Aussie World - Australia Holiday Resources Centre (AHRC) Newsletter - Issue 4

	Introduction
	BRITZ - Special Promotion
	Meet Tony O'Connor
	Alice Springs - Worth Visiting
	Quick few things in Brisbane
	Club TELI
	'Special Offers' extracted from the AHRC database

A VERY
'SPECIAL OFFER'
FOR
AUSSIE WORLD
AND
AHRC MEMBERS

Hi-Top Campervan
(2-3 people)
britz2.gif (12343 bytes)

(detailed information on the vehicle)

See the beauty of Australia by campervan. Travel during June 1998 only, in a HiTop campervan for $50 per day from any Australian location. This deal is only available through emailing us at info@britz.com and mentioning AussieWorld. Conditions apply.

( BRITZ Web site address: http://www.britz.com.au )

Few years ago, during one of my trip Down Under I bought a tape. The title was 'Because We Fly' and the author was Tony O'Connor. From the first time I heard Tony's music I like it. Each time I am going back to Australia I am trying to go to Montville, a small village in the heart of the Blackall Range (north of Brisbane). This is the place where Tony is living and where I am buying his CD's, year after years, always from the same small local shop. I hope that the following information will push you to visit his web site and perhaps give you the desire to listen his music the next time you have the opportunity.

"The music I've written over the last ten years has been closely linked to nature - and through my albums I'd like to bring the peace and tranquility of the wilderness into the homes of listeners. The combination of music and the sounds of nature very effectively creates and enhances a relaxing atmosphere.
It has also been very rewarding for me to celebrate, with music, the uniqueness of Australia's vast and wild landscapes. I believe that we as a race are intimately connected with nature and I sincerely hope that, by sharing the peace and solitude I find while spending time in the forests, bushlands and by the sea, that others too are able to sense that special connection."

In Australia, Tony O'Connor is often recognized as the pioneer of what is now more commonly known as Relaxation Music. It is the enormous popularity of his unique music that, unknown to Tony at the time, helped pave the way for a whole genre of artists and established a new catagory of gentle instrumental music in this country.

Tony lives and works in the forested hinterlands of the Sunshine Coast where, with his wife and partner Jackie and their company Studio Horizon Productions, they house his private recording studio and video suite. He is an artist who, rare among popular musicians, avoids the public limelight in favour of a quiter lifestyle. And from this secluded haven Tony has released recordings that are now being shared and enjoyed by people all around the world.

Some of them are RAINFOREST MAGIC, MARINER, ULURU, KAKADU, TALES OF THE WIND ... Other tiltes and detials about the albums are availalble on Tony's web site (http://www.tonyoconnor.com.au ).

On Summer Rain, released end of last year, Tony is accompanied by one of Australia's most talented guitarists, Paul Clement, who also adds his own work to this truly beautiful album.

Experience an enchanting blend of piano and acoustic guitar, set to gentle raindrops and sounds of an Australian forest at night-time.

If you did not yet visit Tony's web site, you should not miss this opportunity. It is the place where you will meet Tony, visit his recording studio, find details about his concerts, ... Simply point your browser to http://www.tonyoconnor.com.au .

Alice Springs - worth visiting!

So many people come to Alice Springs just to visit Ayers Rock - and then they're disappointed to find that Ayers Rock (Uluru) is 450km away! I'm here to say - don't be disappointed! Certainly make a plan that includes a trip to the Rock but don't ignore the wonderful landscape and attractions of Alice Springs itself! My visitors regularly say they've had the best holiday of their lives during a 1-2 week stay, so I'd like to share a suggested itinerary with you if you're heading our way! The itinerary is based on use of a car over 8 days but you should be able to rework it to fit in with packaged tours or taxi services. More time? No worries - there's plenty to do!

Day one - arrive in Alice Springs and take a taxi or tour out to the Telegraph Station.

Alice Springs was founded here and you can find out the history of the town (formerly known as Stuart), look through historic buildings and see the Alice Springs waterhole which eventually led to the naming of the town as we know it today. The park is open 8am-7pm (or till 9pm November to March).
Have a walk through the Todd Mall and find a nice place for lunch - there are restaurants and cafes in the mall or food courts at the Alice Plaza and the Yeperenye Shopping Centres. Into late afternoon, go out to Simpsons Gap just 20mins west of town.
A walk (wear sneakers or sturdy shoes) down the river bed will take you to an area where you may be lucky enough to catch sight of the Rock Wallabies. If you don't see any - just enjoy the peace and quiet while you're waiting! Photographers may enjoy the rock formations ablaze with red in the sunset.

