Sunday Territorian 18 May 2014
Sunday Territorian; NewspaperNT
2014-05-18
This publication contains may contain links to external sites. These external sites may no longer be active.
English
Community newspapers -- Northern Territory -- Darwin.; Australian newspapers -- Northern Territory -- Darwin.
Nationwide News Pty. Limited
Darwin
application/pdf
Copyright. Made available by the publisher under licence.
Nationwide News Pty. Limited
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2019C00042
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/250745
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/552844
40 TRAVEL SUNDAY MAY 18 2014 NTNE01Z01MA - V1 24 ESCAPE SUNDAY MAY 11 2014 ESCAPE.COM.AU ESCE01Z10MA - V1 THERE are many great drives across Australia, but not many as intriguing as Gippslands Aberfeldy Track. It has all the elements of a thrilling off-road adventure rugged, unsealed roads through spectacular scenery, mixed with fascinating stories and remnants of the gold-rush era. The track is home to some of the most untouched goldmining history in Victoria and many of its treasures have been hidden from the world until now. Before we get on the track, our journey begins in the gold mining town of Walhalla. An easy 2 -hours drive east of Melbourne, nestled in the Stringers Creek Valley, known as the Valley of the Gods. Today it is filled with lush trees and the sound of the creek running through, a stark contrast to the gold-mining days of the 1860s, when the entire area was stripped bare of any trees and you would have heard the sound of the water wheel running 24 hours a day. Walking along the main street, it feels as if weve stepped back in time to when Walhalla was one of the richest gold mining areas in the state. Even the original bank vault is a reminder of the towns fortune. When the rush was over in 1915, everyone packed up and moved on and the town was pretty much left abandoned for 70 to 80 years, so it escaped development. It wasnt until the 1970s when communities had more of an appreciation of Australias heritage that people started coming back to restore the buildings. The town is a blend of original facades and those that have been replicated, but its hard to tell which is which. In On the track of history Gippslands Aberfeldy Track puts an exciting new self-drive adventure on the map. Jennifer Adams took the drive GOLD-RUSH TALES GIPPSLAND visit hoot.com.au/thailand follow facebook.com/hoot Important Information: Prices shown are a guide only, please contact one of our Holiday Champions for an exact quote on the dates you wish to travel and any conditions that may apply. Prices are per person and include airfares, all taxes, transfers & twin share accommodation (maximum 2 children per room). Kids eat free - some conditions may apply. Hotel specials have varied travel dates, block-out dates & high season surcharges may apply, especially during school holidays. Prices are also subject to change without notice due to currency, tax fluctuations & fuel surcharges. ~Savings are per person based on difference between year round airfare and hotel offer. Special airfare for select departures to 30 Nov 14, block-out dates apply. Lic. 2TA06577. HT9242R Call HOOT 13 13 81 visit hootholidays.com.au/vanuatu follow facebook.com/hootholidays Call Now! Open Sunday 9am - 4pm, Monday - Friday 9am - 5.30pm FORMERLY KNOWN AS FREE NIGHTS ON US? Lets hear it for Vanuatu. BONU S 2 FREE NIGHT S THIS WEEKS HOT SPECIAL Nasama Resort Just 10 minutes from Port Vila, with self contained apartments. This resort offers spectacular views. 5 NIGHTS from $1000222555 Airfares, transfers & taxes 5 nights in a Beach View Studio Hot Spots discount voucher booklet with discounts for restaurants, tours and much more Savings to the value of $330 BONU S FREE N IGHT & BRE AKFAS T DAILY Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu Perfect for families, kids will adore the interactive kids pool, kids club and daily family activities. 5 NIGHTS from $1225555555 Airfares, transfers & taxes 5 nights in a Garden View Room Hot Spots discount voucher booklet with discounts for restaurants, tours and much more Savings to the value of $245 BONU S FREE NIGHT & BRE AKFAS T DAILY Iririki Island Resort Private island resort featuring 3 restaurants, 2 pools and 2 beach areas. Only minutes from the heart of Port Vila. 5 NIGHTS from $1222222555 Airfares, transfers & taxes 5 nights in an Island Fare Hot Spots discount voucher booklet with discounts for restaurants, tours and much more Savings to the value of $235 Warwick Le Lagon Resort Our most popular resort set on a spectacular lagoon. 