Melbourne Observer. 120620B2. June 20, 2012. Part B2. Pages 61-76

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012 - Page 61

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Page 62 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012

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Mermaid Beach Park View

Mermaid Beach Park View is a beautifully maintained boutique apartment complex, ideal for couples of all ages, families or small groups.

Considering the range of facilities on offer, Park View is excellent value-for-money.

The apartments are a Mediterranean style low rise building on three levels. Being completely self contained, each air-conditioned apartment offers all the comforts of home, including a fully equipped kitchen, laundry and satellite television (with 2 Movie channels and 3 Sports channels amongst others).

Also, for peace of mind, each apartment has its own secure internal car park space.

Let the hassle of daily life melt away as

Fact File NAME: Mermaid Beach Park View ADDRESS: 40-44 Ventura Rd, Mermaid Beach, Qld 4218 PHONE: (07) 5575 6100 FAX: (07) 5575 6199 CONTACT: Terry and Trisha Knol WEB: www.mermaidparkview.com.au E-MAIL: info@mermaidparkview.com.au you relax by the pool, hot spa or sauna.

Take a quiet stroll on the beach, try some fishing, dine out at numerous restaurants close by.... it's all here! Mermaid Beach Park View is a great choice for the budget conscious visitor seeking an apartment.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012 - Page 63

Travel Extra

Escape to Paradise at Thala Beach Lodge Port Douglas ■ For those looking for a unique escape this winter, five star eco and nature resort Thala Beach Lodge, located just outside of Port Douglas, North Queensland, ticks all the boxes for a romantic tropical getaway.

Situated on the headland of a two kilometre stretch of private-access beachfront, Thala Beach Lodge offers seclusion in a stunning natural environment.

The resort offers a range of features, including a unique restaurant offering modern Australian cuisine and views of treetops that meet the expansive Coral Sea. Birds such as rainbow lorikeets, sunbirds and honeydew eaters regularly fly amongst the treetops surrounding the restaurant and guests can enjoy unsurpassed views on sunset with a delectable cocktail in hand.

The resort’s accommodation consists of four different types of private bungalows, including the Sandpiper Suite, which offers the ultimate in privacy and romance with views over the secluded beach frontage and eucalypt forest.

The Sandpiper Suite contains a spacious living and lounge room, along with a private balcony and large veranda that blends elegantly with the lush environment.

Guests can enjoy one of several gourmet picnic baskets that contain a number of local delicacies and dine on their private balcony or picnic on the beach.

Facilities at the resort include two freeform pools, with the main pool located at Thala’s open plan main building. The pools feature waterfalls, spas and grottos, along with ample seclusion for some evening romance. Views over the forest and out to the Coral Sea are on offer at the pool’s edge.

Two kilometres of private sandy beaches at Thala provide the perfect opportunity for a sunset stroll, and will make one feel as if they’re in a

paradise all of their own. If you’re up for a bit of informal beach front lounging, Herbie’s Beach Shack provides the means, offering drinks and picnic tables in a laid back setting.

Free activities at the resort include guided bird watching hosted by local bird and butterfly expert Dave Anderson, introducing guests to some of the numerous rare species located amongst Thala's natural native forest. There’s also a nature and wildlife walk led by flora expert Brett Kelly, who delights in sharing his knowledge of the plant species scattered across 145 acres of the resort’s grounds.

For something a little more nutty, coconut enthusiast Carl Johansen takes visitors on the ‘Coconut Odyssey’, a talk held amongst Thala's coconut plantation. Here Carl attests to the life giving properties of the coconut and its means of providing food, drink, clothing, shelter and health benefits.

The starry-eyed can take delight in the night sky, which is free of light pollution, and observe the countless stars from the lodge’s on site outdoor observatory. The dreamy or astrologically inclined can be given an introduction to the southern constellations, making a memorable night. The sound of the waves from the nearby beach combined with the noises of the forest at night will make a lasting impression as you scan the heavens.

Thala Beach Lodge is located between world heritage rainforests and The Great Barrier Reef, making it the ideal base for exploring the natural attractions of the area or visiting the towns of Port Douglas and Cairns.

Thala Beach Lodge is located north of Cairns and 15 mins south of Port Douglas. Easy airport transfers from Cairns Domestic and International airports make getting to the resort a breeze. For more information on Thala Beach Lodge visit their website at www.thalabeach.com.au .

Thala Beach Lodge Phone Number: (07) 4098 5700 Email: reservations@thalabeach.com.au Website: www.thalabeach.com.au

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Page 64 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Travel Extra

Voted The Gold Coast’s Best Family Resort

GRANDE FLORIDA RESORT WINTER GETAWAY Come stay for 4-6 weeks in a 2 bedroom apartment for $650 per week, for all seniors.

Fully self-contained apartment featuring ensuite and bathroom, laundry, fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, cable T.V- wireless broadbeand linen supplied. To help you enjoy your stay, you can relax around one of our two award wining lagoon-style swimming pools, (1 heated) and two jet spas. Set in two acres of lush rainforest gardens with direct access to the adjoining, patrolled, surf beach.

