Arrivals & Departures Weekly Travel News & Views 3 June 2025

BLUE ON DANUBE

I feel surrounded by water (albeit saltwater) here in the islands of Venice, but further north in Europe, the River Danube is suffering low water levels. Reader Peter Bulloch says passengers on a Scenic river cruise were shocked to receive a letter while berthed at Passau telling them their cruise was being terminated: “Two days later off we were shunted. Most of us had arranged to meet relatives or do other things when we got to Amsterdam.” Peter went off to stay with a friend near Agen, which is near Toulouse in France, before flying back to Amsterdam for the other five nights he had booked. Peter adds: “All very frustrating and the value of a good travel agent (in our case Flight Centre at Whitfords) shouldn’t be underestimated!”

TARNISHED JEWELS

The letter Scenic gave to guests reads, in part:

“Europe is currently experiencing one of its driest springs in recent years. This has resulted in unusually low water levels — particularly on the Upper Danube near Passau.

“Unfortunately, due to these low water levels, Scenic Opal is unable to sail past Pfelling (located between Regensburg and Passau) and continue the journey toward Amsterdam.

“We regret to inform you that due to this low water, we have no choice but to cancel the remainder of your Jewels of Europe river cruise.

“Scenic will issue a refund and/or a future travel credit for the unused portion of your cruise.”

WIN A CRUISE

Bicton Travel is running a competition with Viking Cruises. Anyone who books a Viking cruise with Bicton before June 30, 2025, goes into the draw to win an eight-day river or ocean cruise, travelling in 2025 or 2026. bictontravel.com.au/win-a-viking-cruise/

Viking also has savings of 30 per cent on river and ocean sailings in 2025-2027 for bookings made prior to June 30, 2025. Phone 9339 0277.

APPY DAYS IN UK

Life is about to get easier in the UK, where the government has announced a national parking app. This “one app fits all” download will end what the government has announced as the “scramble” that drivers face in using multiple payment platforms. They won’t have to download lots of apps for different carparks, the Department for Transport says — which will be particularly handy for us visitors. The National Parking Platform has been trialled and will now be rolled out across the UK, to carparks and app providers that opt to join in.

WILD ABOUT CAMPING

And still in the UK comes news that the Supreme Court has backed wild camping on Dartmoor. In England, there is no general right to wild camp on most private land, but Dartmoor National Park in Devon is a rare exception. Landowners Alexander and Diana Darwall launched a case to say people shouldn’t be able to camp without permission from landowners, but judges have now unanimously disagreed. They cite the 1985 Dartmoor Commons Act, which says people have “a right of access to the commons on foot and horseback for the purpose of open-air recreation”. That “naturally includes camping”.

A NICE CUP OF TEA

Not only is this the 33rd anniversary of Emirates airline’s partnership with Dilmah Tea, but the team there also now calculates that more than 33 million cups of tea are served inflight every year (including to me). Emirates cabin crew receive specialised tea training, learning the art of brewing the perfect cuppa. They are also taught to suggest ideal food pairings:

Seafood, soft cheeses and sushi go with green tea.

For black tea, match beef, game, sweet desserts or hard cheeses.

Combine floral teas like chamomile with citrus or tart flavoured dishes, like the vegan zucchini tart that is served on Emirates flights.

First and business class passengers can also try Dilmah tea-infused cocktails and mocktails.

VISITING TEA GARDENS

Dilmah tea is grown and produced in Sri Lanka. It’s still a family-owned business. An Emirates spokesperson explains: “Dilmah is the first producer-owned ethical tea brand globally where the tea is cultivated, handpicked and packed at origin.”

The Dilmah tea estates produces high quality Ceylon tea, which gets its characteristics and flavours from the rich biodiversity of the forest surrounding it in the central hills of Sri Lanka. It is handpicked, withered, rolled, fermented and fired there. Dilmah’s founder was the late Merrill J. Fernando and his sons Dilhan and Malik continue his mission.

Visitors can stay in historic tea-planter bungalows at Tea Trails properties in the highlands. resplendentceylon.com/resort/ceylon-tea-trails/

TOUR TURNS 10

The Grand Tour of Switzerland is turning 10. What is surely one of the world’s most beautiful road trips covers more than 1600km through Alpine passes and charming villages. The Grand Tour of Switzerland app makes planning and navigation easy.

CHOCOLATE TREAT

… one of the sights along Grand Tour of Switzerland is the Lindt Home of Chocolate. It is on the site of the historic Lindt & Sprungli factory, where chocolate has been produced since 1899. The building is interesting, having been designed by famous Swiss architects Christ and Gantenbein. Oh, and there’s a shop. The team there says: “Experience the world of chocolate with all your senses: from its creation and cultural significance to chocolate tastings.” Tickets need to be booked in advance. lindt-home-of-chocolate.com/en/

BEST VINEYARDS

The World’s 50 Best Vineyards awards are being hosted in Margaret River on November 19. The list of 2025’s finest vineyard experiences will be revealed at an event there, after voting by more than 700 wine and travel experts and sommeliers.

FOODIES IN OUTBACK

The local company Matters of Taste has a new, five-day Pilbara tour for foodies. Led by expert hosts Anthony and Tracey Cotterell, the exclusive and limited tour in August will visit working cattle stations, giving guests the chance to see the annual muster. At Yarrie Station, there will be fireside meals and stories under the stars. On Pardoo Station, guests will learn about the Wagyu operation and irrigation system, before enjoying a three-course Wagyu feast, staying in a mix of swag tents and ensuite cabins. The price of $3600 per person includes transport and dining experiences. Tour dates are August 4 to 8, and August 9 to 13, 2025. mattersoftaste.com.au

BACK FROM ITALY

I mentioned last Saturday that I was getting ready to go to Italy. Well, I’m back, flying out of Venice Marco Polo Airport to Doha and arriving back to Perth yesterday, on an easy journey with Qatar Airways