in this issue - Flight Centre

Travel
ideas
fa mi l y
IN THIS ISSUE
Dubai / Japan / Tropical North Queensland
AND LOADS MORE INSIDE
Ahoy there!
all ages at sea
Welcome to Family Travel ideas, a mini
magazine full of inspiration and travel tips
for your next holiday getaway.
Asia is a fantastic holiday spot for families,
and in this issue we look at the waterbased fun of Thai New Year and Universal
Studios Japan in Osaka, which is
celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2016,
as well as other kid-friendly experiences
in Japan. Dubai is another destination
ramping up its theme park offering in
2016, with two massive entertainment
epicentres slated for later this year.
Travelling with toddlers, tweens and
teens? It can be tricky to choose a location
that will appeal to all ages, so we’ve
selected our top tips in the best cities for
kids. A cruise holiday or a Club Med ski
trip is another great option, where the
array of activities on offer allow couples
to connect and families to come together.
Happy reading.
The Cap tain
Restrictions and conditions apply. Please ask us for further details or visit
our website at www.flightcentre.com.au/lowest-airfare-guarantee. *While
all care is taken to ensure accuracy, no responsibility is accepted by
Flight Centre Limited for accuracy of information contained in the
text or illustrations. Flight Centre Travel Group Limited (ABN 25 003
377 188) trading as Flight Centre. ATAS Accreditation No. A10412.
OMS70957
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What’s new near you?
Nationwide travel news and events.
Get wet in Phuket
Soak up the fun of Songkran.
Universal Studios Japan
is reborn
It’s the theme park’s 15th anniversary!
Can you dig it?
Unearth dinosaurs, treasure and more.
Island vibes in Tropical
North Queensland
Why Queensland is magic for beachy
family getaways.
A foundation for change
How Flight Centre Foundation helps
make a difference in the community.
Family fun on P&O’s
Pacific Jewel
All aboard for all-ages cruising fun.
Nine cities, nine ways
Tips for tots, tweens and teens in nine
top family-friendly cities.
Dubai: Where fun has never
felt more fun
Get ready for theme park overload.
Ski into snow season
with Club Med
Hit the slopes with your clan.
© Jurassic World, Melbourne
Hello
Contents
What's
new
near you?
New exhibits at Scitech Perth
Story City Adelaide
Visitors to Adelaide can add a bit of fun
to their stay with the new Story City mobile
app. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure story
that explores the city and is suitable for all
ages. Become an intergalactic space captain
in a game of Alien Hide and Seek, go back in
time in The Adelaide Time Travel Caper, or
become a treasure hunter in The Treasure of
Light. Every choice you make changes how
the story evolves and takes you on a different
path through the city streets. Download the
app for free at: storycity.com.au
Urban Jungle
Adventure in Sydney
Jurassic
World
comes to Melbourne
Head down to the Melbourne Museum before October 9 and be transported to Isla Nublar
to explore Jurassic World. Based on the blockbuster movie, this temporary exhibition
will see you visiting the Hammond Creation Lab and coming face to face with a variety
of dinosaurs, including the terrifying T-Rex. Filled with interactive educational elements
based on the real-world science, visitors of all ages will enjoy this prehistoric experience.
Admission is $34 per adult and $22 per child, or $90 for a family pass.
flightcentre.com.au
This popular science museum has two new exhibits the kids will love. Step back in
time at the Explore-a-saurus exhibition for a range of hands-on activities sure to capture
the interest of budding palaeontologists plus a chance to meet animatronic dinosaurs.
Or unlock the mysteries of the universe at the new Planetarium show, Capturing
the Cosmos. Admission costs $19 for adults and $12 for children and includes both
Planetarium and feature exhibition entry.
Those looking for an action-packed kidfriendly attraction in Sydney will love
the new Urban Jungle Adventure Park.
Located in the grounds of the Aquatic
Centre at Sydney Olympic Park, Urban
Jungle is a high ropes adventure park
offering four courses and more than 50
aerial activities. Pricing includes entry
to the Aquatic Centre, so you can cool
off after the climb. Admission is $39.50
per adult or child. For those who prefer
to watch than join in, entry is just $4.
LEGO Dreamworld
on the Gold Coast
LEGO fans will want to head to the Gold
Coast this summer. Dreamworld is opening
Australia’s first LEGO Certified Store. At
350 square metres, it will be the theme
park’s biggest retail outlet packed with lifesized LEGO models, the largest range of
LEGO products, a Pick-a-Brick wall where
you can buy individual pieces and unusual
shapes, or mix and match character pieces
to create unique mini figures. Scheduled to
open in November, it will be located at the
front of the park so you can visit without
having to go to Dreamworld.
