydney historian Dr Peter Hobbins has collaborated with Renaissance Tours to lead Wartime Sydney - a tour uncovering wartime tales on our doorstep.

Dr Hobbins is Principal Historian at Artefact Heritage Services in Sydney and an honorary affiliate in the Department of History at the University of Sydney.

The tour will delve into the challenges faced during times of conflict, visiting significant landmarks that played pivotal roles in the defences of a nation at war. 

From air raid shelters in the Sydney Domain (who knew?), to a private tour of the Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre on Garden Island under the guidance of Dr Hobbins, tour attendees will gain a greater appreciation on the impact of the war.

 “Not many Sydneysiders know that the Royal Australian Navy shot down an aircraft that was threatening our city at the height of the Cold War or that way beneath St James Station in Hyde Park, a secret air defence headquarters was built, and then later abandoned,” said Dr Hobbins.

 “What is still there beneath layers of rubble? I look forward to sharing this and many other insights on the day.”

 The program continues with a curator-led behind-the-scenes tour of the recently restored Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.

 The tour – on November 14 - also includes a special private viewing of memorabilia and documents from WWII at the State Library of New South Wales – and lunch.

 Wartime Sydney is part of the Renaissance Tours expert-led curated series of day tours launched in spring 2020.

 You will find a full list of tours here: https://renaissancetours.com.au/product-category/day-tours 

# This is a version of a story that appeared in Ciao Magazine.

On your bike: Thredbo ready to offer a mountain high

After a challenging year, Thredbo is anticipating a surge in domestic travel over the summer. season.

The Alpine resort will open for hiking and mountain biking from November 21, and will be operating under its Covid-19 operating plan.

Hiking season passes and Mountain Biking season passes allowing guests lift access all summer are now available. 

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"After a challenging year, we feel so fortunate to be able to open our doors this summer to offer some of the best hiking and mountain biking in the country...all within an easy driving distance of Sydney, Canberra and region south-east New South Wales," said Thredbo general manager Stuart Diver. 

"We can’t wait to welcome guests back to Thredbo to enjoy the beautiful mountain air, nature and all the adventure activities we have on offer."

Thredbo bills itself as Australia’s home of mountain biking, offering the only summer-long chairlift access in the country.

 

The Thredbo Mountain Bike Park has more than 34-kilometres of trails and each year attracts thousands of mountain bike enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.

Mountain Biking season passes with unlimited lift access cost $499. Day passes, rental and Mountain Bike clinics and programs will also be available for purchase.

‘‘We're really proud to be Australia's premier mountain bike destination," said Diver. "Every year the sport continues to grow and we see more and more people wanting to come and try it out. 

"I'm confident that this year even more people will be wanting to get outside and explore the trails.’’ 

For those who prefer walking 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, Mount Kosciuszko, and stand at the top of Australia. 

Guests can purchase a hiking season pass for $299 with day passes and a Guided Hikes program also available for purchase.

Off the mountain there are plenty more summer activities with Thredbo River home to some of the wildest trout in Australia for fly fishing enthusiasts wanting to cast a line. 

The Thredbo Leisure Centre has a gym, pool, sports hall and squash court for sport lovers looking to work up a sweat. 

Thredbo Village offers a selection of alpine-inspired restaurants, cafes and shopping and is within a 3-hour drive from Canberra and a 6-hour drive from Sydney.

For details see www.thredbo.com.au

How premium can Prosecco go?

When Prosecco was introduced into Australia - largely by Italians in the King Valley - it was seen as a cheap and cheerful alternative to entry level bubbles like Yellowglen Yellow. 

But tank-fermented Prosecco - made from the Italian glera grape - has grown to be a category of its own and Brown Brothers are among the leading flag wavers for the style. 

Brown Brothers began making Prosecco in 2007 - and now produce 34.6% of the industry segment. 

The Brown family range includes Prosecco NV, Prosecco Rosé and Prosecco Spritz and now a new entrant: Brown Brothers NV Brut Premium Prosecco, which sells for around $27 and is available online, as well as at BWS and Dun Murphy's stores.

Brown Brothers - with over 130 year in the wine industry - say the new wine is "the pinnacle" of their Prosecco range - and is a single vineyard wine made in a drier style than best-selling Prosecco NV. 

"Prosecco is the perfect beverage for relaxed social occasions, picnics with friends or the great beginning of a night in," says senior brand manger John Biggar. 

"Our new Premium Brut wine is crafted from our very best [King Valley] fruit and is made to be the Prosecco for special moments." 

For details see www.brownbrothers.com.au 

  

  

A hip new place to rest your head in Auckland

The Hotel Britomart is the newest hotel in New Zealand's biggest city - situated in Auckland's popular Bitomart Precinct.

