Strangest Town names in Australia

FANCY getting stranded in Dismal Swamp, or making a stopover in Tittybong? How about spending a night in Pussycat Flat, or straining to reach Bust-Me-Gall Hill? Well the good news is you won't have to travel far to visit any of these places. These are just some of the quirky, unique and downright unusual towns in Australia.

There's the notoriously dangerous Hell's Gates on the West Coast of Tasmania, and Xantippe in Western Australia, the only town in the country starting with an X.

For an action-packed escape you might want to stop by Diehard in New South Wales - you may even bump into  Bruce Willis while you're there.

If you're hungry, amble down to the Territory's Tortilla Flats, Tasmania's Egg and Bacon Bay or Milkshake Hills.

Repetition is also a regular feature in town titles, with Wagga Wagga, Bong Bong, Grong Grong, Walla Walla and Goonoo Goonoo all in NSW, Bubble Bubble Springs in the Northern Territory, and the likes of Vite Vite in Victoria.

You can't go past some of the tongue-twisting delights like Jimcumbilly in NSW, D'Entrecasteaux Channel in Tassie, Ubobo in Queensland and Victoria's Manangatang and Upotipotpon.
Tourism New South Wale's Lauren O'Neil says: "Woolloomooloo seems to catch everyone, and you'll find plenty of British backpackers looking for 'Cooh-gee', instead of 'Cudg-gee'.

If symbolism is your thing, why not check out Uki in NSW, which means 'fern with edible roots' in the Aboriginal dialect of the area, Ozenkadnook in South Australia, which means 'very fat kangaroo', or NSW's Binnaway, which is derived from a word meaning 'peppermint tree wollybutt'.
Or you could just resort to toilet humour with the likes of Dunnedoo, Diapur, Mount Buggery, Burrumbuttock, Poowong and Fannie Bay.

According to Tourism Tasmania's Marianne Miles, Break-Me-Neck Hill "was named after an exclamation uttered by a wagoner during his first experience of the hill.”

The origin of the name of the Northern Territory's Humpty Doo is unknown, but Tourism Northern Territory's Liz McCouaig has three theories: that it's from an Aboriginal term 'Umdidu', which meant a popular resting place; from "a colloquialism to describe everything done wrong or upside down"; or that it's derived from the term "umpty", which was "the Army slang term used for the dash when reading Morse Code".

(courtesy of Escape.com.au)

Las Vegas

Lost Wages, Sin City, Entertainment Capital of the World, City of Lights, Glitter Gulch, The Strip. Call it what you will, Las Vegas is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and we can see why. Here is the low-down on the desert city.

         DISCOVER WORLD-CLASS ENTERTAINMENT
Shows

There's a good reason why Las Vegas is called the "Entertainment Capital of the World." Since its Rat Pack days, Las Vegas has been inextricably associated with legendary shows and entertainers. Say "Las Vegas" and it's likely that showgirls in elaborate headdresses and Elvis impersonators will come to mind.

Today, the Las Vegas entertainment scene still has plenty of its classic glamour, but it has evolved to include so much more. In addition to the iconic Las Vegas entertainment staples, the destination offers a lineup of ward winning magicians, Broadway caliber productions, world renowned concert headliners and unique to Las Vegas production shows.

What's new

Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil has opened at ARIA Hotel & casino at CityCenter. This harmonious fusion of dance, acrobatics and live music is a tribute to the life and music of Elvis Presley. Created in the image of The King of Rock 'n' Roll, the show highlights an American icon who transformed popular music and features significant moments in his life and selections of his timeless music.

Broadway

In 2006, The Venetian debuted "Phantom ‐ The Las Vegas Spectacular." The show is permanently housed in a $40 million theater. The 95 minute production includes neverbefore seen special effects, a jaw‐dropping reproduction of the Parisian opera house where the story takes place, and all the beloved songs from the original Andrew Lloyd Webber production.
Disney Theatrical Productions and Mandalay Bay have opened the award‐winning Broadway phenomenon THE LION KING at the Mandalay Bay Theatre. Mandalay Bay's production of THE LION KING is virtually identical to the other companies seen around the globe and staged with all of the same spectacular music, sets, and costumes that have made it a worldwide phenomenon.

Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil and its ethereal combination of acrobats and special effects dazzle audiences all along the Strip. The group produces shows for a variety of properties including "Mystere" at Treasure Island, which recently celebrated 15 years on the Las Vegas Strip. Bellagio's "O" is the troupe's first foray into aquatic theater, featuring a cast of 81 artists performing in and above a pool containing 1.5 million gallons of water.
Cirque du Soleil's "Zumanity" opened September 2003 at New York New York Hotel & Casino. In 2005, the fourth Cirque du Soleil show, "KA," debuted at MGM Grand. In June 2006 "LOVE" opened at The Mirage. Based on the music of The Beatles, the project was begun by the late George Harrison and Guy Laliberté, Cirque's founder. "LOVE" is presented in a custom built theater featuring 360‐degree seating, high definition projections with 100 foot high digital, moving images in addition to a panoramic sound system.
"Criss Angel: BELIEVE," a partnership between the master illusionist and Cirque du Soleil, debuted their much‐anticipated production show last year at Luxor. Fusing together revolutionary illusions and mystical artistry with acrobatics, dance, puppetry,music and poetry, Angel reinvents the traditional magic show.

        GET HITCHED

Las Vegas is known as much for its weddings as it is for its casinos. With an average of more than 100,000 marriage licenses issued annually, Las Vegas is recognised as the world's wedding capital. Whether it's eloping on a secret rendezvous, or planning an elaborate ceremony for hundreds of your family and friends, there is no place quite like Vegas to make it official.

Part of the allure of getting married in Las Vegas is that it offers the ultimate freedom of choice, ranging from Elvis presiding over a 24‐hour, drive‐through chapel to a lavish soiree at one of the world's premier resorts. In addition, Las Vegas has minimal requirements and no waiting period, making "quickie" weddings an attractive possibility.

Since its early history, Las Vegas has been the wedding destination for a multitude of celebrity couples including Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu, Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow, Jane Fonda and Roger Vadim, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, Cindy Crawford and Richard Gere, Britney Spears and Jason Alexander, and Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie. Others who have tied the knot in Las Vegas include Brigitte Bardot, Billy Martin, Joan Collins, Judy Garland, Vic Damone, Jon Bon Jovi, Charisma Carpenter, Tony Curtis, Mickey Rooney (several times), Mary Tyler Moore, Sammy Davis, Jr., Bing Crosby,Joan Crawford, Michael Jordan, and Dennis Rodman.

     GO SHOPPING

If you want it, Vegas has it. From designer splurges to bargain deals, Las Vegas has become a one‐stop shopping Mecca. Everything from colorful souvenir shops to haute couture boutiques can be found in retail centers along the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding areas.

Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is the 1.2‐mile retail/entertainment complex at the heart of Las Vegas Boulevard. Miracle Mile Shops features 15 restaurants, live entertainment and 170 specialty stores including retail brands such as H&M, Urban Outfitters, Ben Sherman, Quiksilver, bebe, Sephora, French Connection, Betsey Johnson, Frederick's of Hollywood and True Religion Brand Jeans. Recently, Miracle Mile Shops welcomed Las Vegas' only Club Tattoo, founded by Linkin Park front man Chester Bennington and long time friend Sean Dowdell. Rock & Roll Religion is the Los Angeles‐based company's only Las Vegas outpost featuring brands such as English Laundry, Fender: The Clothing Collection; Jimi Hendrix: The Experience,and Da Vinci. DC Shoes, the California‐based retailer, features men's, women's and children's footwear inspired by an extreme sports lifestyle. American Apparel showcases a wide range of clothing items for men and women.

Anchored by a flagship, 85,000‐square‐foot Barneys New York, The Shoppes at The Palazzo offers more than 60 luxury boutiques. In addition to Barneys New York, 20 remarkable stores and luxury brands have made their Las Vegas debuts at The Palazzo.They include Chloe, Tory Burch, Christian Louboutin, Diane Von Furstenberg, Van Cleef & Arpels, Catherine Malandrino, Anya Hindmarch, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Jimmy Choo, Piaget, Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, Fendi, Bottega Veneta and Montblanc to present one of the most upscale retail destinations under one roof in the United States. Las Vegas‐based Elton's men's store has recently received some important accolades.The store was named 2008 Retailer of the Year by designer Mark Nason and is now the boutique of Choice for Scott Kay jewelry in Las Vegas. Last summer, Elton's was named 2008 Best Retailer of the Year for Best Contemporary Store in the United States by MR Magazine, the industry's leading publication for men's retail.

