Leaving Adelaide we stayed one night at Bordertown . Bob Hawke was born there and a bronze statue commemorates that occasion. The wildlife park is a home to a colony of white kangaroos.
On to Horsham for 2 nights and walked along the tracks of the Wimmera River but dreadfully dry and hot.
Spent 4 nights at the Grampians, Lake Bellfield holiday park. Completed several walks to Bellfield dam wall, Hall’s Gap, Silverband Falls, Mt William, The Balconies, Reed lookout, Mackenzie Falls, Lake Wartook and a round trip on Mt Difficult Road to Baroka lookout. Some of the areas still closed after the fires of 2005-06. Each evening we enjoyed feeding the crimson rosellas.
Left the Grampians via Pomonal, Moyston, Ararat, Beaufort with 3 days at Ballarat. Had a day at Sovereign Hill and a great day with Maurelle and Les taking us to Clunes, Creswick and Dalesford.

Stayed 3 night with cousin Val and Barry at Cobaw catching up with some of their family and other relies.
On to Yea for 3 days and caught up with cousins, Brenda and Des. Margaret and Ned came up for a day and Mary and Des had a family reunion out on the farm with cousin Heather traveling up from Melbourne.
Two days at Wangaratta and it was great to see cousin Alistair after 23 years. We enjoyed a day touring Beechworth, Bright and Mt Buffalo.
Leaving Wangaratta we spent an hour with cousin Mary at Wodonga and traveled to Tumut for 2 days. Our friends Barry and Dianna showed us around the area Blowering Dam, Talbingo and Tumut 3 power station.

Tumut to Sydney where we visited Noelene and Chris, friends from our Canadian trip.

A week in Taree with Julieanne and we celebrated Australia Day. Went to the Gala Summer Festival Ball – crowning of the summer queen. Also fitted in a celebration for Julieanne’s birthday.
Arrived back in Brisbane on Jan 31 and spent time with Brenden and Angie until we moved back home on Feb 12. Everything at home was how we left it 12 months earlier so our big trip had come to an end.
Looking forward to our next adventure.

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Our trip across the Nullarbor from Norseman to Ceduna took us 3 days camping at roadside rest areas. We met up with other Queenslanders doing the same thing.
The coastal scenery and huge cliff faces on the Great Australian Bight were awesome. The 146km continuous straight road, treeless plains, border crossing, sand dunes and windmills around Penong added to the journey. We were fortunate to enjoy 28 deg temperatures, quite unusual for late November.

Spent 2 days at Smoky Bay with temp reaching 47deg on the second day. Moved on to Streaky Bay and toured the coastal strip taking in the Seal Lion colony at Pt Labatt and Murphy’s haystacks.

A few days at Coffin Bay, famous for oyster farming, where we explored the national park and surrounds. Water in these bays is crystal clear. The Point Kirton caravan park at Port Lincoln offered wonderful views over Boston Bay. A tour of the Tuna farms gave an interesting insight into this prosperous industry. Traveled around Pt Lincoln NP and climbed Mt Stamford to see Mathew Flinders monument.

Leaving Pt Lincoln we stayed at Tumby Bay, Arno Bay and on to Whyalla for a few days where we saw the Maritime Museum and HMAS Whyalla. Also an interesting tour through the steelworks observing the production of steel.

Passed quietly through Port Augusta as we had stayed there in 2005 and on to Pt Pirie where we took a guided tour through the lead smelters. Departing Pirie we headed to the south of Yorke Peninsula and had 6 restful days at Pt Turton on Hardwicke Bay. Did a day trip around the peninsula where a large wind generating farm is close to Edithburgh. The drive around the coastline takes in views of Kangaroo Is and then on to Innes NP where gypsum was mined and exported in early 1900.

After exploring the Yorke we stayed 11 days at the Adelaide Caravan Park, just 2 km from city centre. We were able to walk into the mall and see many of the city sights. Took the tram to Glenelg one day and traveled the O Bahn, a guided bus track, to Tea Tree shopping plaza. Met up with like minded travelers Paul and Carol for Xmas dinner at the Hackney Hotel. Friends we met in Canada in 2003, Roger and Meredith, live in the Adelaide Hills and we were thrilled to catch up with them on several occasions. They kindly took us on a day touring the Fleurieu Peninsula visiting Victor Harbor, Goolwa and across “The Bridge” to Hindmarsh Is.

