Lightning Ridge to benefit from new backpackers Regional tourism is set to benefit from a new 500 plus bed Sydney back packer hostel. Wake' Up ! Sydney Central will promote regional tours and activities to international guests via the on-site travel desk, Internet cafe, displays and product presentations. Wake Up! Sydney Central is one of the world's largest privately owned backpackers, due to open in early 2002. It is ideally located opposite Sydney Central Station - the city's major transport hub for coaches ,trains and airport links. Each year, more than 423,000 backpackers arrive in Australia, with the majority using Sydney as the gateway to the regions. Backpackers stay longer (83 nights) and spend more ($4,573) than any other international visitors to Australia. Sydney and regional areas such as Lightning Ridge are now capitalising on the positive media coverage of the Olympic Games, millennium celebrations and an expanded Working Holiday Maker Program. Backpackers are interested in seeing the real Australia and meeting real people. We want backpackers to use Wake Up! Sydney Central as an information source and inspiration to visit the beaches, bush, mountains and everywhere in between," Margaret Millett said. Wake Up! Sydney Central is the, latest project of Margaret and Warren Millett of Millcrist Pty Ltd. Over the past 20 years the Milletts have built a strong reputation working in the backpacker and tourism industry . They have developed several successful backpackers and accommodation facilities in Sydney's CBD and eastern beaches, including Coogee Beach Backpackers in Coogee. During the past two decades, the Milletts have learnt what their guests want - a good standard of accommodation and facilities, fun atmosphere and travel information and tour options. We have always been committed to supporting backpacker tourism, working with all levels of government and industry groups to develop and promote tourism products for Sydney and the regions. "Quality facilities, good transport and improved travel options ensures that Australia will remain top of a backpacker's must see list," Margaret Millett concluded.

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