Edition 370-371 | 7 March 2012

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Edition Number 370-371
07 March 2012
Also at www.instantdownunder.com
THE LATEST TOURISM PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS AND NEWS FROM
AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, SOUTH PACIFIC
News from WILD LIFE Sydney and
Madame Tussauds Sydney
WILD LIFE Sydney has welcomed ten
new Frill-necked Lizard hatchlings to its
Darling Harbour home.
Now on display, the hatchlings are less than
five weeks old and are a testament to WILD
LIFE Sydney’s breeding procedures.
“The new hatchlings are doing exceptionally
well, and we can’t wait to see them start
developing their own personalities,” says Jason
Hainke, the centre’s reptile manager.
One of WILD LIFE Sydney’s baby Frill-necked
Lizards (l), and a fully grown adult (r).
And as Madame Tussauds Sydney gears up
to open in May this year in Darling Harbour,
Australia’s much-loved TV personality, author
and fashion designer, Dannii Minogue met
her double when the wax figure was unveiled.
Dannii is known for her judging and
mentoring roles on Australia’s number-one
show, Australia’s Got Talent and X Factor UK.
Joining Dannii Minogue will be an allstar cast of over 70 figures including Nicole
Kidman and Hugh Jackman who will be
rubbing shoulders with the likes of Lady Gaga
and Johnny Depp.
Merlin
Entertainments
Sydney
attractions include
WILD LIFE Sydney,
Sydney Tower Eye,
Sydney Aquarium,
Oceanworld Manly
and Madame Tussauds
Sydney.
The team from Toga Hospitality is
attending ATE 2012 to discuss the group’s
broad portfolio of Medina Apartment
Hotels, Vibe Hotels, Travelodge Hotels
(Australia and New Zealand) and Adina
Apartment Hotels (Europe and Sydney),
including key Travelodge properties in
Sydney and Melbourne.
Travelodge Sydney, located on the edge
of Sydney’s CBD, is perfectly positioned for
visitors wishing to explore the city’s major
attractions, including Darling Harbour,
Entertainment Quarter, Sydney Cricket
Ground and the Sydney Football Stadium.
Dannii, meet Dannii
– at Madame Tussauds
Sydney!
CONTACT: Ms Shannon Bailey
COMPANY: Merlin Entertainments Group
EMAIL:
[email protected]
WEBSITE: www.wildlifesydney.com.au
and
www.madametussauds.com/sydney
ATEC Symposium 2012 Sunshine Coast
The Australian Tourism Export Council
(ATEC) will hold a thought-provoking and
challenging conference for the inbound
tourism industry in Noosa on the Sunshine
Coast this May.
This year’s Symposium Conference marks
the 40th anniversary of ATEC, and will provide
vital information to international markets and
inbound tour operators, delivering the latest
intelligence on products, established and new.
Queensland businessman, Clive Palmer,
will deliver the keynote address and a new
‘Master Class’ series will provide insights into
contemporary issues for the industry, learning
and development opportunities and improve
knowledge and skills in key areas.
A full day Industry workshop program will
provide a platform for supplier members to
meet and network with distributors (inbound
tour operators and online operators), and help
Travelodge on show
with Toga
build and strengthen business relationships.
Symposium will get underway with the
Destination Showcase Breakfast at Noosa
Heads Surf Life Saving Club overlooking
stunning Noosa surf beach.
Visit: www.atec.net.au/symposium.html
Stylish comfort at Travelodge Sydney.
Travelodge Wynyard in Sydney is also
ideally situated. Guests can visit the Opera
House, the Rocks area, Darling Harbour, the
Botanical Gardens, a variety of restaurants and
a selection of major shopping outlets.
“Meet with Toga Hospitality
at ATE 2012”
Travelodge Southbank Melbourne is
positioned near great restaurants, impressive
shopping, renowned art galleries and Crown
Casino – not to mention the Melbourne
Cricket Ground, Melbourne Aquarium, Rod
Laver Arena and Royal Botanic Gardens.
