TRAVEL

Scoot you way to Sensational Singapore

SCOTTY MCRAE takes us with him to a place he says that everyone should visit – at least once in their life.

Singapore is a great blend of new and old

When it comes to holiday destinations under 10 hours flight time from my home base of Sydney, Singapore has always been a personal favourite. So, when they became one of our neighbouring countries and relaxed their Covid entry requirements a little more last week, I was more than eager to return.

Singapore has so many travel prerequisites covered. It’s a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lives.

Cuisine that is influenced by its diverse population from all around Asia. Think Eurasians, Peranakans, Indonesians, Chinese, Pakistanis, Middle Eastern settlers, and a few English, and you get my drift, right?

A foodie’s dream destination, where you can visit a hawkers centre in Chinatown or Arab Street and eat yourself silly for $20 AUD. Yes, you will be able to roll out!

While developing some of the most stunning skyscrapers with a significant tilt towards sustainability and constructed to wow, architecture that has firmly held on to its Art Deco, Colonial historic charms are profusely.

If you’re travelling with the family and you want to earn major brownie points, Sentosa Island with its almost endless enthralling alternatives are undoubtedly a must-see when visiting “Instant Asia.” You can reach Sentosa by cable car with its amazing views or the monorail, but the pedestrian boardwalk is another alternative and a terrific example of Singapore’s modern way of life and you can pretend to burn a few of those holiday calories while enjoying the ‘walk’.

Once there, the possibilities are quite incredible! As I exited the cable car and its spectacular view, I proceeded to the Islands’ newest attraction, “The Skyhelix,” an open-air gondola-style ride that slowly rises 79 metres above sea level, providing 360-degree views as far as the eye can see. If you have a fear of heights, maybe walk past this one. As I travelled across the island on yet another cable car, I was struck by the beauty of the island’s beaches, where you could easily spend a relaxing afternoon soaking up the Singapore sun. Unfortunately, I was on a mission and the clock was ticking.

Resorts World Sentosa was next and it was as mind blowing as I was led to believe. I found it almost impossible to comprehend how many entertainment, accommodation and restaurant options could be squeezed into 50 acres and not make you feel claustrophobic?

Still plenty of open space and green settings to enjoy and then you have to decide how many of the attractions to visit!

Adventure Cove Waterpark, S.E.A Aquarium,

The Maritime Experiential Museum and Dolphin Island are but a few so take your time ok. For me though, and not normally one for the Theme parks, Universal Studios was an absolute cracker. Do not miss out on riding “The Mummy” and “Power Rangers’’ rides, just don’t’!

MUST DO: I had the pleasure of walking through Chinatown with renowned artist and street muralist Yip Yew Chong, who offered me an insight into some of his unique and captivating works. This is one you can do yourself, and it will only cost you your time and your imagination. Not only do you get an insight into the Yew Chongs Chinatown, but you will also be taken back in time if you allow yourself. It’s as if you could walk inside the artwork and become a part of his personal history.

GETTING THERE: If you are looking for a super cost-effective choice when flying to Singapore, I suggest you give Singapore Airlines low cost carrier ‘Scoot’ a go. My journey was seamless and surprisingly very comfortable. The “Scooties” as the staff are affectionately dubbed are up there with the most helpful and attentive flight crews I have experienced ever. Also flying in the big bodied sleek and stylish Dreamliner certainly removed any restrained feelings Take a walk through Chinatown’s artwork Singapore is a foodies dream destination you may experience elsewhere.

Scoot’s versions of Economy, Premium and Business are also ‘out of the box’ with the choice of Economy, Scoot in Silence (no kids in sight) and Scootplus (Scoots Business Class).

Check out flyscoot.com for the scoop on Scoot.

STAY: Swissotel Stamford not only provides a master class in delivering slick service and luxurious accommodations, it is located in one of the most accessible and scenic positions possible. Finally reopened after two long years serving as a quarantine hotel, staff here are in raptures at the return of much missed travelling guests. Affordable lavishness is the go here and every room is brimming with chic design and technology-enhanced trimmings. With some delightful dining options in house and the direct connection to the alluring shopping precinct of Raffles City you will be more than happy with your surroundings.

My Travellingguy tip at Swissotel is to treat yourself to a meal or at the very least a couple of sundowners at Skai on the 70th floor. Beautiful views and delectable cuisine. For more info: thetravellingguy.com

HERMAN’S TOURS & TRAVEL

DAY TRIPS 2022 & 2023 EXTENDED HOLIDAYS ENDE

Saturday 11 June – Clydesdale Spectacular ............................................................................... $ 76 Tuesday 14 June – The Three Tenors Show - Redcliffe ........................................................... $ 62 Sunday 26 June – Hampton Festival ............................................................................................ $ 80 Saturday 23 July – Jumpers & Jazz Festival – Warwick ........................................................... $ 84 Saturday 13 August – Ocean View Estate Winery ...................................................................... $148* Saturday 27 August – Llama Farm ............................................................................................... $ 80* Saturday 3 September – Aqua Duck – Gold Coast ..................................................................... $ 98* Saturday 5 November – Eumundi Markets.................................................................................. $ 39 Friday 11 November – Best of British – Fox & Hound Pub ....................................................... $ 93* Saturday 3 December – Swing Into Christmas Lunch & Show ................................................. $147* Saturday 28 January – Pumiceston Passage Cruise .................................................................. $112* 15 to 17 July: Go ‘Nuts’ for Kingaroy ... .................................. y Twin Share $1298 pp p 4 to 9 August: Fall in Love with Norfolk Island .................................olkIsla Twin Share $2793 pp p 28 September to 4 October: Winton & Longreach.. .......................Twin Share $2995 pp 12 to 13 November: Downs Explorer Getaway.. ..............................Twin Share $ 819 pp

