Pleased to eat you!

How do you fancy getting up close and personal with 700kg of live crocodile staring right into your eyes?

Well it seems that some people are willing to pay good money to have such an experience! The latest attraction in Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin is creating quite a buzz amongst tourists snapping up the ultimate thrill.

The so-called ‘Cage of Death’, which can hold up to two swimmers, is made from acrylic-strengthened glass that is, apparently, crocodile proof. And so popular is this latest tourist craze that the staff at Crocosaurus recommend advanced bookings in order to secure your place.

The cage is filled up to 75% with water and lowered down into any of the four crocodile enclosures where Burt, the 5.1m long saltwater crocodile, and his friends are waiting. You can then experience the “ultimate thrill” of watching these magnificient creatures as they swim underwater, eyeing you up all the time. If they’re in a bad mood you might even get to experience their huge fangs attacking your glass cage – evident by the deep teeth marks left on the glass.

Burt is one of the Cove’s most famous crocs, having starred in Crocodile Dundee with Paul Hogan. Not that he’s let his fame go to his head at all, he’s more than happy to pose for snaps with tasty looking tourists.

Chopper is the crocodile to watch out for, at 5.5m long and weighing 790kg he’s the attraction’s largest croc. He’s already lost his two front teeth after fighting with other crocs and has a big, bad and mean reputation. If it wasn’t for the 4cm of glass dividing you from the croc, you wouldn’t stand a chance.

But don’t worry, humans are not on the menu yet, the Cove has a 100% safety record and all necessary precautions are taken to ensure that you don’t become live crocodile bait. Much to the crocodiles dismay.

If you want to visit this unique tourist attraction, get yourself down to Darwin where the Cove is open 7 days a week. And aside from the Cage of Death, there are plenty of family-orientated activities too, including a café where you can grab a bite to eat. Ok, I’ll stop the crocodile puns now!

Australia keen to bid as hosts for the World Cup.

Ernie Merrick, the coach for Melbourne Victory, says that he is confident Australia would stand a good chance of hosting the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.

Merrick was speaking after the AFL and Etihad Stadium both resisted Australia’s bid for the world cup, leading the local football community to worry about Australia’s chances being harmed. But Merrick doesn’t think there will be a problem: “Everybody will be onside when it counts. Australians love a sporting event.”

The Football Federation Association will certainly be hoping that he is right as they prepare to put forward Australia’s bid. Merrick points to Australia’s track record for hosting large events and says that he is certain any problems will be ironed out: “We’ve hosted the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games and all Australians will be on board when it comes to putting in a bid.”

The problems started when Australian Rules and rugby league bodies raised concerns about the World Cup interfering with their regular seasons. The Australian Football League (AFL) then joined in the affray, saying it would not allow Melbourne’s second largest stadium, Etihad, to be used whilst the National Rugby League said it would want compensation payments for any losses occurred.

Kate Ellis, Australia’s minister for sport and youth is also throwing her weight behind the bid and is urging rival sports to unite and support the bid for the World Cup: “We’ve said all along that winning a World Cup for Australia is a massive task, is a big challenge, but … we are committed to getting right behind our football federation and delivering,”

“And I have to say that if we are successful in winning the rights to host a World Cup in Australia, it will be of benefit not just to the world game but the sporting community and to the Australian community more broadly.”

However the AFL justify their refusal to allow the usage of the Etihad Stadium saying: “We would make the MCG available for 10 weeks, which is ours under our agreement, but we need Etihad Stadium to be able to conduct our season. If we haven’t got Etihad Stadium and the MCG, we can’t run a season.”

The NRL also raised concerns about the dates and their own seasons, adding: “We’re not trying to stop the World Cup bid but we are certainly concerned about the impact that it will have on our season, our fans and the financial position of our clubs.”

However Kate Ellis stressed that the Australian Government is backing the bid and that any potential problems can be solved by working in partnership with the clubs. However some feel that the integrity of the bid has already been damaged.

The Ross Ice Shelf where B17B broke away.

A giant iceberg double the size of Sydney Harbour is heading towards Western Australia on a collision course.

