This is the opinion of TV presenter Kate Garraway, who wrote in the Daily Mail that Australia is the perfect holiday destination for couples or families thanks to its plethora of tourist-friendly options.

Despite visiting countries all over the world, the journalist and ITV Breakfast anchor said that Australia has more ‘best bits’ than any other popular holiday nation, with snorkelling, the local way of life and climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge among her highlights.

“Anyone with an adventurous spirit will love the amazing BridgeClimb in Sydney,” she wrote in the newspaper.

“It’s amazing, the view you get over the harbour and Sydney Opera House is unforgettable.”

But it’s not just the man-made that Ms Garraway has been impressed by during holidays to Australia – she added that, because the Harbour Bridge is so striking and imposing, it can be easy to forget the stunning natural surroundings it sits in.

To remedy the situation, she suggested that holidaymakers should embark on a Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens Indigenous Tour, which highlights the “extraordinary, quirky plant life” synonymous with south-east Australia.

Those with a larger holiday budget, Ms Garraway recommended, should take a helicopter flight to the striking Twelve Apostles from Melbourne, which follows a stretch of coastline regarded by many as among the most beautiful in the world.

Located just off the shore of Port Campbell National Park, the Twelve Apostles attracts almost two million visitors every year.

You should start of by flying to the capital city of Perth, located on the south-west coast. You will first notice the beautiful weather – the city enjoys more sunny days than any other Australian state capital. The great weather allows you to enjoy your meals at the many beachfront and riverside restaurants outside in the fresh, open air.

Perth also has professional sports teams to satisfy the needs of every fan, with its cricket, football and rugby teams competing at the highest level of Australian sport. If you prefer to participate in athletics, there are a number of parks that are great places to set up a match or have a picnic with friends and family.

Perth is also a shoppers dream. Historic King Street has a number of different high-end retailers including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co and Zekka. The stores are scattered all down the street and provide a great chance to expand your wardrobe, or just do a little window shopping.

If you’re looking to escape the city life, Australia’s Golden Outback is a perfect destination. There, you can travel all around this picturesque desert. There are many Australian tours through the old mining settlements established during the 19th century Australian Gold Rush. World-renowned artist Antony Gormley has built a number of unique statues near the town of Menzies that captivate the imagination.

Holidays to Australia often take in the outback, but once you’re done there head west to relax on one of the Coral Coast’s beaches. The region offers a number of beautiful white sandy beaches where you can swim in the beautiful clear, blue water. It has a sprawling marine wildlife – dolphins, sea lions, manta rays, humpback whales and whale sharks all call the coral coast home.

If you travel farther north along the west coast of Australia, you’ll see the area that inspired Baz Luhrmann’s Hollywood movie, Australia. Australia’s north-west has a vast landscape with beautiful, rocky landscapes and many ancient gorges along the Gibb River Road. An area of north-west Australia called Kimberley comprises 423,000 sq km, but with only 30,000 residents it has fewer people per sq km than almost any other place in the world.

The city of Broome is in the heart of Kimberley. Here you can meet the friendly locals who are proud of their rich culture and history. Broome is famous for Cable Beach – the 22-km stretch of white sand and blue water is the perfect place to enjoy a lazy day or take a camel ride.

The possibilities and activities in Western Australia are endless. Whether you prefer the city life, exploring the aboriginal desert or relaxing at one of the stunning beaches, Western Australia has something for everyone – and an extended stay in this part of the country forms the basis of a dream holiday.

The festival, which begins today (16th May), will give greater attention to aboriginal stories, with The Sapphires the latest movie to receive critical acclaim, ABC News reports.

Telling the story of an all-female singing group hailing from an indigenous community who play to Vietnam-serving Australian soldiers, the film has so far generated a positive response.

Actor Deborah Mailman, who appears in The Sapphires, said it’s “a really great acknowledgement” for the film to be showcased at the world’s most prestigious film festival.

“There’s obviously something in the film that they went, ‘Yeah, we want this, and we want it on the world stage’. So it’s wonderful that that’s been recognised. And we are very proud of this film, no matter what,” she told the news provider.

Australia holidays are often concentrated on the country’s eastern and western coasts, but there is a multitude of indigenous cultural attractions for those who venture further inland.

The aboriginal spiritual heartland, for example, is located in the heart of the Western Desert, especially around Ayres Rock and The Olgas, recognised by indigenous people as Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Film’s featuring aboriginal characters have a history of showing off Australia’s landscape, dating back to Crocodile Dundee in the 1980s, while in 2009 Samson and Delilah, a love story set in an indigenous community, won Cannes’ Camera d’Or.

According to figures from the Australian government, 785,000 international holidaymakers engaged in an aboriginal tourism activity during their visit to the country in 2008.

Adopting an ‘under the sea’ theme, the 2012 Australian Body Art Carnivale saw 100 performers decorate themselves in body paint, shells and braids at the Eumundi Amphitheatre, news.com.au reports.

Holidays to Australia often incorporate the Sunshine Coast, and it appears that many tourists visited the event – with approximately 15,000 people having attended during Saturday and Sunday (12th and 13th May).

Professional body artist Charmaine Orchard, who won a prize in the special effects body art category for the third year in succession, told the news provider that people can turn up and leave “looking completely different”.

More than $12,000 (£7,500) worth of prizes were up for grabs during the event, which also involved a gala on Saturday evening, vehicle art and photography exhibitions and competitions.

Danielle Taylor, who coordinated the event, said the high volume of spectators was testament to the ever-increasing popularity of body art in Australia.

“In terms of growth the real stand-out was that the competitor numbers were up and the standard of art work was just amazing,” she told news.com.au.

The Australian Body Art Carnivale is based on the World Body Art Festival in Austria. Part of the Australian event’s appeal is its location, with the Sunshine Coast famed for its beaches, botanical gardens and parks.

It is predicted the two films – entitled An Unexpected Journey and There and Back Again – will do more for New Zealand’s tourist industry than the Oscar-winning Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Kevin Bowler, Tourism New Zealand’s chief executive, explained that the organisation’s marketing strategy would tie in heavily with the films, sharing some of their intellectual property.

In particular, it is expected much of Tourism New Zealand’s marketing material will be accompanied by the films’ theme tune. Additionally, the DVD release of the first movie will contain a feature promoting New Zealand holidays.

“We are incredibly confident about the future of The Hobbit films,” Mr Bowler stated. “We know the Lord of the Rings was a great success as a film, but also as an indirect way of promoting New Zealand.”

“I think The Hobbit is going to be that and more. We learned a lot of lessons from Lord of the Rings and we are doing everything we did back then plus some more,” he added.

Tourism New Zealand is over halfway through a three-year plan promoting the country in China, Australia and the US.

Although it is the fourth biggest market for travel to New Zealand, most Chinese tourists only spend a few days in the country – tacking their trip onto the end of a longer holiday in Australia.