2 swimming pools, spa, golf course and kids club. 5 NIGHTS from $1444999555 Airfares, transfers & taxes 5 nights in a Garden Superior Room Hot Spots discount voucher booklet with discounts for restaurants, tours and much more Savings to the value of $300 BONU S FREE N IGHT, BREAK FAST & RESOR T CREDI T Escape www.escape.com.au On the track of history THERE are many great drives across Australia, but not many as intriguing as Gippslands Aberfeldy Track. It has all the elements of a thrilling off-road adventure rugged, unsealed roads through spectacular scenery, mixed with fascinating stories and remnants of the gold-rush era. The track is home to some of the most untouched goldmining history in Victoria and many of its treasures have been hidden from the world until now. Before we get on the track, our journey begins in the goldmining town of Walhalla. An easy 2 -hours drive east of Melbourne, nestled in the Stringers Creek Valley, known as the Valley of the Gods. Today it is filled with lush trees and the sound of the creek running through, a stark contrast to the goldmining days of the 1860s, when the entire area was stripped bare of any trees and you would have heard the sound of the water wheel running 24 hours a day. Walking along the main street, it feels as if weve stepped back in time to when Walhalla was one of the richest goldmining areas in the state. Even the original bank vault is a reminder of the towns fortune. When the rush was over in 1915, everyone packed up and moved on and the town was pretty much left abandoned for 70 to 80 years, so it escaped development. It wasnt until the 1970s when communities had more of an appreciation of Australias heritage that people started coming back to restore the buildings. The town is a blend of original facades and those that have been replicated, but its hard to tell which is which. In the peak of the rush, Walhalla was home to 4500 people; today it has just 15 locals, all of who are passionate about their town and its history. Local resident Michael Leaney rebuilt the old Star Hotel 14 years ago, and today its a thriving business with scrumptious food, luxury accommodation and the warmest of welcomes. Spending time with Michael, were swept away with his love of this tiny town thats locked in time. We are taken on a tour of the nearby Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine where we hear stories of miners stuffing gold in their shoes, then a ride through the spectacular Stringers Creek Gorge on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, which was rebuilt 20 years ago and is now operated by volunteers from the region. While Walhalla was home to one of the most successful gold mines in Victorias history, the surrounding areas were also alive with miners seeking their fortune. But up until recently, its been predominantly hidden from the world. Thats until a team of local historians took on an exciting new project. They spent 18 months carefully piecing together the many stories of the communities who lived and worked along the Aberfeldy track during the gold rush, and opened the Aberfeldy 4WD Track for all to enjoy. Stretching about 180km, the Aberfeldy Track begins at the town of Erica and follows a figure-eight circuit around the town of Aberfeldy. It takes in the regions significant gold fields and the transportation route for horse and carts, passing through some of the areas most stunning landscapes, from rugged bush to spectacular mountain views. Guided by more than 50 interpretative historic markers, we pass old mine shafts and relics of old huts where people lived, even an old cricket pitch where games would have been enjoyed by the hardworking miners. We meet one of the team members instrumental in piecing together the route, Noel Lees, who has been a park ranger in the area for more than 30 years, and says its a dream come true to bring the stories alive. Just like the meticulous effort it would have taken to find gold 125 years ago, Noel and his team painstakingly traced old records and transferred them on to a modern map. They then found bits of glass here and there and surveyed the region with metal detectors. But its when Noel takes us to a burial site in the middle of the bushland that the true spirit of the Aberfeldy Track is felt. Not only is