Compared to the hugely popular northern lights, very few people have had the opportunity to witness the magical aurora australis – often referred to as the southern lights – up close. But that’s all about to change with the news that Chimu Adventures are launching scenic flights over the Southern Ocean that will provide a front-row view to the captivating natural phenomenon.
Departing and returning to Australia’s major domestic terminals, the 10-hour flights will take place aboard a Qantas Boeing 789 Dreamliner. With 30 per cent larger windows than other Boeing aircraft, it’s the perfect plane for passengers to take in the aurora australis in all its glittery glory.
The flights will coincide with the autumn equinox, when the lights are at their brightest and most frequent, and a select crew of expert astronomers will be on-hand to provide information on how an aurora is created, and answer any questions. Budding shutterbugs keen to capture the once-in-a-lifetime experience will also be happy to know a professional photographer will be available to assist with any camera queries and dish out helpful tips.
Flying high above the clouds and far from any potential light pollution or weather systems, it won’t matter whether you’re seated in business or economy (Qantas will be offering services in both), as the aurora zone is sure to put on an unforgettable show.
Known for its rugged, mountainous terrain, pristine beaches and mirrored waterways, the southwest region of Tasmania has long been considered the state’s final frontier. And since it’s accessible only by foot, boat or light aircraft, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in this untouched landscape is with Tasmanian Boat Charters, on the Port Davey Expedition Cruise.
The four-, five- and seven-day voyages begin in spectacular style, with a breathtaking scenic flight from Hobart to the tiny settlement of Melaleuca. Here, your mighty vessel awaits: Odalisque, a custom-built 20-metre boat best described as a floating luxury hotel. Equipped with all the creature comforts you could ever need – think cosy beds, soft outdoor lounges, fridges stocked with ice-cold bevs and your own private chef – it’s the ideal home-away-from-home.
While each cruise is different (and often guided by the tides and weather conditions), the itinerary can be tailored to suit your interests. However, there are a few standout activities we think you won’t want to miss, including a six-hour hike to the summit of Mt Rugby, a jet boat excursion up the Huon Pine-lined Davey River and exploring ancient Indigenous middens at Stephens Bay. There are also plenty of opportunities to chat with local guides, take a dip at secluded swim spots and enjoy a gourmet picnic or two.
So if you’re eager for a taste of true Tassie wilderness (with a side of oysters and bubbles, thank you very much), jump aboard the Odalisque for one unforgettable adventure.
Game of Thrones fans will be frothing that they will soon be able to take an official tour at one of the hit series’ original filming locations: Linen Mill Studios in Northern Ireland.
To get the full GOT experience and lose yourselves in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, this deeply immersive attraction has been developed with the filmmakers. Thronies will be able to step into fully dressed sets used during the show’s production, and come face to face with original costumes, weaponry and props used to create this epic fantasy world.
Fans experiencing separation anxiety after the award-winning series reached its finale will be able to relive scenes set at Braavos, Dorne and Dragonfly, as well as explore Winterfell Castle, Pyke and Riverrun.
This is the only permanent, officially licensed Game of Thrones experience in the world. An opening date in late 2021 will give die-hard fans enough time to start saving their bucks.
Experience a taste of northeast Victoria when you tackle the best recreational cycling route in Australia, the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Beginning in Beechworth and finishing in Bright, not only will you burn calories on this leisurely ride, but you’ll also get to visit some of the state’s most vibrant regional towns.
Once you climb into your saddle and get pedalling, you’ll roll through stunning alpine locations, passing through natural bush and lush farmland, vast valleys and spectacular mountain ranges.
Don’t worry though, this isn’t the Tour de France, and the trip is suitable for all riders – even beginners with a pretty basic fitness level (e-bikes are also available). Along the way you’ll fuel up by sampling some of Australia’s finest local gourmet produce, wine and handcrafted beer. Smaller weekend groups even have the opportunity to partake in wine-making tutorials, talk to local farm gate producers and stopover at historic cellar doors.
Covering more than 100 kilometres of both sealed and off-road tracks, other popular towns on the trail include Wangaratta, Rutherglen and Myrtleford.
Dubai might be a short stopover for most but that doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to the confines of a luxury hotel.
Floating at sunrise over the pristine dunes of the Arabian Desert is only part of one experience you should consider; combine falconry, a desert vintage Land Rover safari, delicious Bedouin breakfast, camel ride and you have the perfect day in Dubai.
The morning starts an hour before the sun rises and the air is still and tranquil. As the balloons climb above the Dubai Desert the views of the Hajjar Mountains and Oman are stunning. Gently drifting at around 10,000 – 15,000 feet a falcon (Dubai’s national bird) entertains the group with its flying prowess and obedience circumnavigating several balloons to return at full speed to snatch a piece of meat from it handler’s glove. As the balloon slowly descends onto the soft dunes, a team of vintage Land Rovers awaits to chariot you across the bumpy sand to the Bedouin breakfast that awaits.
