Southern Great Barrier Reef Update

Southern Great Barrier Reef team returns to the Global Stage and will once again be showcasing the region at ATE 2016 on the Gold Coast. A number of internationally ready tourism businesses from the region will also be in attendance including: Great Keppel Island Hideaway (New to ATE) 1770 LARC Tours Capricorn Caves Central Apartment Group Delaware North (Heron Island Resort) Empire and Edge Apartments Lady Elliot Island Lagoons 1770 Resort & Spa NEW PRODUCT – Salt Yeppoon on the Capricorn Coast

Stay at the finest oceanfront apartments on the Capricorn Coast. The picture of beachfront perfection awaits you at Salt, Yeppoon's newest premium 4.5-Star Apartments. Situated on Yeppoon's magnificent Main Beach, Salt offers unsurpassed ocean views from every luxurious apartment. Salt's architecturally inspired building boasts fifty spacious 1, 2, 3-bedroom and penthouse apartments spread across five levels, all unrivalled in terms of size and quality of finishes. Guests can enjoy Salt's first class facilities including two resort style pools and tropical entertainment area, a fully equipped gym, large conference centre and exceptional beachfront dining.

Lady Elliot Island's Manta Rays to Feature in David Attenborough Series

Our very own resident Manta Rays are to make a special appearance in Episode 2 of the David Attenborough's 'Great Barrier Reef' series. The release date for the series is yet to be announced, but keep an eye out on our Facebook page for details!

NEW PRODUCT – Lady Musgrave Seaplane Day Trip

Take in the magnificent Southern Great Barrier Reef from above and below the water with this truly memorable seaplane and snorkel experiences. Travelling via Amphibious Seaplane, you'll enjoy a spectacular 45minute flight each way with Australia By Seaplane to the jewel of the SGBR taking in the sights of Gladstone, the majestic coastline and Bustard Head Lighthouse before a water landing at Lady Musgrave Island Lagoon.

Great Keppel Island Getaway

Great Keppel Island Hideawayis excited to announce our trade ready room rates for March 2016 - March 2017. We also have a fantastic 2 night island getaway package, including transfers with sister company Keppel Konnections & activities with GKI Adventures.

'Off the Wagon' Childers Wine Tour

Enjoy a relaxed fully-escorted tour taking in three unique Childers vineyards and wineries, and the historic Paragon Theatre. Enjoy tastings, morning tea, lunch, theatre tour, driver and local area commentary in quaint rural surrounds. For more information ask the team at Childers Eco Lodge.

Natures wonder as hatchlings emerge on Heron Island

Heron Island is once again the spectacular backdrop to one of nature's most breathtaking journeys, with the hatchling phase of turtle breeding season currently in full swing. Each year, visitors to the island are delighted by the abundance of Loggerhead and Green Sea Turtles that call Heron Island home. Alongside the hatching experience, visitors are spoiled for ways to immerse themselves in island life, with diving and snorkelling, guided tours of the island, kayaking and spa treatments all on offer.

7.5million upgrade of Bundaberg Distilling Co.'s Visitor Centre

Bundaberg Rum has announced a new $7.5 million visitors' experience at the distillery in Bundaberg; it's expected that the upgrade will be completed in July 2016. The upgrade will create a visitors experience fitting of Australia's most awarded rum distillery. Visitors will be able to experience the Bundaberg Rum brand story and history through an interactive self-guided tour and will include a new alfresco-dining area, as well as function facilities designed for private and corporate events.

What's happening in SGBR?

• Empire Apartment Hotel won GOLD for 'New Tourism Business' at the 2015 Qld Tourism Awards in November and is home of Rockhampton's newest and most impressive conference and meeting venue. Ideally positioned within the new Empire Apartment Hotel complex on the Rockhampton CBD Riverfront precinct.
• Meet Stuey!One of the Southern Great Barrier Reef's most well-known regional characters - Stuart Buchanan. Writer, 70 something, single, hard-working, meticulous light house restorer, yachtie, taxi driver, story teller and down to earth Aussie character! With steadfast local allies, the Mergard family of 1770 LARC! Tours, the Bustard Head Lightstation restoration has been successful and now boasts the privilege of being Queensland's only operating lighthouse that is open to the public.
• Ladies of The Southern Great Barrier Reef hit the road. Kelly's Beach Resort, Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort & Lady Musgrave Experience together will visit Brisbane & Sydney to update agents on The Southern Great Barrier Reef. These include, refurbishments at Kellys Beach Resort, New Scenic Flights available with Lady Musgrave Experience and a soft refurb in rooms, new packages & added guest experiences at Lady Elliot, plus some exciting new tours available in the Bundaberg Region.
• Santa in his bright red suit lit up Capricorn Caves as he abseiled 30 metres down the summer solstice light shaft at midday on 22 December. The large crowd cheered as Santa appeared through a vertical shaft in the roof of the Belfry Cave. Capricorn Caves is open for tours every day of the year except Christmas Day.
• Sandcastles 1770, privately hidden amongst lush tropical gardens - 50m from pillow to beach. The ceremony, the reception, the decorations, the flowers, the delectable delights. Their in-house wedding and event coordinator can assist with planning your clients special day.
• The flight simulators installed within the Hinkler Hall of Aviation mid last year have proven to be a great success with all guests, young and old! Another exciting exhibit is set to be developed later this year – stay tuned

