BEST OUT OF MELBOURNE TRIP TO YARRA VALLEY FOR INCENTIVE GROUPS PRESENTED BY DMC AUSTRALIA

LUXURIOUS Yarra Valley for incentive travel programs – Ballooning & Barrel Tasting

This is perfect way for incentive groups to experience Australian wines and produce, and see the breathtaking views of the surrounding wineries and mountains from high above

Duration: 9 Hours (approximately)

What a way to start your day ‐ floating gently over the Yarra Valley. Let the breeze usher you along the corridors of grape vines and over the Yarra River as you take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Toast your flight with a sumptuous champagne breakfast at a nearby historic chateau.

  Take a stroll through breathtaking bushland, while getting up close and personal with many of Australia’s iconic native animals. Learn about a range of breeding and recovery programs to help ensure our endangered native wildlife exists into the future.

A warehouse‐cum‐factory space in Healesville makes a real statement. There’s an organic, artisan style bakehouse and a unique coffee bean‐roasting facility.

There’s also something incredibly connective about wine tasting in the very place the wine is crushed, fermented, bottled and stored. Get involved with a look behind the scenes and experience the exciting sights, tastes and smells. Further on through the valley, experience a private barrel room tasting with the wine maker. Select a wine to suit your palate, grab a glass and wander out onto the sun‐drenched patio. Relax, or enjoy a game of petanque against the stunning back drop of the Yarra Ranges.

Lunch is something special. The delicious aroma of freshly baked bread hits you immediately as you walk in the front door. The produce on your plate comes from the garden out the back and the menu changes almost daily – completely dependent on what’s in season. There are few more memorable dining experiences.


For more incentive travel ideas in Yarra Valley, Melbourne and Australia visit our website and if you have any questions contact your DMC in Australia today.

Best INCENTIVE TRAVEL ACTIVITIES IN PORT DOUGLAS PRESENTED BY DMC AUSTRALIA

Much loved by celebrities, Port Douglas is a charming seaside town. Perfect location to explore the rainforest where you can jungle surf through the rainforest canopy, and travel to the Great Barrier Reef where the colour of the fish and coral are astounding.

We just came back from this amazing trip full of new ideas for next incentive programs here in Australia. If you are after an unforgettable experience for your incentive group let us know and we will be happy to craft unique incentive program for the whole team. For more, visit our UNIQ website and if you have any questions contact your DMC in Australia

Spectacular Four Mile Beach | Port Douglas, Australia
The relaxed seaside town of Port Douglas is set alongside the spectacular Four Mile Beach.Here you will get to experience the natural beauty and warm, balmy climate that attracts visitors at any time of the year.

Truly unique dining experience. Surrounded on all sides by the rainforest | Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia















But before we experienced sumptuous food, elegant wines and live music, we got to see amazing performance...  all in the middle of the rainforest

Blue lagoon and relaxed pace at Sheraton Mirage | Port Douglas, Australia

Afternoon drinks, tropical style at the Sugar Wharf | Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia

Dot painting workshop | Port Douglas | Australia

Balmy days and tropical evenings with velvet starry skies. The tropics are a feast for the senses | Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia

And while here we could get your incentive group to do a dot painting workshop too

Cruising the Great Barrier Reef

Time for some adventure on the water. One of Australia's most remarkable natural gifts, the Great Barrier Reef contains an abundance of marine life and comprises of over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays and literally hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some of the worlds most beautiful sun-soaked, golden beaches

There are plenty of options available for the groups during the day. Whether they choose to get wet or stay dry, they'll have the opportunity to experience all there is to discover.








For more incentive travel ideas in Port Douglas, Cairns, Tropical Queensland and Australia visit our website and if you have any questions contact your DMC in Australia today.

INCENTIVE TRAVEL IN TASMANIA PRESENTED BY DMC AUSTRALIA

Tasmania is a high appeal destination with strong drawing power for incentive travel. This video will showcase some of the possibilities for groups planning to visit Australia and Hobart.

To find out more about your next event in Australia and Tasmania, contact your DMC in Australia, UNIQ Travel Australia.

BEST INCENTIVE TRAVEL ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMS IN MELBOURNE PRESENTED BY DMC AUSTRALIA

Melbourne in Australia is made for incentive travel and events. This amazing city is not only abundant in world-renowned hotels and restaurants but also buzzing with charm and energy of chic cafés, boutique bars, designer shopping and avant-garde galleries hidden in famous laneways.

