Search

Tourist fined after posting this one photo on social media

<p>A man has been fined after flouting the rules to get the perfect photo with a quokka at Rottnest Island. </p> <p>The tourist was visiting the popular nature reserve, off the coast of Western Australia, when he was tracked down by authorities after posting a photo of him holding the marsupial on Instagram, despite signs saying not to touch the vulnerable animals. </p> <p>"Feeding and touching quokkas is not permitted for the safety of visitors and the welfare of the animals," A Rottnest Island Authority spokesperson told <em>Perth Now</em>. </p> <p>The unnamed tourist copped a $200 fine and an infringement was issued over the weekend, but the spokesperson said he was not evicted from the island.</p> <p>The Rottnest Island website also clearly states the rules against touching the furry animals.</p> <p>"It’s important, for their safety and yours, that you don’t touch the quokkas," the website read. </p> <p>Tourists are also warned that touching the marsupials can make them sick, spread disease and cause mothers to abandon their young if they carry an unfamiliar scent. </p> <p>Samuel Cornell, a research fellow from UNSW, told <em>Yahoo News Australia </em>that these rules exist for a reason. </p> <p>"The rules are there usually to protect people's own safety, first and foremost. And then secondly, of course, we enact rules to protect the environment," Cornell said. </p> <p>"They are still wild animals, but because they're plastered all over social media and people are used to seeing pretty pictures with them, I think people then have this interpretation of them that they're just some fluffy, safe creature that you can just go up to and pick up."</p> <p>Cornell added that tourists flouting the rules is not just an issue in Rottnest Island, but "a problem across Australia," including popular tourists destinations like K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), Babinda boulders, and Wedding Cake Rock in Sydney. </p> <p>"Some people do just ignore rules or signs because they think they know better or they really want a photo in a certain place," he explained. </p> <p>"But there are a subset of people that will claim 'oh, I didn't actually see the sign or I wasn't really aware'".</p> <p><em>Images: PerthNow/ Getty</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Tragic update on man buried alive on Bribie Island

<p>Vibrant and energetic 25-year-old Josh Taylor, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/family-of-man-who-was-buried-alive-breaks-silence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">who found himself buried</a> in the sandy depths of Bribie Island, Queensland, has succumbed to the severe injuries sustained during the tragic incident.</p> <p>After five days of battling for his life, Josh's family made the agonising decision to switch off his life support.</p> <p>Josh's untimely demise stemmed from a seemingly innocent gathering on Bribie Island, where he and his friends were digging a sand pit to cook a pig in the traditional Maori style of hangi.</p> <p>Witnesses recalled the horrifying moment when Josh, while standing on a chair, lost his footing, and the sand beneath him gave way. He stumbled backwards into the deep hole, disappearing from view. It took a team of 15 people to pull him out.</p> <p>An off-duty paramedic and loyal friends resorted to using ropes tied to Josh's feet, pulling him free from the suffocating grip of the sand, but despite their valiant efforts, Josh had already endured significant injuries during the ordeal.</p> <p>As they pulled him from the hole, the force of the rescue exacerbated his injuries, leaving him without a pulse for a gut-wrenching 45 minutes. The nightmare unfolded before the eyes of Josh's family, who were also on the scene.</p> <p>Josh's father, Peter, was among those frantically digging to free his son.</p> <p>In their grief, following the decision to switch off Josh's life support, the Taylor family expressed gratitude for the compassionate efforts of those who helped to pull him from the sand, attempted to revive him at the scene, and provided care at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. </p> <p>“Without these people, Josh would not have had the opportunity to recover or give our family and friends these last precious days with him to say goodbye,” the Taylor family said in a statement.</p> <p>“He fought as hard as he could and is the most courageous person we will ever know. </p> <p>"Unfortunately, the injuries he received were too severe for him to overcome. We will somehow find a way to move on from this terrible tragedy.</p> <p>“He was the best son, brother, boyfriend and mate we could all have wished for. We love you Josh and will miss you every minute of every day. Goodbye mate until we see each other again.”</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook / 7News</em></p>

Caring

"She saw it and dodged it": Incredible scenes as tree plunges through seat in Schoolies crash

<p>In a harrowing incident on K'Gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, a group of teenage girls narrowly escaped a potentially tragic accident during their Schoolies celebration.</p> <p>The friends were exploring the picturesque island off the Queensland coast when a tree crashed through the windscreen of their car, plunging right through the headrest of the passenger seat.</p> <p>Miraculously, all occupants emerged unscathed from this near-miss, thanks to a combination of quick reflexes and the timely intervention of volunteers from the Fraser Coast Red Frogs.</p> <p>As the teens ventured through the island's terrain, their joyous celebration took a terrifying turn when a massive tree limb plummeted onto their vehicle. The impact shattered the glass directly in front of the passenger seat, creating a scene of devastation that could have resulted in serious injuries – or worse.</p> <p>Astonishingly, one of the girls was seated in the passenger seat at the time, and her quick thinking and agility allowed her to dodge the falling debris, narrowly avoiding a potentially life-threatening situation.</p> <p>Tim Winnington, the Fraser Coast Red Frogs coordinator, described the fortuitous nature of the escape, saying, "There was a girl actually sitting in the passenger seat. She saw it and dodged it. They were so lucky not to get injured."</p> <p>The Red Frogs, a charity organisation that provides support and education at events like Schoolies and music festivals, played a crucial role in the aftermath of the incident, with volunteers from the organisation waiting with the shaken teenagers until help arrived.</p> <p>Madhill Motor Group, the generous donor of the ute used by the Red Frogs team, highlighted the gravity of the situation with photos shared on Facebook to demonstrate just how close the call was. The teenagers, treated for shock by paramedics, were fortunate to walk away physically unharmed, a fact not lost on them or their friends.</p> <p>In the aftermath of the incident, a friend of the girls expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Red Frogs for their swift and effective response. “They were all so lucky to walk away with no one being injured, and very lucky the Red Frogs were on scene so quickly and helped them so much, getting them a room to stay, driving their car for them, cleaning up all the glass and calming them all down in this traumatic experience,” they wrote. “We are all extremely grateful that you were there.”</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Inside Jamie Durie's new Byron Bay holiday getaway home

