Held from Friday 20 August, Japanaroo will see over 50 Japan-related travel, food and art events held online (and offline in Sydney, alongside pandemic restrictions easing). Interactive online events – including live walking tours of Tokyo, Osaka and Nikko, as well as cooking classes live-streamed from Tokyo – have been planned to entertain and inspire people through the lockdown.

A festive concert will be held at Sydney Town Hall in December featuring a line-up of Aussie and Japanese talent including Kamahl, leading didgeridoo performer William Barton, the Sydney Sakura Choir, and taiko drummers YuNiOn. Japanaroo is an initiative from the Consulate-General of Japan to celebrate multiculturalism and exchange with Japan in Australia.

All event attendees go into the running to win a return flight to Japan with ANA and Japan Airlines.

Ever wanted to learn how to be a samurai? What about learning the secret art of Japanese cooking? Japanaroo is bringing a bit of Japan to Sydneysiders during the lockdown and beyond, showcasing the foodie, arts and culture, and sporting delights of this captivating country.

Premier of New South Wales, Gladys Berejiklian, said on the event: “I am delighted to welcome the first Japanaroo festival to Sydney, celebrating Japanese culture and the deep friendship between Japan and Australia. Coming just weeks after the Tokyo Olympics, Japanaroo provides the opportunity to enjoy a range of Japan-related performances, cultural experiences and events.”

Yamagami Shingo, Ambassador of Japan to Australia added: “Japanaroo 2021 is an event made possible thanks to a wide range of collaboration between our two countries. It is my sincere hope that the Japanaroo initiative will expand even further together with the ever-deepening relationship between Japan and Australia.”

Japanese and Australian street artists visually bring to life the festival
To capture the essence of the festival, Japanese artist Kentaro Yoshida and renowned Australian street artist Mulga, aka Joel Moore, collaborated to convey the vision of Japanaroo. The work reflects the style of both artists’ illustrations and uses distinctive icons from both countries – the kangaroo and Mt Fuji.

A festive showcase at Sydney Town Hall to help send off a year like no other
For one night only Sydney Town Hall will come alive (COVID-19 restrictions pending) in December, featuring a spectacular showcase of Japanese and Australian dance, music, arts performed by today’s most celebrated artists. A line-up of Aussie and Japanese talent including Kamahl, leading didgeridoo performer William Barton, the Sydney Sakura Choir and taiko drummers YuNiOn. More info here.

Virtual events to learn more about Japan
A virtual tour of one of Tokyo’s quirkiest streets in Harajuku; and Osaka’s foodie paradise, Dotonbori Join a live interactive walking tour and explore Harajuku in Tokyo and Dotonbori in Osaka. This is a free tour, and followers can ask in real time questions about Osaka & Tokyo to the knowledgeable local guides.

https://japanaroo.com/program/travel/virtual-walking-tour-in-harajuku-tokyo-dotonbori-osaka/
Event dates: Sunday 22, Wednesday 25 and Saturday 28 August 2021
Price: Free

Learn about sumo traditions with a former sumo wrestler of Japan
This virtual event offers a rare opportunity to interact with real Japanese sumo wrestler. Sumo wrestling is built out of Japanese culture and tradition and your sumo host will share insightful knowledge into the often-mysterious sumo world.

https://japanaroo.com/program/art/h-i-s-x-travel-japan-3/
Event dates: 22 Aug 2021 – 28 Aug 2021
Price $20 per device

Zoom into a Japanese chef’s Tokyo kitchen for a unique cooking lesson
Join chef Mayuko-san live from her small kitchen in the middle of Tokyo, where she will teach you how to prepare and cook unique dishes using the flavours of seafood and mushrooms, two ingredients widely used and loved in both cuisines.

https://japanaroo.com/program/food/mayukos-little-kitchen-x-travel-japan-3/
Event dates: Tuesday, 24 August and Sunday, 29 August 2021
Price $90 per device

SOURCE: Japan National Tourism Organization / Japanaroo

Showcasing the PONANT & National Geographic Expeditions, which offer the perfect combination of the world-renowned wildlife and cultural expertise of National Geographic and PONANT’s exceptional luxury small-ship itineraries and Expedition Teams, the real-time virtual event will allow participants to immerse themselves in the expeditions through Jason’s famous lens.

With more than three decades at the forefront of natural history photography, Jason Edwards’ image portfolio ranks among the largest of any photographer in the National Geographic Society’s long history. His dedicated passion to wildlife and the environment is highly evident throughout his illustrious career and as a Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, Jason uses his lens to highlight issues affecting wildlife, the environment, and indigenous communities.

