 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!
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
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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!
 Save your trip to Melbourne for the end of September!
Marvel at a collection of the shiniest, most powerful and artistic utes around; listen to an Eskimo Joe concert; try pulling a Holden ute 30 metres with five of your mates; compete to crack a whip better than the rest; in fact, experience all that is Aussie at the very popular Deniliquin Ute Muster, Deni Play on the Plains Festival.
In 1999, soon after this town thought a themed festival would be good for business, Deniliquin set a world record; when 2839 ute drivers took to Deni streets, the Guinness Book of Records awarded them with the title of the largest parade of legally registered utes in the world.
Since getting the attention of the nation, the Deni Play on the Plains Festival has been quickly growing. In 2010, an incredible 10,152 utes were counted at the festival. It also earned a second Guinness World Record—at 3500 people, it was the largest gathering of people wearing shearers blue singlets.
Aussies and vistors alike plan to gather at the end of September to celebrate Aussie icons, which are, according to the festival organisers: Meat Pie, The Ute, Lamington, Vegemite, Hills Hoist, Budgie Smugglers, Aeroplane Jelly, Ugg Boots, Drizabone, Akubra, Victa Lawnmower, Australian Stockwhip, Thongs and Blue Singlet.
This is a two-day event, happening Friday, September 30th, and Saturday, October 1st. There is live entertainment, including concert performances by Luke Dickens, Guy Sebastian, ICEHOUSE, and many others; a large arena where ute owners show off their unique vehicles; and several fun competitions.
If you plan to attend, you can camp in site; in addition to large camping grounds and facilities, there are rental tents available. Alternatively, spend the weekend in Melbourne, which is just over a 3-hour drive from Deni.
 While in Melbourne, get an extra dose of culture by taking part in a sightseeing tour. 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.
You have one month to prep your ute or book your flight, pack your thongs and blue singlet, and get ready to celebrate Oz at the Deni Play on Plains Fest!
Book your Melbourne experiences here!
With city sights, a coast of cliffs, lush forest, waterfalls and wildlife, a tour from Melbourne to Adelaide is must do in Australia. With so much to do and see, it can be difficult to narrow your options, so here are a few suggestions.
 Gain perspective on your trip to come by viewing it from above. Spend a leisurely morning floating in a hot air balloon; after enjoying views of Melbourne, Australia’s second largest city, from above, indulge in a delicious hot breakfast while sipping champagne.
Next, see the city from its streets. Visit Federation Square, Fitzroy Gardens, Southbank, Docklands, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Eureka Skydeck. To ensure you see Melbourne’s highlights in an efficient way, trust an informative guide to bring you on a city tour.
You’re now ready to take to the roads. The drive to Adelaide is not to be dreaded; it is spectacularly scenic. Self-drive as a flexible and affordable way to see the breathtaking sights of the cliff-hugging Great Ocean Road.
Outside of the city, you will be driving along vineyards, rocky shores, and beaches. Take a break to ride the waves at the iconic surf spots, Jan Juc and Bells Beach. If you prefer, have a game of golf on a scenic course in Anglesea, where grazing kangaroos frequent the fairways.
From here, you may want to spend the evening in resort town Lorne, which combines boutique shopping, restaurants and cafes with natural highlights, such as the Angahook-Lorne State Park.
Otherwise, drive through where the cliffs of the rugged coast meet the lush ancient rainforests and arrive at the fishing and farming village, Apollo Bay. While exploring the Otway National Park, trek through the rainforest to Erskine Falls and marvel at the Otway Ranges.
Drive through thick forest canopies with waterfalls and shorelines by your sides until you see the London Bridge and the Twelve Apostles standing high out of the water. You’ve arrived at the Shipwreck Coast, home to over 200 wrecks. Enjoy the views of the limestone towers carved by the wild seas over thousands of years from the boardwalk or from Gibson’s steps, an area of cliffs leading down to the beach. If you’re there between May and September, visit Logans Beach to spot whales.
If it is time for a rest, spend the evening in the quaint and history-filled costal town, Port Fairy, home to many heritage buildings. You may see the nation’s largest fur seal colony there.
The next must-see on your trip is Mount Gambier, a maar complex containing several crater lakes such as Blue Lake, named after the brilliant colour it turns between November and February.
