Ballina Byron Airport welcomes five more weekly Jetstar services
August 29, 2010
Jetstar has added an extra five weekly flights from Sydney to the Ballina-Byron route.
Neil Weatherson, Ballina Byron Airport manager, was delighted to receive a phone call from Jetstar last Friday afternoon announcing the five additional weekly services.
“What a great way to end the week. We’re elated to have even more flights to offer our passengers and it also demonstrates Jetstar’s future confidence in the growth of the Sydney to Ballina-Byron route,” Mr Weatherson said.
“These additional flights coupled with the recently installed self check-in kiosks offer more flexibility and convenience for our customers.”
Jetstar introduces self-service check-ins at Ballina aiport
July 30, 2010
Ballina/Byron Gateway Airport is moving forward to another level of service with Jetstar introducing self-service check-in kiosks for the benefit of flyers.
The technologically advanced check-in solution, where Jetstar has partnered with IBM Global Business Services, will see three installed self-service kiosks to supplement existing customer check-in processes for the first time at Ballina/Byron Gateway Airport.
Airport Manager Neil Weatherson said the new self-service kiosks would further enhance the overall travelling experience at the airport, bringing it in line with major Australian airports which host this popular technology.
“This new facility at the airport takes us to next level of service. Jetstar passengers, whether regular or infrequent flyers, will have the choice to self-check themselves onto their flight, avoid queues and then relax in the terminal prior to travel,” Mr Weatherson said.
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Byron at Byron celebrated by travel industry
April 2, 2010
The Spa and Wellness Centre at The Byron at Byron Resort has beeny announced ‘No 2 best Spa in Australia’ at the Luxury Travel Gold List Awards, held at the Sheraton on the Park in Sydney.
The Resort’s Marketing Manager, Holly Galbraith, attended the presentation.
The luxurious Spa was up against the country’s best and was eclipsed only by Angsana Spa in Palm Cove.
Another local spa, Gaia, was awarded No 5 Spa in Australia.
The Luxury Travel Gold List Awards, now in their sixth year, recognise “’he best travel experiences in the world’.
Tweed Tourism Activities & Attractions
December 19, 2009
Whale Watching
Every year from early June to late November, the majestic humpback whales make their annual migration to their northern breeding grounds, travelling close to the Tweed Coast. Regular ‘stars’ include Migaloo, the world’s only documented all-white humpback, and the occasional pod of killer whales. There are two whale watching boats operating from the Tweed Coast, each offering very different experiences:
Aquatic Blue Charters – www.aquaticbluecharters.com.au
46-passenger purpose-built whale watching vessel
Tweed Snorkelling & Whale Watching – www.tweedoceanadventures.com.au
10-passenger inflatable zodiac offering a unique up-close-and-personal experience
Online boost for new Northern Rivers Tourism promotional campaign
October 7, 2009
A major campaign to promote the Northern Rivers to potential visitors from south-east Queensland, regional NSW, Sydney and Melbourne kicks off this week.
A new co-operative marketing website www.riversoflife.com.au launches the Rivers of Life campaign and is being supported by extensive television, print and online advertising and destination publicity.
Air travellers to receive fairer, timelier compensation
January 29, 2009
Australians flying overseas will now receive fairer and timelier compensation in the event they lose their luggage, their flight is extensively delayed or they are involved in an airline accident, according to the Federal Government.
The new arrangements follow Australia’s recent ratification of the Montreal Convention. This multilateral agreement includes new, tougher liability regimes for:
- The death or injury of a passenger;
- The loss or damage to a passenger’s baggage;
- The loss or damage to a freight shipment; and
- Delays to the scheduled arrival of a passenger, baggage or freight.
Another big win for The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa
January 28, 2009
The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa has done it again, picking up another major tourism award. On January 17 the blue-ribbon winners of The Australian annual Travel and Tourism Awards were announced. The award for Best Resort Accommodation (under 100 rooms) went to The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa, which beat the country’s established greats in its category.
Other winners in the prestigious awards included the Bay of Fires Walk in Tasmania for ‘Best Eco Wilderness Experience’ and Vibe Savoy Hotel in Melbourne for ‘Best Value Accommodation’.
Jetstar expands direct flights between Ballina and Melbourne
September 22, 2008
Australia’s low fares airline Jetstar will expand to a daily service on its direct Ballina Byron–Melbourne route from October 26, more than doubling existing level of frequencies and seat availability on the growing market.
The four extra A320 weekly return services by Jetstar will result in more than 1400 additional seats offered weekly into and out of Ballina Byron Airport by the value-based carrier.
Jetstar’s growing A320 fleet will support the extra services as part of its newly published Northern Winter flight schedule.
With the continuation of its existing daily Sydney-Ballina Byron return service, Jetstar will now offer almost 5000 weekly seats to directly connect the Northern Rivers with the nation’s two largest cities.
The man who met Bob Marley’s son … and his colourful love story
August 10, 2008
By Gayathri Samarakoon, reporting from Qatar
“I am a man whose dreams have come true twice,” declares Akram, leaning back on a high-backed chair at the Golf Club.
It’s another sizzling hot Saturday in Qatar; a chilled beer sits on the table giving away golden hues as Akram roles out a cigarette to share his amazing story of warfare in Sudan, fleeing the army, new pastures in Qatar, a concert in Ethiopia, meeting with the Marleys and … loving an English lass!
“Let me tell it to you as it happened and then you will believe it,” Akram begins with customary Shakespearean gusto.
Akram and Emma’s story is a romance that has to be told at least once. Their story begins in two different parts of the world.
Rajaman’s Guide to Australia is just the thing for migrants
July 13, 2008
Introducing Rajaman’s Guide to Australia
By the Migrant Education Centre, Victoria
Available from www.vijithayapa.com
Cost $US4.50
Rajaman’s Guide to Australia is a practical information book released by Migrant Education Centre, Victoria.
What it is, is an ‘Idiot’s Guide to Australia’ written by GK Samarakoon an Australian writer, teacher and traveller.
The book is written by the perspective of a migrant, hence it explains things in simple language with a bit of humour.


