Two thousand runners will be poised and waiting on the pristine Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas, about to participate in the most unique sporting event in history. An intergalactic start gun will mark the start of The Solar Eclipse Marathon on 14 November 2012 in Port Douglas, Australia.

At 6.38am local time, a total solar eclipse will occur and its path of totality will pass through Far North Queensland. Totality will last just over two minutes and the sun’s re-emergence from behind the moon’s shadow will get runners off to a flying start. Almost immediately, the route turns away from the beach and passes through the outskirts of Port Douglas towards the Mowbray river.

Runners will be taken on a challenging and scenic Adventure Marathon course through sugar cane fields, old mining roads, and incredibly lush tropical areas. The region is known for two World Heritage listed sites, the Great Barrier Reef and The Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest living rainforests in the world.

The idea for this race came about on a snowy afternoon in February 2009 when Race Director Rune Nortoft from Adventure Marathons, Albatros Travel was out for a run. “Running is my creative thinking time and we’d just organised an eclipse-viewing tour to Shanghai and while I was trudging through the snow that day, it suddenly came to me,” he says with a grin.

That was 2009 and the seeds of The Solar Eclipse Marathon were planted. Mr Nortoft and his colleague Mr Lars Fyhr, International Sales & Event Manager, discovered that the total solar eclipse in Australia in November 2012 would be the perfect time for a marathon. They contacted Travelling Fit, Albatros Travel’s partner in Australia and plans got underway.

The result will be the largest event the region has ever seen and a marathon in exceptionally beautiful surroundings.

Event ambassador and top Australian endurance runner, Steve Moneghetti, who will also be at the starting line, states: “As a distance runner, I love the connection with nature when I run and what better way to enjoy this than to be able to do it in synch with the sun at a solar eclipse,” and adds, “Port Douglas is such a beautiful place to enjoy this experience.”

You can follow them on Twitter at @SolarMarathon and check out the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/solareclipsemarathon
Website: www.solar-eclipse-marathon.com
Email: marathon@albatros-travel.com

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At a recent Working In Expo held in London, Hon Peter Collier MLC, Western Australia’s Minister for Training and Workforce Development, put forward a strong case for skilled Brits to migrate to the State that he calls “God’s given country”.  Anglo Pacific’s International Migration Manager, Noel Glavin, was in attendance, “Western Australia comprises one third of Australia’s entire land mass, larger than the whole of Europe, yet has just 10% of the population – some two million.  Resource rich, there are huge prospects for agriculture, manufacturing, construction, mining, the automotive industry and more but also a vast labour force shortage of 150,000 workers.  Western Australia has 225 billion Australian dollars’ worth of investment opportunities on the table, around 150 billion pounds, yet if they don’t correct this labour deficit, then these investment opportunities will simply be lost.  Western Australia’s recruitment drive is a serious matter.”

Noel continues, “The local labour supply is maxed out – if they want to work, they are working.  Australians don’t tend to migrate state to state, so Western Australia must find its skilled workforce elsewhere with Brits heavily favoured.  Migration is nothing new for Australia, 34% of its population was not born there.  Statistics from Working In reveal that there are more than 1.2 million UK-born people living in the country, making the UK the main source of new migrants to Australia.  If interested Britons have an occupation on the Western Australia Skilled Migration Occupation list, visas are currently taking between nine and 12 months to process.  Visa applications with State Sponsorship nomination are given higher priority – perhaps four to six months.”

Hon Peter Collier MLC concluded his London seminar by highlighting Western Australia’s gorgeous beaches, sunny Mediterranean-style climate, outdoor lifestyle and fantastic education and healthcare systems.  He said – “I have one unambiguous transparent message – you are welcome.”

About Anglo Pacific – Anglo Pacific is a specialist mover to the Southern Hemisphere and handles around 20,000 consignments of personal and household effects annually.  A known market leader for Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and South Africa, Anglo Pacific has been established for more than 30 years and has an unrivalled reputation for friendly, professional and reliable container shipping and international relocation services. What’s more, as a fully bonded member of the British Association of Removers, clients’ belongings could not be in safer hands.

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This is an interesting strategy in response to previous speculations about the willingness of UK passengers to fly to the most expensive “Band D” destinations.  Original comments suggested that families would no longer be able to afford holidays abroad; however, it seems much more likely that families and couples are still prepared to travel, with the increase in taxes being seen as a minor inconvenience as opposed to a major deterrent.

