A very windy storm swept over Bankstown and turned it freezing for a while, so most of the animals went to ground. We took there advice and sought Hot Chocolate and waited until the sun re-emerged...

Play ⇒

Isabella at the Zoo

Sun 10 Aug 2008 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales | permalink

The Myall Lakes N.P., and the Grandis.

Isabella, Bud, her friend Gina and her husband Matthew and I when for a drive up the north coast. Without a plan really, I reverted to what is easily a fantastic day out daytrip from Sydney - the Grandis, Seal Rocks, and the Myall Lakes.

Unfortunately, the rain simply would not go away, so it was wet and miserable. Still, It was the first long driv for Isabella, and she handled it extremely well. We didn't need to stop any more often than we normally do, really.

Fri 25 Apr 2008 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales | permalink

Songi Kran Festival (Thai New Year)

For the couple of weeks around the 13th April, its Song Khan - Thai New Year. Water festival. Last Year we where in Thailand. Thai's chuck water all over the place, and have a national water fight. Splendid.

This year we visited the Buddhist temple in Leumeah which was holding a fete for SongKran. Lots of thai food, water fights, and buddha status.

Sun 13 Apr 2008 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales | permalink

Floriade - Canberra

We spent the weekend in Canberra, visited the National Museum, and saw Jupiter through the telscopes at the Canberra Observatory, but the highlight of the weekend was the Floriade Festival - Commonwealth Park on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin is planted with what must be nearly a million Tulips and Carnations and so on, all in Australiana colours and shapes. Breathtakingly beautiful.

Sun 16 Sep 2007 | /Trips/Australia/Australian_Capital_Territory | permalink

Moreton National Park, NSW South Coast

We took the day and drove down the South Coast road to Moreton National Park. We wanted to see either Pigeon House Mountain or the Tianjara Falls, and settled on the later as it wasn't quite to far. We did the usual, stopped at Berry for Famous (really) Doughnuts from the doughnut van. Damn their good. THe road though Moreton NP from Nowra to Braidwood is almost completely gravel at the moment - big roadworks, so it was slow going.

We made our way to the turnoff for the falls, though, and pulled up in a the carpark. There was a sign that pointed off intot he scrub with the 'lookout' symbol, so we donned hats, grabbed bags and water and generally got prepared to walk a ways, and low and behold we stepped into the bush and on the other side of the first layer of trees, there was the railing for the lookout!

Its been very dry, so the waterfall was only just running.

Some beautiful country through there. We continued on to Goldburn and came back by way of the Federal Highway out of Canberra. Overall a nice day out.

Bud is now 100% Australian, having eaten a Pie and a beer at an outback pub. Poor guy, we must have dragged him away from the cricket. He was not very happy.

Sun 14 Jan 2007 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales | permalink

FastTrak Xmas Cruise, Sydney Harbour

After what can only be described as freakish weather - 36 degrees Max and 8 degrees Min, all in a week, this day was spectacular. Warm and sunny with a cool breeze, perfect for being out on the harbour.

Fri 17 Nov 2006 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales | permalink

Wildlife World, Darling Harbour Sydney

Well... Don't bother. Clearly its open before its ready.

The first thing I thought when I heard there was an Australian fauna park in the heart of Sydney was "How are they going to pull that off without hurting animals?".. The easy answer is they're not. Never have I seen so many listless, bored and stressed criters.

Add to that that most of Australias beloved wildlife is nocturnal, or by nature very shy and retiring, and what you get is enclosure after enclosure of tree parts because the animals have all managed to fuck off out of sight to avoid the stress.

Shameful. Letter to the editor time.

The fee was a flat out insult to boot - $30 per adult.

Sun 08 Oct 2006 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales | permalink

Hunter Valley by Helicopter

Fasttrack took a few of us for a heli flown pub crawl through the Hunter Valley, which was just fantastic.

We hit Bluetongue for lunch, and did their tasting menu with differnt wines. The highlight though was the Ginger Beer - Beer with Ginger added. Nery Nice.

The pilot was very happy to indulge our geeky questioning and we learned quite a bit. The aircraft, a $2.6 M Bell 407 with 4 rotor blades and seats for 7 was very smooth as far as helicopters are concerned.

Fri 22 Sep 2006 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales | permalink

Woollongong and the South Coast

An otherwise boring sunday spruced up with a bit of a drive down the south coast arround Woollongong and Bulli. The sweeping freeway along the coast - the tourist drive, is somewhat remeniscent of the Great Ocean Road, but on a smaller scale.

We also stopped at the Chinese Buddhist Temple.

Sun 13 Aug 2006 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales | permalink

Molonglo Gorge, Canberra

I checked out the Molongo Gorge very early this morning before my session at the SAGE-AU conferrence. Cold and damp, clambering over slippery rocks - I clearly still have issues.

Still, it was worth the effort to get out and commune with Nature for a little. Molongo Gorge is part of the river that is dammed to make Lake Burley Griffin, the water feature that gives Canberra some of its charm.

