World Wine & Travel Summit and Exhibition

Bringing together the Wine Regions of the World!
From the 13 - 17th November, 2006.
Learn the latest market intelligence from world wine and travel leaders. An Outstanding Networking and Business Event.

A rare gathering of the global wine and travel industries.
The very best of Wine, Travel, Food and Lifestyle.
An opportunity for networking between international buyers and sellers of wine and travel.
An outstanding opportunity to expand your national and international contacts.
A celebration of the cultural diversity of the world’s wine regions.

Some of the Speakers
Stuart McDonald (Singapore) – MasterCard International
Rich Cartiere (USA) - Journalist/Founder -The Wine Market Report
Richard Rosebery (Australia) - Select Hotels
Mike Stone (New Zealand) - Gibbston Valley Wines
Sarina Bratton (Australia) - Orion Cruises
Steven Howard (Asia Pacific) - Howard Marketing
Tim Harcourt (Australia) - Austrade
Prof. Jack Carlsen (Australia) - Curtin University
Robin Shaw (Australia) - Winemakers’ Federation of Australia
Dr Sandy Chong (Australia) - Edith Cowan University
Michael Burchett (Indonesia) – Conrad Resorts / Pres Bali Wine Club

Visit www.winetravelgroup.com.au for comprehensive details regarding the MasterCard World Wine & Travel Summit & Exhibition.

Source: www.leeuwinestate.com.au

Dancing Underwater for World Record

Seventy-four scuba divers dance to set the world record for an underwater dance class at Sydney's Olympic Park Aquatic Centre October 27, 2006. The divers were required to dance simultaneously for ten minutes to set the record, with the event also raising money for charity.

Source: www.chinadaily.com

Melbourne Cup Favourite Arrives Tomorrow

Emirates Melbourne Cup favourite Yeats will touch down in Melbourne tomorrow afternoon.

The Aidan O'Brien trained stayer will arrive along with a four member traveling party just before 4pm (local time).

Yeats is currently the $8 favourite for Australia's most famous race with leading Melbourne bookmaker Michael Eskander. Tawqeet is the second pick at $9.

The proven European star will be accompanied by O'Brien's assistant trainer Andrew Murphy, track rider Gosuke Motoki, groom David Hickey and vet Ciara Gibney.

After touching down at Tullamarine, Yeats will be floated to the Sandown Racecourse to be placed in the quarantine facility. He is expected to arrive at Sandown around 6pm.

No exact dates have been announced for the arrival of either Yeats' trainer Aidan O'Brien or jockey Kieren Fallon.

Source: www.virtualformguide.com

Park Hyatt Hotel Melbourne

Park Hyatt Melbourne is distinctive in location, design and interior and offers uncompromising attention to detail and superior personalised service. Set amidst century old elm trees, Park Hyatt Melbourne is a private haven in the middle of a cosmopolitan city.

Location

Conveniently situated in one of Melbourne's most historic areas, at the top of Collins Street and opposite St Patrick's Cathedral, the hotel Park Hyatt Melbourne overlooks a district of Victorian architecture and is bordered by Melbourne's delightful Fitzroy Gardens. Just 13 miles from Melbourne Airport and convenient to the city's attractions, this boutique-style hotel provides a warm ambience and exceptional levels of personalised service.

Room

The oversized guestrooms and suites are designed to offer absolute luxury with some featuring spas, fireplaces and private terraces. Of the 240 guestrooms, 24 are suites and include the opulent Presidential Suite. Every guestroom hosts an impressive Italian marble bathroom complete with a deep sunken bath with inset television, twin basins, separate lavatory and therapeutic shower.

The award winning radii restaurant & bar is the hotel's multi level restaurant serving unique Modern Australian/European cuisine. radii buzzes with life and delights diners with the open kitchen

The lower level of the hotel boasts a spectacular circular ballroom with supporting function facilities. The magnificent Trilogy rooms hosts floor to ceiling glass walls that open onto the perfectly manicured Trilogy Garden making it the perfect venue for a variety of functions.

On the ninth floor, Park Club Health & Day Spa offers exceptional facilities and service. Guests enjoy complimentary access to Park Club’s 25 metre heated lap pool, spa, steam room, sauna and fitness studio. Alternatively, pamper yourself with one of the deluxe treatments from the extensive la prairie and Aveda range.

Park Hyatt Melbourne offers personalised service in exquisite surrounds to ensure all guests experience a memorable stay. One of only 18 Park Hyatts worldwide, Park Hyatt Melbourne is designed to ensure that guests experience sophistication, elegance and the intimate club-like atmosphere inspired by smaller hotels.

