Archive for category Australia

Save up to $800 on Goway’s Australia

aus_home_caGoway Travel, a leading North American travel specialist, has launched a spectacular offer for travellers bound for Australia this year.

Goway is offering vacations to Australia for CA$1899, and these incredible deals include airfare with Qantas from North America, three FREE flights in Australia and 12 nights accommodation.

“Travellers are looking for great deals this winter,” commented Product and Marketing Manager Meghan Boyd, “but we also recognize the need to offer a range of options. Our new campaign, ‘Australia on Sale’ allows travellers to design their own itinerary, selecting 4 nights accommodation in 3 of Australia’s great cities.”

Travellers can opt to travel to three of the following cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Alice Springs or Cairns and then customize their trip by adding tours, transfers, or experiences outside of the key cities. Vacations must be booked by 15Dec ’09 for this great offer.

“For anyone looking for a true Outback experience, savings can amount to $400 per person with our exclusive offer” continued Boyd, “and as a market leader, our North American travel partners have come to expect this kind of competitive deal.”

Air travel is with Qantas, offering the most flights to Australia from North America, and has an extensive network of domestic flights within Australia. Qantas also flies the A380 on select flights to Sydney and Melbourne

Save $1,000 on Goway’s Downunder

Goway Travel has extended their spectacular offer for travellers bound to the South Pacific this year.

For every booking before November 30 2009, Goway is offering a $500 air credit per person on bookings on any of their escorted motorcoach tours of 14 days or longer, for travel before 31 March 2010. These virtually all-inclusive tours are escorted by experienced Tour Directors and include all the ‘must-see’ sights of Australia and/or New Zealand.

“This is certainly an incredible deal, especially when you take into account the great fares available at the moment” commented Meghan Boyd, Product Manager, “The South Pacific is now coming into summer, so this is really great value for anyone who wants to explore the scenic sights of New Zealand, or explore the beauty of Australia.”

Qualifying trips include:

New Zealand Wonderland, a 16-day superior journey from Auckland to Christchurch or vice versa and featuring a journey aboard the Tranz Alpine Express through the Southern Alps, cruising on Milford Sound and seeing the Glaciers of the West Coast. Prices start from $4220CA and include accommodation, transport and sightseeing; a pre-purchased meal plan is also available.

16-Day Outback Wonders of Australia journeying from Sydney to Darwin via Adelaide, the underground town of Coober Pedy, Ayers Rock and Katherine. Prices start from $5270CA and include accommodation, transport, sightseeing and most meals.

For those with enough time to explore both countries in-depth, the $500 air credit is available on each qualifying tour purchased. For more information on Goway’s Downunder Escorted vacations, visit www.goway.com. Many escorted itineraries are featured in Goway’s popular Downunder travel planner; for a copy, call 1-800-387-8850 or email info@goway.com.

Goway Offers Travel to Lions Clubs International Convention in Australia, 2010

Goway Travel is proud to be partnering with Lions Clubs International as an official North American travel operator for the Lions Clubs International Convention taking place in Sydney, Australia June 28-July 02, 2010.

To celebrate, Goway has announced that all bookings before October 31, 2009 to the Lions Clubs Convention in Sydney will be entered into a draw to win airfare for 2 from Los Angeles to Sydney with Qantas and 5 nights accommodation in Sydney.

With 40,000 years of aboriginal history and its convict origins as the first European settlement in Australia, Sydney is the country’s largest and most vibrant city. With its beautiful harbor and beaches, Sydney is not only scenic but an icon of the unique Australian culture. Sydney is also the gateway for touring extensions not only in the State of New South Wales and the rest of this vast island continent but also for the whole South Pacific region including New Zealand the Pacific Islands.

To find out more about the 2010 Lions Clubs International Convention and to book all travel arrangements including international and domestic air, Sydney Convention hotels and pre/post convention touring, please contact Special Events by Goway on their dedicated “Lions Only” telephone number and/or email:

Tel: 877 469 2914
Email: lions2010@goway.com
Website: www.goway.com/lions2010

Goway’s 09/10 DOWNUNDER Brochure

Goway has successfully launched their 2009/2010 brochure, North America’s most comprehensive travel guide to DOWNUNDER (Australia, New Zealand and the Islands of the South Pacific).

Out on the market since April, the award winning brochure features every possible style of travel imaginable! From cruises and family vacations to Australian working holidays and VIP Travel arrangements, and everything in between!

