Reduce your carbon footprint this holiday season.

So you’ve packed your bags and you’re looking forward to your holiday of a lifetime in Australia. All you have to do now is get a taxi to the airport, a plane to Dubai and then catch your transfer to Australia, then another taxi to your hotel.

You then wonder what that does to your carbon footprint score. It can’t be good. With Copenhagen thrashing out a deal to save the world from global warming, you can’t help but feel that you ought to be doing something to help, oh but you have always wanted to go to Australia….what do you do?

Well now you can combine a holiday in the sun with saving the world! No really! Right now there are a number of eco-tourism projects you can get involved with in South Australia that allow you to mix saving the world with pleasure. So if you want a holiday with a clean conscience and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, read on for our ultimate guide to eco-tourism in Australia.

It’s a common myth that eco-tourism is just for students on a gap year, or young eco warriors. Nowadays it’s aimed at everyone from 8 to 80 and you can do as much, or as little as you like. And it’s not just a clean conscience you’ll have at the end of it, you also take away with you the experiences and the friendships that you’ve built up over your holiday. It may not change your life, but it will change the way you holiday and give you a sense of satisfaction that you just can’t get from lying on a beach all day.

If you love getting your hands dirty and want to play an active part in eco-tourism, then ‘Voluntourist’ holidays may be just what you need. These holidays require a certain level of fitness from tourists and a burning desire to be involved.

Families

Earthwatch is now the world’s oldest and largest organisation in the eco-tourist industry. Holidaymakers here can mix science with sambrinis as they take part in scientific field research. You can choose to go on a climate change expedition in Australia’s rainforest, study the turtles of Kimberley or do a Reef Survey on Ningaloo Reef.

Earthwatch caters for all ages.

An example expedition is the Vanishing Frogs Weekend which is suitable for all the family. Assess the status of critically endangered frogs in the rainforests of eastern Australia by collecting data and analyzing results. In the past teams of volunteers have discovered four new species of frog – will you be the one to discover a fifth?

You’ll be sleeping under the stars in the State Forest, experiencing nature first hand and setting off on night expeditions. If you want to get close to nature, then this may be the holiday for you. All meals will be traditional camp-fire meals that you’ll be able to help prepare and serve. You’ll come away from this trip knowing more about the rainforests fragile eco-system and a greater awareness of how to protect these unique creatures. To find out more about this holiday and others like it, visit Earthwatch.

Youths and the Young at Heart

Conservation Volunteers Australia is a practical conservation organisation that has won awards for the quality of their work and the dedication of volunteers. They run holidays that allow you to enjoy the beauty of the Australian environment whilst working to preserve that environment for future generations to enjoy.

Be prepared to muck in and get your hands dirty!

Teams of 6 to 10 volunteers are assembled and the kinds of activities you may be involved in include: tree planting, erosion and salinity control, seed collection, construction and maintenance of walking tracks, endangered flora and fauna surveys and monitoring, weed control, habitat restoration and heritage protection. You can choose from weekend projects, overnight projects or a single day (some of the single day projects are free to join!). All your meals, accommodation and travel to and from the projects are included.

It’s a great way to meet others from all walks of life and this really is a hands-on experience. Your hands may be dirty but at least your conscience will be clean!

The Older Generation

For those who want to learn about the environment and it’s treasures but who are perhaps a little too creaky to be digging about in the mud and skinning up trees, then why not get involved in a camel safari with a difference?

Save the planet in style by going camelback.

Explore the Outback Camel Safaris is Australia’s leading nature-based educational camel safari operator. For 6 months of the year, every year, they take their camels deep into the Australian deserts to conduct vital research and exploration and now they have opened their doors to allow tourists to join them in preserving the desert’s natural and cultural heritage.

On these 4 – 8 day expeditions you’ll be trekking across the desert on camelback and participating in flora and fauna survey and identification as well as general exploration and historical research. Many desert plants and animals are inaccessible on conventional tours, you’ll get the chance to study these in detail as well as getting up close and personal to some rather friendly camels. You will also be able to test out your navigational skills.

Along the way you’ll also get the chance to see the historic tin hotel at William Creek, witness some spectacular natural artesian spring flows (and quite possibly the most famous spring, the “Bubbler”) and stop off at Strangways or Peake ruins, Australia’s first repeater stations for the historic Overland Telegraph Line.

