go-see-do guide for adventurous travellers
Historic Sign, Wentworth, New South Wales At what point is an object, action, document or place deemed ‘historic’ – and therefore worthy of recognition and/or preservation? Sometimes we realise the significance too late and tangible symbols of our heritage are lost forever. Australia’s relatively short record of non-indigenous exploration doesn’t make us immune from failing to recognise the importance, or[…]
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Fred Ward Memorial Statue, Uralla Before Uralla, the thought of being tried by a jury of my peers gave me an attack of the screaming horrors. But in the spiritual home of bushranger Fred Ward I found an inarguable defence. Captain Thunderbolt, Uralla, NSW For here in Uralla, halfway along the Thunderbolt Way – shortest route from Sydney to the[…]
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The exacting recreational pursuit of opal fossicking demands much of its devotees. Physical strength, mental fortitude, stamina and courage at the absolute minimum. Oh, and the ability to cross your legs and hold on for grim death when nature calls! So it was a relief (in more ways than one!) to find that the ability to cross ones legs for[…]
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Lake Pamamaroo Sunset #1 Ever wondered what happens when an amateur photographer points an automatic film camera directly at the sun and presses the shutter? Well, wonder no more! It might be amateurish, but I kinda like it … although I would, wouldn’t I?! Yes, I’m the photographer, and this amazing sunset on the first night of my virgin visit[…]
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Whether or not you consider Aussie bushranger and icon Ned Kelly a national hero or national disgrace probably depends on which version of history you’ve been told. But whatever your views, there’s no denying Ned’s reincarnation as both cultural icon – and tourist drawcard! From inspiring the first feature film ever made (more recent remakes star Mick Jagger and Heath[…]
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The silence intensified the colours. Cool greys melded with ochre, rust and purple; rock layers folded and blended in harmonious tranquillity as evening shadows lengthened. Then ringing from the rocks and echoing around us, a wild, sad cry. Again and again, the air reverberated with a sound so pure and perfect unshed tears brightened my gaze. Falco peregrinus, Peregrine Falcon[…]
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TE20 Harry Ferguson Tractor Monument, Wentworth In a parallel universe, the Australian government and public service pantheon would have been well placed to see first hand the effects of ‘policies’ governing the Murray Darling Basin in the capital Wentworth, at the junction of the Murray and Darling rivers. BUT … while iconic Wentworth, once busiest inland port in[…]
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You can blame the public amenities block at Kata Tjuta, near Uluru in the Northern Territory for my obsession with the odd juxtapositioning of Australia’s most spectacular scenery with the often mundane conveniences that service its admirers. The view from this loo MUST be the best in Australia, I thought. So I captured it on film. And it remained my[…]
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The 5 hour* drive between Broken Hill and Cobar in western New South Wales generally scores a pretty high ‘tedious’ rating. Unrelieved except for the township of Wilcannia on the Darling river and a couple of roadhouses, the scenery is mainly dusty, dry and desolate, like this picture taken near Broken Hill about 13 years ago. Near Silverton, Broken Hill NSW[…]
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*WARNING*: Real triathletes may find this post offensive! Please select another post!! Lord Howe Island visitors seeking inertia are likely to be disappointed. Getting from A to B usually involves walking or cycling – and the best island activities are high-energy, hands-on and outdoors based. So after two days of reconnaissance on foot, we extended our range[…]
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