LOS ANGELES, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Layne Beachley, a native of Sydney, Australia and the most successful woman in professional surfing history, is set to make a series of media appearances on behalf of Tourism New South Wales during G'DAY USA: Australia Week 2008. Highlights include an exclusive luncheon on Jan. 17 where Layne and the Hon. Matt Brown MP, Minister for Tourism for the State of New South Wales, will present a viewing of "Sydney -- Life's a Beach," an inspiring visual journey into the lifestyle of this dynamic travel destination.

Layne, a Sydney resident, offers valuable insight into its unique urban beach culture. With more than 1200 miles of stunning beaches and legendary surf breaks surrounded by 600 national parks, Sydney, is one of the world's most visually appealing destinations.

According to Minister Brown, Layne is a wonderful ambassador for all things Sydney. "Layne is a dynamic and successful businesswoman in addition to being one of the best athletes in the history of surfing," said Mr. Brown. "Layne provides personalized knowledge of a city whose extraordinary beaches and waterways have become expressions of its culture and lifestyle."

Layne was ESPN's Surfer of the Year in 2001, Australia's female athlete of the year in 2003 and is a US Surfers Hall of Fame inductee. In 2006 Layne staged the richest event in women's surfing history, the Havaianas Beachley Classic in Sydney.

Layne will be part of GDAY USA 2008, an annual celebration of Australian culture, fashion, food and business with top Australian celebrities, filmmakers, chefs and government officials taking part. Festivities begin in Los Angeles from January 16 to 21 and then continue in New York from January 22 to 26. For more information on Australia Week see http://www.australia-week.com.

Source: MKM