 Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day – if you haven’t already planned something special, there is still time to impress your other half! So, don’t stress and run to your local chemist to purchase one of the only remaining bouquets of flowers, the ones with few pedals left, or the last teddy, the one with the missing eye. This year, show no love for the conventional; instead, book a unique experience for you and your loved one to share.
There are endless exciting and romantic options offered across Australia. In Sydney, you can float above the earth with your beau in a hot air balloon flight; launch from Parramatta to enjoy spectacular views of the big city’s famous skyline and of the beautiful Blue Mountains or launch from Camden for views of the valley and its rivers, rock faces and historic towns;  or, for similar views, you can take a scenic helicopter flight. Alternatively, you may take advantage of what Sydney is famous for, its harbour, with a harbour cruise.
If in Melbourne, you can float in a hot air balloon over different settings, taking in views of the city’s famous landmarks, such as its many iconic sports arenas, and the Yarra Valley and its many world-class wineries and lush green rolling hills. For a traditional romantic experience, consider an antique horse and carriage tour through Melbourne. For a more indulgent and scenic day out, book a winery tour that visits several of the Yarra Valley’s acclaimed wineries.
If you’re on the Gold Coast, you can board a scenic flight or a hot air balloon to fly over the  gorgeous hinterland and enjoy views of the iconic coastal city skyline, beaches, the open sea, rivers and mountains; or take to the beautiful Gold Coast broadwater with one of the many cruise options.
Browse through the many memorable experiences available in each of the major regions in Australia to find the one that best suits you and your loved one. No need to worry about planning details or spending time shopping – you can arrange one of these incredible experiences from your desk at work or at home! Browse and book a special activity for you two on Experience Oz and receive an instant confirmation and a printable voucher. Last-minute gifts can be thoughtful too – find how you will make tomorrow memorable on Experience Oz today!
 Book your Valentine's Day Experience Today
 Think you have what it takes to be a CSI Agent? Spend the day acting as a forensic detective at the Gold Coast exhibition, CSI: The Experience, and see if you can collect enough evidence to crack the case! Since early December, Gold Coast locals and visitors alike have been enjoying this multi-million dollar interactive crime solving experience!
This successful 1,110 square metre exhibition, also running in Las Vegas and New York, was developed in consultation with 175 forensic science experts to ensure it reflects not only the hit TV show, but the real, current processes of crime scene investigating.
As a visitor, you take on the role of ‘detective’, first learning of forensic analysis techniques and of your responsibilities through a video directed by Anthony E. Zuiker, the creator and executive producer of the CSI TV series, as well as directly from a real- life forensic scientist, Ron Singer. Next, CSI’s lead investigator, Gil Grissom, provides you with some tips of uncovering the evidence in the crime scene to come.
After learning the fundamentals of several forensic science areas, such as DNA and firearm identification and pathology and blood splatter analysis, you enter one of three intricately constructed crime scenes. Now the pressure is on you and the other newly hired detectives to put the puzzle together.
With the help of a modern crime lab, an autopsy room and a variety of information technologies, you use real science to identify, record and analyse evidence. Once you’re confident with your findings, you head to the office to present them to team supervisor, Gil Grissom, in the hopes of solving the case.
 Because you apply the forensics knowledge you learn in a multi-media environment based on the TV show complete with real equipment, it is a perfect blend of science and pop culture. As CSI executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer describes it, this exhibition is ‘edu-tainment’.
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise and open 10am to 10pm every day of the week, CSI: The Experience is very accessible. Visit Experience Oz’s page for this attraction for more details on pricing and purchasing tickets. For the best value, consider the Surfers Paradise 3 in 1 Attraction Pass, which grants you access to not only CSI: The Experience, but also to Infinity and Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
Put your Investigator hat on and head to the Gold Coast‘s new, exciting attraction, CSI: The Experience, today!
Buy your CSI: The Experience Tickets Here!
Experience Oz – October Hot Deals
Can’t see the images? Click here to view online
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Includes: Entry to Sea World, Movie World and Wet n Wild as many times as you like between now and 30 June 2012, plus entry to White Christmas. Hurry! Offer ends 31 October 2011. |
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Includes: Entry to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary plus a 2-hour Gold Coast waterways Cruise.
