Apollo Motorhomes - Australia - 2013

magazine

AUsTRAlIA

Heaps

of things to do Down Under Icons of the Pacific Touring Route Pilliga Forest on the Newell Hwy Discover Byfield National Park Tasty treats on Kangaroo Island

Inside travel destinations

TOP

Maps, Driving Routes,Travelling Tips, and much more!

discount vouchers

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Right on the Beach

Van Sites

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PORT STEPHENS

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Our fully trained and friendly staff will assist you with parking if required.

All sites are powered. A wide range of luxury accommodation to suit all budgets is available, check our website for full details.

BRISBANE

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TAMWORTH DUBBO

Land

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2½ Hours North of Sydney 1 Hour North of Newcastle 4 Hours East of Dubbo ARMIDALE

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One Mile Beach Holiday Park adjacent to the Tomaree National Park, is the only holiday park right on the beach at Port Stephens, 10 minutes from the CBD of Nelson Bay.

14 Acres Native Bush

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Toll Free 1800 650 035

E: reservations@onemilebeach.com

Mention the Apollo magazine and receive great savings on mid-week rates.

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GPS: S 32°46’36.0 E 152°06’46.4

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Aspen Darwin

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Qld

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Vic Melbourne Hobart

Caravan/Camping/Cabins/Villas Fremantle - Woodman Point Holiday Park Fremantle - Coogee Beach Holiday Park Swan Valley - Perth Vineyards Holiday Park Exmouth - Exmouth Cape Holiday Park Exmouth - Blue Reef Backpackers Karratha - Pilbara Holiday Park Port Hedland - Cooke Point Holiday Park

South Australia 1800 244 133 1800 817 016 1800 679 992 1800 621 101 1800 621 101 1800 451 855 1800 459 999

Queensland Airlie Beach - Island Gateway Holiday Park

1800 466 528

Victoria Albury/Wodonga - Boathaven Holiday Park Geelong - Geelong Riverview Tourist Park Mildura - Golden River Holiday Park Echuca/Moama - Yarraby Holiday Park Melbourne - Ashley Gardens BIG4 Holiday Village

1800 352 982 1800 336 225 1800 621 262 1800 222 052 1800 061 444

Something for everyone!

For further information please visit:

Port Augusta - Port Augusta BIG4 Holiday Park Roxby Downs - Myall Grove Holiday Park

1800 833 444 1800 356 103

New South Wales Echuca/Moama - A Shady River Holiday Park Echuca/Moama - Maiden’s Inn Holiday Park Albury/Wodonga - Wymah Valley Holiday Park Eden - Twofold Bay Beach Resort Forster/Tuncurry - Wallamba River Holiday Park

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aspenparks.com.au

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1829

Western Australia

Hello and welcome!

Thank you for choosing Apollo Motorhome Holidays for your self-drive adventure! Whether you have chosen an Apollo Motorhome, a Cheapa Campa, Star RV or a Hippie Camper, you will experience the fantastic customer service that the parent company, Apollo Motorhome Holidays, is famous for.

A campervan holiday is the perfect way to enjoy Australia’s stunning natural wonders at your own

pace. We know how important it is to make the most of your amazing campervan adventure so we’ve put together this magazine to feature great drives, fantastic activities and interesting scenic and cultural highlights.

In the back of the magazine there are a number of useful information pages with driving tips, road rules, maps and other useful facts to help you get the best out of your road trip. There are

also a number of exclusive discounts and special offers from popular Australian attractions to add more value to your holiday. As a valued Apollo customer, you now get 10% discount from the three major park networks in Australia: BIG4 Holiday Parks, Family Parks and Top Tourist Parks – just show them your keytag when you arrive.* Plus you receive discounts on a further 2,000 great Australian tours and activities online at The Apollo Club. Head to www.apollocamper.com for all the details.

Australia is a beautiful country and we encourage our customers to help keep the towns, cities, parks, beaches and native bush pristine. We hope you have an incredible time in Australia. If you love your touring holiday, Apollo also offers campervan rental locations across New Zealand, Canada and the USA. We value your feedback on your self-drive experience so please contact our friendly team with any suggestions or queries. You can also jump onto our social networking sites to exchange travel stories, photos and vehicle tips.

Head to www.facebook.com/ApolloCamper, www.facebook.com/LikeCheapaCampa or www.facebook.com/HippieCampers.

Have a great holiday!

Luke Trouchet CEO *Discount applies to powered campsites only. The only exception to this offer is that BIG4 Holiday Parks has not extended the 10% discount to the Hippie Camper brand. Hippie Camper customers can still receive 10% off at Top Tourist Parks and Family Parks.

Contents

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6

Travelling in Australia

10

Queensland

16

New South Wales

25

South Australia

29

Victoria

33

Australian Capital Territory

34

Western Australia

37

Tasmania

39

Northern Territory

43

Discount Vouchers

47

Apollo Office Locations

Publisher Michael Vink E: michael@vinkpub.com

Editor Andrea Ferris E: andrea@vinkpub.com

Design/Proofing Team Wendy Deng, Karen Belik

Advertising Manager Angie Leben T: 0407 087 040 E: angie@vinkpub.com

Published By VINK Publishing ABN 3107 478 5676 Head Office: 38-40 Fisher St, East Brisbane Q 4169 Postal: PO Box 8369, Woolloongabba Q 4102 T: (07) 3334 8000 F: (07) 3391 5118

POWERED SITES*

! e l i m s u o y e k a m l l i w t a Th If you’re an Apollo customer and book a powered site at any of our 180 BIG4 Holiday Parks you’ll receive 10% off.* If that makes you smile wait until you get here. You’ll find everything you need to recharge your batteries in style such as refreshing pools, dedicated kids areas, spotlessly clean shower blocks, camp kitchens and more. In fact you’ll leave so relaxed and refreshed you’ll probably forget the 10% discount.

For BIG4 locations and to book your powered site visit BIG4.com.au * Offer only available to Apollo customers, valid on all powered sites until 31 JULY 2013

iBIG366

BIG4.com.au 3

Self Drive Itineraries CAPRICORN

Queensland’s Capricorn Region begins approximately 630 km north of the capital city of Brisbane and covers an area of 115,000 square kilometres, stretching from the Capricorn Coast & Southern Great Barrier Reef in the east, through the major city of Rockhampton and further west to Emerald, the Sapphire Gemfields and spectacular Carnarvon Gorge.

Several touring routes and major highways connect the Capricorn Region with Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in the south and Cairns in the north, whilst the aptly named Capricorn Highway is the major western highway joining Rockhampton with Longreach in Queensland’s outback.

Make the most of your journey whilst in the Capricorn Region with these self-drive itineraries...

OUTBACK & SAPPHIRE GEMFIELDS LOOP Departing from Rockhampton. Duration: From 1 – 4 Nights Explore the road less travelled and enjoy a detour full of surprises. The stretch of highway between Rockhampton and Mackay is known as being a little less than exciting and a trend is starting to emerge among travellers to partake in an exciting detour via the Sapphire Gemfields, just west of Rockhampton before heading north to Mackay.

Rockhampton From Rockhampton, follow the Capricorn Highway west towards Emerald. A drive that boasts stunning scenery.

Blackdown Tableland National Park (2 hours) Located just outside of Blackwater, Blackdown Tableland is a popular overnight destination for campervans and tents. The National Park has stunning bushwalks, swimming holes, and aboriginal artwork.

Sapphire Gemfields (2 hours or 3.5 hours from Rockhampton) The Sapphire Gemfields located just west of Emerald, are literally a hidden treasure and is a true Outback experience within a short drive of the East Coast. With a variety of accommodation options and some award winning jewellery galleries. Here you can enjoy tours of small underground sapphire mines and even try your hand in one of the local fossicking parks. For a more ‘hands-on’ experience join a full day tag-a-long tour.

Sapphire Gemfields – Mackay (4.5 hours) From the Sapphire Gemfields, continue your journey north following the Peak Downs Highway. Enjoy stunning views of Peak Range and be sure to take a break in the country town of Capella before continuing your journey on to Mackay. This highway is abundant with native wildlife, and livestock roam freely throughout the Sapphire Gemfields region so caution is needed when driving.

MoRE TiME? Venture 3.5 hours south of the Sapphire Gemfields to unforgettable Carnarvon Gorge – its grandeur which will leave you breathless.

Carnarvon is famous for its deep sandstone gorge, spectacular cliffs, moss gardens, a variety of fauna and flora and Aboriginal artwork.

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For more information Freecall 1800 676 701

Great Keppel Island, Capricorn Coast

Yeppoon (45 minutes) The gateway to the Capricorn Coast, Yeppoon, is a magical beachside community, well known for its delicious seafood. Take time to explore the coastline and the safe swimming beaches. Don’t miss a sailing charter or day cruise to the Keppel Bay. Great Keppel island (30 minute ferry transfer) With the protection of a fringing reef, the waters surrounding the Keppels are amazingly calm, making it perfect for all types of water sports such as snorkelling, sea kayaking, etc. Spend the day lazing on spectacular beaches or stay overnight in the casual island accommodation.

CAPRICORN COAST & ISLANDS Departing from Rockhampton. Duration: From 0 – 3 Nights Rockhampton From Rockhampton take a short 20 minute drive north to the friendly township of ‘The Caves’. The township is home to some of the most spectacular caves in Queensland.

Capricorn Caves Visit the award winning Capricorn Caves just north of Rockhampton and take a journey through Queensland’s largest privately owned caves. Explore incredible above ground limestone caves formed over 400 million years ago, then follow the Scenic Highway to the Capricorn Coast.

Emu Park (15 minutes) Along the Scenic Highway lie 13 of Queensland’s most beautiful beaches. Take the coastal walk at Kemp Beach for magnificent views across the sparkling ocean to the Keppel Islands. Emu Park is also home to the Singing Ship, a soaring white sculpture on the headland, designed as a monument to Captain Cook.

Koorana Crocodile Farm (15 minutes) As you make your way back to Rockhampton from Emu Park, be sure to visit the Koorana Crocodile Farm. The excitement of seeing a crocodile feeding is something you won’t match anywhere. From February to Easter you may also see baby crocs hatch! A perfect spot for lunch - croc burgers are the house specialty!

MoRE TiME? Venture 30 minutes north of Yeppoon & immerse yourself in the Byfield Rainforest. Enjoy world class Pottery galleries, rainforest retreats and canoe adventures.

www.capricornholidays.com.au

5

Travelling in Australia Monto, Bundaberg Region

Safety tips for driving Seatbelts Seatbelts and child restraints must be worn where available in vehicles.

Seatbelts reduce the risk of injury and death in a crash significantly. There are also heavy fines for not wearing a seatbelt or restraint. If you are riding on a motorcycle, moped, motor scooter or bicycle, (also non-motorised scooter in Victoria and South Australia) you must wear a crash helmet.

Keep left In Australia, you must drive on the left side of two-way roads. Ask passengers to remind you each time you set off and when you are turning at an intersection – it could save your life. When walking across the road, remember to look right, left and right again for traffic and cross only when safe to do so.

KEEP LEFT

Signs This sign means you must stop and give way to all vehicles. Stop your vehicle just before the white stop line painted on the road. If there is no line, stop where you have a clear view of approaching traffic and give way to all vehicles approaching from your left and right.