it a spectacular driving track filled with fascinating stories, but the efforts of the team have uncovered the final resting place of many people who historically called this place home. Along the route, we pass people camping alongside the track and fishing in the river. We follow the track that takes us up to the most beautiful lookouts over the Baw Baw National Park. As we steal a moment watching the sun go down over the timeless mountain ranges, we can hear campers in the valley playing cricket and cheering. For a moment, its hard to know whether its 2014, or the late 1800s. We set up camp just north of Erica, and wake to the sound of birds and the wind rustling through trees. After a leisurely breakfast, we take the 1.5km walk through the lush forest to Mushroom Rocks. As we climb higher, a maze of giant granite moss-covered tors rise from forest, and the classic alpine scenery of snow gums tower above, until finally we make it to the rock that looks as if its been plucked from a childrens fairytale book. The giant boulders were formed between 360 and 370 million years ago, and its a place I am sure those earlier settlers would have also enjoyed, looking out over the spectacular landscape of Gippsland and the Aberfeldy Track. Places We Go travelled on the Aberfeldy Track as guests of Destination Gippsland, inspiredbygippsland.com.au Gippslands Aberfeldy Track puts an exciting new self-drive adventure on the map. Jennifer Adams took the drive ESCAPE.COM.AU SUNDAY MAY 11 2014 ESCAPE 25 V1 - ESCE01Z10MA the peak of the rush, Walhalla was home to 4500 people; today it has just 15 locals, all of who are passionate about their town and its history. Local resident Michael Leaney rebuilt the old Star Hotel 14 years ago, and today its a thriving business with scrumptious food, luxury accommodation and the warmest of welcomes. Spending time with Michael, were swept away with his love of this tiny town thats locked in time. We are taken on a tour of the nearby Long Tunnel modern map. They then found bits of glass here and there and surveyed the region with metal detectors. But its when Noel takes us to a burial site in the middle of the bushland that the true spirit of the Aberfeldy Track is felt. Not only is it a spectacular driving track filled with fascinating stories, but the efforts of the team have uncovered the final resting place of many people who historically called this place home. Along the route, we pass people camping alongside the track and fishing in the river. We follow the track that takes us up to the most beautiful lookouts over the Baw Baw National Park. As we steal a moment watching the sun go down over the timeless mountain ranges, we can hear campers in the valley playing cricket and cheering. For a moment, its hard to know whether its 2014, or the late 1800s. We set up camp just north of Erica, and wake to the sound of birds and the wind rustling through trees. After a leisurely breakfast, we take the 1.5km walk through the lush forest to Mushroom Rocks. As we climb higher, a maze of giant granite moss-covered tors rise from forest, and the classic alpine scenery of snow gums tower above, until finally we make it to the rock that looks as if its been plucked from a childrens fairytale book. The giant boulders were formed between 360 and 370 million years ago, and its a place I am sure those earlier settlers would have also enjoyed, looking out over the spectacular landscape of Gippsland and the Aberfeldy Track. Places We Go travelled on the Aberfeldy Track as guests of Destination Gippsland, inspiredbygippsland.com.au new project. They spent 18 months carefully piecing together the many stories of the communities who lived and worked along the Aberfeldy track during the gold rush, and opened the Aberfeldy 4WD Track for all to enjoy. Stretching about 180km, the Aberfeldy Track begins at the town of Erica and follows a figure-eight circuit around the town of Aberfeldy. It takes in the regions significant gold fields and the transportation route for horse and carts, passing through some of the areas most stunning landscapes, from rugged bush to spectacular mountain views. Guided by more than 50 interpretative historic markers, we pass old mine shafts and relics of old huts where people lived, even an old cricket pitch where games would have been enjoyed by the hardworking miners. We meet one of the team members instrumental in piecing together the route, Noel Lees, who has been a park