Melbourne Tourism News: Victoria Set to Ride the Wave of the Bumper Cruise Ship Season

The start of the 2011–12 cruise ship season has opened and it is expected to be one of the biggest on record

The 2011–12 cruise ship season will see almost 60 visits to Victorian ports and seven inaugural visits, including the Queen Mary 2 in 2012 – the largest cruise liner ever to visit Melbourne. At 345 metres long the Queen Mary 2 will carry 2620 passengers and 1253 crew.

The 2012–13 season is set to be even bigger than the coming season, with more than 70 ships already confirmed.

"The Melbourne Cup Carnival traditionally marks the beginning of the cruise season in Victoria and, like the race that stops the nation, our cruise industry continues to grow," Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher said.

"Cruise ship visits contribute significantly to Victoria's $15.2 billion tourism industry and with every ship that arrives, approximately $1million is injected into Victoria's economy."

Ms Asher said the Victorian Coalition Government, through Tourism Victoria, would capitalise on the cruise boom by undertaking quantitative research to profile travel behaviour and visitor satisfaction.

Ms Asher said in the coming season, two ships would also visit Geelong's Cunningham Pier and for the first time a cruise ship will stop at Portland, which has a naturally deep harbour.

"Developing Geelong and Portland as cruise ship destinations will broaden Victoria's appeal to the growing international cruise ship industry, and encourage more visitation to regional Victoria," Ms Asher said.

Victoria Set to Ride the Wave of the Bumper Cruise Ship Season

Princess Mary Charms Sydney Crowds

Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary have toured Sydney, viewing clifftop sculptures, eating barbecued prawns, and taking a boat trip on the harbour as adoring crowds waved Danish flags.

The royal couple's trip is geared around strengthening trade and business ties between Australia and Denmark, with a focus on green energy and sustainability.

They kicked off their Sydney visit with a tour of the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition at Bondi.

The couple examined some of the sculptures, including a work by Danish sculptor Keld Moseholm and a work titled Who Left The Tap Running by Simon McGrath.

The exhibition holds a special significance for the pair, who visited it when they were first dating after Mary met the prince at a Sydney nightclub during the 2000 Olympics.

Mary was also living in Bondi when she met her future husband.

The couple's ten-month-old twins, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, arrived in Sydney with their mother on a Saturday morning flight, while Prince Frederik arrived on a separate flight later that day.

The older royal children, Prince Christian, 6, and Princess Isabella, 4, did not accompany them, the Danish consulate confirmed.

Crowd-pleasers

The royal couple waved and smiled as they were welcomed by NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell and his wife Rosemary before visiting the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition.

Mr O'Farrell said he was delighted to have the royal couple back to Sydney.

"Like many Australians, we share in the royal romance and relationship that some have described as a fairytale," Mr O'Farrell said.

They shook hands with several people in the crowd, some of whom cried "welcome to Australia".

Later, Mary and Frederik jumped onto energy-generating bikes to make themselves smoothies after opening an urban sustainability conference at Customs House.

The venue at Circular Quay was just over one kilometre from the Slip Inn, the bar where the couple famously met during the 2000 Olympics.

Later, they mingled with 400 guests, mainly from the Danish business community, at a barbecue at the Garden Island naval base on Sydney Harbour.

The barbecue menu included Tasmanian scallops, lamb and mint sausages, king prawns, Sydney rock oysters, barramundi, marinated Atlantic salmon, King Island beef eye fillet and pavlova with King Island cream.

The couple were spattered with a burst of heavy rainfall as they later boarded a boat to go to Admiralty House.

The couple's six-day visit to Australia includes stops at Canberra, Melbourne, western Victoria and Broken Hill in NSW, and will be followed by a private family visit.

Crown Princess Mary was born Mary Donaldson in Hobart and the couple married in Copenhagen in 2004.

It is the royal family's first visit to Australia since August 2008, although Princess Mary came for a private visit last year.

