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Australia & New Zealand Know Before You Go
A step by step guide to your Trafalgar trip.
Your insider's journey begins… Thank you for choosing Trafalgar to show you the insider's view of Australia and New Zealand. A wealth of experience has taught us that your journey begins well before you leave home. So we have compiled this guide to provide you with as much information as possible to help you prepare for your travels. We look forward to welcoming you on the trip of a lifetime!
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
Before you go… Travel Documents
A couple of weeks prior to your vacation you will receive your Trafalgar wallet with your travel documents and literature. These documents are valuable and contain a wealth of advice and essential information to make your vacation as enjoyable as possible. Please read them carefully before your departure. 30"
Luggage Allowance This is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10" (76x45x25 cm) and a maximum weight of 50 lb (23 kg). Hotel porterage of this luggage is included in your vacation price.
Passports and Visas You are responsible for all visas, permits, necessary health requirements, and any other documents as required by laws, regulations and orders of the countries visited. All guests traveling internationally require a passport valid for 6 months beyond the conclusion of their trip, along with appropriate visas. Some of our itineraries enter a country more than once, so multiple-entry visas may be required for some countries. Please contact your travel agent or applicable government authorities to get necessary travel information.
Hand Luggage Hand luggage should be one piece per person and small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. This is your responsibility and should be carried on/off the coach with you. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach and cannot be accepted as carry-on luggage.
Travel Insurance We strongly recommend that you take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers you the entire time you are away from home. Your policy should cover the following: • Trip cancellation or curtailment
Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated, particularly as it is necessary for your safety and comfort. If a second suitcase is carried, or if it exceeds the permitted weight and/or dimensions, a charge of AUD/NZD$5 per traveling day will be collected by your Travel Director.
• Loss or damage to property and baggage • Loss of cash, traveller's cheques, etc. • Medical costs and personal accident Please ensure you pack a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and instructions on how to claim in the unlikely event that it is necessary.
Airlines may have additional restrictions and may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies.
Trafalgar's Express Check-In
Please note that airport porterage at the beginning and end of your guided vacation is not included. Loss or damage to luggage or any of your belongings is at your own risk, so please protect yourself with appropriate insurance.
Trafalgar's Express Check-In is an online check-in facility that allows you to provide all your essential details and preferences to Trafalgar, prior to your departure, so that you don't have to fill in any additional forms on the first day of your vacation. In order for your Travel Director to receive your information, we recommend that you complete Express Check-In at least 15 days prior to your departure date. If it is already less than 15 days before your departure, please complete the registration form, print it and hand it to your Travel Director on the first day of your guided vacation. Check-in takes 5-10 minutes. Visit www.trafalgar.com/express
Packing When traveling as a couple, pack each suitcase with day and evening clothing for each person, so that in the unlikely event one of your suitcases is mislaid on your flight, you'll still be able to manage. Ensure that your personal and vacation details are written on a label inside each suitcase (including name, address, telephone number, departure and return flight details). Write only your name and destination address on outside labels. Make sure that your luggage is in good secure condition, and when carrying fragile items, use a rigid style suitcase for protection.
Essentials Passport & Visas (where applicable) Traveler's Checks/Cash Trafalgar documents
Check in only your own suitcases. Do not carry items packed by other people. Never accept packages or articles from anyone unknown to you to carry on board the aircraft. There are strict airport security regulations on items that may be carried on board aircraft such as liquids/gels and metal objects. Consult your travel agent or airline for information on these and other restricted items and how they must be displayed at airport security checkpoints.
Credit cards Airline tickets
NB Do not pack your passport or money in your suitcase. Tip: Weed out your wallet prior to leaving. Only take the essential identifiers, like your driver's license, and just two credit cards – one to carry, another to be locked in your hotel room safe. Do not carry your social security number on you.
We suggest you pack only essential items for daytime use in your hand-baggage, both for your flight and while on the coach. For example, your camera, medicines, anything that you use frequently or is particularly valuable. Expensive jewelry, clothing, etc. should be left at home for your peace of mind.
Health Travelers should have a personal supply of any special medications that they may need and bring a copy of the prescriptions. For easy access when traveling, please keep all your medication in your hand luggage, not in your suitcases. Carry prescription drugs in their original package to avoid customs questions.
Climate Depending on where you are traveling, the climate can vary greatly both between and within Australia and New Zealand. Please refer to the listings under each country for further information.
It must be understood that Trafalgar is not a medical facility and therefore has neither expertise nor responsibility regarding what medications or inoculations you require guidance on. Please consult your private physician for your safe participation in the trip.
What to Bring This will depend upon your personal preferences, where you are traveling to and the time of year you are traveling. We generally recommend casual, lightweight, drip-dry clothing that requires little or no ironing. Laundry facilities are available at most of the places we stay, however, take sufficient clothing to last for about a week. If your itinerary visits National Parks or the Australian outback, you may need to walk over rough and uneven ground, so comfortable walking shoes are advisable. Please be aware that the outback can be quite dusty, so we recommend that you avoid packing good white clothes and other colors that show up the dust easily. A supply of plastic bags for protecting clothing, cameras or other items from dusty areas in inland Australia could also be useful. Below is a list of items to consider packing for your Trafalgar vacation:
If you have any existing medical conditions, dietary requirements or disability that should be brought to our attention, it is essential that you inform us via your travel agent. Again, please ensure you have adequate travel insurance, including medical cover, before you leave home. In most cases, vaccinations are not required unless you have recently traveled through an infected area, in which case you should seek medical advice before traveling to Australia and New Zealand.
Electricity The electrical current in Australia and New Zealand is 220-240V AC 50Hz and power plugs are the flat, three-pinned type. So you may need to bring a converter and/or adapter plug if you are planning to bring any electrical items.
Clothing Swimsuit Undergarments Sandals Socks Hat Sleepwear Shorts/skirts Jeans/trousers Warm jacket Pullover/cardigan Waterproof jacket Shirts/blouses Good walking shoes General Items Spare batteries/charger Medications & prescriptions Toiletries Insect repellent Travel sewing kit Plastic bags Water bottle (screw top lid) Sachets of washing powder
Travel insurance policy
Make Friends Before You Go When you travel with Trafalgar you will have the opportunity to meet new and interesting people from around the world. You can meet up with your fellow traveling companions by visiting Trafalgar's Online Community. Read posts from fellow travelers in our Online Forum and register for My Community, your private travel group portal. Visit www.trafalgar.com and click on the links at the bottom of the page.
Camera/memory cards Power plug adapters/converter
Collapsible umbrella Suntan lotion Pocket calculator Travel alarm clock Sunglasses Money belt or holster
Trafalgar itineraries include many features that will save you money on your trip – if you study your itinerary pages in the Trafalgar brochure you will see how many highlight visits and other sightseeing is included, as well as meals and entertainment. However, you'll find you have plenty of time to explore independently during your vacation, so we recommend you budget for the following extra expenses per person: 4
Personal Expenditure
Credit Cards
As a rough guide, we suggest that you budget AUD/NZD$100 per day to cover personal expenses such as non-included meals, drinks, laundry, souvenirs, gifts and optional sightseeing. However, this also depends on how much you spend on shopping as there's plenty to tempt you in Australia and New Zealand!
Most credit cards such as American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Diners Club are accepted in Australia and New Zealand. Please note that any purchases by credit card may be charged based on the exchange rate at the time the credit card company invoices your account and many banks charge an exchange fee. The following offers some useful tips on using credit cards on your vacation:
Optional Excursions
Call your credit card company to advise them you will be traveling, as some companies will block the credit card when they notice unusual charge activity.
Ensure you memorize your Personal Identification Number (PIN); do not write it down.
Ensure that your credit card is kept in view at all times when paying for goods and services.
Try to arrive at your first destination with at least a small amount of local currency in cash for initial expenses. In Australia and New Zealand, currency exchange desks are open at international airports to meet incoming flights.
Retain all copies of sales vouchers until you have verified them against your statements.
Make sure your credit card is carried on your person.
Bank Machines – ATMs are widely available throughout urban regions of Australia and New Zealand. Most accept Visa or MasterCard provided they are encoded with a Personal Identification Number (PIN). However, please be aware that not all banks offer ATMs that are compatible with your credit cards and you should ask your bank prior to leaving home which ATMs you can access money from. Please note that banking facilities in remote areas can be limited, especially on weekends. Although a convenient way to obtain cash in different areas, you should not totally rely on bank machines during your vacation.
Never leave your credit card unattended in your hotel room, a vehicle or any other place.
Report immediately the loss or theft of your credit card.
Experience has shown us that most guests participate in these excursions and you should therefore budget for them in advance. Please read your travel documents prior to the start of your vacation for prices and information on any optional excursions you may wish to participate in.
Banking Hours In Australia, banking hours are generally Monday to Thursday, 9:30 am to 4 pm and Friday 9:30 am to 5 pm. Some banks are open Saturday mornings. Banks in New Zealand are generally open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm. Since banking facilities are limited in some remote areas, your Travel Director will give you advance notice of days when you may not be able to access money easily and will ensure you have ample opportunity to use banking facilities beforehand. Please note that you will generally receive a better exchange rate on your international currency in major cities than in regional towns.
Traveler's Checks – These are still the safest way to carry money while on vacation. Try to arrange checks in Australian/New Zealand currency as these can be cashed in small amounts almost anywhere. Foreign currency cheques are best cashed at banks, which impose restrictions, and are generally not open on weekends. Equal quantities of AUD/NZD$20 and AUD/NZD$50 denominations are recommended.
Mail: Prior to departing you should stop your mail or arrange for a neighbour to collect it. A full mailbox can be a treasure trove for hackers and identity thieves.
Please remember to keep a copy of your credit card details, traveler's check numbers and emergency contact numbers with you, but separate from the cards and cheques, in case of their loss or theft.
Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island
Maori dancers in traditional costume
While you are traveling... Your Meals
Note: This section applies to guests traveling on a Trafalgar guided vacation.
Your vacation cost includes the meals indicated in your specific itinerary. Breakfasts are à la carte or buffet style consisting of cereals, fruit juices and cooked dishes, toast, tea and coffee. Lunches are generally not included in your vacation price, but we will ensure that inexpensive and healthy options are available. Included dinners feature a variety of menus to reflect local cuisine. From a traditional Maori Hangi feast to a genuine Aussie outback barbecue, we strive to give you a real taste of the destination.
