South Australia’s most visited attraction, the Adelaide Botanic Garden is home to the internationally acclaimed Bicentennial Conservatory. The largest single span conservatory in the southern hemisphere and one of the largest in the world, it features plants from the tropical rainforests of northern Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the nearby Pacific Islands. Many of these plants are at risk in their natural habitats. Built to celebrate Australia’s Bicentenary in 1988, the Conservatory enables visitors to experience a unique and visually stunning rainforest environment right here in the heart of Adelaide.

Located in the popular tourist village of Hahndorf in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, the Hahndorf Farm Barn is a unique tourism attraction that allows people of all ages to interact with a variety of tame farm animals, from lambs and goats to alpacas and cows.

Our accomodation Norwood guests can join the Farm Barn just over four years ago and, each day, they offer tourists the opportunity to meet their stable of furry friends – Sam the Suffolk ram, Daisy the cow, Billy the alpaca and many others.

From our Self-Contained Adelaide cottages to the barn, visitors are treated to a one-hour interactive show where, from the comfort of hay bales, they are introduced to the Farmer’s friendly farm animals one by one.

Visitors learn all types of interesting facts and they also have the opportunity to count Sam’s teeth and try milking Daisy. And if the season is right, visitors can watch a sheep be shorn.

Our accomodation Norwood guests are free to roam around the barn and are also welcome to jump in the pens to touch and feed the many animals.

Visit our Australian made items, reflecting an image of both high quality and individuality, including pottery, timber, metal and silver, opal and iron ore jewellery. The range of Aboriginal art and craft is very popular with tourists as is the extensive selection of T-shirts catering for both adults and children alike. Distinctive Australian animals are also a specialty. Once you’re here; you feel at home in our Self-Contained Adelaide cottages.

As one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world, Sydney, Australia offers an array of fine dining options that will accommodate even the most divergent of palates. Pleasing ambiance, great service, and delectable bites of perfection can be found on any block and represent fine cuisine from all over the world.

Are your taste buds tingling in anticipation of a taste of Thai? Yok Yor is calling your name. Consistently rated one of the best overall restaurants in Sydney, Yok Yor delivers the goods time and again, redefining spice and giving traditional Thai food an edge. With a romantic atmosphere and attentive wait staff, what more could you ask for? Recommended signature dish: Fried Barramundi.

If you’re in the mood for Greek, you can’t go wrong with Nostos. The menu offers a large selection of traditional Greek fare, and the knowledgeable and friendly wait staff will ensure you leave satisfied. Known for subtle, fresh tasting food, Nostos is perpetually perched at the top of restaurant review lists. Stop in on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday and you’ll get the added bonus of live music. Recommended signature dish: Keftedes (Greek meatballs in feta dip)

Tetsuya’s offers the best of two worlds. Japanese flavors are enhanced with classic French cooking techniques, directed by Chef Tetsuya, who is known for his innovative approach to food and the wide variety of an ever-changing menu. He uses fresh, seasonal foods to create unforgettable dishes that wow customers and keep them coming back for more. Recommended signature dish: Confit of Tasmanian Ocean Trout.

Sweet tooth? Don’t pass up the opportunity to indulge in the tastiest of treats at La Renaissance Patisserie. Serving up generous portions of French cuisine and delicate pastries, La Renaissance Patisserie has been a favorite of tourists and Sydney residents for years. For something truly decadent, check out the catering menu. You can order an assortment of desserts for parties and get a nibble of every variety. Recommended signature dish: Black Forest Cake.

Another notable French restaurant is La Pelican. Housed in a smallish sandstone structure, La Pelican has a cozy, old world feel. Large groups are accommodated in the inviting courtyard at the back of the building, and private rooms are available for small parties. The chef gladly adjusts dishes for customers with special dietary restrictions, and customer requests are always greeted with a smile. Recommended signature dish: Lamb.

Times on the Park is hands down the number one place to go for a good steak. Not only are the steaks tender and flavorful, but customers also get to dine while looking out at the lovely view of Hyde Park. Add in the superior wine selection and friendly staff and Times on the Park is a serious contender for the best restaurant in Sydney list. Recommended signature dish: Chateaubriand Wagyu Aged Steak.

