Fact Sheets & Video - Canberra

Adam Pine's going along swimmingly in Australia's capital city

Adam Pine, affectionately known as the granddaddy of the Australian swim team, has a swimming career spanning 16 years. He was born in Lismore in 1976 and his career began at Ballina Indoor under the legendary Stan Tilley, one of the grand old men of Australian Swimming.

This August Adam will compete in his third Olympic Games. If he wins gold in Beijing, Pine will be the oldest Olympic swimming champion in history, eclipsing another Australian, Cecil Healy, who was 30 years and 229 days when he won gold in 1912.

Adam is married to a former swimmer, Sasha van Hamburg, whose parents were also Olympic swimmers. Adam's two young boys love being in the pool and may follow in his footsteps (or rather, his swimming strokes!). Adam lives in Canberra with his young family, which is also home to the Australian Institute of Sport where he trains. It's a great place to bring up kids and there's plenty of activities to keep them entertained. The National Zoo & Aquarium is Australia's only combined zoo and aquarium. With a wide variety of both native and exotic animals, as well as the largest inland saltwater tank in Australia, there is something for everyone. For the game and adventurous; book an interactive encounter with one of the rarest animals on the planet - Jama the King Cheetah. Take part in the amazing Walk on the Wild Side Tour or the award winning Zooventure Tour. Have a fully hosted birthday party for your child, or a completely catered function that you'll never forget.

Contacts & Costs

Canberra, ACT

Mantra on Northbourne, Canberra

84 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra 2612

GREAT DEAL: 50% off first 100 callers

Pay only $218 for a one bedroom apartment

Includes:

- Accommodation (1 Bedroom Apartment)

- Bottle of Wine on arrival

- Breakfast for Two

- Underground parking

- Either a Tour of the Australian Institution of Sport with an athlete

Or a Shopping Voucher for the Canberra Centre

Call: 1800-630-588 www.mantracityhotels.com.au

Valid Fridays to Sundays until 31st December 2008. Subject to availability

Australian Institute of Sport

www.ais.org.au

Leverrier Street, BRUCE ACT 2617. T: (02) 6214-1638

You can experience this world-class sporting precinct on a 90 minute tour led by an elite athlete. You may see gymnasts in training or some of Australia's top swimmers doing their laps. Tours depart daily at 10.00am, 11.30am, 1.00pm and 2.30pm.

Prices for public tours in 2008 are:

Adult $15.00

Child $8.00

Senior and full-time student $10.00

Family (two adults, three children) $40.00

National Zoo and Aquarium

www.zooquarium.com.au

999 Lady Denman Drive, Weston Creek ACT 2611.

T: (02) 6287-8400

Open every day of the year - except Christmas Day. 10.00am - 5.00pm.

Prices: Adults - $26.50

Kids - $14.50

Family - $77.00 (2 adults, up to 3 kids)

Seniors & Students: $21.50

For more information go to: www.visitcanberra.com.au