january 6, 2008 the sun-herald food here’scheers,tassie travel 060108... · turkey & greek...

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26 January 6, 2008 THE SUN-HERALD● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

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1300 664 170www.bunniktours.com.au

*Conditions apply. All prices are per person based on twin share. Note air supplement may apply depending on airline availability. Tipping Made Easy payment required on some tours. Lic No TTA149286 Bunnik Travel Pty Ltd

Asia EuropeMiddle East

The Americas

Europe in the Spring!

Includes return flights from Sydney, good quality hotels, luxury touring, entry fees, many meals & tour guides.Other departures through 2008 also available. Call us or visit www.bunniktours.com.au for more details.

22 Day Tour From $6,495

+ air taxes from $625

Frankfurt - Rhine District - HeidelbergMunich - 5 night Danube River Cruise

Vienna - Budapest - Wachau - LucerneInterlaken - Lake Lugano - Milan

Castles, Rivers & Alps

Departs Sydney 22 April



Barcelona - Valencia - Granada - TangierMeknes - Fez - Merzouga - Ouarzazate

Marrakesh - Casablanca - SevilleCordoba - Madrid

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Moscow - NovgorodSt Petersburg - Tallinn - Riga

Hill of Crosses - Vilnius - WarsawKrakow - Prague

Moscow to Prague

Departs Sydney 9 May



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Istanbul - Ankara - CappadociaGoreme Valley - Konya - Kas

Pamukkale - Bodrum - Kos - EphesusSamos - Troy - Gallipoli

Turkey & Greek Isles




Istanbul - Gallipoli - Troy - ThessalonikiMeteora - Delphi - Athens - Tolo

Olympia - Sorrento - Amalfi CoastCapri - Pompeii - Rome

The Ancient Road




Istanbul - Gallipoli - TroyEphesus - Aphrodisias - Pamukkale

Fethiye - Antalya - KonyaCappadocia - Goreme Valley

Turkish Highlights


Spring is the BEST time to see Europe:Great Weather(avoid the heat of summer)

Smaller Crowds(and the locals are friendlier!)

Smaller Group Sizes(the Bunnik Tours difference)

Trans SiberianBeijing to Moscow

24 May escorted by Marion Bunnik

Here’s cheers, TassieWinsor Dobbin raises a glass to the beauty of Wineglass Bay on a foodies’ tour of the Apple Isle.

It was an inauspicious start to what wasbilled as a gourmet feast. Our group of fourwas decked out in rain jackets, backpacksstocked with woolly jumpers and bottles of

water. We were advised by our tour guide onhow best to avoid doing ourselves a grievousinjury. And warned to make sure we kept aneye out for snakes.

This was a gourmet experience we had toearn – by putting our bodies on the line.

Wineglass to Wine Glass is a new treat forvisitors to Freycinet Lodge on the east coast ofTasmania. It involves a seven-kilometrebushwalk through the Freycinet National Parkwith more than a few ups and downs along theway – the first stretch alone involves climbing theequivalent of 600 steps up steep granite cliffs.

The rewards, however, are worth it.From amazing views, world-class beaches,

up-close encounters with dolphins, echidnas,mother wallaby and child and some verynervous skinks, we got a first-hand view ofAustralia’s natural beauty and, despite aslovenly start, the sun soon emerged andblessed us for the rest of the day.

The tour, which started in September, beginswith an arduous climb to the Wineglass Baylookout, 220 metres up in the FreycinetNational Park between Mount Amos andMount Mayson. The level of difficulty rangesfrom easy stroll to calf-stretching climb but atthe top walkers are rewarded with panoramicviews of the spectacular Freycinet Peninsulaand beyond.

Along the way our charming guide took pityon the less fit members of the party and stopped

regularly to discuss the flora and fauna and theunique geological formations that make up thenational park. Directly below was the brightlywhite beach of Wineglass Bay – it got its namebecause its waters used to be stained blood-redfrom the whales rendered at the nearby whalingstation. Today it is world famous for its beauty,US magazine Outside having named it as oneof the top 10 beaches in the world.

As we made our way down the other side,slowly, cautiously, but safely, we saw one bravesoul strip off and dive into the chilly waters tofrolic with a small pod of dolphins – who wereclearly delighted to have human company.

