Charley's solo adventure ends in Oz :: Actor, Charley Boorman, famous for his epic motor-bike trips with Ewan McGregor, finishes a 24-country solo adventure in Sydney Adelaide boosts its green credentials :: The Adelaide Convention Centre in South Australia has built a worm farm to eat its organic waste Could water make Aussies houses sell? :: A recent survey indicates that water availability is likely to affect future property prices throughout Australia Oz fast-tracks temporary work visa processing :: More centres have been set up in Oz to deal with the increasing demand for overseas workers Rental crisis in Australian cities :: Tenants struggle to find rental properties in Sydney and Melbourne British expats head for Australia :: Latest figures have discovered a recent surge of interest in buying property in Australia Protest marks Pope's arrival in Australia :: Melbourne activists angered by government funding for ‘World Youth Day’ UK recruits help fill our needs! :: According to a survey, us Brits can't get enough of life Down Under, although the opposite is true for the Aussies, whose love affair with the UK is dwindling... Aussie home prices set to explode :: The ANZ Bank says the growing housing shortage is setting Australia up for the "mother of all" housing booms Oz wins US tourist awards :: American travellers rate Sydney and Tasmania among the best travel destinations worldwide Aussie airlines weight-loss plan :: Australian airlines Qantas and Virgin Blue are looking at ways to 'lose the weight' in order to cut hefty fuel bills Tourism Australia's £77 million re-branding :: Tourism Australia is spending millions on re-branding to boost lagging tourism numbers and visa applications No future in man drought :: Will the shortage of working men in their prime have an impact on the Australian and New Zealand economies? Oz push for state sponsored visas :: The Australian Government is pushing for State Sponsored Visas so that skilled workers can be placed in areas of high demand Building up to an extended working holiday! :: Working holiday construction workers in Australia can now extend their visas Bollywood 'wow' factor of South Australia :: The 'wow' factor state is set to reel in the tourists as the biggest-budget Bollywood film of all time hits the UK big screen this week... House Crisis in Oz :: Australia will need almost a million houses to meet increased demand Ramsay hits Melbourne :: Gordon Ramsay snubs Sydney to open Melbourne eaterie Sold on eBay for £192K: A life in Oz :: A British man sold his life in Oz to the highest bidder on eBay yesterday.... to an Australian Aussies better off than they think :: Despite high interest rates, the average Aussie consumer has substantially more spending power than six years ago Australia popular with British workers :: Australia is an attractive option for the 53 per cent of Britons who would consider working overseas Aussie millionaires' club gets bigger still :: One in every 123 Australians can now claim to be a millionaire New frequent flyer scheme for Quantas :: QANTAS will roll out its new frequent flyer program on 1 July, despite engineer strikes and flight delays Aborigine threat to shut Uluru :: Aborigines have asked tourists not to climb Uluru in the Northern Territory Adelaide house prices boom :: Australia’s new property hotspot is Adelaide – where house prices are booming in contrast to Perth and Sydney Wealthy Brits heading to Oz :: Greater personal wealth is encouraging Brits to move abroad, and Australia is the most popular destination Next property hotspots? Just add water :: Well-located beachside properties remain safe investments, despite the national market being rattled by interest rate hikes NZ's Wanaka woos world romantics :: The picturesque town of Lake Wanaka in New Zealand’s South Island has been listed as one of the world’s 10 most romantic places to have a holiday Come fly with us! :: Fancy a career as a pilot as well as a new life in Oz? Aussie aviation authorities are looking to fill their new aviation training package with skilled migrants... Brits snap up Aussie properties :: Britons are the third-largest group of foreign property buyers in the country Trade skills assessment update :: Better recognition of skills and experience for tradespeople migrating to Oz Oz properties are a safe bet :: Australian property is set to become one of the safer bets for overseas property investors Record number of Brits head for Oz :: Migration companies are seeing an unprecedented demand for their services as Brits seek a new life Down Under Oz cities tick all the boxes :: Australia's major cities continue to tick all of the boxes and enjoys some of the best standards of living in the world, according to a lifestyle survey Looking for an apprentice Down Under? :: Merricks Media, the award-winning travel publisher, announces the launch of www.workingdownunder.co.uk, a new site dedicated to working and living in the Antipodes Work And Play In Western Australia :: Do you want to take a gap year in Australia but don’t have the cash? Western Australia might be the answer you are looking for Peace reigns over New Zealand :: New Zealand has ranked fourth in a worldwide peace index Getting wed on Sydney Harbour Bridge :: A British couple have become the first official couple to hold their wedding on the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Australia’s Permanent Additions on the Rise :: There has been a significant increase in the number of permanent migrants to Australia Higher minimum salary for migrants to Oz :: The minimum salary that Aussie employers are required to pay temporary foreign workers has been increased New occupations added to Aussie list :: More occupations have been added