Bush farmers in outback NT tap into agritourism to stay afloat. Cattle musterer Nicole Lorimer moved her family to a run-down Northern Territory cattle property three-and-half years ago because they "didn't want to have all of our eggs in one basket".
Key points: NT farmers are tapping into agritourism to diversify their incomesFarmers say a labour shortage is one factor that has destabilised the agriculture industryFarmers hope the remoteness of NT properties will appeal to visitors The family had struggled after a snap ban on live cattle exports to Indonesia in 2011, which brought the Territory's cattle industry to a standstill. "Ninety per cent of our cattle went to live export," she said. With the purchase of the 242-hectare Ooraminna Station, nestled within the 242,340-hectare Deep Well Station, Ms Lorimer, her partner and three young children tapped into Australia's burgeoning agritourism industry.
At Ooraminna Station, cattle meander past stone cottages and walking trails crisscross a vast wilderness. World of Dinosaurs put Creswick on the map, millennium technology killed it off. When Tim Myers put out a call on social media asking for photos of regional Victoria's World of Dinosaurs theme park, he was swamped.
"I got inundated with people sending photos," he said. A volcano of nostalgia erupted over a carefree time in the 1980s and 90s when a weekend picnic looking at large motionless dinosaurs was a big day out. "Bringing up those happy memories of what we used to do in the 80s, being a kid back then, people missed it," Mr Myers said. He now has a photo album full of strangers straddling life-sized dinosaurs.
Meet the man taking old safes out of closing Tasmanian bank branches. Rudy Valentino is a bank robber — of sorts.
Key points: After years of collecting safes, Rudy Valentino opened a shop in LilydaleHe has worked as a locksmith for over 20 yearsWhen a bank branch closes in Tasmania, Rudy takes the safes out and keeps them He is a safe specialist based in Lilydale, a small town in Tasmania's north-east, and work has never been busier. "Banking is changing a lot — little country banks are closing and main banks in the cities are being redeveloped," he said. Outback Queensland star astrotourism destination as Charleville boasts state-of-the-art Cosmos Centre.
For astronomer Mike Dalley, the opportunity to trade the crystal clear waters of the Maldives for the red sand of outback Queensland was too good to refuse.
Three years ago, he packed his bags and headed to Charleville, armed with a dream to turn the town's Cosmos Centre into a world-class astrotourism attraction. Friday was Mr Dalley's last day as the coordinator of the centre, which he said was now unrecognisable compared with when he arrived. After a COVID-ravaged year, Uluru's tour operators and Anangu eye off economic recovery. Residents of the Mutitjulu Aboriginal community on the outskirts of Uluru briefly blockaded the gates to the iconic national park last year, fearing tourists arriving from interstate would spread the COVID-19 virus.
Key points: Visitation to Uluru plummeted 77 per cent in 2020Locals say the destination has struggled, with few other income drivers nearbyBut many are hopeful there are early signs of economic recovery But they are now preparing to welcome them back as vaccines are rolled out across the country and government-subsided half-price airfares to Uluru become available in April. In Spain, the pandemic is killing the nation's most iconic artform — flamenco. Sweat pours from the lead dancer's long, flowing hair as his feet pound the wooden platform in the small cafe.
Next to him, a guitarist strums furiously with his bare fingers while another dancer claps and cries: "Asi se baila! " Campervan renovators are riding high in an era of domestic holidays. Before COVID, cabinetmaker Callum Keyssecker and carpenter Chris Holmes were renovating their friends' vans into campervans for some extra income and trying their hands at a different style of work.
Key points: Van-to-campervan renovators are booked up for months, with vans themselves hard to sourcePeople are taking to domestic driving holidays with international border closuresRV manufacturer Jayco has employed 200 extra workers to try to meet demand for new vehicles In a global pandemic and under its restrictions on international air travel, it would make their skill sets heavily in demand. The pair from Kiama on the NSW South Coast are booked-out with van conversions until June — for those able to buy a van to renovate in the first place. "It was just a little niche thing and we thought we'd give it a crack, and then COVID helped us out," Mr Holmes said. Camping and hiking fees at NT parks and walking trails to increase from July 1. An essential part of the Territory lifestyle — hiking and camping — is about to become significantly more expensive.