© Queensland Museum
Measure Island comes to Brisbane
From now until February 5, 2017, visitors to the Sciencentre in Brisbane can enjoy a
new experience. Measure Island is packed with puzzles and hands-on exhibits with a lost
civilisation theme exploring areas related to measurement, such as time, length, volume,
density, buoyancy, temperature, speed and more. Young and old alike will enjoy discovering
why measurement systems exist and some of the more unusual measurement techniques
found around the world. Among the fun activities on offer you can find out how to make a
diamond disappear with light refraction, try swapping a ‘diamond’ on a pressure sensor with
a bag of sand without waking the statue, search for monkeys hidden in a misty jungle, and
work out the age of a tree by the rings on its trunk. Admission costs $14.50 per adult and
$11.50 per child or a family pass for $44.50 admits two adults and up to four children.
travel ideas
6
THAILAND
t
e
w
t
Ge
in Phuket
by Jan Copeman
Kids will love to get messy during
the Thai New Year festivities of
Songkran, a water-based festival
that’s fun for all ages.
Thai New Year (Songkran) is one of my
favourite festivals anywhere in the world and
for kids, it’s pure heaven. My son has been
to Thailand four times now, but this last trip
will definitely be remembered as his best yet.
We arrived in Phuket a few days before
Songkran, so we had time to relax before
the mayhem. Songkran is originally marked
by the throwing and sprinkling of water
to symbolise purification and the washing
away of sins and bad luck, but nowadays
(and especially where you find tourists) it’s
just one huge water fight – think buckets of
icy-cold water and a veritable army of water
gun-touting mischief makers of all ages.
For children, it’s about as much fun as you
can have on holiday. There really are no rules
and everyone is fair game – even the police
join in. My one piece of advice – bigger is
definitely better. We brought my son’s water
pistol from home and quickly realised it was
not going to cut it. Capacity is everything as
you have to pay to refill your guns from huge
buckets that are set up outside shops and
restaurants – although at 40 cents a refill, it
won’t break the bank!
flightcentre.com.au
In the days leading up to the event you’ll find
water guns of all shapes and sizes for sale
pretty much everywhere, so there’s no need
to take one with you – just fill it up and hit the
streets. Expect to get completely drenched
from head to toe and dress accordingly –
there is simply no way to stay dry, but that’s
why it’s so much fun!
The Songkran festival runs over three days
in the middle of April each year, with only the
first day dedicated to the watery festivities.
Thai people love children so kids are like
walking targets. The words, “Why always
me?” were uttered on quite a few occasions
over the course of the day – but always said
while laughing.
After five hours wandering the beach and
streets in Patong, we were a very bedraggled
and utterly exhausted crew making our way
back to our hotel. We stayed at the Amari
Phuket, and it was the perfect choice for us.
Just a five-minute walk into Patong Beach
but a haven of peace and tranquillity after
the chaos of Songkran in town.
Getting there
Visit your local Flight Centre for more advice
and the latest deals for Phuket, or call 131 600
or go to flightcentre.com.au/phuket
travel ideas
8
J A PA N
UNIVERSAL
STUDIOS
JAPAN
IS REBORN
by Anna Howard
Fun, overdone couldn’t better
describe Universal Studios
Japan. Its larger-than-life
brand of entertainment
abounds across every inch of
the 50-hectare land, and this
year, the Osaka theme park is
abuzz with revitalised energy.
travel ideas
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is reborn, or should I say,
RE-BOOOOOOOORN (yes, with eight Os) for its 15th anniversary.
The over-the-top theme will have you grinning from ear to ear,
from the moment you rush through the gates to when you wearily
trudge out at the end of the day. RE-BOOOOOOOORN is more
than just a theme though; it’s an all-out, mind-boggling celebration.
There are parades, then there’s the RE-BOOOOOOOORN parade.
This spirited daily street party sees over 100 entertainers in
technicolour get-ups, as well as characters from Hello Kitty to a
host of Minions; bring the streets of USJ to life in a spectacle of
colour, dance, song, confetti and foam. Here’s a tip if you think
you’re in the firing line: BYO poncho!
Oversized isn’t just reserved for the parade though. Wander
through the speciality market for a lineup of oversized vending
machines (ironically spitting out tiny bottles of soft drink) and food
carts. Think massive smoked turkey legs and churro hotdogs.
flightcentre.com.au
But let’s not forget why we’re really here.
USJ gives the Disneylands of the world a run for their money in
the ride stakes. The Flying Dinosaur is the park’s newest addition.
What the amusement lacks in naming creativity, it makes up for
in heart-racing, eye-popping, hair-raising thrills. ‘Gripped’ by a
Pteranodon dinosaur, The Flying Dinosaur combines stomachchurning G-forces with the enchanting world of Jurassic Park.
USJ’s latest ride features the world’s longest rollercoaster track
(1,124 kilometres) and the world’s greatest rollercoaster height
differences in sharp inclines and drops.
