Durnins On Safari

Brad & Julie's Farm - Then Home Again - Almost!!

2011-06-30T07:11:00.000-07:00

On our way North to Bundy we called in to see our friends Brad & Julie Bretag who have a farm near Tiaro just South of Maryborough. The boys had a great time as did Lee and I. Here's Joey & Sam with the very cute...Fudge the dog...

Some of Brad's 'other kids' looking stressed as cattle don't...a nice lifestyle on the farm...peaceful and quiet with good company...

Brad used these cattle yards to separate the cattle when they were sprayed for tics...one of the many jobs involved in looking after a cattle farm...the boys liked it too!!

This calf was having some difficulty getting milk...maybe it's a bit shortsighted??

Any farm would be incomplete without a farm ute...here's a classic Aussie ute. It may need just a little touch up here and there to bring it up to scratch...

Joey & Sam having a drive on Brad's tractor. The boys loved the farm...the hospitality of the generous Bretag family much appreciated by the durnies...

...Well, after 45,000km and seeing many beautiful places and having the pleasure of meeting some great people, we arrive back in Bundaberg. We left in late June 2010 and arrived back mid June 2011.

We're all very grateful for the opportunity and the experiences we've been able to enjoy together...not quite done yet though...the tenants in the house have a couple of weeks left!! Oh well, we'll just have to tough it out at the lovely Bargara Beach Caravan Park...

Tin Can Bay & Rainbow Beach - Cooloola Coast

2011-06-30T06:49:00.000-07:00

Leaving the hustle of the Gold Coast we headed north to Brisbane and then to the lovely Cooloola Coast Region just East of Gympie. This shot is of our campsite at Tin Can Bay...

Between Tin Can Bay and Rainbow beach visitors can stop at 'Carlo Sandblow' which is a large are of sand that is slowly heading inland - very similar to Fraser Island which is just off this coast...

Lee, Joey, & Sam at Carlo's Sandblow with Sandy Strait in the background...

Rainbow Beach is viewed looking south along Carlo's Sandblow. The coloured sands found along this beach are why the beach has its name...

Tom, Joey, & Sam had a crack at sand boarding without much success - too wet...Oh well, worth a try...

Back at Tin Can Bay Lee is preparing to feed the local Dolphins - if they are lucky!! Fish without the chips - no thanks!!

Here she is again...feeding the Dolphin this time...all good fun

Not to be outdone by mum, Joey has a go....if you don't look you don't see them bite your fingers...the Dolphins are quite used to being close to people...

Movie World - Gold Coast

2011-06-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

Here's Louey, Joey, & Sam at the entrance to Movie World, one of the popular theme parks on Qld's Gold Coast....looking forward to what's inside...

The Princess sneaks a photo with Scooby-Do and his sidekick Shaggy...

Sam thought the Scooby-Doo Spooky House was pretty cool!

During the Day, we were able to see the stunt drivers do their thing. They performed the stunts to a hold-up theme with the bad guys being chased by the cops....

Joey & Sam up close to the Batmobile...very cool!

A couple of old time favourites - Daffy Duck and Tweety Bird.....no Putty Cat in sight....

It was a tight squeeze, but I managed to get into the Batman suit and say hi to the crowd...

At days end it was a very good day out for the visitors to the Gold Coast!

Mount Hotham Victoria & Some Snow

2011-05-24T04:11:00.000-07:00

One of the things we really wanted to do if possible was to see some snow on our trip, as the boys hadn't seen any, and Lee and I hadn't for a long time...so off we went on a day trip from Bright to Mt Hotham which is supposed to be Australia's highest snow resort...

Beside a cafeteria we came across a lump of snow that had fallen the previous week, most of which had melted due to the rains that had followed...it was a start! The boys were quite excited...Lee just wanted to throw some at Tom!!

This pan shot is a typical view of the country surrounding Mt Hotham...very cold, -1 to 1 degree min and max temperatures!!

Joey and Sam were happy to find some more snow to play in. Funny how people want to throw the stuff at the camera person!!

Sam was so excited he had to sit down...not for long though, just enough to make his bottom numb!!

Tom, Joey, & Sam experienced a little snow fall during our walk around Mt Hotham. The boys had just enough to make them want to come back again...in the middle of winter next time...

Bright - Victorian Alpine Country

2011-05-24T03:58:00.000-07:00

Here we are down South in Victoria (again!). This shot shows something a lot of Queensland doesn't see - Autumn leaves falling. We have a lot of evergreens in the North. These colours of Autumn are all around Bright which is a lovely little town at the foothills of Victoria's Alpine Country...

Sam is getting into the swing of things and letting off some steam, having a good time playing around in the park full of leaves...

Leeanne was keen to practice some more photography. It'd easy to see why Americans call this time of year 'Fall'...

Something we heard about recently was a silly sort of 'game' called planking. Here's Joey demonstrating a way of executing the 'art'...

...He decided that it would be far easier and more comfortable to utilise a real 'plank' to show his style on...

Not to be outdone, the 'old bloke' has a go as well. Something the photo doesn't highlight are the creaks! The bent legs aren't on purpose, it's actually the first stage of rigour mortis!!!

Lee has captured the scene alongside the Ovens River which runs through Bright quite nicely. It really is a quaint sort of town with lots of colours and attractions...

Above us we could see the 'Big Bird' heading south (probably to Melbourne) and couldn't resist a snapshot...

Into Qld & Kenilworth on the Sunshine Coast

2011-05-04T20:37:00.000-07:00

Here is the entrance sign to 'God's Country' the 'beautiful one day, and perfect the next' - QLD!! However, the last 12 months of topsy-turvey weather might suggest otherwise....anyhow it's a beautiful drive through the countryside of Tenterfield (NSW) to the Sunshine Coast...

Arriving at Kenilworth we set up camp a day earlier than other visitors from the fellowships around the Sunshine Coast. Here's Louey in her 'PJ's' to greet the new day!!

A pan view of the lovely hills around the Kenilworth Showgrounds - very peaceful...

This is Elizabeth St which is the main street of the township. Both sides have a coffee shop & cafe to snack at if visitors choose to. Overall it's a quaint sort of atmosphere here...

A local tourist attraction is the Cheese factory where visitors can indulge in a variety of cheeses, as well as yoghurts, and other fat laden dairy products...yummy...

The kids hangout! Kenilworth town park, where kids of all ages congregate...some in their forties and fifties!! I think it's because of the sliding swing and surrounding greenery....

Another highlight of our Kenilworth visit, (but she's a highlight anywhere in Australia!) was the princess having a birthday. Thanks for the cake Chrissy!...

Newcastle & Salamander Bay Area

2011-05-02T18:10:00.000-07:00

Heading north from the 'Big Smoke' we went to Newcastle which is a couple of hours away. Quite a beautiful section of coastline compliments this medium size city. This shot is of Newcastle main beach.

A further 55km north took us to Lee's home town area of Nelson Bay which has a multitude of inlets and beaches, all part of the Port Stephens area which holds several more times water than Sydney Harbour. Here is Sam having some exercise at the local park near Lee's parents' place...

A pan view of the southern bay area looking towards Corlette Beach...

Joey & Sam at the northern end of Wanda Beach. On this occasion we were headed up the beach to check out a tree swing that someone kindly provided...the boys had a ball...

...here's the 'swingers' at Wanda Beach...

A pan view of Wanda Beach showing the heads. On the south is Tomaree National Park and on the north is Yackaba...

Yes, another year rolls by...birthday time again...at Ma & Pops' this time. Thanks boys & mum for the pressies and songs...

Because we missed Christmas with the family this year it was...Christmas in April at Ma & Pops'...

A bit of nostalgia...in 1982 I worked on these storage tanks (at left) for Tomago Alumina. At the right is one of the coal loaders on Kooragang Island. Newcastle is the worlds busiest coal port!!

The Big Smoke (Sydney) - Katoomba & The Three Sisters

2011-04-02T18:48:00.000-07:00

We headed west to visit another well known area, Katoomba in the Blue Mountains which is about 100 kms away from Sydney. Here's the blurb on the Katoomba district. We were to be very surprised at the natural beauty so close to Australia's biggest city...

A pan view of the Blue Mountains area from a cable car... the blue haze is created by eucalyptus given off by the thick forest below...

This shot is of the famous 'Three Sisters' Mimi, Gunadoo, & Wymula (aboriginal for Mildred, Janice, & Ethel)...well maybe not...

Here's the Durnies at the base of the first sister. Amazing views from this location around the valleys and hilltops of the Blue Mountain area...

Leeanne really wanted to see the Three Sisters and it's not hard to see why....

The 'Three Sisters' from Echo Point which is the main information area for visitors...

We went to Scenic World which has been set up from an previous old mine site. Visitors can descend on the steepest train ride in the world (cable) before walking the forest floor to a cable car return that gives amazing views of the blue mountains...

