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Sombre Aussie site tops global list of most unusual abandoned places

Each year, thousands of people travel to famous abandoned buildings and hotspots to explore what were once important landmarks. Some deserted sites are more popular than others, as these ten sites received tens of thousands of visitors each year. Buzludzha, Bulgaria The Buzludzha Monument in central Bulgaria has been dubbed the tenth most famous abandoned place in the world, each year welcoming over 18,000 people. The site was constructed in 1981 and used by the Bulgarian communist government, and was in use until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989. Ohio State Reformatory, USA After first opening in 1898, the goal of the Ohio State Reformatory was to truly "reform" and rehabilitate its inmates. The facility was closed in 1990, and each year attracts more than 21,000 visitors. Gereja Ayam, Indonesia The uniquely shaped house of prayer in Central Java continues to be a popular tourist attraction in Indonesia, welcoming more than 50,000 travellers each year. Construction on the church was never completed after work was halted in 2000. Lago di Resia Bell Tower, Italy The 14-century sunken bell tower can be found near the border of Switzerland, emerging from the water from a sunken village where travellers claim they can hear bells tolling, even though there are no bells in the tower. The lonely (and probably haunted) tower receives more than 54,000 tourists each year. Canfranc, Spain The abandoned railway station is located in the Spanish municipality of Canfranc, close to the French border and once was a major hub for cross-border railway traffic. It first opened in 1928, but closed its doors by 1970 before it was reimagined as a hotel. Beelitz Military Hospital, Germany The large hospital complex was first built in 1898 as a sanatorium, but was transformed into a hospital at the beginning of WWI and has been abandoned since 1990. It's understood Hitler was treated here after being wounded in the Battle of Somme, which could be the reason more than 64,000 travellers flock there each year. Eastern State Penitentiary, USA The prison in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is described as one of the country's most historic prisons and has housed some famous prisoners such as Al Capone. The prison was closed in 1971 and is tagged on social media by more than 79,000 every year. Croix-Rouge, Paris Also known as the Red Cross, this Paris train station has been abandoned since 1939 after France entered WWII. The station was only functional for 16 years, and welcomes more than 95,000 curious travellers each year. Teufelsberg, Germany Teufelsberg was one of the largest listening towers in the world during the Cold war. The site was closed in 1972, but still receives around 128,000 every year. Port Arthur, Australia More than a quarter of a million visitors travel to Port Arthur in Tasmania each year. The site itself was first opened as a timber station in 1830 and is known as a symbol of the country's convict past. Image credits: Shutterstock

International Travel

Peter Dutton defends comparing pro-Palestine rally to Port Arthur massacre

Peter Dutton has doubled down on controversial comments he made comparing a pro-Palestine rally to the Port Arthur massacre in 1996. The leader of the opposition sparked fierce criticism fort he remarks he made when discussing the rise of anti-Semitism in Australia as the Israel-Palestine war rages on. He compared a pro-Palestine protest that took place outside Sydney Opera House on October 9th, just days after the first attacks by Hamas, to the deadly massacre in Tasmania in which 35 people were killed which prompted major gun reforms in Australia under the Howard government. Dutton later repeated the comments, insisting Mr Howard’s response had been “strong” and claimed Mr Albanese has not done enough to stem the rise in anti-Semitism. The Opposition Leader appeared on Today on Friday morning where he again defended his comments when asked if he had gone too far with the comparison. “The point I was making, which is absolutely a legitimate one, is that I thought this was a time for the Prime Minister (Anthony Albanese) to show leadership and to step up,” Mr Dutton said. “I think, with John Howard, who stood up at a point of national importance for our country, demonstrated leadership and changed the course of history for the better. The Prime Minister has allowed this rise of anti-Semitism in our country.” “I don’t resile from that at all.” Mr Dutton’s fury was sparked by comments made by the Foreign Minister Penny Wong in her own speech earlier this week, which left the door open for Australia to back Palestinian statehood in the UN. “Penny Wong never went to cabinet with this proposal. It’s not agreed to by the Palestinian leaders here in Australia,” he said. Government Services Minister Bill Shorten then chimed in on the debate, arguing there was nothing new in Senator Wong’s comments as the war in Palestine continued to claim thousands of innocent lives. “Labor has had as its policy for a very long time, the whole time I’ve been a member of the Labor Party, support for a two state solution,” he told Nine. But he said it was a grave mistake to conflate Port Arthur with the “unacceptable” rise in anti-Semitism. “I think probably if he had his time again in the privacy of his own head, he would probably not do (that),” Mr Shorten said. “They’re two separate issues. Port Arthur was a shocking, murderous, evil act in Australia. And John Howard certainly spoke up about it." “I think Peter, you know, has got to make his point. That’s his job. But I think he should work with the Prime Minister to call out inflammatory language here.” Mr Dutton went on to clarify he was just trying to make a parallel between the two leaders’ responses. “John Howard stood up for our country at a time when he needed moral clarity. He did that he changed the course of history with gun laws,” he said. “That’s the parallel that I’m making to the absolute absence of leadership from the Prime Minister at the moment, which has given rise to those in the Jewish community talking about feeling unsafe in our country.” Image credits: Getty Images <div class="media image" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 24px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; width: 705.202209px; max-width: 100%;"> </div>