Your Travel Director and Coach Driver Throughout your Trafalgar guided vacation you will be accompanied by a professional Travel Director and experienced Coach Driver. A Trafalgar Travel Director is more than just a guide. They are seasoned and experienced travelers, specially selected for their in-depth knowledge of the regions you will visit. They will enrich your experience with informative commentary on the history, culture and natural landscape of the region and reveal the hidden places that only an insider would know. They will also introduce you to your traveling companions and make you feel welcome. Trafalgar's Coach Drivers are fully licensed, qualified and experienced professionals who are selected for their impeccable driving skills and record.
There are times when dinner is not included so that you will have free time and the opportunity to sample your own choice of local cuisine. Your Travel Director will always have a number of suggestions just right to fit your taste and budget. When not specified on an included meal, drinks are always at your own expense.
Your Hotels
Your Coach
On every Trafalgar itinerary, you will stay in some amazing places, specially chosen for you to experience the real Australia and New Zealand. Ranging from resorts and lodges in special locations, to hotels at the center of the action in towns and cities; each night's stop is as varied as the places you will visit.
Modern, air-conditioned coaches have been carefully selected by Trafalgar with your comfort, safety and scenic viewing in mind. They are equipped with reclining seats, large panoramic windows, public address system, drinking water, luggage lockers that are pressurised to help prevent dust entry and an onboard restroom. On some occasions coach restrooms may be inaccessible depending on operational conditions.
Hotel Accommodations At Trafalgar, we pride ourselves on our superior hotel selection. Our hotels are centrally located and close to major attractions. As we travel from major cities to remote regions, the standards can vary, however, you can rest assured that the hotels we select are the best available.
Your Trafalgar team will explain all the safety features of your coach at the beginning of your trip. For the comfort of all travelers, Trafalgar enforces a no-alcohol and no-smoking policy on board the coach.
All hotel rooms are clean and well serviced. Each room contains a private bathroom with toilet, shower and/or bath and vanity, as well as air-conditioning and television. Rooms also often contain tea and coffee making facilities, mini-bar, room service, STD/ISD phone, radio and in-house movies. Wherever possible, we select establishments that offer additional facilities such as swimming pool, sauna, bars and restaurants.
Please note that antiseptic, bandages and other over-thecounter medications such as aspirin are not carried on the coach. Your Travel Director will be able to direct you as to where these items may be purchased locally should you need them. Porterage Your coach crew is always there to lend a hand and to liaise closely with hotels to ensure efficient handling of your luggage.
Please refer to the itinerary in your travel wallet for information regarding accommodations at each stop.
Seat Rotation To allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy window and front seats, guests change seats daily during the course of the vacation.
Laundry Most of the hotels we use offer a limited number of coinoperated washing machines and driers. Ironing facilities are also available either in the hotel laundry or an iron and ironing board will be supplied to your room on request.
Your Feedback Your feedback is always welcomed. Towards the end of your trip, your Travel Director will hand out a feedback questionnaire. We ask that you answer the questions, make any relevant comments and hand it back to your Travel Director. The questionnaires are sealed and returned to our Head Office. Every sheet is read and a summary of each itinerary is given to management, and where necessary, appropriate action is taken to rectify any problems.
Personal Hotel Expenses Any additional costs incurred during your stay at the hotels (for example, laundry, telephone calls and bar bills) are your responsibility. Please ensure that your account is settled on the evening before you leave to ensure a smooth and speedy departure the following morning.
Note: This section applies to guests traveling on a locally hosted/independent Trafalgar-AAT Kings tour.
may be inaccessible depending on operational conditions. For smaller groups, air-conditioned mini-coaches may be used.
Your Driver Guide
Your Driver Guide will explain all the safety features of your coach at the beginning of your trip. For the comfort of all travelers, there is a no-alcohol and no-smoking policy on board the coach.
Our qualified Driver Guides work to the highest professional standard and we are proud of the excellent reputation they have developed throughout the industry. During each day's sightseeing you will join a different scheduled Day Trip, with a different group of people and Driver Guide.
Please note that antiseptic, bandages and other over-thecounter medications such as aspirin are not carried on the coach. Your Driver Guide will be able to direct you as to where these items may be purchased locally should you need them.
Your Driver Guide is more than just a great driver! TrafalgarAAT Kings Driver Guides are seasoned and experienced travelers selected for their in-depth knowledge of the regions you will visit. They will enrich your experience with informative commentary on the history, culture and natural landscape of the region and reveal the hidden places that only an insider would know. They are also fully licensed, highly skilled professionals with an impeccable driving record.
Your Vacation Trafalgar's philosophy is that it's your vacation and you should have the freedom to enjoy yourself as you wish. However, a great deal of planning goes into your itinerary to ensure you see all the main sights in the places visited. Trafalgar ensures you enjoy a full sightseeing experience in all major stops on your itinerary. Local sightseeing is sometimes conducted by qualified Local Guides who are eager to share their vast knowledge and love of the local history and culture.
Your Hotels At Trafalgar-AAT Kings, we pride ourselves on our superior hotel selection. Our hotels are centrally located and close to major attractions. As we travel from major cities to remote regions, the standards can vary, however, you can rest assured that the hotels we select are the best available.
Optional Excursions While we include many sightseeing activities in the price of your vacation, we offer a range of optional visits and activities both during your trip and in the gateway cities before and after your vacation. Your travel documents include a comprehensive day-by-day itinerary with full details and costs of the optional excursions available. Please note that some optional excursions cannot be paid for by credit card – your Travel Director or Driver Guide will advise you. Also note that optional excursions are operated by third parties and Trafalgar accepts no liability. Please remember that all optional excursions are undertaken at your own risk.
All hotel rooms are clean and well serviced. Each room contains a private bathroom with toilet, shower and/or bath and vanity, as well as air-conditioning and television. Rooms also often contain tea and coffee making facilities, mini-bar, room service, STD/ISD phone, radio and in-house movies. Wherever possible, we select establishments that offer additional facilities such as swimming pool, sauna, bars and restaurants. Please refer to the itinerary in your travel wallet for information regarding accommodations at each stop. Laundry Most of the hotels used offer a limited number of coin-operated washing machines and driers. Ironing facilities are also available either in the hotel laundry or an iron and ironing board will be supplied to your room on request.
Water We recommend you carry plenty of drinking water with you, particularly in the warmer climates. Drinking water varies from region to region, so check with your Travel Director or Driver Guide as to its suitability for consumption. Drinking water is available on our coaches.
Your Meals
Your Feedback
On your locally hosted/independent tour, hearty full breakfasts are generally included to get your day off to a great start. At lunch and dinner you are free to do your own thing. You can choose where and when you want to eat, and discover some of the fabulous local restaurants and cafés. However, on some occasions, we have included some special dining experiences, such as a mouthwatering seafood buffet lunch on the Great Barrier Reef.
Your feedback is always welcomed. In your travel documents you will find a feedback questionnaire that we ask you to complete at the end of your vacation and hand to your Driver Guide. The questionnaires are sealed and returned to our Head Office. Every sheet is read and a summary of each itinerary is given to management, and where necessary, appropriate action is taken to rectify any problems.
Your Coach
Keep Australia & New Zealand Beautiful
Modern, air-conditioned coaches have been carefully selected by Trafalgar-AAT Kings with your comfort, safety and scenic viewing in mind. They are equipped with reclining seats, large panoramic windows, public address system, drinking water, luggage lockers that are pressurised to help prevent dust entry and an onboard restroom. On some occasions coach restrooms
Help us by not littering the countryside or your vehicle. Each vehicle is equipped with waste disposal facilities, which guests are asked to use.
How do I join? Use your credit card to set up an account at www.Trafalgar.eKIT.com or call 24-hour customer service. Join before you go and receive a Trafalgar eKIT joining bonus!
If at any time on your guided vacation you require a doctor, please inform your Travel Director or Driver Guide who will arrange this for you. Ensure that you keep receipts for the doctor's visits, medicines and any other expenses incurred, as you will need them to claim on your insurance.
How do I use it? Your account number and PIN gives you access to all the phone and web based services. To make a call, simply use the toll-free access numbers for the country you are in, which you will find listed on your eKIT card, or at www.Trafalgar.eKIT.com
Tipping We are confident that by the end of your trip you will have come to appreciate the important role your Travel Director and Coach Driver or Driver Guide have played in giving you the best possible vacation experience. If you have been pleased with their services, you may wish to express this satisfaction with a gratuity, as is customary throughout the world. Since this is a matter of a private and individual nature, you should seal your tip in an envelope to present to each of them separately at the end of your vacation.
How long does it last? eKIT is a rechargeable service – simply recharge your account using your credit card at www.Trafalgar.eKIT.com or call their 24hour customer service. Ask about the monthly recharge bonus. Is it competitive? Yes – you may find cheaper phone cards in major cities – but you can only use them in the country of purchase and may not be in a language you understand.
A suggested tip (per person traveling) is AUD/NZD$5 per day for each of your Trafalgar team.
The advantages of eKIT: • It can be used from 70+ countries. • You can call over 200 countries. • You can recharge the card as you travel. • You can use any balance remaining once you get home.
While not compulsory, tipping is becoming an increasingly accepted practice for the service industry in Australia and New Zealand, particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis.
Photography Australia and New Zealand offer many wonderful photo opportunities. Please make sure that you bring extra batteries and memory cards. To protect your valuable camera equipment from dust, we suggest strong, re-sealable plastic bags.
Emailing Home E-mail is now a cheap and easy way to keep in touch. Internet cafes are available in many cities throughout Australia and New Zealand. Many hotels offer Internet services to their guests, however access charges can be expensive.
Staying In Touch Phoning home from hotels can be very expensive since all hotels add a service charge to the cost of any phone calls you make from your room and this charge can be very high. It is always cheaper for you to use public pay phones. Alternatively, you could use an eKIT phone card.
Tip: Be careful with hotel computers. Do not access financial data on hotel or public computers or on public wi-fi networks.
