Paul Hogan could be staying in Australia for some time yet.

Paul Hogan, the star of Crocodile Dundee, is being held as a prisoner in his own country after the Australian tax office banned him from leaving.

Mr Hogan allegedly owes the taxman around $10m from undeclared income on the franchises off Crocodile Dundee. The Australian Tax Office (ATO) waited until he returned from the US where he is now living, to visit Australia before putting the ban in place.

Mr Hogan had been travelling to Australia, his home country, for the funeral of his mother. He is staying with his children until his affairs are sorted out. Meanwhile his wife and his 12 year old son in the US are separated from him and it could take months to sort out the legal wrangle.

Mr Hogan is banned from travelling out of Australia and detailed information on his tax affairs have been requested from the ATO who are refusing to meet with Mr Hogan’s lawyers until he can produce all the documents asked for.

His lawyer, Mr Andrew Robinson, angrily hit out at the charges brought by the ATO, telling ABC Radio; “You’re talking about a person who has paid literally millions and millions and millions of dollars in Australian tax and brought countless millions of dollars … back into the economy.”

His eldest son Brett Hogan has also reacted angrily against the ATO: “He’s a lovely old man. Leave him alone, gosh almighty. He’s done wonderful things for this country … It’s a silly business.”

Mr Hogan is said to be devastated about the fact that the notice was served at his daughter’s house on the eve of his mother’s funeral. His lawyer said that providing the ATO with details of Mr Hogan’s franchises from the films, which go back years, could take some considerable time and he is pleading with the ATO to discuss the matter with him, but the ATO have so far refused to comment.

It looks like the star of Crocodile Dundee may be staying in Australia for a while yet.

Bear Grylls filming his new series in Australia.

Australia proved to be just a tad too scary for British adventurer Bear Grylls during a recent visit to Australia’s Northern Territory for a new TV series.

Bear Grylls thought he had bitten off more than he could chew when he visited Australia for the second time to shoot another series of Born Survivor – called Man Vs Wild in America – for the Discovery Channel when he came face to face with a crocodile.

Bear Grylls was fishing from a raft in a saltwater river when his catch was snapped up by a hungry crocodile, but Bear wasn’t about to try and get his dinner back!

It was Bear’s second trip to Australia, he last travelled to Australia back in 2007 to shoot for the first series of Born Survivor where he toured Western Australia. For this series he travelled to the Northern Territories where he got a lot more than he bargained for: “My nerves are going to be a wreck at the end of this trip.” He admitted.

The challenge was for Bear to be dropped by cargo plane into the heart of the wilderness of the Northern Territory and then find his way back to civilisation. He had to battle against the soaring heat, eat such tasty snacks as spiders and snakes, cope with the hundreds of mosquitoes constantly attacking him and cross crocodile infested waters on a makeshift raft. No wonder his nerves were frayed!

The series is due to be aired in the US in the next couple of months, but Australia and the UK may have to wait until 2011 before they can see Bear’s close crocodile encounters for themselves!

If you are travelling to Australia and fancy a wild adventure in the Northern Territories then have a look at our travel features that are crammed full of Australian holiday ideas, from naturism to wildlife – whatever your taste we have the right holiday reviewed just for you!

Encountering an unusual road block in Thailand.

It’s been nearly a year since Oli Broom set off from Lord’s Cricket Ground in London to travel to Australia for the Ashes and he’s still not arrived yet; why? Because he’s doing the entire journey by bike!

Oli set off from London on 10 October 2009 with the aim to cycle, alone, 25,000km to Australia in time for the first Ashes Series in Brisbane in November 2010. In doing so he wanted to help promote the game of cricked in the 22 countries he would pass on his route and raise £100,000 for his two chosen charities – the British Neurological Research Trust and The Lord’s Taverners.

Throughout his trip he is relying on the kindness of strangers to provide him with a bed and refreshments. Now he’s in Thailand and is reflective of the kindness and support he’s received along the way so far and is hoping for more support for one final push for the last leg of his journey.

