Australian Cruise

Posted on October 1, 2024 by Liz Shaw

Australia

The Voyage is:
• Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Albany, Fremantle, Exmouth, Broome, Yampi Sound, Raft Point, Kuri Bay, Darwin, Ambon(overseas), Cairns, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Sydney

Theme nights:
Gatsby, Disco in the 80’s, Country and Western, Cocktail, Formal, Tropical, Biano white gear

I sailed with P&O CRUISES on the Pacific Explorer from Sydney.
Jun 2024
28 Days.
Voyage Itinerary:
From Sydney
Jun 06:  Sydney one of the hi lights of leaving Sydney is the Harbour its specular. A sail away party with a band and cocktails to start our journey.

Sea days are filled with trivia, golf, table tennis, reading, cabaret shows, comedy , games shows, live music etc.

  Melbourne there are so many tours on offer.
Wineries, art gallery, Cleo the famous Bar, Great Ocean road, Phillip Island to see the penguins, Yarra Valley wine tour, Grampian National Park,

Tasmania,Cradle Mountain, Wineries, Wildlife parks to see the Tasmanian devils,Historical buildings, Cafes famous for the Tasmanian scallop’s pie,Restaurants with all the amazing cheeses.


Adelaide the Zoo, Hahndorf a German village, Adelaide Oval, Barossa Valley famous for many wines.


 Albany , National Anzac Centre modern and up to date technology,
Albany Whaling Station Museum they have converted tanks into displays,Wineries
Cafes, Restaurants, Markets and shopping.


 Fremantle , Fremantle Prison, Maritime museum, Rottnest Island with the quokers and  shopping.


 Exmouth, Turtle and fish snorkelling, Ningaloo snorkelling with whale sharks, Whalebone brewery and  Aquarium a short shuttle from the dock.


  Broome Cable beach and cable sunset. Camel rides for all to enjoy.Pearl tours learn about the white, cream, black pearls.Hovercraft Indigenous tour with cocktails to end the day.


  Yampi Sound part of the Kimberly. Scenic cruising the most magnificent landscape and aqua blue sea.


  Raft Point more sights to experience the Kimberly
Scenic Cruising birds, colours of the landscape, islands and aqua blue sky and sea. A peace you normally never experience.


 Kuri Bay Scenic Cruising and anchor in the Kimberly
Pasparley pearls sea plane tour. An experience for all. Flying in a sea plane along the Kimberly on the perfect sunny day is an experience you do not want to miss. Sheer delight.


Darwin tunnels you are still able to walk through from the war days.
Cruising lunch on a sailing boat. Seafood buffet, bubbles and the harbour magic moments.Pearl tour with Pasparley, Shopping down the mall, Sunset crocodile river tour, Crocodilus tour see babies, feed the crocodiles if you are game, an experience not for the light-hearted. Wildlife sanatory a train to travel around and see everything.
 Ambon

 
 Cairns  in style touring in a Hummer.Daintree Forest a rain forest you can drive and walk though.Cape tribulation beautiful beaches best not to swim. Crocodiles beware.
Palm Cove a walk along the jetty, taste the local produce, have a wine, a cocktail and enjoy the beach. Port Douglas a famous town. Great seafood, mangos, and a famous church.


 Airlie Beach Whitehaven beach a flight away by sea plane. A boat ride to enjoy. Amazing look out if you are fit. The heart, see the heart of the Whitsundays Crocodile safari. Barbeque lunch with damper. Boat ride you will never forget. Tell the tale. Shopping great bars, souvenirs shops, books shop, café restaurant and markets. Beautiful walk along the marina. Enjoy a coffee and shop in beau shops. Visit the gallery.


Brisbane
City tour, cafes, restaurants, cruise on the river. DFO shopping.
Jul 04:  Sydney 7:00AM
Home again, I highly recommend this cruise.

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Your Digital Legacy – Part 6. Scams and Cybercrime

Posted on July 10, 2024 by admin

It has been a long while since I first published the blog “Your Digital Legacy” on TakeMoreHolidays.com in 2010. I think that is still worth reading. However, in that time the growing threat has now become those that set out to attack us by gaining access to our assets like our bank accounts and our computers.

We call this Cybercrime and contrary to popular belief, these are usually not individuals wearing hoodies, but massive organised crime gangs scouring the Internet for opportunities. So, what can we do?

They often work by obtaining a password for one thing that you log in to and then using that password on other things to see if you reuse your passwords, which unfortunately most people do.

They also work by using scams to make you react to something. It may be a ridiculous post on Facebook or a too good to be true offer in an email or a threat that something might or has happened and you need to do something, usually log into your account.

