Essential Australia

Wet season floods in the Northern Territory stops the Ghan

Jen — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:40:31 +0000

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.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

China now the biggest source of migrants to Australia

Jen — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:55:56 +0000

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.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Man saves his dog from Kangaroo

Jen — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:45:17 +0000

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.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Two men die from heat in Northern Territory

Jen — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:04:51 +0000

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.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Flatuent Pig causes firefighter mystery in Victoria

Jen — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:41:25 +0000

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".

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Queensland Government announce 7 new eco-resorts in state's parks

Jen — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:06:15 +0000

Queensland premier, Anna Bligh, has granted permission this week for the establishment of 7 new 'low impact' accommodation sites within the stae's national parks. The locations are:

Eurong on Fraser Island, Wallaman Falls at Girringun, Ninny Rise at Mission Beach, Jonah Bay at Whitsunday, Mount Mee at D'Aguilar National Park, Green Mountain at Lamington National Park and Cowan South on Moreton Island.

Although strict regulations will apply to these new resorts, including caps on visitor numbers and a range of environmental standards, conservation groups have expressed concern about the encroachment of accommodation onto national parks.

Our view is that Australia has a good record of sustainable tourism and the best way to conserve national parks in the long run is by ensuring a consistent income is generated whilst minimising any harmful and lasting effects of tourism. Eco-tourism in this instance may provide the answer.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.