Over the next three years, starting this July, weekend campers and multi-day trekkers will pay increasingly higher park fees, the NT government announced today. Here are the main things you need to know before digging deeper into your pockets to enjoy the natural beauty of the Northern Territory. Camping fees are increasing For the first time since 2000, campers will pay more to sleep at NT campsites. The fee increase of up to $3.40 per night at all NT campsites will begin on July 1 this year. Victoria's Great Ocean Road is going quiet, and it's both a blessing and a curse for locals. Throngs of Melburnians swamped the Great Ocean Road this summer, eager to escape the city after months of hard lockdown.
But absent this year are the tour buses brimming with international visitors, mostly from China, that have become increasingly common at Victoria's most popular tourist destination. The Great Ocean Road attracts 2.7 million visitors a year, more than Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef combined. And while the vast majority of visitors are domestic, for the businesses that rely on the thousands of annual bus tours, the year is off to a slow start. Asian tourist numbers plummet Tom Hyunh is the general manager of Extragreen Holidays, a business that provides tours mostly to tourists from Asia, and he said his company's fleet of buses are sitting idle. Australian Open tennis players find fault with hotel quarantine, but your horror stories put them to shame.
The world's best tennis players are doing it a bit tough at the moment.
They've flown to Melbourne for the Australian Open but have been met with hard quarantine in sometimes less-than-lavish circumstances. Some don't have balconies. One likened it to a prison. Russian player Yulia Putintseva complained of mice in her room only to have the Victorian Police Minister later accuse her of feeding them. Tournament director Craig Tiley cautioned his crowd that their bugbears may not garner much sympathy with Australians, and he may have been right. In light of the complaints from a select few, we asked the ABC audience to share their own horror hotel stories from their travels.
Northern Land Council opposes NT park entry fee plan, citing tourism impact. One of the Northern Territory's most powerful land councils is opposing the NT Government's introduction of national park entry fees for now, citing the impact it could have on tourism during the pandemic. Key points: The NLC boss says the fees would have a "negative effect" on Indigenous tour operatorsSome traditional owners say they support the fees, but want extra oversightThe NT Government says it will begin consultations in the coming weeks The NT Government has confirmed it will start charging international and interstate visitors entry fees to popular Top End tourism drawcards such as Litchfield National Park during the next financial year.
The Government says the entry fees will not apply to Territorians taking a day trip. But Marion Scrymgour, the chief executive of the Northern Land Council (NLC), said the peak body for the Top End's traditional owners "did not support the introduction of park-use fees at all NT parks at this time". Calls for more help as international border stays closed due to COVID threat. Australia's tourism industry has demanded more financial support amid warnings the nation's international border could remain shut for much of this year.
Key points: Australians have been warned international border restrictions could be in place for "most" of this yearThe tourism sector says it cannot survive on domestic travel alone, especially if state borders keep closingThe Federal Government has defended its support measures and says JobKeeper won't be extended again Almost 12 months after travel restrictions first started being imposed, Health Department secretary Brendan Murphy said he could not see them lifting any time soon. Cairns' Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park shuts for good as COVID wreaks tourism havoc. A pioneering Far North Queensland Aboriginal tourism attraction, which was once the scene of a controversial visit by the Queen, has become the latest COVID-19 victim and will close its doors for good. Key points: Tjapukai was struggling financially before the COVID-19 pandemic hitThe tourist attraction has educated visitors about Australia's rich Indigenous culture since opening in 1987 About 65 staff have lost their jobs as a result of the park's closure The Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park in Cairns, which has educated and entertained more than 3 million people over the past 33 years, was always heavily reliant on international tourism.