Security Australia and New Zealand are generally safe and friendly places with people as warm and helpful as anywhere on the globe. In today's world, security is an important consideration while traveling. By using common sense, most unpleasant situations can be avoided. We recommend that you:
What is eKIT? eKIT is your global phone card and web communication service designed to keep you in touch with family and friends while you're traveling. eKIT provides: • Low cost international calls • Send and receive voice mails • Free email service • Send SMS text messages from the web • An online travel vault for secure storage of important documents (e.g. passport number) • 24-hour customer service
Carry copies of all your important documents in your hand luggage. Include a copy of your passport, credit card numbers and Traveler's Checks, as well as airline tickets and other documents.
Never accept packages or articles from anyone unknown to you to carry on board an aircraft.
If available, use a hotel security box for all your valuables – do not leave these items in your hotel room.
Never leave your luggage and other personal items unattended when in public places such as airports, hotel lobbies and restaurants.
Carry your valuables in a special money belt or in a bag that you can carry strapped across your front, and carry handbags and backpacks around your front.
For more information check out the Trafalgar eKIT phone card in your travel wallet or go to www.Trafalgar.eKIT.com
Upon arriving at each hotel, locate the nearest fire exit, directions to which must be posted in each guest room.
If you need to make cash withdrawals, ATMs in bank lobbies are less vulnerable to devices that capture your credit card information - as they generally have camera surveillance.
Re-routing of Itineraries Decisions on re-routing itineraries are made just prior to each departure and consideration is given to the conditions prevailing at the time. In transit, if weather or unforeseen circumstances interfere with the itinerary, it is at the discretion of Trafalgar's National Operations Office as to what alternative arrangements are made.
Public Holidays and Changes It is unavoidable to have a guided vacation program that is not in certain places on weekends, public holidays and days of closure for public buildings, shops and museums. We regret you may miss certain opportunities, but these are kept to a minimum.
Pre or Post Vacation Connections It is your responsibility to reconfirm your own air, road, rail or any other pre or post vacation connections.
Australia Capital: Canberra
Population: 23 million Currency: Australian Dollar
Largest city: Sydney Land area: 7,686,884 km /2,967,910 mi 2
Time zone: GMT+10
History Timeline
1840 End of transportation of convicts from Britain to most of Australia.
Prior to European settlement in the late 18th century, Australia was inhabited by approximately 250 individual nations of indigenous Aboriginal Australians.
1851 Edward Hargraves became the 'discoverer' of gold in Australia after panning a small quantity near Bathurst, New South Wales and later at Ballarat and Bendigo, Victoria. In the next 50 years the 'gold rush' brought a population explosion and prosperity to Australia.
1606 William Jansz in the 'Duyfken' 'discovered' and charted 200 miles of the northern Australian Coast. 1616 Dirk Harthog made the first recorded landfall on the Australian coast.
1853 End of transportation of convicts to Tasmania.
1644 Abel Tasman explored the coasts of Australia and New Zealand.
1855 New South Wales is the first colony to draft a constitution.
1688 The first English explorer, William Dampier, landed on the northwest coast.
1859 All colonies, except Western Australia, became self-governing.
1770 Captain James Cook, after circumnavigating New Zealand, headed to Australia. Sighting land in the southeast corner of the continent, he turned north and charted the coastline. After 9 days he landed at Botany Bay.
1868 E nd of transportation of convicts to Western Australia.
1788 European settlement began, when Captain Arthur Phillip set up a penal colony on the site of present day Sydney. From this starting point Australia grew rapidly and continually, expanding across the entire continent.
1927 Federal Parliament transferred to Canberra.
1803 Convict settlement sited at Hobart, Tasmania.
1890 Western Australia became a self-governing colony. 1901 The Commonwealth of Australia came into being as a federation of the States.
1988 Australian Bicentenary. 2001 Centenary of Federation.
1824 Another convict settlement was begun at Moreton Bay, now known as Brisbane, Queensland.
Australia is the largest of islands and smallest of continents. Located in the Southern Hemisphere, south of Asia, the coastline is 36,735 km/22,826 mi long and is washed by three oceans and four seas. About 40% of the continent is in the tropics. It is almost the same size as mainland USA and half as large again as Europe, excluding the former USSR. Australia is the only continent entirely occupied by one nation. The landscape has variety – from tortured red desert to lush green rainforest. Geologically, Australia is the oldest continent and is a vast storehouse of the world's prized minerals and gemstones, including the famous Black Opal. Australia is the flattest continent with the only mountains over 1,600 m/5,250 ft being in the southeast where the highest peak, Mt. Kosciuszko, rises above 2,200 m/7,218 ft.
1829 The British Government formed a new colony in Western Australia, with its capital at Perth. 1835 John Batman purchased land from the Aborigines to pasture sheep. That land is now known as Melbourne. delaide, the capital of South Australia, was founded. 1836 A
The Twelve Apostles
Australia is the driest continent in the world, but in parts the average annual rainfall exceeds 3,750 mm/148 inches. The rainfall is uneven in distribution and areas, but generally speaking the highest rainfall occurs in the North Queensland ranges. In the tropics, summer and autumn are the 'wet' seasons, and winter and spring the 'dry'. In the temperate south, falls are more even with most rain generally falling in winter and spring. Except in the high country of the southeast, severe winter spells are unusual. Except again for the southeast, summers can be extremely hot with temperatures above 38°C/100°F being common inland. The record highest temperature in Australia was 58°C/136°F in Cloncurry in western Queensland in 1889, but Marble Bar in Western Australia consistently has temperatures above 50°C/122°F. In the 'wet' season, the northern third of the continent is occasionally visited by cyclones with winds exceeding 160 kph/100 mph. They are accompanied by rains causing severe flooding and disruption to road and rail transportation. Mosquitoes and a range of insects are common in Australia. To help avoid being bitten, regularly apply insect repellents and wear long, loose, light colored clothing. Dark clothing, perfume, cologne and after-shave lotion attract mosquitoes. It is also advised to use an aerosol repellent to spray inside rooms.
Australian currency is decimal with the Australian dollar being the basic unit. Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5 denominations. Coins are minted in $2, $1, 50¢, 20¢, 10¢, and 5¢ denominations. If you are paying for goods with cash, you will find that prices are rounded up or down to the nearest 5¢ as there are no 1¢ or 2¢ coins.
Post Offices Post Offices are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. However if you are traveling on guided or independent vacation, you will find most hotels will be able to supply stamps for postcards and letters, and some hotels will also be able to handle larger packages.
Shopping Generally, most shops and businesses open at 9 am and close at 5 pm or 5.30 pm on weekdays, and midday or 1 pm on Saturdays. In major metropolitan areas shopping hours often extend until 4 pm or 5 pm on Saturdays and Sunday trading applies in some areas. Most cities have late night shopping (until 9 pm) on either Thursday or Friday nights (if not both). Most large supermarkets are open seven days a week.
Distances Australia is a big country and distances travelled can be quite long. Some days we will travel considerable distances by air, some days we do not cover much distance at all, particularly if we are sightseeing in and around town, or taking a cruise.
Watarrka National Park, Northern Territory
• Chips – French fries or crisps • Chockablock – Completely full • Cordial – Sweet, fruit flavored drink • Dunny/Outhouse – Toilet • Entrée – Appetizer (not the main course) • Fair dinkum – The real thing, absolutely true, genuine • Flat out – As fast as possible/busy • Footpath – Sidewalk • Jumper – Sweater • Lollies – Candy/sweets • Mate – Buddy/friend • Never-never – Far away desert land • Outback – Remote area, far away from the cities • Ports – Suitcases/luggage • She'll be right – Everything will be OK • Swag – Bedroll and other worldly goods • Thongs – Sandals, flip-flops • Torch – Flashlight
Australia is divided into three time zones: Eastern Standard Time (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania) is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), Central Standard Time (Northern Territory, South Australia) is 9½ hours ahead of GMT and Western Standard Time (Western Australia) is 8 hours ahead of GMT. Between October and March all states except Queensland, Western Australia and Northern Territory observe daylight saving. Clocks are advanced by one hour during daylight saving.
Language English is our official language but you will hear many colorful expressions and of course, the Australian accent. To help you along, here is a list of words you may encounter: • Barbecue – Cook on a grill or grate over a flame • Bathers/Togs/Swimmers – Swimming suit • Beaut – Beautiful/terrific • Billabong – Water hole in a semi-dry area • Billy Tin – container for boiling water • Boot – Trunk of a car • Bush – Countryside
• Tucker – Food • Walkabout – Traveling on foot for long distances
Uluru (Ayers Rock)
New South Wales Capital: Sydney
Population: 7,302,174 Main Industry: Livestock, tourism, information technology and financial services
Largest City: Sydney
Land Area: 800,642 km / 309,130 mi2 2
Sydney Day Trips
New South Wales, Australia's most populous state, is home to our largest city, Sydney. Its temperate climate, with sunshine most days of the year, provides the ideal environment for visitors to this spectacular state.
Trafalgar, through AAT Kings, has an extensive range of half and full-day sightseeing tours in and around Sydney. With over 30 years of experience, we are experts in Sydney and its surrounds and offer day trips to: • The Blue Mountains
Getting There By Air Sydney
• Australia's capital city, Canberra
You will have an airport transfer included in your Trafalgar guided vacation in conjunction with pre and post trip accommodations booked through Trafalgar. Alternatively, on arrival at Sydney Airport, you can take the KST Airporter for approximately AUD$14. This service departs from both the International and Domestic terminals every 30 minutes and will drop off at most Sydney hotels on request. Allow 35-45 minutes for the journey. A taxi from the airport to the city will cost AUD$50-$55. Sydney Airport is 20 km/12 mi south of the city center.
• The wine producing areas and beautiful gardens of the Hunter Valley • Sydney and its beaches Sightseeing tours depart from the Coach Interchange Terminal, 'The Star' Pirrama Road, Pyrmont or your hotel and bookings can be made by asking your Travel Director or phoning (02) 9700 0133. Blue Mountains The Blue Mountains, located 100 km/62 mi west of Sydney, is a popular destination for Sydneysiders and travelers alike. The Blue Mountains take their name from the blue haze which lingers over the range, a result of the fine mist of oil from eucalyptus trees. Some of the most popular attractions include Echo Point where you can view the Three Sisters rock formation, the cableway and the scenic railway which show the splendour of the Jamison Valley and the quaint town of Leura. You may like to visit the Blue Mountains on an optional day excursion.