Legal

5 of the best things to do in Port Stephens

From magnificent coastline to whale watching and sunsets that will take your breath away, these are five of the best things to do in Port Stephens. Be warned: After reading this you’ll want to hop in the car immediately. 1. Camp in luxury safari tent (pictured above) If you’re looking for that up-close-and-personal-with-nature feel that goes hand in hand with camping, but don’t want to go with out the luxuries of a resort, the safari tents at <a href="http://www.twsr.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Thou Walla Sunset Retreat</a> are for you. Labelled as “Glamping Safari Tents,” the experience is just that – camping with all of the glamourous trimmings. From the king-size bed to the large flat-screen TV, you can expect all the features that you get from a luxury hotel room, including an electric fireplace, fridge and a big bathroom with a shower and toilet – they are, however, eco friendly with a few different bells and whistles. The tents themselves are located a stone’s throw from the marina and the calm waters of Soliders Point, which runs alongside one length of the site. Located around 15 minutes from Nelson Bay, the award-winning retreat is home to villas as well as the safari tents. If you are adverse to noises in the night, you may want to pack you earplugs to drown out the noisy birds – but apparently they don’t make a ruckus all year round and in any case, the piece des resistance that is the amazing sunset, enjoyed from your tent’s deck with a tipple in hand, by far makes up for the noise. It is absolute bliss. 2. Hike up to Tomaree Head Tomaree Head sits 161 metres above Port Stephens and offers the most incredible views of the region. The track to the summit is just over two kilometres and will take around an hour, but you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over Zenith, Wreck and Box beaches, the lighthouse and WWII gun placements, Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands, and potentially even whales or dolphins. There’s a picnic table at the top, so bring your lunch for a meal with a view. 3. Go whale watching Every year, thousands of humpback and southern right whales make their way past Port Stephens during their annual migration. At this time of year, the southern migration has begun and you’ll see many mothers with newborn calves returning from the breeding grounds. There are plenty of spots to watch the whales from shore, but for the real experience you need to be out on the water. <a href="http://www.imaginecruises.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Imagine Cruises</a> runs whale-watching tours every day from May to November. You’ll be sailing on a 16-metre catamaran as the whales swim right alongside or breach from the water in a stunning display of aquatic acrobatics. 4. Spend the day at the beach Port Stephens is surrounded by more than 20 golden sandy beaches so enjoy a classic stop on the shore. There’s a beach for just about every kind of water activity you could ask for, from swimming and surfing to snorkelling, parasailing, fishing and jetskiing. Divers can explore the sea caves and shipwrecks of Fly Point Marine Park. Or you can just spread out your towel, pick up a good book and soak up some sun. 5. Have dinner by the water The Port Stephens region is famous for its food and wine, and one of the best spots to taste it is the <a href="http://littlebeachboathouse.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Beach Boathouse</a>. The restaurant sits right on the water at Nelson Bay – but set away from the main shops on the marina. Styled like a cool, breezy beach house, the menu features fresh local produce like rock oysters, fish and prawns, accompanied by wines from the nearby Hunter Valley and Murray Brewery Beers brewed in Port Stephens. Arrive early for dinner to watch the sunset with a glass of bubbles. Image credit: Shutterstock Related links <a href="../travel/international/2016/09/10-of-the-most-incredible-landmarks-in-australia/">10 of the most incredible landmarks in Australia</a> <a href="../travel/international/2016/08/10-images-showcase-the-beauty-of-tasmanian-wilderness/">10 images showcase the beauty of Tasmania’s wilderness</a> <a href="../travel/international/2016/08/12-aerial-photos-showcasing-south-australias-beauty/">12 aerial photos showcasing South Australia’s beauty</a>

Domestic Travel

Chris Hemsworth eyeing out Melbourne apartment development

Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth has been spotted checking out a potential Melbourne bolthole, where ex-Socceroo Harry Kewell could be his neighbour. According to The Herald Sun, the Hollywood great was seen eyeing out the construction site of the 103 Beach St, Port Melbourne, apartment development, set to be completed in September 2024. While he hasn’t purchased anything yet, it is understood that Hemsworth is working with a representative to inspect properties for his first Victorian base. The Marvel star is originally from Melbourne and spent his adolescence in Phillip Island but has no known property assets in the state. He and his wife Elsa Pataky currently own an incredible $30 million mansion in Byron Bay, boasting a gym, steam room, media room, games room and 50m rooftop infinity pool with ocean views. Hemsworth is also an avid Bulldogs supporter and has been seen in the past watching his AFL team play at Marvel Stadium. It comes after about a third of the luxury Beach St apartments were swiftly taken from the plan, with those remaining available ranging from $2.7 million up to $18.5m for the penthouse suites. Industry sources claim former Socceroo and Liverpool player Kewell has also engaged a buyer’s agent from Sydney to inquire about the project. Marshall White Projects director Leonard Teplin declined to comment on the identities of prospective buyers but revealed the complex had attracted interest from “some pretty high-profile people” across Australia, including some well-known business personalities who have already purchased. “It’s one of the more popular apartment projects we’ve had,” he said. “The day we went live there were over 400 registrations of interest … and in the first 72 hours it had 83,000 (website) impressions, which is massive.” Image credit: Getty / Realestate.com.au