This theory is reinforced by information received from the over-50s insurance experts Staysure.  Their research has shown that the sale of their travel insurance policies from the UK to Australia have remained consistent for the last several months of 2011 compared with 2010, despite APD tax being much lower in 2010.  What’s more, this doesn’t take in to account customers who purchase an annual multi trip policy, allowing worldwide travellers to frequent Australia multiple times throughout the policy period.

This research coincides with the year-on-year tourism figures for Australia, which state that there was a 3.8% increase in visitors for the year ending June 2011 compared with June 2010.  It seems that if people want to travel they will do, regardless of extra taxes and price hikes that are added on to their bill.  Hopefully, however, this won’t be viewed as an easy revenue stream that is likely to increase in the future!

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Many flights to Australia land in Sydney, so it makes sense to do some car hire comparison before you get there and have a car waiting for you when you arrive.

From Sydney you can drive a little way north and explore the Blue Mountains which take their name from a bluish tinge that hovers above them, believed to be caused by a reaction between the Gum trees (Eucalyptus trees) and rays from the sun.

There are drives from Sydney to the Glenbrook National Park site here with numerous bushwalks, sites of significance to the Aboriginal community as well as diverse wildlife, plus the odd kangaroo is frequently sighted. Norman Lindsay Gallery is also part of the Blue Mountains area. It is here that the Aussie writer, boxer and multi-faceted artist, lived in a cottage that is now open to visitors.

The Wentworth Falls area is another part of the area. There are numerous viewing platforms where visitors can take in spectacular views of the Jamison Valley, with its waterfalls.

One of the most popular places in the Blue Mountains reserve is Katoomba which is home to Scenic World. Here visitors can choose from four exciting ways to see the Blue Mountains close up and with ease: the Scenic Walkway, Scenic Railway, Scenic Skyway and Scenic Cableway.

The Great Ocean Road is probably the most famous drive in Australia. From Sydney, take a coach or fly to Avalon airport, which has great transport links to both Melbourne and Geelong. You’ll be heading in the direction of Geelong to get to the Great Ocean Road, so take the shuttle and pick up a car there.

The road winds around the coast and passes many spectacular beaches, rainforests and cliffs. The most noteworthy landmark on the drive is the Twelve Apostles. The Twelve Apostles are huge freestanding limestone stacks jutting from the water. There were never actually twelve of them, but nine, and in recent years one has fallen to make that eight. Originally having been part of the cliffs, they were slowly eroded to become arches and eventually individual stacks.

Adelaide is further to drive to from Sydney than driving to Poland from the South of the UK. There’s a train from Sydney that travels to Broken Hill, from where it is possible to take a bus down to Adelaide, but it makes sense to book an internal flight from Sydney to Adelaide. On arrival, pick up a car and make your way to the wineries of the Barossa Valley. There are four scenic drives recommended by the tourism board: the Barossa Scenic Heritage drive through Bethany to Tanuda, the Gawler tour, the drive up Mengler Hill, which goes through the Barossa Valley sculpture park and the drive along Seppeltsfield Road, which has palm trees at its edges and goes past the wineries you may have heard of, Torbeck and the Barossa Valley Estate. Remember to spit as you’re supposed to at the wineries as you’re driving.

All of these drives promise breathtaking views of Australia’s landscape.

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There are many reasons to visit Australia. It is home to some of the southern hemisphere’s finest cities, most stunning beaches and friendliest people. And the weather isn’t bad either. Australia is a long way to travel but look around for the cheapest flights possible and it can work out as an affordable and unforgettable holiday.

Of all the great reasons for heading ‘Down Under’, one of the fastest growing is the wine. Winning international awards for both quality and value, Australian wine has taken the more established wine producing nations head on and now regularly scoops awards in recognition of its quality.

Australia produces many styles of wine. From full-bodied reds right the way through to crisp and fruity whites. They are sold in over eighty countries around the world and found on the menus of some of the world’s finest restaurants. Even so, the best way to experience Australian wine is first hand.

Wineries are found in all the states and territories in Australia but the principle regions are in the south. Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia are home to some of the most beautiful wine growing areas on earth. South Australia’s Barossa Valley is world-renowned as a source of great wine but it also makes for a fantastic vacation. Take a tour of the region’s wineries, sampling some of the produce at its source and learn about viticulture from expert wine makers. Stay in excellent hotels or camp out under the Southern Cross to make the most of your journey.

