Australian Trivia: Australia is the 6th largest country in the world - about the same size as mainland USA Australia has the lowest population density in the world - just 2 people per square kilometre The world's longest continuous fence known as the 'dingo fence', runs through central Queensland for 5,531 kilometres. It is designed to keep sheep safe from Australia's native dog.

Essentials:

Time: Australia is divided into three time zones. Eastern is GMT +10, Central is GMT +9.5, and Western is GMT +8. Other than the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia, all states observe daylight saving time in summer.

Electricity: Electrical current is 240/250 volts AC, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs are used but are different to those in most other countries, so an adapter is normally required.

Money: The Australian Dollar (AU$) is divided into 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of AU$5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. Banks and bureau de change exchange most foreign currencies. Travelers cheque's are also welcome everywhere, but banks take a small commission. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are freely available throughout the country. Banking hours are generally 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, and 9.30am to 5pm on Friday, but some banks offer extended hours and some are open on Saturday mornings.

Climate: Australia is temperate, most of the country receiving more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. In summer (November to March) the average temperature is 84°F (29°C). The hottest region is the northern two-thirds of the continent, which experiences humid and wet conditions in summer. Further south summer is warm with occasional hot spells and mild nights. Winter (June to August) averages 56°F (13°C) for the country as a whole, with warm days and mild nights in the northern areas, becoming cool and showery in the south (although there are still plenty of sunny days).

Communications: The international access code for Australia is +61. The outgoing code is 0011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001144 for the United Kingdom). Internet cafes are widely available. Mobile phone operators use GSM networks.

Australia is a vast country and you need to consider how you will get around. It may look small on a map but let me assure you, you can not drive around Australia in a month! These are some driving distances on a 'round Australia basis' hugging the coastline. Adding them all up, it is a whopping 13,989 kms.

To get around Australia - we will offer you the best value deal from amongst 6 Car Hire Companies and 11 Motorhome Hire Companies. We offer all types of cars, from sporty cars to convertibles as well as minibuses, 4 WD's and even chartered coach. Our campervans or motorhomes range from 2 berth backpacker types to Luxurious 6 berths with TV and Video.

We even offer an 'in-betweeners'.... How about a rental car that comes with a cooler bag, crockery and cutlery, and a food storage container or a 4 wheel drive vehicle that comes with a tent and camping package!

We offer even more - If you've always fancied driving around the outback in a 4 wheel drive, but felt a tad unsure of your driving skills or lack of experience - we can help with a half day 4WD training course which will teach you the basic skills needed for safe off-road driving. The instructor will demonstrate in his own vehicle how to negotiate a series of driving conditions and obstacles and you then follow his example driving in your rented vehicle. Training notes will be provided. We do suggest you do this course the day after you have collected your vehicle. The cost for this half day course is Australian $265 for a maximum of 4 persons in the vehicle and we will throw in an Outback Safety Kit for the full duration of your hire. (normal cost to rent this kit alone is $95 per rental). We can therefore offer you a GREAT SPECIAL: Called the 'Go Bushie' where you can put your outback driving skills to the test. The Britz Bushcamper is available.

Environmentally Responsible
Global Gypsies has a strict environmental management policy. We use only approved 4WD tracks on our safaris, and our tours and tuition have a strong environmental focus. We are corporate members of TreadLightly, an international non-profit organisation which educates four-wheel-drivers on how to enjoy their hobby while protecting the environment, and Trackcare WA which maintains the 4WD tracks in and around Perth.
We are licensed to operate by the Department of Conservation & Land Management and the Department of Transport, have national accreditation, and are members of Treadlightly, Trackcare, Tourism Council WA and the Ecotourism Association of Australia. Just let us know if you would like more information or a brochure.

If you don't want to 'D.I.Y' - we can offer you a place in air-conditioned fleet of 5 to 20 seat Mitsubishis, Isuzus, Land Cruisers and Coaster Buses to top destinations like the Kimberleys, Bungle Bungles, Ningaloo Reef, Monkey Mia, Uluru, Darwin etc with Adventure Travel. All the catering is provided and the Tour Guides are the best you can find.

