Santa 'makes guest appearance at Hamilton Island'

Santa has been spotted taking in the 18 holes of the Hamilton Island golf course.

People taking flights to Australia to spend some time at Hamilton Island could be greeted by the sight of Santa practicing his swing on the resort's 18-hole golf course.

The island is set to host a series of special celebrations to mark the festive season and the arrival of Father Christmas himself is just one of these.

Hosting its Summer Festival, Hamilton Island promises that people can enjoy Christmas this year with a tropical twist.

Attractions include a light display, with 3,000 decorations and a reindeer light show all adorning the site.

There will also be performances from local musicians and a carols by candlelight evening.

Children will be widely catered for, with everything from face painting to cookie decorating, through to beach sports and quad bike rides.

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New Qantas service planned from Perth

Travellers taking trips to Perth could be able to take a connecting flight to a new region of Australia following the start of a new service.

People taking flights to Perth now have the choice of taking an extra connecting journey following the start of a new route by Qantas Airways.

QantasLink has announced it has begun a new West Australia route, with a commercial service now operating between Perth and Geraldton.

A 74-seater aircraft will travel between the town locations twice a day between Monday and Friday, with one trip made on Saturdays and Sundays.

It is hoped the new service will open up some of the wonderful attractions to be found around Geraldton, such as the Abrolhos Islands.

"The City of Greater Geraldton and the regional tourism industry have been very supportive and we look forward to making these services work for the local community and the business," said Qantas Group executive Rob Gurney.

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Remember to secure homes 'before going on holiday'

People heading overseas have been reminded that it is key to secure their property before they leave.

Holidaymakers taking flights to South Africa and other countries have been reminded of the importance of securing their home before they head to the airport.

Graeme Trudgill, head of corporate affairs at the British Insurance Brokers Association, said an important step is for people to make sure that their home, buildings and contents insurance has not run out.

"If anything does happen while away, which is quite often the case - there could be an escape of water from a burst pipe or burglary - then you know you at least have insurance," Mr Trudgill said.

He added that another step is to make sure that you do not broadcast the fact that your home will be empty for some time by writing that you are going on holiday on a social networking site.

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Christmas events come to Perth

Travellers to Perth could get into the festive spirit by paying a visit to the city's Cultural Centre.

People on flights to Perth in the coming weeks do not have to miss out on any festive celebrations, as a host of fun events are to be staged at the Perth Cultural Centre.

The centre is set to join forces with the Department of Culture and the Arts to celebrate the festive season with the Illuminites event.

Taking place on December 9th and 16th, the event will begin each evening on 17:00 local time and run until 22:00, with the building illuminated as part of the city's Festival of Christmas.

As well as the lights, the centre will also host a supper club, markets and family activities, which could make it a great evening out for all members of the family.

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