WHAT'S NEW FOR 2010

Tourism Victoria 1 January 2010

Crown Metropol, Melbourne - opening April 2010
Australia's largest hotel, the Crown Metropol is set to open in 2010. Located opposite the brand new Melbourne Exhibition Centre, the $300 (AUD) million, 658-room hotel features a wave-like unique shape and promises to be distinctive, fresh, vibrant and unmistakably modern.

The futuristic hotel will prominently feature a bluestone, diamond shaped pattern in the floor of the lobby, while all hotel rooms will have a Manhattan, boutique style feel. Crown Metropol will also be home to Melbourne's only sky-high day spa and relaxation floor on level 27, while on the top floor, the 28 Sky Bar is expected to become a favourite city oasis.

Crown Metropol will also have its own exclusive restaurant offering: the much-anticipated Gordon Ramsay's maze restaurant, the chef's first venture in Australia. www.crownmetropol.com.au

Art Series Hotels -The Olsen opening February 2010 and The Blackman opening April 2010
Following the opening of The Cullen in November 2009, two more Art Series Group hotels are due to open their doors in Melbourne in 2010.

Named after one of Australia's greatest living painters, John Olsen, The Olsen hotel will have 239 boutique hotel rooms and residences. Located at the top end of Chapel Street, the hotel is planned to have the world's largest glass-bottomed swimming pool, which will hang over the street and will also house luxury retail spaces, upmarket dining experiences and conference facilities. Olsen's artwork will decorate the walls and the opaque white glass windows will reflect the world's largest Olsen mural, The Yellow Sun and The Yarra.

The third Art Series Hotel, The Blackman, is due to open in April 2010 on St Kilda Road, Melbourne's leafy main boulevard. Built within and above the historic Airlie Mansion, The Blackman will charm and inspire guests with the artworks of Charles Blackman showcased throughout. The hotel will have 207 rooms and suites, a selection of which will have private terraces and spas. www.artserieshotels.com.au

Rialto Towers
The city's second-highest public viewing deck, the Melbourne Observation Deck at Rialto, closed its doors forever on December 31, 2009 to make way for a multi-million dollar makeover which industry insiders say will create a new high end dining experience in the city.

Vue de Monde's Shannon Bennett has been in negotiations to move his exclusive restaurant to the top of the Rialto for several months, and Italian restaurateur Guy Grossi is said to be planning a new eatery for the ground floor, called Merchant. www.melbourne360rialto.com.au / www.vuedemonde.com.au

Rectangular Stadium - opening early 2010
The Rectangular Stadium, which will be operational in early 2010, is another addition to Melbourne's suite of premium sporting facilities and provides a world-class experience for soccer and rugby fans and players alike.

The futuristic-looking, $268 million stadium includes a bio-frame roof that will be covered with thousands of LED lights that can shine in any colour and be programmed into a multitude of patterns. The 31,000-capacity stadium is environmentally friendly, with the LED lights using around one tenth of the power required to floodlight the stadium and without any light spill into the surrounding area. Rainwater will also be collected from the roof for use in the stadium, further enhancing its green credentials. www.mopt.com.au

206 Bourke Street - Asian Dining Hub - opening February 2010
LAS Group's $110million new dining and retail development will be housed in the former Village City Centre complex on Bourke Street in the City. The centre aims to set a new standard for Asian cuisine in Australia right in the heart of Melbourne's iconic Chinatown precinct. Drawing inspiration from the top-quality food and retail malls found in many Asian cities, 206 Bourke has already attracted some big foodie names. It is hoped that the centre will officially launch for Chinese New Year 2010 (February 14).

The former Lord Mayor of Melbourne, John So, has relocated his popular Dragon Boat restaurant to the complex and it now extends over two levels. Dynasty restaurant, long regarded as one of Shanghai's top eateries, will open a branch here too, providing its superb cuisine, impeccable service, and intimate atmosphere. Joining Dynasty will be the Bund, serving a mix of traditional Shanghainese, Zhe Jiang, and contemporary Chinese dishes. www.206bourke.com.au

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne - new 2010 tours
The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne has a number of new tours launching in 2010 including:

Indigenous Bushtucker Experience - 2hr tour including native bush foods
Step into the Australian bush with an Indigenous guide and explore the myriad of native bush foods that can be found in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Listen to ancient stories and taste a selection of authentic seasonal bush foods, herbs and spices prepared by celebrity Indigenous chef Mark ‘the black' Olive and Black Olive Productions. Available for group bookings only, $70 AUD (approximately £40) per person

Chocolate and Spice Walk - 1.5hr tour including chocolate treat
Experience the amazing plants within the gardens that are used for food and discover the essence of chocolate. Spice up your senses with stories and recipes of cinnamon, cardamom and the delicious vanilla bean. This aromatic adventure ends with a delicious chocolate treat overlooking the tranquil Ornamental Lake. Available for group and individual bookings, $21 AUD (approximately £12) per person
www.rbg.vic.gov.au

PHILLIP ISLAND

The Island Accommodation - opening March 2010
A new quality "flashpacker"/budget accommodation and retail development is due to open in Newhaven in March 2010, providing eco-friendly accommodation for up to 120 guests in several room types.