All extended holidays include return home transfers – Brisbane Metropolitan area. Single Supplements: Kingaroy $125, Norfolk Island $405, Winton & Longreach $540, Downs Explore $81.

Day Tours – * Includes Lunch. Extended holidays include return home transfers (Brisbane Metropolitan Area). Itineraries and prices quoted are subject to change.

Follow Us on Facebook @Hermanstravel RING NOW FOR BROCHURES HERMAN’S TOURS & TRAVEL CALL 3379 6255

MORE than 40 people, a 26-metre long and 8.7 metre wide trailer, 700-horsepower prime mover, police escort and nerves of steel were needed to lift a 100-year old paddlewheeler out of the Murray River in Victoria and transport it on a mega trailer more than 1700km to its new home in Longreach by road.

The massive undertaking to remove the 100 tonne Pride of the Murray from the river in Echuca in Victoria has been completed with the road trip north set to get underway soon.

Undertaking the first ever mega marine move in Australia of this scale, with a boat this age is Queensland grazier, lover of outback history, tourism entrepreneur, Richard Kinnon of the Longreach-based Outback Pioneers.

“This is believed to be the largest haulage of a marine vessel this old ever undertaken in the Southern Hemisphere,” Mr Kinnon said.

“Everyone thinks I’m mad.

To build a purpose-built boat from scratch would have been a significantly cheaper option but it didn’t meet my own brief which is for our Longreach-based tourism operation to remain true to history.

“When I found out the Pride of the Murray was looking for a new home, I knew I’d found a genuine outback pioneering artefact we just had to preserve.

“The only problem - this perfect piece of Australian history is giant and 1,750 kilometres from Longreach.”

Warrick Corney of Freightlancer has been tasked with co-ordinating the logistics of the move and it’s something that has kept him awake at night for the past four months.

“It might sound easy but it is a massive undertaking,” he said.

“This is not a move that has ever been attempted before in Australia.

“However, the Kinnon’s have that true pioneering spirit in spades and are so dedicated to history conservation we’re going to make the impossible, possible.

“It’s an extremely delicate operation. It’s a 100-year-old boat we are lifting out of the water and putting it on top of a trailer before we drive it from Victoria to Queensland.

The route we have specifically chosen because it’s quite straight and had less obstructions for a mega road train.”

Before the boat was winched from the waon a separate truck to be transported to Longreach.

The remainder of the boat was then winched out of the water and laid across large inflatable bags before being placed on stands with the 26 metre trailer than backed in underneath it and the boat gently lowered down.

“The trailer itself is massive,” Mr Corney said.

“To give you a visual of the size of it, the trailer alone is rated at 192 tonne and the entire rig has 106 tyres under it to soften the pressure on the road.”

Mr Kinnon admits it will be a stressful journey but worth it in the end.

“We are putting a 100-old-year vessel like Noah’s Ark on a truck and bringing it to the outback of Australia,” he said.

“We’re passionate about educating people about Australia’s proud pioneering history.

Once the paddlewheeler is recommissioned, 100 people a day will get to relive an authentic river experience.”

The vessel will be restored in Longreach over the coming months and it is hoped it will be operational in June.

“The incentive for me and the Kinnon family is millions of tourists will get to enjoy riding the Pride of the Murray on the Thomson River for another 100 years,” Mr Kinnon said.

You are welcome to enjoy all of the Outback Pioneers’ immersive, awardwinning experiences and accommodation including a future sunset cruise on the Pride of the Murray,

Bookings can be made at outbackpioneers.com.au

Experience THE BEST THIS COUNTRY has to Offer

CT TRAVEL

Coolum Tours & Travel

Explore with us

From Brisbane to Birdsville,

Karumba to Hobart, there is so much waiting to be experienced along the highways and byways of this vast land. See for yourself the rich and unique landscapes of these regions and learn some of the most interesting history our country has to offer.