The angle of descent is about 52 degrees!!

Coal Miner Sam posing for the camera (again)...

Another feature of Scenic World is the Skyrail that crosses the Katoomba Valley. Here's Joey & dad taking in the scenery...

The beautiful Katoomba Falls drop about 220 metres. This is seen from the Skyrail...

After crossing over the vally visitors can walk down to the base of the Katoomba Falls which is where this shot of Joey and Sam was taken...

A pan view of the Blue Mountain area with the Three Sisters on the left...

The Big Smoke (Sydney) - Friendly Cockatoo's @ Botanical Gardens

2011-04-02T18:20:00.000-07:00

On our walk around Mrs Mac Arthurs Seat we passed the Botanical Garden area which is home to these very friendly Cockatoo's...here's Joey with one perched on his arm, with the Centrepoint Tower in the background!!

Well, Sam...he likes to be different!! Going 'one better' he has one perched on his head...

....not to be outdone, here's dad with four resting on his arms and shoulders!!! How cool was this, we had great fun with these little fella's...

Joey and Sam, more of the same...except Sam's guy is trying to eat him!!

The Big Smoke (Sydney) - Circular Quay & Mrs Mac Arthur's Seat

2011-04-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

We ventured back to Circular Quay and walked around towards the Sydney Opera House for some close ups!! Here's the ferry terminal area which seems to be always busy with tourists both Aussie and International..

Another famous Sydney icon - Luna Park - unfortunately only open on weekends!! Here it is tucked under the Sydney Harbour Bridge...

Here's Samsational (Aunty J's nickname) at Circular Quay with the Harbour Bridge in the background...

Joey, Sam, & Dad on the steps of Sydney Opera House. It's quite an imposing structure, a lot bigger than we expected...

Another shot of the Harbour Bridge from further around Circular Quay...

Pan shot of Circular Quay with Joey and the Harbour Bridge & Opera House in the background...

If you continue around the Circular Quay area past the Opera House you will come to Mrs Mac Arthurs Seat which provides excellent views...

The Big Smoke (Sydney) - Bondi Beach Visit

2011-04-02T17:59:00.000-07:00

We caught the train into town and bus to the famous New Zealander inhabited Bondi Beach. Another Sydney icon famous for surf competitions...

Here's Joey on the beach area and there was no way the wimpy Queenslanders were going to get in the water today!!

Lee, Sam, & Joey at the Esplanade area of Bondi Beach...

Here's the princess posing on the beach wall...hoping to caught on a scene from 'Bondi Rescue' a local Aussie show filmed here. She was out of luck however...

Pan view of Bondi beach with some Durnies included...

The Big Smoke (Sydney) - Manly Ferry Trip

2011-04-02T17:49:00.000-07:00

We were blessed with another fine day and were off to the Manly Beach area via the ferry which leaves from Circular Quay. This shot is looking back towards the city...

Tom & Joey at the beach...warm enough for a swim too!!

Sam making the most of the nice day and location. It's easy to imagine this beach being packed during the warmer summer months. There was plenty of room for us today though!! There were a lot of international visitors around as different languages were easily heard (at least we thought they were from overseas!)...

Manly Beach looking northwards...

Pan shot of Manly Beach...

On the return trip we passed close to the Opera House...

Here's Joey with the iconic Sydney Opera House in the back ground...

We were also racing back to Circular Quay against this incoming storm cloud...

Sydney Harbour Bridge and another ferry from our ferry...

The Big Smoke (Sydney) - Harbour Bridge Walk & Centrepoint Tower

2011-04-02T17:35:00.000-07:00

Here's the tourists waiting patiently for the train at Nth Ryde Railway station. It was only a 10 minute stroll from the Lane Cove National Park where we stayed. A bush setting only 10km from central Sydney which was ideal for us not having to drive into the city!!

We hopped off the train at Milsens Point and walked across the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge to take in some amazing views in all directions...here's Joey & Sam at the start of the walk...

Looking east from the bridge we could see another famous Sydney landmark, the Opera House...

A pan view of Sydney Harbour from the middle of the Bridge...

This fine example of architecture is from the Mall on Pitt Street and Martin Place in the city heart...

Here's Centrepoint Tower from the ground...Joey wasn't too keen as he doesn't like heights...but he made the journey to his credit!!

From the top of Centrepoint you have amazing views of the surrounding city and sprawling suburbs of Australia's largest city, which has over 4 million residents!!

Looking down from the top of Centrepoint onto Queen Victoria building which is currently a big shopping complex...

Some interesting facts about the Centrepoint Tower...

The War Memorial

2011-03-26T03:07:00.000-07:00

We visited the War Memorial which is quite a moving experience for people, even moreso for the returned soldiers who served in any of the conflicts Australia have been involved in...the shot shows the view back towards the Parliament House, all part of the design from concept...

Before entering the memorial you will see a number of statues around the grounds depicting scenes to capture in part what it was like for those who served. This particular scene is of private Simpson who fought in Gallipoli - he was unknown to a lot of the soldiers by name only as the soldier with the donkey. He rescued over 300 men who were wounded and was himself killed at Gallipoli. We later found out that in joining the army he was trying to return to England to see his mother and fight on the western front but midway through the journey the orders were changed and they went to Gallipoli...

This is a portion of the navel ship HMAS Brisbane...turret gun at the ready...

A pan view of the central courtyard with the eternal flame and tomb to the unknown soldier in the middle of the photo...either side is the roll of honour...

The roll of honour contains all 102,000+ names of Australians who died during all conflicts right up to today. The greater portions of these are the 60,000 lost in the First World War and the 40,000+ lost in the Second World War. There wouldn't be a town in Australia that hadn't been touched in some way by these horrific days...

The poppies in the roll of honour were placed by relations of the soldiers that served when the then Prime Minister Paul Keating delivered his speech at the return and burial of the 'Unknown Soldier' on the 11th November 1993

The tomb of the unknown soldier returned from the European battlefield, who came to represent all soldiers who served in battle in all wars not just the Great War of 1914-1918...

The speech delivered by then Prime Minister Paul Keating on 11th November 1993 at the service for the unknown soldier. It's a ripper....to add to the occasion one of the WW1 diggers who was at the service had a handful of dirt and tossed it into the open grave and said 'You're finally home mate'...very powerful symbolism...

Inside the memorial were exhibits from all services. Here Sailor Sam is being attentive controlling the submarine...

....ably assisted by 'first mate' Leeanne...

This is 'G for George' the famous Lancaster Bomber that survived 90+ missions in the Second World War. The average at the time was between 20-30 before being shot down by the enemy...

The couple of 'redneck gunners' in the chopper are Joey and Sam... the pretend paratrooper is Leeanne...somebody help us!!

Into Australian Capital Territory (ACT) & Parliament House, Questacon Visits

2011-03-26T02:36:00.000-07:00

We arrived into the ACT on a lovely sunny day which may surprise some!! Here's Lee at the ACT sign...

Lee, Joey, & Sam outside Parliament House. The flag at the spire top is large enough to block out a double-decker bus!!

A pan view from Parliament House looking back towards the War Memorial...

Inside the Parliament House visitors can see the beautiful stone work and architecture, which is a credit to the designers...

Midway between Parliament House and the Lake Burley Griffin is this row of foreign flags representing a large number of the worlds nations...

Here's Joey checking out one of the many displays at Questacon - a scientific showpiece in central Canberra. Both the boys loved the interactive displays which showed a multitude of information about the planet, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other naturally occurring events...excellent day out here...

Sam is checking out the internal workings of a combustion engine - by assembling the various parts prior to start up...he got it running...

Lee and Sam are competing against each other on a standard bike and a 'recumbent' type bike. The recumbent bike is supposed to be faster but Sam blitzed Lee in this instance!!

Kosciuszko National Park & Snowy Mountains Scheme

2011-03-23T06:49:00.000-07:00

Well we finally made the 'bad boy country' blues home ground etc. Crossed into NSW and drove through some of the little coastal towns listed on the sign. Lots of rain about for this trip. Bega had 350mm which fortunately we missed most of...

Turning inland we headed to the high country, through Cooma and into Kosciuszko NP for a look around...

A major feature of this region is the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric & Irrigation Scheme. Amazing work to transport the water from east of the ranges to the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers on the western slopes to irrigate crops in both NSW and Victoria..This picture shows the Murray 1 power station which is part of the greater scheme...

A pan view of the Snowy Mountains - minus snow...

The ski runs and chairlifts of Thredbo Ski Resort

Thredbo ski resort proper....

This enormous valley is Charlottes Pass which has the lowest recorded temperature in Australia - minus 23 degrees, recorded in June 1994...

Joey & Sam @ the top of the ski lift at Charlottes Pass - some 1850m plus above sea level...in amongst the clouds...

