When overseas visitors come to Australia, reptiles are something most would prefer to avoid.
It won't be the case for thousands of Chinese tourists heading south to ring in the Year of the Snake.
Tour operators say Chinese visitors are choosing Australia for their Lunar New Year holidays in increasing numbers – and being away from home won't mean missing the festivities.
All across the country, dancers are practising their moves and artists preparing costumes for a string of local events.
Harry He, China Southern Airlines regional general manager of Australia and New Zealand, says the airline has provided aircraft for several charter flights to the region, as well as commencing three weekly flights to Cairns between late January and early March, to cater for growing seasonal demand.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"Just as Aussies like to get away at the end of the year, Chinese travellers are making the most of their New Year break by holidaying in Australia," he says.
Kong Yu, from Shanghai, will visit Melbourne, Sydney, Tasmania and Cairns when she departs on her holiday with friends this week.
She told SBS's Heidi Han she's looking forward to some warmer weather. “I would love to visit Australia because now it's summer there, so we can avoid the coldness in China.”
“Also, Australia is a vast land with beautiful natural scenes,” she adds.
Liping Feng and his wife Xuan Yang are planning to be in Sydney with their daughter Cathleen for the New Year festival. Melbourne and Cairns are also on their itinerary.
“We like Australia's fresh air and clean environment,” says Feng.
In Cairns, locals are planning to welcome 20,000 visitors across the holiday season. The city will mark Lunar New Year with a street festival, an event that has been gradually growing bigger since its inception in 2004.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Rob Giaison said in a press release more than 90 new Chinese guides have been trained up for the festive season.
"We were expecting about 40 guides to participate but received an overwhelming response with 93 participants across two workshops," he said.
"This is the first time TTNQ has organised collective tour guide training in the region and we are absolutely delighted at the response."
Major celebrations are planned for Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth. Events will also be held in Hobart, Darwin, Canberra and some regional centres.
