Babinda , the wettest town in Australia Heather Hayward 2022-03-17 | Babinda is situated on the Bruce Highway, and just south of Cairns.The town lies in the shadow of Queensland’s two highest mountains; Mt Bartle Frere (1622m) and Mt Bellenden Kerr (1593m). The appeal of the town is the rainforest surrounding the town: the beautiful, if dangerous, "The Boulders", on Babinda Creek and the Josephine Falls. Babinda is known as ‘Australia’s Wettest town’ with an average annual rainfall of around 4,500 mm (that’s 177 inches). In 1999 it recorded a record breaking 6967.7 mm (that’s 274 inches).
Sapa Heather Hayward 2023-12-12 | When you are on a Grandma tour the best way to get around Sapa is on the back of a motorbike and topping it off with a home cooked lunch shared at our driver's house. In between taking in the spectacular scenery and stopping to watch the locals.
Making Tofu Heather Hayward 2023-11-14 | Have you ever wondered how to make fresh tofu? This video shows you how they do it in Vietnam.
Mungindi Heather Hayward 2023-09-13 | Mungindi is uniquely situated on both sides of the NSW and Queensland Border. Divided by the Barwon River, it is the only border town in the Southern Hemisphere with the same name in two states. The 2.5km Mungindi Sculpture Trail, is an open-air art gallery. It features10 rustic sculptures by award-winning local artist Tony ‘Nicko’ McMillan.
Bai Tu Long Bay Heather Hayward 2023-08-17 | As an alternative to HaLong Bay we went to Cai Rong Pier and took the local ferry and travelled through Bai Tu Long out to Quan Lan Island. It took around 3 hrs or thereabouts and we got to really enjoy the scenery and life along the bay.
A Slice of Paradise Heather Hayward 2023-01-31 | There is nothing like an early morning stroll along a tropical beach with hardly anyone around except for a Cassowary. I bet you wish you were here!
Innisfail in Queensland Heather Hayward 2022-12-29 | Innisfail is a small town located in the Cassowary Coast Region, Queensland, Australia between Mission beach and Cairns and is a great place to visit. It’s primarily a sugar cane and banana town. It remains relatively untouched by the tourist boom and has the finest collection of Art Deco buildings anywhere in Australia. The town was originally called Geraldton but a Russian ship bound for Geraldton in Western Australia ended up at Geraldton in Queensland which led to the town being renamed Innisfail.
Thallon and the Big Truck Pull Heather Hayward 2022-09-15 | The murals painted on these 4 silos feature the icons of the area, the amazing sunsets, the pale faced rosellas, the scarred tree along the Moonie River recognising the Indigenous Community, and a mob of sheep. I also got to enjoy the Thallon Truck Pull where teams of 6 pit themselves agains a big truck....
Texas or What Else Can Go Wrong! Heather Hayward 2022-08-14 | The plan was to have a nice easy trial run to the township of Texas in Queensland, Australia. I wanted to get a feel for travelling solo towing a caravan. Things did not go to plan!
Chillagoe Heather Hayward 2022-01-13 | The small township of Chillagoe is found on the Wheelbarrow Way, just west of Mareeba in the northern part of Queensland, Australia. It features spectacular limestone caves, small galleries of Aboriginal rock art, jagged limestone outcrops and an historically significant mining site, just to name a few. It also has a bank vault but no bank!
Feeding the Gropers in Cooktown Heather Hayward 2021-12-06 | When the tide is up in Cooktown head dow to the Cook’s Landing Kiosk to see the Gropers come in for a feed of Tuna or Mackerel carcasses. You’ll be amazed at their size, and they aren’t even fully grown yet.
Croydon in far north Queensland Heather Hayward 2021-11-19 | Croydon is an amazing and quaint town on the Savannah Highway in far north Queensland. It's a town with a big history that started with the discovery of gold in 1885. You can enjoy living history through static displays and by visiting the businesses still operating from the 1880’s.
Normanton Heather Hayward 2021-10-30 | Normanton, located on the Savannah Way is a small country town in the north of Queensland. In the mid 1880’s gold was discovered at the nearby town of Croydon and a train line was established between the two towns. The line is still in use 150 years later and the Gulflander train is a popular tourist attraction. Another unique feature is the huge life size replica of Krys, the Savannah King the largest authenticated salt water crocodile ever shot, measuring in at 8.63 metres in length. And don’t forget the Purple Pub.
Lous Healey Time Heather Hayward 2021-08-12 | Lou was in the throes of a love affair with Austin Healey's since he was a 12-year old growing up in regional South Australia.In his early 20s he bought his first Healey, but as often happens he sold it on when we started a family. When the kids were all grown up and had left home, he wasted no time in putting his mechanic’s eye and ear to good use and picking up our second. With many hours spent tinkering and tuning plus plenty of road trip kilometres clocked up, it’s fair to say that Healey #2 was his pride and joy (along with the children and I, of course!).In this video Lou shares his experiences with the two cars and pops the bonnet on all the modifications he made along the way.
