Australia Fiesta

Recently restored historical B&B Meredith House owners-Noel Stanley and Neal McDermott with the awards. The picturesque East Coast town, Swansea has won the title of Australia’s Tidiest Town of 2007. It triumphed over 1000 entries in the competition. Before winning the overall tidiest town, Swansea won two sub-categories at the Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Awards in Melbourne on Saturday – the Community Action Award and the award for Heritage and Culture. Swansea’s population has swelled by just 1500 with the arrival of hundreds of lycra-clad cyclists and it supports crews taking part in Bicycle Victoria’s Great Tasmanian Bike Ride. The town boasts of a large number of historic homes and buildings, heritage restoration, colorful banners and well-kept residential gardens. The well-kept gardens, progressive waste management systems and impressive heritage values left a lasting impression on the judges of the award. Recycling and resource recovery initiatives were also the factors which made Swansea the winner. Image Credit Source: Stuff

It seems Australia has a fondness for big things. The pineapple in Gympie, the Giant Earthworm in South Gippsland and Ned Kelly in Glenrowan are some of the finest examples that prove this fondness. Now look at the picture above. Located on the northern outskirts of Coffs Harbour, it’s a huge structure known by the name the Big Banana. It is 40 year old giant structure which is probably the most photographed object in Australia. Believe me it’s so gigantic that you can walk through. It is indeed one of the most famous man-made tourist attractions of Australia. Whichever time of the day you go, you’ll find cameras clicking away, individuals, couples, honeymooners, small groups, families and loads of people recording their visit to the Big Banana. Even if you fall short of time when you are on a visit to the Big Banana, I suggest you not to miss taking a short walk up the big banana sky-walk. It’s an elevated walkway through the banana plantation that provides access to Coffs’ coast lookout offering spectacular views over Coffs Harbour City Centre. If you plan your trip to Australia between July and October, you can view the annual migration of whales. Even the thrill seeker won’t be disappointed. Half a kilometer downhill you can take a Toboggan ride that guarantees adrenalin rush and fun for all. Also, there is a Big Banana ice rink that offers wonderful opportunity for ice-skating. With lots of recreational activities, a variety of food experiences and several retail outlets, the Big Banana is a family place that has something for everyone. Image Credit Source: Stuff

There are many ice caves around the world but did you know that the world’s largest ice caves are found in Austria? Eisriesenwelt Ice Caves are some of the largest known to man. The ice in Eisriesenwelt caves remains frozen throughout the year and you can see some spectacular ice formations such as waterfalls and glaciers. Owned by the National Austrian Forestry Commission, it is a natural limestone ice cave that has a length of 42 km. Only the first kilometer is covered in ice and rest of the cave is formed of limestone. The caves are open during the summer months and closed during winters from November to April due to worse Alpine weather. If you are heading to Austria and wish to visit the Eisriesenwelt Ice Caves warm yourself up. Usually the temperature remains under zero, so make sure to be prepared to save your-self from the cutting cold. The cave would provide you one of the most thrilling experiences during your Austria visit. Location: Eisriesenwelt Caves are situated near Village Werfen, about 40 km south of Salzburg city. Sitting at the height of 1640m, these caves have more than 40km (25mi) of explored passageways. Getting There: Eisriesenwelt Caves can be reached on the Tauern motorway, on the trunk road from Salzburg or by train. Local buses are also available from the Werfen village. People who are comfortable walking 5 km can reach on foot also. There are no electronic lights in the cave. One has to guide himself on his own with the help of carbide lamps provided. Source: Gadling

If you are in Australia, you can’t afford to miss the whale watching. Australia is one of the finest places on the globe to watch humpback whales as they migrate along the East and West Australian coasts each winter. The Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is so named because of its long pectoral fins. It is the fifth largest of all the whales (up to 15 meters long and around 40 tones in weight). The females grow to a slightly greater length than the males. Almost anywhere along the East Coast, you can enjoy superb whale watching. Whale watching boats are the best way to see whales, as they can quietly follow the humpbacks, sometimes a few kilometers offshore. Make sure to observe the whale watching guidelines, if you’re approaching whales in boats. All vessels must stay at least 100 meters from a whale, and 200 meters if it’s with calf. The whale’s curiosity sometimes gets the better of them though, and they’ll swim right up to your boat and look inside. Short and long-finned pilot whales, minke whales, orcas whales and blue whales are the other whales seen on the East and west coasts. The pilot whales are occasionally seen in Jervis Bay and offshore while the orcas are sometimes seen at Montague Island in May/June and in October/November. You can see hundreds of bottlenose dolphins, busily leaping in all directions at the marine park of Hervey Bay. Hervey Bay is generally recognized as being the whale watch capital of Australia. Whale watching in Hervey Bay is unique. An experience like this will force you to come back each year like the Humpback whales in Hervey Bay. Source: yachtchartersmagazine

