Hire a house in Sydney Harbour, NSW A former imperial prison, the site of one of Australia's biggest shipyards during the twentieth century and one of the filming locations for Wolverine, Cockatoo Island is the largest island in Sydney Harbour with magnificent views of the Harbour Bridge. Recently opened to overnight visitors with the introduction of a campsite on the island, guests can now stay in one of two historic houses. The two Federation-era homes, known by their dockyard title as Building 24, were residences for the families of the Island's key dockyard staff for most of the last century. They have recently been beautifully restored and each luxurious four bedroom house (sleeps 10) is now available for hire. Prices from A$300 per night (approx �140). www.cockatooisland.gov.au

Abseil the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk, Victoria Visitors to the Otway Fly along the Great Ocean Road can now not only walk among the tree tops but also abseil down from them. An exhilarating experience - and a first for tree top walks - the new Otway Fly abseil experience adds an extra thrill to the adrenalin-inducing rush of walking the lofty heights of the fly, which stands 25 metres (82 feet) above the ground, reaching 47 metres (154 feet) at its highest point. Visitors can walk the entire Otway Fly then head over to Tower 15 and abseil down to the rainforest floor. The Otway Fly tree top walk is the longest and highest walk of its kind in the world. www.otwayfly.com.au

Luxury renovated villa opens, Tasmania The luxury self-contained coastal villa is fast becoming Tasmania�s speciality. One of the latest is The Peninsula, a century-old house perched in the middle of a forested peninsula in the far south region, overlooking the D�Entrcastreaux Channel. About an hour�s drive from Hobart, the renovated weatherboard cottage sleeps six in three king-size bedrooms, and includes a spa bath on the deck to fit all. Cost from A$525 (�245) based on two sharing or A$685 (�320) for six sharing. www.peninsulatas.com

Portal opens in Brisbane, Queensland The Portal, in the fashionable inner-city Brisbane suburb of Spring Hill precinct, is the first new hotel to open in Brisbane this year. Opened on 6 March, the 84-room, four-star boutique hotel includes a street level bar and restaurant. Opening rates start from A$99 (approx �45) with weekend specials from A$139 (approx �65) per room. www.portalhotel.com.au

Get a taste of the Australian surf culture, Victoria Melbourne Sport Tours has recently launched this one-day Surf Coast Tour, which includes a two hour learn-to-surf lesson at the world-famous Torquay Beach at the start of the Great Ocean Road, a visit to Torquay�s Surf World Museum (the world's largest beach culture museum and home of the Australian Surfing Hall Of Fame) and a trip to the iconic Bells Beach to see Aussie surfers in action. Surf fans will also have the chance to shop for the latest surf gear from locally produced but world famous brands, including Rip Curl, Roxy and Quiksilver, which was founded in Torquay in 1969. Both private and group tours are available, while guests have the option of requesting a scenic flight over the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles. From A$95 (approx �45) for adults. www.melbournesportstours.com.au

New Eco Lodges open on Eyre Peninsula, South Australia The new Tanonga eco lodges on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula offer the ultimate sanctuary for those in search of environmentally friendly luxury. Located near Port Lincoln, the lodges are set on the 200-hectare Tanonga property which is home to more than 25,000 native trees and more than 100 bird species. The two completely self-sufficient eco lodges offer stunning views, luxurious facilities and amazing local food and wine. Prices from A$290 (�135) per villa per night based on two people sharing. www.tanonga.com.au

Perth by Bentley, WA Exclusive Bentley and Jaguar VIP tours of Perth and surrounds have recently been launched by Chelmsford Chauffeur Drive. Dressed impeccably in Armani suits, the Chauffeurs will drive visitors offering a comprehensive personal concierge service. The three tour options include a Perth city and surrounds half day tour; a half day Swan Valley tour providing an insiders view of Perth�s oldest wine growing region; and a full day Margaret River tour, which takes in world famous wineries, chocolate tastings and beaches. The Perth tour costs A$155 (�70) per person and includes morning or afternoon tea; the Swan Valley tour costs A$195 (�90) per person and includes tea, Wildlife Park and winery entrance fees; the full day Margaret River tour costs A$795 (�374) and includes all tastings and lunch. www.chelmsford.net.au Cultural Camp opens near Tully, Queensland Experience life in the great outdoors through the eyes of a local indigenous community at the new Echo Adventure and Cultural Camp in Tropical North Queensland. Situated near Tully, a two hour drive south-west of Cairns, the eco-friendly property offers a range of indigenous, cultural and adventure experiences including bird watching, swimming, canoeing trips, river walks, abseiling, rafting and ropes courses. Indigenous activities include traditional guided river and rainforest walks and cultural workshops including traditional weaving and painting, midja (hut) building and boomerang throwing. Overnight accommodation is available in the Jackaroo Quarters set on ranch style acreage overlooking the picturesque Tully Valley, or rainforest camp grounds. The camping ground is situated at the base of a rainforest hill with access to a lagoon for swimming. www.echoadventure.com.au

Two new hotels for Darwin, Northern Territory Two new hotels open in Darwin this month: the Medina Grand Darwin Waterfront and the Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront. Medina Grand Darwin Waterfront offers 121 studios and one bedroom apartments. The apartments feature separate living areas, a fully equipped kitchen and laundry and a grocery delivery service. The Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront offers 120 rooms with a contemporary edge. Both hotels feature prominent indigenous Australian artworks from Arnhem Land and the Tiwi Islands, as well as two major public art pieces integrated into the fabric of the building by Australian artists Mandy Ridley and Matt Huttlestone. www.medina.com.au and www.vibehotels.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: Andy Parkinson, Sarah Barnett or Emma Humphreys Press line: 020 7438 4659 Email: aparkinson@tourism.australia.com