December 2007

 

Victoria’s tourism industry salutes its greatest

Victorian Tourism awards

Victoria’s dynamic tourism businesses and innovative leaders have been recognised for their excellence at the Melbourne Airport 2007 Victorian Tourism Awards.

Winners were announced across 26 categories, ranging from accommodation to tourism retailing, ecotourism, tourism training and new developments.

More than 130 businesses and individuals competed for top honours in this year’s awards, a 25 per cent increase on last year.

Six businesses were inducted into the Victorian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame at the ceremony for winning their category three years consecutively:

Other major award-winning business included:

Eureka Tower’s Skydeck was the winner of the award for New Tourism Development. “New attractions like the Eureka Tower Skydeck help to enhance the experience tourists have when they visit Melbourne which attracts new and return local, interstate and international visitors,” said Minister for Tourism and Major Events Tim Holding.

Winners of the 2007 Victorian Tourism Awards will represent the state at the 2007 Australian Tourism Awards to be held in Canberra in February 2008.

A full list of award winners can be found at www.tourismvictoria.com.au under the ‘Awards’ section.

New Melbourne hot spots

Tuscan Bar

Tuscan Bar: Level 1, 79-85 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Ph: 03 9671 3322
www.tuscanbar.com.au
This brand new lavish offering at the top end of Collins street boasts rich mahogany features, deep red carpet, gold painted ceilings and huge chandeliers. Serving wines from all corners of the world and offering superb regional dishes from Tuscany and Italian specialties, this is a must-see this summer.

Cuba Lounge: 1 Parliament Square, East Melbourne
Ph: (03) 9224 1234
Melbourne's hottest new concept in lounge dining has been launched at Melbourne's Park Hyatt. Guests can relax in the ambient surrounds of the wood-panelled Cuba Lounge and enjoy canapés and pre-dinner cocktails by the fire before moving on to a dining table set for 25 to 40 guests. The room is tucked away behind the seclusion of patterned glass and enhanced with unique artwork and designer lounge furniture, making it the perfect private escape for the night.

Sumac: Shed 14, 161 Harbour Esplanade Central Pier Docklands,
Ph: 03 8623 9600
Moroccan themed event space, Sumac, is open for business in a new home within the $20M world class renovation of Shed 14 at Central Pier Docklands. With a distinct Middle Eastern flavour, Sumac will build on its reputation for delivering events with style and sophistication - its inaugural event an exclusive cocktail party with 45th Vice President of the United States, Al Gore. Able to host 140 sit down or 380 cocktail-style, Sumac can be adapted and tailored to suit a range of events.

Recorded Music Salon: 11 Collins Street, Melbourne
Ph: 03 9650 3821
This relaxed café and bar is ‘hidden’ upstairs at 11 Collins St, taking its name from a long-standing vinyl record store that used to sit below. Offering fantastic coffee and mouth-watering tapas, the atmosphere at Recorded Music Salon makes one grateful for having stumbled across a true city gem. To add to the lure, the space has recently become a bar that offers a mix of old-favourite and boutique spirits, six draught beers and a small but interesting wine list.

1806: 169 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Ph: 03 9663 7722
www.1806.com.au
Taking its name from the year 1806, when the word ‘cocktail’ first appeared in print in New York, this brand new bar is all about cocktails. The impressive cocktail list includes at least one drink for every decade from 1806 to now. Whether it is an original ‘Bittered Sling’, the chosen drink of sophisticated businessmen in 1806, or a 1917 creation called ‘Aviation’, which consists of gin with violet, lemon and maraschino, 1806 will transport guests to a time and place reminiscent of a grander era.

Wah Wah Lounge: Level 1, 185 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Ph: 9654 5793
www.wahwahlounge.com.au
Wah Wah Lounge is the newest hot spot in Melbourne’s club scene, delivering cutting edge house music for lovers of old school house tunes and a number of excellent established Melbourne DJs.  The venue’s décor is sure to impress with a grandiose lighting feature imported from the United Kingdom, valued at $40,000. Pop in for after work drinks on Friday to enjoy free massages, makeup workshops and touch ups, manicures and Champagne for members.