Wed 26 Jul 2006 | /Trips/Australia/Australian_Capital_Territory | permalink

Canberra at Night

Andrew, Simon, Phil and I checked out the National Carillion and Telstra Tower on Black Mountain.

Tue 25 Jul 2006 | /Trips/Australia/Australian_Capital_Territory | permalink

Manly Ferry, Sydney

We took the Manly Ferry, actually, the jetcat, on a splendidly glorious Sydney Saturday. We went for fish and chips and for the trip itself, looked at the markets so on.

Sat 13 May 2006 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales | permalink

Botanical Gardens and greenhouse, Sydney

Andrew, Bud and I checked out the 'Sex and Death' theme exhibit at the tropical greenhouse in the Royal Botanical Gardnes, Sydney. Lots of Orchids and Pitcher Plants, and other carnivorous plants to be seen.

Sun 07 May 2006 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales | permalink

Chinese Gardens of Friendship

It had been quite some time since I'd been to the Chinese Gardens in Darling Harbour Sydney. Looking out the window first thing this morning, it was a beautiful day, wall to wall blue sky and crisp and cool. After I dropped Bud to work, and before I met the guys for Sunday Yum Cha, I took about 2 hours to have a wander around and try out a few photo's I've been meaning to take at the gardens for some time.

I guess my favourite part of the gardens is the stone bench just beside the top of the main waterfall. The crashing water drowns out all of the city noise and just seems to instantly relax me. Was a welcome way to unwind after a busy week in Singapore.

Sun 30 Apr 2006 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales | permalink

Easter 2006 Long weekend

Bud and I drove up to Mum and Dads for the Easter Long weekend. We didn't really do all that much, just relaxed.

Below are some of the photo's of the birds that come in each night as it gets dark. The next door neighbour feeds them, and they come in plentitude.

Sat 15 Apr 2006 | /Trips/Australia/Queensland/Hervey_Bay | permalink

Some Views of Sydney

Some photo's of Sydney taken from MLC center. I was up on top of the MLC center checking it out as a possible office building for my company. Quite spectacular views of all of Sydney.

Wed 22 Mar 2006 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales | permalink

Subaru Rally of Canberra, Day 2

Today was a much better day, the competition was very tight, and most of the leaders had upped the pace just a notch after having successfully made it through the first day.

I started out with watching the jump, which is essentially a lump about a foot high in the road about 40 metres after a tricky doulbe left turn. Even with that corner right in front of it, the cars still had enough speed to be getting anywhere upto a foot into the air off it. Truly awesome.

I had been following Dean Herridge and Bill Hayes fairly carefully yesterday, and did the same today, with the difference that I skipped hte mineshaft stage way over the other side of Canberra and went straight to Kowen Central to catch them starting stages there. Much easier than the day before, and I was able to follow the stages around and catch the top 7 or 8 cars on each section, much more satisfying.

The water splash, though, would have to have been the pick of the spots, nice and shady for most of the day, and unquestionably spectacular as the cars hit the water. What I couldn't get over was the sound as they hit the water and the cars aqua-planed over the top - like a high pitched screem.

I was thouroughly exhausted when the podium presentations were being done, and I only watched the thing - all those guys that drove all day must be made of steel...

Sun 12 Mar 2006 | /Trips/Australia/Australian_Capital_Territory | permalink

Subaru Rally of Canberra, Day 1.

Ahhh, the Mineshaft again. What an awesome place to do silly shit in a car? :) Cody Crocker absolutely flew over the top in his new Subaru WRX STi. Other drivers seemed to be a little scared of it. After the first 5 cars or so, not to many were getting air over the top.

There were heaps more people this time around, its been two years since I last came down and the number of people had doubled.

The old spectator points out of Paddy's River Rd have been replaced with a new section of tracks at Kowen to the east of Canberra. The tracks are awesome with a lot more visible sections and corners, and a large arena like flyover and tunnel portion of some stages for easy access.

But, this and poplarity of the event this year meant that its not as easy and fun, bit of a shame. You had to go from the parking to the arena by bus, and walk from spot to spot. That means that I often missed the leader cars at each point, which sort of defeats the purpose of spectating...

Otherwise though, and excellent day, lots of crazy driving and dust and sunshine. The water splash was pretty great, a concrete culvit filled with water tha the cars had a straight run at. Often, the cars would aquaplane straight over the top, and the sound was astonishing - a high pitched scream.

Sat 11 Mar 2006 | /Trips/Australia/Australian_Capital_Territory | permalink

Subaru Rally of Canberra - Official Start.

Drove down to Canbeerra early on Friday to catch the official start of the Canberra Subaru Rally, held in Garema Place in Civic, the centre of Canberra.

All of the drivers and cars were presented in the mall for the public to take a closer look and chat to the drivers and get autographs etc.

Dean Herrige, still driving for Subaru, was kind enough to sign a print of a photo I took in 2004 for me.

Very good to get a closer look at the cars. Lots of expensive cars with women drapped over them.