So now that you have your 'wheels' - let's help you plan what to see and do. We'll just give you some ' Aussie Slang' too, to help you on your way:

One product we will highly recommend is CAPTAIN COOK CRUISING
We offer these on the Great Barrier Reef, Murray River and Sydney. The Great Barrier Reef cruises can be a 3 day southbound, 4 day northbound or a combined 7 night cruise and they start from Cairns. On one of these cruises, which includes all meals, all on-board facilities, snorkeling equipment, glass bottomed boat excursions and tax you will experience tropical islands where the rainforest canopy towers overhead, multitudes of coloured fish decorate rich coral gardens and cruise where dolphins play and dugongs glide in the unique Hinchinbrook Channel. Click here for details
http://www.canalboatholidays.com/cruise/reef/reef_endeavour.shtml

In South Australia we offer cruises on the Murray, the world's fifth largest river. The PS MUrray Princess allows you to experience the worlds of nature, history and culture as part of a unique outback riverboat adventure. Escorted walks and tours ashore take you deep into the Murray's natural and historical stories. We offer 2 night Weekend Escape cruises, a 3 night Midweek cruise or a 5 night cruise from a Sunday until Friday. For details click here http://www.canalboatholidays.com/cruise/murray/murray_princess.shtml In Sydney, NSW we offer a number of cruises. On the 2 night weekend cruise on the the MV Captain Cook's Explorer, which features 60 air-conditioned cabins with private en suites, cocktail bar, lounge, elegant dining room and spacious sun deck. Our acclaimed chefs will delight you with hearty breakfasts, al fresco luncheons featuring fresh local seafood and Contemporary Australian a la carte dinners. Our friendly and professional crew provide the inside story on some of our colourful local residents, folklore and history, while catering for your every comfort. In the evening there is entertainment, dancing and the romance of a sparkling Sydney night. Click here http://www.canalboatholidays.com/cruise/sydney/night.phtml

We also offer lots of day cruises...Choose from: Coffee cruises, Buffet lunch cruises, Harbour HIghlights and just a Sydney explorer cruise. You can also combine these with sightseeing attractions like the zoo, Sky Tour and Aquarium. For details
click here http://www.canalboatholidays.com/cruise/sydney/sightseeing.phtml

More information on Australia's States and Territories below:

VICTORIA | TASMANIA | NSW  (New South Wales) | NT  (Northern Territory)
QLD  (Queensland) | SA  (South Australia) | WA  (Western Australia) | ACT  (Australia Capital Territory)
   

ACT (Australian Capital Territory): The ACT was created as a compromise. Both Sydney and Melbourne thought that they should be the Capital City and so authorities decided that they only answer was to create a new city - between the two rivals!

Australian National Botanic Gardens
Sited on the slopes of Black Mountain, is the world’s finest living collection of Australian native plants. Other features include the Aboriginal Track, a Rock Garden, Rainforest Gully, the Mallee and the Tasmanian Garden. Other features include the Aboriginal Track, a Rock Garden, Rainforest Gully, the Mallee and the Tasmanian Garden. Website: www.anbg.gov.au/anbg

The Canberra Space Centre
contains a collection of space memorabilia, models, theatres and interactive exhibits covering the last 40 years of space flight and exploration. Visitors can weigh themselves on the moon and see Mars in 3-D. Website: www.cdscc.nasa.gov

National Zoo and Aquarium
Located at Scrivener Dam, Yarralumla
View exotic and native animals, ocean and freshwater fish, reptiles and amphibians. www.zooquarium.com.au

EVENTS:
Australian Science Festival: 14-22 August www.sciencefestival.com.au
Royal Canberra Show: February 2005 www.rncas.org.au

NSW (New South Wales): - Australia's oldest city with the largest population

Darling Harbour
The waterside tourist precinct of Darling Harbour, close to the central business district of Sydney, is crossed by a monorail and offers plenty of entertaining diversions, museums, carnival rides, restaurants and shops. For example there is the Imax Theatre with Australia’s largest cinema screen; the magnificent Chinese Garden with its serpentine paths and placid pools; and the huge Star City Casino and the Sydney Entertainment Centre. An absolute must-see is the Sydney Aquarium (www.sydneyaquarium.com.au), one of the world’s best aquariums, which has underwater walkways through two huge tanks filled with an amazing array of sea creatures. There is also a giant plexi-glass room suspended inside a seal pool, and an impressive re-creation of the Great Barrier Reef. Also look out for the Powerhouse Museum and the National Maritime Museum. Website: www.darlingharbour.com.au