Things to Do, Places to See Sydney The capital of NSW and Australia's oldest and largest city. Sydney was established by Captain Arthur Phillip as a penal colony. The city grew in chaos for many years until 1810 when Governor Macquarie set about restoring order and improving roads and communications. The city soon became a major shipping and trading center for the southwest Pacific. Today, Sydney has the world's best natural harbour with 55 km2/34 mi2 of water catering for 4,000 vessels each year.
Hunter Valley Just 2 hours north of Sydney lies the picturesque Hunter Valley, Australia's oldest wine producing area. Nestled amongst the exciting wineries is a fantastic spread of shops, restaurants and other attractions making the Hunter Valley the most visited region in Australia. Be amazed by the Hunter Valley Gardens, home to the largest gardens in the Southern Hemisphere.
Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Capital: Canberra
Population: 365,621
Largest City: Canberra
Main Industry: Government departments
Land Area: 2,280 km2 / 880 mi2
Australian War Memorial
In 1927, Federal Parliament transferred from its temporary seat in Melbourne to a location midway between the rival cities of Melbourne and Sydney. The new national capital was named Canberra, a derivation of the local Aboriginal word 'Kamberra' meaning 'meeting place'.
This is a Canberra monument and a museum, which houses the history and relics of many wars and conflicts. The Australian War Memorial houses some 20 galleries of exhibits depicting the Australian experience of war. The memorial is internationally recognized and is now a member of the Tourism Awards Hall of Fame.
In 1988 (Australia's bicentennial year), Parliament moved from the famous Old Parliament House to the quite radically designed 'new' and permanent building, opened by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Canberra can be visited on an optional excursion from Sydney. Ask your Travel Director or phone (02) 9700 0133 for more details.
Parliament House, Canberra
Northern Territory (NT) Capital: Darwin
Population: 232,400 Main Industry: Mining and tourism
Largest City: Darwin
Land Area: 1,349,129 km / 520,902 mi2 2
The heart of the Outback, Australia's Red Centre is an intriguing place, full of cultural and spiritual significance. Here you will find remarkable natural features such as Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), Kings Canyon, Palm Valley and Standley Chasm, as well as historic Alice Springs.
MacDonnell Ranges. William Whitfield Mills discovered Alice Springs in 1871 while surveying a route for Overland Telegraph lines between Adelaide and Darwin. It was named in honour of Lady Alice Todd, wife of the superintendent of Telegraphs.
Getting There By Air
Trafalgar, through AAT Kings, has an excellent selection of sightseeing day trips to enjoy around Alice Springs. Journey with us to:
Alice Springs Day Trips
Alice Springs Alice Springs Airport is 14 km/8 mi south of town. You will have an airport transfer included in your Trafalgar guided vacation in conjunction with pre and post trip accommodations booked through Trafalgar. Alternatively, on arrival at Alice Springs Airport, you can take the Airport Shuttle Coach which meets incoming flights and will drop off at city hotels. Cost is AUD$19 and the journey takes about 20 minutes. Otherwise a taxi will cost about AUD$35-$40.
• Uluru (Ayers Rock) • Kings Canyon • Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) • MacDonnell Ranges • Standley Chasm & Simpsons Gap • Palm Valley and more
Uluru/Ayers Rock
Ask your Travel Director, or phone (08) 8952 1700 for details.
Daily flights to Uluru (Ayers Rock) are available direct from Alice Springs, Cairns, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, and via connections from Darwin, Melbourne and Adelaide and international cities. Ayers Rock's Connellan Airport is about 5 km/3 mi from Ayers Rock Resort. AAT Kings operates a complimentary shuttle bus service which meets all incoming flights and drops off passengers at all accommodations facilities around the resort.
Uluru (Ayers Rock) Known by the Aboriginal people as Uluru, it is not a rock but a huge bed of arkose sandstone deposited on the floor of an inland sea some 600 million years ago. It is properly described as a monolith and is a world famous rock formation. Uluru was first sighted in 1872. The Rock was given its English name after the Governor of South Australia, Sir Henry Ayers. Ayers Rock rises 348 m/1,141 ft above the surrounding plains and is nearly 9 km/5 mi around its base. The rock itself is world renowned for its changing colors as the light reflects from its surface at different times of the day. At sunset you can see crimsons turning to rust and pinks to mauves.
Things to Do, Places to See Alice Springs Located in almost the geographical center of Australia and 1,000 km/621 mi from the nearest capital city, Alice Springs is the gateway to the Northern Territory's biggest tourist attraction, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and is a modern oasis in the
Ayers Rock Resort Ayers Rock Resort, located 17 km/10 mi from Uluru, offers a range of accommodations from deluxe to budget at Sails in the Desert Hotel, Desert Gardens Hotel, Outback Pioneer Hotel, The Lost Camel, Emu Walk Apartments and Outback Pioneer Budget Rooms. The Resort is self-contained providing an array of amenities and comforts for guests including a Visitors' Centre, a Touring and Information Centre, supermarket, souvenir shops, Medical Centre, café, restaurants and swimming pools.
Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Ayers Rock Day Trips
Darwin Day Trips
Trafalgar through AAT Kings offers the most extensive range of day trips at Uluru (Ayers Rock). Join us for:
Trafalgar, through AAT Kings, has an exciting range of sightseeing tours around Darwin and the Top End.
• Uluru sunrise and sunset
Join us for trips to:
• Climb Uluru
• Kakadu National Park
• Tour the base of 'The Rock'
• Territory Wildlife Park
• Valley of the Winds
• Litchfield National Park
• Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)
• Katherine Gorge
• Kings Canyon
• Arnhem Land, and more…
Please ask your Travel Director or phone (08) 8956 2171 for more details.
Please ask your Travel Director or phone (08) 8923 6555.
Kings Canyon
Kakadu National Park
The spectacular Kings Canyon is 100 km/62 mi to the southwest of Alice Springs. A climb to the rim of the Canyon will be rewarded with a view of the 'Lost City' – weathered rock which resembles the ruins of an ancient city and the 'Garden of Eden', a valley where permanent water holes are overgrown with ancient cycad palms. Sometimes referred to as Australia's Grand Canyon, this extraordinary sandstone chasm plunges over 91 m/300 ft into the earth. Rich in fauna and flora, rock pools, sand plains and gullies, Kings Canyon has played an important role in Aboriginal life for over twenty thousand years.
The World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park covers almost 20,000 km2/7,722 mi2. Kakadu is jointly managed by its Aboriginal traditional owners and the Commonwealth organisation, Environment Australia. Kakadu National Park is one of the few World Heritage Areas that has been listed for both its cultural and natural heritage. It encompasses a variety of landscapes of superb natural beauty, not to mention some of Australia's best Aboriginal rock art. One of the most scenic parks in Australia contains two kinds of wilderness: the black soil flood plains and paper bark lagoons of the Alligator River system, and the rugged walls of the Arnhem Land escarpment which is deeply indented with gorges, streams and waterfalls. At the northern end of Kakadu is a series of shallow lagoons and billabongs that attract thousands of water birds. Also in this area is Cannon Hill, the Aboriginal 'art gallery' of Arnhem Land.
Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) A total of 36 domes make up Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), the other major attraction in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The tallest of the domes, at a height of 550 m/1,804 ft, is some 200 m/565 ft taller than Uluru (Ayers Rock) and was named Mt. Olga by explorer Ernest Giles in 1872 after the Spanish Queen of the day. Trafalgar offers an optional day trip to Kata Tjuta including a walk into either the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge. Please ask your Travel Director for details.
Katherine Along the Stuart Highway, known as 'the track', 310 km/193 mi south of Darwin is the town of Katherine and the spectacular Katherine Gorge National Park. Here, the clear river flows between towering, brilliantly colored walls to form one of the most fascinating river canyons in Australia. The Katherine River was named after the daughter of one of the sponsors of John McDougall Stuart, who was the first white man to discover it in 1862. Carved out of solid rock by years of summer rains, the ochre walls and peaceful waters of Katherine Gorge will be a highlight of your visit to the Top End.
Northern Territory Top End The Top End is a region with magnificent scenery, worldfamous natural and cultural attractions, such as the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, and many crystal clear waterfalls and swimming holes. Darwin Darwin Airport is only 6 km/4 mi from the city center. You will have an airport transfer included in your Trafalgar guided vacation. Alternatively, on arrival at Darwin Airport, you can take a Darwin Airport Shuttle bus which meets all incoming flights and will drop off at city hotels on request. Cost AUD$15. Duration 20 minutes. Taxi fare approximately AUD$30-$35.
Litchfield National Park Litchfield National Park, west of Batchelor in the Tabletop Range, is a huge sandstone plateau cloaked with dry woodlands and forests. Close to the edge of the escarpment, springs bubble into creeks that have their ultimate destination within the rainforest valleys below, making spectacular waterfalls that flow throughout the year. Litchfield National Park is located less than 2 hours from Darwin and is an attraction for all seasons. It features beautiful perennial waterfalls and associated monsoon rainforests. It is the ideal place for some moderate to easy grade bush walks with always a cool refreshing swim at the end. Experience the beauty of Florence and Tolmer Falls or take a dip in the water hole at Wangi Falls.
The capital of the Northern Territory and principal port of entry from Europe and Asia, Port Darwin was discovered in 1839 and named after Charles Darwin. It was not chosen as a town site until 1866 and not permanently populated until 1869. The new town was originally named Palmerston and was so known until 1911 when the name was officially changed to Darwin. In the early days, Darwin's growth was slow, however the mineral wealth in the Northern Territory has made Darwin the prosperous city it is today. 16
Queensland (QLD) Capital: Brisbane
Population: 4.5 million Main Industry: Tourism, mining, bananas, pineapples, sugarcane
Largest City: Brisbane
Land Area: 1,730,648 km / 668,207 mi2 2
South Bank Parklands Formerly the site of Expo '88, South Bank has been extensively redeveloped and is now one of the city's liveliest and most interesting areas. Its attractions include restaurants and cafés, parklands and bike paths, a rainforest sanctuary, market stalls and even a sandy swimming lagoon and beach.