Visit: www.travelodge.com.au
CONTACT:
COMPANY:
EMAIL:
WEBSITE:
Ms Jessica Von Sperl
ATEC
[email protected]
www.atec.net.au
CONTACT:
COMPANY:
FAX:
EMAIL:
WEBSITE:
Ms Anna Kong
Toga Hospitality
+61 2 9332 4813
[email protected]
www.toga.com.au
Reg ional Focus
Venture North wins
Venture North, specialising in small group
(max 6 pax) nature and culture-based tours,
won the best Heritage and Cultural Tour in
the 2011 Northern Territory Tourism Brolga
Awards (2nd consecutive year), while head
guide/co-owner Hugh Gange was named
Outstanding Interpretive Guide.
SKYCITY Darwin
New Beach Resort
Artist Impression of the new beach resort at
SKYCITY Darwin.
Aaron (l) and Hugh (r) Gange accepting their
Tourism Awards.
Known for high touring standards, expert
guides and the remote safari-style Cobourg
Coastal Camp, their feature dry-season tour
is the 5-day Kakadu, Arnhem Land and
Cobourg Peninsula Safari.
Private charters are available year-round.
Meet Venture North at ATE 2012.
CONTACT:
COMPANY:
PHONE:
EMAIL:
WEBSITE:
Mr Aaron Gange
Venture North Australia
+61 8 8927 5500
[email protected]
www.venturenorth.com.au
The countdown is on for the opening of
SKYCITY Darwin’s brand new beach resort
development.
Due to open in July and built around a
man-made lagoon, the expansion will feature
2 first-class villas, 32 luxury rooms, a swim up
bar, brand new bar & restaurant plus a lavish
day spa.
The new resort is tipped to introduce a new
level of luxury to Darwin, extending on the
existing 5 star, beach front property.
CONTACT:
COMPANY:
MEMBER: EMAIL:
WEBSITE:
Ms Jill Morris
SKYCITY Darwin
ATEC (Supplier)
[email protected]
www.skycitydarwin.com.au
SKYTOUR
Air Safaris
Kakadu Air, (est. 1981) has developed
new daily air tours to Kakadu from Darwin,
and this year introduces SKYTOUR accommodated tours to Wildman Wilderness
Lodge, and Max Davidson’s Arnhem Land
Safari Lodge (upgraded).
2 & 4 day FIT air tours depart every odd
calendar day (eg 1, 13, 25) Apr-Oct. Clients
wing their way in Airvan or Caravan high wing
aircraft over the Top End’s amazing landscape,
land and explore ancient art sites, or cruise
magnificent waterways ‘off the beaten track’.
PLUS new time-efficient fly-drive tours to
Kakadu.
At last! New Wildman, Arnhem Land and
Kakadu Air Safaris.
CONTACT:
COMPANY:
FAX:
EMAIL:
WEBSITE:
Mr. Bob McDonald
SKYTOUR Air Safaris
+61 8 8941 9577
[email protected]
www.skytour.net.au
Sacred Earth
Safaris
ESSENTIAL NITMILUK
This 3-day, self-drive package gives visitors
ample time to explore this magnificent part
of Nitmiluk National Park.
The package includes two nights at Nitmiluk
Chalets; the Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner
Cruise with spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge lit
by the setting sun; a Bush Tucker Educational
Tour to learn of traditional and contemporary
Aboriginal bush foods.
And a choice of Marksie’s Stockman’s
Dinner at the Katherine Museum or a 3-course
set menu at the Poolside Café or Sugarbag Café
at the gorge.
Family owned Sacred Earth Safaris offer
small group 4WD touring through the Top
End, departing from Darwin.
Small group tours are fun, relaxed and informative.
All inclusive 2, 3, 4 and 5 day scheduled
tours are available during the dry season (AprilOct) as well as private charter tours including
special interests and Kimberley touring.
Travelling in a Holden (GM) Suburban
4WD, group size is limited to 7 passengers and
tours stay in accommodation and / or private
safari camps.
The sun beginning to set on spectacular
Nitmiluk Gorge.