Harbour Bridge
One of Sydney’s most famous landmarks, the Harbour Bridge (known locally as the ‘Coat Hanger’) was completed in 1932 after claiming 16 lives during its construction. The bridge spans the 1,600ft (500m) gap from the north to the south shore, which was previously only accessible by ferry, and accommodates pedestrian walkways, two railway lines and an eight-lane road. Visitors can experience the bridge in an adventurous way by climbing to the top as part of an organised group for breathtaking views and a feeling of personal achievement. For the less daring 200 steps lead to the Pylon Lookout for equally fantastic views at 285ft (87m) above the water, with three levels of exhibits on the way up depicting the history and construction of the bridge. www.bridgeclimb.com

The Hunter Valley region
is a 60-mile (100km) drive north of Sydney. It is a region already known to the world for its high quality wine, but is also fast becoming famous as an eco-tourism destination. Besides its vineyards and eateries, there are a myriad places of interest like Lake Macquarie, a glistening lake with magnificent beaches about 12 miles (19km) south of Newcastle; the beautiful Myall Lakes; and the attractive stretch of surfing beaches near Newcastle. Nearby is the Barrington Tops World Heritage Wilderness Site, which, at 5,203ft (1,586m) above sea level, contains some of the highest untamed natural bushland in Australia. One of the most popular coastal destinations in the region is Port Stephens, renowned for its crystal clear water and golden beaches. The harbour of Port Stephens is home to about 80 dolphins and many cruise boats offer close up views of these animals. Port Stephens coastline is also a wonderful vantage point for whale watching in season.
Website: www.infohunt.nsw.gov.au

Sydney Opera House
It may not be an ancient monument, but the architecturally distinctive Sydney Opera House epitomises the city as much as does the Great Pyramid in Cairo or the Acropolis in Athens. Situated on Sydney harbour at Bennelong Point, this intriguing white-sailed landmark is no white elephant. It is a fully functional performing arts centre in constant use. The complex consists of a massive Concert Hall that seats more than 2,500 people and has the finest acoustics in the world; www.sydneyoperahouse.com

The Rocks
The best place to start exploring Australia’s oldest city is at The Rocks, a restored 19th-century village at the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which was the site of Australia’s first European settlement in 1788, and is therefore considered to be the birthplace of the nation of Australia. The area features cobbled streets and squares, gas lamps, craft shops and small restaurants. Here too are several historic buildings, including one of the city’s oldest, Cadman’s Cottage, built in 1816, and two of Sydney’s oldest pubs, the Lord Nelson and the Hero of Waterloo. It is recommended that visitors seek information and a map from The Rocks Visitor’s Centre (in George Street) in order to make the most of the neighbourhood and its many attractions, which include museums, view sites, markets, monuments and buildings. From The Rocks it is also possible to access the Pylon Lookout on the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge for an amazing view of the harbour and beyond.
www.therocks.com

EVENTS:
Carols in the Domain: Sydney Botanical Gardens, Sydney - The largest and most popular Christmas concert in the country. www.carolsinthedomain.com
Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras - 3 week festival in Sydney. www.mardigras.org.au
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular: Sydney - largest fireworks display in the world. www.sydneynewyearseve.com.au
Sydney Festival: Performing and visual art. 8-26 January 2005. www.sydneyfestival.org.au
  

NT (Northern Territory): - Twice the size of California but inhabited by less than 200 000 people !

Tennant Creek
The old mining town of Tennant Creek, about 300 miles (500km) north of Alice Springs, allegedly was born when a beer wagon en route to an Overland Telegraph Station broke down in 1934 and the driver, Joe Kilgariff, decided to set up a store and pub at the breakdown site. Such legends abound in the area, which was the site of Australia's last gold rush. At the Battery Hill Mining Centre visitors can take a mine tour and hear the miners' stories, before enjoying a nature walk and a picnic. The small town is situated at the junction of the Stuart Highway, which runs between Darwin and Alice Springs, and the Barclay Highway that travels east to Mt Isa. Tennant Creek is an excellent point from which to make an excursion to the fascinating signature landforms of the area - the granite boulders known as the Devil's Marbles. The thousands of huge, red boulders, some nestling together and others poised on top of each other, are a compelling spectacle in this shallow valley 60 miles (100km) south of Tennant Creek. The local Aboriginal people regard the Devil's Marbles site as a sacred place, believing that the boulders are the eggs of the Rainbow Serpent.