Rightly deserving its reputation as the 'Sunshine State', Queensland is fortunate to experience a perfect tropical climate. With over 1.7 million km2, Queensland is one of Australia's largest states with variety to match its series of distinct regions. From the lush coastal region, the mountainous Great Dividing Range and tablelands to the vast outback, Queensland has amazing sights.
Getting There By Air
Cairns is the 'capital' of the tropical north. The city was more or less founded in 1876, with a settlement that grew on Trinity Bay to service gold and tin fields up-country. Sugar cane growing was established in the 1880s. Cairns was proclaimed a town in 1903 and a city in 1923. Modern Cairns still relies heavily on sugar for its prosperity.
Brisbane You will have an airport transfer included in your Trafalgar guided vacation in conjunction with pre and post trip accommodations booked through Trafalgar. Otherwise, Coachtrans operate the Con-X-ion Shuttle Service which departs from outside both the Brisbane International and Domestic terminals. This service runs between the Airport and Brisbane city hotels. Cost is approximately AUD$16. Taxis are available from outside the terminals and the fare to the city is approximately AUD$40.
Today, this tropical city has something for everyone. The Cairns coastal and regional areas have their own unique beauty and draw visitors to Cairns all year round. Take a guided tour to one of these many attractions or browse galleries and cultural parks. Perhaps shop at the Pier Marketplace or relax in one of the many cafés.
Gold Coast
Great Barrier Reef
Surfers Paradise is situated approximately 1 hour south of Brisbane on Queensland's Gold Coast. On arrival at Brisbane's International or Domestic terminal, take the Coachtrans Airporter Service which departs every 45 minutes from the front of the terminal and drops off at Gold Coast hotels on request. The cost is approximately AUD$46.
Spanning more than 2,000 km/1,200 mi along the north eastern coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is where you can enjoy the immense beauty, color and richness of a truly natural underwater wonder. It is not a continuous barrier, but a broken maze of coral reefs and coral cays. The Reef is home to many diverse species of marine life including 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral and 1,500 types of mollusc. It can be explored on daily cruises, by seaplane, air charters and on special helicopter flights.
Cairns If you have an airport transfer included in your Trafalgar guided vacation, please refer to the transfer details in your travel documentation. Alternatively, on arrival at Cairns Airport you can take the Sun Palm Transport shuttle bus into town. This service meets all incoming flights and costs AUD$10. A taxi will cost around AUD$25.
Kuranda Kuranda Scenic Railway Train winds through 15 tunnels and over 36 bridges as it travels along the train track between Cairns and Kuranda. Kuranda's picture postcard railway station, decked out in tropical flowers and ferns is justly famous. Other attractions of this quaint village on the edge of the Atherton Tableland include the colorful morning markets with produce, coral arts and crafts on display – there is quite a large 'alternative' crowd living in Kuranda.
Brisbane Brisbane is the capital city of the state of Queensland and is situated on the Brisbane River, 34 km/21 mi upstream from Moreton Bay. A penal colony was the first settlement here in 1824. Brisbane has a sub-tropical climate and was the host city for World Expo in 1988. On the southern banks of the city lies Brisbane's favorite leisure and entertainment precinct – South Bank Parklands.
South Australia (SA) Capital: Adelaide
Population: 1.6 million
Largest City: Adelaide
Main Industry: Agriculture, automotive, fishing
Land Area: 983,482 km / 379,725 mi2 2
environments for its cherished fauna and flora, making it a perfect eco-tourism destination. Adelaide is classed as one of the world's most convenient cities and boasts some of the world's best wine, food and environment. The host of many international events, Adelaide is known as Australia's arts capital. It is also famous for its internationally renowned wineries and as home to Australia's national gemstone, the opal.
In size South Australia represents one eighth of the Australian Continent. Great Britain and Ireland together would fit into it four times and Belgium 31 times. It is 1.5 times the size of Texas. South Australia has a special place in the history of Australia as it was settled entirely by free people and has no convict background. Driving today through the rolling hills of the Fleurieu Peninsula south of Adelaide or the green wheat fields bordering Spencer Gulf, it is easy to forget that two-thirds of South Australia is harsh barren outback country. Obviously South Australians have chosen their homes in the cooler, kinder southern parts of the state, where there is sufficient rain and irrigation to make the land both productive and hospitable.
Coober Pedy The world's opal capital, Coober Pedy is South Australia's oldest and largest opal mining town. The town's population is multicultural with over 50 nations represented. The relaxed and friendly lifestyle of the town made it a breeding ground for cultural tolerance, diversity and acceptance. The opal veins here occur up to 30 m/98 ft below the surface, but small opals are often found loose on the ground. Due to the heat Coober Pedy is also known for its unique style of 'underground' living. Visitors are able to explore authentic underground homes as well as underground museums, opal shops, an art gallery and of course opal mines.
Getting There By Air Adelaide You will have an airport transfer included in your Trafalgar guided vacation. Alternatively, on arrival at Adelaide Airport you can take the transit bus to many of Adelaide's city hotels. Skylink Airport Shuttle operates this service. The cost is AUD$10. Contact (08) 8332 0528. A taxi will cost around AUD$25 and the journey will take about 10 minutes. Adelaide Airport is 7 km/4 mi west of the city.
Kangaroo Island The third largest island off the coast of Australia, Kangaroo Island is a nature lover's dream, with over 30% of the Island dedicated to National Parks. With extensive touring options and a variety of quality accommodations, the Island has an enviable reputation as an excellent place to see Australian wildlife in its natural habitat including the world's largest breeding colony of sea lions. Regular ferries and coach connections are available from Adelaide. Kangaroo Island is probably best known for its accessible wildlife. Free from mainland predators, it is a natural habitat for koalas, platypus, goannas, the rare glossy black cockatoo, wallabies and the Island's own species of kangaroo. Its shores are also home to the elusive leafy-sea dragon. Here, you can walk amongst wildlife in natural surroundings, including the colony of sea lions at Seal Bay.
Adelaide Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is Australia's fifth largest city. Superbly nestled between a range of low hills and sheltered gulf waters, it enjoys 32 km/20 mi of clean white sandy beaches. Just 20 minutes from the city are the magnificent Mt. Lofty Ranges with valleys filled with grapevines, dairy pastures and fertile market gardens. Abundant wildlife roams the hills, the plains and the sea. Adelaide has carefully preserved natural habitats and
Flinders Ranges
Victoria (VIC) Capital: Melbourne
Population: 5.6 million Main Industry: Manufacturing, mining, agriculture (wheat, barley & oats)
Largest City: Melbourne Land Area: 227,416k m / 87,806 mi 2
Phillip Island
Victoria is our smallest mainland state, yet has the country's second highest population. Victoria's capital, Melbourne is recognised as the cultural capital of Australia with its wide array of restaurants, shopping, entertainment and sports.
A popular location for Victorian travelers is Phillip Island, 140km from Melbourne on Westernport Bay. Phillip Island's attractions include its excellent beaches, the nightly 'Little Penguin Parade', the Koala Conservation Centre and the Seal Rocks Life Centre. See these and more on an optional day tour to Phillip Island. Ask your Tour Director or phone (03) 9663 3377 for more details.
Getting there by Air Melbourne You will have an airport transfer included in your Trafalgar guided vacation. Otherwise, Sunbus operates a shuttle service which departs every 15 minutes for the city, with connections to city hotels. Cost AUD$26 one way. A taxi from the Airport will cost around AUD$55-$60 and will take around 30 minutes.
Beechworth Beechworth is Victoria's best preserved gold town and lies cradled in the foothills of the Australian Alps. The town's wide, tree-lined streets contain over 30 buildings listed by the National Trust. The town was closely associated with the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly and the courthouse where his final trial commenced still stands on Ford Street.
Melbourne Declared Australia's first capital city in 1901, Melbourne was once the financial and business capital of Australia. Now it is more renowned for its fine food, fashion, sport and culture, as well as its historic buildings and delightful gardens. It is 5 km/3 mi inland from Port Phillip Bay, by the banks of the Yarra River and has a population of over three million people.
Great Ocean Road One of the world's great scenic coastline drives begins at Torquay, about 100 km/62 mi southwest of Melbourne and extends for over 300 km/186 mi. Visit the Great Ocean Road's most famous attractions including the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Bells Beach and the seaside village of Lorne on an optional 'Great Ocean Road' day trip. Ask your Travel Director or phone (03) 9663 3377 for details.
Melbourne Day Trips Trafalgar, through AAT Kings, has a wide range of sightseeing tours in and around Melbourne. With us you can visit: • The Great Ocean Road • Phillip Island Penguin Parade • Yarra Valley wineries • Melbourne city sights • Sovereign Hill and Ballarat, and much more Ask your Travel Director or phone (03) 9663 3377 for details.
River Yarra, Melbourne
Penguin Parade, Phillip Island
Immerse yourself in paradise!
Melbourne 119 Swanston St Vic 3000 Tel: 61-3-9662 3524 Fax 61-3-9654 9213 firstname.lastname@example.com
Sydney 60 Pitt St. NSW 2000 Tel: 61-2-9247 6344 Fax: 61-2-9233 7633 email@example.com
Multi award winning Daydream Island Resort & Spa offers guests a multitude of facilities and activities. If it's relaxation you are after, there's a state of the art Rejuvenation Spa offering naturopathy, therapeutic and pampering treatments. Or you can visit the Living Reef, one of the world's largest outdoor aquariums where you can feed sharks and stingrays. With stunning lagoon pools, waterfront restaurants and bars, a themed mini golf course plus an amazing 44 foot outdoor movie cinema – there's something for everyone on Daydream.
For more information visit our website on
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The World's Most Beautiful Harbour • Individual dining experiences • 5 private dining rooms • 10 dining and entertainment options
Tel: +61-2-9206 1111 www.captaincook.com.au
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"our people make the difference" kuranda • tjapukai aboriginal cultural park
cape tribulation
your tour… Your tour today offers the wonders of the rainforest, as well as our unique indigenous culture. Meet your Indigenous guide at Tjapukai, who will show you the many attractions of this fascinating park. Glide over the rainforest with Skyrail, before free time in Kuranda. Use your Kuranda Boarding Pass to gain discounted entry to selected Kuranda attractions. Travelling with Down Under Tours ensures preferential seating on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. This spectacular journey offers wonderful views as you wind your way to Kuranda, over bridges & through tunnels.
