NORFOLK ISLAND TOURISM'S HERITAGE OFFERING GETS 'SIRIUS'

Norfolk Island tourism's Heritage offering has been bolstered with today's elevation of the Sirius shipwreck site to National and Commonwealth Heritage status.

Norfolk Island's Chief Minister, David Buffett joined local school children at the Norfolk Island Central School for a Video Link to participate with Australian Government Environment and Heritage Minister Hon Tony Burke , MP at the National Maritime Museum in Sydney.

The event also commemorated the 225th Anniversary of the Sirius commissioning.  Today, the HMS Sirius artefacts are mostly all housed in the Norfolk Island Museum.  They compromise the most significant display of First Fleet cultural heritage held anywhere in Australia and its territories.

The new national and Commonwealth heritage listing follows the recent addition of Norfolk Island's Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) to the World Heritage List, as part of the Australian Convict Sites inscription.

Mr Buffett spoke on the Video Link following Mr Burke's announcement of the listing both welcoming and congratulating the Australian Government for its timely initiative.

"The listing properly recognises the significance of the site as this is perhaps Australia's most important shipwreck.  The Sirius' role as the lead ship for the First Fleet places her at the very start, and heart of the Australian Nation," Mr Buffett said.

"And, of course, she was the only link the fledgling communities of Port Jackson and Norfolk Island had to the outside and was critically important to the survival of both colonies," he said.

"It was on our small isolated Island 1500 kilometres north east of Port Jackson that HMS Sirius was lost on 19 March, 1790," the Chief Minister said. 

Her demise caused great distress to both settlements and as Capt Arthur Phillip, Governor of New South Wales recorded at the time,  "You never saw such dismay as the news of the wreck occasioned amongst us all; for, to use a sea term, we looked upon her as our sheet anchor."

"The story of the life and wrecking of HMS Sirius is completed with the story of the recovery of her artefacts from the reef at Norfolk Island.  This rich source provided answers to the circumstances of British Settlement in Australia, the Sirius' construction as a Baltic trader, and the perilous state of the fledgling Nation of Australia when she was lost," Mr Buffett told the children.

Mr Buffett thanked Minister Burke for inviting the Norfolk Island community to be part of this historic occasion.

"The full story of the life, wrecking and recovery of the Sirius artefacts can be found at the Norfolk Island Museum website www.hmssirius.com.au.," the Chief Minister advised.

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Caravanning and Camping- the Experts Advice

Caravan and camping holidays have been the fastest growing tourism sector in Australia for the past 15 years and definitely don't appear to be taking a back seat. Caravan and camping getaways are the number one choice for many holiday makers throughout Australia and as the trend continues more families and couples are likely to dip their toes into the water and trial this great holiday option. However, there are a couple of things that everyone should know before they purchase a caravan or set up camp for the night.

We asked Barry Baillie, the CEO of the Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW for any tips and hints he has for beginners.

"The best thing about a caravan or camping holiday is that there is something for every budget. From a $200 tent to a $500, 000 motorhome whatever you choice of accommodation everyone can still enjoy their greatly deserved holiday.

Many caravan parks throughout NSW are situated in some of the best locations throughout Australia, often neighbouring shopping centres, national parks and pristine beaches. You can have a five star holiday without the expensive price tag.

Caravan and camping holidays cater for every lifestyle and the first step of any touring holiday is finding the type of holiday that suits you. Generally speaking, retirees travel in caravans or motorhomes, depending on how they feel about towing. Families and young couples usually prefer camping or staying in a cabin.

I would suggest that beginners who want to go caravanning should hire a van first to see if they are happy towing and, most importantly, like the lifestyle. First time buyers should also do a towing course. 

Comfort is another must when going camping and there is definitely no shortage of luxury accessories available to give you that home away from home feeling. You won't regret the choice of a good quality mattress or camp chair.

Two elements that are crucial on any caravan or camping holiday are the first aid kit- health and safety are always a priority and… a great esky to keep the beer cold. An increasing number of parks are accepting dogs so you don't have to leave your favourite pet behind any longer.

My greatest piece of advice would be to try to get the best equipment you can so you can spend more time relaxing and enjoying your holiday and less time doing the dirty work.  Find a park with a good feel about it with lots of trees, grass and water. Make the most of interacting with the great outdoors and the new friends you will make along the way. Take the time to say G'day."

For more information on caravan and camping and for a comprehensive listing of parks and product providers go to www.caravan-camping.com.au

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THAI Launches Direct Flights to Brussels, 14th European City on The Network

Mr. Pandit Chanapai , Executive Vice President, Commercial Department of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), chaired the press conference that officially launches THAI's newest and 72 nd destination (14th destination in Europe)  Brussels, Belgium with direct flights to and from Bangkok beginning 17 November 2011.

Mr. Chanapai said, "Brussels was chosen as THAI's new destination to facilitate the growing number of passengers travelling between Australia, Thailand and Europe and for travellers' convenience via a direct route.   It is in line with THAI's strategy for expanding and serving other European cities, through a feeder city such as Brussels.   Today approximately 12-15% of passengers from Belgium and neighboring countries, especially those destined for Australia, make their connections in Frankfurt.   THAI expects these passengers will appreciate the convenience of the route to and from Brussels to Southeast Asia and Australia."

Flight TG934 from Bangkok will depart three times per week - on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 00.30 hours, arriving in Brussels at 07.00 hours the same morning.   Flight TG935 from Brussels will depart the same days at 13.30 hours, arriving in Bangkok at 06.20 hours the following day.  Direct connections are available to/from these flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Perth and outbound from Brisbane.

Thai Airways Boeing 777-200 ER

Flight reservations opened in July 2011 and the seating capacity on the Boeing 777-200 ER aircraft has already reached 80% full for the first flight to Brussels on 17 November 2011.   THAI's Boeing 777-200 ER aircraft is configured for 30 seats in Royal Silk Class and 262 seats in Economy Class, with all 292 seats equipped with personal screen and the latest in-flight entertainment system.

THAI is the first carrier in Southeast Asia to operate direct flights between Thailand and Belgium, adding convenience for passengers travelling from Belgium's capital, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France.   These passengers may also take advantage of direct flights into Bangkok, then traveling beyond to Thai domestic destinations and other parts of Southeast Asia and Australia.

Fares to Brussels start from $1,767* per person including taxes for travellers taking advantage of THAI's Europe 'Earlybird' Deals on sale until 20 Nov '11, travel from 01 Mar - 30 Sep '12.  Fares are available for travel from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth.  Bonus special offer of a free overnight stay in Bangkok is added for travellers who book and ticket by 31 Oct '11 and 30kgs luggage allowance offered.

Contact travel agents for more information and bookings; call THAI on 1300 651 960 or log on to www.thaiairways.com.au.

For THAI's Royal Orchid Plus frequent flyer members, THAI is offering the following special launch promotion from 17 November 2011 to 31 January 2012:

-          Earn 2,000 Bonus Miles for each way in Royal Silk Class between Bangkok and Brussels on THAI

-          Earn 1,000 Bonus Miles for each way in Economy Class between Bangkok and Brussels on THAI

-          Redeem 97,500 miles for award travel in Royal Silk Class between Bangkok and Brussels (25% discount)

-          Redeem 52,500 miles for award travel in Economy Class between Bangkok and Brussels (25% discount)


For more information on frequent flyer promotions, contact THAI on 1300 651 960 or visit www.thaiairways.com.

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