Real Estate

Three Aussie regions set to be unliveable

Three major economic centres are set to become uninhabitable by the end of the century as global temperatures are on track to warm by 2.7C. It is predicted that Broome, Darwin and Port Hedland in WA are to be pushed outside the “human climate niche”, referring to the temperature and humidity conditions in which humans can survive. The destinations are just three of the many northwestern sections of Australia facing “niche displacement” in the next 70 years. New research by The University of Exeter, published in the science journal Nature Sustainability in May 2023, calculates the human cost of climate inaction based on current insufficient policies and government inaction. According to the report, two million people will be living with unprecedented mean average temperatures (MAT) above 29C. MAT >29C is the point at which wellbeing scientifically declines, labour productivity and cognitive ability shrinks, negative pregnancy outcomes are emancipated and mortality rates soar. The report calculates that twenty per cent of Australia, around 374,977 Aussies, will be negatively impacted by the 2.7C temperature increase. Those Australians would join a third of the world’s population, including Africa, South America, and South-East Asia. A 3C warmer temperature in Darwin would mean that for 265 days of the year, temperatures would reach above 35C. At 40C, humidity soars and temperatures become lethal, the Australian Academy of Science reports. The University of Exeter report also explained the effects of a “wet-bulb temperature” where temperature and humidity are combined. In temperatures above 28C (WBT) body struggles to cool itself by sweating, and fails to do so in temperatures above 35C (WBT), which can be fatal. By limiting global warming to 1.5C, which is the goal of the Paris Agreement, 80 per cent of those at risk of rising temperatures would remain in their climate niche. However, scientists warn that a 1.5C will still cause severe and irreversible effects on people, wildlife and ecosystems. Global warming currently sits at 1.2C, but new research from The World Meteorological Organisation suggests there is a 66 per cent chance at least one year in the next five will breach the 1.5C threshold. “Despite increased pledges and targets to tackle climate change, current policies still leave the world on course for about 2.7C end-of-century global warming,” The University of Exeter report said. “These results highlight the need for more decisive policy action to limit the human costs and inequities of climate change.” The report also found the impacts of rising temperatures will not be felt equally, as estimates of the human cost of climate change “tend to be expressed in monetary terms”. “(Estimates) tends to recognise impacts on the rich more than those on the poor (because the rich have more money to lose) and tend to value those living now over those living in the future (because future damages are subject to economic discounting),” the report said. “From an equity standpoint, this is unethical — when life or health are at stake, all people should be considered equal, whether rich or poor, alive or yet to be born.” Image credit: Shutterstock

Domestic Travel

Small town's Christmas display dubbed the "worst in history"

The Port Macquarie Council have been widely roasted online after the unveiling of their Christmas tree display, which has been dubbed the "worst in history". Families and community members turned out by the hundreds to see NSW Central Coast town light up its Christmas tree last week, which was met with a very mixed reaction. The long-anticipated reveal, which forced onlookers to wait until midnight for the lights to be turned on, was met with a chorus of disappointed sighs as the underwhelming tree was finally illuminated. Families expecting a glowing symbol of Christmas cheer were instead treated to a sight of Christmas gloom with sad looking fairy light strings barely clinging onto the huge pine tree's branches. Port Macquarie Hastings Council took the disappointment in its stride, mocking its own tree with an 'Instagram vs Reality' meme on Facebook. <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpmhcouncil%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02tkGEispQKQLt4tsc5X3VP8iUQTyp2AFyMqLc1sQKw2CKZdGxsNHJKfSfCXVywhPVl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="677" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> "What can we say except ... you're welcome," the council wrote on Friday, alongside a smirk face emoji. "With everything our community has been through recently, we know everyone appreciates a good laugh!" "We are glad our very sad Christmas tree could provide that for everyone." "So let's be real. Our poor tree does look like it was decorated by Santa after he's whizzed around the world and had too many eggnogs." The council said its tree decoration was done with "the best of intentions" however "extraordinary winds and rain" had destroyed the lights. "Just like the rest of us - she's battered and bruised, but she's still standing," they said. Just days after the tree lights were turned on, the council confirmed it needed to strip the sad looking tree because it had become a "safety risk" to locals. "We have enjoyed your good humour and appreciation of our abstract piece of art," the council joked. "Unfortunately, the infamous lights will be removed, as they are slipping further down the tree and pose a safety risk and we are concerned if we leave the inflatable baubles up, we may not have any left by Christmas." Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Peta Pinson later said the council was working hard to install their "original outdoor tree will be installed and working for everyone's enjoyment well before Christmas". "Again, I am so thankful to the community for coming and celebrating. Merry Christmas to our wonderful, witty and resilient community," she said. Image credits: Facebook

Travel Trouble

Two years on since the Beirut port explosion

It’s been two years since the devastating port explosion that rocked Lebanon and saw the country slowly become even more poor. The terrifying explosion killed 218 people, wounded 7,000 and damaged 77,000 apartments, displacing more than 300,000 people in the already struggling country. Covid was well underway with hospitals already under pressure, but the explosion saw them suddenly overflowing with injured citizens desperate for help. People are saying that the country’s stay-at-home orders saved lives which would have otherwise seen hundreds of thousands on the roads, at work and at the beach near the exploded port. But two years on and the residents are still struggling through the worst economic crisis in 30 years. Electricity runs for an hour a day unless you have a deal with electricity companies, there is also no running water, no bread, no gas, and much more. And it’s only expected to get worse in winter when temperatures plummet and families struggle to keep their loved ones, particularly the elderly, warm. Even putting food on the table has become more difficult with grocery prices soaring exponentially – almost 10 times what they were back in 2019. Families are being forced to ration and even resort to basics. There have been several protests calling for an end to the widespread corruption and tax increases. Will the politicians listen? Probably not, as this has been a long-running issue for Lebanon. Despite all this heartache, Lebanon remains the Paris of the Middle East and is likened to a phoenix, a mythical bird that is born again from the ashes of its predecessor. But what can we do to help Lebanon? Go and visit. Lebanon’s economy continues to rely on tourism and is a stunning summer/spring destination. Travellers will be in awe at the beauty of the Middle Eastern country which is constantly bringing Aussie tourists in. From its capital city Beirut, to Byblos in the seaside of the north of the country, Tyre, also known as Sour (pronounced soor), Harissa and many more it is certainly the place to be. It comes as the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism launched a tourism campaign to bring in Lebanese expats to come to the country during the 2022 summer season. The campaign was dubbed “Ahla Bha Talle,” in reference to a song by late and prominent Lebanese singer Sabah. So in reference to that TikTok video “Yallah come to Lebanon habibi” (Come to Lebanon my love). Images: Twitter

