HAVING a natural spa or cooling off in a rock pool on the stepped course of the Mitchell Falls is an enduring memory of any trip to The Kimberleys.  Sure, there are more spectacular falls around the world, but few can match the ‘hands-on’ experience of Mitchell.

The falls is a feature of a new, early or late-season, small-group Kimberley wilderness adventure from the veterans at APT which has been operating in the area over 15 years. (Another feature is the chance to save up to $400 a couple just by opting to travel in April-May or late September-early October next year.)  For example, the discounted price on APT's 13-day Kimberley Complete package, starting and ending at Broome, is $5695 pp twin share. That's a saving of $200.

The price includes escorted touring, tented cabin accommodation in wilderness camps, 34 meals, cruises, services of Aboriginal guides, park fees and permits - and a sensational helicopter flight over the Mitchell Falls (pictured).  As well as the falls, APT customers will discover Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek, Gibb River Road, hiking and swimming at Bell, Barnett River and Galvans gorges, viewing Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art, Emma Gorge at El Questro, cruising the Ord River and Lake Kununurra, the world-heritage Purnululu National Park and cruising Geikie Gorge.

Accommodation includes Ungolan, Imintji, and Marunbabidi wilderness camps as well as Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge. This is not exactly roughing it. We're talking private facilities, comfortable beds with linen, clean flush toilets, solar power and hot water, and outdoors dining.

Release of the 2009 small-group tours program also marks unveiling of the results of the $1million spent on private ensuite bathrooms for all 24 tented cabins at Ungolan Wilderness Lodge on the Mitchell Plateau.  The camp is the only permanent accommodation on the plateau.

APT has 11 different packages over 98 departures and one-to-eight day air safaris from Kununurra.  Two of the deals include some awesome cruising on the Kimberley coast.  Groups are no more than 20 people, travelling in purpose-designed air-conditioned 4WD vehicles.

For full information, talk to your travel agent, call 1300 656 985 or visit www.aptouring.com.au  or see a travel agent.

Say “I Do” to a beach wedding - and let someone else do the hard work

WHEN you consider the headaches which go with planning a wedding, having someone else do all the hard work makes sense.

Fiji's Plantation Island Resort is offering a free Romantic Lailai beach wedding package (worth about $650) if you book your guests into 10 or more rooms at the resort for at least five nights.

The wedding package consists of the beach venue set up and decoration, a minister, priest or celebrant, bridal bouquet and important little things like buttonholes and bubbly for the main toast.  Fear not: Plantation has staff who could do this stuff in their sleep.  A five-night package at the resort costs from $898 pp twin share including all transfers and meals.

The free wedding bonus applies to bookings between April 12 and May 31 and between October 15 and December 20 next year.
Your local licensed travel agent will book you in but if you want to know a bit more about Plantation, visit www.plantationisland.com

Dreamtime at Dreamland

The bargain is for real. Before you shy away from the asking price for accommodation of $437 a night, we're talking here about your very own one-bedroom villa, complete with private pool, daily breakfast and a raft of extras like fresh fruit on arrival, a head and shoulder massage for two, internet access, use of an extensive DVD library and afternoon tea service provided in the villa on one of your days there.

It's all part of an introductory program at Bali's newest luxury property, Dreamland Luxury Villas and Spa until the end of March next year, but a minimum three-night booking is required. And if you're tempted to stay longer, there are pay-stay incentives ranging from six night stays at a five-night price, 12 nights for the price of 10 or 18 for the price of 15.

Located close to Uluwatu and a short distance from secluded Dreamland beach, the resort has 40 ‘extremely private’ villas, each with 3mx8m pool, flat screen TV, DVD player and home theatre system, fully-stocked bar and outside Balinese-style gazebo.
There is also a main pool, restaurant specialising in both Asian and western Cuisine, a spa and aromatherapy massage centre and a business centre (in case anyone is tempted to bring their work!)
The resort also provides a free shuttle bus service to Kuta.

For more information visit www.dreamlandvillas.com