Picton Motor Cycles

Plan your New Zealand Holiday on Experience Oz + NZ

Mary Anne Terry — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:40:16 +0000

Experience Oz is excited to announce a major expansion of its online catalogue of travel experiences—now, with Experience Oz, you can also experience New Zealand! As it offers over 2000 tours, attractions, activities and more, you can now browse a diverse range of things to do in both Oz and NZ and book experiences online at www.ExperienceOz.com.au.

Experience Oz, now Experience Oz + NZ, has introduced exciting day tours, cruises, activities, attractions, extreme experiences and more in all of the main regions of NZ’s north and south islands. If you are planning to visit NZ, be sure to read what we have to say about each city and browse the many options for things to do in each.

If heading to the North Island, you will probably be stopping in the big city, Auckland. While there, if you dare, brave the Auckland Sky Tower SkyWalk and walk around a platform without railings 192 metres above the city—and lean over the edge!

If in the Bay of Islands, considering killing two birds with one cruise; on the Dolphin Cruise to Hole in the Rock, you can discover the area’s wildlife, including playful dolphins, as well as the natural highlights, such as the iconic Hole in the Rock and the Grand Cathedral Cave.

You can also join combination tours for a full experience of Rotorua and nearby areas. Explore the Waitomo caves, view amazing glowworm displays, watch Moari cultural performances and tour Waikato and King Country, as well as other scenic regions, on the Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Tours.

If heading to the South Island, there is a whole new world of exciting and spectacularly scenic options. Consider taking a cruise through Doubtful Sound, a highlight of the pristine Fiordland, and discover the dense rainforest, clear waters, abundant local wildlife and much more.

You can also view the South Island’s beauty from above with unique scenic flight packages. With a Milford Sound scenic flight combination package, you can explore the massive fiord and its surrounding waterfalls, ancient glaciers, crystal clear lakes and rivers and beech forest from the roads, the waters and the skies!

If in Queenstown, you will have no shortage of thrills available to you. For adrenaline-packed day out, consider the Shotover Threesome package with which you enjoy a scenic helicopter flight from the city to the Shotover River, where you embark on a whitewater adventure rafting on grade 3-5 rapids and, finally, you hop aboard a jetboat for some serious on-water speed and spins!

Alternatively, for a more relaxing experience, you may enjoy a Stewart Island Cruise or a Paringa Track Guided Walk on the West Coast.

Whether it’s a peaceful, scenic holiday you’re after or an extreme adventure, there are tours, attractions and activities that will appeal to you. Experience Oz + NZ is now your one stop shop for things to do in Australia and New Zealand!

Book your experiences in NZ and in Oz here!

Plan a Memorable Experience for Valentine’s Day

Mary Anne Terry — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:41:46 +0000

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day – if you haven’t already planned something special, there is still time to impress your other half! So, don’t stress and run to your local chemist to purchase one of the only remaining bouquets of flowers, the ones with few pedals left, or the last teddy, the one with the missing eye. This year, show no love for the conventional; instead, book a unique experience for you and your loved one to share.

There are endless exciting and romantic options offered across Australia. In Sydney, you can float above the earth with your beau in a hot air balloon flight; launch from Parramatta to enjoy spectacular views of the big city’s famous skyline and of the beautiful Blue Mountains or launch from Camden for views of the valley and its rivers, rock faces and historic towns; or, for similar views, you can take a scenic helicopter flight. Alternatively, you may take advantage of what Sydney is famous for, its harbour, with a harbour cruise.

If in Melbourne, you can float in a hot air balloon over different settings, taking in views of the city’s famous landmarks, such as its many iconic sports arenas, and the Yarra Valley and its many world-class wineries and lush green rolling hills. For a traditional romantic experience, consider an antique horse and carriage tour through Melbourne. For a more indulgent and scenic day out, book a winery tour that visits several of the Yarra Valley’s acclaimed wineries.

If you’re on the Gold Coast, you can board a scenic flight or a hot air balloon to fly over the gorgeous hinterland and enjoy views of the iconic coastal city skyline, beaches, the open sea, rivers and mountains; or take to the beautiful Gold Coast broadwater with one of the many cruise options.