Facts and Figure

Rating: 5
Rooms: 240
Price: 200-300 USD
Address: 1 Parliament Square off Parliament Place Melbourne VIC 3002

Face of Sydney Revealed on Harbour Highrise

Sydney is a multicultural city with a third of its residents born overseas. So what does the typical Sydneysider look like?

On Friday night, two towering digital portraits of the average Sydney man and woman were projected onto the glass wall of a highrise tower overlooking Sydney Harbour.

The average Sydneysider is not blonde and tanned like the stereotypical Australian beach image, but fair-skinned and dark-haired.

The images were a digitally layered composite of photographs of more than 1400 Sydney residents, the oldest 93 and the youngest two weeks old.

Called "The Face of Sydney", photographers used statistical data of Sydney's diverse city population of 160,00 people to choose subjects and then digitally layered the photographs.

Some 54 per cent of participants described their ancestry as Anglo-Saxon Celtic, 3 per cent as indigenous Australians, 4 per cent as South American and 11 per cent Chinese.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said Sydney, Australia's largest city, was a city of villages and "The Face of Sydney" reflected it diversity.

"The results represent an insight into the visual identity of the broader city of Sydney community – the sum of our differences and similarities at this point," said Moore.

Source: www.stuff.co.nz

Australian Grand Prix Lose Again

The Australian Formula One Grand Prix lost 21 million Australian dollars (C$17.6 million Cdn) in 2006, due partly to Melbourne's staging of the Commonwealth Games earlier the same month.

In its annual report presented to Victoria state's parliament Wednesday, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation announced the loss, a 61.5 per cent increase on the 13 million Australian dollars (C$10.9 million) lost the previous season.

Ticket sales were down and the cost of staging the race at Melbourne's Albert Park increased because part of the venue was used during the Commonwealth Games and workers had to rush to prepare the circuit for the F1 race.

The Australian event, usually the opening race on the F1 calendar, was pushed back a month to make way for the Commonwealth Games earlier in March. AGP Corp. chairman Ron Walker was also head of the Commonwealth Games organizing committee.

"There was a risk that ticket sales revenue would be impacted by staging two major events so close to each other," the report said. "This risk materialized and the corporation achieved lower ticket sales revenue as compared to prior years."

The report claimed, according to the Australian Associated Press, that the losses were offset by findings in a 2005 study that estimated the economic benefit of hosting the race in Melbourne was 175 million Australian dollars (C$146.9 million).

Melbourne's Favourite Playground

St Kilda Beach is a convenient 20 minutes tram ride from the city. Running parallel to the beach is a beautiful palm tree lined esplanade, where you can roller blade, bike or jog along. Commonly called the Bay Trail, the esplanade runs for 6km, presenting a scenic stretch for anyone after some beach exercise. Being an inner city beach, it is also a very popular place to lay sun baking in the sand or have a picnic and people watch. For a serene moment, stroll out to the pier and take in the sea breeze and borderless view.

To live like a child again, pay a visit to Luna Park, Australia’s oldest amusement park. First opened in 1912, it has over 90 years experience entertaining and exhilarating visitors. With 16 rides and attractions, there is bound to be one that gets your heart racing.

Because Luna Park is situated on the most scenic strip of the Port Philip Bay, there are some rides that should not be missed. Take the Scenic Railway ride, which travels at 50km/hour, and watch the stunning bay views unfold. Get on the Ferris Wheel for sweeping bay and city views, and don’t miss Pharaoh’s Curse, the only place in the world where you can see Port Philip Bay upside down.

If you’re feeling like an adventurous dare devil, get on Enterprise, Metropolis, G Force and Spider where you will be hurtled and spun till your adrenalin flows overtime. For gentler family rides, take the Silly Serpent, Ghost Train and Twin Dragon. And if you are taking little kids, they will love Arabian Merry, Red Baron and the Carousel, with its 70 individually hand painted horses.

An afternoon of rides can set you back quite a bit as single rides can cost as much as A$7 a ride. You can purchase an unlimited ride ticket for A$35.95 and this is especially worth it if you intend to take more than 5 rides. Admission is free so even if you are on a tight budget, go in anyway as you can still make a good afternoon out of watching the upside down screaming faces and soaking in the atmosphere of gay banter and childish giggles.

If shopping is your passion, do not overlook the Esplanade Market, situated on the walkway above St Kilda Beach. Every Sunday from 10am – 5pm, local artists set up stalls and display their handiwork to the public. With around 200 stalls selling handmade and original artwork, toys, jewellery, paintings, decorative items and even cosmetics, it is definitely a place to pick up some of the best gift ideas.

Even if buying isn’t on your mind, it is an enjoyable experience to browse the stalls, appreciating the diverse and creative displays. Being a maker’s market, it is also a great opportunity to interact and chat with the maker’s of the products. You may pick up some handy hints and also discover the hidden ingredients to make the best body lotions.

