New helicopter flights from Karratha are offering a bird’s eye view of the Pilbara coastline, in Western Australia’s north, where red earth, white beaches and turquoise waters spectacularly unite.
Operated by HeliSpirit — already well known for its Kimberley chopper tours — the 18-, 30- or 45-minute scenic flights depart from near the Karratha Visitor Centre and head out to the pristine Dampier Archipelago and Burrup Peninsula.
The provide guests with the chance to spot turtles, manta rays, dugongs and other marine life from the air.
A 30-minute flight over the Burrup Peninsula and Angel Island is priced at $325.
HeliSpirit has also partnered with Ngurrangga Tours to offer discounted packages to explore ancient rock art with the region’s traditional Aboriginal owners.
Visit www.helispirit.com.au
Coral Expeditions has launched a Sydney-to-Hobart maritime-themed itinerary which sets sail with this year’s Sydney-to-Hobart Yacht Race.
It will be the first time that the 72-passenger Coral Discoverer, which underwent a significant refurbishment at the end of last year, will carry passengers from the Australian mainland to Tasmania.
Guests will see the spectacle of the race start, cruise alongside the yachts as they race along the east coast, and arrive in to Hobart in time to witness the winners’ celebrations.
Guest lecturer on-board will be John Longley, who has participated in the race four times.
He will also join the expedition team in leading excursions to maritime attractions such as the Killer Whale Museum in Eden, the Davidson Whaling Station in Ben Boyd National Park and the Bligh Museum of Pacific Exploration.
The cruise will conclude with a New Year’s celebration and a to visit the Taste of Tasmania festival in Hobart.
Prices start from $4,180 per person.
Phone (07) 4040 9999 or visit www.coralexpeditions.com
With more than 4.3 million domestic and international overnight visitors choosing to hike in NSW as part of their holiday experience last year, it’s little wonder that the state is increasing its portfolio of walking tours.
New walks include the Seven Peaks Walk, a challenging hike for experienced walkers on Lord Howe Island, with a few sections off-track and requiring a steady head for heights.
And also new is the three-day ‘Light to Light’ walk which hugs the coastline between Boyds Tower and Green Cape Lightstation in Ben Boyd National Park on the Sapphire Coast.
If hiking in luxury is more your style, Light to Light Camps can carry your gear, set up camp each night and cook your dinner.
Given the pace at which the year is moving, the Orange Wine Festival isn’t all that far away — Friday 13 October to Sunday 22 October are the dates to note.
It is the Central Western NSW region’s opportunity to celebrate the thriving wine industry and high-quality cool climate wines that its vignerons produce.
The program features more than 90 events and can be downloaded by visiting brandorange.com.au.
A major highlight is Angullong’s Outstanding in the Vines lunch on October 14. Sit between the vines and the dam and enjoy a feast and some very good wines served at a long table dressed in flowing white tablecloth.
The cost of $150 per head includes return transport from Orange to vineyard on the slopes of Mt Canobolas.
Visit www.angullong.com.au
The Renmark Rose Festival, which this year will be held from October 20-29, has grown into the largest of its type in the Southern Hemisphere — a true celebration of community and the Riverland region, including magnificent produce and arts as well as a bevy of open gardens.
Renmark is home to Ruston’s Rose Garden, which houses the National Rose Collection and has 27 acres planted out to roses and ornamentals. It’s a marvellous place to wander through and enjoy a relaxing cuppa.
Visit www.renmarkroses.com