Of course, as well as world-class wine, Australia has a lot more to offer. The great cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide are all within striking distance of wineries. From the Hunter River region you can travel to Australia’s two largest cities. See the iconic Harbour Bridge or Opera House in Sydney, two of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. Melbourne is a cosmopolitan city with great restaurants and vibrant nightlife. From the Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale, make the trip to Adelaide to see why the city always crops up in lists of the world’s best cities to call home.

With over 55,000 km of coastline, Australia is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches imaginable. The majority of Australians live within 20 km of the beach, and once you’ve seen these shores for yourself, you’ll understand why.

Australia is an enormous country, so travelling around can be time-consuming. But plan your route well and you can fit in much more than you imagine. It also has some of the finest roads in the world so the drive is never dull. The Great Ocean Road between Adelaide and Melbourne is a must, with spectacular coastal views.

A wine tour is a great way to see Australia and also to learn about wine. Be sure to take some back with you, and whenever you open a bottle, each pour will bring back memories of an unforgettable trip.

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Soaking up the sun, relaxing on the beach and drinking with the locals are definitely among the things any visitor to Australia should expect to be doing. For those with enough time on their hands (and enough money in their pockets) driving down the east coast is another. Car hire comparison websites have made it easy to find a suitable vehicle ready for this incredible journey. So what are you waiting for! Let’s see what the land ‘down under’ has to offer! Here are a few top destinations not to be missed on the east coast.

Cairns

A visit to Australia without snorkelling over the Great Barrier Reef would be like going to Ireland and not trying a pint of Guinness, or going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel tower – there are some things that just must be done! Cairns is the gateway to this amazing structure, the largest living organism in the world. Measuring in at over 2,600 kilometres it can be seen from space. The best way to see it, and most eco-friendly, is simply to go snorkelling. There are many companies that can provide you with all the equipment necessary and serve up the best spots. Best thing to do is search around for the smartest deals, or ask the locals.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island, as with the Great Barrier Reef, is a designated World Heritage Site. It’s also the largest sand island in the world, home to tropical rainforests and many crystal clear lakes. It is separated from the mainland by wetlands deemed of international importance. So, all in all, Fraser Island is a nature lover’s paradise. The sand, combined with miles upon miles of coastline, provides idyllic beaches for those wanting to take it easy and let time pass slowly. The island’s tropical rainforest is home to many species of animal and plant life – guided tours are a very popular, and an insightful way to experience this beauty. There are a hundred or so lakes dotted around this island, so no matter how hard you try, you’re not going to see them all – perhaps just pick your favourite; each has its own personality, and no two are ever the same. Take a walk round some of the biggest, or go for a dip on a scorching day. Whichever way you decide to explore Fraser Island, you’re guaranteed not to be let down.

Byron Bay

At the eastern most point of Australia lies Byron Bay, a haven for new age hippies, wandering travellers and almost anyone else you can think of. This is not surprising, really, as Byron Bay has it all. Consistently good weather, golden, sandy beaches, perfectly pitched waves and above all, friendly, happy people. The town can get quite busy during the peak summer months, but the locals don’t seem to mind and everyone makes the effort to welcome outsiders into their lives. Although, if you prefer your paradise a little less crowded, then it’s wise to visit in the off-season!

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Australasia usually refers to a large area of the Pacific Ocean that includes Australia, New Zealand, and many of the islands in the South Pacific. It is an idyllic and popular vacation destination famous for its temperate climate, gorgeous beaches and “away from it all” location. From Australia and New Zealand to smaller nations such as Fiji and Samoa, each island boasts such breathtaking views and its own distinctive culture, it would be almost impossible to narrow down a list of which to visit. Attempting to fly to each island, however, would be time consuming and expensive. That’s what makes a cruise the perfect way to explore Australasia. Travelers board in Australia and relax in luxury while waiting to visit each exciting port of call.

Another attractive feature of a cruise through Australasia is the uniqueness of each port. New Zealand offers something for everyone from the streets of Auckland to the picture perfect beauty of Fiordland National Park. Likewise, Australia offers the wildlife and rustic terrain most associate with the continent, but the port in Sydney also offers a cosmopolitan city with great restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options. At the other end of the spectrum are the islands of the South Pacific. Vanuatu is as remote as Sydney is urban. It offers the beautiful beaches visitors would expect of the area, but also a fascinating island culture unlike anywhere else in the world.

