The collapse of tourism in Southeast Asia means conservation in south-west Cambodia may come to a halt in the next few weeks.
The temporary closure of Cardamom Tented Camp in Cambodia has meant that forest patrols by Wildlife Alliance rangers in Botum Sakor national park in southwest Cambodia may have to be suspended.
The rangers’ equipment, food and wages are provided in entirety by the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation and Cardamom Tented Camp, which both depend on tourism for their income — and consequently have none due to the covid-19 shutdown.
As of mid-May, all 14 rangers policing 18,000 hectares of evergreen lowland forest in the national park are still operating, relying on funds from GTAEF. However, these funds could run out.
Ranger foot patrols to seek out poachers and remove their hunting traps would stop should GTAEF support fail and guests not return to Cardamom Tented Camp in the next months, which seems increasingly likely. This would leave the forest unprotected as rangers return to their home villages.
Visit www.cardamomtentedcamp.com.
MS Jane Austen: luxurious cruising on the Seine.
Francophiles will love a 2021 package that includes free flights to Europe, back-to-back river cruises showcasing the north and south of France, and three nights in a five-star hotel in Paris.
The 20-night ‘France from North to South’ package is being offered by European river-cruise operator, Riviera Travel River Cruises, and Cruise Traveller.
The package includes a seven-night cruise on the Seine River through Normandy in the north of France and another seven-night cruise on the Rhone through Burgundy and Provence in the south of France. Free return flights to Europe are offered as part of the package, with three departure dates from Australia available in 2021 – July 18, September 12 and October 10.
The holiday begins with a night’s stay in a luxury hotel in Paris before guests board Riviera Travel River Cruises’ five-star river ship, MS Jane Austen, for a seven-night return cruise on the Seine River.
The journey takes in the D-Day beaches of Normandy, and nine guided tours are included in the cruise.
The package is available from $8945 per person twin-share.
Visit www.cruisetraveller.com.au.
Groote Eylandt: some of the most exciting and diverse sports fishing in the world.
Groote Eylandt Lodge is offering Northern Territorians a 25 per cent discount off all its fishing packages, inclusive of flights.
Two-day/three-night fishing safaris, normally $3700 per person, are now $2827 per person, a saving of $925 per person for a minimum of two guests and include return airfares from Darwin, twin-share accommodation, all meals, two days of guided fishing and all transfers on Groote Eylandt.
Experienced anglers and novices alike can enjoy some of the most exciting and diverse sports fishing in the world at Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Owned by the Anindilyakwan people, Groote Eylandt is known for its isolated and protected pristine marine environment, spectacular scenery, Aboriginal art and culture, and some of the most amazing fishing in the world.
Visit www.metrohotels.com.au or phone 08 8987 7077.
On the move: Keppel Konnections.
Two key ferry operators — Keppel Konnections and Freedom Fast Cats — to Great Keppel Island on the Southern Great Barrier Reef have returned to the high seas and resumed leisure operations.
Crews will be strictly adhering to social-distancing guidelines and ensuring the safety of all individuals on their shuttle service.
Great Keppel Island Hideaway and Keppel Konnections Group Manager, Kelly Harris, said: “We can’t wait to reopen Great Keppel Island Hideaway for takeaway food and beverage, and limited number of eat-in diners.”
Bookings in advance for both Freedom Fast Cats and Keppel Konnections ferry services are essential.
Visit www.greatkeppelislandhideaway.com.au.
Monaco: home of one of the world’s most exciting street circuits.
After the cancellation of the 2020 Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix and the 2020 Monaco Historic Grand Prix due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Automobile Club de Monaco has decided that it will organise three Grand Prix in 2021 in the space of one month.
The 12th edition of Monaco Historic Grand Prix, initially planned for this May, will now be organised from April 23-25 next year.
This will be followed by the 4th Monaco E-Prix and the 78thMonaco Formula 1 Grand Prix.
This presents a huge logistical challenge for the team and staff at Automobile Club de Monaco, for all major players and authorities of the Principality of Monaco, as well as for the 3000 volunteers — among them 650 stewards and track marshals — whose role will be crucial for the success of the three events.
See www.visitmonaco.com.
Splendid walking: Victoria’s High Country.
Park Trek is offering four days of classic pack-free hiking this November to help support Victoria’s tourism industry with 100 per cent of profits going to bushfire recovery.
During this walking tour through the state’s alpine wilderness, participants will experience fantastic day walks carrying just their lunch and personal belongings in gorgeous alpine wilderness, exploring local sites, and eat out each night to support local businesses.
Climbing to the summit of Mt Jaitmathang is a trip highlight.
The walk is steadily ascending, taking participants from Pretty Valley, past Tawonga Huts and up to the summit.
From here they will gain stunning 360-degree views across Mt Feathertop, Mt Hotham and beyond.
Cost is from $1995 per person twin-share, including all transport ex Melbourne.
Visit www.parktrek.com.au.
NOTE: Potential travellers should check the status of individual events and establishments with regard to the coronavirus outbreak.