RESERVATIONS: 07 4035 5566 • www.downundertours.com
your tour… Join Down Under Tours for their all inclusive tour to Cape Tribulation and Daintree. Your day includes morning tea, guided tour of the Daintree Discovery Centre, lunch in a rainforest setting and a cruise on the Daintree River.
New Zealand Capital: Wellington
Population: 4 Million
Largest City: Auckland
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Land Area North Island: 115,000 km2/44,400 mi2 South Island: 151,000 km2/58,300 mi2
Time zone: GMT +12
The indigenous Maori named New Zealand Aotearoa, commonly translated as The Land of the Long White Cloud. New Zealand is made up of two islands referred to as the North and South Islands.
Mt. Cook
South Pacific Forum, New Zealand's scope of interest has widened to include South East Asia, the South Pacific and many other areas of the world.
When New Zealand was 'discovered' by the Dutch navigator Abel Tasman in 1642, it was found to be already inhabited by Maoris who had migrated from Polynesia in ocean-going canoes. Oral Maori history supports the view that the migration was spread over several generations and perhaps centuries, with final migration of considerable magnitude in approximately AD1350. Further voyages followed, notably those of James Cook, who in the latter part of the 18th century was the first European to set foot on New Zealand. His extensive charting of the New Zealand coastline dispelled the myth that the west coast, first charted by Tasman, was the coastline of the 'Great Southern Continent' that was believed to exist by leading geographers of the time.
Geography New Zealand is situated in the South Pacific, just west of the International Dateline. It is approximately 1,600 km/1,000 mi southeast of Australia, 9,000 km/5,600 mi from Singapore and 11,000km southwest of San Francisco. The two major islands, the North Island and the South Island, combined with the much smaller but significant Stewart Island, give the country a combined area of approximately 268,000 km2/166,500 mi2. New Zealand has a wide variety of spectacular scenery in a comparatively compact area, including snow-capped mountains, deep lakes, sub-tropical rainforests, glow worm caves, glaciers and snowfields, volcanoes and thermal geysers. The coastline is long and has many beautiful beaches. Mountains cover a large part of the South Island and central North Island, and there are 19 peaks over 3,000 m/9,800 ft, the highest being Mount Cook at 3,754 m/12,316 ft.
The first European settlers arrived in 1792 and in the following years, coastal whaling stations were established and missionaries arrived. Colonization began in earnest in 1825, but it was not until 1840 that any major scheme showed success. The immediate effect of European contact was the outbreak of a series of wars between colonists and Maoris, but after 1870 there were no further hostilities and a lasting peace has prevailed since that time. British Sovereignty was formally proclaimed over New Zealand in 1840 by Captain Hobson with the Treaty of Waitangi, but all territorial rights remained with the Maori chiefs and their tribes. In 1861 large alluvial deposits of gold were discovered in the South Island and this led to a large influx of prospectors and miners from many parts of the world. This increased wealth and population stimulated economic and political growth in New Zealand. Dominion status was achieved in 1907 when New Zealand became a fully self-governing nation within the then British Empire, but complete autonomy from Britain was not gained until 1947 when the Statute of Westminster (1931) was formally adopted by the New Zealand government.
Climate New Zealand has a temperate climate, similar to the southern states of Australia. In fact, the top of the North Island is about the same latitude as Sydney and the lower end of the South Island is about the same latitude as Tasmania, with the climates being somewhat similar to their Australian counterparts. The South Island generally tends to be a few degrees cooler than the North Island and the alps are considerably cooler than the lower altitudes. New Zealand experiences the four seasons, much the same as southern Australia. Summer is between December and February and winter between June and August, with autumn and spring falling March-May and September-November respectively. The climate is temperate and equable, with a sunshine average of about 2,000 hours annually. Rainfall for the greater part of the country ranges between 600-1,500 mm/24-60 in annually. Temperature variations between seasons are generally small, except the interior South Island where wider ranges are recorded.
New Zealand is a member nation of the Commonwealth. During World War I and World War II, New Zealand troops fought with British and allied troops, and contingents were sent both to Korea and Malaysia in the 1950s and Vietnam in the 1960s. Historic and economic links with Britain, Western Europe and Australia have remained, but more recently with the signing of agreements such as the SEATO Treaty and the
The People Apart from the Maori population of 270,000, New Zealanders are predominantly of United Kingdom descent, although there is a sizeable number of citizens of Dutch, Chinese and Indian descent. The Maori The Maori people are the original settlers in New Zealand whose migrations are thought to have preceded European settlement by some 400-500 years. Isolated from outside influence until European discovery, the Maori developed a unique culture comprised of highly developed social and ritualistic customs, and as a race, they displayed a great deal of courage. The traditional Maori art and craft persists today and over recent years there has been a major revival of
The Kiwi
Post Offices
interest. Maori art reflects the Polynesian origins of the people, but it has a distinctive and unique form. Wood carving, intricately designed, was the principal expression, but weaving, stonework and tattooing became highly developed. The Maori language is still spoken, particularly by the North Island Maoris, but there are many who have never learnt to speak their native tongue. Educators and the Maori people have been aware of this shortcoming, and the language is being incorporated into the curriculum of an increasing number of secondary schools. Although Maori was not a written language before the coming of the white missionaries, it is a language rich in the traditions of both legend and poetry, which played primary roles in Maori life. Maoris live in harmony with other New Zealanders and form an integral part of New Zealand society. Inter-marriage between the Maori and European communities is common. Although an increasing number of Maoris are moving into urban areas, the traditional Maori way of life still continues in many parts of the country.
Post Offices are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. However, you will find most hotels will be able to supply stamps for postcards and letters, and some hotels will also be able to handle larger packages.
Shopping Generally, most shops and businesses open at 9 am and close at 5 pm or 5.30 pm on weekdays, and 12.30 pm on Saturdays. Most cities have late night shopping until 9 pm on either Thursday or Friday nights, if not both nights. Many large supermarkets are open seven days a week until 8 pm or later.
Time New Zealand is 12 hours ahead of GMT or two hours ahead of Australian Eastern Standard Time. Between October and March daylight saving is observed by New Zealand. Clocks are advanced by one hour during daylight saving.
English is the official language of New Zealand. The Maori people also have their own language and many place names in New Zealand are in this language. The standard version used today is quite simple as it has been written as it was first heard by early missionaries. All consonants are pronounced as in English, except 'wh', which is generally pronounced as 'f' and 'ng', which is pronounced as in 'sing'.
New Zealand is not a large country so the distances travelled in any one day are not great. In fact, some days we do not cover much distance at all, particularly if we are sightseeing in and around town, or taking a cruise.
Currency New Zealand's currency is decimal with the New Zealand dollar being the basic unit. Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5 denominations. Coins are minted in $2, $1, 50c, 20c & 10c denominations. If you are paying for goods with cash, you will find that prices are rounded up or down to the nearest 10c, as there are no 1c, 2c or 5c coins.
Departure Tax There is a Departure Tax of NZD$5 per person at Rotorua Airport for domestic travel. This is to be paid by guests, at their own expense, at the airport.
Waitomo Glow Worm Grotto Church of the Good Shepherd
North Island Largest City: Auckland
Main Industry: Manufacturing, tourism, forestry, fishing
Land Area: 113,729 km2 / 44,281 mi2 Population: 3,366,100
Waitomo Caves
The center of the North Island is renowned for its geothermal activity and natural wonders, while the Northland region has delightful beaches and a colorful history. Combine all this natural beauty with the vibrant and sophisticated cities of Auckland and Wellington, and you have got the perfect vacation location.
First explored by Europeans in 1887, the Glow Worm Caves have since been an attraction for visitors. These limestone caves, full of stalagmites and stalactites, have developed over thousands of years and provide a home for the tiny glow worms which light up the caves.
Getting There
Wellington has been New Zealand's capital since 1865, when the seat of government was moved here from Auckland. As Wellington is only 2 km/1.2 mi wide, it is explored easily by foot. Located between a beautiful harbour and rolling green hills, Wellington has excellent shopping, professional theater and cafés and restaurants all close to untouched nature spots.
You have an airport transfer included in your Trafalgar guided vacations in conjunction with pre and post trip accommodations booked through Trafalgar. Alternatively, on arrival at Auckland Airport (Domestic or International), you can make your way to the city by using Super Shuttle. Super Shuttle departs both terminals every 20 minutes and tickets can be purchased from the driver. Tickets cost NZD$28 one way for an adult into the city.
Bay of Islands The site of New Zealand's first European settlement and first capital city, the Bay of Islands was also where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, making New Zealand a British colony. With 144 islands, secluded bays, an abundance of marine life and scenery that is nothing short of spectacular, Bay of Islands is New Zealand's finest Maritime Park.
Auckland New Zealand's largest city is sometimes referred to as the 'City of Sails', as it reportedly has the most boats per capita in the world. It also has the world's highest concentration of Polynesians and is situated on a narrow peninsula between two harbors, providing some lovely water views.
Rotorua Rotorua's main attractions are the boiling mud pools, hot springs and geysers for which the area is famous. This geological activity is due to the fact that the earth's crust is very thin in this area, allowing pressures from deep within the earth to be released to the surface. Rotorua, meaning 'the second lake', is also of cultural significance, with one-third of the 70,000-strong population being of Maori descent.
Rotorua Thermal Reserve
Wellington Cable car
South Island Largest City: Christchurch
Main Industry: Tourism, fishing, dairy farming, forestry
Land Area: 151,215 km / 58,093 mi2 2
Population: 1 million
Running almost the length of the South Island are the rugged Southern Alps. To the west of the mountains lie many spectacular fiords and to the east, the beautiful Canterbury Plains. The eastern side of the Alps receives a relatively low annual rainfall, whereas the climate is much wetter on the western side due to the Alps providing a barrier to the westerly winds.
fine architecture and world-famous wildlife reserves on the Otago Peninsula. It is also known as a student town with the University of Otago, New Zealand's oldest university, located here. The sheer physical beauty of Dunedin, with its dramatic bushcovered hills and valleys at the head of a long natural harbour, attracted Maori settlers to the site over four centuries ago. Then in 1848 Scottish migrants established a town here and thirteen years later gold was discovered In Central Otago and the small settlement of Dunedin became the center for the nation's wealth. Soaring cathedral spires, a magnificent Flemish-style railway station, fine banks and office blocks, a nineteenth-century castle, old university buildings and a neogothic convent, are among the city's architectural treasures.
