Latest news with #GreatOceanRoad
The Advertiser
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Why Qantas' new aircraft is a game changer for Australian travellers
The new Qantas Airbus A321XLR lands in Sydney. By Sarah Falson If you fly domestically you will have noticed what a pain trying to fit carry-on into the overhead lockers can be. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper All other in your area As aircraft become fuller with more people travelling around the country, overhead bin space is at a premium. Airlines are adopting the "one up, one down" rule where you must store your smaller carry-on bag under the seat in front of you, meaning there is less space for your legs. The Airbus A321XLR, named Great Ocean Road, arrived in Sydney at the start of July, with flight QF6041 flying from Hamburg to Bangkok, and making history as the longest A321XLR flight operated by a commercial airline. The flight then continued on to Sydney, touching down at Sydney Airport. The aircraft is one of 28 Qantas has on order. The airline claims the aircraft offers the widest cabin of any narrowbody aircraft globally, with space for 60 per cent more bags, wider economy class seats, more economy and business class seats, and larger windows than the Boeing 737. Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson said the aircraft marked the beginning of an "exciting new chapter" for Australians. Economy seats in the new Qantas Airbus A321XLR. Australian Travel Industry Association CEO Dean Long told ACM, the publisher of this masthead, the new A321XLR is a positive step in upgrading the fleet that most Australians travel on. But it doesn't just offer more space. It also incorporates advanced lightweight materials and design technologies that can enable reduced fuel burn and lower emissions, Qantas claims. Mr Long said: "The aircraft is more environmentally sound and fuel efficient and we are hopeful that this will put downward pressure on airfares as it should cost less to operate than the existing fleet." Economy seat backs in the new Qantas Airbus A321XLR. "While we haven't seen any announcements yet, we do believe that the aircraft will also allow for some new routes to be opened up into Asia and across the Pacific," he said. Mr Long said we should see the impact of the new aircraft when Qantas deploys the aircraft internationally. "Its extended range should allow QF to ramp up capacity on key Asian routes such as Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore putting some additional capacity to bring airfares down," he said. And then there's the all-important bin space. Qantas Airbus A321XLR business class. "As regular travellers know, overhead bin space is a source of frustration for most travellers," Mr Long said. "This aircraft's design maximises this space and should make it a little easier for people to find a temporary home for their bags above their seats. "I also personally like the larger window sizes that will allow people sitting in the aisle to also see out into the world in which they fly." Words by Sarah Falson Sarah is ACM's travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me. Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life. My top travel tip is … Don't plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what's within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Photos show destruction as invasive species 'take over' Australian caravan parks
One of the country's most invasive pests is wreaking havoc on caravan parks in Australia's south, with photos shared online showing the extent of the devastation. Hundreds of rabbits were recently killed by professional shooters at Warrnambool along Victoria's Great Ocean Road. Noel Bauer and his colleague Shane from Vic Feral Eradication were contracted to shoot rabbits at Surfside Caravan Park and another undisclosed park in the area. Noel said rabbit activity was creating unstable footing for campers and impacting native animals. He carried out an environmental impact study on the parks last November to evaluate the damage rabbits were causing. "The rabbits were eating all the grass, and it was disappearing, and they were digging holes... with it all having an impact on the native animals," he said. "The ground was dangerous — there were concerns people would twist their ankles." The pair were brought in to shoot the rabbits this year, killing 1,189 over 10 days across the two locations. "The caravan parks were overrun with rabbits... there were holes every couple of metres," he said. "We go in there, hit them hard, get the numbers down as they breed very quickly." Despite the work being carried out over March and May, the pair decided to share photos online this week to drive home their messaging that rabbits are "taking over" parts of the country. The Invasive Species Council (ISC) told Yahoo in April that at least 300 native species have been identified as facing extinction and are directly impacted by the expanding rabbit populations across the country. Due to their impressive ability to breed, rabbits are quickly outcompeting native animals for available food sources. Native populations are declining while the ground continues to be stripped by rabbits. "Rabbits do more damage to native wildlife than any other animals," Noel said. "Cats do the most damage when we talk about killing animals, but rabbits do damage too because they remove food, as soon as it grows, rabbits nip it off, and then the ground becomes barren, making way for invasive weeds." Industry experts agree that national management strategies need to be implemented