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I ask the above question in response to the terrible train and truck collision in Kerang, Victoria yesterday. It got me thinking, do things like that make us think about going by train, or whatever mode it may be.

In respect to aeroplanes, I think one crash probably doesn't stop most of us flying, but it may make us think twice about a certain airline. I blogged about Qantas last week, passing on results from Choice showing it wasn't especially a well liked airline, but safety counted for a lot, and Qantas' safety record is very good.

In terms of the trains though, I don't think it will change too much. Country trains tend to attract a sort of passenger, who doesn't have the option of choosing a different type of travel. This is my theory - people who travel on country trains either like the train trip, receive so many trips per year as part of their pension or health care card status or don't have air services. For example if you are living in a country town, the train may stop, but if you don't want to catch a train and can't drive, you can't get the plane instead. Whereas in a city, flying is quicker and just about as cheap.


So when an accident like this happens, you don't have people changing across to air travel, because it isn't a viable option. You might have people not travelling as much on the train, but that is because they aren't travelling, not because of another option, at least in most cases.

There may be those that disagree...?
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Snow hits Victoria

May 23rd 2007 05:24
Considering the snow season in Australia is strongest around August and September, a May snow fall in the alpine areas of Victoria suggests the season this year could be a lot better than last year. If you remember back to last year, it was quite disappointing season, with lot of lifts closed across both Victorian and NSW ski fields.

Last year's poor seasons brought cries of global warming definitely hitting, but early signs this year are good for snow goers. Personally, I don't get along to the snow fields. I have enjoyed my times there, but the expense of skiing cannot be overlooked. Of course early snow does not mean the globe isn't warming, but a good snow season is good for those who rely on the season for their income and it is good for the snowy hyrdo scheme as well.


It is of course good for tourists as well. One cannot assume a good early fall will translate into a great season, but it has provided optimism for those with a vested interest. We shall wait and see how it proceeds.
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Long live the Orange-bellied parrots

August 29th 2006 11:55
Those wind farms are killers. Don't be roped in by those environmentalits who think coal is the slow killer. Surely a slow death is better than a quick one by a windmill! Of course it is not humans that face death by the old wind farm, but rather the Orange Bellied Parrot.

Gippland, the beautiful area in Victoria, was due to get a windfarm, an alternative energy source that uses renewable resources. Only thing is, locals don't really dig the old windfarm as the I suppose it doesn't suit their view of the landscape and the humming affects their property prices. So the Government jumped in and said, "hang on, the endangered little Orange Bellied Parrot lives around there and they love to fly right into wind mill blades - like a mouse to cheese.

So not only is the windmill not going ahead, but the Government are putting 3.2 million bucks towards preserving this species, more money than they have for any other species of fauna.

So get along to Gippsland or down to Tassie where they fly to breed to see a rather beautiful bird, safe from the dangers of attacking windmills.
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Phillip Island

July 27th 2006 09:48
fairy penguins
Phillip Island is an Island south of Melbourne, Victoria and is a hugely popular destination for tourists. There is a bridge to the island, making it easy for those seeking the wildlife and motor racing the island offers.

The biggest wildlife drawcard are the fairy penguins. Phillip Island is big penguin territory. The Penguin Parade is a well viewed experience, where penguins at sunset return on mass from a day of fishing in the ocean. It is so popular there is a tour, a viewing platform, tiered seating and viewing tower. See penguins in style.

[ Click here to read more ]
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Mt Hotham

July 24th 2006 10:03
mt hotham
I am not really a skier. I have been to the slopes twice and they were both NSW resorts – Thredbo and Perisher. Though I have enjoyed it I have just never been back for whatever reason. I know many follow the snow falls religiously and perhaps they are aware of the number of resorts in Australia, which I wasn’t.

I was familiar with Mt Buller in Victoria, but less so with Mt Hotham. Mt Hotham is about 4.5 hours drive north east of Melbourne. Conveniently, there is an airport located there, which is the easiest way of getting there though I wonder how regularly bad winter hinters getting there? Perhaps someone else knows.

[ Click here to read more ]
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Casterton Kelpie Muster

July 17th 2006 09:36
Kelpie
I love how country and regional towns in Australia have something unique about them for whatever reason then run with it and make it what they are widely known for. In the case of Casterton, Victoria it is Kelpies. Yes the Australian working dog is the town’s focus, the Australian home of the Kelpie where each year they host a muster based on the dog.

Held recently in June and held every year, the festival saw 4000 people visit the town over a weekend – tourists and kelpie enthusiasts alike.

[ Click here to read more ]
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Torquay - Surf in Australia

June 21st 2006 10:32
torquay
Torquay Victoria
Torquay in Victoria is Australia’s unofficial surfing capital. It has a rich surfing history, but also remains a significant town in Australia current surfing culture. It is at one end of the fantastic Great Ocean Road and is 21 kms south of Geelong or short of 100 kms south west from Melbourne.

Close to Torquay is Australia’s most famous surfing beach, Bells Beach, which once a year plays host tot Australia’s most famous surfing contest, The Ripcurl Pro. This is an important point because it suggests why many of the big surfing companies call Torquay home. In fact Rip Curl (among other I suppose) started in the area.

[ Click here to read more ]
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Mildura

May 11th 2006 10:48
Mildura in Victoria North West is on the banks of the sensational Murray/Darling River. You can get there by plane, train or automobile. My suggestion, if you have the time, would be to travel along the river stopping at some of the great towns along the Murray.

Mildura has become quite the place to visit of late due to the exposure TV chef from A Gondola on the River, Stefano de Pieri has given the town. The man owns arguably the best restaurant in the town, Stefano’s and some would say the best restaurant further a field. People flock to it and rightly so if the critics are to be believed. You could believe Stefano owns half the town as he also runs/is involved with a café, a produce store, a brewery and a gallery in the town too.

[ Click here to read more ]
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Mt Buller

May 2nd 2006 08:03
As the weather gets colder, it’s time to start planning your skiing and snowboarding trips. For NSW residents you’re likely to head to Thredbo or Perisher, but Mt Buller is an excellent option for everyone as a way of escaping the norm or to return year after year.

Mt Buller
Mt Buller is 250 km north east of Melbourne in Victoria, making it a relatively short journey (in Australian terms) from Melbourne or even Sydney. The mountain has 25 lifts with a range of runs for skiers and snowboarders at the beginner level through to the advanced. Lift tickets are $169 for an adult for two days or $88 for a child for two days. This seems to be quite typical of lift ticket prices at ski resorts in Australia. You can also hire all the necessary gear such as skis, snowboards and clothing at the resort.

[ Click here to read more ]
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