5 November, 2008

Melbourne’s newest tourist attraction spins into action

Melbourne’s newest tourist attraction, the Southern Star Observation Wheel at the Docklands will spin into action on November 28.

At 120-metres high the Southern Star is Australia’s first and only observation wheel and is one of the highest of its kind in the world. 

The wheel features 21 enclosed air-conditioned glass cabins that will showcase views of Port Phillip Bay stretching as far as Geelong.  

At night a world-first 3.7km LED lighting system will be used for ever-changing displays. 

The wheel is part of the ING’s Waterfront City development which also includes American retail giant Costco opening next year and a range of other shopping, food and wine and entertainment precincts.

People will be able to travel there for free when Melbourne’s popular City Circle tram route is extended next year.  The Southern Star Observation Wheel and Waterfront City is currently accessible by the Route 86 tram. 

New Guide showcases Victorian Wine Regions

Victoria’s reputation as the food and wine capital of Australia has been strengthened with the release of the 2008-09 Wine Regions of Victoria Touring Guide. 

At the launch the Minister of Tourism and Major Events, Tim Holding said the Guide will help attract more visitors to regional Victoria.

“With each edition the Guide grows in size and importance.  At 166 pages and with a print run of 120,000 copies, this edition is a key marketing tool for wine tourism. 

“On the doorstep of a sophisticated and cosmopolitan city, Victoria’s wine regions are a magnet for day-tripping Melburians, interstate wine lovers and international visitors alike.

“With 2900 vineyards and 850 wineries across 21 wine regions, Victoria has the most diverse wine industry in the country.”

For a free copy of the new Wine Regions of Victoria guide call 132 842.

New forecast for the Victorian Tourism Awards

Channel Nine’s Today show presenter Steve Jacobs will replace Grant Denyer as the host at the 2008 Victorian Tourism Awards Presentation and Gala Ceremony. 

As a former Postcards presenter Jacobs has a wealth of knowledge on Victoria’s tourism offerings and he regularly appears at leading Victorian tourist attractions in his current role as weather presenter on the Today Show.   

Denyer was forced to withdraw after suffering from a serious spinal injury sustained while driving a monster truck.

Tickets are now on sale for the Presentation and Gala Ceremony of the Melbourne Airport 2008 Victorian Tourism Awards.

Tickets include pre-dinner drinks and canapés, followed by a three-course meal, accompanied by premium Victorian wines and our premier showcase of entertainment.  General admission is $155 all inclusive and entrant’s admission is $135 all inclusive.

To book your ticket, and celebrate every detail of Victoria’s tourism industry, contact our ticketing partner, Showbiz, on 1300 667 271.

$7 million redevelopment at Museum

Melbourne Museum’s Science and Life Gallery will receive a $7 million makeover by May 2010.  This will be the largest development ever planned by Museum Victoria. 

The plans for the gallery include four new exhibitions featuring many never-before-seen objects from the Museum’s extensive natural sciences collection.

When the multi-phased project is completed, the Science and Life Gallery will be one of the most comprehensive natural sciences galleries in Australia. 

There will be more than 3,000 objects from Museum Victoria’s celebrated natural sciences collections on display including objects from Museum Victoria’s renowned palaeontology, geology, birds and mammals collections. 

A specially developed website featuring exhibition updates, behind the scenes videos, blogs by the curators and development updates by Margie Amargasaurus has also been created to celebrate the project.  To view, go to museumvictoria.com.au/scienceandlife.

Gippsland’s Buchan Caves gets million dollar makeover

Gippsland’s famous Buchan Caves have benefited from a $700,000 upgrade. 

The improvements at both the Royal and Fairy caves include the installation of emergency lighting and improved safety for visitors such as upgrades to stairs and the installation of stainless steel handrails. 

Aging 240 volt lights have been replaced with state of the art, low-heat, low-energy lighting which enhances the natural beauty of the caves.

Other works include restoration of the rock wall at the Fairy Cave entrance and along Fairy and Spring creeks to help protect the cultural heritage of the reserve.  The old timber access bridge to Fairy Creek entrance has also been replaced. 

The State Government will spend a further $1 million on upgrading facilities at the Caves over the next two years.

For further information on Buchan caves visit parkweb.vic.gov.au

New award added at national level

The National Tourism Alliance is calling for nominations for the National Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual. 

This award recognises the extraordinary personal and professional achievement and contribution by an individual to the Australian tourism industry. 

The winner will be announced at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards ceremony on Friday 27 November 2009 in Melbourne. 

Nominations close on Friday 14 November. 

For further information visit tourismalliance.org

Blockbuster winter set for 2009

Melbourne is set for another blockbuster winter in 2009 with a range of major events scheduled. 

The most recent edition to the calendar is the final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifies between the Qantas Socceroos and Japan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday 17 June. 

Tourism and Major Events Minister Tim Holding said the blockbuster match at the MCG will attract a huge crowd including a large contingent of Japanese visitors.

“Melbourne is the major events capital of the world and this World Cup Qualifier will further enhance our reputation for hosting outstanding international sporting events.”

Other scheduled events in winter 2009 include a Rugby League State of Origin match, an international rugby union test match and two exhibitions exclusive to Melbourne Winter Masterpieces, A Day in Pompeii and Salvador Dali: Liquid Desire. 

What’s on

Melbourne Airport 2008 Victorian Tourism Awards – 17 November, Melbourne

Victoria's International Exchange - 24 November, Melbourne

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