Browse through the many memorable experiences available in each of the major regions in Australia to find the one that best suits you and your loved one. No need to worry about planning details or spending time shopping – you can arrange one of these incredible experiences from your desk at work or at home! Browse and book a special activity for you two on Experience Oz and receive an instant confirmation and a printable voucher. Last-minute gifts can be thoughtful too – find how you will make tomorrow memorable on Experience Oz today!

Book your Valentine's Day Experience Today

Become an Investigator for a Day at CSI: The Experience

Mary Anne Terry — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:15:39 +0000

Think you have what it takes to be a CSI Agent? Spend the day acting as a forensic detective at the Gold Coast exhibition, CSI: The Experience, and see if you can collect enough evidence to crack the case! Since early December, Gold Coast locals and visitors alike have been enjoying this multi-million dollar interactive crime solving experience!

This successful 1,110 square metre exhibition, also running in Las Vegas and New York, was developed in consultation with 175 forensic science experts to ensure it reflects not only the hit TV show, but the real, current processes of crime scene investigating.

As a visitor, you take on the role of ‘detective’, first learning of forensic analysis techniques and of your responsibilities through a video directed by Anthony E. Zuiker, the creator and executive producer of the CSI TV series, as well as directly from a real-life forensic scientist, Ron Singer. Next, CSI’s lead investigator, Gil Grissom, provides you with some tips of uncovering the evidence in the crime scene to come.

After learning the fundamentals of several forensic science areas, such as DNA and firearm identification and pathology and blood splatter analysis, you enter one of three intricately constructed crime scenes. Now the pressure is on you and the other newly hired detectives to put the puzzle together.

With the help of a modern crime lab, an autopsy room and a variety of information technologies, you use real science to identify, record and analyse evidence. Once you’re confident with your findings, you head to the office to present them to team supervisor, Gil Grissom, in the hopes of solving the case.

Because you apply the forensics knowledge you learn in a multi-media environment based on the TV show complete with real equipment, it is a perfect blend of science and pop culture. As CSI executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer describes it, this exhibition is ‘edu-tainment’.

Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise and open 10am to 10pm every day of the week, CSI: The Experience is very accessible. Visit Experience Oz’s page for this attraction for more details on pricing and purchasing tickets. For the best value, consider the Surfers Paradise 3 in 1 Attraction Pass, which grants you access to not only CSI: The Experience, but also to Infinity and Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

Put your Investigator hat on and head to the Gold Coast‘s new, exciting attraction, CSI: The Experience, today!

Buy your CSI: The Experience Tickets Here!

See The Wiggles and Friends at Dreamworld

Mary Anne Terry — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:22:23 +0000

Dorothy the Dinosaur is practicing her ballet and preparing her best rosy tea; Wags the Dog is dancing the tango; Henry the Octopus is polishing his shoes; and Captain Feathersword is warming up his vocal chords—all in anticipation for the return of The Wiggles! This March 10th, 2012, don’t miss your opportunity to meet the fab four and friends at Gold Coast‘s Dreamworld!

Anthony, Murray, Greg and Jeff, are heading to their home in Dreamworld’s Wiggles World for a special Wiggles Day of Celebration. The boys in the bold skivvies, along with Captain Feathersword, are going to rock out on stage, performing their favourite songs. All of the mini Wigglers are invited to show off their best dance moves with Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus on the dance floor!

Before and after the show, families are free to wonder about Wiggles World, a wonderland of fun activities for young children. In Wiggles World, launched in 2005, you and the kids can ride the Big Red Car, learn at the Fun Spot, be spun around on Doroth’s Rosy Tea Cup ride, sail away in the SS Feathersword and hang out with Dorothy, Wags, Henry and the Captain.

On March 10th, The Wiggles are holding two 15-minute live performances, one at 10:30am and the other at 11:00am, in front of Dreamworld’s Main Street stage. Best of all, this awesome show is included in the price of your Dreamworld entry ticket or World Pass.