New for the 2009/2010 season:

  • More adventure travel options. Goway has expanded their active touring, following the launch of their 84-page “Active Australia” brochure. Aimed at travellers that are adventurous at heart, most of the tours are for all ages. Goway’s “Active Australia” product range now covers all of Australia, including Western Australia
  • Platinum Service Rail Travel.  This new category of rail travel offers luxurious accommodations on board the Indian Pacific and The Ghan, and include all meals. Platinum Service is available in addition to Gold and Red Service
  • A wider range of campervans are now available with Britz and Maui for self-drive travellers. Goway offers the entire range of vehicles and in particular Britz’s “Rookie” which is an ideal vehicle to stay in every two or three nights combined with hotel or motel style accommodation. By day the vehicle is small and manageable for city driving, but at night converts to accommodate two adults comfortably (perfect for an overnight stay in a National Park)
  • A wider range of Islands of the Great Barrier Reef is also available. After being the exclusive partner in Canada for the “Best Job in the World” as promoted by Tourism Queensland, Goway has added Wilson Island (off Heron Island) and the exclusive Orpheus Island
  • Sydney is home to two great experiences in the DOWNUNDER planner – a Highlights Tour of Sydney by bicycle and an exciting Sydney Harbour Jetboat ride
  • River, Harbour and Fiord Cruises – after the success of the inclusion of a special Cruise section in the 08/09 planner, Goway has added Sydney Harbour Weekend Cruises, plus a range of overnight cruises in Milford and Doubtful Sounds in New Zealand
  • After 14 years of promoting their innovative SNOWBIRD program, Goway has modified the program for 2010 to offer more flexibility for travellers. Priced aggressively from $903 for a 1-month stay, Goway now offers a land only program to allow their Snowbirds to take advantage of great sale fares available to the South Pacific!

For the truly independent traveller, Goway’s 132-page DOWNUNDER brochure offers over 450 travel ideas. From expedition cruising along Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to exploring New Zealand’s National Parks, and cultural tours to exploring the wine regions, the brochure has ideas to inspire travellers of all styles.

For more information or to book, visit Goway’s website at www.Goway.com or call toll-free (888)-469-2944.

Toronto Travel Agents Invited to “Come Walkabout” this May

Modern Australian culture, rooted deep in ancient history creates unique product offerings

gday_to_logoToronto, May 6, 2009 – This month Toronto will be immersed in the world’s most unique mix of rugged landscape, innovative fashion and cuisine, and ancient culture when G’Day Toronto takes over the city from May 12-16. Businesses in the travel trade can learn how to bring this experience to their clients year-round on May 14 at an afternoon event presented by Goway.

Participation in the Goway “Come Walkabout” Travel Trade Workshop will earn travel agents four CITC Education credits while undertaking in-depth training on the different regions of Australia and outback vacation ideas.

The afternoon will conclude with a trade show with representatives from Tourism Queensland, Tourism New South Wales, Tourism Victoria, Tourism Tasmania, Rail Australia, AAT Kings and Tourism Australia.

The workshop takes place Thursday May 14, beginning at 12 p.m. at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front St. East.

As a part of Australia Week Canada, G’Day Toronto features a program of events targeted to tourists of all ages showcasing Australian food, wine, culture, art, film, lifestyle, and of course the unique wildlife and outback that make the country a top vacation idea for Canadians, year after year.

After the professional events, trade attendees can offer their clients the chance to sample some Aussie delights at Goway’s consumer event: “Come Walkabout” Australia Travel Night taking place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front Street East. More information on this event and other during G’Day Toronto can be found at www.Australia.com/gdaytoronto.

To register for the workshop, contact Goway Travel (416) 322 1034 or visit www.goway.com/workshops.

Goway Announces Special ‘Aussie’ Night

Over 30 Australian travel industry representatives will be travelling to Toronto in early August to join Goway’s annual “Pow Wow” Aussie training program to update the company’s reservations teams on news from the Lands Downunder. Over 600 appointments will be conducted totalling over 120 hours of product training!

Goway will also host a special Australia evening at the Marriott Toronto Bloor Yorkville, 90 Bloor Street East on Wednesday 6 August from 6pm-9pm. Travel Agents and consumers are given the opportunity to meet the visiting hotel, tour and tourist board representatives from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory and to attend an informative Goway presentation on Australia. Registration is FREE with advance registration at Goway.com/venues, and all attendees will be entered into a draw to win a Grand Prize of a trip for 2 to Australia.

Goway Offers New Australia Luxury Rail Cruise – ‘The Southern Spirit’

Goway has announced a new luxurious train service called ‘The Southern Spirit’ that will operate each summer season from November 2008 on a variety of outback Australian train routes.

