Barossa Valley, Coffs Harbour, Macademia Castle and Armagh

On this week's podcast:

John Crook sends an audio postcard from the Barossa Valley (South Australia). Frances Beasley travels the European highways and byways. Geoff Harrison visits the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour and the Macademia Castle at Knockrow (near Ballina) in the Northern Rivers coastal region of New South Wales. David Gordon from Travelbites Radio calls into Northern Ireland's renowned cathedral city, Armagh.

Travelradio Australia #154

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Childers (QLD), Danube Express and Turnberry (Scotland)

Until the new year, we will present some 'best of..' editions of Travelradio Australia and the first of these is online now at our podcasting website travelradioaustralia.com
In this episode we repeat segments on Childers (Qld), Danube Express and Turnberry (Scotland) featuring our regular team of John Crook, Frances Beasley and David Gordon.
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Hairy Bikers, Orange (NSW), European trains and Florence villa-stay

A new edition of Travelradio Australia is now online.

In this episode Frances Beasley chats about her favourite TV travel/cooking show, 'Hairy Bikers'; John Crook provides details of the new Orange Wine and Food Guide; Frances then reviews some train rides through Europe. Lastly, John has details of a superb villa stay in Florence, Italy.

Click player below to listen

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Return from halfway around the world

Posing for a snapshot in front of a Paris landmark.

I’ve covered a lot of kilometres (or nautical miles, in some cases) over the past month visiting some great destinations in Europe. The highlight of the epic journey was an 11-night voyage on the huge Independence of the Seas, until recently the world’s biggest cruise ship boasting a full complement of almost 4000 passengers.

Royal Caribbean International treated us to a return cruise from/to Southampton visiting many Spanish and Portugese ports along the way. Our stops included Vigo, Lisbon, Las Palmas, Tenerife and Funchal and La Coruna.

I have always been very impressed with the quality of service delivered by Royal Caribbean aboard its ships and this cruise did not disappoint. Along with great service, good quality food and reasonably priced drinks, the cruise was a memorable event.

Not surprisingly, most of the passengers were British. I’m pleased to say, overall the term of endearment ‘whinging poms’ we often lavish upon Britons here in Australia did not apply. Sure there were a few obnoxious passengers onboard, but their nationality was not identified, they could have been Aussies for all I know!

All jokes aside, it was a very pleasant cruise and we will definitely return for more before we get much older. Thank you Royal Caribbean for providing us with a great time.

Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas moored at Funchal, Madeira.

Praise should also go to Etihad Airways for getting us everywhere on time and safely, although that last leg from Abu Dhabi to Sydney in Economy Class was a task I’m not keen to repeat in a hurry. 

However, if you live in Australia and want to visit Europe, there is no choice but to endure about 25 hours upwards of laborious travel.

And now I’m back at my desk – almost ready to record another podcast in the Travel Radio Australia series. Keep an ear and an eye out for the next show! 

Luckily on the outward route from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow we paid a small fee to upgrade to vacant Business Class seats which also included entry to the Etihad lounge in AD…well worth the money! Unfortunately the finances did not permit another upgrade on the return leg, even though they phoned several times to offer the opportunity to upgrade.

-Ren Zwiers

The new format of Travel Radio Australia is now into its second edition and the latest podcast can be heard on the audio player below this post.

We're pleased with the number of people who have downloaded or listened to the podcast online and we will keep producing new shows as material (and spare time) becomes available.

There will be a break in production for a month from late February, as I'll be travelling the high seas on Royal Caribbean's mighty ship 'Independence of the Seas'. Our itinerary will include a range of Spanish and Portuguese ports.

In addition to the cruise I'll be making independent visits to England, Holland and France.

No doubt I'll get plenty of inspiration from that trip for plenty of new podcast segments upon my return. Meanwhile here's is the latest show:

• Ren Zwiers has info on what's new in the Whitsundays region, Queensland
• Frances Beasley provides some interesting facts on the Bolshoi Ballet.
• From our US sister show, Around the World, Karen Ensign visits China.
• Ren Zwiers gives an insight into the renewed popularity of Bed and Breakfast establishments in Europe.

Listen to podcast on player below

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Lindau on the lake

Lindau is an historic town on an island in Lake Constance (the Bodensee) in Bavaria, Germany. Although Roman relics have been discovered in the surroundings, the town's name was first mentioned referring to a nunnery dating back to the ninth century. Our European reporter Frances Beasley goes 'lolling around Lindau' in this week's podcast/radio show.