Melbourne's Rooftop Cinema: Level 6, 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Ph: 9663 3596
www.rooftopcinema.com.au
Located on the rooftop of Curtin House above Cookie and Toff in Town, Melbourne’s Rooftop Cinema is back for a second year with a great line up of cult and classic films (e.g. Taxi Driver, The Party and The Breakfast Club) as well as newer titles. The program starts 21 November and runs through to 30 March. Check out the website for more details.

A new look Hilton on the Park – Melbourne

Hilton hotel Executive room

Hilton on the Park – Melbourne, located next to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens, is undergoing a $40 million refurbishment that will see the 410 guest rooms and conference and events floor refreshed with a contemporary and stylish design.

The upgrade is already underway with the refurbishment of the business rooms, executive floors and impressive relaxation suites complete. Revitalisation of the Hotel’s remaining guest rooms and suites has recently commenced, with the guest room upgrade expected to be completed around mid 2008.

From mid-December 2007 the dedicated conference and events floor on level one, including the hotel’s famous Grand Ballroom, will be given anexciting makeover. Scheduled to re-open again in the beginning of March 2008, the impressive new events space will feature state of the art technology.

To celebrate the hotel’s refurbishment, Hilton on the Park – Melbourne has released a Refurbishment Celebration Package, designed for visitors to experience the stylish, new rooms. Available Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, and starting from only $249 per couple, per night, the package includes: overnight luxury accommodation for two in a refurbished business room and buffet breakfast for two in the Gallery Restaurant.

To book this great package contact the hotel on 03 9412 3222 or email melbourne.reservations@hilton.com

For updates on the Hilton on the Park’s transformation, subscribe to regular refurbishment updates by emailing your contact details to refurbishment.melbourne@hilton.com

Media contact: Leanne Tyrrell, PR Consultant, Tyrrell Publicity & Promotions, PH: (03) 9629-7000 or email: leanne@tyrrellpr.com.au

Leo Pacific Hotels opens in the heart of Melbourne

Melbourne welcomes a brand new hotel this month when Leo Pacific Hotel opens its doors, providing centrally located accommodation to travellers that enjoy a boutique hotel experience.

The five-storey building has been extensively refurbished and converted into a quality
boutique hotel containing 60 hotel rooms, studio apartments and two-bedroom
apartments.

Leo Pacific is centrally located on Little Bourke Street between Queen and Elizabeth Streets, close to Melbourne’s Chinatown district and numerous cafes, restaurants, boutique shops and major department stores.

Leo Pacific is the latest editions to the Leisure Inn Hotels and Suites brand of hotels, which are owned and managed by Kusido Hospitality and Property Group Pty Ltd.

There are opening specials running from 26 November to 3 December across all rooms types: Hotel rooms are only $99; studio apartments are $109; premier studio apartments are $119; deluxe studio apartments are $129 and Interconnecting studio apartments are $179. A continental breakfast pack is available for $8.50.

For further information or bookings, call (03) 9600 4000 or visit www.leisureinnhotels.com

Media contact: Rachel Pirie, Group Marketing Executive on Ph. (02) 8198 9220 or email rpirie@leisureinnhotels.com

Shhh… want to know a secret?

Melbourne secret shopping cards

Shopping Secrets Pty Ltd, creators of the highly successful Deck of Secrets cards, are releasing two new guides this month – a revised Shopping Secrets - Melbourne guide which has over 25% new content and the 6th edition of Bar Secrets Melbourne - citywhich has over 30% new content and a new cover. 

The revised guides showcase what’s hot and happening in Melbourne’s bar and retail scenes. 

The new shops listed in Shopping Secrets - Melbourne are:

The new bars listed in Bar Secrets Melbourne – city are:

Melbourne secret bar cards

The cards will be available from selected bookshops, newsagencies and department stores for only $9.95.