Tourism New Zealand is hoping the popularity of the Hobbit films, which will be released a year apart, will encourage Chinese holidaymakers to stay in the country for longer.

This is the recommendation of The Australian’s Neil Dowling, who wrote that a self-drive journey is the best way of exploring this part of the country, as it allows highlights to be broken down into “bite-size pieces”.

One of the best routes, the journalist recommended, is the Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail. Beginning at the top of Perth’s hills, which enjoy a vantage point overlooking the city, it encompasses the impressive Mundaring Dam, the picturesque Avon River and Meckering, which experienced a famous 6.9 Richter Scale earthquake in 1968.

Another must-see, Mr Dowling wrote for the publication, is Merredin, which will host ‘Australia’s biggest morning tea’ on 24th May and the International Comedy Roadshow on 7th June.

“Attractions include Merredin Peak and Tamma Parkland for bush and rock walks; the Cummins Theatre; historic buildings; the longest grain storage facilities in the southern hemisphere and the remains of military installations from the town’s role as a line of defence during World War II.”

Travellers will end their journey at Kalgoorlie, which was established almost immediately after gold was found there. Evidence of its early wealth is still visible thanks to its ornate public buildings, grand hotels and upmarket shops.

It is also home to the Western Australia Museum, which Mr Dowling referred to as “one of Australia’s best regional museums”.

According to Australia’s 2006 census, Kalgoorlie’s population numbers just over 28,000, making it the Goldfields-Esperance region’s largest urban settlement, and the fifth-largest in Western Australia.

This is the recommendation of stuff.co.nz’s Mal Chenu, who suggested that too many holidays to Australia miss out on stunning sunsets because they’re concentrated on eastern coast destinations.

He wrote that Perth’s beaches, which offer pristine sand and spread for miles, offer “an uninterrupted view of the solarific ochres” and the promise of unspoilt views.

But it’s not just sunsets that those on Western Australia holidays can look forward to – another major draw, Mr Chenu explained, is Rottnest Island, Perth’s leading summer holiday destination.

While accommodation can be difficult to arrange due to high demand, the travel journalist wrote that day trippers can still sample the “archetypal Rotto holiday”.

“Hire a bike and head to one of the beaches, snorkel the azure waters and finish the day with a beer at the Quokka Arms hotel,” he recommended in his article for the website.

“Ferries make the 40-minute run regularly from the city, Fremantle and Hillarys Boat Harbour, but if you’d rather swim the 20 km span you can join 2,000 other loonies for the annual Rottnest Channel Swim in February.”

Mr Chenu also recommended that Perth holidaymakers pay a visit to Kings Park, a 400-hectare “dream destination” for flora and fauna enthusiasts; embark on an indigenous heritage tour; and explore the famous wine region of Swan Valley, a half hour’s drive east of the city.

It’s predicted that Perth’s international profile will increase markedly by 2050. Fortescue Metals Group founder and billionaire Andrew Forrest told thewest.com.au today (11th May) that the city could be “the next Silicon Valley” if it follows the example set by California.

Each year the festival, which has long been a hit for those on Australia holidays, hits the streets of central Brisbane, combining a fantastic selection of seafood with a huge array of wines and a world-famous line up of performing artists.

Over the course of the event, three stages and 10 venues spread out along historic Caxton Street, with stands and stalls serving all manner of fresh, locally-sourced seafood.

Oysters, lobsters, prawns, crab, calamari and a huge choice of shellfish were on the menu, in an area renowned for its seafood. And to add a nostalgic touch, legendary Brisbane seafood restaurant Gambaro’s recreated its founding establishment, the Gambaro Fish and Chip Shop, on the site of its original location across from the current restaurant.

Performing at this year’s festival were legendary Australian rockers Boom Crash Opera and 1927, jazz royalty Grace Knight and Mixed Nuts (featuring Chris Black from The Searchers). Also playing at the festival were Calling All Cars and internationally acclaimed DJ/ Producer D-CUP.

The event was an unqualified success, taking place under clear skies, with the mercury hovering at 24 degrees C throughout the day. Over 15,000 punters turned out to enjoy the event and the glorious autumn weather.

In order to mark the 18th birthday celebrations, organisers donated part of the festival’s proceeds to The Wesley Hospital Kim Walters Choices program.

The event is a real showcase of just what holidays to Australia can offer: beautiful weather, delicious food, great company and fabulous wine.

The route, which would take 50,000 passengers per year is planned to start operating in 2015, with flights to Australia leaving Singapore twice weekly.

Broome is just four hours flight time from Singapore, and proponents of the plans say the route would bring in much needed tourism and turn the town into a gateway for the rest of Australia.

To reach Broome, famous for its pearling, visitors have to travel via Perth – the proposed route would shave seven hours off this journey.

Airlines Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar and Skywest, have all expressed an interest in the route, which is also supported by a number of Australian tourist boards – including Australia’s North-West, Tourism WA and Broome tourism – in addition to the Broome Shire and Kimberley Development Commission.

Chris Ellison, Australia’s North West chairman, told The West Australian the bi-weekly flights would be a “turning point for tourism in the north” and “a game changer” for the region.

Mr Ellison went on to state that the route had already received “green lights” from the Australian government and advised businesses, both in Australia and Singapore, to get behind the plans.

“The legacy it could leave for this region and this State is significant,” he continued. “If this air route is to take place, the time is now.”

Broome has had an international flight before – up until 2001 it was linked with Bali – however, this route failed, despite repeated attempts to save it.

The hope is that link with Singapore, an established international hub, would not face the same fate and would connect Broome with the rest of the world, and in particular the growing Chinese tourist industry.

London took top honours on the global list, composed of 25 cities, in a year which sees the city play host to the Olympics and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. New York, Rome, Paris and San Francisco complete the top five.

Sydney, the only Australian destination to make it onto the list, was placed 14^th, beating popular tourist hotspots Prague, Las Vegas, Cape Town, Shanghai and Dublin, and the idyllic Pacific island of Bora Bora.

The city’s high placement will come as no surprise to many – a huge number of Australia holidays and tours include Sydney, and it is a firm favourite among travellers and tourists.

Sandra Chipchase, CEO of Destination NSW, told The Australian “This is news that further confirms Sydney’s strong appeal for international travellers … the survey results clearly demonstrate Sydney’s international standing as one of the world’s premier destinations.

“Our laid-back lifestyle along with the city’s iconic attractions; an outstanding events and festivals calendar; the natural beauty of our harbour; and the friendly locals are part of what makes Sydney so appealing to international visitors.”

In addition to specific attractions, such as the Botanical Gardens and Harbour Bridge, reviewers praised the city’s cosmopolitan culture, adventurous spirit, shopping and beaches.

The list is part of TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2012, which has seen millions of people from around the world vote on their favourite locations.

The review site also listed the top 10 destinations in Australia, with Melbourne, Port Douglas, Cairns and Brisbane making up the top five behind Sydney.

