Best Of Australia

BEST OF

AUSTRALIA

Volume 1

BEST OF

AUSTRALIA

Now is the time to celebrate the Best of Australian achievement

Welcome to the first volume of ‘Best of Australia’, in which we celebrate this nation’s achievement in the fields of arts, fashion, design, business and innovation. The time is evidently ripe for this publication. For one, there are plenty of good stories to tell. Consistent economic growth has created an environment where Australian companies and individuals are achieving remarkable things in their fields, creating novel forms of performing art, innovating new technologies, creating uniquely Australian fashion brands, and maintaining our welldeserved reputation for quality and excellence. Secondly, ‘Best of Australia’ meets a need for what we call a collaborative marketing effort. Whether in the arts, fashion or business, a substantial amount of Australian achievement is internationally focused. In this publication, Australian achievers worked together to bring their unique stories to all corners of the earth. As publishers we also express our gratitude to all contributors for their support in the compilation of this publication. ‘Best of Australia’ will also go out to our associate publishers in the Global Village Partnerships network, from Dubai and Singapore to Europe and South Africa. In the years ahead, ‘Best of Australia’ will continue to tell stories of Australian achievement, highlighting that Australia is a major contributor to the world, and a nation of considerable wealth and talent, where individuals have the space and inspiration to create that which makes our world a better place. Australia and Australians have a lot to be proud of – and it is these things that ‘Best of Australia’ will continue to showcase on the world stage.

Publisher Sven Boermeester CEO and Editor Aaron Upcroft Sales Director Tarryn Sibilant Production Graham Cooper Design and Layout Peter Batistich Printing Tien Wah Press (Pte) Limited Contact Details Global Village Australasia PO Box A131, Sydney South NSW 1235 P: 02 9037 2237 F: 02 9267 8549 Website www.globalvillageproduct.com International Group Publisher Sven Boermeester Publisher and Managing Group Editor Lisa Durante Published by Global Village Australasia Pty Ltd ABN 79 124 034 135 Under franchise license from Global Village Partnerships Ltd. The publisher would to acknowledge and thank the Australian Tourism Commission for their valuable contribution to this publication. Many of the fine images illustrated herein have been made available through them. Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in the Best of Australia Vol. 1 publication. Neither Best of Australia, nor Global Village Australasia Pty Ltd nor Global Village Partnerships Ltd takes responsibility for errors or omissions. All rights reserved. No part of this publication shall be reproduced, copied, transmitted, adapted or modified in any form or by any means. This publication shall not be stored in whole or in part in any form in any retrieval systems without the express permission of the publisher.

Regional Head Offices Bangalore • Bangkok • Brussels • Cairo • Copenhagen • Dubai Johannesburg • London • Singapore • Sydney • Washington DC

Best of Australia



AUSTRALIA

Chapter 1

BEST OF

8 – 69

Best of Australia



92 – 103

Fine Dining and Nightlife

Chapter 3

Chapter 2

70 – 91

Hotels

Best of Australia

ChapterS Best of Australia

Health and Beauty

Chapter 5

Chapter 4

120 – 135

104 – 119

Fashion

144 – 159

Corporate Profiles

Chapter 7

Chapter 6

136 – 143

Design and Interior

Best of Australia



Foreword

GLOBAL VILLAGE PARTNERSHIPS Celebrating Success Our mission is to serve as the world’s premier platform for showcasing and networking the world’s top brands and companies in business, tourism and lifestyle. We do this through the ‘Best of’ book series, the Global Village online information portal and the development of our ever expanding business network of international partners and clients. With regional head offices in every continent, the organisation currently boasts 20 territories where the ‘Best of’ series is published. “We have a three year growth plan to develop a further 120 territories organically through each continent’s regional head office, and through partnerships with companies as well as individuals that have the local know how of their given region”, Boermeester says.

Sven Boermeester, Chairman GVP

As the prominence of the ‘global village’ unfolds, making the world a smaller and more connected place so does the ability to reach niche markets to create exciting new business opportunities. Conceived according to this basic premise we wanted to create a business model that takes advantage of print and electronic media to disintegrate the barriers of time and space in human communication, allowing people to relate and cooperate on a worldwide scale. In a sense turning the globe into a village. The companies’ first and increasingly successful exploration into this idea is through the creation of the ‘Best of’ global book series that is forging a rapid international presence in showcasing global business, tourism and lifestyles. The editorial model is simple yet incisive. Through the depiction of companies in diverse spheres making innovative contributions to their respective territories, a global readership is leveraged through a niche

distribution extended worldwide. Written as cogent feature articles in a pictorially appealing maxi format, the ‘Best of’ series is now producing annual publications in territories as diverse as Bangkok, Bangalore, Belgium and Las Vegas. Detailing success stories of people and companies making positive inroads into the commercial fiber of both mature and emerging markets not only supports entrepreneurial spirit, it also bridges cultures, establishes powerful global networks and creates individual brand awareness in competitive markets worldwide.

client’s service needs as they evolve. The world business community - as a global village - is dependent on more than monetary profit for its growth. Core values such as integrity and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at the organisational level are long-term values of the GVP brand that resonate with the organisation’s multitiered client base who are looking to join forces with us in this new generation business and marketing model.

By creating a strong corporate culture based on expertise, continuous appraisal and recognised ‘reputation capital’, the way forward for GVP is unequivocal. “Building strong economic ties attracts investment that allows entry into strategic partnerships that achieve global results.

With regional head offices in every continent, the organisation currently boasts 20 territories where the ‘Best of’ series is published. We have a three year growth plan to develop a further 120 territories both organically through each continents regional head office and through partnerships with companies and individuals that have the local know how and experience of their territory.

We are working hard to improve the global economy experience by building our services to revolve around the world and around our

As for our online and digital distribution all the company profiles can be viewed and downloaded free of charge in pdf

REGIONAL HEAD OFFICES • Bangalore 

Best of Australia

• Bangkok

• Brussels

• Cairo

• Denmark

• Dubai

“Today, after more than a century of electric technology, we have extended our central nervous system itself in a global embrace, abolishing both space and time as far as our planet is concerned. Rapidly, we approach the final phase of the extensions of man - the technological simulation of consciousness, when the creative process of knowing will be collectively and corporately extended to the whole of human society, much as we have already extended our senses and our nerves by the various media.” Marshall McLuhan Understanding Media (1964)

Lisa Durante, Managing Partner, GVP Charles Neil, Partner, GVP

format from our corporate website www.globalvillageproduct.com Starting from February 2008 every 6 months we will make available 20 000 DVD’s that feature all the books on it for mass international distribution to every contact and client within our network.

elite networking tool. This is where all the information from every possible contact in the network comes together including every companies extended profile, their press releases, their photo/video libraries plus personal profiles of VIP’s and industry experts.

In May 2008 we officially launch www.GVPedia.com which will be an ever growing global business encyclopedia and

Each month new publishing partners from different countries are joining the network adding tremendous value to the over all

• Johannesburg

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business model and distribution network. We look forward to one day being able to complete the puzzle by showcasing every economic region and industry sector enjoying success, innovation and social sustainability. Please feel free to email us as we appreciate feedback on how to improve and grow our network. Email: [email protected] www.globalvillageproduct.com

• Sydney

• Washington DC Best of Australia



Chapter 1 Best of Australia



Best of Australia

Best of Australia



Australian Facts and Figures

Essential Australian Information

Sovereign: Queen Elizabeth II. Governor-General: Michael Jeffery.

Religions: Roman Catholic 26%, Anglican 21%, other Christian 21%, Buddhist 2%, Islam 2%, other 1%, none 15%.

Prime Minister: Kevin Rudd.

Literacy rate: 100%.

Land area: 2,941,283 sq mi (7,617,931 sq km); total area: 2,967,893 sq mi (7,686,850 sq km).

Economic summary: • GDP/PPP (2005 est.): $642.1 billion; per capita $32,000. • Real growth rate: 2.6%. • Inflation: 2.7%. • Unemployment: 5.2%. • Arable land: 6.15%. • Agriculture: wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruits; cattle, sheep, poultry. • Labor force: 10.42 million; agriculture 3.6%, industry 21.2%, services 75.2% (2004 est.). • Industries: mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals, steel. • Natural resources: bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, petroleum. • Exports: $103 billion (2005 est.): coal, gold, meat, wool, alumina, iron ore, wheat, machinery and transport equipment.

Population (2007 est.): 20,434,176 (growth rate: 0.8%); birth rate: 12.0/1000; infant mortality rate: 4.6/1000; life expectancy: 80.6; density per sq mi: 7. Capital: Canberra, 327,700. Largest cities: Sydney, 4,250,100; Melbourne, 3,610,800; Brisbane, 1,545,700; Perth, 1,375,200; Adelaide, 1,087,600. Monetary unit: Australian dollar. Languages: English 79%, native and other languages 21%. Ethnicity/race: Caucasian 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 1%. 10

Best of Australia

• Imports: $119.6 billion (2005 est.): machinery and transport equipment, computers and office machines, telecommunication equipment and parts; crude oil and petroleum products. • Major trading partners: Japan, China, U.S., South Korea, New Zealand, India, UK, Germany, Singapore (2004). Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 11.66 million (2004); mobile cellular: 16.48 million (2004). Radio broadcast stations: AM 262, FM 345, shortwave 1 (1998). Television broadcast stations: 104 (1997). Internet hosts: 5,351,622 (2005). Internet users: 14,189,544 (2005). Transportation: Railways: total: 54,652 km (3,859 km electrified) (2004). Highways: total: 811,601 km; paved: 316,524 km; unpaved: 495,077 km (2002). Waterways: 2,000 km (mainly used for recreation on Murray and Murray-Darling river systems) (2002). Ports and harbors: Brisbane, Dampier, Fremantle, Gladstone, Hay Point, Melbourne, Newcastle, Port Hedland, Port Kembla, Port Walcott, Sydney. Airports: 450 (2005). Geography The continent of Australia, with the island state of Tasmania, is approximately equal in area to the United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). Mountain ranges run from north to south along the east coast, reaching their highest point in Mount Kosciusko (7,308 ft; 2,228 m). The western half of the continent is occupied by a desert plateau that rises into barren, rolling hills near the west coast. The Great Barrier Reef, extending about 1,245 mi (2,000 km), lies along the northeast coast. The island of Tasmania (26,178 sq mi; 67,800 sq km) is off the southeast coast. Government Democracy. Symbolic executive power is vested in the British monarch, who is represented throughout Australia by the governor-general. History The first inhabitants of Australia were the Aborigines, who migrated there at least 40,000 years ago from Southeast Asia. There may have been between a half million to a full million Aborigines at the time of European settlement; today about 350,000 live in Australia. Dutch, Portuguese, and Spanish ships sighted Australia in the 17th century; the Dutch landed at the Gulf of Carpentaria in 1606. In 1616 the territory became known as New Holland. The British arrived in 1688, but it was not until Captain James Cook’s voyage in 1770 that Great Britain claimed possession of the vast island, calling it New South Wales. A British penal colony was set up at Port Jackson (what is now Sydney) in 1788, and about 161,000 transported English convicts were settled there until the system was suspended in 1839. Free settlers and former prisoners established six colonies: New South Wales (1786), Tasmania (then Van Diemen’s Land)

(1825), Western Australia (1829), South Australia (1834), Victoria (1851), and Queensland (1859). Various gold rushes attracted settlers, as did the mining of other minerals. Sheep farming and grain soon grew into important economic enterprises. The six colonies became states and in 1901 federated into the Commonwealth of Australia with a constitution that incorporated British parliamentary and U.S. federal traditions. Australia became known for its liberal legislation: free compulsory education, protected trade unionism with industrial conciliation and arbitration, the secret ballot, women’s suffrage, maternity allowances, and sickness and old-age pensions. Australia fought alongside Britain in World War I, notably with the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) in the Dardanelles campaign (1915). Participation in World War II brought Australia closer to the United States. Parliamentary power in the second half of the 20th century shifted between three political parties: the Australian Labour Party, the Liberal Party, and the National Party. Australia relaxed its discriminatory immigration laws in the 1960s and 1970s, which favored Northern Europeans. Thereafter, about 40% of its immigrants came from Asia, diversifying a population that was predominantly of English and Irish heritage. An Aboriginal movement grew in the 1960s that gained full citizenship and improved education for the country’s poorest socioeconomic group. In March 1996 the opposition Liberal Party–National Party coalition easily won the national elections, removing the Labour Party after 13 years in power. Pressure from the new, conservative One Nation Party threatened to reduce the gains made by Aborigines and to limit immigration. In September 1999, Australia led the international peacekeeping force sent to restore order in East Timor after pro-Indonesian militias began massacring civilians to thwart East Timor’s referendum on independence. In November 1999, Australia’s 11.6 million voters rejected a referendum that would have ended Australia’s formal allegiance to the British Crown. In 2000, Prime Minister Howard instituted a new tax system, lowering income and corporate taxes, and adding sales taxes on goods and services. John Howard won a third term in November 2001, primarily as the result of his tough policy against illegal immigration. This policy has also brought him considerable criticism: refugees attempting to enter Australia – most of them from Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq and numbering about 5,000 annually – have been imprisoned in bleak detention camps and subjected to a lengthy immigration process. Asylum-seekers have staged riots and hunger strikes. Howard has also dealt with refugees through the “Pacific solution,” which reroutes boat people from Australian shores to camps in Papua New Guinea and Nauru. In 2004, however, the government began easing its policies on immigration. Prime Minister Howard sent 2,000 Australian troops to fight alongside American and British

troops in the 2003 Iraq war, despite strong opposition among Australians. In July 2003, Australia successfully restored order to the Solomon Islands, which had descended into lawlessness during a brutal civil war. Australia has been the victim of two significant terrorist attacks in recent years: the 2002 Bali, Indonesia, bombings by a group with ties to al-Qaeda in which 202 died, many of whom were Australian, and the 2004 attack on the Australian embassy in Indonesia, which killed ten. In Oct. 2004, Howard won a fourth term as prime minister. When rival security forces in East Timor began fighting each other in 2006, Australia sent 3,000 peacekeeping troops to stem the violence. Howard was defeated by the Labor Party’s Kevin Rudd in elections in November 2007. Rudd campaigned on a platform for change, and promised to focus on the environment, education, and healthcare. Observers predict Rudd will maintain a close relationship with the United States. Best of Australia

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Experience Australia

Experience Australia Australia’s many and unique experiences make for a memorable, fun and exciting time. They have excellent food and wine for you to enjoy. A red outback punctuated by stunning greens, purples and an endless blue sky. Cities that brim with vibrancy. Beaches that sparkle and invite. Rainforests that started their life thousands of years ago. Roads to be driven, paths to be walked. Unique animals to behold. And an ancient Aboriginal culture that explains how it all came about. It’s yours to explore and to enjoy.

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Best of Australia

Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the world’s smallest continent, the major island of Tasmania and a number of other islands in the Southern, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Neighbouring countries include Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea to the north, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and the French dependency of New Caledonia to the northeast, and New Zealand to the southeast. The mainland of Australia has been inhabited for more than 42,000 years by Indigenous Australians. After sporadic visits by fishermen from the north and by European explorers and merchants starting in the seventeenth century, the eastern half of the mainland was claimed by the British in 1770 and officially settled through penal transportation as the colony of New South Wales on 26 January 1788. As the population grew and new areas were explored, another five largely self-governing Crown Colonies were successively established over the course of the 19th century. On 1 January 1901, the six colonies became a Federation, and the Commonwealth of Australia was formed. Since federation, Australia has maintained a stable liberal democratic political system and remains a Commonwealth Realm. The capital city is Canberra, located in the Australian Capital Territory. The current national population is around 20.6 million people, and is concentrated mainly in the large coastal cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. The name “Australia” is derived from the Latin Australis, meaning of the South. Legends of an “unknown land of the south” (terra australis incognita) dating back to Roman times were commonplace in medieval geography, but they were not based on any actual knowledge of the continent. The Dutch adjectival form Australische was used by Dutch officials in Batavia to refer to the newly discovered land to the south as early as 1638. The first use of the word “Australia” in the English language was a 1693 translation of Les Aventures de Jacques Sadeur dans la Découverte et le Voyage de la Terre Australe, a 1692 French

novel by Gabriel de Foigny under the pen name Jacques Sadeur. Alexander Dalrymple then used it in An Historical Collection of Voyages and Discoveries in the South Pacific Ocean (1771), to refer to the entire South Pacific region. In 1793, George Shaw and Sir James Smith published Zoology and Botany of New Holland, in which they wrote of “the vast island, or rather continent, of Australia, Australasia or New Holland.” The name “Australia” was popularised by the 1814 work A Voyage to Terra Australis by the navigator Matthew Flinders, who was the first recorded person to circumnavigate Australia. Despite its title, which reflected the view of the British Admiralty, Flinders used the word “Australia” in the book, which was widely read and gave the term general currency. Governor Lachlan Macquarie of New South Wales subsequently used the word in his dispatches to England. In 1817, he recommended that it be officially adopted. In 1824, the Admiralty agreed that the continent should be known officially as Australia. History The first human habitation of Australia is estimated to have occurred between 42,000 and 48,000 years ago. The first Australians were the ancestors of the current Indigenous Australians; they arrived via land bridges and short sea-crossings from present-day Southeast Asia. Most of these people were hunter-gatherers, with a complex oral culture and spiritual values based on reverence for the land and a belief in the Dreamtime. The Torres Strait Islanders, ethnically Melanesian, inhabited the Torres Strait Islands and parts of far-north Queensland; their cultural practices are distinct from those of the Aborigines. The first undisputed recorded European sighting of the Australian mainland was made by the Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon, who sighted the coast of Cape York Peninsula in 1606. During the 17th century, the Dutch charted the whole of the western and northern coastlines of what they called New Holland, but made no attempt at settlement. In 1770, James Cook sailed along and mapped the Best of Australia

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east coast of Australia, which he named New South Wales and claimed for Britain. The expedition’s discoveries provided impetus for the establishment of a penal colony there. The British Crown Colony of New South Wales started with the establishment of a settlement at Port Jackson by Captain Arthur Phillip on 26 January 1788. This date was later to become Australia’s national day, Australia Day. Van Diemen’s Land, now known as Tasmania, was settled in 1803 and became a separate colony in 1825. The United Kingdom formally claimed the western part of Australia in 1829. Separate colonies were created from parts of New South Wales: South Australia in 1836, Victoria in 1851, and Queensland in 1859. The Northern Territory (NT) was founded in 1911 when it was excised from the Province of South Australia. South Australia was founded as a “free province” - that is, it was never a penal colony. Victoria and Western Australia were also founded “free”, but later accepted transported convicts. The transportation of convicts to the colony of New South Wales ceased in 1848 after a campaign by the settlers. The Indigenous Australian population, estimated at about 350,000 at the time of 14

Best of Australia

European settlement, declined steeply for 150 years following settlement, mainly because of infectious disease combined with forced re-settlement and cultural disintegration. The removal of children, that some historians and Indigenous Australians have argued could be considered to constitute genocide by some definitions, may have made a contribution to the decline in the indigenous population. Such interpretations of Aboriginal history are disputed by some as being exaggerated or fabricated for political or ideological reasons. This debate is known within Australia as the History Wars. Following the 1967 referendum, the Federal government gained the power to implement policies and make laws with respect to Aborigines. Traditional ownership of land - native title - was not recognised until 1992, when the High Court case Mabo v Queensland (No 2) overturned the notion of Australia as terra nullius at the time of European occupation. A gold rush began in Australia in the early 1850s, and the Eureka Stockade rebellion against mining licence fees in 1854 was an early expression of civil disobedience. Between 1855 and 1890, the six colonies individually gained responsible government, managing most of

their own affairs while remaining part of the British Empire. The Colonial Office in London retained control of some matters, notably foreign affairs, defence and international shipping. On 1 January 1901, federation of the colonies was achieved after a decade of planning, consultation and voting, and the Commonwealth of Australia was born, as a Dominion of the British Empire. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was formed from New South Wales in 1911 to provide a location for the proposed new federal capital of Canberra (Melbourne was the capital from 1901 to 1927). The Northern Territory was transferred from the control of the South Australian government to the Commonwealth in 1911. Australia willingly participated in World War I; many Australians regard the defeat of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC’s) at Gallipoli as the birth of the nation - its first major military action. Much like Gallipoli, the Kokoda Track Campaign is regarded by many as a nation-defining battle from World War II. The Statute of Westminster 1931 formally ended most of the constitutional links between Australia and the United Kingdom when Australia adopted it in 1942. The shock of the United Kingdom’s defeat in Asia in 1942 and the threat of Japanese invasion caused Australia to turn to the United States as a new ally and protector. Since 1951, Australia has been a formal military ally of the US under the auspices of the ANZUS treaty. After World War II, Australia encouraged mass immigration from Europe; since the 1970s and the abolition of the White Australia policy, immigration from Asia and other parts of the world was also encouraged. As a result, Australia’s demography, culture and image of itself were radically transformed. Final constitutional ties between Australia and the United Kingdom were severed in 1986 with the passing of the Australia Act 1986, ending any British role in the Australian States, Best of Australia

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Experience Australia

and ending judicial appeals to the UK Privy Council Australian voters rejected a move to become a republic in 1999 by a 55% majority. Since the election of the Whitlam Government in 1972, there has been an increasing focus on the nation’s future as a part of the Asia-Pacific region. Politics The Commonwealth of Australia is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. Queen Elizabeth II is the Queen of Australia, a role that is distinct from her position as monarch of the other Commonwealth Realms. The Queen is represented by the Governor-General at Federal level and by the Governors at State level. Although the Constitution gives extensive executive powers to the Governor-General, these are normally exercised only on the advice of the Prime Minister. The most 16

Best of Australia

notable exercise of the Governor-General’s reserve powers outside the Prime Minister’s direction was the dismissal of the Whitlam Government in the constitutional crisis of 1975. There are three branches of government: • The legislature: the Commonwealth Parliament, comprising the Queen, the Senate, and the House of Representatives; the Queen is represented by the GovernorGeneral, whose powers are limited to assenting to laws. • The executive: the Federal Executive Council (the Governor-General as advised by the Executive Councilors); in practice, the councilors are the Prime Minister and Ministers of State. • The judiciary: the High Court of Australia and other federal courts. The State courts became formally independent from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council when the Australia Act was passed in 1986.

National Party. Independent members and several minor parties - including the Greens and the Australian Democrats - have achieved representation in Australian parliaments, mostly in upper houses. Since the 1996 election, the Liberal/National Coalition led by the Prime Minister, John Howard, has been in power in Canberra. In the 2004 election, the Coalition won control of the Senate, the first time that a party (or coalition of governing parties) has done so while in government in more than 20 years. The Labor Party is in power in every state and territory. Voting is compulsory for all enrolled citizens 18 years and over in each state and territory and at the federal level.

