An overnight family escape
Get in quick for Mercedes Maguire’s pick of the best and last-minute bargains
Parramatta, NSW
OVERNIGHT RATE $289 (PER FAMILY) Book a school holiday package for the family at Novotel Sydney Parramatta from $289 a night for two adults and two kids, and receive overnight accommodation, in-room high tea and glamping pack for the kids (including a teepee and activity packs), buffet breakfast and secure parking.
Magnetic Island, Qld
6-DAY PACKAGE $1499
Queensland is luring visitors with its Festival of Free campaign in collaboration with MyQueensland, offering inclusions such as free flights, tours and experiences for kids at a range of hotels and resorts. For example, a five-night package at Peppers Blue on Blue Resort at Magnetic Island is priced from $1499 a person twin share, including return flights with Virgin Australia, breakfast daily and a lunch time sailing cruise. Plus, the first child flies free. Book by April 30, 2024.
Top End, NT
4-DAY PACKAGE $1122
Immerse yourself in the Top End when you book the four-day Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield Explorer itinerary, reduced by 25 per cent and now priced from $1122 a person twin share. Departing on select dates until March 31, 2025, experience the many waterfalls of Litchfield National Park, learn about First Nations rock art at Ubirr and Burrungkuy, sail down Nitmiluk Gorge and more. Must book by April 30, 2024.
Hawaii, USA
7-DAY PACKAGE $3635
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is increasing its range of solo Studio Staterooms which are designed and priced for the single travellers. For example, the seven-day inter-island Hawaii round-trip from Honolulu cruise is priced from $3635 a person twin share or $5192a person for a solo occupancy cabin.
Bali, Indonesia
6-DAY PACKAGE $2499 (FOR TWO) Indulge in a five-night stay at the all-suite Alila Seminyak and save up to 54 per cent when you pay from $2499 for two adults twin share. Enjoy a beachfront location as well as breakfast daily, cocktails each night and more. Book by April 19, 2024, and stay on select dates until June 30, 2025.
Europe
19-DAY PACKAGE $6599
Combine a trip of Southern Italy, Greece and the Mediterranean into one holiday in 2025 from $6599 a person twin share, including return flights from Australia. Explore Rome and Pompeii’s iconic sights, then head to Salerno, Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi before embarking on a sevennight cruise aboard MSC Sinfonia to Greece and Turkey.
New Zealand
13-DAY PACKAGE $3449
Hit the road in New Zealand and save up to $495 when you pay from $3449 a person twin share. Explore the best of the South
Island over 12 nights on a round-trip, selfdrive itinerary from Christchurch. Your package includes car hire, accommodation, a TranzAlpine rail journey from Christchurch to Greymouth, a Milford Sound cruise, and more. Travel on select dates from May 1, 2024, to March 17, 2025.
Arctic Circle
33-DAY PACKAGE $8999
Tick the Arctic Circle and Alaska off your travel bucket-list with a 32-night package discounted by $2100 and now priced from $8999 a person twin share, including return flights from Sydney. Start with a two-night stay in Seattle, Washington, before boarding a 28-night cruise taking in Alaska and the Arctic Circle. Price is based on a June 6, 2025, departure.
Canada/Alaska
19-DAY PACKAGE $14,195
Get in early and save when you book a 2025 trip through APT Luxury Travel’s Pre-Release collection of Canada and Alaska holidays. For example, the 19-day Rockies Explorer and Alaska Cruise is priced from $14,195 a person twin share, down $1600, and includes an 11-day land journey through the Rockies and an eightday Alaskan cruise. Book by May 29, 2024.
Sydney, NSW
3-DAY PACKAGE $699 (FOR TWO)
Get among the action during Vivid Sydney – from May 24 to June 15, 2024 – with an accommodation package that will save you 37 per cent. Stay at Swissôtel Sydney for two nights from $699 for two adults twin share and also receive buffet breakfast, a welcome cocktail, 2pm checkout and Club Lounge access with afternoon tea and evening drinks with canapés. Book before April 30, 2024, and stay until October 13, 2024.
See the best of New Zealand with the seven-day New Zealand Panorama itinerary now priced from $4501 a person twin share. Travel from Queenstown and experience Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland, Auckland’s harbour and more. Book by December 31, 2024, and travel from April 19, 2024, to April 2, 2026.