 

        EAT LIKE THE KING

Once known for its all you can eat buffets and bargain shrimp cocktails, Las Vegas has transformed itself into a top culinary destination. Within a decade, Las Vegas has redefined the culinary and wine experience by offering the most comprehensive collection of celebrity chefs and world‐class restaurants, more Master Sommeliers than any other city in the world and more wine sold per capita than in any other destination.

Bon Appétit magazine, a leading authority in the culinary world, cemented Las Vegas'place among U.S. dining capitals by declaring the destination as one of the nation's top five restaurant cities. In fact, the publication has partnered with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, and Las Vegas resorts, to host an annual epicurean event called Vegas Uncork'd. This four‐day event in May provides an intimate connection with legendary chefs, along with grand tastings of their delectable creations.

Welkam tu d'Werl d' Norf'k - Welcome to the World of Norfolk

Last night I had the opportunity to meet with some wonderful people from Norfolk Island.  I know that a lot of people are of the opinion that Norfolk Island is for the seniors only.  Well let me tell you, that they are very wrong.  Yes, the seniors will enjoy the tranquility of the island and the slow place and the beauty, but, we can enjoy that too, along with a multitude of other things that will test the senses and adventure for people of all ages.        


This is a world where you can be as laid back (or busy) as you want to be.  Where the only fast food is pulled fresh from the soil or sea.  Where there are no traffic lights.  Where strangers wave as you pass by.  Time moves slowly here.

The four pillars that make up Norfolk Island are, Nature, Marine, Lifestyle and Well Being and History and Culture.

For centuries, plants and animals have made this a temperate refuge in the middle of the Pacific.  The rainforests are home to the world's tallest tree fern.  There are forty unique plant species and over twenty species of birdlife.  No snakes, poison spiders, leeches or mosquitoes.  You can bike, horse-ride, carriage ride, bird watch, walking trails or visit one of the two close islands that are just a short boat ride away.

Tours and experiences:  Behind the Hedges Tour, Breakfast Bushwalks, Edible Garden Tours, Photographic Tours and Classes.

The pristine Pacific is central to Norfolk's life and it encircles the island.  Immense schools of fish journey there on currents from its deepest regions.  With no commercial fishing, the waters are always teeming.  There are sheltered bays for swimming, diving, and boating.  Grab some snorkelling gear and take the plunge or take a tour with a sea scooter... the fastest way to get around under the surface. There are several prime surfing spots around the island and beyond the reef, you can hire a board there.

Feel as if your body and mind are being born anew.  Do nothing at all, or pack it all in - from yoga to paintball; deep sea diving to mountain climbing.  Explore the history and culture, or seek out the unusual wildlife, or hunt for bargains.  There are over 30 places to eat on the island, from cafes to restaurants serving amazing beef and sea food. Farmers markets are available on Saturdays, for those in self catering accommodation.  Visit the Galleries or have a spa.  Read a book under a tall Norfolk Pine.  Amble around the shopping precinct for tax free bargains.

More Tours and Experiences:  Cliff Top BBQ Breakfast , Local Chocolate making (very delicious Chocolates - I have tried them), Hosted Wine Tastings, Helen Reddy Aquaponics.

Norfolk have a unique people, who are descendants of the legendary Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives, who bequeathed their culture, language and approach to life.  The time frame of arrivals span from First Inhabitants of the East Polynesians to the European Discovery by Captain Cook, to the Convict era and the Bounty Mutineers

Tours for history and culture:  Cemetary Tour, Convict Settlement Tour, Ghost tour and dinner, History in the Making, and much more.

Many events happen though out the year from, Opera in Paradise, Line Dancing Festival, International Triathlon, Country Music Festival, Bounty Day, Tour de Norfolk, Triple Bowls tournament, Quilters getaway, Holistic Living Festival and Jazz in the Pines.  Many more events do happen, just ask.

How to get there:  Flights from Australia: Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and also from Auckland.

Climate:  Subtropical with temps ranging from 19-28 in summer and 12 - 31 in Winter.

Ask your personal Travel Manager about Norfolk Island soon