Windorah Heather Hayward 2021-07-01 | Not far from Cooper’s Creek is the small outback town of Windorah located in the far west of Queensland, Australia and is generally known as the ‘Heart of the Channel Country’. Are you wondering what there is to see in Windorah, have a look and you will see there is a lot to see and explore.The author to the poem “Mad Jack and His Cockatoo” is anonymous (and was not written by Banjo Patterson). The Australian singer Slim Dusty has several version on Youtube so to hear the full verse google him.
Great Ocean Road- Then and Now Heather Hayward 2021-05-26 | We first visited The Great Ocean Road (in Victoria Australia) on our honeymoon in 1973. Back then there were very few visitors very little tourist information and few restrictions. Now it is a very popular tourist site with thousands of visitors. Some things are the same but some places are vastly different. Have a look and see what you think.
The Outback town of Quilpie Heather Hayward 2021-03-15 | Quilpie is located in the channel country of south-west Queensland. It's one of the small towns connected by the Diamantina Development Rd. Because of the Coronavirus lockdown this year the Quilpie & District Show and Rodeo was postponed so they came up with the idea of ‘Scarecrows in Isolation” creating a great visual effect around the town streets.
Cooladdi Heather Hayward 2021-01-31 | Coodaddi is the smallest town in Australia. It has a population of 3, all of whom reside in the general store.
Charleville Heather Hayward 2021-01-20 | Are you interested in visiting Charleville in south west of Queensland. 30 kms out of town is the site of Australia's biggest transport explosion. It is also the breeding centre for Bilbies and Yellow Footed Wallabies. Have a look.
All you wanted to know about Cassowaries Heather Hayward 2020-12-04 | Interested in finding out a bit of information on the Australian Cassowary? Look no further...
Finch Hatton, where you can find platypus or a paddle of platypus Heather Hayward 2020-07-12 | The township of Fitch Hatton is the gateway to the Eungella National Park and Broken River which is a perfect place to see platypus in their natural habitat. If you visit at the right time of the year you can also see the sugar cane trains being loaded and the cane taken off to the sugar mill at Marian.
Revisiting Point Hicks Heather Hayward 2020-03-26 | In 1973 we first visited what we thought was Cann River. 40 years later we learned it was called Point Hicks….. Some things are still similar and recognisable. Climbing the big sand dune didn’t happen the second time around but we did visit the Lighthouse which we didn’t know was there on our first visit. Sadly I believe the National Park was burnt out in the 2020 bushfires so it will take time to rejuvenate back to its former glory. Unfortunately some of our slides haven’t stood the test of time.
The Many Characters of Injune Heather Hayward 2020-03-10 | The town of Injune is full of character and it honours those who made Injune what it is today and had a big impact with their talents within the wider community. Come and visit this friendly little Queensland country town.
An early morning stroll around the Lagoon Walk in Injune Heather Hayward 2020-03-02 | Enjoy an early morning stroll around the Injune Lagoon enjoying the many birds that are there.
The Foot Sloggers - Vietnam Veterns Stories Heather Hayward 2020-02-29 | A group of Australian Vietnam Veterans share their stories and life experiences during and after Vietnam War and how they have come together to form a walking group.If you like it don't forget to click the like button.
Split Rock Art Site Heather Hayward 2020-02-19 | The sandstone escarpments south of Laura are a treasure trove of aboriginal rock art. It is in fact listed by UNSECO as one of the top 10 rock art sites worldwide.
Laura town Heather Hayward 2020-02-05 | The little town of Laura in far north Queensland is the starting point if you are travelling to the northern tip of Australia. Not much there but they do have a few interesting relics to have a look at.
Battle Camp Road Heather Hayward 2020-01-22 | If you follow the Battle Camp Road travelling north west from Cooktown you will come across the old historical homestead of Old Laura Homestead built in 1925 (circa).
Cooktown Heather Hayward 2020-01-10 | Cooktown is located in far north Queensland with a very rich history, and takes its name from Capt. James Cook. In 1770 Cook’s ship the “Endeavour” ran afoul of the Great Barrier Reef and seriously damaged the hull. It was here that he found safe waters that he could repair his ship. Now its a great tourist destination.
Ravenshoe Heather Hayward 2019-12-19 | The rural town of Ravenshoe on the Atherton Tablelands is the highest town in Queensland. Its a good base camp for visiting the local waterfalls rainforests and the magnificent Cathedral and Curtain Fig Trees.
The town of Ravenswood Heather Hayward 2019-11-21 | Ravenswood is an old gold mining town with a very interesting history.
Railway Hotel Heather Hayward 2019-11-17 | Built in 1902 the Railway Hotel in Ravenswood has had a huge make-over transforming it into a modern up-to-date Hotel but still maintaining its old world charm.