Also on the program, our Aussie correspondent John Crook heads for gem country in central Queensland and chats with avid rockhounds Michael and Jane in Rubyvale.

The third segment features US-based travel writer Diane Covington reporting on train travel in England/France.

Listen to the podcast on the mp3 player below.

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New centre is a fitting tribute to true Aussie legend

On this week's podcast, Australian contributor John Crook chats with Joy Jensen at the new RM Williams Centre in Eidsvold, central Queensland. This centre is a fitting tribute to one of Australia's true icons, Reginald Murray Williams OA (May 24, 1908 - Nov 4, 2003). He was a bushman and businessman who had a rise to fame which led from humble beginnings as a 'swaggie' to a multi-millionaire bushwear retailer.

Also on the show, US travel writer Diane Covington reports on her trip to The Sierras in southern California.

Our European correspondent Frances Beasley takes listeners aboard the classic Danube Express rail service.

Gonomad.com editor Max Hartshorne travels to Zagreb, Croatia.

Listen to the show on the mp3 player below. Hope you enjoy the show!

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Riding the trams in Europe

Trams and light rail systems have always been part of the European landscape. However in recent years they have become even more popular as modes of urban transport. I have fond memories of my days as a youth growing up in Amsterdam (it seems like only yesterday, even though it's actually more like 50+ years ago) and riding the trams to all parts of the city. I have been back to my birth city many times in the past 15 years and still enjoy exploring the city on the rails. On this week's podcast, our Euro correspondent Frances Beasley has European trams as her topic of conversation. Also on the show, Aussie contributor John Crook visits the Town of 1770, on the central Queensland coast. It's a beautiful area which until recently had a woeful access road, but, from all reports it's much easier to get their by car now. Arthur von Wiesenberger from our US sister-show 'Around the World' chats with author John Shors about his impressions of Ko Phi Phi, a boat ride away from ever-popular Phuket, Thailand. Listen to the show on the mp3 player below.

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Crossing the borders in Europe

Crossing borders in Europe is generally an easy, no fuss task - especially with a Euro passport in your pocket. However, there are some facts to behold, as Frances Beasley explains in this week's ATW Travelradio Australia podcast. Also on the show John Crook reviews Taylor wines from Australia, US author Linda Leaming, who is married to a man from Bhutan, tells us about this fascinating but mysterious country. To finish the line-up, John Crook interviews Dr Ng Yen Yen about the attractions of Malaysia for potential visitors. Click the play button on the player below and enjoy the show!

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VIDEO: Wonderful Copenhagen - Danish delight!

The Danish capital, Copenhagen is a fascinating city on the east coast of the tiny country, which boasts a strong Australian connection through Princess Mary, who hails from the apple isle of Tasmania. Siince becoming the crown princess, Mary has been warmly accepted by the Danes and features on just about every postcard you'll buy in shops throughout Denmark. In this video we explore Copenhagen and some of its attractions by open-top cruise boat and on foot.

VIDEO: The Renaissance city - Florence, Italy

The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence, Italy is one of the world's premier tourist destinations, thus, avoiding the crowds is virtually impossible. Despite this, we greatly enjoyed our visit to this colourful and interesting central Italian city.

We stayed in a budget hotel withing the main rail station precinct. There's plenty of affordable hotels in this region and they're within walking distance of many attractions and sights.

The video was shot from the open top deck of the 'hop on, hop off' citysights tour bus (a great way to get your bearings and save your feet) as well as on foot, exploring this beautiful city.

Still time to get on an escorted Europe river cruise during northern summer

• Avalon Imagery cruising European waterways.