STOP

Speed Speed limits are enforced more strictly in Australia than in most other countries. The speed limit is the maximum driving speed allowed. You must not drive above this limit. Some roads and streets don’t have speed limit signs, but speed limits still apply. As a general rule on roads where there are no signs but there are street lights or houses or other closely spaced buildings next to the road, the speed limit is 50 km/h.

Where there are no signs or street lighting or

50

6

houses or buildings next to the road the speed limit is a maximum of 100 km/h in most states and territories. If the weather is poor (raining, fog) make sure you drive slower. All states and territories have mobile speed cameras, so slow down, drive safely and avoid heavy fines. Always check what the default speed limits are in each state and territory.

Road markings Where the centre line marking on the road is a single broken line, vehicles may cross the line to overtake when it is safe to do so. If the centre marking has two lines you must not overtake if the line closest to your vehicle is unbroken. Where arrows are painted on the road, you must only drive in the direction they indicate.

Alcohol and drugs Driving after you have consumed alcohol is dangerous. Australia has strict laws and penalties on ‘drinkdriving’ and police actively enforce them through random breath testing programs. If you have a full driver’s licence you must not drive if your blood alcohol level is 0.05 per cent or higher. At 0.05 per cent blood alcohol concentration, your risk of being involved in a crash doubles. Driving after taking drugs that affect your ability to drive is illegal in all states and territories; penalties are severe.

Driving tired Many people die in crashes because the driver was tired.

To avoid driving tired:  after a long flight, wait until you have adapted to sleeping normally at night, particularly if time zones are crossed  share the driving with your licensed companions

 take regular rest stops  don’t try to drive too far in one day  if you’re tired, pull the car over and have a short sleep.

Rest areas are located every 80–120 kilometres on main roads for road users to pull over and rest when tired. Facilities may be limited but usually include seating, tables and shelter. If you are very tired the only cure is sleep.

Driving in rural and remote Australia Driving in rural and remote areas requires special driving skills and awareness of different conditions. Always carry a spare tyre, tools and water. If travelling to remote areas off major highways take extra food, water, fuel and tyres.

Our remote areas have few towns and facilities, often with large distances between them, so plan your trip. If travelling in remote areas or planning to leave major roads tell local police of your intended route.

Road conditions Road conditions can vary from a sealed surface to gravel and dirt. Use a four-wheeldrive vehicle on unsealed roads in remote areas and take note of the prohibited roads map in this magazine. Be careful of holes, soft road edges, narrow roads with unstable edges, narrow bridges, changing surfaces and dusty roads. The environment can change rapidly. Always check on local road conditions before leaving major roads. Turn your vehicle’s headlights on low beam during the day so vehicles can see you. Drive slowly on unsealed roads and take extra care – loose surfaces are unpredictable. If you drive off the side of the road, do not overcorrect but slow down and

e r u t a N g n i y Enjo

st clothing, fir od, warm fo e d lu c in ap. bushwalks h and a m e in lies, a torc tim p p e m su stay d so ai d n the track, n to spen gns, stay o d if you pla e si ar m d o p : an fr re g s p in ay Be map or hik d stay aw  Read rs walking hat barriers an the outdoo ing and w ind safety o h g e b e ar u ere yo w meone wh t them kno cliff edges. imals. You  Tell so return. Le to t c e xp ith native an e w y la p r o time you t feed d. return.  Do no r scratche when you et bitten o e g b t d h ig an for t m as er forec a fuel stove the weath f fire. Use ges fires o an e h se av c u le r d r u te  Check c ve  Limit yo utside of tents). Ne for unexpe d e fire f ar o p e re p d. Be awar cooking (o butts unconfine r e f o tt o e d e ar in weather. lty d ig u n c unatte e of diffi in place. C w and degre strictions em or thro the length ng a local bans or re k si c u not drop th e r h e o d C D si n s. a o e  e C fir ar k. sh e u al . th b w e ed cause ult walks Evacuat your plann ng or diffic f your car. . n taking lo them out o a bushfire e se u guide whe r yo m weathe ediately if ar m w n im (i ation r e at park inform r hour plenty of w station or f water pe r o e  Drink g laces to re n p lit ra st e e e n ast o  Visit th ils on the b ta e allow at le d n for in ta b informatio ). centre to o onal safety iti of walking d , ad at y h an a cks, visit and es and so and sturdy sho le clothing ab rt that park. fo  Wear m o c g lotion, ms for lon ite y d sunscreen an h er ellent. Oth insect rep

return to the road when the vehicle is travelling at a safe speed. Obey road closure signs.

Flooded roads You may come across water on the road. Roads may be covered in water which appears shallow but can have a current strong enough to sweep your vehicle away. Wait until the water level drops or use an alternative route.

Road trains Huge trucks, known as road trains, can be the length of 10 cars. It can take up to 2.5 kilometres to overtake a road train at 100 km/h.

Also allow plenty of room before you overtake as they may sway from side to side as you overtake.

Be prepared for the ‘windrush’ when passing as it can pull you towards the road train. When being overtaken by a road train, maintain your speed and don’t move off the road. Only slow once the road train moves out to pass and make sure there is space for the road train between you and the vehicle in front of you.

10% DISCOunT – ThE 3 mAjOR pARK nETwORKS In AuSTRALIA! BIG4 Holiday Parks, Family Parks and Top Tourist Parks now offer customers a 10% discount for all of our brands (Star RV, Apollo Motorhomes, Cheapa Campa and Hippie Campers*).

Simply show them your keytag when you arrive to claim 10% off powered campsites. *The one exception to this is that the BIG4 discount is not offered to customers of the Hippie Camper brand.

Free Apollo club membership for all hires!

Go to www.apollocamper.com/apollo-club today to get 10% off or more on great activities & tours Australia-wide.

Animals Watch out for animals on the road such as kangaroos and emus. Livestock also graze on the side of unfenced roads. The most active time for many animals is sunrise and sunset. If an animal crosses in front of you, reduce speed safely and do not swerve violently or you may roll the vehicle.

If your vehicle breaks down Do not leave your vehicle because it will provide you with shade and protection from the heat. Wait for help to come to you. Consider hiring appropriate emergency communication equipment, such as a satellite phone and an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) device.

10% !

OFF

Check out The Apollo Club for 10% OFF over 2000 travel experiences including day tours, theme parks, attractions, cruises and activities!

Go to www.apollocamper.com/apollo-club today!

Be sure to free call 1800 777 779 7

r e l l i K n e d d i H e h T e u Fatig Fatigue is a factor in up to 35 per cent of fatal road crashes. With drink driving, accurate tests can determine if alcohol was involved in a crash.

However, there are difficulties in measuring the specific role of fatigue in serious crashes.

Fatigue causes several problems for drivers such as:  slow reactions and decisions  slow control movements  hallucinations  decreased tolerance for other road users  poor lane tracking and maintenance of headway speed; and  loss of situational awareness.

FAQs what causes fatigue?

There are a range of factors that can cause fatigue. The four main causes are:  lack of quality sleep  time of day driving when you would normally be sleeping (eg 1 am–6 am) or in the afternoon period (eg 2 pm–4 pm) when our biological time clock makes us feel tired  length of time performing the task  sleeping disorders such as sleep apnoea.

how do I know if I’m fatigued?

Signs of fatigue include:  constant yawning  drifting over lanes  sore eyes  trouble keeping your head upright  delayed reactions  daydreaming  difficulty remembering driving the last few kilometres  variations in driving speed. how do I avoid fatigue?  Get enough quality sleep before you begin driving. Be sure to have 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep before your trip.  The worst time to begin your trip is after work. You will be tired already even though you do not realise it.  Aim not to travel more than 8 to 10 hours each day.  Take regular 15 minute breaks at least every two hours. Get out of the car, get some fresh air and some exercise.  If possible share the driving. Get your passengers to tell you if you look tired or if you are showing signs of tiredness.

 Eat well balanced meals at your usual meal times. Avoid fatty foods which can make you feel drowsy.  Avoid alcohol and medicines that can cause drowsiness.  Avoid driving at night. The chances of crashing are much higher late at night and early morning. will coffee cure fatigue?  In the short term coffee may be of some benefit but its effects wear off and you are likely to suffer from sleep rebound, putting you at risk of crashing.  The only cure for fatigue is sleep. will fresh air and loud music stop me from feeling fatigued?  Playing music will only have a short-term benefit in keeping you alert.  Fresh air will also only have short-term benefits in keeping you alert.  The only cure for fatigue is sleep.  If you feel tired when driving, take a Powernap (sleep for 15 to 30 minutes), but allow time to recover from your sleep before commencing to drive.

ll o T d a o R r u o Y y a p to How Tolls are your responsibility There are toll roads in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne regions and it’s your responsibility to pay the tolls during your hire.

To make sure you have a stress free holiday and don’t incur any fines, we’ve listed some information about road tolls in each state.

Visiting Sydney – Roam – p: 13 86 55 – www.roam.com.au The Visitor’s e-PASS is suitable for short term users of Sydney toll roads.

Open a Visitor’s e-PASS on www.roam.com.au before, or up to 48 hours after your first trip on a Sydney toll road.

The Roam Visitor’s e-PASS enables you to drive one vehicle on Sydney toll roads for a period up to 30 days at a charge of the toll plus a $0.75 vehicle matching fee for each trip on a Sydney toll road.

There is a start-up fee of $1.50 for each Visitor’s e-PASS opened on the website. You will be asked to provide your credit card details (Visa or Mastercard accepted) and all Visitor’s e-PASS charges will be charged to this credit card.

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Visiting melbourne – CityLink – p: 13 26 29 – www.citylink.com.au CityLink offers three types of CityLink Passes to help you get around and enjoy Melbourne. Each CityLink Pass can be purchased in advance or up to midnight three days after travel.

You can choose from a 24 Hour Pass with unlimited access on CityLink for a 24-hour period from your first trip; a Tulla Pass, which gives you unlimited travel between Bulla Road and Flemington Road only, for a 24-hour period from your first trip; and a Weekend Pass for unlimited travel on CityLink from midday Friday to midnight Sunday.

Purchase CityLink passes at www.citylink.com.au; at selected newsagencies using the Touch over-the-counter payment systems; over the counter at Victorian Australia Post outlets; or call 13 26 29. melbourne pass An alternative to a CityLink Pass is the Melbourne Pass. Find out more about the Melbourne Pass at www.citylink.com.au. A Melbourne Pass covers travel on CityLink as well as EastLink.

Visiting Brisbane – Go via – p: 13 33 31 – www.govia.com.au Go via has a number of casual toll passes to help you get around and enjoy Brisbane, and the beautiful south east Queensland region.

A go via road pass set up before you travel with a credit card can be used on all toll roads in Queensland. This product is not available at retailers and can be set only with a credit card.

Telephone 13 33 31.

Important tips when setting up your pass: be very careful setting the start and end days and times on your go via road pass, and doublecheck you enter the correct vehicle registration details – number and state.

To travel on the Brisbane Airport Link M7, telephone 1300 11 33 30 or visit www.airportlinkm7.com.au for a day pass.

Notes A valid credit card is required to pay for all road toll passes.

Non-payment of a road toll will result in a $75.00 charge per infringement from Apollo.

Your registration plate number is .......................

Registered state ...............................................

EXPLORE FRASER ISLAND

YOUR WAY!

148

$ Kingfisher Bay Resort

*

from

www.kingfisherbay.com

per room per night

Relaxation mixes with adventure, nature complements resort life and silence has its own sound. It’s the perfect location to do as little or as much as you like. In fact, a day on Fraser is like a week anywhere else. Kingfisher Bay Resort offers hotel or self-contained villas starting from $148*per room per night. Seasonal packages with ferry and meal inclusions available.