<p>Once upon a time in the lush hinterlands of Byron Bay, where celebrities are as common as sunsets and vegan cafes, the notorious green-thumbed celebrity gardener Jamie Durie was up to some garden-variety mischief.</p> <p>He had just scored a sweet deal – a dairy farm called Akubra, situated about 22km southwest of Byron Bay. The price tag? A cool $3.6 million. <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">The way he splurged on this deal, y</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">ou'd think he was buying smashed avocado toast.</span></p> <p>The farm came with everything a celeb like Jamie could ask for – creek frontage to Byron Creek, a three-bedroom farmhouse nestled among mature trees, tropical plants, fruit trees, macadamia trees, and a bountiful vegetable garden. It even had a massive wood fireplace with a brick hearth, giving Jamie the perfect opportunity to toast marshmallows while he discussed the finer points of mulching.</p> <p>But it didn't stop there. Akubra was no ordinary farm; it was a place that could accommodate a menagerie that would make Old MacDonald blush. Up to 40 head of cattle? Sure! More than 300 sheep? Absolutely! And if that's not enough, bring on the chickens, llamas and goats. It was a veritable farm animal extravaganza. You could almost hear Jamie saying, "<em>You</em> get a llama, and <em>you</em> get a llama, and <em>you</em> get a llama!"</p> <p>There were six paddocks for all the creatures to frolic, and to top it all off, a five-hole golf course and a lagoon-style pool. Imagine Jamie mowing the grass while swinging a golf club – a true multitasking genius in the making.</p> <p>But there was one problem. You see, Jamie was also building a house in Avalon, costing a mere $2.75 million (pocket change for a celebrity gardener, of course). He had been dreaming about this project for six years, and this year, he had finally "broken ground". He was going for an energy-efficient, off-the-grid, state-of-the-art green home. This wasn't just any house; it was going to be so green that even Kermit would be envious.</p> <p>However, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/home-garden/jamie-durie-under-fire-for-controversial-building-plans" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the locals in Avalon weren't too thrilled</a> about his ambitious green dream. They opposed his plans with fervour, as if he wanted to build the Hanging Gardens of Babylon in their backyards. Jamie was bewildered. He even brought in experts, the Green Building Council of Australia, to vouch for his eco-cred. After all, the house he bought was more of a relic than a residence, having survived since the 1950s.</p> <p>"It is no longer fit for living," Jamie wrote, "and does not comply with current code requirements." And let's not even talk about the 70 years' worth of wild and woolly vegetation that had taken over. If Mother Nature had a say, she'd be like, "Yeah, Jamie, you've got some work to do here!"</p> <p>So, as Jamie Durie juggles his new holiday-escape-slash-dairy-farm in Byron Bay with his eco-friendly mansion project in Avalon, you can almost picture him in his gardening gloves, scratching his head, thinking, "Who knew that being a celebrity gardener could be so delightfully complicated?"</p> <p>Just another day in the life of this horticultural maestro, where buying a farm and building a green paradise are all in a day's work.</p> <p><em>Images: RealEstate.com.au / The Vine Foundation</em></p>

Domestic Travel

"Hot girl summer": Jackie O turns heads in swimsuit on enchanting getaway

<p>Radio host Jackie 'O' Henderson has embarked on a "magical" vacation to Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, accompanied by her close friend, Gemma O’Neill – leaving left her fans in awe with the beachside photos she shared online.</p> <p>The 48-year-old shared an image of herself and Gemma on the sandy shore, prompting her followers to declare that Jackie was fully embracing a "hot girl summer".</p> <p>"Deserted beaches, sunsets, super moons, no phones, and swimming with gentle whale sharks 💛 @gemmyjean, thank you for this incredible birthday gift," Jackie captioned the photos, some of which showed the duo swimming alongside these magnificent creatures.</p> <p>"Wow, that looks absolutely amazing 🙌," remarked Kylie Gillies.</p> <p>"It looks absolutely incredible! Adding it to my list ❤️❤️❤️," chimed in Michelle Bridges.</p> <p>"Your beautiful friendship with Gem is heartwarming. Hip, hip hooray, Jack! ❤️," gushed Melissa Hoyer.</p> <p>"Seems like you had a blast on your little getaway! Looks like so much fun," one user commented, while another exclaimed, "Absolutely stunning!"</p> <p>"That's the way to live 🙌," added a third.</p> <p>"Radiant beauties basking in the joy of life!" another fan noted.</p> <p>Several others complimented Jackie, calling her "gorgeous" and the experience "magical".</p> <p>This exciting adventure followed an amusing incident in which Jackie was caught with an embarrassing item in her luggage while en route to Western Australia.</p> <p>Before her departure, the producers of the Kyle and Jackie O show surreptitiously placed a large vibrator in her carry-on bag, ensuring it would be discovered by airport security by attaching it to a sizeable aerosol can.</p> <p>Jackie recounted the prank to her listeners on-air, stating, "That [phallic object] was in my suitcase, planted by our staff, so that when I went through security, it was uncovered. I could have died!"</p> <p>"They placed this [adult toy] in my bag, thinking it would be a funny joke," she continued. "[Airport security] showed me the X-ray and asked, 'What is this?' And I genuinely had no idea."</p> <p>Video footage of the prank was shared on the show's Instagram account, featuring Jackie with airport security as they inspected her bag.</p> <p>"I'm turning beet red! Stop it! Someone has placed something in there. It's not mine," she exclaimed to the unamused security personnel. "I'm mortified. My colleagues at work played a prank on me. I'm sure you've seen this happen before."</p> <p>"I felt like such a fool," Jackie admitted to her producers.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxxDebVPe72/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxxDebVPe72/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Kyle and Jackie O (@kyleandjackieo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Ultimately, Jackie had to retain the item and dispose of it herself, tossing it into a nearby bin.</p> <p>"Seriously, do you realise how humiliating that was? It was an incredibly lifelike object!" she exclaimed in the video once she realised that her producer had filmed the prank at the airport.</p> <p>Listeners thoroughly enjoyed the prank, with one Instagram user writing, "I'm currently in the hospital, and this made my day."</p> <p>"Best prank ever!!! It brightened my day," another fan praised.</p> <p>"OMG, this is hilarious!" a third person added. "I'm sorry, Jackie, I know you were embarrassed, but it was genuinely funny."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Domestic Travel

Why Jelena Dokic's European getaway has sparked outrage

<p>Jelena Dokic has once again been the target of online hate, after a seemingly innocent photo from her European holiday garnered a lot of unwanted attention. </p> <p>The former tennis champ, who is also a prolific Instagram poster, has been sharing snaps from her getaway with her 175,000 followers, as she revels in a European summer. </p> <p>Flying home from Croatia, the 40-year-old shared a picture from inside the plane, writing that she felt "recharged" after her trip as she flew back to Australia in business class. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwRn_BgJR-b/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwRn_BgJR-b/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by JELENA DOKIC 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺 (@dokic_jelena)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Her post was flooded with comments of support, with many saying they had loved her holiday content and wishing her a safe flight home as she enjoyed the luxuries of flying business class. </p> <p>However, there were also a slew of negative comments, prompting Jelena to address the hateful messages she had received. </p> <p>“I posted a couple of images of flying back from Europe, flying back home to Australia in business class. A few people have had an issue with that,” she said. </p> <p>Dokic said that she’d been accused of “showing off” and not being “humble” and noted that these comments weren’t acceptable.</p> <p>“I’m a big believer in, if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all,” she said.</p> <p>Dokic also explained that she realised she wasn’t everyone’s “cup of tea” but also pointed out that the response she’d received was still “social media abuse.”</p> <p>“I think for people to judge and shame people for posting something. It is mean, and it is a type of social media abuse,” she vented.</p> <p>She went on to clarify that while most of her comments had been supportive, she didn't think she should have to tolerate the barrage of abuse from the cruel minority. </p> <p>Dokic is no stranger to having to deal with online hate, after she went viral earlier this year in January because she was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/body/i-went-through-hell-and-back-jelena-dokic-reveals-tragic-truth-behind-old-photo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trolled</a> over her weight gain.</p> <p>She also took to social media to address the online trolling and called it “disgusting” and begged for people to stop.</p> <p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;"><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Travel Trouble