Oh, and did I mention you’re flying on your stomach as you loop,
twist and barrel? This heart-racing experience is reserved for only
the true adrenaline seekers.
There’s plenty of hype surrounding the Universal Studios, err
universe, at the moment. Over in Hollywood, the new Wizarding
World of Harry Potter is the talk of the town, but in Osaka,
wizards, squibs and muggles alike have been swept up in the
magic of JK Rowling’s imagination since 2014.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at USJ opened to a
resounding success. So popular is the attraction, you’re allocated
time to simply visit and wander Hogsmeade, without taking into
account the land’s two rides: Flight of the Hippogriff and Harry
Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
The latter is a 4K3D thrill ride that soars, zooms and zips
through Hogwarts and the Forbidden Forest on a fanciful mission
encompassing everything from Dementors to Quidditch. Then
there’s Hogsmeade and its array of storefronts all straight from
the pages of the novels. I won’t spoil any of the magic for you
before you go, but it’s everything this Hogwarts hopeful ever
imagined. A mug of Butterbeer completes the experience.
USJ doesn’t begin and end there though. Beyond the excitement
of RE-BOOOOOOOORN and the Wizarding World of Harry
Potter, the park is a true delight for both the young and young at
heart. And I’m not just talking about the imaginative food options
– Minion bun burgers, anyone?
The little ones will love the frivolity of Sesame Street Fun World
and Snoopy Studios, while big kids can take their pick from a
seemingly endless list of heart-pounding experiences, including
the Hollywood Dream rollercoaster and splashtastic Jurassic
Park: The Ride. Come to think of it, fun, overdone is a bit of an
understatement for Universal Studios Japan!
Getting there
Visit your local Flight Centre store for more advice and the latest deals
or call 131 600 or go to flightcentre.com.au
12
QUEENSLAND
Undara Volcanic
National Park
Kronosaurus
Korner
Lark Quarry
Conservation Park
Can You
Dig It ?
Earthly delights
in the outback
by Renae Spinks
The earth offers up
its secrets in Outback
Queensland and those
who seek them out are
richly rewarded. If you’re
a budding palaeontologist,
gemologist or volcanologist
– or just like to get your
hands dirty – here are
three ways to dig deeper.
flightcentre.com.au
Willows
Hughenden’s Flinders
Discovery Centre
Australian Age
Cathederal
of Dinosaur
Caves
Mueseum
Opalton
Dino Zoo at The Cube at the Queensland
University of Technology in Brisbane has
given 10 full-sized digital dinosaurs artificial
intelligence – stand in a room as they stomp
along the walls and react to your presence.
Watch out for the deadly Australovenator –
another Queensland discovery. There’s also
an archaeological dig simulator at Dino Zoo.
But the Outback is much closer to the bone,
so to speak, if you follow the dinosaur trail.
Hit Hughenden’s Flinders Discovery Centre
for marine dinosaur fossils and ‘Hughie’, the
mighty Muttaburrasaurus. Or meet ‘Penny’
the plesiosaur and ‘Krono’ the Kronosaurus
at Richmond’s Kronosaurus Korner, where
you can also go fossil fossicking.
Can you feel the ground tremble? That’s
the Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry
Conservation Park, where you can see
the tracks of more than 300 dinosaurs.
In Winton, the Australian Age of Dinosaurs
Museum lets you help prep real fossils
for display.
BURIED TREASURES
There’s gold in them thar fields –and
sapphires and opals. Treasure hunters,
make tracks to Queensland’s Capricorn
region for an enriching escape. Hark back to
the gold rush at the historic town of Mount
Morgan, about 38 kilometres southwest
of Rockhampton. Here you can take a tour
of the heritage-listed Mount Morgan Mine,
which was one of the richest gold mines in
the world when it opened in 1882.
Or take your pick to the gemfields (about
four hours west of Rockhampton) to fossick
for sapphires at the towns of Rubyvale,
Sapphire and Anakie, as well as The Willows
gemfields. If you don’t want to dig, visit a
fossicking park, where all you need do is
sieve and sort for sapphires. Time it right in
August and you can enjoy the annual four-day
Gemfest, with offerings from international
gemstone traders.
Or venture much farther west to noodle for
boulder opals at Opalton outside Winton.
UNDERGROUND AFFAIRS
About 190,000 years ago a volcano erupted,
sending lava down a dry riverbed in the Gulf
Savannah Country. The top layer cooled,
forming a crust, while the rest flowed away,
leaving a series of hollow tubes, winding
beneath a strip of dry rainforest. So formed
the lava tubes in Undara Volcanic National
Park, about 300 kilometres southwest
of Cairns.
You can tour this geological marvel with an
easy descent via boardwalk or a tale more
challenging route, climbing over rocks and
wiggling on your belly through narrow
passages. Head there in the Green Season,
from late October to March, when rains
trigger an explosion of colour.