to the Migration Occupations in Demand List 300,000 More Visas to Australia! :: The Australian Budget Plan has revealed a huge increase of visas to Australia in a bid to address labour shortages Melbourne named top tourism spot in Oz :: New figures show that Sydney has been eclipsed by Melbourne as Australia's leading tourist destination Oz Space Mission For Young Brits :: A new website is aimed at enticing 18-30 year olds to apply for the Australian Working Holiday Visa Increase in Aussie parent visas :: An increase of 4,000 in the number of parent visas will be granted in Australia Skilled migration boosts Aussie economy :: The record increase in the number of places in the permanent skilled migration program is helping to fight inflation Westpac set to become Australia's biggest bank :: Australia's biggest bank merger ever could see Commonwealth Bank of Australia superseded as the country's leading financial institution Faster processing speed for Aussie work visas :: Skilled migrants wanting to work in Australia can now look forward to faster processing times for their 457 Australian Work Visas It’s a home run for Melbourne :: The best location in the world to hold a sports event is in Australia's Victorian capital Kiwi destinations top travel survey :: Milford Sound and Queenstown have topped a big internet survey of the world's 100 best travel destinations Immigration making Oz a stronger country :: Strong immigration programs are integral to Australia's future, according to new research Earn money while you study in Oz :: International students will now have automatic work rights in Australia thanks to new visa changes Aussies welcome Brits with open arms :: Most Australian citizens welcome their country’s intake of new migrants, according to a survey Looking for happiness? Try Sydney :: Sydney is the happiest place in the world to live, according to a global lifestyle survey Rudd's plans for world-class Aussie education :: Australian immigration hope to open the door to a world-class education for its children Immigration change on Oz Student Visa :: All initial student visa holders will now be permitted to work once they’ve started a course of study Australian northern coast population growth :: Record numbers moving to the NSW northern coast to enjoy “enviable lifestyle” Oz calls for 40,000 construction workers :: Australian building officials want to acquire thousands more skilled construction workers within the next five years to ease shortages in the state of Victoria Australian work visa for older tourists :: Woking holiday visas extended for older tourists to ease skills shortage Australia launches environmental project :: Australia's first underground carbon storage facility opens in Victoria Australian Immigration website launched :: Leeds-based couple launch Oz immigration website featuring on-line advice and services Oz citizenship testing expanded :: Citizenship testing expanded in Northern Territory to reduce travel distances for applicants Migrants contribute to Oz population rise :: Australia’s rapid population increase thanks to “good integrity” of migration program Oz immigration opportunities for farm workers :: Australian immigration needs to open its door to more than 96,000 farm workers to tackle the struggling rural sector Skilled migrants earning above average in Oz :: Overseas workers mainly in higher skilled areas are earning wages well above their Australian counterparts according to a report Life in Oz Up For Sale :: A painful breakup with his wife prompted a British immigrant to put his entire life in Oz — his house, his car, his job, even his friends — up for sale online Young go to Darwin, old to Adelaide :: A new series of "social atlases'' of Australia's cities has revealed some interesting findings about its citizens New police check procedure for migrants to Oz :: A trial procedure for UK citizens needing to obtain a police clearance certificate for migration is underway Heath's wicked whispers immortalized in paint :: Painting of Heath Ledger comes runner-up in top Aussie art prize Death in deportation? :: A broke British backpacker, flying home from Australia after his visa expired, has died on the plane home Moving to Oz is good for your kids' health :: The Australian Government has invested more money into promoting the health of children 90,000 new homes for Melbourne :: Fast-growing Melbourne is on track to become Australia's biggest city within 20 years... Kings Cross: Sydney's Soho :: Once the most notorious red-light district in Australia, Kings Cross in Sydney is transforming from ugly duckling to sleek, chic swan It's a Casey in point :: Oscar-nominated dreamboat Casey Affleck says he is amazed by "racist Australia" Backpacker gets jiggy with snap-happy croc :: Taking photos of the local inhabitants of the aptly named South Alligator River was a step too far for one man... Australia's Most Wanted! :: Aussie PM reveals Australia's top 17 most-wanted jobs and plans to import 15,000 building workers from abroad Save the whale shark! :: Each May, harmless giant whale sharks appear off the coast of Western Australia. Find out more about these mysterious beasts on a volunteer project, and you could help ensure their survival Disney goes dizzy for Sydney :: It would seem that Mickey and Minnie fancy themselves a Sydney harbour view... Aussie survives 30 hours in shark-infested waters :: A shipwrecked fisherman has been airlifted to safety after being spotted off the coast of Queensland surrounded by great white sharks Australia thinks big on solar power :: Amid fears that increased energy usage could cause blackouts, the Australian government has set upon Solar energy as its saviour... It's Show time! :: Your new life could