Eurong Beach Resort

from

www.eurong.com.au

per person twin share

Fraser Explorer Tours www.fraserexplorertours.com.au

from

149

from

Enjoy a Day Away

ADULT

*

$

*

*

CHILD

FAMILY

2 adults 2 children

The popular Day Away package gives Hervey Bay holiday-makers the chance to immerse yourself in pristine wilderness without needing a 4WD. You’ll enjoy lunch and morning or afternoon tea as well as a Ranger-guided walk and talk, canoe paddle and fishing rod hire – and all without leaving the resort’s stunning grounds. From $65*adult $30*child $150*family.

per person quad share

135

$

*

Join us for a one or two day fun filled adventure to discover Fraser’s fabulous attractions and pristine sites like stunning Lake McKenzie. Tours depart daily from Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach and are all inclusive.

Explorer Day Tour from $155* pp. Explorer Two Day Tour staying at Eurong Beach Resort from $149* pp per day, quad share.

Cool Dingo Tours 18-35s www.cooldingotour.com

from

*

per person per day

No tents, no sleeping bags, no cooking, no driving, no worries, in fact on a fully-guided Cool Dingo Tour you get fun guides, custom–designed 4WD Buses and good times guaranteed! Two and three day all-inclusive guided tours depart Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach from $135*pp per day.

Vehicle and passenger barges run daily from River Heads. Bookings 1800BARGES 1800 227 437 www.fraserislandbarges.com.au

Kingfisher Bay Resort Group

$

from

from

www.kingfisherbay.com

With famous 75-Mile Beach on the doorstep, Eurong is the hub for 4WD adventures and day trips discovering Fraser Island. The On the Beach package includes two nights‘ motel accommodation, return barge transfers, daily buffet breakfast and dinner from $242* pp twin share.

Two bedroom apartment available for just $85*extra per night.

$

65 30 150

$

*

*Conditions apply. Prices valid at 1 August 2012, subject to availability.

KBRV980

242

$

9 1800 FRASER (1800 372 737)

Queensland Queensland offers countless places to visit and no matter what type of holiday you are seeking you’ll definitely be satisfied, but most likely delighted, at what you’ll find here.

Brisbane and the Great Sunshine Way takes in the four main centres of Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, and the Fraser Coast; a fascinating mix of cities, coast and hinterland and the gateway to some of Australia’s most diverse and awe-inspiring holiday experiences.

In fact, some of the earth’s most treasured natural wonders like World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, and the ancient rainforests of the Gold Coast hinterland are found here.

Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef is a colourful, upbeat, exotic and free spirited destination that will ‘Change Your Latitude’. Cairns is the gateway to Tropical North Queensland and the perfect base to explore the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, the Wet Tropics and Riversleigh Fossil Fields.

Colourful characters, a proud history and a landscape which seems endless in time and space – this is Queensland’s Outback. An amazing country of red hills, plains that stretch to eternity, and spectacular sunsets. A place where characters share a yarn and people say g’day. A land of the dreamtime, where ancient Aboriginal culture is recorded on rock faces and cave walls, and where evidence of the dinosaurs’ reign over the earth can still be found.

With so many things to see and do in Queensland, you really are spoilt for choice.

www.tq.com.au

Main image: Horse riding at Mount’n’ride in the Little Mulgrave Valley Inserted image: Minke whale

10

Tourism Que ensland

Close encounters of

the minke kind

By Hayley Lees

Growing up in Colorado in the 1950s, John Rumney admits that he was always the weird kid in the neighbourhood, the boy with an intense fascination for nature.

“I started when I was this big,” he says holding his broad palm about a metre from the floor. “I had pet snakes and strange creatures and I knew more about animals than anyone else.”

Today, this softly spoken man with a full white beard and gentle blue eyes still knows more about wildlife than just about anyone else.

Having spent the past four decades living and breathing the Great Barrier Reef, he is also a champion for its protection and the leading expert on dwarf minke whales.

John and his wife Linda run Eye to Eye Marine Encounters, one of nine Australian permit holders licensed to take tourists into remote sections of the Great Barrier Reef for life-changing encounters with the elusive dwarf minke whales.

First discovered in the 1980s, it is believed that some 60 to 80 minke whales ‘play’ in the waters off Queensland’s northern ribbon reefs during the cooler months of June and July. Under a Code of Practice developed for tourism vessels to ensure encounters are carried out on the whales’ terms, chasing whales is outlawed. But after 15 years of pioneering swimming with the minkes, John can almost guarantee a magical encounter.

“Every group of whales is different,” says John.

“Some stay eight metres away and watch you closely. Thirty minutes later they are four metres. One in a dozen is phenomenally curious and comes up close.

Tourism Queensland

“That’s when you hold your breath. That whale is looking as intently at you as you are looking at it.

“It’s an eye to eye encounter. It’s like a religious experience,” he adds.

Minke whales are curious creatures known to seek out dive boats, at times even recognising divers and snorkellers and following them to different dive sites. The more ‘chilled out’ whales initiate a move 11

Tourism Queensland

Minke whale and snorkellers

called ‘spyhopping’, a prima ballerina behaviour that allows the whale to rise up and hold its head and a good deal of body out of the water. This can last several minutes if the whale wants a good gander at whatever or whoever it has its eye on.

“Without a doubt, it’s the top experience on the planet,” enthuses John. “It’s up there with gorillas in the mist or an African safari.

“I’ve done everything with marine animals, but nothing has that connection with nature like the minke whales.

“You are spending time with an animal that comes up to you. You are not stalking it,” he states.

Award Winning Boutique Winery & Functions Centre

“Somewhere it came into my consciousness that it was not right (to kill these creatures). I started taking tourists out to the reef and looking at things through different eyes.”

Restaurant and Cellar Door Open 7 Days 10am – 4pm

Eye to Eye Marine Encounters offers custom designed live aboard trips year round with the inherent message to preserve what is being watched. During the dwarf minke whale season, it runs a handful of multi-day diving and snorkelling trips.

Guests are part of science history in the making, joining onboard researchers as they conduct fieldwork in the waters, assisting in the identification and behavioural observations of individual whales.

So much so, that National Geographic lists the tour in Traveler magazine’s sixth annual ‘50 Tours of a Lifetime’.

For more information on Eye to Eye Marine Encounters departing Port Douglas; Mike Ball Dive Expeditions departing Cairns; and Aristocat Snorkel and Scuba Port Douglas departing Port Douglas visit www.queenslandholidays.com.au/things-to-see-and-do Find out more on the Great Barrier Reef www.queenslandholidays.com.au/experiences/great-barrier-reef 12

Albert River Wines

“I’m the evolution of marine consciousness,” said John. “I started killing fish for a catch. Then I started spear fishing for a hobby. Then I picked up a camera.

Tamborine Station Farm Tours Whip Cracking – Boomerang Throwing – Sheep Dog Demonstrations – Animal Nursery Live Music Every Sunday from 12pm 869 Mundoolun Connection Road, Tamborine QLD 4270 P 07 5543 6622 F 07 5543 6627 E info@albertriverwines.com.au www.albertriverwines.com.au

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Go bush on

the Capricorn Coast The Tropic of Capricorn is the dividing line between the southern temperate and the northern tropical climates – not too hot, not too cold – making it just right for a bush and beach experience.

After enjoying the country hospitality of Queensland’s beef capital, Rockhampton, and savouring the seaside delights of Yeppoon, why not head half an hour north for a couple of days’ R&R in the rainforest at Byfield?

Byfield National Park, Byfield Conservation Park and Byfield State Forest, traditional home of the Darumbal Aboriginal people, extend over thousands of hectares and support many rare and endangered plants, animals and birds.

The landscape includes massive parabolic sand dunes (the oldest reaching more than five kilometres inland), rugged pinnacles, secluded beaches, wetlands, exotic pine and natural forests, creeks and swimming holes, and pockets of rainforest.

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Tourism Quee

14

Tourism Queensland

Main image: Cool creeks to wash off the bushwalking sweat Inserted image: Picnic in the pine forest at Byfield State Forest Top Right: Nob Creek Pottery

The national park and conservation area are only accessible by four-wheel-drive, but there are three campgrounds suitable for campervans in the Byfield State Forest: Water Park Creek is nestled in natural rainforest; Upper Stony is beside the picturesque Stony Creek, where swimming is permitted at Freemans Crossing; and Red Rock has open, grassy areas surrounded by pine forest plantation.

There are several non-challenging bushwalking circuits, cool creeks to wash off the sweat of your exercise, and lots of opportunities to spot native animals and do a bit of bird watching.

Personal insect protection in the warmer months is essential as the mosquitoes have a reputation to uphold here!

The Capricorn Coast is renowned for its artisans and craftspeople. Close to Byfield State Forest is Nob Creek Pottery – well worth a visit if you appreciate unique Australian ceramic art pieces for the home.

For more information about camping at Byfield State Forest visit www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks and search ‘Byfield State Forest’.

Tourism Queensland

For more information about holidaying on the Capricorn Coast visit www.capricornholidays.com.au To find out what’s on offer at Nob Creek Pottery visit www.nobcreekpottery.com.au Travelling with an iPhone or iPad? Download the Capricorn app from iTunes for a complete mobile visitor information centre.

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New South Wales With so many things to see and do in NSW, you'll find a surprise around every corner. The best scenic drives in NSW take you on a road trip of sheer pleasure and discovery. With tourist drives and itineraries in the Snowy Mountains, through the Outback and along the coast, NSW has some of the most inspiring – and best – journeys in Australia.

There are six distinct areas in NSW to explore.

On the North Coast there’s a world of wonderful experiences just waiting for you.

There’s a hinterland of river valleys bordered by pristine lakes and an unspoilt coastline.

From the Tweed to Terrigal, the North Coast is an intriguing blend of the old and the new.

Extending from Canberra to the highest reaches of the mountains and south across the Monaro Plains, the Snowy Mountains features mountains, rivers and lakes. You could be swishing down winter slopes, admiring spring wildflowers or rambling through parklands ablaze with autumn colour.

Harsh but fragile, the rugged natural beauty of Outback NSW has been appreciated for millennia by the region’s Aboriginal inhabitants. And following recent rain in late 2010 and early 2011 there’s never been a better time to visit.

Country NSW stretches across the sunny western plains, from the cool rainforests of the Great Dividing Range to the ochre-coloured expanse of the Outback, spanning the state from north to south.

Sydney Surrounds is a grand spectrum of delights. Here you’ll find sparkling waterways, World Heritage-listed national parks, age-old mountains and ravines, cascading waterfalls and some of the most stunning beaches on the planet.

www.visitnsw.com

Main image: Northern Rivers countryside

16

Richard Whitbread; Destination NSW

The unspoilt natural beauty of the South Coast of New South Wales unfolds in a series of bays and coves. Little townships, many with interesting histories, are known for their fine food and wines, and great country markets.

Superb local cheeses are a speciality.

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and be led on new and memorable journeys that the country areas of Australia has on offer.

Melbourne

For more information please visit newellhighway.org.au 17

Pilliga pitstop on

the Newell

Gecko Photographics; Destination NSW

Take time out of your Newell Highway drive to experience nature’s best in the Pilliga Forest located between Narrabri and Coonabarabran.