Aspire Hotel Sydney: Aspire Hotel Sydney Manager Ricky Risal in Attendance to Meet the Prince and Princess of Denmark

Ricky Risal, Manager of Aspire Hotel Sydney wasd in Attendance on Saturday to Meet Pricesss and Princess of Denmark


The invite was from the Lord Mayor of Sydney, our names were given by AHA board

Aspire Hotel Sydney: Aspire Hotel Sydney Manager Ricky Risal in Attendance to Meet the Prince and Princess of Denmark

Perth Tourism News: Perth-ect Aussie Farewell for the Queen

The 'Big Aussie Barbecue' was the State of Western Australia's 'sizzling' farewell to the Royal couple who were in Perth for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Held at the Perth Esplanade on the banks of the picturesque Swan River, event organisers couldn't have wished for a more perfect day with the sun shining brightly, clear blue sky and a top of 25 degrees.

Crowds gathered steadily throughout the morning, with the sound of The Swan Bells ringing out from the Bell Tower as The Queen's motorcade arrived.

The Queen paid tribute to the beauty of WA's Margaret River region and the Kimberley in her address to crowds and congratulated Premier Colin Barnett and the WA community for hosting CHOGM.

"Over the years I have seen how this State has developed; Western Australia has evolved in its own unique style which is distinctive yet complementary.

"I can think of no more fitting way to end my visit here than in this idyllic Swan River setting which I have enjoyed on so many occasions.

"The rich diversity of this vast state has never been more apparent, from Margaret River wine to the rugged beauty of the Kimberley.

The Queen also made comment about Western Australia's economic potential and professionalism as the host city of CHOGM.

"And, your proximity to Asia has created opportunities for Western Australia to lead the nation's economic future in this region.

"This past week the world has come to Perth as host of the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Perth-ect Aussie Farewell for the Queen

Giant Aussie Barbecue Farewells the Queen

Australia threw a giant barbecue in perfect weather to farewell the Queen after an 11-day visit in which she opened Perth's CHOGM and bolstered the stock of the monarchy in the face of Australia's apparent indifference to becoming a republic.

The Queen and Prince Philip left Australia on Saturday for the 16th, and possibly final, time following a community barbecue on the banks of the Swan River attended by an estimated 100,000-plus people.

The picture-postcard scene - under a "big blue Australian sky" as West Australian Premier Colin Barnett noted - was not lost on the Queen.

"I can think of no more fitting way to end our visit than in this idyllic Swan River setting," the Queen told tens of thousands of flag-waving Aussies whose sausage sizzle purchases were all going to charity.

"Once again we return to the UK with fond memories of our warm welcome on our 16th visit to this beautiful country."

The Queen praised Australia for hosting a "most successful" CHOGM, saying the nation had endeared itself to the international community through its professional excellence, generosity and goodwill.

"We have enjoyed our visit immensely," she said.

"We have been overwhelmed by your kindness and support."

The Queen is no stranger to barbecues, either as a guest or host.

When Prime Minister Paul Keating visited her at Balmoral castle in Scotland in 1993, to tell her most Australians felt the monarchy was an anachronism, she offered him the choice of a formal dinner or a barbecue.

Mr Keating took the Aussie option.

The Queen, dressed down to tweeds, drove him in her Land Rover to a remote hut on her estate where Prince Philip was busy cooking the steaks.

Mr Keating has told how the Queen asked him to help her fetch the plates from the boot.

And when the barbecue was over she asked him to help with the dishes, which he did.

This time the hosting duties were reversed, and Lyn Barnett, the WA premier's wife, gave Prince Philip a gift which will come in handy if he has another Keating moment - an Aussie barbecue cookbook.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh waved at throngs lining the streets on their motorcade from Government House.

Perth's Bell Tower rang in welcome as they arrived on the Swan River foreshore, where the Queen addressed the crowd and enjoyed a leisurely walkabout.

Wearing a pink and white silk dress, she spoke with celebrity chef Anna Gare, and told her she was very excited about the fresh food movement among Australian youngsters.

"I told her England's Jamie Oliver has had a huge influence on cooking in Australia," Ms Gare said.