start this weekend, with three great shows designed to help you make the move you've always dreamt of Superman's miss takes in NZ's Southern Alps :: She has taken a ride with Superman, but it’s fair to say actress Kate Bosworth has had the ride of her life taking a scenic flight in New Zealand’s Southern Alps Australia to fast-track visa applications :: A new process for temporary business visa Labour agreements is underway Hollywood gold for Hamilton Island :: A new Hollywood movie, currently taking the American box office by storm, is creating a buzz about Australia's stunning Whitsunday islands Migration quotas increased :: To fill Australia's skills shortage, the quotas of overseas residents permitted to work in Australia are being raised Record number of Brits lured Down Under :: Britain has now lost more than one in 10 of its most skilled citizens according to new statistics Doctor, it's an emergency! :: Australia is urgently in need of GPs in the state of Victoria and wants to attract doctors from the UK More workers needed! :: Experts call for a 30 per cent increase in immigration to tackled an anticipated shortfall of skilled labour Australia wants you! (but you better be quick) :: Australian immigration have announced 6,000 more skilled visas up for grabs before the end of June Get paid to ski! :: An internship at Australia's ski resorts means you can get paid to enjoy the slopes for four months! Romance is OFF at Airlie Beach :: Winched off passengers of the shipwrecked Romance hope to enjoy romance of an entirely different kind this Valentines Day Australia says Sorry :: In Australia's most historically significant speech of the 21st century, the Prime Minister has formally apologised for the past maltreatment of Aboriginal people Aussies plan global carrot rampage :: A group is attempting to cause a global carrot shortage in an attempt to deprive the world of "vital vitamins"... Melbourne: the City of Love :: Australia's second-biggest city has been voted the place for hearts, flowers and holding hands... Travels With My Barbie :: Strapping a barbecue to his body seemed the only logical thing to do for one motorcyclist All Oz's Top Ten Resorts For Families Are In Queensland :: Australia's top ten resorts for families are all in Queensland, according to readers of the country's leading family travel and lifestyle magazine, Holidays with Kids. Where the bloody hell is that ad? :: Tourism Australia have finally dumped a confrontational slogan designed to encourage people to come to Australia Heath Ledger's death an accident :: The investigation into Heath Ledger's death has concluded that an abuse of a powerful mix of prescription drugs led to a fatal "accidental overdose" It's a record for Australia! :: Figures show that Australia is more popular than ever, welcoming more overseas arrivals in 2007 than ever before Tourism is Australia's biggest earner :: 5.6 million overseas visitors can't be wrong, as tourism becomes Australia's biggest industry Bondi becomes national icon :: Australia's most famous beach has been added to the National Heritage list. We find out why... Flying to Sydney Was Supersonic, Baby! :: It could soon be possible to fly from Sydney to London in just five hours in a hypersonic passenger plane Screw working in Staines, mate! :: Australia's latest advertising blitz is designed to lure disgruntled Britons Down Under Australia rues tourism impact of cricket spat :: A serious spat on the cricket field between Australia and India has created major image problems for Australia, a country which is now fearing an impact on tourism That's just plane stupid! :: A set of children's cutlery offered by Aussie airline Qantas offers a mealtime challenge for its kiddie passengers Recruiting Down Under! :: Employers from Down Under are coming to our shores on a recruitment drive. Don't miss out! Australia welcomes more than 14,000 new citizens :: A record number of people became Australian citizens on Australian Day recently Russell Crowe: Sydney frontman :: Sydney's home grown Hollywood star Russell Crowe has been named an ambassador to the city Australia apology to Aborigines :: The Australian government is to issue a formal apology to Aboriginal people Dame Edna’s online art gallery :: The man behind Dame Edna's glitzy Aussie charm turns computer artist... Queen 'must die' before Aussie republic :: Australians will not vote for a republic while the country's monarch still reigns, according to a report January sparks migration dreams :: Dark nights and post-festive cash shortages are turning our thoughts to summer climes… Ole blue eyes branches into the international spotlight :: An Australian koala dubbed 'Frankie' is making worldwide headlines for his extraordinary blue eyes Aussie trains join 'best in world' :: An American rail enthusiasts' organisation has named three Australian trains among the world's top 25 iconic rail adventures Australian actor Heath Ledger found dead :: Australian actor Heath Ledger has been found dead in his Manhattan apartment Virgin Atlantic goes green :: Forward-thinking airline to address climate change by flying on biofuel Fly through the forest :: The world's longest rainforest canopy tour has just opened in Tasmania, offering visitors a chance to glide through the treetops Aussie playground for rich and famous :: Airlie Beach has emerged out of the shadow of the island resorts to become a high-end tourist destination in its own right Japanese whalers take protesters hostage :: Australia has banned Japan from killing whales in its waters, but two protesters who boarded a Japanese whaling vessel yesterday have allegedly been taken hostage by the crew Lucky escape for Qantas jet :: It's the world's safest airline... but Qantas