If glistening caverns of stalactites are more
your style, visit the Capricorn Caves inland
Mount
Morgan
Mine
Queensland Museum
Dino Zoo
Images: © Tourism and Events Queensland
WALK WITH DINOSAURS
Dino fever has struck Queensland anew,
with the identification of Australia’s newest
dinosaur last December and the opening of a
digital dinosaur zoo. The Kunburrasaurus –
which looks like a cross between a crocodile
and a turtle – was actually discovered in
1989 in Richmond, Queensland, but has only
recently been identified as a distinct type
of ankylosaur. You can see its bones in the
Queensland Museum in Brisbane.
Rubyvale
Gemfields
from Yeppoon. Marvel at the acoustics in the
Cathedral Cave, try your hand at spelunking,
or even hold your wedding here.
Discover the vulnerable ghost bat, learn about
calcite chemistry or look for fossils in the cave
walls. There’s even a Poo and Spew (that’s
Bats and Bones) tour for the little ones.
So what are you waiting for? Head Outback
and dig in to Queensland’s earthly delights.
Getting there
Visit your local Flight Centre for more advice
and the latest deals for Queensland, or call 131 600
or go to flightcentre.com.au/queensland
travel ideas
TROPI CA L NO RT H
QUEENSLAND
© Tourism and Events Queensland
14
Island
Vibes
in Tropical North
Queensland
by Renae Spinks
flightcentre.com.au
Tropical North Queensland is nothing short of a paradise waiting
to add some magic to your family holiday – from the city of Cairns
to the rainbow-hued Reef, the gorgeously green rainforest and
beyond. But among the region’s most alluring attributes are the
glorious islands of the Great Barrier Reef, where even in the
depths of winter you can find a swaying palm, make castles in the
sand, and feel your troubles drift away in the aquamarine sea.
Fly into Cairns and make it your base to enjoy the tropical city’s
outdoor lifestyle and myriad festivals and events. Little ones will
love Muddy’s playground at the Esplanade lagoon; and older ones
will love the ocean drive from Cairns to Port Douglas – look out
for the helicopter lolly drop when Carnivale comes to town in May.
The whole family can wander the 2.5 kilometres of boardwalk on
the Esplanade Foreshore to check out the skate park action and
spy the local birdlife.
Dozens of diving and snorkelling tours suitable for families leave
from the Cairns marina, but don’t miss out on the islands. A short
boat ride away is Green Island, a coral cay great for snorkelling
and rainforest walks. You can even take the family to Marineland
Melanesia to meet Cassius the crocodile, the largest in captivity.
Fitzroy Island is also easily reached by ferry from Cairns.
Children who aren’t keen on snorkelling can hop on a glassbottomed boat and families can tour the turtle rehabilitation centre.
And the good news is that while the Great Barrier Reef has been
under pressure, there is still plenty of colour to be seen off Cairns
– and now is the time to go to avoid stinger season.
Just 45 minutes away, Port Douglas is a bustling seaside village
and an ideal drop-off point for the Great Barrier Reef. Budding
zoologists will want to enrol as a Junior Keeper at Wildlife Habitat
Port Douglas for hands-on time with the animals.
The resort village of Palm Cove, just a 30-minute drive north of
Cairns, has been dubbed ‘Queensland’s Friendliest Beach’, and
the welcoming and laidback atmosphere is ideal for families.
Dangle your legs on the jetty where the locals fish, splash in
the long sandy beach, or try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in
the calm waters of the bay. Enjoy delicious food at beachfront
restaurants or relax at the day spas waiting to pamper you.
So shrug off your winter woollies and tune the family in
to the sunny island vibe of Tropical North Queensland.
Getting there
Visit your local Flight Centre store for more advice and the latest deals
or call 131 600 or go to flightcentre.com.au
travel ideas
A foundation
for change
by Renae Spinks
Flight Centre works hard to build a
brighter future for the communities
where we work, live and travel through
the Flight Centre Foundation (FCF),
which works closely with charity
partners Youngcare and Redkite.
Our top picks
CAIRNS
Cairns is the city where two World Heritage
areas meet – the Wet Tropics Rainforest
and the Great Barrier Reef – and it just
might be the day-trip capital of Australia
(you can choose from more than 600 tours).
The tropical city also has some of the most
beautiful beaches in the world – Trinity
Beach, we’re looking at you! Glide just
metres over the canopy of Australia’s World
Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest on an
immersive experience with Skyrail. Finish
off with a show by indigenous performers at
Tjapukai next door.
flightcentre.com.au
GREAT BARRIER REEF
The World Heritage-listed Great Barrier
Reef is 2,300 kilometres long and there
are so many points along the Queensland
coast where you can get a good look,
from the tropical north all the way down
to the Southern Great Barrier Reef near
Bundaberg. How? Sail away to a coral cay,
snorkel right off the beach, spend a week on
a liveaboard dive boat and descend into the
deep at night, take a day trip to a pontoon on
the outer reef and venture out on a semisubmersible (great for littlies), or fly over the
reef in a helicopter or sea plane.