For further information visit call (03) 9670 8740 or visit www.deckofsecrets.com

Media contact: Michelle Matthews or Antonietta Colasante on Ph. (03) 9670 8740

Surf's up at Crowne Plaza Torquay

Crowne Plaza

The surfing capital of Australia and official gateway to the Great Ocean Road will have its first internationally-branded hotel this month with the opening of Crowne Plaza Torquay, managed by IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group).

The $80 million Crowne Plaza Torquay will be the largest hotel in the historic seaside town, with 164 hotel rooms (include 82 one-bedroom apartments), a restaurant with panoramic beachfront views, ground floor bar, pool, gym and day spa. 

The hotel's Seasalt Restaurant, café lounge and bar overlook the majestic Zeally Bay. With 180 degree ocean views, the banquet rooms of Crowne Plaza Torquay offer the perfect venue for a day meeting, conference event or wedding.

Crowne Plaza Torquay is just metres from the beach, with world renowned surf beaches Bells and Jan Juc only a short drive. Located within an easy five minute drive are a world-class golf course, the Australia Surfing Museum, outlet shopping and numerous tourist attractions.

Crowne Plaza Torquay is open for reservations from 22 December 2007, with room only rates starting from $198.00 per night.

For more information about Crowne Plaza or to make a booking, free call 138 388 or visit www.crowneplaza.com.au

Media contact: Luke Starr, Starr Public Relations; M: 0419 446 879, (02) 8234 4300; email: luke@starrpr.com.au

Visit Great Ocean Road’s new foodie hub

Timboon Railway Shed

An 80-year-old railway shed has been transformed into a new foodie hub along the Great Ocean Road, with the opening this month of the Timboon Railway Shed Distillery.

Featuring a whisky distillery where the distilling process can be observed and tastings done, as well as a café and produce store, the facility adds interest to the hinterland of the world’s most scenic drive.

Created by the owners of Timboon Fine Ice Cream (which is a wholesale facility only), the distillery will make single-malt whiskey, gin and vodka, and is already producing a strawberry schnapps (using local fruit) and Irish cream. All the Timboon brand spirits sold on-site are named after real-life characters who had a hand in the region’s illicit whiskey trade in the 1880s and historical panels at the distillery explain this fascinating story.

The produce store features a wealth of local product under one roof, including Timboon Farmhouse Cheese, Red Duck Beer, Shultz Organic Yoghurt, local honey, wine and of course Timboon Fine Ice Cream.

Timboon Railway Shed Distillery is located at the Timboon end of the 34km-long Timboon to Camperdown Rail Trail, which can be walked or cycled, passing scenic views and native wildlife such as koalas and kangaroos.

Timboon Railway Shed Distillery is open from 10am-6pm daily. Tastings cost $5 for four spirits.

For more information visit www.timboondistillery.com

Media contact: Tim Marwood on Ph: 03 55 950 390; M: 0407 684 086; email info@timboonicecream.com.au

Journey through Aboriginal Victoria

Aboriginal Victoria brochure

Experience and engage with Victoria’s Aboriginal culture and heritage, which dates back over 60,000 years, with Tourism Victoria’s new Aboriginal Victoria brochure.

This high quality publication is for those interested in experiencing Victoria’s inspiring Aboriginal tourism attractions.

The 36-page brochure showcases some of Australia’s most historically significant sites, like the National Heritage Listed Lake Condah, the many rock art sites in the Grampians, Gariwerd National Park and Wilson’s Promontory National Park.

Aboriginal Victoria is distinctive in the context of Indigenous Australia, as the impact of colonisation created a different heritage, history and culture – one that is both traditional and contemporary, both urban and rural.

Victorian Koories are proud keepers of an ancient heritage and look forward to sharing their history. Join guided tours and interpretative walks, visit art galleries and cultural centres and taste bush foods in restaurants or straight from the source.

The brochure is available from visitor information centres around Victoria. Copies can be ordered from the Tourism Victoria consumer information line on 132 842.

Media contact: Emma Miller, Ph: (03) 9653 9757; email: emma.miller@tourism.vic.gov.au

Canak Adventures – Kayaking and Wine Tasting Tour

kayaking

Paddle down the Goulburn River on a wine tour with a difference. Combine kayaking down a river with visits to local wineries with Canak Adventures, a new tour operator operating out of the Central Victorian Goldfields town of Bendigo.