10 most powerful passports of the world

Do you often imagine a world without borders and boundaries? As the world travel and tourism industry is bound by visa rules and various other border security regimes, here is one country which has made considerate developments in allowing its citizens to as many as 177 countries without visa.

According to the Visa Restrictions Index 2016, the German passport holders have the most freedom of access to countries compared to all other passports. They were ranked at the first place for the list of the best passports in the world.

The report is published annually by the global leader in residence and citizenship planning, Henely & Partners in partnership with IATA. The rankings were done depending on how many countries a passport holder can travel to without a visa.

The second place was taken by the Sweden passport which allows free access to 176 countries followed by Finland, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom with visa-free access to 175 countries.

Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and the United States ranked fourth with acceptance in 174 countries.

Singapore maintained the fifth place for the third consecutive year, with its passport accepted in 173 cities and countries worldwide, sharing the same ranking with Japan and Austria this year.

The Malaysian passport, however, dropped from its ninth position last year (with visa free access to 168 countries) to 12th place with the document accepted in 164 countries. It had remained in the “Top 10” for three years before being pushed out this year.

Somalia, Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan meanwhile, continue to hold the bottom four positions on the Index, with the holders granted visa-free access to only 31, 30, 29, and 25 countries respectively. They thus have again been labeled the worst passports in the world.

According to the report, “the number of countries in the ‘Top 10’ remained static in this year’s Index at 28 countries, with Hungary joining the category after one year of being pushed out, and Malaysia dropping to 12th position after three years in the premier group.”

Channel Nine's Today Show to broadcast live from Silverton

The stark beauty and vast desert landscapes of the NSW Outback will be beamed into households across Australia on Monday 7 March 2016 when Channel Nine’s Today Show kicks off its ‘We Love Australia’ week from Silverton nearby Broken Hill.

Renowned for its mining heritage, birth of the union movement, regional art scene and cinematic history, the diverse destination of Broken Hill will be profiled throughout the show by Today host’s Karl Stefanovic, Lisa Wilkinson, Richard Wilkins and Ross Greenwood.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the broadcast was secured by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW and will promote the region as a must-visit tourism destination.

“We are delighted the Today Show is showcasing Broken Hill to potential visitors next week and providing audiences with a colourful insight into the array of exciting experiences on offer throughout Regional NSW,” Mr Ayres said.

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said, “Broken Hill was the first Australian city to be included on the National Heritage List, and it’s easy to see why. With a rich history, great natural beauty and cultural diversity, we can’t wait for Today viewers to discover the NSW Outback.”

The Today Show will broadcast live from Silverton Hotel, one of NSW’s most iconic and photographed pubs. Located 25 km north-west of Broken Hill, Silverton offers dramatic desert scenery, 19th century buildings and a film and television history known for Mad Max 2, and A Town Like Alice.

Destination NSW has compiled a list of four “must-do” activities for visitors to Broken Hill which include:

• Sunset at The Living Desert Sanctuary: Seeing the sun go down at The Living Desert Sanctuary is the best way to end the day in Broken Hill. Located on Sundown Hill, an easy walking trail winds itself around 12 sandstone sculptures each telling a different story
• Outback safari: For a true outback experience explore the Mutawintji National Park on a day trip with Tri State Safaris, where you’ll have the opportunity to discover some of Australia’s most sacred Aboriginal sites on a 4WD adventure
• Happy days: One of the original “milk bars” of Broken Hill, complete with original 1950’s fixtures and fittings, take a trip down memory lane at Bell’s Milk Bar for a cool malted milk or soda spider – the best (and original) way to cool down in town!
• I love the nightlife, I got to boogie: Experience a night like no other at the Palace Hotel, famous for featuring in the hit movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert. With funky retro interiors, great food and entertainment, get your dancing shoes on before resting your head at the hotel’s pretty in pink bespoke Priscilla suite.