64-year-old man saved after crafting SOS symbol on remote island

<p>A sailor who found himself stranded on a remote island in the Bahamas due to his boat's mechanical issues has been successfully rescued after ingeniously attracting the attention of a passing plane.</p> <p>Recent aerial imagery provided by the US Coast Guard depicts the remarkable tale of a 64-year-old individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, crafting the letters "SOS" on the sandy expanse of the beach to signify his distress.</p> <p>The sailor's vessel had encountered mechanical failure during its voyage through the enchanting Bahamas archipelago, leaving him marooned for an arduous three-day stretch on Cay Sal Island.</p> <p>Prompted by the sighting of distress flares originating from a disabled sailboat, a vigilant coast guard aircraft sprang into action. Supplies including nourishment, water, and a radio for communication were air-dropped to establish a lifeline with the stranded sailor. Through this communication, he shared the details of his challenging ordeal.</p> <p>A coast guard ship was dispatched to retrieve the man, who remarkably remained in good health despite his trials.</p> <p>Cay Sal Island, an isolated landmass nestled within the Straits of Florida north of Cuba and west of the Bahamas, continues to stand as an uninhabited segment within the Bimini district of the Bahamas.</p> <p>Dev Craig, an officer within the coast guard, expressed a sense of pride in the team's accomplishment, stating, "We’re proud to have saved this man’s life. This case serves as a perfect example of why you must have the proper safety equipment on your vessel. Without seeing the flare, the case may not have had a successful outcome."</p> <p><em>Images: US Coast Guard</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Johnny Ruffo’s romantic getaway

<p dir="ltr">Johnny Ruffo and his girlfriend Tahnee have delighted fans with a series of stunning pics from their New Zealand getaway.</p> <p dir="ltr">The lovebirds took to Instagram to share multiple snaps from their adventure.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ruffo couldn’t hide his awe as he happily posed in front of a beautiful mountain in Queenstown from the deck of their accommodation.</p> <p dir="ltr">In another photo, the former <em>Home and Away</em> star - who is battling terminal cancer - wowed fans as he proudly shared video footage of the snow-capped mountains from a helicopter.</p> <p dir="ltr">The star was clearly obsessed with the surreal views as he also posted a photo of himself posing by the water with the mountains in the background.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Freezing cold but worth it for these views 🏔️🏔️🏔️,” he captioned the post.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CutKhhFr9VD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #F4F4F4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CutKhhFr9VD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Johnny Ruffo (@johnny_ruffo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">His girlfriend was as equally giddy about the trip as she posted a photo of herself on the mountains with the caption: “I think I might be a Winter girl at heart 🥶🥹🫶🏼”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CutK9DFxVmW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CutK9DFxVmW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tahnee Sims (@tahneesims)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">She also shared a selfie with her beau in matching beanies, and a little clip of them relaxing in the hot tub as they clinked their glasses.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CuwD4uNxMJI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CuwD4uNxMJI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tahnee Sims (@tahneesims)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The Home and Away star finally caught a well-deserved break as the pictures shared gave fans a glimpse into the sweet dates the couple went on for their romantic getaway.</p> <p dir="ltr">Friends and followers took to the comments to share their love for the couple.</p> <p dir="ltr">“What an amazing experience lovelies. Hope you’re having a great time 🥰👏🥂🥳😘,” Ruffo’s close friend and former <em>Home and Away</em> co-star Lynne McGranger wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Absolutely loving these pics what an incredible adventure ❤️” wrote one fan.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Johnny, I hope you & Tahnee are having the best time ever, that looks absolutely stunning guys. Much love & happiness to you both,” commented another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The best place. So beautiful, enjoy that cold air, hot tub and beautiful views,” wrote a third.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Beautiful couple so much love ❤️” commented a fourth.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

International Travel

5 things to enjoy on Kangaroo Island

<p>There’s plenty to love in this South Australian gem. Here are just five things you can enjoy on a visit to Kangaroo Island.</p> <p><strong>1. Eat, drink and be merry</strong></p> <p>Kangaroo Island might only be tiny, but it’s absolutely stuffed with gourmet food and top notch wine. Take the Kangaroo Island Farm Gate and Cellar Door Trail to discover farm gates, artisan producers, wineries and breweries. Don’t miss unique Ligurian honey, fresh oysters and marron, chocolate lavender fudge, sheep’s milk cheese and rich olive oil.</p> <p><strong>2. Walk with the animals</strong></p> <p>As the name suggests, you’ll find lots of kangaroos on Kangaroo Island – western greys to be precise. But that’s just the beginning. Walk among a colony of around 1,000 Australian sea lions (one of the rarest species in the world) at Seal Bay. Little penguins will start waddling along the shore from April and glossy black cockatoos will be nesting above. Look out for shy echidnas, sleepy koalas and the tiny rabbit-sized Tamar wallaby.</p> <p><strong>3. Head out onto the water</strong></p> <p>As soon as you arrive on Kangaroo Island, you’re going to want to get right off it again and back out into the water. Take an ocean safari to spot seals, sea lions and dolphins – you can even jump off and snorkel among them. Fishing charters will head out into the deeper waters off the coast in search of King George whiting, snapper, trevally, tuna and more. If you’re a surfer, you’ll fall in love with the uncrowded breaks of the island’s five main surf spots. There’s something for all levels of experience.</p> <p><strong>4. Get your heart racing</strong></p> <p>There are a lot of adventure to be had on Kangaroo Island. Jump on a quad bike to explore inaccessible parts of the island, climb the dunes of the Little Sahara for some sandboarding or explore incredible natural underground formations with a canyoning and caving expedition. For something a little more sedate, there are plenty of walking and hiking trails winding through the island.</p> <p><strong>5. Indulge in a luxury lodge</strong></p> <p>One of the most luxurious hotels in Australia (and in the world) is tucked away on the southwestern shore of the island atop dramatic ocean cliffs. Southern Ocean Lodge has just 21 rooms with lavish interiors, bespoke furniture and sweeping views. The restaurant serves up exceptional ‘paddock to plate’ cuisine and the award-winning spa will have you floating on a cloud.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram / Shutterstock</em></p>

Domestic Travel

Disturbing footage of dingo attacks revealed

<p dir="ltr">Disturbing footage of dingo attacks have been released by rangers following multiple attacks in a popular camping spot that occurred just weeks apart.</p> <p dir="ltr">Tourists have been warned to be wary of the wild animals after shocking footage emerged of a tourist being nipped while sunbathing.</p> <p dir="ltr">The video comes just weeks before a 10-year-old boy was attacked and dragged underwater by a dingo at K’gari Island – formerly known as Fraser Island – on June 16.</p> <p dir="ltr">The boy sustained puncture wounds to his shoulder and bruises to his collarbone because of the accident, which happened in front of a popular camping spot on the island.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The boy’s 12-year-old-sister who was nearby reacted quickly and ran to assist him,” Assistant principal ranger Danielle Mansfield said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The family treated the boy for puncture wounds to his shoulder and arms and scratches and bruises on his collarbone and arm.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Mansfield also said that rangers were closely monitoring the dingo responsible for the attack, which had blood splatters across its face and paws following the attack, although there are currently no plans to euthanise it.</p> <p dir="ltr">Two months ago, a similar attack occurred where a primary school-aged girl was<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/child-hospitalised-from-dingo-attack" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> hospitalised following a dingo attack</a> while swimming. The girl suffered bites to her head and fingers after the dingo attempted to drag her underwater.</p> <p dir="ltr">Rangers have also released dashcam footage of another dingo chasing a young boy and an adult male, in an area close to where the 10-year-old boy was attacked, just two weeks before the unfortunate incident.</p> <p dir="ltr">The dingo was euthanised for “poor behaviour”.</p> <p dir="ltr">This comes a few weeks after another dingo was euthanised following a string of attacks, including a sunbathing tourist, a seven-year-old boy and a 42-year-old woman.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dingoes are native to K’gari Island, but a few of them fail to show any wariness towards people, and are increasingly brazen as a result of people deliberately or unintentionally feeding them, rangers said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We have increased patrols in the region to monitor the wongari’s (dingo’s) behaviour and pass on dingo-safe messaging to campers and visitors,” Mansfield said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“These animals are capable of inflicting serious harm, and they have bitten children and adults, and some are quite brazen and are not fleeing when yelled at or when someone brandishes a stick.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“People think it won’t happen to them, but it can happen to anyone and that’s why rangers are providing dingo-safe information to as many people as possible,” she added.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We don’t want any incidents on K’gari, and people must understand that dingoes are wild animals and should never be fed or interacted with.”</p> <p><em>Images: Queensland Department of Environment and Science / News.com.au</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Reality TV star welcomes identical twin girls

