Cheap Australia Holidays

How Much Do You Know About the Australian Outback?

2011-02-18T04:51:00.001-08:00

The Australian Outback – it’s something we’ve all heard of but very few of us have probably visited it. It’s almost like a mythical area of Australia that has a character all of its own. This much is hard to argue with, and yet the area is a stark reality – one that some people call home, and other people visit while holidaying in the country.

So let’s delve a little deeper and find out what there is to discover in the Outback itself.

Firstly it’s interesting to note that the Outback is bigger than most people realise. It covers a significant portion of the entire country, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that some people call it home. If you are planning to visit the Outback it pays to learn something about it before you go, so you know what to expect. It can be dangerous in some respects but if you are sensible the degree of danger is kept way down to a minimum level.

For example the Outback does have some main roads crossing it in various places. These are well used and ideal for the first time traveller to the area. But take maps with you and be prepared for travel – you aren’t going to come across a settlement every five minutes.

There are some famous and much visited attractions in the Outback that are well worth making the time to see though. Alice Springs is one of them, as is the city of Darwin. If you are keen to explore the Outback during your time in Australia, you might want to consider staying in one of these places to give you some great access to the more remote areas.

Elsewhere of course you have Uluru, formerly known as Ayer’s Rock. But there are equally good attractions elsewhere too. These include Kings Canyon in the Watarrka National Park, which also gives you the opportunity to do the Canyon Rim Walk. There is no doubt that the Outback packs a lot more into it than you might think.

It’s certainly not all desolate and deserted with nothing more to it than snakes and spiders.

Welcome to Byron Bay

2011-01-20T02:52:00.001-08:00

Byron Bay is one of the key beach based locations that Australia has to offer. It is one of the highlights of New South Wales and it is chock full of accommodation, attractions and things to do. If you are considering going to Australia for a prolonged holiday that will take in several different locations, you would do well to make sure that Byron Bay is on your list of places to stay in.

So let’s take a closer look to see what Byron Bay has to offer us. One thing that is worth remembering is that the bay area has lovely temperatures all year round. Obviously it will be cooler in the winter, but not cool enough to prevent you from doing everything you would want to do.

The beaches are the main attraction here, and there are lots of them as well. Whatever one you choose to stay at for the day you are bound to be satisfied, as most of them are positioned to protect you from any strong breezes. Cape Byron itself is a dramatic area of Australia, perhaps one of the most dramatic of all. Byron Lighthouse adds to the drama and intrigue, and has been standing for more than a century now.

For Byron Bay’s new life as a holiday destination we have to look back as far as the Sixties. The area was once used as a workplace with factories and other similar buildings situated here. But the Sixties saw a sea change and Byron Bay started to become known more for its waves and breakers than anything else. This brought new people to the beaches and ever since then they have been coming back and spreading the word about how wonderful Byron Bay really is.

But if surfing isn’t your thing you could try walking instead. There is a walking trail here that allows you to explore a different side of Byron Bay. But whatever you decide to do when you arrive, you will be glad you chose to see the bay for yourself. This really is a jewel of Australia’s New South Wales.

What Are The Flinders Ranges?

2010-12-21T03:59:00.001-08:00

Australia certainly has its fair share of notable landmarks. Ayers Rock, now known as Uluru; the Sydney Opera House; the Outback – these are just three of the many sights you can choose to see while you are in the country.

But not all the notable sights in Australia are as well known as the others. For instance have you ever heard of Flinders Ranges? The name – at least the second part of it – might give you a clue; this is the name of a mountain range that stretches across much of Southern Australia. If you are curious to find out a little more, keep reading.

The mountain range is not a continuous one but it runs for over 250 miles so you can see there is a lot to explore. One famous area of the ranges is Wilpena Pound, an amphitheatre that is absolutely huge and has been formed completely naturally too.

The Ediacara Hills are also well worth seeing. These are situated at lower levels to some of the other areas in the ranges, but they are notable for having some excellent examples of fossilised life occurring there. Many specimens have been found in the past that date back further than many others have, making this particular area one of significant interest for many reasons.

If your idea of visiting Australia is to see some of the best and most breathtaking sights it has to offer from the natural world, you shouldn’t miss the chance to see the Flinders Ranges. It is stunning to look at this collection of peaks, troughs and mountains, but it is also an educational experience. No holiday could ever hope to see it all, but you can see significant chunks of it if you know where to look. Make a start with such eye opening sights as Wilpena Pound and go from there. You might be surprised at how much you can learn about Australia just from this single destination.

The Flinders Ranges may not be the most famous part of Australia as far as tourists are concerned, but it is certainly one of the biggest.

Ben Lomond National Park

2010-11-22T06:01:00.001-08:00

Australia is well known for its major cities. But there is a lot more to the country than visiting places like Sydney and Adelaide. For instance you could go in completely the opposite direction figuratively speaking and see the delights of the countryside instead.

The Ben Lomond National Park is a wonderful case in point. This is the place to head for if you are visiting Australia during the prime skiing season, since there is usually plenty of snow to get stuck into. But there is more than just the white powdery stuff here, and if you are going to Australia with your walking boots rather than your skis, you will see what we mean.

If you really want to go rugged and see whether you can rough it in the wilds of Ben Lomond, you can do this too. Take a tent with you, go backpacking and set up camp wherever you want to. Just make sure you are far enough away from the road not to contravene the rules of camping in this way – more than five hundred metres is sufficient and you wouldn’t want to be any closer anyway.

As you can see this is a classic part of rugged Tasmania that you will not want to miss out on. Whether you visit for the day or for your entire Australian holiday, you will have a unique experience that is quite amazing. The other good thing about the national park is that it caters for lots of activities apart from skiing. Walking is a big one of course, but you can also try rock climbing. There are certainly plenty of opportunities for this latter skill if you have it, or if you want to learn.

In many ways the Ben Lomond National Park brings out the best in the nature of the area. With every new step you take there, you will discover something new and amazing – some new viewpoint, shrub or even some of the wildlife there. There is no end to the delights that the national park can share with you, if you are willing to stop and stay for a while.

Streaky Bay - An Unusually Named Must See Place in Australia

2010-10-21T07:35:00.001-07:00

On the southern coast of Australia, almost slap bang in the middle, there is a bay called Streaky Bay. It may have an unlikely name but it draws in lots of people through the year, and if you have time on a tour of Australia to pay it a visit, you certainly should do just that.

But why visit this particular bay instead of the many others you might choose to see? Well for starters Streaky Bay is well equipped to cater for all kinds of tourists and passers by. In fact tourism is a big industry here, and it makes sense that it would be when you see just how beautiful the area is.

If you love your water sports you will certainly feel at home here. There are activities to enjoy both on and under the water, with boating and scuba diving among several others on offer.

The town is fairly small but attractive just for this feature alone; if you are also planning on visiting some of Australia’s biggest cities you will enjoy the ability to scale things down to a place like Streaky Bay. At the right time of year you can enjoy relaxing on the beaches here, watching some of the fishermen catching their fish for the day. When you feel hungry you can visit one of the local restaurants and enjoy a taste of some of the local catches. This is life lived at its slowest and it’s the perfect antidote to feeling stressed and rushed by everyday life.

One of the more popular attractions to visit in the area is Murphy’s Haystacks. This is the unlikely name given to some geological wonders just outside Streaky Bay itself. They have stood here for some 34,000 years, so they should still be there whenever you decide to pay a visit!

There is plenty more to see in and around Streaky Bay too. But one of the best attractions must surely be the chance to wander along the roads and paths in and around the bay, drinking in all that the scenery has to offer you. Perfection!

Discover the Best of Fraser Island

2010-09-22T06:12:00.001-07:00

Out to the east of Australia there is a small island all by itself. This is Fraser Island and it consists largely of sand and not much else. It may have taken three quarters of a million years for the island to look like it does today, thanks to those sand drifts, but it has been worth the wait.

Only a few hundred people live on Fraser Island the whole year round, but its numbers are swelled thanks to the huge number of tourists that like to pay it a visit. If you want a taste of a real beach unlike anything you have seen before, you will love what you find here.

There are two ways to get to the island once you are in mainland Australia. The first way is to fly out from Maroochydore Airport on the mainland. Alternatively you can get a ferry. Whatever way you choose there is plenty to look forward to once you set foot on Fraser Island for the first time.

For one thing, you will soon see why the island has been given World Heritage Site status. This is a cornucopia of natural wonders. Just to give you one example, the island boasts more than one hundred freshwater lakes, and all on an island measuring just seventy five by fifteen miles.

It is small wonder then that some people visit the island to take on the Fraser Island Great Walk. This is an ideal trip to take if you have a week to spare, since that is the average time needed to complete the trip around the perimeter of the island.

You could head off in a 4x4 if you want but going on foot is arguably a better way to travel. There are no real roads on Fraser Island, making it perfect territory for keen hikers to get used to. With plenty of wildlife, birds and other sights and sounds to look forward to, it would be a shame to miss out on one of Australia’s greatest destinations, just because it isn’t on the mainland.

Experience The Views Atop Mount Wellington

2010-08-23T06:43:00.000-07:00

Most people will have heard of Mount Wellington. It is perhaps one of Australia’s most famous peaks, and it is certainly worth a visit if you happen to be staying in the Hobart area.

Hobart rests on the very foothills of the mountain, so if you are staying here you are perfectly positioned to explore the very heights of Mount Wellington itself. In fact the area is ideal for those who enjoy walking holidays, and at the right time of the year you can indulge in some skiing here as well.

