4 Places to swim with amazing sea creatures

Whale Sharks in Ningaloo Reef

Ningaloo Reef is an incredible aquatic environment filled with an amazing diversity of seasonal marine life ranging from colourful corals and reef fish, manta rays, turtles, whales and dolphins to the world's largest fish, the magnificent whale shark. Between late March and July the award winning Three Islands Whale Shark Dive specialises in whale shark snorkelling adventures with professional, friendly staff ensuring each tour is operated to the highest standard giving a magical marine wildlife experience. This unique adventure begins with a reef snorkel before moving to the outer reef for the star attraction, the Whale Sharks.

Snorkel with the Whale Sharks, Three Islands Whale Shark Dive

Seals in Port Lincoln

Set off on an unforgettable underwater adventure in beautiful Port Lincoln. These fascinating puppy dogs of the sea will welcome you to the crystal clear waters of Seal Cove. Watch them as they bound out to the boat with excitement to begin their awaited performance. These inquisitive sea mammals will engage you in their underwater production. Summersaults, back flips, and graceful swirls will fascinate and amaze you. The leaps and twists out of the water right in front of you - truly electrifying! Join the Australian Sea Lion and become part of their underwater playground.

Sharks at Seaworld, Gold Coast

This experience gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with sharks and other marine life, while accompanied by a qualified Shark Bay diver. You will swim in Shark Bay’s reef lagoon as smaller whitetip and blacktip reef sharks swim around you. There is also an opportunity for you to look through to the Shark lagoon to see the larger Sharks which are just a window length away. Each dive is an educational experience and all participants must hold a current Diving Certificate and will receive their very own souvenir photo taken by a professional photographer.

Shark at Seaworld, Gold Coast

Dolphins at Mornington Peninsula

Join the team at 'Moonraker Dolphin Swims' as they take you on a snorkelling experience like no other. Snorkel with resident Bottlenose Dolphins, swim alongside cheeky Australian Fur Seals, explore underwater marine parks filled with colourful fish and join the search for weedy sea dragons. Tours depart Sorrento Pier just 1.5 hours from Melbourne on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula. Tour activities include morning or afternoon tea, all snorkelling equipment, wetsuit and guided snorkel tour with marine naturalist.

Moonraker Dolphin Swim, Victoria

2012 Melbourne Cup Carnival packages

The Melbourne Cup Carnival is the ultimate four day celebration of racing, style, fashion and glamour. For one week in spring, fabulous Flemington becomes the focus of the nations corporate, social and equine activity.


Experience the 2012 Melbourne Cup Carnival, highlighted by the running of the Emirates Melbourne Cup with premium two night accommodation packages at your choice of a great range of hotels and Carnival venues.

Melbourne Cup - Spring Racing Carnival

All of the below packages include 2 nights accommodation, return coach transfers from Melbourne Airport to hotel, return train/tram tickets to Flemington Racecourse on 1 November & admission to selected race day venue. All you need to do is select your chosen hotel and race day enclosure!

AAMI Victoria Derby Day is considered by most racing purists to be the best single day of thoroughbred racing in Australia, if not the world. The day provides a sizzling start to the racing week. Be sure to wear the traditional black and white outfit!

Package includes:

• 2 nights accommodation
• Admission to Flemington Racecourse
• Access certain food outlets and betting facilities within the grandstand
• Return coach transfers from Melbourne Airport to hotel
• Return train/tram tickets to Flemington Racecourse

Melbourne Cup - Spring Racing Carnival

The Emirates Melbourne Cup is the greatest day on the sporting and social calendar - the one day when everyone, young and old, stops to partake in this unique cultural tradition. At 3pm on the first Tuesday in November, the nation comes to a standstill for 200 heart-pounding seconds to watch the running of this great race.

Package includes:

• 2 nights accommodation
• Admission to Flemington Racecourse
• Access certain food outlets and betting facilities within the grandstand
• Return coach transfers from Melbourne Airport to hotel
• Return train/tram tickets to Flemington Racecourse

Melbourne Cup - Spring Racing Carnival

Crown Oaks Day The Ultimate Style Day is the traditional ladies day, where women celebrate feminine elegance and the heritage of Ladies Day at Flemington. This day is also the final of the Myer Fashions on the Field.