You should also try to visit Grampians National Park, which offers spectacular lookouts, inspiring waterfalls such as Mackenzie Falls, and unique wildlife. You may chose to spend the night in the seaside town of Robe, once known as one of South Australia’s most important ports.
Next, travel to Naracoorte to see its World Heritage site, an area composed of 26 limestone caves that house giant prehistoric fossils. Almost to your final destination, make one last stop to enjoy the Fleurieu Peninsula. There, see peguins on Granite Island or do a cliff-top walk to Port Elliot. Now to Adelaide!
If that seems like too long a drive, let someone else do it for you. Take a guided 3 day Melbourne to Adelaide safari, which brings you to many of the highlights and includes two nights’ accommodation and meals.
Once in Adelaide, take a guided city tour to visit Victoria Square, the Terraces, and Colonel Light’s Lookout on Montefiore Hill, among many other highlights. Finally, top your trip off with a day in pristine wilderness on Kangaroo Island. See sea-lions bask, koalas nap, pelicans soar, penguins waddle, and kangaroos leap on this diverse island. This natural wonderland is truly a grand finale to a great trip!
Book your Adelaide and Melbourne experiences here!
The average cost of taking a taxi from the airport to your hotel in Brisbane or Melbourne is between $50.00 and $53.35. A hamburger and chips runs you $20.34 in Brissie, plus another $10.00 for a minibar spirit. Learning to sightsee on a budget is becoming increasingly more important.
These results have been developed through online travel company Expedia.com.au’s Travel Value Tracker. This index averages the cost of ten commonly purchased items in hotels, such as taxis, Internet time, pop, booze, food, and so on.
Worldwide, the total of the items is highest in London and Paris respectively. In Australia, Brisbane proves to be the priciest, costing $116.05, followed by Melbourne at $112.60.
However, we are concerned Melbourne may be slightly misrepresented by this total. If its nights of drinking you’re after, Melbourne is the best choice; according to the Travel Value Tracker, it is home to the cheapest beer at $5.70 and the cheapest minibar spirit at $8.20.
In fact, Melbourne is below the price averages for all of the items except one—it has the highest taxi fares in the country, fares that also rank among the highest in the world.
So, the keys to a budget holiday in Melbourne? Rent a car. Take a bus. Ride a bike.
For a more affordable options to get from the airport to your hotel, arrange for a shuttle bus pick-up. It won’t be a private drive, but it will be a fraction of the price. Click here to book a shuttle for $17.00.
 Once settled in, there are many options for getting around. As it is a fairly flat and dense city, it is easy to walk or cycle to most spots. Rent a bike from Bonanza Bike Rental at the Melbourne Aquarium or from Rent-a-Bike at Federation Square.
For anything a little further, hope on a tram, bus, or train. Melbourne’s public transit system connects throughout the city and is reliable. Call 13 16 38 to get more information.
Alternatively, you can rent a car and enjoy the flexibility of driving yourself anywhere you’d like, whenever you’d like. Vroom Vroom Vroom hires cars at very competitive rates.
You may also choose to take a guided sightseeing tour, enabling you to see the city’s highlights without worrying about transportation.  See 26 of the city’s sights, including, for example, Federation Square, Fitzroy Gardens, Southbank, Docklands, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, in one day with a Melbourne City Tour. Melbourne Highlights, Best of Melbourne, Grand Melbourne, and Melbourne’s Premier Tour are other, similar sightseeing tours offered.
While the taxis seem to be what will put a hole in your pocket, it is also a good idea to keep your eye out for deals on tours and attractions. It is often cost-effective to purchase packages that include more than one activity.
The Melbourne 5 in 1 Pack, for example, allows you to chose and enter 5 of area’s 20 best attractions for $125.00.
You may also purchase 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.
Of course, be sure to enjoy the free attractions of the city known as the culture capital of Australia. Spend hours playing games and learning about the evolution of interesting technologies at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, a conveniently located free museum; try to catch of the frequent free events at Federation Square; and take in the outdoor artwork while walking along the Yarra River.
By following these recommendations, you will surely have enough change for a few extra cheap pints!
Book your Melbourne experiences here!
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