One of the nicest things about exploring the mountain is the spectacular views you will receive as a reward for getting all the way to the top. These views will enable you to look down on Hobart itself, and while you probably won’t see your accommodation in the area you will see how it is laid out in general.

There is a viewing platform on Mount Wellington too, which offers you perhaps the best view you could hope for as you gaze out on Hobart from nearly 1300 metres in the air. Breathtaking doesn’t even begin to describe it – you’ve got some stunning views all around you so be sure you’ve got your camera with you.

Of course the trip up and down the mountain itself is full of scenic potential. You can cycle here too but if walking is more your style you can make your choice from lots of different bush walking trails. Make sure you buy a map of the area and the mountain before you head out, or get the appropriate details of a suitable route online. This is the best way to find a good route. You shouldn’t really pick a route and start tackling it without finding out how far it is to the top from there, or how challenging the route is itself.

It would also be worthwhile checking out the weather before you set out, so you can be fully prepared for your trek up the mountain. Seeing Mount Wellington from below is one experience worth having, but seeing it from above is something else entirely.

Could You Visit Australia Without Seeing The Great Barrier Reef?

2010-07-23T03:40:00.001-07:00

Well of course you could, but the experience would be all the poorer without it. This is one of nature’s most amazing sights and there can’t be anyone who has seen it who hasn’t been totally overwhelmed by the experience.

The funny thing about the Great Barrier Reef is that we have all heard of it and we all think we know about it. But is this really true? How much do you really know about it? Once you discover some of the facts surrounding the reef you will realise just why so many people want to see it during their lifetime.

For instance it might be called ‘great’ but when you stop to think just how big it really is, it can take your breath away. There are hundreds of islands along its length and plenty of opportunities for diving there to see what is under the surface of the water. With thousands of individual reefs comprising the Great Barrier Reef as a whole, it is no surprise to learn it stands as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Who would dispute its position on that list?

Indeed it would be far from impossible to plan your entire Australian holiday on the Great Barrier Reef. Now you know there are many different and unique islands there, it doesn’t take much effort to discover holidays that are based in the area. You can pick an island to visit for the day and enjoy snorkelling and diving there, or you can actually stay on one of them for the duration if you wish. It all depends what kind of holiday you want to have, but there is no doubt that the Great Barrier Reef offers it all.

Just imagine staying on an island such as Great Keppel Island. This is one of the most popular venues for a break on the reef itself. There are plenty of other sports you can take part in here as well, although it is hard to believe anyone could ever get tired of diving down to see the amazing sights beneath the waves.

A Day At Adelaide Zoo

2010-06-23T06:13:00.001-07:00

There is much to look forward to when you decide to take a trip to Adelaide Zoo. This is a great zoo to go to if you want to see some of Australia’s finest animals in their habitat, and of course there are plenty of other animals and things to look forward to as well.

There are hundreds upon hundreds of animals here – coming close to two thousand in fact – and this should give you some idea of just how big the zoo is. You can take a tour of the zoo if you wish, but many people opt to just take their time and explore the surroundings on their own. And there is certainly a lot to take in, as you will see when you take a look at the zoo map. Make sure you pick one of these up as you enter the zoo.

There is one specific section where you can see all the Australian animals the zoo has. This is perfect to visit first if you want to see them, but don’t forget to ensure you see everything else as well. There is also a separate section containing all the Australian birds, so you can learn a lot about the various animals and birds that are native to the country here.

Watch out for the wombats, wallabies and the tree kangaroos as well. Add to this the red panda and the Tasmanian Devil and you can see that there may well be animals here you have never seen in real life before.

You can also find out a lot about conservation and about the environments the various animals live in when they are in the wild. There is no doubt there is a lot for everyone to learn, and not just the children. A day out to the Adelaide Zoo is arguably one of the best things you can do while you are in Adelaide itself, particularly if you have children in tow.

So check out the directions and the opening times now and make sure you get there for when it opens. This will give you the best part of the day to see everything the zoo has to show you.

Animal Attractions In Perth Zoo

2010-05-25T04:25:00.001-07:00

Perth is a glorious area of Australia to visit. And if you want to get closer to some of the animals you’ll find there, the best way to do it is to visit Perth Zoo.

The good news for starters is that it doesn’t matter what time of the year you visit – you’ll get in every single day. Even on Christmas Day the zoo is open for business, and it has done this for over a century. What a refreshing thought to know that whenever you turn up you’ll be welcome to go in!

A map of the zoo is available easily online and when you get there, and it will give you the best opportunity to figure out where to go and when during your visit. There are three main areas of the zoo to explore – the African Savannah, the Asian Rainforest and the Australian Walkabout section. Needless to say this latter section tends to be very popular with tourists who have never been to Australia before.

This is the area where you will find all the animals that Australia is famous for. Perth Zoo has kangaroos, wallabys and wombats to name just a few. You might also get the chance to see a Tasmanian devil and some dingoes and emus as well. As you can see, Perth Zoo definitely pays close attention to all the best animals that Australia has to offer.

If you enjoy seeing the big cats in a zoo you will find some tigers among the exhibits on show in the Asian rainforest. This area of the zoo is also home to the elephants and orang-utans.

You’ll find plenty of places to stop for a rest on your way around the zoo as well. This may not rank as the largest zoo you have ever visited, but there is no doubt that it is a serious contender for one of the best. If you are in Perth you should definitely take a day out to visit the zoo and get perhaps the best chance ever of seeing many of Australia’s finest animals.

Seeing Australia From A Different Angle

2010-04-23T04:02:00.000-07:00

There are many ways to see Australia. You’ll certainly see it from the air if you look out of the plane window as you come in to descend into the country for the first time. You can also see it by car, motorbike, on foot and also by pedal bike.

But have you ever thought about seeing it from a hot air balloon?

Thinking can become doing if you do a spot of research into this possibility. There are several companies dotted all over Australia that offer hot air balloon rides for tourists. This gives you a wonderful chance to see part of Australia as you would never have seen it before. You will need a head for heights, but there is nothing quite like leaning over the side of a hot air balloon basket and seeing part of the country laid out below you.

The good news is that wherever you happen to be staying in Australia you can probably find a hot air balloon ride opportunity fairly close by. Most of the major companies take in popular areas including Cairns, Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. You can also get an aerial view of the Yarra Valley and see the vineyards where Australia’s finest wines begin their life.

The nature of the ride will depend on the company you opt to go with. Quite often you will spend around four hours or so enjoying the experience, with most of this spent in the air. One thing you should always remember is that hot air balloons rely on good weather to operate. If a storm should blow in, the last place you will want to be is up in the balloon! Keep your fingers crossed for good weather but be ready to reschedule if need be.

To this end it can be wise to book your hot air balloon experience for the beginning of your holiday. This way, if anything happens to cancel it you can rebook more easily. You don’t want to miss out because you don’t have any more time to try it again.

Street View in Australia

2010-03-29T05:48:00.000-07:00

Australia's sheer scale can be intimidating. There's just so much of it. I was pleased to see that Google have covered almost every road in Australia with their extraordinarily brilliant 'street view.' (for those in the dark, Google have painstakingly snapped picturealong many roads in North America, Europe and Asia too. Cars mounted with 360 degree panoramic cameras have their pics stiched together so you can get a 'street view' like no map has ever shown before.)

What's funny about the street view project in Australia, is they've even filmed much of the great expanses of empty highways that stretch across Australia. The Nullabor is on their, as is the Stuart Highway. Only subtle changes marking every few hundred (or thousand) kilometres.

I admire Google's dedication. I mean, I can understand the business model behind filming towns and cities. Extending this to the wilderness, for what intention I have no idea, has to be applauded. If for nothing else, just to while away a business phone call with a quick look around somewhere like here....

http://tinyurl.com/ybzgc6r

or even here....

http://tinyurl.com/y8ts2ov

Or maybe to serve as a useful tool when warning clients just how long their prospective drive may be...

Dominic Jenkinson
01922 471 500

Don’t Miss Your Climb Up Sydney Harbour Bridge

2010-03-24T05:52:00.000-07:00

It is such a popular tourist destination in Sydney that it is beyond a cliché to suggest it as one of your top must do activities while you are there. But with that said, there is a good reason to have it on that list – several good reasons in fact.

For starters it slots into the Sydney skyline as if it has been there forever. In fact it was built between 1923 and 1932, finally opening to the public some two months after it was finished. You can choose your mode of transport across the bridge, since it caters for trains as well as cars. And of course the old fashioned mode of transport on two legs is perhaps one of the most popular of all for those people who are seeing the bridge for the first time.

But don’t restrict yourself to walking across the conventional route. Try out a tour of the bridge as well. If you think you can stand being over 130 metres above the harbour itself, you can look forward to standing on the very top of this famous bridge. You will find out more about its history as well, making this trip one that is well worth finding the courage to do.

Even though this is possibly the best way to see the bridge from a different angle and to see more of Sydney as a result, you should also cross the bridge the more obvious way and see it from both sides of the harbour itself.

Perhaps the best time to see the bridge up close and personal is on New Year’s Eve. Every year the bridge plays host to various fireworks, set up to produce a stunning display, vision or image of some kind. On New Year’s Eve 2006 the design was in the shape of a coat hanger – the nickname given to the bridge. 2007 marked the 75th anniversary of the opening of Sydney Harbour Bridge, so it was an apt and touching way to open the anniversary year for everyone to see and enjoy.

What Is It About Ayer’s Rock That Grabs The Attention?