The trees aren't much to look at at this Alpine height...

The details of the Snowy Mountains Scheme which took an amazing 25 years to complete...

Another surprise awaited us at the camp next day...Skippy invited himself to have some breakfast with us...because of his good manners we let him join us at the table....

Here's Skippy helping himself...

Lakes Entrance & Mallacoota Victoria

2011-03-23T06:29:00.000-07:00

Leaving Wilsons Prom we headed west and stayed at Lakes Entrance which is a huge series of lakes along Victoria's West coast that the town provides access to. Very busy in summer months...

Lee is on one of the boardwalks that connect the lakes and town to the open beach with its powerful surf...

Couldn't resist this little ripper of a car. I think a bit chilly in Victoria's climate?

This was the campsite at Mallacoota Vic, near the NSW border. Each campsite on the river had it's own jetty!!

A pan view of the waterway opposite our campsite. At the time of our stay the Victorian's were having a major fishing competition. Apparently the region is great for fishing

Wilson's Promotory National Park

2011-03-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

After a great time at John & Lea's we moved east to Wilson's Promotory, the southernmost point in mainland Australia. We caught up with friends Ben & Wendy and family from Townsville...

Right behind where we were camped was this magnificent beach - Nelson's - amazing view...

The local Rosella's were happy to join us for lunch....or any other food item that was free!!

We headed to Squeaky Beach with Ben & Wendy and kids Ollie, Josh, & Bailey. A bit cool but still a nice day out...

Along the path some 300m takes visitors to Squeaky Beach famous for the sound the sand makes underfoot...

Right next to Squeaky Beach is Whiskey Beach. Another nice spot....

To really cap off this nice spot we had a visit from 'Wally the Wombat' at night....really cute we thought...

Family Time @ Mornington

2011-03-15T23:50:00.000-07:00

Another highlight of our trip was being able to have some quality family time with my younger brother John and sister Cath and their families...we're all getting older!!

Here's the adults: Tom & Leeanne, John, Cath, hubby Gary, and John's wife Leanne (family tradition marrying a Leanne)....

The boys - Joey, Sam, with cousins Ben, Matty, & Nick...great kids, had a top time together...

The adults having an attack of the 'sillies'....

The whole crew...John & Lee did a great job of hosting the lot of us in their home. Very grateful for the kindness shown to us....

Another highlight...all the time during our stay John was keen to get me on the back of this beast, his Kawasaki ZX636 Ninja. He won and I took it for a run down the Peninsula....

Australia's "Lost World Inhabitants..."

2011-03-08T17:51:00.000-08:00

It cost a lot of money, but we were privileged to gain access to a little known section of the Otway Ranges where there are still some surviving species of dinosaurs not known of by the general public. What you are about to view is classified and we can't give exact location, otherwise they will, well...you know the rest...

1. This is the meat eater Dimedtron...

2. The most feared meat eater - Tyrannosaurus Rex or for short, T-Rex...

3. Here's Joey being overshadowed by a Pteradactyl, another fearsome critter!!

4. Sam got up close and personal with the little Triceratops...

5. Another of the vicious meat eaters - Velociraptor, although smaller they are dangerous because normally they hunt in packs...

6. The herbivore Stegosaurus was content to munch away on its favourite food and was hardly aware of us curious tourists...

7. This specimen is only found in the Otway's and has no official scientific name. We thought 'Coneheadasaurus' would be appropriate...

Otway Fly Treetop Walk

2011-03-08T17:25:00.000-08:00

At the start of the treetop walk is Sam with some tall timbers behind him. Mountain Ash, Myrtle Beech, & Blackwood are the dominant trees in this forest. The Mountain Ash are the tallest flowering plant in the world and can grow to 100m...

This fine example of Blackwood tree doesn't reach the heights of the Mountain Ash but was sought after for the texture and colour of the timber used mainly for furniture...

The start of the steel walkway some 40 metres high. Trees still taller in the background...

The walk takes about an hour and at the end has a 600m steel walkway and viewing platform...

The Princess at the tower top...

Joey, Tom, & Sam on the walkway looking down from the treetop viewing tower...

Great Ocean Road - Apollo Bay to Port Campbell

2011-03-08T16:59:00.000-08:00

From Apollo Bay we headed west to the iconic 12 Apostles pictured behind Joey & Sam (Hairdo for the occasion)

The bulk of the Apostles are found on the western side towards SA. Some have fallen into the sea.

The two remaining Apostles on the East towards Geelong...

The Loch Ard Gorge named after the ill fated ship that crashed into this coastline in the 1800's...

The London bridge, named after the famous English landmark. It used to have two arches like it's namesake until one collapsed in the 1990's and left two people stranded on the newly formed 'island'. They were rescued...

A pan view of the London Bridge...

Just near the Twelve Apostles visitors will find Gibson's steps, cut into the sandstone to allow access to the beach below...

At the bottom of the steps is this beach with the Apostles in the background. Lee, Joey, & Sam are checking out the view...

Another popular landmark on this section of the Great Ocean Road is the Arch.
With all the amazing natural sights to see, I think it equally amazing that this road was built by WW1 diggers to honour their fallen comrades...

Great Ocean Road - Anglesea to Apollo Bay

2011-03-08T16:39:00.000-08:00

We were blessed with a beautiful day for the trip. At the Eastern approach to the Great Ocean Rd is Anglesea

A pan view of Anglesea Beach from the lookout...

A surprise to us was that the Great Ocean Road was built by WW1 diggers to honour their fallen comrades...

The 'Official' start of the Great Ocean Road from the East...

Looking West towards the pretty town of Lorne...

The Bronze Statue to Hounour the WW1 diggers...

The view from Cape Patton looking Westwards...

Launceston Area

2011-02-24T05:06:00.000-08:00

It may surprise some folks, like it did us, that this view is about 5 minutes from central Launceston. It's the suspension bridge at Cataract Gorge, the rugged scenery surrounding the bridge is the gorge itself...

Lee & Joey on the chairlift @ Cataract Gorge...

Upstream Cataract Gorge...

Tom, Joey, & Sam on the suspension bridge...

A pan shot of the Cataract Gorge area. It was created by early settlers to Launceston for their 'recreation'...

Another feature of Launceston is City Park, again right in the city heart...

A couple of residents at City Park are these Japanese Monkeys. Looks like a helping hand from his/her mate...

In the middle of City Park there is a lovely building that houses all sorts of flowers. Lee has a sample here...

Outside chess challange between the 'Old Bull' and the 'Young Bull' (Joey). Nice place to relax...

This fine example of Ivy growing up the house walls, was taken near Railton. Railton has a neat collection of topiaries comprising all sorts of animals. We passed through on our way to Devonport to catch the ferry back to 'Australia' - our Tassie experience was drawing to a close - this time around anyway...

West Tamar Area

2011-02-24T04:36:00.000-08:00

A sample of the beautiful scenery between St Helens and Scottsdale on the north-east of Tasmania...

After arriving at Launceston and setting up we headed along the West Tamar Hwy. This shot of Joey is at a lookout named after a murderer - Brady's Lookout....bit unusual? I think so too...

A pan shot of Brady's Lookout shows the Tamar River snaking it's way along....

This mine site at Beaconsfield was in the National news a few years ago when a collapse trapped two miners.

The monument set up to acknowledge the many Australians who helped during the rescue of the two miners at Beaconsfield - Todd Russell and Brant Webb - and honour the memory of Larry Knight who lost his life in the same incident in 2006...

A little further along the road brings visitors to Platypus House where this fellow was photographed...

Also at Platypus House are these Echidna's - unusual looking creatures to be sure...monotremes is their scientific name...

During our walk to the summit of the lookout at Greens Beach Sam decided to 'Abijer' the rest of us when he disapproved of something that was said...cheeky little fellow!!

Sam & Joey at Greens Beach...

Lee, Sam & Joey @ Greens Beach Lookout - see Bass Strait

Bay of Fires & Eddystone Lighthouse (Mt William NP)

2011-02-18T18:28:00.000-08:00

At the southern end of the Bay of Fires is Cosy Corner where camping is allowed, a very pretty place - even on an overcast day!

Pan shot of Cosy Corner

Lee managed to catch one of the locals in full flight...

We had lunch at Policemans Point a bit further north - another nice spot...

Three of my favourites!!

Sam enjoying a bit of playtime at Policemans Point...and dad too!

The rocky boat ramp at Eddystone Point...

This pan shot shows the rock type and colours that give the Bay of Fires its name. All along this coast they can be seen...

Eddystone lighthouse and flowers in the foreground...quite an isolated area...

This view is typical of the coastline around Eddystone Point...

