Category Archives: Australia

Here is why you should fly with Qantas from the UK to Australia

UK-to-AustraliaFlight tickets to Australia remain in high demand, owing to the country’s ever-growing popularity as a wonderful holiday destination. Though, plenty of airlines operate regular flights to Australia from the UK’s leading airports, Qantas remains an old favourite. This leading Australian carrier not only offers more flight frequencies than any other airline, but also promises a wonderful experience with its award-winning facilities. Here is why flying to Australia with Qantas makes for a rewarding experience.

Abundant Flight Options

From London Heathrow, Qantas operates two flights a day. Besides, it offers many code-share flights from Heathrow as well as the other cities in the UK like Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester. In short, Qantas offers you abundant choices and great flexibility, when it comes to travel from the UK to Australia. Many of the Qantas’ flights on the route are single-stop, usually via its secondary hub, Dubai International Airport.

Save on Domestic Australian Flights

AustraliaWith Qantas Walkabout Pass, you could save considerably on the domestic flights within Australia. Qantas is the leading Australian carrier and operates flights to almost all the regional airports.

Delightful Classes and Amenities

With three different cabin classes – Economy, Premium Economy and Business, Qantas offers something for every style and budget. No matter how you choose to travel, their award-winning in-flight amenities will certainly give you an enjoyable journey. For guests flying aboard upper class cabins, the airline offers complimentary access to its airport lounges, located around the world.

Get Rewards on Each Booking

Qantas has a frequent flyer programme, which makes flying with the carrier exciting and rewarding. Ranked among the most rewarding frequent flyer programmes, it offers plenty of ways to earn Qantas Points that can be redeemed for an array privileges. Some of them include lounge access, award tickets and priority services at the airport.

WOMADelaide 2015, a Perfect Event for Music Buffs in Adelaide

WOMADelaide spells as four days of festive partying.  Artists, dancers, and musicians from all around the world perform at the event to create an unforgettable experience. The Botanic Park of Adelaide becomes the venue for incredible performances by over 400 internationally renowned artists from across the globe.

WOMAD festival by gentlebird/ CC BY

WOMAD festival by gentlebird/ CC BY

About the Festival

The roots of the festival can be traced back to WOMAD (World of Music, Arts & Dance), which was started by the musician Peter Gabriel in 1982. WOMADelaide is the Australian WOMAD festival, which commenced officially in 1992. Each year, the event has attracted more and more fans from around the world. Not only does WOMADelaide offer unique and extraordinary music performances, it also features a number of other charms that makes the event ideal for visitors of all ages. Travellers making Adelaide flight ticket bookings for March would do well to catch the entertainment doled out at the festival. The diversity of the audience reflects the widespread popularity of the event.

The Activities this Year

WOMADelaide 2015 would be marked by performances and workshops across 7 stages by the world’s top traditional and contemporary artists. For kids, there will be a KidZone activity area where little ones will be kept busy for hours. Food buffs can explore the “Taste The World” programme, where guests will be treated to various cuisines amidst much fanfare. Just a couple of other colourful highlights are “The Planet Talks” environmental discussions program and “Electrolounge”.

Electrolounge

Four of the top electronic artists in Adelaide will rock this year’s chill-out lounge in Speakers Corner. And, guess what? The nights will be even more fantastic by the visual creations of VJ Levon Hudson.

Around the Park

Stages are where the action is but WOMADelaide has more to offer. Here are a few of the charms you can explore around the park:

•    Architects of Air-Exxopolis
•    Artonik- The Colour of Time
•    Hammocktime
•    Mr Culbuto
•    Osadia
•    TTW Restaurant -  Street in the Park

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 is Ready to Rock Australia and New Zealand!!