This fun, adventurous tour is designed especially for those with no kayaking experience and the kayaks are very wide and stable.

The morning is spent kayaking down the river, with a stop at the famous Mitchelton Winery for a gourmet morning tea and hot drinks. The winery has wine tastings, an art gallery and lookout tower.

Participants who would like to enjoy a few wines at the first stop, or who are tired of kayaking, can chose to take the bus to the next winery. The rest of the group then begins the second kayaking stretch, which is around two hours through spectacular wetlands teaming with wildlife.

Tahbilk Winery is the final destination, where lunch is served in the wetlands café, with local wines included. Cellar door wine tastings, an under ground cellar and nature walks are also available. The tour then returns to Bendigo between 4-5pm.

Transport from Bendigo to the Goulburn River, kayaking equipment, morning tea and lunch are included in the cost of the tour $147.

For more information or bookings call Kirstie on 0409 874 661 or visit www.canak-adventures.com

Introducing Mt Baw Baw Wine Tours

mt baw baw wine tours

During summer, visitors to Mt Baw Baw can enjoy outdoor pursuits such as bushwalking, bike riding, photography and bird watching. Now, there is an additional dimension to the holiday experience – a brand new winery tour.

Venture off the mountain and take in spectacular scenery as you make your way around some of West Gippsland’s most picturesque vineyards. At the various boutique winery cellar doors, you will be able to tempt your taste buds with the very best red, white and sparkling wines of the Baw Baw region.

The tours are priced at $85 per person which includes transfers, a gourmet lunch and a complimentary glass of wine. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount.

An accommodation package is available for $368 per person which includes a tour and a night’s accommodation at the Outpost Retreat in Noojee, including breakfast. Or passengers may prefer to stay on-mountain at the nearby Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort.

Tours run on the second Saturday of each month from November 2007 to April 2008.  Other dates may be available for groups upon request.

For reservations and enquiries, contact guest services on 1300 651 136, email or visit info@mountbawbaw.com.au

Stay at Flynn’s Place in Bendigo and venture on a Book Lovers Trail 

Flynn’s Place
Built in the 1880s, Flynn's Place has been completed restored to offer guests to Bendigo a very high standard of self-contained accommodation, only a short walk from CBD. Quality beds and furniture are provided to ensure guests are made comfortable and enjoy their stay.

Broadband internet access is provided free of charge to guests. The location is perfectly positioned to make the most of the Bendigo Art Gallery, Capital Theatre, restaurants, wine bars and cafes.

Flynn's Place consists of two self-contained areas - "Maneroo" and "Linden" which each have their own kitchen, living area, bedroom and bathroom. These areas can be booked separately, or used together to accommodate extra people.

Tariffs range from $165 to $195 per night, per couple.

For more information call 03 5444 0001 or visit www.flynnsplace.com.au

Book Lover’s Trail
For those who love to fossick through the shelves of a book store in search of a hidden gem - the Book Lovers' Trail brochure will be a handy travelling tool.  The trail weaves through Central Victoria and highlights ten of the region’s favourite secondhand book shops. 

The stores are located in Bendigo, Castlemaine, Campbells Creek, Kyneton, Daylesford, Woodend, Ballarat, Buninyong and Trentham – each offering their own speciality collection and charm. 

In Bendigo, Book Now is a delightful discovery for one keen on antiquarian and general secondhand collections.   Housed in a beautiful 19th century building in Farmers Lane, you can purchase books from decades ago as well as more recent release titles.

This beautiful trail allows you to browse through an extensive range of fine quality secondhand books while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Central Victoria.

To obtain a Book Lovers’ Trail brochure visit www.bendigotourism.com/brochure.asp

Enjoy the thrills and spills of Adventure Park

Adventure Park

Visitors to Geelong’s popular family attraction, Adventure Park, can cool off in a brand new waterpark this summer, which complements its existing attractions, such as waterslides, aquabikes, jumping castles and go karts.