<p>Reality TV star Dani Dyer has welcomed two baby girls with her partner, footballer Jarrod Bowen. </p> <p>The <em>Love Island UK</em> winner, who won the show in 2018 with her ex-partner Jack Fincham in 2018, shared the happy news on her Instagram on Thursday. </p> <p>Dani didn't reveal the identical twin girls' names, but confirmed the date of their birth, May 22nd, in the caption. </p> <p>Dani is already mum to Santiago, two, who she shares with with ex Sammy Kimmence.</p> <p>Her <em>Love Island UK</em> co-stars were quick to send their congratulations, with season one winner Cara De La Hoyde writing, "Congratulations Dan they are beautiful ❤️."</p> <p>"Congratulations to your beautiful family ❤️," Zara McDermott added, while season four winner Molly-Mae Hague added, "Congratulations beautiful 😭😭😭."</p> <p>Dani is the daughter of English actor and presenter Danny Dyer, who's well known for his role in British soap <em>EastEnders</em>.</p> <p>Dani shared the news of her pregnancy with a sweet announcement post, showing her son Santiago holding a letter board with the ultrasound pictures of her new babies. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CnpWIihrD1x/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CnpWIihrD1x/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by ♡ Dani Dyer ♡ (@danidyerxx)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"We have been keeping a little secret... Our little TWINS!" she wrote.</p> <p>"So excited to meet our babies and watch Santi be the best big brother.. The biggest surprise of our lives but feeling SO blessed.. our family is getting a lot bigger and we can’t wait."</p> <p>Just weeks after announcing the pregnancy, Dani confirmed the gender of their babies in another Instagram post. </p> <p>"A lot of you have been asking on the gender of our babies and we are so excited to share with you all that we are having identical twin girls. Half way our little darlings."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

Pirates of the Caribbean island up for sale

<p dir="ltr">A Bahamian island, which was the backdrop for two iconic blockbuster films, is now up for sale for the eye-watering price of $150m.</p> <p dir="ltr">The island, known as Little Pipe Cay, was used as a backdrop for two Hollywood films: <em>Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl</em> and <em>Casino Royale</em>, a film in the James Bond franchise.</p> <p dir="ltr">Spanning across over 40 acres of land, the island boasts stunning white-sand beaches and what locals refer to as “Bombay-Sapphire Blue” waters.</p> <p dir="ltr">The main property has 11 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms and four cottages, it’s basically like having a private mini resort.</p> <p dir="ltr">The property also has a deepwater dock that’s big enough for a superyacht, so you can host boat parties or simply cruise around with your peers.</p> <p dir="ltr">The lucky buyer will feel like they are on a never-ending getaway, as they can escape into the gardens or take a dip into the Olympic-sized infinity pool, the perfect place to appreciate the stunning tropical scenery.</p> <p dir="ltr">For those looking for some indoor activities, the island also offers a gym and spa, in the fully staffed island so that you will never need to lift a finger.</p> <p dir="ltr">The island is also home to many exotic plants and animals, including dolphins and sea turtles, so for those nature lovers it’s the perfect place to reconnect with mother nature.</p> <p dir="ltr">Alternatively, if you decide you’re bored of the same views, you can hop on a helicopter and fly off to another island or country, as the island also has a helipad for your travelling needs.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: realestate.com.au/ Engel & Völkers Bahamas/ Getty</em></p>

Real Estate

Glorious private island hits the market

<p>A private island, sitting on about 27 hectares of land with a magnificent home offering 360-degree views of the water, has been posted online for sale.</p> <p>The “luxury bespoke” property was built with high-end finishes, and designed so “abundant sunshine reaches every inch of the home”.</p> <p>“It’s an incredible opportunity. There’s a fantastic panorama, the water surrounding you. It’s a pretty awesome part of the world,” Peterswald For Property agent Nick Morgan said.</p> <p>Located on Ram Island in Little Swanport, Tasmania, the property is suited to those looking to get away from the chaos of the city, he said.</p> <p>It offers two kitchens, three bedrooms, a study, a media room and two bathrooms.</p> <p>Peterswald For Property has listed it for $7 million dollars.</p> <p>“Harmonious indoor to outdoor living transitions from the main lounge and dining to a wrap-around north-facing timber deck, from where the views are simply magical and unmatched,” the online advertisement read.</p> <p>The home has been designed with an eco-friendly mindset and is supposed to be completely self-contained with 45kW solar, and 250,000-litre capacity water tanks.</p> <p>Visitors can access the island via boat with private jetty access.</p> <p>“Entertain within complete seclusion anywhere on the island, where birdlife visitors include oystercatchers, rosellas, white-bellied sea eagles, wedge-tailed eagles, and owls. Wallabies and kangaroos also appear frequently,” the advertisement said.</p> <p>“Take a short stroll from the main house to the water’s edge, via the outdoor fire pit, where dolphins and seals are known to frequent close to the shore.”</p> <p>Morgan revealed the current owner had purchased the piece of land on Tasmania’s east coast about 20 years ago, and the home has never been lived in.</p> <p>“We’ve had some good inquiries. Our marketing reach has been fantastic. I’ve had a number of inquiries from both local and interstate people,” he said.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Peterswald For Property</em></p>

Real Estate

Jackie O and Carrie Bickmore pretty in pink for girls' getaway

<p>Jackie O and Carrie Bickmore spent their weekend enjoying a mini girls' getaway as they celebrated their friend’s birthday in the NSW coastal town of Byron Bay.</p> <p>The pair were both dolled up in pink as they marked the 40th birthday of a mutual friend Gemma O’Neill, a former 2Day FM executive producer on <em>The Kyle & Jackie O Show</em>.</p> <p>“Weekend in Byron spent celebrating my besties @gemmyjean 40th,” Henderon, 48, captioned her carousel of Instagram photos from the event held at Halcyon House in town.</p> <p>The radio giant stunned in a figure-hugging Rebecca Vallance hot-pink dress paired with white Christian Louboutin heels, an outfit that was certainly celeb-approved.</p> <p>“Gorgeous,” commented singer Delta Goodrem, while TV personality Jessice Rowe wrote, “Divine.”</p> <p>Bickmore was colourful in a floral minidress and wedges as she posed for a series of snaps with the birthday girl.</p> <p>“Happy 40th Gem. You have packed more in the first 40 years than most. Can’t wait to see what you do with the next 40,” the 42-year-old former wrote on Instagram alongside the images.</p> <p>Henderson <a href="http://debuted%20her%20slimmed%20down%20figure/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently debuted</a> her slimmed down figure following a dramatic 18kg weight loss in early 2023, with the help of WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers).</p> <p>Her transformation sparked rumours that she had used the diabetes drug Ozempic to lose weight – an injectable that helps to increase insulin production and suppress appetite.</p> <p>The mum-of-one addressed the rumours on <em>The Kyle & Jackie O Show</em>.</p> <p>“That diabetic medication people talk about taking, I don’t take that,” she told co-host Kyle Sandilands.</p> <p>“Honestly, you can do it, guys. But I will say, I reckon [cutting out] alcohol and [frequent] exercise was a big thing. I’ve never done [that] before so that was kind of the kicker for me.”</p> <p>Bickmore has also been under the spotlight with rumours she is dating Tommy & Carrie co-host, Tommy Little, amid her split from long-time partner Chris Walker.</p> <p>However, Little put a stop to the rumours on 2DAY FM’S<em> Hughesy, Ed & Erin</em> show after he revealed he is single and just signed up to celebrity dating app Raya.</p> <p>“I just can’t keep telling the apps that it’s me, because it’s so desperate saying, ‘Hey, Tinder, that’s actually me!’” Little said, admitting people kept reporting his profile as fake.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Beauty & Style