To save money and to skip the queue at this popular theme park, purchase a Dreamworld one-day entry pass or one of the great-valued World Passes, which provide unlimited access to multiple theme parks within a set time, online in advance at Experience Oz and receive an instant eVoucher! Enjoy your wiggly day of fun!

Buy your Dreamworld Tickets Here!

Tall Ship Sailing Cruises 13th Birthday Bash Recap

Experience Oz Staff — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:51:04 +0000

It seems that, in some cases, the number 13 is definitely lucky for some – the Experience Oz crew was lucky enough to be invited to attend the 13th birthday celebration of popular cruise company Tall Ships Sailing Cruises for a night full of island-themed fun. The Tall Ships crew, lead by owner Bruce Nicholls and carried out by the many experienced and friendly staff on-hand, spared no expense and put on a delightful spread that included a cruise (obviously!) on board their luxury catamaran that departed from the Gold Coast City Marina and headed for a secluded private beach on McLaren’s Landing. Beverages and canapés were enjoyed during the trip over, and upon arrival guests were greeted by on-island entertainment including fire-twirlers, costumed hosts and acrobats putting on impressive displays of athleticism.

A hollowed-out boat filled with copious amounts of carved coconut halves containing Pina Coladas was situated on the secluded beach amongst the atmospheric glow of tiki sticks reflecting on the water, and soon after a spectacular fireworks display that would put many of the public exhibitions to shame lit up the night skies with its myriad shining colours.

Guests were then lead to a spacious dining facility decked out in bark-and-straw-style huts, each offering a different category of delicious menu with seafood, Asian and suckling pig buffets being among the highlights, and an open bar providing accompanying refreshments. Guests were then able to enjoy the combination of socialising and music while dancing the night away to the sounds of live RnB music put on by popular group Sex & Chocolate.

Upon the return cruise the party was in full swing, with live music and a dance floor on board the ship providing further entertainment – all in all a wonderful and highly satisfying night! Experience Oz would like to extend our warmest thanks to the Tall Ships crew, and wish them the best in the new year and beyond. You can view and book a range of Gold Coast Tall Ships Sailing Cruises at Experience Oz online here.

SkyPoint Climbs Begin this Weekend

Mary Anne Terry — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 07:25:15 +0000

The first public SkyPoint Climbs will be held this Sunday, Janurary 15, 2012! Be among the first to climb around the crown of the Gold Coast’s iconic Q1 tower on a SkyPoint Climb, Australia’s highest external building walk.

Meet at Mission Control, get suited up and head outside from the SkyPoint Observation Deck, 77 floors up. Climb up the Q1’s south side, enjoy the viewing platform at the summit at 270 metres and return down the building’s north side for a total of close to 300 steps.

Throughout the climb, marvel at the far-reaching, 360-degree views of the Gold Coast’s golden sand beaches, vast blue sea, winding waterways, green mountainous hinterland and all of its iconic buildings in between.

Further, learn interesting tidbits about the region’s landmarks from your knowledgeable Climb Leader. For the more daring, there are opportunities to get close to and look right over the edge, enabling you to view the sheer vertical drop!

The Experience Oz crew was lucky enough to try the climb yesterday—and we were all in awe of the spectacular perspective of the Gold Coast gained from 270 metres up in open air. Having gone at twilight, we saw the Gold Coast in many lights—under the shining sun, under a purple and red sky and lit by the city lights.

Having thoroughly enjoyed the impressive views and excitement of the climb, we would like to share the experience with you. If you’re interested in doing the SkyPoint Climb and want to get the inside scoop, read Experience Oz’s detailed review of the SkyPoint Climb.

Have a Great Day Out on a Gold Coast Hinterland 4WD Tour

Mary Anne Terry — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:58:09 +0000

Many travellers flock to the Gold Coast for its stunning, sandy beaches, theme parks and evening entertainment options. But there is another Gold Coast must-experience that should not be overlooked—the Gold Coast hinterland.

Gold Coast Hinterland 4WD Tours operates full day, half day, and private charter tours through Lamington National Park. On these tours, go 4-wheel driving on steep, bumpy paths, hike through rainforests to a waterfall, spot wildlife, feed native birds, take a tree top walk, swim in rock pools, learn to crack a whip and throw a boomerang and indulge in plenty of food and drink all in one day!