In all, fine dining restaurants in Sydney maintain a high standard. Keep an open mind and try out all the cuisines Sydney has to offer–your taste buds will thank you.

Video of my trip from Darwin, NT to Uluru to see the Olgas and Ayres Rock on September 3-4, 2006. Much of this video was shot sadly on the day that Steve Irwin died.

by Lucy McPhee

 

Among the countless products and brands to have come out of our wide brown land, some stand out in our minds as iconic.  These are the products that have gone beyond being items of simple commerce to plant themselves firmly in our consciousness and cultural identity.  With Australia Day upon us, and the current state of the share market raising more questions about where to invest, why not have a think about some of our most loved products, and the companies behind them?

 

When you consider a list of iconic Australian products, it’s interesting to see a trend towards lifestyle, nostalgia and an idealised image of Australian culture.  Vegemite, VB and XXXX, the Hills Hoist, Holden cars, Four’N Twenty Pies and clothes by Billabong and RM Williams – these are symbols of leisure and sunshine. 

 

Not many of us would think of electricity providers, IT, banks or financial services as iconic, even though these industries provide essential (or at least useful) services and keep many of us employed.  To reach the status of icon, a product has to be timelessly attractive to consumers, which is also a fundamental box to check when looking for a good company to invest in.

 

Vegemite is arguably Australia’s favourite brand.  A 2008 survey by IBM found Vegemite to be the world’s most loved brand, more popular than Coca-Cola, Sony and Nike.  The research also revealed that 98% of Vegemite consumers are Australian, so to have ranked so highly in a world-wide survey just highlights how strongly those happy little Vegemites feel about their product.  We love our Vegemite because it’s quintessentially Australian, we send it to our expat friends overseas and enjoy the revulsion international visitors display on tasting it. 

 

Of course, these days Vegemite is owned by US company Kraft Foods, so is slightly less Australian than we like to think.  It’s a similar story for other beloved Australian icons: the Victa mower, Speedo bathers and Tim Tams, so let’s move on to those we can find on the ASX.

 

The Hills Hoist, as well as being an eminently useful object, also taps into a feeling of nostalgia for the simplicity of Australian suburban life.  The only clothesline ever to have a starring role in an Olympics Opening Ceremony, the Hills Hoist was invented by Lance Hill in his Adelaide backyard in 1945.  Hill and his brother-in-law started Hills Industries (ASX: HIL) taking the backyard operation to a multinational manufacturing enterprise.  The company has since diversified its product range, and according to the website is now the Australia’s largest antenna producer. 

 

Hills Industries: HIL

52 Week High: $5.30

52 Week Low: $2.57

Dividend Yield: 10.46%

PE Ratio: 9.89



 

Products which can invariably be associated with leisure time and enjoyment, and which have mass appeal provide the basis of a sound investment.  Four’N Twenty pies are arguably the most popular pies on the market in a nation of enthusiastic pie eaters.  They are an institution for footy fans, and can be found in every supermarket, corner shop and school cafeteria around the country.  In 2003 Patties Foods (ASX: PFL) purchased Four’N Twenty from US company Simplot, and has since gone on to entrench the pies as the Number 1 brand in the Australian retail frozen savoury segment (2006). 

 

Patties Foods: PFL

52 Week High: $1.465

52 Week Low: $0.75

Dividend Yield: 8.2%

PE Ratio: 8.9





 

Likewise, iconic beers like Victoria Bitter and XXXX have traditionally been associated with a particularly Australian way of life, through images of blokes having a laugh over a beer in the pub to Allan Border lounging on a tropical beach with lager in hand, these products tap into our notion of a good Australian lifestyle.  While the market for mainstream beers may have been challenged in recent times by the increasing popularity of wine and alcopops, both Fosters Group (ASX: FGL) and Lion Nathan (ASX: LNN) have a range of brands to appeal to all segments of the market. 