2010-02-22T04:48:00.001-08:00

Firstly perhaps we should refer to this great rock by its Aboriginal name of Uluru. Indeed you may find that the rock is called Uluru more often nowadays than it is called Ayer’s Rock. But however you prefer to name it, there is no doubt that you will find it equally captivating.

So what is the magic held within the rock that draws so many people to it? Certainly no visit to Australia is complete without seeing and climbing this rock, which should tell you something about the power it has to captivate people. The ultimate journey is of course to climb the rock and stand on the top to appreciate the view. But it is arguably its colour changing properties which are the most fascinating of all. These are caused by the nature of the rock itself, and sunset in particular is a stunning time to view the rock from a distance.

While climbing Uluru is a must do activity for many visitors, it could be that we will no longer be allowed to do so in the future. There have been questions over whether the activity should be prohibited and it could be that in several decades time it will be prohibited. This is because the rock could be handed back to its true spiritual owners.

While this may not happen in our lifetimes it is quite something to think that the taxing climb could become a thing of the past. Of course not everyone can manage it now because of the hot conditions and steep ascent to the very top. But there is no doubt that those who do manage the journey are amazed by what they can see from the summit.

The rock itself is just one part of the Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park, and while the monolith is the highlight of the trip you should not miss out on the rest of the park either. Spending more than a single day here will permit you to see many of the greatest wonders of all – not least Uluru/Ayer’s Rock itself.

Don't swim the Great Barrier Reef

2010-01-27T08:28:00.001-08:00

In a world where we are constantly bombarded with news of war, natural disasters and crime (this week has been particularly grim.) It’s always gratifying to receive some good news. Not newsworthy, barely anecdoteworthy, but a small human story that made my day.

When Mr. R came and saw me, he’d just finished his cancer treatment. He had several months before his next check-up, but wanted to talk about his dream destination, Australia. More specifically, he wanted to talk about swimming at the Great Barrier Reef.

Serious illness seems to be great at focusing the mind on life’s ambition. Mr. R knew what he wanted, his wife was happy with the plan too; she’d always dreamed of visiting Uluru, so that could be included too. The ‘off the shelf tour’ wasn’t what suitable; there wasn’t enough time where they wanted and too long where they didn’t want to be.

I didn’t agree though with one aspect. Swimming at the Barrier Reef. Swimming at it? You need to SCUBA dive it. Mr.R took a deep breath. Would that be a one off? Like a tandem parachute jump with an instructor, or could he get qualified? Is that possible?

To cut a long blog short, it was. A quick “google” and he had the contacts of some local dive companies and it wasn’t long until he was back in the office telling me of his first lessons. I was flattered that he was following my advice. An extra day was allocated for more diving.

Fast forward 6 months, 258 questions, and one supposed holiday of a lifetime later. He called me. I held my breath. He told me that he almost shed a tear when he dived the reef. The holiday was fantastic and it was the holiday of a lifetime.

There you go, told you it was hardly anectdoteworthy, but it was good news.

Explore Paradise Country

2010-01-22T00:40:00.001-08:00

If you are heading to Queensland when you go out to visit Australia, don’t miss a trip to the Paradise Country Aussie Farm Tour. It’s a great way to spend a half day exploring the best of Australian farm life. If it springs to mind when you think about an Australian farm, the chances are good that Paradise Country will have it there for you to experience.

The farm tour itself packs in plenty of activities including sheep shearing and whip cracking. And if you have always fancied drinking some billy tea around the camp fire, you’ll be able to do that too.

You can book your farm tour to include a fantastic Australian barbeque lunch as well, so once you have explored the farm you can enjoy a great bite to eat as well.

There is also an animal nursery to explore which has baby animals of all kinds for you to see. And if you’d like to see a koala, one of Australia’s native animals, you can do so by visiting their section of the farm. You might even end up deciding to hold one and have a picture taken to commemorate the moment. And who wouldn’t pass up a chance like that?

Elsewhere you can meet the horses that take part in the horse riding demonstrations, and there are paddocks there too where you can watch some of the shows the farm lays on. In short there are so many different aspects to Paradise Country you’ll love every part of the farm tour and be free to explore afterwards as well.

Paradise Country itself is an ideal place to visit if you are staying anywhere near Brisbane, since it is only a forty five minute drive from there. And there are several other great attractions to see nearby as well, so you might want to arrange a short stay in the area if you are visiting Australia for a couple of weeks or more.

As you can see this is a fantastic way to get right up close to what the Australian countryside is like. It provides all the best bits rolled into one great time.

Post arrival depression

2010-01-12T13:22:00.000-08:00

I’m no doctor, and would never suggest that ‘arrival syndrome’ and post natal depression are in the same league, but they may be the same sport…

Mr. D had walked into my office (not my current one, the one back in Melbourne that looked after students, and prided itself on its youthful outlook and jean clad agents.) He had his ticket in hand, an air of nervousness and he just might have finished crying.

“I want to change my ticket, please” the youthful Dutchman said.

To fly back to Amsterdam the next day, as opposed to the date printed on it, some 11 months later…

Mrs. M was on the telephone complaining about the state of the hotel room. There were smears on the window, like somebody dragged a finger across the glass. There was a nightclub down the road and she could hear the bass. One of the tiles in the bathroom was cracked…

It was 4a.m. in Sydney; I was now back in the UK. Mrs. M was the one up early.

Hoteliers in Australia must regularly pray that their hotel is not the first on an itinerary. For as Mr. D and Mrs. M discovered, after a long period of looking forward to a trip (say nine months) all that expectation and anticipation leads up to the labours of a long and somewhat uncomfortable flight… After a dose of sleep deprivation you find yourself in new territory. And it’s overcast, or a bit chilly, and your family are on the other side of the world…

If this happens to you, save the hotelier an ear bashing, and as I instructed Mr. D, give things a few days, the sun will shine, you’ll get over the jet lag and soon begin to fall in love with your baby.

Finding a solution to a problem.

2009-12-07T12:52:00.000-08:00

Finding a solution to a problem.

“Specialists in taylor made travel,” declared the travel agents window, in seemingly permanent lettering. I chuckled, hoping the proprietor was indeed a Mr. Taylor.

Australia is, well, tailor made for tailor made travel. A large country, dotted with widely spaced out attractions, connected by fascinating journeys.

‘Off the shelf tours’, whether by bus, plane or kangaroo may suit some, it may even be the most suitable option.

It wasn’t for Mr. G.

He entered the office announcing “I wanted a holiday to Tasmania, but it’s too complicated, so forget that!” (His compromise, a simple visit to friends in Perth, for New Year.)

His “too complicated” fear was based on Tasmania’s distance from his Perth friends, wanting a really special Christmas with his travel companions in a great hotel/restaurant, to see all the sights and sites of Tasmania and still be in Perth by New Year to celebrate with friends. It all seemed “too much.”

The chances of an organised coach tour departing on the right dates was unlikely, so I explained to Mr. G. that it would have to be tailor made. No Complications.

Once the framework of the flights had been organised, I picked out a few key events. Good location for Christmas: a bigger population base to be sure of festivities, a hotel with a fantastic restaurant so they wouldn’t need to travel far, also to be in Hobart on a Saturday for the once a week Salamanca market.

With the key dates and locations worked out, the places in-between were added, all appropriate to driving distance and interest level – a day here, two days there. All based on personal travel experience, research and questioning of Mr. G and his party for their requirements.

Mr. G. made it to Perth for New Years (and dinner at Cottesloe Beach, as I recommended.) and recently returned to declare it the best holiday ever.

I drove past the local travel agent last week. The upper left diagonal on the ‘y’ of ‘taylor’ had been scratched off, so it sort of resembled an italic ‘I’ and thus ‘ta/lor made.’

I suppose that just like Mr. G’s itinerary, there’s always a solution to the problem…

See A Different Side Of The Sydney Harbour Bridge

2009-11-30T01:35:00.001-08:00

In fact it would be more appropriate to say you could see a completely different angle of the bridge. Everyone knows the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Together with the Sydney Opera House it is one of the signature sights in Sydney itself.

But don’t just view it from the land. Get on top of it and see it in a way you will never have seen it before. You can just imagine what this will look like, not to mention the experience it gives you. If you have never stood on top of a bridge before, there is no better one to pick than the Sydney Harbour Bridge to get this unique view.

The experience is known as the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. And there isn’t just one climb that you can make either. If you are pushed for time and you want to make the most of a couple of free hours, you can try the Express Climb. This is certainly much better than not doing a climb at all, but you’ll be better off opting for one of the other two climbs if you can. These will give you the whole experience and you’ll love every minute of it.

Each of the other two climbs will take around three and a half hours, and every single minute gives you a new view and a new perspective of Sydney. Can you imagine standing right on the top of the curve of Sydney Harbour Bridge? If you book your tickets you won’t have to imagine it, because this is exactly what you can do.

Of course you won’t be left on your own to wander around on the bridge – professional climbers turn the experience into one to remember by telling you all about the bridge and how it came to exist in the first place.

No visitor to Sydney should leave without giving this a try. Even if you are loath to tackle heights you should try it – it makes for an unforgettable and breathtaking experience. Oh, and don’t forget your camera – you’ll be taking lots of photos!

Australia performs well in new7wonders competition

2009-09-29T05:30:00.000-07:00

Voting in the New7Wonders of Nature competition continues, with the Switzerland based organising committee announcing that international rankings are now available ‘live’ online.

There are 28 finalists in this global search to recognise the seven most amazing natural sites in the world and the new rankings compare which finalists appeal most to the international audience.

