NOW THAT’S AN AD CAMPAIGN
Hands up who’s ever scoffed at the idea that tourists to Australia think we’ve got kangaroos hopping down the main streets of the metro cities? I’m certainly one of them, so I was both bemused and delighted when I spotted the recent video of a wayward wallaby making his away across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The laconic wit of the police officers who reported it made the whole story all the more entertaining. The official spokesperson said, “The wallaby refused to obey directions and initially evaded police. A short pursuit then occurred.”
Surely, having set the bar exceptionally high with #bringbackDundee, this new tale of an Aussie making his way in unfamiliar territory could well be a contender for Tourism Australia’s next international ad campaign.
The “Bring back Mick” tale, and its stellar line-up of talent including Chris Hemsworth, Margot Robbie, Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman and Rebel Wilson, was made especially for Super Bowl Sunday in the American market, but it has managed to bring out a new level of patriotism in those of us who actually live in the country that’s home to Dundee’s mythical Walkabout Creek.
For me, it’s a reminder of all the places in our country I’m yet to visit but which lure tourists from all around the world. The Kimberley, Ningaloo, Margaret River, Kangaroo Island, the Great Ocean Road and Wineglass Bay are moving higher on my wishlist, so any tips you’ve got on any of these, please drop me a note. Better still, if there’s a lesser known spot in Australia you think everyone should see, I’d love to hear from you too.
JANA FRAWLEY, NATIONAL TRAVEL EDITOR