As a continuation of Today’s ‘We Love Australia’ week, the spectacular Blue Mountains of NSW will be showcased by weatherman Stevie Jacobs, with the week concluding in Sydney on Friday 11th March 2016 with Today broadcasting live from iconic Circular Quay.

For more activities in Broken Hill and Outback NSW visit www.visitnsw.com

China Tourism Industry Growth Expected to Continue in 2016

China will invest 20 percent more in its tourism industry in the coming year, compared to 2015, with the goal of increasing the industry’s annual revenue by 10 percent. 

Investment is expected to rise to 1.2 trillion yuan ($180 billion), with projected revenue expected to reach 4.55 trillion yuan ($682 billion). 

Chinese are expected to make 4.38 billion trips for tourism within China this year, up 9.5 percent over 2015, and revenue from their travels will rise by 11 percent year on year to 3.8 trillion yuan ($570 billion). 

A total of 263 million tourist trips are expected for Chinese going abroad and foreigners coming into China in 2016, up 5 percent year over 2015. 

Tourism is playing an increasingly important role in China’s economy, accounting for about 10.8 percent of total GDP growth and 10.2 percent of national employment in 2015. 

10 best places to experience Britain’s outstanding natural beauty

Sweeping across mile-long beaches, rolling hills and ancient remains, Britain’s 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty showcase the destination’s most spectacular landscapes. Here are some of the highlights.

Gower Peninsula

The very first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just outside the Welsh city of Swansea, has been protected since 1956. Rhossili Bay is regularly voted one of the world’s best beaches. The 39-mile Gower Coastal Path highlights its joys and there are several campsites within it. Adventurous types can indulge in adrenaline-filled coasteering.

Cotswolds

Fifty years ago, the beauty of the Cotswolds was protected by being designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Punctuated by historic villages made from local honey-coloured stone, alongside meadows and rivers – including the start of the Thames – it’s a quintessentially English landscape. There’s a walking trail that covers the entire 90-mile length of the Cotswolds, starting in Chipping Camden in Oxfordshire and travelling to Bath, with plenty of pretty hotels and pubs to stay in en route. And holiday companies can transport your luggage for you as you walk. This year there are a series of events to commemorate the 50th anniversary.

Northumberland Coast

Located just before the border with Scotland, things get rugged here. There are cliffs and sweeping beaches aplenty, studded with ancient forts such as Bamburgh. You’ll also find the Farne Islands, home to thousands of grey seals, and Holy Island, which is linked to the mainland by a causeway that disappears as the tides rise. If you want to see it in comfort, you get a great view on the train between London and Edinburgh along the east coast.

Isles of Scilly

These are a chain of small, almost other-worldly islands, surrounded by white sand beaches. As the most southerly part of the United Kingdom and part of Cornwall, spring arrives here first each year. There are five inhabited islands (mostly car-free) and over a hundred that aren’t; you’ll find a blissfully gentle way of life throughout the archipelago. Visit them via ferries from Penzance or flights from Newquay, Lands’ End and Exeter.

Lincolnshire Wolds

A hidden gem in the Midlands that even many British people don’t know about – and beautifully unspoilt. With so few cars, it’s great cycling country. Less than three hours north east from London by train, it has a strong Viking history. Stand on top of the aptly named Wolds Top and you’ll have views across salt marshes and over to Lincoln Cathedral.

Mendip Hills

Next to the Cotswolds and south of Bristol and Bath – but with a dramatically different landscape – the Mendips Hills in Somerset take in steep gorges with staggering views and intricate cave systems (many of which can be explored). This is the home of both Cheddar Cheese and Glastonbury Tor, near the famous festival. It can be reached by train from London in about three hours.

Arnside & Silverdale

It’s hard to pick out just one area of the Lake District for its beauty, but this part located near Morecambe Bay in Lancashire is worth searching out. To fully experience its stillness and serenity, visit one of its nature reserves. In spring you’ll find wild daffodils, while summer brings butterflies, autumn red deer and migrating birds in winter. You can reach it in around three and a half hours from London.