Voters outside of Australia have currently ranked the Great Barrier Reef in seventh place and Uluru in tenth place.

Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef are vying for a place in the final seven against 26 iconic natural sites from around the world including the Amazon; Angel Falls; Bay of Fundy; Black Forest; Bu Tinah Shoals; Cliffs of Moher; Dead Sea; El Yunque; Galapagos; Grand Canyon; Halong Bay; Iguazu Falls; Jeita Grotto; Jeju Island; Kilimanjaro; Komodo; Maldives; Masurian Lake District; Matterhorn/Cervino; Milford Sound; Mud Volcanoes; Puerto Princessa Underground River; Sundarbans; Table Mountain; Vesuvius and Yushan.

Tia Viering, Head of Communications for New7Wonders, says “Maximizing international votes is absolutely essential for a Finalist to be successful in the Official New7Wonders of Nature campaign. Remember, this is a truly global campaign on track to get over 1 billion votes in total.”
“Increased awareness encourages international appreciation for these places of extraordinary natural beauty and ecological significance, so reaching out beyond borders is really crucial for many reasons,” Ms Vering said.

On behalf of the official supporting committee for Australia, Tourism Australia’s Executive Chairman Rick Allert said all Australians should be proud that our iconic natural wonders have received such global recognition.

“A place among the ultimate New7Wonders of Nature would be a stunning achievement for our nation’s iconic natural wonders and we thank everyone who has played a part in ensuring Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef have made it through to this third and final stage, still in the running for the ultimate accolade,” Mr Allert said.

Both the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru are equally worthy iconic natural wonders and with everyone’s support they have a fantastic chance of reaching the ultimate seven. It’s as simple as visiting www.australia.com and casting a vote.

Launched in 2007 by the New7Wonders Foundation, the New7Wonders of Nature campaign is a global search to recognise the seven most wondrous natural sites in the world through the eyes of the public.

In the initial round, nominations for the campaign were open to any clearly defined natural site, monument or landscape that was not created or significantly altered by humans for aesthetic reasons.

All votes are monitored by the New7Wonders Foundation and will alter the standing of each nominee in real time. Every vote will therefore count, and if you voted in the previous stages, you can vote again now as everyone is eligible to vote once in each of the three stages.

Future ranking lists will include which candidates are moving up the fastest in a given week; candidates which are most appealing to women or men, or to younger voters or older ones; and candidates grouped into Top 14 and Bottom 14.

For further information on Uluru or the Great Barrier Reef, or to cast your vote please visit www.australia.com.

Australian departures to Indonesia increase 42.5% in September 2007

2007-11-22T08:34:00.000-08:00

According to the latest departure figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (5 November 2007) Indonesia is the 6th most popular destination for Australian travellers. In September 2007 approx 26,500 Australians travelled to Indonesia, representing a 42.5% increase from September 2006. Further, looking at purpose of travel, holiday travel (YTD 2007), 145,981 Australians listed holiday as their purpose of travel to Indonesia. This places Indonesia as the 5th most popular holiday destination for Australians.

The Minister of Culture and Tourism Republic of Indonesia, Mr Jero Wacik, is delighted to received the latest departure figures from Australia and is not surprised that Indonesia remains a favouraite destination for Australians. “Indonesia offers everything from a magical beach holiday in Bali, enjoying cultural diversity and heritage wonders including UNESCO World Heritage Sites Borobudur Temple and Prambanan Temple in Java, fantastic shopping at great prices in Jakarta and Bandung, playing great golf with no waiting and value pricing at international class courses through the country, marvelous spas with both traditional and international health and beauty treatments; and overall, a safe, family-oriented environment in an enchanting archipelago of 17,500 islands to explore.”

Mr Wacik further adds "I can personally recommend the great golfing in Indonesia as it is a sport I love, and since I am also President of the Indonesia Golf Association. I hope to see you on the links!"

For more information click here

Emirates to expand services in Australia

2007-11-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

In a bid to reaffirm its commitment to the Australian market, Emirates has revealed plans to increase operations to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne> bringing services up to 70 flights per week from 2009 which will coincide with the delivery of new aircraft.

Currently operating 49 flights a week including its Perth operations, Emirates will increase this to 56 in 2008 which will grow to 70 per week in 2009. This will include twice daily flights to Brisbane, and three times daily to Melbourne and Sydney.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Emirates' Chairman and Chief Executive in Sydney yesterday for the announcement said the Australian market exceeded the airlines’ expectations after an investment of more than one billion dollars over ten years since commencing services.

“We have transported more than six million passengers on our Australian flights to 90 destinations in 50 countries across the world … and Abu Dhabi and Australia are now successful long-term trading partners,” he said.

“The Emirates-Australian partnership has been a tourism and trade success story. Emirates have been fortunate to have received bi-partisan support at both a Federal and state level over many years.”

The additional services will be introduced using state-of-the-art Airbus A340-500, and will offer non-stop services from Dubai. Last week Emirates announced the largest civil aviation aircraft order in history by a single airline after signing contracts for 120 Airbus A350s, 11 additional A380s and 12 Boeing 777-300ERs.

“This is a massive investment which reflects our confidence in the future of air transport, our confidence in Dubai and key destinations like Australia,” Sheikh Ahmed said.

“(The services) is a multi-billion dollar fleet commitment to the Australian market and will be supported by additional Australian jobs and promotion of the Australian tourism industry, particularly in our 22 European markets.”

“The new aircraft we ordered are the latest technology … we intend to invest millions of dollars more to develop in-flight products to match our cutting-edge aircraft fleet.”

The Sheikh said Queensland was a major growth market which has enjoyed a sharp increase in inbound tourism from the Gulf, and the Gold Coast in particular was becoming a major high yield market for the airline.

He also confirmed that the first Emirates Airbus A380 will be used for services for direct services to Sydney commencing in the first quarter of 2009.

“The Airbus A380 is a very important aircraft to Emirates. Our first aircraft are the ultra long range version in a 489 seat, three-class configuration which is ideally suited for Australian flights and will address the current seat capacity shortage at many Australian airports.”

Furthermore, the Sheikh did not rule out any new gateways in Australia including Cairns, but instead said if services were of economically viability, it may be an option to consider in the future.

For more information click here

Yorke Peninsula

2007-07-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

Yorke Peninsula is quite possibly South Australia's favourite holiday spot. Evidently, the locals are on to something.

Renowned for their cruisy atmosphere and laidback lifestyle, the beaches of the Yorke Peninsula are great places to go swimming, surfing, fishing or on a family picnic.

Innes National Park is an amazing place to visit - serene, yet full of wildlife, with bushland, rugged cliffs and secluded ocean beaches.

You can also treat yourself to some of the best fishing in the country, simply by dropping a line off one of the region's historic jetties.

With its breezy pace, Yorke Peninsula is the ideal place to go when you deserve a peaceful getaway.

For more information visit Yorke Peninsula

Scots Owner of Gay Bar Wins Legal Right to Turn Away Straight People

2007-06-04T04:52:00.000-07:00

4th June 2007

A gay bar run by a Scottish hotelier has won the right to ban heterosexuals.

In what is believed to be a first for Australia, a tribunal has ruled that Melbourne's Peel Hotel can exclude people based on their sexuality. The move is intended to stop heterosexuals from insulting and intimidating the venue's regular customers.

Tom McFeely, the hotel's owner, who emigrated to Australia from Scotland 17 years ago because of homophobia, said the ruling was necessary to provide gay men with a non-threatening atmosphere.

"We've always welcomed everyone at the Peel," he said. "But when it got to the stage where a gay person could feel intimidated or unsafe at a gay venue, that's when I felt I had to take action. If I can limit the number of heterosexuals entering the Peel, then that helps me keep the safe balance."

Mr McFeely said he was not banning all straight people but wanted to have legal backing when he told unwelcome groups or individuals they should leave.

He said women on hen nights, who had a tendency to "have a giggle at the poofs", and men on stag nights, who could make the atmosphere threatening, were among the problems customers faced. He also wants the right to exclude lesbians, because the hotel was set up as a male venue.

Mr McFeely said lesbians had undressed in front of each other in the past, and gay male customers had complained that they had felt uncomfortable.

While Australia's equal-opportunity laws prevent people being discriminated against on grounds of race, religion or sexuality, the civil and administrative tribunal of Victoria ruled that exemptions can be made in exceptional circumstances.

Mr McFeely, 44, grew up in the Drumchapel area of Glasgow and emigrated "because of what I perceived was homophobia".

He said Australia was, in general, "very tolerant" of gay people and recent visits to Scotland showed the atmosphere had also improved greatly there.

"If it had been like it is now 17 years ago, I would not have emigrated," he said.

Ten years ago, a heterosexual couple complained to equal opportunities chiefs that they were discriminated against at the Peel, when they were asked to leave for what Mr McFeely described as "almost having sex". But he said that case had not influenced his decision to seek the latest ruling.

Victoria's state human-rights commission backed the verdict of the tribunal, saying it was in line with equal-opportunity guidelines defending the rights of groups subject to discrimination.

Helen Szoke, the head of the commission, said the hotel's gay clientele had experienced harassment and violence. "[They] have felt as though they've been like a zoo exhibit," she said.

A spokesman for the Victorian Gay And Lesbian Rights Lobby said: "We support the exemption. One of the objects of the Equal Opportunities Act is to foster an environment which is protective of and supportive of the act.

"This is about a marginalised and disadvantaged community. Gay men feel they're not in a safe environment at the Peel, which was set up for them.