Hot air balloooning | Melbourne & Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia

Soak up the stunning colours of the Yarra Valley, with its luscious green pastures and rows of colourful grapevines, and see the sun rise around you as you glide through the sky in a hot air balloon.

 Cocktail party with 360 degree views | Melbourne, Australia

Have your event reach new heights by holding a cocktail party on the 89th floor of the World’s Tallest Residential Building. Luxurious private event space, with views spanning 360 degrees across Melbourne’s expansive landscape is sure to impress.

 Lanes, arcades and local wines | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Discover Melbourne’s hidden laneways and historic arcades.
Sample local wines and take in the history and architecture
of Australia’s largest labyrinth of cobblestone laneways.






For more incentive travel ideas in Melbourne and Australia visit our website and if you have any questions contact your DMC in Australia today.

Top INCENTIVE TRAVEL program highlights in SYDNEY | DMC Australia

Australia's most famous city of Sydney is a destination that exceeds its promise to incentive travel winners. With its Opera House Sails and Sydney Harbour Bridge, this iconic Australian city is sure to impress.

 

Look no further. Sydney is the place that will deliver an unforgettable experience for incentive travel participants whether your group is 20, 50 or 250.

 

 

While at first it might seem like hosting incentive group in Sydney, Australia can be stressful, fear no more as your DMC for Australia and incentive travel planner is here to lead you every step of the way.

 

Morning

WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA, WELCOME TO SYDNEY
On arrival at Sydney International Airport, the incentive group will be greeted by a character representing Australia or the city of Sydney's famous icon. Transfer by coach to the five-star hotel located on Sydney Harbour where participants will freshen up before the start of unforgettable taste of Sydney. Today the incentive travel winners will be inspired by some of the most famous icons in the world – Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney. Opera House. >> for more details contact your DMC for Australia


Afternoon

SURFING BONDI BEACH
Enjoy the ultimate day at the world famous Bondi Beach. Get wet and experience the thrill of surfing. Enjoy the sun, the sand and walk along the coast with the surfing guru who will tell you all about the area. For lunch enjoy an Aussie BBQ on the beach.
>> for more details contact your DMC for Australia




Evening

DINNER AT THE TARONGA ZOO

This is an indulgence Oprah style. Group will travel across spectacular Sydney Harbour before meeting the friendly locals including koalas and echidnas. Dinner with spectacular views to the Sydney Harbour at this unique venue will be a memorable experience.
>> for more details contact your DMC for Australia


If you would like to learn more about incentive travel options, have a look at our website full of ideas for incentive groups in Australia or contact your DMC for Australia

Best place in the world to relax, swim, bushwalk, and learn about indigenous Australia

This month we ventured the far North West of Australia in search of the best incentive travel experiences for our clients. We were not disappointed.

 

We love being spoilt but spoiling incentive groups is even more enjoyable. That's why we're always in search of new, undiscovered gems not many have seen. And we definitely found what we were looking for in the North West corner of Australia.

Journey through some of the world’s most amazing untouched wilderness area, gave us a real Australian outback experience.  

We started our journey at the Broome airport where we boarded a small Cessna for the picturesque flight to Eco Beach.

Weather was beautiful. As it is most of the year. May to October is classed as the 'dry season'. While the southern part of Australia is chilly, here the days are generally fine with temperatures between mid 20 to low 30. Humidity levels are low and the skies are a deep blue that stretches out for miles, with hardly a cloud in the sky. 

Eco Beach is a multi award-winning eco resort set amongst the pristine and untouched Kimberley environment. Our favourite form of  accommodation were very spacious Eco Villas. Thie Eco resort truly provides guests with an unforgettable and unique wilderness experience whilst having minimal impact on the surrounding landscape.

At the heart of the retreat lies Jack's Bar and Grill, an open air bar and restaurant with some of the finest coastal views you are likely to see on the west coast of Australia. In the evening we chose to dine on the terrace and had an opportunity to enjoy a cold mango beer, beautiful white wine and tropical barramundi salad served with roasted peanuts, mango and pawpaw.






Next to Jack's lies the pool deck with an alluring infinity pool surrounded by huge Balinese day beds and oversized loungers. Perfect setting for an evening cocktail or two?