CONTACT:
COMPANY:
FAX:
EMAIL:
WEBSITE:
Ms Hilary Sinfield
Nitmiluk Tours
+61 8 8971 1022
[email protected]
www.nitmiluktours.com.au
Umbrawarra Gorge, near Pine Creek.
CONTACT:
COMPANY:
MEMBER:
EMAIL:
WEBSITE:
Mrs Danielle Mobbs
Sacred Earth Safaris
ATEC (Supplier)
[email protected]
www.sacredearthsafaris.com.au
– Nor thern Territory’s TOP EN D
Darwin Central Hotel
The contemporary executive boutique
Darwin Central Hotel is located within
easy walking distance to all major banks,
cinemas, theatres, nightclubs, restaurants
and shopping.
The environmentally friendly property
features 132 beautifully appointed rooms with
an unbeatable location. The property has been
undergoing a constant renewal process with
its refurbishment programme, focusing on
upgrading services and amenities.
Amidst all the bustle, the Darwin Central
Hotel is a city sanctuary that reveals a
surprisingly sophisticated space where guests
can relax in comfort and style.
A beautifully appointed Twin Queen room
at Darwin Central Hotel.
CONTACT:
COMPANY:
PHONE: EMAIL: WEBSITE: Mrs Michelle Davidson
Darwin Central Hotel
+61 8 8944 9000
[email protected]
www.darwincentral.com.au
Brookes Australia Tours
Civilised Outback Adventures with
Brookes Australia Tours.
Based in Darwin and owner-operated
since 1989, Brookes Australia Tours
specialises in fully accommodated, soft
adventure, luxury, small group 4WD
charters (max 6 pax).
Off-the-beaten-track tours with set share
itineraries depart Darwin between April and
October. Tours focus on less-visited areas in
Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk national
parks and in Arnhem Land.
Itineraries are tailormade to meet special
interests and budgets, and sole-use private
charters are available anywhere in the Top End
anytime. Brookes is attending ATE 2012.
CONTACT:
COMPANY:
PHONE:
EMAIL:
WEBSITE:
Mr Jon Lowe
Brookes Australia Tours
+61 8 8948 1306
[email protected]
www.brookesaustralia.com.au
New Frontline Australia
WWII Journey
The Frontline Australia WWII Journey
(DDTW2) is Darwin Day Tours’ new look at
the devastating Japanese air raids on Darwin
on 19 February 1942.
A 4-hour morning tour, departing daily at
8am, includes WWII relics, Darwin’s Military
Museum, an anti-aircraft gun site, and a
harbour cruise to view the modern-day naval
base (HMAS Coonawarra).
Also included is a visit to the Catalina
Flying Boat Base and historic bunkers and
ammunition storage facilities in Charles
Darwin National Park.
Rock art, Mount Borradaile,
Arnhem Land.
Travel North
gives more choice
An accredited Northern Territory company
for over 40 years, Travel North has streamlined
its Natural Wonders tour to three days/two
nights – still visiting Litchfield, Katherine and
Kakadu.
Clients are given the option on Day One
of travelling to Katherine on The Ghan, where
they meet up with the rest of their tour group. A
choice of three accommodation establishments is
offered in Katherine.
The 2012/13 brochure is now available and can
be downloaded from www.travelnorth.com.au
Travel North – a Top End travel institution.
CONTACT:
COMPANY:
PHONE:
EMAIL:
WEBSITE:
Mr Werner Sarny
Travel North
+61 8 8971 9938
[email protected]
www.travelnorth.com.au
Tiwi Island
Cultural Tours
The tour showcases this captivating and important
part of Darwin’s history.
Witness a smoking ceremony on this culturally
significant tour.
Starting the 2012 touring season is the
one-day Tiwi Island Cultural Tour which
includes visits to a modern-day indigenous
community, a local museum, a Tiwi-style
Catholic Church and local art centres (where
visitors can purchase Tiwi art at island prices).