PORT DOUGLAS
Swaying palm trees, abundant sunshine
and stunning natural wonders are all on
show in and around Port Douglas. A popular
destination for families, your tribe will be
kept busy with trips to the Great Barrier Reef
departing daily, and the emerald rainforest
pools of Mossman Gorge just around the
corner. Those keen for some beach time can
claim a patch of sand on Four Mile Beach
where gentle azure waves lap the shore.
Port Douglas also has some of the best
restaurants and dining in Tropical North
Queensland with something for everyone.
Youngcare believes all young people deserve
to live young lives. Often, young people with
high-care needs have no choice but to live in
aged-care facilities but last year, Youngcare
designed and built a high-tech, $1.3 million
Brisbane share house so four Aussies with
disabilities could live life with dignity.
Youngcare CEO Samantha Kennerley says: “It
gives them independence and choice, which is
what Youngcare’s about.”
As well as providing accommodation solutions,
Youngcare offers grants for people to
transition out of aged care, or stay in their
homes with family. It also runs the Youngcare
Connect national hotline that helps people
navigate the healthcare system. In 2015/16,
FCF contributed $200,000 to support the
hotline and grants.
Flight Centre staff also volunteer their time
and skills to Youngcare, recently participating
in workshops on workplace giving. About
30 per cent of Flight Centre employees make
donations to FCF, which are matched dollar
for dollar by Flight Centre Travel Group. FCF
general manager Anita Russell says: “It’s been
fantastic to be able to share some of the
successes – and learnings – of our workplace
giving program with Youngcare to be able to
help them access other corporate support.”
Redkite, meanwhile, provides support to
children and young people up to age 24 who
have cancer, as well as their families. A Redkite
spokesperson says: “Our promise to families is
that we’ll support them throughout the entire
cancer journey, from the moment of diagnosis,
throughout treatment, and when they return
back to their homes and communities.”
That support comes from information
and counselling, financial help, education
and career support, bereavement support,
music therapy and more. One important
tool is Redkite’s diagnosis support pack for
teens and young adults. The pack contains
practical items like toiletries, a water bottle,
and a blanket.
FCF is the sole funder of the Adolescent and
Young Adult Support Pack Program for ages
15 to 24, providing $200,000 in 2015/16
for 650 bags. Anita says: “One of our own
needed one of these bags when she was
diagnosed with cancer, so we know firsthand
the support Redkite provides for children and
young people with cancer and their families
is invaluable.”
If you would like to help build brighter
futures for young Aussies in need,
you can makeGetting
a donation
at
there
www.fcfoundation.org.au
Visit your local Flight Centre for more advice
and the latest deals on travelling to Destination,
or call 131 600 or go to flightcentre.com.au
Building
a brighter future
travel ideas
18
CRUISING
Family Fun
on P&O’s
Pacific Jewel
by Angie Kelly
Our breakfast companion is wolfing down his pancakes and
trying to decide if there’s enough time to go back for seconds. It’s
8:15am and we’re due to pass Willis Island – a remote atoll in the
Coral Sea (east of Cairns), where meteorologists are waiting for
the ship so we can watch them send a weather balloon skyward.
But 10-year-old Daniel cares only that sign-up for laser tag is
about to start.
“Can I go now, pleeease?” he begs. It’s the start of another
action-packed day on P&O Cruises’ Pacific Jewel, and young Dan
doesn’t want to miss a thing.
Clutching the Pacific Daily, the ship’s activities newsletter, he
runs off to sign up to battle in the dark with 25 other kids who
are already lining up at P&OEdge, Pacific Jewel’s adventure park
at sea. Here, you can rock-climb up the ship’s funnel, zip your
way across the pool deck on a flying fox, navigate a rig of high
ropes and channel your inner tightrope walker on a slackline
that’s (thankfully, in the eyes of this timid mum) only centimetres
off the ground and comes with a crash pad.
All 20 of the Edge’s adrenaline-pumping activities are designed
for adults and kids, so the fact that our son has seen the sign
encouraging families to take the park on together means we
know what’s coming.
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“Mum, Dad, let’s do the zip-line! Come on!” exclaims Dan, who
has also signed us all up to do the Titanic Moment, which means
we’ll cling to the ship’s bow with arms outstretched a la Kate and
Leo for a photo.
“Maybe later,” I say, feeling chicken at the thought of flying high
across a swaying ship dangling from a harness. “What about a
game of ping-pong?”