So far he has raised £4,620 for The Lords Taverners, a charity that helps to bring the game of cricket to disadvantaged and disabled young people around the country and £6,146 has been raised for the British Neurological Research Trust which supports research into spinal cord injury and aims to improve life of those who suffer dehabilitating spinal cord injuries.

As well as raising money for these two good causes Oli hopes to be able to help the communities he passes along the way, as a way of giving something back to the people who are supporting him in his travels. As Oli says on his website: “I am looking forward to meeting the people (and cricketers) of Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia, and teaching school children of all ages about a sport which they may not have heard a great deal about.”

It may be a rather unique way to travel to Australia but Oli hopes it raises awareness of his chosen charities and also provide him with a challenge, to test himself to the limits and to see the world in a totally different way, meeting as many locals as possible.

If you would like to show your support to Oli you can donate via his website cyclingtotheashes where you can also catch up with his blog and find out where he is now and what his plans are.

We wish Oli the very best of luck and we’ll hopefully catch up with him once he reaches his destination in the Gabba in Brisbane!

Getting to Uluru couldn't be easier with regular flights now on offer.

For travellers wanting to take the easy route to Uluru (Ayres Rock) from Sydney, Virgin Blue have announced they are recommencing their Sydney – Uluru flights.

Visitors to Australia can now hop onto a flight from Sydney straight to Uluru to see one of Australia’s most iconic natural structures, and already the flight service is proving popular, with a strong demand from travellers.

Virgin Blue’s first flight from Sydney to Uluru went earlier this month to a traditional farewell by Indigenous didgeridoo players and dancers. Once they landed at Uluru the pilot of the Boeing 737-800 along with the guests and crew members participated in an authentic Inma along with members of the Mutitjulu community.

Virgin Blue are offering competitive fares from Sydney starting at $199 on way which they say will increase competition and make the journey easier for both domestic and international tourists who want to visit the World Heritage site for the day.

The flights will depart from Sydney at 10.10am and arrive at 1.20pm, giving tourists plenty of time to take in the magnificent and sacred site. Return tickets are available or travellers can choose to spend a little more time in Australia’s Northern Territory.

Uluru is one of Australia’s most visited sites and also the most significant, symbolising the spirit of their ancestors to the indigenous people of Australia. More than 300,000 visitors arrive at Uluru each year and the Virgin Blue flights will make getting to the site a whole lot easier. Visit Virgin Blue for more flight details.

Choose a balloon flight over Melbourne city.

Stephen Tompkinson has just come back after shooting his wonderful Balloon Adventures over Australia for ITV.

Stephen Tompkinson’s Australian Balloon Adventure will start on Sunday the 15 August at 7pm on ITV and it promises to be a remarkable series showing the very best of Australia by hot air balloon.

Stephen may be exploring Australia in a way that few others have done before, but to experience Australia by hot air balloon is not off limits for everyone. In fact it’s probably one of the best ways to experience Australia and get close to some of its unique and varied wildlife.

Unlike a helicopter or an airplane, a hot air balloon allows you to have a complete 360° view of your surroundings. You can not only see an unparalleled view of Australia in all its rugged beauty, but you can hear it and smell it too. You don’t get the constant hum of an engine behind you either, just the occasional roar of the mighty canister that sends you higher into the air.

Kangaroos can be observed up close as most wildlife take no notice of the majestic balloon soaring just feet above them; Australia’s famous natural landscapes can be observed in their breathtaking beauty; the cities can be seen slowly coming to life, their magnificent buildings glistening in the early morning sunshine as you observe from your airborne viewpoint.

To celebrate the launch of the ITV series we’ve compiled a list of the best balloon tours across Australia that either take you on a tour of the rugged and dry desert landscape, or the tropical hinterlands of the Gold Coast or the bustling cities as they are rarely seen. Read our own feature on an Australian Balloon Adventure!