The waters are also frequented by migratingwhales but we were unlucky on this occasion.

After a few moments of contemplation,watching the waves crash in, peering intorockpools, we made our way across thepeninsula, along the Isthmus Track, steppingbriefly into a lagoon, dry at this time of the year

but still teeming with bird life, before passingAboriginal middens that date back tens ofthousands of years.

After sliding, bum first, down a sandy track,we then trekked along Hazards Beach, full ofshells and starfish; as beautiful as WineglassBay and just as deserted.

A long walk along the sand, a quick trekacross country and we were confronted by amirage: a table laid with fine cutlery and china.Out popped a waiter to ask whether we fancieda glass of Freycinet Vineyard riesling, perhaps,or maybe an Apsley Gorge chardonnay or aSpring Vale pinot gris.

Perhaps we’d care to sit down and take in theviews of a secluded bay. It has no name but hasbeen dubbed Blissful Bay by the FreycinetLodge staff who had arrived by boat earlier toset up what was a truly magnificent feast.

The table was set up on a slab underneatha canopy that shaded us; the kitchen team

worked in a small hut, producing dish afterdish of restaurant-quality food.

We started with a selection of local seafood;oysters, large moist crayfish, calamari, abalone,scallops and blue-eye trevalla all featured.Marinated quails, beautifully barbecued,accompanied by salads, potatoes and freshrolls, were followed by melt-in-the-mouth localbeef and a selection of fine red wines includingTamar Ridge and Pipers Brook.

Then came a selection of Tasmanian cheesesand it was suddenly hard to move at all –despite the temptations of Promise Bay below.

After lunch guests were free to spend acouple of hours exploring the bush and beach– or simply sitting back in the very comfortableloungers provided. The day ended with a30-minute boat trip back to the lodge, wherethere is a daily tutored tasting of Tasmanianwines, all accompanied by tapas-style snacks.

Dinner seemed out of the question, until welooked at the Bay restaurant menu and sightedcold-smoked ocean trout, fresh oysters from thebay and tempura Spring Bay scallops.

Mains include tinderbox rabbit ragout servedwith pappardelle and seafood platters.

The Wineglass to Wine Glass tour is one ofseveral activities available at Freycinet Lodge.Others include a half-day four-wheel-drive trekthrough bushland to Bluestone Bay ($55) or atwo-hour climb to the Wineglass Bay lookoutand back ($25). Rock climbing and abseilingactivities are also available.

The author was a guest of Pure Tasmania,Virgin Blue and VroomVroomVroom.com.au.

Food

>TRIPNOTES■ Getting there: Qantas and Jetstar fly to Hobart and Launceston several times daily.Freycinet Lodge is a 21⁄2-hour drive from Launceston or Hobartand five minutes’ drivefrom the town of Coles Bay.■ Staying there: Freycinet Lodge has 60 one- and two-bedroom cabins in a range ofstyles, including exclusive couples’ retreats with spa baths. It has two restaurants inseason – the Bay, overlooking the water, serves excellent Tasmanian produce, andRichardson’s Bistro serves more relaxed pub-style food. The full-day Wineglass to WineGlass tour costs $245 a person.■ Further information: For bookings, phone 1800 084 620 or (03) 6257 0101 or seewww.puretasmania.com.au.

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THE SUN-HERALD January 6, 2008 27● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

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*Conditions apply: All prices are per person, twin share and subject to change without notice should tariff change or currency alter. Prices are based on standard room categories unless otherwise stated. Each package is subject to availability or until sold out. Some packages require airfare payment within a minimum periodsome as short as 3 days or instantly at time of booking. Departure taxes not included for Cook Islands NZ$30, Samoa ST$40, Niue NZ$25 & Norfolk Island AUD$30. Travel period must be completed within set dates. Conditions, amendments, cancellation fees & credit card fees apply. ~ See website & enquire for further

details. ^^Sofitel Fiji upgrade is subject to availability. #Fiji product has seasonal surcharges at various times during the travel period. Please consult Coral Seas/Travel agent for additional charges during these times. ** New Caledonia – 2nd person only pays taxes $130. Lic 2TA4241. ABN 99 069 651 743. CST2816

All the following packages include return economy class international airfares from Sydney, all pre-payable airfare related taxes and all airport/hotel transfers.