We head off to play wind-challenged ping-pong, which turns
out to be a fun game of ‘chase the weightless ball before it flies
over the side’, much to Dan’s amusement. Unlike the ship today,
he won’t be swayed, and now wants me to join him in tackling
the Segway obstacle course – a challenge that sounds far more
suited to father-son fun. I quietly give thanks that we’re not on
Jewel’s sister ship Pacific Dawn, whose Walk the Plank lets you
step right off the side of the top deck.
Although excited offspring can choose from a huge range of
fun things to do in four age-appropriate kids clubs – P&O has
recently extended its childcare to include two-year-olds – mums,
dads and grandparents are equally spoilt for choice.
For me, Bootcamp at Sea followed by a pampering session at the
beauty salon is working very well, while hubby likes to chip a golf
ball (making time for Texas hold ’em poker on his way).
travel ideas
Meanwhile, our son drags himself away from the racing-car
simulators to join the kids club activities (for 11 to 17 years), in
which they can make their own animated movies. Older kids put
bands together and play guitars, keyboards and drums at the
Teen Jam sessions.
After a complete transformation of its former dining area, deck
12 is now a chic space that’s free of the traditional smorgasbord.
Here, eight modern outlets that specialise in various
international cuisines serve burgers, pizzas, tacos, curries,
salads and stir-fries.
During our seven-night Barrier Reef Discovery cruise, we’ll also
try yoga, health and wellness seminars, and book-swapping.
We’ll attend an art auction, watch a talent show, have a go at
bridge and do a spot of shopping, too.
After the movie, the three of us head back to our cabin to dress
up for an event all P&O ships have introduced: Bianco, the P&O
White Party. Tonight we’ll hit the lido deck for white cocktails,
white smoke and white light, joining people in white outfits
twisting by the pool.
This raft of activities may well be part of the attraction for
the growing number of families cruising Australian and
South Pacific destinations. Recognising this, P&O offers
interconnecting rooms.
In the Pacific Daily, we notice the animated DreamWorks
comedy Home will be on at 2pm, which means it’s about to start.
Dan wants to hang out in the pool under the big screen to watch
it - that means a date with the poolside sun-loungers for us. We
each decide on a cocktail and order a pizza to be delivered to the
pool from The Pantry, the ship’s brand-new food market.
flightcentre.com.au
Though kids are welcome, they get their own mini version of
the event, the White Out Party. The littlies enjoy white facepainting and mask-making, while the teens get a headstart with
a 7:30pm party.
When a live band kicks off the main game at 8:30pm, we’ll all have
a dance together. But for now, we head for the Instagram-friendly
photo wall, and just as we’re about to chill – “Quick, Mum, Dad, it’s
9:15pm, the theatre show’s about to start! Come on!”
Getting there
Visit your local Flight Centre store for more advice and the latest deals
or call 131 600 or go to flightcentre.com.au
travel ideas
22
F A M I L Y- F R I E N D L Y C I T I E S
Awfully nice and
not-at-all boring:
Nine cities, nine ways
by Anna Howard
Ever mentioned a holiday that involves travelling to a
new city only to be met with moans and groans about
being dragged from one museum to the next? Dial
down the 'culture alert' with our picks for toddlers,
tweens and teens in some obvious and not-so obvious
family holiday destinations.
FOR TODDLERS
Bangkok
Bangkok may not be the obvious choice for fun with a toddler,
but this lively city features many enclaves for little ones to run
around safely. Beat the heat with a trip to Imaginia Playland
in Emporium Mall at Phrom Phong BTS. This modern,
creative playzone is spread over two floors connected by a ‘time
travelling’ slippery slide. Don’t miss the bouncy nets of the
‘Dream Jungle’ or the inflatable mountain!
Singapore
You could easily spend your entire Singapore sojourn on
Sentosa Island. Singapore’s premier family attraction is a
destination in its own right, with amusement parks, themed
hotels, shows and beaches all vying for your attention. For
pre-schoolers, there’s no better place than Port of Lost Wonder,
an exclusive kids beach club of wet and wild adventures.
Honolulu
Kids will feel right at home on the islands of aloha. For a dose
of island life, the Polynesian Culture Center showcases the
traditions of the South Pacific, with much of the entertainment
designed for kids, including craft workshops and shows. On the
North Shore, the Dole Plantation will be a hit with its ‘pineapple’
train, maze and tasty Dole Whip servings.
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travel ideas
FOR TWEENS
Copenhagen
Copenhagen caters to kids like few other cities, with everything
from museums with artwork at kids’ heights, to reserved seats
on public transport. Tivoli Gardens will delight both the young
and young at heart. Founded in 1843, nostalgic rides, including
the perennially popular wooden rollercoaster, are nestled
within whimsical gardens. So popular is the Tivoli Gardens, its
attractions have lured visionaries like Hans Christian Anderson
and Walt Disney and no doubt been the inspiration behind their
greatest works.