The iceberg, imaginatively named B17B by scientists is currently 1000km south west of the Australia coast and is drifting, intact, pulled by the ocean current and winds. It’s the largest iceberg to have drifted so far North and remained in one piece. It currently measures 19km long by 8km wide.

Dr Neal Young, a glaciologist for the Australian Antarctic Division said that if the iceberg collided with the coast of Australia it could cause a tremor on a point 3 to 4 scale.

However there’s no need for Sydneysiders to panic just yet, it is thought that once the iceberg hits warmer waters it’ll break up into hundreds of smaller pieces, creating a shipping hazard but no major tremors.

The iceberg broke off Antarctica’s Ross Ice Shelf in 2000 where it was originally three times its current size. It drifted around Antarctica for a time before settling in one spot where it remained for 5 years. However, possibly upon reading our fantastic article on winter fun in Australia, it’s now on the move again and heading for the coast. If there’s a stray polar bear on there we hope he’s got his Australian visa ready or else he’ll be shipped off to Christmas Island!

Many other icebergs have been spotted along the Australian and New Zealand coasts in the past few weeks, but B17B is the biggest spotted since the 19^th century.

Dr Young warns that with global warming, these large iceberg sightings could soon become a common occurrence as the sea temperatures rise and more giant blocks of ice break off the ice shelves in Antarctica.

But for now, sunbathing Aussies can rest in peace, sipping their cocktails on the beach and asking: “Do you want ice with that?”

Treat yourself to the gourmet delights of Adelaide.

When you think of all the countries that offer culinary delights, France and Italy probably feature highly in your mind. Both countries produce images of gourmet feasts that befit their reputations. Yet Australia, home of the BBQ, is fighting back and launching their own gourmet tours for the most fastidious of connoisseurs.

If you love food and wine then this is just up your street. Forget the historical tours of posing next to well known buildings or shopping for tacky souvenirs to take back home. Leave Adelaide with a lingering memory of the tastes and smells of the city. Set your creative juices flowing and be inspired by the top chefs in Adelaide who may let you in on one or two of their closely guarded secrets in these specially designed tours for the foodie in us all.

Four exclusive walking tours are being launched around Adelaide, seeking to capture the very essence of the city in its cuisine. Local guides will be hosting the walks which seek to inspire and delight as well as awaken your taste buds and leave your senses tingling.

Highlights include wine tastings (of course!), a visit to Adelaide’s colourful and lively market to witness the full range of produce available, gloriously delicious chocolate from iconic Haighs and a chance to explore the very famous gastronomical street that is Rundle Street.

The company leading the tours is the renowned ‘Taste of South Australia’ which specialises in wine and food tours catering for all needs and tastes, from traditional bush tucker grub to fine wining and dining. They are true professionals in their field, so all you have to do is to relax and let your senses to the hard work for you.

The four walking tours called ‘Insiders Adelaide’ are as follows:

Market Culture

This tour centres around the spectacular and vibrant Adelaide’s Central Market. The market was established in 1869 by a group of market gardeners who mAdelaide their way to the site to sell their produce. So quick was its popularity in those early days that all the stock was sold out by 6am! Today the market has over 8 stalls selling fresh produce and multicultural cuisine. It remains South Australia’s most visited tourist attraction and has been described as “the Heart of Adelaide.”

The vibrant central market in Adelaide.

In this tour you’ll get the opportunity to not only browse through the many varied and bustling stalls, but you’ll also visit local potters and perhaps come away with pots of your own to carry your produce away with you. Local cheeseries will also be on the itinerary, giving you the chance to learn how difference cheeses are produced and to sample some of the savoury offerings. A market tour wouldn’t be complete without some samples of local wine either and the chance to meet some of the local winemakers. This tour is a must for all market lovers out there who just love their food fresh, colourful and vibrant!

Classic Adelaide

Do you consider yourself cultured? Interested in history and art? Would your perfect tour combine art, culture and history with gourmet food? Well then welcome to heaven! For this classic tour visits the historical Art Gallery, one of Adelaide’s most beautiful buildings.

The classical beauty of the Art Gallery.

