The Australia Holiday Resources Centre Newsletter Issue 002 -  October 97 ================================================= Welcome to the second issue of the Australia Holiday Resources Centre (A.H.R.C.) Newsletter. If you are in the mailing list you are probably interested by tourism in Australia, as a traveller or as a company. If  you receive this newsletter and you feel that you should not, please  accept our apologies. You can remove your name from the list as  explained at the end of this document or simply drop us an email at admin@Aussieworld.com In this Issue ============= - A.H.R.C. present status and future developments - Traveller Tips - Recommendation for a book - Distinction between Bed & Breakfast and Homestead - Travel Log: Few days on the Sunshine Coast (QLD) - Australians in Belgium - Registered Companies: `Special offers' - To be removed from the distribution list =====================================================       WE ARE ACTIVELY LOOKING FOR SPONSORS    IF YOUR ARE INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT US TO             admin@Aussieworld.com ===================================================== A.H.R.C. present status and future developments ----------------------------------------------- In the previous issue of this newsletter we announced that AussieWorld was ready to move to its new house. The move was done begin of August an we are very satisfied about the new performance of the site. The number of hits and the number of companies registering to the AHRC database are permanently increasing. We also promised to launch a new service: Travel Partner. This service is already operational for few weeks and  several future Aussie travellers have already drop their email and travelling dates. So if you are looking for a travel partner, http://www.aussieworld.com  Follow the menu item ‘Travel Partner’. Other plans? Yes. The Aussie World Bookstore is under construction. In collaboration with Amazon, one of the biggest Internet Bookstore, we are preparing a selection of Australia related books. ======================================================== Travelers Tips -------------- This text is an extract from the Bill Hasted ‘s Web site: Kununurra & the East Kimberley (http://www.hobbit.agn.net.au/~billh) Bill has kindly authorised us to reproduce his text. The Kimberley region of Australia is very remote and sparsely populated with long distances between towns so you are strongly advised to plan your trip well. If travelling by car make sure it is in good condition and always carry plenty of water and non perishable food in the event you break down. A lot of the places of interest can easily be reach by conventional car or with private tour operators but if you wish to travel independently to the more remote areas a 4 wheel drive vehicle is recommended. If bringing a caravan remain on sealed roads. The gravel roads are some of the roughest in Australia so any trailer you are towing should be of heavy duty construction. Make sure you carry a good selection of spare parts and be prepared to be self sufficient as help is usually a long way away and rescue / repair costs can become prohibitive. The best way to enjoy yourself is to arm yourself with large amounts of common sense. Get a copy of one of the many outback travel guides from your local library for more information on how to prepare. The following lists some of the Do's and Don'ts Don't ------ wear thongs, brightly flapping clothes or just shorts when bushwalking - exposure, heat exhaustion, sunburn and insect bites can result panic if lost. Stay where you are until help arrives. Stay with your vehicle as it can provide shade and has a supply of water in the radiator if necessary. It is also much easier for searchers to locate a vehicle than a person wandering in the bush. pick wildflowers, destroy vegetation, kill animals or remove pieces of reef and the like. Note there are large penalties that apply to offenders. leave an area without replacing what you have moved. rush. The bush is best enjoyed slowly. Sit down and watch nature at work around you. litter. take nothing but photo's and memories and leave nothing behind except footprints. disturb any stock you encounter. Some cattle can be dangerous and capable of serious injury. Locate your camp such that livestock can access the water hole you are using as it may be their only water source. camp in river beds. Keep an eye on the weather as thunderstorms can dump large amounts of water that turn a creek into a raging flood in just hours. attempt to cross flooded creeks and rivers. Wait for the water to subside - in many cases this may only be a matter of a few hours. Do -- wear sensible footwear and dull clothing with long sleeves and a shady hat. The dull clothing help you blend in with nature and thus you don't attract the biting insects. tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. learn simple first aid and how to read maps of the area that you have bought along. walk slowly with frequent stops to take advantage of what is around you. leave snakes, spiders and unknown animals alone as they may be dangerous. use a camera for shooting - not a gun. light fires in a cleared area only and make sure they are well extinguished before leaving the area. Take note of the Fire Danger Boards which are usually situated on main