to address the issue; however, after federal funding ceased in 2022, and the last coordinated strategy was introduced over a decade ago, the rabbit population has well and truly boomed. "Recent season conditions mean the estimated 200 million rabbit population is likely about to explode, just as federal funding for the next killer virus [biocontrol method] runs dry," the ISC warned in April. Noel told Yahoo News that shooting was the only viable option at the two caravan sites because much of the area is environmentally protected. "We couldn't bait successfully because it's a built-up area open to the public, and the park is dog-friendly, so that ruled it out. The issue with harbouring, which is when you pull out and rip up where they live [burrows], is that the vegetation across the coastline is protected, and so we couldn't damage it. The other option you can do is fumigation, so we fumigate the burrows, but because we couldn't have access to the burrows, we couldn't do that," he said. "We've got a special licence... which allows us to use firearms in a pubic place." Shooting continues to be a controversial method of population control, despite authorities across the country continuing to permit it. An ACT Government spokesperson told Yahoo News last year 252 red-necked wallabies and 68 swamp wallabies were killed at the Mulligans Flat sanctuary — a wildlife sanctuary designed to protect wildlife. There also continues to be an annual ritual outside the Victorian parliament house where 82-year-old Laurie Levy shows off dozens of dead ducks after the state's approved duck culling season. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Travel Daily News
04-06-2025
- General
- Travel Daily News
How to plan an epic helicopter tour
The bird's-eye view, the sound of the rotors, and the way everything looks from above isn't something you can easily replicate. That's what makes it an unforgettable adventure, no matter how many times you've done it before. Planning a helicopter tour isn't something you do on a whim. It takes a bit of coordination, especially if you want to get the most out of the experience. Whether you're looking for something low-key or something more extravagant, there are a few things you'll want to sort out ahead of time. Here's how to approach it without making it feel like a chore. Think Through the Type of Experience You Want Do you want to fly over a city skyline, follow a coastline, land on a mountain ridge, or touch down in a vineyard? The kind of route you pick will shape everything else that follows. Let's say you're considering a helicopter ride Melbourne has on offer. That could mean flying over the city center, hovering near the Yarra River, or heading out toward the Great Ocean Road. Knowing what you want to see helps narrow down your options fast. It also helps the operator recommend something that fits your expectations. Pick the Right Operator Once you've got a rough idea of your route, the next step is choosing an operator that matches your priorities. Some focus on quick tours, others on luxury packages. You might also want to check how many passengers per helicopter they take, especially if you're planning something private or low-key. If you're booking a helicopter charter Melbourne travelers often use for custom routes, check if they offer private tours, pilot commentary, and flexibility with pickup points. Not every operator can do last-minute route changes or special landings. Ask specific questions. You'll get more useful answers. Ask About Aircraft Types and Seating Some helicopters come with large windows and rear-facing seats, while others are more compact with tighter legroom. If you're aiming for clear photos or just prefer a more open feel during the flight, the aircraft type makes a difference. Also, find out if the tour guarantees a window seat. On a scenic helicopter experience, that's a big deal. No one wants to pay for an aerial adventure and end up in the middle seat with a limited view. If you're flying for work-related reasons or planning something for a client, this matters even more. In some industries, a helicopter flight can double as an important business tool. It offers a way to survey property, review infrastructure, or simply make an impression. In those cases, the seating, visibility, and overall aircraft setup shape how useful the trip ends up being. Know What's Included (and What's Not) Don't assume that everything is bundled into the price. Some tours include landing fees, fuel surcharges, and a champagne toast, while others add those later. It's better to ask than to be surprised. If the tour includes a canyon floor landing or a stop at a winery, confirm how long you'll be on the ground. And check if it's a guided stop or free time. If you're planning a day trip, the timing matters more than most people think. A rushed landing doesn't always feel worth it. Time It Right Flying in the morning usually means calmer air and better lighting. That's ideal if you're hoping for those sharp aerial views or want to catch that golden-hour glow on the way back. Late afternoon or early evening flights can offer epic views, especially during sunset. Just know that weather and visibility can shift quickly. Some operators reschedule if conditions change too much. It's smart to have some flexibility built into your plans. Consider the Occasion Helicopter tours work for a bunch of different occasions. Anniversaries, birthdays, proposals, or just doing something different on vacation. If it's for one of those special occasions, most operators will let you customize parts of the