Melbourne retains ‘ultimate sports city’ title
Melbourne has retained its status as the best location in the world to hold a sporting event, winning the title of ‘ultimate sports city 2008’ ahead of other major international destinations.
According to results published in SportBusiness International, Melbourne’s ‘robust list of annual major events, excellent sporting venues and strong government support combined with its successful hosting of the Commonwealth Games in 2006 are factors in the Australian city’s prominence as a sporting host city.’
Melbourne was previously awarded the title 18 months ago and this year beat Germany’s capital Berlin (in second place) and Australian rival Sydney (third place). London took out fourth place, while Vancouver came fifth.
Twenty-five cities were profiled in the report and judged according to the number and prominence of their major sports events hosted or won for the period 2004 to 2012. More than 100 interviews were undertaken with government departments, city officials, event organisers, federations and industry specialists during the process of the analysis.
Rachael Church-Sanders, author of the report, said, “Melbourne has retained the title of Ultimate Sports City based on a strong performance in most of the categories analysed, coming first in six categories and second in one other.”
For more information go to www.sportbusiness.com
Media contact: Adam Barker via email at adam.barker@sportbusiness.com
New hot spots in Melbourne
Maha Bar and Grill, 21 Bond Street, Melbourne. Ph: (03) 9629 5900
The new venue – Maha Bar and Grill - from the team behind The Press Club is now open.
With his traditional Maltese background, chef and entrepreneur Shane Delia, provides a fresh Mediterranean approach to Middle Eastern cuisine at this new sub-basement restaurant.
Try Maha’s Middle Eastern supper (known as ‘Sà hra’) with family and friends from 11pm to 3am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Silk Road, 425 Collins Street, Melbourne. Ph: (03) 9693 9444
W: www.silkroadoncollins.com
As the name suggests, this glamorous new venue located in the ‘New York end’ of Collins Street draws its inspiration from the historic Silk Road and fuses European, Middle Eastern and Asian influences.
Try one of the exotic cocktails or have a bite to eat at the Chinese Chop Shop, European Mezze Table, Sushi Counter or Teppanyaki Grill.
Victoria victorious at Australian Tourism Awards
Victorian tourism operators have been named among the nation's best, winning six awards at the recent Qantas Australian Tourism Awards held in Canberra.
Melbourne's Crown Promenade Hotel won the Deluxe Accommodation category, while charming Monreale Estate, in the lush Dandenong Ranges, took out the Hosted Accommodation award.
Warrnambool's Fun4Kids Festival won the Festivals and Events category, while Geelong Otway Tourism scored the Meetings and Business Tourism award. Both have now won their category two years in a row and will be in the running for the National Hall of Fame next year if they make the finals.
The Tour and Transport Operators gong went to Go West Tours which specialises in day tours to the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island, while Koorie Heritage Trust received a highly commended in the Indigenous Tourism category for coming within one point of the winner. This is Victoria's best achievement in this category at the national level.
Melbourne will host the next Australian Tourism Awards gala ceremony in February 2009.
For more information, go to victoriantourismawards.com.au
Five-star camping at Wilsons Prom
Visitors to Wilsons Promontory can now camp in style at four new Parks Victoria Wilderness Retreats located in the heart of the national park.
After the success of their retreats at two other Gippsland locations - Buchan Caves and Cape Conran - Parks Victoria has built four similar eco-friendly luxury tents at Tidal River, Wilsons Prom.
Located in a tranquil area of the Tidal River campgrounds, the retreats combine the natural experience of bush camping with the comforts you would expect from modern huts or cabins.
The elevated, luxury, safari-style tents ‘touch the earth lightly’ as they sit on innovative modular galvanised steel frames which do not require concrete footings.
The retreats are set up for couples, but can comfortably sleep up to four people. Each contains a queen size bed, two bedside tables, table and chairs, foldout bed and small fridge. They also have private ensuites comprising a shower, vanity basin and toilet.
The tents are completely weatherproof and include a covered hardwood timber deck and lockable canvas door. The bedroom furniture has been handmade by a Gippsland furniture-maker from local, sustainably-grown mahogany.