roads entering or departing towns. carry water. Most people should be consuming at least 4 litres of water per day in this harsh climate. seek land owners permission before entering private property. travel with another vehicle whenever possible. carry sufficient supplies of food, water, and fuel for the trip plus an emergency. Don't assume station people will be able to help. always leave gates as you found them. ------- Thank you Bill ----------- ======================================================== Recommendation for a book ------------------------- Few days ago I received and started to read a book called: Outback Australia: Including the Red Centre, Kakadu National park and the Kimberley region (2nd Edition). This book is really well written, full of anecdotes and details. I am currently preparing my next trip in Australia (Far North and Red Centre), and this book is a great help. This new expanded edition offers: - Coverage of Australia’s history, economy, politics, land, and   Aboriginal culture - Up-to-date information on restaurants, pubs, homesteads, and   hostels - Spectacular photos by Australia photographer Bill Bachman - Coverage of gateway cities of Adelaide, Darwin, and Perth, with a   special focus on South Australia’s wine region - Over 60 detailed maps Cost around 15.16 USD. For more information or to order it by internet, simply follow this link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=1566910471/aussieworldbooksA/ ======================================================== Distinction between Bed & Breakfast and Homestead ------------------------------------------------- Ross had a problem when  registering his B&B to the AHRC database. In the accommodation details section there was an option ‘Homestead’ but no option  ‘Bed & Breakfast’. For the AHRC database, ‘B&B’ was in fact assimilated to ‘Homestead’. Ross was very king to explain the difference them: "Bed & Breakfast" is like "Motel" or "Hotel", a title recognised worldwide by the travelling public representing a particular type of accommodation. "Homestead" is probably identified with "Farmstay" or "Rural Retreat" which, of course, are just sub-groups of B&B, but your city or country town B&B wouldn't claim to be a "Homestead". Confused?! Its all in the name! Orangewood is definitely not a "Homestead" and Bond Springs Station very definitely is. But the're both "Bed & Breakfast". Ross Peterkin - Bond Springs Station Homestead: http://www.alice.aust.com/~bondhmst/index.html Orangewood Alice Spring Bed & Breakfast: http://www.ozemail.com.au/~orangewo/index.html Thanks for the explanation Ross. We have modified the software and the B&B option is now available. ======================================================== Drive yourself: Few days on the Sunshine Coast (1) ---------------------------------------------- Located north of Brisbane the Sunshine Coast stretches over one hundred kilometres from the Glass House Mountains to Noosa Everglades and Frazer island. The Sunshine Coast is very different from the Gold Coast, quieter, not so 'nightlife' oriented. It is a place where you can easily spend two weeks holiday. No worry, you will be busy everyday. Currimundi, near Caloundra, (100 kms. north of Brisbane), is a quite place, on one side you have the ocean, at the other a lake. From there you can visit the Sunshine Coast Region. * Caloundra : from Currimundi, the perfect place to do the shopping.   Some nice views on the Glass house Mountains * Glass House Mountains : 75 km north of Brisbane, a group of   thirteen distance peaks : The Glass House Mountains are the remains   of a volcanic activity more than 20 million year ago. Good place for   bushwalking, rockclimbing, and picnicking. There is also a scenic   drive that can be done in 3 hours. * Blackall Range : north to the Glass House Mt., the Blackall Range   offer beautiful scenic drives and is also famous for its local arts   and crafts. Special note for Montville, a village with a very   'special' atmosphere, dedicated to arts and crafts, home of   Tony O'Connor, a famous Australian composer of 'relaxing music'. * Bribie Island : south of Caloundra, good spots along the beach for   a day an a picnic (try to avoid the weekend) * Forest Glen Deer & Wildlife Sanctuary : nice if you have children,   an opportunity for them to approach the deers very close.   Possibility to drive through the park and do some a walks in the forest * Mooloolaba : Underwater World. Great aquarium. You are walking in   tunnels with sharks and other all around you. Different shows are   available * Super Bee : Good spot with children, after a 30 min. 