The links in these posts are often fake and take you to a fake website where your username and password are copied and then the criminals then use that to log into your own account, change the password themselves and lock you out.

Another big scam to watch out for is fake free Wifi outlets. How this works is that you go to say an airport or café and you log into the free Wifi. The problem is that the hacker has set up a fake Wifi network that you log into and they copy all of your details. You are not aware that this is happening as the hacker passes your information through.

An emerging threat is USB charging outlets. You plug your phone into a USB charging port and that outlet is actually connected to a computer somewhere which then accesses your phone and copies it.

So, how can you reduce these threats? Here are some tips.
1. Secure your devices with a difficult to guess PIN or password. Do not use your birthday, car rego or other easy to guess PIN.
2. Use a unique strong password for everything you log into. Use a password manager like Keychain built into the Apple system or a paid password manager. Ideally, remember bank passwords.
3. Before you react to any email, text message, or post on social media requesting you to do something, STOP, THINK and VERIFY. Why are they asking this? Go to their website by typing in the URL. Ring them up and actually speak to someone there. It may take some time but may save yourself a lot. Be very wary when doing property purchases. These days you have to direct deposit the money into an account and lots of people have been caught by this scam of a fake email with banks details. Verify the details with your solicitor.
4. Set up Two Factor Authentication (TFA) or Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) on bank accounts and other critical sites. This requires you to receive a code by text or email that must be entered before you log in.
5. Do not use public Wifi networks. Use your mobile phone as a hotspot. If overseas buy a SIM or eSIM card and use that rather than Wifi.
6. Do not plug into provided USB charging points. Use your own charger plugged into a power point.
7. Update all of your devices to the latest security updates.
8. Use Tap and Pay or PayPal or cash as you don’t give credit card details away.
9. Don’t give a stranger your unlocked phone to take your picture. It happens!
10. Visit Scam Watch https://www.scamwatch.gov.au
11. If you run an organisation, delete old employee logins from the system and force regular password resets.
12. If discarding a device do a factory reset or destroy it.

These are just a few of the many scams out there. The criminal is seeking a reaction.
The big take away is:
STOP, THINK, VERIFY.

There is some great information provided by Logan Daley that I recommend on his website Cyberuncensored.com and his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@cyberuncensored



Disclaimer.
The information provided here is general in nature and may not apply in your circumstances. No responsibility can be accepted for the information provided and you rely on your own investigations. Always consult a professional.

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Monkey Mia

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Liz Shaw

Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia is one of the most beautiful spots in Western Australia near the sea. It’s part of the Shark Bay Heritage Site.
Dolphins come to welcome you and it’s a truly magical moment. There are many amazing sights from the foreshore. The sea is an aqua blue, its calm and inviting.
We stayed at the tourist park, many cabins to stay with views either over the sea or over the pools. A restaurant onsite with many culinary delights to enjoy, a cool drink from the many bars and of course at times the dolphins are the to greet you. A general store with everything you can imagine buying. All the survineers and I forgot items, also a treat or two.
Boat tours for many people to go on and see all Monkey Mia offers, this is the best way to enjoy this magical place. Look for turtles, large dugongs, sharks, sting rays, and fish in the ocean. A welcome sight for all.
We walked along the beach, travelled by boat to see the all the sea creatures. Parked ourselves early on the wharf to see the dolphins. A great photo spot on the wharf. Enjoyed many meals at the restaurant, watched the dolphins from outside bar seats. Watched the sunsets, had a swim in the sea and pool.
Bring your sunglasses, hat, sun scream, rashie, swimmers as this is all you will need.
Stay for a week or two and enjoy everything Monkey Mia offers.

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Broome

Posted on January 6, 2024 by Liz Shaw

Broome

Broome is magical town in the top end of Western Australia.

Travel to Broome by plane, car, bus etc. The people are Koepanger, Malay, Chinese, European and First Nation.

Stay at the many resorts. The one we stayed at was just a short walk from town.

Three restaurants on site, luxury rooms, a pool resort style.

We dined at sunset looking over the vistas, there were fairy lights to welcome you as you enjoyed a glass of wine at the bar. Beautiful, tasty meals to delight your taste buds, in Alfresco dining. A scrumptious breakfast in the morning, before you set off for a day of adventure.

There are many tours to part take. A great tour is dinosaur adventure footprints, you travel by Hovercraft to this unique destination. Enjoy cocktails and tapas afterwards overlooking the sea.

A great pearling tour is Willie Creek Pearls, you will learn about the pearling industry, and view the amazing culture pearls in colours of black, pink, and white. The creamy luster, the size and shape are unbelievable.

Sip Champagne at sunset by cable beach.

