6 best travel deals of the week: save up to $2600 per person on outback tours

Plus, three events worth travelling for.

A cultural performance on Rurutu island.

July 7, 2025

Island adventure

Discover the Austral Islands of Tubuai, Rurutu, Rimatara, Raivavae and Rapa Iti in the south of French Polynesia with Tahitian cargo cruise line Aranui Cruises, which is offering a 20 per cent discount on itineraries in 2025 and 2026. Prices for 13-day round-trip voyages from Papeete start from $7009 per person. Book before August 11. aranuicruises.com.au

Going solo

Voco Melbourne Central hotel has launched two packages for solo travellers as part of its NOMO (Night On My Own) campaign. Both packages start from $380 per night (down from $504) and offer a complimentary bottle of prosecco on arrival, breakfast in bed and late 4pm checkout. ihg.com

Family fun

Aldi Holidays has launched a number of family-friendly packages. Deals range from a four-night break at Daydream Island Resort & Living Reef (pictured) in Queensland (from $899 per person) to a seven-night package in Vanuatu (from $1599 per person). The best news? Kids 12 or under stay and eat for free. aldiholidays.com.au

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Explore the Kimberley with Outback Spirit.

Early-bird savings

Outback Spirit has launched its 2026 season, featuring 22 tours in different parts of Australia. Book before September 30 to save up to $2600 per person and make the most of early-bird offers. Holidays range from the 13-day Arnhem Land Wildlife and Wetlands package to the 16-day Exquisite Kimberley Adventure. outbackspirittours.com.au

Last-minute bargains

Collette is offering discounts of up to $550 per person on 79 tours ranging from 12 to 15 days in 2025. Book before July 31. gocollette.com

Scottish escape

Hebridean Island Cruises has released its 2026 season for its 48-guest vessel Hebridean Princess and is offering a discount of 15 per cent on all 70 sailings through the scenic isles, lochs and canals of Scotland, as long as you book with Cruise Traveller. cruisetraveller.com.au

Events worth travelling for

NOW

Ice-skating rinks, Snow Play Zone and giant ice toboggans are all part of the winter festivities awaiting families at Snow Time in the Gardens at Hunter Valley Gardens in Pokolbin, NSW. Check out the interactive Shopping Village map on the website and start exploring.

WHEN: Until July 27; huntervalleygardens.com.au

COMING UP

One of Melbourne's newest major annual festivals, Now or Never, is back for the third year, with highlights such as four nights of live music at Melbourne Town Hall, and large-scale installations at locations like Evan Walker Bridge.

WHEN: August 21-31; nowornever.melbourne.vic.gov.au

LATER

The brand-new Horizontal Festival is coming to the NSW Southern Highlands in October this year. Taking place on the long weekend at Centennial Vineyards in Bowral, it'll combine top-notch food and drink experiences with music, art and culture.

WHEN: October 4-5; horizontalfestival.com.au