Ten bloggers from around the world have won a trip of a lifetime: spending five days exploring all Queensland has to offer.

The bloggers will be joining Ausrtralia’s top blogger Darren Rowse as they experience some of Queensland’s top tourist attractions.

An amazing 767 people, from 53 different countries, entered the competition, by describing in 150 words why they would make the ideal ‘Queensland Blogger Correspondent’.

The winners, who write on a number of different subjects – including motherhood, travel, food, photography and diving – have a combined reach of 2.5 million readers.

They will get to experience first hand what makes Australia holidays so special – taking part in many of the activities that would be at the top of millions of people’s dream Australia tours.

Anthony Hayes, CEO of Tourism Queensland, explained that “the 10 winners will have the chance to cuddle up to some of Tropical North Queensland’s native animals and taste local cuisine including fresh seafood from the Great Barrier Reef.”

“They will also sail and snorkel the Reef; visit the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and explore the Mossman River with an Indigenous guide, to name a few experiences.”

Mr Rowse, who blogs to an audience of over five million readers, will also be providing the winners with training sessions.

The competition, which is being run by Tourism Queensland, follows 2009’s widely publicised ‘best job in the world’ promotion, which saw British adventurer Ben Southall beat 35,000 applicants to win a job as caretaker of Australia’s idyllic Hamilton Island, in addition to a $150,000 salary and a luxury villa.

The creatures, beloved across the globe, have suffered in recent years from loss of habitat, disease and road deaths. Populations of wild koalas have fallen particularly sharply in south-east Queensland and east New South Wales.

It is expected Mr Burke will designate Queensland koalas as “endangered”, while those in New South Wales will be listed as “vulnerable”.

This will result in koala habitats across the two states being strictly controlled, with limits imposed on mining, housing development and logging.

While this is good news for Australia holidays – koalas being a major tourist draw – many campaigners are worried that the move is too little too late.

Deborah Tabart, chief executive of the Australian Koala Foundation, told the Australia Broadcasting Corp, “Minister Burke has already foreshadowed that he is not going to protect koalas across the whole landscape.”

“I sat through the senate enquiries last year, I know industry is afraid of a listing and I know they have lobbied very hard. The logging industry, the development industry and forestry all pleaded with the senators last year, please do not list,” she explained.

It is estimated there are fewer than 80,000 koalas left in the wild, with research suggesting that the population in Gunnedah (250 miles north-west of Sydney) has fallen by 75 per cent since 1993.

David Paull, who conducted the Gunnedah study, argues that climate change has been a major contributing factor to this rapid decline, as the last decade has been particularly hot and dry.

Mr Burke is set to make his decision next Monday (30th April) after meeting with the Australian Threatened Species Scientific Committee.

Tiger Airways Australia will reinstate flights to Hobart from Melbourne on 1st November, with services consisting of two daily return flights between the Victoria and Tasmania state capitals.

During peak season, the Melbourne-based airline will operate three flights to Tasmania per day, boosting its weekly passenger capacity on the route to 7,500. The standard weekly capacity is 5,000.

Andrew David, Tiger Airways Australia’s chief executive officer, said the airline is continuing its planned Australian expansion, with its new Tasmania flights forming “an important milestone”.

“Because the Melbourne to Hobart route has proven so popular with inbound and Tasmanian customers in the past, we are confident that demand for this sector in the future will be strong,” he commented.

Scott Bacon, Tasmania’s minister for tourism, said the new services are excellent news for those who’ve booked Australia holidays later this year.

“Not only does it provide more choices for everyone, but it also brings more competition for access between Tasmania and the mainland,” he stated.

From November, flights will take off from Melbourne Airport Tullamarine at 07:00 and 18:00, landing in Hobart at 08:45 and 19:45 respectively. Details of the third daily flight during peak periods will be confirmed in the near future.

According to Tourism Tasmania, in 2011 862,400 holidaymakers travelled to Tasmania, a five per cent decrease from 2010’s total of 904,000.

A four per cent decline in visitor expenditure was also recorded, with tourists’ spend totalling $1.46 billion (£936,000) over the course of the year.

But what is it that makes the destination so special? Stunning scenery and a rich and diverse Maori and European heritage aside, here are five must-sees that must be ticked off your North Island experience list.

1.    Auckland

The starting point for numerous New Zealand tours, Auckland is the country’s largest city. It has an inescapable volcanic vibe – its largest thoroughfares were formed by old lava flows hundreds of thousands of years ago. Fortunately, Auckland’s volcanic field now lies dormant, so holidaymakers are free to enjoy lava leftovers such as Stewarts Cave and the Cave of a Thousand Press Ups.

Other attractions include the Sky Tower, the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest free-standing building, and the Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens, a 65-hectare space that’s home to more than 10,000 different plant species.

2.    Coromandel Peninsula

Holidays to New Zealand shouldn’t bypass the Coromandel Peninsula. Located in the Waikato Region relatively close to Auckland, this 85 km stretch of land boasts some of the North Island’s best beaches and hill walking opportunities.

One of the more unusual experiences holidaymakers can savour is digging a pool at Hot Water Beach, which sits atop underground hot springs, and sinking into a sandy thermal bath. If you’re planning on jumping into the much cooler sea afterwards, this will make it more bearable!

3.    Bay of Islands

Fishing and sailing enthusiasts will be enthralled by the Bay of Islands, which is located near the northern tip of North Island.

Highlights include the Haruru Falls – a natural phenomenon that has special resonance with the Maori people. Water falls in the shape of a horseshoe, which promises some fantastic photo opportunities.

Tourists are also encouraged to head to Kerikeri Basin to take in what’s regarded as one of New Zealand’s most picturesque open spaces and enjoy a tour of Kemp House – an old missionary and the country’s oldest surviving building.

4.    Rotorua

Rotorua is many people’s North Island stand-out highlight. The centre of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland, its numerous geysers and hot springs have attracted visitors for years.

Located on the edge of Lake Rotorua, the region is approximately three hours’ drive from Auckland and caters for holidaymakers of all kinds – from those seeking spa treatments to the more adventurous, with Rotorua boasting superb mountain bike trails, walking routes and fishing opportunities.

The region holds an important place in Maori culture, with the Arawa people having settled here approximately 500 years ago. Indigenous people now make up one third of Rotorua’s population.

5.    Hawke’s Bay

A culinary enthusiast’s dream, Hawke’s Bay is North Island’s centre for wine growing. Located on North Island’s eastern coast, it’s here that 80 per cent of New Zealand’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah originates.

It’s not just wine that’s made Hawke’s Bay famous – visitors also flock here for its fresh, organic food. Strawberries, apples, pears, asparagus and olives are grown in abundance, and this has given rise to the establishment of many award-winning restaurants.

New Zealand’s North Island boasts some of the most stunning, rugged scenery in the world. This, combined with its mixture of Polynesian and European influence – despite its relatively small population – will make it a popular holiday destination for generations to come.

