A festival of food
The Curated Plate, a four-day destination food festival, will debut on the Sunshine Coast from August 8-11.
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Showcasing chefs from Australia and around the world, The Curated Plate will host a distinctive range of culinary events that span the region and bring to life the Sunshine Coast's rich local artisan culture.
Celebrating the relationship between chef and producer, in the picturesque surrounds of a region famed for its vibrant produce, The Curated Plate will encourage guests to immerse themselves in the flavours foraged from organic and sustainable practices and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences.
Highlights include the Legends Lunch at Yandina Station on August 8.
The legendary Peter Gilmore (Quay, Bennelong) and one of Australia's most talked-about chefs, and Analiese Gregory (Franklin) will join forces for an all-out, lavish long lunch overlooking breathtaking Mount Coolum.
Other stars include Raymond Blanc OBEs, Alejandro Cancino, Chase Kojima, Matt Stone and Japan's Zaiyu Hasegawa, whose restaurant Den was voted best restaurant in Japan.
Visit www.thecuratedplate.com.au.
Glamp on the beach
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef has officially opened for the 2019 season in the rugged Cape Range National Park, about 70 kilometres from Exmouth in Western Australia.
The resort offers spectacular views of the beach and the surrounding dunes, and is located on the shores of the reef and the Cape Range National Park.
Ningaloo Reef is considered one of the most easily accessible and reliable places in the world to swim with whale sharks, and guests can do so from April to August each year.
Guests can also swim with humpback whales from August to October each year.
The camp comprises 15 safari-style tents, and one larger honeymoon tent. There is a camp kitchen and group dining area, a large deck overlooking the Indian Ocean, plus a private beach.
Phone (08) 9949 1776 or visit www.salsalis.com.au.
Get wild on Kangaroo
SeaLink's fully escorted three-night 'Kangaroo Island Experience' discovers the island's fascinating wildlife, spectacular coastal scenery and beaches, and unique local wines and produce.
The itinerary takes in most of the main attractions, including the historic Maritime & Folk Museum, South Australia's first lighthouse (Cape du Couedic Lighthouse), Clifford's Honey Farm, Cygnet River and the Raptor Domain for its interactive birds-of-prey show.
Take a guided beach walk at Seal Bay Conservation Park amongst a colony of wild sea lions and visit Flinders Chase National Park to witness nature's breath-taking creations - Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.
Prices start at $1219 per person twin-share and departs ex Adelaide, including pick-up and drop-off at selected hotels, return coach and ferry travel from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, luxury air-conditioned coach travel around Kangaroo Island, three night's accommodation at Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn, Kingscote, daily continental breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners and all tour entry fees, guided tours and tastings.
Visit www.sealink.com.au.
Cruise from China
Escape winter with Ecruising's 30-night 'Great Wall to Opera House' departing Australia in August this year.
Guests will undertake an eight-night land tour from Beijing to Shanghai, before boarding the Majestic Princess for 22-night cruise to Sydney.
Guests will spend four nights exploring the highlights of Beijing, including the Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, the Great Wall and Summer Palace.
They will then fly via Xian and into Shanghai, with visits to attractions such as Shanghai's Old Town, Yuyuan Garden and the gorgeous water town of Zhujiajiao.
The Majestic Princess cruise includes Busan, Hong Kong, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Darwin and Brisbane.
An array of activities are on offer, from the piazza-style Atrium, Hollywood Pool Club and Princess Sports Central. Not to forget The Seawalk - a dramatic over-the-ocean glass walkway.
Prices are from $5629 per person twin-share, including flights, accommodation, tours, transfers and all main meals onboard Majestic Princess.
Phone 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel.
The wonder of Japan
Book a berth in cabin categories 1-3 for Abercrombie & Kent's 14-day 'Wonders of Japan' itinerary in June next year and save $8960 per couple.
The voyage on exclusively chartered Le Soleal will reveal Japan's hidden wonders at their most authentic, painting a detailed and indelible portrait of this fascinating island nation.
Rarely visited ports and wilderness areas, which are impossible to reach by larger ship, are accessed in the company of local guides as well as historical, cultural and scientific experts.
The 199-guest Le Soleal affords all guests a private balcony, along with meals, house drinks, gratuities and a crew-to-guest ratio of 1-to-1.3.
Highlights include bustling Osaka, culture-rich Kyoto, Gyeongju in Korea, the ancient dynastic capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hiroshima, where time is spent reflecting on Japan's turbulent history and miraculous resurgence and famous gardens, markets and castles.
The journey also takes in the village of Karatsu, an early trading post with a rich medieval heritage, as well as the arts centre of Kanazawa and the rice paddies of Sado Island.
Phone 1300 590 317 or visit www.abercrombiekent.com.au.
A river runs through it
From Mandalay to Yangon, the Irrawaddy River and enchanting landscape of Myanmar will accompany guests on Scenic's 14-day 'Mystical Irrawaddy'.
Experience traditional river village life in Yandabo, let the awe of Bagan wash over you and explore the colonial relics of Magwe and Salay before arriving in the bustling capital of Yangon.
The city offers up many surprises including a thriving arts scene and the arresting Shwedagon Pagoda.
As the sun sets on an incredible experience guests will take part in a traditional oil-lamp lighting ceremony, an uplifting and magical way to conclude time in this mystical land.
Prices are from $9395 per person twin-share.
Visit www.scenic.com.au.