Travel Trouble

7 free activities to do at a port stop

Having a fun during your port stop doesn’t mean you have to spend lots of money. Depending on where you have stopped, there are various activities that you can spend your time doing that will still allow you to soak up the country that you are in. 1. Beach Beaches not only provide some of the most beautiful views on earth but they are an enjoyable activity that requires no money. You can spend your time taking in some Vitamin D, reading a book, searching for seashells or cooling off in the crystal waters. 2. Explore Depending on where you are, you can choose to go on a nice walk to take in the outdoor views or explore the streets and local life. You will be able to stretch your legs, take in the views and you will also be bound to meet some friendly faces that might be willing to give you some insider tips to where to go next. If you prefer not to walk too much when you explore, research prior to your trip to see if there are any free bus rides where you are stopping. 3. Tour the city If you have great navigation skills, don’t bother paying for a tour but visit the most prominent sites by yourself. From churches, to statutes and museums, you can explore the history of the location on your own terms. This will allow you to spend more time on the places you don’t want to rush or skip the attractions that don’t interest you at all. 4. Browse markets Markets are often free and will definitely entertain you as you browse through the local handmade goods and food. If you find some cheap items you can also purchase them as souvenirs and save yourself from spending lots of money at the tourist trap shops. You will also be supporting locals who may need the money. The markets will also provide a lot of options to meet different people. Be sure to know the conversion rate before you go to the markets so you don’t get ripped off. 5. See live music Live music is delightful to watch in another country and is a great way to see how the country’s culture and history has influenced the music. Live music can be found anywhere whether it be in front of prominent attractions, street corners or in bars. If you stumble upon an act that you enjoy, feel free to dance along or start clapping. Be aware of pickpocket thieves when you listen to live music as they love crowds. 6. People-watch People-watching is a great way to learn about the culture of a country. If you feel like relaxing in a park or at a café, be sure to pick a spot that gives you a great view of the crowds. You will be easily entertained watching people going about their lives oblivious of your gaze. 7. Attend local events There are so many local events on in all countries around the world, it is just a matter of being aware of where they are and what time they are occurring. Check out the events calendars for your cruise ports to see which events take your fancy. What free activities are your favourite in cruise ports? Let us know in the comments below.

Cruising

Kyle Sandilands engaged while holidaying in Port Douglas

Image: Instagram / Twitter Kyle Sandilands is engaged to his girlfriend, Tegan Kynaston, proposing after two years together. The radio presenter, 50, got down on one knee while the couple were holidaying in Port Douglas. "She said YES!!!! Congratulations to the future Mr & Mrs Kyle Sandilands!!! #KJShow," Kyle and Jackie O's Twitter caption read. Tegan, aged 35, sparked engagement rumours after she was spotted wearing a large diamond ring on Saturday after arriving in Sydney from the holiday. She is director of communications for her now-fiancé's company King Kyle Private Limited. The duo went public with their romance on New Year's Eve in 2019 when Kynaston shared a photo of herself kissing Sandilands in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. She had previously been Sandilands' personal assistant before they began dating. Prior to their romance, Sandilands had been linked to model Imogen Anthony, calling off their relationship after eight years together.

Relationships

Beloved General Hospital actor dies "sitting on a horse" while filming

Veteran soap opera actor Jay Pickett, has died at age 60. His wife, Elena Pickett, was the one to confirm his death. Best known for his roles in General Hospital, Days of Our Lives and Port Charles, Pickett passed away while away from his family in Idaho. News broke of the actor’s death on Friday when actor and film producer Jim Heffel shared a touching note about their friendship on Facebook. “Yesterday I lost a good friend and the world lost a great person,” Heffel wrote. “Jay Pickett decided to ride off into the Heavens. Jay died sitting on a horse ready to rope a steer in the movie Treasure Valley in Idaho. The way of a true cowboy.” He went on to say: “Jay wrote the story and starred in it. He was also coproducer with myself and Vernon Walker. He will be truly missed. “Ride like the wind partner.” <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSDQdQrKsPT/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSDQdQrKsPT/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by ElizanTV YouTube Channel. (@elizantv)</a> </div> </blockquote> He was filming a scene for his upcoming movie Treasure Valley when he passed, his film's director, Travis Mills went on to say in a touching post. "Jay Pickett, our leading man, writer, producer, and creator of this movie passed away suddenly while we were on location preparing to film a scene," Mills posted on the film's official Facebook page. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSCUBWCH5I6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSCUBWCH5I6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by 12 Westerns in 12 Months (@12westerns)</a> </div> </blockquote> "Our hearts are broken, and we grieve for his family who are so devastated by this shocking tragedy." "He was doing what he loved: acting, riding horses, making movies. And he was magnificent," he continued. Mills said that while his death is not confirm, it seems he passed from “a heart attack.” Mills added that everyone who was there did their best "to keep him alive." He went on to describe Pickett as an “incredible man” who was “kind, sweet and generous.” “He was one of the best actors I ever worked with and it was an honor to collaborate with him,” he continued. “Everyone who met him, even for the briefest moment, could feel his warmth, his wonderful spirit. It is difficult to find the words right now to say more. His closest friends have said that he was very happy making Treasure Valley and my hope is that he truly was.” The director finished his devastating post with a touching note, writing, “He was doing what he loved: acting, riding horses, making movies. And he was magnificent.” Jay is survived by his wife Elena, and their three children, Maegan, Michaela and Tyler.