Remote Scottish island hits the market

<p>If you’ve ever dreamt of escaping the rat race and living a life of complete isolation, then look no further.</p> <p>A remote island situated off the southern coast of Scotland, Carlocco Island is up for sale, priced at offers over £150,000 ($A280,317).</p> <p>“There’s still a very romantic sentiment attached to owning your very own Scottish private island, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some peace and tranquillity in the most beautiful scenery around,” Aaron Edgar of Galbraith Group, the agent handling the sale, said in a statement.</p> <p>The nearest town is almost 10km away with the closest train station Dumfries an hour bus ride from that town. London is more than 563km away with Edinburgh over 160km away.</p> <p>With lush green grass and rocky outcrops reaching the sea, the island covers an area of around 10 hectares, but there are no buildings, only a flood pond providing water to livestock and wildlife in the colder months.</p> <p>According to the listing, no one has ever applied for permission to build on the island, so it would be up to the buyer to investigate any development possibilities with local authorities.</p> <p>At low tide, the island can be reached on foot, by tractor or quad bike. As for the rest of the time, a boat is required for travel, with a pebble beach for them to be anchored, “the perfect base to explore the island, partake in some cold water swimming…and enjoy a waterside picnic,” Edgar said.</p> <p>The island sits in a Site of Special Scientific Interest, an area in the UK defined as of particular interest due to the rare species of fauna and flora it’s home to, and is also a shelter for all types of wildlife, including great black-backed gulls, and rare plants like rock sea lavenders and fragrant orchids.</p> <p>Mr Edgar expects a lot of interest in the unique property, “We have witnessed strong demand from domestic and international parties for entire private islands, having handled the sale of several in Scotland,” he said.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Galbraith Group</em></p>

Real Estate

Child hospitalised from dingo attack

<p>A primary school-aged girl has been hospitalised after getting attacked by a dingo while swimming at Queensland’s K’gari-Fraser island.</p> <p>It is understood that the girl was swimming in shallow water on the eastern side of the island on April 3 when the dingo launched at her in an attempt to drag her underwater.</p> <p>Family members on the island were able to free the girl, however, she suffered bites to her head and fingers.</p> <p>A RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter arrived at the scene and she was treated by paramedics and a critical care doctor before being flown to Hervey Bay Hospital where she remains in a stable position.</p> <p>The girl was pictured sitting upright and holding a stuffed toy when the helicopter arrived at the hospital.</p> <p>The incident comes after a five-year-old boy was attacked by a dingo and suffered a bite to his arm, head and buttocks while playing on a beach at K’gari-Fraser Island.</p> <p>The boy was with his nine-year-old brother in the sand when the incident occurred.</p> <p>Authorities said the attack was unprovoked and the boy’s father “quickly intervened” to pull the dingo off his young son.</p> <p>An off-duty paramedic rushed to the boy’s aid before he was flown to hospital to be treated for his injuries.</p> <p>K’gari dingoes are protected by law as native species on the island.</p> <p>There are an estimated 20 to 30 packs of the animals in K-gari, with each consisting of three to 12 dingoes.</p> <p>Visitors are urged to use caution as the wild animals are unpredictable and dangerous.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

News

What is myrtle rust and why has this disease closed Lord Howe Island to visitors?

<p>Some 70% of the World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/mar/17/most-of-lord-howe-island-closed-to-visitors-after-outbreak-of-plant-fungus">closed to non-essential visitors</a> in response to a recurrence of the plant disease myrtle rust.</p> <p>Myrtle rust, native to South America, was <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/invasive-species/diseases-fungi-and-parasites/myrtle-rust">first detected</a> in Australia on the Central Coast of NSW in April 2010. It is caused by a fungus that belongs to a group of plant pathogens known as the rusts.</p> <p>Rusts are among the most feared of all plant pathogens. They spread rapidly over thousands of kilometres on wind currents and can cause huge losses in plant production.</p> <p>For example, wheat rust research over the past 100 years at the University of Sydney has shown clear evidence of wind-borne rust spores travelling from central Africa to Australia. Wheat production losses due to rust have at times totalled <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/biosecurity/biosecurity-economics/potential-impact-wheat-stem-rust">hundreds of millions of dollars</a>.</p> <p>Myrtle rust rapidly invaded the entire east coast of Australia in the years after it was first detected. It has caused the near extinction of at least three rainforest species, including the native guava (<a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=19162">Rhodomyrtus psidioides</a>) and the scrub turpentine (<a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=15763">Rhodamnia rubescens</a>).</p> <p>The disease was detected at Lord Howe Island <a href="https://islandarks.com.au/files/2017/12/I-think-we-dodged-a-bullet-Implementing-a-Rapid-Response-Plan-for-a-Myrtle-Rust-incursion-on-Lord-Howe-Island-in-October-2016.pdf">in 2016, and eradicated</a>. Now it has managed to spread there once again. There are concerns if the disease is left unchecked, it could seriously alter the unique ecology of the island. Lord Howe is home to some 240 native plant species, of which more than 100 are not found anywhere else.</p> <h2>How can the disease be controlled?</h2> <p>Rust diseases in agriculture are controlled by the cultivation of genetically <a href="https://csiropedia.csiro.au/rust-resistance-in-plants/">resistant plants</a>, or by use of fungicides. These fungicides can kill existing recent infections and provide protection for up to four weeks. In other situations, such as horticulture and native plant communities, fungicides are used together with removal and destruction of infected plants.</p> <p>The 2010 detection of myrtle rust in Australia followed its detection in Hawaii in 2005 and China in 2009. It was later found in New Caledonia (2013) and New Zealand (2017). <a href="https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:13b49a4">Research</a> has shown the same strain – known as the “pandemic strain” – has appeared in all of these countries. Several other strains occur in South America.</p> <p>It is likely the fungus spread to Lord Howe Island from eastern Australia on wind currents. The especially wet conditions along the east coast of much of Australia in 2022 led to an increase in the disease there. This, in turn, increased rust spore load and hence the chance of long-distance spore dispersal.</p> <p>In addition to being spread on the wind, the rusty coloured spores produced by these fungal pathogens stick readily to clothing. These spores remain viable for at least two weeks under ambient conditions. Several wheat rusts of exotic origin are believed to have been accidentally brought in to Australia on travellers’ clothing from North America and Europe.</p> <p>The chance of inadvertent spread of myrtle rust on contaminated clothing is why access to Lord Howe island has been restricted since last week.</p> <p>The second incursion into the island clearly shows how incredibly difficult rust diseases are to manage once they reach a new region. It points to possible recurrences of the disease there in years to come even should current efforts to eradicate it succeed.</p> <p>On top of the ability of rust diseases to spread rapidly over large distances, a further complication in controlling myrtle rust is it infects a wide range of native plants. Some of these species hold great cultural significance and/or are endangered.</p> <p>Endemic species of the myrtle plant family <a href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/Myrtaceae">Myrtaceae</a> that are dominant in many of the plant communities on Lord Howe Island are highly vulnerable to myrtle rust infection. Of critical concern are two species that occur only on the island: the mountain rose (Meterosideros nervulosa) and the rainforest tree scalybark (Syzigium fullagarri). The rust infects young leaves and also flowers, where it causes sterility.</p> <h2>Australia brings expertise to the battle</h2> <p>Australia has some of the best plant pathologists in the world and has long been a leader in controlling rust diseases in agriculture. This expertise, combined with world-leading scientists in the ecology of Australian native plants, has enabled solid progress in understanding myrtle rust in the Australian environment. Australian scientists have joined hands with New Zealand scientists to boost efforts to control the pathogen in both countries.</p> <p>Research is also under way at the University of Sydney and Australian National University to develop new DNA-based diagnostics to allow rapid identification of the different strains of the pathogen. These tests are especially important given only one strain of myrtle rust occurs in the Asia-Pacific and Oceania regions.</p> <p>The success of managing the impact of myrtle rust on the region’s iconic flora against a backdrop of climate change will rely heavily on undertaking the research needed to gain a much better understanding of this damaging plant pathogen. Recognising this, staff at the University of Sydney have convened a conference for June 21-23 this year. It will bring together myrtle rust experts to exchange their latest research findings and identify priority areas for research.</p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-myrtle-rust-and-why-has-this-disease-closed-lord-howe-island-to-visitors-202045" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Couple’s hiking trip thrown into jeopardy days before take off