All that walking, browsing and fun activities will surely create a good appetite and where better to fuel yourself than along Acland and Fitzroy streets – reputable for its countless restaurants and cafes.

Sit by a café, enjoy a cuppa, watch the world go by and be fascinated by the many interesting people that pass you by. St Kilda is definitely a place where you can quite happily spend an afternoon sipping coffee and just watching the world go by.

For more on the best eating places, watch out for the upcoming article on St Kilda’s food galore.

Source: www.bellaonline.com

Pacific International Hotel Sydney, Ideal Holidays

Right in the vibrant heart of Sydney, Pacific International Hotel Sydney is a heritage-listed hotel ideal for business or holiday travellers seeking convenience, comfort and easy access to the city's entertainment, shopping and tourist attractions.

Location

This hotel is located in the heart of Sydney's vibrant theatre and entertainment precinct and is only minutes from Central Station.

Rooms

Pacific International Hotel offers the perfect hotel accommodation in the heart of Sydney's buzzing city centre. You can choose from a range of comfortable rooms in flexible configurations.

Restaurant

The onsite restaurant has a seating capacity of 163 guests and offers you a variety of delicacies to relish.

General

The meeting room can host any type of events or conferences for up to a maximum of 130 guests. Moreover, in addition to the hotel's own gym and internet kiosk, an array of entertainment in Chinatown, Darling Harbour and Cocklebay wharf are just minutes away.

Facts and Figure

Rating: 4 star
Rooms: 163
Price: 100-250 USD
Address: 717 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

Source: www.sydney.com.au

Bloody Hell Prince Finds Australia Has Culture

JAPAN'S Crown Prince Naruhito, for whom music is a refuge, surprised the Sydney Symphony by arriving as a last-minute guest at the orchestra's Tokyo concert.

"The musicians are thrilled, absolutely thrilled," the orchestra's managing director, Libby Christie, said.

Naruhito, who plays the viola and occasionally appears as a guest artist with symphony orchestras in Japan, gets most of his practice in the palace music room, where he is accompanied by his mother, Empress Michiko, on piano.

He met the Sydney Symphony's conductor, Gianluigi Gelmetti, after the performance to a full house at the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall on the opening night of Asian Orchestra Week.

The prince visited Australia in 2002 with his wife, Crown Princess Masako, and was an exchange student in Melbourne in the 1970s.

Monday's royal blessing, a rarity, also started the Australia Festival off on a high note.

The NSW Tourism Minister, Sandra Nori, who is in Tokyo with a trade delegation, said she hoped that with the prince in the audience there would be a spotlight on Australia's sophisticated cultural side.

It would help to address the failings of "Where The Bloody Hell Are You?" - the Tourism Australia advertising campaign which had missed the mark in Britain, the US and Japan, Nori said.

Source: www.smh.com.au

Quay West Suites Hotel Sydney

At Quay West Sydney you have the best of both worlds. The privacy and freedom of your own luxury suite in the heart of the Central Business District and historic Rocks area, with the comfort and services of a great hotel and breathtaking location. Every room is a superbly appointed suite - and every superbly appointed suite has a separate bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, laundry, living area and windows that actually open. Combine all this with our special blend of warmth, hospitality and unique personal approach and you'll never be satisfied with a hotel room again.

On the mezzanine floor, Harrington Restaurant and Bar is the heart of the hotel. Enjoy a drink with friends at the end of a busy day or relax and share a coffee over the daily papers in Harrington Bar. Adjoining the bar is Harrington Restaurant. With an intimate club-like atmosphere, the cuisine is light and appetizing, and the service is first class. It's the perfect place to entertain your business associates or friends. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Unwind and recharge your batteries around our spectacular Recreation Deck with its sweeping view of Sydney Harbour and the city. Or, if you prefer a more leisurely pace, the observation deck is the perfect spot to soak up the sun and catch up on some reading. On the 24th floor relax in a classic Roman Bath style atmosphere whilst you take in the scenic harbour views.

Each Suite at Quay West is individual, a place you can make your own. What makes a Quay West Suite unique is the spacious sitting room, a choice of one or two blissfully comfortable bedrooms, a stylish, fully appointed bathroom and a meticulously equipped kitchen and laundry. After one night at Quay West, you'll feel the difference from a normal hotel room. A two bedroom Quay West Suite offers even more flexibility. You can have separate living areas, and a sub meeting room for a conference, or it can be the ideal accommodation for a family or group. All have two bathrooms for your convenience. And naturally, our breathtaking harbour views. Enjoy a wonderful luxurious lifestyle, or ease the stress of our relocation, in one of our spacious Executive Penthouses which contain two bedrooms, a study, two bathrooms - one with a jacuzzi - and a choice of spectacular city or harbour views.