Ride camels along the special beach. The temperatures are warm and extreme at times.

Shop for sovinears in the town, visit galleries of photography, art, clothes, and pearls.

Japanese gardens are just out of town.

The tides cover unbelievable areas at different times of the year. Many crocodiles in the waters so safer in a boat.

Spend a few days or a week depending on your time limit, and enjoy your time at Broome.

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Norfolk Island

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Liz Shaw

Norfolk is a short two-hour flight from Sydney. As you land you will see tall Norfolk pines and green nature all around the island.

Norfolk is known for its history and the Bounty.

Its part of Australia so you only need a drivers license to visit. Its set up as International so you normally fly Qantas from the International Airport.

The people are some of the friendliest on this earth. Their smiles, friendly nature, and keen to please is beyond your expectations.

The Bauti shuttle picked us up from the airport and only ten minutes and we were pulling into the Paradise Resort. Most accommodation on Norfolk is comfortable, friendly, and close to town.

The Paradise offers large comfy rooms with on-suites. A large pool in the middle of the resort with sun lounges to sit on with a drink or magazine in hand.

The resorts offer a bar near reception, la le carte meals at night, light or large meals at lunchtime and a huge buffet for breakfast.

Next door the is the gardens, cyclorama, gallery, and Hillis café/restaurant.

I had the best pork belly at Hillis and the Devonshire tea. I would highly recommend.

Up the road is the Bounty Museum worth visiting. They offer free Wi-Fi as well as the island communications are limited due to the remote area as you go back in time.

The town is only ten minutes’ walk from the Paradise. The walk is past beautiful gardens, cows, and friendly people. The town offers many bouquet shops, cafes, clubs, etc. Enjoy a few hours to support the locals and pick up a unique purchase for yourself or a friend.

We went on many tours, picked up and returned by Bauti from the Paradise.

The tours I recommend are the progressive dinner, fish fry, Colleen McCullough tour, Discover Norfolk/Kingston, 1856 The untold story, Glass bottom boat, who killed the Surveyor mystery and so many more to choose. These tours really give you the Norfolk experience. Many included dinners a great way to eat Norfolk style.

I would recommend Norfolk Island as a place to visit many times as it’s the place to destress and find your happy place.

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Longreach and Winton

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Liz Shaw

Long reach and Winton

I was sitting on the fence re this trip to Long reach and Winton. Still deciding whether to go. Family wanted to go, and I guess I did not want to miss out. Great excitement as the day arrived. We drove to Brisbane Airport to fly to Long reach. A few hours later and we were there. We travelled with #Trade Travel.
A bus to meet us at the airport, just a short drive to our accommodation. The Saddlery was a converted barn and industrial sheik design. Beautiful and clever layout. Wagons to view out the front of the accommodation.

Today was a Cobb and Co Stagecoach experience, I could not believe it, I was chosen to sit up the front behind the five horses. We rode through the town and down a track to a property. Wow the speed of the horses, wind in my face, power of nature only horses can give.
Next a Harry Redford Time Tent Show, all great fun, and antics in the bush.

At sunset is time for the Starlight Cruise experience, all board a historic paddle-wheeler. Wine and snacks for all to share. Views of nature along the river, beautiful sunset to glimpse. We arrive back just on dark. Up the ramp and I thought this was the end, but no, more fun to follow. A huge bonfire to greet us, large black pots with amazing smells, dinner stockman’s stew, and mash. The taste is scrumptious, as we sit around the bonfire together. We are so full. Bush ballads and stories to entertain us, as our dinner makes room for dessert. We look up at the sky and all the stars are there to greet us. City folk never experience this sheer delight. Next apple pie and cream. Wow so tasty. Now we make our way to the outdoor cinema. After billy tea and damper to finish the night.

Another day, No-go Station is part of the Kinnons family. Six generation of cattle and sheep grazing. Merino wool at its finest, sheep shearing experience and now it’s all aboard the double decker bus. Around the property we go. We see camels in the distance. Cattle grazing, as we make our way to the billabong. A picnic lunch is served as we sit and take in the views.

Qantas Founders Museum we experience the joy of a 747 and the super constellation, plenty of time for photos. Now we see all the exhibits and pioneers of flight. Take a break and enjoy a coffee.

Huge buffet breakfasts each morning and dinners at night at the Staging Post, eat as much as you like. Tonight, is the Stone grill experience, wow the best steak and chicken.

Up bright and early as we are off to Winton to see the dinosaurs. We visit the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just specular. Now it’s the Winton opals many shops to view and buy. Lunch is at the North Gregory a landmark; Banjo Pattison wrote Waltzing Matilda here.