<p>When US-based couple Neil Lapetina and Denise Cordero spent $20,000 to explore the world - and one of its most unique locations - they had dreams of a once-in-a-lifetime hike through Lord Howe Island’s stunning scenery. </p> <p>But days before their departure, their excitement turned to horror when the pair learned that a large number of eco-destinations had been suddenly closed off - up to 75 per cent of them. </p> <p>The reason? The Lord Howe Island Board [LHIB] were working to contain an airborne fungus with potentially devastating consequences for the World Heritage-listed destination, and the 241 species of Indigenous plants to which it is home - 47 per cent of which can only be found there. </p> <p>Additionally, those can primarily be found along the island’s numerous hiking trails in the Permanent Park Preserve [PPP], prompting the mass closures for three-quarters of its total area. </p> <p>However, this meant that Neil and Denise - as well as any other traveller with tickets to visit - were in some trouble, as compensation wasn’t being offered to them. </p> <p>“We were told that they knew about this on February 3,” Neil said, “by their own admission, and if they knew about it [then]), then there’s a chance we might have not have paid our non-refundable balance due.</p> <p>“First and foremost, myrtle rust has hit the island hard — our first concern is with the island. We’re confused: if it’s as bad as they say it is, then don’t have people come out.”</p> <p>Myrtle rust has the potential to destroy entire Australian ecosystems, and spreads at rapid pace as its spores can be carried by wind, animals, insects, and humans alike, so it’s no small wonder the LHIB took immediate action to combat the threat. </p> <p>Fellow traveller Ian Freestone - who has visited the island numerous times before - had plans to celebrate his birthday there with 30 guests. After forking out a staggering $60,000 for the trip, they were informed that the trails would not be available to them, with closures to the PPP. </p> <p>Ian told <em>7News</em> the whole thing was like “going to Luna Park but not [being] allowed on all the rides.”</p> <p>And for those who had been left on the island after the LHIB’s “effective immediately, the PPP is temporarily closed” announcement, the situation was not much better, with some claiming they - and their holiday funds - had been “left in limbo”. </p> <p>And while the island’s initial closure had been sudden - and crucial - it was only 10 days before the LHIB announced that the PPP would be partially reopening. </p> <p>“After extensive monitoring, no new sites of myrtle rust infestation have been located on the island. Importantly, as of yesterday (March 23), there were no active spores at known sites,” they said. </p> <p>But for some, this wasn’t enough, with many noting that they just would have appreciated “a bit of notice”, especially after spending so much to visit in the first place. </p> <p>Neil - and assumedly Denise - were of a similar opinion. Although they value the island’s flora, they pleaded for some compassion from the LHIB in the wake of their snap decision, and its consequences for themselves and the other impacted travellers. </p> <p>“We’re putting $20,000, between the two couples, into this. I’ve worked hard all my life for this, for money - this doesn’t grow on trees,” he said.</p> <p>“We’re nature lovers ... we get it. But communication has been lacking. To hear about this first through word-of-mouth, that’s not the way to do it.</p> <p>“Please, show your visitors some respect.”</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Private island on sale for a price cheaper than most homes

<p dir="ltr">A private island is up for grabs in Queensland, for a price that is cheaper than an average home in most Australian cities.</p> <p dir="ltr">Poole Island, situated in the Whitsundays, comes with two homes that were built in the 1800s and 1980s, and has an asking price of just under $1 million.</p> <p dir="ltr">This comes after a contract fell through when a would-be buyer couldn’t be contacted, so the 20ha island is back on the market.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I can confirm that we have not been able to contact the purchaser,” Private Islands Online Australia’s Richard Vanhoff told <em>7NEWS.com.au.</em></p> <p dir="ltr">“We have tried ourselves, and we are also going on advice from the purchaser’s solicitor, who has also not been able to contact him.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The island is now accepting offers over $995,000.</p> <p dir="ltr">Other features of the island include a handmade rock swimming pool and a 215m runway to cater for small aircraft or a helicopter that flies in from Airlie Beach or Bowen.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the listing, the pool itself is equipped with a new windmill pump that continuously pumps water into the pool so there’s “no need for chemicals or cleaning as the crystal clear water is in abundance”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The island also has a slipway for any boat owners or those who love to fish, and a stone shed where you can store various machinery including tractors and slashers.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Private Islands Online Australia</em></p>