The bicameral Commonwealth Parliament consists of the Queen, the Senate (the upper house) of 76 senators, and a House of Representatives (the lower house) of 150 members. Members of the lower house are elected from single-member constituencies, commonly known as ‘electorates’ or ‘seats’. Seats in the House of Representatives are allocated to states on the basis of population. In the Senate, each state, regardless of population, is represented by 12 senators, while the territories (the ACT and the NT) are each represented by two. Elections for both chambers are held every three years; typically only half of the Senate seats are put to each election, because senators have overlapping six-year terms. The party with majority support in the House of Representatives forms Government, with its leader becoming Prime Minister. There are three major political parties: the Labor Party, the Liberal Party and the

States and territories Australia consists of six states, two major mainland territories, and other minor territories. The states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. The two major mainland territories are the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. In most respects, the territories function similarly to the states, but the Commonwealth Parliament can override any legislation of their parliaments. By contrast, federal legislation overrides state legislation only with respect to certain areas as set out in Section 51 of the Constitution; all residual legislative powers are retained by the state parliaments, including powers over hospitals, education, police, the judiciary, roads, public transport and local government. Each state and territory has its own legislature (unicameral in the case of the Northern Territory, the ACT and Queensland, and bicameral in the remaining states). The lower house is known as the Legislative Assembly (House of Assembly in South Australia and Tasmania) and the upper house is known as the Legislative Council. The heads of the governments in each state and territory are called premiers and chief ministers, respectively. The Queen is represented in each state by a governor; administrators in the

Northern Territory, and the Governor-General in the ACT, have analogous roles. Australia also has several minor territories; the federal government administers a separate area within New South Wales, the Jervis Bay Territory, as a naval base and sea port for the national capital. In addition Australia has the following, inhabited, external territories: Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and several largely uninhabited external territories: Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands and the Australian Antarctic Territory. Foreign relations and the military Over recent decades, Australia’s foreign relations have been driven by a close association with the United States, through the ANZUS pact and by a desire to develop relationships with Asia and the Pacific, particularly through ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum. In 2005 Australia secured an inaugural seat at the East Asia Summit following its accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. Australia is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, in which the Commonwealth Heads of Government meetings provide the main forum for cooperation. Much of Australia’s diplomatic energy is focused on international trade liberalisation. Australia led the formation of the Cairns Group and APEC, and is a member of the OECD and the WTO. Australia has pursued several major bilateral free trade agreements, most recently the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement. Australia is a founding member of the United Nations, and maintains an international aid programme under which some 60 countries receive assistance. The 2005 - 06 budget provides A$2.5 bn for development assistance; as a percentage of GDP, this contribution is less than that of the UN Millennium Development Goals. Australia’s armed forces - the Australian Defence Force (ADF) - comprise the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the Australian Army, Best of Australia

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and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), numbering about 51,000. All branches of the ADF have been involved in UN and regional peacekeeping (most recently in East Timor, the Solomon Islands and Sudan), disaster relief, and armed conflict, including the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. The government appoints the Chief of the Defence Force from one of the armed services; the current Chief of the Defence Force is Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston. In the 2006-07 Budget, defence spending is $19.6 billion. Geography Australia’s 7,686,850 square kilometres (2,967,909 sq. mi) landmass is on the IndoAustralian Plate. Surrounded by the Indian, Southern and Pacific oceans, Australia is separated from Asia by the Arafura and Timor seas. Australia has a total 25,760 kilometres (16,007 mi) of coastline and claims an extensive Exclusive Economic Zone of 8,148,250 square kilometres (3,146,057 sq. mi). This exclusive economic zone does not include the Australian Antarctic Territory. The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef, lies a short distance off the northeast coast and extends for over 2,000 kilometres (1,250 mi). The world’s largest monolith, Mount Augustus, is located in Western Australia. At 2,228 metres (7,310 18

Best of Australia

ft), Mount Kosciuszko on the Great Dividing Range is the highest mountain on the Australian mainland, although Mawson Peak on the remote Australian territory of Heard Island is taller at 2,745 metres (9,006 ft). By far the largest part of Australia is desert or semi-arid. Australia is the driest inhabited continent, the flattest, and has the oldest and least fertile soils. Only the south-east and south-west corners of the continent have a temperate climate. The majority of the population lives along the temperate southeastern coastline. The northern part of the country, with a tropical climate, has vegetation consisting of rainforest, woodland, grassland, mangrove swamps and desert. Climate is highly influenced by ocean currents, including the El Niño southern oscillation, which is correlated with periodic drought, and the seasonal tropical low pressure system that produces cyclones in northern Australia. Flora and fauna Although most of Australia is semi-arid or desert, it covers a diverse range of habitats, from alpine heaths to tropical rainforests. Because of the great age and consequent low levels of fertility of the continent, its extremely variable weather patterns, and its long-term geographic isolation, much of Australia’s biota is unique and diverse. About 85% of flowering plants, 84% of mammals, more than 45% of birds, and 89% of in-shore, temperatezone fish are endemic. Many of Australia’s ecoregions, and the species within those regions, are threatened by human activities and introduced plant and animal species. The federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is a legal framework used for the protection of threatened species. Numerous protected areas have been created under the country’s Biodiversity Action Plan to protect and preserve Australia’s unique ecosystems, 64 wetlands are registered under the Ramsar Convention, and 16 World Heritage Sites have been established. Australia was ranked thirteenth in the World on the 2005 Environmental Sustainability Index. Most Australian woody plant species are evergreen and many are adapted to fire and drought, including many eucalyptus and acacias. Australia has a rich variety of endemic legume species that thrive in nutrient-poor

soils because of their symbiosis with Rhizobia bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi. Well-known Australian fauna include monotremes (the platypus and echidna); a host of marsupials, including the kangaroo, koala, wombat; and birds such as the emu, and kookaburra. The dingo was introduced by Austronesian people that traded with Indigenous Australians around 4000 BCE. Many plant and animal species became extinct soon after human settlement, including the Australian megafauna; others have become extinct since European settlement, among them the Thylacine. Economy Australia has a prosperous, Western-style mixed economy, with a per capita GDP slightly higher than the UK, Germany and France in terms of purchasing power parity. The country was ranked third in the United Nations’ 2006

Human Development Index and sixth in The Economist worldwide quality-of-life index 2005. Traditionally, the absence of an export oriented manufacturing industry has been considered a key weakness of the Australian economy. More recently, rising prices for Australia’s commodity exports and increasing tourism has to some extent alleviated this criticism. Nevertheless, Australia has developed the world’s third largest current account deficit in absolute terms (in relative terms over 7% of GDP). This has been considered problematic by some economists, especially as it has coincided with high prices for Australia’s exports and low interest rates which keeps the cost of servicing the foreign debt unusually low. In the 1980s, the Hawke Government started the process of economic reform by floating the Australian dollar in 1983, and deregulating the financial system. Since 1996, Best of Australia

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the Howard government has continued the process of micro-economic reform, including partial deregulation of the labour market and the privatisation of state-owned businesses, most notably in the telecommunications industry. Substantial reform of the indirect tax system was implemented in July 2000 with the introduction of a 10% Goods and Services Tax, which has slightly reduced the heavy reliance on personal and company income tax that still characterises Australia’s tax system. As of January 2007, unemployment was 4.6% with 10,334,800 persons employed. The service sector of the economy, including tourism, education, and financial services, comprises 69% of GDP. Agriculture and natural resources comprise 3% and 5% of GDP but contribute substantially to Australia’s export performance. Australia’s largest export markets include Japan, China, the United States, South Korea and New Zealand. Demographics Most of the estimated 20.6 million Australians are descended from nineteenth- and twentiethcentury European settlers, the majority from Great Britain and Ireland. Australia’s population 20

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has quadrupled since the end of World War I, spurred by an ambitious immigration program. In 2001, the five largest groups of the 23.1% of Australians who were born overseas were from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Italy, Vietnam and China. Following the abolition of the White Australia policy in 1973, numerous government initiatives have been established to encourage and promote racial harmony based on a policy of multiculturalism. The indigenous population - mainland Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders - was 410,003 (2.2% of the total population) in 2001, a significant increase from the 1976 census, which showed an indigenous population of 115,953. Indigenous Australians have higher rates of imprisonment and unemployment, lower levels of education and life expectancies for males and females that are 17 years lower than those of other Australians. In common with many other developed countries, Australia is experiencing a demographic shift towards an older population, with more retirees and fewer people of working age. A large number of Australians (759,849 for the period 2002 - 03) live outside their home country. Australia has maintained one

of the most active immigration programmes in the world to boost population growth. Most immigrants are skilled, but the immigration quota includes categories for family members and refugees. English is the national language, and is spoken and written in a distinct variety known as Australian English. According to the 2001 census, English is the only language spoken in the home for around 80% of the population. The next most common languages spoken at home are Chinese languages (2.1%), Italian (1.9%) and Greek (1.4%). A considerable proportion of first- and second-generation migrants are bilingual. It is believed that there were between 200 and 300 Australian Aboriginal languages at the time of first European contact. Only about 70 of these languages have survived, and all but 20 of these are now endangered. An indigenous language remains the main language for about 50,000 (0.25%) people. Australia has a sign language known as Auslan, which is the main language of about 6,500 deaf people. Australia has no state religion. The 2001 census identified that 68% of Australians call themselves Christian: 27% identifying

themselves as Roman Catholic and 21% as Anglican. Australians who identify themselves as followers of non-Christian religions number 5%. A total of 16% were categorised as having “No Religion” (which includes nontheistic beliefs such as humanism, atheism, agnosticism and rationalism) and a further 12% declined to answer or did not give a response adequate for interpretation. As in many Western countries, the level of active participation in church worship is much lower than this; weekly attendance at church services is about 1.5 million, about 7.5% of the population. School attendance is compulsory throughout Australia between the ages of 6 - 15 years (16 years in South Australia and Tasmania, and 17 years in Western Australia), contributing to an adult literacy rate that is assumed to be 99%. Government grants have supported the establishment of Australia’s 38 universities, and although several private universities have been established, the majority receives government funding. There is a state-based system of vocational training colleges, known as TAFE Institutes, and many trades conduct apprenticeships for training new trades people. Approximately 58% of Australians between the ages of 25 and 64 have vocational or tertiary qualifications and the tertiary graduation rate of 49% is highest of OECD countries. The ratio of international to local students in tertiary education in Australia is the highest in OECD countries. Culture The primary basis of Australian culture until the mid-20th century was Anglo-Celtic, although distinctive Australian features had been evolving from the environment and indigenous culture. Over the past 50 years, Australian culture has been strongly influenced by American popular culture (particularly television and cinema), large-scale immigration from nonEnglish-speaking countries, and Australia’s

Asian neighbours. The vigour and originality of the arts in Australia - films, opera, music, painting, theatre, dance, and crafts - achieve international recognition. Australia has a long history of visual arts, starting with the cave and bark paintings of its indigenous peoples. From the time of European settlement, a common theme in Australian art has been the Australian landscape, seen in the works of Arthur Streeton, Arthur Boyd and Albert Namatjira, among others. The traditions of indigenous Australians are largely transmitted orally and are closely tied to ceremony and the telling of the stories of the Dreamtime. Australian Aboriginal music, dance and art have a palpable influence on contemporary Australian visual and performing arts. Australia has an active tradition of music, ballet and theatre; many of its performing arts companies receive public funding through the federal government’s Australia Council. There is a symphony orchestra in each capital city, and a national opera company, Opera Australia, first made prominent by the renowned diva Dame Joan Sutherland; Australian music includes classical, jazz, and many popular music genres. Australian literature has also been influenced by the landscape; the works of writers such as Banjo Paterson and Henry Lawson, captured the experience of the Australian bush. The character of colonial Australia, as embodied in early literature, resonates with modern Australia and its perceived emphasis on egalitarianism, mateship, and anti-authoritarianism. In 1973, Patrick White was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, the only Australian to have achieved this; he is recognised as one of the great English-language writers of the twentieth century. Australian English is a major variety of the language; its grammar and spelling are largely based on those of British English, overlaid with a rich vernacular of unique lexical items and phrases, some of which have found their way into standard English. Best of Australia

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Australia has two public broadcasters (the ABC and the multi-cultural SBS), three commercial television networks, several pay TV services, and numerous public, non-profit television and radio stations. Australia’s film industry has achieved critical and commercial successes. Each major city has daily newspapers, and there are two national daily newspapers, The Australian and The Australian Financial Review. According to Reporters Without Borders in 2006, Australia was in thirty fifth position on a list of countries ranked by press freedom, behind New Zealand (19th) and the United Kingdom (27th) but ahead of the United States. This ranking is primarily because of the limited diversity of commercial media ownership in Australia. Most Australian print media in particular is under the control of either News Corporation or John Fairfax Holdings. Sport plays an important part in Australian culture, assisted by a climate that favours outdoor activities; 23.5% Australians over the age of 15 regularly participate in organised sporting activities. At an international level, Australia has particularly strong teams in cricket, hockey, netball, rugby league, rugby union, and performs well in cycling, rowing and swimming. Nationally, other popular sports include Australian Rules football, horse racing, soccer and motor racing. Australia has participated in every summer Olympic Games of the modern era, and every Commonwealth Games. Australia has hosted the 1956 and 2000 Summer Olympics, and has ranked among the top five medal-takers since 2000. Australia has also hosted the 1938, 1962, 1982 and 2006 Commonwealth Games. Other major international events held regularly in Australia include the Australian Open, one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, annual international cricket matches and the Formula One Australian Grand Prix. Corporate and government sponsorship of many sports and elite athletes is common in Australia. Televised sport is popular; some of the highest rating television programs include the summer Olympic Games and the grand finals of local and international football (various codes) competitions. Best of Australia

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Australia’s Heritage

Australia’s heritage is the World’s heritage Australia has more than its fair share of World Heritage Sites treasures such as the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kakadu National Park. Others, such as the Australian Fossil Mammal sites and Purnululu National Park are lesser known but also available to visit.

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Australia is a custodian of some of the oldest rainforests on Earth and a massive one-third of the world’s protected marine areas. When the island continent split apart from the mainland it launched a time capsule that was preserved for generations by its Aboriginal inhabitants. Though many of the sites are in remote areas by international standards, they are well served with most easily accessible by road, plane or on foot. So, get out of your comfort zone and venture out and about into our unique nature and wilderness areas. Australian Fossil Mammal Sites, South Australia and Queensland From giant prehistoric kangaroos to long extinct marsupial lions and giant wombats, Australia’s fossil mammal sites – Naracoorte, South Australia and Riversleigh, Queensland - tells the story of how Australia’s native animals evolved to be so different from wildlife anywhere else on earth. Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves, New South Wales and Queensland Lose yourself in a timewarp in the cool crisp air of the rainforest reserves of Queensland and New South Wales. Graded tracks lead through ancient damp rainforests with crystal clear waterfalls and glass rivers, to pristine white beaches. Fraser Island, Queensland The largest sand island in the world and the only place in the world where tall rainforests are found growing on sand dunes at elevations of over 200 metres, Fraser Island is blessed

with one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Long uninterrupted white beaches, majestic tall rainforests and numerous crystal clear freshwater lakes will ensure you have an unforgettable experience. Great Blue Mountains Area – New South Wales The famous Blue Mountains area is made up of seven outstanding national parks and is best known for its thick eucalypt forests, dramatic sandstone cliffs and the Three Sisters - a fascinating rock formation with an associated Aboriginal legend. The Mountains are also home to the dinosaur of the plant world - the Wollemi Pine - and to the world’s steepest incline railway, The Scenic Railway, which provides easy access deep into the forest floor. Heard, McDonald and Macquarie Islands Visits to remote Heard, McDonald and Macquarie Islands are strictly controlled and usually restricted to scientific visits only. Macquarie is a rare above water section of the ancient ocean floor and Heard is known as the wildest place on earth. Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory Kakadu National Park is the second largest national park in the world and is abundant with amazing Australian wildlife. A wide variety of flora and fauna inhabit the majestic 10 square kilometres of the landlocked Yellow Water Billabong, with up to one million water birds gathering in the park during the Autumn months. Best of Australia

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Lord Howe Island, Queensland Lord Howe Island is a Mecca for nature lovers with at least 129 native and introduced bird species, approximately 500 species of fish and 90 species of brilliantly coloured coral - four per cent of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. With only 400 visitors on the island at any one time, Lord Howe Island is a place to feel free and enjoy the pleasures of nature. Purnululu National Park, Western Australia The Purnululu National Park is most famous for the striking banded, beehive rock structures of the Bungle Bungle Ranges. With its huge expanse of amazing landscape of domed rocks, gorges, chasms and waterfalls, the best way to view the park is from above. Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, Melbourne The magnificent Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens in Melbourne was constructed in 1880 to house Australia’s first international exhibition of cultural, technological, and industrial achievements. It was used for the opening of the Australian Parliament on 9 May 1901 and flourishes as one of the world’s oldest exhibition pavilions. Shark Bay, Western Australia A place where you can feed dolphins by hand, that is home to over 10,000 dugongs, and where you are more than likely to see whales, manta rays, turtles, sharks and rare marsupials, Shark Bay provides a significant habitat for some of Australia’s most precious marine creatures. It is also home to the remarkable Hamelin Pool stromatolites – the oldest and largest living fossils in the world. The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland The Great Barrier Reef is the largest marine park in the world. A maze of 2,900 reefs and islands make up the worlds largest collection of coral reef that is home to a myriad of sea creatures including dolphins, turtles, dugongs and more than 1,500 species of fish. Whether Best of Australia

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you visit an island, sail the seas or dive deep to see all the colours of the reef it will be one of the most magical experiences of your life.

million years old and supports over 3,000 plant species. Why not 13 indulge with a rejuvenating spa treatment.

The Sydney Opera House, New South Wales The Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognisable images of the modern world. With a roof evocative of a ship at full sail, it was designed by renowned Danish architect - Jorn Utzon - in the late 1950s and opened in 1973. His design was considered beyond the capabilities of engineering of the time.

The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory Featuring one of the most recognisable landscapes in the world, The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park holds a great cultural significance for the Anangu traditional landowners. Take a guided tour of the land with the traditional Aboriginal landowners and learn about the local flora and fauna, bush foods and the Aboriginal Dreamtime stories of the area.

The Tasmanian Wilderness, Tasmania The Tasmanian wilderness is an outstanding example of Australia’s untouched regions. At over one million hectares in size the region represents all major stages in the earth’s evolutionary history. Go back in time and experience what Australia was like millions of years ago. Wet Tropics of Queensland The Daintree Rainforest in Far North Queensland is the oldest rainforest in the world – 135

Willandra Lakes Region, New South Wales The outback Willandra Lakes Region was home to the Mungo people over 40,000 years ago when the lakes were full and the area aplenty with vegetation and wildlife. Today the 17 dried up lakes uncover some of Australia’s richest Aboriginal culture and history along with an abundance of fossils and information about the last ice age on earth. Best of Australia

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Australian Sports

Sport in Australia One of the greatest sporting nations in the world.

Sport in Australia is popular and widespread. Levels of both participation and spectating are much higher than in many other countries. Testament to this is the level of achievement in the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games as well as other international sporting events in comparison to the population of the country, particularly in the areas of water sports and team sports. With the new Australian Rugby Championship joining the National Rugby 30

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League, the A-League and the Australian Football League, Australia will become the only country in the world to sustain fully-professional leagues for four different football codes. The climate and economy provide ideal conditions for Australians to participate and watch sports. Such is the Australian population’s devotion towards sport that it is sometimes humorously described as “Australia’s national religion” Armchair sports fans drive high television ratings for sports

programs. In fact, nine of the top 10 highest rated shows in 2005 were sports programs. Professional sport leagues in Australia use a model based on franchises and closed league membership, as is standard in North America. The “European” system of professional sports league organisation, characterised by promotion and relegation, is foreign to Australia, at least at the professional level. In October 2007, the Australian Government announced a new drug policy for sport that it

hopes will be adopted by all sporting bodies and will involve tests of 6000 illicit drugs a year. Australian Rules Football Australian rules football (commonly known as Aussie Rules) is played in all Australian states and territories. It is the most popular football code in Australia, and its premier league, the AFL has the third highest average attendance in the world [Behind the USA’s NFL (gridiron) and Germany’s Bundesliga (soccer)].

The sport which originated in the Colony of Victoria in 1858 is the predominant winter sport in its traditional areas of popularity, Victoria, Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. In these areas, the population takes a high interest in the sport and actively attend matches. It is also popular, along with other codes of football, in the Australian Capital Territory, the Riverina and Broken Hill regions of New South Wales and in the Cape York region of Queensland. The Australian Football League (AFL) is the national Australian rules football competition. It is the most attended sporting league in Australia and the third most attended in the world (an average of 36,793 per match for 2007). It consists of a single division of 16 teams. Of these 16 teams, 10 are Victorian, and with 2 each from South Australia and Western Australia. The remaining two teams are based in Brisbane and Sydney. The AFL is the result of the expanded Victorian Football League, a competition that has been running since 1896 which changed its name to the Australian Football League in 1990 to reflect its national focus. Each state has its own local league, and there are amateur recreational, children’s, junior, masters and women’s competitions. Most towns and cities in the southern states of Australia have at least one team competing in a local league.

Rugby Union The first recorded game of Rugby football in Australia was on 25 July 1839. The Sydney University club, the first recognised club, was formed in 1864. By 1874 there were enough clubs for the formation of the Sydney Metropolitan competition playing by the rules of the Rugby Football Union. English teams toured Australia in 1888 and 1899. Throughout the 20th century Australian Rugby Union teams were reliably competitive. In Australia, rugby union became a professional sport in 1996. The Australian national rugby union team are the Wallabies. Major international competitions played by the Wallabies include the Bledisloe Cup, between Australia and New Zealand, which since 1996 has been part of the Tri Nations Series. The Rugby World Cup was first held in 1987 and is now held every four years. Australia is the only nation to have won the Rugby World Cup twice, in 1991 and 1999. The Mandela Challenge Plate began in 2000, which started as a minor tournament involving Australia and South Africa. From 2006 on, it will be contested in the Tri Nations alongside the Bledisloe Cup. The premier provincial rugby competition is the Super 14 (previously the Super 12) consisting of 4 teams (Queensland Reds, New South Wales Waratahs, the Brumbies and Western Force) from Australia, along with 5 teams from New Zealand and 5 teams from Best of Australia

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South Africa. Of all the Australian teams, only the Brumbies have won a Super Rugby Title, in 2001 and 2004. The Australian Rugby Shield was first played in 2000, to try and promote rugby union in states outside New South Wales and Queensland. To celebrate 10 years of professional Rugby Union, Australian Rugby celebrated the occasion with the announcement of the Wallaby Team of the Decade. Cricket Cricket has a long history in Australia, and is played on local, national and international levels. It is Australia’s national summer sport and unlike the various football codes, enjoys consistent support from people in all parts of Australia. The Australia national cricket team 32

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was the winner of the first Test match, and is today regarded as the leading international team in world cricket, having been the unquestionably dominant team for most of the 2000s. The first Australian cricket team which played overseas was the 1868 Aboriginal cricket tour of England. The Australian team which toured England in 1948 was nicknamed The Invincibles and was captained by Donald Bradman. In recent years the Australia team has been captained by Allan Border, Mark Taylor, Steve Waugh, and currently Ricky Ponting. Through to 2007, Australia has won the Cricket World Cup four out of the nine times it has been held, including the last three. Australia has dominated world cricket since the mid-90’s,

it has appeared in every world cup final since 1996, and has been undefeated in a world cup match since 1999 where they have gone on to win every single match in the world cup. Domestic competitions between the states include the Pura Cup first-class competition (previously known as Sheffield Shield), the Ford Ranger One Day Cup List-A cricket competition and the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash Twenty20 competition. The Pura Cup and Ford Ranger One Day Cup tournaments involve each team playing against each other team both at home and away with the two highest-placed teams playing in a final match, while the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash is similar but with only one match against each other team before the final. Cycling Cycling is one of the most popular recreational activities in Australia, as the weather is suitable most of the year. In 2004, almost 1.5 million Australians aged 15 years and over participated in cycling for exercise, recreation and sport at least once. Road Cycling is gaining a higher profile at a competitive level in the Tour de France and other international cycling competitions with a number of professional Australian cyclists being based in Europe and riding exclusively for European teams. Strong results have been achieved over the years, most notably Cadel Evans’ second placing in the 2007 Tour de France and overall win of the 2007 UCI ProTour. From 2008, Australia’s only major international cycling race, the Tour Down Under to be held in Adelaide, will become the first UCI ProTour cycling race to be held outside of Europe. Track cycling has also obtained more of a following in recent years, particularly due to strong results in international events such as the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games. Young riders such as Commonwealth Games gold medallist Ben Kersten are a testament that this sport is popular with the young talent and will remain popular for years to come.

Football Australia’s national team, nicknamed the Socceroos, are active in international games including World Cup Qualification games. The governing body, Football Federation Australia, is a member of the Asian Football Confederation, having moved from the Oceania Football Confederation on January 1, 2006. The popularity of the sport as a spectator sport has increased notably in recent years, due to reforms made to the sport’s national governing body and the participation of the national team in the 2006 FIFA World Cup reaching the round of 16. The year 2004 marked the last season for the National Soccer League, Australia’s first club based national league of any sport and in 2005 the A-League was launched. The A-League plays during summer, the traditional off-season, to avoid conflict with the more established football codes in publicity and facilities as well as being in line with European competition. Unlike Australian rules football, Rugby league and Rugby union there are no ‘traditional’ regional biases for the sport allowing for a common ‘football’ identity. The A-League has proved successful, with the 2006-07 regular season recording an average attendance of 12,927 people. Most notably, Melbourne Victory averaged 27,728 people to their home matches throughout the season, and a crowd of 55,436 watched the Victory beat Adelaide United 6-0 in the Grand Final, a record for a domestic club football (soccer) game in Australia. Historically, the sport has been known by many as soccer, but numerous official organisations and clubs are now using the name “football” in line with common international usage of the word. However, popular use of the word “football” to mean either Australian rules football or Rugby league is well-established in Australia. Swimming Swimming is a very common and popular sport in Australia as a recreational activity as well as

in competitive racing events. Many Australians learn to swim from a young age out of necessity due to Australia’s love of the beach and the abundance of backyard pools. Many swimmers go on to continue to swim competitively by training through squads and attending weekend competitions. Successful Australian swimmers such as Samantha Riley began their swimming careers through a learn to swim program. Learn to swim programs are also often offered through primary schools at local swimming pools during school times. The success of Australian Swimming is measurable through Australian international dominance in the sport. Athletes such as Grant Hackett, Ian Thorpe, Leisel Jones and Libby Lenton are all a credit to the extensive development programs in the sport and with the AIS. This is a further achievement because of Australia’s small population in comparison to other swimming dominant nations such as the USA. Tennis One of the four tennis Grand Slams is played in Australia, the Australian Open held in Melbourne. The tournament has been held for 100 years since 1905 when the Australasian Tennis Championship was first held at a Cricket Ground in St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Like the other three Grand Slam events, it was contested by top-ranked amateur players. It was known as the Australian championships until the advent of open tennis in 1968. There are men’s and women’s singles competitions, men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles, as well as junior and master’s competitions. Some of Australia’s best known tennis players include Rod Laver, Mark Philippoussis, Margaret Court, Roy Emerson, Lleyton Hewitt, John Newcombe, Pat Rafter, Ken Rosewall and The Woodies. The Woodies consisting of Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde was the most successful men’s tennis doubles team in history, and won eleven Grand Slams and an Olympic gold medal. Best of Australia

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Business Events in Australia

Australia as a Business Events destination Five of the top 12 business travel cities in the world are in Australia, according to a survey conducted by The Economist’s Intelligence Unit in 2006. The business trip rankings were based on broad categories covering infrastructure, cost, stability, healthcare, culture and environment.

