On Sunday, July 11, a total eclipse of the Sun will be visible from within a narrow corridor that traverses Earth's Southern Hemisphere. The path of the Moon's umbral shadow crosses the South Pacific Ocean where it makes no landfall except for Mangaia (Cook Islands) and Easter Island (Isla de Pascua). The Moon's penumbral shadow produces a partial eclipse visible from a much larger region covering the South Pacific and southern South America.

New Zealand's Tongariro National Park is the star of a 14-page feature in the July 2009 issue of National Geographic. The article "Between Fire & Ice" describes the Maori significance of the volcanic landscapes and the Lord of the Rings connection. Tongariro holds the distinction of having twice been named a World Heritage site, both for its' physical features and its' cultural importance.

Contact Travel Downunder for more information on these opportunities

Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) is Australia’s leading not-for-profit and non-government conservation organization offering a range of experiential, eco-certified and award winning conservation holidays. Founded in 1982, each year CVA completes in excess of 2,500 essential conservation projects with active volunteer participation. Joining a volunteer holiday supports critical wildlife conservation across Australia.

These ecotours combine visits to pristine areas and conservation activities. Participants enjoy the opportunity to visit unique destinations, get close to nature and explore the great outdoors, while contributing to the conservation of the environment. Vacation destinations are chosen for their significant natural and cultural features. Each program provides an intimate experience with nature, a range of accommodation options and personalised services with no more than 10 people on a program. The time spent undertaking conservation activities typically make up 30 - 40 percent of the trip with the other time spent touring such as bush walks, island tours, wildlife viewing and visiting national parks.

Primarily project activities involve research, monitoring and easy 'hands on' projects. No experience is required to participate in a program, though you should be reasonably fit and active and declare any pre-existing medical conditions at the time of booking. Program prices include accommodation, meals, program leader, transfers from the designated pick up point, park or reserve entry fees and scheduled activities. All programs are led by an experienced guide.

Day with the Devils

Go Wild @ Bonorong and take an exclusive behind the scenes look at this important Conservation Centre. Bonorong Wildlife Conservation Centre specializes in wildlife conservation, education, and native animal care and is committed to the conservation of Tasmania's threatened species. Enjoy close encounters with the Tasmanian devil and other wildlife. Join our expert wildlife keeper to learn about the recovery program helping to save this iconic threatened species from a fatal facial tumor disease. Visit Mt Field National Park, one of the prime habitats of the Tasmanian devil, where you'll walk through beautiful forests and experience striking waterfalls. Share an unforgettable connection with Tasmania's wildlife and play a part in their protection.

Two-Day Wildlife Encounter

Tasmania boasts many unique species of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. This two-day program combines active participation in wildlife conservation with opportunities to experience Tasmania's magnificent natural beauty. You'll enjoy friendly hospitality, wildlife, accommodation and meals featuring the best of Tasmania's world-renowned natural produce. Visit Bonorong, a Wildlife Conservation Centre committed to the conservation of Tasmania's threatened species, and learn about endangered wildlife while participating in behind-the-scenes activities. Enjoy encounters with the Tasmanian devil, now listed as endangered this iconic species faces extinction in the wild. Travel to Bruny Island and experience wild coastlines, stunning natural cliff formations, lighthouses, rich heritage and local wildlife. Join a major conservation initiative to recover the habitat of two endangered Tasmanian birds, the magnificent swift parrot and the jewel-like 40-spotted pardalote.

Walk along stretches of white sandy beaches and observe little penguins as they make their regular evening journey ashore. You will also have an opportunity to assist local national parks and wildlife rangers with ongoing penguin rookery restoration and learn about the conservation measures designed to ensure their continued survival. This meaningful program provides critical support for Tasmania's threatened wildlife species.

Six-Day Tasmanian Experience

Experience the natural wonders of Tasmania. Explore the World Heritage-listed and breathtaking Cradle Mountain National Park, stroll along pristine white beaches of Freycinet National Park, and visit cascading waterfalls and experience close encounters with wildlife. Along the way help make a difference to Liffey Reserve an area of high conservation value protecting threatened species in the World Heritage Area wilderness, and on the east coast assist our conservation expert with little penguin surveys. The Tasmania Experience is a remarkable journey featuring iconic landscapes and exclusive areas seen by few.

Eight-Day Wildlife and Wilderness

Travel in four-star accommodated comfort as you experience the wilderness and wildlife of Tasmania's west and east coasts. Visit the Freycinet Peninsula and Freycinet National Park, one of the state's most scenic coastal areas. The imposing granite peaks of the Hazards, crystal blue waters and white sandy beaches are among some of the park highlights. During the evening join our experienced conservation guide to undertake penguin surveys and enjoy observing these hardy little seabirds as they make their regular evening journey ashore. Wander through historic townships, enjoy fresh Tasmanian produce and take a leisurely walk around the magnificent Cataract Gorge, a reserve for native wildlife on the doorstep of Launceston. Visit Liffey River Reserve, a beautiful temperate rainforest located on the edge of the Tasmanian Central Plateau World Heritage Area and spend a few hours helping to restore native habitat for wildlife. Cruise the narrow passage of Hells Gate near Strahan for spectacular views of the World Heritage Area. Be mesmerized by Cradle Mountain National Park; this wild and spectacular landscape provides a diversity of walks and landscapes. Meet the Tasmanian devil at a facility committed to the long-term conservation of this now endangered species and enjoy local wildlife. Be inspired as you experience and help protect the natural wonders and unique wildlife of Tasmania.