While the distance between the two cities is fewer than 3,000 km, by taking the coastal route you’ll have 18,000 km of scenery to explore. En route you’ll pass some of Australia’s most iconic sights – from the Whitsunday Islands and Byron Bay to the Sydney Opera House and stunning rainforests.

With so much going for it, it’s little surprise that most Australia holidays take in part of the east coast. But with such a vast area to explore, what are the absolute must-sees? Take a look at our five highlights to find out:

1.    Melbourne

Explorations of Australia’s eastern coast begin in this cosmopolitan, bohemian city. Wander picturesque streets boasting Victorian-style architecture, take in an Australian Football League Game at the Docklands Stadium, or roll up at one of the many music or food festivals.

Melbourne is all about getting that all-important cultural fix, with the city acting as the perfect starting point for an epic Down Under journey.

2.    Sydney

Holidays to Australia rarely bypass Sydney, the country’s largest city. It sprawls out from the beautiful harbour and encompasses stunning architecture – Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House being the obvious examples – glorious parks, and ocean beaches.

Braver holidaymakers can climb the bridge, referred to by locals as the ‘coat hanger’; the adventurous can sample the surf at Bondi Beach, and the culture vultures can sample world-class performances thanks to the Sydney Theatre Company.

Sydney is a city packed full of landmarks and activities – with so much to see and do, just make sure you don’t miss out on the next stop on your journey…

3.    The Gold and Sunshine Coasts

A popular stop-off on Australia tours is the Gold Coast – so popular in fact that this 35 km coastal strip receives approximately two million visitors per year. Its appeal can be summed up in three words: surf, sand and nightlife.

It’s not all hedonism though – the Gold Coast is also home to the Springbrook and Lamington national parks and the chilled-out, picturesque suburbs of Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta.

Less developed than the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, further up the shoreline, is famed for its golden sandy beaches and clear, turquoise seas. Here you can follow up a morning on the beach with afternoon wine-tasting, take in attractive villages on the edge of national parks or sample some of Australia’s best fishing.

4.    The Whitsunday Islands

Nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the 74 Whitsunday Islands are arguably most famous for Whitehaven Beach. This picture-perfect 4.5 km stretch of sand is perfect for holidaymakers with a penchant for swimming – the crystal-clear water is sheltered by south-easterly trade winds and remains inviting all year round.

5.    Cairns

Cairns is the ultimate reward for the east coast explorer. The city itself, famed for its tropical location, boasts superb opportunities for adventure sports, while its choice of eateries – centred on the famous Esplanade – is home to some of Australia’s best bars and grills.

The city also serves as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the surrounding rainforest and an incredible array of wildlife.

So there you have it – five of Australia’s east coast highlights. With thousands of kilometres to explore though, this certainly isn’t a definitive list. For that, you’ll have to go and visit for yourself.

Two paintings by Tommy McRae, a 19th century aboriginal artist, have been purchased at auction by the museum for more than $100,000 (£64,000), ABC News reports.

One details notorious English convict William Buckley’s life with the aboriginal people. Titled Buckley’s Escape, it depicts the criminal’s escape shortly before he was due to be sent to Tasmania.

Murray Tribal Warfare, the other painting, highlights a clash between two groups of aboriginal people in northern Victoria.

The paintings, which will go on display later this year, will be a welcome addition to cultural Australia holidays, particularly those in the south of the country, which has a 40,000-year association with the indigenous people.

Andrew Sayers, the National Museum’s director, said the institution had been trying to acquire the paintings for a number of years.

“It’s great to have a drawing which records – through Aboriginal eyes – one of the key moments of contact between European colonisers and Aboriginal people,” he told the news provider.

“The work contrasts with the way European artists tell Buckley’s story. For them the climatic point was the end of his three decades with Aboriginal people; for McRae it was the moment of Buckley’s entry into the Aboriginal world.”

Another of the aboriginal museum’s highlights is Oscar’s sketchbook, which details the drawings of another 19th century indigenous artist known simply as ‘Oscar’.

It contains 40 autobiographic pencil drawings, many of which depict traditional ceremonies and everyday scenes.

This is the suggestion of travel journalist Lindsey Wiebe, who wrote in the Toronto Star that ‘Cape Trib’, which is located approximately two hours north of Cairns, offers rich rewards for those on Australia holidays.

These include tropical rainforests, miles of pristine, unspoilt beaches and access to the Great Barrier Reef.

Describing Cape Tribulation as “a sparsely populated piece of paradise”, Ms Wiebe suggested that holidaymakers pay a visit to one of its main highlights, Mossman Gorge.

The gorge, which attracts two million visitors per year, boasts rocky cascades and miles of forest paths.

“Many are hoping to [catch a] glimpse of the endangered cassowary, a flightless bird the size of an ostrich, known for its deadly hooked claw and dangerous if provoked,” she wrote in the newspaper.

The travel journalist went on to describe Cape Tribulation’s wildlife offerings, which include eastern water dragons, long-nosed bandicoots and wolf spiders.

Visitors can get up close and personal with some of the wildlife by going on crocodile-spotting riverboat tours, snorkelling in the clear ocean waters or exploring the rainforest canopies on zip wires.

The Hindustan Times’ Sonia Nazareth has also been waxing lyrical about Cape Tribulation this week, highlighting the fact that it accommodates the biggest section of tropical rainforest on the Australian coast.

She suggested that rather than going on a daytime safari, holidaymakers should embark on an organised tour of the rainforest at night.

“This is when the rainforest and its inhabitants are at their talkative best,” she wrote in the newspaper.

Rugby fans from all four corners of the British Isles will be booking Australia holidays to coincide with the Lions tour next year. This is the view of Tourism Australia managing director Andrew McEvoy, who is predicting a big surge in visits when the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia takes place in June and July 2013.

He reckons more fans than ever before will make the trip down under to watch the rugby and take in all that Australia has to offer. Officials are hoping that in addition to fans booking package tours, many more will use the opportunity to visit the country and perhaps take in one match while on their own tailor made holiday in Australia.

"The British and Irish Lions is one of the great sporting tours and presents fantastic opportunities for Australia tourism, as thousands of rugby fans flock to our country and follow the Lions all over the country, experiencing for themselves why there is nothing like sport in Australia," Mr McEvoy said.

The three Test matches between the Wallabies and the Lions take place in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Here's a quick look at some of the best places to stay in Australia to enjoy the rugby.

Brisbane – Festival Towers

Apartments are great if you are planning to stay a few days around the time of the match and want the freedom to come and go as you please. Located right in the city centre, staying in these apartments means you are in the heart of the action and just a short walk from the Botanical Gardens if you want to find a spot of calm.

Melbourne – Manta on Jolimont

These great apartments are ideal for sport fans, just a stone's throw from the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and Tennis Centre. The city centre, with all its bustling cafes and shops, is just five minutes away.