All linen and towels are provided, as is crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils. Guests also have use of a communal kitchen.
For more information, go to www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
Media contact: Caroline Hamilton, Parks Victoria on (03) 8627 4821 or email chamilton@parks.vic.gov.au
New boutique apartments on Great Ocean Road
Accommodation options in the Shipwreck Coast city of Warrnambool continue to grow with the opening of 104 on Merri Apartments.
The six luxurious two- and three-bedroom self-contained apartments all boast a private balcony, spa bath and secure underground parking for those driving the famous Great Ocean Road.
Each apartment features a large open-plan living area with timber flooring, full kitchen with quality European appliances, digital TV, DVD player, air-conditioning and free wireless internet connection.
Main bedrooms have a king size bed, while other bedrooms have either a queen size bed, king single or single beds. All master bedrooms are equipped with an LCD television. The main bathroom features a large spa bath with beautifully appointed fittings and another TV.
104 on Merri Apartments are in a prime position, across the road from Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and its impressive ‘Shipwrecked’ sound-and-laser show. It is a short stroll to the beach and shopping strip.
For further information, go to www.104onmerri.com.au or call 0448 668 738
Fashion gets racy at Champions
Champions – the Australian Racing Museum and Hall of Fame - at Federation Square has launched an exciting permanent exhibition which will appeal to fashionistas and racing fans alike.
The Myer Field of Fashion collection celebrates the strong influence racing has had on fashion for almost 150 years.
The exhibition features a colourful collection of race-day outfits from the1870s to now, including winning entries from past ‘fashions of the fields’ competitions (including the outfit worn by 18 year-old Margaret Gaudion who took out the inaugural ‘fashions of fields’ prize in 1962), cutting-edge designer garments and a dazzling selection of millinery and accessories.
A highlight of the exhibition is a replica of the controversial mini dress worn by famous UK model, Jean Shrimpton, to Derby Day in 1965. Other items on show include funky metallic outfits, zany prints and colourful shift dresses worn by models including former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins.
The collection also traces the evolution of men’s racing fashion and includes a handsome ‘morning suit’ which was worn to the track by Mr Andrew Peacock, former leader of the Liberal Party of Australia, in the 1980s.
Champions is open daily from 10am to 6pm.
For further information, go to www.racingmuseum.com.au
Media contact: Rebecca Elliott, Racing Victoria Limited on 03 9258 4628 or email r.elliott@racingvictoria.net.au
It’s ‘Game On’ at ACMI
The world’s biggest exhibition of video games and gaming has arrived at Melbourne’s innovative Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).
Game On is an action-packed celebration of games culture which explores the development of video games - from the first computer games right through to the billion-dollar industry it is today.
The interactive exhibition features more than 125 playable games in their original formats, including the classic 1970s arcade games of Pong and Space Invaders as well as movie-inspired greats such as Goldeneye.
Original illustrations by Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto, and concept sketches behind classics like Tomb Raider and Grand Theft Auto, provide a unique insight into the creative process of game development.
Other highlights include rarely-seen consoles, controllers, packaging, collectables and the creative works of those involved in some of Australia’s best games.
Game On is the largest exhibition dedicated to the history and future of games and runs until Sunday 13 July 2008.
Tickets are available for purchase at ACMI (located at Federation Square). Admission prices are: adults $15; concession/children $10; and family (two adults, two children) $44.
For more information, go to www.acmi.net.au
Media contact: Danielle Poulos, ACMI, on 03 8663 2415 or email danielle.poulos@acmi.net.au
Zoos’ baby boom
Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo have recently welcomed new additions to their animal families – Healesville celebrated the arrival of two baby platypuses (in February) and Werribee a hippopotamus calf (in late March).
The three births are a tribute to both facilities’ successful breeding programs and provide visitors with a rare opportunity to watch the baby animals bonding with their parents.
Media contacts: Virginia Lovett, Healesville Sanctuary on (03) 9285 9416 or vlovett@zoo.org.au; and Miranda Toumbourou, Werribee Open Range Zoo on 0410 578 020.
Honey to the bees in Beechworth
The new Beechworth Honey Experience in north-east Victoria celebrates the region’s sweetest product – honey.