Uluru (Ayres Rock)
A visit to this monolithic rock, the world's greatest, is an awesome experience. It is composed of a type of sandstone that has been exposed through folding, faulting, the erosion of rock and infill. At the base are caves, inlets and overhangs formed by chemical degradation and erosion. Formerly known as Ayres Rock, Uluru rises from the surrounding plains and belongs to the Anangu Aboriginal people for whom it holds a special spiritual significance. In an isolated spot 280 miles (450km) from Alice Springs, the power of the rock draws hundreds of visitors taken on tours by Aboriginal guides who explain the monolith's importance in Aboriginal culture. Visitors should try to view Uluru at different times of the day - part of the magic of the rock is its constant colour changes in different lights, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Visitors can take a camel tour of the outback at Uluru, or enjoy an unforgettable flight in a light aircraft or helicopter for a bird's eye view of the monolith. About 19 miles (30km) from Uluru is another fascinating geological formation on the desert landscape. Known as Kata Tjuta (formerly known as the Olgas), these comprise 36 domes of red-brown earth, the tallest of which, Mount Olga, is 656ft (200m) taller than Uluru. There is a range of accommodation at Uluru, from luxury resorts to campsites.

Kakadu National Park
This stunning park, covering almost 12,500 square miles (32,375 sq km) was added to the world's list of World Heritage areas in 1984 and is regarded as one of the natural marvels of Australia. The land itself is believed to be more than two billion years old, and is a jigsaw of wetlands, gorges, waterfalls, floodplains, rainforest pockets and escarpments. It offers the visitor a breathtaking variety of superb landscapes teeming with wildlife, and features some of Australia's most magnificent examples of Aboriginal rock art. About 5,000 Aboriginal sites have been identified in the park area. The park can be visited on a day-trip from Darwin and contains more than 1,600 species of plants and 500 different kinds of birds and animals.
   

QLD (Queensland): - The 'Sunshine' state famous for the Great Barrier Reef.

Brisbane
Australia's third largest city has a relaxed, easy-going ambience that is well-suited to its monicker ‘The City of Sundays’. As the capital of the state of Queensland, however, it has a serious side too and despite it's laid-back aura it is filled with the cosmopolitan hustle and bustle of a major urban hub. Brisbane has several interesting districts, a good street cafe vibe, a wonderful riverside park, a very full cultural calendar and a vibrant nightlife. Arts and culture vultures head for the South Bank, where one finds the Queensland Museum with its interactive displays; the Queensland Art Gallery with its magnificent collection of works; and the Performing Arts Centre, where international theatre companies and performing artists take to the stage. There is plenty to keep shopaholics busy too, with the designer boutiques and department stores of Queens Street Mall ready to welcome visitors and numerous bustling markets dotted around the city. Sport, as everywhere in Australia, is also well catered for at the Gabba sports ground (cricket tests) and Ballymore, where the Wallabies often take on the world at rugby. The city is easy to explore on foot, and being at the centre of the region's favoured tourist attractions it provides the perfect base from which to make daytrips to surrounding areas.

Magnetic Island
Was named by Captain James Cook in 1770 when he believed that the landmass of the island affected the magnetic compass on his ship, ‘Endeavour’. More than half of the island, which is about five miles (8km) from Townsville, is a National Park known for its rugged landscape with granite boulders, hoop pines and eucalyptus trees. The island has 23 beaches and bays, some of which can only be reached on foot. There are more than 12 miles (20km) of walking trails marked out on the island. Part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park fringes the island, which is also home to the most northerly colony of free-ranging koala bears in Australia. The island offers a wide range of accommodation. Local transport is available on the island. www.magnetic-island.com.au

Whitsunday Islands
This group of roughly 160 beautiful tropical islands lies off the north-eastern coast of Queensland and is today one of the greatest tourist attractions in Australia, drawing more than 600,000 visitors a year. This aquatic playground lies 95 miles (150km) north of Mackay and 190 miles (300km) south of Townsville, which offer easy access to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Holidaymakers flock to the adjacent mainland and island resorts to enjoy sailing, diving, exploring the reefs, or simply relaxing on thousands of sandy beaches. Seventy percent of the region has been declared a national or marine park. The main town in the area is the cosmopolitan resort village of Airlie Beach on the mainland that has a plethora of tour offices offering trips to the Whitsundays