100% Exclusive to Experience Oz! |
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WAS $21 per person for single entry NOW $21 for 14 days of unlimited entry.
Valid to 24 December 2011. |
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Includes: Aussie BBQ Buffet including a choice of hot dishes, salads and desserts. Entrance to the Wildnight Adventure including guided walks, wildlife presentations and aboriginal culture.
Valid to 24 December 2011. |
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Includes: Hotel pick up and drop off. Return scenic air flights. Personal guide, 5 hours for you to explore the island and reef, welcome drink, glass bottom boat/snorkel tour, buffet lunch and more!
Valid to 31 March 2012.
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Includes: Entry to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary including shows and presentations, aboriginal culture and the Green Challenge adventure course. WAS $49 per Adult or $160 per Family NOW $31 and $99.
Valid to 24 December 2011. |
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Includes: Great Ocean Road Day Tour from 8am –7.30pm and Melbourne City from 8am – 11.45am. Melbourne City Tour can be taken within 7 days of the Great Ocean Road Adventure.
Valid to 31 December 2011. |
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Includes: approximately 2 hours snorkelling in a guided tour to see the amazing Sea Dragons, Corals, Crabs and loads more creatures under the sea. Runs most weekends (subject to availability).
Valid to 31 October 2011. |
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Buy a 2 Attraction Combo Pass and get a 3rd Attraction FREE!
Limited time only! |
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Includes: Blue Mountains Tour from 8.15am to 6pm plus a Sydney City and Bondi Beach Sightseeing Tour from 8.15 to 11.45am. WAS $210 NOW $111. Sydney City & Bondi Beach tour can be taken within 7 days of Blue Mountains Tour.
Valid to 31 December 2011. |
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Includes: Choose either a 3hr Hands on Sightseeing Sail or Twilight Sailing Friday Evenings and buy one ticket get one half price! 3hr Hands on Sail – WAS $150 per person or $300 for 2 Adults NOW $225 for 2 Adults Twilight Sailing Friday Evenings – WAS $75 per person or $150 for 2 Adults NOW $112.50. |
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Buy 2 Adults get 1 child free (various activities and options available) Starting from $220 for 2 Adults + 1 Child NOW only $160.
Valid to 31 March 2013.
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Includes: Seaplane scenic flights over the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsunday Islands.
Valid to 16 December 2011. |
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 Want to escape to a different reality—one where you act more like Jason Bourne or James Bond? Want a break from the boring routine? Need to release built-up tension from work? Suit up and shoot it out of your system! Experience Oz is proud to add paintballing to its extensive catalogue of things to do in Australia!
World Series Paintball is a premium paintball park network with locations around the country. With 10 options across Australia, including parks near Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth, it is easy to find a massive paintballing park to dominate near you! Each park offers several sessions a day, from 10 to close to 20, suitable for players of varying abilities and experience. From first-timers to dedicated competitors, there is a match for everyone.
 Even the most advanced players will play different matches to experience a variety of games and scenarios. For example, players in Brisbane have 10 themed fields set over 60 acres to choose from! As well, players in Melbourne are spoiled with the largest indoor park in the southern hemisphere! All of World Series Paintball’s large parks ensure the sport is kept exciting!
So, gather your buddies, suit up and load your guns with your pellets—you are about to experience extreme thrills! Be strategic, keep your head down and watch your back while stalking your enemies; then, pull the trigger, fire and conquer!
A tip to avoid disappointment: if you are 18 or under, make sure to check your state’s minimum age requirement before you purchase your paintballs.
Team up with your mates or go head-to-head—you will all love the rush of your paintball adventure!
Book your paintballing match here!
 Crikey! Australia Zoo is charging through boundaries! The Zoo is extending its grounds to just under 100 acres and is bringing the only giraffes, zebras and rhino calf to Queensland with its new African Safari exhibit—opening tomorrow!
This open-range African exhibit is bringing Steve Irwin’s dream to fruition. He dreamt of opening a park where several species would live freely together on open plains, granting the public an opportunity to observe the animals interact as they would in the wild.
Tomorrow, just in time for the September school holidays, Steve’s vision will be seen. From the comfort of a Safari Shuttle, you will be able to watch exotic animals roam and interact as they explore a massive, beautifully and authentically designed 24-acre savannah.