Bloomfield Track Heather Hayward 2019-10-30 | When travelling from Cooktown to Cape Tribulation in the far north of Queensland one way is to follow the Bloomfield Track but be prepared its dusty rough and extremely steep in places but when you have done it you can give yourself a pat on the back.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo Heather Hayward 2019-08-12 | Taronga Western Plains Zoo located in Dubbo New South Wales is a drive through zoo full of all sorts of animals from around the world. This place gives you a change to get up close to some of these amazing animals.
National Transport Museum Heather Hayward 2019-07-13 | The National Transport Museum at Inverell is a must for anyone who has an interest in old cars trucks motorbikes this is the place to visit. There are over 120 vehicles of various age and types. It also houses the only known working 1906 Dayton.
Looking around Blackall Heather Hayward 2019-07-04 | Blackall is a small town in central west Queensland that takes us back in time. It was here that Jack Howe set a record for shearing 321 sheep with blade sheers in 7 hrs 40 mins. The old woolscour has been refurbished and is the only working steam powered woolscour in Australia. Its an interesting place to visit and stop-over for a couple of days.
The Sculpture Trail Heather Hayward 2019-06-27 | Aramac is a small town in Central West Queensland. This little town celebrates Captain Starlight, a cattle thief who stole cattle from this area and drove them down to South Australia. This all happened in 1870.A local artist, Milynda Rogers has created more than 30 sculptures, (and still adding) including Captain Starlight, using old and used farming equipment, tools, horseshoes etc to create these fun sculptures that depict this area.
Welcome to Lightning Ridge Heather Hayward 2019-05-25 | Welcome to Lightening Ridge the home of the black opal. Join us while we tour around the town finding some of the popular spots to visit. See what you can see on some of the coloured door tours around the town. Take the orange door tour out to Grewin and have lunch at the 'Club in the Scrub' followed by a game of golf on the "browns". Its an interesting spot to visit as you will see.
Exploring Warialda, Cranky Rocks and Sawn Rocks Heather Hayward 2019-04-30 | It pays to stay at these little country towns. Warialda is an excellent stopping point to visit the Cranky Rock Nature Reserve and Sawn Rocks which is part of the Mt Kaputar National Park. While you are in town, don't forget to wander the streets and check out the street art by David Moore. The name 'Warialda' means the "Place of Wild Honey" in the local aboriginal language.
2 Aussie Pubs Heather Hayward 2019-04-25 | Australia is a very unique country. That goes for some of the out of the way pubs/hotels that you find out there. The Hebel Hotel with its unique artwork by the outback painter John Murray and the Nindigully Hotel, known for its huge hamburgers and creekside camping area. Both worth the effort of visiting.
A Battle with the Cockatiels Heather Hayward 2019-04-15 | A Battle with the Cockatiels. We found a perfect spot for an overnight stay, Carisbrooke Camping and Fishing Reserve, situated next to the quiet Macintyre Brooke. This is also a favourite spot for a very large flock of cockatiels who use excessive noise and droppings to keep the place for themselves. Where does the battle come into it you may well ask - watch what happens when we take to the air with the drone, very nerve-racking when you are an amatuer drone pilot. Its pretty amazing watching these guys twist and turn in the air together.
The Gulflander Heather Hayward 2019-03-14 | Want to see what train travel was like in the 1950's? The Gulflander train will give you that experience, plus you get to see a little bit of the Queensland outback.
Exploring Purnululu Heather Hayward 2019-02-28 | Exploring Purnululu is one of the best things you can do when you are travelling through the Kimberly Region of Western Australia. Get a perspective from a helicopter ride over the park and treck to the Catherderal Gorge. Its all impressive. Click the like button if you enjoyed this
What A Hidden Little Gem Heather Hayward 2019-01-12 | Once you have been here you never will forget it, it really is A Hidden Little Gem located in Queensland, Australia. Make sure you include Boodjamulla National Park on your travelling wish list.
The Western Lost City Heather Hayward 2018-12-26 | Visit the majestic Western Lost City in Limmen National Park in Northern Territory, Australia
Country Drive along the Waterfall Way Heather Hayward 2018-12-11 | Join us on our Country Drive along the Waterfall Way. See what we saw from Urunga on the coast, checkout the Bellingen Sunday market, Dorrigo National Park with its numerous waterfalls and rainforest walks. Walk the streets of Dorrigo or visit the railway museum which is the largest in the southern hemisphere. Travel further out to the New England high country and see how the country changes and what happens to the waterfalls there.
Country Drive - Scenic Rim Heather Hayward 2018-11-13 | There is nothing better than exploring the Australian countryside and off the well known tracks. Come and explore with us as we visit areas around the Scenic Rim. See Christmas Creek, Boonah, Queen Mary Falls and the aquatic playground of Lake Moogerah. Enjoy
The Love Garden Heather Hayward 2018-09-28 | Come and view the The Love Garden at Dalat, the place to visit with a loved one.
Country Drive to Tyalgum Heather Hayward 2018-09-12 | This Country Drive we are travelling to Tyalgum in NSW. Join us and enjoy the scenery and the ride.