When the pandemic started, it was forced to go into caretaker mode and the Tjapukai board has now confirmed that the park will not reopen. "The closure of Tjapukai wasn't a decision made lightly or quickly," a statement from the board said. NT Kakadu wetlands tourism site to close, as visitor numbers decline. A Northern Territory Government-run tourist attraction, Window on the Wetlands on the edge of Kakadu National Park, will close from January 1, 2021, after declining visitor numbers. Key points: The NT Government said the Windows on the Wetlands was a declining attraction that had to be shutPrivate investors will be invited to purchase the attraction and run it as a private businessThe NT Opposition said the decision was 'nonsensical' given the impact of COVID on tourism Window on the Wetlands is located on the top of the highest point on the Adelaide River floodplain and offers 270-degree views of Kakadu wetland areas.
From shanty shelters to luxe lodgings, Tasmania's bush huts have evolved. If you're one of the hundreds of thousands of people who visit Tasmania's picturesque national parks every year, you may have noticed the tracks are littered with small, wooden huts. As you fight your way through native plants or scramble up remote cliff faces to panoramic viewpoints, these small shanty houses appear in the distance, sometimes in the most unlikely of places.
So how did they get there, and why were they built in the first place? The reasons include shelter from the harsh and ever-changing weather, and the desire for expensive honeymoon attire for English brides. NT Government signs tourism marketing contract in Europe despite coronavirus travel ban. The United Arab Emirates is trying to rebrand its image by making changes to its 'antiquated' legal system. Jawoyn traditional owners build job opportunities for Katherine's Indigenous people. NT mine closure has Jabiru community anxious about an uncertain future, and some are already leaving - ABC News. Cruise ships could revive Queensland tourism, but how will they impact its environment? - ABC News. Disability group hoping to encourage Tasmania's tourism industry to be more accessible to everyone - ABC News. Forty years after Yeppoon bombing that stunned the nation, Capricorn Resort's future still shaky - ABC News.
On November 29, 1980 — state election day — Queenslanders awoke to news of a bombing at the construction site of the Iwasaki Sangyo resort, north of Yeppoon. Tensions were high in the central Queensland community, with some strongly opposing Japanese ownership and development of the 9,000-hectare property. How Ballarat gold rush museum Sovereign Hill survived its own internal rebellion to turn 50 - ABC News. Marion Littlejohn says she does not belong at Sovereign Hill, the living museum 100 kilometres northwest of Melbourne.
Auslan signing helps create a new way of understanding home for tourists in the COVID-19 era - ABC News. Danni Wright has travelled all corners of the world but has always felt there was something missing. Abrolhos Island seabirds at greater risk than ever before, says long-time scientist - ABC News. How a Lombok fisherman and a shark lover became unlikely allies. A road in front of Andrew Forrest's eco-resort to be moved for 'safety' after one crash in five years - ABC News. Coronavirus lockdown takes Bruny Islanders back to a quieter time. Posted about 4 hours agoThu 23 Apr 2020, 10:16pm. Country tourism has been crippled by coronavirus but it's ready to rise again when restrictions ease. Bali's tourism-dependent economy is 'collapsing' due to coronavirus travel bans.
4WD hire firm goes into liquidation as clients chase money owed amid court action. Eco-tourism proponent slammed for 'ridiculously low' lease of island in World Heritage Area. Indonesia plans to build '10 new Balis' across the country to lure more international tourists. Indigenous ecotourism venture in Millstream National Park subject of newly-granted lease. Plans for Kangaroo Island eco-lodges to be pursued despite bushfires levelling Flinders Chase. Bushfire recovery package to tackle Australian tourism's 'biggest challenge in living memory' Cockle Creek caretakers volunteer at southernmost point of Australian track system. Gippsland's Lakes Entrance hopes for tourist revival post bushfires. Where did the urban legend of the dangerous Australian drop bear come from? WA tourist town of Denham to become zero-emission community powered by hydrogen.
Low tide leaves Venice's canals dry, just months after severe floods. Birdsville Hotel changes hands after 40 years, but staff expects 'business as usual' at iconic pub. Community campaigns emerge in wake of fires as tourism industry braces for hefty losses. Tasmanian lavender farms being loved to death by tourists seeking social media photos. Bushfires scare off East Gippsland tourists as businesses face struggle to stay afloat. Middleton has the quirkiest pub in a one-horse outback town you've probably never heard of - ABC Rural - ABC News. Outback adventure track Tanami Road on a $235 million path to being sealed. Pacific island of Palau bans sunscreen toxic to coral reefs in environmental world first. The Dog on the Tuckerbox is back in place at Gundagai, hopefully for the last time. Northern Territory Government calls for Jabiru funding to be fast tracked to shore up post-mining future.