This is the first leg of the ARC and the APRC, and there were entries from a couple of Indonesian teams. The even was opened by the Ambassador of Indonesia.

Fri 10 Mar 2006 | /Trips/Australia/Australian_Capital_Territory | permalink

Watagan Mountains and Yengo National Park

I took a drive north up the F3 until I got to Wyong and headed west looking for the trail going into Yengo National Park, and the raod that goes via Wisemans Ferry through St Albans. I did two complete loops, one through the Wtagan State Forest, and the second through Yengo NP via Wollombi and Wyong.

It started out as a lovely day around lunchtime, but as teh afternoon wore on, storm clouds began to build. I got absolutely bucketted on while driving on gravel roads in Yengo NP, so it made for some interesting driving.

Typical lack of decent signs meant that I had to backtrack a couple of time - roads going through National Parks and State Forests frequently just come to a dead end, or more usually, stop at the boundary of private property and a locked gate - but you aren't told that at the start. Oh well.

It was a very pleasant day out amoungst the trees. Lots of Red Gums and Flood Gums to keep my company, and more than enough dirt roads for the day. Finished off with a rip accross Wisemans Ferry over the Hawkesberry River.

Sat 18 Feb 2006 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales/National_Parks | permalink

Royal National Park, Sydney

Bud, Mum and Dad and I all trooped off to the Royal National Park on Boxing Day, apparently where everyone else in Sydney was, the traffic into the park was horrible!

We had lunch at one of the more remote spots, made quieter by the fact that you had to drive a 4 km dirt road to get there - at least it kept the BMW's out.

We then drove around to the walk to Marley's Head, and walked out to the cliff top. Nice day for a walk, about 26, dry and a gentle breeze.

There were a lot of people out for the day at the head, watching the yatchs from the Sydney to Hobart go by.

Mon 26 Dec 2005 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales/National_Parks | permalink

Sydney Harbour Bridge

We took a drive over to Kirribilli in the hope that the lights for the bridge would be lit, but alas not yet. It was a beautiful night though, no moon, no clouds, no wind and a nice cool 25 degrees.

I tried out taking time lapse photos of people with the city in the background, and a flash fire during the long exposure. Some of the results are good, they look kind of fake even.

Check out the Southern Cross over the Sydney Opera House. Sauce.

Sun 25 Dec 2005 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales | permalink

Neutral Bay, Sydney

Dad and I visited a small park near where my work collegue Gerhard used to live. Bit to much wind to get any nice steady shots, may have to try again sometime.

Sun 18 Dec 2005 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales | permalink

Barrington Tops, NSW North Coast

We took a drive up to Barrington Tops, about 3 hours north of Sydney. You take the Bucketts Way just before the first Myall Lakes turnoff, and follow it up into the mountains around Gloucester.

There has obviously been a lot of recent rain, all of the normaly dry fords were running well, some with a good 6 inchs of water over them - made for some interesting driving and a few nice and cool feet splashing moments.

We stopped and had lunch at the Gloucester Tops camp ground, and then drove up most of the way to Barrington Tops walk before turning back.

A great day.

Sun 04 Dec 2005 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales/National_Parks | permalink

Blue Mountains, Sydney

Took Bud to the Blue Moutains for a drive today, she's been talking about going there ever since the subject of Sydney came up, so it was a spectacularly easy no-brainer after one quick look at the blue sky this morning.

Quite a pleasent drive up, even for a Saturday. Looks like all the roadworks they've been doing has paid off.

We stopped at Echo Point for the Three Sisters, and then I took Bud on the old coal Railway to the valley floor, we walked to Katoomba Falls, which were magnificent after the recent rain - the rainforest close and cool and fresh.

We walked along the forest boardwalk, and took the cablecar back up.

Sat 26 Nov 2005 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales/National_Parks | permalink

Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast

On the way south again to Brisbane, we stopped at the Australia Zoo (yes, the one owned by Steve Erwin). I must have driven past it 20 times now and never stopped, mainly from the "Crikey!" overload thing.

This time was different however. All attempts to spot a Kangaroo for Bud had failed misserably. While a Zoo is a poor comparison to actually seeing one in the wild, it was a sure thing.

The Zoo actually turned out to be supprisingly good. The infrastructure and staff were well built and friendly ;). THe animals seemed extremely happy, and vertainly in the case of the Kangaroos, very well fed. I suppose they might get sick of the 100th child of the day coming up to them with a handfull of Roo pellets, but they never showed it.

Thu 22 Sep 2005 | /Trips/Australia/Queensland | permalink

Whale Watching, Hervey Bay

Whale Watching on Hervey Bay, my third attempt, the previous two being seasickness, bad weather and no whales... I was apprehensive.

The weather was perfect, the sea calm and flat, the sun warm, but not hot, and the whales plentiful and playful. Well, NOW I know why they call it the whale watching capitol of the world :)

The boat had barely made it to Platypus Bay when a couple of whales were spotted. They were a pair of teenage (sub-adult) whales about 5 metres long. Very curious, they circled the boat, spy-hopped, flipped and rolled near us for about an hour.

