New walking experience in Sydney�s Royal National Park, NSW

A new walking experience through Sydney's National Park is the latest of the city�s secrets. The Coast Track guided walks combines the finest food and wine with breathtaking views of eastern Australia�s pristine coast line, relaxing massages and tented accommodation. Guided walking trips are available from half day to three days in Sydney�s beautiful Royal National Park which, established in 1879, is the world's second oldest national park - after Yellowstone in the USA, and only 30km from Sydney city. Prices from A$850 (approx �385) per person for the Highlight Tour of two days/one night. www.thecoasttrack.com.au

New Wilderness Retreat set to open in The Kimberley, WA Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat, set on the stunning and untouched coastline in the Kimberley, is due to open on 1 July 2009. Just one hour�s drive south of Broome, the retreat offers guests a perfect combination of beach and bush with the comfort and class of a resort. Guests can choose from self-sustaining eco villas or luxury safari style eco tents. Designed to provide an authentic travel experience, guests can enjoy the natural beauty of this special place in a responsible way. Prices range from A$230 (approx �105) for a garden view eco tent to A$750 (approx �340) for an ocean front eco villa per night; both based on two sharing. www.ecobeach.com.au

Retrain or holiday with EcoTraining Australia, Northern Territory EcoTraining Australia provides the only extensive practical guide training course in the country, so for those wanting to retrain or to learn another skill Australia is now the ideal place to do it. EcoTraining is a conservation and training organisation dedicated to preserving the world�s wilderness areas which has now set up camp in Kakadu National Park. The courses range from 7 day holidays to 28 day certification courses providing hands on knowledge of what it takes to become a professional guide. EcoTraining Australia encompasses all aspects of the bush, including indigenous culture history, flora and fauna, 4WD�ing, geology and astronomy among others, resulting in a guided experience. The full 28 day course costs A$4950 (approx �2255). www.ecotrainingaustralia.com.au

New six day walk in the Tarkine, Tasmania The Tarkine Explorer is a new six day walk that launched late last year (November 2008) that takes in a remote ancient rainforest, the wild Huskisson river and panoramic mountain top views. Tasmanian wilderness company Tarkine Trails has installed six large canvas tents on stylish timber platforms in the private location of Tiger Ridge, deep in the Tarkine rainforest. Eucalyptus stringy barks will tower 80 metres over the camp which will accommodate walkers for two nights, whilst the other three nights are spent at the former gold mining town of Corinna. The six day guided trip includes night feeding of devils, forest walks and river cruises. From A$2299 (approx �1,045) per person. Other walking trails from five to eight days are also available. www.tarkinetrails.com.au

�Cultural� competitions, Queensland A Cow Poo Throwing Competition, Australia�s Best Butt Competition and the Outback Bog Snorkelling Race � Australia does not lack for cultural events! These quirky competitions are all part of Queensland�s popular Dirt �n� Dust Festival (3 �5 April), which returns for its 14th year in the tiny town of Julia Creek. The festival has a more serious athletic side with the Outback Triathlon and PBR Touring Pro Bull Riding Rodeo. www.dirtndust.com

Discover Melbourne in 1960s style, Victoria Hidden Secrets Tours has recently launched a new way of discovering the intricate laneways of Melbourne � the Vintage Outing Tour. Betty and Miss Shirley are the hostesses of the nostalgic journey that takes in some of Melbourne�s best kept �vintage� secrets and visits eclectic boutiques. Betty discovers the design classics to furnish your home, while Miss Shirley is always keen to show you where she finds her favourite vintage frocks. Your chauffeur, Harold Hoover, will ensure that you cruise in luxury in a restored 1960's Fiat 1500s. Cost A$245 (approx �110) per person for 4.5 hours; includes a Vintage inspired shopping bag, tea, homemade treats and Betty & Miss Shirley's personal journal. www.hiddensecretstours.com

Wet and wild � new nature experience, NSW A unique new natural wetland experience in north-western New South Wales will open this month allowing visitors access to 3,000 acres of significant natural wetland habitats. Home to rare and endangered birdlife, Bunnor Farm and Wetlands Experience is part of an 18,000 acre working property. Accommodation options include an eco-lodge for ten people, a cottage for three and a number of campsites. Activity options include The Gwydir Wetlands Education Centre, camping and day tours. www.bunnorwetlands.com.au

Urban Brisbane opens, Queensland The boutique 4.5 star hotel Urban Brisbane is the city�s newest accommodation that has recently opened following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment of the former Gazebo Hotel. Urban features plenty of quirky touches, from king size Urban Snorer beds to the signature Tie Me Up Tightly bathrobes and Slow Down slippers. Urban Brisbane is located close to the city centre, offering views of the city skyline and surrounds, including Mount Coo-tha Mountain Ranges. From A$215 (approx �99) per night based on two sharing. www.urbanbrisbane.com.au

Womadelaide in Adelaide, South Australia Womadelaide, the sounds of the planet 2009 festival, takes place from 6 � 8 March in Adelaide and has a host of international acts lined up. The 2009 program features arts and crafts workshops for children and adults alike, as well as street theatre and information on sustaining global communities. www.womadelaide.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