ranger in the area for more than 30 years, and says its a dream come true to bring the stories alive. Just like the meticulous effort it would have taken to find gold 125 years ago, Noel and his team painstakingly traced old records and transferred them on to a Extended Gold Mine where we hear stories of miners stuffing gold in their shoes, then a ride through the spectacular Stringers Creek Gorge on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, which was rebuilt 20 years ago and is now operated by volunteers from the region. While Walhalla was home to one of the most successful gold mines in Victorias history, the surrounding areas were also alive with miners seeking their fortune. But up until recently, its been predominantly hidden from the world. Thats until a team of local historians took on an exciting STAYING THERE Star Hotel Walhalla starhotel.com.au DOING THERE Long Tunnel Gold Mine inspiredbygippsland.com.au Aberfeldy Track inspiredbygippsland.com.au Walhalla Goldfields Railway walhallarail.com GO2 GIPPSLAND WATCH PLACES WE GO SATURDAYS AT 4.30PM (AEST) NETWORK 10 PLACESWEGO.COM GOLDEN GLOW: (clockwise from far left) Walhalla Goldfields Railway; passing fellow travellers and campers; Walhalla in the Valley of the Gods; camping on the Aberfeldy Track; Michael Leaney and the Star Hotel; and beautiful views on the Aberfeldy Track. visit hoot.com.au/thailand follow facebook.com/hoot Important Information: Prices shown are a guide only, please contact one of our Holiday Champions for an exact quote on the dates you wish to travel and any conditions that may apply. Prices are per person and include airfares, all taxes, transfers & twin share accommodation (maximum 2 children per room). Kids eat free - some conditions may apply. Hotel specials have varied travel dates, block-out dates & high season surcharges may apply, especially during school holidays. Prices are also subject to change without notice due to currency, tax fluctuations & fuel surcharges. ~Savings are per person based on difference between year round airfare and hotel offer. Special airfare for select departures to 30 Nov 14, block-out dates apply. Lic. 2TA06577. HT9242R Call HOOT 13 13 81 visit hootholidays.com.au/vanuatu follow facebook.com/hootholidays Call Now! Open Sunday 9am - 4pm, Monday - Friday 9am - 5.30pm FORMERLY KNOWN AS FREE NIGHTS ON US? Lets hear it for Vanuatu. BONU S 2 FREE NIGHT S THIS WEEKS HOT SPECIAL Nasama Resort Just 10 minutes from Port Vila, with self contained apartments. This resort offers spectacular views. 5 NIGHTS from $1000222555 Airfares, transfers & taxes 5 nights in a Beach View Studio Hot Spots discount voucher booklet with discounts for restaurants, tours and much more Savings to the value of $330 BONU S FREE N IGHT & BRE AKFAS T DAILY Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu Perfect for families, kids will adore the interactive kids pool, kids club and daily family activities. 5 NIGHTS from $1225555555 Airfares, transfers & taxes 5 nights in a Garden View Room Hot Spots discount voucher booklet with discounts for restaurants, tours and much more Savings to the value of $245 BONU S FREE NIGHT & BRE AKFAS T DAILY Iririki Island Resort Private island resort featuring 3 restaurants, 2 pools and 2 beach areas. Only minutes from the heart of Port Vila. 5 NIGHTS from $1222222555 Airfares, transfers & taxes 5 nights in an Island Fare Hot Spots discount voucher booklet with discounts for restaurants, tours and much more Savings to the value of $235 Warwick Le Lagon Resort Our most popular resort set on a spectacular lagoon. 2 swimming pools, spa, golf course and kids club. 5 NIGHTS from $1444999555 Airfares, transfers & taxes 5 nights in a Garden Superior Room Hot Spots discount voucher booklet with discounts for restaurants, tours and much more Savings to the value of $300 BONU S FREE N IGHT, BREAK FAST & RESOR T CREDI T 131 600 Restrictions and conditions apply. Please ask us for further details or visit our website at www.flightcentre.com.au. *Travel restrictions and conditions apply. Please ask us for further details. Prices and taxes are correct as at 6 May 14 and are subject to change without notice. Prices quoted are on sale until 16 May 14 unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. Prices are per person, twin share and are subject to availability. Complimentary beverages exclude French Champagne, premium spirits and selected wines. ^Includes taxes of up to $950. ~Includes taxes of up to $600. Updates and corrections to advertised products including pricing may be found at www.f ightcentre.com.au/ads. FROM SYDNEY. Flight Centre Travel Group Limited (ABN 25 003 377 188) trading as Flight Centre. Licence No. 2TA002719. sst_11may_6x6_rc APT River Cruising FLY FREE!