Today its Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. We explore the five galleries, retrace the journey, and experience the outdoor cinema. A delicious lunch and break.
Next, it’s the one man show, fun and laughs from the audience. Amazing what a horse can do in the outback, all the skills they have.
A dog that rides a horse, and an experience man they can train them all for the show. Really worth attending this excellent show.

The day has arrived from as to meet the train from Long reach to Brisbane. All aboard, as we load our bags. The cabin is small, so do not take too much for the over night stay. The train chugs along the track as we watch the specular landscape. Lunch, dinner, and breakfast is served in the dining car as fine dining. Later its drinks in the bar and a cheery good night. We sleep as the train hurries along. Late morning, we arrive at Brisbane all relaxed and ready to drive to our home destination.

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Kings Beach QLD

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Liz Shaw

Kings Beach is in Queensland at Caloundra, about two hundred kilometres past the border of New South Wales.
As you arrive you will see the Glass House Mountains from the top of the hill, the deep blue sea, and ships passing by in the distance.
As you enter the main street green ovals, large playgrounds, water play areas in the day and at night they turn into coloured lights.
A beautiful board walks along the ocean.
Waves to surf in with your board. Ocean baths to swim in. Great taverns, cafes, and restaurants.
Children can play cricket or football near the beach. Play on the swings and slippery dip.
Run and jump through the water play area. Fish in the ocean, swim in the ocean pool, and walk over the rocks. Make sandcastles with the family. Talk, laugh, listen to music, and read a book. Go to the cinema. A little retail therapy shopping, and markets at times.
Spend a week or two as you relax from the pressure of life.
Pelican Waters Tavern is close by and is great to have a drink or two, a meal of natural seafood, gourmet burgers, and juicy tender steaks. Next door enjoy a boat cruise, travel around the canals and out past Bribie Island.
A great day trip to the magical Glass House Mountains, views from every part of the area. Enjoy the amazing lookouts, scenic cafes, and local drive into nature.
Australia Zoo an excellent day out for all families. Watch the shows, see the animals. Be careful, as some small animals like to help you eat your fruit, as you walk around the Zoo. Enjoy an ice cream or gelato.
Embrace the unknown, leave the technology, and relax in sunny Queensland.

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Great Kidman Aussie Way

Posted on March 24, 2023 by Liz Shaw

Great Kidman Aussie Way

‘Let’s go on a trip!’ said John.
‘Where will we go?’ said Robert.
‘I know a great trip we can go on, let’s travel the Kidman Way,’ said Allan.

The three brothers were sitting in a pub dressed in shorts, singlets and thongs planning a trip to the outback. They had never been past Yass and wanted to continue to the Great Kidman Aussie Way and travel the Golden highway back home again.

The Kidman Way is a highway in the western region of New South Wales. It services the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and outback communities.

Their current home was a small weatherboard house with a Hills Hoist clothesline out the back. John liked to swing on it. The house had cow horns on the wall. Many books on gold, crystal, and opals to read.

John had a precious gem collection of rose quartz, smoky quartz, and a few other precious gemstones. Allan liked gold and everything about it. He had shares in many of the mines, everything fascinated him about the precious metal. Robert loved opals and collected many types, but the black opal was his great desire to see.

They all worked in the coal mines and were tough Aussie men.
They wore boots and cowboy hats. Loved riding horses and chopping wood.

Allan had golden hair that changed in the shining sun. He was tall and thin. He was as sharp as a tack and never missed a beat. Loud nature and everyone knew he was in the room. He loved country and western music and reading.

Robert was tall, dark, and handsome, medium build and always disagreeing with his brothers. He loved drinking, smoking, and having a great old time.

John was blonde, short, and cute. Slightly plump and very quiet. He loved to please everyone and always thought of others first.

The day had arrived. The three brothers left in the Holden black Ute. They were all going to take turns to drive the many kilometres along the way. First stop Gundagai just before the Kidman Way.

Let the fun begin. All the men stayed at the local pub. Shared a few beers at the Royal pub and a snitty for dinner. A few laughs and plans along the way. Met a few local girls to enjoy the night. Learnt about the local history and planned a short trip to Tumut.

Tumut is in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains. As they pull to the pub they could see a big red coach, then a sign no beer on Tuesdays and opening hours 10am maybe, 12 noon bistros sometimes, 5pm late. I see a cider shop that’s open, let try it. Be careful it has a kick. Allan said did you know Tumut make straw brooms, horse whips and sheep skin mats. Now let’s check out the All-Saints church, courthouse, bank, Montreal Theatre, and lookout. I hear the lookout has specular views.