Another tour boat drew nearer, and the whales headed off to see that boat, but came back pretty much immediately - we had the better groupies - a bunch of teenage girls screaming and yelling. Even when a shouting match between boats started up, we still won.

I suppose the whales must think we're all nuts.

Mon 19 Sep 2005 | /Trips/Australia/Queensland/Hervey_Bay | permalink

Sydney Aquarium

A day of sharks and underwater things today. We went to the IMAX theatre in Darling harbour and saw "Sharks 3D", a rather stunning hour long 3D IMAX experience, Sharks, Mantas, Fish, Rays. After catching up with the guys for a traditional Sunday Yum Cha, we wandered back for to Darling Harbour and visited the Sydney Aquarium. I'm sure Bud will dream of sharks tonight. At least I've convinced her about sharks fin soup :)

An absolutely gorgeous day in Sydney today, warm in the sun, blue blue skies and a light breeze. Perfect eat your lunch in the sun with a jacket weather.

Sun 11 Sep 2005 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales | permalink

Blackdown Tablelands N.P.

Andrew had the day off to go diving with me, but 0.5m visibility and 1.5m swell meant that we changed our minds pretty quick and went for a drive instead.

I hadn't been to the Blackdown Tablelands since I was a kid, so we headed out west of Rockhampton to the 700 metre-above-sea-level escarpment. Its about a 2 hour drive from Rockhampton, and then a rapid climb up onto the plateau on very slippery pea-gravel roads.

The tablelands flora changes very rapidly as you climb, from the grasslands and sparse trees on the plain below to tree-ferns, and lush green forest at the top.

The park is littered with oddly erroded sandstone boulders and vast golden orb-weaver dens. One group of rocks looks like something a party of travelling hobbets might find a particularly pleasing spot to spend the night, boulders strewn around in a great circle with ferns and grass at their feet.

Majestic views of the Fitzroy River basin are on the winding 4WD track through the forest, and at the end a 2km walk to the Rainbow Falls, stepping down through lush rainforest, the path all but overgrown with tree ferns at some spots. Unfortunatly the falls were but a mere trickle.

Fri 22 Apr 2005 | /Trips/Australia/Queensland/National_Parks | permalink

Ballina to Hervey Bay

What a way to start theday, breakfast at a beach side cafe, watching the dolphins play in the surf.

Some images of the storm and the Urangan Pier.

Mon 18 Apr 2005 | /Trips/Australia/Queensland/Hervey_Bay | permalink

Myall Lakes N.P., Seal Rocks

I took Bug for a drive up to Seal Rocks via the Myall Lakes National Park. There are two delightful tourist drives that go through the Myall Lakes, one starting just north of Karuah the other starting just north of Bulahdelah. The first section takes your along the coast and near Mungo Brush, and there is a ferry to cross which is very cute.

The second section winds it way amoung the lakes and the ocean, offering some stunning views of the water and forest. A short way into the second section is the Grandis - the tallest tree in NSW. The Grandis is a mightly flood gum and really has to be seen to get a feel for how grand it truly is. The Grandis is at the end of a delightful dirt road that winds it way up through the dense forest.

We finished off the day with a swim at Seal Rocks, about halfway along the second section of the tourist drive. Seal rocks is magic, and the day was sunny and hot, the water cool and plesant and the beach nearly deserted.

Mon 03 Jan 2005 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales/National_Parks | permalink

Thirlmere Lakes N.P.

I took mum and dad for a drive south west of Sydney to the Thirlmere Lakes N.P. and the lookout above. The lookout brings you a view of the tail end of the Blue Mountains N.P. and the start of a Nattai N.P. A breathtaking view.

Futher down in the Thirlmere Lakes N.P. is a lovely day trip spot with an excellent swimming spot along one of the lakes - full of tea tree colour and children.

A beautiful day.

Mon 27 Dec 2004 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales/National_Parks | permalink

Blue Mountains - The Three Sisters

I drove my friend Zoe to Springwood so that she could meet her new kitten. Zoe's buying a Russian Blue and the kittens are still not quite ready to go home yet. Absolutely beautiful cats, sleek and muscular - bigger than the Korat's I've owned. They have a very 'big cat' look to them, high shoulders, low head and long face. They have a very predator like stance. Stunning animals.

After visiting with the kittens we drove on to Katoomba and to the mountains tourist drive, and found a nice lookout with a fantastic view of the Three Sisters. The normal Katoomba lookout just doesn't give you a view this good - its very curious why its even there.

The day dawned perfectly blue sky and nice and cool. It progressed to fluffy white clouds and warm - a amrvelous day to out with the trees, and to have the sunroof open.

Sat 11 Dec 2004 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales/National_Parks | permalink

Wollemi N.P., Nissan 4x4 Trials

Went for a drive up to the Nissan 4x4 trials. Easd and Kirsty went up Friday and camped overnight, so I was joining them in the morning. Putty Road from Windsor up into the Wollemi National Park.