New Years Eve, 6 of us celebrated Paul’s birthday at a restaurant in Rundle Mall then walked up to Victoria Park to see the New Year in watching the fireworks.

After leaving Adelaide we are spending time at the Grampians before catching up with many relatives in country Victoria. From there heading up to Taree and Brisbane where we hope to be back in our own home around Feb 10.

It has been an amazing journey and hopefully there will be other adventures to conquer. This is our last display of web pictures and trust you have all enjoyed.

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Walpole – We stayed at Coalmine Beach and visited the Giant Red Tingle Tree. Quite amazing that it continues to live. Followed on to Valley of the Giants tree walk, 60 metres above ground. Beaches around Walpole included, Peaceful Bay, Conspicuous Cliff, Mandalay Beach. We enjoyed a wildlife cruise around Walpole Inlet and Nornalup Inlet. Inland to MT Frankland, which we climbed and saw numerous wildflowers around Fernhook Falls.

Leaving Walpole we went to William Bay with the magnificent Green Pool and Elephant Rocks then lunch at Denmark, spending the night at Cosy Corner (west).

Albany, the further most southern coastline of WA provided unique coastal views. A tour through the old whaling station gave us an insight to the past slaughtering of whales. Coastal features were the Natural Bridge, The Gap, Blowholes and Salmon Pools and to the east, Little Beach and Two Peoples Bay. A day trip North to Mt Barker banksia farm returning home through Porongurup Ranges NP. Albany also has a big wind farm.

After leaving Albany we spent 2 nights at Stirling Ranges NP and did plenty of walking including a climb up Bluff Knoll. Now across to Bremer Bay and the beautiful Fitzgerald River NP where the Royal Hakea and Scarlet Banksia are prominent. Point Ann with breathtaking views and a drive down to Tregelow Beach.

Two nights at Ravensthorpe where a huge nickel mine is under construction. A 200km trip up to Wave Rock and Hyden with some interesting metal sculptures in the main street. A walk on Lake King salt lake on our way home.

Nine days at Esperance where the pictures tell the story. All the beautiful bays and beaches with white sand. Sea lions frequently seen at the town jetty. Tour through the mermaid leather factory where the tanning of fish skins are processed – a unique industry - purchased 2 barramundi skins.

En route to Kalgoorlie we lunched at Norseman and a night at the dying town of Coolgardie. Sightseeing around Kalgoorlie focused on gold mining past and present. A tour through an original working bordello in famous Hay St. and also a peek after dark to see things in action - an eye opener to say the least. Business is not as brisk these days as many of the workers fly in and fly out. Eighteen brothels, now reduced to three.

Back to Norseman and across the Nullabor to SA. Sad to be leaving WA.

Happy Xmas to All.

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Leaving Kalbarri we traveled to Geraldton stopping at Port Gregory for a spot of fishing from the jetty and passing by the pink lake.

At Geraldton we took in the town sights and museum, walked the wild flower trail and visited the HMAS Sydney 11 memorial, around the harbour and Moore’s lighthouse.

Departing Geraldton along the coastal highway through Pt Dennison, Greenhead and Jurien Bay all fertile lobster fishing grounds. Our stay at Cervantes took us out to the Pinnacle Desert, surrounding beaches and Stromalites at Lake Thetis. A magnificent corridor of wild flowers from Cervantes past the Emu Downs wind farm to join the Brand Highway.

With Perth in our sights we stayed 11 days at the Karrinyup Top Tourist Park, central to bus and train transport. Toured Kings Park home of WA wildflower exhibits. Cruised Swan river to Fremantle and back. Another day took the train to Fremantle visited the Maritime museum and took Submarine tour, Old prison, markets and motor museum.

Spent time touring around Perth city on their CAT buses. (central area transport – free!!!) Burswood casino, Mint, Swan bells, Barrack jetty, WACA, Queens Gardens and much more. Went back up to New Norcia Australia’s only monastic town. Architecture is strong Spanish flavour dominating the bush setting. The town is registered as heritage listed and today is the home of a community of Benedictine monks.

From Hillarys’ harbour we took the fast launch for a full day at Rottnest Island. (fantastic weather) We did a 2hr bus trip around the island and the coastal scenery was a spectacle to remember.