Whale watching is a fascinating experience for the whole family

It seems that people are not the only ones wanting to migrate to Australia right now! Humpback whales just couldn’t wait to travel to Australia, arriving in Western Australia almost a month early!

Sightings of the magnificent beasts have been made from Esperance in the south to Broome in the north where whale watchers were recently treated to the sight of a very rare white-tailed humpback whale just last week.

The whales normally being their migration to the coast of Western Australia from September to December. Around 22,000 whales migrate along the coast of Western Australia each year and this year whale watchers were delighted to have seen so many so early. Humpbacks are not the only marine life to be spotted in the waters, spinner dolphins, minke whales and orcas have also been seen off the coral coast.

Whale watching cruises operating from Broome allow tourists and visitors to get close to these magnificent beasts, including a few newborn calves that are proudly shown off by their mothers!

Western Australia has one of the longest whale-watching seasons in the world – it runs from June to early December each year and chances of seeing the whales are extremely high as numbers continue to rise. Sascha Papalia, the CEO of Australia’s South West tourist board claims that more than 200 whales can be seen along the coast at any one time!

And if visitors are very lucky, in the months of November and December along the coast of Dunsborough, the largest mammal in the world, the rare blue whale, can often put in an appearance.

To find out more about whale-watching tours along Western Australia then visit the WA Tourist site.

Will this be the scene once more as England retain the Ashes?

Less than a hundred days to go before the Ashes series kicks off in Brisbane and England’s chances of winning and retaining the Ashes looks high.

Forget the disappointment of the World Cup, Fabio’s boys have nothing on Flower’s men as the England cricket team get ready to play Australia in the world famous Ashes starting in November. Could the English cricket squad finally give England something to be proud of?

If you want to be there to watch the glorious game live, then now is the time to start booking your place . This could well be one of those historical moments when you can say that you were there, watching it all happen.

The Ashes begins in Brisbane on November 25 – 29 for the First Test. Then Adelaide 3-7 December; Perth 16-20 December; Melbourne 26-30 December and finally Sydney 3-7 January.

There are some great Australian travel packages around at the moment that get you to any stage in the cricket, whether you want to be there at the beginning or at the end of the Ashes series. If you fancy travelling with a group of supporters, cheering on England as one, then the Barmy Army have several package deals that offer complete security and include flights, accommodation and tickets.

Or you can choose to go with Freedom Australia who are a Cricket Australia Licensed Travel Operator and offer tailored packages to suit your needs in travelling to watch the Ashes.

Our personal recommendation is to make it for the Final Test match in Sydney to watch the penultimate game and be there to see the winning team (England!) hold the Ashes aloft. Plus you also get to join in the world famous New Year celebrations in Sydney – what better Christmas present could you ask for? Freedom Australia are offering an unbeatable 8 nights in the heart of Sydney from the 31 Dec – 8 January with 5 day match tickets from just £923 per person!

Thomas Cook is another travel company endorsed by Cricket Australia, they offer a range of flexible deals from flight only, hotel and tickets or the full monty. Their full bronze package for Sydney, is priced at £2499.00 but there are limited spaces available.

So give England your support and watch as they make up for the disappointment of the World Cup. England will once again be victorious and jubilous if their cricket heros retain the Ashes, fielding off that Australian winning streak that has dogged them for so long. Be part of the action this year and be there to see it all happen!

Don't show the soles of your feet to the Japanese.

Brits have been told by tourism chiefs that they should not be offended by ‘Pom’ jokes made by visiting Australian tourists ahead of the London Olympics.

The Daily Telegraph in the UK has reported that British tourism chiefs have compiled a list of cultural dos and don’ts for British hosts when meeting citizens from other countries, just in case Londoners don’t know quite how to behave in front of overseas tourists!

The official guidelines have warned Brits not to take offence at Pom jokes, which are meant as a term of endearment by our Australian counterparts, same as describing us as ‘pasty-faced’. Fair dinkum there.