The trials were 8 events spread over about 20 acres of the National Park, the part already scared by the crossing of high tension electricity transmission lines.

It was a good day. Lots of people doing really crazy things in 4x4's. Lots of broken parts, dinted body work, and flying mud. Some of the courses these guys managed to finese their trucks over really did boggle the mind.

Apart from the people, trucks, noise and music of this large event, there was still enough quite and solitude here and there to also enjoy being out in a forest.

Sat 06 Nov 2004 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales/National_Parks | permalink

Canberra, Tallaganda NP, Captains Flat

Driving with Phil, first time in a while since I've been doing hardly anything but work, and Phil largely been overseas in some hell hole or other :). The excuse was a trip to Canberra to collect some of Phil's belongings from a friend that lives near Queenbeyan. Once that was done, we took a more scenic route home, via the Captains Flat Road. This road winds it way through the lovely rural country-side of the southern highlands - rolling green hills, boulders, sheep.

It then turns into a gravel road for about 40 kilometres as it passes through the Tallaganda National Park. An excellent drive. We took a diverting half and hour down one of the 'fire trails' that headed off into the park. We had a whale of a time. Tight, forested tracks, a few water hazards and some nice crests here and there.

The urge to have the sunroof open on a delightfull summers day in the forest and the water hazards were mutually exclusive. We had to stop and wipe up the 500 litres of water that came in the top after going through a biggish puddle. Doh!.

A great day. It will take me hours to clean the damn thing now...

Sun 31 Oct 2004 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales/National_Parks | permalink

The Grandis, Seal Rocks

Rowena came up to Sydney to spend the day with me, and I wanted to head north and try out my replacement 300D.

So, A trip up to the Myall Lakes to see if the Grandis, the tallest tree in NSW, has been re-opened.

It HAD finally been re-opened, and the new work and platforms realy do the National Parks service proud. Immeasurably better, the platform stands some 10 metres from the ground and is some 30 metres back from the tree - much less intrusive than the old platform which ran around the base of the tree itself.

As usual, the drive up to the Grandis and back is an absolute hoot - winding and climbing gravel road through the rainforest.

We pushed on and took the turn-off to Seal Rocks - I wanted to show Rowena the most fabulous beach in NSW. We weren't dissapointed, the water was its usual aquamarine, and crystal clear.

We finished with a hike up to the SugarLoaf Point lighthouse, before returning to Sydney.

Sat 25 Sep 2004 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales/National_Parks | permalink

Townsville to Sydney

Exhausted from the diving, but otherwise not really pressured, the drive back was considerably more relaxing.

We drove from Townsville to nearly Mackay, Airlie Beach, and stayed the night with Jason. Was good to catch up again, if only briefly, and look around his new pad. He sure does know how to pick the spots.

Next morning we headed on to Hervey Bay, but stopped for a couple of hours and had lunch in Rockhampton with Bug and Andrew and crew. Of the entire vista of human experience, limited quality time spent with good frieds demonstrates just how short minutes can appear - in this case each minute felt like 55 microseconds.

We had seafood in Hervey Bay with M&D and got a good nights sleep before the longer haul back to Sydney bypassing Brisbane.

All in all an enjoyable and relaxing trip.

Tue 14 Sep 2004 | /Trips/Australia/Queensland | permalink

Sydney to Townsville

Jonte and I drove to Townsville in Qld and back for a diving trip with Abyss. I took 3 days off work, the Wednesday before to the Tuesday after the weekend.

We drove to Hervey Bay the first day, after having slight car troubles before leaving Sydney - the engine boiled over because the electric fan connnector was left unplugged during a recent service. We got to Hervey Bay about midnight or so, crashed, had breakfast and pushed on early the next morning.

Aiming for a 4pm arrival in Townsville, we completely and utterly failed, but it all worked out in the end, we got on the boat and passed out - no sea sick sleeping for us !!

The drive was mostly uneventfull. It was really good to see the country north of Rockhampton again. Last time I was in Mackay was about 7 years ago, and in Townsville, many years more. Supprisingly I still remembered some bits of it!

Wed 08 Sep 2004 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales | permalink

Barrington Tops National Park

I went for a day trip to the Barrington Tops National Park. I've heard a bit about it of late and decided to go and check it out. I wanted a nice days driving also, so I started off by going North West of Sydney to Old Windosr Road and from there to Putty Road. Putty Road is full of nice winding turns as it climbs and descends through the ranges. Once I reached Singleton, and then one to Scone, I struck out east on the Barrington Tops Forest Road, which almost immediately becomes a gravel road.

Some punishing climbs and turns on this stretch. The pastoral land gradually gives way to more and more dense forest. The rocks become covered with mosses and the forest grew closer, and the temperature outside the car gradually dropped, until it was about 8 degrees.

