Australia weaves ‘Charlotte’s Web’ in Victoria

Melbourne and the rolling hills of Greendale (75km west of Melbourne) have recently been home to a talking spider and a rather cute pig! The children’s classic ‘Charlotte’s Web’, which stars Dakota Fanning and the voices of Julia Roberts, John Cleese and Oprah Winfrey, was filmed in the area.

The region has recently been popular among international film-makers, with the soon to be released ‘Ghost Rider’ (starring Nicolas Cage) and the re-make of the book ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ which is currently filming in the area. Find out more by visiting Tourism.vic.gov.au.

Tourism Australia’s guide to what’s new, different and interesting this month . . .

Journey into an undiscovered world, Tasmania
It is one of the most remote and undiscovered parts of the world, yet one that combines a rich history of human endeavour with unparalleled natural beauty. The intriguing story of Tasmania’s West Coast has remained relatively untold – until now. A first of its kind, the Piners and Miners experience operates from Strahan and takes eight guests at a time on an intimate journey through the history of the miners, the Huon piners and the haunting majesty of this rarely explored World Heritage area.

Travel by Hi-Rail vehicle (a four-wheel drive converted into a rail vehicle) on the West Coast Wilderness Railway track. The glassed roof allows guests to sit back and admire the intricate canopies of the ancient rainforest while listening to the inspiring tales of the piners and miners who braved this land more than one hundred years ago. Puretasmania.com.au/default.asp?pID=49

Sydney Opera House launches new visitor experience, New South Wales
Sydney Opera House has recently launched a new experience - High Tea with an Australian twist. The High Tea features a signature menu created by celebrated Australian chef, Guillaume Brahimi, and a 25 minute opera recital.

The experience recreates the notion of a traditional High Tea but forget stale scones and cucumber sandwiches, this is High Tea Sydney style! On arrival guests are welcomed with a glass of fine Australian sparkling wine, a selection of finger sandwiches, French pastries, petit fours and a pot of fresh tea or coffee. Tickets are $125 (approx £50) per person. Sydneyoperahouse.com

Discover Victoria by trike, Victoria
Hop on a three-wheeled trike to get a very different view of some of Victoria’s most picturesque regions. Discovery Trike Tours is a new touring company that shows passengers the highlights of the Great Ocean Road and the Mornington Peninsula in a most unconventional way. The trike takes up to three passengers and tours take in the wineries, restaurants, cafes, art galleries, gardens, parks and beaches of the Mornington Peninsula. Guests can also start at Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula and make an epic journey along the Great Ocean Road. The trikes are available by the hour or as four hour and full day themed packages starting from $175 (approx £70) per person. Discoverytriketours.com

Adelaide Fringe, 8-31 March 2007, South Australia
For those in Adelaide this March, it is time to open your mind and take in some culture at the Adelaide Fringe 2007. Held every two years, the Adelaide Fringe is the second largest fringe festival in the world (after the Edinburgh Fringe) and the party atmosphere sweeps across the city.

Anything goes with performances by independent artists from all over the world: theatre, comedy, dance, visual arts, film, video, music and multi-media shows are all a part of the Fringe party. Adelaidefringe.com.au

Didgeri Air Art Tours, Northern Territory
Didjeri Air Art Tours was established in 1986 by British-born Helen Read. Her intention was to introduce visitors to traditional owners in deprived areas of the north and north-west Australia to help improve living conditions for indigenous people by raising awareness of their situation through their art. Twenty years later the company designs tours for those who want to experience the richness and diversity of Aboriginal art and culture, transporting small groups by light aircraft and four wheel drive vehicles to remote and isolated communities, some of which are not readily open to visitors.

Tours for 2007 include a five-day Arnhem Land journey, departing from Darwin on 18th June, taking in several art centres en route. The cost of $7,850 (approx £3,160) includes internal flights, transfers, accommodation, permits, and full board. Didgeri.com.au

Margaret River Polo Resort gets the go ahead, Western Australia
A new polo resort is due to open in 2008 in the heart of Margaret River. The Margaret River Polo resort will feature 12 chalets set in secluded bushland with a lodge and luxury bunkhouse overlooking the world class polo field. A dedicated equestrian service will also be provided to all visitors of the resort who can either bring their own horse or lease one of the nearby Jesters Flat Equestrian Centre. Regular events showcasing equestrian activities, such as international polo and polocrosse tournaments, will be held at the resort. Jestersflat.com

Canberra Balloon Fiesta, 13-16 April 2007, Australian Capital Territory
The Canberra Balloon Fiesta is one of the national capital’s most colourful spectacles and is sure to delight this Australian autumn. An array of brightly coloured hot air balloons from all over the world will launch daily in front of Old Parliament House and float over Canberra’s iconic national attractions. The event also includes entertainment, activities and food and drink for the whole family. Balloonfiesta.com.au

Houseboat accommodation in Noosa, Queensland
For a stay on the East Coast with a difference, Noosa Leisuretime Houseboats offers a fleet of houseboats catering for up to ten people. With excellent amenities onboard such as BBQ’s, LCD televisions and DVD players, guests can cruise in style on the Noosa River. The perfect place to relax, rest and rejuvenate, explorers can head up river and experience the tranquil surrounds of Lake Cootharaba to fish, swim or canoe. Cruising down river to bustling Gympie Terrace, visitors can dine at Noosa’s renowned ‘eat street’. Noosaleisuretimehouseboats.com.au

The Luxury Liquid History Wine Tour, South Australia
A joint collaboration between Foster’s Australia and Barossa Daimler Tours, the Luxury Liquid History Wine Tour is an exclusive, guided, full day tour which visits some of the oldest and most respected wineries in the region. The trip includes wine tastings at four wineries, morning tea, a vineyard experience with a viticulturalist, a three-course lunch, a behind the scenes tour at Wolf Blass and a personal gift.

The tour is luxurious by name and luxurious by nature - travel is in a stylish six-seater restored Daimler limousine and some of the wines tasted come from $1,050 (approx £424) bottles! The tour costs $360 (approx £144) per person. Barossadaimlertours.com.au