A FELLOW journalist from India had us all in stitches when he recounted his first Australian trip which happened a long time ago.
The now seasoned travel writer, who has since been Down Under numerous times, said he could hardly understand a word whenever some of the locals spoke in the thick, distinctive Aussie accent during his first trip.
"You know my friends... the first time I came here I almost had a heart attack when this rugged looking fellow looked me up and greeted me by saying 'G'day mate, did you come here to die?'.
"I was lost for words you know... I was shocked and I immediately ticked him off. Why would I fly halfway round the world from India to come here and die?," he narrated to us his experience in the thickest of Indian accents as the rest of us journalists laughed our heads off.
It was only after the man repeated himself that the journalist friend said he finally understood what was being asked.
"He was actually asking me whether I had arrived in Australia today... not whether I had come here to die!
"I could not understand him at first because of his Aussie accent, where he was pronouncing today as 'to die'."
The story capped off a beautiful afternoon as our group finished a fantastic meal with a few round of drinks at a quaint cafe surrounded by macademia trees at the Macademias Australia plantation in Bundaberg.
Bundaberg? Yes, Bundaberg is a quaint little, coastal city north of Brisbane with a population of about 100,000 people in Queensland.
Located about 385km or 45 minutes flight from Brisbane, Bundaberg is known for its sugarcane plantations, sugar mills and rum distilleries, and macamedia farms.
It is also the gateway to the southernmost reaches of the Great Barrier Reef alongside the islands of Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot.
The area is also home of the Taribelang-Bunda peoples, who are the original inhabitants of the region.
Bunda, I was told, is derived from the name of one of the kinship groups of the local Taribelang people, to which was added the Saxon suffix berg, meaning "town".
Colloquially, the city is known as "Bundy", and some of the VVIP visitors here have included King Charles.
Charles, who visited when he was just a prince, did not miss the chance of visiting the landmark Bundaberg Rum Distillery in April 2018.
He had then famously declared that he was thrilled that the distillery was proving to be one that produces some of the most famous and special of all rums around the world.
A visit to the Bundaberg Rum Distillery and its brewed drinks factory is a must do stopover while in the region. One can actually complete visiting all the places of interest in and around Bundaberg within a leisurely pace of two days.
Apart from the vast open spaces covered in sugar cane, macademia and a host of other plantations, Bundaberg is also home to some nice beaches, including some which have become reknowned as turtle sanctuaries.
After our delightful time in Bundaberg, our media group continued our Australian adventure as we made our way to the Gold Coast for the highly anticipated Australian Tourism Exchange 2023 (ATE23) event.
The vibrant city welcomed us with open arms, offering a multitude of exciting experiences and a luxurious stay at The Langham, one of the Gold Coast's finest hotels.
As we arrived at The Langham, we were instantly captivated by its elegant charm and impeccable service.
The luxurious rooms provided a haven of comfort, complete with breathtaking views of the glistening coastline. Each detail, from the plush bedding to the tasteful decor, exuded an air of sophistication.
The ATE23 media programme kicked off with a series of insightful seminars and workshops, led by industry experts and influential figures in the tourism and events sector.
We gathered in the grand conference hall, eager to expand our knowledge and gain valuable insights into the future of Australian tourism.
Throughout the programme, journalists had the opportunity to engage in one-on-one interviews with tourism officials, hoteliers, and local entrepreneurs.
These intimate conversations allowed the media to delve deeper into the unique offerings of the Gold Coast and understand the innovative initiatives being undertaken to promote sustainable and immersive travel experiences.
The Gold Coast Tourism Showcase was a highlight of the media programme. We were taken on a whirlwind journey across the region, exploring its diverse landscapes, adrenaline-pumping attractions, and world-class hospitality.
From thrilling theme park adventures to tranquil hinterland retreats, the Gold Coast revealed itself as a destination that catered to every traveller's desires.
One memorable excursion took us to the iconic O'Reillys Rainforest Retreat where we immersed ourselves in the breathtaking beauty of the lush canopy, cascading waterfalls and birds of prey such as the Wedge Tail Eagles.
The tranquil ambiance and vibrant wildlife left us in awe of the region's natural wonders.
Another day was dedicated to exploring the golden beaches and surf culture that the Gold Coast is renowned for.
In the evenings, ATE23 participants were treated to exquisite dining experiences that showcased the Gold Coast's culinary prowess.
From freshly caught seafood platters to innovative fusion cuisine, each meal was a gastronomic journey and introduced us to the region's rich culinary heritage.
The grand finale of the ATE23 media programme was a glamorous gala event, where industry leaders, influencers, and media professionals came together to celebrate the success of the event.
The ambiance was electric, with live performances, dazzling displays, and an abundance of networking opportunities. It was an evening of recognition, inspiration, and the forging of new partnerships.
As we bid farewell to the Gold Coast and the unforgettable ATE23 media programme, it became clear why people say one visit to Australia is never going to be enough.
Just like the boomerang, visitors are bound to return for more.
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