Monday, March 24, 2008

A need for travel authors from Australia

Hi, I hope you like the Australia travel news blog.

I need travel authors from Australia to help me coverage more Australian travel news.

Please send email if you like to participated in this effort. Thanks !

tamtree@gmail.com

Thursday, March 20, 2008

2007 was a record year for international tourism to Australia

The official figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show that international tourist arrivals to Australia increased by two per cent in 2007, reaching 5.6 million visitors. Australia's status as one of the world's most popular destinations was further cemented by the World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Report, where the country was voted in the top four out of 130 countries in the category of most competitive destinations in the world.

Australia's warm sunny climate, astonishing natural surroundings and easy-going lifestyle are all aspects that have fed to its popularity amongst travellers worldwide, and this tourism demand has been well served by the streamlined Australian travel visa service. The Australian ETA visa currently stands as the most efficient method to gain access to the country, granting eligible citizens immediate access to an Australian travel visa.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Where I've Been: Australia

An example of the extra mile that Aussies go was seen by us at the ¡§post¡¨ (post office) in Lakes Entrance. We wanted to mail some souvenirs home and were greeted by the most pleasant staff. They helped with a box and directions. When we returned, they had a bag of goodies for us, including calendars and books. What a way to show us the Aussie hospitality.

Our greatest enjoyment was our time with our family. We were able to visit many cities, historical sites and churches, and enjoyed the scenic views. We also compiled a blog that allowed our family, friends and others to enjoy our trip, too. It was a great way to capture and share our thoughts and pictures.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

New international resort in Townsville, Australia

Plans for the site include 120 condominium apartments with a total letting pool of 160 keys to be managed by Outrigger, together with 24 private residence units over the upper three levels of the building that will include exclusive access and a private residents' club facility.

Resort facilities will include a lagoon-style pool and extensive landscaping, 24-hour reception and tour desk, fitness room, private boardroom and breakfast area, along with ground floor restaurant and retail outlets to complement the thriving alfresco dining precinct along Palmer Street.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Queen Elizabeth 2's last ever visit to Perth

Fremantle on Wednesday 5 March, 2008, will forever be a part of the history books thanks to Queen Elizabeth 2. The boat not the monarch, that is. As she left Victoria Quay at 7pm, she bade farewell to Australia for the last time ever before the 70 327 tonne liner heads to Dubai to become a floating hotel.

The name of the QE2 has almost become synonymous with luxury travel in its 41 years of service and the thousands of people who turned up in Fremantle wanted to get a glimpse of it for a last time.

It's also a special occasion for the crew and Captain Ian McNaught. "It is a very special cruise," he confirms, "it's tinged with a little bit of sadness. It is our farewell cruise, and it's a big celebration as well, though. We've got a lot to celebrate: 40 years of history, [and] many, many happy visits to Australia."

Monday, March 3, 2008

On Australia’s first people

Think of Aboriginals, and what comes to mind is either exotica or what the media often highlights: a society dogged by alcoholism, child abuse, drug addiction, a lower than average life expectancy, and anything else equally negative.

Two years ago, at the Australian Museum, Sydney, this view was swept aside by one of the more compelling exhibitions, and also one of the least patronised. “Indigenous Australians: Australia’s first peoples” ran for over half a year. The themes — spirituality, cultural heritage, the land, family, health and social justice — were chosen in consultation with Indigenous Australians and the museum’s audience groups.

Outback Australia Travel