"But we feel it's quite sad that you need to go and use the law to try to protect gay men's rights."

At the Vine, a mainstream pub on the same street as the Peel Hotel, Jackie Milesi, the landlady, backed Mr McFeely's stand.

"A lot of people go into his venue and create problems, and I don't think it's right," she said. "The gay people come to our place for lunch and we're very comfortable with that. They have a right to their privacy."

25 Top Escapes to Beat the Winter Blues

2007-05-29T02:49:00.001-07:00

9 May 2007

1 Sydney

Sydney is a desired holiday destination. Double Bay offers a vibrant cafe society and fashion boutiques; Paddington is home to designer stores; and for nightlife or dining try Darlinghurst, Potts Point or Surrey Hills. The Hilton hotel offers sleek, contemporary designer furnished rooms.

2 Melbourne

Melbourne has magnificent streetscapes, glorious parks, theatres, nightlife, cosmopolitan cuisine, designer boutiques and superb hotels. Enjoy shows such as Miss Saigon and Phantom of the Opera or the Guggenheim Exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria. The Crown Promenade is a stylish, affordable and modern hotel in Southbank.

3 Adelaide

Adelaide is a beautiful, well-designed city known for its wine and cuisine. The city also boasts galleries, theatres, undercover markets, sophisticated shopping and botanical gardens. And it hosts major sporting and cultural events. The Medina Grand Adelaide - in a former Treasury building - has been converted to Italian design studios and apartments.

4 Perth

Perth offers trendy boutiques, glamorous nightlife, outstanding restaurants and laid-back lifestyle. Sail on the Swan River, discover wineries, explore the historic seaport of Fremantle, take a ferry to Rottnest Island, wander through Kings Park, or cycle along the river. Seashells Resort Mandurah is on the beach at Comet Bay, 45 minutes drive south of Perth.

5 Gold Coast

Just 30km south of Brisbane, the Gold Coast has many attractions, great value accommodation, sunny climate, surf beaches and rainforests. Combine a beach holiday with the thrills of a theme park, and explore the nightlife. Freshwater Point Resort is a 10-minute walk from Broadbeach.

6 Sunshine Coast

From the beaches to the rainforest, the Sunshine Coast is a gorgeous destination. With balmy weather, amazing restaurants, boutique shopping and endless beaches, the Mantra Mooloolaba Beach is a four-star resort on the trendy Esplanade.

New Harbour for Whale Mecca

2007-05-08T02:58:00.001-07:00

4 May 2007

A 200-berth boat harbour at the southern Queensland tourist hub of Hervey Bay will be a major coup for tourism, the state government says.

Acting Premier Anna Bligh today announced two companies were vying for "one of the most significant developments on the Queensland coastline" at Urangan.

Ms Bligh said tenders from Meridien Marinas and the Seymour-Watpac Group would be considered in three months and construction on the project would begin in 2009 and be completed by 2011.

She said the project would provide jobs in the short and long term and would be a "tourist magnet" for the entire Wide Bay region, especially for the whale watching industry and tourism on the World Heritage listed Fraser Island.

"Every boat, every yacht that stops here will be an investment in the local economy," she said.

Wooden Postcards Becoming a Popular Tourism Attraction

2007-04-10T03:53:00.000-07:00

3 April 2007

In 2002, train enthusiast Ho Yuan-fu invented a durable postcard made of wood that travellers could take around Taiwan and use to collect postmarks from various regions.

Little did Ho know that five years later the cards would become one of Taiwan's international symbols and a promotional tool for the tourism industry.

Ho's original wooden postcard - engraved with the image of a train station along the Taiwan Railway Administration's Pingsi line - has since expanded and now feature 60 different graphics.

The cards have now become a tourist attraction in Pingsi Township, where travellers from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Australia buy them to send to relatives back home as a memento.

Ho's enterprise began with a store selling railway memorabilia from around Taiwan next to the Cingtong station on the Pingsi line.

An avid traveller, he made a hobby of gathering collectibles while travelling around the country, including buying postcards to collect postmarks from various regions. Then one day he had an inspiration: Why not make a durable postcard that travellers can take with them and use to collect postmarks from places they travel to?

Wu's first creation featured an engraving of the Cingtong station where his shop was located. After sales of the cards began to take off, he began visiting and photographing other places to offer buyers more choices, including the historic streets in Taipei County's Jioufen Township and sunset in Tamsui.

Ho said he never thought that the postcards would ever become an international symbol. This has inspired him to continue traveling around the country, catching and printing scenes on his postcards and spreading these images of Taiwan around the world.

Postal officials were initially reluctant to let the wooden tablets enter circulation because of the demands their weight would put on mail carriers. But after a year of haggling with the Taiwan Post, Ho finally convinced the administration that the postcards would help raise Taiwan's international visibility and boost tourism.

The post office finally decided to allow his wooden postcards to be sent through the mail by charging extra. It costs NT$10 to send the wooden postcards by mail around Taiwan, NT$20 to Hong Kong, NT$25 to Southeast Asia and NT$35 to the US and Europe.

Caravanning With a Capital K

2007-04-03T08:16:00.000-07:00

Tom Harding has stayed at more than his fair share of Australia's 2700 caravan parks.

The 73-year-old estimates he's "hitched up the van" at least 100 times since his addiction to driving holidays began in the late 1970s.

In that period, he has noticed Australia has an uncanny number of quality caravanning destinations that begin with the letter K.

Katherine, Kununurra, Karratha, Kalgoorlie, Kalbarri and Karumba are all top spots on Harding's must-visit list.

"It's amazing how many spectacular spots there are beginning with K," Harding says. "They just keep jumping out from the map."

Harding's quirky observation has probably also caught the attention of many of Australia's 365,000 registered caravan owners.

At any one time there are at least 80,000 vans – representing at least 160,000 people – on Australian roads.

Since 1994, the number of caravans manufactured in Australia has trebled from 6000 to 18,500 a year, making caravanning one of the most popular holiday options for Australians.

Harding says while many people think of the Northern Territory or Western Australia when they plan a caravanning trip, there are plenty of destinations in Victoria that shouldn't be overlooked.

He suggests Warragul as a central location to explore the Strzelecki Ranges and the Tarago Reservoir.

"Most people just think of Warragul as a place you drive past on the highway, but when I stayed there I was blown away by all that happens there," he says.

Harding says other Victorian caravanning hot spots include Wye River and Port Campbell along the Great Ocean Road and Donald in the Wimmera.

But for those wanting to explore further afield, Harding says Queensland has plenty of gems, including the beachside town of 1770 and the Lawn Hill National Park.

Caravan Industry Victoria executive officer Peter Wright says 87 per cent of Australia's population has stayed in a caravan or in a caravan park.

"People assume the number of people going on caravanning holidays has gone ballistic since September 11, but in fact it's been growing progressively since about 1994," Wright says.

One of the benefits of caravanning, he says, is that there is a type of van to suit everybody. Families on a budget can buy a 5.5m single-axle pop-top caravan for about $25,000, while those looking for a top-of-the-range model can splurge up to $130,000.

A van with that price tag comes with all the bells and whistles, including ensuite, airconditioning, washing machine and dryer, two fridges, a self-sufficient power supply (solar, battery pack or generators) and undercarriage equipment so it can easily handle off-road driving.

Harding agrees the versatility of caravanning is its biggest drawcard.

"When I started it was with a tent. Then I moved to a camper, then a smaller caravan and then into a bigger caravan. It doesn't matter which type of vehicle you're travelling in, it's a way of holidaying where you can connect with the environment."

Harding says the key to making the most of the caravanning experience is to allow enough time to explore areas that may not have been on the initial itinerary.

"The Nullarbor Plain should be treated as a special trip, not a harsh experience," he says. "Plan to do it in three or four days instead of one or two and explore the side tracks because, at times, the road can be up to 12km inland from the Great Australian Bight."

Another outback gem Harding recommends is Western Australia's 80 Mile Beach.

Ken Johnston is another caravan enthusiast who advocates getting off the main road while on a caravanning holiday.

Johnston is a member of a Melbourne-based caravan club, and goes on a trip about once a month.

His club has about 35 vans and since Johnston joined the group seven years ago, he estimates he's stayed in most caravan parks within a 200km radius of Melbourne.

"I've been to quite a few of them more than once, but that doesn't matter," he says. "You have a bit of a scratch around and you always find something new."

ASP Kicks Off 2007 World Championship Tour

2007-02-27T02:23:00.000-08:00

20 February 2007

The 2007 Foster’s ASP World Tour and ASP Women’s World Tour will kick off at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast of Australia with the Quiksilver and Roxy Pros presented by Samsung next week.

In addition to a plethora of dynamic rookies, improved judging technology and an innovative nation versus nation team event, the Foster’s Surf Showdown, will add to the anticipation of the Gold Coast event.

This season’s Foster’s ASP World Tour will match last season’s record 14 new faces set to storm the top ranks.

Ten of the new comers include complete rookies such as Australians Luke Munro, Kai Otton, Ben Dunn, Josh Kerr and Dayyan Neve, along with South Africans Ricky Basnett and Royden Bryson, Brazilian Leonardo Neves, American Gabe Kling and Frenchman Jeremy Flores.

In addition, returning veterans Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA), Neco Padaratz (BRA), Bernado Miranda (BRA) and former ASP world tour runner-up Mick Campbell (AUS), are back in action after their various absences from the top-tier tour.

