100 must-dos in Australia focuses attention on travelling at home

Domestic tourism will take the spotlight when Australian Traveller magazine launches a major campaign to promote its 100 Things to Do in Australia Before You Die issue, out March 29.

A panel of respected travel writers and media personalities ranked more than 700 nominations from the travel industry and readers to determine the ?100 Things...'. And, like Cinderella outshining her bigger and brasher sisters, it's Kakadu National Park that gets the   judges' vote for Australia's supreme travel experience.

Top 10 Things To Do In Australia
Before You Die

1. Kakadu National Park (NT)
2. Great Barrier Reef (QLD)
3. Drive Around Australia
4. Uluru (NT)
5. Bridgeclimb (NSW)
6. Kimberley Cruising (WA)
7. Ningaloo Reef (WA)
8. Sydney Harbour (NSW)
9. Fraser Island (QLD)
10. Great Ocean Rd (VIC)

"This landmark edition of Australian Traveller will provide the definitive guide to what every Australian should see and do in their own country," says editor Greg Barton.

"Agree with our judges or not, we feel the ?100 Things...' will make an important contribution to domestic travel. It will focus attention on the world-class experiences Australia offers - things that, sadly, Australians often undervalue."

The Great Barrier Reef comes in at the number 2 spot and ?driving around Australia' beat many celebrated tourism icons to the bronze position.

Greg Barton revealed which destinations came out on top on national television during Channel 7's Sunrise this morning.  Presenter David Koch was one of the judges.

To mark the launch, travel agents are being offered a discounted subscription to Australian Traveller.

"No other magazine is dedicated to driving domestic business like we are," says publisher Quentin Long.  "Domestic operators are for the most part served by travel media encouraging people to go overseas and chasing a small fraction of the travelling community in Australia.  Australian Traveller is all about getting people to see Australia first."

The campaign also includes TV advertising and a promotion on Sydney radio station 2GB giving away one interstate holiday every day for 10 days.  Media promotions will also drive publicity on radio stations, television and in newspapers around the country.

The judges include Lonely Planet founder Tony Wheeler, SBS Dateline presenter George Negus, Getaway reporter Catriona Rowntree, Sunrise presenter David Koch and Channel 7's Johanna Griggs, as well as leading travel writers John Borthwick, Suzi Petkovski and David Whitley.

The public will be invited to cast their vote on Australia's must-see places on Australian Traveller's website and enter the draw to win a host of prizes.

Australia's best-selling domestic travel magazine, Australian Traveller is out March 29. For more information, please call 02 9281 6080 or visit www.australiantraveller.com.