This Easter long weekend, bring the family to admire the Dance of the Rays at the Melbourne Aquarium! For a limited time over the April School Holidays, a school of over 30 majestic rays is performing an impressive dance number in their underwater stage, the 2.2 million-litre Oceanarium. Be mesmerised by these amazing animals and their fluid movements from 31 March to 15 April!
This attraction is sure to impress kids and big kids alike! At the Dance of the Rays, marvel at the unique crew of aquatic dancers, composed of white-spotted eagle, cownose and southern eagle rays, performing a stunning natural phenomenon! Using their strong schooling instinct to move in mass formation, the dancing rays move gracefully in a choreographed formation.
An awesomely serene spectacle, Dance of Rays is must-see show that will entertain the whole family! The award-winning Melbourne Aquarium also offers a variety of permanent attractions ideal for a fun family day out, including daily dive feeding shows, a tank of ghost-like jellies and Australia’s only sub-Antarctic King and Gentoo penguin multi-million dollar ice exhibit. As the Dance of Rays is included in the price of your great-valued entry ticket or family pass, you don’t need to splash out to have an exciting experience at Melbourne Aquarium!
 Buy your Melbourne Aquarium Tickets Here!
 Experience Oz is excited to announce a major expansion of its online catalogue of travel experiences—now, with Experience Oz, you can also experience New Zealand! As it offers over 2000 tours, attractions, activities and more, you can now browse a diverse range of things to do in both Oz and NZ and book experiences online at www.ExperienceOz.com.au.
Experience Oz, now Experience Oz + NZ, has introduced exciting day tours, cruises, activities, attractions, extreme experiences and more in all of the main regions of NZ’s north and south islands. If you are planning to visit NZ, be sure to read what we have to say about each city and browse the many options for things to do in each.
If heading to the North Island, you will probably be stopping in the big city, Auckland. While  there, if you dare, brave the Auckland Sky Tower SkyWalk and walk around a platform without railings 192 metres above the city—and lean over the edge!
If in the Bay of Islands, considering killing two birds with one cruise; on the Dolphin Cruise to Hole in the Rock, you can discover the area’s wildlife, including playful dolphins, as well as the natural highlights, such as the iconic Hole in the Rock and the Grand Cathedral Cave.
You can also join combination tours for a full experience of Rotorua and nearby areas. Explore the Waitomo caves, view amazing glowworm displays, watch Moari cultural performances and tour Waikato and King Country, as well as other scenic regions, on the Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Tours.
If heading to the South Island, there is a whole new world of exciting and spectacularly scenic options. Consider taking a cruise through Doubtful Sound, a highlight of the pristine Fiordland, and discover the dense rainforest, clear waters, abundant local wildlife and much more.
You can also view the South Island’s beauty from above with unique scenic flight packages. With a Milford Sound scenic flight combination package, you can explore the massive fiord and its surrounding waterfalls, ancient glaciers, crystal clear lakes and rivers and beech forest from the roads, the waters and the skies!
If in Queenstown, you will have no shortage of thrills available to you. For adrenaline-packed  day out, consider the Shotover Threesome package with which you enjoy a scenic helicopter flight from the city to the Shotover River, where you embark on a whitewater adventure rafting on grade 3-5 rapids and, finally, you hop aboard a jetboat for some serious on-water speed and spins!
Alternatively, for a more relaxing experience, you may enjoy a Stewart Island Cruise or a Paringa Track Guided Walk on the West Coast.
Whether it’s a peaceful, scenic holiday you’re after or an extreme adventure, there are tours, attractions and activities that will appeal to you. Experience Oz + NZ is now your one stop shop for things to do in Australia and New Zealand!
Book your experiences in NZ and in Oz here!
 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
Melbourne is officially transforming into a Christmas playground! The beginning of the 30 days of Christmas in Melbourne will be marked at 7pm tonight, as City Square becomes Christmas Square for December. Head there to meet Santa Claus and to sing along with your favourite carols being sung by Jack Vidgen, winner of Australia’s Got Talent 2011, as well as other carolers. Then, as a grand finale, be impressed by the official lighting of Christmas Square!
Melbourne’s festive spirit doesn’t end here—Christmas decorations paint the entire town! Tour the city to see a gift-wrapped Melbourne Town Hall, the giant presents on Flinders Street Station, decorations suspended from the Swanson Street tram lines, the 12 days of Christmas in various laneways and a traditional nativity scene at Christmas Square!
There are several other festive events, such as the Spirit of the Square, where you can enjoy songs from the Salvos and community choirs, festive films, mazes and a forest of 150 Christmas trees to explore; and the South Cinema events, where you can enjoy Joyeux Noel, Love Actually or Four Holidays in a silent deck chair cinema. Check out the City of Melbourne What’s On page for a full listing of Christmas events.
To make your time off in Melbourne even more memorable, attend not only the seasonal events, but some of the permanent attractions that the city is known for as well. For family fun, try to get to the Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Zoo, or other exciting attractions. If you are short on time, see the whole city in one shot from 88 floors above on the Eureka Skydeck.
For great value, consider the Melbourne 5 in 1 Pack, which allows you to choose and enter 5 of area’s 20 best attractions for $125.00. You may prefer a See Melbourne & Beyond Attraction Pass. This pass, worth over $1000 of admission fees, provides you with unlimited access to over 40 of Melbourne’s attractions for the length of time you chose (2, 3, or 7 days) for a small fraction of the price.
