Christmas has come early! Australia’s richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish have thrown another 12, $10,000 fish into the water in the Darwin Region – the first time more fish have been released once a season has started. Dubbed ‘All I want for Christmas is a Million Dollar Fish’, the campaign encourages more people to set sail and hit the water for the chance to catch a prize-tagged fish, with hopefully several fishos bagging an early Christmas present.

Our society depends on the hard work of insect pollinators to ensure a diverse – and delicious – supply of fruit and vegetables. Much of the food on display at the shops requires some degree of insect pollination in order to produce high-quality fruit. These include favourites such as melons, apples, blueberries, mangoes, avocadoes and even chocolate.

Feeling hungry on a trek into the Outback? Then maybe Harry Fisher can offer some advice. His recently released book Adventure Cooking – Fire to Fork delivers food for thought about how to rustle up recipes for peckish adventurers eager to consume tucker after a strenuous day in the wild. But this does not mean any expected rudimentary fare such as eggs on toast. And it’s a long way from the baked beans stodge slopped out in the classic cowboy passage from the Mel Brooks’ comedy film Blazing Saddles.

The lure of Outback adventures is a tantalising prosect for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike. But traversing the vast expanse of Australia’s wilderness can be fraught with pitfalls as well as the pleasures of savouring the thrill of new experiences. Whether trooping along solely on foot or travelling from behind the steering wheel of a rugged All-terrain vehicle (ATV), it is critical to know what steps to take if misfortune derails the situation.

From lush rainforest to iconic coastline, the Otways region in Southern Victoria rewards visitors with a perfect getaway destination. Winding through the Otways, the Great Ocean Road is best known for views of spectacular cliffs and rock formations, while just inland there await sedate but majestic mountain ash trees towering over dense ferns and waterfalls

I am constantly surprised at how indifferent and unaware of birds most people are. I think birds are marvellous little creatures. They have always fascinated me. A garden, no matter how beautiful, would be a sad place without birds. Most people are busy leading hectic lives and don’t have time to notice the birds sharing their world. And birds are everywhere, once you start observing them.

What better way to tour one of Australia’s amazing and iconic locations than with a local tour guide by your side? This is what you gain with 100 Things to See in the Kimberley, which is put together by Kununurra local Scotty Connell.

This ultimate guide to survival in Australia’s many varied and remote landscapes will set you up for success thanks to one of our country’s most respected experts. Bob Cooper is known for his work over the past 30 years to educate thousands on how to survive in Australia’s Outback.