Whilst you won’t be required to do any strenuous physical exercise, you will need to be fit enough to spend nights camping out in the desert and to manage around 30mins of walking each day. Professionally trained staff will be on hand throughout the day and night for the safety and comfort of all participants. You’ll come away from this holiday with a knowledge of desert life and camels that you can bore your friends with down the pub for years to come!

The Restful Types

Ok, so maybe you’re getting on a bit and want nothing more than a restful holiday, or perhaps you’d like a romantic retreat but without the carbon footprint. What contribution could you possibly make whilst on such a holiday? Well you can stay in Saunders Gorge Sanctuary located in a 1364ha of private conservation area on the rugged eastern slopes of the Mount Lofty Ranges or Adelaide Hills. Right in the secluded outback yet only a 90min drive from Adelaide itself.

Stay in their eco-friendly and snug lodges.

You can choose to stay in a hideaway cottage or one of their nature lodges, all with spectacular views of the valley and hills beyond and as close to nature as you can get. The Sanctuary is eco-certified by the Ecotourism board and has won 3 green stars for its environmentally friendly practices, including the use of underfloor heating for the accommodation and solar powered energy where possible.

You can meet with the owners and find out about their conservation projects including the removal of a large patch of pepper and olive trees to be replaced with native grassland and vegetation and the owners do everything possible to protect and care for the native wildlife around them. There are many trails you can walk on to fully appreciate the spectacular surroundings, and for those who find it difficult to get around on foot, the owners will even take you on a 4 wheel drive tour of the countryside, stopping at the most scenic spots to allow you to fully take in and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the many gorges and valleys. And if you wish you get involved in some of the conservation projects you are welcome to do so.

Wildlife Lovers

Arid Recovery is an ecosystem restoration initiative dedicated to restoring Australia’s arid land. It’s located 25km north of Roxby Downs in South Australia’s Outback and is focused on eliminating non-native pest species such as rabbits, cats and foxes and reintroducing many of the native wildlife instead. Four species of locally extinct mammals have been reintroduced into the area since Arid Recovery started in 1997. They are often on the lookout for volunteers to help with research and monitoring, so if you are interested in working with them, log onto their website.

Scarlet chested parrots at the Gluepot Reserve.

Birds Australia Gluepot Reserve is one of Australia’s largest community owned conservation reserves dedicated to protecting endangered bird species. Located in the semi-arid South Australian mallee, it comprises of 50,000 ha of land, home to 6 nationally endangered bird species, 17 regionally threatened species, 190 other recorded species and native flora and fauna. They run annual activities that require volunteer help, such as re-vegetation and surveys. Look on their website for volunteering opportunities if you want to help.

So there you have it, eco-tourism to suit everyone! And what’s more, you’ll have much more to show for your holidays than a tacky souvenir and a nice tan, you’ll have left your mark on Australia’s unique environment that will help preserve it for future generations. That’s got to be better than a kangaroo postcard!

If you want to know more about eco-tourism, visit the South Australia tourist board.

The Mardi Gras explodes onto Sydney's streets!

February is Festival Month in Australia and the biggest festival of them all is already preparing to put on a dazzling, spectacular showpiece of a party!

Don’t miss out on the frollocking fun of Sydney’s world famous Mardi Gras in February, the biggest annual gay and lesbian event to hit Australia. With its flamboyant floats, outrageous street entertainers and music to dance your socks off to, this is one event worth visiting Australia for!

And Qantas have just made it even easier for you to join in the party and the Mardi Gras Recovery Week afterwards!

Qantas holidays have put together these fantastic package deals:

• 4 star Mardi Gras package from £2,035
• 4/5 star Mardi Gras package from £2,335
• 5 star Mardi Gras package from £2,699

These great deals are based on two adults sharing and include your international and domestic flights, 14 nights accommodation and transfers. Not only that, but 4 of those nights will see you staying at the exclusive Noosa resort, a popular post-Mardi Gras destination where you can continue to party with the best of them, or perhaps recover in style in this paradise location.

You’ll be able to join in the two key dates of the Mardi Gras, the parade on the 27 February and then party on the 6 March. We guarantee that you’ll have a truly unforgettable experience!

Flights to Australia leave the UK on the 24 February and return on the 12 March. Visit the Qantas holiday in Australia site for more information. This has got to be the hottest party in the world in one of the hottest places – so don’t miss your place!