A word of warning – don’t go out after dark! The vast 3000-square kilometre Pilliga Forest is said to be the home of the mysterious yowie (the Aussie version of Big Foot). Like the monster hunters of Loch Ness, folks with a peculiar bent for the weird and wonderful come from around the world to look for a close encounter of the big and hairy kind.

But, spooky stuff aside, if plants, animals, birds and peace is more your cup of tea, the Pilliga Forest is the place to explore.

Long recognised as one of the most important areas for biodiversity in eastern Australia, the Pilliga Forest is home to at least 300 native animal species and over 900 plant species.

Main image: Sandstone caves in Pilliga Nature Reserve

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Pilliga (or Billarga) is a Kamilaroi (local Indigenous Australians to the area) word meaning swamp oak. It was used back in the mid 1800s as the name of one of the original grazing runs, near where the town of Pilliga now stands. Occupying about half a million hectares between the Namoi River in the north and Warrumbungle Ranges in

the south, the Pilliga is the largest remaining area of native forest west of the Great Divide.

European settlers arrived here around the early 1830s and established grazing runs throughout the forests. Their stock damaged the ecology of the area and many farms were abandoned during a drought in the 1880s.

If drought and over-grazing wasn’t enough for the poor old forest, fifty years of pesky rabbits prevented any further regeneration in the Pilliga until the introduction of myxomatosis, which wiped out the rabbits, in the 1950s.

When the seasons improved, the rabbits were gone, the grazing pressure was released and regular burning by the Aborigines ceased, the forest erupted with a massive regeneration of native cypress and eucalyptus trees and created a thriving timber industry.

For more than 100 years the Pilliga provided jobs and a way of life for the local people. More than five million railway sleepers were cut from ironbark trees grown in the Pilliga. In 2005, the

New South Wales government recognised the environmental significance of the area and the saw mills were silenced.

While fire is used as a necessary management tool in the forest, bushfire is an ongoing threat and in 1997 a major fire burnt out nearly half of the forest and another wildfire caused major devastation in 2006.

The Pilliga Forest is unique and a trip into its interior is quite an adventure as remnants of old chimney stacks and abandoned mills remind you of the past and gas wells alert you to the future.

Fast Fact: Under the Pilliga Scrub lies one of Australia’s largest onshore natural gas reserves. Gas from this area alone could be sufficient to supply current levels of NSW gas demand for the next 50 years!

The Pilliga Nature Reserve is managed by the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service. It has a complex system of tracks and roads so advice and a map are needed before visiting the area.

Contact: The Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre on 02 6843 4011. Open seven days, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm weekdays and 10.00 am to 5.00 pm weekends.

Camp at the Pilliga Hot Artesian Bore Baths – a free, primitive campground with basic facilities and no power, but restorative mineral baths to enjoy! www.environment.nsw.gov.au www.newellhighway.org.au 19

Brisbane

Gold Coast Tweed Heads

Nimbin Byron Bay

Kyogle Lismore

Lennox Head Ballina Evans Head

Australia’s top tourist drive, 900kms of legendary places

Iluka Yamba Maclean Grafton Wooli

Woolgoolga Coffs Harbour

Bellingen

Nambucca

South West Rocks Kempsey Crescent Head

Port Macquarie

Wauchope

Harrington

Taree Nabiac Gloucester

Forster / Tuncurry

Bulahdelah

Seal Rocks Port Stephens

Hunter Valley

Newcastle

Lake Macquarie

Central Coast

Sydney

discover the 20 top legends 20

The Lege ndary Pac ific Coast

See Australia – on one road

Harbour

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Big Banan

The Legendary Pacific

It is possible to experience Australia on one trip – that is if you take The Legendary Pacific Coast from Sydney to Brisbane. Here are seven super ideas to get you immersed in the ‘Aussie’ way of life.

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Animals – The Australian Reptile park Known as a ‘hands-on zoo’, this park is famous for its reptiles and ‘creepy crawlies’, but it also has loads of Australian animals for a close-encounter.

Here you’ll see wombats, dingoes, kangaroos, echidnas, flying foxes, koalas as well as crocodiles, turtles, lizards, and snakes. There are lots of tours and behind-the-scenes experiences and the park is open between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm seven days a week.

Where: Somersby, less than one hour north of Sydney. www.reptilepark.com.au Landscape – Stockton Sand Dunes The 30-metre high Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest continuous mobile coastal sand mass in the southern hemisphere. See the remote Tin City community; 12,000-year-old Aboriginal middens; shipwrecks; remnants of WWII fortifications; and a wealth of birdlife and shellfish.

Drive Stockton Beach in your four-wheel-drive (permits required); go on a quad-bike tour; have a go at sand boarding; or ride a horse along the beach. It’s a wonderful sand-pit playground adventure for all ages!

Where: Just 30 minutes north of Newcastle. heritage – Timbertown heritage Theme park Set amongst 87 hectares of natural forest, Timbertown is an entire village, recreated to demonstrate the struggles and achievements of Australia’s pioneers. It's an authentic heritage township, where the horse and carriage still runs, timber is still sawn and the bullock team still hauls its heavy load. You'll smell the distinctive aroma from the steam engines, sawn timber and homestyle meals.

Timbertown also has a variety of shops that sell unique, handmade items. It’s open between 9.30 am and 4.00 pm every day except Christmas Day. Where: Oxley Highway, Wauchope, less than an hour from Port Macquarie. www.timbertown.com.au Culture – wigay Aboriginal Culture park Experience the unique culture of the Dunghutti people (also known as Dainggatti) – the local Aboriginal people of the Kempsey area at the Wigay Aboriginal Culture Park.

In the large, undercover shelter shed, a guide will give a didgeridoo demonstration and describe how the instrument was used and made. Sometimes another guide will enthrall visitors with his gum leaf rendition of some classic songs and bird imitations.

This is a highly interactive and lively demonstration.

There is also a short, guided walk to learn how Aboriginal people used some of the numerous plants growing in the park for food, medicine or shelter. Morning and afternoon tea is optional.

A small shop sells Aboriginal gifts, souvenirs and bush tucker plants. The park is open between 9.00 am and 3.00 pm Monday to Friday as well as weekends by appointment.

Where: Dangar Street, Kempsey www.macleayvalleycoast.com.au history – Trial Bay Gaol Experience the eery feeling of what life was like for prisoners in the late 1800s when you walk through the Trial Bay Gaol and museum at South West Rocks. The gaol opened in 1886 as a works prison and was a German internment camp during WWI – it closed in 1918.

The ruins are set on a spectacular headland overlooking Trial Bay in the Arakoon National Park and there is a campground close by – a good base for several short walks throughout the park.

The museum and gaol are open between 9.00 am and 4.30 pm daily and there is an entry fee.

Where: South West Rocks, 16 kilometres off the Pacific Highway from Kempsey. www.trialbaygaol.com A big thing – The Big Banana Australia’s first ‘big thing’, the Big Banana has been welcoming visitors for more than 45 years.

There’s a ‘bunch’ of fun to be had around the banana. Try tobogganing, the water park, ice skating and learn all about the banana producing history of the region. If you’re a bit hungry, don’t miss the frozen, choc-coated bananas!

Where: Coffs Harbour, right on the highway just north of the town centre. www.bigbanana.com Coast – Byron Bay A mecca for all things beach, Byron Bay is the hub of the far-north coast of New South Wales. Visit the Cape Byron Lighthouse and headland reserve; experience many unique and unusual shops and market stalls; eat and drink local produce at the many alfresco cafes and restaurants; browse the galleries; and generally soak up the laid-back atmosphere that ‘Byron’ is famous for.

Where: Byron Bay www.byronnaturally.com.au

Koalas

at Port Stephens The Tilligerry Peninsula at Port Stephens is well-known for its koala population and the fervent community advocacy to care for this threatened species.

Koalas are hard to spot in their natural habitat as they are often high in a tree and don’t move around much.

Therefore, it makes sense to visit the Tilligerry Habitat and take a guided walk with a volunteer to view koalas while learning all about this animal’s fascinating life.

The Tilligerry Habitat is a State Reserve Trust staffed by volunteers. They offer easy loop bush walks on a boardwalk and sand or gravel track; guided walks and eco-tours with skilled koala spotters; and bush tucker orientation.

The centre also has a native nursery with plants suitable to create a home for wildlife in backyard gardens, and an art and craft shop.

Tilligerry Habitat is at Tanilba Bay. Bookings are essential. Call 02 4984 5677. www.tilligerryhabitat.org.au

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Discover Sydney’s true nature Cabins • Camping • Caravans • Campervans

laNe coVe RiVeR TouRisT PaRk Located only 10kms from the Sydney CBD, the multi award winning Lane Cove River Tourist Park is the perfect destination for your next visit to Sydney. The park has everything for your city adventure including 1 and 2 bedroom cabins and sites for tents, caravans and campervans.

Meanwhile back in the park you can simply relax by the pool, enjoying the beautiful natural surrounds and native animals. Neighbouring the Tourist Park, is the 600 hectare Lane Cove National Park. Hire a rowboat or canoe and take a paddle along the tranquil Lane Cove River or take a walk and cycle along 40kms of trails.

We are located a short 10 minute stroll to the North Ryde railway station and bus stops. Convenient and regular, the public transport options provide easy access to the city centre, Taronga Zoo and Sydney’s famous beaches. Take in Sydney’s bustling nightlife, tourist attractions, shopping districts and Olympic Park Homebush event and sporting precinct.

Plassey Road, MacquaRie PaRk 2113 FoR BookiNGs VisiT lcRTP.coM.au oR call 02 9888 9133 oR 1300 729 133

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24

South Australia After exploring South Australia’s wine country, why not head into some of the State’s other exciting regions for more new, authentic experiences?

Journey through the natural beauty of the Flinders Ranges and South Australian Outback, or meet sea lions and other marine life face-to-face in waters off Eyre Peninsula.

Float past stunning red cliffs in a luxury houseboat on the Murray River, or unwind with a fishing escape to the Yorke Peninsula. Have an up-close wildlife encounter on magnificent Kangaroo Island and see for yourself why it’s known as Australia’s Galapagos. Throughout these regions, expect to meet plenty of friendly and laid back characters who will show you how to really relax and enjoy the good life!

www.southaustralia.com

South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone

Main image: Old Farmhouse Curramulka to Port Vincent Road, Yorke Peninsula

25

Taste Kangaroo

Island

Let’s face it, you arrive on Kangaroo Island planning an exciting holiday of sight-seeing, bushwalking, climbing, driving, swimming, camping, wandering, touring, playing – an exhausting schedule to be sure and there’s no doubt about it, you’ll be adding another ‘ing’ to the list – eating!

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Visitors to KI, as it’s locally known, is an epicure’s dream destination – and also a fab place to go if you’re just ordinary Bob who doesn’t mind a bit of good tucker. The island has a reputation for being clean and green: it’s free of pests and diseases due to its isolation from the mainland. There’s a vast range of produce available from farm gate to restaurant to market stall and, in many cases, ample opportunity to see first-hand how it’s made.

We all know that a balanced diet is essential to good health, so let’s do a five food group tour around KI.

Grain Kangaroo Island Bakery, Kingscote Breads include white, brown wholemeal, multigrain, oatbran, turkish, sour dough and rye. The plaited white and wholemeal bread is a particular speciality as is the sugar-free Australian fruit loaf made with Australian dried fruit.