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Out of 127 international cities, The Economist ranked Adelaide fourth, Brisbane equal sixth, Perth equal eighth, Melbourne ninth and Sydney twelth. The Australian cities far outranked capitals like Hong Kong, Berlin, Paris, Tokyo, Beijing, New York and London. Joyce DiMascio, Head of Tourism Events Australia, the business events unit within Tourism Australia, says that Australia has a great track-record of delivering outstanding business events in both our major capital cities as well as in regional Australia. “We have outstanding pedigree in the sector having serviced clients from a broad range of industry sectors – including finance and banking, agribusiness, bio-medicine, pharmaceutical, insurance, automotive and many more. Our portfolio of experiences for the corporate meetings, incentives and conference sectors is outstanding – and our people rise to the occasion to make every clients’ event a winner” she said. “Combine the easy access into the main Australian gateways, with the outstanding range of premium hotels, venues, attractions and unique events and you have a great place in which to meet and do business.” She said that the business events industry in Australia was actively addressing “sustainability” issues to ensure the environmental footprint of the events sector was carefully managed. “We are developing a compelling portfolio of best practice in “greening of events”. We have some outstanding “green” products and services that are coming online around the country. The new Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is an outstanding example of environmentally sustainable infrastructure and

will be a great asset for Australia when it opens in 2008.” Ms DiMascio said. The 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, and APEC Leaders Week 2007 in Sydney, demonstrated Australia’s event management excellence to the world. As many global companies have discovered, Australia is an ideal place to re-energise and reinvigorate their team. In the cities, expect high tech facilities, innovative cuisine, excellent entertainment and the chance to have your conference opened by a leading scientist, top novelist, Olympic gold medalist, celebrity chef or leading cinematographer. Venues that can be hired range from the Great Hall of the Houses of Parliament in Canberra to the Perth Yacht Club, from the Sydney Superdome to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image at Federation Square in Melbourne. Australia is known for its innovation in science, medicine, biotechnology, education, information technology, finance, insurance and business. Holding a convention or meeting in Australia can provide opportunities for networking and getting fresh ideas. An example of this was when Hobart Antarctic conference, Tasmania, was chosen as the destination for a major because the port was a key centre for

Antarctic research and a base for exploration of the frozen continent. Whether you choose to meet in one of Australia’s great cities or a more intimate resort destination, efficient and friendly service is likely to be the hallmark of your event. Why choose Australia? There is a superb range of conference, exhibition and special event venues in major capital cities. Accommodation ranges through the spectrum to cater to all budgets and business needs. There are also excellent support services and knowledgeable and friendly staff. Research shows that Australia is one of the travel destinations that people truly aspire to visit. With hundreds of international flights arriving and departing every day, it is easy to travel to Australia. And since English - the international business language - is also Australia’s national language, it is easy to do business here. Australia also hosts a number of international exhibitions and trade shows every year, in a wide range of industries from medical to manufacturing, agriculture to leisure. Information on events held in Australia can be found on Tourism Australia’s dedicated Business Events website www.events.australia.com.

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Business Events in Australia Melbourne Convention Centre The jewel in Melbourne’s ‘venue crown’ is undoubtedly the new Melbourne Convention Centre which, when it opens in 2009, will be one of the most impressive architectural environmental buildings in Australia. Its centrepiece is a 5,000 seat plenary hall that can be sub-divided into acoustically separate plenary halls for 1,000, 1,500 or 2,500 delegates. Designed to achieve a Six Green Star environmental rating, it will be one of the greenest convention centres in the world. Its entry level foyer will be capable of hosting 8,400 guests who will have views out to the Yarra River through an18 metre glass wall façade. It will be fully integrated with the existing Melbourne Exhibition Centre, which provides 30,000 sqm of pillarless exhibition space and is located in central Melbourne, surrounded by public transport, restaurants and accommodation. 36

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Already seventeen large international conventions are confirmed for the new convention centre, bringing more 42,000 delegates to the city with a combined economic impact for the State of Victoria of more than AU$285 million. Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s Chief Executive Leigh Harry says the new convention centre will emulate its city namesake. “Not only will it be structurally striking, but it will leave those who enter the space feeling like they have experienced Melbourne, from its maritime history, to its art and culture and sporting ethos.” Plenary Group’s architects on the convention centre project, Nik Karalis from Woods Bagot, and Hamish Lyon from NH Architecture, say they’ve done this in a variety of ways using wall motifs, Australian timber and making the banquet hall feel like a ‘real’ theatre experience. And it doesn’t end there – even the majority of the food and wine served at conferences

will be sourced from local specialised food producers and vineyards. Hamish Lyon says the locality also offers a unique ‘Melbourne’ experience. “Most convention centres are like being in a black box. In the new Melbourne Convention Centre, you can stand in front of an 18 metre glass façade looking out to the Yarra River and feel like you could touch the city – you’re that close to the city centre.” Nik Karalis says another key feature of the design is the flexibility of its plenary hall. It will transform from full plenary, to grand theatre, to intimate theatres, to small conference rooms, to cabaret, or to flat floor banquet. “Put simply, the range of options for event organisers is unparalleled. The design is also particularly unique. It was designed as the ‘spirit’ of the building and will appear to glow to those looking in through the glass façade. “Once inside any of its smaller configurations, you would never know it could possibly accommodate 5,000 people. Every theatre is an experience in itself and every service has been considered from the side walls to the ceiling.” Its fan shape design means all delegates will have an unobstructed view, no matter what the convention mode, something no other centre in the world can do. He says the area around the plenary hall has also been carefully designed. “It’s an open, uncluttered space and oozes simplicity. When standing inside, you can see all aspects of the building, the stairs and meeting areas.” Hamish Lyon says the outside has not been overlooked either. “There is no back side to the building, it will be equally attractive regardless which side of the building you are on. “It’s an uncomplicated, stunning building which will be the centrepiece of this new development for Melburnians and visitors alike.

Darwin Convention Centre In mid 2008 Darwin, the Northern Territory’s capital city, will proudly open the doors of its first world class, purpose built and architecturally spectacular convention centre. With confirmed bookings to 2011, the Centre is already making its mark in the international and national convention scene. From its waterfront location on the edge of Australia’s largest harbour, the Darwin Convention Centre is the jewel in the crown of the Northern Territory’s AU$1 billion waterfront development that will see 25 hectares of land transformed into restaurants, hotels, apartments, wave lagoon, marina, gardens and public art. With a 1500 seat plenary capacity, to a total of 12 meeting rooms and 4000 square metres of exhibition space the multipurpose convention centre will feature flexible spaces to cater for banquets, conventions and exhibitions as well as concerts and indoor sporting events. Best of Australia

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Business Events in Australia

Cradle Mountain Lodge Cradle Mountain Lodge is a warm, retreat nestled high in the Tasmanian wilderness, a superb escape featuring cosy cabins, fine food and wine and many activities. Cradle Mountain Lodge is a unique wilderness retreat on the edge of the World Heritage Listed Cradle Mountain/Lake St. Clair National Park. Here you see the face of creation all around you in the mirror lakes and rugged mountain peaks. And you don’t need to be an environmentalist to feel humble in the towering presence of a King Billy Pine - over 1,000 years old yet still a relative newcomer to these ancient forests. This is a superb escape with breathtaking scenery, cosy cabins, magnificent meals and days filled with simple pleasures. The Lodge itself has an ambience of warmth and security

that welcomes you to every room. Perhaps it’s the glow of the open fires that keeps drawing you back or those quiet moments in the Guest’s Lounge, catching up on local lore and history. Then of course there’s the temptation of the Highland Restaurant and its walk-in Wine Cellar. Or perhaps the mood calls for a less formal meal in the Tavern Bar, a great place to share your adventures with new friends. Inside your cabin you’ll immediately feel at home. The layout is generous, comfortable and more than a touch romantic. And when the snow falls, as it can even in the summer months at Cradle, there’s nothing cosier than being in your cabin. After dinner in the Lodge retreat to your cabin and perhaps share a glass of red wine in front of a fire. One thing is certain, summer or winter, the beauty of Cradle Mountain is an inspiration that will stay with you long after you leave. Best of Australia

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Business Events in Australia

Australian Business Events Destinations Australia has countless exciting and diverse destinations which are suitable for a corporate meeting, incentive program or conference. There are 13 Convention and Visitors Bureau around the country that represent these diverse locations, who can provide you with all the information you need to seamlessly plan your event. Adelaide The heartland of Australia’s wine industry – Adelaide is renowned for its world class wines and equally astonishing cuisine. Adelaide is a flourishing arts and cultural centre and is home to many festivals, which draw crowds year-round. Whether you are after a night at the opera, modern theatre or a good old-fashioned street party – Adelaide has something for you. Venture out of Adelaide and visit one of Australia’s most famous wine producing regions, the Barossa Valley. For further information visit www.acta.com.au. Brisbane Brisbane – Queensland’s capital city – is a modern and diverse subtropical metropolis with a friendly and relaxed environment. Charter a cruise on the Brisbane River or take an exclusive guided tour of Fortitude Valley’s designer shops. A must-do is a gala dinner in an exclusive area of Kangaroo Point. High atop sandstone cliffs that are more than a million years old, you’ll get to taste the culinary delights of the state’s best chefs, while treating yourself to the splendid view of the city skyline. For further information visit www.brisbanemarketing.com.au. 40

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Cairns Located in Tropical North Queensland, Cairns is a stepping stone to the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is located adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef, providing easy access to take in the sights of the world’s largest living organism. Indulge in luxurious spas in Palm Cove – the spa capital of Australia. Further north, an aquatic atmosphere awaits visitors at Port Douglas with the picturesque Four Mile Beach. For further information visit www.cairnsconventionbureau.com. Canberra Canberra is Australia’s political heart. Canberra combines natural flora and fauna and a relaxed lifestyle. No trip to Australia is complete without visiting its architecturally acclaimed Parliament House and National Museum and the internationally envied Australian Institute of Sport. In contrast to many cities, Canberra has an abundance of native animals, which can be seen in their natural habitat just minutes from the city centre. An overnight visit grants the opportunity to enjoy Canberra’s café strips and a morning hot-air balloon ride over the city’s central focus, Lake Burley Griffin. For further information www.canberraconvention.com.au. Gold Coast The Gold Coast is often described as Australia’s playground. It is famous for its endless white beaches, theme parks, shopping and restaurants. Nestled between picturesque mountain ranges and the warm blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Gold Coast is a resort city, offering a wide range of natural and manmade attactions. Enjoy the dazzling nightlife, cosmopolitan restaurants, and amazing

shopping opportunities. For golfers, the Gold Coast is located close to some of Australia’s top championship courses. For further information visit www.verygc.biz. Melbourne Arts savvy, sports crazy, food-loving Melbourne has it all; the sophistication of the ‘Most Livable City’ fused with the excitement of ‘Australia’s events capital’. Discover the city streets and laneways chequered with boutique fashion, rich café culture and vibrant nightlife. Escape to the fringe of the city and delight in breathtaking Victoria. Visit the Yarra Valley for superb wine, The Great Ocean Road for the natural wonder of The Twelve Apostles, Mornington Peninsula or Phillip Island for the renowned penguin parade. For further information visit www.mcvb.com.au. Northern Territory Few places on earth have the ancient majesty and diversity of the Northern Territory. From the green, tropical north, to the awesome red deserts, it never fails to evoke a sense of awe for those who visit. The Northern Territory is famous for the world-recognised Ayers Rock (Uluru) in the heart of Australia and Kakadu, the World Heritage listed National Park in the top end of Australia. The Red Centre is home to Alice Springs, a modern outback centre and gateway to Kings Canyon and the stunning MacDonnell Ranges. For further information visit www.ntconventions.com.au. Perth Perth is set on the shores of the Indian Ocean. It is a vibrant modern city with graceful boulevards, slick skyscrapers, kilometers of beaches and an impossibly blue sky. Be

touched by nature in the World Heritage region Shark Bay. Enjoy the wide variety of water sports Australians love so much. Visit the magnificent Margaret River wine region; try your luck in the goldfield towns of Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie. If gold’s not your thing, head north to the pearling town of Broome – gateway to the Kimberley – with its tree lined streets, colonial homes and spectacular coastline. For further information visit www.pcb.com.au. Sunshine Coast Blessed with a superb sub tropical climate, clean sandy swimming beaches, warm clear water and bounded by national parks and pristine sub tropical rainforests, the Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s most naturally beautiful regions. With abundant air and road access it offers many international hotels and resorts and is the destination of choice for those seeking a true Australian experience. Across the Sunshine Coast you will find innovative wine and food, numerous health and beauty spas, art galleries, designer boutiques and quirky markets. There are more than 60 group activities including surfing, yachting, deep sea fishing and skydiving, it is home to the world famous Crocodile Hunter’s “Australia Zoo” and is the gateway to World Heritagelisted Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. The Sunshine Coast also enjoys many of Australia’s top ranked championship golf courses and is the home of the Australian PGA tournament. The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s most exciting Business Events destinations and provides a beautiful location to meet and do business in a refreshing, natural and unspoilt environment. For further information visit www.sccb.net.au. Best of Australia

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Business Events in Australia

Sydney Sydney is a colourful, cosmopolitan harbour city with spectacular natural beauty and a free-spirited outdoor lifestyle. Experience Sydney Harbour – one of the world’s most famous waterways – while sailing on a yacht, luxury cruise or climbing its world famous icon – the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Venture less than a few hours outside Sydney and explore the majestic Blue Mountains, or sample wines from one of Australia’s premier wine regions – the Hunter Valley. For further information visit www.scvb.com.au. Tasmania Tasmania is a medley of pristine wilderness, grand convict-built architecture, fine wine and food, creative arts and crafts, bustling markets and leisurely historic towns. Delight in the pleasures of Hobart or base yourself in Launceston and wander along the wine trail of the Tamar River. Visit the historic Port Arthur penal settlement or experience nature in the World Heritage listed Freycinet and Cradle Mountain – Lake St Claire National Parks. Roam the historic towns to the Heritage Highway or the beautiful Huon Valley. For further information visit www.tasmaniaconventions.com.

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Townsville Townsville, located in Tropical North Queensland, is bordered by the Great Barrier Reef, tropical islands and outback towns. Enjoy scuba diving or snorkeling from the exclusive Orpheus Island where you will be amazed by the Yongala ship wreck and dive amongst the beautifully coloured corals and sea creatures of the deep. Take a cruise to Magnetic Island on board a luxury catamaran, spend time jet skiing, sea-kayaking or horse riding on the beautiful beaches. For further information visit www.townsvilleonline.com.au.

Venue Capacity Information:

Whitsundays The Whitsundays are a group of 74 tropical islands, located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef off the north-east coast of Queensland. Indulge in resort luxury amongst age-old national parks and the protected waterways of the Coral Sea, home to the splendid Heart Reef and the sparkling sands of Whitehaven Beach. Discover the kaleidoscope of colours and shapes of the corals as you dive into the blue of the Great Barrier Reef or sail across the calm turquoise waters between the rugged green shapes of the islands. For further information visit www. whitsundaystourism.com.

LOCATION

FACILITY TYPE

 

Theatre Style

Banquet Style

Classroom Style

Adelaide

7155

4500

2910

Alice Springs

1200

800

720

Brisbane

4000

2740

1209

Cairns

5000

1300

730

Canberra

3200

1800

1700

Darwin

1000

400

300

Gold Coast

6021

2240

2106

Melbourne

2200

1940

1499

Perth

5200

3630

3545

Sunshine Coast

1280

800

650

Sydney

3500

3500

800

Tasmania

1600

1000

750

Townsville

5200

1000

980

Whitsundays

1000

800

650

More information on these destinations, including image downloads, itineraries and more visit www.events.australia.com.

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Events Australia Events are a great way to experience the depth and variety of culture, landscapes and products Australia has to offer. And Australians love to get involved. Here is just a snapshot of the hundreds of events that will add to your experience in Australia. To find out more about these and other exciting events in Australia, go to www.australia.com.

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So what’s happening? Winter – (June–August) Gold Coast Marathon July Sweat, adrenaline and success. Elite athletes and sports enthusiasts of all ages and fitness levels pound along the course that hugs the spectacular coastline. The Lion Camel Cup – July Camel Comedy Alice Springs welcomes visitors who love to laugh to the quirky, annual Camel Cup. Racing camels can prove a nightmare for riders and handlers but fantastic viewing for spectators. Assa Abloy Henley-On-Todd Regatta August Who needs water? Held in Alice Springs, this regatta captures the imagination as crews ‘sail’ boats on a waterless Todd River. Australian Safari August–September Ultimate test of man and machine An epic adventure for the lovers of cars, motor bikes and quads. The nine-day safari crosses about 5,500 kilometres of spectacular Western Australian outback, taking you through gruelling terrain from the tropics to the outback and on to the sea. Opera In The Outback October Nature has the best seats in the house Nature resonates with stirring performances of operatic greats, classical hits and Broadway

memories. The event offers two different musical programs, taking place on the edge of the Undara Volcanic National Park. Riverfestival Brisbane August–September Waterways, heart of city celebrations A celebration of a natural landmark, the Brisbane River. Outdoor river venues host a diverse program of art, environmental science and sport. Highlights include River Symposium and Riverfire. Spring – (September–November) Floriade September–October Art in bloom Canberra, our national capital, bursts into colour with Floriade showcasing great Aussie icons in an incredible, creative display of over one million floral blooms. Cricket Season – November–March Howzat!! With a spectacular program of international, state, and local competition you will be sure to find a game to enjoy at one of the many great cricket grounds around Australia. Red Bull Air Race – November Aircraft spin and turn on edge Watch the world’s most talented pilots compete in a race based on speed, precision and skill as they fly a daring, compact course in Perth’s sky. A major festival inspired by the race features the history of aircraft and much more. Best of Australia

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Events Australia

Melbourne Cup – November The race that stops the nation On the first Tuesday of November, the nation stops to celebrate this major annual horse race. Whether you are track-side in Melbourne, at a pub in the middle of the Outback or lunching at one of the many restaurants throughout the country, the Melbourne Cup is an event that everyone gets involved in and is a truly Australian experience. Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge – November Pushing the Boundaries A gruelling 6-day physical and mental adventure race in aid of charity held in Tasmania, Australia’s adventure capital. Participants range from elite athletes to corporate teams, who compete in some of Tasmania’s most remote and stunning landscapes. Summer – (December–February) Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race – 26 December–3 January Yachties face the Great Southern Ocean This gruelling 628-nauticalmile event is the 46

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emerging filmmaking talent at free public outdoor venues across Australia. Autumn – (March - May) AFL Season – March to September Muscle and might make AFL legends For a fair dinkum Aussie experience go to an Australian Football League (AFL) game. A favourite sport amongst Australians, AFL attracts huge crowds of vocal, animated and loyal supporters. legendary Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Thousands of people cheer the crews as they leave the Harbour, and more welcome sailors on arrival into Hobart. This race has captivated Australians since 1945.

You don’t have to love country music to have a great time at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. The atmosphere, the fringe festivals and the visitor attractions keep everyone entertained.

The Sydney Festival – January Summer, music, performance and art The Sydney Festival is a cultural celebration of Sydney in Summer, presenting the best performing and visual arts throughout the city. Up to 100,000 music lovers delight in concerts in the Domain. A mixture of free events and ticketed shows ensures something for everyone.

Tour Down Under - January Elite cyclists dazzle thrilled crowds Cycling superstars compete in a six-day race travelling the city streets of Adelaide and picturesque South Australia.

Australian Open – January Stars contest Grand Slam title The Australian Open brings the world’s hottest players to Melbourne for two weeks of tennis thrills. Join the vibrant atmosphere in and around the city with matches broadcast on big screens, in beer gardens and with live music. Tamworth Country Music Festival – January Pull on your boots, kick up your heels

Australia Day - 26 January Celebrate what’s great about Australia Whether you choose to make a splash at the beach, sizzle a sausage on a BBQ, enter a lamington eating competition, or play cricket in the park, Australia Day brings everyone together and is a great way to get out and enjoy the great Aussie summer! Tropfest – February Outdoor cinema comes alive through Australian film Now the world’s largest short film festival, Tropfest showcases the works of Australia’s

The Canberra Balloon Fiesta – April Magic mix of hot air and colour A sea of hot air balloons lift into the skies each day from Old Parliament House and float over Canberra’s iconic national attractions. Whether you watch from the ground or take to the sky, you are sure to be impressed. Alice Springs Cup Carnival – April - May Dusty track to dinner and dancing Hooves hammer around the dusty track and the race caller sings the winner’s name to the roar of a happy crowd. Four unique race days are packed into a three-week program in the heart of Central Australia. ANZAC Day – 25 April Lest We Forget On ANZAC Day, we remember young lives lost and honour those Australians who have served our country. In small communities, towns and cities people rise early for sombre dawn services. Then, in a time-honoured celebration of mateship, it’s time for a well-earned beer and a game of two-up. Best of Australia

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Wine Australia

Wine Australia Wine Australia is the platform that the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation (AWBC) use to represent Australian wines around the world.   

Australia has about 2,000 wine companies and is the world’s fifth largest wine producing country (behind France, Italy, Spain and the USA). Surprisingly Australia is the fourth largest exporter – approximately one billion bottles of wine per year – and is enjoyed in more than 100 countries around the world. Australian wine can be enjoyed at all levels – from everyday informality (Brand Champions) to aspiration and excellence (Landmark Australia).  To help explain the diversity of wines from Australia we have created a framework from which to explore and enjoy Australian wines for every occasion.  The framework is as follows:  Brand Champions: ambitious but accessible 48

Best of Australia

wines that carry the flag for us in Australia and in international markets.  This is where the story began for Australian producers selling to the world, and where the journey often begins for consumers newly introduced to wine and keen to find out about what the best New World wines have to offer.  There are hundreds of wines to choose from and a great diversity of styles drawn from across Australian wine regions. The common theme, though, is the guarantee of quality, accessibility, affordability and enjoyment. Generation Next: new wine styles and blends created with traditional expertise and a touch of flair. You will find brands, brand names, packaging, marketing ideas and education

pedigree and quality. Collectable, renowned ‘conversation’ wines that compare with the very best in the world. These are the Australian wines to which we all aspire. They are not necessarily old wines, but they are wines with a story to tell that reflect an uncompromising pursuit of viticultural and winemaking excellence. This framework highlights the diversity of Australian wines and the supportive relationship between accessibility, added interest, innovation and the ultimate pursuit of wine quality. 

programs that are modern, make a statement and represent the wine maker’s values and the consumer’s.  These are wines that you will find in your bottle shops, supermarkets and restaurants, and you will talk about wherever you choose to drink them. Regional Heroes: Wines from somewhere rather than wines from anywhere.  These are wines and producers that have blazed a trail for their region’s profile with varietal choice and/or style dictated by who made them, where they were made, and why. When consumers buy within this category – whether from specialist or independent retail chains, in restaurants where wine and food go hand in hand, or via online dealings with a chosen producer

– they will be beginning a new journey of wine exploration.   The ultimate invitation, of course, is to make the journey to experience the wine, history and heritage – to try a Barossa Shiraz in the Barossa Valley or drive south of Perth for a Margaret River Cabernet. Landmark Australia: The name says it all. Landmark Australia reflects the Australian fine wine dimension – the ultra-premium collectables that are known and respected around the world.  Landmark Australia is by definition neither inclusive nor self-selecting – it is the recognition of some of the leading wines from Australian estates that have harnessed either awards and/or recognition for outstanding excellence in wine style,

What does it mean when I see the Wine Australia logo on a bottle of wine? Quality: samples of each and every wine exported are examined by an expert panel to ensure quality standards are always maintained Integrity: Australia offers a unique label integrity program that ensures vintage, variety and region are all truthfully identified on the label Diversity: there are over 60 designated wine regions, over 100 wine grape varieties and more than 2000 wineries in Australia Authenticity: Australia boasts the world’s oldest soil types and a diverse range of original plant material including pre-phylloxera Shiraz vines Innovation: always at the forefront of research on oenology, viticulture and marketing, producing 25% of the worlds technical papers on wine Ambition:  the restless pursuit of excellence in grape growing and winemaking Relevance: consumer led and customer driven, winemakers who understand marketing as well as winemaking Excellence: an established and constantly evolving wine show system that seeks to recognise and acknowledge excellence and stylistic diversity Inclusive: wines that range from award winning popular premium brands to landmark image makers. Best of Australia

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Sydney

Sydney, Australia Sydney is the perfect place to mix business with pleasure. This world-class city buzzes with the extroverted energy of a city that means business - yet this is combined with a sizeable helping of laidback good humour.