Sydney – Meriton Kent Street

Modern apartments, right where all the action is, these are perfect for a few days exploring the city and taking in a match. If all the rugby gets you feeling active, then there is a pool, sauna, spa and gym.

As scientists uncover the fossil of a giant penguin in New Zealand, it's worth remembering the great diversity of creatures the country has on offer.

While people heading on New Zealand holidays are unlikely to spot the 25 million-year-old Kairuku penguin, there are plenty more of the animals to see when visiting.

Of 17 species of penguin in existence, six live and breed in New Zealand, though none are quite are big as the Kairuku, which is about 30 per cent larger than an emperor penguin.

Visitors to New Zealand can spot the blue, erect-crested, fjordland, rockhopper, snares and yellow-eyed varieties, though last year a rare emperor penguin from the Antarctic was sighted at Peka Peka Beach, the first one to be seen in the country since 1967.

Though this was spotted on the North Island, not far from Wellington, it is generally the South Island where penguins are found.

One of the best places to head is the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony in Otago, where visitors can take a peek at the world's smallest penguins.

Attracting over 75,000 visitors a year, the colony boasts over 130 breeding pairs in the peak season.

Australia holidays are proving popular with people in their 50s who are looking for a spot of adventure.

This is the view of Rosie Fuller, editor of Adventure Travel Magazine, who reckons more and more older travellers are heading down under.

"There's a growing trend for over-50s and even over-60s, taking adventurous holidays," she says, echoing the view of Lonely Planet's Tom Hall, who thinks many of the more "far-flung" destinations are filling up with older holidaymakers.

All the things previously associated with younger travellers – climbing, skiing, overlanding – are now being done by the older generation, according to Ms Fuller.

They are taking much longer trips than before, she adds, noting that holidays of several months are now quite common.

She says: "A lot of over 50s are travelling for more than just your average two-week holiday – after all, if they're retired, why not?"

But Australia is not the only popular choice. New Zealand, adds Ms Fuller, is "certainly a popular destination".

Posted by Dave Moore

Australia holidays are being made a little bit more enjoyable thanks to one airline improving its in-flight entertainment offering.

Virgin Australia is introducing the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 to its aircraft from April this year to make customers' journeys more entertaining and relaxing.

Principally for business class customers, the tablet computers will however be an option for anyone in economy class on flights lasting more than three hours.

They will come pre-loaded with a range of movies, television and audio programmes.

Virgin Australia group executive for product and guest services Martin Daley says the tabs will ensure flyers stay "entertained and informed".

The roll-out of the tabs is the first of a two-stage plan that will eventually see Wi-Fi introduced onto Virgin Australia flights.

"In phase two guests will have access to a wide range of products including video and audio streaming delivered on demand to their own personal electronic devices, Wi-Fi enabled laptops or the Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1," explained Mr Daley.

Posted by Terry Jameson

Brits heading off on New Zealand holidays will be able to grab a little bit of Australian sunshine on their way thanks to a new airline partnership.

Air New Zealand is launching the first international service into Queensland's Sunshine Coast, as part of its trans-Tasman alliance with Virgin Australia.

The new direct service between Auckland and Sunshine Coast Airport will operate twice a week on Tuesdays and Sundays on a seasonal basis between July 1st and September 18th.

It will be a great new way for holidaymakers in Australia or New Zealand to cross the ditch and make a visit to the other country.

At the moment, anyone wanting to visit the Sunshine Coast from New Zealand needs to fly to Brisbane before making the 100km drive north to the popular resorts of Noosa, Coolum, Mooloolaba and Maroochydore.

"This new service will cut down their travelling time by eliminating the commute from Brisbane Airport which can be more than two hours," explained Air NZ chief executive Rob Fyfe.

Prince Charles and wife Camilla will carry out a series of official engagements over coming months to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, culminating in a tour of Australia later in the year.

The heir to the throne and the Duchess of Cornwall will travel to Scandinavia on March 20th, beginning with a visit to Norway, Clarence House said in a statement.

Their visit will then take in Sweden and Denmark over the following week.

"These visits, to other monarchies linked by common Royal descent, mark the start of Their Royal Highnesses' official overseas celebrations of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee," the statement read.

Though details about their tour of Australia are not yet known, prime minister Julia Gillard has indicated that it is likely to take place in September.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall's schedule also includes a visit to New Zealand.

Prince William and wife Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, will take in a tour of Malaysia and Singapore during their foreign visits this year.

Posted by Linda Ellison

Lonely Planet is teaming up with Tourism Australia to support a marketing drive to encourage more people to visit the country.

Keen to increase the number people choosing holidays to Australia, the tourism body wants to highlight the once-in-a-lifetime experiences only possible down under.

The partnership is all part of the "There's nothing like Australia" campaign.

Lonely Planet has produced five videos that showcase the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney and the Blue Mountains, Tasmania's Bruny Island, South Australia's Kangaroo Island, and Uluru.

"We chose Lonely Planet as our content partner as no other travel publisher knows Australia like Lonely Planet," says Daryl Hudson from Tourism Australia.

"Lonely Planet was founded in Australia 40 years ago and has been covering the continent ever since."

Meanwhile, Tourism Australia is looking to increase its profile in Indonesia to attract visitors from the country, which is currently Australia's 13th largest source market for international tourists.

Some 140,400 people from the Asian country visited Australia during 2011, a 13.2 per cent increase from 2010.

Posted by Dave Moore

For skiers and snowboarders fantastic New Zealand holidays are now just a single lift pass away.

Eight of the country's top ski resorts are joining forces to create OnePassNZ, a unified lift pass allowing visitors unlimited access to 2,230 hectares of skiable terrain in the central South Island.

Holidaymakers just need to load up the card with cash and use it to access the slopes of any of the eight participating resorts – Cardrona Alpine Resort, Treble Cone, Snowpark, Snowfarm, Ohau, Mt Dobson, Roundhill and the Porters Ski Area.

They can also use the card to pay for ski hire and for skiing or snowboarding lessons wherever they are.

Visitors to New Zealand can even pay for dinner or spa days in local resorts with the pass.

Treble Cone marketing manager Nigel Kerr says: "OnePassNZ gives consumers ultimate flexibility and freedom of choice, and means they don't have to plan their holiday in minute detail before they leave home."

The pass also means holidaymakers don't have to tie themselves to one resort, which can be especially useful given the sometimes unpredictable weather.

Posted by Chloe Adams

More and more tourists are combining Australian honeymoons with a wedding in Queensland, new data shows.

There has been a substantial increase in the number of overseas visitors getting married in the state, according to figures revealed by the Herald Sun.

Speaking to the newspaper, tourism minister Jan Jarratt explained that visitors tend to go for quite extensive packages, factoring in a week's stay, tourist experiences and accommodation.

"This way guests don't have to travel a long way just for a day out and they can have a fabulous Queensland holiday in some incredible locations as well as enjoy the wedding," he explained.

Australian government forecasts predict tourists visiting Australia will increase by around 2.2 million over the next decade, with Asian visitors contributing to this growth more than any other region.