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Fruits and Vegetables Sample seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, all grown locally, at the Kangaroo Island Farmers’ Markets in Penneshaw. Held on the first Sunday of every month from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm by the beach, Lloyd Collins Reserve, Penneshaw.

Dairy Island pure Sheep Dairy, Cygnet River and Gum Creek, Kingscote South Australia’s first sheep dairy and cheese factory milk up to 400 sheep daily to produce the finest sheep cheese and yoghurt. The entire range is handmade onsite from 100 per cent sheep’s milk and is available to sample and buy from their own shop, which also stocks a range of other KI produce. Tours are available to watch the sheep milking and yoghurt and cheese making. www.islandpure.com.au

meat and protein Southrock Lamb, Antechamber Bay Producers and suppliers of stress-free, high quality, lean lamb grown in positive animal welfare environments with a low use of chemicals. www.southrocklamb.com.au

Main image: Remarkable Rocks

26

Kangaroo Island Free Range Eggs, Kingscote A free range poultry farm running 50,000 hens and producing around 12,000 dozen eggs each

week. Each hen has at least 13 square metres of space for itself. The hens are guarded by maremma stock guardian dogs, which live in the paddocks and keep the birds safe from predators such as eagles and feral cats. The eggs are available at retail outlets around the island. www.kieggs.com.au

Fats, oils and sweets Island Beehive, Kingscote Producing organic honey collected from the island’s 30 species of flowering eucalypts, a myriad of other Australian trees and shrubs, wildflowers and other introduced flora.

The honey comes from the Ligurian honey bee, which was introduced to the island from Italy in 1884 and has enjoyed isolated population status on the island for more than 100 years.

Guided honey factory tours are available and there is a café, shop and information centre. www.island-beehive.com.au Kangaroo Olive Oil Company, Kingscote The olives are grown at Stokes Bay without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilisers and thrive in the mid-north coast climate producing an extra virgin olive oil that is fruity and fresh.

Products are available at retail stores throughout the island. www.goodfoodkangarooisland.com

South Australia n

Nick Clayton 20 05/South Austr alian Tourism

Tourism Comm ission

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South Australian Tourism Commission

Kangaroo Island

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Organic Honey

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27

Coober Pedy –

the final frontier

Coober Pedy, originally known as Stuart’s Range field, is the largest supplier of opal in the world.

Milton Wordley

Neale Winter

Opal mining at

Coober Pedy

The opal was first discovered by fourteenyear-old Willie Huchison from Mount Gambier in 1915. As a member of his father’s gold prospecting party, Willie was assigned camp duties. Finished with his chores, a bored Willie went exploring – he didn’t find gold – just the richest opal field in the world!

Because of the unbearable heat and the lack of water, the first opal claims were abandoned within three weeks. Sadly, Willie didn’t live long enough to see the fruits of his find as he drowned five years later while driving cattle from Clifton Hills, on the Birdsville Track.

Milton Wordley

Coober Pedy W elcome Sign

John Sones

oona Opal Mine

Opals at the Um

Main image: The Opal Bug

28

and Museum

During the winter of 1915, the O’Neill brothers began working the opal field, followed in 1917 by several returned soldiers. Legend has it that these soldiers, who had fought in France and lived in the trenches for many months, introduced the idea of living underground in ‘dugouts’ to escape the crippling heat.

However, dugouts had already been used in the 1850s in Burra and later in Sliding Rock and Yudanamutana.

It was hard to find a market for the opal during the First World War and most miners left with opal and no money. With the return of peace, opal sales improved and miners and buyers returned.

In 1920 the local progress committee named the field Coober Pedy: based on a local Aboriginal term kupa-piti meaning ‘white man’s hole’. It was a tough life – the heat and isolation were minor compared with the lack of water, cave-ins, explosions and visits from the tax man.

An attempt was made to solve the lack of water in 1922 by building a two-million-litre water tank. Unfortunately there was not enough rain until 1925 to fill the tank. Living conditions improved rapidly and by the mid 1920s the field had two stores, a post office, firewood was available for $2.00 a dray load, and a Miner’s Right could be obtained for fifty cents a year giving the right to peg out an area of fifty metres square.

During the 1930’s drought, the Depression and poor opal finds saw most leave Coober Pedy and it wasn’t until 1946, when a large find was made by an Aboriginal woman, that the town made a comeback.

Most people settling in Coober Pedy after the war were ‘new Australians’ from southern Europe with little formal education and poor English. They sought independence, freedom from government control; paper work and bookkeeping. Today there are still more than forty different nationalities working the field and the attitude hasn’t changed!

An unusual, somewhat rebellious, community most work when they feel like it. A word or handshake is as good as a written contract.

Drinking and gambling are popular pastimes.

Public servants, police, teachers, mines department officials and most other ‘white collar’ workers are not to be trusted and census, voting and paying tax are made for avoiding.

In 1985 opal became South Australia’s mineral emblem. In 1993 it was proclaimed Australia’s national gemstone.

Victoria Hugging the tip of the Australian east coast, Victoria is Australia’s second-smallest state, covering 227,600 square kilometres – roughly the size of the British Isles.

Packed into such a compact area is a wealth of diverse regional areas and attractions, from sweeping coastline and pristine beaches to national parks and forests teeming with wildlife to wineries, lakes and mountains offering skiing, climbing and hiking. Best of all, many of Victoria’s unique and varied landscapes are easily accessible as day trips from Melbourne.

Victoria’s capital, Melbourne, sits on the Yarra River and around the shores of Port Phillip Bay. Lauded for its sense of style and elegance, Melbourne boasts glamorous festivals and events, Australia’s best shopping, a lively passion for eating and drinking, and a flourishing interest in the arts.

Restored and preserved nineteenth-century architecture, built following the discovery of gold, provides a heady reminder of a prosperous age, while beautifully tended parks and gardens present a therapeutic respite from the pace of city life.

Melbourne and Victoria host some of Australia’s most prestigious events throughout the year, including the Spring Racing Carnival culminating in the Melbourne Cup in November, the Australian Open Tennis Championships in January, the Formula 1™ Australian Grand Prix in March, the Melbourne International Arts Festival in October, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show in March and April. Your taste buds will be rewarded with a number of food and wine events around the state.

Visit Victoria today – you’ll love every piece of it.

www.visitvictoria.com

Tourism Victoria/Robert Blackburn

Main image: The Great Ocean Road

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Ballarat Goldfields

Goldfields Tourism/Rob Blackburn

Ballarat is the gateway to the Goldfields region. This grand old city’s colonial architecture stretches out along broad, tree-lined streets and reflects the riches taken from the ground after the discovery of gold in the 19th century.

The uprising at the Eureka Stockade is regarded as a pivotal moment in the development of Australian democracy.

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For more information visit www.greatsoutherntouring.com.au and www.sovereignhill.com.au

Main image: Ballarat is the gateway to the Goldfields region

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drew Paoli

Sovereign Hill – just

Here are four great experiences that will transport you back to the heady gold rush days of Ballarat.

Sovereign hill Australia’s foremost outdoor museum, Sovereign Hill re-creates Ballarat’s first ten years after the discovery of gold in 1851 when thousands of international adventurers rushed to the Australian goldfields in search of fortune.

It’s just like stepping back in time – from the hustle and bustle of Main Street where costumed ladies and gents parade their new-found wealth, to the excitement of the Red Hill Gully Diggings where you can pan for real gold and it’s yours to keep!

See a spectacular $100,000 gold pour, venture underground on a fully-guided gold mine tour or catch a horse-drawn coach and tour the town.

Go shopping 1850s-style and visit hotels, schools and a theatre with goldfields entertainers. See steam-driven machinery in action and chat with the wheelwrights, candlemakers and confectioners as they ply their trades.

Blood on the Southern Cross The story of the Eureka Rebellion, a dramatic battle between gold miners and government forces at Ballarat on 3 December 1854, is retold nightly by ‘Blood on the Southern Cross’, Sovereign Hill’s acclaimed sound-and-light spectacular.

Set under the night skies at Sovereign Hill, there are no actors – just voices, dazzling sound-andlight effects and a stunning open-air set. Visitors travel across the site on a comfortable transporter and view much of the action from the re-created Free Trade Hotel on the Eureka Diggings.

The Gold museum An impressive glass-fronted building with commanding views, the Gold Museum offers an award-winning gift shop specialising in gold nuggets and Australian-made gold jewellery and fine giftware.

View an impressive and valuable collection of gold nuggets, alluvial deposits, priceless gold artefacts and gold coins.

‘Ballarat: Inspired by Gold’ is a major exhibition presenting the story of Ballarat from its earliest days through to European settlement and the amazing impact of the gold rushes. Entry to the Gold Museum is free with a Sovereign Hill ticket.

Separate entry is also available. walk Ballarat’s heritage – self-guided walk Beginning at the Gold Monument on the corner of Albert and Sturt Streets, the walk covers about one kilometre, but will take more than an hour because there’s plenty to see.

Some of the more notable historic buildings include the Mechanics Institute, built in the late 1860s, this subscription library has operated for more than 140 years and is one of Ballarat’s oldest institutions; the original Unicorn Hotel built in 1856 and replaced by brick in 1866 is the only example of a two-storey verandah built before the turn of the 20th century; Her Majesty’s Theatre, which opened as the Academy of Music in 1875, is the oldest continuously operating, purpose built theatre in Australia still in use; and the former gaol, built in 1857 and closed in 1965, one of its most infamous inmates was Captain Moonlight who escaped by scaling the wall.

Ask at the visitor centre for an itinerary or visit www.ballarat.com/walkheritage.htm

GREAT OCEAN ROAD • GRAMPIANS • BALLARAT GOLDFIELDS

GREAT SOUTHERN TOURING ROUTE AUSTRALIA

One of the world’s great coastal drives - natural attractions, coastal scenery, history and heritage - all in a flexible, compact, touring package.

This magical journey through some of the most exciting, enchanting and exquisitely different landscapes in Australia is found in the south-west of Victoria, the nation’s smallest mainland state.

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Marvellous Melbourne, the cosmopolitan capital with its dramatic towers, art galleries, restaurants and charming river, is a natural starting and finishing point.

The romance of the Great Ocean Road, with its rugged coastline, lush forests and overpowering sense of freedom, is an unforgettable experience.

Their ancient rock art is all part of the enriching experience of a visit to the Grampians.

The road also links the major regional cities of Geelong and Warrnambool, both vibrant destinations in their own right.

Ballarat and its Goldfields are a heady mix of the romance and majesty of the 1850s gold rush and a whole range of modern treasures.

The soaring mountains of The Grampians National Park have been the spiritual heartland of the Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years.

Native Australian wildlife abounds across the region, including kangaroos, koalas, platypus, native birds and Australian wildflowers.

> For more information and itineraries: www.greatsoutherntouring.com.au Look for this symbol and pick up a map at one of the Visitor Information Centres or at your Apollo Branch and explore this amazing part of Australia.

We’ve taken the best of the Great Ocean Road, Grampians and Ballarat Goldfield regions along with information on over 60 travel products and put them into an easy-to-use iPhone and iPad app. The Great Southern Touring Route apps, are available for FREE through iTunes. 31

ThInGS TO DO One of Australia’s premier wildlife experiences, the Penguin Parade draws thousands of international visitors to the island each year. Taking place at dusk each day, hundreds of little penguins emerge from the sea and waddle up to their burrows in the sand dunes. Phillip Island Nature Parks has recently opened a new Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre to care for sick and injured penguins and other wildlife.