We’d love to hear your experiences of the Sydney Mardi Gras, perhaps you’re planning to go for the first time? Or perhaps you’re a seasoned festival goer who wants to share tips on what to do when you get there. Whatever your opinion, let us know!

As we Brits contemplate hibernation to get away from the wet and windy British winter, the Aussies are getting ready to come out and play as the country hots up for the summer!

What better way to cast off those winter blues than to exchange your hot mug of chocolate for a chilled lager, your slippers for sandals, winter woolies for bikinis and hotpot for a barbie? So throw away those hot water bottles and let Australia get your temperature soaring!

Think of the golden sandy beaches, the clear blue seas, the cloudless skies, I mean, where else can you holiday this winter that’ll require you to pack your suncream? And if you’re already dreading the chores of Christmas and the usual arguments of whether to invite Uncle Wilf with his wind problem, or the sister who doesn’t speak to anyone, you can solve those problems by escaping to the sun!

And sunshine is practically guaranteed with average temperatures ranging from a high of 36°C in Alice Springs, 22°C in Hobart and 25°C in Darwin in January.

As the UK battens down the hatches, Australia really does come to life and there is an eclectic mix of things to do down under, as our calendar guide shows you:

December

Thursday nights are market nights with a difference! The famous St Kilda Beach Night Markets pitch up their stalls every Thursday night from 3 December through until 25 February.

Experience the magical atmosphere of the Beach Night Market.

Forget the UK markets on a damp drizzly day, with a few stalls offering towels, veg and pet food, this is market day Aussie style! Set on the beach at St Kilda there are over 80 stalls offering a wide variety of produce from all over the world. If you’re fashion conscious then you’re bound to find something among the vintage, retro, boho and ethnic styles available.

If clothes aren’t your thing, you might find a little treasure amongst the antique and curio stalls, or handmade gifts to appease the in-laws who are sat at home watching repeats on TV. Once you’ve done with shopping, grab a bite to eat from one of the global cuisine stalls, then sit under a palm tree and picnic to the afro grooves and bongo beats. This isn’t just any old market day, this is St Kilda beach night market and you won’t forget it in a hurry!

Alice Springs Christmas Carnival provides a family friendly atmosphere to bring about a little Christmas cheer! Live entertainment will line the streets along with magicians, circus performers, balloon twisters and buskers. Children will kept busy in the Universal Solar Garden whilst you browse around the numerous market stalls offering a wide range of arts and crafts, global foods and tastings, jewellry, books and so on. It’s your final chance to do that last-minute Christmas shopping so you might as well make the most of it and be entertained whilst you shop! The carnival is on the 11 December.

The explosion of fireworks over Sydney Harbour Bridge. Image courtesy of Tourism Australia.

Whatever you do, don’t miss the world famous New Year’s Eve Firework Display in Sydney! With the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as a backdrop, there really is no other display to top it. This is the largest annual firework display in the world and whilst millions of people will be tuning in to watch it on TV, you could be there having the experience of a lifetime, what a way to start 2010!

January

This is festival month and the largest and most famous festival of all is the Sydney Festival. Brimming with local talent the city is taken over by performers, artists, comedians and musicians.

The weird and the wonderful bring the city to life in a blaze of colour, music and sheer mayhem! Al Green is just one of the headline acts that include Circus Oz, Grizzly Bear, Fractured and Trevor Jackson.

Do not miss the first night where the streets are taken over by theatre, music and dance. In the daytime families can learn to juggle or watch circus performances and romantics can stroll along Hyde Park whilst listening to the soothing melodies of jazz and blues whilst the sun goes down. Then at night it’s time to party with the likes of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and their guests. And the great thing about this first night party is that it’s all FREE!

The festival starts on the 9 January until the 30^th and whatever your taste, with performers from the theatre, music, dance, family, visual arts and even lectures, the Sydney Festival will have you begging for seconds!

26 January is Australia Day when cities all over Australia will be celebrating national pride. From tall ships in Sydney Harbour to concerts in Melbourne, cities and towns everywhere will be buzzing with music, street performances, city parades and even the odd thong throwing contest! So join in this outburst of national pride and discover the hidden Aussie within!

Join in the celebrations of Australia Day!