Fraser Island
This is the world's largest sand island, situated a two-hour drive north of Brisbane, which provides a unique ecological system of giant dunes, forests, streams and freshwater lakes. In 1993 it was placed on the World Heritage List and draws visitors wishing to explore the unique elevated lakes (there are more than 200 of them) which contain pure, acidic water that are so low in nutrients that few fish survive in them. The island, well covered in vegetation, is inhabited by bats, dingoes and more than 350 species of birds. It also features giant satinay trees that stand 60 metres high as well as several other rare and ancient botanical species. The island is 75 miles (120km) long and about 9 miles (15km) wide and can be explored on walking trails or by four-wheel drive. Accommodation is plentiful on the island in ecologically sensitive resorts.
  

SA (South Australia): - More than half of Australia's wine is produced here!

Barossa Valley
An hour’s ride from Adelaide, to the northeast, is the Barossa Valley, Australia’s premier winemaking region. Fifty-four wineries operate here in an area blessed with hot dry summers, loamy soil and good winter rainfall. The heart of the valley is the town of Tanunda, which features relics of the valley’s German heritage in its museum. A lookout at Mengler’s Hill near the town provides spectacular views of the valley, or visitors can opt for a balloon flight when weather permits. The Barossa Wine Centre serves 70,000 visitors a year and is the perfect place to find out the story of the valley, its people and culture. A bi-annual festival, the Barossa Vintage Festival offers visitors the opportunity for some off-beat entertainment like treading grapes, waving at scarecrows, mushroom-hunting and watching floats travel down Tanunda’s main street. Other events and festivals are held throughout the year.

Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy, the opal mining town located in the harsh outback of South Australia about 540 miles (850km) north of Adelaide, operates largely underground. Homes, a church, a pottery studio and various businesses consist of 'dugouts', which have been built by the locals to escape the intense heat of this harsh region. Coober Pedy is recognised as the largest producer of opals in the world, and more than 100,000 tourists from around the world make the long pilgrimage to this unique town every year. The town features a working mine with a museum and shop for visitors, who can opt to stay in the 'Desert Cave Hotel' underground. The town is located beside the Stuart Highway, Highway 87, which provides plenty of refueling spots on the route from Adelaide in the south or Alice Springs in the north.

Kangaroo Island
Australia’s third largest island is home to colonies of sea lions, fairy penguins, pelicans, marine life and, of course, kangaroos, and provides so much to do and discover that visitors are advised to stay for at least two days. Kangaroo Island is situated eight miles (13km) from the mainland of South Australia. It is inhabited by a small farming community that produces specialty foods - this, combined with the fact that the fishing is excellent, means it is worth visiting for the food alone. The island separated from the mainland during the last Ice Age, and has many plants and animals no longer found elsewhere. A third of the island is protected to preserve the natural heritage. Organised tours visit the parks and protected waterways, or visitors can 'do-it-yourself' with the aid of a walking trails brochure available at the tourist office and many of the hotels. Walking close to wildlife is a unique experience – glance around at kangaroos, wallabies, goannas, echidnas, possums and platypus; along the coast watch dolphins and seals frolic while penguins come to roost. www.tourkangarooisland.com.au

EVENTS:
Adelaide Festival of the Arts - Premier cultural event. Feb-March 2006 www.adelaidefestival.com.au
The Credit Union Christmas Pageant - procession of fairy tale floats weave its colourful and magical way past, heralding the start of the Christmas.
   

TASMANIA: - Southernmost point in Australia and an island separated from the mainland by Bass Strait. More than one third of Tasmania is National Park and Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Hobart
Tucked between Mt Wellington and the River Derwent 12 miles (20km) upstream of the river mouth, Hobart is the capital of Tasmania, and boasts one of the world’s most secure deepwater harbours. The city is the essence of Australia’s only island state and represents the fountain-head of white island settlement. It was established in 1804 and is saturated in colonial history.