Real Estate

Easter travel: Best weekend getaways in Northern Territory

<p>The Easter public holidays are the perfect time to travel to the Territory’s Top End and Red Centre for a memorable getaway, whether its short stay in Darwin, camping and waterfalling hopping in the pristine national parks or a road trip through the outback. The Dry Season also commences soon in April, greeting travellers with warm weather and ideal temperatures for outdoor adventures, and an exciting roster of art, culture, music and sporting events.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>SHORTER NT TRIPS</strong></span></p> <p><strong>Darwin staycation: </strong>Spend a long weekend exploring the tropical city of Darwin, where you can soak up the laid-back atmosphere, sample delicious local cuisine, and take in the stunning sunset views.</p> <ol> <li>For foodies, the <a href="https://northernterritory.com/tours/darwin-gourmet-tours">Gourmet Food Tour</a> samples some of the city’s most iconic restaurants or queue up for an iconic steaming bowl of laksa at <a href="https://northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/see-and-do/parap-markets">Parap Markets</a>.</li> <li>Take in the sights of the beautiful Darwin Harbour, whether its enjoying the breeze on a luxurious <a href="https://northernterritory.com/tours/sail-darwin/champagne-sunset-sail-3-hr-dinner-cruise-on-darwin-harbour">champagne sunset dinner cruise</a>, or racing on a thrilling <a href="https://northernterritory.com/tours/00seven-jet-ski-adventures">jet ski tour</a>.</li> <li>Visit the diverse Aboriginal <a href="https://northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/see-and-do/art-and-culture/art-galleries">arts galleries</a> around town, including NATSIAAs exhibition at Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT). If time allows, book the immersive <a href="https://northernterritory.com/tours/sealink-northern-territory/tiwi-by-design---tiwi-islands-day-tour">Tiwi By Design</a> art and culture tour to the remote Tiwi Islands, introducing you to the Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga</li> <li>Learn about Aboriginal traditions and stories with Larrakia man, Trent Lee, at <a href="https://www.saltwaterculturaltours.info/">Saltwater Cultural Tours</a>. Just an hour’s from Darwin, <a href="https://northernterritory.com/tours/pudakul-aboriginal-cultural-tours">Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours</a> offers authentic tours in the Adelaide River floodplains, where local guides demonstrate basket weaving, dilly bag making, and touch upon bush medicine.</li> <li>Consider timing your trip with <a href="https://www.bassinthegrass.com.au/">BASSINTHEGRASS</a> music festival which returns to Darwin’s Mindil Beach on 20 May. Expect an incredible lineup including May-A, Tones and I, and more.</li> <li>Stay at <a href="https://northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/accommodation/mindil-beach-casino-resort">Mindil Beach Casino Resort</a>, where you can wine and dine to your heart’s content, and relax at the infinity pool. Stay at the Lagoon rooms, which have a private balcony or deck, and offer sweeping views of the deluxe tropical Lagoon pool.</li> <li>Stay in the middle of the action at the <a href="https://northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/accommodation/vibe-hotel-darwin-waterfront">Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront</a> on Darwin’s promenade, surrounded by excellent restaurants and family activities like Wave Lagoon.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Greater Litchfield Loop (2-4 days): </strong>The <a href="https://northernterritory.com/drive/greater-litchfield-loop?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=always+on+plan+fy23&utm_content=fy23+dsa+drive&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2cWgBhDYARIsALggUhr8AX0rImnQzV2rgI1xTbNf4Oa4SUJbmMcxk4uBfsAFw0BesQbtUHwaAq1kEALw_wcB">Greater Litchfield Loop</a> is the perfect road trip to explore <a href="https://northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/destinations/litchfield-national-park">Litchfield National Park</a>, located just 90 minutes from Darwin. Litchfield is a true nature lover’s respite with crystal-clear waterfalls, hiking trails, incredible monsoonal forest scenery and towering termite mounds.</p> <ol> <li>Enroute to Litchfield, book a <a href="mailto:https://northernterritory.com/tours/spectacular-jumping-crocodile-cruise">Jumping Croc Cruise</a> at Adelaide River to witness wild crocodiles in their natural habitat and watch them spring out of the water around you.</li> <li>Head south to <a href="https://northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/see-and-do/berry-springs-nature-park">Berry Springs</a> to soak up the first of many water holes in this stunning region.</li> <li>Meet some of the animals that call the NT home at the <a href="mailto:https://northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/see-and-do/territory-wildlife-park">Territory Wildlife Park</a> including walking through tree top aviaries.</li> <li>Stop by locals’ favourite, Berry Springs Tavern, before continuing to Litchfield to bask in iconic water holes like Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole.</li> <li>Retreat to <a href="https://northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/accommodation/hideaway-litchfield">Hideaway Litchfield,</a> a set of three luxurious and sustainable shipping containers-turned cabins located in the secluded and beautiful surrounds of the Park</li> <li><a href="mailto:https://northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/accommodation/litchfield-tourist-park">Litchfield Tourist Park</a> also has a range of accommodation options, from camping to caravanning and cabins, and is perfect for families and groups.</li> <li>Extend your road trip by checking out and staying in the coastal towns of <a href="https://northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/destinations/dundee-beach">Dundee Beach</a> or <a href="https://northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/accommodation/crab-claw-island-resort">Crab Claw Island</a>, both famous fishing spots in the Top End.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Finniss River Lodge: </strong>Located on Finniss River Station, a working cattle property which is a 90-minute drive from Darwin and set near lush floodplains, <a href="https://northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/accommodation/finniss-river-lodge">Finniss River Lodge</a> is NT’s newest experiential luxury wilderness retreat. The Lodge boasts six luxe ensuites, described as ‘bush character meets contemporary elegance’, and can cater for 12 guests at a time. Visitors can witness station life, like musters or indulge in the Cows n Canapes experience, participate in private wilderness tours and enjoy thrilling airboat rides. Minimum two-night stay.</p> <p><strong>Alice Springs: </strong>A gateway to the Red Centre, Alice Springs is a thriving outback town, surrounded by fantastic natural wonders and ancient sites.</p> <ol> <li>Time your trip with one of NT’s most anticipated cultural events, <a href="https://www.parrtjimaaustralia.com.au/">Parrtjima-A Festival in Light</a>, 7-16 April 2023. This is an extraordinary 10-night celebration of First Nations art, culture and light including projections against the West MacDonnell Ranges, large-scale installations, talks, performances, workshops and films.</li> <li>Wake up in awe with a sunrise <a href="https://northernterritory.com/alice-springs-and-surrounds/see-and-do/outdoor-activities/hot-air-ballooning">hot air balloon ride</a> and float silently alongside the rugged Ranges.</li> <li>Visit <a href="https://northernterritory.com/tours/the-kangaroo-sanctuary">Kangaroo Sanctuary</a>, where the little ones can cuddle orphaned kangaroos, feed baby joeys and learn more about wildlife preservation in the outback.</li> <li>Experience the best stargazing at <a href="https://northernterritory.com/tours/earth-sanctuary-world-nature-centre">Earth Sanctuary</a>, with the outback home to some of the clearest skies. For a magical experience, sleep under the stars at the Sanctuary’s Space Camp.</li> <li>Outside of town, there are no shortage of picturesque natural swimming holes including <a href="https://northernterritory.com/alice-springs-and-surrounds/see-and-do/glen-helen-gorge">Glen Helen Gorge</a>, <a href="https://northernterritory.com/alice-springs-and-surrounds/see-and-do/ellery-creek-big-hole">Ellery Creek Big Hole</a>, <a href="https://northernterritory.com/alice-springs-and-surrounds/see-and-do/ormiston-gorge-and-pound">Ormiston Gorge</a> or <a href="https://northernterritory.com/alice-springs-and-surrounds/see-and-do/redbank-gorge">Redbank Gorge.