It’s the first day of April, so remember to be alert to news that seems to good to be true or just plain bizarre.
Brands across the sectors have joined in on the April Fool’s Day fun this year, with publishers, betting brands and banks revealing their “news" of the day.
Here’s a wrap of some of the best April Fool’s Day announcements:
Uber
Uber revealed its new micro-mobility transport option, UberGO pogo. UberGO is set to reduce pollution and ease congestion, taking pressure off commuters who are forever stuck in peak hour traffic. The pogo sticks will be available at special UberGO hubs which will be installed around the city in coming days.
National Geographic
Sydney is sitting atop a super volcano, documents from a Sydney University Institute of Volcanology report released under the Commonwealth Government's 30-year rule has revealed. National Geographic has reported that while its not set to erupt for 10,000 years, this discovery has slowed down the progress of two of the nation's largest infrastructure projects, Sydney Light Rail and WestConnex.
Travel Money Oz
Travel Money Oz has introduced an official Brexit transition period currency, the Pouro. This nifty number is available for use throughout the UK and 27 countries in Europe. Both coins and notes are available. Designs for the 20 and 50 pouro notes have already been released, showcasing a mix of what makes both the EU and UK great. The largest denomination available is 2903 pouros - to commemorate the original Brexit date.
SodaStream
SodaStream partnered with former US astronaut Scott Kelly to reveal its most recent innovation, SodaStream.ME. The new product turns your excess CO2 into sparkling water on the go.
https://youtu.be/lM5IgTxJtOk
RedBalloon
RedBalloon has launched a world-first product innovation - long-haul hot air balloon rides between Sydney and Melbourne. The journey is estimated to take up to nine hours (one way), and can only take place in the event of generous northerly or southerly winds, depending on the leg of the journey. The flights will be true ‘standing room only’, luggage is limited to one small item per passenger, and only light snacks are available on board due to strict weight restrictions to maintain passenger safety.
Sydney Brewery
Sydney Brewery is offering a liquid lunch. Sausage, peas and mash stout make a meal in a glass. Available from April 1st.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s has revealed its latest menu item, the McPickle. The burger comes in a sesame seed bun topped with ketchup, cheese and layered with pickles. The McPickle is available until yesterday.
Sportsbet
Sportsbet revealed its new partnership with the Sydney Opera House today, complete with its logo beamed onto the iconic Sydney landmark.
The betting brand decided to poke fun at last year’s controversy where Racing NSW used the sails to promote itself. The move led to backlash and protest from the public.
One of Australia's most iconic brands is proud to announce a new partnership... pic.twitter.com/HrDXYzGqlp
— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) March 31, 2019
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia knows Australians love their food and developed the perfect service - interstate food delivery. Virgin Australia Fly Foods is a world-first service that delivers food from quality restaurants to any metropolitan area across Australia. The airline even released a 30-second spot promoting the service, which had many Twitter users wishing it was real.
Jimmy Brings
For all the dog-lovers out there that just want to enjoy a glass with their bestfriend, now they can with Jimmy Brings’ Pooch Punch. The custom range of dog-friendly wine includes Pooch Punch, Char-Dog-Nay, Paw-Secco and Pup Grigio. The range is only available on the 1 April and is delivered chilled in 30 minutes.
ING Australia
Australians struggling to crack into the difficult housing market can instead give up on their dreams of owning their own home and buy their pets a new place. ING is offering home loans for pet owners to build or buy a dream property for their pets, with a maximum loan of $20,000. ING decided to tap into the market given Australia’s love of dogs, with Jerry Kooley, a 24-year old yoga instructor from Bondi, one of the first pet owners to take up ING’s offering.
Madame Tussauds
Australia has its iconic Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, the Big Prawn in Ballina and now Sydney is getting its Big Wax. Madame Tussauds has been given permission to create a giant wax figure for the city and is considering creating one of Ian Thorpe, Megan Gale, Kylie Minogue or Ray Meagher. You can place your vote here.
Webjet Australia
Webjet is offering $1 flights from any UK city to Australia as part of its Brexit Flights Flash Sale. The promotion can be viewed here and encourages Brits to leave behind Europe for good and come holiday in Australia.
Bauer Media
Bauer is launching Take 5 Budgies & Puzzles, a new magazine to cater to crossword-loving bird keepers. The publisher predicts its latest magazine will fly off the shelves at the “cheep” price of $4.80. Readers will get the chance to win prizes, read beauty tips and more.
Wotif
Wotif is launching Emu Airlines, the world’s first airline catering exclusively to tall people. The company is offering budget-friendly Emuconomy seats and luxurious Daddy Long Legs double suites.
Courses.com.au
Online course directory Courses.com.au is offering Medieval University courses. The university provides the best education in fields such as Regicide, Jousting and Dragon Riding. Take the enrollment quiz online here.
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