Caring

“Awful”: Steve Price slams upcoming Port Arthur movie

The film about the 1996 Port Arthur massacre has proven to be a massive controversy, with many saying it should not be made. On Wednesday night’s episode of The Project, Lisa Wilkinson asked Steve Price his opinion on the upcoming film. “A controversial new film about the 1996 Port Arthur massacre has been widely condemned. It is due for release next year. Survivors have branded it ‘tasteless and inappropriate,’” Lisa stated. “The film focuses on the gunman who killed 32 people and injured 23 others in what became one of Australia’s worst mass shootings.” “Steve Price was at the scene after that horrific event unfolded in 1996. “There are films made about 9/11, World War II and here in Australia about Snowtown. What is different about this one?” Lisa asks. “Well, Lisa, I think it is probably too soon and too close to home. I mean, the 35 people who were killed there, their relatives today I would think would be having flashbacks,” Price said. “The 21 people injured by that gunman would be feeling uncomfortable. I saw an interview back with Walter who did it from the ABC, where he was talking about how he lost his wife and his two children and he described how the gunman had left the cafe and was driving back down the road. He saw his wife. He jumped out of the car. He killed her. He then shot one of the daughters. The other was hiding behind a tree. He turned around the side of that tree and gunned her down as well. I stood in front of that tree the day after that happened and I can tell you, and I wasn’t there on the day but I was there the next day, it still haunts me. It was an awful feeling and awful place and it would be an awful movie.” “Is it fair to protest a film – we don’t know what is in the film. Is it fair to protest a film which has not been made yet?” asked co-host Joel Creasey. “We all know how it ends and the end is grim and awful. I don’t know what sort of job this filmmaker will make of this movie. I won’t see it. I am sure anyone there on the day will avoid it at all costs. I agree it should not be made,” he said. “I don’t see the point in making something which was an awful stain on our history.” Waleed Aly asked him whether the film could be seen as a crucial way to learn lessons from the tragedy, as there was no trial. “It sounds like an important story to tell. Isn’t this a way to do that?” Waleed asked. But Price didn’t think so. “The big lesson we learn is there’s no place in Australian homes for automatic and semiautomatic weapons. We learnt that John Howard took guns off people after that. A lot of people turned weapons in and we’ve not had as may a mass shooting as that ever since. That is the lesson we learnt. What did we learn about the gunman? What we have learnt today is we’re not using his name. That is a good lesson. I don’t though how a movie can be made without using the person it is about and saying their name.” The movie based around the events leading up to the horrible tragedy will make its cinematic debut in 2021.

Movies

Charging your phone using a public port is dangerous

Have you ever used a public charging station to charge your mobile phone when it runs out of battery? If so, watch out for “juice jacking”. Cybercriminals are on the prowl to infect your mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers and access your personal data, or install malware while you charge them. Specifically, <a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/2732198.2732205">juice jacking</a> is a cyber attack in which criminals <a href="https://securelist.com/wired-mobile-charging-is-it-safe/74804/">use publicly accessible USB charging ports or cables</a> to install malicious software on your mobile device and/or steal personal data from it. Even a <a href="https://media.blackhat.com/us-13/US-13-Lau-Mactans-Injecting-Malware-into-iOS-Devices-via-Malicious-Chargers-WP.pdf">60-second power-up</a> can be enough to compromise your phone’s data. This is because USB cables allow the transmission of both power and data streams simultaneously. Victims can be left vulnerable to identity theft, financial fraud, and significant stress. USB charging stations are a common sight in shopping centres, airports, hotels, fast-food restaurants, and even on public transport. While juice jacking is neither <a href="https://securelist.com/wi-fi-security-and-fake-acdc-charges-threaten-your-data-at-the-2014-world-cup/63759/">new</a> nor particularly widespread so far, it was recently highlighted by <a href="http://da.lacounty.gov/about/inside-LADA/juice-jacking-criminals-use-public-usb-chargers-steal-data-ff">Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office</a> as a significant threat, especially to travellers who can easily find themselves caught short and in need of a battery boost. How does it work? First, the attackers tamper with the charging stations or cables in public areas, and install malicious software on them. This software then infects the phones of unsuspecting users who subsequently plug into the tampered charger. The software can invade, damage or even disable your phone. It can also steal or delete data from your phone and possibly spy on your usage activity, to the extent of transmitting your personal information such as account numbers, usernames, passwords, photos, and emails to the perpetrator. How can I tell if I’ve been juice jacked? Hacked mobile devices will often go undetected. But there are a few telltale signs that your device may have been hacked. These include: <ul> <li> a sudden surge in battery consumption or rapid loss of charge, indicating a malicious app may be running in the background </li> <li> the device operating slower than usual, or restarting without notice </li> <li> apps taking a long time to load or frequently crashing </li> <li> excessive heating </li> <li> changes to device settings that you did not make </li> <li> increased or abnormal data usage. </li> </ul> How do I protect myself? The tampering of USB charging stations or USB cables is almost impossible to identify. But there are some simple ways to guard against juice jacking: <ul> <li> avoid USB power charging stations </li> <li> use AC power outlets rather than USB ports </li> <li> use a portable battery power bank (your own, not a borrowed one!) </li> <li> carry your own charging cable and adaptor </li> <li> use a data-blocker device such as <a href="http://syncstop.com/">SyncStop</a> or <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Juice-Jack-Defender-Security-purchased-employees/dp/B00XYTQ4Q8">Juice-Jack Defender</a>. These devices physically prevent data transfer and only allow power to go through while charging </li> <li> use power-only USB cables such as <a href="https://www.4cabling.com.au/portapow-fast-charge-micro-usb-cable-300cm.html">PortaPow</a>, which don’t pass any data. </li> </ul> And finally, if you must use a charging station, keep your phone locked while doing so. USB ports typically don’t sync data from a phone that is locked. Most mobile phones will ask your permission to give the USB port access to your phone’s data when you plug in. If you’re using an unknown or untrustworthy port, make sure you decline. I think I might have been juice jacked – what can I do? If you suspect you have fallen prey, there are several things you can do to protect your device’s integrity: <ul> <li> monitor your device for unusual activity </li> <li> delete suspicious apps you don’t recall installing </li> <li> restore your device to its factory settings </li> <li> install anti-virus software, such as <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&hl=en_AU">Avast Antivirus</a> or <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.antivirus&hl=en_AU%22">AVG AntiVirus</a> </li> <li> keep your mobile device’s system software up to date. Developers continually release patches against common types of malware. </li> </ul> A lot of data is stored on our mobile devices these days, and protecting our privacy is crucial. While juice jacking may not be a widespread threat, it is important to ensure the safety of our mobile devices. So, the next time you consider using a public USB charging station or cable, ask yourself if it is worth it, particularly as your personal information is at stake.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/130947/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ritesh-chugh-162770">Ritesh Chugh</a>, Senior Lecturer/Discipline Lead – Information Systems and Analysis, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a> This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/charging-your-phone-using-a-public-usb-port-beware-of-juice-jacking-130947">original article</a>.