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Set on the shores of one of the world’s most photogenic harbours, Sydney is home to Australia’s two most famous icons - the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Sydney has a tremendous array of business venues and accommodation at your disposal. As a business visitor to Sydney, you have the opportunity to host a gala event at the Opera House, or host a ‘dine-around’ dinner at a number of Sydney’s harbourside restaurants. By day, there are thousands of top class shops and attractions awaiting you. And by night, the city shines with vibrant electricity, with restaurants, bars, and nightclubs springing to life. When it comes time to relax by the water, Sydney has everything you need. Want to build some team spirit with a game of beach volleyball or an ironman challenge? Or maybe you would prefer to take a trip out on a catamaran or a yacht? Sydney can offer anything a business visitor could possibly desire. Sydney is the most populous city in Australia, with a metropolitan area population of approximately 4.12 million. It is the state capital

of New South Wales, and is the site of the first European colony in Australia, established in 1788 at Sydney Cove by Arthur Phillip, leader of the First Fleet from Britain. A resident of the city is referred to as a Sydneysider. Located on Australia’s south-east coast, the city is built around Port Jackson, which includes Sydney Harbour, leading to the city’s nickname, “the Harbour City”. It is Australia’s largest financial centre and is home to the Australian Securities Exchange. Sydney’s leading economic sectors include property and business services, manufacturing, tourism, media, health and community services. The metropolitan area is surrounded by national parks, and contains many bays, rivers and inlets. It has been recognised as a beta world city by the Loughborough University group’s 1999 inventory. The city has played host to numerous international sporting, political and cultural events, including the 1938 British Empire Games, 2000 Summer Olympics and the 2003 Rugby World Cup. In September 2007, the city hosted the leaders of the 21 APEC economies for APEC Australia 2007, Best of Australia

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and in July 2008 will host World Youth Day 2008. Sydney is in a coastal basin bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Blue Mountains to the west, the Hawkesbury River to the north and the Royal National Park to the south. Sydney lies on a submergent coastline, where the ocean level has risen to flood deep river valleys (ria) carved in the Hawkesbury sandstone. One of these drowned valleys, Port Jackson, better known as Sydney Harbour, is the largest natural harbour in the world. There are more than 70 harbour and ocean beaches, including the famous Bondi Beach, in the urban area. Sydney’s urban area covers 1687 square 52

Best of Australia

kilometres (651 mi²) as at 2001. The Sydney Statistical Division, used for census data, is the unofficial metropolitan area and covers 12,145 square kilometres (4,689 mi²). This area includes the Central Coast and Blue Mountains as well as broad swathes of national park and other unurbanised land. Geographically, Sydney sprawls over two major regions: the Cumberland Plain, a relatively flat region lying to the south and west of the harbour, and the Hornsby Plateau, a sandstone plateau lying mainly to the north of the harbour, dissected by steep valleys. The oldest parts of the city are located in

the flat areas south of the harbour; the North Shore was slower to develop because of its hilly topography, and was mostly a quiet backwater until the Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened in 1932, linking it to the rest of the city. Sydney has an temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters, with rainfall spread throughout the year. The weather is moderated by proximity to the ocean, and more extreme temperatures are recorded in the inland western suburbs. The warmest month is January, with an average air temperature range at Observatory Hill of 18.6°C – 25.8°C and an average of 14.6 days a year over 30°C. The maximum recorded temperature was 45.3°C on 14 January 1939 at the end of a 4 day nationwide heat wave. The winter is mildly cool, with temperatures rarely dropping below 5°C in coastal areas. The coldest month is July, with an average range of 8.0°C – 16.2°C. The lowest recorded minimum was 2.1°C. Rainfall is fairly evenly divided between summer and winter, but is slightly higher during the first half of the year, when easterly winds dominate. The average annual rainfall, with moderate to low variability, is 1217.0 millimetres (47.9 in), falling on an average 138.0 days a year. Snowfall last occurred in the Sydney City area in the 1830s. Sydney is a modern, prosperous city with the highest median household income of any major city in Australia (US$43,171 PPP). The largest economic sectors in Sydney, measured by numbers of people employed, include property and business services, retail, manufacturing, and health and community services. Since the 1980s, jobs have moved from manufacturing to the services and information sectors. Sydney provides approximately 25 per cent of the country’s total GDP. Best of Australia

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Travel, Tour and Leisure

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Over the past 63 years, the Rolex Sydney Hobart has become an icon of Australia’s summer sport, ranking in public interest with such national events as the Melbourne Cup horse race, the Davis Cup tennis and the cricket tests between Australia and England.

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No yachting event in the world attracts such huge media coverage – except, of course, the America’s Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race – than does the start on Sydney Harbour.  And the others only happen every four or five years. Over those years, the Rolex Sydney Hobart and Cruising Yacht Club of Australia have had marked influence on international ocean yacht racing. The club has influenced the world in race communications and sea safety, maintaining the highest standards of yacht construction, rigging and stability for ocean racing yachts.  The club’s members have also fared well in major ocean racing events overseas, with victories in the Admiral’s Cup, Kenwood Cup, One Ton Cup, the Fastnet Race and the BOC Challenge solo race around the word, not to mention the America’s Cup. As the then Governor of Tasmania, Sir Guy Green, observed at the prize giving for the 2001 race, it is indeed an egalitarian event, attracting yachts as small as 30-footers and as big as 98-footers, sailed by crews who range from weekend club sailors to professionals from the America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race circuits. In the earliest years of the Sydney Hobart Race all the yachts were built from timber - heavy displacement cutters, sloops,

yawls, schooners and ketches designed more for cruising than racing. The increasing popularity of the 628 nautical Christmas-New Year sail south to Hobart quickly began to attract new designs and innovative ideas in boat-building, sails and rigs, dacron sails and aluminium masts and in the early 1950s, the first boats built of GRP (glass reinforced plastic) or fibreglass as is the more common phrase.  Then came aluminium, steel (mostly home-built) and even one maxi yacht built of ferro cement. Innovative Australian yacht designers such as the Halvorsen brothers, Trygve and Magnus, and the late Allan Payne and Bob Miller (Ben Lexcen) produced faster boats and the race was on to create line and overall handicap winners. Prof. Peter Joubert, a part-time designer of stout cruiser/racers, and John King were other Australians who produced winning boats. Following in their wake are currently successful designers such as Iain Murray and his partners, Andy Dovell and Ian “Fresh” Burns, along with Scott Jutson, David Lyons and Robert Hick. New Zealander Bruce Farr, now based on the US, led the move towards light Best of Australia

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Travel, Tour and Leisure displacement yachts and is by far the most successful designer of Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race overall winners under different international handicap systems, first IOR (International Offshore Rule), then IMS (International Measurement System), and now IRC. The space age has had a significant spinoff for yacht racing, first in the America’s Cup and then in the design and construction of ocean racing yachts, introducing composite construction of boat hulls, using Kevlar and other manmade fibres in moulding the hulls in high-tech ovens. In the past few years carbon fibre has been used successfully to build yacht hulls, masts and spars and in the construction of working sails (mainsails and genoas/jibs). The double line honours winner Wild Oats XI is the latest example of almost total use of carbon fibre in its hull, mast, boom and working sails. The fleet in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is virtually all sloops (mainsail 56

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and one foresail genoa or jibs) but several of the maxi yachts with a big fore-triangle (between the foredeck, the forestay and the mast) are successfully using two headsails on close reaching races, theoretically making them cutters. Fleets range in size from the 30 foot Maluka, the 1932 built gaff rigged timber boat, through to the one-design Sydney 38s including Another Challenge, Challenge and Star Dean Willcocks, then the grand prix IRC boats in the 45 to 60-foot group, including the two new Reichel/Pugh boats, Yendys and Loki, the Cookson 50s Quantum Racing and Living Doll and the TP52 Wot Yot which was joined by sistership Ragamuffin, Syd Fischer’s latest yacht of that name, for the 2007 race. Then there are regulars, the club cruiser/ racers that sail in the race almost every year.  The Rum Consortium’s Phillip’s Foote Witchdoctor is preparing for its 27th race south after breaking the record for the most races undertaken by a yacht in the 2006 race.  John Walker’s Impeccable is lining up for

its 25th Rolex Sydney Hobart this year, Polaris of Belmont for its 24th and Margaret Rintoul II, which made its Rolex Sydney Hobart comeback under new owner Mike Freebairn following a nine year absence. The 628 nautical mile course is often described as the most grueling long ocean race in the world, a challenge to everyone who takes part. From the spectacular start in Sydney Harbour, the fleet sails out into the Tasman Sea, down the south-east coast of mainland Australia, across Bass Strait (which divides the mainland from the island State of Tasmania), then down the east coast of Tasmania.  At Tasman Island the fleet turns right into Storm Bay for the final sail up the Derwent River to the historic port city of Hobart. People who sail the race often say the first and last days are the most exciting. The race start on Sydney Harbour attracts hundreds of spectator craft and hundreds of thousands of people lining the shore

as helicopters buzz above the fleet, filming for TV around the world.The final day at sea is exciting with crews fighting to beat their rivals but also looking forward to the traditional Hobart welcome, and having a drink to relax and celebrate their experience. Between the first and last days the fleet sails past some of the most beautiful landscape and sea scapes found anywhere in the world. The New South Wales coast is a mixture of sparkling beaches, coastal townships and small fishing villages, although for most of the race south the yachts can be anywhere between the coastline and 40 miles offshore. During the race, many boats are within sight of each other and crews listen closely to the information from the twice-daily radio position schedules (“skeds” as they are called). In more recent years, crews have been able to pin point the entire fleet’s whereabouts and follow each boat’s progress against their own using on board computers and Yacht Tracker on the official race website.

Bass Strait (nicknamed the ‘paddock) has a dangerous personality. It can be dead calm or spectacularly grand. The water is relatively shallow and the winds can be strong, these two elements often coming to create a steep and difficult sea for yachts. The third leg after the ‘paddock’ - down the east coast of Tasmania takes the fleet past coastal holiday resorts and fishing ports with towering mountains in the background. Approaching Tasman Island, the coastline comprises massive cliffs, sometimes shrouded in fog.  The winds are often fickle and can vary in strength and direction within a few miles. Sailing becomes very tactical. After turning right at Tasman Island, sailors often think the race is near completed, but at this point there is still 40 miles of often hard sailing to go. Yachts can be left behind in the maze of currents and wind frustrations. Even when they round the Iron Pot, a tiny island that was once a whaling station, there is still

a further 11 miles up the broad reaches of the Derwent River to the finish line off Hobart’s historic Battery Point, with Mount Wellington towering over the city. No matter the time of day or night, the first yacht to finish receives an escort of official, spectator and media boats as it sails towards the finish line. Hundreds of people crowd the foreshores of Sullivans Cove to cheer the yachts and their crews while volunteers from the finishing club, the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, meet the weary crews with open arms and famous Tasmanian hospitality, and escort them to their berth in the Kings Pier marina. It’s an event that Tasmanians love to host in the middle of Hobart’s Taste of Tasmania Festival. Then it’s time to celebrate or commiserate, swap yarns about the race with other crews over a few beers in Hobart’s famous waterfront pubs such as the Customs House Hotel or the Rolex Sydney Hobart Dockside Bar. Best of Australia

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Travel, Tour and Leisure

Sydney Opera House Sydney Opera House is Australia’s pre-eminent centre for excellence in live performing arts. It is one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world, staging over 1,500 performances annually and welcoming over 4.5 million visitors each year.

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Home to some of Australia’s premier performing arts companies such as Sydney Symphony, Opera Australia and the Australian Ballet, Sydney Opera House presents a diverse range of performances from some of the world’s best artists as well as showcasing up-and-coming talent. In June 2007, Sydney Opera House was formally recognised as one of the most outstanding places on Earth with its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is now listed alongside other universally treasured places such as the Taj Mahal, the ancient Pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China. In addition to presenting the very best in performing arts, Sydney Opera House also offers visitors a range of unique experiences, such as High Tea at Sydney Opera House. An afternoon of decadence which leaves guests breathless, High Tea at Sydney Opera House features sublime food from Michelin trained culinary maestro Guillaume Brahimi and an exhilarating performance, close up and live, by some of the world’s finest opera singers

High Tea at Sydney Opera House has quickly established itself as one of Sydney’s hottest tickets, offering a fresh perspective on the concept and adding that special Sydney Opera House magic, the thrill of live performance. For those visitors wishing to delve a little deeper into the workings of Sydney Opera House, the Backstage Tour is just the ticket. How about following in the footsteps of superstars such as Dame Joan Sutherland and Pavarotti by singing on the stage of the world-famous Concert Hall, or striding into the Opera Theatre orchestra pit before stepping up onto the conductor’s podium? The Backstage Tour offers all of the above and much more, conducted by experienced guides who share some of the secrets of the House and stories of the real-life dramas that happen behind the curtain. The newest addition to the range of visitor experiences is The Essential Tour. For the first time ever, visitors can now see as well as hear the dramatic story of the building Featuring previously unseen video

footage from the House archives, with narration by Golden Globe winner Rachel Griffiths, The Essential Tour uses the latest audio-visual technology to give visitors a compelling experience. Video sequences are shown at points of interest, using the building itself as a storytelling canvas. The sequences are delivered in ways which respect the building’s world heritage values using methods such as the projection of footage directly onto the interior fabric of the building. The Essential Tour takes visitors on a journey celebrating the creative genius of architect Jørn Utzon, telling the story of a building which came into existence against seemingly impossible odds. Tours of the building are also conducted in Japanese, Korean and Mandarin languages. For more information on upcoming performances and to booking tickets contact : Tel: +61 2 9250 7777 or visit our website.

www.sydneyoperahouse.com Best of Australia

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Travel, Tour and Leisure

Sydney Aquarium Walk underwater at Sydney’s #1 attraction! Nowhere else will you find a larger collection of Australian aquatic life with over 12,000 marine animals!

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Take a journey through one of the most spectacular aquariums in the world, exploring Australia’s rich and diverse waterways, marine ecosystems and unique aquatic environments. Walk underwater and come face to face with dozens of sharks of many different species – some over 3.5 metres long and weighing 300kg! Marvel at the majestic giant rays as they pass overhead; confront Nancy our ferocious three metre saltwater crocodile; and be entertained and amazed by the secretive platypus and adorable penguins. The world’s first all-natural Seal Sanctuary at Sydney Aquarium allows you to get closer than ever before. Walk through the underwater tunnels to see playful seals racing through the water at full speed or just frolicking around. The exhibit features a two million litre tank where the water is pumped and filtered directly from Sydney

Harbour creating a natural environment for the seals to live in, with live feeds daily to enthrall and entertain you. Sydney Aquarium is also home to the largest Great Barrier Reef exhibit in the world. Visit the home of Nemo and see clown fish dart amongst the wavering tentacles of an anemone, as well as stunningly beautiful hard and soft corals. And our interactive touch pools let you get truly up close, just like being at Sydney’s sea-side rock pools. Plus, jump on our interactive website www. sydneyaquarium.com.au and find all the latest information and fun facts on everything aquatic. The website provides hours of entertainment. Read about the exciting work of the Sydney Aquarium Conservation Foundation which is helping to save and protect Australia’s oceans and rivers. Check out the

exciting web cams, take a virtual tour, win prizes in our monthly competitions, adopt a virtual pet and have hours of fun challenging your friends playing the online games! Featuring 60 tanks and three oceanariums holding approximately five million litres of water, as well as 160 metres of underwater tunnels, Sydney Aquarium is an ideal allweather venue conveniently located at Sydney’s Darling Harbour and is open until late every day, including Christmas Day. For more information contact: Aquarium Pier, Darling Harbour Sydney, Australia Tel: (+61 2) 8251 7800 Open every day from 9am to 10pm

www.sydneyaquarium.com.au Best of Australia

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Travel, Tour and Leisure

Sydney Tower Sydney’s best views are just the beginning…

Standing head and shoulders above the heart of the city, Sydney Tower is one of the first landmarks that visitors spot when approaching Sydney – by sea, air or land. An icon on the city skyline for more than 25 years, the striking Sydney Tower takes you to the highest point above Sydney for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, from its sparkling harbour, to its world famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House, and Bondi and Manly beaches on the coastline. Soaring 250 metres above the city streets, the Tower’s Observation Deck is one of the highest in the southern hemisphere and offers an extraordinary panoramic viewing experience. 62

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Before the Tower was built, the maximum allowable height of a Sydney building was only 279m to allow for the harbour’s flying boats that were popular before the modern jet era. Sydney Tower now sets the height for construction in the city at a maximum of 305 metres. In a true engineering feat, Sydney Tower’s turret was assembled around the bottom of the shaft then lifted hydraulically by 24 100-tonne jacks at the rate of nine metres a week until it reached its final position. On a clear day, visitors can enjoy unsurpassed views of up to 85km to the Blue Mountains in the west, the Central Coast

in the north and the South Coast. Visitors’ Observation Deck experience also includes OzTrek, one of the largest motion theatre rides in the Southern Hemisphere, offering an amazing magic carpet ride across Australia’s cultural history and geography. Fun for the young and the young-at-heart, this virtual Australian tour includes OzTrek’s surround-sound technology, 3D holographic imagery, 180-degree cinema screens & heartstopping real-motion seating. Soar above Sydney’s icons, glide effortlessly over the Bridge, Opera House and the warm sands of Bondi beach; feel the exhilaration of white water rafting down a tropical Queensland

river; and get up close to the jaws of a huge saltwater crocodile! Those with a sense of adventure will enjoy the Tower’s “top” attraction, Sydney Skywalk, which offers unbeatable, uninterrupted views from the outside of the Tower’s distinctive gold turret. Located a breathtaking 260 metres above the city – more than double the height of the Sydney Harbour Bridge – Skywalk is a multi-sensory experience, that takes thrillseekers outside their comfort zones and into the open air. Skywalkers can feel the high-altitude airflows and the Sydney sunshine on their

faces, or the cool evening breeze above the shimmering city at night. Walking along two levels of steel walkways and two viewing platforms, Skywalkers venture onto the moving, glass-floored platform that extends out over the edge, to view the glittering city beneath their feet - literally. Skywalk is made up of 2132 metres of steel held together by 2188 nuts and 2188 bolts, with each section up to two metres in length so it would fit inside the Tower’s lifts for the long trip to the top for assembling. Dressed in special Skysuits and wearing safety harnesses throughout their experience, Skywalkers are accompanied by expert guides who provide colourful insights into Sydney’s rich history. Since Skywalk opened in 2005, tens of thousands of visitors have dared to take the challenge and hang out on the horizon. Meanwhile hundreds of thousands visit the

Observation Deck each year, making it one of Sydney’s most popular attractions. More than 17 million people have visited Sydney Tower since it opened in 1981 – that’s more than four times the population of Sydney! Sydney Tower Centrepoint Podium Level, 100 Market Street Sydney. Sydney Tower + OzTrek bookings Open daily: 9.00am to 10.30pm (Saturdays to 11.30pm) Tel: (+612) 9333 9222 or book online 24 hours. Sydney Skywalk bookings Open daily 9am to 8.45pm (last Skywalk departs 7.30pm) subject to seasonal variations Tel: (+612) 9333 9200 or book online 24 hours.

www.sydneytoweroztrek.com.au www.sydneyskywalk.com.au Best of Australia

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Travel, Tour and Leisure

Sydney Wildlife World Australia’s wildest new flora and fauna experience! Walk through a whole new world and enjoy an authentic Australian wildlife experience, right in the heart of Darling Harbour, with Sydney Wildlife World, Australia’s wildest new attraction.

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Home to the spooky, the spiny and the scary, explore 3 levels, 9 habitats and over 65 exhibits, featuring the largest variety of Australian plants and animals under one roof. Sydney Wildlife World is home to over 100 different species, representing animals from all across Australia. Experience a real Australian adventure, without having to travel all around the country, by taking a journey through a tropical rainforest surrounded by hundreds of colourful butterflies, or walk amongst the Agile and Tammar Wallabies in our iconic red centre. Meet the most dangerous bird in the world, the Southern Cassowary, and explore Flight Canyon and discover which birds live within the heights of a forest canopy and the amazing calling sounds they make. Don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal, and have your photo taken with, one of Australia’s cutest national icons, the Koala. Shudder at the sight of the most venomous snakes in the world, touch the scales and tails of our unique reptiles, and adjust your eyes and find out what the possums and quolls get up to after dark in our Nocturnal house. Make sure you don’t miss out on daily feeding time for the animals and our live bird training demonstrations and reptile shows! Don’t miss your chance to step into a world that’s totally wild, and allow yourself to be completely immersed within Sydney Wildlife World. It’s all there, and all so close. For more information contact: Aquarium Pier, Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9333 9288 Open every day from 9am to 10pm.

www.sydneywildlifeworld.com.au Best of Australia

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Travel, Tour and Leisure

BridgeClimb, Sydney The Sydney Harbour Bridge is the worlds largest (but not longest) steel arch bridge and, in its beautiful harbour location, has become a renowned international symbol of Australia.

In 1989 BridgeClimb’s Founder and Chairman, Paul Cave, was involved in organising a climb over the arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of an international business convention. It was such a success that the dream of making climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge a possibility for all was born. In October 1998 BridgeClimb Sydney first opened its doors and unlocked the secret of scaling this awesome structure. BridgeClimb provides the opportunity to learn about the secrets of this amazing 66

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structure and the influential position that the Bridge holds in Sydney’s past, present and future. Small groups are taken to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, 134 metres (440ft) above sea level. The experience offers Climbers an unforgettable 3 ½ hour journey with the chance to walk over catwalks and climb ladders and stairs while trained Climb Leaders provide a full commentary on the history of Sydney and its Harbour Bridge.

There are now two unique ways to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb. Climbers can choose between ‘The Bridge Climb’ and their newest experience, ‘The Discovery Climb’, the ultimate bridge adventure. ‘The Bridge Climb’ is an unforgettable experience that takes you along catwalks, up ladders, and steadily to the summit of the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. Climbers will experience the satisfaction of

conquering the top of the Bridge while taking in the spectacular 360° views of Sydney and its beautiful harbour. ‘The Discovery Climb’ is a new adventure that takes Climbers through the heart and workings of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. On this journey to the Bridge’s summit, Climbers wind around structural elements and climb upon staircases that connect the two arches of the Bridge. Climbers will also have opportunities to touch

and feel the Bridge whilst admiring the views of Sydney and its surrounds. Whether they choose ‘The Bridge Climb’ or ‘The Discovery Climb’, all Climbers reach the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and are sure to have the Climb of their Life! Climbs are available at Dawn, Day, Twilight or at Night, and depart at 10 minute intervals seven days a week 363 days a year. Whether it is watching as the city wakes up, capturing the hustle and bustle of a typical

Sydney day, taking in the romance of twilight or the city at night, BridgeClimb Sydney offers unique and intimate experiences that Climbers will never forget. The experience will captivate Climbers from beginning to end and leave memories that will stay in their hearts and minds forever.

www.bridgeclimb.com Best of Australia

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Travel Tour and Leisure

The Perfect Travel Group Somewhere around the world right now someone is scoring The Perfect Wave! It could be off a surf boat in the Mentawais, an isolated island reef break in Samoa, a perfect point break in South Africa or riding a long board on a beach break in Hawaii.

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Somewhere around the world right now someone is scoring The Perfect Wave! It could be off a surf boat in the Mentawais, an isolated island reef break in Samoa, a perfect point break in South Africa or riding a long board on a beach break in Hawaii. Somewhere else in the world someone is knee deep in The Perfect Snow! It could be Heli Skiing in Alaska, a back county bowl in the European Alps, an off-piste shute in the Canadian Rockies or a deep powder run in Japan. Whether you are someone who is just learning or someone who is already addicted, whatever your perfect adventure is - we can get you there. The Perfect Travel Group is a specialised travel company with a simple philosophy “to send travellers to the four corners of the globe to experience their ultimate surf or ski holiday.” From luxury launches in the Maldives, to chalets in the Swiss Alps, we will get you there. With a combination of 30 years travel experience, the three directors John O’Reilly, Jamie Gray and Rhonda Burton have “been there and done that”, and are still doing it today. Our Pledge: We spend every day meticulously researching and gathering information to ensure that you get the best total experience. By visiting the destinations we sell, we can make sure every operator has the same focus on customer service, safety and of course the same lust for life as we do. From your very

first contact with “The Perfect Travel Group” and all the way through to the moment you arrive home, we will take care of every detail with professional service and trustworthy diligence. We welcome any feedback you have to offer, as it can only make us an even better company. If we don’t have a location you want to visit, we will find it for you and tailor a trip to your own personal specifications. Our fully licensed, Australian owned, accredited and financially secure operation protects you and your money to ensure you get the trip of a lifetime. We know once you book that first trip, you’ll be back again and again… The Perfect Travel Group will take you to some of the most spectacular places on earth to surf and ski places you’ve only ever dreamed of… why not live the dream! The Perfect Travel Group, trading as “The Perfect Wave” Surf Travel and “The Perfect Snow” Snow Travel. For more information contact: Unit 38/42, Wattle Road Brookvale NSW 2100, Australia Tel: 1300 00wave / 1300 00snow Tel: +61 2 9939 0890 Fax: +61 2 9939 8390

www.theperfectwave.com.au www.theperfectsnow.com.au Best of Australia

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Chapter 2 Hotels

Hotels

Imaginative. Iconic. Illuminated. INSPIRED. The Hilton Sydney has been redesigned from the ground up to once again tower as a fond Sydney landmark and the premier venue for food, wine, conferences, events and a guest room experience unlike any other.