passengers had a lucky escape as a 747 lost all power over Bangkok... New trades pathway? :: For tradespeople affected by the removal of skilled migration Pathway D last year, there could be good news in store... The exodus continues... :: Least year, record numbers of Britons emigrated overseas. We look at why this is happening, and whether 2008 is likely to continue the trend See Adelaide - cheap! :: A new attractions pass saves visitors money on sightseeing Australia is world's most wanted :: Australia has been voted the world's number one travel destination for the second year running High rises lift new homes in Oz :: New statistics reveal the shortage of housing stock could place further pressure on already very tight rental markets in 2008 Virgin Blue goes high tech :: Travelling to and around Australia just got easier now that Virgin Blue has joined forces with a leading technology company Uluru: new summer restrictions :: The monolith of Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock, will close to visitors during daytime in the height of summer 4000 year old murder :: A 4000 year old corpse has been found beneath a bus shelter in Sydney, offering insight into ancient Aboriginal customs Bus reaches its Sydney destination :: The first London-to-Sydney bus service has reached its destination WA to raise migrant quota? :: A severe skills shortage in Western Australia has led to calls for more migrants to be allowed in to fill jobs Slipping off the property ladder :: A raise in home loan rates could force borrowers to lose their home Visitor numbers flatten :: Although Australia's visitor numbers are stable, new figures suggest they are below the target expected Pensions dilemma :: Pension transfers can be wrongfully taxed at the UK end, so take expert advice before you transfer your retirement funds Aussie property investors buy time :: Investors are marking time as nationwide demand for properties falls Aussies have less stress despite rate hikes :: House affordability is the lowest its been in 22 years Show off your travel photos :: If you've taken some lovely photos on your travels Down Under, there are ways to use them to your own advantage Outback needs doctors! :: Rural areas of Australia are in need of qualified doctors, and can offer them an enjoyable and fulfilling lifestyle Aussie housing leaders optimistic :: Real estate industry looks forward to more co-operation as new PM comes into power Labor sweep into power :: It's a new direction for Australia as new PM Kevin Rudd ends 11 years of Liberal rule Australian election war underway :: Voting has begun in what is set to be one of the closest power battles yet, which could change the course of Australian history Four job vacancies for every accountant :: British Chartered accountants needed Down Under to help fill surplus vacancies Aussies unprepared for bushfires :: Aussies are putting their homes at risk because many still don't know how to handle bushfires, according to a report Tricks of the loan trade :: Some Aussie lenders are holding off on rate rises to lure borrowers in Expats on the Increase :: The number of Britons migrating to Australia is at an all-time high, having almost tripled in the last four years First-time buyers shut out :: A point rate rise is likely to lead to a price hike of Aussie home loan repayments Skilled migration information seminar :: Degree qualified? Career experience? 1st Contact Migration are inviting you to a seminar next week for skilled migration information Property auctions move online :: Aussie homebuyers will be able bid for properties from their computers America and Australia swap young workers :: Increasing numbers of young Aussie working holidaymakers are heading to America rather than Britain Rising value of Aussie homes :: Revealing new statistics about home ownership in Australia Student scholarships to Melbourne :: Melbourne's LaTrobe University is offering undergrad scholarships to outstanding UK students Aussie borrowing shake-up :: Take-up of variable rate loans among highest in the world Teaming up to buy :: Soaring property prices are leading more people in Australia to team up together and buy a house Australia on its own in property boom :: America may be experiencing its worst property recession in 16 years but Australia's property prices are on a high Farmers reject blame for food prices :: After a year of drought, New South Wales food prices are high - but farmers won't accept the blame Victoria forecasts white-collar shortage :: The state of Victoria has forecast a shortage of 50,000 professionals within 15 years; needs skilled migrants Foreign cash pumped into Queensland :: Overseas investors are pouring their spare cash into the Sunshine State Overseas buyers urged to seek advice :: Overseas property buyers thinking of moving to Australia should seek expert advice before they jump in with both feet Australia needs 19,000 nurses :: British nurses encouraged to transfer to Australia to help fulfil demand House Prices Up In Australia :: Demand for Australian housing is driving up prices in and around many of Australia’s major cities, as well as some smaller ones New Barrier Reef Resort opens its doors :: Queensland's Hamilton Island, beloved of A-Listers and honeymooners, has a new exclusive resort now open More flights boost number of Brits retiring Down Under :: An increase in the number of flights to long-haul destinations are boosting the number of Brits choosing to buy retirement property Down Under Aussie coastal resorts popularity rise :: New trends indicate that people are moving to Australia's coastal areas from its larger cities Follow Priscilla's Desert Trail :: As stage musical opens, fans of cult road-trip movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert can follow in her tyremarks through Australia's outback Disease Threatens Tasmanian Devil Refuge :: Fatal facial tumours affect endangered Australian mammals within protected reserves Steve Irwin to have annual day :: November 15 set aside for conservation fundraising and events Follow The Priscilla Trail Down Under :: Follow in the heels of Australia's most infamous drag queens with Qantas Holidays Sydney Tops Tourist Poll :: Fabulous weather, friendly locals and iconic sites help Sydney top the Conde Nast Traveler survey Save the World – Eat A Kangaroo? :: Greenpeace are urging Aussies to curb their love of red meat and tuck into a tasty 'roo steak at their next barbie Study alternative therapies down under :: With more than 60% of Aussies using alternative therapies to stay healthy there's a demand for practicioners. So why not study Down Under? Skills In Demand In South Australia :: The state has announced a revised list of occupations seeking international migrants to the area Australia targets Japanese kids with anti-whaling video :: As Japan plans to hunt and kill whales in Antarctic whale sanctuary, Australian government broadcasts anti-whaling message via YouTube Swap Sprouts For Sunshine This Christmas :: Spend the festive season Down Under with once-in-a-lifetime tours from Qantas Holidays A Snappy New Arrival From The Deep :: Melbourne Aquarium announces an exciting new attraction packed with mystery and unseen creatures of the sea Western Australia seeks Scots teachers :: Unemployed Scottish teachers are being targeted by education chiefs in Australia in a bid to solve staff shortages at schools Down Under BBC buys Lonely Planet :: Australian-founded travel gurus sell to BBC Worldwide for an undisclosed sum Northern Territory promotes Aboriginal art tourism :: NT visitors to tour galleries, mingle with artists and learn the stories behind traditional Aboriginal art forms Calls To Save Australia’s Sharks :: Conservationalists call on the Australian government to protect the natural predators of the Coral Sea More Kiwis than Brits move to Oz :: Kiwis finally outstrip Brits as Australia's largest immigrant group; lured by climate and economy Tourists Seek Authentic Aussie Experiences :: International visitors to Australia are keen to seek out authentic events on their travels Australia cracks down on beach bums :: Government refuses to finance the surfer lifestyle as beach towns show high unemployment Archaeological find rewrites Tasmania's history :: A recently discovered cave, in Tasmania's remote south-west World Heritage Area, yields clues to early human occupation Australian PM goes green :: John Howard does environmental about-turn as the general election looms New Luxury Escape for Kangaroo Island :: The Southern Ocean Lodge promises a new level of luxury on one of Australia's most beautiful and tranquil islands New Seminars For Potential Migrants :: Visa Unit offer informal sessions with experts to answer your questions about moving to Australia Australia Tops Cool Country Poll :: Visitors to budget travel website STA name Australia the world's coolest country Australia Issues MODL Update :: New occupations have been added to the skilled migration programme to ease Asutralia's employment shortages Trace Your Aussie Ancestry Online :: Go online and find out if any of your relatives made the long journey to Oz by convict ship... Buy Now, Pay Later For Your Down Under Flight :: Qantas introduces new payment options for long haul passengers Sydney To Melbourne For A Dollar? :: Budget airline offers bargain long haul flights Down Under to early bookers Kununurra: Tourists Still Welcome! :: Kununurra Visitor Centre in Western Australia says filming of Baz Luhrman's latest epic shouldn't put off holiday makers. Backpackers Are Back in Oz :: Increased numbers of visas are being issued to working travellers in Australia Free Down Under City Guide :: Next month's issue of Australia and New Zealand Magazine includes a great city guide. Find out how to get a free copy. Property Boom On Australia's West Coast :: The city of Perth on Australia’s west coast is enjoying a massive property boom, reports Principal International. Australia Votes Emirates 'Best International Airline' :: Emirates wins the much-coveted Best International Airline – Online trophy for the second year running. Surf The Floral Sea This Spring :: A trip to Araluen Botanic Gardens is a bloomin' great day out for the whole family! Sydney's favourite building gets a makeover :: The famous Queen Victoria Building in Central Sydney will be undergoing essential repair and improvements Adelaide Is Australia's Investment Hotspot :: Un-met demand will see property prices rise, but the city will remain an 'affordable location'. New Six-Star Resort for Queensland :: Exclusive Balinese retreat Balé Port Douglas opens its doors to visitors seeking luxury Christmas Island Next Tourist Hotspot? :: Australia's Christmas Island looks set to become the next big thing in nature tourism after the Australian government's funding of the Christmas Island Explorer Guide. Australia's Islands Make Top Spot :: The Great Barrier Reef Islands made it into the World's Best Islands list in Travel + Leisure US's World's Best Awards readers' survey, and they were also voted the best islands Down Under. Go On The Rails Down Under :: A new railpass from the Great Southern Railway offers an affordable and unique way to tour Australia Socceroos On Course For Footie Final :: Australia's national football team finally found their form and made it through to the Asian Cup quarterfinals last night, after beating Thailand 4-0. New Luxury Spa for Queensland :: Australia's newest luxury resort