With the Ashes series to be played in Australia next summer, there will be a host of visitors in Sydney January 2011.  Sydney’s Bayview Boulevard is just a few drive minutes from the home of Australian Cricket, The Sydney Cricket Ground.

The hotel is ideal for visitors intending to attend the Test Match. Just 20 minutes from the airport via the Eastern Distributor and 5 minutes from the SCG and Royal Randwick Racecourse.

It’s a 10 minute walk from the hotel to Sydney’s CBD and the Harbour View Rooms take in the Harbour Bridge, The Sydney Opera House, Fort Denison and more.

24-hour room service, secure on-site parking, fabulous restaurant on the 25th floor, over looking the harbour, and especially friendly and efficient staff are other great strengths adding to the hotel’s appeal.

There is never a typical day on the Great Barrier Reef!!  You never know what the Great Barrier Reef is likely to show you and earlier this year HABA GBR Adventures had an unexpected visit from some very unlikely tourists!

The Great Barrier Reef usually is not on the ‘places-to-visit-list’ for Whale Sharks, so when one comes around it is a sight! Two years ago, in January and February, they were sighted as well so perhaps they finally have put Port Douglas on the map and will make regular returns to our waters. In the months June, July, August and September we do regularly see Minke Whales and Humpback Whales, but a Whale Shark, now that is something different all together.

HABA is an Advanced EcoTourism Accredited tour departing daily from idyllic Port Douglas to the pristine outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef.  Their custom-built, state-of-the-art wave-piercing catamaran is the culmination of experiences gleaned after 23 years in the Marine industry.  MV Evolution is designed to cruise comfortably at high speeds while literally slicing through waves – the ideal vessel in all weather conditions.  We keep our passenger numbers low to ensure personalised service in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.  Diving, Snorkelling and Serious Fun, all without the crowds!  We visit two sites each day and the sites alternate every day to protect the fragile reef and optimise our returning guests’ unique reef experiences. Because, yes, once you travel with HABA you will be back for more.

HABA will also be attending ATE, be sure to drop by their booth #357 QLD and say hi.

Get up close and personal with some of TNQ’s famous native animals.  Gone Wild with the Locals is an afternoon / evening tour through the Cairns Tablelands where you will get the opportunity to hand feed rock wallabies, see a giant falcon in full flight and catch a glimpse of the shy reclusive platypus in their natural environment.

An Aussie Tucker BBQ dinner is also included and our passionate and knowledgeable driver / guides are on hand to further enhance your Wild experience.

Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland is fast becoming Wedding paradise and Honeymoon central, with an estimated 900 weddings held in the region every year.  A growing number of these special events are of international brides and grooms, with ceremonies increasing annually.  Whether you are planning or quoting on a romantic Port Douglas wedding or simply needing assistance for clients wishing to have a tropical Honeymoon in Port Douglas, Shantara Resort & Spa Port Douglas can assist you with a Honeymoon package or quote to your specific requirements.

Should your clients be thinking of having a ceremony in the park, on the beach, in the rainforest or in the most beautiful seaside Church of St. Mary’s by the Sea, the team at Shantara Resort & Spa can assist. The Resort can even assist as venue!! They have handpicked a list of only a few of the Local Port Douglas Specialist contacts that can take care of your requests and make dream weddings come to life on the day. Shantara Resort & Spa Port Douglas is a member of ‘Port Douglas Wedding Professionals’, which is a group of local business that provide professional wedding services and that are located in the area of Port Douglas to make your day stress free.

The Shantara Resort and Spa will also be attending ATE, be sure to drop by their booth #365 QLD and say hi.

Paradise has a new address!!  Located front and centre on Macrossan St Port Douglas – Coconut Grove Resort is the village’s newest accommodation property.  Just 140m from Four Mile Beach and a hop, step & jump from some of the region’s most iconic restaurants and bars and boutique shopping, Coconut Grove Resort is the ideal location for your luxury getaway.

Coconut Grove’s 5 star 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments are ideal for couples or family groups alike with their spacious contemporary design and apartments also feature large private outdoor terraces with private plunge pools, spas and BBQ’s – perfect for entertaining.

Beautifully remote, Bloomfield Lodge is a casually luxurious retreat nested in the Daintree Rainforest at the mouth of Weary Bay.  An all inclusive resort, Bloomfield Lodge is an exclusive 17 cabin hideaway – the ideal place to relax and unwind in 5 star comfort.

Explore the surrounds with 2 included half day tours – a guided rainforest walk and river cruise, where you are sure to meet some local animals and birds.  Make your stay at Bloomfield an active adventure with an extensive list of optional tours including treks to waterfalls, yacht cruising on the reef, fishing for dinner; or take it easy and enjoy a cocktail by the pool or visit the newly renovated on site day spa treatment room for a massage or facial.

Have you ever dined in the Rainforest?!  Flames of the Forest offers guests the rare opportunity to dine, surrounded by the sights and sounds of our ancient Rainforest.  Two all inclusive itineraries operate on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights showcasing fresh native produce and local beers & wines as well as the option of live Aboriginal entertainment.

Flames of the Forest will also be attending ATE, be sure to drop by their booth #356B QLD and say hi.

Recently Blazing Saddles combined with other local tours and attractions, to play host to 20 local agents for a full day of fun and adventure with a ‘Super Hero’s’ theme.  The ‘Super Famil’ included ATV riding at Blazing as well as team building exercises, scavenger hunts and best dressed competitions.  A super day out was had by all who attended.

Blazing saddles offers the choice of half-day horse or ATV tours through their 1,200 acre working cattle station property.  All safety equipment and lessons are provided and fully accredited guides lead each group. Food & drinks are also provided at the farm house to refresh the weary rider.

The local’s preferred transfer supplier from Cairns Airport to Palm Cove and Port Douglas, Exemplar specialise in an express route with an airport meet & greet for your clients. With departures scheduled to coincide with flight arrival, Exemplar will have your guests arriving at their destination promptly and painlessly.

Exemplar is a family owned and operated company with a modern fleet of limousines, cars and coaches providing the seamless transportation of your clients – FIT, group charter or C&I.

The quiet, picturesque Trinity Beach is the perfect backdrop for a family seaside vacation.  Trinity Beach is an idyllic setting where you can launch yourself into a most adventurous and exciting experience, or settle under the coconut palms to relax and unwind.  Either way, you’re in for a great holiday.

Coral Sands is a beachfront accommodation complex offering 1, 2 & 3 bedroom self-contained apartments.  The suites at Coral Sands Resort have recently had a soft refurb and their new modern decor and furnishings complements the relaxed tropical surrounds of their extensive landscaped gardens and lagoon-style pool.  Coral Sands provides the exceptional quality and style that you would expect from holiday apartments of this calibre.