Port Arthur
In the far south of Tasmania, on the Tasman Peninsula, is Port Arthur, which in the early 1800s was originally a timber station. In 1833 it became a prison settlement for male convicts, and quickly established a reputation as being “hell on earth”. Today Port Arthur lies among 40 hectares of English Oaks and magnificent gardens as a memorial to Australia’s convict past. The Port Arthur historic site offers an inclusive all day ticket which includes a guided historical walking tour of the ruins and restored buildings, a harbour cruise and access to the visitor centre and interpretation gallery. One of the more popular features of a visit to Port Arthur is the Historic Ghost Tour run at night. Port Arthur is located 65 miles (100km) south-east of Hobart. Allow about an hour and a half to enjoy the scenic drive along the Tasman and Arthur highways.
see www.portarthur.org.au

Devonport
Tasmania’s third largest city, Devonport is the gateway to the island state, situated as it is in the centre of the north coast, at the mouth of the Mersey River. It is the point of arrival for car ferries from the mainland and it also welcomes visitors at its modern airport. The city is three hours by road from Hobart on the Midlands Highway. The city’s central location makes it an ideal base for discovering the wilderness experiences of northwest Tasmania, especially the Mt Cradle National Park.

Cradle Mountain
One of Tasmania’s most popular attractions is the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, placed on the World Heritage list in 1982. Landscapes include ancient rainforest and alpine heath lands, interspersed with button grass and stands of deciduous beech trees. Trails winding through forests of King Billy pines around the mountain offer superb day treks, and the 50 miles (82km) trek from Cradle Mountain in the north to Lake St Clair in the south is Australia’s most famous bushwalk. The Park is equipped with mountain huts that offer accommodation for long guided treks, and Cradle Mountain Lodge offers log cabins in a tranquil setting. Lake St Clair, a narrow 10 mile (15km) long waterway in the south of the park, is Australia’s deepest natural freshwater lake.
   

VICTORIA: - Australia's second smallest state - roughly the size of the British Isles.

Melbourne
The city plays host to world-renowned sporting events like the Melbourne Cup, Australian Open Tennis and Qantas Australia Grand Prix. Around the city, within an hour’s drive, there are numerous places worth visiting, including the Macedon Ranges, which is Australia’s spa capital with its world-renowned mineral springs.

Phillips Island and Gippsland
The Gippsland region is an attractive day trip getaway from the city of Melbourne with its lakes, forest, dramatic coastline and historic townships. It is also gourmet country, filled with cheese-makers, wineries, fruit farms and markets. Phillip Island, just offshore, offers the chance to learn and experience being up close and personal with a variety of wildlife, from fairy penguins to fur seals and koala bears. The island also has several outstanding dive sites, and is surrounded by some of the best surfing and swimming beaches in Victoria.

Wilsons Promontory National Park
The Promontory (known as “the Prom”) once linked Tasmania to the mainland. It has been a reserved area since 1898, with its 80 miles (130km) of coastline framed by vast granite masses, mountains, forests and fern gullies. The focus for tourism and recreation is at Tidal River, about 19 miles (30km) inside the park boundary, where visitors enjoy the sandy beach at Norman Bay, and Squeaky Beach with its pure white quartz sand. It is possible to walk up Mt Oberon or take “the Prom Lighthouse Trek” with a ranger along the southern section of the Park.

Yarra Valley
Just under an hour from Melbourne are the rolling hills and vineyards of the Yarra Valley, popular for cellar-door tastings, good food and peaceful scenery. The Yarra Valley is home to Victoria's first vineyards and is renowned as one of the world's great wine growing regions. Visit the Dandenong Ranges for a ride on the oldest steam train in Australia, Puffing Billy, through forests and fern gullies, or browse antique shops, cool-climate gardens, craft shops and tea houses.

Great Southern Touring Route
From Melbourne one of the most popular self-drive routes for tourists to follow is the circular Great Southern Touring Route, which includes spectacular scenery and takes in some of Victoria’s most beautiful, scenic and cultural attractions. The route hugs the coastline going south along the Great Ocean Road, renowned for its coastal scenery, passing lush Otways rainforests and on to the magnificent limestone rock sculptures known as the Twelve Apostles. It continues along the Shipwreck Coast, a stretch that has claimed 80 ships in the past 40 years. The route then winds north to the rugged wilderness and soaring mountain ranges of the Grampians National Park. East, as one heads back towards Melbourne, is the enchanting Victorian city of Ballarat and the Goldfields region

Ballarat
This historic town of great elegance and charm is the gateway to the goldfields. The name is an Aboriginal word meaning “resting place”, which is well-suited because a tranquil lake and botanical gardens are the focal point of the city. The main Avenue of Honour is lined with 4,000 trees as a memorial to citizens who served in World War I. The city is steeped in the history of the Gold Rush era. Visitors enjoy the Eureka Trail, a two mile (3km) walk that retraces the route taken by the police and soldiers during the Australian rebellion of the Eureka stockade in 1854. It is also possible to undertake a self-guided Heritage Walk through the inner city’s streets.