Founded in 1881 this superb building is located in the heart of Adelaide’s cultural boulevard, North Terrace and is home to some exceptional works of art by Australia’s finest artists as well as exquisite works of art from all over the world. You also get VIP entry to the Artlab to watch the team at work restoring historic paintings, books and fabrics. You’ll also get the chance to visit the cultural boulevard itself and explore more of the fabulous architecture such as the imposing Government and University Buildings, before heading back to the Art Gallery to dine in its excellent restaurant. Here you’ll get to choose from the mouth watering recipe of the month, which could be verrine of crab, quinoa, tomato and basil drizzled with just the merest hint of lemon juice, or how about cumin spiced Atlantic salmon and roast pumpkin with a delicious lemon yoghurt dressing? Hungry yet?

Oh but they’ve hardly started with you yet! For this tour also includes a tasting of some of Haighs finest chocolates. Haighs is situated in RundleMall, the foodies area of delight. Housed in one of Adelaide’s landmark buildings with the famous beehive corner tower. Their award winning chocolates are enough to melt the hardest of hearts. Once you’ve tasted one of Haighs chocolates, you’ll never look at another Cadbury bar again! Their handmade  selection is delectable beyond mere words, perhaps you’ll have a Cranberry and Pistachio Cluster, or a Sparkling Shiraz Truffle or how about a Milk Wattleseed Crunch? I guarantee that nobody will be leaving that store without a box that is intended to be a present for someone back home, but that will never make the return journey!

East End Pub Culture

Indulge in mouth-watering oysters.

One for all the Londoners at heart! The East End of Adelaide is one of the more quirkier areas of Adelaide. It starts at Rundle Mill, naturally, and is dotted with cafés, restaurants, wine bars, hotels and boutiques. It is here you will find the Botanical Gardens, The Wine Centre, Rymill Park and North Terrace. Meander through the streets and experience the many stalls selling fresh fruit and produce. Sample a fresh oyster from the Oyster Bar or a very indulgent, very moorish hot chocolate from Chocolat.

Your guide will take you on a bush food trail of the east end where you can sample the traditional native bush food and find out more about hunting techniques and food gathering practices. It might not be gourmet, but the food reflects the unique and unconventional atmosphere of this part of the city and it will tantalize your tastebuds just as well!

West End Art and Culture

Head off to the other side of the city now to experience the contemporary arts and culture of Adelaide. Modernity is the key word here as you enter the innovative and distinctive building that is the Samstag Museum of Art. The museum is home to many creative and modern works of art such as the fantastical Wonderful World exhibition, a collection of artwork by some of Australia’s most enterprising young artists. You’ll also be able to visit the Experimental Art Foundation as well as many other smaller art venues that are often hidden little treasure troves of art, searched out for you by your local guide.

Once you’ve walked the streets and taken your fill of art, you’ll be ready for dinner in Adelaide’s exclusive Apothecary Restaurant. The restaurant is housed in a heritage listed building in the heart of the West End and displays a unique set of 132 year old antique pharmacy cabinets discovered hidden in an Adelaide shop and now proudly on display.

The apothecary food is medicine for the soul.

You’ll be spoilt for choice by the menu which includes marinated octopus with a sprinkling of parsley and zesty lemon or succulent Barossa Valley kassler pork chops with beautifully roasted baby carrots on a bed of wilted cos and horseradish cream – how could you resist?

These gorgeous gastronomical delights come in a 2 hour or 4 hour package that includes an expert local guide, all entrance fees, a goodie bag and a light meal. They are promoted by tourism South Australia – A Brilliant Blend. Book yours now before all places are gobbled up, log onto Taste of South Australia.

Head down to the beach this Christmas.

It looks like all the stars are travelling to Australia this Christmas, swapping roast turkey for a barbie on the beach!

Nicole Kidman will be catching a flight to Australia with hubby Keith Urban and 16 month old daughter Sunday Rose to spend Christmas in their Sutton Forest Homestead in the Southern Highlands.

A traditional family Christmas is on the cards for the pair as Keith revealed: “We’ll be able to spend (Christmas) with all of our extended family on Nic’s side and my side. My sister-in-law has four children and my brother two, so there’ll be lots of kids.” Let’s hope they have enough sausages to go round on the barbie then!

Peter Andre is also set to spend Christmas with his parents in Australia and in a rare moment of reasonableness, Peter and his ex-wife Katie Price have agree to share the children over the festive period. Katie will have the children over Christmas and then they’ll fly to Australia to be with their dad and his family for New Year.

