Tel:  02-6651-2747  or  1300-738-888
Email:   coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au

 

The Cook Islands:

The 15 Cook Islands are scattered across the south Pacific over about two million square kilometres, an area the size of India. These unspoilt Polynesian tropical gems have a combined population of an average country town: about 19,000 unique and friendly souls. Most Cook Islanders dwell on the capital island of Rarotonga, which is also where most of the 70,000-odd annual visitors stop off, arriving at the island's international airport.

Circular Rarotonga is almost completely enclosed by a reef, harbouring a lagoon of clear turquoise water and white sandy beaches. The small island is dominated by a high mountain peak from which lush rainforests cascade down to the palm-fringed shore. There are two main roads on Rarotonga - you can circle the island on the Ara Tapu sealed road, through the villages and past the beaches; or you can take the older inland road, Te Ara o Toi, which winds through fields of taro, pawpaw, bananas and local farmlands.

The commercial centre is the friendly, bustling town of Avarua on Rarotonga, which has banks, shops and tourist facilities as well as a busy port and yacht basin. The motor scooter is a popular, fun way to see the sights, however bikes, cars and jeeps are also available from local rental agencies. The "Island Bus" offers a convenient low cost method of transport, operating regular schedules around the island (in both directions). It will pick you up and set you down anywhere on request.

The outer islands are becoming increasingly popular for excursions, but remain largely unspoiled by tourism.  Aitutaki is one of the most popular to visit, and is less than an hours flight from Rarotonga.  It measures just 20 square kilometres and is partly volcanic in origin. The breathtaking allure of its crystal clear turquoise waters and sparkling white beaches is an essential ingredient in any Cook Island holiday. This is a place of unsurpassed natural beauty and tranquillity, providing a simple tonic to sooth away the pressures of the outside world.

The Cook Islanders have their own language and government, and enjoy a vigorous and diverse culture with significant differences between each island. Even if you go no further than Rarotonga though, you will be assured of a dream 'South Seas' holiday experience on the pristine beaches, snorkelling the reef, or exploring the island by bus, motor scooter, bicycle or jeep.
The Basics:

Money: The currency of the Cook Islands is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Foreign currency exchange is available at the airport and two banks in Avarua. ATMs are available in Avarua at the banks and at major stores and restaurants.

Language:  Cook Island Maori is widely spoken by locals, but English is in common use.

Tipping:  Tipping is not expected and is contrary to Cook Islands custom.

Safety:  Visits to the Cook Islands are usually trouble-free. There is relatively little crime, but it is advisable to protect your valuables.

Customs:  Inhabitants of the Cook Islands are very religious and frown upon inappropriate dress. Beachwear should not be worn in town, and topless sunbathing is a definite 'no-no'.

 Visa & Passport:  A passport valid for length of stay, proof of onward passage, adequate financial means to support the stay and proof of confirmed accommodation, are required on entry into the Cook Islands.  Australian nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. If the visit is solely for tourist purposes, a visa is not required for a stay of maximum 31 days. If the visit is for business purposes a visa is required.

Discover The Cook Islands
 From $1645* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Rarotonga, 5 nights accommodation at the 4-star Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa, tropical breakfast daily, return airport transfers and taxes payable from Australia.  READ MORE >>|

 To find out more information email: belinda.parmenter@escapetravel.com.au
 

      Did you know.......


Geologically, the Cook Islands are a scientist’s dream, with every different type of oceanic island being found there.

The Cook Islands are made up of 15 islands and atolls, with a surprisingly small land area of only 240 square km.

Camping is not permitted anywhere in the Cook Islands.

Humpback whales can sometimes be seen cruising along the shorelines from July to September having migrated 5,000 km north from Antarctica to bear their young. Pilot whales (up to six metres) are in the Cooks year-round.
  


Email:   coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
 
   


Resort of the Week:  Makutsi Safari Springs, South Africa
 

Makutsi Safari Farm is a privately owned Lodge in the north-east part of South Africa, about a 5 hours drive from Johannesburg and an hour drive from the Kruger National Park. Guests stay in rondavels scattered around the main camp, surrounded by thousands of hectares of raw African bush.

The camp also offers two swimming pools with soft thermal-mineral water at 34°C. It consists of natrium-hydrocarbonate-chlorine containing fluorine elements, offering healthy water for the guests (pools, drinking water, shower), as well as valuable water for the animals and vegetation in times of drought. Both the restaurant and the bar are built as an open "Lapa", allowing for a natural and relaxed atmosphere where people like to mingle and talk about the daily events. Focus is put on personal attention and making guests feel at home.

Safaris are done by foot or by open Landrover. Most of the African wildlife can be encountered here, including the "Big 5"; elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. The safaris on foot allow the guests to get very close to the animals, a very exciting experience.