The first “big event” hotel in Sydney - earning an enviable reputation in the Asia-Pacific for quality service, entertainment and hospitality - offers a truly inspired experience with magnificent views and convenient access to Sydney’s favourite destinations. Cradled in the heart of the Sydney CBD, the Hilton Sydney is located opposite the Queen Victoria Building, close to shopping, entertainment and business and is directly connected with Darling Harbour on the unique Monorail system. After a dramatic 30 months and A$200 million rooftop to basement reconstruction in 72

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2005, Hilton Sydney delivers stunning facilities for the convention market, together with 577 beautifully refurbished rooms, reaffirming Hilton’s position as Sydney’s premier venue for meetings, conferences, conventions, exhibitions and gala events. Hilton Sydney houses a ballroom seating 1200 guests, 23 meeting rooms with moveable walls and an exhibition floor that can house more than 100 booths. Sleek, contemporary and innovative restaurants and bars designed by celebrated New Yorker, Tony Chi create a new dining experience. glass brasserie has been designed

with a modernistic approach by creating a classic French Brassiere with an Aussie twist. Overlooking the bustling Sydney streetscape, and displaying a combination of world-class food and superb wine, there is no need to leave the hotel to have a great time. Since its red carpet re-opening in mid2005, Hilton Sydney has certainly earned its reputation as the city’s most popular celebrity hotel for events, rest and play. A celebrity in his own right, restaurateur Luke Mangan and his culinary expertise have attracted a bevy of famous faces, among them Nicky Hilton, Kimberly Stewart, Michael Parkinson, Ricky Ponting, Sir Richard Branson, and Soccer superstar Harry Kewell the day after the historic world cup qualifier. Hot colours and cool drinks give Zeta Bar an undeniable edge, making it a nightspot perfect for sipping a cocktail or simply relaxing on the outdoor terrace, and Marble Bar remains one of Sydney’s most loved bars and a haven of Victorian excess. Hilton Sydney also provides a huge, fullyequipped, award-winning Living Well Premier Health Club. The club includes a 25m indoor pool, cardiovascular gymnasium equipped with the latest interactive equipment, and a free weights area. In addition, there are two group fitness studios, four saunas, steam rooms and a large spa pool and pampering treatments from The Sensory, LivingWell’s beauty concept. Fully refurbished rooms include bathrooms with frosted glass and a sliding partition that creates a light-box effect, as well as furnishings that deliver both comfort and individuality. Our much-talked about Relaxation Rooms and Suites with distinct Bathroom, Work and Relaxation zones represent the absolute zenith of indulgence and offer special features such as a spa bath and plasma screen TV, both perfect for a little unwinding. Awards • Rated in the Top Three Hotels in NSW HotelClub Hotel Awards, 2007 • Rated in the Top Three Hotels overall in Oceania HotelClub Hotel Awards 2007

• Bar of the Year – Zeta HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence, 2007 • Best Hi-Tech Hotel HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence, 2007 • Health Club Facilities of the Year LivingWell Premier Health Club Australian Hotels Association, 2007 • Rated in the Top Five for Best Australian Hotel Luxury Travel and Style Magazine Gold List, 2007 • Best Commercial Exterior - Johnson Pilton Walker Pty Ltd for The Hilton Sydney Australian Stone Architectural Award, 2006 • RAIA National Award for Commecial Buildings - Johnson Pilton Walker Pty Ltd for The Hilton Sydney Royal Australian Institute of Architects National Architecture Awards, 2006 • Best Hotel Restaurant – glass National AHA Awards, 2006 • Best Bar Presentation and Service – Zeta National AHA Awards, 2006 • Best Re-Developed Hotel National AHA Awards, 2006 • Best New Hotel National HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence, 2006 • Best Hi-Tech Hotel National HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence, 2006 • Cocktail list of the Year - Zeta 6th Annual Bar Awards, 2006 • Re-Developed Hotel of the Year Australian Hotels Association, 2006 • Restaurant of the Year – glass Australian Hotels Association, 2006 • Bar of the Year – Zeta Australian Hotels Association, 2006 • Employee Excellence in Service Mamdoh Kiriakos, Doorman Australian Hotels Association, 2006 • Best new Bar – Zeta ALIA Awards, 2005

For more information contact: The Hilton Sydney, 488 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Tel: 61-2-9266 2000 Email: [email protected]

www.sydney.hilton.com Best of Australia

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Hotels

Palazzo Versace The Versace brand has been one of the most successful in leveraging itself beyond the catwalk with an entry to the luxury hotel market in the form of the inimitable Palazzo Versace which opened in 2000.

Still the only fully fashion-branded hotel in the world, Palazzo Versace offers one of the more luxurious experiences of not just accommodation, but also dining – eating and drinking from nothing but Versace homewares. Every piece of cutlery and china is from a limited edition Versace line imported from Europe and each of the three award winning restaurants offers a completely different experience. Vanitas, signature restaurant, offers a six course degustation dinner prepared by Chef de Cuisine, Martin Glutz. Each course is expertly 74

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matched with wines selected by the hotel sommelier. Vanitas is a memorable experience in an intimate atmosphere overlooking the 65 metre lagoon pool. Vie Bar + Restaurant, overlooking the hotel’s marina, offers a relaxed environment with a selection of contemporary cuisine. It is the ideal venue to languish over cocktails as the sun sets over the Gold Coast Hinterland, and Il Barocco, the all day dining restaurant, offers arguably the best seafood buffet dinner 7 nights a week. Le Jardin, the ideal cosmopolitan meeting place, offers high tea each afternoon.

Only the finest materials have been used throughout the hotel, from fine Italian marble imported from Italy to mosaics, lamps and wall sconces cast in bronze and embellished with crystals and enamel. Every aspect of the hotel has been meticulously attended to, from the Versacedesigned staff uniforms to the delicate Versace china settings. Palazzo Versace prides itself on striving for perfection in its customer service and has won a number of Queensland training awards. The appeal of a luxury hotel is in the special touches that reflect attention to detail,

the luxuriant feel of fine-spun bed linen, fresh feather down pillows (the hotel offers an actual pillow menu to its guests), the delicate flavours of a fine wine or restaurant meal, and the exceptional personalized service. The conference facilities also reflect the same luxurious feel as the rest of the hotel. By assigning a member of their specialist team to look after all meeting requirements, Palazzo Versace takes all the hassle out of organizing your meeting, conference or special event. Located in a purpose-designed event sector of the hotel, accessed via a spacious pre-

function lobby, the hotel’s function rooms vary not only in size but also in character and style. The grand La Medusa Ballroom, Marco Polo Room and elegant oval Boardroom cater for groups ranging in size from 12 to 500. From informal brainstorming sessions to corporate conferences, meetings, cocktail receptions and grand balls, Palazzo Versace provides the most comprehensive choice of options. Competitive half and full day meeting packages are available and can be tailored to suit your requirements, with generous mid-week accommodation rates on offer to

tempt even the most budget-conscious event planners. Palazzo Versace Gold Coast is a unique 5-star experience for both business and leisure. For more information contact: Palazzo Versace 94 Sea World Drive, Main Beach Queensland 4217, Australia Tel: 07 5509 8000

www.palazzoversace.com Best of Australia

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Hotels

The Lyall Hotel and Spa A Luxury Lifestyle Hotel

Step into this chic world of indulgence, an intimate, urban resort where your every need is attended to with care and attention to the finest detail.

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The Lyall Hotel comprises 40 suites ranging in size from Deluxe One Bedroom suites to the sumptuous Platinum Suite with 2 fireplaces and a B & O sound system. The interior design is “contemporary oriental” featuring custom made furniture and opulent Warwick Fabrics. All suites have king or twin beds and a private terrace. There are clever inclusions such as gourmet mini bars, bathroom under

floor heating, two shower heads and mist free mirrors. There is a minimum of 2 TVs per suite (one with DVD player) and complimentary hispeed wireless internet throughout the entire hotel. Each suite has a digital safe with internal powerpoint, large enough to hold a laptop and charge while secure. Feel the luxury with velour bathrobes and fluffy bath sheets, there is even a pillow menu to ensure a good night’s sleep. Best of Australia

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The Lyall Spa with 8 treatment rooms including hydrotherapy and a state of the art gymnasium, takes care of guests wellbeing requirements 7 days a week. The spa is the first in Melbourne to introduce the prestigious UK product Elemis, offering unique spa therapies and using only the purest active ingredients from nature, grown organically where possible and formulated into natural ‘active’ bases. Bistro Lyall offers a modern ‘hotel’ menu throughout the day and evening and The Lyall Champagne Bar is the perfect place to meet friends or simply celebrate the day choosing from a fine selection of French champagne by the glass or choose from the full bar menu. Since opening in 2002, The Lyall has twice been named one of the “101 Best Hotels in the World” by Tatler and one of the”50 Coolest New Places To Stay” by Conde Nast Traveller and “Leading Boutique Hotel in Australasia” voted by the World Travel Awards. Address: 14 Murphy Street, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia 3141. Contact: Tel: +61 3 9868 8222; Fax: +61 3 9820 1724; Email: [email protected].

www.thelyall.com Best of Australia

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Hotels

The Emporium Hotel Brisbane’s mark as a city of cosmopolitan savvy is complete with the opening of the Emporium Hotel, the first true luxury boutique hotel for the Queensland capital.

A vision of contemporary elegance and hospitality, the Emporium Hotel is a part of the overall Emporium development in Brisbane’s booming and increasingly sophisticated New Farm, just minutes from the CBD.  The hotel offers 106 luxurious studio suites, all custom designed and individually finished, setting a new benchmark for the discerning traveller, be they business or leisure oriented. Of these, 42 are King Spa Suites, making Emporium Hotel the only hotel in the city with such a premium accommodation offer; and all rooms feature the prestigious Molton Brown amenities from the United Kingdom. Added to this are a rooftop lap pool, sauna and gym. The hotel also offers a Pillow Menu, complete with eight different pillows for guests to choose from, including the classic ‘Feather Down’, the ‘Snore-No-More’ ensuring a deeper more restful sleep, and for those expectant mothers who need support to ensure a comfortable sleep; the ‘Pregnancy’ pillow can ease back pain by supporting baby. Downstairs, the hotel features a stunning Cocktail Bar incorporating a fusion of vintage and custom-designed pieces, flown in from exotic locations round the world. A key design 80

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element throughout the entire hotel uses the frangipani flower as a base, and the two huge doors into the cocktail bar carry this signature, featuring laser cut mirror finished stainless steel and glass. In here, a world of design fusion, intimate service and cocktail creativity awaits. The grand onyx bar is overlit by an antique German chandelier, originally from a castle in Europe. An exquisite stained glass wall, originally a Parisian shopfront crafted more than 100 years ago, is another stunning feature. The Emporium Hotel Cocktail Bar is home to some of the best wines in world. To showcase this and allow guests to indulge their passion for fine wine, owner Tony John, himself a wine aficionado, has created a “Library of Wine” as part of the bar. A boutique hotel epitomizes luxury, which means guests want for nothing, yet offers individual, customized service at all levels. For example, at Emporium Hotel all suites feature king size beds, a pillow menu and high grade cotton linens as well as kitchenettes with marble bench tops, personal bar & stainless steel

appliances, in-suite laundry facilities, floor to ceiling opening windows, a huge 106cm Plasma TV and Bose sound system. Additionally, guests have 10 complimentary Foxtel channels and over 150 digital movies on demand. Located in the heart of Brisbane’s stylish Emporium precinct – a haven for lovers of fashion and food – the Emporium Hotel is just minutes from the Brisbane CBD and close to the Brisbane Cruise Terminal, Brisbane Airport and Gateway arterial linking the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. Emporium Hotel is part of the Anthony John Group, a design-driven specialist property, project management and development company and Queensland property investor, who also recently won the hotly contested bid to develop a $550million urban village on the last remaining vacant site at Brisbane’s South Bank. The Group is also behind the upmarket Emporium development. Address: 1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006; Phone: (07) 3253 6999 or 1300 883 611.

www.emporiumhotel.com.au Best of Australia

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Hotels

Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns In the heart of Cairns, this luxury hotel is in a superb location adjoining the Pier Complex with open-air restaurants overlooking a vibrant waterfront boardwalk development, a 400-square-metre swimming lagoon and world-class marina.

Complete in mid-2005, the hotel’s $35 million refurbishment, offers 255 freshly refurbished guest rooms, a new lobby, new Horizon Club rooms and Horizon Club lounge, and a new waterfront dining experience and bar. Adding to this in 2006 all guest rooms were connected to broadband internet, wireless access was implemented into public areas and the Business Centre, the hotel’s existing event facilities were refurbished and a new Events Centre was launched. The hotel lobby is based on a minimalist and contemporary design with state-of-the-art pendant lighting, calming water features and sleek contemporary lounge furnishings, creating a grand sense of welcome. Existing guest rooms and suites are refurbished and offer new levels of luxury and comfort with clean lines, cool colours, flat screen televisions, broadband connectivity, large cosy lounge spaces and stylish décor for a stronger sense of place and space. In keeping with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Horizon Club facilities worldwide, Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns introduced the ‘hotel within a hotel’ concept to Tropical North Queensland. The mezzanine floor encompasses a total of 36 lavishly appointed 82

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Horizon Club rooms, offering stunning marina views. Each room features 3.3 metre high ceilings, wooden floors, luxurious furnishings, ocean view bathrooms and large terraces overlooking the yachts and mountains. Each room offers high-speed broadband access and in-room safes, large enough to hold a laptop. Guests also have the choice of soft and firm feather pillows and all bed linen and duvets are 100% cotton, perfect for Cairns’ tropical climate. This executive floor also offers an exclusive Horizon Club lounge where the following privileges can be enjoyed. • Club floor check-in/check-out • Complimentary buffet breakfast • Complimentary newspaper • Purser services • Business Centre • Complimentary all day drinks and evening beverages and canapés • Complimentary broadband internet access in the Business Centre Superior Rooms: Superior rooms feature a private balcony or courtyard area with views over the city and mountain ranges,

tropical gardens or hotel pool. Each room has individually controlled air conditioning and ceiling fans, a playstation games system, three telephones with direct STD and ISD dialing, flat screen televisions with CNN, NHK, inhouse videos, safe deposit boxes, broadband connectivity, hair dryers, tea and coffee making facilities, clock radio, iron and full sized ironing board and mini bar. The spacious bathroom, with separate shower and over sized bath is finished with inlaid timber and Italian marble. Superior Bay View Room: Superior Bay View Rooms feature a private balcony looking across Trinity Bay and the city of Cairns and surrounding mountain ranges. Each room is spacious with individually controlled air conditioning and ceiling fans, a playstation games system, three telephones with direct STD and ISD dialing, flat screen televisions with CNN, NHK and in-house videos, safe deposit boxes, broadband connectivity, hair dryers, tea and coffee making facilities, clock radio, iron and full sized ironing board and mini bar. The spacious bathroom, with separate shower and over sized bath is finished with inlaid timber and Italian marble. Deluxe Marina View Room: Deluxe Marina View Rooms feature a private balcony overlooking Marlin Marina and the Trinity Inlet. Each room is spacious with individually controlled air conditioning and ceiling fans, a playstation games system, three telephones with direct STD and ISD dialling, flat screen TV with CNN, NHK and in-house videos, safe deposit boxes, broadband connectivity, hair dryers, tea and coffee making facilities, clock radio, iron and full sized ironing board and mini bar. The spacious bathroom, with separate shower and over sized bath is finished with inlaid timber and Italian marble. Executive Suite: Executive Suites feature a large private balcony overlooking either the Marlin Marina, or across Trinity Bay and the city of Cairns with a bold mountain backdrop. All suites are spacious with individually controlled air conditioning and ceiling fans, three telephones with direct STD and ISD dialing, colour TV with CNN, NHK and in-house videos, safe deposit boxes, hair dryers, tea and coffee making facilities, clock radio, iron and full sized ironing board and mini bar. The bathroom, with separate shower and over sized bath is finished with inlaid timber and Italian marble. One Bedroom Suite: Our Suites feature a large private balcony overlooking Marlin Marina or across Trinity Bay and the city of

Cairns. All one bedroom suites are spacious with individually controlled air conditioning and ceiling fans, three telephones with direct STD and ISD dialing, LCD TV in the lounge and TV in the bedroom with CNN, NHK and in-house videos, safe deposit boxes, luxurious furnishings, broadband connectivity, hair dryers, tea and coffee making facilities, clock radio, iron and full sized ironing board and mini bar. The two way bathroom, with separate shower and over sized bath is finished with inlaid timber and Italian marble. Horizon Club Rooms: Overlooking the marina, the hotel’s Horizon Club offers 36 spacious and contemporary marina view rooms, featuring 3.3 metre-high ceilings, wooden floors, luxurious furnishings, ocean view bathrooms, broadband connectivity, and terraces overlooking the marina and mountain ranges. Horizon Club Suite: The hotel’s 4 spaciously appointed Horizon Club Suites enjoy 3.3 metre-high ceilings, wooden floors, luxurious furnishings, ocean view bathrooms, broadband connectivity, separate lounge, outdoor and bedroom spaces, all taking advantage of their location and natural lighting by overlooking the Marlin Marina, or Trinity Bay and surrounding mountain ranges. Presidential Suite: Our exclusive Presidential Suite features a huge ‘wrap around’ private balcony overlooking Marlin Marina, Trinity Inlet and the city of Cairns with an expansive mountain backdrop. This luxurious and spacious suite features separate bedroom, large living area, separate dining area, fully equipped kitchen and additional separate toilet. In room features include individually controlled air conditioning and ceiling fans, direct STD and ISD stereo with CD player, clock radio, iron and full sized ironing board and mini bar. Furniture is made of Queensland maple and the bathroom, with separate shower and over sized spa bath, is finished with inlaid timber and Italian marble. Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns, Pierpoint Road, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia. Tel: (617) 4031 1411; Fax: (617) 4031 3226; E-mail: [email protected].

www.shangri-la.com Best of Australia

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Hotels

Crown Towers – Top Hotel in Australia / Pacific Melbourne’s five-star premier hotel Crown Towers has once again topped the list.

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TOWERS

Crown Towers Melbourne has been voted Top Hotel Australia / Pacific at the prestigious U.S. Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards in New York. The results are derived from the largest independent poll of consumers’ preferences, the Readers’ Choice Survey, second in size only to the U.S. census. With a record number of more than 28,000 travellers voting in 2007, the list shows an even greater global variety and depth. Luxury Redefined and Refined Designed with sophisticated opulence, Crown Towers is a rare haven of luxury located on the southern banks of Melbourne’s Yarra River in the heart of the city’s arts and leisure precincts. Distinctive in design and location, the hotel sets the benchmark for luxury accommodation in Australia, offering superior quality and an impeccable standard of customer service. The hotel’s distinctive elliptical tower is made of stone and glass, with floor to ceiling windows showcasing each of the beautifully appointed rooms. All guestrooms feature panoramic views of the city, Yarra River or Port Phillip Bay. The award-winning hotel features 482 spacious

guestrooms including 84 elegant suites and 31 opulent villas. These measure a minimum of 46 square metres in size, which is 20 per cent larger than the average five-star guestroom. Every guestroom is luxuriously appointed with a separate dressing room complete with 42” plasma television, digital two-line telephone, the latest in-room entertainment including a complete range of movie and cable services. High-speed internet access as well as wireless capabilities are available throughout the hotel. Every bathroom has its own spa bath, television, telephone and music facilities. The shower and toilet are located in separate generously sized, marble-lined compartments. Great care has been taken with the design and selection of furniture, fabrics and artworks to ensure a warm, inviting and luxurious character that surpasses five-star standards. Everything from drapes to chair coverings to gold-plated taps has been custom made for Crown Towers. Rich textures and finishes are found throughout the property. Featuring one of the largest hotel artwork collections, every room is enhanced by signed pieces on the walls. Best of Australia

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Crystal Club Catering to the expectations of the experienced travellers, Crown Towers offers guests the choice of experiencing the facilities and privileges of the Crystal Club. Using private express lifts, Crystal Club guests check-in at the hotel’s exclusive reception on level 29 and enjoy 24-hour uncompromising services. The lounge is an ideal place to savour the magnificent views of Melbourne whilst enjoying its serenity. In this private world in the sky, guests are offered complimentary breakfasts, afternoon tea, predinner drinks and canapés. The Crystal Club’s library and lounge areas are the perfect settings for business and entertaining. The discreet location and spectacular views are combined with golden timber panelling, limestone floors, specially woven carpets, Italian crystal chandeliers and ornamental plaster ceilings and attentive, personalised service resulting in a warm and inviting sanctuary. Jewel in the Crown Crown Towers’ most exclusive experience can be found in its palatial villas offering the epitome of world class accommodation. Located on the uppermost floors, each has 86

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to recognise hotels that provide business travellers with excellence in service and facilities in the highly competitive Asia Pacific hotel industry. The prestigious awards honour the top business hotels from 14 countries across Asia Pacific in 17 different categories. In the Elite Traveler 2007 Pure Decadence listing (published out of New York), Crown Towers is one of two Australian properties selected for feature on the list of Top 101 Suites Around the World. The Georgian Manor Villa at Crown Towers has been named among the world’s most luxurious hotel and resort suites. The list was determined by Elite Traveler’s editors, a panel of globe-trotting celebrities and luxury travel advisors. The luxury lifestyle magazine is distributed aboard private jets in more than 90 countries. the character of a penthouse residence with individual themes inspired by such design periods as Louis XV, Georgian and Napoleonic. The villas are attended by a service-oriented team of butlers, on call 24-hours, and are accessible by three private express lifts. The hotel prides itself on delivering a standard of service that not only fulfils but also anticipates guests’ needs. Guest services include complimentary city transfers in the comfort of leather-appointed vehicles and a fully-equipped Business Centre accessible 24 hours. Crown Spa Crown Spa is a tranquil enclave offering unparalleled facilities and services for total relaxation and rejuvenation including a stateof-the-art gymnasium, 25-metre indoor heated pool, two rooftop tennis courts and private rooms and pampering suites offering over 40 specialised treatments including customised massages, reflexology and hydrotherapy as well as a complete range of hair and beauty services. Awards and Accolades The premier hotel has also won a host of other awards, including the HotelClub Hotel

Awards of Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands 2007 - Winner in the Top 3 Hotels in Oceania and Winner in the Top 3 Hotels in Victoria. The winners were selected through an independent consumer survey held from April 2007 to June 2007 by HotelClub in conjunction with Getaway and ninemsn. Over 50,000 nominations from over 21,000 respondents in more than 200 countries were received from consumers the most important panel to select and recognise the most popular hotels and resorts in the region. Crown Towers was also awarded one of the highest accolades in the tourism industry, winning Australia’s premier luxury travel award as Best Australian Hotel in the Luxury Travel Magazine Gold List Awards 2007. The awards are the result of a survey conducted by Luxury Travel Magazine. Tens of thousands of their travel-savvy readers participated and nominated their best experiences to determine the World’s Best Hotels and Resorts. In addition, Crown Towers was also awarded Best Business Hotel in Australia during the 2006/07 Best Business Hotels in Asia Awards. The Best Business Hotels in Asia Awards was first established in 1998

Crown Entertainment Complex The luxurious hotel is part of the Crown Entertainment Complex which also includes the stylish Crown Promenade Hotel, Australia’s largest state-of-the-art conferencing and banqueting facilities, premium retail stores; 24hour world class casino and comprehensive entertainment facilities. There are more than 40 restaurants and bars, including the awardwinning Rockpool Bar & Grill, Australia’s first and only Nobu, the world’s most recognized Japanese restaurant brand known for its innovative cuisine as well as premium restaurants Silks, Koko, the brasserie by Philippe Mouchel, Number 8 restaurant and wine bar, and Breezes, just to name a few. For hotel reservations, please call +613 9292 6868 / Toll Free (within Australia): 1800 811 653, email [email protected]. For media enquiries, please contact: June Lim Media Relations Manager. Tel: +613 9292 7614 or email [email protected]

www.crowntowers.com.au Best of Australia

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Hotels

The River City’s very own Luxury Five-Star Hotel Majestically nestled on the banks of Brisbane River and just a stone’s throw to the Botanical Gardens, is Stamford Plaza Brisbane.

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An iconic building that represents the epitome of luxury and style and has been home to some of the world’s most famous visiting actors, dignitaries, musicians and royalty. A corporate hotel by day and a sparkling entertainment venue by night, many of Stamford’s accommodation and dining offerings evolve around the Brisbane River. The hotel’s clever architectural design sees every one of its 252 luxuriously appointed guestrooms, enjoying panoramic views of the Brisbane River, Kangaroo Point cliffs or Botanic Gardens – a five-star hotel experience afforded only to Stamford Plaza. These million dollar views lend themselves to a number of the Hotel’s signature accommodation packages, including Lazy Daze; whereby guests are served a candle-lit three-course dinner in their room. Or perhaps Romance and Seduction, the Hotel’s bestknown getaway for lovers, newlyweds and those simply seeking an intimate weekend escape.

Guests may choose from a range of dining options - The Brasserie on the River (uninterrupted river views with a Thai-infused seafood buffet): Siggi’s at the Port Office (award-winning fine dining) and Kabuki (officially Brisbane’s Best Entertainment Restaurant in 2007 - Teppanyaki and Japanese a la carte). All accommodation rooms feature what you would expect of a first-class hotel, including king size beds, marble bathrooms and executive style furnishings. The hotel is just a stone’s throw to world class shopping, cinemas, restaurants and Brisbane’s cosmopolitan retail hub. Stamford Plaza Brisbane is a hotel that truly symbolises the very best of Australia’s beautiful river city. For more information contact: Stamford Plaza Brisbane, Corner Edward and Margaret Streets, Brisbane Queensland 4000, Australia. Tel: +61 7 3221 1999; Email: [email protected].

www.stamford.com.au/spb Best of Australia

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Hotels

Stamford Plaza Double Bay Exceptional in every sense To step between the doors of Sydney’s Stamford Plaza Double Bay is to enter a world of luxury and elegance that impresses even the most sophisticated traveller.