Stage one of the $3.5million waterpark includes two of the world’s hottest water rides.  Thrill-seekers can experience the ultimate adrenaline rush when racing head-first down the new ‘Super 6 Lane Aqua Racer’ at speeds of up to 40km per hour. One of only four in Australia, the ‘Aqua Racer’ is a towering wave-like mountain more than 80 metres long and pumping 120 litres of water per minute.

Kids can escape to the new Caribbean pirate adventure ‘Bonito’s Bay Water Play Splash Zone’. This state of the art aquatic playground features waterfalls, water jets and waterslides, plus an enormous bucket on the roof which tips water down on unsuspecting children, keeping youngsters entertained for hours.

Stage two of the water park development is scheduled to open in September 2008, featuring the ‘River Torrent’ ride, which lets riders travel down rapids in a tube.

The new waterpark compliments the park’s existing 20 land and water based rides and attractions, providing families with even more action-packed thrills.

For more information, visit www.adventurepark.com.au

Media contact: Leanne Salmon, General Manager; Ph: (03) 52 502 756; email:  leanne@adventurepark.com.au

Special Packages: Retreat to the romantic Dandenong Ranges

For bookings or enquiries call 1300 364 657 or email info@bookthedandenongs.com

Cuckoo restaurant

The Dandenongs - Naturally!

Enjoy the Dandenongs naturally for two nights’.

$690*
*Terms and conditions apply

Eaglehammer Cottages

Heaven in the Hills

For those who seek tranquillity and elegance surrounded in nature then look no further than Eaglehammer Cottages.

$530*
*Terms and conditions apply

 

 

Arnica Views

Relax, Refresh, Rejuvenate

Timeless elegance and sophisticated style remain vibrantly alive.

$570*
*Terms and Conditions apply

Wild Orchid's luxury cottage

A World Away

Here you are close to everything, yet away from it all.

$599*
*Terms and conditions apply

Lochiel

Tranquility in the Treetops

Two nights’ at Lochiel Luxury
Accommodation in the heart of Olinda.

$595 two nights midweek or $695 two nights’ weekend

$595*
*Terms and conditions apply

Diary Notes

December 2007

Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, Melbourne from 1 December
The eagerly awaited hit musical, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, opens on 1 December at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
Inquiries: go to www.montypythonsspamalot.com
Media inquiries: JP Bolton on 02 9264 7750

Eureka 2007, 2-3 December
Each year Ballarat commemorates and celebrates the 1854 Eureka Rebellion. In 2007, the Eureka celebrations will focus on an open day at The Eureka Centre from 9am to 5pm on Sunday and Monday 3 December.
Inquiries: 03 5333 1854 or visit www.eurekaballarat.com
Media inquiries: Penny Underwood on 03 9818 8540

The Australian Garden Journey, Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne, Summer 2007-2008
Find out how Victoria’s newest Royal Botanic Gardens was created and learn about the native flora. The park’s knowledgeable guides will highlight the unique features of the gardens and provide insights into the background of this project and future development plans.
Cost: $4.50 for adults, $3.50 for concession
Inquiries: 03 5990 2245

Royal Botanic Gardens Summer Discovery Walk, Melbourne, Summer 2007-2008
Take a walk with a friendly guide and discover the history, cultural significance and horticultural diversity of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. The walk starts from the Visitor Centre, Observatory Gate at 11am and 2pm, six days a week (not on Saturday).
Inquiries: Bookings/information: 03 9252 2429

Tattersalls Australian DanceSport Championship, Melbourne, 6-9 December
The Tattersall's Australian DanceSport Championship, at Vodafone Arena is an opportunity to witness the world's best perform live in competition ballroom dancing.
Inquiries: For bookings call Melbourne Park on 03 9286 1347 or contact TICKETEK 13 28 49 or www.ticketek.com.au or www.theaustraliandanceportchampionship.com.au