Other highlights: morning tea with the
Tiwi Tea Ladies, totem dances and smoking
ceremony, swim in a billabong, and insights into
the Pukamani Poles and ancient burial grounds.
Tours depart Darwin Monday to Friday,
February to mid December 2012.
CONTACT:
COMPANY:
MEMBER:
EMAIL:
WEBSITE:
CONTACT:
COMPANY:
MEMBER:
EMAIL:
WEBSITE:
Mr Brett Binns
Darwin Day Tours
ATEC
[email protected]
www.darwindaytours.com.au
Mr Brett Binns
Aussie Adventure
ATEC
[email protected]
www.aussieadventure.com.au
Kakadu
Culture Camp
Kakadu Culture Camp provides the
opportunity to camp with an Aboriginal
family in a well-appointed safari camp. The
camp hosts the Kakadu Culture Camp 4WD
Safari operated by Aussie Adventure and also
caters for FIT and charter/accommodation
packages.
Kakadu by Night, the only night tour in
the World Heritage Area, now runs three hours
with cultural activities followed by a night
spotlight boat cruise.
Other charters available include 4WD tours
and Bininj Angarre, a total cultural experience
including three-course dinner and beverages.
Australia’s Indigenous Tourism Champions Feature #8
Cultural Education and Immersion
in the South of Western Australia
Visit Esperance to see spectacular coastal
scenery and a myriad of marine life amidst
the sheltered bays and rocky headlands.
Witness the contrasting colours of bright
white sandy beaches and crystal clear teal
waters where you can see the marine life
clearly from shore.
Kepa Kurl Eco-Cultural Discovery Tours
www.kepakurl.com.au offer a coastal 4WD
tour which showcases the regions highlights.
Enjoy the informative commentary about the
local history and culture as well as the chance
to view some of the most southern Aboriginal
rock art and old campsites.
After the tour, visit their lovely gallery
to view the artwork of local and regional
Aboriginal artists.
If you are driving down south, be sure to
take the inland route via Kojonup and plan a
stop at the Kodja Place Interpretive Centre
www.kojonupvisitors.com
Kodja Place Interpretive Centre in the town
of Kojonup.
Kakadu by Night boat cruise spotlighting for
crocodiles, birds and snakes.
CONTACT:
COMPANY:
MEMBER:
EMAIL:
WEBSITE:
Mr Andy Ralph
Kakadu Culture Camp
ATEC (Supplier)
[email protected]
www.kakaduculturecamp.com
Feathers
Sanctuary
Feathers Sanctuary offers guests a unique
and stunning habitat style of accommodation
in a private bird sanctuary set on over 2 acres
in the heart of Darwin.
Its lush, tropical gardens have been
landscaped to attract native Australian birds,
providing a peaceful and relaxing environment
for both birds and guests.
For couples seeking a romantic interlude or
bird enthusiasts, this is the natural place to stay
while holidaying in Darwin.
Kepa Kurl Eco-Cultural Discovery Tours
depart from Esperance.
See the unique museum which features
a range of interactive displays including
artefacts, stories, exhibits and pictures along
with a stunning rose maze.
Book ahead to join a tour to gain a
more in-depth understanding of the regions
traditional Aboriginal culture and hear
firsthand the fascinating stories which are
brought to life by the exhibits.
NEWS CLIPPINGS FROM DOWNUNDER
Edited and summarised excerpts of local news items from various media.
Sydney’s Warragamba Dam hits full capacity for the first time in 14 years, Sydney
Morning Herald, 1 March 2012.
A spokeswoman for the Sydney Catchment Authority says a trial opening of the dam’s
four floodgates was completed successfully ahead of the expected filling of the dam before
midnight.
After heavy inflows from its catchments took the dam past 90% of capacity this afternoon,
an inflow of another 140,000 megalitres was expected to fill it by 10pm AEDT, the
spokeswoman said.
“Once Warragamba Dam is 80mm above its full storage level the drum gate opens
automatically,” the catchment authority’s acting chief executive Sarah Dinning said today.
NT announces seabed mining moratorium, Herald Sun, 6 March 2012
The Northern Territory government says no seabed mining will occur in its coastal waters
until at least 2015.