Jill Bishop, from Gidgegannup, told the Queen: "It's been wonderful to have you here" and Her Majesty replied: "It's been wonderful to be here."

Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi, the last person to farewell the Queen, said: "She was just adorable."

During her Australian visit the Queen had audiences with Governor-General Quentin Bryce, Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.

She paid tribute to Australia's fallen soldiers at Canberra's War Memorial, and had lunch with a number of notable Australians including Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush, horse-racing legend Bart Cummings and indigenous leader June Oscar.

Perth easily turned on the biggest crowds of her visit, but in Brisbane, where she met flood and cyclone victims, an estimated 45,000 well-wishers cheered her on a boat trip.

In Melbourne she officially opened the new Royal Children's Hospital almost 50 years after opening the original.

In Perth she visited an Aboriginal college and opened CHOGM with an appeal to leaders of more than 50 countries to implement bold reforms to rejuvenate a beleaguered Commonwealth.

Republicanism has been on the wane in Australia since the failure of the 1999 referendum, and the Queen's visit capped a purple patch for the royals, highlighted by Prince William's marriage earlier this year to Catherine Middleton.

Many commentators have been calling this her last tour of Australia in light of the 85-year-old monarch's age.

But a Buckingham Palace spokeswoman insisted the tour did not have the feeling of a final event, and the monarch was "delighted" with the warmth of the reception she received.

"It's almost a coming home for the Queen," the spokeswoman said.

"She has a huge fondness for Australia.

"A lot of Australians have worked in her household.

"There's no sense at all of 'Thank you and goodbye'."

(By Doug Conway, AAP Senior Correspondent, ninemsn.com.au )

Perth Tourism News: Forget the BBQ - Record rains soak Perth

Spring may be here, but it feels like winter with Perth's wettest October in 12 years.

Perth is in for its wettest October in 12 years after last night’s rains took the monthly total past the long-term average of 52 millimetres to 64 millimetres.

In the city's wettest three-day period since July, Perth received 29 millimetres earlier this week and another 22 millimetres overnight.

It is the wettest three-days in October since 1999, when 55 millimetres fell, with a total of 96 millimetres for the month.

The bad weather has had CHOGM organisers holding their breath, with activities such as the Queen's Big Aussie Barbecue fast approaching.

Luckily meteorologists have predicted fine weather for this Saturday, when 100,000 people are expected to attend the event at Langley Park.

Perth hasn't been the only place in WA to have record rainfall.

Geraldton picked up 48 millimetres, its heaviest rain since May and heaviest October rain in 64 years.

Soaking rain has also affected much of the south-west land division in the past week with traditionally dry Salmon Gums area receiving record falls.

Forget the BBQ - Record rains soak Perth

Queen Bids Farewell to Melbourne After Whirlwind Visit

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh left Melbourne's sunny skies and arrived to inclement weather in Perth.

A crowd of more than 400 people braved the wet weather to sneak a peek at the royal pair touching down at Perth International Airport at 4.20pm, five minutes ahead of schedule.

WA Premier Colin Barnett and his wife Lyn, as well as Defence Minister Stephen Smith, were on the tarmac waiting for the Queen to arrive.

As she emerged from the plane, the Queen was greeted by loud cheers from the waiting crowd who had been gathering all afternoon.

Earlier in the day during her whirlwind tour of Melbourne, the Duke of Edinburgh was every inch the exasperated commuter when he took a tram ride through the city with the Queen.

As soon as the royal couple stepped aboard the public transport vehicle he waved his hand and ordered driver Joyleen Smith to set off as they were running late.

It is the first time the monarch has travelled by tram since she boarded one during the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002.

In honour of the royal passengers the white Z3-Class vehicle had been transformed with a red, white and blue exterior colour scheme and inside it had been refurbished and restored.

A dot-matrix screen at its front displayed the words "royal tram" while a smaller one was lit up with the monarch's initials "ER''

Ms Smith, a tram driver for almost seven years, described today's event as an honour.

She added: "When they got on I said hello to the Queen, and Philip said 'come on driver lets go, were running late', so I thought we better go.