In anticipation of ongoing visitor growth, holiday operators are investing in facilities, including accommodation and products, which is an enticing prospect for any couples considering getting married in Australia.

Posted by Jane Masters

Air New Zealand has said it will increase flights between Auckland and Los Angeles to fill the gap left by Qantas.

The Australia-based carrier will end flights between the cities in May as part of a cost-cutting measure to ensure it continues to deliver a good service on its other routes.

Air NZ currently operates 12 direct flights between New Zealand's biggest city and Los Angeles each week, but did not specify how many extra services it would run.

The carrier confirmed that it will "add further capacity on the route".

London to Los Angeles and onward to Auckland is one of the main routes taken by people going on New Zealand holidays from the UK.

Air NZ spokeswoman Marie Hosking told local media that the airline will not raise fares on its Auckland to Los Angeles flights.

The news comes after the airline announced that it will operate a twice-weekly direct service from Auckland to Bali's Denpasar Airport during the peak season from June to October.

Posted by Dave Moore

With the Olympics in London this summer, interest in cycling is huge.

But with tickets so hard to come by, choosing Australia holidays could be the way to see the likes of Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton in action.

Melbourne is the host venue for this year's UCI Track Cycling World Championships in April, offering a great chance for cycling fans to catch a glimpse of their favourite riders as they prepare for the Olympics.

Team GB is sending a full-strength team to the event, which runs from April 4th to 8th at the Hisense Arena in Australia's sporting capital.

"We just can't give up any opportunities to race, the Olympics are getting too close," team boss Dave Brailsford told the Telegraph.

If the action in the velodrome whets your appetite for two-wheeled action, then Melbourne has lots of great cycling routes to choose from.

Visitors can not only explore the city by bike, but can also take to countryside of Victoria on two wheels.

Posted by Terry Jameson

V8 Supercars has announced a new deal that will see Virgin Australia become the official domestic airline of the motor racing series.

Virgin will transport teams to the 15 Australian events and the one in New Zealand, as well as offering motor racing fans some offers on their Australia holidays.

V8 Supercar chief executive officer David Malone said: "This partnership is an ideal way to bring V8 fans closer to the race, with Virgin Australia delivering great value and service to our loyal fan base."

Virgin Australia group executive of commercial Liz Savage explained that the airline will be able to help fans "reach their favourite race track destination all over the country".

One of the highlights of any holiday to Western Australia is the V8 Supercars Tradingpost Perth Challenge.

It returns to Western Australia from May 4th to 6th this year and will be a weekend not to be missed for motor sport enthusiasts.

Another great favourite for motor racing fans is the Formula One race at Melbourne's Albert Park, which gets this year's season underway on March 18th.

New Zealand holidays offer some of the most spectacular sights and experiences anyone could hope for.

That's the message from Air New Zealand, as it seeks to attract even the most sceptical would-be visitors.

Kelly Millier from the airline says: "We all know that New Zealand is one of the best places on earth."

But for "one reason or another", she adds, millions of people who consider visiting each year do not make the trip.

The new advertising campaign is aimed at the most "sceptical" of Australians, many of whom think about "crossing the ditch" to go on a New Zealand holiday.

"We figured if we could change the minds of those most sceptical, we should be able to convince those who are sitting on the fence," adds Ms Millier.

New Zealand remains a hugely popular destination for tourists from every corner of the globe.

Visitor numbers were up three per cent last year, hitting 2.6 million for the first time.

Singapore Airlines has announced the start of codesharing on Australian domestic flights operated by alliance partner Virgin Australia.

The airline says this will provide passengers on Australia holidays with more travel options and "seamless" connections.

Five Australian cities are currently served by Singapore Airlines – Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

The new deal means another 20 cities have been added to Singapore Airlines' codeshare network.

Singapore Airlines executive vice-president for commercial Mr Mak Swee Wah said: "Our customers across the globe can now enjoy seamless access to more parts of Australia through Virgin Australia’s extensive domestic network.

"This opens up a wide range of itineraries to both business and leisure travellers alike, with the full-service convenience that customers expect of Singapore Airlines."

It comes after it was announced that full body scanners will operate at all eight of Australia's gateway international hub airports later this year as part of enhanced security arrangements.

Posted by Dave Moore

Tourism officials have welcomed the news that Scoot is making the Gold Coast the second new route in its international expansion plans, saying it will make it more convenient for people to choose Australia holidays.

The new five-times weekly service from the fledgling low-cost carrier will make it easier for Brits planning to break up their trip with a stopover in Singapore or other parts of Southeast Asia.

Tourism Australia managing director Andrew McEvoy says the announcement comes at a good time for the Gold Coast, which is experiencing a "tourism renaissance".

New investments are in the pipeline to add to the "impressive" hotels built in 2011, while the area received a major boost with last year's 2018 Commonwealth Games award, he notes.

"For Australia to take out the first two spots in Scoot's rapidly expanding route network is fantastic news for our industry, and for the Gold Coast," Mr McEvoy adds.

QantasLink recently announced that it is to launch additional services to Rockhampton, Gladstone and Mackay in March.

Posted by Jane Masters
 

A record number of overseas visitors opted for New Zealand holidays in December 2011, new figures show.

There were 364,200 visitor arrivals in the final month of the year, which signals the beginning of the country's summer season.

That was the highest recorded for any month of the year and 5.4 per cent above the previous high of 345,700 for that month.

Growth in December capped a record year for New Zealand holidays, with the Rugby World Cup sparking interest in the land of the long white cloud.

Visitor numbers topped 2.6 million for the first time, marking a three per cent jump from 2010.

The statistics reveal a year of sharp contrasts, with the first half of 2011 marked by a challenging environment.

"The highs were really high for some operators, with the Rugby World Cup 2011 providing a needed boost, but the lows mostly over the first half of the year were extremely low," said Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler.

Operators are now looking forward to seeing even more tourists visiting New Zealand as 2012 progresses.

Billed as a celebration of the East Kimberley region, the Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster is a unique experience.

For anyone taking in Western Australia at the end of May, it is a brilliant way of exploring the cultural diversity, stunning landscape and hospitality of one the least well-known parts of Australia.

"There aren't two better weeks to be in the East Kimberley than during the Ord Valley Muster. The community spirit of the event leaves as strong an impression as the awesome landscape," says Stephen Scourfield, travel editor at The West Australian.

Highlights include the Airnorth Kimberley Moon Experience concert and the Waringarri Corroboree, a celebration of Aboriginal culture.

There is also a comedy night, the Barramundi Concert and plenty of bush tucker cooking to get a real flavour of the region, which is centred on the town of Kununurra, near to the border with the Northern Territory.

The Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster takes place from May 25th to June 3rd 2012.

Passengers at all eight of Australia's international gateway airports will have to undergo a full body scan or be prevented from flying, under new laws being introduced this week.