Last year I had my first taste of European river cruising - admittedly it was on a low-budget Easycruise barge taking us from Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp to Brussels over three nights. We had a great time and, unfortunately Easycruise no longer provides this cheap way of holidaying in northern Europe having opted for two ships cruising the Greek Isles instead. Never mind, there are other options, albeit a little more pricey than Easycruise. For example check the following option which hit my inbox last week:
Holidaymakers to Europe who’ve either been unable to get aboard booked-out river cruises this coming northern summer, or who would like to add such a cruise to an already-planned European holiday, can join a 14-night cruise-only package from Amsterdam to Budapest in August/September through Travel Creations.
And making it even more appealing is that the cruise will be fully-escorted by Travel Creations’ Managing Director, Maria Theodosatos and include daily shore excursions as the 'new generation' Avalon Imagery wends her way from Amsterdam to Cologne, Rudesheim, Miltenberg, Wurzburg, Bamberg, Nuremburg, Regensburg, Passau, Melk, Durnstein, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.
All onboard breakfasts, lunches, dinners, destination lectures, port charges and gratuities are included throughout the 14-night cruise, with the price beginning from $5693pp twin-share – particular value at a peak time of year when all other river cruises are already fully booked.
Because of her size, Avalon Imagery that guests board in Amsterdam on August 24 is able to berth in the heart of cities and towns visited, and her vast open-space top deck offers 360-degree panoramic views; full details on 1300 550 727, in Sydney 9362 4400 or visit www.travelcreations.com.au

Go barging in Europe at discount rates

Go Barging with European Waterways Ltd, owners and operators of Europe's premier fleet of luxury hotel-barges.
They have operated cruises in England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France and Italy since 1974.
There's a current special on offer - book one cabin and receive 50% discount on a second cabin on the same cruise or charter a whole barge and receive 20% discount on the charter price.
These offers are available for the following barges for all cruises departing between
March 30 and 11th May 2008 inclusive:
• La Belle Epoque in Burgundy, France (13 passenger barge)
• L'Art de Vivre in Burgundy, France (8 passenger barge)
• L'Impressionniste in Provence & Camargue in Southern France (13 passenger barge)
• Magna Carta on Royal River Thames in England (8 passenger barge)
Here’s the ‘fine print’ (in legible type, so you won’t miss it): deposits must be received by February 29, 2008; no more than two single passengers on any one cruise; the 50% discount is applied to the lower priced cabin.
For hotel barge reservations contact Amanda or Gail, European Waterways Ltd, 35 Wharf Road, Wraysbury, Middlesex TW19 5JQ, England. UK Tel: 44 (0)1784 482 439. UK Fax: 44 (0)1784 483 072.
Website www.GoBarging.com
European Waterways Ltd is registered in England No. 01296047 and their registered office is located at Amberley Place, 107-111 Peascod Street, Windsor, Berks SL4 1TE.

Thai offers premium air fares for over 55s

At last - an international airline which has us older folks at heart!
Thai Airways is offering special premium fares for the Over 55s to Thailand and Europe, with travel available until September 30, 2008. You can travel in Royal Silk Business and Royal First Class and to Thailand and Europe. Fares start from $3,120 plus taxes (approx $256) in Royal Silk Business Class to Bangkok from Sydney/Melbourne and Brisbane. An additional $165 (plus tax) will get you to a choice of Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Surat Thani or Krabi.
Thai is flying the upgraded Royal Silk Business Class product on all flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Bangkok: 2 x 2 capsule-style, forward-facing, 163 degree recline lie-flat seating, fitted with all the latest inseat entertainment options and facilities.
Seniors travelling from Sydney and Brisbane can upgrade to the luxury and value of Thai’s Royal First Class with fares from $4,225 return to Bangkok plus taxes. Enjoy premium cuisine, wines, full flat-beds in single or double configuration with a face to face dining option.
Fares from Perth start from $2,446 plus taxes in Royal Silk Class; an additional $169 for domestic Thailand destinations.
Choose from 12 destinations in Europe or the UK from $5,739 return plus taxes from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane: Athens, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Milan, Moscow, Munich, Paris, Rome, Stockholm or Zurich. Ex Perth from $4,735 plus taxes.
Royal First Class fares from Sydney and Brisbane start from $7,749 return plus taxes to Frankfurt, Munich, Paris, Rome or Zurich and from $8,579 plus taxes to London or Madrid.
Travellers on these fares will be invited to enjoy the exquisite ‘Royal Orchid Spa’ facility at Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport between flights or prior to departure.
The fine print: seats are limited at these special fares and traveller’s age must be verified. Aircraft rotation can occur from time to time but passengers will be informed prior to departure.
Your travel agent can find the latest schedules, information and bookings or, if you’re an internet junkie like me, log on to www.thaiairways.com.au.
Thai Airways offers 38 flights a week to Thailand from four on-line cities: Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth. From Bangkok, THAI offers connections to over 70 cities on five continents including Europe, North America and South Africa. Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport commenced international flight operations in September 2006 and now offers outstanding facilities for all passengers travelling to Thailand and beyond.