I stopped at a couple of the camp sites for a look around - these spots were deserted in the middle of winter - but they would be an excellent overnight stay - I'll have to come back.

I also stopped at the Thunderbolt Lookout and enjoyed the magnificent view.

A short way further on I found a couple of unmarked logging roads and explored to the ends of them - usually about 5 or 6km into the forest. Lots of fun driving to be had here.

Continuing on towards Gloucester the road finally becomes sealed again. I returned to Sydney via teh freeway. An enjoyable day trip.

Sat 31 Jul 2004 | /Trips/Australia/New_South_Wales/National_Parks | permalink

Subaru Rally of Canberra, Day 2

Day two got us east of Canberra, out into the pine forest and the sort of rally I guess I was actually expecting - trees, cars, noise and last minute views.

The feel was a bit different, the roar and thunder of an approaching 300 BHP rally car, the crack-crack of the backfire, but no car... Then dust, car, roar, and gone...

A fantastic weekend out in the forest. Note to self, next year, bring a damned heavier coat, we were freezing.

Sun 09 May 2004 | /Trips/Australia/Australian_Capital_Territory | permalink

Subaru Rally of Canberra, Day 1

Rowena and I made our way to Canberra to watch the Subaru Rally of Canberra. An annual event, using dirt roads and forrestry tracks in the forests surrounding our nations capital.

We were lucky enough to spend the night in the hotel with a few of the drivers, so finding the first event was fairly easy - just follow the procession of cars that looked like they new where they were going !

Some amazing driving, lots of action.

The first stages were to the west of Canberra, unfortunately there had been big bushfires through only a few months previously, so what used to be a forest was now flat and featureless dustbowl - but it made for long range viewing of the cars.

THe most spectacular stage of the day was the 'MineShaft' a 45 degree downhill run with a nasty crest at the top. Lots of air, and a few near misses.

We finished the day with a tour of the Tidbinbillia Radio Observatory.

Sat 08 May 2004 | /Trips/Australia/Australian_Capital_Territory | permalink

Brisbane to Sydney, HOME!.

The drive home, as always, boring and uneventful - but a good time to reflect on the amazing places I've visited, and the absolute success of my plan to have no plan, as it were. A rough outline, a quest so to speak, is all I will ever need for a holiday again - the benefits are many.

With the loss of an hour at the QLD / NSW Border, the trip took me 11 hours, 7am to 7pm.

Jonte came to the rescue with Sushi. My god did it taste good.

Fri 19 Mar 2004 | /Trips/Australia/Queensland | permalink

Brisbane Region, Tamborine NP, Lake Moogerah.

Luke had managed to get the day off, so we went for a bit of a drive into the area south of Ipswitch, west of the Gold Coast.

We stopped at Lake Moogerah, and did one third of the walk to the peak nearby - it was very tough going. After that, we drove to nearby Governors Chair, and walked to the lookout, an exposed rock at the top of a sheer cliff, with a magnificent view of the Boonah region.

One the way home, we headed up Tamborine Mountain, into Tamborine National Park. The drive took us through lush old growth rainforest and stopped at a delightful little campground near Cedar Creek Falls.

With all the recent rain, the Cedar Creek Falls were running well, making a mighty roar that could be heard well before it could be seen. I spent some time taking photographs of the main falls and the rockpools.

Heading back to Brisbane, we went to a Monica and Gareths house for a BBQ. It was very good to finally spend some time with Monica, we worked out its been about 8 years - far to long. Rhys made it also, and Gareths brother Gavin.

Brisbane Region, Tamborine NP, Lake Moogerah.

Thu 18 Mar 2004 | /Trips/Australia/Queensland/National_Parks | permalink

Gladstone to Brisbane.

I headed off first thing in the morning to Brisbane, getting in at about 3pm.

Luke hadn't finished work yet, so I had a bit of a poke around in the Queen Street mall, and found a photographic gallery by XXX XXX, which was fantastic. Most of the places photographed by XXX I can now proudly say I have visited.

I caught up with Luke, and we had dinner with Joshua and Tracy whom I've not seen in ages. We ducked off and had our obligitory Guiness for St Patricks day.

Wed 17 Mar 2004 | /Trips/Australia/Queensland | permalink

Rockhampton to Gladstone.

I bummed around Rocky with Andrew - pickup up some things, dropped his car off for a repair, saw a movie, etc.

I then drove to Gladstone, and then Banaraby, 150kms south of Rockhampton, to catch up with Jason. We had a bit of a look at his beautiful Arabian horses, and had a home cooked dinner.

Jason's property is far from the city lights and has a magnificent view of the night sky. We had a bit of a play with the camera to see if we could take photo's of any stars, and got passable images of the Southern Cross and Orion.

Tue 16 Mar 2004 | /Trips/Australia/Queensland | permalink

Upper Stoney Creek.

Today I drove to Upper Stoney Creek in the Byfield state forest with Katherin (Bug) and had a swim and a bit of a look around. After the recent rains, the water was running and was very clean.