Designed by Cheshire Architects, the 10-floor hotel on Galway Street in the Britomart precinct offers 99 guest rooms and five Landing Suites.

TFE Hotels boasts The Hotel Britomart is locally designed, built and owned. It has organic cotton sheets and built-in sofas, hand-crafted vases and a mini library of New Zealand books in every room and suite.

Some of the hotel rooms have panoramic views of the Waitematā Harbour, while others take in vistas of the city skyline or Takutai Square in the heart of the Britomart neighbourhood.

“The Hotel Britomart aims to provide a sanctuary so calm that the only challenge you will face is uncurling yourself from the comfort of your room to enjoy all that downtown Auckland has to offer,” says Clinton Farley, general manager at The Hotel Britomart.

As New Zealand's first 5 Green Star hotel, certified by the New Zealand Green Building Council, The Hotel Britomart is sustainable from the ground up.

“Our guests can rest easy in their compostable hotel slippers knowing that the environmental heavy lifting is being done for them,” says Farley.

With a focus on sustainable seafood, king is an all-day restaurant in the atmospheric laneway of the heritage Masonic Building (right next door to The Hotel Britomart).

“We wanted our diners to be able to come to kingi and not spend the earth," said executive chef Tom Hishon. "There’s no pressure, it’s a neighbourhood home away from home.”

“What was really appealing about bringing kingi to Britomart was the idea of being part of the long-term vision for Auckland. It’s the chance for us to be part of something bigger than just our restaurant.”

Imagined by Cooper and Company, the team behind the rejuvenation of the Britomart neighbourhood since 2003, The Hotel Britomart project also involved the refurbishment of three adjacent heritage buildings, and the creation of a new plant-filled, pedestrian-friendly laneway connecting Galway and Customs Streets.

Just a few steps from the hotel lobby are the streets and historic warehouses of the Britomart neighbourhood, which house an array of the country’s best restaurants, bars, boutiques and cafes.

The Hotel Britomart has a lead-in rate of $NZ 349 per night. See https://thehotelbritomart.com/

Tasmania's east coast springs into action as the sun comes out

A few weeks ago - after we were let off the leash - a few days on the East Coast of Tasmania proved thoroughly enjoyable.

So much so that we are heading back for a few days later this month.

There are several icon destinations here: Maria Island with its furry locals, beautiful Wineglass Bay and, of course, the Bay of Fires with pristine white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and orange lichen-covered rocks.

Throw in wineries like Freycinet Vineyard, Milton, Spring Vale, Priory Ridge, Craigie Knowe and Devil's Corner and there is plenty to keep vinophiles happy. 

The good folk at East Coast Tourism have just issued a list of fun things to do in spring.

# Get outdoors and go caravanning or camping – the weather is getting warmer and several camp sites are up for grabs. The coastline stretches 220km with some of the most scenic, coast-hugging road imaginable.

# Visit a wine producer – the vineyards are coming alive with the first bud bursts bringing colour and life into the cool-climate vineyards, where you can enjoy tasting plates of Tasmanian cheeses and other luscious morsels while soaking up the views.

# Saddle up and go mountain biking. Whether you like to shred some serious downhill, enjoy some cross-country flow or just want a fun day on the trails with the family, St Helens Mountain Bike Trails.  has an experience for everyone.

# Take a walk on the East Coast – sometimes walking is the best way to discover something wonderful in the bush. Or maybe a town walk experience is more your style. The East Coast Towns have their own walking experiences.

# Forest bathing. How about literally bathing in the crystal blue waterholes in Douglas Aspley National Park. 

# Follow the trails of the convicts – the convict system was a major feature in the history of Tasmania. Take a bush walk along the old convict road, which runs beside the Prosser River to the ruins of the Paradise Probation Station, or stop off at Spiky Bridge and decide why it was built with this unusual design. 

# Collect shells on Kelvedon Beach. The cobbled rock patches and sands are littered with beautiful shells to collect. While you are there, be sure to check out the old weathered boatshed, which stands solitary on this exposed strip of beach.

# Get off the beaten track in Freycinet National Park – founded in 1916 and ranked among Tasmania’s oldest parks. Add some adventure by taking an ATV tour, paddling in a kayak or snorkelling into an underwater paradise.

# Get your wildlife fix – delight in the waddle of Little Penguins at Bicheno or snap a picture or two of some blonde wombats.

# Hike to St Columba Falls – one of Tasmania’s tallest waterfalls, with a waterfall drop of over 90 metres. The track is suitable for most ages.

Here is all you need to know: https://eastcoasttasmania.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2019_GED_holiday-guide_DIGITAL.pdf 

Images: Supplied, Stu Gibson