Rhyll Trout & Bush Tucker Farm offers visitors exciting natural experiences in beautiful native bush land. Visitors can catch their own rainbow trout from the picturesque tree-lined lake and have it cooked into a delicious fresh fish and chip lunch.

Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolate at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory is a must for chocolate lovers and is a fascinating, interactive celebration of all things chocolate. With activities including a carnival side-show of chocolate games, a chocolate replica of Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade and ever-changing varieties of chocolates to choose from, Phillip Island Chocolate Factory is the sweetest adventure on the island.

In the pleasant surrounds of Western Port, the Churchill Island Farmers’ Market is a great place to source the region’s local produce including cheeses, preserves, Phillip Island honey, coffee, spices, free-range meats and fruit and veg. Held from 8 am–1 pm on the fourth Saturday of every month and extra markets during Christmas and January, the market provides an opportunity for visitors to talk with the farmers and learn more about the produce. It provides true value to both consumers and farmers.

Wildlife Coast Cruises depart daily from Cowes Jetty and offer a range of cruises that let visitors experience the region’s beautiful scenic landscapes and amazing wildlife in their natural environment. Popular cruises include a trip to spy on the Australian Fur Seals at Seal Rocks off the rugged west coast of the island – breeding ground and nursery for over 20,000 seals.

Purple Hen Winery and Phillip Island Wines are both boutique wineries producing high-quality cool climate wines not readily available on the mainland. Both offer full cellar door facilities including wine tastings, light lunches and cheese platters. whERE TO STAY Phillip Island offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets including great holiday parks offering sites and deluxe cabins beside the beach with all the expected conveniences.

For a full list of caravan and camping options, visit www.visitphillipisland.com/accommodation.html 32

Phillip Island – Wo

olamai Beach

www.visitphillipisland.com

For full information on Phillip Island’s natural attractions, experiences and accommodation offerings, visit www.visitphillipisland.com

www.visitphillip island.com

Phillip Island is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the magical natural wonders of Australia, from its distinctive animals to beautiful beaches, rugged coastline and picturesque landscapes. With diverse coastline and bush land, wildlife encounters, idyllic coastal dining and family adventure, the island has many experiences to share, all within an easy 90 minute drive from Melbourne. Nature enthusiasts will love the island’s beautiful and varied beaches that offer ideal conditions for surfing, swimming, fishing and boating; and its rugged, scenic coastline and native bush land with designated hiking trails and cycling tracks. Food lovers can sample the region’s delicious local wine and produce at the many restaurants and cafés scattered across the island or buy direct from the farm gate, cellar doors or Churchill Island Farmers’ Market.

Little penguins, Phillip Island

Australian Capital Territory

National Museum of Australia (George Serras)

National treasures –

Australia reflected in its capital Unearth the treasures of a nation at the many national attractions in Canberra. From our ancient Indigenous past and colourful colonial history, to the modern multicultural country of today, our nation’s capital holds and shares the essence of Australia.

These are our top five picks – all with free admission.

national Library of Australia parkes place, parkes Visitors can access the vast library collection including rare items such as James Cook’s Endeavour journal, the papers of Edward Koiki Mabo and Tim Winton’s handwritten Cloudstreet manuscript.

national Gallery of Australia parkes place, parkes A changing line up of permanent and international exhibitions, as well as public programs and events, the National Gallery also holds the world’s largest collection of Indigenous art.

national museum of Australia

Main image: National Museum of Australia

Acton peninsula, Acton Celebrating Australian people and their culture of storytelling the museum holds many fascinating items such as Phar Lap’s heart; a preserved

Tasmanian tiger; and moving memento coins engraved by convicts transported to Australia from England.

Australian war memorial Treloar Crescent, Campbell Discover the diverse Australian experiences of war and reflect on their enduring impact. See some of the world’s most significant military relics, such as the Lancaster bomber G for George, and experience Over the Front: the Great War in the Air, a film by renowned director Peter Jackson.

parliament house Capital hill, parkes Parliament House is one of the world’s most architecturally acclaimed buildings and has an 81-metre flagpole with a flag bigger than a double-decker bus. There are panoramic views of Canberra from the roof and beautiful landscaped gardens with a renowned collection of Australian contemporary art.

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Western Australia Western Australia is one of the largest states in the world. The landscape is inspiring in its beauty and grandeur, including pristine beaches, rugged gorges, unique rock formations and secluded waterfalls. The climate is also varied, from the Mediterranean climate of the south, to the tropical climate of the north, meaning that you can find summer in Western Australia at any time of year.

Western Australia is divided into five distinct tourism regions, each offering a diverse range of extraordinary experiences to impress even the most discerning travellers. The tourism regions are Experience Perth, Australia’s Coral Coast, Australia’s South West, Australia’s Golden Outback and Australia’s North West.

Experience Perth includes the capital city of Perth and offers an easy-going, natural lifestyle surrounded by the beautiful Swan River, Kings Park and Botanic Garden, and the Indian Ocean.

From the city, head to the South West for worldclass food and wine, beautiful beaches, luxury accommodation and forests of tall trees.

The Golden Outback is where you’ll find historic townships, scenes of spectacular desert wilderness, outback characters, gold rush history, and the beaches of the Southern Ocean.

The Coral Coast, located north of Perth, is home to awesome marine life, endless white sandy beaches and the warm, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

If it’s an Aussie frontier adventure you’re after, head further north to the Kimberley in the North West and discover one of the world’s last true wilderness areas.

Whether you’re after an outback adventure, a relaxing holiday by the beach, a gourmet tour filled with fine food and wine, or an action packed schedule of water sports and thrill seeking, Western Australia offers extraordinary holiday experiences.

www.westernaustralia.com

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Tourism Western Australia

Main image: Western Australian Christmas tree (Nuytsia floribunda), Cape Le Grand Right: The Tree Top Walk, Valley of Giants in Walpole-Nornalup National Park

Tree Top Walk in the

Valley of the Giants

Tourism Western Australia

There is only one word for a walk among the tree tops of our tall timber forest of the south – exhilarating.

The Tree Top Walk near Walpole gives awesome views over the grove of 400-year-old red tingle trees known as the Valley of the Giants.

And from the ground, standing beneath these majestic giants, breathing in the cool forest air, it is a humbling experience.

This special and uniquely Western Australian tourism attraction has been internationally recognised, winning the Environmental Experience category in the prestigious British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Awards.

The Tree Top Walk was the only Australian attraction to win an award and was chosen from more than 75 entries from 38 countries.

Judged by a panel of environmental experts chaired by Professor David Bellamy, the Tree Top Walk was seen as a world role model for responsible tourism.

The walkway was originally built to allow visitors to experience the forest without damaging the delicate root system of the trees.

It was the first walk trail of its kind in the world – at 600 metres long and 40 metres high it allows a unique perspective of the forest, without impacting on the ground below.

The attraction now also serves to inform visitors about the local ecosystem and the forest’s ancient beginnings.

Interpretive signage makes for self guided walks, while a school holiday activities program

includes a range of interpretive tours including an Aboriginal cultural experience.

The Forest by Night tour allows you to enjoy the Tree Top Walk under a canopy of thousands of stars and see some of the nocturnal creatures that live in the forest.

Also making the Tree Top Walk truly unique is its structure.

Most similar canopy walks around the world feature suspension bridge structures, which are not for the faint hearted.

The Tree Top Walk however, is a series of 60-metre light-weight steel trusses built on steel pylons to form a secure ramp, which is wheelchair accessible.

Adjacent to the walkway is a boardwalk through the Ancient Empire grove of veteran tingle trees, which is home to the ‘giants’ after which the forest is named.

Some of the trees here are up to 16 metres in circumference at the base.

The boardwalk meanders around and sometimes through the old trees. It’s a peaceful experience with quiet spots to sit and reflect on the special nature of the tingle forest. www.westernaustralia.com Get the app! Experience Western Australia with 1000s of places to see, explore, eat, drink or stay. Available at the App Store and Google play.

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Tourism Western Australia

Bushwalking

in Denmark

Any time is perfect to immerse yourself in nature and experience the bush and forests of WA’s southern coast.

The picturesque town of Denmark, about 400 kilometres south of Perth, offers many walk trails in forest reserves and along coastal parks.

Sitting on the banks of the Denmark River and surrounded by forests and towering karri trees that sweep down to meet the Southern Ocean, Denmark is surely one of the prettiest towns in the southern regions – and a bush or forest walk is one of the best ways to experience its beauty.

The Bibbulmun Track passes through the area and is easily accessible for a few hours, a day or you can even sleep overnight at one of the campsites.

Above: Greens Pool in the William Bay National Park

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The track enters the Denmark area from the Frankland River and winds through the Valley of the Giants and Tree Top Walk. From here there are several places to join it including Peaceful Bay, Boat Harbour, William Bay National Park and Mount Hallowell.

Each of these points offers either amazing views of the ocean or the peace and tranquillity of the forest.

If you make the climb up Mount Hallowell, the vista over the coastline and surrounding farmland is stunning.

The Monkey Rock Trail leads to a granite outcrop on the south side of Mount Hallowell.

There is a lookout at the top of the rock which gives views of karri forests, the southern coastline and Wilson Inlet.

If you’re travelling with the family and don’t want to head too far out of town try the Karri Walk Trail, which is only two kilometres long.

The walk starts at Annie Harrinson Park in town where there’s a gazebo and map.

Following the path you’ll see gracious old trees including paperbarks, jarrah, marri and karri.

This trail is also good for history buffs, passing the old railway station site where you’ll find a photographic display at the old post office as well as other railway memorabilia. The walk ends on the bank of Wilson Inlet where you’ll see a big variety of birds.

There are many other walks in the area worth checking out including the Wilson Inlet Heritage Trail, the Mount Lindesay Walk and the Mokara Heritage Walk Trail. www.westernaustralia.com Get the app! Experience Western Australia with 1000s of places to see, explore, eat, drink or stay. Available at the App Store and Google play.

Tasmania Tasmania is Australia’s only island state. It is a heart-shaped island of lush green valleys, uncrowded towns and villages and still undeveloped coastlines.

It is one of the world’s most mountainous islands and while our peaks do not tower to great heights, they are unique in their serrated profile. The geology reflects our connection millions of years ago to Antarctica, and it is one of the few places in the world where ancient dolorite rocks dominate the landscape.

The climate is mild and the rainfall regular.

The Roaring Forty winds that travel across the island bring with them the cleanest air in the world. But in less than 300 kilometres the weather patterns change dramatically. On the west coast the average rainfall is around three metres a year, while on the east coast it’s less than 20 centimetres. Hobart, the capital, is incongruously Australia’s second driest large city.

You are invited to come to the edge of the world ... truly a world apart, not a world away, and to explore the island and meet the residents. It will be an experience you will always remember.

www.discovertasmania.com.au

Tourism Tasmania and John de la Roche

Main image: Marakoopa Cave

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Mole Creek

Tourism

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Mole Creek, population a tad over 200, is described as ‘Tasmania as you’ve always imagined it’. You’ll find Mole Creek 74 kilometres south of Devonport and 25 kilometres west of Deloraine – a perfect halfway pit stop between Devonport and Launceston.

Nestled in the heart of a region famous for its outstanding natural beauty – above ground and below, Mole Creek abounds in friendly hospitality and scenic wonders.