Joey at the base of Eddystone Lighthouse

St Columba Falls (Near St Helens Tasmania)

2011-02-18T18:01:00.000-08:00

We tripped out from St Helen's to the highest waterfall in Tasmania at 90 metres high - St Columba Falls. Here is the unusual entrance to the walk...

Lee's 'slowed shutter' photography of the stream along the walk that visitors see before arriving at the Falls...

St Columba Falls...very nice.

On the way back to St Helens we stopped by an unusual tourist attraction - Priscilla the beer drinking pig!! Some Princess!!

Unfortunately, we were stuck in a Tasmanian traffic jam for five whole minutes!!

Bicheno Area

2011-02-18T17:08:00.000-08:00

On the Central East Coast of Tasmania is Bicheno. It's a quiet place with a scenic surrounding area. This shot is back towards town from the point...

Just south of Bicheno is the blowhole that wasn't working the day we arrived because of the lack of swell. The rugged rocky shoreline is set in a backdrop of forested hills. The cloudy day added to the 'hemmed in' feel...

One of the highlights for the boys is making new friends at the meeting place for travelling kids - the playground. Here's Sam with Alyssa at Bicheno Caravan Park...

Just north of Bicheno is Douglas-Apsley National Park. There is a couple of day trek that the really fit and keen tackle. We stuck with the 20 minute return walk to the lookout!

Skimming Sam at the Apsley Waterhole practicing...

Geeveston & Mt Hartz NP

2011-02-15T03:48:00.000-08:00

South of Hobart bring visitors into Houn Pine country. Geeveston has a history in timber even today. There are huge pillars that greet visitors entering from the north as the picture shows. You can see the size of them compared to the power poles!!

One of the more impressive buildings in Geeveston is the bakery. Constructed of solid timber inside as well as the exterior. The figures pictured have been carved using a chain saw!!

Sam gets a little closer to the statues. Kiss the statues for good luck says the sign - sounds like 'blarney' to me!!!

Sam & Joey say hi to Dr Oswald...

The timber history and visitors centre has a replica timber truck on display. Lots of work in its construction...

Heading towards Hartz National Park we came across an old steam engine and 'log puller'. Designed to haul out the huge trees after being felled. Ingenious design for the day it was built!!

The Hartz Mtn NP is an Alpine area covered in snow in winter. At the peak of the Arve Falls walk we saw the Falls. Quite nice but not in the same category as Russell Falls!!

A pan of the Hartz Mountain area...

Russell & Horseshoe Falls And Gordon River Dam

2011-02-15T03:30:00.000-08:00

On our way to Russell Falls in Mt Field NP. Lush temperate rainforest and the occasional Sam to make things interesting...

Here's the big Joey at the worm grotto. Apparently they glow in the dark and it's unusual because they aren't in a cave??

Some of the massive trees that were cut down for houses during the gold rush years in Victoria came from this area. The biggest are the Swamp Gum that can grow to 120 metres!!

It's hard to get how big these whoppers are...didn't even get the top of the tree in this shot...

One of Lee's favourite shots.., this is Russell Falls...very nice.

Another angle of Russell Falls...

The durnies @ Russell Falls

A 'vertical pan' of Russell Falls into the stream below...

A bit further in and you find a smaller fall - Horseshoe Falls

Sam and the Dragonfly....who is really watching who?

Lake Pedder on the way into Gordon River Dam...

Some information about the Gordon River Dam...

This is the Dam wall. It is a curved structure both horizontally and vertically which engineers designed to give it extra strength. The dam wall is the highest in Australia.

A section of the stairwell that is alongside the dam wall. Workers can go all the way to the bottom - good for the leg muscles...

This shot shows the large crevice on the back side of the dam wall - it is massive when you look straight down into it!!

A pan view of the wall edge and resulting lake...

The hydro-electric scheme details...note the depth of the system in comparison to the Hobart casino building to the left!!

Mt Wellington - Hobart

2011-02-15T03:05:00.000-08:00

Hobart is Tasmania's capital city. A beautiful town with waterways everywhere and overlooking the city is Mt Wellington. The photo shows Mt Wellington from near the city centre...

At the top of Mt Wellington it was quite chilly. We went from 20 degrees in town to only 3 degrees at the summit!! Have a look at Sam!!

The view back over Hobart from the summit of Mt Wellington...

This example of modified machinery was at the summit. The tourists have an option of a bike tour of the area - for a price of course!!

The panoramic view from Mt Wellington...

Glass lookout at the summit...

Tom & Lee at the summit of My Wellington with Hobart in the background...

Natureworld (Near Bicheno - Tasmania)

2011-02-15T02:53:00.000-08:00

Just north of Bicheno is the animal park Natureworld. It features Tasmanian Devils but also has some excellent specimans of other species such as the Wedge-tailed Eagle pictured.

This is a Tasmanian Masked Owl...

The wombat pictured is named Beauford and his little friend "Stuffed"...

One of my favourite pictures of our handsome little man Joey, feeding a kangaroo at Natureworld...

Not to be outdone here's Sam feeding another Kangaroo. Nice experience for the boys...

Some facts about the Tasmanian Devil.

Look at the teeth on the little critter!!

A devil 'stand-off'. These little guys are very aggressive about territory and food!!

Wineglass Bay & Cape Tourville

2011-02-15T02:24:00.000-08:00

This is Coles Bay a small town just near Freycinet NP where visitors start the walk to Wineglass Bay one of Tasmania's famous beaches...

During the walk the boys needed a wee rest....

Peeping Joey...creative shot from Lee...

Not to be outdone it's peeping Sam....

A bit further on the walk became steeper so we all needed a rest stop!!

The classic Wineglass Bay shot....it's a lovely view especially when the sun is out!

Princess Lee & Miss Devine @ Wineglass Bay...

Nearby to Wineglass Bay is Cape Tourville...another nice area with rugged hills and water all around.

Here's Joey near the top of the walkway at Cape Tourville.

Expedition leader Tom at Cape Tourville lookout...

....and at the peak, the lighthouse...

Port Arthur

2011-02-12T04:31:00.000-08:00

Part of the entry fee into Port Arthur is for a trip around the harbour to discus aspects of the era and its dependance on the sea for everything brought in or out of the prison facility. During our tour we saw this wooden boat which was part of a huge exhibition in Hobart on the weekend - very nice...

The 'Isle of the Dead' where many of the prisoners and settlers ended up.

This shot is of part of the monument built to remember the people killed by a crazed gunman in 1996. Three staff members died that day in the massacre...

Tom & Joey with the commandant's house and main prison in the background. The philosophy of the Port Arthur penal colony was to 'grind rogues honest' - those who resisted were dealt with severely. The prisoners had opportunity to learn a trade of some sort while at Port Arthur to reduce the chance of their return.

These two inmates display the types of leg irons that were used as part of the punishments...

Time for Sam to have those 'sillies' shaken out. A regular occurrence along with his required 'tune ups'

This is one of the more imposing structures at Port Arthur - the church. It was 'unconsecrated' so that all faiths could participate in services. It was part of the rehabilitation for inmates to regularly hear the Word of God spoken...

I love you mum....from Sam...

He promised to be good if we took him home....but he lied...

The lunatic asylum....not really, that's our camper!! There is a real asylum that was used at Port Arthur.

Lee did a great job of shooting this Bumble Bee in flight...

A typical cell at the Port Arthur Asylum. The normal cells were even smaller!!

The guard tower to assist in keeping those below in sight...

A lovely view across from the prison area towards the old church...

Lake St Clair NP

2011-02-11T05:09:00.000-08:00

Here's our little campsite at Lake St Clair. This is a really pretty area at the southern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

After setting up camp the sun set and this is what one sees, the Lake in twilight - very nice...

Joey & Sam at the boat ramp at dusk - one of my favourites

Pan shot of the Lake during a walk along it...

Platypus Bay @ Lake St Clair

Joey on the rocks @ Lake St Clair...

Four Amazing Wilderness Walks!!

2011-02-11T04:41:00.000-08:00

This was the first of four great short walks! Nelson Falls a temperate rainforest leading down to a beautiful waterfall...

Tom, Lee, & Joey on the way to the falls...

A section of the colourful scenery to be seen. A small steam makes its way through the moss covered rocks...

Tom & the princess on the bridge along Nelson Falls Walk...

Throughout the area visitors will see huge trees such as these photographed...

One of Lee's favourite shots of the water running around mossy rocks...very nice I think!

At the end of the walk this sight awaits the visitors - Nelson Falls - beautiful!

Donaghys Hill was the second walk on the agenda for our busy day out. These walks were done on the way from Zeehan to Lake St Clair campsite.

Towards the top of the lookout...

Tom & Sam at the lookout. Welcome rest indeed!

Part of the scenery from Donaghys Hill Lookout...

A panoramic view from Donaghys Hill Lookout...

The third of our four walks was along the world famous Franklin River.

Lee 'hiding' amongst a couple of 'whopper' trees...