The ASP Women’s World Tour will also feature some fresh faces this year. South African Rosanne Hodge, Frenchwoman Caroline Sarran and Australian Stephanie Gilmore will each make their ASP Women’s World Tour debuts, with Hawaiian Melanie Bartels and Australian Amee Donohoe returning after a brief hiatus from the ASP World Tour stage.

“This season’s rookies are really going to shake things up,” ASP CEO Brodie Carr said. “On the men’s side, you have aerial freak Josh Kerr and the prodigious Jeremy Flores, and on the women’s side, we have the giant slayer Stephanie Gilmore. It’s going to be exciting to see how the old guard deals with the onslaught of new faces this year.”

Following the 2007 ASP World Tour season opener at Snapper Rocks, the Foster’s ASP World Tour will travel to the dream venues of Bells Beach, Australia; Teahupoo, Tahiti; ‘Somewhere’ in Chile; Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, Lower Trestles, California; Hossegor, France; Mundaka, Spain; Imbituba, Brazil and Pipeline, Hawaii.

The ASP Women’s World Tour will join the men’s tour in Bells Beach before branching off and heading to Itacare, Brazil; Santander, Spain; Sydney, Australia; Sunset Beach, Hawaii and Maui, Hawaii.

Both the men’s and women’s tours will benefit from the addition of an instant replay system this season, increasing the precision of the already top-notch judging panel.

The instant replay system will further ensure that scoring and the delivery of scoring is as accurate and immediate as possible.

All the action kicks off on February 24, 2007 with the Foster’s ASP World Championship Crowning Banquet.

A gala event where the world’s best swap wetsuits for lavish gowns and penguin suits and enjoy a night of revelry and honor, the 2007 Foster’s ASP World Championship Crowning Banquet will take over the world famous Jupiter’s Casino on Australia’s Gold Coast Saturday night.

The evening will see the crowning of the 2006 Foster’s ASP World Champion, Kelly Slater (USA), and 2006 ASP Women’s World Champion, Layne Beachley (AUS), as well as the ASP World Junior champions Jordy Smith (ZAF) and Nicola Atherton (AUS).

The waiting period for the Quiksilver and Roxy Pros begins February 27, 2007. Be sure to catch all the action at www.aspworldtour.com, www.quiksilver.com and www.roxy.com

For a full list of surfer profiles, season schedules, event profiles, news stories and much more, be sure to log on to the new and improved www.aspworldtour.com

Barclays Travel Insurance Reports Winter Tourists Prefer Down Under to Down Hill

2007-02-20T02:00:00.000-08:00

19th Febraury 2007

Research from Barclays Travel Insurance has shown that Melbourne and Sydney have seen a huge increase in the number of visiting British tourists this winter as millions opted to take in the English cricket team’s Ashes whitewash rather than the white slopes of a ski holiday.

The research from Barclays Travel Insurance indicates that Sydney has seen a 25% increase in Brits visiting the city whilst Melbourne welcomed a massive 140% more British tourists than last year. The Australian cities are also two of the destinations with the biggest increase in the amount spent by British tourists with spending in Melbourne increasing by 178%.

Other destinations which are seeing an upsurge in UK visitors include Hong Kong and Phuket – both popular stop-offs on route to Australia – and New York, where shoppers have been flocking to take advantage of the strong pound/dollar exchange rate.

The top 5 list of destinations and percentage increases by British visitor numbers from December 2005-January 2006 compared with December 2006-January 2007 were:

1. Melbourne 140%

2. Sydney 25%

3. Phuket 24%

4. Hong Kong 21%

5. Dubai 15%

In contrast, spending and visitor numbers to European ski resorts such as Meribel, Val D’Isere and Chamonix were down by up to 18% on the same time last year, which was not helped by the limited snow fall which have occurred so far this season across these regions.

The list of the top six ski destinations and percentage changes by British visitor numbers and spending from December 2005-January 2006 compared with December 2006-January 2007 shows:

1. Chamonix -18%, spending -19%

2. Val D’Isere -12%, spending +9%

3. Morzine -12%, spending -1%

4. Meribel -2%, spending 0%

5. Courchevel +1%, spending +18%

6. Verbier +13%, spending +8%

The top five destinations measured by the numbers of visiting British tourists across December and January are currently Paris, Sydney, Dublin, New York and Dubai. Las Vegas, Verbier and Phuket are the destinations where Brits spend the most – an average of almost £400 each – whilst British visitors to Dublin, Paris and Prague spend less than £100 each.

Mark Till, Marketing Director for Barclays Insurance, comments: “Long haul breaks seem to be becoming increasingly popular with British holidaymakers over the Christmas and New Year period. Flights are getting cheaper and Brits are prepared to trek further for the chance of some proper winter sunshine.

Of course this year the numbers travelling to Australia were boosted further by the added attraction of the Ashes taking place whilst Europe’s slow start to the ski season due to a lack of snow has also encouraged tourists to look elsewhere.”

For more information visit Web Wire

Comfort and Luxury Right at the Very Heart of Central Coast Australia

2007-02-12T07:43:00.000-08:00

Nestled right at the heart of Central Coast, Australia, El Lago Waters Resort offers comfort and luxury combined with a great location, luxury and enviable lifestyle. With unmatched style, decor and superb hospitality, the El Lago Waters Resort is a very special place to visit for a truly remarkable experience. It is a perfect place to unwind and catch up with friends.

Guests will definitely have fun in the great outdoor activities or by simply relaxing in the sun at El Lago Waters Resort. No matter what guests' pleasures are, there are long days and nights of indulgence for everyone at 'The Entrance which is located north of Sydney.

It certainly is the right place to enjoy seaside activities like bike-riding, parasailing, catamaraning as well as golfing and boat cruises on the magnificent Tuggerah Lakes. There are countless activities that guests can choose from once they decide to stay at El Lago. Aside from relaxing and swimming at a glorious sun-drenched beach, they can also stroll along, gain friends and enjoy a people-gazing activity, or they may just dip their toes into the sea, build sandcastles, swim or throw a frisbee.

When it comes to accommodation, El Lago Waters Resort provides three categories offering a choice of pool, lake and town views. Inside the rooms are complete amenities such as air-conditioning and heating machines, ensuite bathrooms, large writing bureau, large adjoining living area opening onto balcony / pati, refrigerator, tea / coffee making facilties, satellite television, IDD telephone, clock radio, hairdryer, iron/board, queen size bed, and 2 single beds or fold out double bed.

El Lago Waters Resort offers great value and comfort. It is conveniently located to many of Sydney's popular attractions and is surrounded by boutiques, novelty shops, ice-cream parlours, coffehouses and enticing restaurants to browse in.

Guests can definitely explore the most idyllic locations on the scenic Central Coast – nestled in a quiet spot that enjoys breathtaking views of the picturesque Tuggerah Lakes and only a short walk to the patrolled surfing beach and pool. Also nearby is the many modern attractions in 'The Entrance' which are: Vera’s Watergarden, alfresco dining and daily pelican feeding.

A romantic holiday getaway and an ideal and enjoyable Sydney accommodation at El Lago Waters Resort can be experienced for only $130 at its standard rooms from Sunday to Thursday and $260 on Friday and Saturday. Both packages include a continental breakfast.

Because convenience matters at el Lago Waters Resort, its official hotel website, http://www.ellago.com.au, is empowered to deliver instantly confirmed, payment-guaranteed reservations at the best rates online. This reservation service offers the flexibility of choosing from all room types, according to a specific budget and preference, with 14 days of real-time room availability shown at the lowest rates online.

Certainly, anyone who visits this marvelously furnished resort will agree that vacation experiences are always wonderful and unforgettable. Holidays will never be more pleasurable once it was experienced at El Lago Waters Resort.

High Airfares Hit Aussie Tourism

2007-02-05T09:09:00.000-08:00

High airfares and a shortage of air capacity are expected to contribute to another stagnant year in inbound tourism in Australia, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

Australia's flat performance comes as our near neighbours, including Macau and mainland China, power ahead.

Macau's gambling industry has reached earnings of almost $US7 billion ($9 billion), which could see it become the world's most profitable casino city, even beating Las Vegas's famous strip, says the report.

Las Vegas earnings for last year were about $US6.6 billion.

Delegates at the UNWTO conference in Spain heard that tourism in the Oceania region had stagnated during the 2006 year, with its 0.3 per cent increase well below the worldwide increase of 4.5 per cent.

Australian arrivals increased by 0.5 per cent and New Zealand 1.3 per cent.

According to the UNWTO's latest world tourism barometer, released at the conference, strong performers in the Asia-Pacific region during 2006 included Japan up 9 per cent, attracting travellers from Korea, China and Singapore.

A decline in Japanese tourist numbers was one of the reasons for New Zealand and Australia's disappointing performances, the report said.

"Both destinations suffered equally from increased oil prices and consequently, increased air fares during the year, a factor contributing to the erosion of its competitiveness in the international market,'' the report said.

According to the report, panel experts in Australia are not optimistic about a dramatic turnaround this year.

"The strength of the Australian dollar is a disincentive and, while Australia's appeal as a safe and secure destination is a main draw, access is not getting easier as a result of higher fares and a shortage of airline capacity,'' the report found. According to the UNWTO, China is firming its status as Asia's largest outbound tourism market.

Last year about 34.5 million Chinese travelled overseas, up 11 per cent on the previous year.

Many Chinese travellers were journeying nearby and the amount of money they spent while abroad was up 16 per cent. Koreans were also more likely to travel overseas during 2006, with a 13 per cent increase in outbound trips and a 19 per cent rise in international tourism expenditure.