At the centre you can learn about Beechworth’s long association with honey and the process of how this sticky treat is made.
The story of honey is illustrated in an interpretive display which includes a beekeeper who takes visitors on a journey to see how bees collect the golden nectar from flowers, eucalyptus forests and valley grasses. The honey then goes to a
modern packing plant where it is extracted, filtered and bottled.
Visitors can also enjoy honey-themed treats, such as honey biscuits and honey flavoured ice-cream, in the centre’s courtyard. Kids will love the giant jigsaw puzzle and the challenge of spotting the queen bee in the glass-fronted live bee display.
The Beechworth Honey Experience – located at the corner of Ford and Church streets - also features a concept shop that sells souvenirs, gifts and lots of delicious honey. It is open daily from 9am to 5.30pm.
For more information, call 03 57281432 or go to www.beechworthhoney.com.au
Media contact: Karen Mills on 02 6033 2322.
Special Packages:
Inspiring deals for a Gippsland get-away
Gippsland is a region with diverse and inspiring natural attractions, including breathtaking coastline, unspoilt beaches, tranquil lakes, lush fern-gullies and state forests, all offering an unforgettable experience. Visiting Gippsland is a delight and offers scenic winding roads through forests and national parks that are popular destinations for skiing in winter, and bushwalking, fishing and cycling in the warmer months. No matter the season, there is an abundance of locally produced food and wine to stock up on, thanks to the region’s fertile soil and top fishing spots. Gippsland is offering a range of hot deals for you to come and experience all that this beautiful region has to offer.
Birchwood Retreat romantic getaway – $330 per package*
Birchwood Retreat romantic getaway – $330 per package*
Nestled amongst the magnificent Strzelecki ranges, the Birchwood Retreat offers all the charm of the great outdoors from within luxuriously appointed cabins. Located in Mirboo North, just a two hour drive from Melbourne, where you can go fishing, bushwalking, swimming and play golf, or spend your time relaxing in a beautiful rural environment. Start each morning with a continental breakfast before you head out to explore the region, and later in the day unwind over a glass of beer or wine and chocolates and dinner at the Grand Ridge Brewery. This fabulous package includes:
- two nights’ accommodation for two in a self contained cottage
- a $60 dinner voucher for Grand Ridge Brewery including transfers
- continental breakfast daily
- beer or wine and chocolates.
*Terms and conditions apply.
For more information: call 03 5668 1757 or visit www.birchwoodretreat.com.au
Escape to ‘The Prom’ - $21.50 per package*
Escape the daily grind and go camping at Wilsons Promontory National Park (The Prom), where you can relax on the beach, discover wildlife and listen to the sound of the ocean while you fall asleep. Don’t miss this fantastic camping offer which includes:
- one campsite for three people for one night
- park entry.
*Terms and conditions apply.
For more information: call 13 19 63 or visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
Free Prom Country Information Pack
For those wanting to experience one of Australia’s most loved National Parks, contact the Prom Country Visitor Information Centre for a free Prom Country Information Pack featuring:
- Official Visitors’ Guide
- official touring map
- sticker and postcard.
Also reserve your copy of the 2008 Winter Warmers brochure today, featuring 20 attractive packages.
For more information: call 1800 630 704 or visit www.visitpromcountry.com.au
Diary Notes
Late April/May 2008
Shakespeare on the River Festival, Stratford, 23 April – 4 May
This colourful community festival, at Stratford on the Avon River in Gippsland kicks off on Shakespeare’s birthday - 23 April -and continues for two eventful weeks. Activities include theatrical productions, cabaret performances and a village fair.
Inquiries: 03 5145 6571 or go to www.stratfordshakespeare.com.au
Warrnambool May Racing Carnival, 29 April - 1 May
Over 35,000 spectators will join in the excitement at one of Australia’s popular regional racing carnivals, located in Warrnambool on the Great Ocean Road. Warrnambool Racing Club will be buzzing with horse racing action, trackside fashion and activities for the whole family. The highlights of the meet are the Grand Annual Steeplechase, covering over 5500m and 33 jumps and the Warrnambool Cup.
