As with last week’s News & Deals wrap-up, as Victoria and New South Wales continue to grapple with COVID-19 outbreaks, we’ve focused our search on Queensland this week. That’s not to say we haven’t peeked at what’s on in the south-east! As always, our deals and news wrap is designed to help you filter through the deals that land in your inbox, calling out those that are really focused on holidays with your kids.
Stay safe!
Virgin Australia sale ends tonight
With rates as low as $75, this red hot Virgin flight sale is the perfect ticket to domestic exploration. Jump in fast – the sale ends at midnight tonight unless sold out prior!
Fly from Sydney to Ballina/Byron from $75 one-way, or Sydney to Gold Coast from $95 one way. Flights from Adelaide to Brisbane start at $145 and Brisbane to Darwin from $179. The whole country is covered!
For the full list of spectacular specials, visit the Virgin Australia website here.
For information about Virgin’s special flexibility and COVID-19 safety measures, click here.
Northern Territory re-opens to tourists
Northern Territory borders opened on 17th July, including access to Uluru and Kakadu National Parks. Voyages Ayers Rock Resort in Alice Springs is set to open August 1st.
To protect their communities from active COVID-19 cases, visitors from Victoria and Sydney are not permitted at the moment. Anyone passing through has to complete a Border Entry Form. After that, provided you look after yourselves and others around you, the stunning Top End is yours for exploring!
In fact, the Red Centre has just opened its upgraded Mountain Bike trails in Alice Springs. Trail maps are available for exploring 22 marked tracks of varying degrees of difficulty, including through Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
Queensland news & deals for families
Ocean front Gold Coast apartment new opening deal – 3 nights from $399 on Luxury Escapes
The brand new Sky Broadwater Holiday Apartments are just north of Surfers Paradise and boast stunning ocean views. A stay in a 72sqm one-bedroom Superior Apartment, near Gold Coast theme parks and shopping, starts at $399 with excellent value upgrades to two- and three-bedroom options.
Valid for travel until 30 June 2021. Lock in your stay now and pick your dates later. For more information or to book, visit Luxury Escapes here.
5-star stay at Shangri-La Cairns from $699 for 3 nights from Luxury Escapes
Located at the Cairns Marina, the resort-style Shangri-La Cairns makes an ideal HQ for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and ancient Daintree Rainforest. The deal, for three nights in a Deluxe King Room or Deluxe Double Queen Room, also includes $100 in credit at the onsite restaurant and daily breakfast at The Backyard.
Luxury Escapes have a family upgrade are available. Kids eat free when accompanied by a paying adult. Valid for travel until 20 Jan 2022. Get all the details and book via Luxury Escapes.
5-night family package at Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas from Hoot Holidays
Starting at $1190 per adult, this luxury package at Silkari Port Douglas features 5 nights in a two-bedroom Balcony Spa Apartment for 2 adults and 2 children. It also includes a Hartleys Crocodile Adventure pass and a Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise for two, covering transfers, snorkel equipment, morning and afternoon tea and lunch.
Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas boasts six lagoon-style swimming pools and a lush garden setting. It is located just 400 metres from Four Mile Beach, with great day trip access to the Great Barrier Reef or Daintree Rainforest.
Valid for travel from 11 October 2020 to 23 December 2021 if you book by 30 August.
Visit Hoot Holidays for more information and to book, click here.
Tasmania news & deals for families
Children stay free at centrally-located Hobart apartment on Luxury Escapes
Up to two children 12 years and under stay free with this deal at the RACV/RACT Hobart Apartment Hotel from Luxury Escapes. The limited offer covers a self-contained 2-night stay and daily breakfast from only $299 per apartment.
The RACV/RACT Hobart Apartment Hotel sits just 20 minutes from Hobart Airport by car and is next door to Mount Wellington, the waterfront precinct and Hobart’s famous markets. The one-bedroom apartment includes king or twin beds, double sofa bed, kitchenette, dining and lounge area and more.
Valid for travel until 30 September 2021. For information or to book on Luxury Escapes, click here.
NSW news & deals for family travellers
2 or 3 nights in north coast nirvana from $269 per two-bedroom apartment from Luxury Escapes
The Mantra Nelson Bay in Port Stephens is next door to white-sand beaches, sand dune adventures and lush bushland. The hotel is a short walk to Fly Point beach and a short drive to Fingal and One Mile Beach. This deal slices more than half the usual value and includes an option for a luxe upgrade. It is ideal for a family after a self-contained seaside stay.
Check out the variety of other package options and make your booking on Luxury Escapes here.
Read our review of the Mantra Nelson Bay here.
New all-abilities playground opens at Manly Dam
The playground includes a climbing frame, tunnel, bridge, carousel and swings, at the request of students from local primary schools. We tested it out on the weekend and were pretty impressed.
The Manly Dam playground is one of six all-abilities playgrounds on the Northern Beaches, the others found at Frenchs Forest, Collaroy Beach, Berry Reserve in Narrabeen, Manly Beachfront and Newport Beach.
The playground is part of a $10.3 million Connecting All Through Play program designed to make recreation more inclusive on the Northern Beaches.
Planning ahead for a holiday to Fiji?
5 nights at Warwick Fiji from $1499 from Omniche Holidays
Looking to book an escape for next year? For $1499 per person, this tropical package includes return economy airfares to Nadi, hotel transfers, 5 nights at The Warwick Fiji in a Garden Room and a full buffet breakfast.
Those of you looking to chase the sun once travel restrictions ease up will love the complimentary kayaking, snorkelling and Stand Up Paddleboarding.
The Warwick Fiji sprawls onto a sandy lagoon on the Coral Coast, with stunning views and no fewer than five restaurants.
For more information or to book this deal for the Warwick Fiji, click here.
GET IN TOUCH
If you’ve got questions about any of these deals or news, click through to the direct websites included. We’re not a travel agent so can’t help you with any bookings. However, if you’ve found a great deal or some news that you think we should share, please get in touch.