Another sample of the tall timbers from the ground...

This old tree had fallen across the walking trail so had to be cut away - a masssive log as you can see compared to Joey & Sam...

Here's Joey climbing a tree beside the Franklin River...

Tom & Lee relaxing at the river bank...

Lee & Sam at the Franklin River bank...

Justine, Joey, & Sam at the Franklin River ...

The fourth short walk was Frenchman's Cap which leads to a suspension bridge over the Franklin River. Some keen walkers continue along this route for days... (some others!)

This shot shows the type of terrain covered in this walk - quite steep in places but worth the effort...

More beautiful temperate rainforest. It's easy to see why many want to preserve these areas for future generations to enjoy!

This is the suspension bridge that you use to cross the Franklin River - quite a lot of fun...

Dove Lake Circuit Walk - Cradle Mountain

2011-02-06T04:50:00.000-08:00

I had to try out the panoramic view again.....looks cool (I think so anyway!!

Another popular shot taken by visitors is this view of the mountain with the fishing shack in the fore ground. We were blessed on the day with good weather. During the walk we even had some light snow fall...

Another view of Cradle Mountain. Apparently the mountain goy the name because of the 'baby in the cradle' appearance. If you look closely (and use a little imagination) you can see an outline of a baby using the second 'bump' from the left side as a baby's head....

Justine took this great shot of her buddy Sam. He really is a cutie!!

Here's the lovely miss Justine with the Cradle Mountain as a backdrop. Very nice...

Sam, 'the man', ready to pound the path around Dove Lake...

A few of the intrepid explorers!! Lee, Justine, Joey, & Sam at the start of the hike around Dove Lake...this walk was going to provide a lovely view of Cradle Mountain depending on the weather and visibility...

Here's the camp kitchen we used at Cradle Mountain Park. Nice wood fire place to warm us up before heading off on the 6km circuit of Dove Lake. Very welcome when it is only 5 degrees outside. Is this really summer??

Cradle Mountain Short Walks

2011-02-06T04:27:00.000-08:00

The panoramic shot of the Enchanted Walk. Very pretty spot...

Here's the 'man' Joey on the way to Pencil Pine Falls. It's an amazing part of the country...

The walk will take visitors to the Enchanted Waterfall....lovely!

One of the short walks around the Cradle Mountain area is the Enchanted Walk. It is quite beautiful with an abundance of greenery...like something from 'The Hobbit'...

On the day we arrived atCradle Mountain the rain was around so we dressed for the occasion...yes, a true fashion statement!!

After leaving Somerset we headed inland to Cradle Mountain which is a world heritage area and one of Tasmania's more spectacular attractions! On the way we stopped for a look at Hellyer Gorge which is a fine example of the heavily timbered area...here's the princess at Hellyer River...

Somerset to Stanley & Marrawah

2011-02-06T04:09:00.000-08:00

At the end of the road in the north west is the wee town of Marrawah. A nice beach and park area awaits the visitor...

A very relaxed local of Stanley. The surrounding country is pretty farmland with cattle and sheep...

One of the original residences in Stanley is this historic homestead...

A sample of the old buildings around Stanley...

This shot shows 'The Nut' a well known landmark with locals in the north west area of Tasmania. It is a steep hill the has a chairlift to the summit. The town beneath it is Stanley which is a popular fishing village...

We drove to Launceston to pick up our friend Justine (pictured here with Lee) who flew down from Brisbane to join us for 10 days looking around Tasmania. We returned to Devonport where we were staying and made preparations to head across to Somerset.

Tasmazia & Villiage of Lower Crackpot Day Trip

2011-02-01T22:11:00.000-08:00

Here's Sam the Man beside one of many hedge shapes found in the town of Railton just south of Devonport. Quite tricky how it is done, but very effective...

Another form of correction from the old days...French style - the guillotine...could sort out a few of today's crackpots!!

Here's a happy face...NOT...we only left Joey there for an hour. Not really, we couldn't do that to our little man...it's not allowed!!

Just at the right time!! A discipline implement for our little Samuel. It looks like a 'made to fit'....Sam doesn't agree.

Sam & Joey on the fireman's Hut memorial. There are a number of small huts set up in the maze to various themes.

About 40 minutes away from Devonport is the 'Promised Land'. Here a main drawcard is the Tourist place Tasmazia, a huge maze setup with an additional area called the Village of Lower Crackpot!! It's a different place to be sure. Big hedges and signs with witty sayings all throughout as visitors make their way toward theThree Bears Cottage!!

Melbourne to Devonport By Ferry

2011-02-01T21:56:00.000-08:00

Here's Sam at the nearby beach with a slice of Devonport in the background. We had a lovely 25 degrees for part of the day, and then the cool change blew across!! Very quick change indeed....

After the nine hour two movie trip to Tassie we set up camp at Devonport for a few nights. We decided to 'Spoke and Hub' it - driving out from a central area on short day trips to get the feel of the areas...

Here's the flagship - Spirit of Tasmania II. We sailed on this one and mid voyage passed the sister ship heading into Victoria...

The lovely Melbourne skyline from the ferry Spirit of Tasmania...

The big day arrived for the Bass Strait crossing to Tasmania. We were hoping for calm weather as the Bass Strait is renowned for wild seas and conditions as the sailors in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race can testify about...

Wood's Point Day Trip

2011-01-22T20:43:00.001-08:00

Joey & Sam on an old style timber bridge that would have been common in the pioneering days of Wood's Point...

Joey & Sam standing amongst some logs cut down when fire breaks were established. In earlier times there was a milling and timber industry in the Wood's Point area...

Here's Tom just outside the entrance to an old Gold mine diggings common to the whole Wood's Point area. In days gone by there were many miners working the hills to hopefully 'strike it rich' - most didn't...

This is supposedly one of the oldest surviving service stations in Australia!! Closed twelve months earlier due to the operators coming so close to danger in the recent bushfires!!

Joey, Sam, & Cheryl standing at a vantage point on the way to Wood's Point. Here you can see the evidence of the tragic Victorian bushfires that ravaged the region a couple of years ago. Such was the heat that the bark of trees was completely stripped and the trees subsequently died...

Here's a sample of the beautiful Victorian High country that visitors will see on the way to Wood's Point, an old Gold mining area...

Brad's Pad - Kevington VIC

2011-01-22T20:23:00.000-08:00

A couple of the locals at Brad's, a King Parrot and a Rosella. Beautiful coloured birds who frequented the shack for a free feed...

Joey & Sam - 'tubing without moving' on the Goulburn River...

Another wee chore the boys assisted with was the 'bark collecting'. Part of a general tidy up of the property. Again the boys pictured here with Brad's nephew Danny, thoroughly enjoyed themselves...

Here's Joey, Brad, & Sam getting some experience on the quad bike....the boys loved it!!

Sam is 'pulling his weight' (well the bins..) helping out with the chores....it all helps!!

On of the many features of this picturesque area is the Goulburn River which runs straight past Brad's Pad!! Add a couple of tractor tyres and it awesome fun riding the 'rapids' as Joey and Tom found out...

We arrived at Brad & Cheryl's shack near Kevington in Victoria's Central Highlands to catch up with our good friends...

Sovereign Hill - Ballarat VIC and 'THE INCIDENT'

2011-01-09T23:17:00.000-08:00

What happens when the L/Hand side wheel of the camper decides to head off in another direction to that of the towing vehicle? - The camper wobbles ferociously and needs to be brought to a standstill as soon as possible!!

Here's our home getting loaded onto the tow truck for repairs. Thankfully, no drama's to the occupants!! An unexpected overnight stay at Bacchus Marsh...

An aerial view of the buildings at Sovereign Hill. Re-construction typical of the style of the day...

Part of the Sovereign Hill experience is viewing the play 'Mask of Deceit'. Joey is seen here with the plays main characters. Very good show - the good guy wins in the end!!

Here's a view of the Gold Rush fever that was evident the day we visited Sovereign Hill. Almost as chaotic as the original mad scramble that occurred in the 1850's!!

The princess is really earning her keep now!! Lee was the only one to pan successfully for some Gold flakes. Must be at least .50 cents worth!!

A fine example of the transport of the past....this horse drawn carriage was lapping the area of Sovereign Hill and visitors could get on board...for a price of course...

Joey tried his luck at Gold prospecting!! No luck this time - maybe some other time??

Here's Joey & Sam in front of a typical 1850's home in Sovereign Hill - Ballarat. The beautiful gardens are actually a playground for a peacock and his mates!!

Halls Gap & Grampians National Park VIC

2011-01-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

Here is the Princess, Sam, & Joey @ the Pinnacle Lookout platform. Quite high and juts out so the viewer gets a panoramic view of the area below...