While in Perth we caught up with 2 lots of friends that we had met in Tasmania and it was great to renew acquaintances.

Heading south through Rockingham, Mandurah, Binningup beach. This area is a real growth corridor. While at Bunbury traveled out to Collie, Donnybrook and Capel.

At Busselton walked the 2km wooden jetty then on to Dunsborough. Out to Cape Naturaliste NP to the lighthouse, sugarloaf rock, Eagle bay and Bunker bay.

Out from Yallingup we toured through the Nilgigi cave which was absolutely amazing with stairways and boardwalks. Followed the coastal caves road to Prevelly, Hamilin Bay and Boranup Karri forest drive and on to Augusta. Cape Leeuwin lighthouse where the Indian and Great Southern oceans meet. Back up through to Margaret River and Cowarmup – wine tasting- cheese and candy.

Left Augusta and lunched at Beedleup falls. Continued on through karri forests to Pemberton visiting museum etc. A night at Windy harbour took us to the sights in D’Entrecasteaux NP. Some magnificent coastal walks and lookouts. Climbed Mt Chudalup a granite monolith and rewarded with 360 deg views of karri forest and coastal dunes.

Heading towards Walpole to continue our adventure.

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From Broome we traveled with Jack and Dell to Eighty Mile Beach spending 2 days enjoying fishing and shell collecting. Cape Keraudren was our next destination camping on the beachfront for 2 nights. John caught a lovely Brown Sweet lip – fresh fish for the 4 of us.

While at Port Hedland we saw the salt works and toured the Iron Ore loading facility (BHP Biliton) - red dust throughout the town. A day trip to Marble Bar seeing the beautiful jasper rock. Early explorers thought it was marble – hence the town’s present name.

The beautiful purple mulla mulla was everywhere on our way to Karajini NP. Circular pool was a spectacular swimming spot in the gorge. We thoroughly enjoyed 3 days of camping in the park.

On to Tom Price doing the tour through Rio Tinto’s open cut iron ore mine - such an amazing site. From Tom Price back to the No 1 highway down to Port Samson where John snared a nice Parrot fish. Pilbara Iron sponser a great tour from Roebourne Visitor Centre taking in the town, Cape Lambert loading facility and the historic town of Cossack.

Next stop Karratha where we saw Dampier Salt and Woodside’s Gas enterprise on the Burrup Penninsula. This is the location of current controversy of Aboriginal engravings that are endangered by the expansion of Woodside’s venture.

At Exmouth we drove to Lighthouse Point and down to Yardie Ck in the Cape Range NP. A highlight was swimming and snorkeling at Turquoise Bay – Nigaloo Reef Marine Park. Farewelled Jack and Dell from Exmouth as they need to be back in Qld end Nov.

Beautiful Coral Bay, again part of Nigaloo Reef where we learnt Dad’s condition was very poor. After 3 days we motored to Carnarvon and enjoyed their annual festival, OTC dish and one mile jetty.

Moving to Denham, en-route viewing the Stromatolites at Hamelin Pool and walking on Shell Beach. Monkey Mia was a special place with the dolphin interaction and feeding. The red sand hills behind Monkey Mia were an amazing backdrop to the white sandy beaches of Shark bay. We were lucky to see turtles and a dugong close hand from the Denham jetty.

Kalbarri coastline was quite unique with coastal gorges and pounding seas. Our day at the NP took in fantastic sights of the Murchison River. It was on this day we received the sad news of Dad’s passing.

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After our 7 day trip back to Katherine we left via the Victoria Highway spending a night at Gregory National Park (Bighorse campground) before arriving in Kununurra WA. We cruised Lake Kununurra up the Ord River and a sunset cruise on Lake Argyle. Took in all the sights around town and a drive through the Ord valley irrigation project and Ivanhoe crossing. Hidden Valley NP with dome formations similar to the Bungles and a spectacular view from the walk to the top.

A day trip to Wyndham via Emma Gorge, The Grotto, Parry’s Lagoon and the view from the 5 rivers lookout at Wyndham returning to Kununurra via Boab Prison Tree on the King River Road.

Two days at Turkey Ck and drove into the Bungles – Echidna Chasm, Cathedral Gorge and viewed the gorges and beehive domes from a helicopter flight.