Facilities also include Sauna, Children's Games Room, Internet CafĂŠ and underground parking.

Grande Florida Resort 7 Redondo Ave, Miami, Qld 4220.

Phone: (07) 5572 8111. Fax: (07) 5572 8863.

Web: www.grandefloridaresort.com.au E-Mail: grande@grandefloridaresort.com.au

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012 - Page 65

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Page 66 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Travel Extra

MERIMBULA, NSW

SEPT. & JAN. SCHOOL HOLIDAY VACANCIES STILL AVAILABLE

BEACH STREET APARTMENTS Set beside the sparkling waters of Merimbula Lake, you can watch the boats passing while eating breakfast.

1 and 2 bedroom fully self-contained apartments with spa and ensuite. Pool, BBQ and under cover parking.

2 minute walk to a safe swimming beach and shops, clubs and restaurants. Beautiful water views.

1 Beach Street, Merimbula, NSW 2548 Phone: (02) 6495 2205 E-mail: info@beachstreetapartments.net.au www.beachstreetapartments.net.au

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012 - Page 67

Page 68 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012

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SEAMARK ON FIRST

in the heart of the Sunshine Coast

Conveniently located in cosmopolitan Mooloolaba and close to the Sunshine Coast's award winning tourist attractions, Seamark on First is perfectly positioned to enjoy Mooloolaba's relaxed lifestyle. A perfect holiday destination, ideal for couples and families and of all ages to wind down or visit and experience the abundance of attractions available. Our beautiful beaches, fully patrolled daily, are just a short walk away. Enjoy a stroll along the white sandy shores; sip an Expresso at a beachfront cafes or indulge in one the tempting dining options along the Esplanade. Whether you want relaxation, adventure or excitement, Seamark on First is the perfect place for you.

Seamark On First 29 First Ave, Mooloolaba, Qld 4557 Phone: (07) 5457 8600.

Fax: (07) 5457 8699 Contact: Greg and Viv McKay Web: www.seamarkresort.com.au

JUNE SPECIALS * 2 Bedroom Apartments $150 per night $1050 Normally $190 per night $1330 SAVE $280 * 3 Bedroom Apartments $200 per night $1400 Normally $250 per night SAVE $350 * 3 Bedroom Penthouse $280 per night $1960 Normally $320 per night SAVE $280 Based on a 7 night stay

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012 - Page 69

Travel Extra

"HIGH SEASON SPECIALS" ( Available 25 June 2012 till 9 October 2012) 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT $220.00 PER NIGHT (7 NIGHT MINIMUM 4 GUESTS) 3 BEDROOM APARTMENT $260.00 PER NIGHT (7 NIGHT MINIMUM 6 GUESTS) 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT $230.00 PER NIGHT (5 NIGHT MINIMUM 4 GUESTS) 3 BEDROOM APARTMENT $280.00 PER NIGHT (5 NIGHT MINIMUM 6 GUESTS) SPACIOUS AND COMFORTABLE 1,2 & 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS COUPLES, FAMILIES AND WEDDING GROUPS WELCOME FREE AUSTAR TV, HEATED POOL WITH BBQ AREA Your friendly hosts at nautilus holiday apartments, Mick & Sue Whalen will do everything possible to make your holiday in Tropical North Queensland one to remember.

Full tour desk in house Check out our reviews on Tripadvisor.com First 5 to book will receive a bottle of bubbly and free breakfast for all guests at Lure Restaurant on the Port Douglas Marina Mention this ad and you get an additional $5.00 per night off.

Page 70 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012 - Page 71

Travel Extra

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Page 72 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Travel Extra

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012 - Page 73

Travel Extra

Currumbin Sands Apartments

Stay 4, Pay for 3 Nights Stay 7, Pay for 5 Nights May - until June 24 Currumbin Sands holiday apartments are uniquely positioned on absolute beachfront at Palm Beach adjacent to the Currumbin Estuary. There are no roads to cross to the beach and here you can relax and enjoy the ultimate Gold Coast accommodation holiday apartment on the beachfront.

At Currumbin Sands you can surf the local point break at the Alley, watch the kids swim in the calm waters of the creek, fish along the quiet river bank, walk barefoot together along the ocean beach and make lasting memories.

The Currumbin Sands resort itself enjoys a very high repeat booking rate with loyal guests coming back year after year. This family friendly three story complex offers generous 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartment sizes with a variety of pool, garden, river or beach views from each individual apartment.

Guests have key access to the private

Fact File NAME: Currumbin Sands Apartments ADDRESS: 955 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach, Qld 4221 PHONE: (07) 5525 5000 FAX: (07) 5525 5099 CONTACT: Sherryl Stack WEB: www.currumbinsands.com.au E-MAIL: info@currumbinsands.com.au grounds, the secure onsite parking underground, and to two separate swimming pool areas. The buildings are all set in tropical landscaped gardens features waterfalls and a brook.

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Page 74 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Showbiz

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012 - Page 75

Showbiz

Page 76 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 20, 2012

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