Airlie Beach is looking good!

Situated on the tropical central Queensland coast, the town of Airlie Beach is a major stepping off point for the Whitsunday islands....and it's looking great thanks to a recently completed $22.5 million revamp of its main street.

The new-look downtown area ties in with the rest of the precinct including the Airlie Beach Lagoon (above) and pristine foreshore.

The main street now flows into the esplanade, linking it with the new Port of Airlie marina which is set to eventually become the main departure and arrival point for cruises,diving trips and charter yachts. A boardwalk meanders all the way from nearby Cannonvale past Abel Point Marina (which is also being refurbished at time of writing) into Airlie's central waterfront and the man-made lagoon.

On Saturday mornings Airlie Beach foreshore hosts a colourful market selling everything from fresh produce to fashion items and craftware.

Airlie Beach has for many years been a backpacker haven with a number of great eateries and hotels, apartments and other facilities, but now it's even better, offering something for every kind of tourist, especially those who enjoy water-based activities.

For more information on Airlie Beach and its surrounds check out the website:

www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au

VIDEO: Mediterranean cruise on Seadream 2

SeaDream 2 is a five-star cruise ship which its owners, SeaDream Yacht Club refer to as 'yachting not cruising'. Both SeaDream 1 and 2 boast staterooms accommodating less than 100 passengers in total and a crew of equal size to pander to their wishes. The cruises are all inclusive, meals, open bar and lots of pampering by a thoroughly professional crew. This is the way to travel!

Our cruise took us from the port of Nice (French Riviera) to Cannes, Portofino, Porte Ercole, Sorrento, Isle of Capri and terminating at Rome (Civitacheccia).

For more details on Seadream's cruises and services check out www.seadreamyachtclub.com

Ultimate Tahiti escape package

A chauffeur-driven car to the airport, flying to Tahiti, and cruising there aboard what’s the closest thing possible to your own motor yacht, are as synonymous as each other with the ultimate in holidaying escapism.
And now Ultimate Cruising has put all three together, with a 9-night fly/cruise holiday to Tahiti that combines seven nights aboard the premier 12-cabin motor cruiser Haumana in the Rangiroa Atoll, a Lagoon View Room at the Sheraton Papeete both pre- and post- the Haumana cruise, and return Luxury Car transfers to Australian mainland capital city airports (max 35km each way.)
It’s priced from $5789pp twin-share from Sydney, $5919 Melbourne or Brisbane, $6089 Adelaide and from $6389pp twin-share ex-Perth.
Return air and airport/ship/hotel transfers in Tahiti, all onboard dining including wines with lunch and dinner, non-alcoholic drinks, kayaking, snorkelling, fishing, and cruise and air taxes are also included.
The 36-metre Haumana carries just 24-guests served by 16-crew amongst the spectacular islands and beaches of Rangiroa Lagoon, with guided shore excursions included; dining features French/Polynesian cuisine and all cabins have Queen Beds and large picture windows, ensuites and TV/DVD/CD.
Prices are valid for 2008 with seasonal fluctuations. For full details click on the heading of this post to reach their website.