 Next day, aboard a 4WD we drove along the beach to the best fishing spot. For those not keen on the activity a chilled champagne, walk on the beach and stunning sunset were served.

 Next day we were exploring the area and bushwalking with the local guide. Great way to learn about Aboriginal culture and customs of the indigenous people.

After three days of pure luxury, eco style it was time to get back to Broome where our adventure continued





If you would like to learn more about incentive travel options, have a look at our website full of ideas for incentive groups in Australia

Which aircraft seats are the safest and what are the most popular options

No matter how many times we have already travelled by airplane, this question goes through our heads every time we make our seat selection: which one is the safest in case of accident.

According to London's Telegraph in the event of a crash you might help your chances slightly by sitting in economy class, towards the back, with your seat belt fastened, by the window, within a few rows of an emergency exit.

Saying that flying is very safe and 2012 had the lowest accident rate on record for typical passenger planes. Odds of being killed on a single airline flight are just 1 in 4.7 million. Statistics look even better when we look at flying with one of top 39 airlines with the best accident rates which is 1 in 19.8 million. Happy travels!

Top 10 safest airlines and which one to avoid when travelling

Flying has become safer than ever. 2012 had the lowest accident rate on record for typical passenger planes. So what are the safest airlines and which one should be avoided...

World's top 10 safest airlines
1. Finnair
2. Air New Zealand
3. Cathay Pacific
4. Emirates
5. Etihad Airways
6. Eva Air
7. TAP Portugal
8. Hainan Airlines
9. Virgin Australia
10. British Airways

The bottom 10
51. SkyWest Airlines
52. South African Airways
53. Thai Airways
54. Turkish Airlines
55. Saudia
56. Korean Air
57. GOL Transportes Aéreos
58. Air India
59. TAM Airlines
60. China Airlines

Brand-new uniforms for Qantas staff. Travelling between Australia and Europe became even more stylish.

Qantas unveiled the fruit of a year-long labour: brand-new uniforms for 12,600 uniformed staff. But who is the guy behind the design work...

At 15 he dropped out of High School, at 16 he launched his own ready-to-wear fashion line, at 18 he was featured in Vogue Australia and at 20 he became the Cointreau young designer of the year.
And it doesn't stop here of course as after he moved to Paris he took the world by storm.
His immense success even allowed him to politely turn down an offer from Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton to take charge of its fashion label Celine. 

Source: AFP

Here is the whole story and why Martin Grant got involved in Qantas project http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/features/going-like-blazers/story-e6frg8io-1226611494527

Benefits of flying between Australia and Europe with Emirates and Qantas

Photo: Reuters

So what are the benefits of the new alliance between Qantas and Emirates other than a new stopover point in Dubai. Here is the summary.

 

 

 

 

 

• Extra luggage - previous international limit of 20kg in economy when flying with Qantas is now 30kg on international flights (except the Americas)
• Extra care - if long wait in Dubai fear no more. Qantas has introduced stopover service in Dubai which means accommodations and meals. Premium economy and economy passengers get the service if the connection time is between eight and 24 hours. First and business-class passengers get the service for stopovers between six and 24 hours.
• Extra points -  Qantas frequent flyer and Emirates Skywards members will earn points on planes in the network.
• Extra luxury -  if travelling first or business class you get a chauffeured hire car service to and from the airport

Advertisement

For more details: http://www.theage.com.au/travel/travel-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-alliance-20130329-2gyxa.html#ixzz2QZjJSeKj

How to travel to Australia: Qantas A380 and an Emirates A380 in Sydney, Australia

The trip to Australia is getting more comfortable and quicker

Emirates and Qantas marked the official start of their historic partnership with a flyover of Sydney Harbour by a Qantas A380 and an Emirates A380 on Sunday morning — in Sydney, New South Wales.

Best wine regions in Australia & New Zealand. Another great reason to travel to the Land Down Under...

Outstanding produce and culinary delights | food&wine experience in Australia

Source: Trip Advisor

Whatever the event, Australia can deliver outstanding food and wine experiences tailored to the cultural origin and food preferences of any client.

Australia has a rich food heritage that embraces influences from every part of the world. We offer fresh seasonal produce brought from paddock to plate by accomplished chefs, producers and makers. Australia is passionate about its
food and wine.

