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The Australian newspaper has nominated the following for their 2007 Travel & Tourism Awards. This could be of interest to families planning to come to Australia.

Monarto Zoo, Monarto, South Australia . An easy 45 minutes drive from Adelaide, this pioneering open range zoo, set on the scrubby plains bordering South Australia’s Murraylands, plays a significant role in international breeding programs and features Australia’s only drive-through cheetah habitat and the country’s largest herd of giraffes. From white rhinos to Mongolian wild horses and one of the world’s largest zoo packs of the critically endangered African painted dog. Monarto is home to some of the most threatened species. Join an exciting behind-the-scenes tour to feed lions, pat cheetahs or work as a zookeeper for the day.  www.monartozp.com.au

Phillip Island Nature Park, Victoria. Phillip Island’s nightly parade of the little penguins is an Aussie holiday favourite and ranks as the country’s most popular wildlife attraction. With a sophisticated interpretative centre and ranger-guided tours, the Penguin Parade is also home to world-leading research facility. The island’s newest drawcard, located on Nobbies cliffs, features state-of-the-art facilities for viewing one of Australia’s largest fur seal colonies with cameras beaming back footage from above and below water. The multimillion-dollar Nobbies Centre rounds out Victoria’s leading ecotourism attraction, which also includes the popular Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island historic farm. www.penguins.org.au

Sydney Wildlife World - Sydney, New South Wales.  Celebrating its first birthday, this exciting attraction enables children to experience down under’s varied wildlife in the urban environment of Sydney’s Darling Harbour. With three floors of exhibits ( and about 1 km of walkway space), Wildlife World includes a range of habitats, from the two-storey Flight Canyon, with its colourful population of loriekeets and parrotts, to semiarid grasslands, both recently expanded to become walk-through attractions. The nocturnal and butterfly houses are a hit but at the koala sanctuary guests can pat the cuddly marsupials. Daily bird and reptile shows add to the fun. www.sydneywildlifeworld.com.au

Werrobee Open Range Zoo,  Victoria. Werreibee Open Range Zoo provides children with a first-hand glimpse of the dark continent only 30 minutes from Melbourne. Clever landscaping featuring towering reeds and grasses hides paths and scary soundscapes makes visitors feel they’ re in the deepest Africa. Observe lions feeding in a natural setting or get up close and personal with hippos in their special river habitat. Best of all, families can sleep over in a specially constructed camp perched above the wildlife-rich savanna. Bunk down in stylish tents, then tuck into dinner around the campfire while zebras,rhinos and giraffes graze nearby. www.zoo.org.au

The Australian has presented the finalists in their 2007 Travel @ Tourism Awards and I thought it could be of interest to those who prefers this sort of accommodation whilst visiting Australia.

Burrawang West Station , central New South Wales. The ultimate Aussie dude ranch, Burrawang sprawls across 4000 ha of big-sky Lachlan River country between Parkes and Condobolin and offers guests the chance to experience a working cattle station in style. Life revolves around the handsomely appointed homestead where formal dinners feature produce grown on the farm. Casual meals are taken poolside or under the river gums. Guests are accommodated in 12 suites located within four luxury lodges and spend a stay here bird watching, exploring on quad bike or spinning yarns around the campfire.

Kimberley Coastal Camp, Western Australia. Perched on a small peninsula overlooking the Timor Sea and accessible only be helicopter, this simple but stylish retreat may be angler’s heaven but it is equally suited for those wishing to explore by boat and on foot (there are no roads) the region’s abundant wildlife and striking rock arrt. Guest gazebos offer sea views, the communcal Shed, with a raked ceiling. is the place to compare fishing notes while tucking into fantastic meals harvested from surrounding waters; barramundi, oysters and mud crab. Budding David Attenboroughs will be in seventh heaven as they encounter crocodiles, turtles, dingoes and cheeky quolls.

Kims Beach Hideaway, Toowon Bay, New South Wales. A century in the making, this renowned NSW central coast hideaway combines the best of the old and new worlds. From the groaning buffet table ( with meals sounded by a ship’s bell)) to the luxurious guest villas, some with private pools. Kims has kept pace with the times without sacrificing its disarmingly old-fashioned sense of hospitality. Tucked amid lush gardens beside a sweep of beach and bay, it feels a million miles from anywhere yet Sydney lies barely more than an hour away. This combination of impeccable service and dress-circle location locale has been luring regulars for decades.

North Bundaleer, Jamestown, South Australia.  Located 30 minutes north of the Clare Valley amid rolling hills, this handsome, listed homestead, rescued from decaded of neglect and painstakingly restored , continues to garner rave reviews from international visitors astonished to find such an oasis in the middle of nowhere. Bundaleer combines the grandeur of yesteryear (thinks gentleman’s library and ballroom) with a relaxed friendliness that sees guests congregating by the Aga stove for a cuppa. The four luxurious guestrooms are impeccably appointed, right down to the innovative ensuites that include a converted conservatory.

Peppers Calstock, Deloraine, Tasmania. Once home to 19th century Melbourne Cup champions, the charming 1837-built Calstock, 45 minutes from Launceston it today an up-market guesthouse internationally known for its standout cuisine and refined interiors. This handsome Georgian homestead features seven individually decorated rooms and two suites in French country style. Chef Daniel Tourancheau continues the Gallic theme with seasonal menus built around locally available produce served in a charming restaurant overlooking the garden. Cooking classes are a popular optional extra.

Thorn Park Country House, Clare Valley, South Australia. More than two decades ago, David Hay and Michael Speers transformed a near derelict 1850s homestead into one of Australia’s best-loved country house hotels. Thorn Park is still the rural getaway of choice for bon vivants. Hay is an exceptional chef and runs cooking classes; there’s a convivial breakfast table and cosy guestrooms (catering to a maximum of six couples). The house party vibe extends from open fires and well-thumbed books to long country walks and the occassional post-prandial opera recital.