 

Foster’s Group: FGL

 

52 Week High: $6.17

52 Week Low: $4.26

Dividend Yield: 5%

PE Ratio: 90.52



 



 

Lion Nathan: LNN

 

52 Week High: $9.99

52 Week Low: $7.36

Dividend Yield: 5.06%

PE Ratio: 16.21

 



 

The development of the Australian Bionic Ear, or Cochlear Implant, stands out as one of this country’s most impressive achievements.  The result of pioneering research by Professor Graeme Clark and the University of Melbourne, the artificial hearing device produces useful hearing sensations by electronically stimulating the nerves inside the inner ear.  Following a successful prototype the device was commercially developed by Cochlear (ASX: COH), and has now been implanted in more than 100,000 people worldwide. 

 

Cochlear: COH

 

52 Week High: $73

52 Week Low: $42.80

Dividend Yield: 2.868%

PE Ratio: 25.76



 



 

In more recent times, Billabong (ASX: BBG) has provided a modern and youthful brand which has been immensely popular, and until the recent general share market collapse, it was a success for investors.  From the first pairs of boardshorts sewn on founders Gordon and Rena Merchant’s kitchen table, Billabong has symbolised the sense of adventure, fun and daring of Australian surfers.  After initial success Billabong was able to steadily expand the brand by moving surf clothes and accessories away from being exclusively worn at the beach. It now dominates the market and has a strong international presence. 

 

Billabong: BBG

 

52 Week High: $14.16

52 Week Low: $6.68

Dividend Yield: 7.4%

PE Ratio: 8.75



 



 

The feel-good factor associated with these iconic products may be unquantifiable but it’s not without value.  Next time you’re looking for investment ideas, why not wave a little flag and set up a watchlist of your favourite Australian brands?  In a turbulent stock market environment investors often seek the safety of well-known, blue chip companies, but it’s worth remembering those products which have maintained a steady and strong popularity among consumers, in some cases for decades.  

 

By Lucy McPhee

23rd January 2009

 

This article was originally published here: http://blog.mdsfinancial.com.au/2009/01/23/iconic-australian-products-and-the-companies-behind-them/

 

Fantastic! What a wonderful place to relax. Just put your wallet, keys and phone in the safe and chill out in Magnificent surroundings The hotel in the resort of Taba Heights, Sinai. The hotel is designed the style of a Nubian Village and really sets the mark in Taba.

The views and grounds are spectacular – you can see Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel at over the gulf of Aqua on the Red sea. At night this is particularly stunning as the mountains take on a red hue reminiscent of sunset at Ayres Rock in Australia.

The hotel has its own huge, 500 metre stretch of beach on the Red Sea where you can snorkel straight off the beach amongst the beautiful coral Reef.

There’s more than enough sun-lounges (and the hotel was full) and food which is great. The staff are friendly and can’t do enough to help.

If you want to go out and party beware! There are hardly any Bars or restaurants out side of the hotel Complexes. However, we were given a dine around card at reception which allowed us to eat in the Neighbouring hotels including the Intercontinental, Sofitel & the Marriott. Most of these hotels were within a 15 minute walk from the Hyatt Regency. Not that you could get bored with the food at the Hyatt there are over 5 restaurants to choose from all with an International theme.

One evening we went in to on a Bedouin feast hosted in the desert by the local Bedouins. Where we drank tea, danced, and smoked the customary Shisha pipe. One day during our our stay we went to Water world for the day they have a range of water sports and diving classes for all levels. The underwater scenery was unforgettable.

Due to the remoteness’ & tranquillity it is recommended that you take plenty of reading material as the books and Magazines they have on offer in the hotels are limited and Expensive.

Overall I can say that this hotel is definitely worthy of its 5star Grading and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to go and really want to relax within a peaceful setting.

I can recommend booking with online company Holiday click who specialise in Taba Egyptian holidays. I found their staff very helpful and knowledgeable. We went in Early July and paid £429 for 7 nights half board and were given a free upgrade to sea view on arrival. Holidayclick contact details: www.holidayclick.co.uk 0800 4082009

Coming to Northern Queensland is incomplete without going for a trip to Palm Cove Beach. Palm Cove has become indispensable for those searching a peaceful destination for their romantic or incentive tour to Australia. Palm Cove Hotels range from luxurious resorts and condominiums to low range apartment hotels. The pleasant weather throughout the year attracts the travelers to Palm Cove.