Overlooking Sydney’s beautiful harbour and set within Double Bay’s designer fashion boutique, restaurant and cafe precinct, the hotel is an oasis of tranquillity just 10 minutes from the city centre. The first level reception area immediately reinforces the Stamford Plaza Double Bay’s credentials. It’s here that the guest first really appreciates the hotel’s magnificent collection 90

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of antiques, conservatively valued at more than $3.5 million. Nineteenth Century china is subtly lit from within antique mahogany sideboards, and the reception area boasts a magnificent Louis XV style Fleur de Perle marble fireplace, above which a certain Captain Shipton frolics in a gentlemanly fashion with his decorous family. The display of fine art throughout the hotel’s public areas doesn’t end there

– the rooms and passageways also boast beautiful artworks that give the hotel a unique ‘home away from home’ feeling. Many of Stamford Plaza Double Bay’s guest rooms also have floor to ceiling French doors opening onto spacious balconies that are the perfect vantage point to gaze at the yachts and sailboats drifting across the harbour.  Stepping out into the beautiful internal courtyard, one

finds one’s self in what feels like a miniature version of Kensington Gardens, complete with paved paths, fragrant flowers, large urns and box hedges. In summer, the stone benches and colourful flowers in the courtyard beckon for evening aperitifs. Manly, Bondi, The Botanical Gardens, Watsons Bay, Taronga Zoo, Darling Harbour and much more are all short ferry trips from

the newly renovated wharf in Double Bay. Great day trips from Sydney include the Blue Mountains and the Three Sisters, the vineyards of The Hunter Valley and Dolphin watching at Port Stephens. Stamford Plaza Double Bay is the perfect location for a weekend escape. There’s no need to leave the hotel if you want to dine like a king in Baygrill Restaurant, renowned for its mouth-watering menu that combines great classic traditions with a crisp, clean and contemporary edge. Stamford Plaza Double Bay is also unsurpassed as a conference venue. With eleven rooms to choose from, the hotel is able to accommodate events from a small meeting to a gala dinner for up to 400 guests in the magnificent Raffles Ballroom. Stamford Plaza Double Bay is the ‘home away from home’ of business leaders, showbiz celebrities and American Presidents. And it’s at the famous Winstons Lounge, named after the cigar-loving British Prime Minister, that they’ll be found at the end of the day, or at the sumptuous afternoon tea served daily. The Walls of Winstons attest to the calibre of its guests, with photos that are a veritable ‘Who’s Who’ of world celebrities, including Joan Sutherland, John Travolta, Elton John, Madonna, Kylie Minogue, the late Princess Diana, Shirley MacLaine, Nicole Kidman and many more. A walk through the room for this reason alone is rewarding, and enriches any visit to the hotel.

www.stamford.com.au/sps Best of Australia

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Chapter 3 Fine Dining and Nightlife

Fine Dining and Nightlife

One of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Tetsuya Wakuda has refurbished a heritage-listed site in the city to create his dream restaurant offering private dining rooms for group bookings and two larger main dining rooms overlooking a contemporary waterfall and Japanese garden.

Tetsuya’s cuisine is unique, based on the Japanese philosophy of natural seasonal flavours, enhanced by classic French technique. Tetsuya’s renowned degustation set menu changes frequently. A typical meal could start with a plate of hors d’oeuvres – a gazpacho with spiced tomato sorbet, west Australian marron with asparagus and truffle mayonnaise, tartare of tuna with fresh wasabi, marinated fillet of trevally with preserved lemon set on sushi rice and tataki of venison with rosemary and honey. Tetsuya’s signature dish follows, confit of ocean trout served with unpasteurised ocean trout roe, followed by double cooked de-boned spatchcock with braised daikon and bread sauce, followed by a grilled fillet of grain fed beef with sansho & shiitake mushrooms. Desserts include an orange, honey and black pepper sorbet served prior to a blue cheese bavarois. Finally, early season berries with orange and Grand Marnier jelly and champagne ice cream, a floating island with vanilla and praline anglaise, 94

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and a flourless chocolate cake with a bitter chocolate sorbet and orange ice cream. Tetsuya’s offers one of Sydney’s most remarkable wine lists, and will match the dishes with wine available by the glass. Tetsuya’s serves a twelve-course degustation menu, which is $195 (GST inclusive) per person, plus drinks. Tetsuya’s opens for dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm and for lunch Saturday only from 12 noon. Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning +61 2 9267 2900 or faxing +61 2 9262 7099. Tetsuya’s will be open all throughout the Christmas holiday season with the exception of Public Holidays. All major credit cards are accepted. Proudly, this year Tetsuya’s was rated No. 5 in the “World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2007”, as decided by UK Restaurant Magazine. Tetsuya’s Restaurant has featured in this list for the past 3 years, always placing in the top 5. Tetsuya’s Restaurant is located at 529 Kent Street, Sydney. For further media information, please contact Melissa McCowan on Tel: +61 2 9267 2900 or [email protected].

www.tetsuyas.au.org Best of Australia

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Fine Dining

An Australian first for Hotel Restaurants – glass The internationally acclaimed interior design of New York designer Tony Chi and the exceptional culinary expertise of highly awarded local restaurateur Luke Mangan combined to create an Australian evocation of the classic French brasserie.

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glass

The 240-seat restaurant provides guests and Sydneysiders with an unprecedented dining experience in the heart of the city offering simplicity, quality and consistency in all aspects of food, wine and service. As the creative force behind stylish spots around the world such as Asiate in New York, SPOON in Hong Kong, yè shanghai in Shanghai and Maduro bar in Tokyo, Tony Chi sought to create a space for glass characterised by invisible design. Of the restaurant, Chi said, “I have designed a space defined by what touches you rather than what you see. Glass is Sydney reflected from the inside.” The restaurant features a 13 metre floor to ceiling glass wall which frames a captivating view of the Queen Victoria Building. With an emphasis on earthy colours and warm tones bathed in natural light, the restaurant reflects the vibrant, energetic nature of Sydney by day, whilst at night the warmth of the interiors and high ceilings offer a stunning cityscape location. ‘glass’ is headed by highly awarded Sydney restaurateur chef Luke Mangan who travelled and tasted through Lyon and Paris to devise the exquisite French style cuisine which he defines as “clean and light, with a contemporary twist.” The restaurant includes an ever-changing choice of Sydney’s abundant local produce from the crustacean bar, the open-plan patisserie and the kitchen theatre, which is home to a chef’s table. “The opportunity to run a 240 seat brasserie and wine bar right in the heart of Sydney doesn’t come along very often. As soon as I saw the space I absolutely wanted glass to

be my restaurant, it’s truly spectacular,” says Luke. ‘glass’ is a new chapter. It gives me the freedom to work with the food I love and really want to cook. It’s a truly inspired space. The room has so much energy and excitement, including a 13 metre floor to ceiling glass wall overlooking the Queen Victoria Building and a 10,000 bottle cellar spanning the entire length of the restaurant. “...a sparkling crystal palace of a brasserie designed by New York’s Tony Chi, with glass walls, glass cases holding 10,000 bottles of wine, glass room dividers and mirrored, 43foot-high ceilings.” - New York Times. Awards • Regional Wine List of the Year Restaurant and Catering Awards, 2007 • Wine Excellence Award Wine Spectator, 2007 • One Hat in Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide, 2007 • Best Hotel Restaurant National AHA Awards, 2006 • Restaurant of the Year Australian Hotels Association, 2006 For more information contact: glass brasserie Level 2, 488 George Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Tel: (02) 9265 6068 Email: [email protected]

www.glassbrasserie.com.au Best of Australia

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Fine Dining and Nightlife

First Nobu Restaurant in Australia

MELBOURNE

The hip and happening Nobu restaurant at Crown presents a spectacular dining experience offering both visual and culinary delight.

Nobu, the world’s most recognized Japanese restaurant brand known for its innovative Japanese cuisine has opened at Crown Entertainment Complex. This is the first Nobu restaurant in Australia and the 19th Nobu restaurant in the world, including Matsuhisa and Ubon restaurants. The original Nobu restaurant was established in New York in 1994 as a business partnership between celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa and his partners actor Robert De Niro, Hollywood film producer Meir Teper and managing partner Richie Notar. The Nobu brand is an empire that spans across the globe, from London to Tokyo, Las Vegas to Malibu, Milan to Miami Beach, Dallas to Paradise Island in the Bahamas, Hong Kong to Waikiki in Hawaii. The hip and happening Nobu Melbourne restaurant at Crown presents a spectacular dining experience offering both visual and culinary delight. The restaurants’ perennial popularity and devoted following are a tribute 98

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to Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa who creates his own spin on traditional Japanese cooking. Signature dishes such as Black Cod with Miso, Scallop Tiradito Nobu Style, New Style Sashimi and Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno which are available across all Nobu restaurants worldwide, also feature prominently in Nobu Melbourne’s restaurant menu. “Cooking is my passion and through my culinary experience in different parts of the world, I create Nobu-style cuisine which incorporates local ingredients and influences from all over the world into basic Japanese food, for more people to enjoy,” says Chef Owner Nobu Matsuhisa, celebrated for his expertise of blending classical Japanese techniques with exotic global flavours, and for cooking from his ‘Kokoro’ (heart). His loyal clientele include the A-list of the world’s most affluent celebrities and connoisseurs. Nobu Matsuhisa Nobuyuki Matsuhisa – known to the world simply as “Nobu” – is the acclaimed and highly influential chef proprietor of Nobu, Matsuhisa and Ubon restaurants all over the globe, from Beverly Hills to New York City, London to Tokyo, Aspen to Milan, Las Vegas to Miami Beach. After graduating from high school, Nobu found a live-in job at a sushi restaurant in Tokyo called Matsuei. When he was 24 years old, Nobu accepted an offer from one of his customers that took him to Lima, Peru to open a restaurant. The impact of his time in Peru cannot be overstated. Nobu began weaving Peruvian influences into his dishes – the beginnings of his signature style. He then moved on to work in Buenos Aires, Argentina, followed by Japan and Alaska. In 1987, Nobu opened his own restaurant Matsuhisa in Beverly Hills. Matsuhisa was an instant success and became a magnet for food lovers and celebrities alike. It was here that his long time friendship and business relationship with Robert De Niro began. It was at De Niro’s urging that they opened Nobu in New York City in 1994 with restaurateur Drew Nieporent. Like Matsuhisa, Nobu was a hit. Notable citations bestowed upon Nobu’s restaurants start with Matsuhisa chosen as one of the Top Ten Restaurant Destinations in the world by the New York Times (1993). Nobu was awarded Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation (1995) and Three Stars by Ruth Reichl of the New York Times (1995). Nobu Next Door was awarded Three Stars by Ruth Reichl of the New York Times (1998). Nobu London was

awarded One Michelin Star (1997). Nobu Fifty Seven was awarded Three Stars by Frank Bruni of the New York Times (2005). Some of Nobu’s personal honors from the culinary community are America’s 10 Best New Chefs by Food and Wine Magazine (1989), Southern California’s Rising Stars by Los Angeles Times Magazine (1998), induction into Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America by the James Beard Foundation (2002), and nomination for Outstanding Chef by the James Beard Foundation (1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006). Nobu Team in Melbourne Scott Hallsworth is the Head Chef of Nobu Melbourne. Scott was previously the Head Chef at Nobu London (Park Lane) and has been working for the company for the past six years. During Scott’s time running the kitchen in Park Lane, the restaurant not only maintained its Michelin Star but was also voted 12th then 7th in the 50 Best Restaurants in the World, Restaurant Magazine. The General Manager for Nobu Melbourne is Ben Jager. Ben is a local Melbourne boy who has previously worked for Nobu London (Park Lane). They will be supported by about 90 employees – many whom are locals and have worked with Nobu in different parts of the world. Nobu Melbourne Restaurant Design Nobu Melbourne will seat more than 150 people (lower level – main dining area) and about 100 people (upper level – bar / lounge). Occupying a double-storey space in Crown Entertainment Complex, the restaurant is located adjacent to the Yarra River. Designed by the Rockwell Group, it displays natural materials that reflect Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s origins in rural Japan, intermingled with modern design elements that are hallmark features of Nobu restaurants. Integral to the Nobu identity

is the sense of intrigue and visual connections as one moves from space to space. Crown Entertainment Complex Offering a world of dining and entertainment, Crown currently has more than 40 restaurants and bars. In August 2007, Nobu Melbourne was added to Crown’s premium restaurants which include the brasserie by Philippe Mouchel, Koko, Silks, Number 8 restaurant and wine bar, Breezes, Neil Perry’s Rockpool Bar and Grill, just to name a few. With the addition of internationally renowned restaurateurs, Crown now boasts one of the best world-class dining precincts in Australia. Covering 510,000 square metres (the equivalent of two city blocks), the Crown Entertainment Complex is distinctive in its location and design with a wide range of facilities and exceptionally high standards of service. Located on the south bank of the Yarra River, this world-class complex is flanked by the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Melbourne’s premier arts, theatre, business and shopping districts and within easy reach of most major sporting venues. The fully integrated entertainment complex successfully combines two award-winning hotels Crown Towers and Crown Promenade Hotel to offer Melbourne’s largest range of accommodation, Australia’s largest conferencing and banqueting facilities, 24-hour world-class casino (the largest in the southern hemisphere), comprehensive entertainment plus stylish shopping arcade, to provide a world of entertainment. For reservations at Nobu Melbourne, please call +613 9696 6566. For media enquiries, please contact: June Lim – Media Relations Manager. Tel: +613 9292 7614 or email [email protected].

www.noburestaurants.com Best of Australia

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Fine Dining and Nightlife

Will and Toby’s Taylor Square On Tuesday May 1, 2007, Brothers Will and Toby Osmond opened their new venture: Will and Toby’s Taylor Square. The highly anticipated project is the flagship in the rapidly expanding Will and Toby’s portfolio.

The Supper Club and The Polo Lounge are located on the first and second floor of the iconic Oxford Hotel on Sydney’s vibrant Oxford Street. The former ‘grand lady’ of the city’s colourful nightlife has once again regained the position as the city’s uber–club, the epitome of style, glamour and the very best entertainment. Sydney may be known as ‘The Living City’ yet the lack of quality venues providing entertainment after dark would suggest anything but. Located on the first floor of the venue, The Supper Club is committed to bringing 100

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the very best in sleek and sophisticated live entertainment. Channelling Sinatra at ‘The Sands’ or Sarah Vaughn at the ‘El Rocco’, the venue is reminiscent of a time gone by, the golden days when diamonds where a girls best friend and one could exclaim that they where having a ‘swinging’ good time. An intimate space with a capacity of 200 guests, The Supper Club promises to showcase the very best in local and international talent. A line up that includes smooth jazz, dazzling cabaret and the occasional sporadically inspired un-plugged

set from some of the countries best known and much admired artists. Those customers seeking an alternative to the razzle dazzle show tunes of The Supper Club we offer The Polo Lounge. Nestled on the second floor of the iconic Oxford Hotel in Taylor Square The Polo Lounge offers the highest possible standards in an intimate, elegant environment. Luxuriously appointed, The Polo Lounge was inspired by the timeless appeal of the gentlemen’s club of London’s Mayfair and New York’s Upper East Side. A ‘home-

away-from-home’ for the city’s smart set, The Polo Lounge finally provides Sydney with a sophisticated venue for those who demand the best in cocktails service and ambience. Working with a multi million dollar budget, brothers Will and Toby Osmond together with Paul Kelly Design have created a venue that exceeds all expectations in a city which is increasingly well informed in all things design. Oak parquetry flooring with marble parameters, 5 metre leather chesterfields, a floating jade ceiling and a custom made art deco stair-well with lit stair treads and a four story backdrop depicting a gothic fairytale... something that has to be seen to be believed! The Supper Club Capacity 200 guests. Located on Level 1, 134 Oxford St, Live Music Thursday to Sunday Evenings 8pm – Late. ‘Channelling Sinatra at

‘The Sands’ or Sarah Vaughn at the ‘El Rocco’, the venue is reminiscent of a time gone by, the golden days when diamonds where a girls best friend and one could exclaim that they where having a ‘swinging’ good time.’ – Toby Osmond The Polo Lounge Capacity 150 guests. Located on Level 2, 134 Oxford St. Open Tuesday –Sunday 6pm - Late Luxuriously appointed, the Polo Lounge was inspired by the timeless appeal of the gentlemen’s club of London’s Mayfair and New York’s Upper East Side. Will and Tobys, First and Second floor, 134 Oxford St, Darlinghurst. Tel: 9331 3467; Email: [email protected].

www.willandtobys.com.au Best of Australia

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Fine Dining and Nightlife

Zeta Bar Sydney’s sexiest nightspot is Zeta Bar, sister to London’s hottest bar, the award-winning Zeta London located at Hilton Park Lane.

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L O N D O N

S Y D N E Y

Zeta Bar is an opulent oasis in the heart of the city, filled with purple hues and dark wood tones. Located atop a breathtaking CBD rooftop terrace, Zeta reveals a never seen before viewpoint of the historical Queen Victoria Building and looks onto the length of George Street spanning down towards the harbour. The inspired interior features indulgent spaces to sip cocktails. A sleek oak wood island bar runs the length of the main room flooded in a deep red and purple glow from huge glass lamps. In the lounge there is an array of plush leather ottomans and dark timber tub chairs centered around a stylish oversized fireplace which burns with sparkling glass rocks. Zeta changed the face of Sydney’s bar landscape when it burst onto the drinking scene as part of The Hilton Sydney in 2005. Zeta has since established a reputation as one of the most cutting edge and pioneering bars in the Southern Hemisphere, having led the way by championing some of the most prominent global bar trends in the world, such as: Misting A technique used to enhance the flavour of your drink and break down the composites in Gin and Vodka, the mist works wonderfully with your classic gin or vodka based Martini. A mist of juniper, citrus or vanilla can be applied

to the top of your drink with an atomiser, which not only brings out the flavour in the spirit but softens the overall flavour. Spritzing Another innovative global trend Zeta Bar has embraced is ‘spritzing’, which involves using a soda siphon filled with CO2 gas to add a carbonated flavour to the top of your drink. This method in particular gives the classic Bellini a molecular infusion. Ice And a brand new global cocktail trend is emerging, with bartenders around the world showing unprecedented interest in ice, previously an anonymous bit player in cocktails. Zeta offers freshly chipped ice from a triple frozen ultrapure block of ice in luxury spirits. Zeta Bar is fast becoming a Sydney icon with visiting international celebs. Jessica Simpson, Kimberley Stewart, James Blunt, Nicky Hilton, Snoop Dogg and Nicole Ritchie have all partied there... And Aussie A-listers Jennifer Hawkins, Hugh Jackman, Ian Thorpe, and Megan Gale often stop by for a beverage... Warm colours, cool drinks and exceptional service from renowned Sydney bartenders give Zeta an undeniable edge, making it the

city’s hottest nightspot for sipping a cocktail or simply relaxing on the outdoor terrace. “The sexy new bar on level 4. She’s a total spunk and quite the internationalist. Ottomans nestled around a glassed in fireplace, very... New York, curtained enclaves create a Middle Eastern feel along one wall (think shisha pits in Cairo), while views from the open veranda overlooking the copper domes of the QVB, could be Rome, London or Paris” The Sun Herald. Awards • Bar of the Year HM Awards, 2007 • Bar of the Year Australian Hotels Association, 2006 • Cocktail List of the Year 6th Annual Bar Awards, 2006 • Best Bar Presentation and Service National AHA Awards, 2006 • Best New Bar ALIA Awards, 2005 For more information contact: Level 4, 488 George Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Tel: (02) 9265 6070

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Chapter 4 Fashion

Fashion

Rosemount Australian Fashion Week Twice a year, against the spectacular harbour side backdrop of Sydney’s Circular Quay, the best emerging and established fashion designers from Australia and the Asia Pacific converge on Rosemount Australian Fashion Week to preview their collections to some of the world’s most significant fashion buyers, media and key industry influencers.

Sanlam SA Fashion Week photographer Ivan Naude

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ROSEMOUNT AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK SPRING SUMMER 30 APRIL - 4 MAY THE ASIA PACIFIC Fashion Week Sydney

Opposite page and right: Camilla and Marc - Sydney

Since 1996, RAFW’s official schedule has featured hundreds of designers and launched the international careers of some of Australia and the Asia Pacific’s biggest fashion names including Alex Perry, Collette Dinnigan, Karen Walker, Ksubi, Lisa Ho, sass & bide, Zambesi, and Zimmermann. On-site and off-site Collection Shows, dedicated Agent & Designer Suites and the exclusive boutique exhibition - The Source @ RAFW make up this exclusive industry-only event, made accessible to registered buyers,

agents, media, and other fashion industry representatives. It maintains an exclusive time slot on the international fashion week circuit and domestic buying calendar. Several generations of designers – including Alice McCall, camilla and marc, Fashionassassin, Jayson Brunsdon, Josh Goot, who are now rising international stars in their own right – participate in the event, alongside the industry’s established names and a number of designers who have never shown before. The competitive advantage of Australian Best of Australia

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style is its unexpected diversity. Fashion is all about new ideas, new thoughts, new names... and these are the strengths of RAFW. It’s primarily based on the influence Australia has on designers who choose to have this country as their creative base. It’s a country of huge diversity in environment, social and cultural parameters and as such provides a never ending and different sources of influence for designers to be inspired by. RAFW has over the past decade evolved its own reason for being on the international fashion week circuit. It has become the event where designers from Australia, New Zealand and, in more recent years, from countries around the Asia Pacific region come to launch themselves internationally, to find a sense for who they are as designers, to evolve their style and to commercially establish themselves. Savvy international retailers have recognised this and now regularly use the event as a primary source of new talent.

Opposite page: Ksubi. Top right: Lisa Ho. Bottom left: Ginger Smart. Bottom right: Lee Matthews.

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The industry’s creative niche is to appeal to those consumers and retailers that are highly sophisticated and willing to look outside the existing huge luxury and designer brands to express their own personal style and individuality. Consumers who want a point of difference in the way they dress. Likewise for RAFW our retailer targets are those organisations who want to be able to offer, initially on an exclusive basis, their customers 110

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something new, exciting and different. These retailers are primarily multi-label boutiques and department stores that invest in both established well known brands as well something different. IMG FASHION, a division of international sports, entertainment and media giant IMG, and the global leader in the management and production of fashion weeks and designer fashion events, produces Rosemount Australian Fashion Week.

Opposite page: Top left: Lisa Ho. Top right: Lee Matthews. Bottom right: Fleur Wood. This page: Top left: Shakahauchi. Middle: Kirrily Johnston. Bottom left: Ksubi. Above: Alex Perry.

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Fashion

Cosmopolitan Shoes Cosmopolitan Shoes is nestled in the high fashion district of Double Bay, one of Sydney’s most luxurious suburbs containing a mix of haute couture and a vibrant café society – and surrounded by picturesque water views and grand residential homes.

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This fabulous boutique specialises in Shoes, Bags and Accessories and caters for everything from day wear to evening, along with a large selection of bridal. Many of their brands run in season with Europe and they often have the largest selection Australia Wide as well as exclusivity with some brands. The brands stocked include Roberto Cavalli, Robert Clergerie, Diego Dolcini, Andrew Gn, Charlse Jourdan, YSL, Dolce & Gabbana, Rene Caovilla, Corto Moltedo, Sonia Rykiel, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Barbara Bui, Alexander McQueen, Le Silla, Sergio Rossi, Azzedine Alaia, Jimmy Choo, Patrick Cox, Guiseppe Zanotti and more high end brands are being added all the time. Visiting the store, you will be dazzled by the sheer beauty and range of their products – and you will not leave empty handed. This is one of Sydney’s best stores in one of Sydney’s best locations – truly one of the Best in Australia. For more information contact Cosmopolitan Shoes: Shop 10, 2/22 Knox St, Double Bay NSW 2028. Tel: (02) 9362 0510. 18 – 19 Knox St, Double Bay NSW 2028 Tel: (02) 9327 3444 Email: [email protected]

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Fashion

Australia’s premier Couturier Alex Perry is Australia’s most glamorous designer, by virtue of his magnificent gowns and sensational red carpet eveningwear.

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Alex Perry

Alex Perry knows how to make a woman look and feel glamorous, and he has been doing exactly that for nearly fifteen years. After establishing himself as Australia’s premier Couturier, Alex Perry launched his first Ready to Wear collection in 1998, featuring familiar Alex Perry Couture signatures; boned corsetry; hand ruching and feminie silhouettes. The Alex Perry experience is available nationally and David Jones Department Store and at selected boutiques internationally. In May 2002, Alex Perry launched his Sydney Salon at The Strand. Alex Perry’s accessories collection, launched in 2006 and is available at

this opulent boutique. The collection features glamorous stilettos, jewelled clutch handbags and bijoux earrings for both evening and bridal.  Alex has a very impressive clientele including high profile celebrities, social identities and personalities. Favourite Perry Girls include: Nelly Furtado, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Elle Macpherson, Linda Evangelista, Eva Longoria, Claudia Schiffer, Sarah O’Hare, Megan Gale, Jackie O, Catroina Rowntree, Sonya Kruger, Tara Moss, Bec Hewitt, Erika Heynatz and Kate Ritchie. Alex Perry was a pioneer designer at the inaugural Mercedes Australian Fashion Week

held in May 1995, and is the only designer to show each year since. Over the past eleven years the Alex Perry fashion shows evolved into what has been described as “the most glamorous show of the week”. Perry’s runway shows have featured supermodels such as Linda Evangelista, Megan Gale, Kate Fisher, Alyssa Sutherland, Nicole Trunfio and Lily Cole. After fourteen years of successfully making women look glamorous in Australia … the Alex Perry brand has become synonymous with luxury, prestige, glamour and quality. For more information contact: The Strand Arcade, Suite 502, 412- 414 George St, Sydney NSW 2000. Tel : +612 9233 6555; Fax: +612 9233 5833.

