David Beckham and LA Galaxy Meet Their Match Down Under

NEWCASTLE, Australia, November 25, 2010 - Football legend David Beckham will find out why an Australian beachside
city two hours away from Sydney was recently named one of Lonely Planet's top
10 must-see global destinations during his visit to Newcastle on Australia's
east coast this weekend.

David Beckham joins LA Galaxy team mates for an exhibition match against
local football team, the Newcastle Jets, on Saturday November 27, in front of
an expected sell out crowd of more than 23,000 people.

New South Wales Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay said the LA-based team,
which also includes football greats like Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle,
will be treated to some famous Aussie hospitality during their visit.

"We have a number of activities on offer for the LA Galaxy visit,
including surfing at Merewether Beach and a visit to meet the koalas at a
local wildlife sanctuary, Blackbutt Reserve," Ms McKay said.

"We also hope to take them for an unforgettable meal and wine tasting in
our famous Hunter Valley, sand boarding at the incredible Stockton Beach sand
dunes and jet boating on Lake Macquarie - which is four times the size of
Sydney Harbour."

Ms McKay said the team was arriving in New South Wales at a great time of
year.

"We take great pride in the fact that New South Wales is a fantastic all
year-round destination, but our summers are always particularly exciting," Ms
McKay said.

"Up and down the coast, people are heading back to the beach for summer,
and local communities around our State come alive with outdoor festivals and
events featuring music, activities and great food and wine.

Ms McKay said while regional NSW offers so much for visitors to see and
do, most overseas visitors spend some time in Sydney on their trip.

"Sydney is Australia's popular choice for international visitors, voted
the world's number one city for the ninth year in a row in the 2010 Conde
Nast Traveller Reader's Choice Awards.

"Everyone knows about Sydney's stunning New Year's celebrations and the
festivities continue throughout our summer in a blaze of colour, light, music
and exquisite food."

Ms McKay said the match provided an opportunity to shine the
international spotlight on Newcastle, which was renowned for its laid-back
surf lifestyle, excellent restaurants and range of world class attractions
within a short drive.

"This exhibition match, with such an illustrious line-up of international
football talent, is a real coup for Newcastle and New South Wales," Ms McKay
said.

"According to latest figures, New South Wales remains the world's
favourite Australian destination, attracting more than half of all overseas
visitors (52.7 per cent) and more than a third (34.6 per cent) of visitor
nights.

For more information on things to see and do in Newcastle and the Hunter,
go to www.visithunter.com.au. For information on Sydney and New South
Wales go to www.sydney.com

    Media contact: Andrew Parkinson,
                   +61(0) 447-202-091
                   andrew.parkinson@mckay.minister.nsw.gov.au

Media: Andrew Parkinson, +61(0) 447-202-091, andrew.parkinson at mckay.minister.nsw.gov.au