Wye Valley

Where Wales meets England, this is a 72-mile stretch of river between Chepstow and Hereford, studded with ancient woodland and wildlife. Head to Coppett Hill and you’re likely to see peregrine falcons in the sky. Medieval monks built Tintern Abbey and its impressive ruins have attracted tourists from the 18th century onwards, while Wordsworth and the painter Turner came to be inspired. To get there, it takes around three hours by train from London.

Causeway Coast

The Giant’s Causeway is the stuff of myth and legend. A series of dark, mostly hexagonal basalt columns, rising from the ground with the sea crashing against them – it’s unlike any other landscape on earth. Caused by a volcanic eruption around 60 million years ago, the Causeway Coast is now mostly owned by the National Trust and about an hour’s drive from Belfast.

East Devon

Lush farmland and gentle streams meandering towards the sea near Budleigh Salterton, this part of the Britain’s Jurassic coastline is studded with fossils. In the West Country, around three hours by train from London, East Devon is famous for its thatched cottages and cream teas but also its small harbours and market towns.

Sydney shines with 3 mega Asian incentives in Q1 2016

Sydney and regional New South Wales (NSW) will inspire and motivate almost 8,000 international delegates, who are joining one of three incentive programs taking place in March, April and May this year.

Already a busy period for Asian incentives, the first mega reward trip for this year arrives in March. The leading direct selling company in Taiwan, Amway Taiwan will host its Leadership Seminar in Sydney, bringing its top distributors to our shores for a five-day program.

Jam-packed with the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that some of these international delegates would have found hard to do by themselves, the Amway Taiwan program includes a record-breaking event with over 1,000 people climbing the Sydney Harbour bridge on the same day, a tree top safari and dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour, a trip to Australia’s oldest national park, the Blue Mountains, and Australia’s oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley. The incentive’s finale will include the taking over one of Sydney’s newest and exciting event spaces, the Cutaway at Barangaroo Headland Park.

The Nu Skin Greater China 2016 Success Trip will reward 4,000 of its business partners from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau in April. The five-day program includes the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour and a performance of Turandot. Handa Opera combines all of the things Sydney does best – world-class opera, fine dining, sunsets and spectacle on the harbour's edge. Other program highlights include sailing on Sydney Harbour on iconic tall ships, a Nu Skin festival and welcome party in Darling Harbour, a conference and banquet dinner at Sydney Olympic Park and one secret World Record attempt.

The Cathay Life Taiwan Summit, being held in May, will bring 2,200 delegates to Australia’s shores to sample all of what Sydney and regional NSW have to offer. Activities include a visit to Taronga Zoo, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2016, a tour of the Blue Mountains and iconic Sydney Opera House, and climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

“Asia continues to be a key driver of incentive business into NSW,” said CEO of Business Events Sydney, Lyn Lewis-Smith. “In the last three years, BESydney has secured an estimated A$230 million worth of Asian incentive business and we’re seen 20 per cent year-on-year growth over the past decade in the value of events secured out of this region.

“This market now accounts for over half of the business we secure and deliver each year.”

Business Events Sydney (BESydney), the convention bureau of Sydney and NSW, has so far secured 68 international business events for 2016 and 2017 calendar years, worth an estimated $192 million in direct expenditure for the State.

Over the past five years, events secured by BESydney have delivered an economic impact of almost $1 billion to the NSW and Australian economies. These include the Roche Diagnostics Greater China Annual Meeting last year with 1,700 delegates, the 2014 Pro-Health China Annual Conference with 4,000 delegates, and the LG Group Long Service Staff Reward for 1,500 delegates. LG Group continues to return to Sydney every year – a testament to the city’s ability to deliver every time.

ON THE ROAD: Catch up with our BESydney Asian representatives at the Business Events Australia Greater China Showcase in April and the Australian Tourism Exchange in May.

Business Events Sydney

Level 20, 100 William Street
Sydney NSW 2011 Australia
www.businesseventssydney.com.au

Oregon State Officials Sign Sister Park Agreement with China

As America's National Park System gears up to celebrate its Centennial Anniversary, Crater Lake, Oregon's National Park gem, joined with Wuyishan National Scenic Area (a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China) in a Sister Park Agreement.

Earlier today, representatives from Travel Oregon and the Crater Lake National Park Trust joined officials in China to sign the agreement. Teresa O'Neill, Vice President of Global Sales for Travel Oregon; Craig Ackerman, Superintendent of Crater Lake National Park; and Carolyn Hill, Executive Director of Crater Lake National Park Trust and CEO of Travel Southern Oregon were present for the signing.

