Australian Town Bans Alcohol

by Iva Skoch on

Well, it appears that dry towns are no longer an American anomaly. The Australian town of Alice Springs has banned alcohol drinking in public places because “large groups of people, mostly Aborigines, binge drink in ‘full view’ of other residents and tourists”, The Guardian reports.

The restrictions apparently do not affect Alice Springs’ 90 licensed clubs, hotels or restaurants, and a park near the town used for picnics. It seems that this ban is de facto directed mainly at the 3,000 Aborigines who live in town camps in the area. Great! Now, the impoverished Aborigines will also be more likely to be engaged in criminal activity (of making illegal alcohol and drinking it.)

Is there one place on this planet where prohibition actually solved a major drinking problem?

GADLING’S TAKE FIVE: Week of June 24

by Adrienne Wilson on

Some of these are still pretty recent posts that you SHOULD NOT have missed if you’ve been a good little Gadling reader checking in everyday. In the event you somehow slipped and missed a day or two here are five worthy of review.

5. Only in OZ: Irwin’s Whale Watching Boat:
Still feeling melancholy over the death of Steve Irwin? Don’t! Chances are he wouldn’t want you to be and if you find yourself heading to OZ soon this featured activity may be your chance to remember Steve and learn a lot about whales which he loved just as much as the famed crocs.

4. A Canadian in Beijing: Vegan Mandarin Language Survival Guide:
After reading this little language survival guide Ember whipped up, my head is full of useful new words to help out at the dinner table in China. I’m not vegan, but it never hurts to know.

3. Swimming with Manatees: Life in the Slow Zone:
When my friend invited me to swim with manatees the first time I laughed not really knowing what they were or thinking she was serious. After hearing how fun her trip was and this tale by Gadling guest blogger, Dolores Parker, I wish I were closer to Crystal River, FL to swim with them myself. If you’re searching for fun ways to hang with the family in Florida this one is sure to please all.

2. Traveling Tips from a Backpacking Geek:
No matter how prepared you think you are for your big trip ahead looking over some one else’s tips never hurts. Here are a few ideas from a backpacking geek on how to save digital photos and important documents from being lost forever.

1. Hilarious Hand-Written Airline Complaint:
In need of a good laugh? This has to be one of the funniest complaints I’ve ever seen in regards to that horrible seat next to the lavatory that some ‘poor soul’ gets stuck with on a completely packed flight. In this situation the poor individual decided to share the experience with the airlines in a laugh-out-loud hand-written complaint with pictures. A MUST READ.

A Wild West Ride in Australia

by Jamie Rhein on

When I was looking for a photo for my Wild West World amusement park post, I found out about the Wild West Adventure Falls ride in Australia. It’s located in Warner Brothers Movie World on the Gold Coast.

This ride is the largest theme park attraction in Australia and it sounds like a blast. There is a geyser, wagon train, an Indian reservation and a ghost town in the mix of this part roller coaster, part water ride thriller.

When I went Australia, I was on the other side of the country near Perth and Fremantle. The Gold Coast part of the country looks to me like it’s a bit like going to Orlando or Los Angeles where there is an attraction at every highway exit. It’s south of Brisbane and touted as a tourist destination hotspot.

As much as I like theme parks, it’s curious that someone might spend all the money for the flight to Australia and head to theme park central for their vacation. But, then, people spend all the money for a plane ticket to the U.S. and spend all their time in amusement parks here. This is just something I thought about when I looked up Wild West Adventure Falls.

Only in OZ: A Winter White Out

by Kelly Amabile on

Want to cool off this summer? Head to OZ, my friends! Blizzard-like conditions in the mountains of Victoria and New South Wales have dumped size-able accumulations of snow over the south-eastern Australian region. Reports are predicting that this year will be one of the best ski seasons in OZ since 2000.

The total snow depth at places like Falls Creek resort in Victoria is up to 22 inches. At Thredbo in NSW, the resort will be celebrating more than it’s 50th anniversary if the snow keeps falling like this. Mt. Buller is another cool spot to check out if you’ll be downunder between now and October, when the warm weather returns. But for now, southern hemisphere sports enthusiasts can enjoy their winter wonderland.

Get all the latest ski and snow reports here.

Only in OZ: Irwin’s Whale Watching Boat

by Kelly Amabile on

Visitors to Queensland, Australia will soon be able to sign up for whale watching trips aboard a new boat named in honor of Steve Irwin. The Australia Zoo’s latest venture will depart from Mooloolaba Wharf on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast beginning July 1st.

Steve’s Whale One vessel was named by Irwin’s kids, Bob and Bindi, as a tribute to their dad. The 130-seat boat will offer 360-degree views from large observation decks around the ship, educational talks by on-board biologists and an underwater hydrophone so passengers can hear whale songs.

At yesterday’s dedication, Terri Irwin revealed that it was Steve’s dream “…to be a full-on warrior for whales, to tackle the Japanese harpoons head on.” These educational excursions realize his vision and serve as the latest “weapon” in whale conservation.