NT Resources Minister Kon Vatskalis says the decision will allow a full assessment on
potential impacts from seabed mining by the Environment Protection Authority. Seabed
mining is a hot topic in the Northern Territory, with vast manganese deposits thought to
exist in the shallow seabed around an island in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Manganese is used as
a component to make high-tensile steel.
Feathers Sanctuary - the only Darwin
accommodation in Lonely Planet’s Best in
Travel 2012 guide.
CONTACT: Peter and Suzanne McGrath
COMPANY: Feathers Sanctuary
PHONE: +61 8 8985 2144
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.featherssanctuary.com
Chinese tourist numbers on the rise, ABC Gold Coast, 7 March 2012
A tourism industry group says efforts to attract more visitors to Australia from Asia appear to
paying dividends. The Tourism and Transport Forum says arrivals from China rose by more
than 27% in January and visitors from Indonesia increased by more than 13%.
Chief executive John Lee says lunar New Year celebrations were a major factor in the increase
but the Chinese market has enormous potential. “When you think that over 53 million
Chinese had an overseas holiday last year it is an amazing market ready to be tapped,” he said.
Australia’s National Landscapes
NINGALOO – SHARK BAY
Whale Shark, Ningaloo
NINGALOO – SHARK BAY
The Ningaloo – Shark Bay Landscape flanking Australia’s most westerly point is a
mesmerising mix of pristine shorelines, crystal waters, ancient rock formations, unique
plants and animals and marine life in extraordinary abundance.
How to get there:
There are three major entry points into the Ningaloo – Shark Bay Landscape. Shark Bay is
approximately 800kms north of Perth (about 10-hours drive), Carnarvon is approximately
900kms (about 11-hours drive) and Exmouth is 1,260kms north of Perth (about 15-hours
drive). Hire a car or take a flight with Skippers Aviation to Carnarvon Airport, or to Denham
Airport to get to Shark Bay. Skywest Airlines and Qantas provide services to Learmonth
Airport, which is 30-minutes drive from Exmouth and 90-minutes drive from Coral Bay.
Things to experience:
• Follow the interpretive signage along the Shark Bay World Heritage Drive and stop in at
the Hamelin Pool stromatolites, Shell Beach, Eagle Bluff, the Shark Bay World Heritage
Discovery and Visitor Centre, Little Lagoon, the Peron Heritage Precinct and Monkey Mia.
• Visit Eagle Bluff for spectacular views of Shark Bay and marine life at the foot of the Bluff.
• Take a 4WD tour into Francois Peron National Park to explore the rich, red sand dune
landscape and stunning turquoise waters surrounding the Peron Peninsula.
• Make an early start and head for Monkey Mia to see the world famous dolphins. Feeding
occurs in the morning from around 7.30am.
One Mile Jetty, Carnarvon
• Take a wildlife cruise to see a dugong and many other marine species.
• Re-live the past at the Carnarvon Heritage Precinct or walk along the One Mile Jetty.
• Purchase fresh local produce at one of Carnarvon’s many plantations or head to the
Growers’ Market to stock up on supplies (Saturday mornings May to October).
• Head 70 kilometres north of Carnarvon to see the spectacular blowholes.
• Get off the beaten track and explore rugged coastal areas of Red Bluff and Gnaraloo Bay
at the southern end of the Ningaloo World Heritage Area.
• Swim with whale sharks (the largest fish in the sea) at Ningaloo Reef.
• Swim with giant manta rays year round in Coral Bay.
• Take in Ningaloo’s inspiring colour palette with a spectacular scenic flight.
• Dive or snorkel in the Ningaloo Marine Park and at the Navy Pier in Exmouth.
• Tour the Cape Range National Park featuring canyons, limestone ranges and unspoilt
coastline. Take a boat tour of the Yardie Creek Gorge and try to spot a rare Black-footed
Rock Wallaby.