Technology

Australia’s “sh*ttest town” accuses popular Facebook page of bullying

The hugely popular Facebook page known as “<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/shittownsofaustralia/" target="_blank">Sh** Towns of Australia</a>” has ruffled a few feathers with their latest judgement of saying that the industrial South Australian town of Port Pirie is the “sh****t town in Australia”. The owners of the page, Geoff Rissole and Rick Furphy, stand by their harsh judgement of the town. “I wouldn’t feel safe going back to Port Pirie,” Rissole told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/australias-shttest-town-port-pirie-in-sa-accuses-popular-facebook-page-of-bullying/news-story/e839dfbace8acd02ee685c7432805866" target="_blank">news.com.au</a>. “And that’s only partly because of the anger towards us.” The industrial town was reviewed by the page in the beginning and the town was not happy at all with the judgement. “They reacted quite badly,” Rissole said. “They were very, very angry. It was one of our early reviews and we thought it’d be funny to keep winding them up. It’s only gotten funnier. “They keep getting angry about it and so it’s become a self-fulfilling prophecy.” The Facebook page now has 165,000 followers who are eagerly awaiting to see if their town makes the list. Every week, a new “power ranking” is published of the 10 worst towns in the last week. No matter what’s happened during the week though, Port Pirie always makes the list with the justification that it’s “still sh*t”. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshittownsofaustralia%2Fphotos%2Fa.504757439959396%2F797121977389606%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="614" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> Independent MP Geoff Brock who represents the town in State Parliament says that it’s “bullying on social media”. However, Rissole says that those who are offended “don’t pick up on the context” of the page. “It’s written very tongue-in-cheek. It’s meant to be over the top and a bit cartoonish. Some people just don’t pick up on that context,” Rissole said. “Particularly with older people, there’s a belief that if something is written down then it has some credibility or authority, rather than just being two people on the internet having a laugh. We often get Boomers messaging us saying: ‘Why does Facebook let you do this?’” Mount Gambier is another town who’s not pleased with their judgement of having a “sh*t town”. “I spoke to someone in Mount Gambier recently who said they had three days of talkback radio segments with Boomers just p*ssed off,” Rissole said. “But that week, the biggest headline in the paper was about the Baker’s Delight moving shops down the road. There’s not a lot going on in Mount Gambier.”

Travel Trouble

Top 5 destinations for Aussies travelling around Australia

New research from Roy Morgan has revealed the top destinations fellow Australians love to travel to. With more than 11.9 million Australians (58.3 per cent of the population) planning on spending at least one night on their next trip in a domestic destination, it’s clear that Aussies love exploring their own backyard. As always, there were clear winners. 1. Melbourne Melbourne has consistently been the most popular domestic holiday destination over the last decade and over 1.5 million Australians are currently intending to stay at least one night in the capital of Victoria during their next trip. 2. Sydney Sydney was the second winner, with nearly 900,000 Australians intending to stay in the NSW capital city for at least one night during their next domestic trip. 3. North Coast, Forster, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Port Stephens A surprising third place winner is the NSW North Coast, which encompasses of holiday towns such as Forster, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Port Stephens. This region had over 550,000 Australians intending to stay in the NSW North Coast for at least one night on their next trip to the region. 4. Brisbane Brisbane is the fourth most popular domestic holiday destination with over 530,000 Australians heading to the Queensland capital city to stay for at least one night during their next trip. 5. Great Ocean Road, Torquay, Lorne, Port Fairy Last but not least, the Victorian regional holiday destination of the Great Ocean Road comes in fifth. With destinations and small towns such as Torquay, Port Fairy and Lorne, there’s plenty to see and do along the way and that’s why over 500,000 Australians intend on heading there on their next holiday.

Domestic Travel

5 things to do when visiting Port Stephens

Port Stephens is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney and offers jaw-dropping views to boot. With beaches, sand dunes, national parks and coastal walks, you’re bound to find something to do that will suit your holiday style. 1. See the view from the top of Tomaree Head Tomaree Head offers the best view of Port Stephens. It’s a 360-degree lookout post that’s easy to get to. The journey is about 25 minutes, 160 metre climb and there are steep steps in some places, but the view up the top is worth it. You’re able to see the offshore islands, Fingal Spit in the distance as well as Yacaaba Head and the Myall Rover. Don’t forget to pick your jaw up from the floor once you leave. 2. Enjoy oysters fresh from the sea If you’re a fan of seafood and freshly shucked oysters, head to Holbert’s Oyster Farm in Salamander Bay. The plain-brick shop is so simple you might miss it, but there’s plenty to enjoy. With large, cooked king prawns for $30 a kilo, you won’t want to miss out. Grab a seat outside and enjoy the view of the oyster farms. However, there are no inside tables if the weather is bad, so this is something to keep in mind. 3. See some seals (or whales if you’re lucky!) Head down to Port Stephens during the migration period from May to November and you might just be lucky enough to see some humpback whales making the journey. More than 7,000 whales pass by the Port Stephens coastline, so if you go during the migration period, you might just get lucky. If you don’t manage to see any whales, there’s seal colonies, fairy penguins and dolphins to look at as well. 4. Relax with morning tea at the lighthouse Enjoy some downtime in the heritage listed Nelson Head Inner Lighthouse along Shoal Bay. You’ll be able to enjoy beautiful water views whilst relaxing with some famous lighthouse scones. With a relaxed atmosphere and a range of food to suit a variety of tastes, this isn’t the worst place to spend a lazy morning. 5. Go to the beach Saved the best for last. The best things in life are free, so take a sweet stroll along the magnificent coastline of Port Stephens. There’s plenty of beaches to choose from, but for some, the journey towards Fingal Spit is best. You’re able to walk across the sand spit to the connecting island if the tide is low, but it’s best to keep an eye on the tide before attempting this journey. Do you have any places to recommend in Port Stephens? Let us know in the comments.

