Just one year on from launch, world-first cultural tourism collective Cultural Attractions of Australia (CAOA) has raised the bar even further. The second annual Cultural Attractions of Australia Experiences Handbook has just been released.
Now with 29 premium experiences, developed specifically with CAOA in mind (of which seven are brand new) and a total of 60 experiences to choose from, there has never been a better time to see some of Australia’s most iconic cultural institutions and collections in a whole new light.
Globally remarkable, these attractions are keepers of unique collections and custodians of World Heritage-listed sites. Their experiences give guests an insider’s perspective and provide unprecedented access. Want to propose on stage during an Opera Australia performance? You can, seriously. Want to go behind the scenes and see Museum conservators at work at the National Museum of Australia or the Australian National Maritime Museum? Want to see Canberra from a privately flown hot air balloon, accompanied by a Museum expert to tell hidden stories of Canberra design and architecture? Take a private cruise on Sydney Harbour aboard an Edwardian Steam Yacht or vintage pearling lugger? These new experiences are now available, ready to book, ready to cross off the bucket list you may not know you had.
CAOA’s existing experiences are just as engrossing, unforgettable and astonishing for the people and places they open the door to. Treat yourself to your own private opera recital in the iconic Sydney Opera House. Meet respected curators who bring a lifetime of knowledge and scholarship to the premium experiences on offer at the Australian War Memorial and Port Arthur Historic Site. While personal guides bring their passion, in-depth knowledge and often lived experience, to their exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours at Australian Parliament House, National Anzac Centre, WA Maritime Museum, Fremantle Prison and Qantas Founders Museum.
Visitors might like to dine with a living legend at Mona, in costume with characters from the gold rush at Sovereign Hill, in the presence of internationally renowned masterpieces at National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), or savour a degustation inspired by them at the National Gallery of Australia. Whether walking in the footsteps of some of living memory’s greatest sporting heroes at Adelaide Oval, out onto the hallowed turf of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, or sighting another Australian legend’s gold hot pants (part of the Australian Performing Arts Collection, at Arts Centre Melbourne) – all of CAOA’s offerings invite visitors to expect the unexpected.
CAOA Chair, Jennifer Ganske points out that the new edition of the Cultural Attractions of Australia Experiences Handbook 2020-21 gives travel trade access to member attraction’s full range of commissionable experiences, while consumers can access the experiences via the CAOA website. She added “I am just delighted to be able to offer this most comprehensive selection of experiences, a treasure trove of cultural wonder and excitement”.
For travel trade wishing to download a copy of the Cultural Attractions of Australia Experiences Handbook 2020-21 please go to the Travel Trade section of the CAOA website and follow the instructions or email jross@culturalattractionsofaustralia.com directly.