Getting There By Air Christchurch You have an airport transfer included in your Trafalgar guided vacation in conjunction with pre and post trip accommodations booked through Trafalgar. Alternatively, on arrival at Christchurch Airport (Domestic or International), you can make your way to the city by using Super Shuttle. Tickets can be purchased from the driver and cost NZD$19. This service departs regularly from outside the terminals on the Shuttle/Taxi ranks. Call 0800 748 885 for reservations.
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers The West Coast Glaciers are some of the largest and most accessible glaciers in the Westland National Park. Franz Josef was named in 1865 in honor of the Emperor of Austria. The Fox Glacier was named in 1872 after an early NZ Prime Minister, William Fox.
Christchurch The South Island's largest city and the 'English' city of New Zealand, Christchurch is known for its beautiful gardens and the tree-lined Avon River which runs through it. Early settlers wanted to call the river 'The Shakespeare'.
Lake Tekapo The turquoise color of the lake is due to fine particles of rock, called 'rock-flour', held in suspension in the glacial melt water which feeds it. The Church of the Good Shepherd stands beside the lake and was built in 1935 from stone and oak. Not far from the church is a bronze sheepdog statue, a tribute to these animals which helped to develop the pastoral farming country in this area.
Dunedin Dunedin is the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh and means 'Edin on the Hill'. Not surprising, Dunedin is known as the 'Edinburgh of the South'. Situated on the south-eastern coast of New Zealand's South Island, Dunedin is the main center of Otago, a region recognized for its spectacular scenery. It possesses a unique combination of cultural riches,
Milford Sound Accessed from the resort town of Te Anau, Milford Sound is surrounded by walls that rise 1,200 m/3,900 ft from the sea. One of the most striking and famous features of Milford Sound is the 1,695 m/5,560 ft high Mitre Peak. The region's annual rainfall is amongst the country's highest.
Mount Cook New Zealand's highest mountain at 3,754 m/12,316 ft and part of the Mount Cook National Park. Along with Fiordland, Aspiring and Westland National Parks, Mount Cook is part of a World Heritage Area. The mountain was named after Captain James Cook by Captain Stokes of the survey ship HMS Acheron in 1851 and is known to the Maori as Aoraki, meaning 'cloud piercer'.
Canterbury Plains
Booking offices
Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is scenic Queenstown, surrounded by the mighty peaks of the Southern Alps. During the winter months (Jun – Sep) the Remarkables are home to some of the world's most spectacular skiing. During the warmer months (Nov – Feb) this winter wonderland transforms into a summer vacation resort town. Queenstown is recognized as the 'adventure capital' of New Zealand. However, there is also a wide variety of relaxing activities including wine trails, museums, shopping, restaurants and cafés.
Trafalgar USA Corporate Head Office 801 East Katella Avenue, Anaheim, California 92805-6606, USA T 00 1 714 937 4915 F 00 1 714 937 4901 www.trafalgar.com Trafalgar Canada 33 Kern Road, Toronto, Ontario M3B 1S9
Lake Wakatipu & Walter Peak Lake Wakatipu is the third largest lake in New Zealand. During the gold rush days many steamships could be seen on the lake, transporting stakeholders from point-topoint. Now, only the vintage TSS Earnslaw remains. This stately 'Lady of the Lake' still makes trips across the lake to drop clients at Walter Peak, where there is an old colonial homestead and sheep station.
T 00 1 416 322 8468) F 00 1 416 322 8239/8148) Toronto, Wats (Ont/Que) 1 800 668 8282 Ontario, M3B 1S9. Wats (Canada): 1 800 387 2680
Mitre Peak
Note: The information provided in this document is intended to give a general overview of the destinations you will visit. Information provided is subject to change without notice and is dependent on a variety of factors. 28
New Zealand
Talk to your tour director to make a booking
Cape Reinga touR
via ninety mile beaCh
An authentic New Zealand experience Journey deep into the World Heritage area of Mt Aspiring National Park. Learn from your guide about the areas history. Walk amongst the ancient beech forest, unchanged for 80 million years. Journey by scenes used in the Lord of the Rings movies to illustrate Middle Earth. Experience a unique combination of breath taking scenery and exciting jet boating on braided, glacier fed rivers.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Talk to your tour director to make a booking
New Zealand
Remarkable Experience Unique Art Wine & Heritage Tour
Cruise in style in a 1937 convertible soft-top Chevrolet bus viewing fine art created by renowned New Zealand artists in their personal galleries, visit historic areas in the Queenstown-Arrowtown area and taste local cuisine. The scenery is breathtaking. Address: P.O Box 552, Queenstown. Telephone: 64 3 409 8578 Facsimile: 64 3 409 8579 Email: email@example.com WebSite: www.remarkableexperience.com
SCENIC FLOATPLANE & HELICOPTER FLIGHTS VOLCANOES, GEOTHERMAL AND LAKES
discover the haast experience real New Zealand
The Red Barn, Haast Junction. Bookings essential. Freephone: 0800 865 382 www.haastriver.co.nz
Floatplane Mt Tarawera Craters/Waimangu Volcanic Valley, (approx 30 mins) $215 Helicopter Mt Tarawera/Hells Gate Landing (approx 1 hour) $355 Floatplane White Island/Mt Tarawera Craters (allow 1 hour, 10 minutes) $545 Helicopter White Island active volcano landing (allow three hours) $775 Floatplane Orakei Korako, (The Hidden Valley) (allow 2 hours, 15 minutes) $445 * CONDITIONS APPLY
Rotorua, New Zealand | Ph: +64 7 348 9984 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com | www.volcanicair.co.nz
New Zealand hobbiton movie set tours The Hobbiton Movie Set Tour is an essential stop on the itinerary for all visitors travelling through New Zealand, offering an interesting and entertaining experience incorporating the famous film set and a special insight into rural life. Your tour starts with a drive through the picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Your guide will escort you through the ten acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie Set was created. Hobbit holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and other structures can be viewed and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth. Specially brewed beverages are available at The Green Dragon Inn as you complete your tour. After your tour of the film set your host will then return you to The Shires Rest Cafe with the opportunity to visit The Shire Store. Frequent departures daily from; The Shires Rest Cafe, 501 Buckland Rd, Hinuera, Matamata 3472 P: 07 888 1505 | e: firstname.lastname@example.com w: www.hobbitontours.com
New Zealand unforgettable skippers canyon in queenstown You are picked up from your hotel in a comfortable minibus bound for Skippers Canyon which is only 30 km away. You visit this secluded area in small groups of 9 passengers. Your local guide provides a commentary about the Goldrush Heritage and serves some refreshments with cheese. Plenty of photo stops and short walks make this experience truly unforgettable.
Queenstown Heritage Tours Ltd. Email: email@example.com Web: http://www.queenstown-heritage.co.nz
City&LakesTours We provide a great introduction to Rotorua, its history and its people with our fully guided sightseeing and informational tours. DUKW's ("ducks" as they are affectionately known) were originally an amphibious landing vehicle developed during World War II. Two different tours available. Hotel pickups available for Tour Groups.
Bookings Essential Ph 07 345 6522
www.rotoruaducktours.co.nz DucktoursAATad190x116.indd 1
New Zealand
New Zealand
Northland - best seen from above
Cape Reinga Fly / Drive Half Day Scenic Flight Tour
Scenic flights exploring Northland's spectacular east and west coasts and the world famous 90 mile beach - including a guided vehicle tour of Cape Reinga region. Tour duration approximately five hours. Departs twice daily. NZ$425.00 per person including GST
Bay of Islands & Hole in the Rock Helicopter Scenic Flight
Departs from Paihia waterfront at Salt Air's helipad. Fly over the spectacular Bay of Islands, out to the famous 'Hole in the Rock' at Cape Brett and over the local towns such as Russell, and Paihia. NZ$230.00 per person including GST
Heli Cruise Island Escape
Experience the Bay of Islands with our spectacular Heli Island Cruise adventure. Depart Paihia for a scenic helicopter flight before landing on our custom-built Floating Helipad in the heart of the Bay of Islands. Boarding our Sea Shuttle, you are taken to the "island of choice" to partake in either hiking, fishing, snorkelling or just relaxing. We pick you up on the Sea Shuttle and take you on an informative tour of the Bay while making our way back to Paihia. $299.00 per person including GST
PO Box 293 • Paihia • Bay of Islands • New Zealand
0800 4 SALTAIR (0800 4 725 8247) email@example.com www.saltair.co.nz
New Zealand
Dunedin, Otago
Published on Jun 18, 2013
Thank you for choosing Trafalgar to show you the insider's view of Australia and New Zealand. A wealth of experience has taught us that your...


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Welcome – HPCforge
hpcforge.org - The code forge for HPC projects
Welcome to hpcforge.org, the code forge platform for projects using high performance computing (HPC) resources. hpcforge.org provides the most important tools to develop and track the development of complex code on HPC systems.
Featureshpcforge.org has tools to help teams collaborate, like message forums and mailing lists; tools to create and control access to Source Code Management repositories like CVS, Subversion and git.
Some additional features offered by hpcforge.org are:
Creating projects
Projects can be created by registered users only. If you do not have an hpcforge account click on "New Account" link to register as a new user.
Once you obtain a user account log into hpcforge and go to "My Page" then click on the "Register project" link to enter information about the project and submit the application form. You will receive an acceptance or rejection response within 24 hours.
If your project uses a source code repository (such as CVS, Subversion or git) you need to configure your SSH client to access the repository through SSH with public/private keys and (non-empty) pass-phrases. Information on SSH configuration is available in this document: https://hpcforge.org/docman/view.php/24/5/ssh-agent.pdf.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Prime Minister, Doctor Kenny Anthony, today received two cheques from the Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
The Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Ray Mou, presented the cheques as part of the bi-lateral cooperation agreement between his country and Saint Lucia.