* Magnif cent Europe 14 nights from $7795 * Includes a river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, all meals on board including unlimited drinks & a range of cultural experiences. BONUS Fly FREE to Europe!^ Best of Vietnam & Cambodia 11-day tour + 9 nights cruising from $8095 * Includes a tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City plus a 7-night Mekong cruise & 2-night Halong Bay cruise, most meals on board including unlimited drinks & a range of cultural experiences. BONUS Fly FREE to Vietnam! ~ Find more deals at f ightcentre.com.au Restrictionsions andand condditions apply Please ask us for f ESCAPE.COM.AU SUNDAY MAY 11 2014 ESCAPE 25 V1 - ESCE01Z10MA the peak of the rush, Walhalla was home to 4500 people; today it has just 15 locals, all of who are passionate about their town and its history. Local resident Michael Leaney rebuilt the old Star Hotel 14 years ago, and today its a thriving business with scrumptious food, luxury accommodation and the warmest of welcomes. Spending time with Michael, were swept away with his love of this tiny town thats locked in time. We are taken on a tour of the nearby Long Tunnel modern map. They then found bits of glass here and there and surveyed the region with metal detectors. But its when Noel takes us to a burial site in the middle of the bushland that the true spirit of the Aberfeldy Track is felt. Not only is it a spectacular driving track filled with fascinating stories, but the efforts of the team have uncovered the final resting place of many people who historically called this place home. Along the route, we pass people camping alongside the track and fishing in the river. We follow the track that takes us up to the most beautiful lookouts over the Baw Baw National Park. As we steal a moment watching the sun go down over the timeless mountain ranges, we can hear campers in the valley playing cricket and cheering. For a moment, its hard to know whether its 2014, or the late 1800s. We set up camp just north of Erica, and wake to the sound of birds and the wind rustling through trees. After a leisurely breakfast, we take the 1.5km walk through the lush forest to Mushroom Rocks. As we climb higher, a maze of giant granite moss-covered tors rise from forest, and the classic alpine scenery of snow gums tower above, until finally we make it to the rock that looks as if its been plucked from a childrens fairytale book. The giant boulders were formed between 360 and 370 million years ago, and its a place I am sure those earlier settlers would have also enjoyed, looking out over the spectacular landscape of Gippsland and the Aberfeldy Track. Places We Go travelled on the Aberfeldy Track as guests of Destination Gippsland, inspiredbygippsland.com.au new project. They spent 18 months carefully piecing together the many stories of the communities who lived and worked along the Aberfeldy track during the gold rush, and opened the Aberfeldy 4WD Track for all to enjoy. Stretching about 180km, the Aberfeldy Track begins at the town of Erica and follows a figure-eight circuit around the town of Aberfeldy. It takes in the regions significant gold fields and the transportation route for horse and carts, passing through some of the areas most stunning landscapes, from rugged bush to spectacular mountain views. Guided by more than 50 interpretative historic markers, we pass old mine shafts and relics of old huts where people lived, even an old cricket pitch where games would have been enjoyed by the hardworking miners. We meet one of the team members instrumental in piecing together the route, Noel Lees, who has been a park ranger in the area for more than 30 years, and says its a dream come true to bring the stories alive. Just like the meticulous effort it would have taken to find gold 125 years ago, Noel and his team painstakingly traced old records and transferred them on to a Extended Gold Mine where we hear stories of miners stuffing gold in their shoes, then a ride through the spectacular Stringers Creek Gorge on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, which was rebuilt 20 years ago and is now operated by volunteers from the