World cup by vijay chennupati/ CC BY

World cup by vijay chennupati/ CC BY

This year’s Valentine’s Day is not only about love and romance; it would also mark the commencement of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. This is the most important cricket competition in the world and takes place after every four years. This time round, the action is going Down Under – Australia and New Zealand. So, if cricket fires your passion, it would be a lovely time to visit these countries. You will catch the action first hand and of course also explore the cultural richness of Australia and New Zealand. Now, let’s check out a few details of this quadrennial sporting event.

Teams

The cricket world cup features 14 teams that are divided into two pools, Pools A and Pool B.
Pool A – England, Australia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Afghanistan and Scotland
Pool B – South Africa, India, Pakistan, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland and United Arab Emirates

Schedule

The 2015 Cricket World Cup is scheduled from 14th February to 29th March. In total, 49 matches will be played and Australia and New Zealand will host 26 and 23 matches, respectively.

Venues

These 49 matches will be played across 14 venues; 7 each in Australia and New Zealand. The opening ceremony will take place at North Hagley Park, Christchurch, New Zealand, and Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia. The public will have free access to both the events.

Teams to Look Out for

Australia – The co-host is the only team to clinch the title of the world champion as many as four times in the past. Undoubtedly, Australia is ready to fight “tooth, nail, and claw” for a chance to lift the coveted cup once again.

India – The defending champions would sweat it out in the field to retain the title. It’s going to be interesting as the declining form of the country has made experts a little sceptical about India winning the title.

New Zealand – The six time semi-finalist, New Zealand is striving to surprise the world with its best show on the field. Being the co-host, the Black Caps will get the benefit of playing on its own turf.

South Africa – South Africa is one of the strongest teams in the game. They have reached semi-finals thrice but haven’t made it to the finals yet. This time they would be going all out to break the jinx.

Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2015 – A Must Visit for Fans Travelling to Melbourne

grand-prixWhere: Melbourne

Dates: 12 to 15 March 2015

If you have already explored the best of Melbourne, here is what you should be exploring now. Melbourne welcomes its visitors to enjoy the four entertainment-packed days. Grand Prix lovers, who are booking tickets on flights to Melbourne in the month of March to enjoy the race, are sure to be amazed with the experience. Here is a quick peek at the schedule.

12th March – Behind the Scenes

Every true motorsport fan waits for this day. On this day, fans can get up close to all their favourite Formula 1 drivers. Visitors are also allowed free access to the Autograph Stage. Watch the first day of action that is packed with Practice and Qualifying for all support categories on track.

13th March – The Supercars

Thirteenth March is all about adrenalin-pumping experiences. Watch the Supercars perform the hair-raising stunts, watch the drivers hustle for pole position in Formula 1 Qualifying – it is one of a kind experience. Whether you are with friends or family, make sure you are in the entertainment zones to get the best of all the thrills and breathtaking stunts.

14th March – Action All Areas

One of the most thrilling parts of the event, Formula 1 Qualifying is must watch. The experience of watching the world class drivers compete is breathtaking. The day does not end here; continue to explore the live music and death-defying stunts in the entertainment zones around the venue.

15th March – Race Day

The final and the most important day of the event: Race Day.  If you are not rushed by the adrenaline, you might get overwhelmed by the kind of atmosphere, the crazy crowd will make. Watch the exciting race, cheer for your favourite driver and shout with the crowd – there is no other option than to have absolute fun!

How to Get Here

Travellers who are booking tickets aboard flights to Australia will be delighted to know that the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2015 venue is easily accessible through a number of Melbourne’s transport network including trains and buses. It is important to know that there is no public parking at the circuit. Limousine, helicopter and other services are available for the visitors. Visitors can contact 1800 800 007 for up-to-the-minute train, tram and bus timings.