After the morning sight-seeing John said, ‘Let’s go back to Gundagai for happy hour?’
‘Sounds great to me,’ said Allan and Robert. A steak and early night ready for the long drive tomorrow they all agreed.

The start of the Great Kidman Aussie Way is Jerilderie on the Newell Highway. Famous for the bushranger Ned Kelly and the robbery that took place in Powell Street. There is a museum called Willows Homestead, a blacksmith shop, Post Office, a printing office and a beautiful lake and park nearby. A cemetery where many associated with the Kelly Gang are buried.

The three men walked and talked about the famous Kelly Gang. They imagined what times were like back then. There is a huge tank at the Luke Park they were looking at when a local passed by. He was riding a three-wheel bike he designed. Garry told the men that this was specially made for his retired Kelpie named Blacky. His job for sixteen years was rounding up sheep. Garry was a shearer now retired as well. His was the only way Blacky could go for a long walk, as age had caught up with him.

Next Allan, Robert and John stopped off at Griffith. In the main street there is a memorial to Pioneer Woman. A beautiful park across the road from the best Italian food. The pasta is out of this world. Those Italians sure can cook. Next the men tried the tasty cannoli vanilla and chocolate. ‘Let’s go for a wine tasting,’ Robert said. ‘Sure, we are in wine country,’ said the others. They also went to see the remarkable cemetery, museum, cave, and lookout. Now off to taste some great whites and red wines.

Off to Merriwagga, with incredible silo art. Let’s have a beer at the Black Stump Hotel. The staff told the men about a woman in 1886 who was cooking dinner and her dress caught fire and she was burnt to death. When her husband found her, she looked like a black stump. This is how the hotel was named or what most believed.

Hillston is next stop on the Lachlan River. Lots of red soil, we need to be careful as this is the stuff your car will get bogged in when it’s wet. The black soil is worst, your car will sink and never to be seen again. Stay on the tar to be safe guys. Hillston has some steel emus, out back art and a great motel. It’s close to clear quartz country.

John was so excited we are off to Mount Hope for clear quartz crystals. There is a pub that packs a mean burger, we can eat after the digging. Quartz crystals are famous for this area. Crystal means clear ice. It has healing attributes and brings the body into balance.

It was not long before the men had arrived. They took out their gear and started digging. Wow! Robert found the first piece and next Allan. They were small pieces of quartz crystal but still worthy of their efforts. The three men dug for an hour or so and mentioned they wanted to go to the pub. John was determined to find something special and wanted to be there all day. They all agreed another hour then they were off. John, Robert, and Allan found many small pieces in the next hour but nothing special. It’s time to move on to the pub for a burger and beer.

They were all in the ute and about to leave when John said, ‘WAIT! We have not checked under the Ute for crystals.’ Both brothers broke out in a yell, ‘no! we want to go to the pub.’ Allan and Robert could see the frustration and anger on John’s face. ‘Ok just look under the Ute but John, only you go, and we will wait in the Ute for you.’

Out John went again with all this gear and started digging furiously. A few minutes went buy the two men were saying what a waste of our time to each other, when there was a almighty roar. YES, ok my goodness I found it. It’s big, I need your help. Out the men jump to look. Wow you have found it, let’s get our gear. They dug, pulled, and chipped. Sweat poring off all of them. Lucky, we have a ute. Finally, out it came. It was huge. They all lifted it out and put it into the ute. Let’s tie it down and cover it up. Now off to the pub, do not mention our find. Next, they all enjoy a cold beer and burger and wondered what the crystal was worth.

Allan piped up and said, ‘Cobar for gold.’ Off they went on their travels. First, let’s look at gold mine. After a hundred kilometres they see the turn off in the road and pulled up. Look at that rock, a fine example. Let’s go to the viewing platform, wow they are operating, and you can see the men at work. The workers are mining for gold.

There is an open cut mine near Cobar we can see. Yes, Fort Bourke Hill Lookout. Let’s go. It’s not far away. As they pull up the ute an incredible masterpiece awaits them. Allan cannot hold himself back. The sheer size, craft, picture of this mine. Wow this has made my day, I could look at this forever. Look at that tiny truck down there. See the masterpiece the miner has carved into the rock.

Time to go to the town. It’s full of pubs, cafes, and the unusual sights. As they arrive a
B-double full of hay pulls up. Cobar is the outback, full of sheep, cattle, and goat country.

All board to the end of the Kidman Way at Bourke. We are staying in a Ranch, yippee! There is a gallery to see, and we can cruise up the Darling River on the old boat. As they arrived, they could see how high the floods were. The cruise took an hour and there were many beautiful sights to see. Its time to book into our ranch for the night. The men arrived and discovered a camp kitchen, pool, and barbie. I will go to town and pick up some meat, supplies, and beer of course for you all,’ said Robert.