Day two - Go to Ayers Rock and the Olgas (Uluru/Kata Tjuta).

By road this will take 4-5 hours including a couple of stops. Plan to leave Alice Springs no later than 9am arriving in plenty of time to check into your accommodation and go out to the Olgas. Be sure to find out the time of the sunset before you leave the accommodation area (Yulara)! The beautiful Olga Gorge is an unexpected delight to many - again, the colours and rocks are a photographer's dream.
Be sure to take a stroll through the Gorge. (If you have more than two days you will be able to explore further by visiting the Valley of the Winds on the other side of the gorge.) Take enough water - whilst not difficult, the path can be quite exhausting even for a short walk in the heat.
Give yourself enough time to get back to the sunset viewing area either at the campground or (for a closer view) at the popular Sunset Strip. There'll be plenty of people trying to get a parking spot - buses have a separate
area set up. Sunsets can be spectacular or not - but everybody goes to watch and take their photos!
The stars are stunning throughout Central Australia and you might like to take advantage of the stargazing offered at Yulara while you're there. There's even a dinner available in the "restaurant of a million stars"! Ask at your accommodation.

Day three - get up EARLY if you want to climb the Rock!

If the temperatures are too high climbing may not be allowed, however, it's usually available up till 10am. So take your time and get there around 6.30-7am. Time to climb varies of course, but give yourself at leasts 2hrs to get up, look around and come down! Climbing is by no means the only thing to do there - I've never been up more than a few metres! The base of the rock offers aboriginal stories, cave paintings, a chance to look at the desert bushland and a great variety of aspects of the Rock itself to view and enjoy. There are tours and walks available including Ranger Guided talks, or just ramble at leisure.
After lunch relax in the pool then set off for Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park). (If you don't have time for this return to Alice Springs) Be sure to time your arrival during daylight hours to avoid the chance of hitting any wildlife in the dark.

Day Four - Explore Kings Canyon.

If you're a climber there are wonderful views and rock formations at the top of the Canyon. If not, the walk along the base area (the Garden of Eden Walk) is very pleasant. Again be sure to take water whichever way you go! Explore at your leisure then enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the pool or the BBQ or around the Park.

Day Five - Return to Alice Springs.

You can go via the gravel road (which is shorter but cuts your speed to 100kph if you drive sensibly on this slippery surface which is littered with unexpected potholes!) or backtrack to the Lasseter Highway (which is a longer route but sealed all the way and much more comfortable!).
Either way - if you if you leave around 9am, stop to visit the Henbury Meteorite Craters along the way and stop somewhere for lunch etc you should be back in Alice Springs by around 3-4pm. I'd suggest getting some rest on your return!

Day Six - Rest day

Visit some town sights like: the Flying Doctor Service museum and the Museum of Central Australia, John Flynn Hospital, ANZAC Hill lookout, Transport Hall of Fame (for car, truck and train enthusiasts), the Pioneer Camel Farm and reptile display (be sure to arrive for the 10.30am guided tour if you want to ride a camel), the School of the Air (during school term). If you enjoy birds and animals this is a good day to spend a few hours at the new Alice Springs Desert Park - transfer bus available from your accommodation - fare includes entry to the Park. If you want to catch the Nature Theatre displays check for times before you go.
Perhaps you'd prefer a game of golf? The fully grassed course is open 7am-6pm at around $30 for 18 holes. Clubs and carts available for hire.

Day Seven - If you have the energy left ...

A drive/tour out to Palm Valley is well worthwhile. You get a chance to see the Hermannsberg aboriginal community on the way. The road into the Park is 4WD only and quite an experience whether you're in a car or a 4WD bus.

Day Eight - Depart Alice Springs.

This itinerary is of course subject to the time available. You have many options including skipping Ayers Rock altogether and staying closer to the Alice. We have the new Larapinta Walking Trail which is developing further and further west for those who like to hike. Ross River Homestead lies to the East for a few days stay with horseriding, camels, motel and camping facilities and other activities to enjoy. There are a large number of gorges and waterholes to visit in every direction for a picnic or a swim. For those who might like to fossick for zircons and garnets there is the Gemtree Resort to the North which is a good one-day activity. The town itself offers several historic buildings on a self-guided heritage walk, etc etc. I hope you can spend some time with us in the Centre.