region. While Walhalla was home to one of the most successful gold mines in Victorias history, the surrounding areas were also alive with miners seeking their fortune. But up until recently, its been predominantly hidden from the world. Thats until a team of local historians took on an exciting STAYING THERE Star Hotel Walhalla starhotel.com.au DOING THERE Long Tunnel Gold Mine inspiredbygippsland.com.au Aberfeldy Track inspiredbygippsland.com.au Walhalla Goldfields Railway walhallarail.com GO2 GIPPSLAND WATCH PLACES WE GO SATURDAYS AT 4.30PM (AEST) NETWORK 10 PLACESWEGO.COM GOLDEN GLOW: (clockwise from far left) Walhalla Goldfields Railway; passing fellow travellers and campers; Walhalla in the Valley of the Gods; camping on the Aberfeldy Track; Michael Leaney and the Star Hotel; and beautiful views on the Aberfeldy Track. visit hoot.com.au/thailand follow facebook.com/hoot Important Information: Prices shown are a guide only, please contact one of our Holiday Champions for an exact quote on the dates you wish to travel and any conditions that may apply. Prices are per person and include airfares, all taxes, transfers & twin share accommodation (maximum 2 children per room). Kids eat free - some conditions may apply. Hotel specials have varied travel dates, block-out dates & high season surcharges may apply, especially during school holidays. Prices are also subject to change without notice due to currency, tax fluctuations & fuel surcharges. ~Savings are per person based on difference between year round airfare and hotel offer. Special airfare for select departures to 30 Nov 14, block-out dates apply. Lic. 2TA06577. HT9242R Call HOOT 13 13 81 visit hootholidays.com.au/vanuatu follow facebook.com/hootholidays Call Now! Open Sunday 9am - 4pm, Monday - Friday 9am - 5.30pm FORMERLY KNOWN AS FREE NIGHTS ON US? Lets hear it for Vanuatu. BONU S 2 FREE NIGHT S THIS WEEKS HOT SPECIAL Nasama Resort Just 10 minutes from Port Vila, with self contained apartments. This resort offers spectacular views. 5 NIGHTS from $1000222555 Airfares, transfers & taxes 5 nights in a Beach View Studio Hot Spots discount voucher booklet with discounts for restaurants, tours and much more Savings to the value of $330 BONU S FREE N IGHT & BRE AKFAS T DAILY Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu Perfect for families, kids will adore the interactive kids pool, kids club and daily family activities. 5 NIGHTS from $1225555555 Airfares, transfers & taxes 5 nights in a Garden View Room Hot Spots discount voucher booklet with discounts for restaurants, tours and much more Savings to the value of $245 BONU S FREE N IGHT & BRE AKFAS T DAILY Iririki Island Resort Private island resort featuring 3 restaurants, 2 pools and 2 beach areas. Only minutes from the heart of Port Vila. 5 NIGHTS from $1222222555 Airfares, transfers & taxes 5 nights in an Island Fare Hot Spots discount voucher booklet with discounts for restaurants, tours and much more Savings to the value of $235 Warwick Le Lagon Resort Our most popular resort set on a spectacular lagoon. 2 swimming pools, spa, golf course and kids club. 5 NIGHTS from $1444999555 Airfares, transfers & taxes 5 nights in a Garden Superior Room Hot Spots discount voucher booklet with discounts for restaurants, tours and much more Savings to the value of $300 BONU S FREE N IGHT, BREAK FAST & RESOR T CREDI T 131 600 Restrictions and conditions apply. Please ask us for further details or visit our website at www.flightcentre.com.au. *Travel restrictions and conditions apply. Please ask us for further details. Prices and taxes are correct as at 6 May 14 and are subject to change without notice. Prices quoted are on sale until 16 May 14 unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. Prices are per person, twin share and are subject to availability. Complimentary beverages exclude French Champagne, premium spirits and selected wines. ^Includes taxes of up to $950. ~Includes taxes of up to $600. Updates and corrections to advertised products including pricing may be found at www.f ightcentre.com.au/ads. FROM SYDNEY. Flight Centre Travel Group Limited (ABN 25 003 377 188) trading as Flight Centre. Licence No. 2TA002719. sst_11may_6x6_rc APT River Cruising FLY FREE!* Magnif cent Europe 14 nights from $7795 * Includes a river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, all meals on board including unlimited drinks & a range of cultural experiences. BONUS Fly FREE to Europe!