The first cheque is in the sum of XCD 985,530.22.
The money will go towards the completion of the Vigie Beach Vending facility.
The second cheque is in the sum of XCD 2,902,583.95.
That money will go towards completing works on the Gros Islet Human Resource Development Centre.
It is the first tranche of fifty percent of the total grant of USD 2,159,500.00.


text:
My Nonprofit Reviews
Review for Beyond Differences, Greenbrae, CA, USA
Beyond Differences is unique in that it is truly led by the students themselves. All of its programs and initiatives have been developed and have grown out of hearing the voices and feedback of students. Students all want to be good, to feel good about themselves, and to make others feel good about themselves-- and Beyond Differences empowers students with those tools. The foundational belief is that these students really CAN make a difference and change the culture of their middle schools. And they are doing so! With the support of these kids, their parents, and some excellent educators, Beyond Differences is expanding and will continue to make a difference in the lives of the people it reaches.
More Feedback
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
increase its reach to work with elementary school students more!
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Will you recommend this organization to others?
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?


text: I am on the fence with this one. As much as i love home automation and want to see it take off. Id really like to give the crown to someone that isnt a juggernaut already. Im sure itll be great for the general public.. which is good for everyone i suppose.


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FCUs are Permitted to Offer Own Short-Term Disability, but Additional Risks may Apply
ALEXANDRIA, Va.-US Federal Credit Union of Minnesota was given the green light to offer a self-funded, short-term disability plan to cover employees during the wait period for the long-term disability policy to kick in. In doing so, though, NCUA Associate General Counsel Sheila Albin cautioned in a recent NCUA legal opinion letter that it could lead to increased absenteeism and claims against the short-term, as well as long-term, policies. The credit union's plan is to provide a short-term disability plan to cover employees for 60% of their regular salary from day six through day 90, when the long-term policy that the credit union contracted out should take effect. "Our view is an FCU's continuation of partial pay for a disabled employee during the 90-day waiting period associated with a third-party long-term disability insurance policy is reasonable," Albin wrote. "We do not consider the self-funding of your short-term disability plan to be impermissible self-insurance as the short-term disability coverage is only for employee pay and the period and amounts of coverage are limited." However, she did suggest the credit union consult with its examiner regarding safety and soundness issues associated with specifics of the plan. Albin also cautioned that historical experience might not be a good guide in determining potential liability to the institution. She warned that the salary continuation may provide incentive to file for the disability and lead to an increase in absenteeism. Further, she said, an increase in short-term claims could lead to an increase in long-term disability claims. Additionally, Albin suggested consulting the long-term disability provider for its opinion of the short-term plan.


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25% off all apparel. 20% off everything else. Use code BLACKFRIDAY
Asheville, NC. USA
Olympus E-510. ZD 28mm.
abandoned bricks creepy dirty distressed empty furnace gritty grungy homeless industrial pipes warehouse
brill image
What a fantastic image J.K.! Love the grunge and that 'beast' is perfect! Best title ever :)
lovely texture and colors, great work
beautiful work
You took something old and full of decay and did a fantastic job of making sure no one could miss the feelingWonderful work
LOVE it … glorious detail and color!!!!
Incredible, eye spy, light + post processing! Great job on all accounts James!
nicely captured!!
Well,, I myself am sadden that this wonderful piece of history was ruined by disrespectful art,, If you added,, which I dont see in your descript,, I am sorry if I offend you,, but I find it offensive that others found it necessary too detract from the beauty of this,, wonderful capture on your part,, these are days gone by,, and our youth today, have no clue what it took too operate,, and how dangerous it was too take care of this boiler system,, the sweat and tears,,call me an old foggie,, I don't care,, I like too think I am nostalgic, peace and love for this shot,, linmarie
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Seen Monday 6/16/2014 at Warren and Fifth St. – posted at the four corners with arrows directing you around the loop of the intersection: "Marina Abramovic Enlightenment and Walking Tour of Hudson" (in four stages)
Recent Weekly Listings
- Art Events in Hudson and Beyond, Nov 16 to 23, 2017 plus
- Art Events in Hudson NY and beyond November 6 to 14 plus
- Art Events in Hudson NY and beyond October 23 to October 31 plus
- Art Events in Hudson NY and beyond October 16 to October 24 plus
- Art Events in Hudson NY and beyond October 2 to October 10 plus
About Hudson
Hudson, lively and friendly, day and night: nineteen art galleries, two museums, vibrant music and performance venues, gourmet and casual restaurants, forty-five antique shops and more make "upstate's downtown" the perfect destination.
A delight to explore, Hudson's business district, Warren Street, is nine walkable blocks of preserved Federalist to Victorian architecture, much of it in the National Register of Historic Places.
Two hours north of New York City, easily accessible by car or train, between the Catskills and the Berkshires in beautiful Columbia County, you'll want to return again and again.
Contact UsSend Karen Davis an email at: email@example.com, or call 617-645-1616. We are interested in feedback, corrections, suggestions, anything to improve the site.


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Artist description:
This is my phobia D: I am not responsible for your injuries if you tickle me.
Java Draw Created Feb 21, 2012 640 x 460px Unless noted Copyright 2012 MidSummer.
We encourage you to submit a comment and let the artist know what you think of this drawing. Please log in or join to post a comment.
Post a comment
Great drawing... I myself am absolutely terrified of being tickled, it makes me cry. It's just so painful... 5/5 Nice work
Great drawing!
rofl i must admit i do not have a phobia of being tickled. although i am not a big fan. nice drawing. its deffenitly out there. your entery has been entered
haha, cute! 5/5!


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Nerf News, Blaster Reviews, Loadouts, Combos, Mods and More!
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Dennis Brown is currently Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and is Director of the Program in Membrane Biology at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He also serves as theAssociate Director of the MGH Center for Systems Biology and as the Associate Chief for Research of the MGH Nephrology Division. He received his Ph. D. from the University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK in 1975 and then spent 10 years working under the direction of Dr. Lelio Orci at the University of Geneva Medical School in Switzerland, where he eventually became an Assistant Professor.
Dennis Brown is a cell biologist/physiologist who specializes in the use of state-of-the art imaging techniques to follow and dissect physiologically-relevant membrane protein trafficking events in epithelial and non-epithelial cells. He is an internationally recognized authority on membrane protein trafficking and vesicle recycling in epithelial cells, with special focus on water channels (aquaporins) and vacuolar proton pumping ATPase function in the kidney and, more recently, in the male reproductive tract. He has published over 300 articles in peer reviewed journals. He has been continually funded by NIH since arriving in the USA in 1986, and one of his grants was recently given R37 MERIT award status. He is also a permanent member of the NIH CMBK Study Section.
He is an elected member of the MGH Executive Committee on Research (ECOR) and is the vice-chair of the MGH Research Council. He is a faculty member of the Harvard Medical School Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) Ph. D. program, and is the course director of the Renal Pathophysiology course for first year students in the joint HMS/MIT Health Sciences and Technology (HST) program. His track record of developing young scientists led to him being awarded the prestigious A. Clifford Barger "Excellence in Mentoring" award from Harvard University in 2005.
He served as Editor-in-Chief of AJP-Cell Physiology from 2002 to 2008, was an Associate Editor of AJP-Renal Physiology from 1995-1997, and has served on the editorial boards of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, the Journal of Membrane Biology, JASN, and J Histochem Cytochem. He has received numerous awards, most recently giving the Robert Schrier endowed lecture on Aquaporin Trafficking at the 2008 ASN meeting and presenting the 2008 Suk-Ki Hong memorial lecture at the University of Buffalo. He also received the Carl Gottschalk Award for excellence in nephrology research from the APS in 1999, and was an Established Investigator of the American Heart Association.


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Francois Jacobus Rossouw, 54, devised a special brace to help with jaw problems but is alleged to have acted unprofessionally in using it on two patients.
The two celebrities have never been patients of Rossouw but he claimed at a disciplinary hearing their long chins were a result of "severe class three malocclusion".
Asked about his treatment of two patients he told the General Dental Council: "I never said a severe class three. Jimmy Hill and Bruce Forsyth - that's a severe class three."
The GDC has heard how two patients went to him at The Dental Practice Brickstables House, Halstead Road, Lexden Heath, Colchester, Essex, with the condition, and a third attended needing crowns, between June 2003 and June 2007.
Rossouw is accused of being unprofessional and not acting in their best interests after giving the first two invasive treatment without him advising them it was not usual practice and leaving them in agony.
In both cases patients were fitted with splints and orthodontic appliances to pull their mouths back into line, it is said.
He is also accused of failing to reconsider the treatment plans when the patients reported pain, and then stopped working at the surgery without telling them or making arrangements for their care.
In a third case, he is said to have fitted a woman's two crowns without giving her a full description first.
Many of the dentist's patients had complex problems with the temperomandibular joint connecting the lower jaw to the skull.
Many had "done the rounds" of other medical practitioners looking for a cure, the hearing was told.
Rossouw insisted his method usually produced a "successful outcome or did in the past, significantly".
The dentist escaped punishment in 2008 despite being found guilty of serious professional misconduct for giving trainee police officer Anna Hitchcock 'inappropriate and irreversible treatment' which left her suffering severe jaw pain.
He denies a string of misconduct charges.
The hearing continues.


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ADAMLAWLESS Artist from Johor Bahru, Malaysia
wow, KOOL KILLER 1
mitch_dosdos Artist from cebu, Philippines
Thank you so much guys!
Thanks JAARTIST!
the colore are amazing
Lycanthropy Artist from United States
Great color theory and line work. + 1.
Thanks S3! Im glad you like it!
Thank you Lycanthropy!
nice color +1
Okay, that's AMAZING!!
RoSCreatures Artist from Italy
good job and nice colours! +1
Thanks for the support guys! you are all awesome!
WOW ! Superd & deserve a print right now !
Thank you very much for your kind words kakolak. :)
"But, grandmother, what big eyes you have!" great! +1
Greak – Like
Great work ! +1