Qualia has revealed details of its world-class spa, set to open in September More Jobs In Regional Australia :: Australia's booming economy is benefitting workers in smaller towns, as well as the larger cities, according to unemployment statistics released last week. More Travellers Than Ever Down Under :: April 2007 saw a record 1.83 million air passengers travelling to and from Australia, with a total of 21.92 passengers for the year – most flying via Sydney. Win Rugby World Cup 2007 Match Tickets! :: We're giving away two pairs of match tickets to see either Australia or New Zealand in action at the Rugby World Cup Australia's High Court Named A Treasure :: The old High Court building in Victoria was yesterday awarded Australia's highest heritage award: it's made the National Heritage List, and will attract thousands of cultural tourists over the coming months. Rise To New Heights In Melbourne :: Visitors to Victoria's capital can enjoy a unique view of the city as they ascend the magnificent Eureka Tower to the city's newest attraction Budget Airfares Down Under :: Tiger Airways Australia has announced a raft of new budget flights around the country that will please any traveller heading Down Under. Discover Australia's Murray River Region :: The cooler winter weather in South Australia is the ideal time to take a leisurely cruise along the state’s iconic river system Australian Immigration Leads To Population High :: As Australia’s population rises to over 21 million, the country is also celebration record immigration figures that will continue to escalate the population boom Victoria suffers storms and floods :: Victoria has become the latest Australian state to fall victim to the wild winter weather Down Under: rising water in Gippsland has left over 350 residents stranded. Overseas workers must speak English :: All foreign workers planning on heading to Australia now have to speak good English in order to qualify for a skilled visa. Sydney Opera House makes the UNESCO List :: One of Australia's most iconic images, the Sydney Opera House has made it onto the UNESCO World Heritage List, and is the most modern cultural site to be protected by the UN. South Australia Becomes A Migrant Hotspot :: Business booms as new areas of the country are being opened up to British expats, thanks to Australia’s regional migration scheme. Worries for Ningaloo Reef :: One of Western Australia's top tourist attractions, Ningaloo Reef is a haven for marine life such as whale sharks; but environmental groups are concerned that the reserve is in danger. MARA works harder for migrants :: Australia's Commonwealth Ombudsman’s report on the Migration Agents' Registration Authority (MARA) shows improvements and a system better geared to helping migrants. Skilled migrants get better deal :: New legislation brought in by the Australian government should provide fairer and more secure conditions for workers with 457 visas. Aboriginal communities face "national emergency" :: The Australian PM has announced new measures to crack down on sexual abuse in the Northern Territory, and has banned alcohol in some Aboriginal communities. Latest jobs Down Under :: The annual government guide to Australian jobs was launched yesterday, and shows that accountants, electricians and those in the medicine industry have good prospects – and they'll get extra points when emigrating too. Wages on the up Down Under :: Australian Prime Minister John Howard claims that the Aussies have never had it so good – and that the economy is set to improve further still. Australian workers flock to cities :: According to the ABS, thousands of Australians living in remote areas are heading to city centres for economic reasons, a better lifestyle and to be near friends and family. Relocation deal for jobless Aussies :: The government is expanding its programme to relocate unemployed Australians to areas with a shortage of workers, and will now send job seekers to Perth and Darwin. Australians still stranded by floods :: After record storms over the weekend, parts of New South Wales are still under water and many Aussies remain cut off and without power. Aussie ministers flaunt job figures :: John Howard's government is more than happy to take the credit for the record unemployment in Australia, and ministers argue that the boom is not limited to Western Australia. Australia's boom to affect interest rates? :: May 2007 saw the lowest unemployment rate in Australia for 32 years and this, together with a booming economy, may see interest rates rise to 6.5 per cent as soon as July. Brits still behind Aussies on environment :: The first Annual World Environment Review poll reveals that Britons want the government to take strong actions on climate change; yet Brits are still way behind energy-conscious Australians. Australia's whales are on their way :: June in the Antipodes is the time when several species of whale can be sighted from Sydney and along the coast up to Queensland, making a top tourist draw. "Friendly" Australia a top nation :: The latest Anholt Nation Brands Index rates Australia sixth best national brand in the world, with friendly people, good sports performances and a welcoming way of life. New flights open up Australia :: Qantas has announced a new twice-weekly service between Melbourne and Shanghai, plus three extra flights per week between Brisbane and Perth. Outlook: warm for Australia's weather :: Australia's Bureau of Meteorology has released predictions for the winter weather this year, and while most should have an average few months, some states are showing signs of being warmer than usual. Drivers wanted Down Under? :: The Australian Transport Workers Union has argued that adding the trucking industry to the 