Wildlife Warriors

Wildlife Warriors Worldwide Ltd was established in 2002, initially by Steve and Terri Irwin, as a way to include and involve other caring people to support the protection of injured, threatened or endangered wildlife - from the individual animal to an entire species. We are happy to advise that Wildlife Warriors has recently adopted the conservation of the Tasmanian devil as a global cause.

The National Geographic Society has signed an agreement with the Rarotonga government to promote the Cook Islands as a "geotourism" destination.

The Cook Islands is the first destination in the Pacific to sign the National Geographic's Geotourism Charter and only the fourth destination in the world.

"Geotourism focuses on those attributes that make a place worth visiting. It's about what makes one place different from the next," according to Jonathan Tourtellot, director of National Geographic's Center for Sustainable Destinations.

Outback Cattle Drive set for next August

The South Australia Tourism Commission will offer its popular Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive again in August 2010, allowing riders to re-enact an historic cattle drive across South Australia's Outback.

The drive starts at Anna Creek Station (a "station" is Aussie for a "ranch"), where visitors bunk at a well-furnished campground.

Rider and horse match up the first afternoon, with horses picked to fit the skill and experience of the rider. Over the next three days visitors help the local drovers (Aussie for cowboys) move a herd of cattle, at a pace of about 14km per day. The route, crossing the historical Oodnadatta Track, follows the remains of the original Ghan railway and what's left of the Overland Telegraph line - critical in the early settling of Australia's interior.

Visitors and drovers spend each night back in base camp, and share stories around the campfire about early settlers and historical accounts by local Aboriginals.

Anna Creek Station may be the world's largest cattle station. About the size of Belgium, it covers some 26,000 square kilometres (5.5 million acres).

The station has been continuously occupied since it was located in 1872, resisting the effects of drought, flood, and bad economic times.

Visitors also have a chance to stop by the outpost at William Creek. With a population of less than 10, it may be Australia's smallest town. It certainly hosts one of the most isolated pubs.

The cattle drive is offered in six 5-day tours, each one lasting 4 nights, between Friday 30 July and Sunday 29 August 2010. All follow a similar itinerary. One includes an optional night in Coober Pedy.

Visitors can herd (or drove) cattle as much or as little as they like in their four days in the Outback. Those prone to saddle sores can take optional bus tours, or relax in camp. Hot showers are available every evening. Your horse, all meals, and gear are provided, plus the cattle.

The last cattle drive, offered in 2007, sold out with 302 riders. Fifteen percent of them came from overseas, the rest were Australians. Obviously, the cattle drive is popular with the locals.

The number of airlines flying nonstop between the US mainland and Australia has doubled, sparking new competition and unprecedented low fares.

For years, United and Qantas enjoyed a quiet duopoly on the route. Thanks to a new Open Skies agreement that allows more carriers, V Australia (the long-haul arm of Australia's Virgin Blue) and Delta Airlines have now started US-Australia nonstops.

The result has been a fare war between all four nonstop airlines, with Air New Zealand dropping fares as well on its one-stop service to stay in the race. The lowest fares are less than half what they were a year ago, but the cheapest seats are often limited and sell out quickly.

Analysts estimate that the number of seats now on the route is up by 30% and and fares will stay low until supply and demand stabilize.

So far, none of the four airlines is blinking. Qantas is adding another jumbo Airbus A380 on LA-Sydney in September, but is pulling Boeing 747s off so that its net seat count will stay about the same. By year's end Qantas will fly 50% of the seats on nonstop US-Australia flights, United and V Australia each will fly 21%, and Delta will offer 8%.

Delta and V Australia have decided to join forces against incumbents Qantas and United. The two new entrants have agreed to codeshare on each other's domestic flights and honor each other's frequent flyer programs. This means that a member of Delta's frequent flyer plan can earn miles by flying V Australia and Virgin Blue and redeem Delta miles on V Australia and Virgin Blue flights. The same is true in reverse for members of Virgin's frequent flyer plan.

Qantas has similar deals with American and Alaska Airlines, as does United with other Star alliance members.

Some observers question whether the US-Australia market is big enough for four airlines. After a shakedown period, we expect the airlines will gradually bring capacity in line with demand, but for now travellers are the real winners in this new competition.

The Southern Spirit is not for everyone. It's for those who expect more. Those who view travel as they view life, not as a destination, but a journey to be savoured.

The Southern Spirit experience is something new and quite unique in Australia. Epic transcontinental rail cruising in Platinum or Gold Service style, combined with a suite of deluxe excursions and once in a lifetime events at ports along the way.

On board you'll enjoy unparalleled luxury and unmatched personal attention with 24-hour cabin service. Whereas trips “ashore” offer you the chance to indulge yourself at exclusive five-star hotels or take off on excursions as adventurous and exciting as you choose to make them.

No, Southern Spirit is not for everyone. It's for the lucky few who get on board.

Please contact Travel Downunder for the individual itinerary details.

Vegetarian and special dietary requirements are also available on request at time of booking.

Starting at $1099 for economy class, the AirPass includes both International flights to Australia AND three domestic flights within Australia leaving you with over 17 destinations and beyond to explore. 2008 travel dates are now also available.

Let Qantas take you on a different kind of vacation with the Qantas AirPass. The Airpass includes both International flights to Australia AND three domestic Australia flights all over Australia. With the Qantas AirPass, you have the freedom to explore Australia’s many popular destinations at your own pace - experience the wildlife of Kangaroo Island, modern and vibrant Sydney, or historical Melbourne. Whatever you decide to do, it promises to be a memorable adventure at an unbeatable price.

How the AirPass works!

It’s simple – each zone pricing includes international sectors from Los Angeles or Honolulu, plus up to 3 Australian domestic flights.