The whales are early this year

The annual migration of humpback whales passing along the Gold Coast in south east Queensland has started earlier than in previous years, so Seaworld Whalewatch has also successfully commenced its cruise season (normally running June-November) a trifle early.

Last Saturday (May 31) I was invited to join their first cruise for the season aboard their $3.5 million luxury vessel 'Spirit of Migaloo' (pictured above) which was especially built for whalewatching.

We left the cruise terminal outside Seaworld Theme Park at 10am for a short trip north on the Broadwater before entering the bumpy Seaway and out in the open sea.

We didn't have to cruise along the Gold Coast shoreline for too long, or even too far out before spotting a young whale (pictured below) which kept the passengers (including other media representatives and some paying passengers) amused for more than an hour.

The daily cruises leave from the terminal on The Spit at 10am daily (provided the sea is calm enough) and returns around 12.30pm.

There is a cafe in the terminal so it's best to grab a coffee or a drink before departure, as you'll be far too busy sealife spotting for most of the trip to worry about eating or drinking onboard.

Just in case you don't see a whale enroute (although I'm told that's not a common problem), there is a refund guarantee - no whales, no charge!

Seaworld Whalewatch tickets cost $99 for adults, $77 for children/Senior Card holders and a family pass (two adults and two children) will set you back $275.

For more details visit www.seaworldwhalewatch.com.au or phone (07) 5591 6061.

Rave reviews for ultimate touring coach

The Grand Pacific Tours Ultimate Touring Coach has completed a 45 city Australian whirlwind tour, with outstanding reviews along the way.

On a tour comprising of five major city presentations and 40 viewings in regional Australia, Grand Pacific Tours Ultimate Touring Coach has been a hit with the public and industry alike. Individuals have been dazzled by the luxurious presentation of this incredible new state of the art vehicle. The chance to win a New Zealand Travel voucher also proved to be a major drawcard for the public, with many couples who won, booking on the spot!

The specially constructed coach, a $700,000 investment, has been designed to exacting specifications and created to take a maximum 20 travellers configured on a regular 49 seat coach. Fully reclinable extra-wide leather seating, deluxe wood grain finishes, a galley, state of the art in-coach entertainment system plus more luxuries await those travellers who will journey through New Zealand.

Brisbane coach builders, Coach Design, are extremely happy with the final product and have declared that this is the most luxurious coach they have ever had the pleasure of building.

With the discerning traveller in mind, the key emphasis has been placed on amazing food and wine, luxurious accommodation and iconic activities. This amazing holiday will satisfy any appetite for a new and unique journey.

The Ultimate New Zealand Experience shall commence in Christchurch and journey along the east coast to Dunedin, Fiordland, Te Anau, Queenstown, Mt Cook, Hanmer Springs, Nelson, Blenheim and Kaikoura before returning to Christchurch.

Some of the included attractions and activities are Breakfast with the Penguins, guided tour of Larnach Castle, Overnight Doubtful Sound Cruise, Helicopter flight and a special landing on the Remarkables, the famed Shotover Jet ride, Greenshell Mussel Cruise, spectacular wine maker’s dinner in Marlborough and an amazing Whale watching experience.

The Ultimate Touring Coach finished its tour in Melbourne on August 22, with a final viewing at the Grand Pacific Offices in Moonee Ponds. The vehicle will now be shipped to New Zealand to commence touring forever.

For a full details on the Ultimate New Zealand Experience visit www.ultimatenewzealand.com.au or call Grand Pacific Tours on 1800 622 768.

Rare insights into Korea, Manchuria and East Russia

• PHOTO: Members of a previous Far Horizons tour group prepare to lay a wreath at the statue of the late Kim II Sung.

A genuinely out-of-the-ordinary 22-day tour in May 2008 with Far Horizons will embrace such diversely interesting places as Panmunjom on the ceasefire line of the Korean War, cobblestoned streets in Manchuria and the Siberian Tiger Park, and a boat ride to the historic military fortresses of Amursky Bay in East Russia’s Vladivostok.
The tour by road, rail and air also includes ascending Korea’s highest peak, the snow-capped Mt Paekdu and viewing its huge crater lake, descending 100m underground by the world’s longest escalator for a ride on Pyongyang’s underground Metro, Korea’s Gyeongbok Palace built in 1395, ancient tombs and grottos, a unique 'underground forest' in Manchuria, and a private meeting in Vladivostok with the founders of the famous Amur Tiger Reserve.
It ends with a highlight tour of the six-storey high International Friendship Exhibition Hall on North Korea’s Mt Myohyang that’s been dubbed 'the world’s largest treasure house' for its 70,000 gifts given by 160 world leaders to the late Kim Il Sung and his son Kim Jong Il and displayed in over 100 rooms.
The tour includes return air and taxes, transfers, twin-share hotels, all meals, gratuities sightseeing, excursions and entries, and services of a Far Horizons tour escort and local guides; it is priced from $18,750pp ex-Sydney.
For more details and prices ex-other capitals phone 1800 083 141; detailed itineraries re available on www.farhorizons.com.au (click on the headline above this post to reach this site).