"He said it with a smile on his face and I know hes got a wicked sense of humour."

The pair boarded the tram at Stop 13 in Melbourne's Federation Square and travelled along St Kilda Road to a reception and lunch with local politicians at Government House, before flying to Perth late this afternoon.

Earlier they had been held up during a walkabout through the square as dozens of well-wishers had wanted to hand flowers and presents to the royals as tens of thousands looked on.

The royal couple sat facing each other with the Premier of Victoria, Ted Baillieu, and his wife Robyn sat side by side close by.

The monarch may be more used to travelling in a chauffeur driven state Bentley or Rolls Royce but she appeared at home on public transport.

They used a myki - a pre-paid travel card - but it is not known if they chose the two-hour zone one fare costing $3.80 or opted for the cheaper $2.80 senior citizen option.

Four mounted officers from Victoria Police escorted the royal tram which travelled at walking pace, around 3mph, during the eight minute journey.

Among the two horses that led the way was Super Impressive, a former racehorse that had earned around $1.5 million during its former career.

The royal couple waved at the thousands who lined their route and the crowds cheered and screamed in response.

The Queen is greeted with a letter as she walks through Federation Square. Picture: Alex Coppel

Their journey took them along part of the route of the number eight tram which runs from the Brunswick depot to Toorak.

Ms Smith, who drives trams along the inner-city routes one, eight and 19, said she had taken commuters along the stretch of track used by the royals hundreds of times.

She added: "A couple of times I got a little overwhelmed and thought I was going to cry - all the people were waving at her. At one point I even waved at someone I recognised.

"But despite being nervous at first it was overwhelming, what an honour to drive the Queen."

Before boarding the tram the Queen was met by a forest of flags and a sea of smiles as she swept through Federation Square.

Some staked their places beside the metal barricade flanking the red carpet four hours early, excited children bearing bouquets at the front.

And others brought home-made signs, hoping they would be a magnet to the monarch.

The welcome was warm, in fact too warm for some as a few onlookers seemed to succumb to heat stroke after hours in the full sun.

But the Queen's arrival eclipsed even that as thousands almost filling the square fell respectfully silent.

Children perched on shoulders and in the few trees. Arms in the crush stretched high to photograph Her Majesty, aiming vaguely towards an occasionally visible pink hat.

"She's so short, damn it,'' one woman complained, but for most in the crowd, near enough was better than good enough.

Cecelia Egan held a sign. Australia Loves Our Queen, and the Queen returned the love, moving close and appreciating the handiwork.

"I said 'thank you for coming','' Ms Egan said.

"I am so pleased she read the sign. I could see her eyes reading it, then she gave a beautiful little gracious sign and moved on.

"My life's complete ... now I can die.''

Eliza Comerford, 9, staked a spot near the metal barriers at 8.30am, and was rewarded for her patience when the Queen saw a Welcome Queen Elizabeth sign, came over and took her flowers.

"She said 'Thank You','' Eliza said excitedly.

After about 20 minutes walking the red carpet, taking bunch after bunch of flowers, the Queen waved and moved on to the royal tram.

After the Occupy Melbourne protests, black glove-wearing police checked men who didn't look to fit in, running checks on their names.

No details of arrests were immediately available.

After a short ride down St Kilda Rd the Queen was then driven in her Range Rover to Government House for a reception and lunch.

A group of anti-carbon tax protesters assembled near Government House, armed with banners reading "Welcome, your Majesty, please dissolve parliament," and "carbon tax corruption".

Inside Government House the Queen mingled with everyday Victorians, current and former politicians and former governors.

But there was a clear focus on everyday Victorians, particularly flood and fire victims.

The Queen then had a lunch with 60 VIPs in the state drawing room before signing a guest book and an official photograph

She left Government House at about 2.45pm, making her way back to the airport where she flew to Perth for the final stop on her royal tour.

The Queen visits the Clontarf Aboriginal College and attend a state reception at Government House in Perth hosted by WA Premier Colin Barnett.

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