Oh and don’t, whatever you do, mistake a Canadian for an American as that wouldn’t go down too well, don’t stare at the Japanese or start showing them the soles of your feet, just in case you were tempted. Never talk about failure, poverty or death to someone from Hong Kong – best to steer clear from comedian Jack Dee then!

Argentinians have been described as being tricky customers for waiters because of their strict etiquette in pouring wine – it should never be poured backwards into a glass, quite how you pour wine backwards into a glass beats me but there you go, don’t do it. Oh and if the Argentinians make fun of your weight or clothing don’t worry about it, it’s just their sense of humour!

The list was compiled by VisitBritain who say they have drawn up the guide to cater for the increasing amount of overseas tourists visiting British landmarks.

So we thought we would compile our own guide of what not to be offended by when you visit London, here goes:

Don’t point and laugh at the “blond buffoon” riding his bike in central London – that’s Boris Johnson, the London mayor.

Don’t expect much change from a fiver when buying a pint in central London.

The people standing in front of you are in what is known as a ‘queue’, never attempt to bypass this.

Whatever you do, never, ever, under any circumstances, mention the World Cup.

Feel free to come up with your own dos and don’ts for visitors of London, we’ll publish the best ones!

Explore the wilds of Tasmania with Qantas holidays.

If you thought Qantas was all about flights to Australia, then think again, for the illustrious travel company are embarking on luxury cruises around Australia’s untouched islands.

There are still regions of the vast continent of Australia that are unreachable by conventional modes of transport, like the many islands that are dotted around both Australia and New Zealand that have no roads or airports and are only reachable by boat, which is exactly how Qantas plan to take you there!

You’ll be on board the luxury liners of Orion Cruises – ideal sturdy little ships that are able to get to places bigger ships have trouble with whilst refusing to compromise with the quality of service they give their passengers on the inside.

Some of the islands on the itinerary are so remote that they remain largely untouched and are steeped in history dating back 25,000 BC. Their white sandy beaches are just begging to be strolled on whilst the waters around are teeming with marine life and offer fantastic diving opportunities.

If you feel particularly brave you can even brave the top of a still active volcano for a view that is truly out of this world!

To celebrate the partnership with Orion Cruises and as an added incentive to holidaymakers, all bookings made in 2010/11 will have an added value amount of £300 per booking towards the cost of any tours or excursions.

The Expedition Cruises start at just £2,699 for a 7 night cruise around ‘Wild Tasmania’. The sailings depart on 1 December so it’s a lovely way to start your Christmas celebrations!

Visit Qantas Holidays for more information.

The Barmy Army show England their support.

The Barmy Army are still going strong and revealed plans to attend this year’s Ashes series in Australia in November.

The Barmy Army started during the 1994-95 Test series in Australia when they came to the media’s attention for their loyal support of the England team even though England lost disastrously to the Australians then.

They are now well-known for their witty chants and songs that have entertained the crowds at away games. Yet their reputation isn’t one for drunkenness and rowdy behaviour, in fact the co-founder, Paul Burnham, maintains that he is proud of the way the Barmy Army behaves.

They are currently organising travel tours to Australia for this year’s Ashes series and interested parties can book directly through the Barmy Army website or they can simply log onto the website and catch up with them wherever they are in Australia.

There will no doubt be the usual set of antics that surround the England Ashes series – in 2003 a huge England flag was unfurled on the steps of the Sydney Opera House. The antics are usually good-humoured and all in good fun. They haven’t escaped some media criticism however, veteran cricket writer and commentator Christopher Martin-Jenkins has shown his disapproval of the Army, accusing them of “demeaning English cricket”.

However you feel about the Barmy Army you cannot escape them and the England Cricket Team certainly benefit from the huge wave of support given them by the fans.

They also predict a England victory in the Ashes this year, with Paul Burnham suggesting that the Ashes will be retained even before the teams get to Sydney. Well we hope that’s the case! You can read more about our exclusive interview with the Barmy Army here – The Barmy Army’s Ashes Predictions.