457 visa scheme, to relieve the shortages in South Australia especially, will make the roads more dangerous. Neighbours not good friends :: The BBC loses out on a bidding war for Australian iconic soap opera, Neighbours, ending the happy partnership that has lasted 21 years. Meat workers needed in WA :: Brits in the meat industry hoping to migrate to Australia could find the answer in Western Australia, as the government is committing more funds to attracting skilled migrants. Australia: The Movie now in progress :: Filming is underway Down Under for Baz Luhrmann's romantic epic starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, which will showcase the best of Australia's natural beauty. Help for Australian franchisees :: Migrants looking to sign up for a retail franchise licence Down Under should make sure that they have explored all the obligations a small business demands, and know the latest tax implications. Australian visa changes for students :: The planned alterations to Australia's General Skilled Migration Programme, from 1 September this year, will have a number of implications for students studying Down Under. New Australians face test :: Australia's Budget for 2007-8 includes a substantial allowance to help implement the new citizenship test, due to be rolled out later this year. Australia wants more skilled migrants :: The Australian Government has announced an increase of places through its Migration Programme for skilled workers looking to relocate Down Under. Record Aussie air passengers :: Sydney still the hotspot for travellers to and from Australia during a record-breaking year for international air passengers. Making rain in Melbourne? :: Always at the forefront of climate technology, Australia is playing host to a symposium on cloud seeding over the next few days. Sydney property market on the up? :: The decision by Australia's Reserve Bank earlier this year to not raise interest rates may have helped boost home sales. Dogg not welcome in Australia :: Rap star Snoop Dogg has had his Australian visa cancelled after failing the immigration 'character test'. Find Antipodean animals in London :: Visit London Zoo on Southern Cross Day and see Down Under wildlife for half the usual price. Changes to Australian skilled immigration :: New alterations to the skilled temporary visa laws in Australia means better conditions for workers Non-stop flights to Oz from the UK? :: Richard Branson plans new nonstop service to Australia on the new Boeing 787 Record level of Australian investors :: New figures published by broker AFG show that one in three new mortgages in March 2007 were sold to property investors, rather than owner occupiers. More stopover choice Down Under :: Qantas and partner British Airways announce extra places to stop over when flying to Australia and New Zealand. Stay in touch when moving Down Under :: Forget expensive phone bills and negotiating time differences: the best way to chat to friends and family from Australia and NZ is by joining the Skype online community. Australian property to go green :: New guides issued in Australia to homeowners could mean that you'll save money, as well as the planet. Qantas Goes For Gastro Dollar :: Australia takes the lead in bringing haute cuisine to airline food service, albeit only for first class travellers. Did The Portuguese Discover Australia? :: A new book may prove that the Portuguese discovered Australia, 250 years before Captain Cook. Explore The Aboriginal World :: A host of new opportunities to explore Aboriginal culture await travellers to Australia's Northern Territory. Sydney Icon's 75th Birthday Bash :: Over 200,000 Australians attend a massive party to celebrate the 75th birthday of Sydney's iconic harbour bridge. Splash Out At WhiteWater World :: Gold Coast visitors welcome A$60 million water park. Australia's First Island Golf Cruise Launched :: Luxury on the waves, and on the green, for golfers and their families. Tasmania's Iconic Platypus Population Under Threat :: Environmental groups warn that virus could cause numbers to dwindle. Australia Celebrates Centenary Of Surf Life Saving :: A full 12 months of respect for those sunblock-sporting heroes of the beach. Tourists Should Visit Australian Drought Areas :: Help the economy when Down Under - drink wine rather than water! New Sancturaries For Rottnest Island :: Western Australia's island paradise gets extra protection, but fisherman needn't worry. Aussies Raise The Ceiling On Home Construction :: New figures reveal increase in building approvals, renovations, alterations and additions. Aussie Buyers Turn To Mortgage Brokers :: The Mortgage Industry Association of Australia reports that banks are losing out. Australian Property Affordability Takes Dip :: Reports of a 25-year low in affordability shouldn't worry Brits, as homes are still cheaper than UK. Australia's Capital Territory Welcomes Migrants :: Thinking of emigrating? The ACT's government has said there's still plenty of room. The Big Drought Affects The Australian Economy :: The drought of 2006 has resulted in raised interest rates and slower economic growth. Victoria Is The Place To Be Down Under :: From Melbourne to the Yarra Valley, the Victoria state government's skilled migration policy bears fruit. A Warmer Welcome For Those Relocating Down Under :: The Australian government funds programme to help migrants and refugees. Wage Increase For Skilled Workers Heading Down Under :: Workers using Australia's 457 visa programme have seen significant wage rises. Saddle Up Down Under :: Enjoy the ultimate cowboy experience, Aussie-style, as a cattle drover! Chill Out, Melbourne Style, At Chill On :: Travellers can escape the heat Down Under, thanks to a new ice bar.

