What to do and where to be seen in Australia this month

Tourism Australia’s Ten Top Things contains information about what’s new, different or of interest Down Under this month. This month’s guide contains, among other things, information about funky new accommodation in Alice Springs and details of a new Health Retreat located at Port Elliot, Southern Australia.

New tours from Wrights Air, South Australia
Outback scenic and charter flight specialist, Wrights Air, offers a number of light aircraft tours and flights from Coober Pedy and South Australia’s smallest town, William Creek. Areas visited include the spectacular Painted Desert, Oodnadatta, Dalhousie Springs, the vast Lake Eyre and Anna Creek - the world’s largest working cattle station. Two new touring options include a full day Aboriginal art tour to the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands, one of South Australia’s most inaccessible and remote Aboriginal settlements, and a scenic flight over the spectacular and recently discovered Anna Creek Painted Hills, accessible only by air. Wrightsair.com.au

Once Upon Maria guided day trip, Tasmania
Once Upon Maria is a guided, one-day tour of the spectacular Maria Island, just a 40 minute ferry crossing from Hobart. Maria Island, once a penal colony, was declared a sanctuary for endangered species in 1971 and a National Park in 1972. As a result, the island is a ’Noah’s Ark’ of Tasmanian endemic wildlife within a setting of carefully conserved penitentiary architecture. The guided day trip offers the opportunity for a close-up encounter with Tasmanian wildlife as explorers walk among the island’s interesting buildings and through the beautiful hinterland. It also includes a cruise around the stunning northern end of the island and through the Mercury Passage that separates Maria from the Tasmanian mainland. Mariaisland.com.au

Wedding Chapel to open on world-class waterfront, Queensland
Plans to build Cairns’ first waterfront wedding chapel have been unveiled. Situated overlooking the water within the gardens of Cairns’ iconic Hilton hotel, the Blue Horizon Chapel will feature contemporary architecture distinguished by a white sail reminiscent of Sydney’s Opera House. When finished, the wedding chapel will operate seven days a week and services on offer will include both daytime and twilight ceremonies. With a capacity for 30 guests, the Blue Horizon Chapel is expected to open for weddings in June 2007. Spb.com.au/hilton.html

Great Ocean Walk, Victoria
The Great Ocean Road is now home to a spectacular walking trail that traverses the dramatic coastline for 91km from Apollo Bay to Glenample historic homestead, passing by the famous Twelve Apostles en-route. The trail passes through the Great Otway National Park, Victoria’s newest and largest coastal park. Despite only being constructed just over a year ago, the breathtaking coastal scenery, remote terrain, magnificent forests, abundant wildlife and colourful heathlands will ensure that this new walk will quickly become as iconic as it’s neighbouring road. The track offers a variety of walking experiences, including remote cliff top walking trails as well as tracks that meander along gentle forest gradients and pristine sandy beaches. Greatoceanwalk.com

Funky new Alice Springs accommodation, Northern Territory
The Vatu Sanctuary is located on the north side of Alice Springs, 3km out of town and within easy walking distance of the Telegraph Station. Opened in February 2007, the Vatu Sanctuary is set in a secluded, private garden oasis with beautiful water features, a solar heated large pool and abundant bird life. The Sanctuary prides itself on being ‘uniquely different’, with colourful paintings all over the walls to inspire visitors and beautiful books to inform them. The self-contained luxury apartments cater for all needs and provide ultimate comfort in a unique artistic environment. Gallerygondwana.com.au/vatusanctuary

Top surfers head to Margaret River: 26 March – 1 April 2007, Western Australia
Western Australia will host the World Qualifying Series (WQS) surfing event at Surfers Point, Margaret River from 26 March to 1 April. 250 professional male and female surfers from 19 nations are confirmed for the event which is now the biggest WQS event in the world. More than 15,000 surf fans are expected to descend on Surfers Point across the week and the event will be televised to almost a billion people in 48 different countries. Drugawarepro.com

Flying Camels Tour, Northern Territory
The Anangu Waai company has joined forces with Alice Springs Helicopters to create a land and air tour of Alice Springs. The tour begins with an afternoon ‘Camel Ramble’ in the Todd River bed and continues with a sunset helicopter flight. The tour concludes with a three course dinner at the Milky Way Café, where guests can hear about the fascinating star-filled night sky of Central Australia. Ananguwaai.com.au

Spice Island Cooking School to open, Victoria
A cooking school is due to open in mid-2007 at the boutique accommodation of Spice Island. Located at Sunderland Bay, on the southern coastline of Phillip Island, Spice Island has already gained a reputation as a deluxe accommodation with first class food and wine. The aim of the new school is to have well-known chefs run classes covering a variety of cuisines. The owners will also be involved in the teaching – the husband-and-wife team have several years' catering experience in top restaurants in Melbourne. Spiceisland.com.au

Pedapod around town, New South Wales
First time visitors to Sydney now have a relaxed, leisurely way to see the city sights from the back of Sydney’s newest transport option – the Pedapod. A Pedapod is a three-wheeled bicycle, pedal-powered by an informative driver and guide. Pedapod offers half hour and one hour tours highlighting everything from the historic and heritage sights of Sydney through to the best places to eat, drink and shop. Pedapods can also be hailed or booked like a taxi for transport anywhere in the city centre. Pedapod.4t.com

New Authenticity Health Retreat, South Australia
Authenticity Health Retreat is a new boutique retreat in Port Elliot, situated on 26 hectares with views to the coast off the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula. Catering for a maximum of 10 people, guests have a choice of either the 'Rest and Rejuvenate', the 'Energise', or the ‘Actualise Your Potential' programmes. A health consultation, daily exercise class (Yoga or Tai Chi) and gourmet vegetarian cuisine are included in all programmes. Authenticity.com.au