The Southern Spirit will be a luxury Australian rail cruise offering 8 different itineraries that visit a number of different destinations across Australia’s rail network, combined with deluxe excursions and exclusive events. The Inaugural journey departs Darwin on 25 November 2008 bound for Sydney on a 13 day/12 night rail cruise across the heart of Australia. It will travel through the Red Centre to the scenic south-east corner, with stopovers in Katherine, Alice Springs, Cooper Pedy, Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra and Moss Vale. Each unique journey on board the Southern Spirit will take guests through some of the most breathtaking scenery Australia has to offer. On board, guests will enjoy unparalleled luxury and unmatched personal attention with 24-hour cabin service. Guests can choose to travel in the prestigious new Platinum Service deluxe cabins or the hallmark Gold Service, with all the creature comforts in a compact twin cabin.

The transcontinental journeys are combined with a suite of deluxe excursions staying at five-star hotels, together with once in a lifetime exclusive events at stops along the way. The uniquely Australian events include a candlelit dinner underground at Coober Pedy or a spectacular seafood dinner in a marquee on Coffs Harbor Jetty or Australia Day celebrations 36 storeys up, overlooking the spectacular harbour city of Sydney at sunset. Each itinerary offers a different combination of journeys and experiences. For example, itinerary 5 ‘The Great Coastal Epic’ is an impressive rail cruise from Perth following the coast through four states, visiting six mainland capitals, and arriving in to the sunshine city of Brisbane after 13 days and 12 nights.

Great Southern Rail, Chief Executive Officer Tony Braxton-Smith said, “The Southern Spirit is not only a new Australian train journey with a fantastic array of destinations and experiences, it sets a completely new standard of deluxe rail travel in Australia”. “Each of the eight luxury rail cruises showcases some of Australia-s most prestigious tourism offerings. There is something to tempt everyone, from the adventurous and exciting to the laid-back and indulgent. The Southern Spirit is a perfect mix of the rich diversity of Australia’s landscape and some of the most exciting city highlights”, he added.

“We are delighted to bring this new luxury rail travel to the North America marketplace. Our agent partners have come to expect that Goway will have the latest product offers, and the new Southern Spirit journeys are a fantastic way for Canadians to experience our majestic landscape” commented Product and Marketing Manager, Emma Cottis.

The Southern Spirit journeys will run from November 2008 to February 2009 with each offering an adventure of a lifetime combining luxury travel, iconic outback experiences and once in a lifetime events.

For more information call 800 387 8850 or visit Goway.com and select “Rail Travel”.

Goway Announces ‘Platinum Service’ Rail Travel

Platinum CabinGoway Travel, the leading experts in travel Downunder, have announced that they are now offering a new level of service aboard The Ghan rail service between Adelaide and Darwin for travel from 10 September 2008. Ticket sales will open on Monday, 5 May 2008.

Platinum Cabin LoungePlatinum Service introduces a new spacious deluxe cabin with a level of appointment that matches the best train cabins in the world. This is complemented by a new standard of service that reflects a deluxe hotel. Platinum Service will be very exclusive, with a total of 25 cabins in 5 carriages that accommodate up to 50 guests. This service will be available once a week on The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin (departing Wednesday) and once a week on The Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide (departing Saturday).

Emma Cottis, Product Manager for Goway Travel commented “We are delighted to be able to offer this new service to travellers. The Ghan has always been a memorable journey, and we are now able to offer this premium service which includes priority boarding and 24 hour room service to the luxuriously appointed cabins. Platinum service may be booked as an upgrade to any of Goway’s packages”.

Almost twice the size of the Gold Service cabins, the new Platinum cabin has been designed with all modern comforts in classic style with a distinctly Australian character. Platinum Service has been designed to meet the needs of the discerning traveller looking for the ultimate level of comfort and sophistication as they take one of the world’s great train journeys through the heart of Australia.

Goway’s 132-page 2008/2009 brochure can be viewed online goway.com/brochure.html or requested by calling 1-800-387-8850.

Australia Brings Visitors Closer to Wildlife

Marching Penguins - The Nobbies CentreVictoria’s newest marine attraction, the Nobbies Centre in Phillip Island Nature Park, has opened after a $6.1 million redevelopment. In a first for Australian tourism, hi-tech cameras allow visitors close-up viewing of the world’s second largest Australian Fur Seal colony at Seal Rock (numbering 20,000) as they frolic in Bass Strait. Dolphins and sharks can also be spotted, as well as the rich bird life nesting in the cliffs. Entry to the centre is free.

Phillip Island Nature Park is also renowned as the home of Australia’s most popular natural wildlife attraction, the world famous Penguin Parade. Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island features wildlife reserves, wetlands and breathtaking coastlines, offering some of the most intimate viewing experiences of Australian wildlife in their natural habitats.