Recently, Experience Oz joined the Window to the Wilderness full day hinterland tour and was extremely impressed, so we would like to share the experience with you. If you’re interested in one of these hinterland tours, learn what they have to offer by reading our detailed review of the full day hinterland tour. Join one of these tours and you will not be disappointed!

Buy your 4WD Hinterland Tour Here!

Australia Zoo’s new walking track to Africa

Kirsty Bell — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:55:34 +0000

Following the opening of the brand new AFRICA part of Australia Zoo, guests now have greater access to this new area and great flexibility!

Giraffes, rhinos and zebras are now just a hop, skip and a jump away, with a new walking track to Australia Zoo’s Africa exhibit opening on Boxing Day.

The new 700m track means our guests have the option to experience the African savannah at their leisure, which will be great for families visiting over the school holidays.

Regular local visitors in particular can also make the most of the new access to the exhibit, which offers different views and corners of the zoo to explore.

Following the 24 acre exhibit’s official opening in September the track will link guests from the Tiger Temple in South East Asia to the African savannah.

Safari shuttles to and from the exhibit will continue over the busy holiday period, but the new walking track will provide visitors to the zoo greater flexibility in organising their day.

To see a map of Australia Zoo’s new Africa Exhibit and where it fits in with the rest of the park, click here.

BUY TICKETS HERE

HOT DEAL – receive cheaper than at the gate entry as well as FREE discount coupons for in-park specials on merchandise!

Last Weekend to Enjoy a White Christmas at Movie World

Mary Anne Terry — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:40:48 +0000

There are only four more nights to experience a White Christmas at Warner Bros. Movie World! For the past five evenings, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, the popular theme park has transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a stunning display of one million fairy lights, falling snow and ice skating!

The White Christmas evening events are packed with family entertainment. Don’t miss the spectacular Christmas Parade and Santa Claus appearance; let your favourite Looney Tunes characters entertain you in the ‘Kwazy Christmas’ live show; enjoy the unique Polar Express 4-D experience; and be serenaded by Christmas carollers!

And the thrills don’t stop at the festive fun. Hop on one of the many Movie World rides that are opened, such as Superman Escape, Lethal Weapon, Batwing Spaceshot, Road Runner Roller Coaster, Green Lantern Coaster and the Kids’ WB Fun Zone!

Be sure to take part in the festivities and wear your Christmas spirit proudly at one of the remaining evening events, concluding this Sunday, December 18th. Buy your tickets online and enjoy a White Christmas!

Buy your White Christmas ticket here!

Australian Outback Spectacular 3: Spirit of the Horse is Now Showing

Mary Anne Terry — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 22:15:11 +0000

Last week, in perfect time for the Christmas holidays, Australian Outback Spectacular unveiled its third production, Spirit of the Horse—and it is a huge hit!

The AOS crew has done an incredible job balancing the old and the new, making it an entertaining show for both repeat and first time guests. The story has shifted from focusing on the role of Light Horsemen played in World War I to paying tribute to the legendary horse, Phar Lap.

“The new show brings to life the iconic Australian story of Phar Lap, a legendary horse that gave Australia courage and hope during the nation’s Great Depression,” Production Manager Shane Phillips said.

For those who have attended the first or second production, you can expect to see the characters you know and love, such as host Johno Johnson and quirky stable hand, Bluey, but you can also look forward to meeting new faces! And you can look forward to plenty of new stunts and trick rides such as vaulting and roman riding over fire!

The Experience Oz crew saw the new show last night and has not stopped raving about the special effects, the impressive horsemanship, the hilarious characters, the touching story and, of course, the delicious three-course meal! We suggest it to anyone looking for a fun night out on the Gold Coast!

To be able to bring you the inside scoop, Experience Oz interviewed Production Manager Shane Phillips about the new show. For a more in-depth review of the latest production, read our feature on Australian Outback Spectacular 3: Spirit of the Horse here. Enjoy the show!

Buy your show tickets here!