Best Time of Year to Visit Australia

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa

Escape to the world famous World Heritage listed Blue Mountains and enjoy luxury resort accommodation at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa. Just 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney CBD, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spais a renowned haven for relaxation and a delight for gourmets in one of Australia’s most beautiful destinations, picturesque Jamison Valleys and escarpments, abundant wildlife and a scenic attractions right at your doorstep.

Located in the heart of the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains National Park

Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a weekend with the girls or your mates, or a fun-filled family holiday, our luxury Blue Mountains hotel offers something for everyone. Unwind and be pampered at the onsite Lilianfels Day Spa, burn some energy on the tennis court or one of the two heated pools, and enjoy renowned local wines and produce at our fine dining multi-award winning restaurants and bars.

Explore the Blue Mountains with the whole family and sample the region’s many attractions. With a range of onsite function rooms, a spectacular backdrop and a relaxing atmosphere, our Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spais the ideal venue for weddings, corporate events and celebrations.

Our friendly, knowledgeable concierge team are experts on the region, and strive to ensure each guest has an unforgettable experience in the Blue Mountains region.

Book your stay now or purchase a gift voucher package and treat a loved one to a well-deserved Blue Mountains luxury escape.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

Welcome to the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley hotel, your private space for successful business and soothing retreats in wine country.

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley is in the heart of Australia's oldest wine region, and our bright Lobby seems to have been carved from its hills and vineyards. After your check-in, you can explore our landscaped grounds or celebrate your arrival with a Hunter vintage in the Vista Lounge.

You'll find Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley on Wine Country Drive in Lovedale, 8km north of Cessnock. We're 2 hours from Sydney and 1 hour from Newcastle Airport. Leave your car in our complimentary car park and let our Concierge arrange transport to the Tyrrell's, Waverly, Brokenwood, Pepper Tree or Petersons wineries, all within 8km of your hotel.

Our event packages make it easy to stage celebrations and conferences. The complimentary kids' club will entertain the children while you sharpen your swing with the PGA pro at Hunter Valley Golf Club or head to Tea Tree Spa for luxurious treatments.

We'll help to combine your stay with Hunter Valley activities, so you can toast business success at a cellar door or savour the view from a hot air balloon. Saddle up to explore the Brokenback Mountains or discover our signature dishes on Redsalt's tasting menu. With so much to do at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, you'll look forward to your return before you even arrive.

Ideal for romantic getaways, family accommodation and everything in between

With 316 spacious and stylish guestrooms to choose from, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley offers a wide range of accommodation options to meet the needs of every guest.
Each room boasts modern furnishing, spacious bathroom with full sized bath and separate shower, high speed Wi-fi access and plasma TV. Step out onto your private balcony or courtyard and enjoy views of the vineyards, scenic golf course or sparkling resort pool.

Romantic Getaway
Planning a romantic weekend getaway for two? The Hunter Valley is the premier romantic destination in NSW. Make the most of your stay with wine tasting, a luxury treatment at the Tea Tree Day Spa, or a round of golf. Cuddle up to your loved one in a romantic Deluxe Room or luxurious Suite with our dedicated 'Special Moments' couples package. With our fine Villa dining options or healthy Body and Soul in-room dining menu you won't have to go anywhere, except perhaps to Tea Tree Spa if you both need a little extra spoiling.

Family Accommodation
If you're looking for family friendly accommodation in the Hunter Valley, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley offers self-contained, serviced apartments with 2 and 3 bedroom villas that can offer separate bedrooms for parents and children.

Being close to all the attractions and events of the Hunter Valley makes it easy for your family to get around. Our Hunter Valley hotel has great child-friendly facilities in the dedicated kidzone and our staff specialised in making the kids happy and entertained with The Water Dragons Kids Club, a fully supervised activity centre for the little ones. For parents requiring child minding outside of our Kids Club opening hours, our resort can organise a babysitter for you for a 3 hour minimum booking. Treat the family to a getaway they will always remember with our 'Family Focus' package, including accommodation, full buffet breakfast and entry to the Hunter Valley Gardens for 2 adults and 2 children.

Small Groups Accommodation
For groups, colleagues or friends travelling together, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley offers the perfect mix of Hunter Valley accommodation and activities for small groups. Our resort is located right in the centre of all the major Hunter Valley attractions with a range of accommodation options from Deluxe Rooms, Suites to contained apartments with 2 or 3 bedrooms.

