Where to be and what to see down-under in July

Lets Go Surfing has launched three new Bondi sightseeing tours. ‘Discover Bondi’ allows visitors to spend time with a Bondi lifesaver and learn about the colourful history of Bondi, how surf-lifesaving began.

Enjoy the ‘Bondi Day’ tour at world famous Bondi Beach with a friendly local guide; the day includes a tour of the surf-lifesaving club, a typically Aussie seafood BBQ and a surfing lesson to get even first-timers riding those famous waves!

See the ‘Best of Bondi’ with any combination of activities, including a scenic coastal cliff top walk, surf-lifesaving club tour, surfing lesson, shopping tour, yoga or spa session, topped off with a seafood BBQ lunch or dinner on the beach.

Find out more at Discoverbondi.com

Sansara Resort & Spa, Queensland

A $300 million (approx £130 million) luxury development is currently being constructed on the pristine shores of Agnes Water Beach in central Queensland. Sansara Resort and Spa will feature 89 opulent resort style apartments. The resort is expected to be completed by late 2007/early 2008 and will be set on the edge of Queensland’s northernmost surf beach amongst palm trees, casuarinas and pandanus trees.

The crystal clear waters boast a reef abundant with marine life and a variety of unspoilt beaches are set amidst coastal national parks.

Find out more at sansara.com.au

New eco-friendly resort for Phillip Island, Victoria

Phillip Island, Victoria’s home of the legendary Little Penguins, will welcome a new eco-resort this month, providing the perfect base for travellers who want to combine quality and comfort with environmental sensitivity. The environmentally friendly villas are dotted around a 65 acre site, surrounded by bicycle and bush walking tracks.

The accommodation has received a five-star eco rating through the use of renewable and recyclable materials and integrated water and energy efficient appliances. The first phase will open this month, with all 211 villas operational by February 2008.

Find out more at Theislandecoresort.com.au

Blue Mountains Aboriginal Taste of Culture, New South Wales

Australian Luxury Escapes is offering a new eco tour of the Blue Mountains, just over one hour from the heart of Sydney. First stop is Muru Mittigar for a Yarra Walk with an Aboriginal guide who explains the bushland, cultural beliefs and the native heritage of the area. This is followed by a bush tucker morning tea of kangaroo, emu and damper.

Next, explore a hidden valley off the beaten track and seek out kangaroos in their natural environment before returning to Katoomba’s Mash Café for lunch.

Find out more at Australianluxuryescapes.com

Outback Jackaroo/Jillaroo Experience, Northern Territory

Ever fancied yourself as a real life Jackaroo or Jillaroo? The Outback Jackaroo/Jillaroo Experience is a five day package of Outback life and adventure, allowing you to experience the training given to Australian jackaroos and jillaroos on Australian cattle stations. Based near the rural township of Katherine, 300km south of Darwin, visitors will learn a mix of theory and practice, gaining hands-on experience in a range of skills, from quad and horse riding to mustering.

Find out more at Outbackjj.com.au

Oysterfest – September 24-27, South Australia

Ceduna shows off its country hospitality during this fabulous festival. If you go for the fine fresh seafood, you’ll want to stay for the music, dance and parties. Kicking off with a colourful opening celebration on the first morning, the Oysterfest celebrations don’t let up until the final evening of festivities. Adults will love the array of concerts and gourmet treats, while kids are well catered for with story telling, hands-on workshops and competitions.

Find out more at Ceduna.net

The Chocolate Bar at Aria Lounge, Victoria

A dark and decadent chocolate afternoon tea experience is now available every Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 1pm - 4pm at The Langham Hotel's refurbished Aria Lounge. The luxurious bar offers delicious gourmet sandwiches, a selection of coffees and leaf teas and a scrumptious chocolate dessert bar to die for – the ultimate chocolate experience! The afternoon tea is priced at $45 (approx £20) per person.

Find out more at Langhamhotelmelbourne.com.au/restaurants/aria.php

Spa Karma, Tasmania

Spa Karma is a luxury private spa retreat in the enchanting Huon Valley of Southern Tasmania. The magnificent 1920’s Federation-Californian bungalow is set amongst tranquil gardens and offers luxurious and elegant accommodation of two bedrooms and two bathrooms with the ultimate spa experience, home cinema, library, gallery, and gourmet delights.

Pamper yourself with the in-house spa facilities and take an invigorating sauna; enjoy a gentle steam bath; luxuriate in the deep soak tub and totally relax in the hydromassage hot tub on the balcony deck. A few days at Spa Karma offers the perfect opportunity for total relaxation and rejuvenation.

Find out more at Spakarma.com.au

Swim with Tuna! South Australia

Calypso Star Charter offers a tuna swim at their sea farm in stunning Port Lincoln Bay. From within the confines of a pen, swimmers can have a thrilling experience as the fast, energetic tuna swim excitedly close. The two-hour tuna swim costs from AU$30 (approx £12) per adult and AU$15 (approx £6) per child.

Find out more at Calypsostarcharter.com.au

Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre, Western Australia

The first stage of the new Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre in Derby, WA, is now open. This stunning new gallery has been built to give visitors access to the work of an increasing number of artists in the region. Aboriginal Art is becoming more and more popular and the Wandjina Art from Mowanjum was one of the first art forms established in the Kimberley.

Find out more at Mowanjumarts.com

For the official Australian Tourist Board’s website, log on to Australia.com.