Top December Events Setting the Festive Mood of Perth

Merrymaking in Perth, Australia is about to scale newer heights with a variety of events taking place in different parts of the city. Are you one of those holidaymakers boarding flights to spend December in Perth? If yes, here’s a list of events you should consider being part of!

torontoSwim Thru Rottnest

Swimming in December is enough to give you chills! But in Perth, this is the summertime when you can enjoy a refreshing swim through warm waters. Swimmers buying tickets to disembark flights here in December must contemplate participating in Swim Thru Rottnest, the most popular swimming event in the city. Since 1977, this annual event is taking place in Rotten Island, a natural paradise located just a few kilometres from the coast of Perth. In 2014, this event is scheduled to take place on 06th December and the 1600 metres race will start at 1300 hrs.

Thriller Live

Ardent fans of Michael Jackson would do anything to catch the action of this December event in Perth. Be a spectator to this incredible two-hour theatrical production which features non-stop hits of Michael Jackson and Jackson Five. This 12-day event is commencing on 10th December at Crown Theatre and tickets for this show are available online. Buy tickets for Thriller Live and pay tribute to the King of Pop!

Morning Melodies

As the name suggests, this event is sure to entice music enthusiasts. Visit His Majesty Theatre on the morning of 17th December to listen to the upcoming Opera singers and immerse into the quintessential festive spirit. This Christmas concert will start at 1030 hrs. Opera lovers boarding flights to Perth during mid-December can buy tickets for this concert. And the lucky ones could win Christmas door prize as well!

Kings Park New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Kings-ParkFamilies choosing Perth to celebrate their New Year’s Eve in the Australian way must add Kings Park to their itineraries. The botanic gardens here are among the most serene spots in Perth. New Year celebrations in this alcohol-free, smoke-free and glass-free venue would definitely be a unique experience for tourists.

Top 3 Venues Flaunting Performing Arts Scene in Melbourne

Want to sip on the cultural peg of Australia? Melbourne is the answer!

Top-3-Venues-Flaunting-Performing-Arts-Scene-in-Melbourne

This metropolitan yet artistic city illustrates the rich Australian culture through a variety of performing arts events. Art enthusiasts, from across the globe, board flights to visit Melbourne to be a part of events taking place at the most notable performing arts venues in and around the city! Here’s a list of top-notch venues that facilitate the flamboyant performing arts scene of Melbourne.

Palais Theatre

This prestigious edifice was established in 1927 as a cinema but today, it is the largest seated theatre not only in Melbourne but in the entire Australia. Its name is there on the Victorian Heritage Register and entices large number architecture lovers with its captivating Art Deco style. The theatre is connected to various city points by tram, train as well as bus. The theatre hosts several musical performances all through the year. For these events, tickets are available on the official portal. List of facilities here include classy bars, cloaked counter and an ATM.

Festival Hall

Besides being a prominent concert venue, this site also hosts numerous sporting events. This almost a century-old hall was founded as West Melbourne Stadium in 1915 and served as a premium place to catch the action of professional wrestling and boxing bouts. Today, besides several indoor sporting events, travellers also buy tickets to enjoy the power-packed musical performances of world-renowned bands and solo singers. Festival Hall can accommodate more than 5000 spectators (including 1700+ seating capacity) at any given point in time.

Sidney Myer Music Bowl

This top rated outdoor performing arts venue is listed in Victorian Heritage Register. Its proximity to entertainment precincts like Southbank and Arts Centre make it easy-to-locate venue. With a capacity of over 30,000, it is best known for hosting annual event Carlos by Candlelight on Christmas Eve. Holidaymakers disembarking flights in Melbourne can consider visiting Sidney Myer Music Bowl to enjoy theatre shows, music concerts, Operas and an array of temporary exhibitions.

Annual Festivals that Explicate the Cultural Affluence of Australia

Studded with multicultural magnificence, Australia hosts several events and festivals all throughout the year that celebrate the amalgamation of various traditions. No matter what time of the year you choose to book flights to Australia for, the nation would have a festival to be on your list. Let’s look at few prominent annual events and festivals that mark the cultural richness of Australia.