trip. That might mean booking the entire aircraft or arranging for something like flowers on board. Small touches like that usually make the experience feel more personal without turning it into a spectacle. Prepare the Right Way Most tours kick off with a quick safety briefing. Nothing too technical; just what you need to know to stay safe and comfortable. Pay attention to the tips about headsets, seatbelts, and camera use. It'll help you settle in faster once you're up in the air. Dress for the weather on the ground, but keep in mind it's often a little cooler once you get airborne. Layers are your friend. And go easy on the accessories; scarves and loose hats don't mix well with rotor blades. Book Early, Especially During Peak Season Tours fill up fast during school holidays and summer weekends. Booking in advance gives you a better shot at your preferred time slot and aircraft. Some operators also offer a better range of options if you're planning months out instead of days. This also gives you some buffer time in case the weather doesn't cooperate. Most companies will let you rebook if there's poor visibility or high winds. Just don't count on booking the day before and getting prime conditions. Don't Overcomplicate It At some point, you've got to stop planning and just go. Helicopter tours are meant to be fun. As long as you've picked a reputable operator, clarified the basics, and packed light, you're set. The rest is about being present. The bird's-eye view, the sound of the rotors, and the way everything looks from above isn't something you can easily replicate. That's what makes it an unforgettable adventure, no matter how many times you've done it before.
ABC News
01-06-2025
- General
- ABC News
Emergency services winch man to safety in Great Ocean Road cliff rescue
Emergency services have winched a man to safety after rising tides trapped him on a cliff face at Jan Juc on Victoria's Great Ocean Road. A police helicopter hovered above as a rescuer was lowered down and assisted the stranded man, aged 20, into a harness as large waves lapped below. He became trapped on the cliff face near Ocean Boulevard and Cantala Drive, according to police. The call for help to emergency services was made just after 3pm, and the man was rescued shortly before 4pm. He was being assessed for minor injuries.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Ghost bookings scuttle state's free camping initiative: 'It's been a disaster'
It was billed as a cost-of-living measure aimed at making holidaying domestically more affordable for Aussie families, but free camping in Victoria will not be renewed in July after the initiative was found to be of "no benefit" to regional communities and the local tourism economy. Originally announced in October 2024, the state government scheme made camping free at all sites across Victoria. However it's since been plagued by issues, namely ghosting camping — a growing issue reported at campgrounds across the country — and by complaints of illegal rubbish dumping. Nationals member for eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, whose electorate includes national park land has even branded the free camping initiative "systematically flawed" and said it "had been a disaster on a number of levels". Meanwhile national parks authorities have backed the end of free camping and endorsed a move towards a 50 per cent reduction in booking fees. A camper who attended the Jamieson Creek Campground along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria in April said he was shocked to find it totally vacant, despite claiming it was fully booked on the Parks Victoria online booking system. "It was really strange as I was expecting it to be full... the only resident there was a wallaby in a fire pit eating someone's leftovers," camper Ross Edwards told Yahoo News Australia. Industry experts say the main problem with the program is the fact it was rolled out without any enforcement. Aussie couple Michelle and her husband Heatley, who own a free camping guide app, criticised the lack of management involved in the free camping policy. "If you're going to introduce a new policy, then you need to manage it. They can't just put their hands up without an answer [to ghost booking] and say it's not their responsibility," they told Yahoo recently. "There needs to be boots on the ground to have it managed effectively and address ghost bookings. Otherwise, they aren't achieving the desired outcome at all." Free camping offer to millions of Aussies savaged Couple blast 'selfish' act creating major camping issue Illegal campers warned of $62,000 fines after highway find Caravan and Residential Parks Victoria chief executive Scott Parker agrees, saying the unfortunate outcome over the summer months was foreseeable. "And it was clearly communicated by the association to the government during the policy's implementation," he said. "It was contrary to the principles of the government's own competitive neutrality policy," he told the ABC this week as the state government announced the policy would not continue. Victorian National Parks Association executive director Matt Ruchel also told the national broadcaster that the free camping initiative had created problems for the local industry. "The fact that people are paying a fee means that they're more likely to turn up," he said. In this week's budget, the Victorian government announced the reinstatement of half-price camping at Parks Victoria's 131 paid, government-run campgrounds, running from July through until June 2027. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