Why Evie Farrell ditched the daily grind and took her 6yo on an epic backpacking adventure. Island holiday destinations in all shapes and sizes that don't require your passport. Broome in the firing line as tourist towns grapple with 'grumpy' grey nomads. Darwin Cup predicted to net $25 million for ailing NT economy. Marijuana legalisation could turbocharge NT via tourism, taxes, and horticulture, economist says.
Gas bottle Minions find social media stardom on remote Queensland highway. Right destination, wrong photo: How tourism is plagued by misleading advertising. 'Untourist' movement shuns global, mass tourism over local, unique and sustainable ventures. Silo art brightens up rural town with local farm characters Whisky the kelpie, Diamond the sheep. Australians are eating more cheese, butter and yoghurt, and Timboon is milking the trend. Darwin comes out in colour for annual beer can pandemonium. Indigenous tour operators eye gap in WA market as cultural awareness demand grows. A space station crash landed over Esperance 40 years ago, setting in motion unusual events.
The Golden Nugget affair. Nara Park visitors urged to stop littering after nine deer die from swallowing plastic bags. Australians love the beach, but sometimes it should be restricted to a few. How a little blue boathouse in Perth became the hottest selfie spot on Instagram. Adelaide River crocodile guide Harry Bowman says farewell after 30 years. 'Sleep with me ... or I rape you': Backpackers speak out ahead of working visa change. Railton hopes to top topiary with a mountain bike-led revival in Tasmania's north-west. Rare bird and passionate twitchers provide huge economic boost.
Eden Project's grand plans to transform disused Anglesea coal mine into eco-tourism attraction. Reserve Bank's latest outlook challenges 'strong economy' rhetoric - Australia Votes - Federal Election 2019 - Politics. Australian tourists bored with Bali look to enjoy international holidays in Sri Lanka. Hope for barramundi soap to bring tourists into quiet fishing town. Sensory tourism helping the vision impaired experience the world differently. Qantas grilled about sky-high regional fares at Darwin Senate hearing. CU in the NT 'had people talking', tourism boss says in wake of product ban. 'CU in the NT' slogan could be axed from Nightcliff Markets by Darwin Council.
Venice is facing multiple tourism threats and many Venetians now want controls on visitors. Tourism Queensland chair faced perceived conflict of interest in national park tender. Taxpayers to cop $1.3m Hinchinbrook clean-up bill, as more developers invited into national park. Wildcare Tasmania issues urgent call for volunteer caretakers in tourism hotspot. Christmas Island believes it could be the next big tourist destination, but there's just one problem. Rottnest Island is rapidly hitting capacity, but can it cope with the influx of tourists? Maize maze just the trick in keeping winery's cellar door open to the public - ABC Rural - ABC News. Chinese tourism boom could slow down if Australia becomes complacent, expert warns. Qantas axes Darwin flights as Minister declares tourism stimulus package a success.
Tasmania's Bruny Island visitors encouraged to use dog poo bags in lieu of toilet. Salt Creek roadhouse shuts amid Coorong camping closures and government 'neglect' Scott Morrison and Bill Shorten scramble to announce more than $200m to save Kakadu National Park. The Ship That Never Was: Play about convict escape celebrates 25 years in Strahan.
World's largest wooden clock gives WA town hope of tourism revival. Wombats on Maria Island so cute that tourists urged to take pledge to keep distance. Apollo Bay luxury resort plans rejected by State Government over 'excessive size and scale' Gavle Goat and the Swedish city's battle to stop vandals burning down their Christmas symbol. Bruny Island tourist influx a double-edged sword for those calling it home. Cruise ships lure passengers with roller-coasters, sky-diving simulations and robot bartenders. How the WA town of Kulin reinvented itself and brought the tourists flooding in. Small town's fortunes improve as whale visits boost tourism.