And if you head northwest of New South Wales you might come across the small town of Tamworth, population of just 40,000. This friendly, easy-going town undergoes a bit of a transformation come Australia Day as the locals and visitors alike go country music mad! Around 50,000 country music lovers descend upon this small town for the Tamworth Country Music Festival and Australian Country Music Awards. It lasts for 10 days, covering Australia Day and literally the whole town is turned into a huge arena showcasing the very best of Australian country music. From concert halls to shopping malls, pubs to clubs there is not a square inch of this town that isn’t jiving and whooping along to the beat. Catch your favourite performers as bands and vocalists arrive to find out who has won the coveted Golden Guitar Awards. Yee Ha!

February

Perth explodes onto the scene in February with the annual Perth Festival. Running for four weeks Perth celebrates the arts, theatre, food, film and creative flair! It’s the oldest and largest multi-arts festival in the country and offers a diverse range of attractions. There are Sri-Lankan theatre productions of Shakespeare, extensive dance and music programmes for the party-lover, street art, literature and community events. Its imaginative territory knows no bounds, which is why for the locals of Perth, summer isn’t summer without the festival!

The colourful spectacle of the Sydney Mardi Gras. Image courtesy of Tourism Australia.

We’re back in Sydney once more for the annual Sydney Mardi Gras. It is the world’s premier gay and lesbian arts festival and includes the world famous nighttime parade through the very heart of Sydney, ending with the enormous harbour party. The festival kicks off on the 21^st February and lasts two weeks. With the organisers promising the  biggest and best Mardi Gras yet, there’s every reason not to miss this event!

Flights

Now spending Christmas in Australia might sound like a lovely idea, but it also sounds expensive, so here’s our tips for getting the cheapest flights available.

First of all, book now! The earlier you book the more you’ll save, don’t expect any late cheap deals, December to February is full tourist season so the airlines won’t be giving anything away. Same with hotels, leave it too long and it’ll be a case of taking whatever you can get.

Choose your dates carefully. Avoid booking flights too close to Christmas. For instance Emirates flying from London Heathrow to Sydney is £963.80 between the 9th and 28th of December, enabling you to be in Oz for Christmas, but book with the same airline between 19th December – 3 January and it’ll cost you £1,461.79. So just by being flexible with your dates and avoiding known busy periods, you can save up to £800.

Shop around. Competition is high so choose a few search engines such as skyscanner and travelsupermarket and compare prices. If you’re willing to be flexible with dates, you can usually find a bargain. Keep an eye on our flights to Australia page too, where we search the airlines every month to find the latest special offers and great deals.

So do something different this winter, spend it in the sun!

A dream holiday in Australia can be achieved in only two weeks.

Tourism Australia and Qantas have teamed up to persuade Brits that you only need two weeks to make the most of Australia.

A new promotion by Tourism Australia aims to debunk the notion that you need at least a month to visit Australia. Brits are being encouraged to think again and consider taking a two week ‘walkabout’ in Australia.

The campaign adopts the ‘walkabout’ phrase, used commonly in aboriginal culture to describe leaving behind everyday life and discovering what is really important to you, to encourage Brits to take a journey of rejuvenation and discovery in just two weeks.

The deal is aimed at Brits who may think that they don’t have the time to take a holiday in Australia. But the Two Week Walkabout promotion claims that if you pick just two or three key destinations instead of trying to do the whole of Australia, you’ll return home feeling refreshed and revitalised, with plenty of holiday memories to last a lifetime!

Tourism Australia point out that many flights leaving the UK for Australia depart in the evening, so if you book a Friday night flight and return two Sundays later, you can have 14 days in Australia. And to prove just how much you can do in 14 days, Tourism Australia have even planned itineraries to give you lots of ideas! Check them out on the Tourism Australia Two Week Walkabout site.

In conjunction with the promotion, Qantas is offering a Walkabout Pass with each internal flight from as little as £36 and flights to Australia from the UK from just £585. The offer ends on the 8 December 2009 or whenever tickets are sold out. Visit Qantas special offer.

Have a look too at our Australian city guides for more ideas of places to go and things to do in Australia. So what are you waiting for? Book the holiday of a lifetime today!

Qantas engineers air concerns about safety.

Friday the 13th is a date that conjurs up terror in many people and holidaymakers travelling to Australia with Qantas may have every right to fear it.