'Bee Show'   where you receive all the explanations on the honey manufacturing   (see the bees in action), you can spend half a day in the park,   very nice with some attractions for the children. Still many other activities around. Noosa, Fraser Island, …. This will be for another time. Related webs sites: The Black Range Tourist Association http://www.maleny.net.au/sunweb/brta.html Tony O’Connor - Australian Nature Music and Video http://www.tonyoconnor.com.au ======================================================== Australians in Belgium ---------------------- A short note to the Belgium subscribers to inform them about the existence of The Australia Society (Belgium). More info: http://www.aussieworld.com/ausoc/ =============================================================     DO NOT HESITATE TO SHARE YOUR AUSSIE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES           CONTACT US AT admin@Aussieworld.com ============================================================= A.H.R.C. Registered Companies ----------------------------- The list of companies that have registered to AHRC is growing. To avoid to overload this newsletter with such a list, we have made it available on-line. You can display it by pointing your browser to: http://www.aussieworld.com/ahrc/dbase/list_companies.htm We still want to attract your attention on companies that are offering ‘Promotions’. These companies are: (follow the related link for details) Accommodation ============= Rosehill Lodge -------------- Rosehill Lodge is a 4.5 Star Bed and Breakfast perfectly located for touring the Dandenong Ranges .Internationally renowned chef owner and one hour from the City of Melbourne . http://www.aussieworld.com/ahrc/dbase/with_promotions.cfm?Company_Id=425 Orangewood, Alice Springs Bed & Breakfast ----------------------------------------- Quality B&B in a Comfortable Family Home. Close to CBD, 4 Rooms with ensuite. From $130 per night. Touring Information & assistance. Hosts Alice residents for 30 years. http://www.aussieworld.com/ahrc/dbase/with_promotions.cfm?Company_Id=418 Daintree Eco Lodge ------------------ Elegance is often found admirable, sometimes enviable, but rarely exciting... Daintree Eco Lodge is ideal for the discriminating few who seek the rare combination of adventure and elegance. http://www.aussieworld.com/ahrc/dbase/with_promotions.cfm?Company_Id=409 AUSRES - Australian Reservation Service --------------------------------------- National Booking Service for all types of accommodation throughout Australia. Let us do the work for you! Hotels, B&B and more. Try AUSRES for yourself... http://www.aussieworld.com/ahrc/dbase/with_promotions.cfm?Company_Id=381 First Point ----------- Just US$60 per night for a great 2 bedroom home overlooking one of Sydney's beautiful beaches. http://www.aussieworld.com/ahrc/dbase/with_promotions.cfm?Company_Id=369 Tours ===== Red Centre Adventures --------------------- Outback Adventures. Visit the Simpson Desert, Great Ocean Road, Uluru, Alice Springs, Olgas, Bungle Bungle, Kimberley, Kakadu, Oodnadatta, Darwin, Perth, Monkey Mia, Kalgoorlie and more. Small groups only. Private tours arranged. http://www.aussieworld.com/ahrc/dbase/with_promotions.cfm?Company_Id=417 Waratah Adventure Tours ----------------------- Waratah Adventure Tours has been established in 1986 as a tour operator specialising in quality nature based small group travel from Sydney. The company is a member of ITOA, TCA, Ecotourism Ass. and operates 4x4 vehicles and small buses. http://www.aussieworld.com/ahrc/dbase/with_promotions.cfm?Company_Id=384 Destination Whitsundays ----------------------- Destination Whitsundays is a leading authority on the tous, sailing adventures and all facets the Whitsundays Region. A company with many years local knowlegde and great number of very satisfied customers. Great Barrier Reef specialists http://www.aussieworld.com/ahrc/dbase/with_promotions.cfm?Company_Id=375 Australian Eco Adventures ------------------------- Tours all over Australia. Specialist guiding. Remote, wilderness, Aboriginal Culture, 4WD, Whitewater rafting, accommodation, treks, safaris. http://www.aussieworld.com/ahrc/dbase/with_promotions.cfm?Company_Id=373 Mirimar Cruises --------------- This fascinating Wildlife Cruise takes you from Brisbane City 20 kms up the beautiful Brisbane River to the famous Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary every day at 10.00 am. For details see our website at www.mirimar.com and www.koala.net. http://www.aussieworld.com/ahrc/dbase/with_promotions.cfm?Company_Id=394 Akarma Waters ------------- Join our friendly and efficient captain and cres for an exciting adventure with the whales on one of our excellent cruises. http://www.aussieworld.com/ahrc/dbase/with_promotions.cfm?Company_Id=392 DIVErsion Dive Travel & Training -------------------------------- DIVErsion Dive Travel & Training offers complete destination Packages for Dive Travelers to North Queensland and Papua New Guinea. Choose from over 50 Dive Cruises, Dive Resorts. Special Services for Handicapped Travelers. All Info on-line! http://www.aussieworld.com/ahrc/dbase/with_promotions.cfm?Company_Id=399 Vehicle Renting =============== Ace Rent-A-Car -------------- Ace Rent-A-Car offer new cars at competitive prices, car & motel package from $99.00 per day, discounted hotel accommodation, and.... http://www.aussieworld.com/ahrc/dbase/with_promotions.cfm?Company_Id=368 ======================================================== To be removed from the distribution list ---------------------------------------- If you want to be removed from the AHRC Newsletter distribution list, simply point your browser to: http://www.aussieworld.com Select the option `Newsletter', type your email address (the one used to send you this newsletter), select the option NO and submit your request. You will be removed from the distribution list. ************************************************        THIS NEWSLETTER IS SPONSORED BY      GLOBAL COMPUTING SERVICES Pty. 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