The decks that were there last time had apparently been washed away. They've been replaced with a more natural loooking boulder water entry and some fences have been added.

We swam upstream as far as we could, and then clambered further to find the rapids and sat around in the natural spa formed by the rocks and the water.

Fish and chips for lunch on Yeppoon beach rounded out the day, and a bit of a snooze in the early afternoon. I could so get used to this holiday idea... Poor Clair happened to call me just after lunch. I did warn her that she wouldn't want to know what I was doing.

Mon 15 Mar 2004 | /Trips/Australia/Queensland | permalink

Hervey Bay to Rockhampton

Nothing eventful, drove back to Rockhampton, stopped in Gin Gin as always for lunch.

Fri 12 Mar 2004 | /Trips/Australia/Queensland/Hervey_Bay | permalink

Hervey Bay

Bumming arround in Hervey Bay. Rest.

Thu 11 Mar 2004 | /Trips/Australia/Queensland/Hervey_Bay | permalink

Rockhampton to Hervey Bay (My Birthday!)

Drove down to Mum and Dad's in Hervey Bay with Andrew. Hervey Bay still looks like paradise. 1 cm waves, blue sky, deep blue water, white sand.

I got a call from all the guys at work for my birthday, which was nice.

We had a great meal at the 'Prince of Wales' restaurant on the esplenade, and drank some of my S.A. wine. Mmmm.

Wed 10 Mar 2004 | /Trips/Australia/Queensland | permalink

Rockhampton, Mt Archer

I caught up with Bug today (Katherine) and had some breakfast. We went for a drive to Mt Archer, watched a movie, my first in ages - The Missing, which was really good.

The rest of the rocky guys caught up with me later that night, we had a BBQ on Mt Archer, Paul and AM and Emily, Nigel and Elise, Simon and Mitsy, and one extremly bold possum.

Tue 09 Mar 2004 | /Trips/Australia/Queensland | permalink

Longreach to Rockhampton

Growing up, I remember this drive taking eons. Today it was over in a flash - I've certainly learned a thing or two about distance and patience on this trip.

It was great driving through all the little towns I remember - they simply haven't changed in the last ten years. Bluff, Emerald, Anakie, Alpha - sleepy little sunburnt spots where time is clearly standing still.

Once in Rocky I washed the car to get rid of what must have been 15 kilo's of dead locust and grasshopper carcasses glued to the front, and then went and caught up with Andrew and the other guys at the UNI, did a bit of geeking out.

Mon 08 Mar 2004 | /Trips/Australia/Queensland | permalink

Tennant Creek to Longreach

The drive from Tenant Creek to Longreach is a long one, some 980 km's across the 'channel country'.

I had two reasons for doing it in such a large chunk, mainly that the water from the recent rains had receeded and I didn't want to get trapped by more, and the other was that its particularly empty along that stretch - nothing of interest (to me at least).

I did drive through McInley, home of the 'Walkabout Creek Hotel' made infamous by the Crododile Dundee movie - but its not much to look at.

Driving accross the channel country after the rain meant that the grasslands were rich and green, and accompanied by swams... no, swams is to small a word... CLOUDS of locusts and grasshoppers. It was like driving through a meteor shower! The front of my car looks like the space shuttle after re-entry. I've removed handfuls of dead 'hopper carcasses from the intercooler, the engine bay. There were huge piles of them in the front grill, in all the crevices of the engine. I'll need a vacuum cleaner!

The rolly pollies were out in force too. Fragile tumbleweed style plants that have broken off and now are free to float and roll. If you hit them with the car (its unavoidable when they're moving) the explode silenty ina shower of twigs. I saw in the distance what appears to be a tornado, but as I got closer I found that it was a dust devil several hundred metres high that had trapped thousands of rolly pollies in it, sprialing them up to the heavens.

I stayed at the commercial hotel/motel in Longreach. Suprisingly good rooms, friendly staff.

Sun 07 Mar 2004 | /Trips/Australia/Northern_Territory | permalink

Alice Springs to Tennant Creek.

Another 6 hours of nothing to see - they say you have to drive it to get a real sense of just how big this country is, they're right. It feels as though I'm making no progress! The roads are so long and straight that things seem to stand still, no matter how fast you drive. I've tested this - there are no speed limits in the NT outside major areas...

The one interesting diversion today was the Devils Marbles. Definately worth stopping, the huge red granite boulders stacked Roadrunner cartoon style have an ageless calm to them. Walking among them, you realise that they're still being shapped, the small creaking and crackling sounds they make, the patient movement of ancient stone.

Sat 06 Mar 2004 | /Trips/Australia/Northern_Territory | permalink

Yulara to Alice Springs

Well, the road from Yulara resort at Uluru to Alice Springs could be 10 km or 450kms - I wouldn't know, I slept most of the way. Seriously, that has to be the most BORING drive in existance.

About 140 km's from the turn back onto the Sturt Highway I stopped for a broken down 4WD beside the road. The Nissan Patrol belonged to a family of local aboriginal people, an Les's initial request was that I phone someone for him when I got to town. He gave me the number, and when he started to say that the problem was electrical, I said I would have a look.