^ Best of Vietnam & Cambodia 11-day tour + 9 nights cruising from $8095 * Includes a tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City plus a 7-night Mekong cruise & 2-night Halong Bay cruise, most meals on board including unlimited drinks & a range of cultural experiences. BONUS Fly FREE to Vietnam! ~ Find more deals at f ightcentre.com.au Restrictionsions andand condditions apply Please ask us for f 24 ESCAPE SUNDAY MAY 11 2014 ESCAPE.COM.AU ESCE01Z10MA - V1 THERE are many great drives across Australia, but not many as intriguing as Gippslands Aberfeldy Track. It has all the elements of a thrilling off-road adventure rugged, unsealed roads through spectacular scenery, mixed with fascinating stories and remnants of the gold-rush era. The track is home to some of the most untouched goldmining history in Victoria and many of its treasures have been hidden from the world until now. Before we get on the track, our journey begins in the gold mining town of Walhalla. An easy 2 -hours drive east of Melbourne, nestled in the Stringers Creek Valley, known as the Valley of the Gods. Today it is filled with lush trees and the sound of the creek running through, a stark contrast to the gold-mining days of the 1860s, when the entire area was stripped bare of any trees and you would have heard the sound of the water wheel running 24 hours a day. Walking along the main street, it feels as if weve stepped back in time to when Walhalla was one of the richest gold mining areas in the state. Even the original bank vault is a reminder of the towns fortune. When the rush was over in 1915, everyone packed up and moved on and the town was pretty much left abandoned for 70 to 80 years, so it escaped development. It wasnt until the 1970s when communities had more of an appreciation of Australias heritage that people started coming back to restore the buildings. The town is a blend of original facades and those that have been replicated, but its hard to tell which is which. In On the track of history Gippslands Aberfeldy Track puts an exciting new self-drive adventure on the map. Jennifer Adams took the drive GOLD-RUSH TALES GIPPSLAND visit hoot.com.au/thailand follow facebook.com/hoot Important Information: Prices shown are a guide only, please contact one of our Holiday Champions for an exact quote on the dates you wish to travel and any conditions that may apply. Prices are per person and include airfares, all taxes, transfers & twin share accommodation (maximum 2 children per room). Kids eat free - some conditions may apply. Hotel specials have varied travel dates, block-out dates & high season surcharges may apply, especially during school holidays. Prices are also subject to change without notice due to currency, tax fluctuations & fuel surcharges. ~Savings are per person based on difference between year round airfare and hotel offer. Special airfare for select departures to 30 Nov 14, block-out dates apply. Lic. 2TA06577. HT9242R Call HOOT 13 13 81 visit hootholidays.com.au/vanuatu follow facebook.com/hootholidays Call Now! Open Sunday 9am - 4pm, Monday - Friday 9am - 5.30pm FORMERLY KNOWN AS FREE NIGHTS ON US? Lets hear it for Vanuatu. BONU S 2 FREE NIGHT S THIS WEEKS HOT SPECIAL Nasama Resort Just 10 minutes from Port Vila, with self contained apartments. This resort offers spectacular views. 5 NIGHTS from $1000222555 Airfares, transfers & taxes 5 nights in a Beach View Studio Hot Spots discount voucher booklet with discounts for restaurants, tours and much more Savings to the value of $330 BONU S FREE N IGHT & BRE AKFAS T DAILY Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu Perfect for families, kids will adore the interactive kids pool, kids club and daily family activities. 5 NIGHTS from $1225555555 Airfares, transfers & taxes 5 nights in a Garden View Room Hot Spots discount voucher booklet with discounts for restaurants, tours and much more Savings to the value of $245 BONU S FREE NIGHT & BRE AKFAS T DAILY Iririki Island Resort Private island resort featuring 3 restaurants, 2 pools and 2 beach areas. Only minutes from the heart of Port Vila. 5 NIGHTS from $1222222555 Airfares, transfers & taxes 5 nights in an Island Fare Hot Spots discount voucher booklet with discounts for restaurants, tours and much more Savings to the value of $235 Warwick Le Lagon Resort Our most popular resort set on a spectacular lagoon. 