National Multicultural Festival

This free community festival is an annual event that takes place in Canberra, the capital city of Australia. The city is hosting this festival since 1981 and even after 33 years, the charm, excitement and exhilaration is still intact. This four -day fest comprises of music, dance and creative performances by individuals and groups from across the globe. Food is another significant highlight of this cultural festival. Culture vultures buying tickets on Australia flights to visit Canberra in February can be part of this extravaganza.

Woodford Folk Festival

This is another popular annual festival on Australian calendar. This folk festival enhances the enchantment of Queensland’s town, Woodford. To immerse in the traditional fun of this fest, check the availability of flight tickets for December-January. During this fiesta, Woodford becomes a world of entertainment and excitement for six days.  The town is located around 70kms from Brisbane and visitors staying in this city can easily commute to Woodford to enjoy the folk dances, music, arts and much more. Spotlight of the closing ceremony is the dazzling Fire Event on New Year’s Eve.

Melbourne International Arts Festival

Several performing art lovers book flights to Melbourne in October to experience the grandeur of Australian arts at Melbourne International Arts Festival. Also famous as Melbourne Festival, this 17-day festival features several circus, music, dance, multimedia and visual arts events taking place at several popular performing arts venues in Melbourne. First edition of this arts fiesta was held in 1986 and was known as Spoleto Festival. Several family-friendly events are also featured on the list of Melbourne festival.

Drive along the Scenic Beauty of Australia at Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay!!

Australia’s fly drive tours are hugely popular amongst global holidaymakers planning to grab air tickets onboard flights for vacationing in the nation. Such adventurous trips allow travellers to hire a four-wheel-drive for driving around Australia’s knotty highways and exploring the spellbinding local delights. Most visitors love to experience the authentic charms of the Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay, one of the most loved fly drive tours of Australia. Read on for a superb tour idea that’s sure to offer you a gratifying experience in the gorgeous land of kangaroos!

Fly-Drive Options

Explore the western part of Australia that unfolds as a paradisiacal stretch of land that never fails to impress nature and marine life lovers. The entire stretch boasts a company of wild whale sharks, manta rays, dugong, and bottlenose dolphins swimming freely in their natural habitat. The trip starts at Exmouth, which impresses the visitors with its memorabilia of exciting sightseeing wonders. Keen explorers on this trip ensure their chances of a pleasing rendezvous with superb outback views just before turning towards Monkey Mia to experience one of Australia’s thrilling wildlife encounters.

Ningaloo Reef

Ningaloo Reef by Robert Young/ CC BY

From Exmouth, head south to start exploring the revelries of Cape Range National Park and crisscross through pristine coastlines featuring glittering beaches that front Ningaloo Reef. Holidaymakers may even wander around like locals, and check out some prominent attractions of the region which includes the Heritage-listed lighthouse, the only kerosene-burning light station of Australia. Further, return to Exmouth and head towards Coral Bay, a quite relaxed hamlet boasting a gorgeous coast with Ningaloo Reef. Adventure lovers taking the tour may hire a snorkel and float through the stunning corals to relish a memorable experience.

Cape Cuvier is the next halt of this tour. It allows the travellers to witness a remarkable winter feeding frenzy, with whales and sharks forcing shoals of fish against the cliff-lined coast. For those who wish to continue their drive further south, they can head to Carnarvon to Steep Point and even further to Hamelin Pool to Monkey Mia.

Add a German Tinge to your Australian Holidays with Brisbane Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest by digital cat/ CC BY

October does not only mark the commencement of the last quarter of the year but this is the month when German cultural fiesta ‘Oktoberfest’ becomes a rage in several countries. Splendour of this beer festival is spread as far as Australia, and Brisbane flaunts the most extravagant facet of Australian Oktoberfest. This year i.e., in 2014, Brisbane Oktoberfest is scheduled to create a splendid German-styled aura on 10th-12th and 17th-19th October. Let’s check a few popular highlights of this festival.