Since Palm Cove is a chosen destination for different category of travelers you can expect to find various standards of Palm Cove Hotels designed to suit every kind of travelers. Most of the resorts and hotels in Palm Cove are located in proximity to the beach areas and that gives you plenty of scope for outdoor activities.

If you are ready to enjoy some blissful days in this scintillating beach of Northern Queensland check-in at any of the luxury resorts of Palm Cove. The 4-star and 5-star resorts in Palm Cove like, Grand Mercure Rockford Esplanade, Mantra Amphora Resort, Novotel Rockford Palm Cove and the Sebel Reef House & Spa, are more than just top class.

Be it the exquisite interiors or the extensive arrangement of modern facilities these Palm Cove hotels are equipped with everything you want for a luxurious experience. Apart from the above mentioned resorts you can also find a host of other luxury resorts in Palm Cove which include Peppers Beach Club & Spa, Paradise on the Beach Resort, Sanctuary Palm Cove, Sea Temple Resort & Spa and Angsana Resort and Spa.

Staying in these hotels will let you realize the ultimate comfort you can get in this part of Australia. Like other luxury hotels in Australia, these Palm Cove resorts are noted for their wonderful dining service, consistent room service and endless list of water sports and other recreational activities.

If you are eager to choose from the apartment hotels in Palm Cove you can always count on Alassio Palm Cove, Ellis Beach Bungalows, Elysium Apartments, and Marlin Waters Beachfront Apartments. These 4-star hotel apartments are among many such quality accommodations in Palm Cove. Ranging from extremely well-appointed rooms to in-house restaurants and internet cafes and health facilities you can expect many more from these lavish retreats.

There are plenty of apartment hotels and resorts in and around Palm Cove Beach which can be easily accessed from the Cairns International Airport. These beachfront hotels are ideal destinations for you if you are a beach lover. The car rental and airport transfer services offered by most of the hotel spare you from any hindrance and you enjoy a memorable vacation.

For any connoisseur of luxury, the five star hotel is an essential component of their holiday. No matter where you go in the world, it is possible to stay in hotels that redefine opulence and create the ultimate environment to relax and be pampered. In this article, I will take a look at what are often described as the ultimate collection of Hotels in the world by travellers.

As you will see, it is not necessarily the most expensive, or the most opulent hotel in a particular destination that is considered the best, it is more than this; the hotel must be a reason for travelling to a place as well!

10: Kanuhura, Maldives

If you’ve ever wanted to stay on your own desert island to get away from it all, the chances are that you’ve thought about visiting the Maldives. Made up of coral atolls spread out across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a unique country, and the Kanuhura, is a stunning hotel that offers visitors the chance to enjoy their own luxurious villa that stands on stilts in the ocean itself to create the illusion that you are on your own!

9: The Bellagio, Las Vegas, USA

The Bellagio is the jewel in the crown of Las Vegas as the USA’s premier holiday destination. The rooms are fantastic, the spa is out of this world, and the casino is the place to be seen, but it is the catalogue of stars that perform in the hotel’s vast auditoria that elevate the Bellagio above its rivals on the Las Vegas Strip.

8: Pitti Palace, Florence, Italy

There are few destinations in the world like Florence; this stunning city is the home of fine art, and the birthplace of the renaissance. The Pitti Palace is one of the most impressive hotels in Europe, and offers visitors the chance to enjoy the opulence of a renaissance palace that was once home to the Medici family, and boasts a number of masterpieces by artists such as Michelangelo on its walls!

7: Lion Sands Resort, Kruger National Park, South Africa

For anyone wanting to get close to nature at its most impressive, the Kruger National Park in South Africa is a great place to visit, and is home to all of the so-called big-five animals. Lion Sands is one of a number of private lodges in the park, and is undoubtedly the best. Visitors get to enjoy two safaris a day, and the resort is so exclusive that less than 20 people can stay there at any one time!

