Travel Agent - August 27, 2007 - (Page 34) Destinations Pacific/Asia lian Tourism Commission, which starts in the state of South Australia. Fly Qantas (www.qantas.com.au) from the Sydney hub to Adelaide—the state capital of South Australia—and meet Ralf Hadzic of Life is a Cabernet to experience a mouth-watering food-and-wine tasting agenda in the gum-treed, kangaroofriendly Barossa region, which is about 75 minutes away. Savor big, bold flavors at the historic Seppelt and ambitious Rockford wineries, nibble at Angas Park Fruits and the Barossa Valley Cheese Factory, then lunch at famous Chef Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop. Hadzic can join suites, some with outdoor showers. The property’s popular restaurant, Appellation, is known for fresh, local ingredients meticulously prepared by Chef Mark McNamara. Upon returning to Adelaide, foodie guru Mark Gleeson will “tastefully” guide you through the Central Markets with his Chef’s Market Tours (yes, sampling is encouraged). Adelaide, a center for the arts, is best seen and understood with enthusiastic local expert Gwynne Brown of Tourabout Adelaide (www.tourabout adelaide.com.au), and is ideal for walking. Book your clients at the Hilton Adelaide (www1.hilton.com), with bird’seye views of next-door Victoria Square and the city beyond. Recommend dinner at Penfold’s Magill Estate Restaurant at the original vineyard; Penfold’s iconic Grange red wine is a must. Australia, From Top End to New South A “g’day!” indeed in the Land Down Under BY STEPHANIE STEPHENS ustralia is the world’s sixthlargest country, and undeniably one of its most fascinating. Because Americans perceive it as being a “far-away” destination and because there’s so much to see and do, usually within a limited time, clients are frequently advised to explore the vast Land Down Under one portion at a time. A Premium Deluxe one-bedroom apartment at Savile Park Suites Darwin in New South Wales Bottom to Top Next on your schedule, head to Australia’s Top End, the Northern Territority, and its capital, Darwin, but not without guidance from Tourism NT: Choose spacious, mid-range Saville Park Suites (www. savillehotelgroup.com) for your stay, which is centrally located overlooking Darwin Harbor and the Arafura Sea. An afternoon spent with Darwin Walking Tours (www.darwinwalkingtours.com.au) and Steve Noble will highlight parks, monuments and Aboriginal sites, providing a captivating window into this city’s surprising history. For traditional Australian food and friendly service, book the Sunset Dinner Cruise with Darwin Cruises and Charters (www.darwinharbourcruises. com.au) aboard the Alfred Nobel. Consider an optional day-long side trip with Tiwi Tours to nearby Bathurst Island and the Aboriginal community of Nguiu; hop across the water with Australasian Jet, but note: The small aircraft isn’t a jet. Meet the famous Tea Ladies and purchase coveted native art. Once back in Continued on page 35 Odds are that, after an inaugural visit, they’ll book a second trip to experience “the rest” of Australia, which includes 10,000 beaches, 40 million kangaroos and the world’s longest continuous fence. Tourism Australia, the country’s marketing engine, is a first-rate source. Here’s the trip-of-a-lifetime, a two-week itinerary, suggested by the South Austra- you for dinner at the quaint 1918 Bistro & Grill. You can’t do better than Peppers the Louise (www.peppers.com.au/ hermitage) for your Barossa accommodations. This is a luxury vineyard retreat with impeccable service and suites that feature fireplaces, private courtyards and terraces, chic furnishings and large en- 34 TravelAgent August 27, 2007 http://www.qantas.com.au http://www.touraboutadelaide.com.au http://www.touraboutadelaide.com.au http://www1.hilton.com http://www.savillehotelgroup.com http://www.savillehotelgroup.com http://www.darwinwalkingtours.com.au http://www.darwinharbourcruises.com.au http://www.darwinharbourcruises.com.au http://www.peppers.com.au/hermitage http://www.peppers.com.au/hermitage
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