Package includes:

• 2 nights accommodation
• Admission to Flemington Racecourse
• Access certain food outlets and betting facilities within the grandstand
• Return coach transfers from Melbourne Airport to hotel
• Return train/tram tickets to Flemington Racecourse

Melbourne Cup - Spring Racing Carnival

Emirates Stakes Day The Melbourne Cup Carnival concludes with Emirates Stakes Day, featuring Victoria's premier 1600m event, the Group 1 Emirates Stakes. Recognised as the Carnival’s family day, the focus is on family fun with an abundance of activities arranged for children.

Package includes:

• 2 nights accommodation
• Admission to Flemington Racecourse
• Admission to the Home Straight enclosure
• Reserved seat at a table for the day inside the marquee
• Access to garden area with live band on stage
• Buffet lunch
• Afternoon tea
• All Day Beverage Package including beer, wine, sparkling wine and soft drinks
• Return coach transfers from Melbourne Airport to hotel

Melbourne Cup - Spring Racing Carnival

Conditions apply. Prices are per person twin share in Australian dollars, airfares not included.

Australia’s Top Casinos

Jupiters Casino Gold Coast - exciting expansions
Jupiters Hotel and Casino has been located on the Gold Coast's Broadbeach for 25 years. There is so much fun to be had with non-stop action of a 24 hour casino area, 7 exceptional restaurants, and 8 bars. Jupiters Theatre has just been given a $20 million dollar refurbishment and expansion, allowing them to host the world's hottest live shows. As well as great entertainment Jupitors Hotel and Casino has the luxuries of an international resort with 594 guest rooms, pool, sauna, gymnasium and spa.

Jupiters Hotel and Casino

Burswood Entertainment Complex

Burswood Entertainment Complex located in Perth is home to the only casino in Western Australia. As well as their lively casino, the complex is home to many restaurant, cafes, bars and live shows. The complex boasts several hotels, from the luxurious Intercontinental and ever reliable Holiday Inn, allowing you to be close to the action. 

Intercontinental Perth Burswood

 The Star Entertainment Complex

The Star is Sydney’s new one-of-a-kind leisure and entertainment venue is located in Darling Harbour. The Star is home to restaurants, accommodation, nightclubs and a Sydney's only casino. Choose from a wide range of hotel rooms, suites and serviced apartments to suites with magnificent views over the harbour.

The Darling, pool area

Treasury Casino and Hotel

The Treasury Casino and Hotel is located within the heart of the river city, Brisbane and is rich in history and hospitality. Housed in one of Australia’s grandest heritage buildings, it opened its doors in 1995 and continues to be a big part of Brisbane's entertainment. It is home to an array of exclusive restaurants and bars, a luxurious casino, majestic accommodation. Treasury Heritage Hotel is world class and offers 130 rooms situated in the grand buildings. 

Treasury Casino and Hotel

Crown Entertainment Complex

Crown Entertainment Complex is located on the southern bank of the Yarra River in Melbourne. It is home to cinemas, nightclubs, bars, shopping, and an indoor entertainment centre. Crown Casino is world renowned for never ending exciting, being own 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Crown Towers offers 481 luxuriously appointed oversized guest rooms full with the latest technology. Here you have the chance to experience Melbourne’s finest cosmopolitan dining from world class restaurants and Chef Neil Perry's high tea.

Crown Entertainemnt Complex

The Reef Hotel Casino

The Reef Hotel Casino is located in the beautiful Tropical North Queensland town of Cairns. The casino boats an array of restaurants, bars and prestigious accommodation. Pullman Hotel has 128 beautifully appointed rooms including in-room spas and private balconies. There are four restaurants that are located in the complex, making this the place to stay, play and dine in Cairns. 

The Reef Hotel Casino

Country Club Tasmania

Located 10 minutes from the heart of Launceston is the prestigious Country Club Tasmania. Surrounded by natural bush, parklands, lakes and a golf course the club offers accommodation, dining, live entertainment and a vibrant boutique Casino. Choose to stay in the hotel's manor suites, deluxe rooms or nearby self contained villas. There are five restaurants and four bars offering live entertainment and tasty treats. 