6: Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

While it might not be the most luxurious hotel in Hong Kong any more, the Mandarin Oriental is still the most stunning place to stay in the city. Offering incredible views of the famous harbour, along with great cuisine and stunning rooms, but it is the attention to detail and attentive personalised service offered by the staff that marks the Mandarin Oriental out as truly special.

5: Chiva Som, Hua Hin, Thailand

Chiva Som is probably the top spa destination in the world right now, a resort entirely dedicated to the concept of wellness. Upon arrival, all guests are assessed, and your menus, exercise programmes and beauty treatments are planned for the duration of your stay making for a truly exceptional experience.

4: Park Hyatt, Sydney, Australia

On the surface, the Park Hyatt, Sydney is nothing special. It is undeniably luxurious, offers high quality service, and boasts a number of exquisite restaurants, but so do any number of other hotels around the world. What marks out this particular 5-star above all others in the city is its location over looking the beautiful harbour, and offering the best views of the Opera House and iconic harbour bridge that you will ever see.

3: The The Waldorf Astoria , New York, USA

The Waldorf Astoria is the grand old lady of New York Hospitality. The Waldorf Astoria is the flagship property of the exclusive Hilton Group. It may no longer be the largest, most luxurious, or most exclusive hotel in the city, but it remains the most famous, most enchanting, and down right best with its perfect mix of luxury service, and glamour

2: The Ritz, London, UK 

The original 5 Star hotel, the Ritz is a byword for tradition and luxury in one of the most exciting cities in the world. It offers truly majestic levels of service and accommodation, and has a well-earned reputation as one of the finest places to eat out in the UK, with several world-class restaurants for guests to choose from.

1: Al Maha, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The iconic Burj al Arab on Jumeirah Beach may be the last word in overblown opulence in Dubai, but the Al Maha desert resort is without a doubt the best hotel you can stay in. It offers levels of exclusivity that are unrivalled, exceptional accommodation, and above all, unmatched privacy and personalised service that will ensure that no matter how high your standards, this hotel will always exceed them.

You can Compare all there prices at  http://www.hostel.eu/BrowseByCountry.aspx

Who gives the chance to have Top hotels at Hostel prices

 

 

Shaylee Wilde singing “Leaving on a Jet Plane” on a Sunday night in The Mercantile Hotel, The Rocks, Sydney (Sept. 2006) to a very receptive Irish crowd enjoying their stay in Australia

There is an over supply of online dating services on the market and there are many competing dating sites trying to capitalize on niche online dating ventures. Even though there remains an over supply of online dating services, the popular dating sites are experiencing huge growth in memberships.

Australian online dating is the latest dating concept to capitalize on a new idea regarding membership subscriptions and mirroring the practice of some night clubs in allowing females entry for free while guys pay a cover charge of $3.30.

As with the night club concept there are several rooms on offer. Within a night club there is often rooms offering different themes (e.g. Techno, R & B and funky house tunes rooms. Likewise, Australian online dating  also offers an array of rooms for its members centred on different themes and topics. Members can also create their own room and control its access.

 

This fresh concept being introduced is a world first by an online dating site. The current average ratio of males vs females on dating sites is clearly unbalance with males at around 65% and females at 35%. A survey conducted by an Australian online dating service claims that their members have indicated a positive response as this new subscription concept is a positive for both males and females.

 

A spokesman from the online dating industry that assisted with this article was asked, “Why is this concept a winner”? “Free for females is obviously a great thing, and there’s no catch – free means free. The advantage for the guys is that they can capitalize on the increase of new and interesting female members who will no doubt take advantage of the free memberships. All the guys pay is from $3.30 for full access and the potential to meet 1000s of real single ladies on this online dating site. Guys can finally navigate around a dating site with a balance of female to male members rather than one that is dominated by too many males and not enough females.”

It’s a link with tradition, like men paying for the lady on a date, or offering her a drink to get to know her. Similarly, this idea of free online dating for females and paid online dating for men has taken the concept of traditions shared between men and women in our society and applied it to the online dating world. There has been a plethora of free online dating services and free online chat rooms of late but none have taken the bold leap of the Australian online dating site offering free online dating to ladies.