</a></li> <li>For a comfortable stay, book at <a href="https://northernterritory.com/alice-springs-and-surrounds/accommodation/doubletree-by-hilton-alice-springs">Double Tree By Hilton</a> or Lasseters</li> </ol> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">LONGER ROAD-TRIPS</span></strong></p> <p>Nature’s Way (8 days): Experience the best of the Top End along the <a href="https://northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/destinations/litchfield-national-park">Nature’s Way road trip</a>. Start the journey in Darwin, then take Arnhem Highway to reach the nature-lovers’ paradise that is dual-World Heritage listed <a href="https://northernterritory.com/kakadu-and-surrounds?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=always+on+plan+fy23&utm_content=fy23+brand+location+e&utm_term=kakadu%20national%20park&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2cWgBhDYARIsALggUhphmWv0ReRoIv2zhmrPF2SiFthW-Jxb4NA9Jbr4p3DNPcjOxeQ-e2waAkNMEALw_wcB">Kakadu National Park</a>. Then, continue to Katherine and explore the incredible sandstone gorges of <a href="https://northernterritory.com/katherine-and-surrounds/destinations/nitmiluk-national-park">Nitmiluk National Park</a>, before stopping by Litchfield.</p> <ol> <li>At Kakadu, cruise on the <a href="https://northernterritory.com/kakadu-and-surrounds/destinations/yellow-water">Yellow Water Billabong</a> lined with lily pads, native birdlife and sunbaking crocodiles, and marvel at ancient rock art galleries at <a href="https://northernterritory.com/kakadu-and-surrounds/see-and-do/burrungkuy-nourlangie-rock-art-site">Nourlangie</a> and <a href="https://northernterritory.com/kakadu-and-surrounds/see-and-do/ubirr">Ubirr</a>.</li> <li>Attend Kakadu’s unique cultural dining experiences including the ultimate bush food experience, <a href="https://parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/taste/#:~:text=Karrimanjbekkan%20An%2Dme%20Kakadu%20%2D%20Taste,unlike%20anything%20else%20on%20Earth.">Taste of Kakadu</a>, 13-21 May 2023, and <a href="https://kakadutourism.com/explore-kakadu/kakadu-full-moon-feast-361">Full Moon Feast</a> dinner, 1 April 2023</li> <li>Stay at the Kakadu’s <a href="https://northernterritory.com/kakadu-and-surrounds/accommodation/cooinda-lodge-kakadu">Cooinda Lodge</a>, offering camping, lodges and Outback Retreat glamping.</li> <li>At Nitmiluk National Park, <a href="https://northernterritory.com/katherine-and-surrounds/see-and-do/outdoor-activities/canoeing-and-kayaking">hire a canoe</a> and paddle along the gorges to see waterfalls, or book a river cruise and listen to Jawoyn guides share their world of culture and history.Stay at <a href="https://northernterritory.com/katherine-and-surrounds/accommodation/cicada-lodge">Cicada Lodge</a>, a luxury lodge overlooking the Katherine River with rooms opening to the sounds and sights of the native bush.</li> <li>When in Katherine, visit local Aboriginal guide and TikTok sensation Manuel Pamkal at <a href="https://northernterritory.com/tours/top-didj-cultural-experience">Top Didj Cultural Experience</a>.</li> <li>Bathe in natural thermal waters of <a href="https://northernterritory.com/katherine-and-surrounds/see-and-do/bitter-springs">Bitter Springs</a> and <a href="https://northernterritory.com/katherine-and-surrounds/see-and-do/katherine-hot-springs">Katherine Hot Springs</a>.</li> <li>Discover the ancient, limestone caves at <a href="https://northernterritory.com/katherine-and-surrounds/see-and-do/cutta-cutta-caves-nature-park">Cutta Cutta Caves National Park</a>, 30km south of Katherine and home to rare wildlife like the orange horseshow bat.</li> <li>Visit award-winning <a href="https://northernterritory.com/katherine-and-surrounds/see-and-do/katherine-outback-experience">Katherine Outback Experience</a>, where kids can watch horse and working dog demonstrations, pet station animals, and take a glimpse into farm outback life.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Red Centre Way (5 days):</strong> The <a href="https://northernterritory.com/sg/en/drive/red-centre-way?psafe_param=1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=always+on+plan+fy23&utm_content=fy23+dsa+drive&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2cWgBhDYARIsALggUhoUHqy0pLQC2nf_isF3X1izKaGUaHE8ibr20nVlZvf1418JkOv3YzoaAgluEALw_wcB">Red Centre Way</a> is the quintessential outback road trip. Uncover the breathtaking beauty, rugged landscapes and sacred cultural icons of the Red Centre, stopping by Alice Springs, <a href="https://northernterritory.com/uluru-and-surrounds">Uluru</a>-Kata Tjuta National Park and Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon).</p> <ol> <li>Follow the Red Centre light trail starting from <a href="https://parrtjimaaustralia.com.au/">Parrtjima – A Festival in Light</a> in Alice Springs, then Bruce Munro’s newest <a href="https://www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au/kings-canyon/discovery-kings-canyon/activities-and-attractions/light-towers">Light Towers</a> installation at Kings Canyon, and the beautiful <a href="https://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/experiences/field-of-light">Field of Light</a> installation and <a href="https://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/wintjiri-wiru">Wintijiri Wiru</a> 1000 drone, laser and projection show at Uluru.</li> <li>Embark on a <a href="https://northernterritory.com/tours/uluru-camel-tours">camel tour</a> through the desert.</li> <li>See <a href="https://northernterritory.com/uluru-and-surrounds?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=always+on+plan+fy23&utm_content=fy23+brand+location+e&utm_term=uluru&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2cWgBhDYARIsALggUhrq3SflUZ97TDA3wh7ny2O-uepl-SZdhetXbqjkBBifwHdwSDqrXDIaAoHcEALw_wcB">Uluru</a> in all its glory, whether it’s walking the 10km base, hiring a bike, heading on a guided Mala tour or capturing the changes colours at sunset at the viewing platforms.</li> <li>Explore some of Australia’s leading Aboriginal art galleries and centres including Araluen Cultural Precinct and Hermannsburg Potters at <a href="https://northernterritory.com/alice-springs-and-surrounds/see-and-do/art-and-culture/art-galleries">Alice Springs</a></li> <li>The halfway point between Alice Springs and Uluru, Kings Canyon is a majestic valley 400-million-years in the making. Enjoy the endless red desert views from <a href="https://www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au/kings-canyon/discovery-kings-canyon/activities-and-attractions/light-towers?gclid=Cj0KCQjw2cWgBhDYARIsALggUhqrcruswwFLPiR3CSQtEhtyHP8CyLGb_3IAlOodHYCaJ_1F9OpPKhUaApBtEALw_wcB">Discovery Kings Canyon</a> or <a href="https://northernterritory.com/uluru-and-surrounds/accommodation/kings-creek-station">Kings Creek Station</a>, with camping and glamping options available.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Arnhem Way (7-10 days):</strong> Arnhem Land is a must-visit for the ultimate immersion into Aboriginal culture and is one of Australia’s last unspoilt areas. <a href="https://northernterritory.com/drive/arnhem-way">Arnhem Way</a> road trip starts near Katherine and ends in Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula. This region is also home to some of Australia’s most pristine white sand beaches, incredible fishing, diverse marine life and stunning wetlands.</p> <ol> <li>Visit galleries showcasing local artists for a deeper understanding of traditional practices like <a href="https://yirrkala.com/">Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre</a> at Yirrkala.</li> <li>Find time for a sunset drink at the <a href="https://northernterritory.com/arnhem-land/food-and-drink/gove--boat-club-and-manyimi-campgrounds">Gove Boat Club</a> with unhindered views of the horizon.</li> <li>Visit <a href="https://northernterritory.com/arnhem-land/destinations/groote-eylandt">Groote Eylandt</a>, <a href="https://northernterritory.com/arnhem-land/destinations/little-bondi-beach">Little Bondi Beach</a> or <a href="https://northernterritory.com/arnhem-land/destinations/cobourg-peninsula">Coburg Peninsula</a> for some stunning coastal views.</li> <li>Escape to <a href="https://northernterritory.com/arnhem-land/accommodation/banubanu-beach-retreat">Banubanu Beach Retreat</a> for an impressive eco, beachfront experience.</li> </ol> <p><em>Image credit: Tourism NT </em></p>

Domestic Travel

Our Partners

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Tourist fined after posting this one photo on social media

Tragic update on man buried alive on Bribie Island

"She saw it and dodged it": Incredible scenes as tree plunges through seat in Schoolies crash

Inside Jamie Durie's new Byron Bay holiday getaway home

"Hot girl summer": Jackie O turns heads in swimsuit on enchanting getaway

Why Jelena Dokic's European getaway has sparked outrage