Heavy rain in the Northern Territory has forced the suspension of the iconic outback train The Ghan due to floods north of Alice Springs. The train was forced to turn back to Darwin where its passengers disembarked to either fly on to their destinations or await the re-opening of the line.

The Ghan is one of several iconic rail trips available in Australia. Originally built just between Adelaide and Alice Springs, it was extended all the way through to Darwin in 2003. The trip between Adelaide and Darwin (via Alice Springs and Katherine) takes 2 nights and there are several classes of travel possible. A stop at Alice Springs allows the possiblility of a side trip (by road) to Ulhuru or Ayers Rock.

The "Wet Season" in Australia's north runs from about December to March and is characterised by humidity, rainfall and occasional typhoons of the coast. Travel to this region can be rewarding at this time provided travellers bear the weather in mind.

Recent figures released by the Australian government show that China is now the main source of immigrants to Australia, eclisping the big two traditional nations of the UK and New Zealand. Some of the changes reflect the world economic situation. UK migrants usually come through the skilled migration progarmme which has been scaled back somewhat in the last 18 months.

All New Zealanders are actually entitled to live in Australia without the need to formally migrate but commentators suggest that the lack of new jobs in Australia at the moment makes such a move less attractive for our trans-Tasman friends.

In contrast much of the Chinese immigration to Australia is based on family reunion and so has not been affected by the economy.

Despite the cut in skilled migration recently, Australia is still undergoing a significant growth in population driven by migration and an increased birthrate. Recently the population hit 22 million.

All visitors to Australia (apart from New Zealanders) require a visa. Find out more details on the Australian tourist visa here.

A Melbourne dog owner escaped with minor straches and abrasions after a terriying encounter with a frightened kangaroo. Chris Richard was walking his dog on 23 November when they startled a kangaroo. His dog chased the animal towards a dam on the property but the roo turned the tables and forced the dog under the water using its powerful hind legs. Chris managed to save his dog but suffered plenty of blows in the meantime.

Kangaroos are the iconic symbol of Australia and can be seen throughout the country right up to city suburbs. Whilst not normally dangerous they are powerful creatures and some can respond agressively if they perceive danger.

Two men have died in the remote outback of Australia's Northern Territory this weekend. One man died and another was hospitalised after they failed to return from a hunting trip. Another man died after his vehicle hit a cow on a road south of Katherine. With his vehicle immobilised he attempted to walk for help but it is believed that he succombed to the heat and was discovered later by the side of the road.

The Northern Territory is has some of the most remote parts of Australia as well as many of its icons including Ayers Rock (Uluhru), Katherine Gorge and of course the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park.

Emergency services in the Australian state of Victoria were called to a farm this weekend when locals reported a strong smell of gas. To the farm owner's embarrassment it turned out that the gas was actually being produced by one of his large pigs. Firefighters were altered by the audible noises being produced by the 120 kilo sow.

Local fire chief Peter Harkins insisted that his crew dealt with the whole matter professionally and then "had a bit of a giggle when we got back to the station." The farm is near Bendigo in Victoria which is about a 2 hour drive from Victoria's main city of Melbourne. The drive between the two cities passes the infamous 'Hanging Rock', subject of the 1975 film, "Picnic at Hanging Rock".