With its clear turquoise water and pristine white sand beaches, Fiji is frequently listed as one of the most beautiful places in the world. The list of ports continues with Tahiti, Samoa, French Polynesia, and more, each with a breathtaking landscape and unique culture formed by the region’s remoteness and history of colonization.

With so many diverse places to explore, travelers have the option of shorter cruises that focus on a small area, such as Australia and New Zealand or longer cruises that sail through the entire region and allow passengers to experience many different locations. Even on the longer cruises, passengers are no doubt less than eager to leave paradise and return home. With its gorgeous landscapes, exciting ports of call, and luxurious onboard amenities, a cruise through Australasia is sure to remind travelers that the old cliché really is true. Getting there is half the fun.

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Melbourne

Melbourne in Victoria Province has a good mix of cultures bringing many fabulous, well-known restaurants and cafes, an eclectic mix of festivals, and fine performances of the arts. People come into the city for sporting events held in Australia’s largest stadium, Melbourne Cricket Ground. Shopping opportunities in Melbourne are found in outlet malls and upscale boutiques.

Victoria’s nature and wildlife near Melbourne is not to be missed. Those on holiday can take a leisurely road trip on the Great Ocean Road and see spectacular scenery, Bells Beach, the Twelve Apostles, the seaside birds and animals. Mornington Peninsula offers scenic views of beaches and the ocean. Then, Philip’s Island is home to the Little Penguins as well as the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Sydney

The capital city of New South Wales, Sydney provides a holiday like no other. The two most recognizable landmarks are the Sidney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. People can visit other sites in the city as well such as the Sydney Tower with its spire that rises higher than any other structure in the city and its shopping center at the base, the Royal Botanical Gardens as well as the other two botanical gardens in the city, and the area beaches. The amusement park, Luna Park Sidney, has roller coasters and other rides.

The region’s wildlife and natural beauty is easy to find. Australian animals live at Sidney Wildlife World, and then there is the Taronga Zoo. People can hire boats at reasonable rates to go whale watching. A holiday road trip into the Blue Mountains offers scenic view of the Blue Mountains and lovely valleys below them. Then, the many trails for exploring through the wilderness area are just off the Greater Blue Mountains Drive.

A Holiday in Victoria or New South Wales

Whether trip planners choose a holiday in Melbourne or Sidney they cannot go wrong. They can choose a holiday in town, shopping and attending sporting or cultural events in the evenings, and they can venture out to discover the hinterland and mountains, the beaches, and the ocean. Several road trip options for a day or a week can be the ultimate Australian adventure. A holiday in Southeastern Australia provides many choices of great places to go.

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In our live WebTV show Simon Reeve will be on hand to talk all about  his exploits with camping in Western Australia under the vast star filled sky; getting up-close-and-personal with nature in an adventure not-to-be-missed- camping in Western Australia’s national parks.

Joining Simon is Susan D’Arcy who will be able to offer tips for those of you who like to enjoy some luxury with your Australian adventure.  From unwinding in beachside spas, to hunting out truffles and sampling a glass or two of Margaret River’s finest  Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay overlooking the lush vines.

Watch Adventurer Simon Reeve and Susan D’Arcy share the endless travel adventures of Western Australia.

For more information visit www.westernaustralia.com

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There are options available that can appeal to all of the above.  With the hotly contested Ashes series Down Under  this year, what better time to combine the cricket with time on sun-kissed beaches or spotting Australia’s famous wildlife.

Whilst you may think you know Australia, there is actually a diamond waiting on the west coast to delight all members of your brood. Western Australia is a veritable feast of stunning landscape and whatever your budget you are sure to find something to suit your holiday style. Whether it is swimming with the world’s biggest fish, the whale shark, at Ningaloo Reef, sampling some of the fine food and wine in Margaret River, camping in the Kimberley outback, one of the world’s last wildernesses or watching the Ashes at Perth’s famous cricket ground, the WACA, you’ll wonder why you never went there before.

Log on to this live webTV show with David Gower and adventure travel journalist Richard Madden to find out why a visit to Western Australia this year will set your family’s pulse racing both on and off the playing field.

For more information visit www.westernaustralia.com

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