I wish I could write that I found the problem, fixed it McGyver style and had them on their merry way, but alas I cannot. I did find the problem, a broken relay - but having no tools or parts, i could do nothing.

Luckily a local friend of Les's arrived just then and had tow gear and was able to start towing them to Erunda (The turnoff - little more than a gas station).

I continued my way into Alice Springs, found a hotel. I despared to note that another tyre had an ominous side-wall buldge, so I spent the afternoon getting a tyre replaced - another $250 up in smoke. Shithouse Yokohama crap. Oh well.

I had dinner at the Overlanders Steakhouse. Well, I've never eaten better. Come here, eat there, I beg you! The food was great, the themed walls and other kitch were a plesant addition, not a distracting eyesore like most themed restaurants. This is the first place in the many I've eaten in the desert where the beer was servered with, gasp shock horror, a stubby cooler!. Cold beer for the entire bottle! Definately a trip highlight.

Off to tenant creek tomorrow, and a quick stop at the Devils Marbles. Hope he's washed them.

Fri 05 Mar 2004 | /Trips/Australia/Northern_Territory | permalink

Uluru / Kata Tjuta National Park

Well, I walked some kilometres today. I did the Uluru base walk, which is about 11km's. I started by about 8am after the sunrise, but even then the sun was baking before I finished.

The highlight of the base walk was the small waterhole on the southern tip of the rock, with water cascading down the rock in the morning gloom into the small pool. So tranquil.

The 'climb' was closed, not that I would have attempted it anyway. One look and I was convinced it was sheer stupidity. The traditional owners also have a real problem with people climbing it - a message the park has gone to great lengths to get accross. I agree with them, you don't have to climb the rock to get a feel for it of the environment sueeounding it at all. You do need to climb it if you're the sort fo twit that walks the base walk spending the whole time chatting to your friend, or rips branches of slow growing shrubs for fly switches despite being repeatedly asked not to at every information stand and facility.

I spent some time sitting and reading in the solitude afforded by the shade cover at the start of the dune walk. Large comfortable desert oak chairs made it easy to stay awhile.

Lunch at the cultural centre, after a bit of a wander through, then off to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).

I enjoyed the Olgas. The rock might be famous, but its not a patch on the majesty of the Olgas.

Off in the morning. Kings Canyon is possibly closed, so I'm not going to bother - I'll start the drive to Rockhampton a day early.

Thu 04 Mar 2004 | /Trips/Australia/Northern_Territory/National Parks | permalink

Coober Pedy to Uluru / Kata Tjuta NP (Ayres Rock)

Well, Coober Pedy was no prettier in the morning light. It was certainly cooler though, so I took the oportunity to stroll around, and had a look at the various Opal shops after I found some breakfast.

I started the long drive to the NT and Ayres Rock. Even the SA to NT border crossing was a small affair marked by a small sign. The landscape remained endless red sand dunes, salt bush and desert oak, for hours.

One interesting change as I crossed into NT was that the landscape was dotted hear and there with outcrops of rock. You can see how boring my drive was, clearly, if a few rocks was a highlight!.

I got in to Yulara at around 4pm NT time (5pm SA time). On the road into the resort, I caught climpses of what I slowly realised to be 'it'. Its HUGE.

I set up my tent in a hurry, and dashed off to the NP to have a quick poke around. I drove the circuit loop, and watched the sunset at the sunset viewing area, Delightful.

Coober Pedy to Uluru / Kata Tjuta NP (Ayres Rock)

Wed 03 Mar 2004 | /Trips/Australia/Northern_Territory | permalink

Adelaide to Coober Pedy.

What a drive! 700km's of almost nothing. Mile after mile of desert and grasslands, ending at Coober Pedy, a small Opal Mining comunity burrowed into the limestone of the desert.

Hot! Its 39 degrees and its 9pm. Thankfully I located the underground hotel - the rammed earth and semi underground construction makes for some nice and cool rooms.

I was DELIGHTED to hear that Ayer's Rock is another 730km drive tomorrow. Woah!

Tue 02 Mar 2004 | /Trips/Australia/South_Australia | permalink

McClaren Vale wineries, Adelaide

Because all the divers where flying back to Sydney, we had the morning to kill - you can't fly within 24 hours of diving...

We organised an impromtu wineries tour, thanks largely to Tania who could offer some great local knowledge.

I had no idea tasting wine could be so much fun. I came across some truly excellent bottles - which came in handy for dinner that night with Mat and Andrew in Adelaide. Great food, great wine, followed by some more fringe festivities in the form of some Shakespearean satire.

You gotta love S.A.

Mon 01 Mar 2004 | /Trips/Australia/South_Australia | permalink

Adelaide

Spent the morning catching up on geeky things - like uploading to the web server all of this so far... Paid some bills, yadda yadda.

Went and kicked around in the city for a while, had a nice lunch and lay in one of the great inner city