Literally thousands of ideas on 'entertaining Oprah' have flooded in to Tourism Australia's office as tourism operators and bodies scramble to become part of the megastar's Aussie itinerary.

Spear fishing, riding wild brumby's, and cage diving with great white sharks are just some of the options put forward. World surfing champion Mick Fanning, a Queensland lad, has even offered to get Oprah on a board.

''I think we'd be able to get her up on a wave easy with a little coaching,'' Fanning told The Courier-Mail. ''Getting her in a barrel might take a little time.''

At least two shows, including a Sydney 'Oprah' House episode is being planned while in country, with Tourism Australia contributing $1.5 million for the trip.

Tourism Australia's Nick Baker said the itinerary was still to be finalised but secrecy is important.'

'This is about making great TV and one of the key elements is keeping an element of surprise,'' said Mr Baker.

Tourism Queensland is under mounting pressure to turn around the State's fortunes after another tough year for the industry which supports 220,000 employees.

Opposition Tourism spokesman Ray Stevens said the impact of the high Aussie dollar meant Winfrey's visit was the only ''campaign'' Queensland could rely on to gain worthwhile global exposure.

''Although I acknowledge it's been a difficult year, it's clear something's gone wrong with selling (our) product,'' he said.

Let us know what you'd like to see Oprah doing while visiting Australia.

Editor's comment:  Perhaps TQ should check their current strategies of spending all their money on wholesalers and travel agents on casual holiday makers, and start looking at where the business is really coming from and why? ie the internet and domestic market.

The Aussie dollar is killing international travel, and unless the travellers have got a compelling reason to come here, like visiting family or participating or attending special events, they'll go elsewhere.