For more information on Ningaloo – Shark Bay including a suggested Itinerary go to:
www.australia.com/nl
Hamelin Pool Stromatolites, Shark Bay
DIRECTORY LISTING
Ningaloo
Whaleshark-n-Dive
Exmouth’s premier whaleshark, dive tour and whale watching operator. Swim with
whalesharks, dive Ningaloo Reef or the Navy Pier, watch Humpback Whales.
Web: www.ningaloowhalesharkndive.com.au Email: [email protected]
Ocean Park Aquarium,
Shark Bay
Located on the pristine shores of Shark Bay WA, Ocean Park Aquarium offers visitors a
fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with a diverse variety of marine life.
Web: www.oceanpark.com.au
Email: [email protected]
Exmouth – Cape Range
National Park
A spectacular expanse of rugged limestone ranges, breathtaking deep canyons and
50km of pristine beaches. The park is also brimming with wildlife.
Web: www.exmouthwa.com.au/pages/caperange-national-park
Ningaloo – Shark Bay
Attractions
Your guide to attractions including Shell Beach, the Hamelin Pool Stromatolites,
Dugong encounters, Steep Point and Zuytdorp Cliffs.
Web: www.australiascoralcoast.com/attractionsevents
Ningaloo Coast World
Heritage Area
This wondrous region was inscribed on the World Heritage List last year,
acknowledging it as one of the planet’s outstanding natural places.
Web: www.dec.wa.gov.au/content/
view/3515/2387/
Shark Bay Air
Soaring over rays, sharks, turtles and dugongs in numerous lagoons, eight flight
options let visitors experience the incredible diversity of this amazing area.
Web: www.sharkbayair.com.au
Shark Bay Events
This all-year-round tourist destination promotes a monthly calendar of events to entice
more visitors to enjoy Shark Bay’s many attractions.
Web: www.sharkbayevents.com.au
Tours from
Ningaloo – Shark Bay
Search for a wide range of tours at Ningaloo, Exmouth, Coral Bay, Shark Bay and
Monkey Mia.
Web: www.australiascoralcoast.com/toursactivities/tours
Printed on recycled paper.
SIGHTSEEING EXCURSIONS, ACTIVITIES, EXPERIENCES
Carbla Station
Providing a unique and authentic outback Australian station experience, this fully operational
Sheep Station encompasses over 800,000 hectares of picturesque and rugged rural land.
Web: www.allretreats.com.au
Email: [email protected]
Ningaloo – Shark Bay
Accommodation
Search for a wide range of accommodation including luxury beach resorts, hotels and
wilderness safari retreats with a range to suit every taste and budget.
Web: www.australiascoralcoast.com/
accommodation
OTHER TOURISM SERVICES
WAITOC Association
Enjoy authentic Indigenous experiences from dreamtime stories to bush tours and art
from one of the world’s oldest living cultures.
Web: www.waitoc.com
Email: [email protected]
Carnarvon Visitor
Centre
Visit this website for local details of the Carnarvon area including accommodation,
tours, events, weather, cafés and restaurants.
Web: www.carnarvon.org.au
Exmouth Visitor Centre
Visit this website for local details of the Exmouth area including World-heritage Listed
Ningaloo Reef, tours and accommodation.
Web: www.exmouthwa.com.au
Monkey Mia Visitor
Centre
Opened in 2001, this graces a magical spot on the Western Australian coastline where
dolphins and humans have interacted happily for decades.
Web: www.dec.wa.gov.au/content/
view/403/1026/
Shark Bay Visitor
Centre
Visit these websites for local details of the Shark Bay area including maps,
accommodation, tours, eating out, and useful links.
Web: www.sharkbayvisit.com
and www.sharkbay.org
Awe-inspiring Carnarvon Blowholes.
Kayaking Ningaloo from Exmouth.
World-famous Ningaloo Reef Marine Park.
The Downunder Travel Bulletin – a trading entity of L3M Tourism Export Group Pty Ltd. Tel: +61 2 9967 4070 Fax: +61 2 9967 2748 Email: [email protected]
ACCOMMODATION, RESORTS, OVERNIGHTS