Scanners will be installed at the airports from July, following trials at Sydney and Melbourne airports last year.

The authorities are keen not to put people off taking holidays to Australia, however, and have stressed that the technology will not mean passengers appear nude on security screens, as they have done when similar scanners were used in the US.

Passengers will appear as stick figures of neither sex, and the images will be erased immediately after they have been cleared to travel.

Transport minister Anthony Albanese says mandatory body scans are the only way to ensure the safety of travellers.

The eight international airports implementing the new body scanners are in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

Posted by Dave Moore

Australia is well-known for offering wine tours that can rival France's Bordeaux region and now a new drinking trail has opened in the state of Victoria, this time offering cider and ale.

The newly-launched Yarra Valley Cider and Ale trail encompasses seven micro-breweries and orchards where visitors on a tour of Australia can learn about the cider and ale-making processes and taste the state's best apple and pear ciders and a variety of beers.

Holidaymakers can make their own way around the trail by picking up a brochure map and make a visit to estates including the Coldstream Brewery, Buckley's Beer and the Giverny Estate.

There are vineyards in the Yarra Valley as well to take in some wine tasting.

Punt Road Wines is another estate involved in the trail. It said that the trail came about from "the emergence of several micro-breweries and cider makers in the Yarra Valley [which] has captured the interest of food and beverage critics, local businesses and visitors alike".

Yarra Valley is just one hour's drive east of Melbourne.

Posted by Jane Masters

People planning a tour of Australia during their summer holidays this year could get the chance to attend a brand new festival in Tasmania.

Dark Side of the Brew is a celebration of all dark beers in the country and is the first of its kind to be held in Australia.

Microbreweries in Tasmania, as well as cider makers, whisky distillers and chocolate makers will be on show to hold tasting sessions, education workshops and even hold events to match chocolate to beer.

The reason for this is that it will form part of the popular Latrobe Chocolate Winterfest.

Held every year in the town near East Devonport, the chocolate festival has stalls, master classes, competitions and a fun chocolate sculpture trail.

Tasmania's events calendar is packed full this July. Between July 6th and 10th the Festival of Voices will take place in various venues and open spaces in Hobart, featuring some of the world's best choirs, while the Devonport Jazz Festival takes place between July 28th to 31st.

Posted by Terry Jameson

It will be easier to reach Queensland's coastline in time for the Easter holidays thanks to new flights.

QantasLink is to launch additional services to Rockhampton, Gladstone and Mackay in March.

It will mean that an extra 598 seats will be available for travellers heading to Rockhampton from March 15th and as many as 1,674 into Gladstone.

From March 26th almost 1,000 additional seats will be made available to get people to Mackay, which is located south of popular Great Barrier Reef locations Hamilton Island and Hook Island.

"It's great for both business and leisure travellers and will make access into Queensland easier," commented tourism, manufacturing and small business minister Jan Jarratt.

It comes after Virgin Australia announced it would increase its flights to Queensland. Jetstar, meanwhile, will boost its services between Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Cairns in April. It will also introduce a 12th daily flight from Sydney to the Gold Coast. 

Posted by Linda Ellison

People in New Zealand are being given a rare opportunity to watch a huge glacier calving take place.

Glacier calving at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is a natural phenomenon which takes place over several months, but a calving today (January 31st) is believed to be one of the largest.

It took place at Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake and is believed to have moved around 30 million tonnes of ice, the largest since a glacier calving last February which was triggered by the earthquake in Christchurch.

"It was an absolutely magnificent event," Denis Callesen, general manager  of tourism for Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Village, told Glacier Explorers.

"A huge chunk of ice has literally broken away from the terminal face, and then fractured into dozens of icebergs. This is the first time that a calving has occurred across the whole 650-metre-wide terminal face."

Calving is an event where glaciers flow towards the ocean and cracks are created, with ice breaking off and making icebergs.

As well as being able to watch one or two icebergs break off a day, tourists can see beautiful 'blue ice' that has been hidden beneath the water's surface for more than 300 years, come to the surface and turn white from air exposure.

Posted by Chloe Adams
 

The Overland Track in Tasmania, a World Heritage Area that attracts walkers from all over the world, now offers an improved visitor experience with brand new signs.

All huts situated along the site feature new welcome signs, as well as new notice boards and emergency and first-aid response information.

In addition, travellers can learn more about the track and understand the natural surroundings with new panels on the history of the area.

"Research has shown that one of the main reasons visitors come to Tasmania is for our wilderness and wildlife," commented Tasmania's minister for tourism, Scott Bacon.

"These signs will no doubt enhance the experience for walkers travelling through one of Tasmania's great, iconic tourism experiences."

The Overland Track is a six-day walk, covering 65 kilometres from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair. It passes through dolerite mountains, waterfalls, a variety of ecosystems and close to the island's highest mountain.

Last year, readers of Australian Traveller Magazine voted it as the best adventure holiday destination of 2011.

Posted by Linda Ellison
 

Today (January 26th) is Australia Day, one of the biggest days the Aussie calendar and millions of people from all over the world have been celebrating in style.

While there are countless events being held throughout the world, the real party has been going on in Australia and could be a great time to book holidays to Australia for next year.

Locals and tourists in Sydney have been spending the day relaxing in Hyde Park, with music gigs on a large main stage before the Lord Mayor’s Citizenship Ceremony.

Elsewhere, the annual Body Science Great Australian Swim took place at Sydney Harbour, where hundreds of amateur and professional swimmers race 2.2 kilometres around the Sydney Opera House.

This year also marks the 176th Australia Day Regatta, the oldest regatta in the world, which sees all classes of yachts race in the harbour.

In the evening, a huge fireworks display brings this annual party to a spectacular end.

The national day of Australia commemorates the arrival of the first fleet at Sydney Cove back in 1788, which is why the city takes the lead in the celebrations. However, tourists heading to other cities in Australia on January 26th 2013 will still be able to find many events going on.

Posted by Chloe Adams
 

Adelaide is getting itself ready to host the 2016 Australian Deaf Games (ADG) after a successful bid.

Organisers heard the news at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Games in Geelong and will now create plans to prepare the venues and build a Games village.

South Australian tourism minister Gail Gago said the event will attract 900 Australian and international athletes, as well as hundreds of spectators, volunteers and officials.

As many as 200 athletes will be from South Australia, which is known for its ability to host world class sporting events.

Ms Gago added that the event will be extended to include a festival atmosphere.

"This is a chance for us to support and encourage our local deaf community, while also welcoming visitors who we hope will take advantage of the summer holiday period to visit easily accessible
regional areas while they're here," she remarked.

Visitors planning an Australia holiday to Adelaide can expect the event to take place in January 2016, although no more dates have been announced.

Posted by Dave Moore
 

Hotels in Queensland are among the most popular in all of Australia, according to past visitors.

They make up more than half of TripAdvisor's latest Traveller’s Choice Top 25 Australian Hotels list, which could entice more people to the state on their tour of Australia.