From Fitzroy Crossing we went out to Geikie Gorge NP and experienced a cruise up the Fitzroy River taking in the limestone formations of the gorge. Geikie gorge, Windjana gorge and Tunnel Ck are all part of an ancient “barrier reef”.

Spent 5 days at Derby and did the seaplane flight over the Horizontal falls, a phenomena created by 11 metre + tides. We landed on Talbot Bay and went through the falls on a fast power boat. Our return to Derby took us over the Buccaneer Archipelago a rugged part of the west Kimberley consisting of 1000 islands.
A day trip to Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Ck south west of Derby off the Gibb River Road where a small creek has carved through the limestone for 750 metres. A round trip of 370km with 200km being rough!!! corrugated gravel road.

On to Broome for a week staying on the waters edge of Roebuck Bay caravan park. Toured the Willie Ck pearl farm, viewed a sunset from famous Cable Beach and enjoying a daily swim in the aqua waters in front of our park.

Our trip continues to be a wonderful experience with unsurpassed scenery.

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Meeting Julieanne after her African trip in Sydney we all motored north to spend two days at Taree. While there we met up with Robyn and Charlie Schumacher and it was great to see them as we hadn’t done so for quite some time.

En route to the Sunshine Coast we enjoyed 3 days with Brenden and Angie and arrived back on the coast Fri 14 July for a 2 week stay at Dicky Beach caravan park. Our time spent with Dad was very special and celebrated his 90th birthday (birthday actually 22 Aug) a wonderful milestone.

Our highlight while at the coast was Brenden and Angie’s wedding on 22 July at Maleny Manor. A very proud moment for John and I. It was wonderful to have our entire immediate family celebrate such a memorable occasion. We appreciate the efforts they all made so we could be together. An added bonus was cousin Val and Barry joining us on Sun after the wedding to catch up with all the Creed family. As you can see with the photos the bridal party looked amazing. For more photos visit www.wedding.creedster.net.au

After a great 2 weeks we have traveled back to Katherine to recommence our journey into WA and SA.
More to follow next month!

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Back on the mainland 7am Sun 28 July by “Spirit of Tasmania” then spent a delightful week in Melbourne catching up with family and friends. We managed a wonderful night in the city seeing the “Lion King” and dinner with friends.
Four days with cousin Glenda at Mornington taking in the all the sights on the peninsula.

On our way to Inverloch we stopped at Wonthaggi and went through the town mine (no longer producing coal) then down to Wilsons Promontory. A spectacular National Park and we spent 3hrs walking up Mt Oberon. Got close up and personal to wombats in their natural habitat.

Moving around the coastline to Sale featuring the “Port of Sale” where boats used to travel up from the Gippsland Lakes, Common Game wetlands, Lake Wellington and historic restored “Swing Bridge” that opens on Sundays. Unfortunately we didn’t spend a weekend in Sale.

Bairnsdale our next stop for 3 days sightseeing the Great Alpine Way to Omeo – visiting the Cuckoo Clock display and lunch at Livingstone Park. Next day down to Paynesville and took the ferry across to Raymond Is spotting Koalas in the trees. Took in the fantastic views from Eagle Point.

On to Lakes Entrance where we did a cruise up the lake system and watched the recovery of a fishing trawler that was grounded south of the entrance. Beautiful views of the entrance from Jemmy’s Point.

Diverted from the Princes Highway for 2 days to the fishing village of Mallacoota.
This completed the Victorian coastline.

On to Tathra NSW. Visited the Bega cheese factory- on to Cobargo and across to Bermagui coastline. Loved Bermagui with the “Blue Pool” rock swimming enclosure and then back to our park along the coast to Tathra.

4 Days at Batemans Bay and 2 days at Kiama visiting the Blowhole and Saddleback mountain lookout. An extremely high vantage point overlooking Kiama. 4 days at Wollongong and drove north of Bulli across the recently completed Sea Cliff bridge (we also parked the car and walked the pathway both ways) The views from Bald Hill lookout along the coastline– suburb outlook to Port Kembla returning back to Wollongong down the Bulli Pass. Next day sightseeing around Pt Kembla and Lake Illawarra.

Loved every part of the Vic and NSW coast.

