World-wide search to name the New 7 Wonders of Nature

A world-wide search to name the New 7 Wonders of Nature has commenced, and Tourism Australia is calling on everyone to vote for an Australian natural landmark at www.new7wonders.com by December 31 2008.

Managing Director for Tourism Australia, Geoff Buckley, said that Australia was spoilt for choice when it came to picturesque natural landmarks and that he anticipated that competition would be tight in deciding which Australian location would make it to the next round.

“From the lush greenery of Cradle Mountain to the crystal waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia has a variety of striking experiences, each unique on both a national and international level,” Mr Buckley said.

Australia currently has 13 registered nominations. All States and Territories are represented, including many of Australia’s quintessential National Landscapes – identified in partnership between Tourism Australia and Parks Australia.

“I’m asking everyone to go online and vote for their favourite natural Australian landmark so we can put our best nomination forward to the next round of this program,” he said.

Australia’s registered nominations so far include: Uluru; the Twelve Apostles; Fraser Island; Kakadu; the Pinnacles; the Blue Mountains; the Bungle Bungles; Cradle Mountain; Flinders Ranges; the Australian Alps; Australia’s Green Cauldron; Australia’s Coastal Wilderness; and the Great Barrier Reef. Australia’s current leading site is Victoria’s Twelve Apostles, just ahead of the Great Barrier Reef.

Any site that is clearly defined as a natural site, monument or landscape, that is not created or significantly altered by humans for aesthetic reasons, is eligible for nomination. Each nominated site in the New7Wonders of Nature Campaign is ranked in order of votes counted. The global list is updated by the New7Wonders Foundation in ‘real time’ so every vote counts.

Following the success of the New 7 Wonders of the World Campaign, which saw more than 100 million people vote globally for their favourite man-made sites, the New7Wonders Foundation is now on the hunt for the world’s top seven natural wonders.

In Australia, as in all countries with more than one national nominee, the current voting stage is crucial in determining what site represents us. From January 1, 2009 the highest-ranking nominee from each nation will go through to the second stage of the campaign, to reach the top 77 and qualify for stage three. Stage three runs from July 29 to mid-2011 and is a global public vote for the top seven locations, culminating in announcement of the final New7Wonders of Nature.  For more information or to cast your vote visit www.new7wonders.com

To learn more about Australia’s nominated natural wonders go to www.australia.com