Now we are in the real out back and off to Brewarrina and Walgett. Let’s leave at the crack of dawn tomorrow. We will end up at Lightning Ridge by night. There is a great club where all the miners eat. They have a great roast I hear.

On the way to Brewarrina there were many letter boxes in a row. Kangaroos are everywhere, both dead and alive. The grass is so high you can hardly see them. Now emus, sheep, and goats. ‘Oh no,’ called John, ‘a huge wild pig on the road up ahead’. Brewarrina and Walgett have many of our First Nation people living there. Some working on farms and very friendly. Beautiful windmills, green pastures, full dams, and isolated paddocks are in the distance. Plenty of red dirt for the Ute to get stuck in. It’s the black dirt we can really sink in so be careful. So many semis, B-doubles, and triples on the road.


Let’s travel to Lightning Ridge now, look up ahead at those amazing volcanic mountains.
It’s raining very heavy, and I hope the river has not cut the road. We were told it never rains in the Ridge. Off to Lightning Ridge they go, for the rare black opals. So many Road Trains travelling full of cars along the road. The rain is creating a mirage effect up ahead.

They find a cabin for a few nights. ‘Let’s go to the club for dinner and a beer,’ said Robert. All agree and on the way a storm hits. We were told it never rains here,’ said Allan. They arrive at the club and it’s raining so hard the roads in a blink of an eye are flooding. The thunder is so loud it sounds like the mines are being blown up. No, it is lightning. Now at the club carpark. The road beside it is flooding and our Ute could be filled with water when we get back. ‘Let’s eat fast, have a quick beer, and get back to the cabin.’

The storm is getting worst, it’s time to go. As they drive out of the town many roads are flooded. They cannot see what is in front from all the torrential rain. There is deep water up ahead and plenty of red clay road. The Ute swerves to miss another car and is now stuck in the mud. Out they hop, two pushing and one driving. Red clay and mud everywhere. No luck. We will have to leave it until tomorrow. I see the entrance to the tourist park. The bridge is ok, so they made it back to the cabin all soaking wet. Rain, thunder, lightning is getting worst, water is rising to the cabin. Oh no, we could be floating in the night.

Morning breaks and the sun comes out, the water level drops, and all is ok again. The others wake up, let’s try and get the Ute now. After many attempts the Ute moves onto the tar. Now its dirty. It’s time for the Car Door Tour so let’s have some fun. I have checked and the Green Door Tour is closed as its flooded. Red, Yellow, and Blue Car Door Tours are ok. It will be a rip-roaring mud bath today. Tomorrow let’s see the black opal and the carvings.

Next Coonabarabran. Let’s go via Gunnedah.
Many stone churches, beautiful parks, museums, and the Pensioner Lookout. Bridges to cross, goat farms, and mountains and hills to see along the way.
Coonabarabran for the observatory and crystal museum. They have seventeen telescopes, and we can see inside one. The crystal museum is enormous one of the biggest in Australia. The Warrumbungle’s is another amazing sight to see beautiful rock formations.

Time to head home. What’s that up ahead?’ said Robert. ‘Road works!’ said John, a D9 travelling to the mines. It’s going to be a slow trip.’ Oh no they are stopping the cars for an hour to build the road. Wow just what we need guys. I guess we cannot do very much, just wait in line.

OMG look up ahead, a streaker with a mullet. He’s running stark naked along the road. Oh no. He jumped on the D9. Loud sounds, Police chasing him. Now he’s running at the side of the road. Where is he now? He’s run in the black soil. I cannot see him, he disappeared. He must be under the soil. I see his mullet. Let’s help him.

All guys are now out of the car chasing the streaker. The Police spot him, now they are chasing him as well. Oh no, we are all sinking in the black soil. Now the Police are in the black soil. HELP US. Road workers have come to rescue us all. Quick get a rope, throw it to them. Tie it around their waists. We cannot pull them out as the black soil is stuck to them and they are too heavy.

Get the D9, it will pull them out. The road workers tied the ropes to the machine and now pulling and pulling out they come. The streaker keeps running, and the three guys think it a great yarn to tell their mates. The Police are not impressed, the report they need to file no inspector will believe and they will be the talk of the town.

Next the local newspaper is here to interview and tell the story.

Let’s stay another day, it will be a great night at the local pub. Sure let’s all stay, then is off home along the Golden Highway.

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Cairns to Cape York Blog

Posted on February 15, 2023 by Liz Shaw
At the Tip

A photo at the Tip

On Frangipani Beach

On Frangipani Beach

Happy Hour

Happy Hour

Novatel Pool

Novatel Pool

How do you travel from Sydney to Cairns, then Cape York and back to Cairns in 10 days, in reverse, without a 4WD of your own?