Country Club Tasmania

Wrest Point Tasmania

Wrest Point Tasmania boasts an absolute waterfront location, positioned on the River Derwent in Hobart. It's home to Australia’s first casino.. opening in 1973. The casino is one of Hobart's premier dining locations with 5 restaurants and 6 bars. Wrest Point also offers a range of accommodation in its renowned 41/2 star Tower, said to possess some of the best views in Tasmania. 

Wrest Point Tasmania

Twin Towns Clubs and Resorts

Twin Towns Clubs and Resorts is located at Tweed Heads, on the border of New South Wales and Queensland. New South Wales was the first state to legalise gaming machines, so Twin Towns was built on the border to allow Queenslanders could join in on all the gaming fun. Today Twin Towns is the largest Services Club in Australia and has something for everyone with entertainment, gambling areas, accommodation and dining. There are 5 bars and 9 restaurants to enjoy cuisine from around the world. Stay at Outrigger Twin Towns Resort and enjoy resort facilities and views of the pristine beaches of the Southern Gold Coast and Tweed River.

Twin Towns Clubs and Resorts

Gold Coast's newest hotels

It's a great time to travel inside Australia, with may new and exciting hotels opening. Enjoy the thrill of freshly decorated rooms in the latest fashions, discovering new dining expereinces and world-class facilities. If you like the new stuff here are the two latest editions to the beautiful holiday spot the Gold Coast in south east Queensland.

                       

Sea Temple, Surfers Paradise

Sea Temple  located in Surfers Paradise opened its doors late last year with 50 self contained beach view apartments. Each room is designed with floor-ceiling windows to admire the views and provide natural light. The rooms also feature large balconies, perfect for outdoor living. Spend your mornings reading the paper upon the day bed and sitting down for lazy breakfast at the outdoor dining setting.

Sea Temple, Surfers Paradise

The hotel has a number of facilities to keep your days busy from an outdoor pool, barbeque area, gymnasium, spa, sauna and steam room. With 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments available Sea Temple offers stylish accommodation in a great location. 

Sea Temple, Pool

Hilton Surfers Paradise

The Hilton Surfers Paradise  is located in the heart of Surfers Paradise. The hotel opened in November 2011 and offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom fully contained holiday apartments. Each room is luxurious, modern and spacious, offering all you would need for a business or leisure stay.

Hilton Surfers Paradise

There is a range of restaurant and bars available for guests including the impressive Salt Grill restaurant by celebrity chef Chef Luke Mangan. Spend lazy days making the most of the hotel's facilities; four pools, sauna, outdoor podium, private pavilion and terrace. 

One Bedroom Apartment

Location, Location, Location

The Gold Coast is full of fun and adventurous attractions as it is home to many theme parks. The beachside suburbs each offer their own attractions with fantastic shopping and dining available in Broadbeach, Main Beach and Surfers Paradise. 

4 Winter Family Activities

Ice skating

Australia’s favourite Winter Festival celebrating all things winter is back in 2012. Ice skate on Australia's largest outdoor ice skating rink, experience a multitude of Alpine inspired food, have a warming drink and some comfort food at the cozy alpine hut complete with warming fires. Bring the whole family along to watch the festivities including ice hockey and figure skating demonstrations. Locations of the festivals include Brisbane, Bondi Beach, Melbourne and Fremantle. Tickets can be purchased through the Winter Festival website.

Hiking

Why not take the family on a hike to warm up the body from those winter temperatures! Sydney siders only have to travel 50 minutes in order to reach the heavenly Blue Mountains. If you are in the Brisbane area why not take the family for a hike around the Mount Tamborine National Park. It’s only an hour’s drive and most tracks are short and relatively easy. If you’re in Melbourne and have a bit more time for driving, then why not venture to the Great Ocean Road. It’s a three hour drive but totally worth it! You can take the Great Ocean Walk where you will see the Twelve Apostles, then why not weave your way through beautiful National Parks.

London Bridge - Great Ocean Road

QLD winter weather

If you and your family are finding the winter weather unbearable, then why not consider a Queensland escape? Queensland’s climate is not as distinctive as the cooler climates of Australia’s southern states. In winter, Queensland has one of the world’s most delightful climates. The days are invariably mild, fine and sunny. If you head to Queensland’s coastal areas such as Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast or the Whitsundays you will experience warmer temperatures and rid of those winter blues!

