14 Apr 2009
Aussie News April 2009

Tourism Australia

Rolf Harris sings his new song Can You Tell What It Is Yet? Enter online to see Rolf paint and sing and you could win a fantastic holiday to Australia! www.canyoutellwhatitisyet.net

Roar and Snore in Sydney, NSW Taronga Zoo has just this month launched new, safari-style tented accommodation to their popular Roar and Snore overnight programme. With spectacular Sydney Harbour views, the comfortable tents, which each sleep four, now allow overnight guests the chance to sleep soundly amid the zoos animals. Roar and Snore starts at 6.15pm and provides visitors with an insight into the life of the zoo; including a guided zoo night safari walk, behind the scene tours and animal encounters. Overnight stays cost A$269 (approx £130) per adult and A$195 (approx £95) per child. Price includes Taronga Zoo day admission, buffet style dinner and all other refreshments throughout the night. www.taronga.org.au/taronga-zoo/education/sleep-@-the-zoo/roar--snore.aspx

New ultra luxury private rental residence in Margaret River, WA True North Ashore has opened its doors to those seeking the ultimate in luxury and a peaceful and tranquil setting. Located in the Margaret River wine region of WA, the house is set on top of a hill top overlooking the Indian Ocean and the small town of Busselton. The four bedroom house sleeps a maximum of eight people with an outdoor spa featuring a waterfall big enough for all guests, in addition to an al fresco sauna. The manicured lawns are surrounded by native bush, and an on-call private chef is available, as well as on-call massage therapist. True North Ashore is just two and a half hours south of Perth. Prices start from A$3600 (approx £1720) for three nights (minimum booking) for the entire house. www.truenorthashore.com.au

Terrifying Tassie, Tasmania Tasmania attracts nature lovers the world over, and for good reason. But the islands convict history means it also has a few dark secrets to share. Launceston City Ghost Tours offers brave visitors a 90-minute walking tours of the towns ghoulish laneways. Experienced guides will have the hairs on the back of your neck standing to attention as they recount the blood-curdling tales of a bleak time in Australias history. Be warned: some guests have claimed to have brushed arms with a spirit or two while on the tour, with some posting photographic evidence on the Ghost Tours website. Children under 10 are not allowed. Adults A$25 (approx £12); children A$15 (approx £7); family A$55 (approx £25). www.launcestoncityghosttours.com

Dine in Darwins Saffrron, Northern Territory Darwins most recent restaurant to open has a difference; its been set up so that the customers tick off their own orders and the food is served in disposable bowls. The plates are biodegradable and the food is Indian cuisine just make sure you leave room for the rosewater scented ice cream! www.saffrron.com

Lights, camera, Sydney, action! NSW Sydney has hosted its fair share of blockbuster films, which makes Sydney Movie Tours a must for film buffs. This 90-minute walking tour covers locations used in films such as Mission Impossible 2, The Matrix, The Adventures of Priscilla:, Queen of the Desert, Muriels Wedding, Babe: Pig in the City and Australia. Participants visit The Rocks area, which was transformed into a Spanish quarter for Mission Impossible 2; and locations in Martin Place which appeared in The Matrix. Wannabe superheroes will enjoy the Superman Returns tour, which encourages participants to recreate scenes from the movie. Adults from A$45 (approx £20), children from A$25 (approx £12). www.sydneymovietours.com.au

Fitzroy Island Hunt Resort, Queensland Nestled on the fringing Great Barrier Reef of Tropical North Queensland, Fitzroy Island Hunt Resort offers a new luxurious island getaway. Located 45 minutes by ferry from Cairns, Fitzroy Island Hunt Resort offers a choice of accommodation options, from one and two bedroom apartments, beachfront suites to a luxurious penthouse. Day trippers and overnight guests can choose from activities such as snorkelling and diving directly off white sand beaches, national park walks, fishing, sea kayaking and Great Barrier Reef cruises. From A$275 (approx £130) per room per night. www.fitzroyisland.com.au

New Melbourne tour run by Street Artists, Victoria The Melbourne Street Art Tour is the first city tour in Australia to be run by street artists and treat visitors to the citys underground street art scene and hidden treasures. Melbourne is renowned for its tiny laneways and back alleys, which are filled with colourful graffiti including one of Banksys very first works. Visitors on the Melbourne Street Art Tour discover some of the most interesting street art and galleries in the world, as well as meeting and seeing some of the street artists at work. The Melbourne Street Art Tour operates three days a week from 1.30 - 5.30pm. The tour route will change and be updated regularly, in line with whats hot on the art scene. The tour costs A$69 (approx £33) per person. www.melbournestreettours.com

Little Creatures grows in Perth, WA The success of the casual, barn-like Little Creatures Brewery in Fremantle near Perth has resulted in the Loft opening next door. The lounge bars floor rugs, armchairs, velvet drape and lamp light set a more sophisticated tenor than the relaxed open atmosphere of the Brewery itself. Its two distinct spaces offer divisions from bands and film nights for revellers, to relaxing with a cheeseboard overlooking views of the harbour for quiet romantics. www.littlecreatures.com.au/creatures-loft

Jabiru Safari Lodge, Queensland Jabiru Safari Lodge in North Queenslands Mareeba Wetlands offers visitors a back‐to‐nature experience. Located in the 2000‐hectare Mareeba Tropical Savannah and Wetland Reserve, the lodge is just over an hours drive west of Cairns and consists of luxurious African-style safari tent cabins. The reserve of open savannah woodland, grassland, and freshwater wetlands provides a unique setting for the Jabiru Safari Lodge, and guests can enjoy walking trails, boat tours, wildlife safaris and privately guided nature experiences. Eco Safari Cabin from A$160 (approx £75) per person per night. www.jabirusafarilodge.com.au

Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend 2009, South Australia The tables are set for the 2009 Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend, South Australias finest food and wine festival. Celebrating 25 years, the gastronomical feast takes place from 2 3 May and will include traditional events along with number of special celebratory events. Degustation dinners, tutored tastings and the much-lauded Vintage Tasting are all on offer. www.clarevalley.com.au

For more information about Australia visit www.australia.com

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For further press information/images please contact the Tourism Australia PR team: Sarah Barnett, Andy Parkinson, Annabel Handley or Emma Humphreys Press line: 020 7438 4659 Email: sbarnett@tourism.australia.com