Day 1:
First arrive at Sydney airport early, for a full day of adventure. Jump, on a plane in Sydney fly to Cairns, and about 4 and half hours later you’ll arrive at a tropical paradise. We are picked up in a limo, and within 15 minutes were at the Novatel Oasis Resort. Wow pools, swim up bars, restaurants, and a short walk to the main town. Cairns has grown up since we were here about a couple of decades ago. St Monica’s Cathedral, Cairns Museum, and Botanic Tropical Garden to explore.

Day 2:
Day two, back to the Cairns Airport to fly to Horn Island in the Torres Strait. Many people from Horn Island are on our flight. We, travelled by boat to Thursday Island by the old Pearl Lugger. Arrive, tour around the magical Thursday Island, its beauty is majestic. Off to Green Hill Fort Look out, the beauty embraces you as you rise to the top of the hill. Next the underground Japanese Pearl Divers Memorial, located at the Thursday Island Cemetery. So many treasures to see.

Thursday island lunch? Well if you can afford it, a sandwich $20, five pieces of chicken $55. The freight to arrive here, on the island, would be enormous. We settled for a protein bar, drink, and walk around the town.

After we hopped on a cruise boat to Seisia Wharf, the beauty is specular. Crisp, aqua blue ocean, feel the sea air, warm sun on our faces. Torres Strait you have put on an unbelievable show for us. We arrive at Seisia Wharf and see our tour bus. Our tour guide is not there at first. He was helping unload the boat, as staff is short in Torres Strait.
Off to Seisia Holiday Park Villas. The weather is very hot, lucky we have air conditioning.

After a cool drink, we walk around the tourist park. Red soil everywhere. The aqua clear blue sea, palms, and sand. What more could you ask for? A local dip in the water? We are advised crocodiles are here, ready to greet you, especially at night. No strolls along the water edge at sunset, due to crocs waiting for you. Instead, we are greeted at the restaurant for a hearty welcome drink, and a banquet to follow. After dinner a sleep is needed, as we had an early start.

Day 3:
Let’s go to the Top, or as the locals call it the Tip of Australia. A short drive in our tour bus around the local streets, then it’s off to the Tip we go. We arrive and notice the peaceful nature that surrounds us. Its early, and the tide comes in super-fast here. We walk cross the mud flats and climb the mountain. It has a track, so easy to climb, and make our way to the Tip. The excitement we have travelled to parts of Australia many have never been. A few crocs are in the deep blue ocean. The breeze is strong, the magic of the Tip is special. A kiss, and photo and plenty of time to see our great land, the Tip of Australia the highlight for all.
It’s time to go, we make our way over the mountain as the tide is already rising fast, and back to our tour bus for morning tea.
Now it’s off to Somerset, home to the Jardine family, then a picnic lunch at Anchorage Beach overlooking Albany Passage. Back to Seisia Park for a rest and hearty banquet, and sleep. Morning, full breakfast, and early start to Bramwell Station.

Day 4:
Today we are off to Fruit Bat Falls. A great natural place to see, waterfalls you can swim in, relax, and enjoy without the crocodiles. Natural beauty, the smell of the bush, the sound of the scarters, the sound of the falls. Feel the power of the water on your back, like a soothing cascade. Natures natural spa bath. Feel refreshed, and at peace as you greet the day. A welcome picnic awaits us, after a relaxing day.

On our way again by bus, cross the Jardine River, many before us waiting their turn for the car ferry, tour buses have priority, so we are next to travel to river.
We travel the Old Telegraph Track to Bramwell Station, a true-blue cattle station. Huts for us to stay in. A walk around the station, wildlife, birdlife, and a small museum to enjoy. A concert and comedy show at night for all to have a laugh. A drink or two at the bar, and a barbie Bramwell style, under the covered outdoor dining. Plenty to eat and drink and visit Australian history at Bramwell Station. Ozzie icons that make our country proud. A visit you will never forget, another memory, and story to tell back home to all friends and family. An Ozzie breakfast, then off to Weipa.

Day 5:
We travel along the Wenlock River to Weipa. A small town with homes, shops and built on the mining industry. Rio Tinto has a beautiful waterfront for the managers and huts for the men and woman to stay.

Scenery, beautiful wildlife, a harbour on Embley River with many crocodiles, history, and culture. Visit a Wildlife Eco Cruise and the Rio Tinto Working Mine Tour.
Finish the day off with a drink, and sunset dinner at Albatross Resort, magical as the sun hits the water and colours you never normally see.