While offering abundant activities and attractions, most people know Mole Creek for its two famous caves: Marakoopa (from the

Main and top right inserted: Marakoopa Cave Left inserted image: Marakoopa Cave walk

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aboriginal word meaning ‘handsome’) is a wet cave featuring two underground streams, large caverns, rim pools, reflections and shawl and flowstone features; and King Solomons, packed with features and lavishly decorated with shawls, stalactites and stalagmites, and with a few less steps to negotiate than its big brother.

Mole Creek Karst National Park is the home of the caves and, although Marakoopa and King Solomons are its two best known, the park contains more than 300 known caves and sinkholes, plus other karst features including gorges and large, underground streams and springs.

A ‘karst’ is a barren region composed of limestone or dolomite and characterised by underground drainage systems.

A range of fascinating animals make their home in the underground that have evolved features to enable them to live in their lightless environment. The glow worm display in Marakoopa Cave is the largest in any cave open to the public in Australia.

Several guided cave tours by Tasmania’s Parks and Wildlife Service rangers are available every day and take around 45 minutes. There is a charge for the tour and the onsite ticket office accepts eftpos, visa card, bankcard, mastercard and cash.

It’s worth noting that tripods, food and drinks are not allowed in the caves. You can take pictures and use a torch, but not in the glow worm chamber at Marakoopa. where to stay Camping is not permitted in the national park, however you can stay at the Mole Creek Caravan Park about four kilometres west of Mole Creek on Union Bridge Road (www.molecreek.net.au or phone 03 6363 1150).

(41 33 04 S/146 21 37 E) There are also two free camps in the vicinity: Lake Parangana Recreation Area, 29 kilometres south-west of Mole Creek, one kilometre south of dam wall, via picnic area beside lake. (41 43 23 S/146 13 09 E) Lake Rowallan Boat Ramp, 41 kilometres south-west of Mole Creek. 600 metres south of dam wall at second boat ramp. (41 44 12 S/146 13 12 E)

Northern Territory The Northern Territory is the quintessential Australian experience and a geographer’s dream. The journey from north to south begins with the tropical shores of vibrant Darwin and ends in the dramatic deserts of the Red Centre, taking in the cattle stations and sweeping savannahs of the Barkly Tablelands along the way.

The Northern Territory is home to World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kakadu National Parks, which preserve and perpetuate both natural and cultural treasures.

In fact, the Red Centre is home to the world’s oldest river system, the Finke River, and Arnhem Land is home to the world’s oldest living culture.

Aboriginal people have lived in the Northern Territory for more than 50,000 years and their culture and connection to the land remain strong. In Arnhem Land especially, the people continue to live semi-traditional lives.

Home of Australia’s Outback, real cowboys work dusty hours mustering on cattle stations so big the best chance of finding all the cattle is to travel by helicopter.

Here, the average size of a cattle station is 3,122 square kilometres. Covering 12,000 square kilometres of fertile black soil, Brunette Downs is the largest cattle station in the Northern Territory.

A driving holiday into the Northern Territory has all the elements of a great Australian road trip.

Visit

www.travelnt.com

Tourism NT

Main image: Lost City, Litchfield National Park

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The Rainbow Serpent Story

Aborigines have the longest continuous cultural history of any group of people on Earth, estimated to be between 50,000 and 65,000 years old. Before European settlement of Australia, there were around 600 different Aboriginal nations, based on language groups.

Aboriginal Dreaming stories pass on important knowledge, cultural values and belief systems to later generations. Through song, dance, painting and storytelling, which express the dreaming stories, Aborigines have maintained a link with the Dreaming from ancient times to today, creating a rich cultural heritage.

The serpent, as a Creation Being, is perhaps the oldest continuing religious belief in the world, dating back several thousands of years.

The Rainbow Serpent, the symbol of Kakadu National Park, features in the Dreaming stories of many mainland Aboriginal nations and is always associated with watercourses, such as billabongs, rivers, creeks and lagoons.

The Rainbow Serpent is the protector of the land, its people, and the source of all life.

However, the Rainbow Serpent can also be a destructive force if it is not properly respected.

The most common version of the Rainbow Serpent story tells that in the Dreaming, the world was flat, bare and cold. The Rainbow Serpent slept under the ground with all the animal tribes in her belly waiting to be born.

Main image: The Rainbow Serpent made the sun, the fire and all the colours Right inserted image: Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu National Park – the Rainbow Serpent is always associated with watercourses

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When it was time, she pushed up, calling to the animals to come from their sleep. She threw the land out, making mountains and hills and spilled water over the land, making rivers and lakes. She made the sun, the fire and all the colours.

Generations of Bininj/Mungguy have lived on and cared for the country, including Kakadu National Park, for tens of thousands of years.

Bininj/Mungguy believe that during the Creation time important ancestral beings, known as the first people or Nayuhyunggi, journeyed across the landscape creating the features and landforms, plants, animals and the generations of Bininj/Mungguy we see today.

Come and discover Uluru and the spectacular outback landscape that surrounds it. Delve into the cultural significance of Uluru and discover for yourself why this icon is the spiritual heart of Australia.

The campground boasts a swimming pool, shared amenities with laundry facilities, communal kitchen facilities, share gas barbeque facilities, wireless internet & internet kiosk. Reception is Present open between 7am - 9pm. ad at the

The Rainbow Serpent played an important role in the conception of Bininj/Mungguy and their cultural obligations to care for the country. She is also part of the life cycle of plants and animals and the seasonal changes.

this otel Pioneer H Outback ceive a Kiosk & re

Bininj/Mungguy believe she is still present today, resting, and should never be disturbed.

Tourism NT

www.australia.gov.au / www.kakadu.com.au

Phone: + 61 8 8957 7001

Powered site 1-2 people per night

$

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Non-Powered site 1-2 people per night

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Email: campground@ayersrockresort.com.au www.ayersrockresort.com.au * Valid from 1 Jul 12 - 31 Mar 13. ^ Valid for 1 per person until 31 Mar 13 & not transferable for cash.

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Gagudju Dreaming

The Kakadu Experience of a Life Time

Tourism NT

Tourism NT

Gagudju Dreaming is an Indigenous owned collection of Kakadu wetland cruises, 4WD Kakadu tours, cultural experiences and Kakadu accommodation.

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It is the largest collection of facilities catering to tourism in Kakadu and is focused on positive Indigenous outcomes.

Most people come to Kakadu to experience its waterfalls, wetlands and Indigenous culture, and with Gagudju Dreaming you can experience it all.

Gagudju Dreaming also offers a wide range of activities in Kakadu including – Yellow Water Cruises, Gagudju Adventure Tours, Yellow Water Fishing, and our newest attraction The Algohgarrng Experience, which offers a new way to experience Yellow Water.

Rest by a billabong with Gagudju Lodge Cooinda, the gateway to Yellow Water Billabong, or stay in the deluxe Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn, a 4-star Kakadu hotel uniquely shaped like a crocodile. You can camp, caravan or stay in budget accommodation with Gagudju Lodge Cooinda. All of our Kakadu accommodation is centrally located in the park to maximise your time exploring its beauty.

Other facilities include general store, two resort pools, BBQ facilites, Barra bar and bistro, petrol station, art gallery and the Warradjan Cultural Centre.

To find out more about our tours and accommodation visit us at gagudju-dreaming.com or call 1800 500 401.

Main image: Yellow Lake – Yellow Water Billabong, Kakadu National Park Inserted image: Kakadu National Park

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The camping experience of a lifetime • Powered and Unpowered sites available • Campervan dump point • Communal Kitchen and enclosed eating area

Full use of Lodge Facilities including Two Swimming pools, Fuel Station, Alfresco Dining area Barra Bar and Bistro and Art Gallery

Explore your Surroundings Warradjan Cultural Centre, Yellow Water Cruises, 3 hour fishing trips, and The Algohgarrng Experience!

Reservations - Call - 1800 500 401 Email - reservations@yellowwater.com.au www.gagudju-dreaming.com

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P: (07) 4128 9374 1 Jetty Road Hervey Bay QLD 4655 admin@caravanparkherveybay.net.au www.caravanparkherveybay.net.au

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2-68 Flinders Street, Townsville www.reefhq.com.au (07) 4750 0800

Cook Highway, Wangetti QLD 4879 Phone: (07) 4055 3576

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Off FRASER DAY TOUR or FRASER 2 DAY* *Conditions: All bookings are subject to availability and booking terms & conditions. Must present this coupon at time of travel. Not valid with any other offer.

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*

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P: (07) 4128 9374 1 Jetty Road hervey bay Qld 4655 admin@caravanparkherveybay.net.au www.caravanparkherveybay.net.au

*Turn over for terms and conditions.

shop 1, 4, The esplanade airlie beach Ph: 1800 675 790 or (07) 4946 4999 www.explorewhitsundays.com

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Not only is Reef HQ an award winning major tourist attraction in Nth Qld, it is also the education facility for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, and home to thousands of incredible fish and reef creatures.

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10% discount !

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Cruises are fully inclusive and provide services of Captain, Cook and Crew, along with all meals freshly prepared, snorkelling equipment and excursions.

Scuba Diving available.

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Live-aboard 2, 3 or 6 Night Cruises of the Whitsunday Islands. Choose between our 2 day 2 night Sailing Adventures, 3 day 2 night Adventure Sailing tours, our century old Tall Ship, Solway Lass or our Whitsunday Blue.

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on Northern Exposure or Southern Lights Tour

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Amazing tropical limestone caves with a natural beauty different to deep underground systems. Easy walking guided tours - wild caving adventures available.

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P: (07) 4934 2883 f: (07) 4934 2936 30 Olsens caves Road, The caves Qld 4702 admin@capricorncaves.com.au www.capricorncaves.com.au

W H I T S U N D A Y S •Whitehaven Beach •Top Snorkel Destinations •Guided Island Bushwalks

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Tours depart from the Sunshine Coast, and include courtesy hotel pick up/ drop-off (Mooloolaba to Noosa & Rainbow Beach).

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The Discovery Group invites Apollo Guests to join them on an unforgettable wilderness adventure to World Heritage Listed Fraser Island!

DEVELOPMENT AW ARDS

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freecall: 1800 600 201 www.beachsideholidays.com.au

ALICE SPRINGS The perfect way to appreciate the vast remoteness and spectacular dawn colours of the Australian Outback and MacDonnell Ranges.

10% discount ! *

*On early morning balloon flights tours only. Not valid with any other offers. Direct booking only.

1800 809 790 www.outbackballooning.com.au

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*Off Mine Tours. The Tour is self guided with written guides in a number of different languages. (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Dutch, Hebrew.)

P: (08) 8672 5555 crowders Gully Road, coober Pedy sa 5723 otm@berrydopals.com.au www.oldtimersmine.com

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» Halifax Holiday Park, Nelson Bay » Fingal Bay Holiday Park » Shoal Bay Holiday Park » Soldiers Point Holiday Park

25% discount ! *

on a powered site

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FlINDERs RANGEs

FLINDERS RANGES The beauty and complex landforms of the Wilpena Pound area can only be truly appreciated from the air.

SA

NT

Fly with Kakadu Air to truly appreciate the vastness of this timeless land. Ideal for time-poor travellers who want to see the spectacular highlights of world-heritage Kakadu National Park; landscapes that can only be fully appreciated from the air. Spectacular Fixed Wing flights overfly the dramatic escarpments, kaleidoscopes of rugged rock country and mighty rivers.

Established in 1981, Kakadu Air is the Northern Territory's longest operating, specialist flight company within Kakadu.