An ear-to-ear smile will grow as you watch Savannah, a cute rhino calf, play with six other adult Southern White Rhinos—Queensland’s only breeding group of Rhinos! You’ll be amazed by the park’s three giraffes, Rosie, Penny and Forrest, as they graze the grounds and nab leaves from trees with their bright blue tongues! You will also enjoy marveling at cheetahs and zebras exploring replicated natural habitats.
Soon to be Australia Zoo’s largest exhibit, the huge African Safari exhibit has demanded extensive preparation. The construction and design team has been busy building intricate fencing systems, laying roads in the plains, sculpturing themed pieces, such as a drinking hole and tress that reflect the native Boabab Tree in Africa, and building shelters out of mock rock to create an authentic African feel.
Boarding the Safari Shuttle and experiencing this exciting new African adventure is included in the price of regular admission. Get your tickets and go wild at Australia Zoo!
Buy your Australia Zoo tickets here!
 A premier Australian festival, the Brisbane Festival, just passed its half way mark. Make sure to get your dose of culture at one of the festival’s fun and inspirational daily events before it ends on September 24th.
Developed in 1996, this annual cultural event is designed to foster the arts. For the first three weeks in September, Brisbane plays host to acclaimed international and Australian artists. The festival programme consists of four world premieres, five Australian premieres and eleven international productions. Everyday, productions from all areas of the arts are filling concert halls, parks, theatres, galleries and public spaces across the city.
From circus acts to classical music concerts to modern art displays, there is something to interest everyone. Catch a few of the highlights this weekend, Maria de Buenos Aires,  a riveting tango performance, an outdoor performance by rock band Custard, and a unique performance by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and virtuoso pianist, Nikolai Demidenko.
Further, be sure to take advantage of the many free events, such as the Santos City of Lights. Head to the South Bank Parklands to marvel at bright, colourful lights and lasers bursting from skyscraper rooftops, the river and bridges to the tune of dramatic music.
While you are embracing the Brisbane Festival, explore more of what the city has to offer. For a fun way to discover Brisbane, spend a couple hours climbing the iconic Story Bridge on an Adventure Climb. You may also enjoy taking a scenic cruise down the Brisbane River; you will be dropped off in South Bank, where you can take a ride of the Wheel of Brisbane. There are a number of day tours that help you explore Brisbane in unique ways.
If you are able to attend the Brisbane Festival over the next week and a half, we hope you enjoy it! In the words of Festival Artistic Director Noel Staunton: “Art has no boundaries… I urge everyone to show no fear, try something new, and embrace the unique experiences that Festival time in Brisbane is set to offer.”
Book your Brisbane experiences here!
 Two of Australia’s icons, Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef, are in the running to be placed among the world’s new seven natural wonders and they need votes!
New7Wonders of Nature is an initiative to compile a new list of natural wonders determined through a global poll (rather than by one person as it was done in ancient times).
In 2007, the preliminary global vote nominated over 440 locations in over 220 countries, before narrowing it the top 77. At this stage, 13 of Oz’s sites were in the running, including Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef, the Twelve Apostles, Kakadu National Park, Fraser Island, Pinnacles Desert, the Australian Alps, the Blue Mountains, the Green Cauldron, the Flinders Ranges, Cradle Mountain and the Bungle Bungles.
 In 2009, based on selected criteria, the New7Wonders Panel of Experts narrowed this further to the top 28. Now for Australia, only Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef remain in the running. It is now up to the public around the world to vote for the new wonders of the world. The seven with the most votes will be announced on November 11, 2011.
While extremely beautiful, Australia’s leading sites face stiff competition such as New Zealand’s Milford Sound, the Maldives, Brazil’s Iguazu Falls, America’s Grand Canyon, South Africa’s Table Mountain and Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands.
The fierce competition from around the world only makes us more proud to have two of our sites in the final stage! Regardless of the results, one thing is for sure—a visit to Uluru and to the Great Barrier Reef is a must do. Add a tour around Uluru and a reef adventure to your bucket list!
Book a tour of Ayers Rock or the Reef here!
Fraser Island is among Australia’s most cherished natural wonders. Rightly so, this exceptionally beautiful island is listed as a World Heritage site and is ranked by UNESCO to be as precious as Uluru, Kakadu, and the Great Barrier Reef.
