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Byron Bay named as one of ‘World’s Best 20 Surf Towns’ by National Geographic
National Geographic has named Byron Bay as one of the ‘World’s Best 20 Surf Towns’, especially for families. The list measures the surf destinations not only for wave quality but the complete experience for locals and visitors. With Australia described as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime trip’, National Geographic promotes Byron and the rest of the country as an experience that will enchant all age groups. Read the article here.

Qantas boosts capacity to Canberra and Tasmania
Qantas will add more than 1,700 seats per week to services between Melbourne and Tasmania, boosting capacity on routes to Hobart, Launceston and Devonport. Qantas’ daily Sydney to Hobart flight will also be retimed to provide access to a wider range of connections across the domestic and international network. Canberra operations will increase by up to 1,076 seats per week, with five additional weekly Q400 flights from Adelaide, as well as one weekly return Melbourne-Canberra flight upgraded from a Q300 to a Q400. For more information please contact Emma Kearns - qantasmedia@qantas.com.au

Sydney Opera House shares ‘Big Moments’ with JCDecaux
Sydney Opera House has partnered with JCDecaux to launch a campaign incorporating social media into outdoor sites around Sydney in the lead up to the landmark’s 40th anniversary next year. The campaign, called Big Moments, invites the public to share their memories and photos from the House on Sydney Opera House’s Facebook timeline. These are broadcast on JCDecaux touch screen panels at Pitt Street, Martin Place and Circular Quay, allowing passersby to interact with the screens like a giant tablet device. The Big Moments campaign can also be explored at www.sydneyoperahouse.com/bigmoments. For more information please contact Richard McGowan - richard@rmgcoms.com.au

Wollongong secures multi-sport festival event
Wollongong will host a new multi-sport festival with the launch of the Wollongong City Gran Fondo and Multi Sport Festival. Destination NSW, in partnership with Wollongong City Council and events management company USM Events, have collaborated to stage a two-day signature cycling and sports festival from 8 to9 December 2012. The event is being positioned as NSW’s major cycling, triathlon and multi-sport event, with objectives to become Australia’s largest mass-participation cycling event and a key fixture on the global cycling calendar. Up to 4,000 riders will compete in either a 100 or 160 kilometre road race that will start and finish in Wollongong, taking in key towns in the Illawarra region.

Kangaroo Island visitors spoilt for choice with new food and wine trail
Visitors to Kangaroo Island can now sample the island’s best food and wine along the new Kangaroo Island Farm Gate and Cellar Door Trail. There are three suggested itineraries developed for visitors with varying amounts of time on the island, taking in a range of local producers, cellar doors and events. The trail was developed by Tourism Kangaroo Island (TKI), with funding provided through the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Destination Development Fund. For more information please contact Caitlin Jones - caitlin.jones@tourism.sa.com

El Questro Homestead opens three new Cliff Side Retreats
Three new Cliff Side Retreats have opened at El Questro Homestead, a luxury retreat overlooking the Chamberlain River in El Questro Wilderness Park in The Kimberley. The Retreats offer uninterrupted views across the Chamberlain Gorge where turtles, catfish and wild barramundi can be seen from the room's balconies and outdoor baths. El Questro Homestead is also the newest member of Luxury Lodges of Australia. For more information please contact Jill Collins - jill.collins@barkingowlcommunications.com.au

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