Devotees of food and wine will find New Zealand to be a gourmet heaven, with plentiful fine restaurants and cafes, tasting trails and vineyard venues set in stunning natural surroundings. New Zealand’s distinctive, cool-climate white wines, notably Sauvignon blanc, are acclaimed worldwide. The country is also fast developing a reputation for its red wines, especially Pinot Noir.


If you are after an ultimate food and wine experience in Australia or New Zealand let your DMC for Australia & New Zealand know. We will be happy to take your incentive groups to unique places in Australia and New Zealand and share our gorgoues produce and heavenly wines.  

For more information contact your incentive travel specialist and DMC for Australia and New Zealand today.

Why travel to Western Australia? Here is the answer...

Here are some more reasons why to choose Australia for your next incentive travel project over other destinations...

Spinifex, Karijini National Park | North Western Australia

Another reason to go to Australia | Ocean River, Montgomery Reef - Kimberly Coast, Australia

4-tiered waterfal | Mitchell Falls, Kimberley, Western Australia

Stunning. Oxers Lookout in the Karijini National Park, Western Australia

Sapphire Stream, Western Australia

Karijini National Park | North Western Australia

 

High above Ningaloo Reef, West Australia - by Sundaysunset.images

Esperance, Western Australia - by Cam Sharpe Photography

Best place to watch night-sky, Outback Australia

Best place in Australia to watch the night-sky.
Mundi Mundi plains, just outside Broken Hill, Western NSW.

Best place to see sunset, Outback Australia

Outback, Australia. The best place to see a sunset or sunrise...

Amazing Western Australia - different shades of blue

Why to travel to Western Australia? Because it's sooo beautiful
Different shades of blue in the sky and water. Mind blowing.

Salmon Beach, Esperance, WA

Incentive travel in Australia - best places to relax

If planning an incentive travel for a group that is in need of some serious time out - Australia is world's favourite to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy.

A few nights at a spa retreat in Australia will revive participants so they come back with new energy and motivation to conquer the world. What is even better, in Australia you can combine spa treatments with some action like exploring the Great Barrier Reef, experiencing Australian wilderness or tasting world famous wine.

Best winery spa in Australia
Empire Retreat

  

Combining two of life's most enjoyable ways to relax - wine and spas - is the perfect antidote to life's stresses. Peaceful pastures, bushland and the Empire Estate vineyard in the beautiful Margaret River wine region. The deeply relaxing massage-fusion treatments and a glass of beautiful wine afterwards will leave you in a wonderful blissful state for long.

Some edible-sounding treatments, like the vanilla-and-macadamia body polish and chai-milk bath, will remind you of the fabulous foodie region in which you're lucky enough to be staying.
Yallingup, Western Australia; empireretreat.com.



 

Best wilderness spa in Australia
Southern Ocean Lodge
This eco-chic wilderness retreat on the south-west coast of Kangaroo Island in South Australia is definitely one for your bucket list. Very private suites laid out in a line along a cliff offer up soul-elevating coastal views, and there are excellent nature tours on which to meet koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, sea lions.
While here, try the rhythmic Kodo massage, inspired by traditional Aboriginal techniques. Absolutely divine
Kangaroo Island, South Australia; southernoceanlodge.com.au.

 
Best eco-spa in Australia
Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa

Bordering the Blue Mountains, this place epitomise eco luxury at its best. Sustainable locavore food philosophy is just one of many values this resort pays tribute to. The treatment rooms at the spa have superb views of the surrounding escarpments and quintessentially Australian landscape. For true luxury, try the Australian Sunset Ritual package, four euphoric hours of bathing, massage, facial and more. Exquisite accommodation, exceptional service and respect for the environment easily make this one of the best spa retreats in Australia.

Wolgan Valley, NSW; wolganvalley.com.

 
Best island spa in Australia
Qualia
This is not only Australia's favourite island spa, Qualia was voted best resort in the world in the 2012 Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. When the expert therapists at Spa Qualia get their hands on you, you'll understand one of the reasons this retreat is so highly regarded. Try the Signature Ceremonies White Haven, which includes an exfoliation, mud wrap, massage, facial and silk caressing your skin (a delightful sensation!). With dazzling sea views, this sublime adults-only retreat affords all the peace, pampering and relaxation you could ever wish for.
Hamilton Island, Queensland; qualia.com.au.