The three-level development will have 31 guestrooms, including 18 with ensuite bathrooms that will be popular with couples and small family groups. The facility also has two large kitchens, two lounges, an internet café, ticket booking desk and rooftop garden deck with 280-degree views of Cape Woolamai, San Remo and Churchill Island.

Eco-friendly features include solar roof panels, water tanks, bulk insulation and site-specific orientation to maximise heat in winter and cool breezes in summer. www.theislandaccommodation.com.au

Koala Conservation Centre - just opened
The long-awaited new Koala Conservation Education Centre opened its doors in December 2009, providing comprehensive visitor education, interpretive displays and up-close koala viewing.

The new centre connects with the existing elevated boardwalks allowing visitors to walk amongst the gums and be face-to-face with the 40 or so koalas roaming in their natural habitat.
www.penguins.org.au

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Port Phillip Estate
The new Port Phillip Estate winery has just opened its doors as the spectacular home of renowned Kooyong and Port Phillip Estate wines. The architectural landmark building features a restaurant, cellar door and tasting room, outside deck overlooking vineyards and Western Port Bay, and state of the art winemaking facilities.

An extensive cellar door and tasting room is central to the new Port Phillip Estate. It is a wonderful setting where Mornington Peninsula visitors can taste, sample and buy wines across the full range of varietals from both Kooyong and Port Phillip Estate.

Port Phillip Estate has a spacious 85-seat dining room, where Chef Simon West's contemporary, regional and seasonal inspired menus take the stage. The striking, light filled interior of the restaurant has a central fireplace and panoramic views. With a list of influential Australian and international wines curated by winemaker Sandro Mosele, the scene is set for some exciting dining.

Still to open in 2010 are six accommodation suites - luxurious and beautifully appointed rooms boasting stunning views from the bedroom and living area across vines to the bay, plus outdoor terraces for enjoying the setting.

The new Cellar Door at Port Phillip Estate will be open from 11am - 5pm seven days a week including public holidays. The restaurant will be open daily for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday. www.portphillipestate.com.au

New Mornington Peninsula tours
Award-winning tour operator Bunyip Tours has launched several new day tours showcasing the myriad attractions of the Mornington Peninsula:
· The Mornington Peninsula Tour includes a visit to Point Nepean National Park, Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm and the Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens, as well as a picnic lunch with a glass of wine at Mantons Creek Winery.
· Animal lovers will be excited by the Peninsula Discovery and Penguins Tour, which includes Moonlit Wildlife Conservation Sanctuary and the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island. The tour also stops for lunch at Mantons Creek Winery before visiting Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm and Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens.
· Adventure is on offer with the Dolphin, Seals and National Park Tour which includes a visit to Point Nepean National Park and a three-hour Port Phillip Bay Cruise to see dolphins and seals.
· The Bush and Beach Horse Riding Tour includes a visit to the recently expanded Peninsula Hot Springs.
www.bunyiptours.com

Peninsula Hot Springs - Multi-million dollar spa expansion opens its doors for 2010
On 2 December 2009, the highly anticipated second stage redevelopment at Peninsula Hot Springs opened to the public, offering 39 new experiences.

Among the new facilities is a new mothers and babies bathing area that caters for infants from one month to a year old and features special baby pools carved from limestone. For older visitors there is a new deep lakeside hydrotherapy pool, which is ideal for warm water exercise. Other options include a thermal reflexology walk; cave pool, Turkish steam room, underground sauna, cold plunge pools and a hill pool with spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding area.

The Spa Dreaming Centre provides a private escape with hot mineral pools and baths, a steam infusion room, massage and spa treatment rooms and quiet places. Services include Kodo full body massages, facials, mud treatments, foot and hand treatments and ancient healing stone therapy. This centre has its own kitchen with spa cuisine designed by chef Andrew Blake. www.peninsulahotsprings.com

YARRA VALLEY

Coranderrk Eco Tour - opening February 2010
In February 2010, Healesville Sanctuary is launching a new eco-tour, exploring the Coranderrk region right next door to the famous animal sanctuary giving visitors the opportunity yo discover their inner conservationist and seek out native flora and fauna in one of the last remaining and precious parcels of original Yarra Valley bushland.