This is the awesome view from Pinnacle Lookout. Looking back towards Halls Gap and surrounding countryside. It's not hard to see why this place is one of the most popular in the Grampians...

This shot is of Granite Peak, one of the many tree lined peaks in the Grampians. The area was burnt out by bushfires in 2005. It's amazing to see how well and quickly the bush has recovered...

This is Lake Bellfield Dam which supplies the water for Halls Gap and surrounds. Completed in 1966...

A couple of nippers hiding in the bush near the base of the waterfall...still smiling which we are grateful for!!

Tom & the boys at the base of a very unusual waterfall. It's name is Silverband, apparently because of the colours it displays. The unusual feature is that it 'disappears' underground at the base, and reappears at the surface downstream.

We left Warrnambool and headed inland towards Halls Gap in the centre of the Grampians National Park. This shot shows Mt Surprise in the foreground and Mt Abrupt in the background.

Crossing into Victoria - Portland & Warrnambool

2011-01-07T20:33:00.000-08:00

Check out the Princess "flying high" on this cable ride. The park areas in Warrnambool were excellent. We even bumped into another couple we had met previously, Ingrid & Manfred from Sydney...

The boys showing off at this cannon! It and a few more were erected in 1911 because at that time they thought, 'The Russians were coming'.....they still might be....who knows the hour or the day?....but we know the season....Matt. 24

Apologies in advance, but I couldn't resist!! The poor teachers of 1872!! These are the rules of the time. Not sure about rule 6 or 8. Both might cause anarchy today?

Flagstaff Hill is a historic area within Warrnambool that has reminders of the rugged past of this area. A seafaring background due to the many ships that were wrecked off the South West Victorian coast. Here we have Lee, Sam & Joey at the Examiner Newspaper store!!!

We stayed at 'Surfside' a council caravan park with about 3 million of Melbourne's 3.8 million people on their annual holidays!! This shot shows the Warrnambool beach with breakwater in the background.

On the way to Warrnambool we stopped for lunch at Portland. This town has a quiet feel and is very pretty along the coast where we found this park that Lee is sitting at...

Leaving Mt Gambier we headed east and 30km later crossed the Victorian border...closer to Tom's old stamping ground at Frankston on the Mornington Peninsula...quite a way to go yet though!!

Murray River Crossing, Kingston Lobster, & Blue Lake

2011-01-03T03:04:00.001-08:00

The details of the blue lake...Mt Gambier has about 23,000 people and industry includes timber, paper pulp factory, and a huge wind generation farm that the visitor can drive around to view...quite a nice town.

Here is a shot of Mt Gambier's most famous landmark - the Blue Lake. It is a ex volcano that houses this large body of water and during summer months turns into this vivid blue colour that you can see here - quite unique...

On our way to Mt Gambier in the far south east of SA we passed through Kingston where this lobster resides. All along this coast fish and lobsters are caught (by others - not me!)

After slowly (very) packing up and saying goodbyes we left Carrickalinga on New Years Day at 4.00pm!! A couple of hours down the road and we were in Wellington for the night and the next morning packed up and crossed a swollen Murray River by ferry a short distance from the caravan park! The ferry could accommodate about 10 vehicles each trip...

Carrickalinga SA Christmas Camp

2011-01-03T02:50:00.000-08:00

Here's Joey on a borrowed pushbike - the big guy had a great time meeting youngsters his own age at the camp. We all had an uplifting and encouraging time with the Adelaide folk....

Our camper is approximately in the centre of this shot. The campgrounds are huge with a big meeting hall and lots of great company all around us!

The traditional Durnin Christmas lunch - salad! No big efforts for this day! Every day is Christmas for the Christian anyhow! It's still nice to see the kids light up when they get a present or two....

Well it finally came - Christmas Day! The boys were happy to be at Carrickalinga Camp because we are now 2.5 hours ahead of WA time, which equals an early Christmas! A bit too early for Tom...

Mikkira Koala Park (near Port Lincoln) to Carrickalinga

2010-12-24T14:55:00.000-08:00

Just west of Port Augusta we could see the southern Flinders Ranges which we didn't visit this time around because of time and the 40 degree temperatures in the ranges!!

Leaving Makkira Koala Park to head across to Carrickalinga for our week camp with Adelaide fellowship we passed through the coastal town of Tumby Bay where we had excellent yummy cornish pasties and pies from the local bakery

Just a short stroll from our camper we came across this 'mum and junior' koala - just cute we thought!!

Just outside Port Lincoln we stayed at Mikkira Koala Park. We were told about this place back in WA and it was as good as we had heard - there were Koala's everywhere. We even hand fed one some young leaves which it enjoyed...

Streaky Bay to Port Lincoln

2010-12-24T14:32:00.000-08:00

No, Joey and Sam haven't been sent to Easter Island!! This is along the Elliston coastline and the small carvings were placed by locals...

Along this route you pass through a beaut little town called Elliston. It has some good cliffs along its coast area....

This little guy was on the roadside near Talia Caves. He's a Shingleback Lizard, and up close the back end looks similar to his front - a last resort defence - better to lose your bottom than your head, I suppose...

Further south we stopped for lunch @ Talia Caves. This shot is of the coastline nearby, very pretty...

Leaving Streaky Bay and heading towards Port Lincoln we stopped at some sight-seeeing areas, this first stop was at 'Murphys Haystacks', a group of unusual rock formations in the middle of a wheat growing area!! Erosion of the softer surrounding rock revealed the harder granite rock...

Streaky Bay Areas SA

2010-12-19T21:30:00.001-08:00

Here is a shot of the princess at another nice location along the loop - Sceale Bay (pronounced Scale)...

From the lookout this is what you will see - lots of lazy loafers (Sea Lions) lounging around the waters edge. They are quite big the males can get to 400kgs!!

A half day trip from Streaky Bay will take visitors to the only mainland sea lion colony at Point Labatt about 50km south of Streaky Bay and back along some rugged Eyre Peninsula coastline. This family photo was taken at the lookout at Point Labatt...

Combined with the local Shell petrol station is the tourist information area. Inside you will find this replica White Pointer Shark which was caught on a 24 pound fishing line in 1990. At over 5m long it is supposed to be the biggest caught by this method....we have Joey, Ollie, Josh, & Bailey giving a comparison of its size...

We managed to 'fluke' the Christmas procession at Streaky Bay which was really well done considering the town has only about 1400 people. The community feel here is quite good...

The campsite we had at Streaky Bay was right on the foreshore - a beautiful spot!! Whilst a bit cool we missed out on some of the wild weather that other parts of Australia have had, for example Carnarvon in WA is currently flooding and two months ago was completely dry when we were there!!!

Crossing the Nullabor Plain

2010-12-18T17:01:00.000-08:00

Just West of Ceduna we stopped for lunch at this local church. It's name is a little unusual for a church - Denial Bay Lutheran Church. A cute little stop, except for the 3,000,000 flies that swarmed us!! It was a quick lunch and on to our stop at Streaky Bay!!

This shot is of the Nullabor Plain 'proper'. The treeless plain is actually all in South Australia and goes for about 150km...it's the boring part...

There is quite a drop off the cliffs into the chilly Southern Ocean waters and the signs along the edges are quite clear about the dangers of falling cliff edges and to keep back....

We stopped along the roadside a few times to check out some more Australian Bight Cliffs. These cliffs make up the longest cliff face in the world and are quite spectacular!!

Finally, the SA border!! Here travellers into WA have to stop and hand over fruit and veggies. Those going east (us) have until Ceduna about 200+km away to eat what they can before handing over. (Seems like a cheap lunch for collection officers)...

The Nullabor isn't as boring as one might think. It has several areas where the visitor can turn off and check out the coastal cliffs...here the Princess is doing lunch assisted by her little elf Sam...

This is a typical view of the straight section...and on, and on, it goes...

One section of the crossing in WA in recognised as the straightest section of road in Australia - all 146km of it. Lee drove this section of road...

We left Kalgoorlie for the 'big trip' across the Nullabor into South Australia. The trip went well and we were 'accosted' by the Norseman Police doing licence checks (or was it Santa in disguise as a policemen?). Anyhow they were good fun and doing a good job...

Kalgoorlie-Boulder & KGCM 'Superpit' Open Cut Mine

2010-12-15T01:56:00.000-08:00

Everything about this area is like other areas of WA. Very large scale!! This pipeline that was constructed from Perth to supply water went a long way to relieving the early miners problems with disease such as dysentery due to poor quality water and food..a major project for 1903!!

The ingenuity of the early miners is also on display at the museum!! With limited tools and materials this pushbike was constructed. It's a ripper!!

We visited the superpit a couple of times - once at night! On this occasion we caught the blasting of the bottom floor...

This brief overview will possibly give an idea of the size of the superpit...

No visit to this town would be complete without seeing the massive 'Superpit' open cut mine which is a mere 400m from the towns housing area. The scale of operations is really amazing...