Women’s International Jazz Festival, Melbourne 6–16 December
The Women’s International Jazz Festival is held in Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne, and at Federation Square. This year marks the 11th successive annual festival, and will feature 30 international, interstate and Victorian acts over eight nights. Admission prices begin from $12 for adults and $10 for concession.
Inquiries: 0417 364 314 or visit www.mwijf.org

Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight, Melbourne 24 December
The tradition of carols on Christmas Eve at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl Melbourne continues with this year’s annual Carols by Candlelight..Tickets go on sale in November.
Inquiries: 1300 558 458 or visit www.carolsbycandlelight.com.au
Tickets: Ticketmaster7 on 13 61 00 or visit www.ticketmaster7.com.au

3 MOBILE Boxing Day Test Match, Melbourne 26-30 December
The 3 Mobile Boxing Day Test is the biggest annual event on the world cricket calendar and another nail-biting contest will take place in 2007/08. Australia, captained by Ricky Ponting, takes on India, so don’t miss the clash of cricket’s two superpowers.
Tickets: Ticketmaster on 1300 136 122 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.au
Inquiries: 03 9653 1100

The Falls Festival, Lorne 30 Dec–1 Jan 2008
The Falls Festival, one of Australia’s greatest music festivals, offers music lovers live entertainment, camping, markets, arts and film. Held in two stunning coastal locations in Victoria and Tasmania, both events run simultaneously and share a line-up of 50 bands, DJs and comedians from around the world. www.fallsfestival.com
Inquiries: Stacey Piggott 02 9650 3382.

Pyramid Rock Festival, Phillip Island 29 December–1 January 2008
The Pyramid Rock Festival will be held over the New Year’sweekend and will feature 50 of the top national and international musical acts performing rock, hip hop, blues and roots, dance and electronic music. Tickets will go on sale from Friday 14 September.
Inquiries: go to www.thepyramidrockfestival.com

Melbourne City’s New Year’s Eve Party, 31 December
Join the city’s largest free New Year’s Eve party. Enjoy free entertainment including DJs, live bands, performers, family fun and children’s entertainment and much more at Alexandra Gardens, Birrarung Marr, Federation Square, Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct, the Arts Centre and NewQuay, Docklands.
Inquiries: 039658 9658 or visit www.thatsmelbourne.com.au

January

Maryborough Highland Gathering, 1 January
Head to Maryborough in Victoria’s Goldfields on New Year’s Day and be part of one of the oldest sporting events in Victoria, the Maryborough Highland Gathering, which celebrates Scottish and Australian cultures. The 2008 event will be the 147th annual gathering. Tickets are available at the gate on the day.
Inquiries: call 03 5461 1904

Rhythm of Africa, Werribee, 5 January - 9 March
Werribee Open Range Zoo's twilight event - 'Rhythm of Africa' is just the thing to get the toes tapping. Running every Saturday and Sunday, Rhythm of Africa, is set against the stunning backdrop of the Werribee Open Range Zoo. Entry to Rhythm of Africa is included in the general admission price and starts at 5.30pm. The last safari tour departs at 7.00pm and the zoo closes at 9.00pm.
Inquiries: 03 9731 9600

Alpine Valleys Gourmet Weekend, 11 - 13 January
Awaken your senses with a weekend showcase of delicious regional food and exciting cool climate wines from the spectacular Alpine Valleys. Explore the Valleys in person and discover live music performances, special cellar door releases, al fresco lunches, wine and food matching, tours, a beer-fest and much more. 
Inquiries and brochures: call 03 5755 0520 or go to www.visitalpinevictoria.com.au

2008 NEC Master of the Amateurs, Melbourne 14 - 17 January
One of the most prestigious amateur golf tournaments in the world will be hosted in Victoria from 14-17 January. The 2008 NEC Master of the Amateurs is recognised by the Royal and Ancient (R&A) as a world amateur golf ranking counting event and will be played over 72 holes, at the world class Yarra Yarra Golf Club located in Bentleigh East.
Inquiries: call 03 9877 9155 or go to www.masteroftheamateurs.com.au