“This agreement is not only historic, but it's also incredibly important for Oregon's economy,” said O'Neill. “China is a lucrative market for tourism in Oregon. In 2014 it became the state's No. 1 overseas travel market and continues to grow exponentially. This agreement highlights the 2016 Centennial celebration of the National Park System by showcasing Crater Lake to potential Chinese travelers during the China-USA Year of Tourism.”

In 2014, Oregon welcomed approximately 62,000 Chinese visitors, who contributed more than $48 million into the state's economy. As of the third quarter in 2015, Oregon had at least 107,000 Chinese visitors, a 25 percent increase over the same time period in 2014.*

“This agreement has been by the strength of the long-standing friendship and spirit of cooperation between the people of the Fujian province and the state of Oregon,” said Ackerman. “Both areas will work together to share our knowledge, skills and expertise to help protect, preserve and make available for our peoples these places where magnificent scenery, diverse resources and rich history transcend international borders.”

Crater Lake had 614,712 visits in 2015, its highest count in the last 25 years, which was a 14.7 percent increase from 2014. Wuyishan Mountain National Park receives 10.5 million visitors a year.

“The economic and cultural advantages of this relationship are immeasurable,” said Hill. “We have an opportunity to build a bridge that allows scientists, students, visitors and nations to learn and share together.”

*Travel Oregon estimates are based on and extrapolated from aggregate card usage data provided by VisaVue® Travel. They incorporate data from other independent research sources.

The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors' experience by providing information, resources and trip planning tools that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional quality of Oregon. The commission improves Oregonians' quality of life by strengthening economic impacts of the state's $10.3 billion tourism industry that employs more than 101,000 Oregonians. www.TravelOregon.com

Noosa Food & Wine 2016 Full Program Released

The Noosa Food & Wine 2016 program is out now, with more than 30 fantastic events showcasing some of Australia's best chefs in beautiful locations throughout Noosa from 20-22 May 2016.

Almost 50 chefs from around Australia and Noosa's own restaurants are featured in the program, along with more than 20 wineries. Events will take place under the Noosa Tipi on Main Beach, in Hastings Street for a long lunch, by the Noosa River in Noosaville and in signature restaurants throughout Noosa.

There's an event for all food and wine lovers with prices starting at just $15.00.

Guest chefs include Pete Evans, Ben O'Donoghue, Luke Mangan, Cory Campbell, Massimo Mele, Matt Golinski and more from some of Australia's best restaurants including Nu Nu, Fish House, Gerard's Bistro, European, Stokehouse and Harrison's, just to name a few.

For the full program, and to purchase event tickets see noosafoodwinefestival.com.au.

Noosa food & Wine 2016 program highlights include:

NOOSA FOOD & WINE OPENING COCKTAIL PARTY

Friday 20 May, 5-7pm, $45.00
Celebrating the opening of Noosa Food & Wine 2016, Noosa Main Beach sets the scene for a wonderful weekend of food, wine and lifestyle. Join acclaimed chefs Pete Evans, Peter Kuruvita, Shane Bailey, Ben Bertei and Sammy and Bella from MKR and others under the Noosa Tipi, right on the beach, for a cocktail party with light canapés and drinks.

THE PALEO WAY WITH PETE EVANS

Saturday 21 May, 10am-12pm, $95.00
Join celebrity Chef and author Pete Evans for 'The Paleo Way' at The J Theatre. Enjoy a light bite and a welcome drink followed by a presentation from Pete on the Paleo Way and finish with a Q&A session. Guests will also receive Pete's 10 week activation program, The Paleo Way valued at $99 included in the ticket price.

NOOSA STREET FEAST LONG LUNCH ON HASTINGS STREET

Saturday 21 May, 12.15-2.30pm, $85.00
Enjoy a long lunch on Noosa's famous Hastings Street with some of Noosa's favourite restaurants taking part in the Noosa Street Feast. The 2-course lunch will be accompanied by wines and beer by Asahi. Choose your favourite restaurants from: aromas, Boardwalk Bistro on Hastings, Bistro C, Gaston, Locale, Miss Moneypenny's, Noosa Beach House, Rococo or Season.

WINE MASTERCLASS BY TREASURY WINES ESTATE

Saturday 21 May, 3.00-3.45pm & Sunday 22 May, 12.00-12.45pm, $55
Join our expert wine panel as they journey through Australia's premier wine regions exploring amazing Australian wine gems. Focusing on two varieties, Shiraz and Chardonnay, the tutored tasting will highlight the unique diversity that our great wine regions and wineries deliver. From Devil's Lair in the Margaret River to Penfolds in the Barossa Valley and Heemskerk in Tasmania, and many other iconic wines in between, this is a tasting not to be missed.