Alexandra Headland - Sunshine Coast

Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo has great activities to entertain the family these winter school holidays. Watch Terri, Bindi and Robert feed their croc’s in the world famous Crocoseum during the 12noon Wildlife Warriors show. Don’t miss free wildlife shows, free kids rides, free face painting, free colouring competition and pony rides daily between 11am-3:30pm. Admission tickets can be purchased through the Sunlover Holiday website. Don’t miss the jaw snapping action!

Bindi Irwin - Australia Zoo

A to Z of Australia

A Airlie Beach is the perfect beach destination on the Whitsunday coast.

B The Big Banana is a popular tourist attraction in Coffs Harbour, NSW. It’s a bunch of fun!

C Carlton is an area in Victoria that is known as one of the greatest food districts in Melbourne. It’s well known for its ‘little Italy’ precinct on Lygon Street,

D The Dog on the Tucker Box is situated just outside Gundagai, and is a monument to our early pioneers. 

E The Emu is the largest Australian native bird and can run up to 45km per hour.

F Floriade is Australia’s celebration of spring, and features more than a million colourful blooms in Commonwealth Park, Canberra.

G The Great Barrier Reef off Queensland is one of the seven wonders of the natural world and is the only living thing on earth visible from space.

H Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria is a zoo specialising in native Australian animals.

I Icehouse is an Australian rock band best known for their iconic Australian song ‘Great Southern Land’, released in 1982.

J Jindabyne is a town in south-east New South Wales that overlooks Lake Jindabyne near the Snowy Mountains, in Snowy River Shire. It’s a popular holiday destination, especially in winter, due to its proximity to several ski resorts throughout the Kosciuszko National Park, including Thredbo and Perisher.

K Kangaroo Island off South Australia is often known as the ‘zoo without fences’. Expect to meet local sea lions on the beach at Seal Bay, and encounter little penguins at Kingscote and Penneshaw as they head home at dusk.

L Lord Howe Island is widely regarded as the most beautiful island in the Pacific. The island is about 10 km long and between 2.0 km and 0.3 km wide and is a World Heritage Site of global natural significance.

M The Melbourne Cup is Australia’s premier thoroughbred horse racing and fashion event of the year. The ‘race that stops the nation’ has had horses running for the win since 1861.

N Nimbin is a village in the northern rivers area of New South Wales that is well known for its hippy communes and alternate way of life.

O The Opera House is a Sydney performing arts centre and famous icon on the Sydney Harbour. It was designed by a Danish architect in 1973 and is listed as a World Heritage Site. 

P Pub Crawls are a regular Australian tradition, especially on weekends and public holidays, where groups of drinkers undertake marathon drinking sessions that move from pub to pub.

Q Questacon is Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre located in Canberra. This interactive science centre was Japan’s gift to Australia for the 1988 Bicentenary.

R Rottnest Island is located just off Perth, Western Australia and is surrounded by vibrant aqua blue water. This island is home to some of the finest beaches and bays in the world, with a selection of 63 secluded beaches and 20 bays.

S Sheep Shearing has had a strong historical background in Australia which began with the Australian settlement. It inspired many artists, poets and songwriters throughout Australia’s history.

T Tucker is Australian terminology for food.

U Uluru also known as Ayers Rock, is a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the Northern Territory, central Australia, and is one of Australia’s most recognisable natural landmarks. 

V Australia is well-known for its great vineyard regions such as the Hunter Valley, Barossa Valley and Margaret River regions which produce award winning internationally acclaimed wines.

W Whale Sharks are commonly found off the coast of Western Australia, specifically in the Ningaloo Reef. These sharks grow up to around 13 metres long, but there have been reports of sharks sited at around 14 metres. That’s one big shark!

X XXXX is a famous Australian brewery in Queensland that started brewing in 1878. "XXXX" itself refers to a traditional grading system for strong beer.

Y The Yarra Valley is located in Victoria and is renowned for its abundant vineyards, cellar doors and fine fresh produce.