The report said Macau's big push into new hotel and casino development had been buoyed by the expansion of low cost airline services into Macau.

According to the UNWTO, this has made short breaks easier for those keen to gamble. Visitors from mainland China make up about 60 per cent of total tourist arrivals and gambling revenues reached almost $US7 billion.

"It may put the former Portuguese colony in the top of the world's most profitable casino cities, beating even Las Vegas's famous strip,'' the report said.

The growth of Macau's gambling industry has soared in the past six years since developer Stanley Ho lost his 40-year monopoly on casino operations.

Operators including Sands, Wynn and MGM have since moved in.

But the rapid expansion is expected to be tempered as the city deals with labour shortages.

Australia Temperatures To Soar In 65 Years

2007-02-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

Sydney, Australia - Average temperatures in Sydney will rise by about 9 degrees during the next 65 years, with devastating consequences including 1,300 more heat-related deaths per year, according to a government study released Wednesday.

With Australia gripped by its worst drought on record, the issue of climate change has emerged as a battleground in this year's national elections.

Prime Minister John Howard has come under renewed criticism for not ratifying the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, making Australia the only major industrial nation other than the U.S. to reject the treaty that mandates lower emissions of global-warming greenhouse gases.

Howard did not comment on the study, which was commissioned by New South Wales, the state that includes Sydney, Australia's largest city.

But New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma called the report "frightening reading" and said the federal government "can no longer put its head in the sand on this issue."

Iemma is a member of the Labor Party, which is hoping to oust Howard's conservative coalition in elections later this year.

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Australia's main scientific group, said average annual temperatures in Sydney will rise from the current 78.8 to around 88 by 2070.

If current climate trends continue, summer temperatures in Sydney's landlocked suburbs, which often top 95 degrees, could rise by as much as 13 degrees, the CSIRO said.

It predicted heat-related deaths of people over 65 will increase to 1,312 by 2050 from the current average of 176 per year. By 2070 Sydney could be in drought for nine out of every 10 years instead of the current average of three, the report said.

"Such trends would also increase evaporation, heat waves, extreme winds and fire risk," the report said.

The CSIRO said hotter temperatures would have significant effects on the ecosystem around Sydney, threatening some already endangered plant species and the animals that feed on them. Rising sea levels could also destroy the natural habitats of many species.

As a major exporter and consumer of carbon dioxide-emitting fossil fuels, Australia rates as one of the world's worst greenhouse gas producers per capita.

Howard says the Kyoto Protocol's steep cuts in carbon dioxide emissions would hurt Australia's economy by handing a competitive advantage to China and India, which are not bound by the treaty.

Australian power companies issued a report Wednesday that said expanding the use of nuclear power and retrofitting coal-fired power stations to capture carbon dioxide is the best way to slow greenhouse emissions. Howard said he agreed with that recommendation.

"The answer is a greater emphasis on clean coal and nuclear power," Howard told reporters. "It's just simply not feasible to run power stations in this country on solar and wind energy."

Sydney Harbour Blast Jet Boat Ride

2007-01-29T02:40:00.000-08:00

35 minutes of pure fun!

Imagine racing at 75km per hour through Sydney Harbour, under the bridge, past the Sydney Opera House and the Australian Navy Fleet, before skimming around Fort Denison and the Prime Minister's Sydney residence. Sit back and hang on while the full power of the Jet is unleashed and put through its paces of 270-degree spins, wild fish tails and awesome power brake stops.

During the adventure there is a continual mix of music that keeps the jet boats rockin'.

Harbour Jet's regimented training process for its fully qualified local skippers, individual bucket seats and handrails, ensure passenger safety. For customer comfort, Harbour Jet provides all passengers with complimentary full-length spray jackets and dry pants. A selection of merchandise and souvenirs is available, as a memento of your experience, from the Bookings office and retail shop located at 'Harbourside' Darling Harbour.

For more information visit: http://www.affiliate.viator.com/brochure/product_show.jsp?CODE=3928JB&ID=1010&PRODUCTID=1016&AUID=2843

Barrier Reef named No.1 snorkelling spot

2007-01-18T03:35:00.000-08:00

A Top American dive magazine has named Australia's Great Barrier Reef as the number one snorkelling destination in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Scuba Diving magazine asked its readers to rate its top dive and snorkelling destinations around the world.

Readers were also invited to vote on a number of other categories including wreck diving, visibility and marine life.

More than 4500 readers participated in the survey, giving Australia the nod as the premier underwater destination in the region.

Bonaire in the Caribbean took the top overall dive destination award for the fifth year running.

Australia's Great Barrier Reef also earned second place for top wreck diving in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as top five rankings in the top destination for beginners and top small animal encounters categories.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest marine park in the world, stretching more than 2300km along the north-east coast of Australia from the northern tip of Queensland to just north of Bundaberg.

It boasts a huge variety of marine life, and almost two million people visit the reef each year, pumping more than $4 billion into the economy.

Queensland Tourism Minister Margaret Keech said she was not surprised the reef ranked so highly as a dive and snorkelling destination.

"The Great Barrier Reef is one of the wonders of the world," Ms Keech said.

"It features amazing natural attractions, coral formations, fish and other living organisms in a wonderful, colourful marine world.

"It provides an unforgettable experience."

Ms Keech said the reef attracted more than 120,000 international tourists in the 12 months leading up to September last year.

She said UK tourists were the number one international visitors to the reef but it was also popular with American, Japanese and German visitors.

Tourism Australia to open office in India

2007-01-18T03:12:00.000-08:00

Tourism Australia will open a new office in India in 2007, most likely in Mumbai, to take advantage of increasing tourism opportunities in this rapidly growing market. Tourism Australia Chairman, Tim Fischer said the office opening follows strong tourism marketing activity and trade representation already taking place in the market. A dedicated office will ensure that continuing marketing efforts will capture a larger segment of Indian consumers.

In 2005-06 visitors to Australia from India grew by 33 per cent to 78,900 compared with 2004-05. The Indian market is expected to reach 550,000 tourists by 2025, with a value of more $2 billion.

Tim Fischer welcomed the whole-of-government response to the National Tourism Emerging Markets Strategy: China and India, released by Tourism Minister Fran Bailey, which included the commitment to open a new Tourism Australia office in India.

A range of innovative marketing programs and PR activities in India led by Tourism Australia will help capture key segments of the market says Fischer.

Australia won't see iPhone ‘til 2008

2007-01-11T07:27:00.000-08:00

Salivating over the Apple iPhone announced by Steve Jobs this morning? Lick your chops and collect that drool - Apple Australia says it won't be available in Australia until 2008 -- at least a year from now.

Of course, that's not to say there won't be a healthy trade in black-market iPhones on eBay as soon as they're released in the US. Just don't expect to get them cheap.

It'll be released in the US six months from now in June (Apple hasn't even got FCC approval for the hardware yet, such is Jobs' focus on secrecy), then in Europe ‘later in the year' and Asia Pacific in 2008, according to Marketing Manager Rob Small.

Small could not say why the phone would be so delayed in the Asia Pacific region.

Pricing for the phones is not set for Australia, but Apple US said they would cost $US499 ($A639) for a 4GB version and $US599 ($A767) for an 8GB version.

However, it's likely when it does arrive that it'll be on the Telstra GSM network: it is the only network in Australia that supports the EDGE technology the phone uses for highish-speed data transfer (at about 100Kbit/s).

Apple's US-centric approach will also probably see a single carrier deal stitched-up in each region. Apple has already signed up US telco Cingular to distribute the phone exclusively in the US.

Apple's choice of EDGE (2.5G) over the more common WCDMA (3G) mobile technology is probably explained by the substantially faster CPUs available for EDGE devices.

Although Apple hasn't disclosed which CPU it is using in the phone, the likely reason for Apple's choice of EDGE over WCDMA 3G is that the sole manufacturer of WCDMA chips is Qualcomm and they're not nearly as fast as Intel's PXA chips (now divested to Marvell).

The latest PXA320 chip from Marvell runs at 820MHz, and given Apple's heavy graphical functionality in the iPhone, it's likely it has built the phone around this chip.

Until recently, most phone manufacturers have chosen the slowest chip that can viably run their software in order to eke out maximum battery life. Apple appears to have taken a different approach with the iPhone: it will only last five hours of talk/browsing/email or 16 hours of audio playback.

Australia’s West Coast in Property Boom

2007-01-11T07:20:00.000-08:00

The city of Perth on Australia’s west coast is showing a massive price boom on real estate and is fast becoming the countries most successful all round city ahead of Sydney. Research showed a staggering 46% rise in property prices up to September making this a prime investment for the opportunistic overseas investor.

This surge in activity has been put down to a worldwide commodity boom, with Perth becoming the leading supplier of natural resources such as liquid gas and iron ore to China. This together with the housing shortage generally, mainly due to planning consent delays,a shortage of labour and construction delays, has meant that the housing market in Perth has risen substantially this year. Investors should not delay and seize the opportunity to cash in on this rising market.

The recent expansion of the city has meant that its fabulous coastline now stretches a total of 110Kilometers along side the business district as a result of which the number of residents is expected to increase by 25% in the next decade, generating an exciting opportunity for the keen investor. In fact as demand is outstretching supply, the shortage of labour is creating further opportunity for UK residents to up sticks and cash in while the going’s good.

Perth continues to draw back the investor due to it’s cosmopolitan reputation as one of the leading cities in Australia that has so much to offer.

Principal International has been created by investors for investors with links to mainly UK based developers.