How to Register:
PONANT & National Geographic Online Event: An Expedition through the lens of a National Geographic Photographer with Jason Edwards
Thursday 19 August 2021 (approx. 45 mins) – 4pm or 6pm AEST
Free registration here.

SOURCE: PONANT Expeditions, National Geographic IMAGE CREDIT: @Violette-Vauchelle

Virtual planners can navigate their way around popular islands such as Rarotonga and Aitutaki from a computer, tablet or mobile device, whilst also utilising the 360 navigation tool for an expanded outlook on accommodation, lagoons, scenic views and sites, plus dining facilities and activity locations.

Take in aerial views of Aitutaki lagoon, place yourself on One Foot Island or snorkel on Muri Lagoon in Rarotonga and plan a picnic spot near Black Rock to sip sunset drinks.  Explore accommodation options ranging from self-contained properties to lagoon facing resorts.

Paradise is loading… see www.cookislands.travel to view 360 Virtual Tours and safety practices including a CookSafe contact tracing programme, ahead of welcoming visitors soon.

SOURCE: Cook Islands Tourism 

Image: view from Muri Lagoon of Pacific Resort Rarotonga and surrounding mountains courtsey of Cook Islands Tourism.

The scene is set; a summer’s day, a lush Scottish glen, centuries of history, competitors ready to battle it out… It’s Scotland’s iconic Highland Games – but not as we know it.

In 2020, for the first time ever, everyone can have a front row seat to enjoy the very best of Scottish culture and competition from the comfort of home as some of Scotland’s most renowned Highland Games go virtual.

The Highland Games are a traditional feature of summer across Scotland, particularly in rural areas. Dating back over 1000 years, Highland Games are a celebration of Scottish and Celtic culture, centred around a variety of competitions such as heavy athletics, piping, drumming and Highland dancing.

Whether spectators want to keep an eye on the action, have a go themselves or find out more about the history behind the games, there are plenty of options to ensure the 2020 celebrations continue, albeit in a physically distanced and virtual way.

Be Part of the Action

Spectators can tune into the world’s biggest Highland Games with Cowal Highland Gathering’s virtual event and enjoy three days of online entertainment from 27-29 August.

This year will be the first time the games haven’t taken place since the Second World War. To keep spirit of the games alive in 2020, The Cowal Highland Gathering is broadcasting interviews with past and present competitors, archive film footage and music from some of the biggest names to play at the games via their Facebook and YouTube platforms in their 126^th year. There will also be plenty of opportunities for the online audience to take part, including a virtual 5k run that anyone, wherever in the world, can take part in.

Reputed to be one of the best Highland Games in Scotland, so good that even the Queen and other members of the Royal family attend each year, is The Braemar Royal Highland Gathering. Sadly, this year’s spectators will not have the opportunity to brush shoulders with royalty but can instead experience the excitement of the games anywhere in the world. Spectators can tune into the Braemar Gathering on 12 September and enjoy a jam-packed and traditional programme of competitions and events including heavy athletics, piping, highland dancing, track and hill racing as well as a tug of war.

Keep up-to-date with the developing programmes online.

A Gathering of One’s Own

Watching the games will surely inspire some spectators to become competitors and there are plenty of ways to enjoy the friendly, competitive spirit of the Highland Games in homes and parks across the world. Now is the perfect time to assemble the clan and rise to the challenge with the Homemade Highland Games 2020.

With a collection of simple household items such as a brooms, pillows, and wellies: living rooms, parks and gardens can be turned into a little slice of Scotland as family and friends battle it out to become the 2020 Homemade Highland Games champion.

Homemade Sheaf Toss

The Sheaf Toss is a traditional heavy athletics competition at most Highland Games where competitors throw a sheaf or filled bag over a high bar using only a pitchfork. In the homemade version the rules will differ slightly. Instead of seeing how high it can be thrown, see how far it can be tossed. For the game you will need:

• A pillowcase filled with clothes, straw or anything soft to use as your sheaf
• a pole (a broomstick or sweep is fine)
• a marker to mark the starting line and the spots on the ground where the sheaf has landed.

Game Rules:

• Get your homemade sheaf and pole
• Create a starting line and place your sheaf at it
• Take turns, try to lift up the sheaf and catapult it into the air so it goes as far as possible (don’t step over the starting line- your toss won’t be counted!)
• Mark the spot where it landed and let the next player take their turn. You each have two turns each, who tosses it the furthest, wins!

