Australia Accommodation

Thursday, August 2, 2012

OVO CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SHOWING IN AUSTRALIA

About The Show - OVO CIRQUE DU SOLEIL




 Cirque du Soleil returns to Australia with a spectacular new production for the whole family, presented under the blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top).

OVO is a headlong rush into a colourful eco-system teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The insects' home is a world of biodiversity and beauty filled with noisy action and moments of quiet emotion.

When a mysterious egg appears in their midst, the insects are awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives.

It's love at first sight when a gawky, quirky insect arrives in this bustling community and a fabulous ladybug catches his eye - and the feeling is mutual.

The cast of OVO is comprised of 54 performing artists from 16 countries specializing in many acrobatic acts. One highlight of OVO is the stunning flying trapeze act, in which six flyers soar 40 feet in the air, making this the biggest act of its kind to ever be presented under a big top by Cirque du Soleil. It combines many circus disciplines, including banquine, Russian swing and swinging chair. The finale features 20 artists running, jumping and leaping up a 24-foot vertical wall.




OVO is overflowing with contrasts. The hidden, secret world at our feet is revealed as tender and torrid, noisy and quiet, peaceful and chaotic. And as the sun rises on a bright new day, the vibrant cycle of insect life begins anew.

OVO is written and directed by Deborah Colker.

"Overhead and on-the-ground, OVO is a whimsical infestation. It captivates as a vibrant, magical spectacle."

Chicago Now

"Cirque du Soleil turns bug's world upside-down in spectacular OVO."

Chicago Sun-Times

"Cirque du Soleil 'OVO' delivers the unbelievable. "

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Cirque hatches visual stunner."

Houston Chronicle

"OVO is an astonishing showcase of superhuman feats of strength, balance and contortion."

Houston Press

Brisbane Opens July 14, 2012

Sydney Opens September 13, 2012

Adelaide Opens December 06, 2012

Melbourne Opens January 17, 2013

Perth Opens April 14, 2013

Book at Ticketek

Brisbane's Airport Link reveals patronage figures for first week

Operating company Brisconnections has released a daily average for the first seven days since last Wednesday.

In that time, an average 77,320 vehicles a day went through the tunnel - a long way from the 135,000 vehicles a day BrisConnections hopes to achieve by the end of the three month toll free period.

The tunnel has experienced some teething problems including issues with traffic light sequences at exits and entrances and complaints about signage.

CEO Dr Ray Wilson said the first week had seen "solid traffic numbers and positive feedback from motorists about the road and time savings achieved".

"Motorists are quickly realising the value of this important new asset, with BrisConnections having received reports of time savings of up to 20 minutes to the airport as projected and considerably less traffic on suburban streets," Dr Wilson said.

"We have now witnessed the way AirportlinkM7 has revolutionised traffic movement around the city with its vital connections to the CBD, Airport, northern suburbs, Inner City Bypass, and Clem7 straight through to the Pacific Motorway."

He said the daily average was expected to grow as people adjust their travel patterns.

"Feedback has been positive with many motorists being surprised and delighted at the time savings they have achieved on their daily commutes," Dr Wilson said.

He said BrisConnections was working with the road authorities to refine some minor signage issues and traffic light sequencing on the surrounding road network.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Tiger Launches Sydney-Brisbane Route, Announces New Jobs


TIGER Airways is attempting to fly away from its turbulent past. The airline announced yesterday it is increasing flights and creating 100 new jobs, including 70 in Victoria.

In coming weeks the number of daily Tiger flights will increase from 44 to 64, including a new service departing from Sydney, the company said.

The recruitment drive is part of a nationwide expansion that includes a new route from Melbourne to Hobart and a Sydney to Brisbane route that will run from tomorrow out of the airline's new Sydney base.

Tiger is recruiting for 100 new jobs, including the 70 in Victoria, for captains, first officers, cabin crew, cabin managers, engineering staff and managers.

The airline was previously run out of Victoria's Tullamarine airport, but opened a Sydney base in July.

Last July, Tiger's Australian services were suspended for six weeks over safety concerns related to pilot training, safety management and overall safety systems.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

QantasLink Opens State of the Art Gate Lounge at Brisbane's Domestic Terminal


QantasLink have officially opened its new state of the art gate lounge facility at Brisbane's Domestic Terminal.

QantasLink Executive Manager John Gissing said QantasLink's new gate lounge will support the significant growth the airline has experienced over recent years.

"QantasLink is committed to Brisbane as it is the gateway to 13 QantasLink destinations in Queensland which support the state's booming resource sector and world class tourism destinations," Mr Gissing said.

"Over $4 million has been spent to deliver this state of the art facility which will provide customers with a premium QantasLink experience from the ground up."

The new gate lounge facility provides QantasLink customers with access to two additional boarding gates (5 and 6), a centrally located customer services desk, seating for 150 customers, and technology designed to assist customers travelling with specific needs. Featuring Qantas' contemporary interior styling with an abundance of natural light and relaxed ambience, the new lounge will also be supported by a new QantasLink ground team committed to delivering the highest standard of customer service.

"QantasLink's new gate lounge is conveniently located in close proximity to Qantas' premium Business and Qantas Club lounges as well as the terminals cafes and retailers.

The Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson said since the commencement of construction in December 2011, the new QantasLink gate lounge had employed 250 Queenslanders.
"It is great to see one of Australia's most iconic brands investing in our state's future through providing employment opportunities as well as a premium product at our major transport and tourism gateway Brisbane Domestic Airport," Mr Emerson said.

"Tourism is a major focus for the Newman Government in growing Queensland into a four-pillar economy and QantasLink has been a key contributor in promoting and supporting regional Queensland."

Today QantasLink also officially celebrated being named Regional Airline of the Year 2012 by launching a new element to its aircraft livery.

"QantasLink is proud to be Air Transport World's Regional Airline of the Year 2012. This award recognised our team of services professionals who are dedicated to connecting regional Australians to our nation's capital cities and beyond," Mr Gissing said.

The new award livery will be introduced across QantasLink's fleet and will remain for the next six months.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Top Five Golden Rules for Female Travellers

Top five Golden rules for female travellers
With 45 percent of woman making up the corporate travel market, International SOS has identified five golden rules to help woman keep safe when travelling for business.

Rule number one: Know Yourself

Understanding your profile and how that profile may be perceived when you travel is vital. Key areas to consider include your physical appearance, travel experience, personality type and budget.

Rule number two: Do your research

Don’t assume, do your research before you travel and know the geography of the city you are visiting, plus be aware of any cultural differences.

Rule number three: Don’t be an easy target

Plan your flights so you arrive in the daytime especially if you are planning to catch a taxi and always use official taxis.

Rule number four: Be assertive

Be confident as appearing unfamiliar can make you a potential target.  Trust your instincts, if something doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t.

Rule number five: Stay calm in a crisis

Statistics have proven that woman are more prone to harassment, assault and hand bag theft therefore it important to know how to respond in a crisis.  Being prepared is key to reducing risk while on business travel

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

State of Origin 2012: Game III preview

The 2012 State of Origin series between Queensland and New South Wales reaches a conclusion at the cauldron of Lang Park tonight.
Queensland remains favourite for the deciding game after winning the past six Origin series but the Blues are confident of claiming the series.

Coaches Mal Meninga and Ricky Stuart have only increased the tension with their barbs at each other during the past six weeks.

Tonight one of these Origin legends will bask in the glory of possibly their sweetest victory.
Maroons prop Petero Civoniceva makes his 33rd and final Origin appearance and will be hoping to go out - as Darren Lockyer did 12 months ago - a winner.

Ahead of tonight's game Grandstand previews the match and looks back at all the facts and figures since Origin began in 1980.
Grandstand's broadcast on local and digital radio starts just after 7pm (AEST), or catch the live web stream of the game and follow our live blog.

QUEENSLAND
State of Origin- Qld
NEW SOUTH WALES
State of Origin- NSW
GREG INGLIS
Age: 25 Origin: 17
1 BRETT STEWART
Age: 27 Origin: 7
DARIUS BOYD
Age: 24 Origin: 13
2 JARRYD HAYNE
Age: 24 Origin: 15
DANE NIELSEN
Age: 27 Origin: 2
3 MICHAEL JENNINGS
Age: 24 Origin: 6
JUSTIN HODGES
Age: 30 Origin: 14
4 JOSH MORRIS
Age: 25 Origin: 4
BRENT TATE
Age: 30 Origin: 17
5 BRETT MORRIS
Age: 25 Origin: 5
JOHNATHAN THURSTON
Age: 29 Origin: 23
6 TODD CARNEY
Age: 26 Origin: 2
COOPER CRONK
Age: 28 Origin: 8
7 MITCHELL PEARCE
Age: 28 Origin: 8
MATT SCOTT
Age: 26 Origin: 10
8 TIM GRANT
Age: 24 Origin: 1
CAMERON SMITH (C)
Age: 29 Origin: 26
9 ROBBIE FARAH
Age: 28 Origin: 4
PETERO CIVONICEVA
Age: 37 Origin: 32
10 JAMES TAMOU
Age: 23 Origin: 2
NATE MYLES
Age: 27 Origin: 19
11 BEAU SCOTT
Age: 28 Origin: 4
SAM THAIDAY
Age: 27 Origin: 16
12 GREG BIRD
Age: 28 Origin: 10
COREY PARKER
Age: 30 Origin: 7
13 PAUL GALLEN (C)
Age: 30 Origin: 13
Interchange
MATT GILLETT
Age: 23 Origin: 2
14 TONY WILLIAMS
Age: 23 Origin: 1
BEN TE'O
Age: 23 Origin: debut
15 LUKE LEWIS
Age: 28 Origin: 10
BEN HANNANT
Age: 27 Origin: 11
16 BEN CREAGH
Age: 27 Origin: 10
DAVID SHILLINGTON
Age: 29 Origin: 6
17 ANTHONY WATMOUGH
Age: 28 Origin: 8

Sunday, July 1, 2012

There's So Much Happening in Brisbane


Metro Hotel Tower Mill Brisbane is a well-known landmark in the centre of Brisbane, offering leisure and business visitors stylish and affordable accommodation and dining. You will enjoy the convenience of staying in close proximity to the city's CBD and main sporting attractions, including Queen Street Mall, Treasury Casino, Southbank Parklands, the Botanica Gardens, art galleries, museums and Suncorp Stadium.

View the Metro Hotel Tower Mill Website