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Fashion

JEAN BROWN Jean Brown is an Experience: a fusion of great design, service and luxury from the past, present and future.

The Gallery Jean Brown is a multi-brand concept store offering sublime luxury accessories from the world’s leading fashion houses and designers. The architect-designed Gallery sets the perfect aesthetic to showcase each designer as an artist and master in their field. At Jean Brown, you’ll find current season collections of shoes, handbags, jewellery, 116

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headware and other accessories from the world’s leading names such as Chloe, Miu Miu, Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Manolo Blahnik, Giuseppe Zanotti, Philip Treacy, Alexander McQueen, Pierre Hardy, Sergio Rossi and Marc Jacobs. Kevin Hayes Architects transformed the empty shell of the Jean Brown store into a stunning gallery-style boutique, worthy of the

beautiful shoes, handbags and accessory pieces that lie within. The design includes bespoke shelving, dressing area decorated in iconic designer Florence Broadhurst wallpaper, bespoke carpets, Eames tables, Poliform chairs and a purpose-built archive gallery to showcase the Jean Brown antique handbag collection – one of the most significant handbag collections in the world.

The Archive The Archive, a rotating exhibit of one of the world’s most significant collections of antique and vintage handbags provides an education on the role of accessories in culture and history, representing 350 years of fashion and design. The Experience Jean Brown’s team of attentive international stylists indulges clients’ desires with personal seasonal wardrobe planning and a dressing area is provided to assist with fashion styling and wardrobe coordination. VIP membership extends the exceptional Jean Brown service philosophy to include

private previews of forthcoming collections and priority access to special events. Jean Brown offers the world’s most sublime accessory pieces within a compelling retail experience. Above all, Jean Brown is passionate about luxury accessory products, cherishes the clients who covet them and always delivers the ultimate shopping experience. For more information contact: Shop 62, Emporium, 1000 Ann St, Fortitude Valley 4006. Tel: 1800 253 882

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Fashion

Billabong International Surfwear

Billabong International Limited’s core business is the marketing, distribution, wholesaling and retailing of apparel, accessories, eyewear, wetsuits and hardgoods under the Billabong, Element, Von Zipper, Honolua Surf Company, Kustom, Palmers Surf and Nixon brands. The company has in the range of 1750 staff worldwide and its shares are publicly listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. Billabong International’s values remain consistent with its foundation objectives, which include a commitment to brand protection and enhancement, the manufacture of design-relevant and functional products, marketing in the core boardsports channels, the professional development of staff and ongoing customer service and relationships. Billabong International’s products are licensed 118

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and distributed in more than 100 countries and are available in approximately 8000 stores worldwide. Products are distributed through specialised boardsports retailers and through the Company’s own branded retail outlets. The majority of revenue is generated through wholly-owned operations in Australia, North America, Europe, Japan, New Zealand and Brazil. The Company’s brands are marketed and promoted internationally through association with high profile professional athletes, junior athletes and events. Billabong was founded on Australia’s Gold Coast in 1973 by surfer and surfboard shaper Gordon Merchant and his partner. Those early days were rather inauspicious, with the pair designing boardshorts at home, cutting them out on the kitchen

table and then carting the finished product around to the local surf shop to sell. The business found immediate traction, with surfers drawn to the superior functionality of the Billabong boardshorts. They were also far more durable courtesy of the unique triple-stitching technique developed by Gordon. The next step for the fledgling brand was to introduce the better local surfers to Billabong and incorporate them in the marketing of the brand. Company-sponsored contests and special events would later follow. By the 1980s, Billabong had firmly established its place in Australian surf culture and was ready for international expansion. The initial focus was on the large North American market and, again, the brand enjoyed success.

Sales began to grow in other offshore markets, licenses were granted in a number of territories including New Zealand, Japan and South Africa, and in the late 1980s a new beachhead was established in Europe. Through the 1990s the surf industry grew exponentially and professional surfing gained a newfound respectability. The company also followed its core customers into other boardsports markets, including skate and snow, where it replicated its proven business model. By the close of the decade, Billabong had been restructured to capitalise on the growing global opportunities in the boardsports sector. The restructure set the foundation for an initial public offering in Australia in mid 2000. The move saw the company’s shares publicly listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in

August of that year. This gave the company greater impetus and the financial capacity to grow the business. Some seven months after the public float the company demonstrated its growth plans with the acquisitions of the Von Zipper sunglasses brand and, four months later, the emerging Element Skateboards brand. The successful integration of those businesses saw the company add to its stable of brands in following years, with Honolua Surf Company acquired in January 2004, Kustom footwear and Palmers Surf in September 2004, a controlling interest in the beachculture airport-retail business in November 2005 and Nixon watches and accessories in January 2006. Other businesses were also established, including the Element footwear range, the

California-based Beachworks retail business and various branded concept stores around the world. Total sales grew from approximately $110 million in 1999 to more than $1 billion in the 2005-06 financial year. Through all the growth, Billabong has maintained its brand integrity and grown its commitment to the global boardsports sector through athlete sponsorship, event staging and support of industry bodies. This adherence to core values has allowed the Company to achieve many targets including brand expansion and increased product availability globally.

www.billabong.com.au Best of Australia

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Chapter 5 Health and Beauty

Health and Beauty

Health through Water For centuries, Europeans have used the cleansing properties of water to sooth the mind and body and renew the spirit. Salus Per Aquum embraces this simple philosophy through its atmosphere of quiet sophistication.

If Palazzo Versace is one of the world’s finest hotels, then the hotel’s luxury spa Salus Per Aquum must surely qualify as one of the word’s finest spa experiences. Salus Per Aquum was anointed a Leading Spa of the World in the very first accreditation program conducted by The Leading Hotels of the World in 2005 and again in 2006 & 2007, a programme which acknowledges and ensures guests receive a truly luxurious and satisfying spa experience. The spa, which is privately owned and directed by health and 122

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wellness leader Brendan Long, is ensconced in the beautiful and glamorous setting of Australia’s only fashion-branded hotel, impeccably designed and embellished with the unmistakable Versace style. Its discretion is in its private location on the lower lobby floor so you can enter and escape in privacy, and contentment. Brendan Long has devised a luxurious menu of spa services combining classic and contemporary therapies and beauty treatments which cater for the diverse

clientele that visit the luxury premises each year. He has garnered a stellar team of spa specialists who are intuitive and caring in their regard and respect for each guest. “We continue to support our guests with time-honoured spa therapies that deliver and meet their expectations each and every time,” said Brendan. “Our massage therapies allow the mind and body to find harmony, so important in this day and age, and we incorporate traditional massage techniques with the natural healing

thermal or rubber lift-off treatment mask, which delivers phenomenal results in skincare and anti-ageing. The delicious warm waters of Salus Per Aquum’s master-crafted mosaic pool and surrounds are a nurturing finale to your time at the spa whether an hour or a day. The global spa product company Pevonia is the product of choice at Salus Per Aquum for face, body, and spa-care at home. The spa has not overlooked the importance of grooming and there is a range of current beauty treatments and products available to ensure you not only feel your best, but look your best. Spa Trends Trends are also closely observed, so there is the opportunity for families and their more grown-up children, to book Salus Per Aquum for private Spa Parties, where a combination of spa therapies and grooming treatments are a favourite. “It’s not just our celebrities that indulge in this way,” said Brendan. Grooming For the everyday in line with looking good, you must indulge in a French Polish Hand Treatment, a rejuvenating Pedispa and your choice of Waxing which is an essential for looking your very best on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Eyebrow shaping is another popular request providing an instant lift for the face. Hair care and Styling Image matters and we all feel better if our hair is looking healthy and up to the minute. It’s a confidence thing whatever your fashion statement may be. Your hair and hair challenges are taken care of beautifully at Salus Per Aquum’s hair salon now under new management and where you can choose natural hair products without the smell of bleaching products. Your hair styling and colouring will look and feel divine, a superb end to your spa treatments.

qualities of essential oils. “It’s all about the revival of the spirit,” said Brendan. “Our massage therapists are trained in Lomi Lomi, Shiatsu, Hot Stone Therapy, Kahuna, Japanese as well as relaxation, reflexology and aromatherapy massages popular worldwide with our international clientele and at home. “We are also delighted to provide couples massages in the candlelit Dual Treatment Room, or in the privacy of your Hotel room.” Other vital therapies include the Salus Signature Facial which includes a three-part

Specialty Services A wide arrange of specialty services are available on request with some requiring 24 hours notice or more to ensure the best service and outcome for your special requests. Fitness is often a priority for our guests so everything from personal training, to Yoga and Tai chi combined with the wealth of knowledge that our dietitian and nutritionist can provide, is available. Extras also include Acupuncture, Naturopathy, Podiatry, and our gymnasium services which include cardio gym machines, free weights, and body toning equipment.

In fact there is nothing that we cannot arrange when it comes to special services and extras, even day trips to local and near-local locations that fit in with your health and wellbeing focus. Treatments Most Requested at Salus Per Aquum Couples Romance Retreat, Massage by Candlelight. From day one couples have enjoyed this beautiful and romantic experience. Embraced in the elegance of Versace, you are invited to indulge in a visit to our couples suite at Salus Per Aquum. The Spa is appointed with dual massage beds and is bathed in soft candlelight, and it is here that gifted therapists will transport you and your partner to a place of total and complete relaxation. After, sip on a glass of bubbly as you relax by our beautiful spa pools. Signature Ka Huna Massage With some of the most talented Kahuna specialists in Australia, this has become our signature massage. Using a unique flow and rhythm to the massage stroke, this ancient form of bodywork incorporates a special breathing technique which initiates a deep relaxation and balance to your body and soul. The Ultimate Body Renewal, Salus Sanctuary The popular Salus Sanctuary treatment is an amazing full body experience which ensures body renewal and stress relief. Your luxurious body exfoliation combines aromatic sea salts and oils under the warming waters of the French Vichy Shower. Your two therapists work in symmetry gently massaging your body to leave your skin silky smooth and radiant. Your Essential Spa Retreat After a long flight our international guests often book for a half-day or full-day at Salus Per Aquum to rejuvenate. Our therapists will design your personalized spa regime and you will enjoy a delightful and healthy lunch during your stay with us. An essential pick-me-up in a luxury setting that will ensure your visit gets off to the best possible start. For more information contact: Salus per Aquum Spa Palazzo Versace 94 Sea World Drive Main Beach Queensland 4217 Australia Tel: 07 5538 0111

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Health and Beauty

Crown Spa A tranquil enclave offering unparalleled facilities and services for total relaxation and rejuvenation. The glamorous day spa located in one of Australia’s most luxurious hotel - Crown Towers.

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An oasis of architecturally designed sandstone and marble with natural light streaming through numerous skylights, Crown Spa covers more than 3000 square metres and features a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, with a special seated bubble pool feature. A communal steam room scented with eucalyptus oil is located alongside a spacious relaxation deck and sun terraces. Crown Day Spa Crown Spa is unashamedly dedicated to achieving relaxation and revitalisation in a luxurious setting surpassing the finest of Asia’s legendary health spas. The décor creates an immediate sense of indulgence and tranquillity. Soft neutral colours, sandstone paving and warm timber panelling contribute to the peaceful atmosphere. Frosted glass panels allow natural light to filter into lounges that offer a quiet place to relax between treatments. Crown Spa features 12 treatment rooms, a hair and beauty salon as well as an exclusive relaxation lounge. These facilities are offered to the public, by appointment only. Hotel guests enjoying Crystal Club privileges have direct access to the Spa via the express lifts from level 29. If Spa guests wish to experience the ultimate in spa luxury, a Crown Spa Pampering Suite is the ideal location, offering splendour and style found only in the world’s best spas. Each impeccably furnished Suite has a private jacuzzi, steam room, Swiss shower and an abundance of space in which to relax and unwind. To experience this inimitable style, guests have the option of upgrading any treatment to the exclusivity of a Pampering Suite. By doing so, they will receive an additional 30 minutes of time to luxuriate in the facilities within. Crown Spa’s “menu” features more than 40 specialised treatments including customised massages and facials, reflexology, hydrotherapy and body polishes. The hydrotherapy treatments use powerful water jets to stimulate pressure points to energise or calm the body. Water enriched with minerals and salts eliminates toxins and promotes relaxation. Two fully-equipped hydrotherapy wet rooms adjoin the suites, offering a selection of European hydrotherapy treatments, Vicchy shower and revitalising seawater algae therapies which gently ease away stress while toning and soothing muscles. A complete range of beauty services, including hair styling, manicures, pedicures, waxing and make-up are also available. Crown Spa is a deluxe world-class facility providing unsurpassed levels of customer service and the latest treatments as well as relaxation techniques.

Exclusive Carita Treatments and Products For the first time in Australia, locals and visitors to Melbourne are able to purchase and experience Carita, renowned for their luxury skincare range. Products such as Fluide De Beauté, Renovateur and Ideal-Pro-Lift are also available in a series of signature treatments designed exclusively for Crown Spa. Timeless Beauty – Crown Spa signature facial This treatment uses the unique and legendary product created by Carita in the 60s, Renovateur. Composed of a subtle blend of roasted sunflower seeds to exfoliate and essential oils to soften the skin, the treatment is designed to counteract and repair the effects of time while offering maximum protection, preventive care and deep relaxation. To enhance the treatment, Carita’s exclusive hightech appliance, Ideal-Pro-Lift, is used to infuse the serum tailored to specific skin needs, to enrich, firm and protect at the highest level. Volcanic Rebalance – Crown Spa signature body massage This extraordinary volcanic massage promises to lift one onto a physical and spiritual plateau of deep calm and energized vitality. A combination of cool and warm volcanic pebbles is used to release tension and gently massage the body into deep relaxation. To complete the experience, Carita’s exclusive ‘Satining Mineral Power’ is applied with

warm volcanic pebbles in a calming and revitalizing full body massage to leave the skin radiant and the body tingling with energy while feeling profoundly relaxed. Crown Spa – the only retail outlet for Carita products in Victoria In Victoria, the exclusive Carita products from France are only available for purchase at Crown Spa, Crown Towers. This include Carita’s flagship product - the Fluide De Beaute 14 Paillete. Created since 1956, Fluide de Beaute 14 represents Carita’s unique and modern approach to global beauty – a single product which can be simultaneously used for face, body and hair. Part of Carita’s mythical range, the Fluide De Beaute 14 Paillete contains sparkling gold glitters and is an ultra-nourishing dry oil which is easily absorbed by the skin and hair, to leave a subtle golden veil. The gold glitters illuminate and beautify the skin, to create a delicate pearlescent complexion. Crown Spa treatments and facilities are available by appointment only. Please call +613 9292 6182 or email [email protected]. For media enquiries, please contact: June Lim – Media Relations Manager. Tel: +613 9292 7614 or email [email protected].

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Health and Beauty

The Dental Lounge Advantage Perfect Teeth - Total Comfort

Main pic: Dr Daniel Adamo and Dr Mark Braund. Above: Susan & Sonja.

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Dental Lounge Macquarie Street, Sydney CBD with its breathtaking Harbour Views and Dental Lounge Hunters Hill with its tranquil garden setting really does have the “BEST OF AUSTRALIA” dentistry there is to offer in Sydney!  Our high-tech, state-of-the-art practices not only boast the most beautiful rooms, we provide patients with the highest quality of dentistry in a non-threatening environment.  Wether its an early morning appointment before work, on your lunch break, after hours or weekends, at Dental Lounge we are able to accommodate your busy and hectic lifestyle.  We place an emphasis on your comfort with minimally invasive surgery techniques. We offer a huge range of services from general family dentistry to the latest in cosmetic and implant dentistry.  As seen on channel 9 network, displaying several new dental lasers- proving we really are the leaders in advanced technology.

In addition to our existing Hunters Hill practice we have also created a fun, caring, state-ofthe art childrens paradise -Dental Lounge Kids, providing quality preventative dentistry that caters to your childs individual needs.  Cosmetic, bleaching and implant consultations are FREE, so give us a call or just pop in, say hi and meet the team next time you’re passing by.  Whatever your desire we want you to be happy, that’s why we’ve created the Dental Lounge!  Visit our website today and let us help YOU shine! For more information contact: Dental Lounge Macquarie Street, Level 4,149 Macquarie Street, Sydney CBD. Tel: 9247 8989 Dental Lounge Hunters Hill, 100 Ryde Road, Hunters Hill, NSW. Tel: 9817 8944.

www.dentallounge.com.au

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Health and Beauty

GoSMILE – tooth whitening on-the-go™ Dr. Jonathan Levine, creator of GoSMILE, wants to share with everyone, what his patients are already receiving: his expertise and ground-breaking, at- home teeth whitening and maintenance program – GoSMILE!

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A common mistake is often made to avoid everyone’s most feared social faux pas – bad breath (Halitosis). Solving halitosis with sugary mints and gums and alcohol-based mouthwashes only makes the problem worse! Each year more that 30,000 people in Australia are hospitalized because of a dental condition, usually a tooth or gum infection that has been left to fester. So why the neglect for our teeth and gums?” Remember slip-slop-slap… we’ve been doing it for years to protect our precious irreplaceable skin. GoSMILE Beauty proudly launches a new campaign to improve our nation’s declining oral health... it’s easy, using new ampoule technology in three simple actions… just flippop-apply!

A smile is the message we send out into the world. It says, I feel good, I’m confident, I have good self-esteem. Jonathan Levine who is known as New York’s celebrity dentist, counts among his many clients Mariska Hargitay - whose smile graces the cover of the book “SMILE! The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Smile Beauty”, Christie Brinkley, Kate Winslet, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lenny Kravitz. Though the smile is a gift of anatomy, enormous improvements can be made, following Dr Levine’s recommended 3 step oral health whitening program – GoSMILE. “In the past few years, the smile has taken centre stage as the ultimate symbol of beauty,” says Dr. Levine. Levine is a pioneer in aesthetic dentistry.  With increasing evidence of the link between gum disease and chronic inflammatory diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, GoSMILE offers an athome, comprehensive oral health program, needed to achieve and maintain not only a beautiful smile, but also optimum oral health and overall wellness. GoSMILE Beauty, located in Melbourne, is responsible for the national distribution of the U.S. based GoSMILE system. Beauty therapy and hair salons, day spas, make-up industries and paramedical clinics can now safely prescribe GoSMILE to their clients.

Step-1: WHITEN GoSMILE system - tooth whitening on-the-go™ • twice a day for 14 consecutive days • most potent form of whitening available outside dentist’s office • convenient, single dose, hygienic ampoules • sensitivity free • 4 to 6 shades whiter in two weeks • use anytime, anywhere Step-2: MAINTAIN GoSMILE daily - tooth whitening maintenance™ • after using the system, keep teeth white by using Daily Ampales • daily breath freshener and midday brush • kills bacteria that cause bad breath, prevents tooth decay Step-3: PROTECT GoSMILE am/pm™ - whitening toothpastes • toothpaste to naturally protect teeth and gums • prevent decay • hydrated silica gently polishes tooth surface • mood altering essential oils to reflect the time of brushing • helps gum rejuvenation The moment you add the 3-step GoSMILE Program to your daily smile care routine, you are helping to preserve the beauty of your smile.

Soon to be launched – SMIINK, the lastest in eyelash technology. SMINK offers the highest quality and most unique products available in the beauty arena.

www.smiink.com.au www.gosmilebeauty.com.au Best of Australia

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JohBailey Get rich hair at Joh Bailey As one of Australia’s most respected and dedicated hair talents, Joh Bailey’s name has become synonymous with not only beautiful hair but with glamour and style. His dedication to his craft as well as his clientele has seen his name rise to icon status throughout the country; garnering him international recognition and ensuring his longevity as Australia’s most loved stylist. He and his salons have become an institution in the Sydney scene and evolved into a brand unto itself that ventures way beyond its roots. Joh opened his flagship salon in Double Bay in 1985 and he has also established salons in Sydney’s CBD and Bondi Junction. Joh explains, “My look is classical and beautiful, whilst always having a modern edge. My signature look of a polished, slick and feminine woman has been instilled into the culture of my staff and salons.” Whilst best known as “Hairdresser to the Rich and Famous,” often accompanying his loyal following to Los Angeles, New York and London; his special reporé with women from all walks of life has given him an unfair advantage over his peers. Instinctively knowing what women want, Joh has an outstanding ability to communicate and deliver above expectations, a talent vital to his continued success in a very competitive market. Bailey and his team of highly trained stylists are consistently used by the leading luxury fashion houses such as Chanel, Bvlgari, Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton and Gucci for their season launches. Their work also features in the fashion pages of Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue Australia, Elle and Marie Claire. In addition to appearing regularly on many television programmes such as the Today Show, Mornings with Kerri-Anne and Extreme Makeover, Joh’s celebrity clientele over the years range from supermodels Elle Macpherson and Linda Evangelista to performers Kylie Minogue and Olivia Newton John and Hollywood stars of Eva Longoria’s calibre. This has propelled him to a celebrity status of his own, and in 2000 he was awarded the role as the official hairstylist for the opening ceremonies of the Sydney Olympic Games. Joh’s business success and caring nature have enabled him to support a number of charities such as The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Fashion Supports Breast Cancer and Fashion For AIDS. He says the biggest highlight of his career was working with the late Lady Diana, Princess of Wales, during her 1997 visit to Australia. His entrée into his ultimate destiny came from his love of horses. As a young boy, he discovered his talent, braiding the mane of his prized thoroughbred Nika, and his career in hairdressing. His passion for horse stays with Joh today as he competes at championship-graded equestrian events nationally with numerous accolades and ribbons. It is perhaps Ita Buttrose’s advice that guides him daily: “It is an extraordinary service that always sticks in anyone’s mind.” And so he stresses, “I would go to any client’s house at any time, if need be. Their hair is a reflection of me and my business.”

sydney • Double Bay • Bondi Junction www.jonbailey.com.au 130

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“Hair is the richest ornament of a woman.” Martin Luther

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Health & Beauty

Napoleon Perdis, Australia’s Prestige Cosmetics Brand Australia’s Leading Makeup Artist bringing Runway to Reality from Sydney to Hollywood.

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Napoleon was brought up in a Greek household in the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia. However, old traditions ended there for the makeup maestro. Napoleon didn’t yield to his father’s demands to train for a “respectable” occupation (businessman, lawyer or doctor). In fact, he knew early on he was going to pursue a career in fashion and use any pressure or judgmental assessment to inspire his creativity and build himself into a vocation with potential to transform lives. Inspiring him all the more was the backdrop of Australia—a country with great cultural diversity and a modern outlook—that he found to be the ideal springboard to create a company with true global reach. Upon discovering the extensive colour palettes and dramatic aesthetic transformations involved in makeup artistry, a self-taught Napoleon emerged with a life destination; he would be a makeup artist for the people, helping them bring out their inner celebrity and transform runway beauty to reality with the stroke of a brush. Napoleon launched a small makeup studio in Leichhardt, Australia in 1992. The studio enabled

him to experiment with his own cosmetics. In 1995, he debuted his first concept store in Sydney, boasting a full Napoleon Perdis line, which included foundation, eye shadows, lipsticks, lip liners and accessories. Throughout the development of the brand, colour emerged as the Napoleon Perdis trademark. He worked as the makeup artist for weddings and special events, beautifying women of different skin colours and skin types. He developed an immense appreciation for the uniqueness of every woman’s face.  Napoleon’s reputation soon propelled him into editorial work, consequently spearheading and solidifying his campaign to bring runway to reality. “Runway to reality is a translation service that I want every Napoleon Perdis environment to achieve. Makeup is all about the transfer of positive energy.” reflects Napoleon Perdis. It has now been over a decade since Napoleon Perdis has been “bringing out the celebrity in you” with the Australian launch in 1995. As Australia’s leading makeup artist,

Napoleon Perdis’ trans-generational approach to beauty and dedication to translating runway, red carpet, and music video to reality has driven the brand into a category all its own.  Featuring pro-tips on all packaging, the various capsule collections reflect such brand values as “The Oxford of Makeup,” “Runway to Reality,” and “Treasure Chest,” among others. Hollywood’s elite have paid homage to Napoleon Perdis since the brand’s U.S.launch in 2005, praising it in the press and donning such core products as Lip Lacquer, Auto Pilot Pre-foundation Skin Primer and Camera Finish Powder Foundation on red carpets and highprofile events, including the Primetime Emmy Awards as the official Makeup Partner in 2007. Celebrity fans of the brand include Melissa George, Debra Messing, Kate Beckinsale, Evangeline Lilly, Winona Ryder, LeAnn Rimes, Teri Hatcher, Nicollette Sheridan, Kimberly Elise, Sasha Cohen, Leven Rambin, Kelly Hu, Gemma Ward and Raven Simone, among others. In addition the brand has 59 concept stores and over 800 point-of-sale locations globally, which include four stores in the U.S., counters at the beauty retail chain Sephora and counters in The Bay stores in Canada. Future distribution markets include Hong Kong, Singapore, Brazil and Dubai. Napoleon Perdis is available from concept stores, exclusively with David Jones, in select independent retailers throughout Australia. Stockist number 1800 814 572.

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Health

Mayne Pharmaceutical Limited Mayne Pharma Limited is focused on the development, manufacture, sale and distribution of medicines used by oncologists. The company is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange under the code “MYP”.