Domestic Travel

Pauline Hanson caught on camera "questioning" Port Arthur tragedy

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has been recorded on camera making a controversial comment and suggesting that the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, in which a gunman shot and killed 35 people, was a government conspiracy. The hidden camera footage, released as part of Al-Jazeera's three-year <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/03/australia-nation-offered-change-voting-system-cash-190327170846167.html">investigation</a>, showed the Queensland Senator saying she had “a lot of questions” about the mass shooting. "An MP said it would actually take a massacre in Tasmania to change the gun laws in Australia," said Hanson. "Haven't you heard that? Have a look at it. It was said on the floor of parliament." In another footage, Hanson could be seen telling her chief of staff James Ashby, "They were precision shots … I've read a lot and I have read the book on it, Port Arthur. A lot of questions there." In response to the 1996 massacre, which left 35 people dead and 23 wounded, the Australian government established stricter gun laws, banning automatic and semi-automatic long guns as well as introducing more stringent licensing and registration system for firearm ownership. The new video also showed One Nation's Queensland leader Steve Dickson requesting political funding from American energy giant Koch Industries in a meeting September last year. Dickson could be seen telling the company's representative: "What you can do to help us and it's going to get down to money at the end of the day … we can change the voting system in our country, the way people operate, if we've got the money to do it." On Tuesday, Dickson and One Nation official James Ashby faced the media after the two men were <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/one-nation-officials-on-the-sauce-when-seeking-20-million-donation-from-us-gun-lobby/" target="_blank">caught on record</a> talking about asking for a $20 million political donation from the US’ biggest gun lobby group, the National Rifle Association (NRA). Ashby and Dickson were also receiving advice from the NRA on ways to weaken gun laws in Australia. "Just shame [gun control supporters] to the whole idea," Lars Dalseide, a member of the NRA's public relations team, told them in one of the footage. Ashby said at the press conference, "The conversations that have been recorded where there is talk of $10 and $20 million dollars – I’ll be the first to admit, we’d arrived in America, we’d got on the sauce, we’d had a few drinks." Hanson, who is <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/pauline-hanson-unrecognisable-after-suffering-facial-paralysis-amid-one-nation-scandal">reportedly suffering facial paralysis</a> after being bitten by a tick, is expected to front the media today over the scandal.

News

The top 5 towns across Australia for 2019

<a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/2019/01/16/10/16/wotif-aussie-town-of-the-year-2019">Wotif</a>, a website that provides reservation services for hotels in Australia and worldwide, has crunched the data to discover what the top 10 Australian towns are across the nation. The way that the data has been crunched is that <a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/2019/01/16/10/16/wotif-aussie-town-of-the-year-2019">Wotif</a> have built a data index that examines each destinations affordability, demand, accommodation details and traveller reviews that have been left on the site. With smaller Aussie towns taking the top spots, you’ve got some new travel destinations in mind for 2019. 1. Port Fairy, Victoria Port Fairy is a sweet and undiscovered fishing village at the end of the Great Ocean Road. However, the Port Fairy Folk Festival puts it on the map, as well as the local art scene. Visiting this town will immediately take you back to old Australia. 2. Albany, Western Australia Head to the other side of the nation and you’ll discover Albany in Western Australia. This is as close as you’ll get to a historic European city within Australia, as it’s WA’s oldest European settlement. With a range of beautiful heritage buildings, museums and hiking trails to explore, you’re bound to enjoy yourself in Albany. Don’t forget to check out the wind turbines. 3. Port Augusta, South Australia Port Augusta is the gateway to the Flinders Range and is located on the relaxing waterways of the Spencer Gulf. If natural beauty is what you’re after, look no further as the breathtaking sunsets that hit the town are a sight to be seen. 4. Bendigo, Victoria Victoria has snagged the first and fourth spot on this list, as Bendigo is known as the biggest regional arts hub within the nation. Being home to the country’s largest regional art gallery, people travel from far and wide to see the creative work that is on display. The historical buildings that are littered throughout the old mining town aren’t bad to look at either. 5. Forster, NSW If you’re interested in watching whales, look no further than the tiny NSW town of Forster. Whales trail up and down the coastline (sometimes with their new calves) during mid-September and late November. With almost untouched beaches and a variety of wildlife to look at, Forster is the place to be if you’re ever in NSW and want a relaxing escape from the daily grind. Scroll through the gallery to see what the small towns look like. Did your town make the list? Let us know in the comments below.

