What’s on Down Under this April?

Spend a night camping at Sydney Zoo!

There’s stacks of stuff going on Down Under this month, from new hotel and dining experience, to exciting activities for the kids and sophisticated wine tasting for the grown ups!

If you’re looking for inspiration, then this is the place to come!

Roar and Snore in Sydney, NSW

Taronga Zoo has just this month launched new, safari-style tented accommodation to their popular Roar and Snore overnight programme. With spectacular Sydney Harbour views, the comfortable tents, which each sleep four, now allow overnight guests the chance to sleep soundly amid the zoo’s animals. Roar and Snore starts at 6.15pm and provides visitors with an insight into the life of the zoo; including a guided zoo night safari walk, behind the scene tours and animal encounters. Overnight stays cost A$269 (approx £130) per adult and A$195 (approx £95) per child. Price includes Taronga Zoo day admission, buffet style dinner and all other refreshments throughout the night. www.taronga.org.au/taronga-zoo/education/sleep-@-the-zoo/roar–snore.aspx

New ultra luxury private rental residence in Margaret River, WA

True North Ashore has opened its doors to those seeking the ultimate in luxury and a peaceful and tranquil setting. Located in the Margaret River wine region of WA, the house is set on top of a hill top overlooking the Indian Ocean and the small town of Busselton. The four bedroom house sleeps a maximum of eight people with an outdoor spa featuring a waterfall big enough for all guests, in addition to an al fresco sauna. The manicured lawns are surrounded by native bush, and an on-call private chef is available, as well as on-call massage therapist. True North Ashore is just two and a half hours south of Perth. Prices start from A$3600 (approx £1720) for three nights (minimum booking) for the entire house. www.truenorthashore.com.au

Terrifying Tassie, Tasmania

Tasmania attracts nature lovers the world over, and for good reason. But the island’s convict history means it also has a few dark secrets to share. Launceston City Ghost Tours offers brave visitors a 90-minute walking tours of the town’s ghoulish laneways. Experienced guides will have the hairs on the back of your neck standing to attention as they recount the blood-curdling tales of a bleak time in Australia’s history. Be warned: some guests have claimed to have brushed arms with a spirit or two while on the tour, with some posting photographic evidence on the Ghost Tours website. Children under 10 are not allowed. Adults A$25 (approx £12); children A$15 (approx £7); family A$55 (approx £25). www.launcestoncityghosttours.com

Scare yourself silly in Launceston City, Tasmania

Dine in Darwin’s Saffrron, Northern Territory

Darwin’s most recent restaurant to open has a difference; it’s been set up so that the customers tick off their own orders and the food is served in disposable bowls. The plates are biodegradable and the food is Indian cuisine – just make sure you leave room for the rosewater scented ice cream! www.saffrron.com

Fitzroy Island Hunt Resort, Queensland

Nestled on the fringing Great Barrier Reef of Tropical North Queensland, Fitzroy Island Hunt Resort offers a new luxurious island getaway. Located 45 minutes by ferry from Cairns, Fitzroy Island Hunt Resort offers a choice of accommodation options, from one and two bedroom apartments, beachfront suites to a luxurious penthouse. Day trippers and overnight guests can choose from activities such as snorkelling and diving directly off white sand beaches, national park walks, fishing, sea kayaking and Great Barrier Reef cruises. From A$275 (approx £130) per room per night. www.fitzroyisland.com.au

Head for the paradise that is Fitzroy Island

Little Creatures grows in Perth, WA

The success of the casual, barn-like Little Creatures Brewery in Fremantle near Perth has resulted in the Loft opening next door. The lounge bar’s floor rugs, armchairs, velvet drape and lamp light set a more sophisticated tenor than the relaxed open atmosphere of the Brewery itself. Its two distinct spaces offer divisions – from bands and film nights for revellers, to relaxing with a cheeseboard overlooking views of the harbour for quiet romantics. www.littlecreatures.com.au/creatures-loft

Jabiru Safari Lodge, Queensland

Jabiru Safari Lodge in North Queensland’s Mareeba Wetlands offers visitors a backâ€?toâ€?nature experience. Located in the 2000â€?hectare Mareeba Tropical Savannah and Wetland Reserve, the lodge is just over an hours’ drive west of Cairns and consists of luxurious African-style safari tent cabins. The reserve of open savannah woodland, grassland, and freshwater wetlands provides a unique setting for the Jabiru Safari Lodge, and guests can enjoy walking trails, boat tours, wildlife safaris and privately guided nature experiences. Eco Safari Cabin from A$160 (approx £75) per person per night. www.jabirusafarilodge.com.au

Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend 2009, South Australia

The tables are set for the 2009 Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend, South Australia’s finest food and wine festival. Celebrating 25 years, the gastronomical feast takes place from 2 – 3 May and will include traditional events along with number of special celebratory events. Degustation dinners, tutored tastings and the much-lauded Vintage Tasting are all on offer. www.clarevalley.com.au

For more information about Australia, click here.

Love Australia? Let us keep you informed...

• Join the Embrace Australia community today. Have your questions answered by our experts, start your own blog, get vital migration information and gain valuable insight from those who have already made the journey.
• Subscribe to our RSS Feed and have all our daily news and features delivered straight to your news reader.
• Join our mailing list -