WINE TASTING QUARTER AT SHERATON NOOSA RESORT & SPA

Saturday 21 May, 12.00-5.00pm, free entry
Enjoy wine tastings from 22 of Australia's best wineries at the Wine Tasting Quarter. Purchase a token for $3 for 3 tastings or $6 token for 6 tastings or a glass.

SURFERS V'S CHEFS BREAKFAST PRESENTED BY TASTE.COM.AU

Sunday 22 May, 6.30am-10am, $30.00
Noosa Food & Wine 2016 is not just about food and wine, it also celebrates lifestyle. And what better way to do this than by heading to the beach on Sunday morning for a surf! Join us for breakfast presented by taste.com.au on Noosa Main Beach with guest chefs including Pete Evans, Peter Kuruvita, Andreas Nielsen, Ben O'Donoghue and Samantha Gowing and watch them compete in the waves with surfing royalty. The competition is in support of SurfAid. Also enjoy a free pilates class from Luxe Fitness Escapes.

NOOSA BOATHOUSE PRESENTS 'YOU'RE BETTER ON BEEF' BBQ BY THE RIVER

Sunday 22 May, 11.30am-4.30pm, $15.00 entry
The Noosa River shores will come to life when Noosa Boathouse presents a celebration of Australian beef and live music from Sunshine Coast music legend Carl Wockner and powerhouse band Honey. Renowned chefs Matt Golinski, Alastair McLeod, Sunny Gilbert and Shane Bailey with Sammy and Bella from MKR will serve up their favourite sirloin dishes along with Stone & Wood craft beers and selected great Australian wines. Come and enjoy a fantastic day of food, beer and wine on the Noosa River at Lions Park in Noosaville.

FULL MOON ASIAN FLAVOURS FAREWELL PARTY

Sunday 22 May, 5.00-8.30pm, $65.00
You're invited to dine under a full moon on the beach for the finale of Noosa Food & Wine 2016 with an Asian Hawker style feast presented by Ben Bertei, Hajime Horiguchi and Hamish Ingham, with local culinary talent from Embassy XO, Spirit House and Junk. Featuring modern Asian influences, move between tasting stations full of flavour. Wines by Treasury Estate Wines and beers by Asahi.

For the full program, and to purchase event tickets see noosafoodwinefestival.com.au.

Antique houses in Duong Lam village to be repaired

Nearly two-dozen antique houses dating back 100 to 400 years in Duong Lam village on the outskirts of Ha Noi will be repaired this year.

According to the Ha Noi People's Committee, 10 village houses in Son Tay town will be repaired in three years, while also making efforts to restore their original value.

The city will spend 800 million VND (nearly 35,500 USD) into each house.

Duong Lam is an ancient village that has a history dating back about 1,200 years, with many houses as old as 400 years.

The antique homes were constructed from laterite bricks. Each house features a row of rooms and a tiled roof in the shape of a dragon or kylin.

The entrances are made of ironwood and employ typical northern Vietnamese aesthetics.

A giant banyan tree, fresh water well and communal house are also common characteristics within the village.

The Open Road Is Back En Vogue This Easter

Who doesn't love a good road trip? And with the extended Easter weekend and school holidays just around the corner, we've handpicked a trio of trips to kickstart your Queensland adventure.

Matilda Way: Black Stump, Bilbies And Beyond…

Pack up your chocolate bilbies and head outback to see the real thing this Easter! Snaking its way from the New South Wales border to the Gulf of Carpentaria, the fully-sealed Matilda Way offers a glimpse of outback life – complete with lowing livestock and road trains (as you head northwards). Whilst it can be done fairly quick, we reckon this trip is worth switching your watch to 'outback time' and savouring the drive.

We pick up this journey on the tiny NSW border town of Barringun and head north a-hundred-clicks-or-so to Cunnamulla, which means long stretch of water in the local lingo. The town was immortalised in a poem by Stan Coster and sung by Slim Dusty which pays tribute to the region's stockmen. Onwards to Wyandra and Charleville - home of the Cosmos Centre, Bilby Centre, Flying Doctor Base and School of the Air - making it worth stopping over a night or two.