Peter Andre’s parents were said to be delighted that they’ll get to see the children for the New Year.

With Britain experiencing lashings of rain and the all too familiar bitingly cold winds, it’s no surprise the stars are heading out to Oz for Christmas. If you fancy spending Christmas day sipping ice-cold cocktails on the beach, then check out our guide to Christmas in Australia.

Why not share with us your festive traditions and plans for the Christmas season? Join our vibrant Australia forum and discuss your plans with other members or add them to our comments box below.

Turkey or barbie – which will you plump for this year?

Ever wondered what to call the next decade? 2000 to 2009 was the noughties, so what do you call the period from 2000 to 2010? Some are suggesting the tenties, others say the zeros. Well now Australia reckons it has come up with the answer.

A leading Australian news site news.com.au has come up with a competition to name the last decade and the suggestions came flooding in. The popular suggestions of tennies, tenties and teenies were rejected because they were deemed to be too popular.

The winning suggestion came from Adam Vujic who won $1,866 (£1,122) with his winning suggestion of One-ders. Altogether 3,500 suggestions were sent in by Aussies caught up in the spirit of the naming event.

The website said the suggestion suggested “bright-eyed optimism” but others disagree, one contributer said: “Is this decision binding on the whole world?” Others said the preferred the names of tennies or teenies. However the site said: “We needed something that communicated a feeling, not just denoted a number.”

The site that said that Vujic’s suggestion held out “hope of many scientific, humanitarian and environmental breakthroughs”.

The competition was open to Australian residents who had to come up with a name and a reason behind the name, using 25 words or less. Many people we’re sure, would love to know the reason behind Vujic’s name of the decade.

Does this mean my daughter is a One-der child? I guess so!

Susan Boyle proved a huge hit around around the world.

Susan Boyle has taken Britain by storm, and the US and now she looks set to do the same in Australia.

Her album, I Dreamed a Dream has reached the top spot in the Australian chart as well as the UK and record sales have been reported for the US where she sold 130,000 copies of her debut album in one day.

Ms Boyle rocketed to stardom on Britain’s Got Talent earlier in the year where she stunned judges with her amazing voice, despite initial scepticism because of her appearance. She has now cast aside her frumpy looks for a glamorous appearance worthy of Hollywood itself.

Over 70,000 copies of her first album have been shipped to Australia by Sony, which could be enough to earn her platinum status.

Ms Boyle is already on a promotional tour of the US where a reported recent public meltdown sparked mental health fears. It’s not certain if she will be travelling to Australia, but as her album hits the top spots worldwide it’s certainly a testimony to her enduring popularity.

She already has an Australian website dedicated to her, where fans can chat to each other, find out more about Susan Boyle and get all the latest news on their idol.

Perhaps Aussie fans are hoping that Ms Boyle will follow her fellow singer and one-time winner of Britain’s Got Talent, Paul Potts who has toured Australia and has even starred as guest performer on Australia’s Got Talent. The 2007 winner showered Ms Boyles with praise when they both appeared on Australia’s TODAY programme, in April. He also gave her this advice: “She may well find herself going to places she’s never been to. I’m here in Australia. I find myself going to places I never dreamed of going.” Aussie fans will be hoping that she takes his words to heart and plan a visit to Australia.

One thing’s for sure, she’s certain to receive a warm welcome from the Aussies who have taken her to their hearts, just like the rest of the world.

Conjoined twins Krishna and Trishna who have been successfully separated.

The mother of conjoined twins Krishna and Trishna, who were successfully separated after 32 hours of surgery last Monday, has been speaking of her wish for the girls to live in Australia.

The two girls were born in Bangladesh nearly three years ago and had been joined at the top of the head. They were being cared for at the Mother Teresa home in Dhaka before being brought to Melbourne for the pioneering surgery. Their mother, 22 year old Lavlee Mollik spoke of her joy at seeing them separated and spoke of her desire that they should remain in Australia.

“We don’t want them back because we don’t have the ability to take proper care of them”, she said through a translator.