London
There’s more to London than the royals; like the magic of Harry
Potter. Wannabe wizards can relive their favourite moments from
the series at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour near Watford. Fans
can go behind the scenes with walk-throughs of iconic sets, such
as the Great Hall, filled with iconic props. I won’t spoil any of the
magic, but there are more than a few surprises in store for any
Hogwarts hopefuls.
Rome
A visit to the Eternal City shouldn’t just be about sampling every
flavour of gelato (not that there’s anything wrong with that!). A
visit to the Colosseum is one thing, but enrolling in gladiator
school for a day will really bring Rome’s history to life, complete
with traditional tunic, belt and ‘weapons’.
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FOR TEENS
Amsterdam
Amsterdam may be a cultural cocktail of history blended with a
dash of notoriety, but its wonky facades and scenic canals hide
many teen-friendly sites which can be easily explored on foot, by
bike or boat. Bypass the kitschy wax museum for an enriching
visit to Anne Frank Huis and colourful Tropenmuseum, or spend
the day in the sunshine at Vondelpark.
Auckland
With cosmopolitan charm and easy access to pristine wilderness,
Auckland is the perfect place for a digital detox. It won’t be hard to
disconnect from social media with myriad outdoor pursuits right
at the doorstep. Inch along a walkway 192 metres above ground
on the Sky Tower; explore the city’s sandy stretches on horseback;
or navigate rock valleys and waterfalls in the Waitakere Ranges
Rainforest on a canyoning adventure.
New York City
A walk through Central Park or Fifth Avenue will ignite nostalgia
from books, shows and films the family has grown up with.
Eloise fans will love taking tea at the Plaza; Gossip girls (and
boys) can channel their inner Serena van der Woodsen or Chuck
Bass at the New York Palace Hotel; and any late-night show
lovers should head to 30 Rock for a chance to spot famous faces
heading to a filming of the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon!
Getting there
Visit your local Flight Centre store for more advice and the latest deals
or call 131 600 or go to flightcentre.com.au
travel ideas
26
DUBAI
DUBAI
Where fun
has never
felt more
fun!
by Anna Howard
Artists impression
Nowhere on earth breaks records
like Dubai breaks records. The
tallest building, the largest
shopping mall and the world’s first
indoor ski resort are just a few
achievements that have made the
record books. Soon, this Middle
East megalopolis will break a few
more when two entertainment
epicentres open their gates later
this year.
Dubai Parks and Resorts and IMG Worlds
of Adventure will wow wide-eyed fun lovers
unlike anything seen before. Dubai is a
city where innovation is only limited by
imagination. Buckle up and get ready for
a wild ride.
DUBAI PARKS AND RESORTS
Getting there
Visit your local Flight Centre for more advice
and the latest deals for travelling to Dubai,
or call 131 600 or go to flightcentre.com.au/dubai
Just imagine 100 rides and attractions
and spread across four themed parks on
2,300,000 square metres of land. (For
scale, that’s bigger than Perth’s CBD.)
Phew. Needless to say, you’ll need at least
three days to explore Dubai Parks and
Resorts from October 2016. And that’s not
counting the hotel and a retail, dining and
entertainment precinct.
This indescribable wonderland offers the
young and young at heart the very best
in family-friendly entertainment.
First of all, everything is awesome at
LEGOLAND Dubai. Here, kid-friendly
amusements, designed for families with
children between two and 12 years, will
stretch their minds and imaginations.
There are over 40 interactive attractions
spread across six themed lands, complete
with 15,000 LEGO models made from more
than 60 million LEGO bricks! What’s more,
there is also a LEGOLAND Water Park with
20 family-friendly slides and attractions.
motiongate Dubai brings Hollywood to
the desert with cinematic experiences
handpicked from studio partners such as
DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures
Studios and Lionsgate. It’s high-value, largerthan-life, next-generation entertainment at its
very best.
travel ideas
Artists impression
Just at DreamWorks alone, you’ll find 12
interactive adventures showcasing your
favourite characters from Madagascar, Shrek
and more. It’s all housed in an indoor arena
large enough to park five A380 jumbo jets
wing tip to wing tip!
At the heart of it all is Riverland Dubai,
a retail, dining and entertainment district.
It is also designed as a destination in its
own right with four unique zones – The
French Village, Boardwalk, India Gate,
and The Peninsula – free for all to visit.
If DreamWorks isn’t enough to get the
heart racing, scoot over to Sony Pictures
Studios where you can enjoy the hair-raising
excitement of seven action-packed rides
based on films such as The Green Hornet
and Ghostbusters. For a touch of nostalgia,
take a wander through the Smurfs Village.
Then there is the Liongsate zone, which
brings the world’s first The Hunger Games
attractions showcased with two exciting
themed rides.