The towns of Augathella, Quilpie and Tambo shine with outback charm and you'll be assured a country welcome and a generous feed at all. You may also want to pack in a side-trip to Salvator Rosa National Park or stroll the banks of the Barcoo River. Roughly 100km north of Tambo, you'll stumble across the home of the original 'black stump'. In Blackall, add The Historic Blackall Woolscour to your sight-seeing list.

If you love an outback pub, plan to overnight in Barcaldine, which is famous for its row of pubs on the same side of the street and the stunning monument to the Tree of Knowledge at its heart. The open-air machinery museum near Ilfracombe is quintessentially Queensland country and The Stockman's Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum beg more than just a casual glance. We also reckon a sunset cruise on the Thomson River is a great way to end your day on the road.

As you move into Waltzing Matilda country, you'll notice a change in the landscape from undulating downs to jump-ups (abrupt rises in otherwise flat country). Cloncurry's history has been shaped by mining and it's a hop, skip and a drive to Mount Isa, famous for its fabulous rodeo.

Large terminate mounds will herald your arrival into Normanton and the north-west of the state. From there, your last leg to Karumba and the Gulf of Carpentaria is around 70km. This is where the outback meets the sea.

Instagram-worthy stops:

• The Cunnamulla Fella (try a star trail at night).
• The stock sales/yards at Warrego Park, Wyandra.
• Snap the dusty red dirt tracks, railway lines stretching in to the distance and the silhouettes of power poles against vermilion-coloured sunsets.
• Don't screech your car to a halt with the first hint of wildlife, but do keep your eyes peeled for echidnas, emus and roos.
• Try the riverbanks of the Barcoo or the Thomson.
• Barcaldine's Tree of Knowledge (check train timetables to avoid the influx of tourists).
• Ilfracombe's disused farm equipment display looks great with the right light.
• Sunset on the Thompson River.
• The Gulflander train and Normanton Station are extremely hashtag worthy.

Pacific Coast Way: Every Day Is A Daycation On This East Coast Excursion…

Sun, surf and the seabreeze set the scene for this seaside sortie. A great starting point for this roadie is the Gold Coast - or any coastal port along the eastern seaboard - enroute to the bustling seaside town of Port Douglas. You can always flip things on their head and start anywhere along the coast.

From the South East to the tropics, you'll be able to take your pick of world-class places to stay along our coastline or slip off the Bruce Highway and feast your senses on Mother Nature's fruit bowl, lush National Parks and our fabulous rural towns. This is one roadie where you'll truly appreciate the size and diversity of our Great Barrier Reef and our coastal communities.

Drive Day 1: Gold Coast to Brisbane - 

The Gold Coast is famous for fun and for the golden beaches that frame the coastal strip. From here, it's an easy hours' drive to Brisbane, Queensland's cultural hub packed with urban villages, a thumping music scene, temperate climes and eclectic festivals.

Drive Day 2: Brisbane to Maroochydore - 

Nestled between the Maroochy River and the Pacific Ocean, Maroochydore is known for its relaxed atmosphere, fabulous surf breaks and sheltered beaches. Just a stone's throw from the coastline, you'll find the sub-tropical rainforests and fertile lands of the Blackall Ranges and quaint country villages.

Drive Day 3: Maroochydore to Hervey Bay - 

Gympie boasts a proud gold mining heritage, but these days it is also known for its annual country music muster and is a great pit-stop on your journey to Australia's whale watch capital, Hervey Bay. Undoubtedly the jewel in the crown for the Fraser Coast region is the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island - the largest sand island in the world and a four-wheel-driving mecca.

Drive Day 4: Hervey Bay to Bundaberg or Gin Gin. 

Mention Bundaberg and Bundy Rum or Burt Hinkler might come to mind, but this modern farming city is just a 20 minute drive to the annual turtle migration/nesting (November to March) on Mon Repos Beach–- perhaps one of the greatest of all the Great Barrier Reef experiences. Enroute, Gin Gin is known as 'halfway to everywhere' due to its central location and offers a relaxing respite from the road.

Drive Day 5: Onwards to Gladstone - 

The harbourside town of Gladstone is the gateway to Heron Island, one of David Attenborough's preferred spots on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. For those with a nose for history, you can learn about the town's industrial heart during the Giants of Industry Tour.

Drive Day 6: Gladstone to Rockhampton - 

From seafood to beef, this bustling city is the Beef Capital of the country in the heart of the Tropic of Capricorn and is worth an overnighter or two. On the north-eastern outskirts, Mt Archer National Park offers splendid views and is home to an impressive range of native flora and fauna, while a one hour boat ride east of Rockhampton will see you arrive at the timelessly beautiful Great Keppel Island.

