Fact Sheets & Video - Miami

The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida is highly regarded for its romantic old-world glamour and impressively grand proportions with 150 acres of lush, tropical gardens which feature an 18-hole golf course, and boasts the largest pool in the continental USA.

This world-famous pool was once the setting for spectacular Busby Berkeley-like water shows, high-dive competitions and demonstrations by superstars like Esther Williams.

But beyond Miami's vibrantly cool, art-deco metropolis is the USA's second-largest national park and one of the world's most unique and delicate ecosystems, the Everglades National Park.

The Everglades National Park (E.N.P) at over 607,000 hectares stretches across four counties and is the equivalent to the size of Australia's Mt Kosciusko National Park. One of the most accessible ways to appreciate this extraordinary natural wonder is to take Highway 41 and visit Shark Valley. Shark Valley is a small section of the E.N.P. with a 24.1 kilometer loop trail and is considered a fine aria to see the wide expansion of the sawgrass prairies, or what are known as the 'true' Everglades.

Hire a bike at the Shark Valley visitor centre and peddle your way through the "River of Grass" as well as getting a 360 degree bird's eye view from the lofty heights of the observation tower, which is approximately 50ft high. The paved road provides easy access to all types of bicycles and levels of fitness, with no hills to climb or rough terrain to traverse, and a typical bike ride around Shark Valley lasting between 2 and 3 hours.

But if bicycling isn't your thing, visitors can also opt for a guided two-hour tram ride tour through the valley. However, the pace can really accelerate off the Tamiami Trail in West Miami-Dade with an adrenalising airboat ride with Buffalo Tiger's Air Boat Tours. Operated by Miccosukee Indian tribal elder, Buffalo Tiger, this is a unique place where you can learn about a different way of life.

Further Information:

Trailfinders - Air New Zealand fly return to Los Angeles from $2375 ex Sydney, $2460 ex Melbourne & Brisbane and $2820 ex Perth. Contact Trailfinders on 1300 651 889 or visit www.trailfinders.com.au. Prices correct at 25/5/07. Prices include taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

American Airlines - Fly return to Miami from $370 ex Los Angeles. Call American Airlines on 1800 673 486. Prices correct at 28/5/07. Prices include taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

Everglades National Park - Park entry from $12.50 vehicles Visit www.nps.gov/ever for more information. Prices correct at 16/6/07. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

Shark Valley Tram Tours - Bike hire from $8 an hour. Tram tours free. Visit www.sharkvalleytramtours.com for more information. Prices correct at 16/6/07. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

The Biltmore Hotel - Superior room from $339 a night. Valid to 31/8/07. Visit www.biltmore.com for more information. Prices correct at 16/6/07. Prices include taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

Buffalo Tiger's Airboat Tours - Visit www.buffalotigersairboattours.com. Open everyday from 9:00am until 5:00pm. Price: 1 Person - $ 61.00 (private ride). 2 Persons - $ 30.00 each, More than 2 people $ 24 per person, Children: 6-10 years old - $ 12.00 per child. Under 6 years - Free.