I quickly realized why Fraser Island is so praised when I visited last week. Two friends and I joined a three-day tour operated by Sunset Safaris, which brought us to some of the island’s greatest treasures, including giant sand dunes, Lake Wabby, Lake Birrabean, Eli Creek, the rainforest, Indian Head, and the Maheno shipwreck.
With an area of 184000 hectares, Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and it is still growing;  we got a sense of its immense size as soon as we landed.
Once on the island, the tour began with a drive down 75 Mile Beach to our accommodations. This uninterrupted stretch of sand acts as a highway for vehicles and a runway for small planes.
During our ride in a comfortable 4WD bus, we watched the ocean rush to meet the tires on the right and spotted wildlife on the left; we saw dingoes walking amidst the coloured sand cliffs and saw a giant sunfish and a dugong washed up on the beach.
After checking in to the Eurong Beach Resort, which were our less than luxury but quite comfortable accommodations, we hiked through huge sweeping sand dunes and arrived at a green-coloured lake, Lake Wabby, where the group of us took a refreshing dip with several large fish.
After a late night at the Beach Bar in our resort, we woke up and visited some more spectacular sand dunes, which we climbed up, jumped off, and sprinted down. We then enjoyed a lunch spread prepared by our guide, Barry, before taking a bumpy ride down the inland sand trails to Lake Birrabean.
Lake Birrabean is one of the island’s many perched lakes, created by rainwater collected in a large sand dune. This beach is made of white silica sand, which brightly shines through the lake’s crystal clear waters.
The island’s many lakes are coloured differently and offer different health benefits depending on what sand they are on and what trees they are near.
For example, in the wet, white sand of Lake Birrabean, I was able to shine up all of my very tarnished silver jewellery! Other lakes are coloured a brownish red from the nearby tea tree leaves; this water is excellent for conditioning skin and hair.
After our swim, we hiked through an ancient, tall rainforest, complete with trees with huge trunks (including the Satinay tree which grows naturally only on Fraser Island), strong vines for swinging, and a strong but silent clear creek. Fraser Island is the only place you will find a rainforest growing on sand.
After this fun-filled day, we enjoyed a Mexican buffet dinner at the resort. Having all of our meals taken care of on the island kept things simple for us. In fact, beyond the food, our guide, Barry, made everything very easy for us.
Well-organized, Barry made sure we stayed on schedule and got to see the island’s highlights; further, in addition to being extremely entertaining, he was very informative and taught us about the island’s history and natural wonders—interesting knowledge we would have missed out on had we tried to tackle the island on our own.
On our last day,  Barry first drove us to Indian Head, tall headlands with gorgeous views. Here, we spotted string rays, whales, and even a shark! We then stopped at the Maheno shipwreck on our way to Eli Creek. With a water flow of 80 million litres a day, Eli Creek is a natural lazy river! We walked upstream, jumping from trees into the water at some points, then floated back down to meet the bus.
And so concluded our time on Fraser Island. While our days were packed full, there is still so much more we could have explored on the island. It is truly a huge natural playground. For this reason, I urge any potential visitors to at least spend a couple nights. As well, I found taking a guided tour, such as Sunset Safaris, to be the most stress-free and efficient option  for enjoying Fraser Island.
In whatever capacity you can manage, make sure you visit the clear and coloured lakes, the giant sand blows, the rainforest, the coloured sand cliffs, and the unique wildlife of Fraser Island.
Book your Fraser Island adventure here!
Brisbane has been attacked! Travellers need to learn what the River City is made of. According to Brisbane newspaper the Courier Mail, Anthony Hayes, the Chief Executive of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, has criticised Brisbane for its lack of permanent tourist attractions.
It is Hayes’ belief that, beyond events, Brisbane doesn’t offer tourists enough reason to visit. Former Brisbane Lord Mayor Jim Soorley disagrees that Brisbane is a boring city, but admits it needs to be better marketed. We want to help.
Brisbane has spent a lot of time and resources into redefining itself, now fitting the structure and style of a “new world city.” It is a diverse, dynamic, and creative city—and there is plenty to do and see.
To see some of its history, you may visit Brisbane’s oldest building,the Windmill,built in 1828. Also, see the city’s Parliament House, City Hall, Cathedral Square, the Conrad Treasury Hotel, and Anzac Square.