Welly Throw

This game is inspired by the hammer toss where participants take a heavy metal ball attached to a pole and spin around before letting it fly as far as possible. This version much safer and just as much fun! All you’ll need is:

• A welly
• A starting line
• A marker

Game Rules:

• Get your welly, stand at the starting line and grab the welly with both hands
• Either by spinning or by holding the welly in between your legs, throw it as far as you can without stepping over the line
• The one who throws the welly the furthest, wins!
• To make it even harder, make players face away from the starting line and throw the welly backwards over their head

Don’t forget to include track and field activities like sprinting, long jump and even three- legged races!

For more at home Highland Games inspiration check out VisitScotland’s Homemade Highland Games e-book

Highland Games on Screen

Highland Games have been making a splash for centuries and now they are enjoying a starring role onscreen. After an action-packed day in the garden or the park, families and friends can settle down to watch Disney’s Brave and see Scotland’s very own Disney princess, Merida compete for her own hand in marriage at her clan’s Highland Games. Alternatively, Highland Games’ fans old and new can tune into Netflix’s new docuseries Home Game which profiles unique and dangerous sports from around the world, as well as the communities and cultures where they thrive. Episode Two of the series heads to Scotland for the Highland Games and meets with real life competitors, including competitors from this year’s virtual Braemar Gathering, who share their love and passion for this iconic sporting event.

For further information about The Highland Game visit: https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/events/highland-games/

SOURCE: Visit Scotland

New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, launched Antarctic Heritage Trust’s unique virtual reality experience of Sir Edmund Hillary’s Antarctic hut at Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate in South Auckland.

Developed in partnership with Auckland University of Technology over two years, the virtual reality experience allows users to explore Sir Edmund Hillary’s hut in Antarctica. The experience provides insight into how the 23 men of Sir Ed’s team lived and worked in the world’s most extreme environment more than 60 years ago.

Hillary’s hut was Scott Base’s first building and was built by a team led by Sir Ed to support the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition and the International Geophysical Year. The Trust conserved the building in time for Scott Base’s 60th anniversary in 2017.

Users can tour the five rooms of the building, viewing hundreds of artefacts from the early years of New Zealand’s Antarctic programme and learn more about New Zealand’s first presence in Antarctica.

The Trust’s General Manager Operations and Communications Francesca Eathorne who oversaw the project development, hopes thousands of New Zealanders will take up the opportunity to explore the hut virtually.

Users will be able to experience the VR through selected exhibitors; a version of the full experience is available for free via Antarctic Heritage Trust’s app and the gaming platform Steam.

How to view the VR

• To view the virtual experience at home on your mobile device visit the app store and
  download the Antarctic Heritage Trust VR app for free (best viewed with a cardboard
  headset).
• To experience the fully immersive and interactive version, download it for free from Steam
  and watch it on your HTC Vive headset.
• Visit Antarctic Heritage Trust’s website to see who is hosting the fully immersive and
  interactive version around New Zealand.

SOURCE: Quark Expeditions 

In the coming weeks Japan Holidays will commence a series of Virtual Tours covering many facets of Japanese cultural experiences  – able to be enjoyed in the comfort of home.Learn from Japan Holidays professional, accredited instructors, whilst participating in hands-on courses matched to interests.

Commencing Friday 14th August 11am AEST, Japan Holidays Virtual Cooking Classes will commence via Zoom – live from Kyoto, Japan.

Format

The classes are conducted by Keiko from her Kyoto studio – an instructor with many years experience teaching foreigners and Japanese alike. Class duration is 30 minutes. Delivering the class in English – guiding participants step-by-step through all aspects of the cooking process – and the tradition and history behind them. As part of the fun, participants will be sent details of upcoming menus and a shopping list of items should participants like to purchase these locally for future cooking adventures.

Dates

First class Friday 14th August, 11am AEST. Initial classes will be run over 5 weekly sessions concluding Friday 11th September.

Cost

Total cost is $48 per participant -which includes all sessions. The classes will be capped at 10 persons per class and each week a new Japanese menu will be introduced. Bookings can be made by contacting Japan Holidays directly on 02 6674 4185 or via info@japanholidays.com.auIn the coming weeks Japan Holidays will be announcing further Virtual Classes introducing variety of unique, cultural and interactive experiences  – enjoyed from the comfort of home, including ikebana, origami, manga character drawing, and more…

To learn more, click HERE.