Engineers working for Qantas have chosen Friday 13th November to start their work ban over fears about safety.

Engineers who attended meetings in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, expressed concerns about fatigue management and professional advancement. As the issues were not resolved, they have decided on a ban of overtime and out of hours work from next Friday.

Qantas have responded to the threats by emailing their workforce asking them to return to negotiations. They also issued a statement saying that they would hope an agreement could be reached so that the travelling public would not be affected. “We do not expect there to be any disruption to our operations or our customers’ travel plans.�

“Safety will remain a priority and will not be compromised in any way. We will not be grounding aircraft as a result of the planned action.�

The engineers at Qantas are complaining of call-outs to resolve complex engineering issues on less than five hours sleep between jobs and accused Qantas of undermining their concerns by implying that the dispute is just about money.

A Qantas spokesman stated that “The union’s current pay claim of more than 30 per cent over three years is unreasonable.�

Qantas also stated that they were committed to resolving the issue and had contingency plans to ensure that travellers would not be affected by any industrial action.

Got a little extra cash to splash? Read on for our ultimate luxury guide to staying and playing in Australia. 

ADELAIDE 

Adelaide is the home of the national food and wine festival; Tasting Australia which showcases the regions long history of wine production. For those with the discerning pallet this is the place to go. 

Live out your fairytale fantasies in this fabulous luxury hotel.

Thorngrove Manor Hotel, located 17 minutes from Adelaide is a stunning 5 star getaway ideal for couples or the individual interested in the local wine selection. The Manor is secluded with far reaching views and boasts baroque towers and fantastical turrets that will transport you to another world. Each suite has its own character and unique location within the Manor from the Queens Chamber through to the Observatory Suite. Each room comes with wireless broadband so you can enjoy the fantasy of medieval surroundings without being cut off from the real world beyond.   

If you prefer to be in the city, an alternative is The Sebel Playford. Situated in the attractive North Terrace area this is a luxury hotel in the heart of the city. For total opulence, go for the New York style split level loft suite which features a spa bath and views out over the city. 

When in Adelaide, one of the oldest wine producing regions in Australia there is no excuse for not visiting Bridge Water Mill where you can tour the vineyards and taste the wines produced there. Bridge Water Mill also has an award winning restaurant that offers the perfect marriage of contemporary French cuisine and fresh Australian produce paired perfectly with its own wines and prepared by Le Tu Thai, one of Australia’s most respected chefs.  

Alternatively, if you like to eat in the city there is the Top of the World. Offering exceptional seafood and international cuisine, this revolving restaurant is different to any other in the city. Book an evening meal and watch the stars come out above and below.   

Now, for the ultimate shopping experience, take a trip across to Rundle Mall. This is by far the largest shopping centres in the city with over 600 shops, 3 department stores and 15 arcades. If you prefer your shopping a little more exclusive, head on over to King William Road at Hyde Park where you will find all the big name boutiques and designer fashion stores.  

Now if you’ve had enough hustle and bustle you can take the short trip out to Glenelg beach. Just half an hour from Adelaide’s central business district by tram, this is a quiet beautiful retreat where you can enjoy the water sports or simply soak up the sun.    

SYDNEY 

Sydney is known for its glamour thanks largely to the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge and it is now officially more expensive to live in than New York City.  

Here you are spoilt for choice; there are a number of hotels throughout the city offering sumptuous suites with breathtaking views. Despite this abundance of luxury there are two hotels which stand out as being superior. Both the Park Hyatt and the Shangri-La have views out over the harbour, making them the perfect place for business or to simply relax in style.

The Premier Grand Harbour View Room boasts stunning views of the Harbour.

The Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney offers some of the most luxurious guest rooms and suites available. The Premier Grand Harbour View room has a 270 degree view of the harbour including unparalleled views over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

 

 The Park Hyatt also has commanding views over the harbour and particularly over the Opera House. The rooms are luxurious but contemporary and all have the latest mod-cons. The Governor Suite looks out directly at the Opera House and has an astonishing six balconies and mineral water on request. The Governor suite starts from $815 per night.  

Now that you’ve made yourself at home, let’s go get something to eat. Tetsuya’s, one of the most exclusive restaurants in Sydney uses classic French techniques to bring you stunning Japanese cuisine. If you like your food luxurious then this is the place for you, the waiting list for a table is often more than a month.