Drive Day 7: Rockhampton to Mackay - 

From Eungella's resident platypus to the beach-mad wallabies at Cape Hillsborough National Park and the flotilla of Great Barrier Reef islands offshore, Mackay is one region that taps into its natural attractions with the snap of a finger, so make sure you put the brakes on and stay awhile with a well deserved rest day.

Drive Day 8: Mackay to Airlie Beach - 

Mention Airlie Beach to a Queenslander and they'll immediately wax lyrical about the beauty. The largest town on the Whitsunday coast, Airlie is where you really start to feel the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef and its hero spots, Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef and the 74 islands of The Whitsundays.

Drive Day 9: A giant mango heralds your arrival to the town of Bowen - 

a languid, tropical haven with palm-lined beaches, sheltered bays and some of Queensland's best fringing reefs lying just offshore. Perfect for families, divers and snorkellers.

Drive Day 10: Bowen to Home Hill and Townsville - 

If you're a mad-keen diver, then chances are the Yongala wreck is on your bucket list. Manta and eagle rays, turtles, the odd whale shark and barracudas are just some of the marine life that rub fins with the pelagic species in this neck of the woods. If you're nature-mad, Townsville offers hands-on reef, rainforest, outback and wetland experiences all within an hour or two of the city.

Drive Day 11: As you continue north, you'll pass through the gateway to Queensland's Wet Tropic World Heritage-listed areas. 

Ingham is known for its large Italian community and hospitality; Cardwell prides itself as a world-class fishing and boating destination and being a stepping stone to Hinchinbrook Island, the largest island National Park in Australia; and Mission Beach is a fab spot where the Wet Tropics meet the Great Barrier Reef.

Drive Day 12: Onwards to Cairns - This city is tucked between the Coral Sea and the lush Atherton Tableland. Springboard your way to the reef or if you're energetic after your epic drive, try a range of adrenalin-charged adventures including white water rafting, bunging jumping and diving.

From here, you'll drive one of the most luscious legs on the whole journey - the 60-minute, 66km hop from Cairns to Port Douglas - it's worth the extra kilometres on your clock!

Overlander's Way – The Best of The Beach And The Bush…

For an Easter break with a side of bush life, consider an outback outing. The Overlander's Way is a journey of a thousand kilometres and whilst you won't walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs on this road trip, you'll drive by their final resting places. This beaut trip starts on the shores of The Great Barrier Reef and heads west, following in the footsteps of bygone drovers.

The gold mining town of Charters Towers sits around 130km south west of Townsville and if you like tales of the past, stay the night and head out on the ghost trail. Along the way, stop at Burra Range or Mount Walker lookouts for an uninterrupted view of this buffel grass country. Onwards to Pentland, be sure to visit the Norwood Police Cells for a glimpse into the tiny town's shady past.

Dinosaur buffs beware! Around 3000 dinosaur and marine fossils have been discovered in the countryside that surrounds Hughenden and it is here, you'll be able to rub shoulders with a life-sized replica of Queensland's own Muttaburrasaurus. Richmond, however, bears the moniker 'Australia's Fossil Capital' and boasts Kronosaurus Korner and the Richmond Pliosaur - one of the world's best dino skeletons.

Westward still to Julia Creek where you'll get an idea of just how important water (like that in the Great Artesian Basin) is to the survival of outback communities and, if you're visiting in April, join in the fun and frivolity of the Dirt and Dust Festival. Another few hours' along the Overlander's Way will bring you to Cloncurry, the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. From here, you'll wind your way around the Selwyn Rangers to Mount Isa - the cowboy capital of Australia and home to the largest rodeo meet in the southern hemisphere. It's just a short drive to our end point, Camooweal and the Camooweal Caves National Park, which is honeycombed with sink holes dating back millions of years.

Moments made for social media:

• Burra Range Lookout is accessible from the Flinders Highway and Mt Walker Lookout near Hughenden are worth a look.
• Porcupine Gorge - Australia's little Grand Canyon - is 60 clicks north of Hughenden.
• Take a break in Lake Fred Tritton, near Richmond.
• Cool off in the Fountain Springs rock pool, just 60km west from Cloncurry or at the Chinaman Creek Dam.
• Mount Isa's Town Lookout offers Instagram-worthy views at sunset.

For help planning these or any Queensland road trip this Easter, visit: http://www.queensland.com/en-AU/Plan-Your-Trip/Holiday-Type/Driving-Holidays