Domestic Travel

TripAdvisor reveals Australia’s best hotels for 2019

TripAdvisor has recently announced the winners of its Travellers’ Choice Awards for Australian hotels in 2019. If it sounds like an impressive feat, that’s because it is. The top winners have been judged by the millions of reviews and opinions collected in one year from users on TripAdvisor. You don’t even have to be Australian-based to vote, as many were visitors from around the world. These are the top five places as voted by millions of TripAdvisor users. Click through the gallery to see what they look like! 1. Ovolo Woolloomooloo, Sydney NSW This hotel boasts modern luxury, but also adds a sense of history as it’s right along the Woolloomooloo Wharf in Sydney. It’s a stone’s throw away from the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge and has accessible rooms as well as free wi-fi. 2. Pinetrees Lodge, Lord Howe Island Reviewers couldn’t be happier with this secluded lodge in Lord Howe Island, as the hotel is a nice escape from everyday life. With snorkelling, surfing and much more on offer, as well as spectacular rooms, it’s easy to see why reviewers keep coming back. 3. Ovolo 1888, Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW This hotel caught people’s attention for its location and the unique history that surrounds the hotel, as it was originally constructed as a wool store and factory in 1888. The hotel, whilst still remaining modern, brings together the charm of olden days Sydney whilst still providing a level of comfort. 4. Peninsula Boutique Hotel, Port Douglas, QLD This hotel overlooks the famous Four Mile Beach and is exceptionally close to Macrossan Street, where there are a variety of shops and restaurants to choose from. With a tiered heated pool as well as being close to the beach, you can’t ask for much more than that. 5. Korte’s Resort, Rockhampton, QLD Located at the beautiful location of Rockhampton, Queensland, guests were very pleased with the tropical oasis on offer from Korte’s Resort. Reviewers were a fan of the reasonable rates, as well as the cleanliness and modern stylings within the rooms. Have you stayed at any of these places? Which one was your favourite? Let us know in the comments.

Domestic Travel

Inside Australia's filthiest 5-star hotel

A luxury hotel owned by one of Australia’s largest accommodation chains has been slammed online by furious guests who compared the 5-star hotel to a highway motel. A room at the QT Port Douglas, located near the Great Barrier Reef, costs more than $400 per night in the high season. The QT chain markets itself as “luxury design hotels with a touch of quirk” and when the QT Port Douglas, formerly a Rydges, opened in 2012, it billed itself as “boutique luxury hotel … a tropical paradise for the way you are”. <img width="467" height="262" src="https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/8c1cd7af18aa76d072d686fbf03b5e3c?width=650" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> But angry patrons have condemned the top end hotel, with one saying they “wouldn’t stay here again if you paid me”. Customers have complained that bed linen was stained, furniture broken, showers were cold, cutlery dirty, rotting food left in room and extremely poor service. On TripAdvisor, photo proof of complains have been uploaded of mouldy sun loungers, pillows streaked with dirt and squashed bugs in uncleaned rooms. “The decor is cheap; lampshades broken and lopsided; there are stains and scuffs all over the floor, walls and decor; grease on the handles of the cupboards; stains on the pillows; batteries were corroded in the TV remote which made it unusable and there was an out of date Snickers in the minibar,” said one angry customer. <img width="464" height="260" src="https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/c7b99b1ef8d72b88e914883f68bf7d31?width=650" alt="… versus what it is claimed they got. Mould ridden loungers. Picture: TripAdvisor" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="466" height="262" src="https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/5df58caf249c500a89463cffaddd34f0?width=650" alt="The mirror crack’d. Picture: TripAdvisor" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> “We felt like we were in a cheap run-down motel,” one guest commented. “If I could rate this zero stars I would,” was another. When it came to the food, “a Bunnings sausage would be better,” a customer said. <img width="452" height="254" src="https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/3355b30d367ba8354c7d150214bfbb49?width=650" alt="A toilet at the QT Port Douglas hotel. Picture: TripAdvisor" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="450" height="253" src="https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/2ac2ceebe0735db51406de1c5a3798d0?width=650" alt="Items in the room looked to be mouldy at the QT Port Douglas. Picture: TripAdvisor" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="461" height="259" src="https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/0da11a6201adda87c2f870d74f777a25?width=650" alt="Squashed roach on a towel. Nice. Picture: TripAdvisor" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> A spokeswoman for QT’s parent company told news.com.au they were “always sorry to hear that some guests have been disappointed” and that the resort was now on the market and would be sold. Owned by Event Entertainment and Hospitably, QT is part of the same group as Rydges hotels and the Thredbo ski resort, as well as Event and BCC cinemas. Norman Arundel, Event’s Hotels Operations Manager told news.com.au the hotel was now up for sale. “While QT Port Douglas has been a much loved part of the QT family, the property is on the market following an asset review in 2017. QT Port Douglas is still open for business and we will continue to deliver great guest experiences synonymous with the brand,” he said.

Travel Trouble

Can you see what's wrong with this wedding photo?

There are lots of potential risks when it comes to planning a beach wedding – rain, wind and wild waves to name a few – but we’re betting this newlywed couple didn’t expect their big day to be crashed by a sunbather. The half-naked woman can be seen lying face-down in the sand just metres from where a couple exchanged their vows in Port Willunga, South Australia. The “awkward” photo has since gone viral after it was shared to the Instagram page, “Sh*t Adelaide”. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 62.48366013071895% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BgvqqmwB6mT/" target="_blank">A post shared by Shit Adelaide (@shitadelaide)</a> on Mar 25, 2018 at 4:37am PDT </div> </blockquote> “That awkward moment when a beach wedding interrupts your sun tanning session...” the page captioned the snap, which has seen the woman labelled a “rude b***h” on social media. However, the wedding party didn’t seem too phased by the intrusion and didn’t let it ruin the nuptials. The woman who took the photo told the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5543607/Awkward-moment-half-naked-sunbaker-refuses-couple-exchange-vows-Adelaide.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a>, “She was just one metre away, it was pretty funny.” Other Instagram users agreed with her, finding the bizarre incident rather amusing. “I now pronounce you tan and wife,” one man remarked. “That’s just cousin Shazza,” another joked. “She always passes out drunk and half naked at family weddings... although during the ceremony is a new record...” One woman took the sunbaker’s side, writing, “Looks like a really big empty stretch of beach. If the tanner was already there, plenty of op to set up elsewhere. I wouldn’t move either.” Tell us in the comments below, do you think the sunbathing woman should have moved? Or was she well within her rights to remain there?

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