This view is taken from the mining tower built as part of the museum in the Kalgoorlie section of town. Inside the museum is a first class memorial of WW1. It's theme of lest we forget speaks not only of the brave men and women that fought in the war but of the futility of war itself. The casualties went into the decades to follow with rehabilitations and compensations....very sobering place. Another area is dedicated to the Gold mining that is the town heartbeat...

We arrived into Kalgoorlie-Boulder and had a couple of days exploring before the long drives across the Nullabor. This view of the town area is from the Mt Charlotte lookout. There were more trees than I expected. The day before we arrived it was 43 degrees! Glad to miss that one!!

Cape Le Grand NP & Twilight Bay - Esperance WA

2010-12-13T05:51:00.001-08:00

On the top of this rock in the bay is Leeanne and Tom. We made the swim across and scrambled to the top of the 'cave rock' which was bigger than first thought. Well worth the effort thought...

We had a great day out at Twilight Bay and actually had a swim in the chilly waters!! The boys had some fun with new found buddies, Ollie, Josh & Bailey from Townsville QLD...check out the colour of the water!!

Back a few km West of Esperance CBD is Twilight Beach, voted best beach in Oz in 2006 (by whom, again, I don't know). Amazing colours in the inner water areas and more like a tropical setting than SW OZ!!

An unusual feature of the Lucky Bay area is the kangaroos that come right down to the beach for an inspection of the visitors!! There's one at the right of this photo...

Here are the boys at 'Wind Rock' named because of the queer sound made by the constant sea breezes whistling through the gaps in the granite rocks...

This shot is of Lucky Bay which apparently has been voted the whitest sand beach is OZ... (don't know by whom)...anyway it's quite pretty.

About 50km East from Esperance CBD will bring visitors to the Cape Le Grand NP. Very scenic area and hard to believe this is the southern ocean with the light blues in the sea...

Esperance WA

2010-12-11T17:36:00.001-08:00

Inside all of us there resides that 'little boy or girl'. Here's Lee showing off here at the swings in Sunseeker Caravan Park with our little buddy Josh Cullen of Townsville...

In case you thought this 250kg beast was dead here's a shot of him sitting upright. As soon as he hits the water it's amazing how fast this guy can move!!! (Might be the food factor??)

Another major drawcard at Esperance is Sammy the Sea Lion. He's looking sleepy here but as soon as he gets a whiff of the fishermen filleting fish he comes alive 'cos it's snack time for Sammy!!!

Here's a short video of the Ocean Drive that we were all impressed with...

It's hard to capture the beauty of West Beach with a camera. Awesome colours and outlook...

A highlight of Esperance for tourists is the 'Ocean Drive'. The route takes visitors along the Western Beaches and back via a 'Pink Lake' (that wasn't very pink!!) Esperance has many small rocky islands surrounding the region.

Bremer Bay @ Fitgerald NP WA

2010-12-11T17:26:00.000-08:00

Despite the lovely beach settings along this coast the weather wasn't exactly hot...about 20 degrees... cool by QLD standards!! The water temperature of 18 degrees wasn't too inviting either!! So we opted for some beach gymnastics instead! The style and grace of a Gorilla I hear you think!!

Our campsite at the National Park. This is fairly typical of the set ups in these bush camps....complete with 'drop dunnies'...

Our stop for a couple of nights!! Pt Ann at Fitzgerald NP. In winter months the visitor can see Southern Right Whales calving in the sheltered bay here. Beautiful colours...

Leaving Albany we headed East and stopped at Bremer Bay for lunch. This coastline is fortunate to have many white sandy beaches similar to the picture here at Bremer Bay.

Albany Tourist Drive

2010-12-07T05:14:00.001-08:00

Salmon Holes Beach area is found in Torndirrup National Park and is supposed to be named after the Australian Salmon that seek rest in the shallower waters away from predators such as sharks.

So endeth the day trip around Albany....

The 'Natural Bridge' is also part of Torndirrup National Park. Quite hypnotic watching the water smashing into the rocks below...

Here's the princess at The Gap. The size of some of these rocks is quite remarkable. This section of coastline is supposed to have been joined to Antarctica at one time and made up part of the 'supercontinent' called Gondwana!! (Dunno' a bit before my time actually)

Just outside the town area lies the Torndirrup National Park. Rocky shorelines and features like this one - The Gap - are very impressive indeed...

WA seem to be 'leading the way' with regards to alternate energy sources. This wind farm similar to the one at Geraldton can supply up to 65% of Albany's requirements. That's a town of around 35,000 people. Good work!!

We took the shot just before the shower hit!!

A portion of the magnificent scenery from Mt Clarence. On a clear day this would look awesome!! Beautiful bays and greenery abound around Albany. That explains why it is WA's top destination for holidays...

Also within a few kilometres of the Albany town centre is this impressive memorial to the ANZAC's. It is found at the peak of Mt Clarence...

An unusual feature in town is this 'Dogs Head Rock'. A solid granite rock that is just behind a shopping centre!! The addition of the painted collar adds to the effect!!

The replica ship 'Brig Amity' is situated near central Albany.

Averaging 22-23 degrees in summer Albany has a temperate climate. The weather while we were at Albany wasn't the best, however it didn't detract at all from the natural beauty of the area. One of the nicest towns in WA. Natural Harbours (Princess Royal & Oyster) and inlets are a feature. Rugged coastlines and both protected, and unprotected beaches pounded by the southern ocean. This shot is of the town area from across Princess Royal Harbour.

Kalgan River C'van Pk Campsite & Kangaroo's

2010-12-07T04:57:00.000-08:00

What's better than one Joey? - Two Joey's of course!! Joey loved the interaction, so did Joey!! The boys had a great time playing with these little fella's...

This classic shot from Lee is of mum and Joey of a different sort!! These guys were everywhere at the camp and beautiful to watch...

These two Joey's were continually hugging, then scratching each other - similar to a couple of boys I know!! Fun to watch...

Joey enjoyed the trees and the overall feel of this park.

We chose to stay at the country setting of Kalgan River, some 15km out of Albany. It was worth it - very quiet and peaceful right on the Kalgan River that flows out to Oyster Harbour.

Stirling Ranges NP & Poronurups NP - Albany Area

2010-12-06T06:23:00.000-08:00

This Granite peak called 'Gibralter' is typical of the many similar peaks at the Poronurups...

Joey and Sam are standing at the base of 'The Tree in the Rock' which is literally a 50+m Karri Tree growing from a granite rock base. Amazing!!

Leaving the Stirling Range NP we headed back towards Albany and had a snack at another smaller NP called 'The Poronurups' this park features Granite peaks rising from Karri forest areas...

Near the top this is a typical view one can expect to see. Pretty cool and worth the effort...

The hard yards started when the Durnin's attempted to scale the Bluff Knoll. Some magnificent views along the way!! The rocky summit is behind us at this point...

About 88km North of Albany are the Stirling Ranges. The National Park of the same name is frequented by travellers to Albany mainly to see Bluff Knoll, at 1095m the highest peak in southern WA (about 3rd in the state). This area is one of the few in WA that receives snow in winter on a regular basis. Beautiful ranges, quite different to the regular flat surrounds...

We stayed at Kalgan River Caravan Park outside Albany, a lovely tranquil setting beside the Kalgan River. There are Ducks and Kangaroos every where and they are friendly critters - when they want a piece of bread anyway!! Here Joey is feeding some locals!!

South West WA National Parks - Parry's Beach to Albany

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Shelly Beach is near the most southwesterly region of WA. Another lovely isolated beach...

An outstanding feature of this coastline is the amount and variety of birdlife. From beautiful Blue Wrens to these Pelicans and many more...This shot was at Crusoe Beach an isolated off the track place we visited...

Here's the princess at Elephant Rocks area. The water colour is beautiful...

Next to Green's Pool is Elephant Rocks...can you see the elephant shape? Pretty cool...we spent a few hours exploring the area - very nice...

One of my (Tom's) favourite spots - Greens pool near Denmark WA...

A little further on from Parry's Beach is the sand of Salmon Beach. No we didn't swim here either!! The whole of the SW of WA coast is very scenic and spectacular with the Southern Ocean waves pounding away at the shorelines...

Just behind this beach was our campsite. Called Parry's Beach it was a bargain at $7 per night. Too cold for the cowardly Durnin's to swim at around 23 degrees...

Near Walpole WA is the 'Valley of the Giants' - Karri trees that is. This platform that Sam and Joey are on is 40m high at its peak and there are plenty of trees that are much higher than it. A magnificent scene for people to see...

The base of this giant Tingle Tree near Pemberton WA has a circumference of 91ft (about 30m). The hollowed section is a result of attack from fungi, insects and fire. It is very much still alive.