Day 6:
A long tour bus drive today, lucky we can rest and enjoy. Today it’s off to historic gold town Coen, we travel along the beautiful landscape and Magnificat Archer River. A small town with lots of character. A life from long ago.

Now it’s off the Musgrave another magic moment as we travel our great land. We arrive, the sight is unbelievable, all the cattle are waiting to welcome us, outside the post and rail fence, in front of the Musgrave Roadhouse. The red soil, cowboys, cattle, and specular farmhouse. Land afar, and rooms for us waiting as we look forward to a rest.
Our room was built for a Prime Minister, the size was unbelievable compared to the city. Its country living, hospitably and fun. A crocodile show is next, followed by a clever bird performance.

Now is time for afternoon siesta. Happy hour before a hearty banquet. A huge room and bed to return to, complete with views of cattle and land wide and far. Termite nests in the distance, they’re like tall buildings, sculptured by nature, a very special sight.
A peaceful sleep, and a full breakfast, now off to Cooktown.


Day 7:
Discover famous Cooktown, where Captain Cook landed long ago.
Visit the famous museum, so may amazing treasures to see. A walk in the town, many arts, and crafts to buy, Captain Cook monument. Black Mountain (Kalkajaka meaning place of spear) in the distance.

Now we settle in the Sovereign Resort Hotel. A swim in the resort style pool. A drink at the bar overlooking the mountain. Sunset dining in the balmy breeze, overlooking the town and Black Mountain a magical sight for all. Another swim, and restful sleep in our resort room. We watch on the balcony the sunrise with fresh brewed coffee, overlooking the pool. A buffet breakfast with fresh tropical fruits awaits us.
Now it’s down the Bloomfield Track.

Day 8:
A trip to the famous Lions Den Hotel. Queensland’s oldest pub is built in 1878. A drink, souvenir, and many quirky sites the pub has to offer. A friendly smile, a warm welcome, a photographer’s moment for all to see.

Now it’s off down the famous Bloomfield track, a bumpy ride. It takes us to the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest, and Cape Tribulation. Daintree beauty and magic, natures famous site.

We travel along the scenic Captain Cook Highway, its beauty is unsurpassed.
Back in Cairns to the Novatel Resort, just in time for happy hour by the beach, happy hour by the pool, and make our way to a a tropical meal by the moonlit sky. Sparkly lights in the tropical garden overlooking the pool.

Day 9:
Cairns our last day. A short walk to the cruise boat. A cruise to Green Island, snorkelling in the deep blue ocean, followed by a seafood buffet. A small animal sanctuary to see. Back at the resort in time for happy hour by the pool. Pack our bags and be ready for our early pick up to Cairns airport. Fly to Sydney and home by late afternoon. Amazing we can travel this distance in Australia by plane, by boat and bus.

By Liz Shaw

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A long weekend at The Peninsula Blog

Posted on February 13, 2023 by Liz Shaw
Woy Woy

WoyWoy

Travel from Sydney to Woy Woy, just over an hour by train, two hours by car. Enjoy as a local, the sights, coffee at the Boulevard 19 cafe. Walk to Spike Milligan Bridge and along the water. Continue your walk past, the jetty to Brick Wharf Road and back again. Coffee at the Love Shack. A rest in Lions Park. Short walk to fish and chips at Fishermen’s Wharf. Drinks at the Bayview. Rest in your bed at the Bayview, and ready for another adventure.

Next day walk to the jetty only a few minutes away. Travel as a local from Woy Woy Wharf to Empire Bay by ferry. First coffee, then view the many homes on the water. Catch the ferry from Empire Bay to Davidson for lunch either, the RSL, Restaurant or tea house. Now ferry back to Woy Woy for a stroll along the river.
Umina Beach is next. Short drive by car, or taxi. A bus along Ocean Beach Road to Umina is easy. Spoilt for choice units, camping or caravans, motels up the road to stay. Eat and shop in small businesses, always with a smile. Surf, fish, relax and feel the sea breeze and enjoy the slow pace for a while.
Visit Ettalong, wow a beach walk to enjoy, many clubs, restaurants, and cafes. The famous secret Galleria and Paradiso. It’s full of restaurants, galleries, studios, music, and time like no other. It’s like a walk in Europe for all to enjoy. Catch the ferry to Palm Beach and back. Fish, and kayak The Peninsula. Enjoy the glorious sunshine and feel the air.
Pearl Beach the pearl of the sea. Family fun. Swim in the ocean, eat and drink at the cafes, relax and enjoy, the lifestyle. Picnic at Patonga, swim and enjoy a drink at the Boat House Hotel. Let’s stay the week, as there is so much more to see.  By Liz Shaw

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