Hot happenings Down Under

If you’re planning a journey Down Under for 2008, here’s your guide to all that’s hot and happening in Australia for Spring.

St Patrick’s Day – The Aussie Way! New South Wales
St Patrick’s Day has been celebrated in Sydney for nearly 200 years. Amidst four leaf clovers and waves of green, the celebrations will start with a parade at midday on 17 March and will continue with a free family day in Hyde Park. Attractions in the park include dancing, music, a children’s area, food stalls and many other activities. So don some green and enjoy the craic! Stpatricksday.org.au

New five star luxury at Windmills Break, Western Australia
This new five star luxury boutique hotel in Yallingup is perfect for those who want to escape to Western Australia’s Margaret River region and enjoy the tranquil beaches and tasty wines. The hotel, which has had a complete refurbishment, now boasts a gazebo, bbq area, heated spa, massage centre, gymnasium, tennis court and much more. Helicopter transfers are available direct from Perth to Windmills Break (landing on the tennis court), as well scenic flights.
Windmillsbreak.com.au

Porsche and picnic, Queensland
If the idea of a Porsche, a five star picnic and overnight accommodation in a luxury boutique hotel sounds like a dream, think again – it can come true! Emporium Hotel Brisbane now offers the ultimate indulgence with a Porsche & a Picnic Experience. Jump into a Porsche Boxster for a day of exhilarating driving before tucking in to a lavish picnic basket packed full of gourmet goodies. Dine on fresh produce and local cheese, and then sleep off the excitement at the Emporium Hotel. The Porsche & a Picnic Experience costs AU$545 (approx £250) per couple per day.
Eemporiumhotel.com.au

Escape to a private oasis on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria
A new property will open on the Great Ocean Road on 20 March. Perched high on a cliff top, Rotten Point House overlooks rugged Johanna Beach and is a three hour-drive from Melbourne. Situated on 100 acres of native bushland adjoining the Otway National Park, this architecturally-designed, rammed earth house boasts stunning views over the Southern Ocean to Moonlight Head and beyond.

The self-contained house is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get immersed in Australia’s nature. Floor to ceiling windows enable guests to take in the ever-changing views from each room. The house sleeps up to eight people and a weekend package (three nights) is AUD$3000 (approx £1,450) for the property.
Holidaygor.com.au

Stay at The Storrier in Sydney, News South Wales
The Storrier, once a derelict Deco building, is Sydney’s newest addition to contemporary accommodation. The first in a series of boutique hotels
that are inspired by Australian artists, The Storrier contains the dramatic artwork of Tim Storrier, and his works adorn the hotel throughout. Located in the heart of Potts Point and the city’s entertainment district, the Art Deco building is a contemporary home away from home.
Thestorrier.com.au

Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend 2008, South Australia
From cars to cabaret and food to fringe, South Australia has a wealth of events and festivals to enjoy. The Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend gives visitors the opportunity to celebrate the world-renowned wines of the beautiful Clare Valley and get those taste buds buzzing.

The Vintage Tasting offers a unique opportunity to taste in excess of 120 unreleased Clare Valley wines at various stages of the winemaking process. Local winemakers are on hand to provide information on the process and the festival gives a fascinating insight into the winemaking process usually reserved for vintners. The event takes place from 3 – 4 May.
Southaustralia.com

Bamurru Plains adds new safari bungalows, Northern Territory
Bamurru Plains has recently completed construction of six new safari bungalows. Built to immerse guests into the surrounding wilderness, the new freestanding safari bungalows provide ‘rooms with views’ on three sides with floor to ceiling screening to ensure uninterrupted views of the scenery. Natural vegetation and generous spacing ensures privacy for guests. Bamurru Plains is located just to the west of Kakadu National Park on the Mary River floodplains.
Bamurruplains.com

Ord Valley Muster, Western Australia
Set amidst the magnificent backdrop of the Ord Valley, Lake Kununurra, surrounding gorges, National Parks and stunning reserves in Western Australia, the Ord Valley Muster is an annual event with an array of extraordinary and distinctive experiences. Street parties, indigenous storytelling aboard cruises through the Ord River, a diamond dig and their very own singing competition – Muster Idol! Australian music legend Jimmy Barnes will also play against a backdrop of a magical full moon.
Ordvalleymuster.com.au

Southern Roots Festival, Tasmania
Hobart will soon be hosting the annual Southern Roots Festival – a unique blues music festival that takes place on the historic site of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Stars such as Keith Urban, Ray Davies and John Fogarty will play against the spectacular backdrop of the Derwent River. The festival will be held over Easter Weekend on 23 March to a capped audience of 8,000 only, and there will be a local market featuring some of Tasmania's finest food and wine.
Southernroots.com.au

Azzura is Gold Coast’s newest resort, Queensland
The Pat Cash Tennis Centre, a private fishing charter boat and a championship golf course are all on the doorstep of the recently-opened Azzura Greens Resort on Queensland’s Gold Coast. The new five-star development offers deluxe apartment accommodation located in the heart of the Gold Coast’s many attractions, which include numerous restaurants and cafés with mouth watering menus, the relaxed marina and beach, as well as the Gold Coast theme parks and shopping centres just a short drive away.
Azzuragreens.com.au

For more information about Australia visit Australia.com.