Preparing for the climb, Lee and Joey. Lee went all the way to the top. Go girl - we're proud of you!!

The mighty Gloucester Tree near Walpole WA is a major drawcard for obvious reasons. This 61m giant is the worlds largest 'forest fire tree lookout'. It is an awesome sight from the ground and provides a spectacular view when scaled to the summit where a platform is built. It was previously used to sight bushfires in the region...

Here's Sam on a monster tree (Jarrah) log at Nannup in the centre of the Southwest area. A pretty forested area surrounds the township...very pleasant place. We caught up with Joey's teacher from Kalkie SS Mrs (Joan) McNickle and hubby Peter whilst there...

The South West Corner - WA

2010-11-30T06:14:00.001-08:00

Joey & Sam @ Hamelin Bay. This beach is noted for the visitors that come in of an afternoon - stingrays....they come right up to the shore.

The main surf beach in the Margaret River area is Prevelly Park where competitions are held as part of the pro surfing circuit. Very nice beach with powerful waves.

Right down at the bottom corner of WA is where you will see this lighthouse. Many ships were wrecked off this coast where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean until the installation of this lighthouse which is the tallest in WA.

A safe swimming area for kids is the Blackwood River where it comes out at Augusta at the bottom end of the southwest. The Blackwood River is one of WA's perennial rivers.

All along the coast are grape vineyards. This one, the Vasse Felix (odd names) is apparently the oldest in the region...they all look quite expensive and well constructed with lovely gardens, ponds and the like...

Some more magnificent Karri Trees...

Along the southern end of this coastline is a beautiful Karri forest. Lee is in front of the 'Pixie Sign that some budding artist created....

The lovely Yallingup Beach....no words required....

A sample of the beautiful limestone colour found in Ngilgi Cave...

Sam having a top time doing the boy thing - crawling around the cave!!

Ngilgi Caves near Yallingup is where this shot was taken. All along this picturesque coast there are a variety of caves. This one was very interesting and Lee took some nice shots of the limestone formations (stalactites, stalagmites, & columns of various sizes and colours!!

One of the features of the SW Margaret River area - the chocolate factory. Another is Simmo's Ice Creamery...direct hit to the saddle bags!!

We have been 'leap-frogging' a nice family from Townsville. Ben & Wendy. Here are Bailey, Josh, Sam, Ollie, & Joey at Big Valley. They love the place...

Joey and one of the locals at Big Valley....

We arrived at Big Valley Campsite and it has been one of the highlights of the trip. A working sheep farm with fantastic views and great hosts - very friendly folks!!

Bunbury, Busselton, & Dunsborough WA

2010-11-30T05:48:00.000-08:00

Further around from the Cape visitors can walk to a whale viewing platform. We did see some whales on the day. Probably Humpbacks as the information showed they are the type of whale that likes to breach the water and drop back into it again. Quite spectacular to see!!

Continuing through Dunsborough to the Cape Naturaliste area which is the northern end of the 'Cape to Cape' (Leeuwin in the south) 100km walking trail. We thought about doing it - for a millisecond...

Here is the lighthouse at the Cape Naturaliste...

At Dunsborough we visited the lovely Meelup Beach which is normally full of people during the tourist season and school holidays. Lovely spot for a picnic lunch. We thought so anyway!!

About 50km south of Bunbury brings one to the tourist areas of Busselton and Dunsborough, two very popular seaside towns with beautiful beaches and very blue skies. This shot is of the Busselton Pier which is the longest in WA at nearly 2km!! Amazing...

From the lookout in town looking north towards the port area of Bunbury...

We left Perth and headed south to Bunbury. It is a modern, pretty town of about 35,000 people. A nice atmosphere about the town and lots of work being generated by Alumina production and the busy port area. Access to the famous South West area of WA is via Bunbury which also services the smaller communities in the region.

Kings Park - Perth

2010-11-23T02:09:00.000-08:00

The beautiful Perth skyline from Kings Park at night....

It's hard to believe you are so close to the city in Kings Park but here's the view from in front of the war memorial - amazing!!

Lee is seated at Synergy Park. Within Kings Park it has magnificent lawns and play areas for children. A great family place to visit...

This shot is of the war memorial at Kings Park - excellent park and memorial. Kings Park is a beautiful place and is one of the largest inner city parklands in the world!

Rottnest Island Visit

2010-11-23T01:59:00.000-08:00

The boys near the wharf area for embarking the ferry back to Perth. The city skyline is just visible in the background. It's about 19km from the mainland to Rottnest Island...

A very pretty local of Rottnest Island!! The amazing peacock who seemed to ham it up for Lee's camera!!

This little guy is called a Quokka. Common on Rottnest Island

The boys had a great day out touring around Rottnest Island on the pushbikes. Awesome fun and beautiful scenery....

Random Sight's - Perth

2010-11-23T01:44:00.000-08:00

This view is of the Swan River from 'Wireless Hill' a local viewing spot...

We visited the Gravity Centre near GinGin town and Lee has promised to cut back on the snacks and exercise when we get home....that's if she survives!!

One of the locals at the WA Aquarium Centre - a Grey Nurse Shark...

One of Perth's premier beaches, the lovely Cottesloe Beach. Quite pretty and amazing that it's in a large capital city.

Here we are at Fremantle, the busy port that supplies and exports goods for Perth and abroad. Also the take off point for the Rottnest Island Ferry.

Perth Mint and Swan River Walk

2010-11-06T01:33:00.001-07:00

During the river walk we came across these exercise machines. First bit of exercise for six months!! Very short session indeed....

Perth is a very clean modern city with some different architecture. The 'Bell Tower' is one example of this...

Lee, Joey & Sam @ the famous WACA Cricket Ground...

On the banks of the Swan River we came across the State Emblem for WA - The Black Swan. Lovely big fella' too!!

Sam in the typical miners tent. The guys that came from all over had to be admired!! Some came from Wales, where as Welsh miners they worked in temperatures around 50 degrees fahrenheit. They arrived in Albany or Fremantle to discover the work was a further 600km inland where the summer temperatures could reach 50 degrees Celsius!! Some died, mainly through lack of water and disease...

Lee making off with the 'Welcome Stranger' on the standard transport of the time. That's if you could get hold of one.

Here are the Durnies at the Perth Mint where the guides give a bit of history about the various Gold Rushes in Australia's past. The West Australian scene is prominent even today with the 'Super Pit' at Kalgoorlie still producing large quantities. This shot show the villians melting down the 'Welcome Stranger' nugget...

The Pinnacles

2010-11-03T00:37:00.001-07:00

This is a sample of the 'desert wanderer' fashion that will be hitting the shelves in 2011. This sample is modelled by the lovely Leeanne and as you can see does a good job of it!! A much better alternative to having 2000 of the most persistant flies on earth trying to drink from your eyes!! Urghh...

If you're wondering what this is, well so am I!! Leeanne is convinced that it is an emu footprint. I reckon she drew it in the sand. You will have to make your own mind up about it...there were a trail of these leading away....still a bit suspect though!!

A sample of the bigger pinnacles found in the Nambung National Park...

A short drive from the fishing village Jurien Bay will take you to 'The Pinnacles'. An unusual landscape indeed. Made of limestone. It could well be another world. Very dry and really looks like a desert!! An essential item here is the trusty fly net. Otherwise the little critters will try to get their next drink from the corner of your eye!!

This is a quick view of a small section of the Pinnacles....

Geraldton

2010-11-02T23:52:00.001-07:00

Geraldton Town Centre is literally only metres from the beach. It's a well serviced modern city with a lot going for it...

This old church is a typical example of the structures at Greenough...

Some more information on the Alinta Wind Farm...

Nearby to Greenough is the massive wind generation farm. These are each about 78m high and at 14 RPM the tips are travelling at 220kmph!! The information says that these 54 windmills could run 60,000 homes....amazing!!

Here's another of those lazy trees!! This one is found south of Geraldton near the little township of Greenough, itself a historic reminder of pioneer days gone by...

Youngest son Paul at home with his son Brody...

Here's John & Dawn at the local Irish Club which they help to run...

We looked up dad's cousin Jack Regan whilst in Geraldton. Also saw Jack's wife Kathleen, and sons Paul & his wife Jade, and John & his wife Dawn. We'll hopefully see oldest son Phil in Perth...

In Geraldton there is one outstanding weather feature...wind...and plenty of it!! The tourist Information staff reckon it's the 3rd windiest city in the world (not sure about this), there are wind surfers who travel from all over to take advantage of the regular strong winds in the region....look what happens to the trees!!

Some more details on the Memorial to HMAS Sydney II.

This is the memorial to HMAS Sydney. The remains were only found in 2008 about 200 Nautical Miles West of Shark Bay area. It was sunk in 1940's by the German ship Kormoran which disguised itself before striking. All crew were killed...