Upon arrival at a lavish traditional majilis you’ll enjoy a five-star a la carte breakfast including shakshuka, salmon, halloumi cheese, fresh fruits and chilled mint tea. After breakfast to aid your digestion, you’ll partake in a little camel ride out on the dunes. Forget shopping and the malls experience Dubai from outside the hotel!
If you thought multi-day bus tours were typically reserved for young, first-time travellers à la a Contiki-style trip or organised groups of elderly retirees, let us introduce an ambitious new bus service promising the adventure of a lifetime.
The epic 70-day Bus to London tour by expedition company Adventures Overland is one hell of a cross-continental journey. Beginning in Delhi, India, and traversing 18 different countries before finally reaching the UK capital of London, the hop-on hop-off itinerary will cover around 20,000 kilometres.
Partly inspired by the Hippie Trail movement of the 1950s and 60s, which saw thousands of young people embark on long-haul road trips from Europe to Asia, the Bus to London route will bypass major landmarks such as Myanmar’s Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, the Great Wall of China and the Red Square in Moscow. Other highlights include a thorough exploration of the ‘Stans (Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan), Baltic countries such as Latvia and Lithuania, and, of course, Euro faves such as Germany, Belgium and France.
Comfort is key on this expedition, and the purpose-built bus features all the luxury mod cons you’d expect from a first-class vehicle, like ample legroom, individual entertainment systems, private lockers and charging points.
The inaugural Bus to London tour departs in May 2021 (pending Covid-19 restrictions), and upon completion the bus will embark on a return voyage back to India. Now if this doesn’t get you excited for the return of international travel and incredible, one-off experiences, we’re not sure what will.
No trip to New Zealand is complete without seeing the country’s flightless national bird. But the elusive kiwi doesn’t make it easy. Its numbers are dwindling, it’s nocturnal, and it’s usually only found in dense bush.
So, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, a luxury lodge in Hawke’s Bay on New Zealand’s North Island, has come up with a solution. The Kiwi Discovery Walk will ensure your close encounter with this furry creature endemic to our friends across the ditch. You’ll head out with an experienced guide as they carry out essential monitoring of the chicks, including checking the bird’s radio transmitters and weighing and measuring them to help monitor their wellbeing. And the best bit? Proceeds from the experience go to The Cape Sanctuary to help preserve the native species.
If that’s not enough of a kiwi experience for you, a stay at Cape Kidnappers also means you can join in a muster on the 2,430-hectare working beef and sheep farm, and even try your hand at shearing a sheep.
There are normal roller coasters, then there’s the X2. This mechanical beast, which you can find by following the howl of deathly screams all the way to California’s Six Flags Magic Mountain, is in a league of its own, so much so, it’s considered the very first 4D coaster.
That means riders are placed in extra-wide 360-degree rotating seats that twist and flip independent of how the main train navigates the tracks. It also runs on four rails, instead of the usual two. Sound distressing? That’s not the end of it. While you’re spiralling through the air headfirst and facedown, the X2 is also accelerating to speeds of 122 kilometres an hour and climbing to an elevation of 60 metres. Oh, and your feet are dangling weightlessly in the air too, which any frequent ride-goer will know is a truly awful sensation.
Chuck in a couple of inversions (corkscrew-like manoeuvres), two ultra-rare raven turns (half loops that turn into sheer drops), a backflip and the added drama of a pair of flamethrowers, and you’ve got yourself one hell of a heart-thumping ride.
You’ve got to question the state of mind of whoever conjured up the nightmarish, stomach-churning situation that is Insanity the Ride.
Positioned atop the tallest structure in Las Vegas, The STRAT Hotel, Casino and Skypod, this terrifying centrifuge ride uses an enormous mechanical arm to dangle passengers 265 metres in the air. As if that wasn’t enough to have you murmuring a couple of Hail Marys under your breath, all trapped thrill-seekers are then tilted to an angle of 70 degrees (in other words: you’re staring directly at the ground below) and spun around at speeds of up to 64 kilometres an hour.
Apparently Insanity is also programmable with various different motion sequences, which means no two rides feel the same. We want to suggest downing a couple of strong, oversized, Vegas-style cocktails before allowing yourself to be strapped into this sky-high monstrosity, but that could end badly for everyone involved. Instead, all you can really do is sit back, admire the view and hope your seatbelt is done up.
Deep in the South Cardamom Mountains in Cambodia you can jump on the back of a motorbike with an armed ranger and help protect the rainforest and local wildlife. The initiative is a partnership between luxury tented camp experience Shinta Mani Wild and not-for-profit conservation organisation Wildlife Alliance. The camp was built with the sole purpose of protecting the rainforest, and a stay here means you can head out with rangers daily – but it’s not for the faint hearted, they carry AK-47 rifles and large knives, and there’s a very real chance you’ll come across poachers.
Shinta Mani Wild has committed a lifetime of financial assistance to the cause and funds eight rangers, equating to the protection of 2,000 hectares of forest and 500 animals each year. Stay in one of 15 luxury tents perched above a cascading river with king-size beds, living areas and claw-foot verandah baths.
(