The menu changes frequently so you can never be sure what will be on offer but it doesn’t really matter because with one of the best chefs in the world at the helm, every dish is superb. You will struggle to find this standard of food anywhere else.  

Sydney is also fantastic for shopping, take a trip to Bondi Markets and check out Australian design at its freshest. You will be able to see clothing and jewellery from up and coming designers as well as second hand and retro pieces. This is a must for anyone interested in fashion off the beaten track.  

If you feel more comfortable on the high street take a trip down to Elizabeth Street where you will find David Jones; the oldest department store in the world. For Australian and international designers as well as chic boutiques and a whole host of taste experiences move across to No1 Martin Place. The Galleries Victoria is your best bet for art and also hosts the largest book store in Sydney. 

For the ultimate way to experience Sydney why not climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Go for the twilight climb and you will find yourself reaching the summit a full 134 metres above the harbour as the sun sets, making it an experience you will never forget. What better way to experience one of the most famous cities on Earth. 

BRISBANE 

Brisbane is the third largest city in Australia with a population of 1.6 million but feels like a large town, you might get a bit lost but in Brisbane it is more likely to lead to discovery than panic.  

The Sofitel Brisbane is one of the most luxurious city centre hotels in the city, making it the ideal base for a city break. For absolute indulgence book the Club Opera Suite and enjoy panoramic city views as well as access to the Club Sofitel Lounge.

 While there, book yourself into the spa for a full pampering including a full range of massages and treatments including a jet lag detoxification treatment, ideal for getting over that long flight. 

If you like your accommodation a little more palatial there is the Conrad Treasury Hotel. Book a suite for an unforgettable stay in this heritage listed building where you can enjoy 18foot ceilings and a private balcony. On site there is a casino, 6 restaurants, 5 bars and constantly changing entertainment. It is hard to find a hotel this grand anywhere and the price reflects this.  

Dine in style in this romantic restaurant.

Okay, rested? Feel ready to get a bite to eat? Siggi’s is perhaps the most luxurious restaurant in Brisbane with a long history of fine dining. It is located in the old Port Office which was completed in 1880 and has now been Brisbane’s premier fine dining restaurant for twenty years. Here you will find exquisite food and unrivalled service from the professionals.

If you prefer your service a little more relaxed head on down to the Brisbane River where you will find Alchemy; arguably one of the best restaurants in the city. The head chef, Brad Jolly has won numerous awards and has worked with Marco Pierre White and Jamie Oliver. The menu is fresh and exciting, taking inspiration from local produce and the views out over the river. 

Brisbane is a place built on culture and architecture. While in the city you can see the work of renowned Australian artists in the Queensland Art Gallery. If you like your art more kinetic, pay a visit to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre where you can catch the ballet, opera or orchestra. There is always something going on.  

For shopping there is no better place than the Queen Street Mall. There are over 500 shops including the Wintergarden shopping Complex which is home to designer fashion, footwear and jewellery from both Australian and international designers. At the top of the mall is The Myers Centre, Brisbane’s largest shopping precinct.  

While in Brisbane take a catamaran out to Moreton Island, one of the world’s largest sand islands. There you can toboggan down the worlds largest sand dune, snorkel with rainbow fish and swim with water birds. You can even camp for the night and sleep out beneath the stars.

There are numerous tours that offer everything from treks, quad biking through to three day long camping holidays where you can explore the whole island. 
  

PERTH 

Perth is the perfect destination for any sun lover; the city enjoys more hours of sunshine than any other in the country and has the world’s largest inner city park to enjoy it in. 

Unwind in the generously sized rooms of the intercontinental hotel.

One of the best hotels in the city is the Perth Burswood, located within the Burswood Entertainment Complex you will have 5 restaurants, 6 bars, 2 pools, a spa, an 18 hole golf course and a casino to play with. All the rooms are contemporary and light with great views.

If you prefer to stay in the heart of the city then book a room at the Sheraton. The Presidential Suite, situated on the top floor, offers stunning views of the Perth skyline and the Swan River. The suite boasts a separate office, marble en-suite and two private balconies.  

Now for a bite to eat, and not just any bite: Jackson’s, a contemporary Australian restaurant is widely regarded as the best in Perth. Neal Jackson, the head chef, serves up the finest Australian lamb and an inspired vegetarian selection as well as a formidable selection of Australian wines. If you appreciate good food then this is a must.     