To take advantage of the warm weather, swim with the dolphins or dive with sharks or go on a snorkelling tour or on a kayaking tour! For something more unique, take to the skies in a hot air balloon flight over the city or over Yarra Valley or on helicopter flight over the scenic region of your choice! There is something for every type of holidayer—spend your vacation in Melbourne and have a merry Christmas!
‘Tis the season to be jolly! Indulge in fruitcake, catch A Christmas Carol on TV, decorate the tree, and, most importantly, enjoy your holidays! Put the cramped malls out of your mind, forget the long lines and the parking spot wars, leave all your shopping stresses behind; get back to the true joy of the season—spending quality time with your loved ones. This Christmas, plan something fun for the friends and family to do!
Sharing an exciting experience together prolongs the festive season as it is usually enjoyed post-Christmas and it creates lasting memories. This holiday season, surprise the family with a group hot air balloon flight over some of Australia’s most stunning scenery; treat your partner to a romantic dinner cruise; spend a day touring acclaimed cellar doors and tasting fine wines with the ladies; or challenge the boys to an intense paintballing match!
Choose the experiences that suit you and your loved ones from the 2000+ options on Experience Oz. From budget to luxury, from thrilling to relaxing and from fun to romantic, there are options that please people of all interests, budgets and ages. Experience Oz makes it easy to find what is relevant and what appeals to you, as all of the experiences are organised by region and, within each region, by categories, such as day tours, water sports, attractions, activities, hot deals and more!
Heading to the Gold Coast for your Christmas holidays? Browse the “Theme Parks” to see all of the passes available or “Attractions” to find a dinner theatre show, such as the popular Australian Outback Spectacular. Perhaps you’re spending the season in Sydney? Browse through “Harbour Cruises” or “Day Tours” to find the best ways of seeing the city’s iconic sites.
Don’t waste precious vacation time and avoid the disappointment of tours selling out. Enjoy beating the queues and receiving instant confirmations, as well as no booking fees, no credit card fees and a best price guarantee, when planning your holiday’s adventures on Experience Oz. From all of us at Experience Oz, merry Christmas and happy holidays!
Book your holiday experiences here!
On November 14, 2011, the winners and finalists of the RACV Victorian Tourism Awards were announced at the annual gala presentation and awards ceremony. As its slogan, “Recognising Victoria’s tourism heroes”, suggests, these awards are designed to pay tribute to excellence, innovation and dedication in the industry, while also encouraging business development.
With so many businesses achieving high standards in Victoria’s tourism industry, the competition was stiff in most categories and all recognition given was well earned. From all of us at Experience Oz, congratulations to all place-getters!
The awards revealed that Melbourne is packed with high-quality permanent attractions. While the Melbourne Museum took the top spot for the Melbourne Airport Award for Major Tourist Attractions, four impressive finalists followed: the Crown Entertainment  Complex, the Melbourne Aquarium, the Eureka Skydeck and the Great Ocean Walk.
The Destination Melbourne Award for Tour and/or Transport Operators was won by 12 Apostles Helicopter, a company providing scenic helicopter flights over Victoria’s spectacular coastline. The finalists in this category were Sea All Dolphin Swims, an operator of dolphin and seal swimming cruises around Port Phillip Bay, and Escape Discovery Adventures, an operator of tours of the gorgeous Great Ocean Road region.
The Parks Victoria Award for Adventure Tourism was won by Auswalk Walking Holidays, an operator which offers guided walking tours through Victoria’s most scenic regions. The four finalists in this category included The Enchanted Maze Garden, Global Ballooning, Great Ocean Road Surf Tours and Sea All Dolphins Swims.
A special congratulations goes to that last name. Sea All Dolphin Swims must be proud to have placed as a finalist in not one, but three categories! This tour operator truly goes the extra mile, offering a wide range of activities and sights on its cruises. In one day, guests enjoy a cruise through the most beautiful parts of the Port Phillip Bay, a reef snorkel, a swim with both seals and dolphins and other marine life viewing!
For a full list of categories and award winners, visit RACV Victorian Tourism Awards. Once again, a huge congratulations to the place-getting Victoria tourism businesses for their incredible achievements!
Book your Melbourne tour 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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 3, 2, 1 GO! Feel the absolute weightlessness take over as you begin your extreme descent from 14,000ft. The adrenalin will really kick in once you open your eyes to the amazing beauty below you of the Yarra Valley, Melbourne’s premier wine region. Strapped to your tandem master, fear not, as they are there to do all the work and let you enjoy your dive to earth. Take in the amazing vineyards, farm land and scenery stretching as far as the eye can see such as Melbourne City, Port Phillip Bay, French Island and the Dandenong Ranges. Landing in the Yarra Valley . For those not wanting to take the full on 14,000ft Skydive there are closer to the gourd options such as 12,000ft, 10,000ft and the 6,000ft Ground Rush.
The Skydives are reasonably priced from $299 up to $470. Priceless when you think of the hours of adrenalin pumping through your body afterwards, not to mention the  amazing memories that will last a lifetime. Stop by at one of the local wineries afterwards to quench your thirst and taste some of the regions’ world renowned wines.
Set this item as a must do or add it to your ‘Bucket List’.
Book your Melbourne skydive here!
 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!
 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!
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