Further, experience the city’s diversity by traveling through its many different precincts, such as Chinatown, Fortitude Valley, and Queen Street.
Lastly, enjoy Brisbane’s natural attractions such as the Botanic Gardens, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and the Brisbane River, as well as its built attractions such as the Captain Cook Bridge, Story Bridge, and Wheel of Brisbane.
You can see all of these sights, take a scenic cruise on the Brisbane River, and enjoy panoramic 360 degree views of the city on a Wheel of Brisbane ride by purchasing the Brisbane City with River Cruise and Wheel of Brisbane package for $109.00 for adults and $69.00 for children. BUY NOW
There are also spectacular ecological tours, such as day trips to Tangalooma Island and Moreton Island. To look at many more day tours offered in Brisbane, click here.
Tourists with a sense of adventure may enjoy the Brisbane icon, the Story Bridge, in a unique way. Take two and a half hours to climb the Story Bridge and enjoy panoramic views. Click here to book a Story Bridge Adventure Climb.
There are many other exciting things to do in Brisbane, such as visiting the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, touring the XXXX Ale House, and whale watching, among many others. To learn more of Brisbane’s attractions and activities, click here.
It is safe to say that Brisbane is far from boring!
Book your Brisbane experience here!
Combo Passes are a great way to see and do what you want, at a lower than retail price! Combination passes, 2 for 1 deals and packages are certainly not new. Most people would have bought at least one in their lifetime. Here is a list of Experience Oz’s top combo pass picks.
National VIP Pass – gets you unlimited entry to Sea World, Warner Bros Movie World and Wet n Wild from now until 30 June 2012. The price for all of this entertainment? $119.99 per person! It’s normally $79.99 for one entry to Movie World or Sea World and $59.99 for Wet n Wild, this is unbeatable value. BUY NOW
Super Pass – gets you entry to 2 Parks over 14 days (activated from first entry). Visit Sea World, Movie World or Wet n Wild for $149.99 per Adult and $99.99 per Child.
Tip!: Savvy shoppers will notice that while the Super Pass offers less benefits; for a family on holiday to the Gold Coast this actually works out cheaper for the child passes if you only intend to visit 2 parks on your short break. Buy the children Super Passes and a VIP Pas for yourself and you’ve saved even more money! BUY NOW
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary & Wyndham Cruises – Experience the Gold Coast’s most loved wildlife park at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy over 18 shows daily included in your admission. Then sit back and relax on a 2 hour waterways cruise from Surfers Paradise. Bliss! All this for only $49.95 per person (If you bought both tickets separately it would cost you $99.95!) BUY NOW
Sea World Whale Watch – combine a Sea World Whale Watching cruise and your entry ticket into Sea World and you can save over Save $60 Adults, Save $35 Child & Seniors! OR pay just $325 for a family (normally $602). BUY NOW
Sydney Attraction Combination Passes – it’s your choice with this one, a ‘pick & mix’ of your favourite attractions. Combine entry to 2, 3 or all 4 of Sydney’s best attractions in one low price with these all new passes. Visit Sydney Wildlife World, Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower & Oceanworld Manly. BUY NOW
See Sydney & Beyond Attractions Pass – See Sydney Attractions Pass is available for 2, 3 and 7 days. All packages offer a choice of over 40 top experiences in and around fabulous Sydney! Proces start from $155 per Adult. BUY NOW
See Melbourne & Beyond Attractions Pass – FREE entry to over 40 attractions in Melbourne and surrounds. Unlimited access for 2, 3 or 7 days… It’s your choice! Discover everything Melbourne has to offer, at your own pace. Starting from $145 per Adult. BUY NOW
Tasmania 5 in 1 Pass – 5 tickets valid for single entry to Tasmania’s best attractions. 20 unique attractions to choose from. Valid for 3 months. Starting from $125 per Adult. BUY NOW
Great Sunshine Way Attractions Pass – Over 35 top attractions in Brisbane, Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast. Available in 3 packages (3 tickets, 5 tickets, 3 Day and 5 day unlimited passes). Great value for money and unbeatable convenience. Starting from $89 per Adult. BUY NOW
Get online and book a combination pass today and SAVE yourself some money to spend on a dinner, drink or souvenir when you get there.
We don’t charge anything extra at Experience Oz, so these really area great value deals!
Book your discount and combination passes here!
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