Sovereign Hill
This award-winning outdoor museum set on a former goldmining site at Ballarat attempts to recreate the hustle and bustle of life as it was during the Gold Rush days in the 1850s. Visitors can pan for real gold in the diggings, watch gold being poured, travel 43ft (13m) underground on a mine tour, and stroll through the main street, which bustles with people in colourful costumes and horse-drawn vehicles. At night the museum comes alive with a sound and light show that tells the story of Australia’s civil uprising, the Eureka Rebellion of 1854. www.sovereignhill.com.au

EVENTS:
Australian Formula One Grand Prix - Albert Park Lake near St Kilda. 06 March 2005 www.grandprix.com.au
Melbourne Arts Festival - Dance, theatre, music and visual arts. October 05 www.melbournefestival.com.au
Melbourne Cup - The horse race that stops a nation. Biggest in the Southern hemisphere November 2004.
Moomba Waterfest - Four day event centered around water. March 2005.

WA (Western Australia): - It has the smallest church, the largest casino and the narrowest pub in the Southern Hemisphere.

Perth
Grew on the banks of the Swan River, named after the Scottish city of the same name, and was proclaimed by Queen Victoria as a city in 1856. The discovery of gold in Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie, to the east of the city, in the 1890s led to a dramatic rise in its population and an economic boom

Monkey Mia
At this remarkable resort, situated near the town of Denham about 525 miles (830km) north of Perth in the Shark Bay Heritage area, visitors have the opportunity to interact and hand-feed the local wild dolphins who visit the shore each day. Several bottlenose dolphins regularly visit the beach at Monkey Mia, sometimes up to three times a day, while others who are less tame wait just offshore. Visitors are encouraged to enter the water to gently touch and feed the dolphins, under the watchful eye of local rangers who advise on how best to approach and handle the animals without causing them stress. Monkey Mia also has a Dolphin Information Centre, and offers good bathing at Shell Beach, unique in that it has a four-mile (six km) stretch of tiny white shells stacked up to 33ft (10m) deep. Some of the buildings in the nearby seaside town of Denham are built out of shells from this beach.

Margaret River
Southwest of Perth, the Margaret River Region is is an area characterised by dairy farms and wineries set within a picturesque landscape, and is Western Australia's most popular holiday destination. The area was initially discovered by surfers, but now holidaymakers head here by the thousand for the tranquil atmosphere, clean beaches and excellent restaurants, often attached to wineries. The area also has more galleries, craft studios and potteries than in the rest of the state put together. Margaret River is also well known for its 350 caves; four of the best are open to visitors and feature extraordinary formations.

Telstra Rally Australia
One of the world’s most exciting motor sport events, the Telstra Rally (which is the final meeting in the annual FIA World Rally Championship) takes place in Western Australia on the region’s fast and slippery gravel roads. The rally begins and ends in Perth where spectators can watch the world’s best rally drivers battle it out in a super special stage event, run through the heart of the city. Special buses transport visitors out into the countryside to see other special stages during the grueling race, and motor sport fans can even see and meet the stars of the road race at a Rally Show to be held at Gloucester Park.
Venue: Gloucester Park; Date: 12-14 November 2004; Website: www.rallyaustralia.com.au

If you would like to call us to make a reservation we are pleased to offer FREE Reservations phone numbers from:
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New Zealand: 00 800 8781 1120
United Kingdom: 00 800 8781 1120
Germany: 00 800 8781 1120
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Lets hope you don't need this...But if you need to contact your embassy, these are the details:
Embassy of the United States, Canberra: +61 (0)2 6214 5600 (switchboard)
British High Commission, Canberra: +61 (0)2 6270 6666
Canadian High Commission, Canberra: +61 (0)2 6270 4000
South African High Commission, Canberra: +61 (0)2 6273 2424-7
Embassy of Ireland, Canberra: +61 (0)2 6273 3022
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