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The remote stretches of Australia extending beyond the township of Mataranka is indeed a Never Never Land. When Jeannie Gunn wrote her 1908 novel ‘We of the Never Never’, she did a great thing by calling this part of the Australian landmass as Never Never. It’s almost in the middle of nowhere. This is the place to be if you care for whip cracking cowboys, great outdoors and a pool where you can just soak in the warm water. About Mataranka This is basically a remote township (a Wayside stop if you will). The stop is mostly on Explorer’s way tourism drive connecting Adelaid and Darwin by a road that is 3700 kilometers long. With a small population of 250 people, the Mataranka is a very cozy place to be in. This township is south east of Katherine. Elsey National Park is only about eight kilometers from Mataranka. This is the biggest attraction of the area. The following picture shows a glimpse of the Mataranka rodeo. Elsey National Park This is one of Australia’s National Parks that extends over an area of 140 square kilometers with the Rope river cutting right through the wilderness. This is an awesome Australian outback. But, inside here make sure you stay away from those red ants. They can and will bite you at some point or the other and it ain’t pretty when they do. Things to do? You can check out the Lost City Sandstone features. These freestanding stark sandstone pillars are just awesome. I can’t wait to check them out. Bear in mind that you are not allowed to drive into the Lost City area. Some of these pillars are upto 25m. So if you rock climb or boulder, you can give these a try although, they might be loose rocks. If you get tired, you can crash at the Heartbreak hotel. Beware, this was once upon a time city’s infamous Brothel. There’s also a chopper ride that can get you to Lost city from Heartbreak hotel. I think I might go for this deal. Besides this, there’s the Poppy’s pool which is south of Borroloola, where you can take a dip and have fun in the water. Also, you can enjoy the scenic vistas as the sun goes down. Canoeing and fishing are some great ways to spend the vacation around this place. There’s crocodile warning signs all over this place. So please beware while participating in any water borne activity. When to go June to September is the best period. Summer rains can cause road closures. From what I heard, September might be a good idea. It will be cool but not cold. The temperature won’t be that hot either. Where to stay & costs involved There’s a whole bunch of B & B inns all over this area. The nearest city of Katherine offers plenty of room and board options for visitors. There are lodges and campgrounds as well. You can just fly to Cairns, Australia and hire a 4WD vehicle. A Pajero would be a good idea. Companies like Britz Campervans, Apollo campers, and Kea Campers are just some of them. Costs vary widely. Still, a rough estimate would be something like 200-250 Australian $ per day. I guess it’s not that bad afterall. So what are you still waiting for? Come and play in the never never land of Jeanie Gunn. Get yourself lost in the Savannah grass lands. Catch a big fish this season and make your trip to Mataranka a lot more fun by taking a dip in the warm pool. Image Links: Australian explorer, Matarankacabins and Goaustralia

The remote stretches of Australia extending beyond the township of Mataranka is indeed a Never Never Land. When Jeannie Gunn wrote her 1908 novel ‘We of the Never Never’, she did a great thing by calling this part of the Australian landmass as Never Never. It’s almost in the middle of nowhere. This is the place to be if you care for whip cracking cowboys, great outdoors and a pool where you can just soak in the warm water. About Mataranka This is basically a remote township (a Wayside stop if you will). The stop is mostly on Explorer’s way tourism drive connecting Adelaid and Darwin by a road that is 3700 kilometers long. With a small population of 250 people, the Mataranka is a very cozy place to be in. This township is south east of Katherine. Elsey National Park is only about eight kilometers from Mataranka. This is the biggest attraction of the area. The following picture shows a glimpse of the Mataranka rodeo. Elsey National Park This is one of Australia’s National Parks that extends over an area of 140 square kilometers with the Rope river cutting right through the wilderness. This is an awesome Australian outback. But, inside here make sure you stay away from those red ants. They can and will bite you at some point or the other and it ain’t pretty when they do. Things to do? You can check out the Lost City Sandstone features. These freestanding stark sandstone pillars are just awesome. I can’t wait to check them out. Bear in mind that you are not allowed to drive into the Lost City area. Some of these pillars are upto 25m. So if you rock climb or boulder, you can give these a try although, they might be loose rocks. If you get tired, you can crash at the Heartbreak hotel. Beware, this was once upon a time city’s infamous Brothel. There’s also a chopper ride that can get you to Lost city from Heartbreak hotel. I think I might go for this deal. Besides this, there’s the Poppy’s pool which is south of Borroloola, where you can take a dip and have fun in the water. Also, you can enjoy the scenic vistas as the sun goes down. Canoeing and fishing are some great ways to spend the vacation around this place. There’s crocodile warning signs all over this place. So please beware while participating in any water borne activity. When to go June to September is the best period. Summer rains can cause road closures. From what I heard, September might be a good idea. It will be cool but not cold. The temperature won’t be that hot either. Where to stay & costs involved There’s a whole bunch of B & B inns all over this area. The nearest city of Katherine offers plenty of room and board options for visitors. There are lodges and campgrounds as well. You can just fly to Cairns, Australia and hire a 4WD vehicle. A Pajero would be a good idea. Companies like Britz Campervans, Apollo campers, and Kea Campers are just some of them. Costs vary widely. Still, a rough estimate would be something like 200-250 Australian $ per day. I guess it’s not that bad afterall. So what are you still waiting for? Come and play in the never never land of Jeanie Gunn. Get yourself lost in the Savannah grass lands. Catch a big fish this season and make your trip to Mataranka a lot more fun by taking a dip in the warm pool. Image Links: Australian explorer, Matarankacabins and Goaustralia