Inquiries: call 03 5562 2211 or visit www.warrnamboolracing.com.au
Melbourne Jazz International Festival, 29 April – 4 May
Melbourne’s river precinct will become the jazz heart of the city with a spectacular array of ticketed and free concerts by many fine international and Australian jazz artists. Enjoy a wide selection of jazz styles, including Latin, blues and gospel. Melbourne will come alive with music to enchant all jazz lovers.
Inquiries: call 03 9820 3699 or visit www.melbournejazz.com
Kellybrook Cider Festival, Yarra Valley Park 3 – 4 May
Fancy a real cider? Don’t miss the 19th annual Kellybrook Cider Festival, celebrating cider and all things west of England. Enjoy live music, morris dancing and cider making demonstrations. Have a traditional ploughman’s or squire’s lunch followed by some tempting apple based desserts. To whet the palate, try a refreshing sparkling draught cider, fresh apple juice and Kellybrook Winery’s full range of wine and apple brandy.
Inquiries: call 03 9722 1304
Puffing Billy Steam Railway Great Train Race, Dandenong Ranges, 4 May
Now in its 27th year, the annual Great Train Race is one of Australia’s most unusual and challenging fun runs. Each year, thousands of runners race against Puffing Billy to see if they can beat Australia’s famous historic steam train. The colourful course is 13.2 kilometres long and competitors run through the picturesque Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave to Emerald Lake.
Inquiries: call 03 9757 0775 or visit www.puffingbilly.com.au/info/specials
Grampians Grape Escape, 3 - 4 May
Now in its 17th year, the Grampians Grape Escape is an exciting weekend getaway and a great opportunity for wine lovers and foodies to sample the flavours of this delicious region. Visitors can drink and graze around the temporary village which features views of the Grampians National Park as a backdrop. Regional producers from all over Western Victoria will showcase their products alongside local wineries. A lively mix of live entertainment will add colour to the event.
Inquiries: visit www.grampiansgrapeescape.com.au
Bright Autumn Festival, 26 April – 11 May 2008
This two-week annual festival is held in Victoria’s North East and uses the autumn colours of the region as a central theme. The 2008 festival will feature the Gala Day Parade on Saturday 3 May, open gardens, winery tours, arts, crafts and antiques, art exhibition and a fun family day five kilometre bike ride with free barbecue lunch.
Inquiries: visit www.brightautumnfestival.org.au
The Great Ocean Road International Marathon, 17 – 18 May
The Great Ocean Road Marathon provides the most spectacular and challenging course of any marathon in the world and is aimed at runners and walkers of all abilities. Residents of the Greater City of Geelong are eligible for the major prize, a trip to Japan Senshu.
Inquiries: call 03 5224 2466 or visit www.greatoceanroadmarathon.com.au
Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival, Melbourne, 17 – 18 May
Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival is an annual event which celebrates Melbourne’s religious diversity and multicultural society. Running over two days, the colourful festival is held at Federation Square and commemorates the birth of Buddha and promotes cooperation, community understanding and harmony in the community. Ceremonies include ‘Bathing of the Buddha’, daily Dharma ceremonies, the Wishing Bell, a vegetarian culinary tour along the River Terrace, dance performances and children’s games.
Inquiries: call 03 9314 5147 or visit www.bliav.org.au/festival
Beechworth Harvest Celebration, 18 May
Showcasing the diversity and quality of Beechworth’s local produce, the Beechworth Harvest Celebration is held annually on the third weekend in May. It brings together local food and wine producers under a marquee in the main street in town, with lots of local produce to taste and buy. From 11am to 5pm, celebrate the end of the harvest with wine workshops, street entertainment, cooking displays, competitions and food art. Beechworth is in north-east Victoria, approximately three-and-a-half hours’ drive from Melbourne.
Inquiries: visit www.beechworth.com/harvest
32nd Historic Winton, 24 - 25 May
Australia’s largest and most popular all-historic motor race meeting presents two action-packed days of non-stop racing featuring over 400 historic racing cars and motorbikes from the 1920s to the 1980s. Held at Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla, Victoria
Inquiries: call Noel Wilcox on 03 5428 2689 or visit www.historicwinton.org