2 swimming pools, spa, golf course and kids club. 5 NIGHTS from $1444999555 Airfares, transfers & taxes 5 nights in a Garden Superior Room Hot Spots discount voucher booklet with discounts for restaurants, tours and much more Savings to the value of $300 BONU S FREE N IGHT, BREAK FAST & RESOR T CREDI T 24 ESCAPE SUNDAY MAY 11 2014 ESCAPE.COM.AU ESCE01Z10MA - V1 THERE are many great drives across Australia, but not many as intriguing as Gippslands Aberfeldy Track. It has all the elements of a thrilling off-road adventure rugged, unsealed roads through spectacular scenery, mixed with fascinating stories and remnants of the gold-rush era. The track is home to some of the most untouched goldmining history in Victoria and many of its treasures have been hidden from the world until now. Before we get on the track, our journey begins in the gold mining town of Walhalla. An easy 2 -hours drive east of Melbourne, nestled in the Stringers Creek Valley, known as the Valley of the Gods. Today it is filled with lush trees and the sound of the creek running through, a stark contrast to the gold-mining days of the 1860s, when the entire area was stripped bare of any trees and you would have heard the sound of the water wheel running 24 hours a day. Walking along the main street, it feels as if weve stepped back in time to when Walhalla was one of the richest gold mining areas in the state. Even the original bank vault is a reminder of the towns fortune. When the rush was over in 1915, everyone packed up and moved on and the town was pretty much left abandoned for 70 to 80 years, so it escaped development. It wasnt until the 1970s when communities had more of an appreciation of Australias heritage that people started coming back to restore the buildings. The town is a blend of original facades and those that have been replicated, but its hard to tell which is which. In On the track of history Gippslands Aberfeldy Track puts an exciting new self-drive adventure on the map. Jennifer Adams took the drive GOLD-RUSH TALES GIPPSLAND visit hoot.com.au/thailand follow facebook.com/hoot Important Information: Prices shown are a guide only, please contact one of our Holiday Champions for an exact quote on the dates you wish to travel and any conditions that may apply. Prices are per person and include airfares, all taxes, transfers & twin share accommodation (maximum 2 children per room). Kids eat free - some conditions may apply. Hotel specials have varied travel dates, block-out dates & high season surcharges may apply, especially during school holidays. Prices are also subject to change without notice due to currency, tax fluctuations & fuel surcharges. ~Savings are per person based on difference between year round airfare and hotel offer. Special airfare for select departures to 30 Nov 14, block-out dates apply. Lic. 2TA06577. HT9242R Call HOOT 13 13 81 visit hootholidays.com.au/vanuatu follow facebook.com/hootholidays Call Now! Open Sunday 9am - 4pm, Monday - Friday 9am - 5.30pm FORMERLY KNOWN AS FREE NIGHTS ON US? Lets hear it for Vanuatu. BONU S 2 FREE NIGHT S THIS WEEKS HOT SPECIAL Nasama Resort Just 10 minutes from Port Vila, with self contained apartments. This resort offers spectacular views. 5 NIGHTS from $1000222555 Airfares, transfers & taxes 5 nights in a Beach View Studio Hot Spots discount voucher booklet with discounts for restaurants, tours and much more Savings to the value of $330 BONU S FREE N IGHT & BRE AKFAS T DAILY Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu Perfect for families, kids will adore the interactive kids pool, kids club and daily family activities. 5 NIGHTS from $1225555555 Airfares, transfers & taxes 5 nights in a Garden View Room Hot Spots discount voucher booklet with discounts for restaurants, tours and much more Savings to the value of $245 BONU S FREE NIGHT & BRE AKFAS T DAILY Iririki Island Resort Private island resort featuring 3 restaurants, 2 pools and 2 beach areas. Only minutes from the heart of Port Vila. 5 NIGHTS from $1222222555 Airfares, transfers & taxes 5 nights in an Island Fare Hot Spots discount voucher booklet with discounts for restaurants, tours and much more Savings to the value of $235 Warwick Le Lagon Resort Our most popular resort set on a spectacular lagoon. 2 swimming pools, spa, golf course and kids club. 5 NIGHTS from $1444999555 Airfares, transfers & taxes 5 nights in a Garden Superior Room Hot Spots discount voucher booklet with discounts for restaurants, tours and much more Savings to the value of $300 BONU S FREE N IGHT, BREAK FAST & RESOR T CREDI T