SOURCE: Japan Holidays

The one-hour-long, online information seminar will be hosted by Cruise Traveller’s partner, Adventure Canada, which operates award-winning and industry-leading expedition voyages to the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Newfoundland and northern Europe aboard the 198-passenger exploration ship, Ocean Endeavour.

The webinar will offer an inspirational and educational virtual tour of the remote and pristine Canadian Arctic and can be watched live or later at any time using a link for the recording.

Everyone who registers for the live session will go into a draw to win a US$2000 travel voucher which can be used as a discount on one of Adventure Canada’s expedition journeys between July and October, 2021.

Cruise Traveller Managing Director, Craig Bowen, and his team – many of whom have visited the Arctic themselves with Adventure Canada – will introduce the host of the information session, MJ Swan, who is Adventure Canada’s Expedition Leader. MJ Swan will share his passion for the Arctic and his amazing experiences encountering the region’s spectacular icebergs, fjords, mountains, glaciers, Viking heritage, intact Inuit communities and wildlife including polar bears, seals and whales.

MJ Swan will discuss various itineraries, tips on what to bring and wear, fascinating information about Arctic scenery, wildlife and culture and new Covid-safe protocols in 2021. MJ Swan regularly leads Adventure Canada’s expedition cruises in the Arctic alongside local experts, learned scholars, scientists, artists, authors and expedition specialists who help make each journey an enriching, life-long learning experience for guests.

* To register for the webinar at 6pm on Wednesday, July 22, visit https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7136543355456182800  or  www.cruisetraveller.com.au

A 15 per cent saving is available for Adventure Canada’s Arctic voyages made by October 31, 2020. Visit www.cruisetraveller.com.au/ACarctic21

SOURCE: Cruise Traveller

P&O Cruises is renowned for its top-class onboard entertainment and fans have been calling out for a taste of the experiences they enjoy most when sailing with the cruise line.

The ‘Live in Your Living Room’ entertainment extravaganza launched with P&O’s first virtual Cruise Director Trivia hosted by the ever-popular Zoltina-J.

Next week fans can turn back the clock with a whole week dedicated to the extremely popular 1980’s Tribute Cruise including exclusive performances from the Eurogliders and Eric Weideman from 1927, plus trivia and music from the decade and much more.

P&O’s entertainment team will wrap up the month with the fan favourite comedy cruise chat show ‘Up Close and Funny’. This special event will be broadcast from the iconic ‘Sit Down Comedy Club’ and will be hosted by the hilarious Kat Davidson, along with her comedy all-stars Lindsay Webb, Ellen Briggs and Terry Hansen.

P&O Cruises’ Entertainment Month commenced last night at 7.00 pm tonight (AEST) and will feature a regular line up of events throughout July. Tune in at facebook.com/pocruises.

SOURCE: P&O Cruises

The Big Lobster – Known as Larry to the locals, the lobster stands a mighty 17 metres tall and calls the town of Kingston SE, South Australia home.

The Big Prawn – There’s nothing like throwing a shrimp on the bbq is there? See Australia’s largest Prawn in Ballina NSW, the giant crustacean even underwent its own mini makeover in 2013.

The Big Golden Guitar – Located in Australia’s home of country music Tamworth, NSW, this local monument was built in 1988 and stands an impressive 12 meters high!

The Big Bogan – One of Australia’s more controversial big things, the Big Bogan built in 2015 can be found in the heart of the Bogan Shire, Nyngan NSW.

The Big Barramundi – Located on top of the Big Barramundi Barbecue Gardens restaurant, this giant fibreglass sculpture is located amongst the Daintree Village, QLD.

Giant Koala – Located between two small Victorian country towns, this giant model of our most iconic animal is an outstanding 14 meters high and was erected in 1989.

Inspiration seeking and future holiday planning, is top-of-mind more than ever for travellers across Australia and New Zealand. And with recent research from Google showcasing a significant increase in the number of Australians searching for virtual experiences*, South African Tourism introduces its top virtual wanderlust list – to bring South Africa to the sofa and spark excitement to #meetsouthafricaLATER.

Across culture, entertainment, food & wine and the wonderful wildlife for which South Africa is famed, from this month there are now over 20 new and interactive ways to enjoy the riches that the country has to offer without needing to leave the house.

Mandela Museum & Art at Home

A true journey into South African history, world-famous Robben Island Museum (RIM) – the former prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated – is a must-see for those visiting South Africa and now, for the first time, is hosting virtual experiences where guests can wander at leisure through the World Heritage Site from the comfort of their sofa.

