Celebrate Australia Day with a chance to head Down Under with CBC celebrities Arlene Dickinson, Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman, or Kary Osmond
Tourism Australia and CBC's 'There's Nothing Like Australia Contest'
TORONTO, Jan. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - Just in time for Australia Day on January 26, Tourism Australia has partnered with CBC to send four popular TV personalities "down under" accompanied by a few lucky Canadian fans this spring. Arlene Dickinson of Dragons' Den; lifestyle experts and hosts Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman; as well as Kary Osmond, host of the CBC show 'Best Recipes Ever', will explore several areas of Australia according to their individual interests as part of the 'There's Nothing Like Australia' contest hosted on the CBC's website.
There's Nothing Like Australia Contest
Arlene will be exploring the vibrant culture and nightlife of Sydney as well as the natural wonders of Tropical Queensland, touring the Great Barrier Reef and the northern Australia rainforest. Steven and Chris will be discovering Australian fashion, design, art and culture by touring Melbourne's famous laneways and architecture. They will be seeing some of Australia's unique wildlife in their natural habitat on a 'walkabout tour' and ending their trip with a stay at luxury resort Saffire on the Island of Tasmania. Kary will be in a foodie's dream exploring the vineyards in and around Perth and Adelaide while meeting with local top chefs, winemakers and brewers. She will also get the inside scoop on the Australian culinary scene at a food festival in Adelaide.
"Tourism Australia is excited to partner with CBC and Arlene, Steven, Chris and Kary to showcase our unique nature, wildlife and food and wine experiences," says, Daryl Hudson, Vice President, Americas for Tourism Australia. "We hope their fans and the Canadian trip winners who accompany them will be able to see that with a country as diverse as Australia, any trip to Australia can be tailored to suit a traveler's own personal interests."
To enter go to http://www.cbc.ca/nothinglikeaustralia/index.html. The contest entry period closes on March 5, 2012.
Australia Day
Canadians have a long wait before relaxing on the patio and toasting to Canada Day under the summer sun, so why not borrow a little virtual sunshine from our Commonwealth friends and celebrate Australia Day on January 26?
Australia Day is an official holiday to commemorate the First Fleet of settlers from Great Britain that arrived in Sydney Harbour in 1788 but it has evolved into a modern day celebration of Australia's diverse society and landscape, past achievements and aspirations.
Australia Day Festivities in Canada
Here in Canada, true-blue Aussies and Aussies-at-heart are planning celebrations that include musicians, chefs or other cultural figures from Australia or culinary dishes and drinks inspired by the lifestyles of our Aussie friends. In major cities across Canada, Australian clubs and food and wine societies are putting on special dinners and concerts to celebrate. However, if you can't make it out to one of these events or live outside one of Canada's major cities, there are fun and easy ways to host your own Aussie bash at home.
Five Easy tips to bring Australia into your own home
- Brekkie of Champions - Start the morning with tea and vegemite on toast to get into the Aussie mindset.
- Iconic Grub - Incorporate favourite Aussie foods like meat pies, roast lamb, fish n' chips and pavlova for dessert - if you can get your hands on some Twisties (Aussie corn chips) even better.
- Fire up the Barbie - No matter what the weather outside is like, don't even think about throwing an Aussie bash without some BBQ. Serve a meal centered on grilled surf and turf and all of your mates will be impressed.
- Head to the 'Bottle Shop' - Hand guests a pint of Aussie lager or glass of Shiraz from one of Australia's famed vineyards when they walk in the door and your party will be off to a great start.
- Party Time! - No need to break out the Didgeridoo. Instead play John Williamson's True Blue for any loyal expats at the party; for the Canadians a little INXS, AC/DC, Kylie Minogue and Men at Work should do.
Booking your trip to Australia, today!
For many Canadians, time and cost might be an issue but a trip to Australia is easier than you think. In the past few years, more airlines are flying to Australia, including Air Canada from Vancouver, Qantas via Los Angeles and Dallas, Delta, Emirates and Virgin Australia to name a few. The increased competition and availability of greater value air passes allow more flexibility in traveling to and within Australia. From romance and luxury to family and adventure travel, there are also a wider range of air and land vacation options all year round. You can find many of these inspiring travel planning tools on www.Australia.com
And if you book up until the end of January through Flight Centre, you receive $200 off when you fly with Australia's airline Qantas. To book an Australian getaway go to http://www.flightcentre.ca/campaigns/australia.
Kristin Mills, Ketchum Public Relations
[email protected]
416-355-7417
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