Sydney celebrates bridge birthday

Sydney locals, and travellers enjoying an Australian holiday, came together yesterday (Sunday) to celebrate the 75th birthday of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.



Known affectionately as the "coat hanger" due to its distinctive shape, the bridge is seen as an international symbol of Australia and was the centrepiece of the country's Olympic games in 2000.

More than 200,000 people walked across the bridge yesterday in honour of the important anniversary, which actually takes place today.

An official ceremony started the celebrations, followed by the walk, with multicoloured lights illuminating the entire 1.2km length of the road deck for the first time in history to mark the occasion.

Holidaymakers could enjoy a range of family entertainment, including fly-overs and historic walks, while a special piece of music by composer Elena Kats-Chernin, entitled Our Bridge Overture and performed by the Sydney Symphonic Orchestra, was played to guests.

Recent research from Barclays Travel Insurance revealed that Sydney, always a popular destination for travellers on an Australian holiday, saw a 25 per cent increase in British visitors between December 2006 and January 2007 compared to a year earlier.

Canberra revs up for rally fun

Those enjoying Australia holidays in June will have the chance to experience a weekend of high-energy motoring fun as round three of the 2007 FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship kicks off in Canberra.

Attracting competitors from as far afield as the UK, Finland, India and Japan, the Rally of Canberra will take place in the forests around the nation's capital.

This year will see the race included as a round of the NEC Australian Rally Championship for the second time, adding another dimension to the already-packed schedule.

Visitors will be able to enjoy watching local and regional entrants compete in the Capital Rally, featuring some cars from the 1970s and 80s, in addition to the Rally of Canberra, which starts on the evening of June 1st.

There will also be an opportunity for enthusiasts to get up close to the cars and meet the drivers at the ceremonial start on June 1st.

With some great spectator points promised, including the new East, West and Pipeline viewing points, there will be plenty of opportunity to enjoy the event to its full during an Australian holiday.

Canberra is located in the Australian Capital Territory - surrounded by New South Wales - and boasts a warm autumn season with temperatures typically varying between seven and 20 degrees C.

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