If you are planning a conference, function, or any other business gathering, the Essex Room and Gloucester Room provide the flexibility and facilities of a dedicated function centre. All this, combined with the service and features of Quay West, to make your next occasion a memorable one. Secretarial and associated services are available for conference facilitators and delegates.

Facts and Figure

Rating: 5 star
Room: 120
Price: 370-500 USD
Address: 98 Gloucester Street, The Rocks, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Source: www.oztravel.com.au

Celebrating South Australia

The Government of South Australia is celebrating October as the South Australia month in India. A number of high-level political visits, business delegations, sporting events, educational contests, scholarships, seminars and promotions will mark the celebrations across India.

Celebrations begin in Chennai on October 3. South Australian Minister for Education, Tourism, Children Services and the City of Adelaide Jane Lomax Smith will launch `South Australia - A Brilliant Blend' featuring Darren Lehmann, South Australia's special envoy to India.

An essay writing competition will held for students from classes 10 to 12 in the city in association with the Rotary Club of Madras. Nearly 50 schools are expected to participate, and the winner will receive the prize from the Premier of South Australia Mike Rann. The first prize will include a return air ticket to Adelaide and a week's stay for the student as well as a holiday at Kangaroo Island.

Source: www.hindu.com

Swissotel Sydney, Unmistakable Sense of Comfort

Overview

Swissôtel Sydney boasts a vibrant inner city location, offering relaxed and luxurious surroundings right at the doorstep of some of the best dining, shopping, entertainment and landmarks Sydney has to offer. The Sydney Harbour Bridge, the historic Rocks, the Sydney Opera House and the beautiful Botanic Gardens are all within easy reach of the hotel.

In the tradition of all Swissôtel hotels worldwide, you will experience warm, reliable and efficient service at the Swissôtel Sydney. The 359 hotel rooms and suites reflect a contemporary and sophisticated style, with breathtaking skyline views of Sydney to the coast and beyond. Room amenities include king-size beds, high-speed Internet access, an ergonomically designed workstation and three IDD telephones with voicemail.

Room

The spacious rooms and suites reflect a contemporary style with Australian maplewood furnishings and fabrics and upholstery impeccably coordinated to give guests an unmistakable sense of style and comfort. Swissotel rooms and suites have easy access to the Swissotel Lounge. Studio Suites feature well-equipped pantries and pressing facilities to meet your needs and add to the comfort and convenience of longer-staying guests. The luxurious Chairman Suite features an expansive living and dining area, two bedrooms with ensuite facilities as well as a fully-equipped kitchen, with an attractive wine-bar. Handicap accessible rooms are available as well as non-smoking rooms and floors.

Restaurant

Mediterranean-inspired cuisine is served at the Swissôtel Sydney's restaurant, J P Bastiani, complemented by a fine wine from the restaurant's extensive wine cellar. The hotel bar and lounge, Crossroads, serves an express breakfast and light lunches in plush surroundings.

Spa

Amrita Spa and the Fitness Centre offer hotel guests and members access to the latest in cardio equipment, as well as the use of our 20-metre outdoor heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam and sauna rooms.

Conference Room

The Conference Centre at Swissôtel Sydney offers a variety of flexible meeting rooms and is the perfect Sydney setting for any event or conference. The hotel meeting facilities include the heritage-listed Blaxland Ballroom, which caters for up to 500 people. Wireless Internet connection is available in all the hotel function rooms, and in-house audio-visual specialists cater to all technical requirements, including videoconferencing.

Facts and Figure

Rating: 5 star
Room: 359
Price:
Address: 68 Market Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

Source: sydney.swissotel.com

Warmest September Ever for Melbourne

Melbourne has experienced its warmest September ever recorded, according to meteorological website Weatherzone.

The first month of Spring had an average maximum temperature of 19.7 degrees Celsius - a massive three degrees above the month's long-term average of 17 deg C.

Weatherzone meteorologist Matt Pearce said the city's average maximum temperature was also .2 of a degree warmer than the previous hottest September on record, seen 1928.

The temperature peaked at 30 deg C on September 19, Mr Pearce said today.

"The high temperatures were a result of persistent north-westerly winds which dragged hot, dry air down from the interior of the continent," he said.

"Normally at this time of year we expect cold fronts to cross Victoria every few days ... this happened far less frequently this September."

It was also a "very dry" month, Mr Pearce said, with the 36mm of rain recorded across the city 23mm down on the long-term average.

"Rain only fell on nine days, compared to a long-term average of 15 days," he said.

Source: www.news.com.au