The retail trade has seen the biggest increase in temporary work visas

Increase in temporary skilled migration visas

Australia has increased the number of temporary work visas it has granted

Charley Boorman arrives in Sydney after his 21,132-mile voyage

Charley's solo adventure ends in Oz

Actor, Charley Boorman, famous for his epic motor-bike trips with Ewan McGregor, finishes a 24-country solo adventure in Sydney

Convention organisers in Adelaide will be able to reduce and offset carbon emissions caused by their event

Adelaide boosts its green credentials

The Adelaide Convention Centre in South Australia has built a worm farm to eat its organic waste

Perth: where the living is easy

Angela and Craig swapped drizzly Scotland for sunny Western Australia, and are now building a new home in Somerly, a suburb of the capital, Perth.

Could water make Aussies houses sell?

A recent survey indicates that water availability is likely to affect future property prices throughout Australia

Oz fast-tracks temporary work visa processing

More centres have been set up in Oz to deal with the increasing demand for overseas workers

Rental crisis in Australian cities

Tenants struggle to find rental properties in Sydney and Melbourne

British expats head for Australia

Latest figures have discovered a recent surge of interest in buying property in Australia

Protest marks Pope's arrival in Australia

Melbourne activists angered by government funding for ‘World Youth Day’

UK recruits help fill our needs!

According to a survey, us Brits can't get enough of life Down Under, although the opposite is true for the Aussies, whose love affair with the UK is dwindling...

Aussie home prices set to explode

The ANZ Bank says the growing housing shortage is setting Australia up for the "mother of all" housing booms

Oz wins US tourist awards

American travellers rate Sydney and Tasmania among the best travel destinations worldwide

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