Z Adriano Zumbo is Australia’s favourite pastry chef who has taken tastebuds around Australia by storm. He is famous for his colourful macarons and quirky sweet treats. You can find his sugar trail in Balmain, Pyrmont, Manly and Rozelle in Sydney. 

Trendy Travel Terms

Mancation

When 2 or more males gather for a holiday away from their partners and families, often involving manly pursuits such as fishing and paintball or attend sporting matches. It may also be a holiday to celebrate (or commiserate) one man’s upcoming marriage.

Brocation

Similar to mancation this is a gathering of males for a holiday together to enjoy each others company. Bros are described a good friends who spend a quite a bit of time together (often referred to as a ‘bromance’) in pursuit of shared interests and activities.

Babymoon

A couple’s holiday prior to the arrival of an expected baby (usually their first child). A chance to relax and enjoy each other’s company before the new arrival takes up all their time and attention.

Minimoon

Newly married couple who do not have time or monetary funds for a long honeymoon so instead take a holiday of a few days duration i.e. 2 or 3 days. The minimoon may occur at the same location as the wedding was held.

Buddymoon

This term refers to the invitation of friends to join you on your honeymoon. It may be that the wedding is held at a destination some distance from your home town (such as a tropical island) and guests are encouraged to stay a few days after the ceremony.

Mini break

Popularised by Bridget Jones book and movie series, a mini-break is a short holiday (often over a long weekend) to a destination within a few hours flying distance.

Nano break

For the X and Y generation this term means a 1 night break away from home. It’s so short it’s nano.

Glamping

Meaning ‘glamourous camping’, the term is given to camping in style. Glamping usually requires a designer tent with a permanent wooden floor and bathroom facilities offering clean water and flushing toilets. It allows travellers who are use to 5 star hotels enjoy the ‘great outdoors’ without ‘roughing it up’.

Flashpacking

Luxurious backpacking where the traveller takes their digital devices including laptop or iPad, smartphone and stay at high end backpackers that may offer double rooms, private bathrooms, TVs in room and luxury facilities such as hair straighteners and wifi internet.

Gramping

Children holidaying at their grandparents’ house or travel away from home with their grandparents.

Daycation

A day trip within driving distance from your home (ie road trip) or return flights to a destination for a few hours – such as flying to a city to ‘hit the shops’ for the day.

Staycation

The choice to spend one’s holidays at home, either to pursue activities around the home such as gardening or to explore your home town’s attractions.

Oblication

A holiday to assist a friend or relative with a chore, such as moving house or refurbishment or to attend a family event such as a distant cousin’s wedding or family reunion.

Voluntourism

A spiritually rewarding holiday (often in a 2^nd or 3^rd world destination) to help people or animals in need or conserve the planet with no monetary reward. It often includes accommodation and meals for repayment of your time.

Raycation

A holiday to a tropical or desert destination with the purpose of spending time in the sun, allowing traveller to come home and brag about their ‘holiday tan’.

Palidays

Spending your holiday at a friend’s house – who lives some distance from your home.

Set-jetting

Travelling to a destination featured in a film or television show to see the set/s that appeared on screen. Some tour companies offer tours of film and tv outdoor sets such as Rome’s day tour of the Angels and Demons filming locations and Wellington (NZ) day tour of hobbit landscape.

Frightseeing

A trip to an attraction or location that offers a darker side of life, such as a tour of London Dungeon, visiting a haunted house or taking a Sweeny Todd walking tour of East London.

Snowday

When one or more persons are forced to stay home due to extreme weather conditions. It also applies to a day trip to a highland destination that offers winter activities such as skiing, tobogganing and building snowmen. 

Engagementcation

Where one partner suggests a day trip or overnight holiday to their other half, with the intention of proposing to them on said holiday. This may include a special activity or surprise in order to set a romantic atmosphere for the proposal. 

El Questro Wilderness Park - The Homestead

After 20 great years of being Australia’s ultimate luxury outback escape, the El Questro Wilderness Park has taken its homestead to the next level in truly pampering its guests with their newly built exclusive Cliff Side Retreats. 