Led by an experienced eco-ranger and travelling lightly on the land in an electric eco-train and on foot, visitors can spot local wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, birds and see some of the oldest and tallest Manna Gum and Candelbark eucalypts.

Visitors will also explore Badger Creek and discover the secretive burrow of a platypus - lucky ones may even spot one of these elusive creatures.

The tour price of £43 adults and £34 children (AUD$75 adult and $60 child) includes entry to Healesville Sanctuary and the Coranderrk Eco-Tour. www.zoo.org.au

Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Mountain Bike Trail - stage one to be completed by February 2010
Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is Melbourne's closest alpine area, offering more than 30km of cross-country ski trails, toboggan runs and snow play areas. Mountain bikers can currently ride on more than 30km of cross-country ski trails, which are also available for bush walkers.

The focus of the new trails will be the 32km Lake Mountain to Marysville Trail. This new trail will link the two tourism destinations with an iconic mountain bike journey that will be a hit with adventure enthusiasts. Overall, more than 50km of trails are planned, encompassing a variety of terrain, obstacles and challenges to meet all levels of ability, skill and fitness.

The resort will have stage one of the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Mountain Bike Trail completed by February 2010; the first 15km of trails will be launched in conjunction with the Granite Grind cycling event. The full network will take a couple of years to complete.

GRAMPIANS

Didjun Skin & Body - opening mid 2010
Building is about to commence on a new architecturally designed spa, right in the secluded heart of Grampians National Park, Halls Gap. The spa will include all aspects of wellness, spa and beauty and will be environmentally sensitive in design and operation. It is hoped Stage 1 of the development will open in mid-2010.

The spa will be set in a valley location, with visitors travelling past wetlands, creek lines, lush vegetation and majestic mountain views to the private location for their relaxing treatment. www.didjun.com.au

MURRAY

Hero Paddle steamer
Described as the "Orient Express Afloat", The Hero is Echuca's new luxury paddle steamer, superbly restored and fitted-out to the finest detail.

Originally built in 1874 to cart firewood from Barmah Forest to the Echuca Wharf, The Hero is 28 meters long and licensed to carry up to 75 passengers. The riverboat's restoration marries Victorian-era splendour with the best of modern comforts, resulting in an historic vessel that has all the latest technology.

The Hero is permanently moored near the Steampacket Inn in Echuca. There are three bedrooms on board available for overnight bookings, with a maximum of six guests. With a cleverly concealed commercial kitchen and bar to allow for high quality catering and a state of the art sound system, The Hero can also be used for private charter, weddings, events and corporate occasions. www.hero.net.au

HIGH COUNTRY

Gardens and Wine in High Country
A new winery tour in Rutherglen and three new garden tours of Beechworth are giving visitors even more reason to explore Victoria's High Country:
· Behind the Scenes Guided Winery Tours in Rutherglen offer a rare glimpse into the inner sanctums of four of the region's wineries - Pfeiffer Wines, Campbell's Wines, Rutherglen Estates and Cofield Wines. The tours, which are free of charge, are run once a week at each participating winery. Visitors are taken to areas not normally open to the public to meet the winemakers and discover how the wines are made. Visitors can also experience a barrel sampling of current vintages and take a look at rare Rutherglen fortifieds.
· Beechworth Town and Country Walks and Tours offers three different garden-focused tours, providing the perfect introduction to the botanical treasures of one of Australia's best-preserved heritage towns.
· The Beechworth Public Garden Walk is a stroll through four of the town's most significant public gardens and a chance to learn about their plants and designers.
· Beechworth Private Gardens Tour provides an opportunity to see some beautiful private gardens. Self-drive, guided coach tours and one to three day itineraries are available.
· The Backyard to Farm Gate Productive Gardens Tour offers visitors a chance to see a range of productive gardens in and around Beechworth. On the way you can sample produce at cottage industry as well as larger scale growers.
www.beechworthonline.com.au; and www.rutherglenvic.com

For more information on Melbourne and Victoria visit www.visitmelbourne.com/uk

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For media enquiries contact Amy Skelding, Lucy Pennington, Debbie Hindle askelding@bgb.co.uk / lpennington@bgb.co.uk / dhindle@bgb.co.uk 0207 9022990

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