A leading Australian consumer magazine recently compared the cost of popular ways to find singles. $50.00-$200.00 per night will give the city guys and girls a night out on the town, taking into consideration taxi fares, drinks, food and maybe some new clothes or a new do. If you’re doing this once or twice a week the annual cost is around $8000.00 per year for your average sociable guy or gal. By comparison, it can cost as little as $50.00 per year to use an online dating service. The math says it all.

It has also been reported by recent studies into the lifestyle of singles that online dating services offer members a wider choice of singles than conventional dating options. The internet provides a cost effective and safe environment to find singles in a no hassle environment, with over 20000000 visitors per month searching online for singles and chat rooms on a global scale. 

Free Singles Dating Service Online Dating Services Internet Dating Site & Chat Rooms 

 

 

Travel lovers heading for Western Australia are in for a treat. This enormous but beautiful state of Australia has something for everyone when it comes to a holiday or vacation.

In particular, if you like to stay at a 5 star hotel where-ever you travel, then Perth (the capital city of WA) has some excellent choices available to ensure you get to relax in style and comfort while exploring the most isolated city in the world.

Here’s my top 4 recommended hotels in Perth:

1. Hyatt Regency Perth

Overlooking the Swan River, the Hyatt Regency Perth is widely regarded as the city’s premier hotel in terms of luxurious accommodations, excellent service and the so-called intangibles. It provides a spectacular bird’s eye view of South Perth and the surrounding areas.

There are 367 rooms in all as well as a large ballroom for 1,200 guests, four function rooms and an elegant boardroom. In addition, the hotel has gained the reputation of being an excellent and well-equipped business venue for corporate conferences and meetings. It also boasts of three award-winning in-house restaurants.

The Hyatt Regency Perth offers a bar and minibar, parking, television, restaurant, bureau de change, sauna, whirlpool, fitness center, swimming pool, safe deposit, business facilities, internet access, childcare facilities, car-hire facilities, 24-hour room service and air conditioning.

2. The Chifley on The Terrace

Located in the heart of the city, The Chifley on The Terrace is the newest luxury hotel in Perth. It is a short walk to the business district and the main entertainment and shopping area and a brief drive to the Swan River.

There are 85 rooms in all as well as one conference room good for business conferences of up to 120 guests and stocked with the latest audio visual equipment. The in-house bar and restaurant are quite popular in the area.

The Chifley on The Terrace offers a bar and minibar, television, restaurant, safe deposit, whirlpool, business facilities, internet access, 24-hour room service and air conditioning.

3. Broadwater Pagoda Hotel

The Broadwater Pagoda Hotel reeks of luxury and is one of several hotels that overlook the picturesque Swan River in Como. This one is a short walk to the Perth Zoo and to a wide array of South Perth’s eating, entertainment and shopping options.

There are 101 rooms, a conference room for 300 people (theatre style) and a host of audio visual equipment. The hotel provides a shuttle bus service to Perth.

The Broadwater Pagoda Hotel offers a bar, parking, television, restaurant, bureau de change, sauna, whirlpool, swimming pool, safe deposit, business facilities, computer facilities, disabled access, childcare facilities and air conditioning.

4. Burswood Entertainment Complex

The Burswood Entertainment Complex is widely regarded as the premier resort in Perth. It gives the term “self contained” a whole new meaning as the complex boasts of every facility a travelling tourist could ever want or imagine.

It has its own casino, 18-hole golf course and stadium, the Burswood Dome, as well as six bars, nine restaurants and a convention center.

Burswood provides a wide range of catering options for small intimate dinners as well as for corporate exhibitions and trade fairs.

There are 413 rooms in the hotel, and comprehensive conference facilities that include function rooms, a ballroom and theatre. The Burswood Entertainment Complex offers a bar and minibar, parking, television, restaurant, bureau de change, safe deposit, sauna, whirlpool, fitness club, swimming pool, business facilities, computer facilities, internet access, disabled access, childcare facilities, hairdresser, car-hire facilities, 24-hour room service and air conditioning.