2022/2023 Tour Program

JULY 2022 O’Reillys Winter Escape (4 Days) SEPTEMBER 2022 Nth Qld Savannah Way (12 Days) OCTOBER 2022 South Australia - Flinders Rangers (10days) Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days) NOVEMBER 2022 Tasmania (14 Days) Hunter Valley Christmas Lights (5 Days) FEBRUARY 2023 King Island (4 Days) Murray Princess & Kangaroo Island (11 Days) MARCH 2023 O’Reillys Escape (4 Days) Fraser Island Explorer (4 Days) APRIL 2023 Autumn - Canberra (11 Days) High Country to the Murray Delta (11 Days) MAY 2023 Norfolk Island (9 Days) JUNE 2023 Red Centre & Top End (17 Days) Adelaide to Darwin JULY 2023 Carnarvon George & Wallaroo (7 Days) AUGUST 2023 O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat (4 Days) Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days) Fraser Island Whale Watch (4 Days)

Senior Coach Tours including: Senior CoaSenior oach Toursincluding:

5 Star Coach Travel All Accommodation Tours and Entry Fees All Dinners & Breakfasts Most Lunches Home Pickup & Return*

Bookings PHONE (07) 5391 1648

M 0409 278 971 E tours@cttravel.com.au For more detailed information on any of these tours, please call of visit our website:

www.cttravel.com.au

BEGIN YOUR TRAVEL ADVENTURES WITH A RIVER CRUISE

APT, the leader in luxury touring, is celebrating the return to European River Cruising with incredible deals on 2022 departures, as well as having 2023 available for sale.

APT’s ever-popular 15-day Magnificent Europe river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest returns for 2022 and 2023. Cruising on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, the trip takes travellers through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Hungary. Special deals on 2022 departures start from just $5,995 per-person twin share with flights included. Or fly business class from just $1,995 when booking a balcony suite.

The 8-day Highlights of the Rhine & Main is also available. Cruise in 2022 from Amsterdam to Nuremberg from $1,895 per person twin share.

Or Nuremberg to Budapest on the 9-day Danube Discovery from $2,545 per person twin share in 2022.

APT’s Signature Experiences are a much-loved component of APT’s European holidays. These once-in-alifetime moments include such events as a private music recital at Vienna’s City Palace, a visit to the privately owned Namedy Castle in Germany for a cocktail party or morning tea and a piano recital, and an exclusive journey aboard the Grand Empress steam train in Hungary on departures between April and September, all of which are included in the Magnificent Europe itinerary.

APT product manager for Europe, Sarah Latimore, said there was excitement surrounding the return of international travel. “We are so pleased to be able to return to Europe to show off this wonderful destination to our guests,” she said. To learn more about APT’s full range of European holidays, contact Helloworld Travel Eatons Hill and Kenmore today! IN just 12 days of comfortable travel through Outback Queensland you will have the great opportunity to experience a tour that is dedicated to you creating everlasting memories . The travel highlights include viewing spectacular gorges and picturesque waterways, uncovering unique pioneering history, fossil rich lands and provides the opportunity to meet the locals who call outback Queensland their home. In between the exploration, you will be enjoying billy tea and dampers, picnic lunches and delicious meals at pre-booked locations.

On day one those travelling from the Sunshine Coast will be transferred to Brisbane airport for the flight to Townsville, where you will meet the Coach Captain. He is ready to transport you to Charters Towers where the safari tour begins. You will be introduced to the longhorns before a camp oven damper and billy tea, served from the genuine cowboy chuck wagon. Your guide reveals many significant sites and facts about the town’s history of gold. The next day we leap back millions of years in time and go on a guided pre-historic journey around the Kronosaurus Korner Complex.

Travelling across this great land, we drive through Julia Creek towards the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Cloncurry and visit John Flynn Place Museum. From here it’s over to the lively outback town of Mount Isa and a tour of the Hard Times Miner. After a great day, it’s back to Cloncurry for great food and conversation with fellow travellers. The next stop is Karumba , a visit to the Barramundi Discovery Centre and a trip on the Crab & Croc Cruise.

The journey continues to Normanton and a stop to board the Gulflander to Critters Camp. Next, it’s time to experience the beauty of the Cobbold Gorge. In a electric powered boat you will discover the marvellous narrow gorge . There’s plenty more to see along the way including a stop at the Undara National Park. On the last day, we head off at a casual pace to Cairns, after settling into our accommodation, we’ll board the Spirit of Cairns for a magical cruise along the Trinity Inlet. There’s so much to this tour. For more info go to CTTravel.com.au

EUROPE RIVER CRUISING RETURNS

From $5,995

per person FLIGHTS INCLUDED FLIGHTS INCLUDED Save a bonus $2,000 per couple* couple*

*Mention this ad for a $50 discount off your next booking

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The centre has more than 130 accommodation options in Caloundra, starting from just $460 per week. Call today to speak to one of the friendly staff members or check availability and book online at any time.

MAGNIFICENT EUROPE

15 DAY ALL-INCLUSIVE LUXURY RIVER CRUISE 15 DAY ALL-INCLUSIVE LUXURY RIVER CRUISE AMSTERDAM TO BUDAPEST (OR REVERSE)

Seamless, hassle-free European travel is back, with border restrictions removed. The best way to see Europe is sailing its famous rivers on an award-winning, all-inclusive, luxury APT river cruise. INCLUSIONS: • All meals and a wide range of onboard beverages. • Signature experiences, including an exclusive private concert at Vienna’s City Palace. • A choice of included sightseeing options. • Includes transfers, port charges and gratuities.

Book with us at Helloworld Travel Book with us at Helloworld Travel