For your cultural needs head on over to the Perth Concert Hall, a massive 1,729 seat purpose built hall that often hosts acoustic music events. Alternatively His Majesty’s Theatre is the premium performing arts venue in Perth, the theatre forms part of a hotel with two resident companies; the West Australian Opera and West Australian Ballet. At His Majesty’s Theatre you will be able to see local, national and international companies performing.  

For shopping in Perth wander through London Court, an Elizabethan style arcade that is crammed full of little independent shops. Take a look around Raine Square Shopping Plaza, Forest Chase and for all the best boutiques visit King Street.

If you like your fashion with a label, go to Subiaco, a trendy area that hosts gourmet food stores and designer outlets.

Perth is a tourist friendly city, while it has gleaming multi story buildings and traffic jams this is on a smaller scale than most other cities. It is a city that can be negotiated for the most part on foot. There is the Swan River where sailing is popular and numerous parks to picnic in or simply relax and enjoy the weather.  

Being the sun capital of the world, Perth has plenty to offer in terms of beaches. Whether you like sunbathing, surfing, playing volleyball or watching the pros battle it out there is something for you. 
   

MELBOURNE 

Melbourne’s most successful export is Neighbours but don’t let that fool you, there is far more to it than Ramsey Street. 

The Crown Towers dominates the Melbourne skyline.

The Crown Towers is without a doubt the most luxurious hotel in Melbourne, it towers above the South Bank district, dominating the skyline. Book a Deluxe Suite for unparalleled luxury, located on floors 16 to 28. Each Suite has floor to ceiling windows that give a 180 degree view of either the city or Port Phillip Bay. You will not be disappointed by the views or the two; yes that’s two, 42 inch plasma TVs.

Guests have access to the Crown Spa, more than 40 restaurants, bars and cafés, luxury shopping including Prada, Burberry and Louis Vuitton, the Crown Entertainment Complex featuring cinemas, nightclubs, an indoor theme park and casino.  

If you want to venture out from your cocoon of opulence then head on over to Quaff, a modern restaurant that offers sumptuous Australian and European Cuisine. Head Chef John Psanis, the talent behind other successful Melbourne restaurants has created a fresh modern menu combined with an extensive wine list.  

If you want to immerse yourself in the local and national culture The National Gallery of Victoria hosts a range of exhibitions from fashion to prints right through to video and is home to the largest stain glass ceiling in the world. Melbourne is also filled with street art including sculpture, aboriginal art, murals, stencils and performance which can be found all over the city.   

For shopping Melbourne Central is the place to go with over 300 stores and an abundance of bars, restaurants and cafes in a modern architectural environment. Shot Tower Square houses a number of stores including the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Shop and the Shot Tower Museum.

In Albert Coates Lane you will find designer fashion labels from around the globe and world famous boutiques that bring fashion straight from the fashion capitals of Milan and Paris. If you prefer your fashion a bit more close to home take a look at Lonsdale St Building where local designers are showcased. 

And don’t forget that Melbourne, like everywhere else in Australia has plenty of beaches to keep the sun worshippers happy. 

Get close to the real celebrities with this fantastic travel deal to Australia!

Ever wanted to take part in ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’? Well here is your chance to get about as close as some of us may ever get!

Tour operator Australian Sky are offering you the chance to get a glimpse of what it is like on the nation’s favourite reality television show with a special 15 night city and coastal tour of Queensland, where the show is set.

Your experience will start at the exclusive Palazzo Versace Hotel in Brisbane, which is where the stars of the show enjoy their last days of pampering before being whisked off to the jungle. You’ll be able to live like a celebrity by making full use of the hotel’s luxurious facilities and award-winning restaurants. Wear your dark glasses and you may get the paparazzi on your heels!

After a week filled with relaxation and pampering fit for any celeb, you’ll be taken off into the bush to experience the highlights of bushlife without any of the discomforts. On the way you’ll be able to gaze in wonder at the Glass House Mountains and do a spot of sunbathing on one of the pristine beaches such as the famous Airlie Beach.

As the eight night tour into the Bush is a self-drive one, you can dictate when and where you stop. An itinerary with booked accommodation will make your trip a more reassuring and relaxed one.