One of the three new Cliff Side Retreats overloking The Chamberlain Gorge below

El Questro Wilderness Park is one of the world’s most unique holiday destinations, providing a truly Australian holiday experience in the Kimberley near Kununurra. A million acres in size, El Questro is located in Western Australia’s untamed Kimberley region and extends for approximately 80 kilometres, most of which has never been explored.

After being voted second in Australian Traveller’s list of Australia’s 10 luxury lodges in 2011, the three new exclusive cliff side retreats solidify the property’s reputation as the ultimate luxury escape in one of the world’s last unspoilt frontiers.

The three new freestanding cliff side retreats set atop a cliff, overlook the Chamberlain Gorge, and offer sweeping views of the spectacular Chamberlain River as it flows from the heart of the gorge.

Cliff Side Retreats - El Questro Homestead

These architect designed suites feature:

·        Daybed and feather topped king size bed facing floor to ceiling sliding glass walls

·        Uninterrupted views of the El Questro wilderness and Chamberlain River

·        Spacious and light filled interiors

·        Quality furnishings and fittings in keeping with the environment

·        Walk through wardrobe

·        Private ensuite with uninterrupted views of the landscape

·        Free standing outdoor bath on the Cliff Side Retreat Verandas

·        Garden Rain Shower surrounded by magnificent stone walls to preserve your privacy

·        Bose Wave CD Player, iPod Dock

·        Bath and body treats from Aesop

·        Serviced twice daily

·        World class dining 

Free standing outdoor bath on the Cliff Side Retreat Verandas

The exclusive Homestead, open only between April and October annually, caters to a maximum of just 18 discerning guests whom are each treated to the highest levels of service, dining experiences and luxury.

Enjoy the luxuries The Homestead at El Questro has to offer, with its romantic and moody feel, created from natural materials in keeping with The Kimberley environment.

Stay four nights or longer and save 20% on accommodation. Available for sale and travel until August 31, 2012.

Funky Restaurants, Shops and Hotels

There are so many funky restaurants, shops and hotels opening up around Australia. These places are quickly becoming popular as they are more than just a location - they are an experience.  With quirky décor and funky design here are some of our favourite ones found in Sydney and Melbourne.

Funky Restaurants

York Lane – Sydney

York Lane is a funky inner-city venue that is an espresso bar by morning and licensed restaurant and bar at night.  Walking off the back lane in Wynyard, Sydney, you step into another world with vinyl records playing and split level seating. Grab a coffee in the morning, a fresh sandwich for lunch or enjoy drinks and tapas at night. 

Cookie – Melbourne

Cookie somehow manages to effortlessly combine a beer hall, cocktail bar and modern Thai restaurant into one floor. Located on Swanston Street in the city, this quirky venue offers up fantastic Thai fusion food in a tapas style menu. There is a large range of wines and beers to choose from and is open for lunch and dinner all week long.

  

Funky Shops

Blueprint – Sydney

This concept store is full of the world’s most unique and inspired gifts & homewares. The store is designed with colourful, free flowing interior and stainless steal walls lined with colourful shelves. Located in the new POST building in Potts Point's Macleay Street, this Australian first store will showcase products that can’t be found anywhere else.    

Genki – Melbourne

Genki located in Cathedral Arcade, Swanston Street, Melbourne, has obscure and desirable Japanese, European and US labels and accessories. This funky boutique shop is designed like an eight year olds bedroom and is full of clothes, accessories and bits and bots.

Funky City Hotels

The Cullen, Melbourne

The Cullen - Melbourne

This new concept in boutique hotels is located in Parham only 5kms for Melbourne CBD. The hotel has been inspired by one of Australia’s exciting contemporary artists, Adam Cullen and his funky artwork is displayed throughout. There are 133 rooms comprising of deluxe studio suites and luxury one bedroom suites, each with all the amenities you would need.

  

Blue Sydney, A Taj Hotel

Blue Sydney A Taj Hotel – Sydney

Blue Sydney is a stylish hotel full of personality and leisure, located on the historical Finger Wharf at Woolloomooloo, Sydney. Each one of their 100 guest rooms, including loft rooms offer modern contemporary décor.  This hotel is the perfectly situated to explore the city and surrounds. After your day of exploring enjoy a drink in the hotels recently refurbished and award winning Water Bar.