2008 Australian Open Tennis Championships, Melbourne 14 - 27 January
Summer, January, Melbourne...it all adds up to one thing.- tennis at the Australian Open. Renowned internationally as ‘the people's Grand Slam’, this event is two weeks of colour, movement, fun and, of course, world class tennis action...all at the spectacular Melbourne Park precinct.
Tickets: call 1300 888 104 or go to www.ticketek.com
Inquiries: call 9286 1175 or go to www.australianopen.com

2008 Midsumma Festival and 2008 Asia Pacific Outgames, Melbourne 18 January – 9 February
Midsumma is Victoria’s premier gay and lesbian arts and cultural festival, showcasing the finest queer performing arts, visual arts, cabaret, spoken word, film, forums, food and wine and family events. The inaugural Asia Pacific Outgames, (30 January – 3 February) is a multi-sport tournament, a human rights conference and cultural event that embraces the Asia Pacific's gay and lesbian community and their friends. The Outgames will take place in Melbourne.
Inquiries: call (03) 9415 9819 or visit www.midsumma.org.au

Melbourne Zoo, 19 January – 16 March
From 19 January 2008, enjoy one of Melbourne’s best loved summer events with all the fascination of the zoo’s wildlife, beautiful garden setting and a twilight festival featuring great entertainment. Performers include big bands, rock, jazz, tribute bands, swing, show bands, Latin and more. Twilights at Melbourne Zoo will run on weekends beginning at 6.30pm and finishing at 9pm.
Inquiries: call (03) 9285 9300 or go to www.zoo.org.au

Portsea Swim Classic, Victoria 19 January
The Portsea Swim Classic, one of the largest open water swims held in Australia, begins at 10am. The L-shaped course covers 1.2 kilometres and is held on Saturday, 19 January at Portsea Front Beach, Nepean Highway.
Inquiries: call (03) 9572 3233 or visit www.portseasurf.com.au

 

 

Gippsland Lakes and Villages

Gippsland

Picturesque coastline, idyllic sailing conditions, pristine beaches, fantastic fishing, cultural attractions and divine food and wine – these are just some of the reasons why the Gippsland Lakes are a perfect holiday spot this summer.

Metung and Paynesville are two quaint little villages located on the Gippsland Lakes which boast plenty of visitor attractions and colourful local characters.

Enjoy long walks on the stunning Ninety Mile Beach, cruise the Lakes on a yacht charter or jump on board one of the food and wine cruises that operate in the area.

The region is renowned as a top fishing spot, so cast a line from one of the public jetties to catch some bream, flathead and mulloway.

Stroll along the boardwalk from Metung’s town centre to Chinamen’s Creek and enjoy the stunning views of Bancroft Bay; and handfeed the group of friendly pelicans which congregate at the Metung Hotel’s entrance each day at noon.

Metung is also a haven for talented artists who draw inspiration from the region’s natural beauty and share their original works at local galleries and studios. Make sure you drop by the studios of innovative sculptor Daniel Jenkins, painter Max Nicolson and Owen and Lyn Piggott (a talented couple who produce fine paintings and handcrafted jewellery) – all located in Metung.

gippsland

Peruse the Metung Farmers’ Market – held on the second Saturday of the month – to sample and buy fresh produce and delicious handmade truffles and fudge from local sweet-makers Chocodence.

Surrounded on all sides by the Gippsland Lakes, Paynesville has the reputation as Australia’s boating capital. Boating and sailing enthusiasts will love having a sticky-beak at the hundreds of vessels moored along the Paynesville mariner.

From Paynesville, take a boat over to Rottamah Island Bird Observatory or ferry across McMillan Strait to beautiful Raymond Island which is well-known for its koala population.

 

 

Savour a delicious dinner at one of the local restaurants or bistros overlooking the water or buy take-away fish n’ chips and have a picnic on the beach.

The Gippsland Lakes has a wide range of accommodation options to cater for all tastes and budget, including resorts, caravan and camping parks, cosy B&Bs, self contained cottages, motels and houseboats.

For more information about Gippsland and its various attractions, go to www.inspiredbygippsland.com.au