Oprah introduces Australia to the World

A day after it was aired to millions of fans across America, Australian viewers were treated to Oprah's Ultimate Australian Adventure last night with three more one hour shows to air tonight, Friday and Sunday.

Over 700 hours of footage was shot during Oprah’s visit downunder to create the four episodes, with much of the footage featuring Queensland. Some of the highlights of Oprah’s first show include throwing a shrimp on the barbie at Whitehaven Beach on Queensland's own Great Barrier Reef with Aussie Chef Curtis Stone and cuddling a rather amorous koala on Hamilton Island.

The programs are punctuated with consumer promotions and packages to encourage Americans and other viewers around the world to come and see first-hand what Oprah and her audience experienced themselves. In addition to the TV shows, coverage has been developed for oprah.com and Australia.com to promote Queensland holidays. Mention was also made during the program of the devastation caused by the Queensland floods and viewers were directed to Oprah’s web site to make donations to help flood victims.

Tourism prepares for Oprah effect - Sydney Tourism News

The first of Oprah’s Australian television specials aired in the US overnight as anxious tourism officials wait to see what impact the Queensland floods will have on arrivals.

The first episode sees Oprah travel to Hamilton Island and Uluru with a group of her 300-plus audience members. It will be screened in Australia tonight at 7.30pm EDST on Channel Ten.
Oprah will mention the devastating floods in Queensland, with the talk show queen’s website also featuring a link for people to donate to the relief effort. A Tourism Australia spokeswoman said the flood issue was dealt with “in an appropriate manner”.

Queensland tourism minister Peter Lawlor said the specials “couldn’t be airing at a better time” given the challenges facing the industry. He said Tourism Queensland and Tourism Australia had strategies in place to capitalise on the exposure. “Activities include consumer promotions and packages which will encourage Americans and other viewers around the world to come and see first-hand what Oprah and her audience experienced themselves,” Lawlor said.
Coverage will also appear on Oprah.com and Australia.com to promote Queensland holidays. The remaining three episodes will screen on Channel Ten on Thursday, Friday and Sunday evening.