Principal International offers overseas investment properties in Australia, Barbados, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Dubai, Portugal, Spain, Thailand and Turkey.

Etihad Airways Confirms Flights to Australia

2007-01-09T05:08:00.000-08:00

Etihad Airways has confirmed that it will begin flights to Australia within the next few months from its base in Abu Dhabi. This follows the conclusion of an extended aviation bilateral agreement between the governments of the United Arab Emirates and Australia.

Etihad Airways Chief Executive, James Hogan, said: “We appreciate the support of the Government of Abu Dhabi in securing the additional rights that will allow us to start flights to Australia in the next few months. I believe that our service will significantly drive and support the development of trade and tourism between the UAE and Australia. We are finalising the arrangements and hope to announce full details shortly.”

England Fans Still Coming Despite Loss

2006-12-18T07:36:00.000-08:00

18 December 2006

LOSE it ... and they still come.

Despite England surrendering cricket's Ashes to Australia in record time, thousands of Britons are still preparing to fly Down Under for the last two Tests of the series.

Leading UK tourism operator Gullivers Sports Travel has 12 groups flying out this week for the fourth Test starting at the MCG on Boxing Day and the fifth and final Test in Sydney in the New Year.

They'll replace England fans who came out for the first three Tests, culminating in today's Ashes-deciding 206 run loss to the Australians at the WACA ground in Perth.

While British dreams of retaining the Ashes were dashed just 15 months after England's first series win in 18 years, the touring fans are still keen to come to Australia.

Those coming this week with Gullivers Sports Travel have been promised a summer Aussie Christmas experience and New Year celebrations on Sydney Harbour.

Supporters who took packages for the first three Tests sampled during their month-long stay the delights of Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Margaret River in Western Australia.

Cricket Australia has estimated about 45,000 visiting English fans will spend time in Australia during the Ashes series.

Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) managing director Christopher Brown said the Ashes would contribute significantly to the Australian economy.

Mr Brown said the Rugby World Cup in 2003 generated $289 million in additional gross domestic product (GDP) to the Australian economy and created an additional 4500 jobs.

He said TTF expected the Ashes could create similar benefits.

Don't miss out on Australian summer celebrations

2006-12-07T07:59:00.000-08:00

Don't Miss Out On Australian Summer Celebrations

Summer is here and the festive season is underway. Last year more than 145,000 New Zealanders crossed the Tasman during December and January, looking to enjoy summer the Australian way.

Tourism Australia's Regional Manager New Zealand, Vito Anzelmi, says that the Australian summer months offer a range of unique festivals and events full of delicious local food and wine, proving to be a major draw card for many.

"If you still haven't decided what to do over the summer holidays then why not pop across the Tasman and experience Australian summertime and festive season celebrations. It is a great way to experience Australia's different regional cuisines and wines, as well as a chance to mix with the locals," he says.

Diverse and unique festivals and events take place all over the country, where keen travellers can enjoy local Australian flavours and entertainment.

Tourism Australia suggests the following celebrations for New Zealanders to sample Australian summertime festivities.

Taste of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 28 December 2007 to 7 January 2007
http://www.hobartsummerfestival.com.au/

This large-scale event shouldn't be missed by food and wine-loving kiwis this summer. Considered one of Australia's most popular and successful food and wine events, the Taste of Tasmania showcases the best Tasmania has to offer.

This seven-day extravaganza not only has an abundance of local food and wine but also boasts a unique food and wine theatre which is staged on the Hobart waterfront. This incorporates presentations, forums and debates on everything related to wine, as well as wine tasting sessions run by local wine experts. Why not watch the end of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and then stay on to experience Taste.

New Zealanders love to celebrate the New Year, so why not experience New Year festivities the Australian way at Darling Harbour in Sydney this year. Sydney has a great reputation for throwing parties in spectacular style and the Darling Harbour New Year's Eve celebration promises nothing less. Music and fireworks are set to dominate the harbour to bring in the New Year. Instead of eating on a grassy bank or on the beach like other festivals, why not try one of the many delicious restaurants or cafes as a place of celebration. Make sure you book early to avoid missing out.

The Qantas Aussie AirPass Offers More of Australia's Natural Wonders

2006-12-07T07:45:00.000-08:00

Australia’s World Heritage wonders are on sale from USD$1,099/CAN $1,499 with the newly enhanced Qantas Aussie AirPass available on Australia.com.
Few places in the world have the range of nature from the familiar to the rare as the world’s largest island continent Australia. Fossil reminders of this ancient continent’s prehistoric past sit alongside modern aboriginal communities that are reminders of a continuing culture spanning more than 40,000 years.

All the country’s natural wonders have helped shaped Australia into what it is today. And Australians feel that its natural gifts are there to be enjoyed.

One of the best ways to see all of Australia’s wonders is with the popular Qantas Aussie AirPass. With the addition of four new cities, travelers have the flexibility and choice of experiencing the ancient Wollemi Pine and mystical Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) or visiting with some of the over 700 bird species.

In addition to the newly added cities of Rockhampton, Mackay, Gladstone (three cities with great access to the Great Barrier Reef) and the aboriginal community of Gove, choices of 21 Australian cities include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Gold Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Cairns, Townsville, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Darwin, Hamilton Island, Perth, Broome, and Hayman.

Fares for travel through December 14, 2007 are regional, seasonal and start at just USD$1,099/CAN $1,499 plus taxes and fees for low season Zone 1 travel. The AirPass includes international round-trip economy class air transportation plus three qualifying cities within Australia for one low fare.

The great outdoors is there for the taking, but above else conservation and protection remain of prime importance. Australia and its tourism industry were using the words ‘sustainable’ long before they became popular.

For some ideas on protected and pristine nature and wildlife areas to see on the AirPass, try:

The Daintree Rainforest – (AirPass city: Cairns) British naturalist Sir David Attenborough has described the Daintree as "a living museum". Cedars, ferns, mosses, botanical dinosaurs' and primitive flowering plants little changed in more than 100 million years form the world's oldest living rainforest. Spanning approximately 1200 square kilometres in Tropical North Queensland, the Daintree is home to one of the most diverse habitats on earth in terms of the range of plants and animals, and also has the highest number of plant and animal species that are rare, or threatened with extinction. The Daintree is a sensory overloading experience – allowing you to explore and immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds and smells of nature – from waterfalls and wildlife, to the wind in the trees. There’s untouched tropical rainforest and beautiful waterfalls, golden beaches with calm water, hiking tracks, thousands of species of birds and other wildlife and remote wilderness.

SharkBay (AirPass city: Perth) There are vvery few areas around the world that meet all four World Heritage natural criteria, Shark Bay does and it’s a great place for snorkeling, getting up close to marine life and exploring shipwrecks.

Kangaroo Island (AirPass city: Adelaide) Australia’s third-largest island, known locally as KI, Kangaroo Island shelters native plants and wildlife in an environment as they were before European settlement. Pristine beaches, towering cliffs and ultramarine seas make KI a photographer’s paradise. Kangaroo Island is home to seals, whales, dolphins, penguins, lizards, platypus, koalas, and echidnas and, of course, kangaroos. The large, sandy beaches and dunes of Seal Bay Conservation Park are home to a breeding colony for sea lions. Kangaroo Island’s coastline also plays host to hundreds of penguins. Koalas are frequently spotted from the roadside lazing in the fork of native tree boughs not fifty metres from Kangaroo Islands’ main roads. Kangaroo Island is a paradise for birdwatchers. There are 251 recorded species of birds which can be found along the coastal cliffs and beaches, through to the wetlands and lagoons.

KakaduNational Park (AirPass city: Darwin) KakaduNational Park in Australia's tropical Top End is a vast area of lily-covered wetlands, grassy plains, coastal mangrove swamps, eucalypt woodlands and sheer escarpments. This region of incredibly diverse landforms and wildlife is one of only 17 places on earth that are World Heritage listed for both their natural and cultural values. A cruise can teach you about the birds and the park. You may also see a few crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks. Aboriginal people roamed this rich countryside up to 60,000 years ago, leaving thousands of rock-art sites. Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock in the north-eastern corner of the park are decorated with extensive rock art. Signs along the walks explain the work and rangers give free, guided tours during holiday periods.

The Blue Mountains (AirPass city: Sydney) The Blue Mountains – so called because of the blue haze created by the eucalyptus oil in the air above the gum forests – are just west of Sydney, yet remain largely untamed. This chain of ancient sandstone peaks just west of Sydney offers crisp air, yawning chasms, waterfalls, and views of eucalypt forests that stretch to the horizon. Go rappelling over roaring waterfalls, wade along brooks or stroll in search of the Wollemi Pine (its location is held secret). Dating back 340 million years, visit the world’s oldest open caves. To best learn about the wonders of the area, take an eco walk.

The Penguin Parade (AirPass city: Melbourne) Watch the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, home to a colony of little penguins that make an appearance on Summerland Beach each day at dusk. About 26,000 little penguins live in the waters around the island. This race up the beach from the ocean to the safety of their burrows has become known as the popular Penguin Parade.

Tasmanian Temperate Forests (AirPass cities: Hobart or Launceston) The Tasmanian Temperate Forests eco region covers north eastern Tasmania and the islands of the Bass Strait. Cool temperate rainforests are characterised by an open cathedral-like quality, and they are usually silent, cool, dark and damp and the ground is covered with a carpet of moss. Eucalyptus trees can grow as tall as 50 m, providing the perfect habitat for plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, including many rare and endangered species.