Mrs Mollik is a student at the Keshobpur Agricultural College in Jessore and about to undergo her final examinations. Her husband, Kartik, is a factory worker in Khulna. When the twins were a month old, Lavlee and her husband decided to give them up for adoption.

Explaining her decision an emotional Mrs Mollik said: I didn’t want to give them (away) but my husband, my mother, other ladies told me to give them for the benefit of the children.

I want them to live in Australia and be educated in Australia. And one day when they have become very respected people I want them to call me “mother”.

Mrs Mallik saw her children separated for the first time on television and paid emotional homage to the team behind the successful operation, comparing them to gods.

The twins remain in a serious condition at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, with Trishna recovering faster than her sister, Krishna.

Margaret Smith, chief executive of the Children First Foundation in Melbourne confirmed that the twins would remain in Australia for at least the next two years, under their care, adding that they would need significant support. 

Whilst in Australia the twins have been cared for by Moira Kelly who is the girls’ legal guardian, it is rumoured that she would like to adopt the girls but Ms Smith said that it would be something to be considered in the future.

Matt Giteau missed the crucial kick that cost Australia the game.

Scotland reigned victorious yesterday against Australia for the first time in 27 years!

The Scots didn’t think it would be possible, to defeat the lethal Australians and it certainly looked as though Australia would emerge the winners once more as they dominated territory and possession. Yet at half time the score was 3-3 and the whole of Scotland held its breath. Perhaps here the writing was already on the wall.

Then Godman’s penalty and Paterson’s drop-goal put Scotland ahead and the crowd were going wild. The last three minutes were heart-stopping as Australia went all out to claw back victory. Finally it all rested upon Australian Matt Giteau to take the final kick for Australia, having already missed three kicks in the game.

The noise was thunderous but all eyes were firmly fixed on Giteau’s boot as he levelled it at the ball and kicked, it went left and the Scottish crowd erupted with joy and ectasy. The match went to Scotland, 9-8.

It was Scotland’s first triumph over Australia since 1982, enduring 16 painful losses to the Wallabies in the meantime. Yesterday was their chance to atone for their losing streak and prove that they still had what it takes to be the best.

Australian media are describing it as a humiliating defeat for Australia with News.com commenting: “Australia should have had more than enough class to put lowly-ranked Scotland to the sword.”

Ah well, perhaps the Aussies will have better luck next week when they play the Welsh. But for now, the victory is all Scotlands and no doubt there’ll be a few sore heads this morning.

An aircraft similar to the one Captain Dominic James landed in the Pacific Ocean.

An Australian pilot was branded a hero yesterday after safely bringing his stricken plane down into the Pacific Ocean.

Captain Dominic James, formally a Cleo bachelor of the year nominee, was on a flight travelling from Samoa to Melbourne, Australia with a sick female passenger, her husband and two medical crew when it ran out of fuel.

They were due to refuel at Norfolk Island, 930 miles off the east coast of Australia, but after several unsuccessful landing attempts and his fuel gauge at empty, the captain took the decision to ditch the plane into the ocean. Then he showed his remarkable skill in guiding the plane into the water in pitch blackness so gently that not one person on the plane was injured.

Once on the water however, the aircraft quickly sank which meant that there was no time to get the life raft out of the aircraft and the pilot and his five fellow passengers were forced to huddle together in the Pacific Ocean.

Luckily people on the coast of Norfolk Island spotted the lights on their lifejackets and were able to help direct rescuers.

One of the first to reach the stranded people was Glenn Robinson, manager of the Norfolk Island airport: “They were pretty relieved to see us - They were shaken up as you’d imagine,” However he was full of praise for the Captain’s efforts: “Full credit to the pilot - the aircraft sank rapidly and he pulled [the passengers] together. It was just an amazing effort by him.”

All six were taken to hospital to be treated for shock and hypothermia but no-one suffered any serious injuries. The sick woman is thought to have fallen ill through an infection she picked up in Samoa.

Pel-Air Aviation who owned the plane were also quick to praise the pilot and his first officer; “Their professionalism stood out on the day and made a substantial difference to the outcome,” remarked Pel-Air chairman John Sharp. “They executed what would have to be described as a perfect landing on water. The pilots ensured that the aircraft landed close to the coast, close to rescue.”

An investigation is now being launched by the air safety regulator.