Whether you are arranging a pampering hen's spa experience, a lad's golf weekend, or a group of friends taking advantage of one of the great concerts in the vines, take the hard work out of your weekend and let the concierge team manage activities like group tours of the vineyards, tasting our hand-brewed beers at the Lovedale Brewery, Tea Tree Spa specials and golf bookings.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: COMO The Treasury, Perth

COMO The Treasury is housed in Perth’s 140-year-old State Buildings, which form part of the Cathedral Square development located on the corner of St Georges Terrace and Barrack Street. This is one of the most significant heritage precincts in Western Australia, recently revitalised by leading architect, Kerry Hill.

There are 48 elegant guest rooms and suites featuring original high ceilings, cornicing, balconies and cupolas. Facilities open to Perth residents include two restaurants, a bar, lounge and library, which together provide a social hub for the city. Holistic therapies are available at COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, as well as a gym and 20m indoor pool.

<b> Accommodation</b>

Conceived by designer Kerry Hill, all 48 contemporary rooms and suites project a sense of COMO serenity. Grand Posture king-size beds, handcrafted European furnishings and oversized windows deliver comfort, personality and light. Bathrooms include showers, German deep-form Kaldewei Duo bathtubs, twin vanities, travertine stone tiles, heated floors and towel rails, and aromatherapy-based COMO Shambhala at Home amenities.

Room Facilities:

<li>Custom-made king or twin beds with Grand Posture natural firm mattresses featuring dual posture pocket-spring technology
<li>Egyptian cotton bed linen
<li>Individually controlled air conditioning
<li>Complimentary in-room private bar replenished daily
<li>Samsung LED television / IPTV
<li>Multi-line VoIP phone with voicemail
<li>Laptop-size private safe
<li>Multimedia hub
<li>In-room technology with dual built in USB ports
<li>Complimentary Wi-Fi
<li>Tea/coffee making facilities on request
<li>Illy coffee machine on request
<li>Oversized opening windows
<li>Motorised translucent Roman blinds and blackout blinds or curtains
<li>Built-in wardrobe and luggage rack

Bathroom Facilities:

<li>Natural light and opening windows
<li>German deep-form Kaldewei Duo free-standing oval bathtubs
<li>Walk-in showers
<li>Twin travertine stone vanity basins
<li>Heated travertine stone floors
<li>Heated towel rails
<li>COMO Shambhala at Home amenities
<li>Bathrobes and slippers
<li>Hairdryer

Guest Services:

<li>Manager on duty 24 hours
<li>Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
<li>Valet parking
<li>Airport transfers
<li>Airline reservation service
<li>Babysitting services
<li>Laundry service, dry cleaning and pressing service
<li>Daily housekeeping and turndown service
<li>Complimentary fruit and water each day
<li>24-hour in-room dining
<li>Foreign exchange
<li>Multilingual hotel staff
<li>Travel and tour assistance

<b>Dining</b>
In addition to Wildflower and Post, for ultimate intimacy when dining with friends, family or colleagues, COMO The Treasury offers a number of private dining rooms for your events, seating eight to 20 guests and with catering provided by either Wildflower or Post.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Palazzo Versace

Palazzo – the definition of luxury, glamour and sophistication.

In Milan, Italy, the Palazzo Versace is the home of Versace, one of the most legendary fashion brands in the world. When it came to opening the world’s first fashion-inspired hotel, there was only one possible name: Palazzo Versace.

Palazzo Versace Gold Coast is everything you would expect in a hotel from the world of Versace: an exclusive waterfront setting, spectacular architecture, opulent accommodation, a design distinguished by Versace bespoke furnishings and Italian craftsmanship, extraordinary service and an ambience of pure glamour. It is home to three-award winning restaurants, a famed day spa, fitness & wellbeing centre, a private marina, the Versace Boutique, meeting and event facilities and the first water salon cabana experience in Australia.

Acclaimed as Australia’s premier leisure destination, the Gold Coast is renowned for its glorious sub-tropical climate and cosmopolitan enjoyment of life. Nestled between the beautiful Pacific Ocean and the sparkling Gold Coast Broadwater, one of the world’s top 5-star luxury hotels offers an exclusive chance to be immersed in the Versace lifestyle.