Johannesburg’s ABSA Art Gallery shines the spotlight on the works of young African artists as well as pioneering art masters, and from this month can be experienced through special 3D tours. Breath-taking pieces in the gallery include a colourful marvel by artist Karel Nel, titled ‘Place of Nature’ and six-storey tall tuft carpet banners by Norman Catherine — hand-woven by rural men plus an 11-metre tall Walter Oltmann wire sculpture depicting replicas of carved African chairs that weigh half a ton. 

And South Africa’s first contemporary art museum – The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa – has 3D virtual tours as well as a collection of audio tours across the museum’s temporary and permanent exhibitions.

Live DJ’s and Sistahood Sessions

While making plans to travel to South Africa later holiday-goers can now immerse themselves in the melodic tunes and escape to the Cape with famed DJ Black Coffee. Known for his soulful sounds, he hits the decks via his Facebook page – Australian and New Zealand music-lovers can tune in early on Sunday mornings or enjoy on playback anytime.

For those looking for an education on the country’s music and theatre scenes, lead singer,  Zolani Mahola, of Afro-fusion band Freshlyground – one of the most acclaimed and successful bands to emerge from South Africa in recent years –performs daily sets featuring some of the country’s most esteemed artists and performers.

The Sistahood Sessions is another set not to be missed, with a different female DJ hitting the decks every Saturday.

Cooking at Home with South African chefs

Chef and restaurateur, Cheyne Morrisby, hosts Facebook Live cooking demonstrations each night to support his team of staff. Cheyne has over 35 years’ experience cooking for celebrities and politicians such as Kylie Minogue and Robbie Williams.

Whilst duo Brett Nussey & Jody O’Connor from Cape Town based cooking school, Stir Crazy, are cooking up a storm with their live online cooking classes. Each 2-hour class costs around $29 and all participants need is a computer, internet connection, chopping board and a knife. With a list of ingredients then shared ahead of class.

Meanwhile, Peter Goffe-Wood, esteemed MasterChef SA judge, is currently hosting an Instagram live cooking series called ‘Recipes for Disaster’ which uses recipe suggestions from his audience based on what ingredients they have at home -including how to make fresh pasta and sauce.

Plus, popular South African news channel, eNCA, has partnered with chefs around South Africa to inspire those at home with daily cooking shows. Viewers can tune in daily at 7:00pm AEST, or use the recipes available online to recreate the dishes anytime.

Not to be missed, South African-born chef and food editor, Warren Mendes, and South African Tourism have come together to create a series of virtual cooking classes, each showcasing a different South African dish, including Bunny Chow and Malva Pudding, offering a taste of South Africa from home to whet appetites for future travel to the destination. The how-to series will play out across South African Tourism’s Facebook pages throughout May and June and the audience are encouraged to share their own creations for a chance to win an isolation care pack filled with South African wines, treats and ingredients to create their own South African masterpieces at home.

Wonderful Wildlife with the Family

To provide further inspiration for the whole family for future travels and provide kids with some education from home on the majesty of nature and wildlife, would-be travellers can now catch a glimpse of some of the biggest attractions thanks to a host of leading game and private reserves launching live streams and interactive game drives. Bordering Kruger National Park, Ngala Private Game Reserve and Djuma Private game reserve (whose name means roar of the lion) are not to be missed. The live sunrise safari from 2.00pm AEST will take safari-seekers on an interactive game drive, with guides answering questions from the virtual audience. Recent highlights have included viewers witnessing a pride of lions, leopards, hyenas and elephants.

Safari-seekers can now experience the vast beauty and diversity of South Africa’s National Parks (SANParks) through the Webcams that are located in Addo Elephant National Park and Kruger National Park – offering viewers the chance for a close encounter with the Big 5.

Over at Singita in Sabi Sands, renowned for its high concentration of big game and frequent leopard sightings, a local photographer and safari guide takes viewers on a live safari through 45,000 hectares tracking lions, leopards, elephants and more along the way.

 For those game for an early rise, tune in on VirginLimitedEdition to journey through Ulusaba private game reserve where lucky viewers might spot two leopard cubs in their den, the reserve’s resident lion pride and baby elephants.

With a plethora of virtual experiences bringing the sights, sounds and even tastes of South Africa to wanderlusters’ homes, it has never been as interactive or exciting for travel-seekers to plan their next adventure #meetsouthafricaLATER.