Jan Jarratt , minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business in Queensland, welcomed the news and claimed that the reviews and opinions cast on the website represent future bookings for the state's hotel operators and "show the great work and resilience of our industry".

Indeed, the local tourist board stated that a number of initiatives have been launched in the past year to promote the sunshine state to international and regional travellers, while it has also worked hard to encourage Queensland tourism operators to boost the service they offer visitors with "unexpected thrills and smiles".

Mr Jarratt added that initial feedback shows that Queensland's tourism destinations – which has six World Heritage areas including the Great Barrier Reef – have been "bustling" over the summer months.

Posted by Terry Jameson
 

Visitors to Dart River in New Zealand will now have the chance to see a sacred Maori stone thanks to a redevelopment of the local visitor centre.

The greenstone, named Manatu by Maori elders, was moved from the Museum of New Zealand in Wellington – where it has been for two years – to the Dart River Jet Safaris visitor centre.

To the Maori people it embodies a living, spiritual energy, shared with people who touch it.  It is also a symbol of the Ngai Tahu tribe’s relationship to the land.

The stone was originally found in the Te Koroka site, which was first discovered in 1970, although the Manatu was not removed until 2009. The site is protected by the Maori people and is closed off to visitors. Therefore, being able to touch the stone at Dart River is a unique experience for people on New Zealand holidays.

John Thorburn, chief executive of Ngāi Tahu Tourism, explained the significance of the move: "Dart River Jet Safaris is an iwi-owned business and one of the aims of the redevelopment was to showcase Ngai Tahu traditions and share local stories with visitors to the pristine Dart River Valley."

Posted by Linda Ellison
 

Many people come to Sydney in Australia to catch an opera at the world famous Sydney Opera House, but this year something very special is being planned away from the venue.

Opera Australia will stage a music spectacular, in the open air on Sydney Harbour, from March 2012, which is sure to attract locals and visitors on Australia honeymoons for a romantic night out.

The company will perform Verdi's La Traviata on a purpose-built floating stage on the harbour, with huge fireworks, special effects and a nine-metre Swarovski crystal chandelier, suspended from a crane.

It will be the first time the company has put on such a show, which will give audiences a unique view of the city scape, but it could become one of an annual event.

Visitors planning their visit for later in the year will find that Opera Australia's winter season will feature Erich Korngold's Die tote Stadt and Richard Strauss’s Salome, as well as a new production of Lucia di Lammermoor and Broadway musical South Pacific.

Classic opera fans can also catch The Pearlfishers, Aida and Madama Butterfly at the Sydney Opera House.

Posted by Chloe Adams

Hot air balloon rides are being offered to visitors to Ayers Rock for a unique view of the natural landmark.

People planning Australia holidays to the Northern Territory will no doubt want to visit the national park and Uluru, the Aboriginal name the site goes by, and one way of seeing it is from the air.

The Aboriginal Anangu people had banned tourists from accessing the park but have now granted permission for hot air balloons to fly over the Patji region at the base of Ayers Rock, which will take around half an hour.

Conde Nast Traveller reported that the balloon flights, which launch from March, will not float over the rock, but will still provide an unobstructed view of the iconic site.

"This exciting new service will allow travellers to admire this much-loved Australian icon from a new perspective," Fleur Burrows from Tourism Northern Territory told the news provider.

Alternatively, tourists can take a camel trek or guided walk to the rock.

Last month it was announced that Virgin Australia and Singapore Airlines subsidiary, SilkAir, will launch new flights from Darwin to Singapore in early 2012.

Posted by Linda Ellison
 

Australia doesn't often get rain but when it does there are still plenty of things to do.

According to Tourism Queensland, there are countless museums and galleries to visit when the sun disappears for a spell, meaning that people on their Australia holidays do not miss out.

Visitors in Brisbane, for example, can head to the award-winning Ipswich Workshops Rail Museum and the XXXX Ale House Brewery, outdoor-types who don't mind a bit of wet weather will find that the Story Bridge Adventure Climb heads out in all weather.

Those on the Gold Coast do not just have to spend the day on the beach. When the sun isn't shining, south-east Queensland's only indoor karting track is located in the Gold Coast, while there is also plenty of shopping to do.

Holidaymakers in north Queensland, however, can take a drive through the Atherton Tablelands and visit the museums and beautiful scenery on their own time, the tourist board said. The white water rafting on offer at Tully, Russell and Barron Rivers, however, is all the more fun with a bit of rain.

Posted by Jane Masters
 

Flights to Australia from the UK can stopover in a number of great destinations, allowing holidaymakers to see a country even if it is just for a few hours.

Alternatively, people planning a tailor made holiday to Australia can stop for a whole day or two in a stop-off country before continuing their journey Down Under.

Air Asia X has made this idea easier for many people by launching new daily services between Sydney and Kuala Lumpur.

This will bring direct weekly flights between Malaysia and Australia to 87 and more routes are being planned in the future.

Tourism Australia has welcomed the news by the low cost airline as providing the chance to welcome new visitors to Australia.

"We foresee a future positive outcome of both greater visitor numbers and new consumers visiting Australia, through this new service," commented Andrew McEvoy, managing director of Tourism Australia.

Holidays to Sydney do not just have to include a trip to the opera or visit to Sydney Harbour Bridge. Visitors can soak up Australia's history at the Rocks Markets and wander through native bush land on Manly.

Posted by Terry Jameson
 

Those considering holidays in Australia over the coming months could add Adelaide's Big Day Out to their itinerary as Australasia's massive music festival reaches the city.

Taking place on February 3rd, some of the world's leading musicians will be lining up to play to a huge crowd at the Adelaide Showground in what is Australia's biggest music event.

Among the bands set to perform are Kasabian, My Chemical Romance and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.

It doesn't only take place in Adelaide, either. Big Day Out will be visiting Auckland, the Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth over the coming months and could interest those planning a trip to the area.

For those considering an extended stay, the Adelaide Festival will also be taking place in early March, featuring an array of different cultural events,

As well as literature and art, opera and theatre will also be on show as 970 talented performers take to the stage.

Posted by Dave Moore

Christchurch has been named as one of New Zealand's most exciting cities by Lonely Planet.

The travel guide stressed that a visit to the city on New Zealand holidays will not only be filled with many activities and beautiful sights, but travellers will also be supporting local businesses getting back on their feet after the devastating earthquake.

Indeed, Brett Atkinson, a Lonely Planet travel writer, suggested that Christchurch is now going through a kind of renaissance, with plenty of building work going on all around.

It was recently reported that the city has opened a new, brightly-coloured pop-up shopping mall built out of old shipping containers. Appropriately named Re:Start, the unique shopping experience features 27 shops and a string of cafes. Department store Ballantynes has also opened after a major refurbishment.

Lonely Planet tipped the area of Addington to be the city's new hub for live entertainment, while Sydenham is set to get a string of new restaurants and art house cinemas.

Posted by Dave Moore