Each night at sunset visitors flock to Phillip Island’s Summerland Beach to observe the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins as they waddle ashore to their sand dune burrows after a long day of fishing. Among numerous ways to enjoy the spectacle, the newest is the exclusive Penguin Sky Box, which accommodates just five people per night. Visitors can also get closer to the action with a Private Penguin Parade, complete with personalized ranger commentary. Ideal for those seeking an even more intimate eco encounter is the Ultimate Penguin Tour, where guests are escorted to a secluded beach where they use night-vision goggles to watch as the Little Penguins pass by mere inches away.

Today, visitors can commemorate their experience by “Adopting a Penguin,” which provides an adoption certificate, personalized thank you card with photo and free Penguin Parade entry voucher, as well as regular updates on what it’s eating, where it’s swimming, if it’s in love (penguins mate for life) or is nurturing new offspring. The $75 donation supports the Penguin Foundation and builds a Little Penguin nesting box to enhance the safety of a “penguin couple” and improve its long-term prospects for successful breeding.

Also at Phillip Island is the Koala Conservation Centre, which brings visitors face-to-face with Australia’s iconic marsupials. A series of treetop boardwalks allows guests to view the beguiling creatures in their natural environment. The Koala Conservation Centre has Australia’s highest ecotourism rating and has played an important role in saving Phillip Island’s koala population. The centre also boasts a woodland walk through natural bush where wallabies, possums, echidnas, and snakes are regularly spotted.

An easy way to see Phillip Island Nature Park is with Goway’s five-day “Classic Victoria” package. After being met on arrival and transferred to a hotel of choice, a day of leisure awaits with ample time to explore Melbourne’s fabulous alfresco eateries or wander and shop in the city’s famed laneways.

Day two features sightseeing in the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, including the bustling Queen Victoria market, where all of Australia is on sale. In the evening, board the award winning Colonial Tramcar restaurant and enjoy a 5 course gourmet meal with vintage spirits as you wine and dine through Melbourne by night.

day three enjoy an afternoon departure for Phillip Island to visit the world famous “Little Penguin Parade” by way of Melbourne’s beachside suburbs of Brighton and Black Rock. As the sun sets the Penguin Parade begins, with thousands of Little Penguins arriving onshore from their ocean feeding grounds, “walking and talking” loudly as they work their way back to their burrow nests.

On the next day, you’ll be taken to the Great Ocean Road, visiting the iconic cities of Torquay and Apollo Bay, and you’ll stay overnight at Lorne, learning about the natural and man-made history of the region and visiting nature preserves and Victorian rainforests.

Day five will take you to the iconic Twelve Apostles, known for its breathtaking scenery travelling along what is known as the Shipwreck Coast.

Hear how the Twelve Apostles were created and continue on to Loch Ard Gorge, where you will hear the dramatic story of the shipwreck and its two survivors. You’ll return to Melbourne in time for the evening meal.

Per person prices for Goway’s five-night “Classic Victoria” package start at $832 per person through March 31, 2009, and include four nights accommodation with a choice of standard, first class or deluxe hotel, half-day Melbourne city sights tour, Phillip Island tour, Great Ocean Road tour, roundtrip private car transfers, and Colonial Tramcar dinner.

For more information or to book, visit Goway’s website at Goway.com or call toll-free (800)-387-8850.

Selling Motorcoach Tours with Goway is a Rewarding Experience for Agents.


Travel Agents can now earn up to $100 in points on their Goway-Amex Persona Card when they book escorted tours to Australia and New Zealand by 31 March 2008.

Goway is the leading North American wholesaler for the “Lands Down Under” and works closely with the leading motorcoach operators Horizon Holidays, AAT Kings, Scenic Tours and Australian Pacific Touring. And for a limited time, Goway will reward agent bookings with $100 in points credited to the agents Goway-Amex Persona Incentive card for selected tours. All bookings of escorted tours of 10 days or longer offered by the four coach companies listed will qualify when the deposit is received by 31 March 2008.

This incentive is valid only on new bookings made from 25 February 2008 and may not be combined with any other incentives or discounts. The incentive payment is based on $50 per person on deposited files only. The Incentive payment will be credited to the agents incentive card once final payment is received.

“Coach touring is a great way to experience Australia and New Zealand” commented Product and Marketing Manager, Emma Cottis, “It’s a worry free tour for travellers ensuring they see all of the key sights under the guidance of a professional Tour Director. And for agents, it’s a simple sale that earns great commissions and now qualifies for a fantastic incentive payment!”

Agents that do not hold a Goway-Amex Personal card can register at GowayAgent.com to receive a personalized re-loadable Persona Card. The Persona Card is a stored value card that can be redeemed at a wide variety of retail and entertainment outlets, including The Bay, The Sony Store, Golf Town many other recognizable outlets.