W NS

20% discount !

SA

MULTI AWARD WINNING TOURIST ATTRACTION

Port Stephens Beachside Holiday Parks have four stunning locations to choose from.

10% discount ! *

*On early morning balloon flights tours only. Not valid with any other offers. Direct booking only.

1800 809 790 www.outbackballooning.com.au

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Share online and you could Win big!

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Adelaide

Address: 969 Port Road, Cheltenham SA 5014. (Entrance at rear).

Phone: (08) 8445 2165 Fax: (08) 8268 4678 Head OfďŹ ce Free Phone: 1800 777 779 Email: info@apollocamper.com Internet: www.apollocamper.com Operating hours change according to the season so please phone the branch to check their opening hours.

Alice Springs

Address: 40 Stuart Highway (Cnr Smith Street), Alice Springs NT 0871 Phone: (08) 8955 5305 Fax: (08) 8955 5882 Head OfďŹ ce Free Phone: 1800 777 779 Email: info@apollocamper.com Internet: www.apollocamper.com Operating hours change according to the season so please phone the branch to check their opening hours.

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Brisbane

Address: 698 Nudgee Road, Northgate (Brisbane) QLD 4013 Phone: (07) 3265 9240 Fax: (07) 3265 9241 Head OfďŹ ce Free Phone: 1800 777 779 Email: info@apollocamper.com Internet: www.apollocamper.com Operating hours change according to the season so please phone the branch to check their opening hours.

Broome

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Address: 5 Farrell Street, Broome WA 6725 Phone: (08) 9192 5282 Fax: (08) 9193 5423 Head OfďŹ ce Free Phone: 1800 777 779 Email: info@apollocamper.com Internet: www.apollocamper.com Operating hours change according to the season so please phone the branch to check their opening hours.

Cairns

Address: 432-434 Sheridan Street, Cairns QLD 4870 Phone: (07) 4032 0366 Fax: (07) 4053 7136 Head OfďŹ ce Free Phone: 1800 777 779 Email: info@apollocamper.com Internet: www.apollocamper.com Operating hours change according to the season so please phone the branch to check their opening hours.

Darwin

Address: 698 440 Stuart Highway, Winnellie NT 0820 Phone: (08) 8942 1255 Fax: (08) 8981 4736 Head OfďŹ ce Free Phone: 1800 777 779 Email: info@apollocamper.com Internet: www.apollocamper.com Operating hours change according to the season so please phone the branch to check their opening hours.

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Hobart

Address: 1 Hawkesford Road, Hobart Airport, Cambridge TAS 7170 Phone: (03) 6274 5500 Fax: (03) 6248 4690 Head OfďŹ ce Free Phone: 1800 777 779 Email: info@apollocamper.com Internet: www.apollocamper.com Operating hours change according to the season so please phone the branch to check their opening hours.

Melbourne

Address: 189A South Centre Road, Tullamarine VIC 3043 (entrance via Annandale Rd) Phone: (03) 9335 9200 Fax: (03) 9310 3451 Head OfďŹ ce Free Phone: 1800 777 779 Email: info@apollocamper.com Internet: www.apollocamper.com Operating hours change according to the season so please phone the branch to check their opening hours.

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Perth

Address: Abernethy Road & Worrell Avenue, High Wycombe WA 6057 Phone: (08) 9477 5444 Fax: (08) 9277 8355 Head OfďŹ ce Free Phone: 1800 777 779 Email: info@apollocamper.com Internet: www.apollocamper.com Operating hours change according to the season so please phone the branch to check their opening hours.

Sydney

Address: 661 Gardeners Road, Mascot NSW 2020 Phone: (02) 8338 0075 Head OfďŹ ce Free Phone: 1800 777 779 Email: info@apollocamper.com Internet: www.apollocamper.com Operating hours change according to the season so please phone the branch to check their opening hours.

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ResTRicTed and PROhibiTed ROads fOR 4 wheel dRive vehicles Northern Territory – Top End Region Van Diemen Gulf

Beagle Gulf

Maningrida

DARWIN

KAKADU NP Kakadu Resort HWY

JIM

Batchelor Adelaide River ST UA RT

Twin Falls

Jim Jim Falls

ARN

ER ROP Roper Bar Y HW

Bulman

Daly River

AD RO

Pine Creek

CARP

ENTA

Batchelor Wangi Falls

NITIMILUK NP

Katherine

Barunga

Beswick

Y

HW

HW

Y

Maranboy

U OR

IN

MA

HW

Y

NA

H

VI

See Inset

1

Kilometres 40 0

O CT

120

80

Sir Edward Pellew Group

WAY

GREGORY NP

SA VA N

N

1

Hells Gate Roadhouse Burketown

Doomadgee

Inset

Roper Bar

ROPER

Mataranka

RIA

Groote Eylandt Mornington Island

QLD NT

Nitmiluk Visitor Centre

Adelaide River Lost City Sandy Creek Falls LITCHFIELD NP

Borroloola

WA Y Y HW Cape Crawford Numbulwar

RIA

GULF OF CARPENTARIA

Sir Edward Pellew Group Bing Bong

H NNA SAVA

DU KAKA

1

HEM

Requires Apollo approval to enter this area

AD RO

LITCHFIELD NP

ROAD

L

JIM

HWY

RA

EM ARNH

A R N H E M L A N D

Jabiru

Gove Peninsula

Gapuwiyak

CE NT

DJUKBINJ NP Humpty Doo

Nhulunbuy

Ngangalala Ramingining

Oenpelli

Ubirr Palmerston

Milingimbi

Larrimah

Victoria Inn Roadhouse

Timber Creek GREGORY NP

Central Australia Region Halls Creek

Fitzroy Crossing

1

1

BAR

KLY

TANAMI DESERT

TANAMI

1

Mount Isa

RO

UT

E

NT WA

Rabbit Flat Roadhouse

Barkly Homestead Roadhouse HWY Camooweal

STUART

Tennant Creek

Cloncurry

Julia Creek

Richmond

Barrow Creek

ST OC

K

AD RO

ING

NN

Suggested Route on sealed roads – not requiring Apollo authorisation Restricted access – requiring Apollo authorisation

HWY Yulara LASSETER

AD RO

GUNBA

RREL

NT SA

AL

Birdsville

Kulgera Roadhouse WITURA NP

TR

ADA T TA

Marla

STONY

Innamincka

TRACK

DESERT

Marree

300

Roxby Downs

Andamooka Lyndhurst

LAKE TORRENS NP LAKE GAIRDNER NP

52

CKI ZEL E

Tibooburra

QLD NSW

White Cliffs

Woomera

Restricted and Prohibited Roads for 4 Wheel Drive Vehicles I hereby agree that I have received a copy of the Resticted and Prohibited Roads maps and Rental Vehicle Agreement

Leigh Creek

DESERT

NSW SA

200

Thargomindah STRZELECKI

STR

VILL BIRD

K AC

Kilometres 100 0

TR

SA WA

N

William Creek

E

LAKE EYRE NP Coober Pedy

Quilpie

DESERT

STURT Oodnadatta

GR

STRZELECKI

K AC

QLD SA

SIMPSON DESERT

OON

T EA

SIMPSON DESERT NP

SIMPSON DESERT

HWY

TR

N CE

Longreach

HWY

ULURU-KATATJUTA NP

Warburton

Boulia

Alice Springs

Prohibited Road – No access under any circumstances

Warakurna Roadhouse

Winton

PLENTY

QLD NT

CA

Dajarra

HWY

RA

Western Australia – Kimberley Region Cape Bougainville

N

Suggested Route on sealed roads – not requiring Apollo authorisation Kalumburu

Restricted access – requiring Apollo authorisation Prohibited Road – No access under any circumstances

D

4W

Mitchell Falls MITCHELL RIVER NP

Cape Brewster Brunswick Bay

Wilson Point

KING LEOPOLD RANGES

Hall Point GIBB

Wyndham

Collier Bay 15

4WD

ROA

El Questro

D

Imintji Wilderness Camp CONSERVATION PARK

Kununurra

D ROA

Drysdale River

AD RO

RIVER

Lennard River Gorge Road

0

N

DRYSDALE RIVER NP

KULUMBURU

York Sound

120

80

LAWLEY RIVER NP

Surveyors Pool Cape Pond

Kilometres 40 0

Lake Argyle Lake Argyle

K I M B E R L E Y

30 kms

1

R

RIVE

Cape Leveque Mt Barnett Roadhouse

Lombadina

KING LEOPOLD RANGES CP

Lennard Gorge

GIB

B

Beagle Bay Malaburra

Cape Baskerville

Derby

4WD

Bungle Bungle Range

Y

King Sound

Emeriau Point

Darlu Darlu

Warmun

HW

Lombadina Point

PURNULULU NP

WINDJANA GORGE NP

Coulomb Point TUNNEL CREEK NP GREAT

1 Pandanus Park

Halls Creek

GEIKIE GORGE NP

Roebuck Plains Roadhouse

Fitzroy Crossing

NT WA

Broome Roebuck Bay

1

1

Queensland – Cape York Region

Western Australia – Central Region Broome HW

Y

Fitzroy Crossing NORTHERN 1

HW

Y

GREAT

Thursday Island

Halls Creek

Bamaga

N

OLD TELEGRAPH ROAD

ER

1 N AT GRE Pardoo Roadhouse

GREAT SANDY DESERT

JARDINE RIVER NP

N

UT RO Kilometres 100 0

CK

STO

PH TELEGRA

N RUDALL RIVER NP

Kilometres 50 0

OLD TELEGRAPH ROAD

Marble Bar

300

200

Weipa

100

150

FRENCHMANS TRACK IRON RANGE NP

ROAD

PILBARA GREAT

No access under any circumstances between the months of December to May

E

TH OR

NORTHERN

Newman

ING

NORTHERN

CA

NN

Aurukun Archer River Roadhouse MUNGKAN KANDJU NP

REL

BAR

AD RO L

RA

GO

GREAT VICTORIA DESERT

LDF

GREAT

Pormpuraaw

Musgrave Roadhouse

IELD

Hann River Roadhouse

Leonora

Laura

Cooktown

No access under any circumstances between the months of December to May

HW Y

Coolgardie

Southern Cross Merredin

GOONGARRIE NP

STARCKE NP BRIDGE CREEK NP

Kowanyama MITCHELL ALICE RIVERS NATIONAL

Menzies

Koolyanobbing

CAPE MELVILLE NP

RO LAKEFIELD NP AD

Laverton

KARROUN HILL NP

No access under any circumstances between the months of December to May

AL ENT

NT

CE

Warburton

Coen

PM ELO

Wiluna Meekatharra

CAPE YORK PENINSULA

DEV

HWY

GUN

LA INSU

Y

HW

COLLIER RANGE NP Kumarina Roadhouse

PEN

Warakurna Roadhouse

Kalgoorlie EYRE

HWY 1

DAINTREE NP STAATEN RIVER NP

Daintree

Port Douglas 53

She wants comfort.

He wants cheap.

She wants lots of amenities.

He'd prefer a beer instead of this wine.

At Family Parks, we know families. For example, we know that if the kids aren't happy Mum and Dad will be miserable. And that if your wife has to trek too far to the amenities block everyone will suffer. That's why at Family Parks we offer something to please the whole tribe.

Freecall 1300 855 707 www.familyparks.com.au Over 160 parks to choose from across Australia and New Zealand.

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