German Cultural Impressions

Since this Oktoberfest is a cultural import from Germany, visitors get an opportunity to dance to German beats, wear traditional dresses and gorge on authentic delicacies. Moreover, one can be a part of various competitions that are popular in Germany for years and win prizes. Tickets for the fest are available online however, if you want to take part in competitions, you need to register in person at dedicated counters.

Miss Oktoberfest Brisbane

The competition’s name might sound like a beauty pageant but it is a little different. Besides beauty, contestants also need to prove to their physical strength as well. They need to carry as much steins as they can. On top of it, participants need to wear traditional dress called dirndl. To clinch the coveted title of Miss Oktoberfest you need to be between 18-35 years of age. And to be a winner, you must know about various aspects of Oktoberfest. Want to be a part of this fun-filled contest, mark 11 October 2014 in your calendar!

Bavarian Strongmen

This is one of the most popular competitions taking place in this fiesta of Brisbane. As the name suggests, this competition is for strongmen but in a team of three. Bavaria is the state in Germany where Oktoberfest originated in 19th century. And teams need to prove their strength in various Bavarian skill tests such as Bavarian-style wheelbarrow race, keg rolling and nailing. Jam doughnut eating competition always remains on the top of lists of spectators.

Other Highlights

Travellers boarding flights to enjoy October holidays in Brisbane must have Oktoberfest on their travel plan not only to catch the action of various competitions but also to indulge in various other activities. Few popular ones are powerful musical performance by Münchner Buam, an Oktoberfest band from Munich. Car lovers must buy tickets for this annual festival and check the collection of spectacular German cars at Autofest.

Where to Enjoy Perth Edition of Italian Film Festival 2014

Italian-Film-Festival-2014

Cinema lovers who have booked tickets to fly to Australia during September-October will have a wonderful time; the nation celebrates Italian Film Festival during this time. The event is in its 15th year and eight Australian cities are hosting the Italian Film Festival 2014; Perth is one of them. Event has already started in this city from 24th September and you can enjoy the cinematic flavour till 15th October. Let’s take a look at venues to enjoy screenings of popular films at Perth event.

Cinema Paradiso

This is one of the best places where you can catch the action of Italian Film Festival in Perth. This state of the art facility is notable for screening mainstream as well as art movies. There is hardly a film festival in Perth that does not feature Cinema Paradiso on its menu. It is strategically located in Northbridge’s Cafe and nightclub area on James Street and boasts four cinemas. Movies like Zoran My Nephew The Idiot, Marina, University: More Than Friends, and Darker Than Midnight are sure to entice cinema buffs to purchase tickets for this hep venue.

Luna Palace Cinemas

Luna Palace Cinemas is another venue featuring several events of this film fiesta. This cinema is conveniently located just a short walk from Fremantle Train Station. The facility is famous for proximity to markets, art galleries, live music, beaches and much more that visiting tourists may be interested in.

Luna Leederville

It is considered as one of the funkiest cinemas in Perth which are famous for legendary film screenings. Owing to its location in Central Perth, it is easily accessible from all corners of the city. Cinema lovers boarding Perth bound flights can not only spend time watching movies like Boyhood, Felony and The Little Death but can also gorge on scrumptious delicacies at Leederville’s snazzy restaurants.

bamBOO Outdoor Cinema

If you are looking for a unique experience of watching movies buy tickets for this venue to enjoy timeless classics as well as contemporary titles. bamBOO is an open air venue and is famous for offering a lavish cinema experience coupled with a memorable night at a plush bar.

Windsor

Large parking area and incredible connectivity with Central Business District make this Perth Cinema a preferred choice for many visitors. Travellers boarding flights to enjoy October holidays in Perth can visit this cinema and enjoy the screening of movies like Wish I Was Here, A Most Wanted Man and Magic in the Moonlight. After movies, one can relish the taste of Indian fare at Maharaja Indian Restaurant located adjacent to Windsor.