Prices start from just £2,599 per person and includes flights from London Heathrow, seven nights at the Palazzo Versace Hotel on a room only basis, full car hire and B&B accommodation for the eight night tour into Cairns. The only extra cost to yourself are your main meals - you can either choose to dine in luxury or you could always be a true celebrity and hunt down the odd widgety grub!

Challenges are not included in the itinerary, but you can always make your own up as you go along!

So what are you waiting for? Don your khaki gear and oversized hat and get out there now!

Police were on hand to protect Tiger airways staff from angry passengers as the cancellation of flight TT567 was announced at Hobart airport last Friday.

The Hobart to Melbourne service was cancelled when a cabin crew member suddenly fell ill. The airline commented “Unfortunately we do not have a crew base in Hobart and so no replacement was available (and) we need a certain amount of cabin crew to fly each flight by law.�

“Tiger Airways apologises to affected passengers but this situation was outside our control.�

Mike Walters who was booked on the flight claimed he and his wife were effectively abandoned after the cancellation of the flight.  “We were isolated in a hotel at Cambridge airport some 17 kilometres from Hobart without any local shops or supplies,� Mr Walters said.

Mr Walters said he forked out for a flight back to Melbourne yesterday on Virgin Blue because he could not wait until today, particularly as he had run out of medication.

“To add to our irritation we had to pay for alternative accommodation, transport, interstate telephone calls to family and the Tiger call centre and meals out of our own pocket with the promise of an unspecified refund in two months’ time,â€? Mr Walters said.

“We know of other passengers on our flight who missed interstate connections to family weddings, including one best man.

An airline spokesperson  said the 140 passengers booked on the flight were offered a range of options “over and above our terms and conditions that passengers agree to at time of booking�.

These options included refunds and credits, accommodation in Hobart for non-residents and transfers to other flights.

“Some passengers opted to fly on Saturday, some on Sunday and there is a flight tonight at 9:15pm departing Hobart with spare seats,� they added.

Golfers who fancy combining exploring Australia’s outback and dealing with 18 holes should be heading to Australia. The Nullarbor Links golf course opened officially today. The course which was conceived five years ago “over a couple of beers� will attract tourists and golfers to the Eyre highway which traverses the Nullarbor Plain hugging a part of Australia’s southern coastline.

The 18 holes cover an amazing 848 miles, more than the entire length of Britain. Sounds like you’ll need a fit caddy doesn’t it? Well the actual course is 6,520 yards, however the 18 holes are up to 60 miles apart.

Each hole is located in a different town featuring a local attraction including a working sheep station and the Big Kangaroo statue at Border Village so Golfers will get to stay in some rather unusual locations.

Take advantage of cheap flights to visit Australia!

There are only a few days left for you to grab a cheap flight to Australia with some of the major Australian airways, so put your holiday plans on hold until you’ve looked at these special offers!

If you book before the 31^st October, you can take advantage of the special fares flying to some of the major cities in Australia from the UK for a holiday of a lifetime!

Emirates are offering these fantastic fares which could see you heading out to Sydney for just £650 return; or Perth for £569 return; or how about Melbourne for just £641 return or bag a bargain to Brisbane for £653.

Choose your departure airport from Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle or Glasgow. You can take your holiday anytime between 20 April – 30 June 2010. Find out more by visiting Emirates special flight offers to Australia.

Qantas, not to be outdone, have their own special offers on flights to Australia. Again, you need to book before the 31^st of October.

You could be travelling to Perth from as little as £582 return; Melbourne from £663, Darwin from £668; Adelaid from £671, Cairns from £671; Sydney from £672 and Brisbane from £675. Flights depart from Heathrow airport but you can also fly from Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh or Newcastle, however prices will vary from airport to airport, with Heathrow offering the cheapest flights.

Dates for departure are flexible but again, prices may vary. You can also take advantage of Qantas’ Walkabout Offer with these deals. The Walkabout Pass allows you to add up to 6 domestic flights in Australia – so you get to see a whole lot more of Australia for your money! Find out more about Qantas’ special flight offers to Australia and the Walkabout fare.

These really are fantastic flight deals to Australia so get them while you can! And if you’re stuck for things to do once you get there – like that’d ever happen! – why not check out our holiday ideas for places to visit in Australia. Or join our busy online community for advice on where to go and what to see, from people who’ve already been there, done that.