No theme park destination would be
complete without a place for visitors to relax
after a day of excitement, and the Polynesianthemed Lapita Hotel will offer a welcome
escape. The resort-style hotel will have
501 rooms and three villas offering lagoonstyle pools.
It’s not just Hollywood that takes a starring
role, but Bollywood too. Bollywood Parks
Dubai brings Mumbai’s famous film industry
to life. Five zones inspired by Bollywood
blockbusters will transport visitors to the
streets of India. Live entertainment abounds
with a separately ticketed Broadway-style
musical at the landmark Rajmahal Theatre
– complete with 850 seats.
Artists impression
IMG WORLDS OF ADVENTURE
If one record breaking theme park isn’t
enough, another world first is coming in
2016. Also packing in the fun is IMG Worlds
of Adventure. Once open, the park will be the
largest temperature controlled indoor themed
destination in the world, covering an excess
of 140,000 square metres. That’s roughly
28 football fields.
It’ll have the capacity to welcome more
than 20,000 visitors per day across four
immersive mega zones based on Cartoon
Network characters, MARVEL superheroes
and mammoth dinosaurs.
The Lost Valley brings to life the prehistoric
world of dinosaurs. Venture back millions
of years to a time of Jurassic giants with
mind-boggling rides and 69 animatronics
dinosaurs and creatures.
From Spider-Man to Iron Man and Thor,
your favourite crime-fighters are gearing up
to save (and make) the days of their biggest
fans in the MARVEL zone. Think hairraising thrills such as the Avengers: Battle
of Ultron ride. Blending cutting-edge 3D
media with realistic sets and explosive
special effects, the action-packed attraction
is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
For the younger ones and nostalgic adults,
Cartoon Network offers plenty of reasons
to smile. The exciting arena bursts to life in
technicolour cinematic excitement from The
Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10 and more!
The fun doesn’t stop at themed thrills. IMG
Boulevard is a one-stop shop for all-ages
fun, from interactive attractions to retail
and dining options.
30
CLUB MED SKI
Ski into
SNOW SEASON
with Club Med
by Anna Howard
Not just reserved for languid luxury by the beach,
the Club Med experience is primed for cooler
climes and magical landscapes sprinkled in snow.
Together, family groups can set off on foot through pine forests
blanketed in snow on guided snow-shoe walks or break off into
groups to enjoy age-appropriate activities.
Various kids club pastimes including flying trapeze fun and
evening excitement will keep young ones occupied while you
enjoy relaxing moments at the day spa or après ski indulgences.
These civilised hours of drinks and nibbles each day should be
reason enough to pack the winter woollies and head straight
to the airport.
Arguably the biggest drawcard to an all-inclusive escape is the
culinary offerings. Gourmands certainly won’t be disappointed
as all-day, open-bar dining is on the menu with something for
every palate.
Expert chefs will take your taste buds on a tantalising tour of
mountain specialities paired with fine wines across a medley
of dining experiences no matter which resort you choose, and
at pretty much any time you choose. It’s indulgence at its finest.
When it comes to accommodation, comfortable, distinctive
options abound, whether you’re a family of four or a party of 10.
Think tatami-style rooms, luxurious suites overlooking Mont
Blanc or clusters of cosy chalets with all the necessary mod-cons
and space to spread out.
Apart from dusting yourself off on the powder runs, little effort is
required for, well, anything with Club Med. You’ll barely need to lift
a finger as dedicated Gentiles Organisateurs (G.Os) can cater to
your every whim, desire and cocktail order. It’s all fun, all the time.
The hallmark of any Club Med holiday is one of all-inclusiveness,
whether it’s quality time with friends and family or the added
luxuries of your stay.
What were humble beginnings in the French Mediterranean is
now a global network of 80 spectacular resorts fit for any pleasure
seeker looking for an easy escape.
Club Med’s sun-drenched locales may be what first come to mind,
but that familiar sparkle can be found in some of the world’s
leading winter destinations. The choice is yours with 23 resorts
sprinkled across the Northern and Southern Hemispheres in
France, Italy, Switzerland, Japan and China.
Much like their warmer weather counterparts, these snowy
resorts spring to life in a veritable blend of gourmet eats, stellar
accommodation and a jam-packed activity lineup, including plenty
of ski time – all included and all suited for families.
Beginner snow bunnies can take advantage of lessons to polish
up their skills, while pros and the older kids can hit some 600
kilometres of thrilling ski runs at Val Thorens Sensations or
Avoriaz in France. You can even ski straight to your door at
Hokkaido and Peisey-Vallandry.
Non-skiers certainly won’t be left out as there’s plenty of fun
to be had off-piste.
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Getting there
Visit your local Flight Centre store for more advice and the latest deals
or call 131 600 or go to flightcentre.com.au
travel ideas
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