Makutsi Safari Springs
7 nights from $4217* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Johannesburg, 1 night accommodation in Johannesburg, 6 nights at Makutsi Safari Springs with breakfast and dinner daily, 3 x 3hr game drives plus 1 full day Kruger National Park game drive, full day sightseeing Drakensburg Mountains & Blyde River Canyon, village visit, road transfers from/to Hoedspruit Airport & taxes payable from Australia.  READ MORE >>

To find out more information, email:  peter.elks@escapetravel.com.au
 
 

Email:   coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
 
 

  ASIA:


Beautiful Bali Holidays
 4 nights from $1165* per person twin share. 
Includes return flights, 4 nights accommodation (for the price of 3 nights), 1 bottle of cold large beer per person upon arrival, full breakfast daily, 30% off Ripcurl school of surf, 25% off Day/Dinner cruise at Bounty Cruise, 25% off Bounty Rasa Sayang Party, 25% off AJ Hackett Bungy Jumping, FREE entry to 66 Club, Paddy's Pub, Bounty Disco (except special events) and taxes payable from Australia.  READ MORE >>
 


Highlights of Vietnam.  Super Autumn Saver Airfare! 
7 nights from $1842* per person twin share.  Experience the real Vietnam with this 7 night itinerary spanning the three different regions of this rapidly changing country.  Price includes return flights to Vietnam, domestic airfares Saigon/Hue and Danang/Hanoi, air taxes, 7 nights in 3-star accommodation, return airport transfers, breakfast daily, 1 lunch, private touring as per itinerary with entrance fees and English speaking guide.    READ MORE >>

KOH LANTA, Thailand:  Cha-Da Beach Resort & Spa
 A new Thai-style beachfront resort positioned close to Saladan, the centre of Lanta Island.  7 nights from $2257* per person twin share.  Includes return flights, 2 nights in Bangkok at the Siam, 5 nights at the Cha-Da Beach Resort & Spa, breakfast daily, all transfers, FREE upgrade, 1 FREE dinner per person and taxes payable from Australia.  READ MORE >>

For more information, email sarah.luck@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  SOUTH PACIFIC:


Tahiti
 From $2223* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Papeete, 7 nights accommodation at the 5-star Intercontinental Resort Tahiti (for the price of 6 nights), return airport transfers and taxes payable from Australia.   READ MORE >>
 


Isle of Pines... New Caledonia.
 The perfect side trip from Noumea.  From $226* per person twin share (ex Noumea).  Includes 3 nights accommodation, full breakfast daily, return domestic flights from Noumea, return airport transfers and air taxes.  READ MORE >>

For more information, email belinda.parmenter@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  CRUISING:


Hong Kong to Shanghai
 FLY / CRUISE:  15 nights cruising on Costa Classica from $3531* per person twin share.  Includes Qantas airfare to Hong Kong and returning from Shanghai, 15 night cruise onboard Costa Classica with all meals and entertainment whilst onboard the ship, port charges, prepaid gratuities, government and air taxes.
 READ MORE >>
 


Antarctica Expedition
 MV Antarctic Dream.  10 nights from $7403* per person twin share ex Ushuaia.  This expedition offers you the ideal introduction to the Great White Continent.  Price includes 10 night cruise with all meals and beverages as per the menu whilst onboard, admission to the exposition ballroom & library, work out room and sauna, lectures on board by specialist scientists and Zodiac expeditions.
READ MORE >>

Avalon Waterways:  Save $1250* per couple!
 MAGNIFICENT EUROPE:  Amsterdam to Budapest (or v.v.).  15 days from $3937* per person twin share cruise only.  Includes Deluxe Stateroom accommodation with large picture windows for optimal viewing, all meals whilst onboard including wine with dinner, onshore excursions visiting key attractions and onboard gratuities.  Save $1250* per couple when you book the 2009 Magnificent Europe Exclusive Collection Cruise before 31 May 2008 (limited offer to the first 400 passengers only)
READ MORE >>

For more information, email dawn.smith@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  USA & CANADA:


Rockies Circle West... 7 nights from $2644*.
 Vancouver - Jasper - Banff - Lake Louise -
Lac Le Jeune - Vancouver.  7 nights from $2644*
per person twin share land only. Includes 6 nights accommodation, 1 night onboard VIA Rail "Silver & Blue Service" class, Vancouver - Jasper (all onboard meals), 1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner, Jasper, Icefields parkway and Banff sightseeing excursions, Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience, Maligne Lake Cruise (seasonal), Banff Gondola, Cave and Basin National Historic Site, National Park fees and luggage handling.  READ MORE >>
 


Yosemite National Park Tour
 Designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, Yosemite is internationally recognized for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, Giant Sequoia groves, and biological diversity. 1 day tour from $159* per person land only ex San Francisco.  READ MORE >>

Hawaii on a Budget
 From $1375* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Honolulu, 3 nights accommodation at the Aqua Continental Hotel and taxes payable from Australia.  READ MORE >>

Superb Miami Short Break
 Enjoy this amazing city - full of attractions for all ages.  3 nights from $195* per person twin share land only.  Includes 3 nights accommodation at New Casablanca on the Ocean in Miami in a Bay/City View Studio and continental breakfast daily.  READ MORE >>

For more information, email roger.atwal@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  SOUTH AMERICA:


Highlights of South America.
 Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil. 
24 days / 21 nights from $9,985* per person twin share (plus local payment of US$180).  Includes return flights to Santiago, all economy class South American internal airfares, accommodation in 4-star hotels, 21 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners, transfers and sightseeing, the services of a tour director and air taxes payable from Australia.
   READ MORE >>
 


For more information, email roger.atwal@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  EUROPE & UK:


London in Luxury... BUSINESS CLASS
 Travel to London in Business Class comfort and stay in 4.5-star luxury.  All from $10,722* per person twin share.  Includes return BUSINESS CLASS Emirates airfares to London, 4 nights accommodation at the Radisson Edwardian Vanderbilt Hotel with breakfast daily and taxes payable from Australia.
 READ MORE >>
 


Turkey.... 15% OFF second person & 2 unique experiences FREE*!!  
Simply book and deposit on any of these 4 coach tours by 30 June 08 and save 15% off the second person sharing a twin/double room. 
Legends of Turkey:  15 days from $2844* per person twin share land only.
Turkish Delight:  13 days from $1771* per person twin share land only.
Journey Through History: 13 days from $2470* per person twin share land only.
Highlights of Turkey:  11 days from $2096* per person twin share land only.
PLUS:  Receive the following FREE:  Galata Tower Dinner & Show & Whirling Dervish Ceremony. 
READ MORE >>

Barcelona, Spain.
 4 days / 3 nights from $701* per person twin share land only.  Includes arrival transfer by private vehicle, 3 nights accommodation with breakfast daily, 3 day Barcelona Card, Monteserrat Tour and Spanish Night Evening Tour.     READ MORE >>

For more information, email peter.elks@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  AROUND AUSTRALIA:


Hamilton Island - Spoil Yourself!
 Qualia is a unique expression of Australian luxury, situated on the secluded northern tip of Hamilton Island and surrounded by unsurpassed beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.  From $726* per person twin share land only.  Includes 2 nights accommodation, all meals, non alcoholic beverages at the Long pavilion, Pebble Beach and selected Hamilton Island restaurants outside of qualia, VIP chauffer service, 1 x 2 seater golf buggy, VIP return Hamilton Island Airport or Marina transfers and use of non motorised watercraft.  READ MORE >>
 


Byron Lakeside - 4-star
 2 nights from $189* per person twin share land only.  Includes 2 nights accommodation at Byron Lakeside in a 1 bedroom Deluxe.  READ MORE >>

Melbourne:  Causeway Inn on the Mall
 2 nights from $119* per person twin share land only.  Includes 2 nights accommodation at the Causeway Inn on the Mall in a queen/twin room and continental breakfast daily. READ MORE >>

For more information, email haydee.payer@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

Email:   coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
 
 


Sweet Chilli Tuna Skewers
 A popular fish all over the Pacific, tuna is absolutely delicious bathed in a spicy South-East Asian marinade and quickly seared in a hot pan.
 

Ingredients:
1 1/2 tbs fresh lime juice
1 tbs sweet chilli sauce
2 tsp kecap manis
4 (about 180g) tuna steaks, cut into 3cm pieces
Olive oil spray
Sweet chilli sauce, extra, to serve
Lime wedges, to serve

Method
Combine the lime juice, sweet chilli sauce and kecap manis in a shallow glass or ceramic dish. Thread the tuna onto skewers. Add to the lime mixture and turn to coat. Cover and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to marinate.
 

Spray a large non-stick frying pan with olive oil spray and place over high heat. Add one-quarter of the skewers to the pan and cook for 30 seconds each side for medium or until cooked to your liking.

Transfer to a serving platter. Repeat, in 3 more batches, with the remaining skewers, reheating the pan between batches.

Serve the skewers with the extra sweet chilli sauce and lime wedges.

Notes & tips
Prepare this recipe to the end of step 1 up to 45 minutes ahead. Continue from step 2 just before serving. You will need to soak 12 bamboo skewers in cold water for 20 minutes for this recipe.

Source: Australian Good Taste - February 2007 , Page 63.  Recipe by Gemma Purcell
http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/16013/sweet+chilli+tuna+skewers
 

Email:   coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
 

Airport Parking in Coffs Harbour
 CLICK HERE for more information


 

1300- 738 -888


 * Prices are per person, twin share (where accommodation/car hire is included, unless otherwise stated), subject to availability at the time you make a booking and conditions apply.  Travel date restrictions apply. Prices may vary due to changes in taxes, currency and flight routings.  Travel agent booking fees may apply in addition to prices quoted. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please see our website for further details.
   

Kelly Travel Company, Escape Travel.
PO Box 1224
 Suite 3, 144-148 High St,
(Corner Moonee Street)
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Phone: (02) 6651-2747
Fax: (02) 6651-3334 
Email: coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
Web: www.kellytravel.com.au
ABN: 37 067 920 441 

 We understand you may wish NOT to receive information from us by e-mail. To be removed from this and other offers, simply click the following e-mail address: cristi.juffermans@escapetravel.com.au  with "REMOVE" in the subject line.
  
To change your address or for assistance please e-mail to cristi.juffermans@escapetravel.com.au 
Thank you.


"Without a travel agent, you are on your own"