Australia comes to Las Vegas

Thursday, Jan. 13, 2000 | 9:39 a.m.

Las Vegans can experience Australia without a plane trip halfway around the world -- the virtual way.

The Bank of America Down Under Tour has arrived in town, bringing a virtual Australia and a chance to taste a bit of the U.S. Olympic experience.

The interactive, multisensory exhibit opens its three-day stop Friday at the Meadows mall parking lot and is free to the public.

Those who can't make it to Australia for the 2000 Olympic Games can stop in and explore its exhibits. On display are a replica of the Sydney Opera House with a mega-surround sound giant screen theater that plays an eight-minute film highlighting Australian sites, a 50-foot Olympic flame tower, a replica of the Olympic Gateway Pavilion that offers a tribute to U.S. Olympic athletes and a gallery displaying Aboriginal art.

A simulated ride will take visitors on a free fall from the sky as they parachute over Australia, then go virtual whitewater rafting. One exhibit features the natural wonder Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, and offers a simulated rock climbing experience.

A Down Under Tour Outpost will sell Aboriginal artwork and Olympic merchandise.

Valley schoolchildren will visit the site 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday. The event is open to the public 5-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.