Nestled at the base of the Cardrona Valley on the outskirts of Lake Wanaka is Cardrona Terrace Estate, one of the most unique and amazing lodges in New Zealand. It’s a luxury retreat ideally suited to business or pleasure and is an ideal base to explore the Wanaka region. Created by Dunedin-raised Sharon and Aucklander Kevin Alderson, Cardrona Terrace Estate is a dream house. It’s an Italian-style house set on a 20-hectare property above the Cardona River with views up the Matukituki Valley. The five-star accommodation lodge is designed with eco-friendly thermopanel, which keeps it warm in winter and cool in summer. It has been designed to reflect the changing colors, the moods and the light of the Central Otago landscape. Set in a working vineyard planted in pinot noir and Riesling, the lodge has a special ambience of its own. Clean mountain air, breathtaking scenery, the tranquility of the surrounds make this lodge an ideal retreat for those who want to take time out and relax or participate in the numerous outdoor activities Wanaka has to offer. From outdoor heated spa pool, restaurant, private parking area to beauty therapy and aromatherapy massage, all facilities are available at Cardrona Terrace Estate. Take the time out away from the stresses and pressures of everyday life to witness the awe-inspiring scenery and rejuvenate your spirit and soul while you stay at the lodge. Location: 84 Morris Rd, Wanaka Charges: Including breakfast, the rooms are available at $495-$895 double a night. Click here to get more information about the lodge. Scroll down for more pictures of the lodge. Images Source: Stuff

Following hot on the heels of its provocative branding campaign Tourism Australia launched G’ Day NZ Australia Week (23rd April-29th April) which has been a huge success this year. It was a celebration of mate-ship between Kiwis and Aussies. The events showcased the best Australia had to offer and highlighted food, wine, film, arts, fashion and indigenous culture. Image Credit: Scoop New Zealand and Australian firefighters who risked their lives to fight some of Australia’s fiercest bushfires last year were honored in Auckland with a spirit of mate-ship award. The award was presented as part of a black-tie gala dinner at Auckland’s Logan Campbell Centre on ANZAC eve. The sold-out Lindemans Longest Australian Lunch hosted by Simon Dallow and Alison Mau was attended by nearly 700 people. An array of significant Australian documentaries and feature films were also showcased in The United Travel Australian Film Festival. The Story of the Kelly Gang-the world’s first feature length film was a highlight of the festival, which screened for the first time in New Zealand during the week. Baden WaiWai (the highest ranked New Zealand long driver) and John Noble (the current Australian long drive champion) demonstrated their long-drive golfing skills at the Grange. Descendance also performed throughout the Week to enthusiastic crowds at the Auckland Zoo, the Auckland Museum and at various Auckland schools and businesses. G’Day NZ Australia Week 2008 is scheduled to be held from April 20 to April 26. A new one-day consumer travel expo will be added for the next years G’Day NZ Australia and it will be build on the success of this year’s events. Source: Scoop

Imagine speeding skywards to reach the heady heights of one of the world’s tallest buildings. You can now take a unique view of Melbourne from the glass-floored cube hanging from the side of city’s tallest building, Eureka Tower. Eureka Sky-deck is a new tourist attraction which is now open to public as part of the observation area on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower apartment block in South-bank. The Edge is built from two tones of 45mm thick glass reinforced between steel frame-work. The 2.1 meter by 2.6 meter glass cube can hold up to 10 tones and withstand winds above 70kmh. It can take up 12 passengers at a time. It is anticipated that Eureka Sky-deck will become one of Melbourne’s biggest tourist draw-cards. Charges: $16.50 per adult, $9 children. Pay an extra fee of $12, $10, $8 and enjoy the edge experience. It just takes 40 seconds and you’re hovering in air Golden Mile, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Zoo, the Royal Exhibition Building and the Melbourne Museum are other attractions in Melbourne. Image Source: Just The Flight