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Mayne Pharma’s product portfolio has been built on world class process development capabilities in the two families of drugs that are commonly used in the treatment of cancer today: taxanes and platinum derivatives. The company has also expanded from its origins in generic chemotherapy medicines to related therapeutic drugs used by oncologists in the treatment of cancer such as antibiotics and pain management. On the back of this expertise, Mayne Pharma has expanded from Australia so that it now distributes its products in more than 65 countries around the world. It has established strong commercial footholds especially in Europe and Asia Pacific. Mayne Pharma is the second largest supplier of generic, injectable oncology medicines in Canada and the company has a small and developing position in the United States that provides future opportunity to grow. Mayne Pharma has increased its sales revenues significantly in the last three years on the back of acquisitions and internal growth.

Pro-forma sales in its 2005 financial year were A$687 million up approximately 35% on the prior year. In November 2005, Mayne Pharma was demerged from Mayne Group Limited so the business could focus on its core competencies and have increased flexibility to implement appropriate strategies and a capital structure that would help facilitate its continued success. Their mission is focusing on being a trusted international manufacturer, developer and distributor of injectable generic and specialty pharmaceuticals. They seek to be the leading supplier of injectable generic and specialty pharmaceuticals to regulated markets around the world. Their commitment to the highest levels of quality is entrenched in the research and development, manufacture, distribution and sale of all of their medicines.

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Chapter 6 Design and Interiors

Design and Interiors

DBI Design Established in 1981, DBI Design ranks today as one of the largest and most diverse design practices in Australia.

DBI specialises in disciplines of architecture, master planning, interior design and landscape architecture. In its twenty-six year history, DBI has developed particular expertise in all areas of resort, mixed-use, residential and tourismbased projects. DBI’s broad range of project experience also includes casinos, hospitals, medical and aged-care facilities, retail, commercial and industrial developments. 138

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DBI has an impressive portfolio of completed projects on a national and international scale; spanning from the Gold Coast to far North Queensland, Sydney, Melbourne and Western Australia. Overseas, DBI has undertaken major projects in the USA, UAE, Japan, China, Spain, Qatar, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, the  Philippines, Fiji and Vietnam. One of DBI’s recently completed projects ‘The Wave’, situated in one of the Gold Coast’s

most active and popular beach-side precincts of central Broadbeach has received numerous awards; the Silver Medal in the Emporis 2007 World Skyscraper Awards, the Regional Award for Best Mixed-Use Development by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, a State Commendation by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the People’s Choice Award for Urban Design at the Gold Coast Urban Design Awards. The 34 storey luxury

residential, retail and commercial tower has quickly become one of the most recognisable buildings on the Gold Coast. With its crisp white, wave-form exterior, the rippling effect of the façade has created a remarkable iconic building of international recognition. ‘The Oracle’ development, also in central Broadbeach is due for completion in late 2010. The impressive mixed-use development is significant for this area, taking up nearly an

entire beach-side city block. It will comprise of two outstanding residential towers of 40 & 50 levels, which will soar above a lively and vibrant, high-class precinct of up-market retail including boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Through a number of projects , DBI is playing a significant role in Broadbeach’s transformation into a world-class urban centre. DBI as part of an international design competition, was awarded the lead consultant contract for architecture, interior design and landscape architecture for the ‘Etihad Towers’ development in the United Arab Emirates. Located on a prominent waterfront site at the end of the Abu Dhabi Corniche the project is scheduled for completion in early 2010. The Etihad Towers development will feature five iconic towers ranging in height from 55

to 77 storeys. There will be three residential towers consisting of 870 luxury residential apartments, an office tower and the signature building, an international five-star hotel to be operated by Jumeriah, operators of the seven-star Buj al Arab in Dubai and many other prestigious hotels around the world. In addition there will be an array of worldclass amenities including a state-of-the-art convention centre, a boutique shopping mall for major international and designer fashion labels, eight superb restaurants and a hypermarket. DBI Design is continuing to create a name for itself worldwide, as a practice striving to achieve excellence in design.

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Design and Interiors

Celebrating Australian design with exclusive Designer Ranges

Shaka by Akira

Customised to suit your interior.

Since being established in 1986 Designer Rugs have forged the reputation as makers of premium quality hand knot and hand tufted rugs. More than simply manufacturers, the Designer Rugs team oversee true craftsmanship of an ever changing collection of designs that are produced in traditional rug making origins such as Nepal, Thailand, India and China; depending on wool choices and weaving techniques. The wide range includes New Zealand wool and pure silk, Antique wash, voluminous shag piles and textures, Aubusson and signature collections with unique Australian artists and designers. Now represented across Australia, Designer Rugs have recently added Singapore and Auckland to their permanent repertoire. From their Australian base Designer Rugs service international clients from the US, UK, Europe and Asia. 140

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Yosi Tal, Managing Director explains that the advantage “is that Designer Rugs’ are unique in Australian context because we began as manufacturers and we are now regarded as leaders of design. This allows us to customize our rugs for a wide audience both commercially and for private residences”. Over the years Designer Rugs have collaborated with many iconic Australian personalities. “It’s inspirational- exposure to creative people has helped us evolve and develop in a positive way”. And the list is too remarkable not to share in full. Linda Jackson, John Coburn, Alun Leach Jones, Annie Georgeson, Howard Arkley, Janet Lawrence, Akira Isogawa, Dinosaur Designs and most recently award winning Julie Paterson of Cloth fabric and Georgia Chapman of fashion label Vixen. Beyond collaboration, they have also worked with other notables and

pretty impressive installations: From Australian embassies around the globe to Parliament House, Q1 on the Gold Coast, Queensland to the W Hotel in Florida, USA. They have also collaborated on several Harry Seidler’s projects- including the Theatre Royal, Quickly becoming one of their biggest supporters and continuing to work closely with Australia’s leading interior designers and architects. About Designer Rugs exclusive Designer Ranges Akira by Akira Isogawa The Akira rug collection for Designer Rugs is a fitting collaboration born out of a shared passion for the creation of objects of beauty and artistry where quality of make is a driving force. Expertly woven to exacting standards,

every rug in the Akira rug collection delivers unique and varying combinations of colour, texture and pattern - from organic to geometric - that imbue each design with more than simply personality. Cloth by Julie Paterson The designs for the collections began life as a series of drawings and notes taken from the visual diaries Julie used every day and turned into a group of paintings made from offcuts of timber found on building sites. This work is quite ephemeral, hard to define, experimental and abstract, offering a collection of rugs with a fresh, direct and highly creative approach. Dinosaur Designs Internationally renowned homewares and jewellery company Dinosaur Designs have created exclusively for Designer Rugs a range

of 12 inspirational rug designs, that are each a striking incarnation of the signature style that is quintessentially Dinosaur Designs. Using the classic rectangular shape as the ‘canvas’, each features playful compositions of organic shapes where bold colour combinations deliver a style and personality unique to each. Vixen by Georgia Chapman Inspired by the promise of exotic destinations, Vixen’s collaboration with Designer Rugs has produced a colourful and vibrant range of stock and custom-made rugs. Displaying a bold colour and design pallet woven in 100% NZ wool, the seven unique designs successfully marry Vixen’s signature hand-detailing with the rich textile traditions born along the ancient trade routes of the Silk Road – from Asia to the Middle East and North Africa.

Opposite page: Shoka by AKRA ISOGAWA. Top left: Muromachi #1 by AKIRA ISOGAWA. Top right: Peony by VIXEN. Above: Boulder #1 by DINOSAUR DESIGNS. Middle: Ned by Cloth. Left: Bottlebrush by CLOTH.

For more information contact: Australia and Rest of the World [email protected] Tel: + 61 4 2 9550 9933 New Zealand [email protected]

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Design and Interiors

Susan Avery Flowers and Event Styling Susan Avery is recognised as Australia’s leading flower and event stylist and, with a client base reading like a Who’s Who, it is easy to see why.

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With customers including Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, the Dalai Lama, Paul McCartney, Cher, Mick Jagger and much of Sydney’s society - quality and style go hand in hand. Discretion, economy and quality are all Susan Avery hallmarks. On any day, “special orders”’ might include lotus flowers for a French television commercial, bunches of field roses ready for a Historic Houses exhibition, extravagant arrangements on candelabra, or simple displays waiting for a trade show. Susan Avery’s reputation is formidable and, with over 3,500 weddings to her credit, she is renowned for her attention to detail and care. From elegant and simple weddings through to the truly extravagant, Susan’s work is second to none. From rock stars to royalty, from weddings to beautiful bunches of flowers, from major events to elegant parties, Susan Avery’s expertise is unequalled by any similar Australian company. Susan’s work is regularly seen in Australian magazines and in many five star hotels. She is in strong demand and her high profile has featured in Vogue, Architectural Digest, Belle and a myriad of other magazines, periodicals and newspapers. She has provided flowers for over 15,000 functions. Susan has been renowned for 25 years as the stylish presenter of flowers with an unrivalled reputation for quality and distinction. For more information contact: Susan Avery Flowers and Event Styling 59 Jersey Road, Woollahra NSW 2025 Tel: +61 (2) 9363 1168 Fax: +61 (2) 9328 7415 Email: [email protected]

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Chapter 7 Corporate Profiles

Women’s Business Award

Only One Quality; the finest Champagne always adds a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to every occasion. So it is always the perfect time to enjoy a glass or two of Veuve Clicquot, the quintessential champagne for pure indulgence.

‘She never left Reims but she conquered the world’. Madame Barbe Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, 1777 – 1866. Founded in 1772 by the Clicquot family, the House of Veuve Clicquot established its reputation on the outstanding quality of its champagne. The House excelled under the leadership of la veuve Clicquot who, having lost her husband François in 1805, took over 146

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the family business to become one of the first business women of all time. A successful entrepreneur, she overcame the Napoleonic trade blockades to deliver champagne to the Imperial Russian Court. She invented the ‘table de remuage’ intrinsic to the riddling process which leaves champagne so brilliantly clear. Her invention was subsequently adopted by all champagne houses.

Madame Clicquot the reputation as la grande dame de la Champagne. An international award, now taking place in 16 countries, the Veuve Clicquot Award commemorates Barbe Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, the woman whose name this elegant champagne now bears. 2008 marks the fourth consecutive year of this prestigious award in Australia. Celebrated past winners include oil tanker Captain Suzannah Vaughan, the first female in Australia appointed to this position. In 2006, the award recognised Sarina Bratton, founder of Orion Expedition Cruises, and in 2005 the recipient was co founder of Withcott Seedlings, Wendy Erhart. These three dynamic Australian women are now ‘friends of the Widow’ and belong to a select group celebrating outstanding achievement. The judging panel is no less formidable, including Justice Annabelle Bennett AO, Deeta Colvin, Janet Holmes a Court AC, David Murray AO, Marilynne Paspaley, Robert Remnant and Alison Watkins. Each country celebrates its winners between March and May and, in June, the laureates gather at the Veuve Clicquot Maison in France, to share their considerable experiences amongst the famous Veuve Clicquot vineyards and cellars at Reims. Each year thereafter the winners also receive a gift of Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame champagne to celebrate in style.

Over two centuries of passion for quality have given Veuve Clicquot a reputation for unrivalled excellence recognised throughout the world. From the flagship Yellow Label, a full bodied marriage of style and finesse, to the award winning Vintage range, each wine beautifully epitomises the House style, with its trademark combination of power and elegance. Named after Madame Clicquot herself, little

compares with the exquisite prestige cuvée, La Grande Dame, regarded by critics and connoisseurs around the world as amongst the greatest champagnes ever produced. The Veuve Clicquot Award Australia The Veuve Clicquot Award was launched in France, in 1972, to honour women who exemplify the qualities that earned

For further information please contact: Fran Meagher – Veuve Clicquot Award Coordinator. The Veuve Clicquot Award Tel: (02) 9361 6034; Mobile: 0417 662 527 Email: [email protected] Veuve Clicquot Award PO Box 655, Bondi Junction NSW 1355

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Food and Beverage

Foster’s Group – Inspiring Global Enjoyment Foster’s Group is a beer group with interests in brewing, wine-making and soft drinks. Foster’s Group is the brewer of Foster’s Lager.

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Foster’s Group Limited is a publicly-listed company on the Australian Stock Exchange and is based in Melbourne, Victoria. Its wine division Beringer Blass is the 7th largest producer of wine in the United States. It was founded in Melbourne in 1886 by two American brothers, William and Ralph Foster of New York, who happened to own a refrigeration plant, which was necessary to brew beer in Australia’s hot climate. They sold the brewery the following year and returned to the United States. In 1983, Carlton and United Breweries purchased Elders IXL, a giant Australian diversified conglomerate, and was renamed the Elders Brewing Group. Then in 1990, the Elders Brewing Group changed its name to the Foster’s Group, to reflect the name of their most internationally recognised product. In 2005, Foster’s Group acquired the Australian wine-making group Southcorp. This acquisition added famous brands such as Penfolds, Lindemans and Rosemount to the Foster’s stable. In 1990, Asahi Breweries acquired a 19.9% stake in Australian brewery giant Elders IXL which later became Foster’ s Group. Foster’s Group imports, licenses, and distributes a large number of brands. In Australia, Foster’s distributes the Asahi Super Dry, Cinzano, Corona, Kronenbourg 1664, Perrier, Skyy vodka, Stella Artois, and 42 Below import brands among many others. While in the United States and Canadian markets, Molson brews and sells Foster’s Lager under license.

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Property and Real Estate

Revolutionising the mortgage industry MORE is about to burst onto the mortgage scene in Australia as the newest brand of mortgage broking franchise – providing MORE to their franchisees and MORE to their clients.

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With a unique model, the mortgage industry will be revolutionized by the package of services that MORE can provide. The two core service offerings from MORE are a full range Mortgage Broking services along with legal Conveyancing – the two essential services required for any property purchase. Back these up with an Insurance referral based service and a vast range of estate planning and commercial Legal Services – and you have a true one-stop shop for the property buying (and selling) public. MORE has an equal focus on its two main services – Mortgage Broking and Conveyancing. With the founder of MORE, Aaron Upcroft, being a qualified and practicing Solicitor in NSW, with a background in Property Law, Commercial Law and Banking & Finance Law, this has led to the development of a revolutionary new ‘best practice’ conveyancing system, aptly titled Conveyancing Perfection. This system provides a competitive advantage for the MORE Franchisee, allowing for the simple and easy integration of legal conveyancing services – without the requirement for any prior legal knowledge or qualifications. Aaron is also a full practising member of the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) and leads a team of mortgage brokers in offering their clients MORE than just a home loan. MORE are positioning themselves to be a world-class company. With a very carefully planned and meticulously organized systems-approach to Mortgage Broking and Conveyancing – clients of MORE can expect and rely on a consistently thorough and client-

focused approach to buying or selling property. Clients receive an exceptional level of personal service, time and time again. Systems run the business and the MORE staff actually know what customer service means – a fresh and welcome relief in industries (finance and legal) that traditionally fail miserably in this area. Technologically advanced, MORE are also leading their field in ways to improve the service offering to their clients through the use of technology. Their website (www.moregroup.com.au), that provides helpful initial information, an easy to use mortgage wizard enquiry process along with valuable industry contacts, is just the start. Regular e-newsletter updates, SMS client updates at key points of the process and the soon to be released (2008) mortgage finance, legal and property BLOG – all prove MORE to be an industry leader in the making. MORE will soon be flourishing, with business and franchise opportunities to be offered to the market (firstly in NSW only) in 2008. The expansion of MORE into other states will follow soon after – with Australia-wide services expected by the end of 2010. The new age of Mortgage Broking services is about to begin with MORE. Gone are the days of going to your bank and then to your solicitor to buy that property you always wanted. The public will soon be demanding MORE from this industry – and they deserve MORE than their current providers can give.

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Property and Real Estate

Westfield Group - Property Retail The Westfield Group is a multinational company that owns shopping centres in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. Westfield shopping centres are typically branded with the name Westfield or Westfield Shoppingtown in their name.

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The company pioneered the incorporation of entertainment and dining precincts into shopping centres. The Westfield Group had origins in the western suburbs of Sydney. The first development was named “Westfield Place”, and opened in July 1959 in Blacktown, Sydney. The name Westfield is derived from “West” related to the West-Sydney location, and “field” due to having located on subdivided farmland. The centre was opened by John Saunders and Frank Lowy. The company was floated on the Australian Stock Exchange in 1960 and built another five centres in New South Wales before expanding into Victoria and Queensland in 1966-67. The expansion into the US was quite slow. It began with the purchase of the Trumbull Shopping Centre in Connecticut in 1977, and was followed by three centres in

California, Michigan and Connecticut in 1980 and three centres in California, New Jersey and Long Island, New York in 1986. In 1994 Westfield joined together with General Growth and Whitehall Real Estate to purchase 19 centres for US$1 billion. Westfield seems to form clusters of centres around particular cities or within a small number of states. They built considerable holdings on the east coast and in California before expanding in the Mid-West. By 2005, the company still only owned centres in 15 US states. In the 1990s, Westfield began a major expansion across the Tasman to New Zealand, where they mostly bought existing shopping centres of the Fletchers Company, progressively rebranding them. Only in 2007, with Westfield Albany, has the company opened a fully new centre in the country. Best of Australia

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Mining

Rio Tinto Limited – Minerals and Metals for the World Rio Tinto is a multinational mining and resources group founded originally in 1873.

The group is one of the world’s largest mining companies, with a pre-tax profit of approximately 10.2 billion US dollars in 2007 on consolidated turnover of 25.4 billion USD. Since 1995, Rio Tinto has been a dual listed company. Rio Tinto Limited, formerly known as CRA, is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, with Rio Tinto plc (formerly RTZ) listed on the London Stock Exchange as well as New York Stock Exchange (under ticker RTP). The two companies are managed as a single economic unit by a unified board, with a share in either company entitling the owner to the same voting rights and dividend payouts. RTZ shareholders made up 76.7% of the new unified entity, which is primarily managed from London. Rio Tinto is thought to be the first company listed on the ASX to have reached a 154

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share price of over $100. This is not true, the most famous case being the Poseidon bubble in 1969-70 when the discovery of nickel ore resulted in the Poseidon share price climbing from 80 cents to $280 before collapsing. Recently it has agreed to buy Canadian aluminium company Alcan Inc. for $38.1 billion, in a move that creates the world’s biggest aluminium company. Rio will pay $101 per common share. Rio’s bid had been unanimously recommended by Alcan’s board, but remains subject to shareholder and regulator approval. Alcan’s Chief Executive Dick Evans would lead the new division which would be renamed Rio Tinto Alcan and its headquarters situated in Montreal. On November 8, 2007, rival mining company BHP Billiton announced it was seeking to

purchase Rio Tinto Group in an all share deal. This offer was rejected by the board of Rio Tinto as it “significantly undervalues” the company. It is unknown if BHP Billiton will attempt to purchase Rio Tinto through some form of hostile takeover. This made Rio Tinto’s share price soar to over $130. The group produces a number of mineral commodities in its various divisions: Iron ore Rio Tinto wholly owns Hamersley Iron, which owns and operates a number of mines in Western Australia either wholly or jointly with several partners. Its partners on some projects notably include several Chinese corporations. Rio Tinto also owns 53% of Robe River Iron Associates and 59% of the Iron Ore Company

Aluminium Rio Tinto owns Comalco, which mines bauxite (aluminium ore) in Weipa, Queensland, operates alumina refineries in Gladstone, Queensland. It also operates two aluminium smelters in Australia at Bell Bay (Tasmania) and Boyne Island (Queensland, 59% interest), and one in New Zealand at Tiwai Point (79% interest). The group also operates the Anglesey Aluminium smelter at Holyhead in the United Kingdom. This group contributed 16% of turnover and 14% of adjusted earnings.

of Canada. Iron made up 18% of revenue in 2003 and was responsible for 36% of the group’s profit. It is the world’s second-largest producer of iron ore. Future iron ore mines are being developed at Simandou in Guinea. Copper The copper division not only produces copper itself, but also a considerable quantity of gold from its mines in Australia, Indonesia, South Africa, Chile, and the United States, some as part of joint ventures. The group owns Kennecott Utah Copper Corporation. The copper group was responsible for 23% of turnover (of which 55% was copper and most of the remainder gold) and 32% of profits in 2003.

Energy The company’s energy group includes coal mining operations in Australia (Rio Tinto Coal Australia) and North America, and Energy Resources of Australia, which operates the Ranger Uranium Mine near Kakadu National Park in Australia. The energy group also operates the Rossing uranium mine in Namibia. This group contributed 20% of turnover and 11% of profit. Industrial minerals The Industrial minerals group extracts talc, titanium dioxide, salt, borax, amongst several others. These operations are scattered across Australia, the United States, and Africa. This group contributed 15% of turnover and 11% of earnings.

Diamonds The company’s diamond operations are best known for the pink diamonds produced at the Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia, which produces over 90% of the world’s supply of these gems and around 30% of the world’s annual production of all natural diamonds. The company also owns 60% of and manages the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories, and the Murowa diamond mine in Zimbabwe. Other commodities Rio Tinto owns the Borax Company that produces borax and is famous for the “20 Mule Team” trademark which it shares with the Dial Corporation. Rio Tinto also produces bauxite, gold, titanium, lead, zinc, cobalt, nickel and uranium. Technology The company also has a technology group conducting research and development, notably including the HIsmelt iron smelting process, and an exploration group.

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Childcare

ABC Learning Centres - Childcare ABC Learning Centres Ltd. is an Australian company that is the world’s largest provider of childcare services. It is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange with a market capitalisation of $2.5 billion as at March 2006.

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ABC Learning was founded in 1988 in Ashgrove, Brisbane, Queensland by Eddy Groves, and the Global Chief Executive Officer of the company. Co-founder Le Neve Groves, is a senior executive and is also a major shareholder in ABC. The husband and wife jointly own 14.5% of the company. ABC rapidly expanded, reaching 43 childcare centres by June 30, 2001. By November 2005, it had 697 childcare centres throughout Australia and New Zealand. In March 2006, it forecast that would have 950 centres in Australia and New Zealand by June 30, 2006. It has purchased the third largest childcare operator in the United States Learning Care Group Inc. which itself operates 467 centres in the US and other educational facilities in southeast Asia. The purchase provides ABC Learning with 70,000 additional licensed childcare places in addition to the 50,000 it had previously. Other mergers with Peppercorn Management Group and the purchase of Child Care Centres Australia helped provide a considerable increase in the number of ABC’s centres. The company plans to increase its number of centres by four a week. In March 2006, it announced a bid for Kids Campus, one of its few remaining large competitors in Australia which would give it another 106 centres. On December 13, 2006 it was announced that ABC would acquire the second largest child care provider in the United States, Chicago based La Petite Academy for 330 million US Dollars as well as the 5th largest provider in the UK, Busy Bees Group, Ltd. With these acquisitions they are expanding into the UK market and increasing their market share in the US to 1%. It has expanded aggressively into the outsourcing of child care services, negotiating deals with some of Australia’s largest employers including the Australian Department of Defence which involved taking over the Department’s nineteen childcare facilities. Aside from offshore expansion, the company is also expanding in training and education. It runs the ABC Early Childhood Training College, providing training for childcare workers, publishes a magazine Small Wonders aimed at parents with young children. It is a highly profitable company, in the FY2004/5 recording net profit after tax of $52.3 million on total revenues of $292.7 million. The six months ending 31 December 2005 showed no slowing in the financial momentum for the company with profit after tax reaching $38 million and revenues of $219.8 million.

www.childcare.com.au Best of Australia

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Media

Publishing and Broadcasting Limited Australian Consolidated Press (ACP) was established in 1933. It acquired a broadcasting license in Sydney when television began in Australia in the 1950s.

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Best of Australia

ACP television station, TCN-9 Sydney was the first station in Australia to go to air, launched in 1956, by an announcement from Bruce Gyngell “Good evening, and welcome to television”. In 1960, it purchased GTV-9 Melbourne to form the first television network in Australia, the National Television Network - later to become The Nine Network. In 1987, Kerry Packer sold the Nine Network to Alan Bond, who then expanded the network to include QTQ-9 Brisbane and STW-9 Perth. Packer later bought the network back for half of what he sold it for in 1990. Publishing and Broadcasting Limited was formed in 1994, from the merger of The Nine Network Australia and Australian Consolidated Press. In 1999, Crown Limited was merged into PBL, and the online division of PBL, ecorp was floated on the ASX. ecorp was later privatised and delisted from the Stock Exchange. In 2002, PBL entered a deal with Prime Television, giving it an effective 50% stake in Prime NZ. In 2004, PBL purchased the Burswood Casino in Perth, and a 50% stake in Hoyts Cinemas, along with West Australian Newspapers. Hoyts was previously

owned by the Packer private company; Consolidated Press Holdings Ltd. It also sold Papua New Guinea’s only television network, EM-TV to Fiji Television. On October 18, 2006, James Packer announced the sell-off of 50% of PBL’s media interests for A$4.5 billion to focus on its gambling business. The sell-off includes Nine Network and its 50 per cent interest in NineMSN. PBL is currently involved in two casino projects in Macau: the $260 million Crown Macau and the $1.4 billion City of Dreams. The projects are joint ventures with Melco, a Macau company. In March 2006, PBL announced that it had spent US$900 million (A$1.2 billion) to purchase a casino sub-concession from Wynn Resorts that would give the Melco-PBL joint venture the right to conduct casino operations. PBL’s commitment to these ventures is the biggest investment by an Australian company in the PRC to date. In May 2007, PBL announced that it would split into two companies, Crown and Consolidated Media Holdings.

www.pbl.com.au Best of Australia

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