Stories from the brew crew
Meet local producers and discover the Sunshine Coast's fresh produce on the newly launched farm-to-fork brewery tour.
The tour, run by Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours, will share stories on how brewers and producers work together, including how they use spent grain from the brewery to feed local cattle, and finish with lunch at Brouhaha Brewery in Maleny.
At last count, there were 14 breweries in the region.
Glass House Brewery is the latest offering and is setting itself apart with a wholesome Italian-style cuisine.
What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than kicking back with a cold beer and gourmet pizza?
With seasonal menu changes packed with fresh local produce and new beers seemingly always on tap, no visit to Brouhaha Brewery in Maleny is ever the same.
The brewery turns three this year, and currently on tap is a beer brewed with mango, nectarine and peach, bringing a taste of the Sunshine Coast to the glass.
Going troppo
Get five luxurious days for the price of four on Tropical North Queensland's Lizard Island, with its private beaches and fabulous snorkelling.
The offer is available for all new bookings made before April 13 for stays until December 15, and also includes a $200 resort voucher for use on a range of activities from snorkelling and coral viewing cruises to fishing charters or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef.
Included in every guest stay on Lizard Island are gourmet dining, a selection of premium alcoholic and all non-alcoholic beverages, deluxe picnic hampers for private beach outings and the unlimited use of personal motorised dinghies, stand up paddle boards, sea kayaks and snorkelling gear.
Prices start at $1575 per suite per night based on twin-share accommodation.
Phone 1800 837 204 or visit www.lizardisland.com.au.
Let's go glamping
Turon Gates has added six new riverside, self-catering glamping tents to its 6000-acre Blue Mountains property.
The new tents feature sophisticated neutral-toned teak and canvas interiors and combine rustic quality and functionality for adventuring in style.
Furnishings include a sumptuous four-poster bed, plus daybed and lounge area, elegant contemporary bathroom with a bath for two, kitchenette with Nespresso coffee machine, and a Danish wood burner stove for cosy nights.
All Turon's glamping tents have a large outdoor deck with comfy day loungers and overlook the trout stream running through the property.
The tents are fully insulated and have window coverings that unroll for extra breeze and views - the perfect recipe for a romantic night under the Turon stars.
Glamping prices are from $231 per night.
Turn on or turn off at Turon.
Visit www.turongates.com.
Cycle Colombia
Leave the tarmac behind this November and head for the countryside on a 13-day cycling tour of Colombia.
Expect to see, feel and taste authentic Colombian hospitality as you coast along the sugar cane fields and vineyards along the Cauca river and through Colombia's richest coffee region.
Climbing deeper into the Colombian countryside, you'll be traversing some of the most exhilarating, winding roads, while soaking up the authentic Colombian scenery rarely found in the capital.
Prices start at $4915, including all accommodation, all internal transport, tour leader, bikes and vehicle support, all listed activities, all breakfasts and 11 dinners.
Phone 1300 131 564 or visit www.exodustravels.com/au.
Mush, mush
UTracks has a seven-day 'Sweden Northern Lights and Ice Hotel' itinerary enabling travellers to immerse themselves in the winter wonderland of the Swedish Arctic Circle and hopefully be mesmerised by the dazzling Northern Lights.
And while the lights are a compelling drawcard for visiting Sweden in winter, there is so much more to do and explore.
Departing daily between December 15 and March 31, the ideal time to view the Northern Lights, the highlights of this adventure include a visit to the Abisko National Park, time in a Sámi Camp to witness the traditional lifestyle of the indigenous Sámi people, and experiencing the exhilaration of dog-sledding through alpine woods and across frozen lakes.
The journey concludes with a two-night stay at the original Ice Hotel, where guests have the option of an Ice Room, created by artists each winter.
Prices are from $3590 per person twin-share, including overnight train travel from Stockholm to the Arctic in a private sleeper compartment, a snowmobile excursion, four-hour dog-sled excursion and Northern Lights Station excursion; self-guided snowshoe excursion; five breakfasts and one dinner, and transfers.
Phone 1300 303 368 or visit www.utracks.com.
Cruise around Newfoundland
Explore the rugged landscapes of Newfoundland on a circumnavigating expedition of the Canadian island before travelling to the 'polar bear capital of the world', Churchill, to search for the majestic animals on a new fly-stay-and-cruise package from Adventure Canada and Cruise Traveller.
The 22-night 'Polar Bear and Canada Fair' package this September includes a 10-night cruise circumnavigating Newfoundland aboard the 198-passenger Ocean Endeavour, three nights of pre-cruise accommodation in Montreal and one in St John's, a four-night Churchill Town and Tundra Adventurer package, as well as two-nights' post-cruise accommodation in Toronto and two nights in Vancouver.
The package includes free flights from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, a deal only available for guests booking before June 30.
Newfoundland is a remote destination is known for its Viking history, year-round whale sightings, remarkable hiking trails and the humour and hospitality of those who call this island home.
Phone 1800 507 777 or visit www.cruisetraveller.com.au.