travel
Devonport waterfront precinct.
Tassie gem wins top tourism award
The idyllic seaside town of Devonport in Tasmania has won this year’s Top Tourism Town award.
One of Tasmania’s most popular destinations, Devonport lies on the island state’s northwest coast at the mouth of the sparkling Mersey River.
The Cradle Mountain region’s main hub, Devonport scored high marks for its sprawling green parklands, new waterfront precinct and extensive network of pedestrian and cycling pathways.
This year’s first runner-up was the Victorian gold-rush town of Bendigo. With its heritage architecture, food culture, thriving art scene, and proximity to Melbourne, Bendigo is a popular tourist destination.
The second runner-up was the south-west Queensland town of Roma – only half a day’s drive from Brisbane. Famous for its cattle sale yards and Easter in the Country Festival, Roma is known as the place where the country meets the outback.
South Australia’s finalist for this year’s awards was the coastal town of Victor Harbor. Known for its fine food and wine and stunning natural beauty, Victor Harbor is a tourist favourite.
The annual awards are run by the Australian Tourism Industry Council and supported by Tourism Australia, Qantas and Storytowns.
For more information, visit toptourismtowns.com.au
3 unmissable solo tours
If you’re overseas alone, travel in safety and style to these enchanting destinations.
THE BEST OF TURKEY WITH INTREPID
Depart from Istanbul for 15 days and experience wonders like the ancient city of Troy and the streets of Ephesus.
BEST OF MOROCCO WITH INSIGHT VACATIONS
This 11-day, women-only tour takes you to spellbinding cities like Casablanca and Marrakesh. Visit mosques, markets and taste delicious Moroccan cuisine.
EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK WITH INTREPID
Escape modern life and witness the majesty of the Himalayas. Over 15 days you’ll challenge yourself and watch the sunset over Everest.
Book your next holiday with RAA Travel. Visit travel.raa.com.au for details.
New entry requirements for travellers
The Australian Border Force will trial a digital Australia Travel Declaration for all passengers entering the country. At the time of writing, the trial was set for late 2024.
During the trial, eligible adult passengers travelling on select Qantas flights from New Zealand to Australia will be able to enter relevant information on the Qantas app up to 72 hours before arrival.
At the moment, international passengers and returning Australians must complete a paper Incoming Passenger Card (IPC).
The Australian Border Force will look to include other airlines as the trial expands.
Meanwhile, from 8 January next year, visitors and tourists from Australia will need to complete an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom. The ETA can be completed via the UK Government’s official smartphone app or website and costs £10 (about AU$20).
Australians travelling to the UK as tourists for less than six months don’t need a visa, but they’ll still need to apply for an ETA.
For more information or to apply, visit gov.uk
Elsewhere, Australia is set to join the United States of America’s Global Entry program, meaning a more streamlined process to clear US immigration and customs when Aussie travellers arrive.
The initiative will come into effect in January 2025 and apply to a limited number of Australians who travel frequently to the US. Work is underway to expand the program later in 2025.
The Global Entry program will allow eligible Australians to skip the general lines at American airports and instead visit an automated kiosk for faster entry.
Approved applicants can also participate in the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Pre-Check program, providing a smoother screening process in the domestic United States.
The US Government charges a $US100 non-refundable fee per Global Entry application, which lasts for five years if approved.
Discovery Parks expands its nationwide footprint
Prominent holiday park company, Discovery Parks, is expanding its portfolio of properties across Australia with the recent purchase of fellow operator Aspen Parks. Holidaymakers will be able to choose from more than 60 Discovery Parks across Australia, including newly acquired sites at Coogee Beach in Western Australia and Echuca in Victoria.
Aspen Parks’ 21 properties across South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia will be progressively renamed, rebranded and added to the Discovery Parks website.
Discovery Parks will honour Aspen membership cards at any of its parks and will gradually replace them with one of its own.
For more information, visit discoveryholidayparks.com.au
Be inspired at the RAA Travel Showcase
RAA’s hosting its next Travel Showcase on Saturday, 15 February, at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Attend the event to discover a world of exclusive offers and discounts to take you on wondrous journeys to distant destinations on your bucket list or places closer to home.
Whether you fancy a cruise of a lifetime, touring the ancient Egyptian pyramids, or a Pacific Island getaway, you’ll find travel information and advice aplenty from leading brands and exhibitors. You can even plan your next trip with an RAA travel agent.
To register your attendance or for more information, visit travel.raa.com.au
IMAGES: Australian Tourism Industry Council, Getty, Tourism Australia.
