Australia by Red Nomad OZ

Only in OZ #3 – The World’s Largest Deckchair, Winton, Queensland

World’s Biggest Deckchair, Winton Outdoor Cinema, Queensland You don’t visit outback Queensland expecting to see the world’s largest deckchair do you?  Of course you don’t!  BUT whether you expect it or not, Winton, smack bang in the middle of Queensland is home to this record breaking construction! Yes, it really IS the world’s largest deckchair – apparently authenticated in the Guiness[…]

Read more

Only in OZ #2 – A Point of Interest, Outback Queensland

Somewhere west of Windorah (Outback Queensland) en route to the little Public Toilet at the End of the Universe where the track heads south to Birdsville, a tantalising tale unfolds. The first hint of something weird afoot is a sign – ‘A Point of Interest – 5 km’.  What a tease!!  As it didn’t actually state what you’d see at the end of 5[…]

Read more

Signs #1 – Fast Flowing Water

The graphics on this sign leave the reader in no doubt as to what will happen to the car if the road ahead is covered by water!  Signs like these are probably Australia’s way of making up for being largely monolingual – although not all sign ‘art’ is so clear cut!!  These signs are fairly common in the Wet Tropics[…]

Read more

Only in OZ #1 – The Golden Gumboot, Tully, Queensland

The Golden Gumboot, Tully, Queensland Yes, this is the fabulous Golden Gumboot in Tully, Queensland that my blog devotees will recall from previous posts. As it was pouring with rain both times we passed it on our 2010 trip, here’s some photos I prepared earlier!  Yes, that is a frog crawling up the side.  Sadly, the photo doesn’t show the[…]

Read more

Traveller SHAME Files #2 – The Cleaning Fairy

It’s amazing to me that rational people who stopped believing in Santa and/or the Easter Bunny well before reaching adulthood apparently still believe in the Cleaning Fairy.  I say ‘apparently’, because while no one’s actually TOLD me they believe in the Cleaning Fairy, I’ve observed a number of giveaways clearly showing that some people do! Unsurprisingly, many of these clues can be found[…]

Read more

Australia’s Scenic Public Toilets #5 – Yorke Peninsula, SA

Here’s a break from tradition – public amenities NOT surrounded by rocks, desert or barren spaces!!  No idea what I’m talking about?  Check out the other Scenic Public Toilets in this series, and all will become clear! This amenities block near Brown’s Beach in Innes National Park on the Southern Yorke Peninsula, South Australia is unaccountably in the middle of a field. […]

Read more

Traveller SHAME Files #1 – The Dingo Trap

During my travels I’ve observed – and been on the receiving end of – some odd behaviours.  Of course during this time I’ve more than likely caused many a ‘what the …’ moment myself …  The shame files aren’t about ALL travellers – they’re about the ones who indulge in behaviours that annoy, aggravate and irritate fellow travellers most of whom[…]

Read more
Troubridge Lighthouse, Troubridge Island, South Australia

Favourite Place #4 – Troubridge Island, SA

You’d think Troubridge Island and lighthouse would already be several years into a conservation program to preserve this unique South Australian heritage icon, but the SA State Government has different priorities.  The costly shrines to its self indulgence are in urban areas where the votes are, meaning this unique spot is at risk of being lost forever. Think I’m being a little melodramatic? The fine[…]

Read more

Hinchinbrook LITE or How we walked the Thorsborne Trail …

As Hinchinbrook Island virgins, the caravan park day cruise deal – $50 per person instead of the usual $99 – was mighty attractive!  Especially when it transpired that accomodation pick up and lunch was the only difference between the two tours … hell, even I can make a sandwich to save $49!  The package was really just a teaser for the[…]

Read more