Call your local travel agent or Coral Seas - [email protected] www.coralseas.com.au

Ph: (02) 8236 9900 Toll Free: 1800 641 803

All the following packages include return economy class international airfares from Sydney, all pre-payaairfare related taxes and all airport/hotel transfers.

SOUTH PACIFICSALE

ude return economy class international airfares from Sydney,

HURRY SALES ENDS31 JANUARY 2008!

NEW CALEDONIA

1st Adult $14892nd Adult FREE**

(Add tax $130)

Le Meridien Noumea3 nights Classic Garden room.BONUS! Special meet & greeton arrival plus buy 1 drink get

1 free offer~.Travel: 23 Feb-31 Mar 08 &

27 Apr-21 May 08.

VANUATU

Le Lagon Resort Vanuatu5 nights Standard room.

BONUS! Includes full buffet breakfast

daily, and 2 buffet dinnersper person.

Travel: 28 Apr - 26 Jun 08.Add $100* 22 Jul - 23 Sep &

14 Oct - 30 Nov 08.

FIJI

Sonaisali Island Resort3 nights Beachfront Hotelroom. BONUS! Includes

full buffet breakfast daily,jungle cruise per person& FJ$100 resort credit

per room.

#Travel: 01 Jan 08 - 31 Mar 09.

FIJI

Sofitel Fiji Resort& Spa.

4 nights Resort room.BONUS! 5th night FREE

plus Champagne breakfastdaily for 2 adults & upgrade

to Ocean View room^^

#Travel: 28 Apr - 30 Nov 08.

SAMOA

Aggie Grey’s Lagoon,Beach Resort & Spa.

4 nights Deluxe Ocean Viewroom including buffet

breakfast daily.

Travel: 07 Feb-04 Apr 08 &28 Apr-26 Jun 08.

Add $139* 21 Jul-15 Sep 08.

COOK ISLANDS

Pacific ResortRarotonga

5 nights Garden studio.BONUS! Includes island

breakfast daily andNZ$50 food & beveragecredit per room per day.

Travel: 28 Apr – 26 Jun &21 Jul – 15 Sep 08.

SAMOA

Sinalei Reef Resort4 nights Garden

View Fare.BONUS!

5th night FREE &full american

breakfast daily.

Travel: 28 Apr-26 Jun 08.Add $139* 21 Jul-15 Sep 08.

FIJI

Plantation Island Resort5 nights Hotel room.

BONUS! Includes all meals atPlantation Island &

2 FREE nights at RafflesGateway Hotel.

#Travel: 01 Jan-24 Dec 08.

VANUATU

Le Meridien Port VilaResort, Spa & Casino4 nights Classic room.

BONUS! 5th night FREEAmerican breakfast dailyand $50 food & beverage

credit per room.Travel: 28 Apr-26 Jun 08.

Add $100* 22 Jul - 23 Sep &14 Oct - 30 Nov 08.

NIUE

Matavai Resort7 nights Standard room.

BONUS! Free early check in,

continental breakfastdaily & return airport

transfers.

Travel: 01 Apr – 30 Jun 08.

NORFOLK ISLAND

All SeasonsColonial Hotel

7 nights Garden room.BONUS!

Includes 7 days car hire, fully cooked

breakfast daily.

Travel: 01 Apr - 30 Nov 08.

TAHITI

InterContinentalHotel Tahiti

5 nights Garden View.Get American Breakfast& Dinner daily from $145*

per person, per day.

Travel: 07 Jan – 19 Mar,28 Mar – 25 Jun & 1 – 30 Nov 08.

$1259*

from

$979*

from

$1429*

from

$999*

from

$1559*

from

$1179*

from

$1689*

from

$1199*

from

$1719*

from

$1235*

from

$1949*

from

Indulge your senses .. . the Wineglass Bay foodies’ tour takes in spectacular scenery and wildlife, with the further incentive of local produce and wines .

january 6, 2008 the sun-herald food here’scheers,tassie travel 060108... · turkey & greek...

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