Webber's Wilderness Challenge

The Sunday Age

Sunday April 2, 2006

Gary LaPersonne

Australia's only formula one driver Mark Webber (below) was keen to trade down to two wheels and a paddle as he launched his charity fundraiser, the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge, during grand prix week in Melbourne.

Speaking at Docklands, the speedster told Diary the 600-kilometre adventure trial he had put together was every bit as exacting as his adrenalin-racing day job. It combines six days of cross-country mountain biking with kayaking and trekking that takes in the iconic Cradle Mountain National Park. The race will be run in Tasmania from November 5-10.

Up to 12 four-person teams - which will include celebrities, sports stars and corporate leaders - will compete alongside Webber to raise money for his two charities, the Victorian-based TLC for Kids and Cancer Council Tasmania's Cancer Plus program.

"It's a gruelling test requiring superb fitness," he said. "Tasmania is amazing. Because of the diversity of the terrain, you've got every type of challenge in one region. It's feral, really wild . . . the best place (to host such an event).

"It's my way of putting something back into the community," said Webber, who committed to the charities after visiting sick children at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital. "They live with a challenge every minute of every day."

For competition and entry details, call Edward Kemp of Spark Impact on 8420 6000 or email edward.kemp@sparkimpact.com.au

COUNTDOWN TO SNOW

The challenge for local skiers is just 75 days away, with early predictions for an above average snowfall in July. Wangaratta-based John Moore's Long Range Forecast has early-season snowfalls (May 6-7, 15-18), a normal June, an above average July, a heavy dump towards the end of August and at least a couple of medium snowfalls in September. There are any number of early family packages available, beginning from three nights' accommodation at $195 per adult and $117 per child. Three-day ski lift, ski lesson plus snow equipment rental package from $324 for an adult and $223 for a child. Falls Creek Reservations Centre on 1800 453 525 has details.

JUST CRUISIN'

Tickets go on sale from April 5 for the inaugural round-Australia voyage of P&O's Pacific Star in November next year. The 29-night cruise kicks off in Brisbane on November 3, 2007, with the ship visiting 17 ports, including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, the coastal towns of Broome and Albany in WA, and Eden in NSW. Fares are from $4307 per person. For information call P&O 132 469 or go to pocruises.com.au.

ARABIAN NIGHTS

For travellers looking further afield for ever more exotic and unique locations, there's Wildlife Safari's Arabia 2006. It highlights many of the must-stay resorts, hotels and tourist destinations in Dubai, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Abu Dhabi and Lebanon, ranging from an Arabian Nights experience in the Dubai desert to learning how to ski in Lebanon. Call Wildlife Safari on 1800 998 558 or visit wildlifesafari.com.au.

-- Gary LaPersonne