For information on Alice Springs accommodation see
http://www.asaccom.mtx.net/
For information on scheduled events see
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~penton/events.html

For other queries please feel free to contact barbara@koala2.mtx.net

Most of the streets in the city centre running North South are named after British Queens with the main street called Queen Street. Most streets running East West are named after British Kings.

Creek Street was so named because it was built over and covered the original creek that ran to the river. Wharf Street was so named because it led to the then city wharves.

The Observatory (or Old Windmill) on Wickham Terrace near to Jacob's Ladder (it's a long stair case) that leads from Wickham Terrace into Upper Edward Street and this in turn leads you into the city centre. The Old Windmill was the site of the first Television transmission in Australia in 1934 when a picture of the mill was transmitted to Ipswich city 33km away.

The Old Government Stores building (built in 1829 and also called the Commissariat Building) on North Quay stands just below the State Library building in William Street.

The next street north is George and at the eastern end is the original Government House built in 1862 (with additions at various times); this is now part of the Queensland Institute of Technology.

Almost next to this is the state Parliament buildings opened in 1862 with the modern Parliament House Annex towering behind it.

On the corner of Queen and George is the old State Treasury Building (now the Treasury Casino) built between 1888 and 1904 (I think). It is one of the most distinctive buildings in Brisbane.

The General Post Office building is in Queen Street between Edward and Creek streets. It occupies the site of the original women's prison barracks (Brisbane started life as a convict settlement in 1824) and was built about 1871-79.

The small church building next to St Stephen's Cathedral in Elizabeth Street is one of the oldest still standing buildings in Brisbane. It was dedicated in 1850 when it was still part of the Colony of New South Wales. Separate Colonial Government came to Queensland in 1859 and the proclamation was read from The Deanery (built 1849) which stands behind St John's Anglican Cathedral in Ann Street.

On the southside of the city is "Early Street" Historical Village at 75 McIlwraith Street, Norman Park just a few kilometres from the city centre. It used to open from 10am to about 4pm but you should check that with a telephone call. They are listed in the White Pages under Early.

Northbound towards Breakfast Creek is the home of the Queensland Women's Historical Society in Jordan Terrace, Bowen Hills. The house is called
"Miegunyah" is open to the public and is a good example of the old Queensland house with verandahs and ironwork built by the well to do.

A little further up the road at the confluence of the Brisbane River and Breakfast Creek is Newstead House (originally built by Patrick Leslie in 1846). Patrick and his brother were the first free settlers in what is now Queensland when they established a grazing property near the present day city of Warwick on the Darling Downs.

If you are a little more adventurous you can take a train to Gold Coast city. Terminus station is Nerang and you bus it to the city (or beach) from there although the new terminus at Robina is supposed to open in May some time. Robina is much closer to Surfers Paradise. Buses also run through Gold Coast city on their way south. These can be boarded at the Intercity terminal in Roma Street, Brisbane. The train to the coast also runs through the Roma Street terminal so it's all pretty handy.

A trip up and down the Brisbane river by catamaran ferry is well worth the few dollars. There are also ferries to Moreton Island and Stradbroke Island if you would like a day trip.

Bus it to the top of Mt Cootha. See Kingsford-Smith's Southern Cross aeroplane at Brisbane Airport. Visit the Queensland University at St Lucia.

Around Brisbane, visit Mt Tamborine (70km) Toowoomba (135km) Gold Coast (75km) Redcliffe (35km) Ipswich (33km) Redlands Shire (35km) Mt Glorious (40km) Sunshine Coast (100km) Glasshouse Mountains (100km) .

There really are so many things you can do. Take the advice of the locals if you are stuck. Call at the Travel Bureau. Visit the state Government's Web site. Have a nice visit.

The TELI Club (a non profit organisation) offers you its experience to help you fulfill your dream out of your country.
It will give you jobs ads in the whole world, training course, opportunities, au pair jobs, it will also enable you to make friends or partners with people from other countries...

The TELI Club sets a new service called International Correspondence; which enables you to get in touch with penfriends in more than 80 countries throughout the world...