Final 2 days in Rockdale Sydney to meet up with Jules on her return from Africa.

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From Port Arthur we drove to Swansea on the east coast spending 2 nights looking about the town and visiting the Bark Mill. Wind was gale force for 24 hrs. On to Bicheno for 4 days walking up Whalers Lookout and around the foreshore to the blowhole. One day was taken up at Aspley Douglas N.P. with a 3 hr walk to the gorge. Another full day spent at Freycinet N.P. walking to Wineglass Bay, the lighthouse and viewing the “Hazards” form Coles Bay. A spectacular piece of coastline.
Motoring north to St Helens driving up to Binalong Bay and the Bay of Fires where the waters are so clear the sand white. Other sights in this area - St Colombus Falls, The Pub in the Paddock where the pigs enjoy a beer, the town of Ledgerwood with the carved trees -a memorial to the local war heroes.

Leaving St Helens via the Tasman Highway up through Weldborough Pass and the old Mertle forests, Derby and on to Scotsdale with a look through the Eco Centre. Up north to Bridport and across to Low Head on the Tamar Inlet. Two night here visiting George Town -Tassies oldest. Back south and across the Tamar Rivers Batman Bridge and up to Beauty Point. Day visit to Beaconsfield with a tour through the mine museum and Sea Horse aquarium. Up to the top of west side of Tamar inlet to Greens beach, west head and Narawntapu N.P.

Down to Launceston for 6 days meeting up with cousin Val and Barry. Touring the city sights - Cataract Gorge and Old Power Station, Boags Brewery, City Park to see the monkey exhibition, Steep climb up Jacobs Ladder to Ben Lomond ski village. (Cold 3 deg)

Final 6 days spent at Longford visiting historic towns of Evandale,Campbell Town, Ross and Oatlands. Traveled home up Highland Lakes road past the Great Lake and Poatina hydro. Visited Woolmers Esate where the rose garden has 4500 plants. Liffey Falls and Deloraine and our final day to Dr Harry Cooper’s Hobby farm at Relbia where he personally conducted a 2 hr tour followed by Devonshire tea.

Sat night boarded Spirit of Tasmania to return to the “Big Island”

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We had Easter lunch with friends from Tumut beside a log fire at Cradoc near the Huon River. Met up with Maree and Peter at Dover. Great night and big cook up - BBQ. Captured Maree next morning sorting her baggage in their Maui Camper. Moved on to Snug and drove up to Mt Wellington to see the snow. So windy up there you could barely stand up.

Took the Disco across on the ferry from Kettering to North Bruny Is and motored down to Adventure Bay and completed the ocean cruise around South Bruny. For more of this rugged coastline use this link

http://www.brunycharters.com.au/Gallery/index.htm

From Snug we did several day trips into Hobart on the Metro bus and visited all the city sights. Met up again with Maree and Pete at the Sat Salamanca markets. A look around Hobart harbour and Constitutuion Dock where “Aurora Australis” was berthed. Took the Metro to Bellerive Cricket Oval. Spent a morning at Botanical Gardens and enjoyed the “Antarctica Exhibition” at the Museum and Art gallery.

Relocated to Barilla Park at Cambridge and drove up to the historic town of Richmond. Following day a flight with “Par Avion” to Great South West Wilderness (6 seater plane) and also a boat cruise on Bathurst Harbour. Trip of a lifetime with fantastic photographic opportunities. Perfect weather for this special day. Picked our own fruit at Sorell fruit farm-strawberries, raspberries and apples.

Four days at Port Arthur coinciding with 10th Anniversary – very moving service. Shook hands with John Howard who wished us well. Took 2 full days taking in the history of the site - Harbour cruise and Night Ghost Tour. Amazing lesson in Australian history.

Other places of interest on Tasman Peninsula –Remarkable Cave, Cape Raoul, Palmers lookout, Whites Beach and Nubeena. Convict “Dog Line” at Eaglehawk Neck. Tessellated Pavement (Rock formations) Tasman Blowhole, Arch and Devils Kitchen.

This completes our sightseeing of the Tasman National Park. More to follow as we move up the east coast. Some cold days but we are enjoying our holiday.

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Strahan - a delightful fishing and tourist village. Great day cruising Macquarie Harbour and out through Hell’s Gate taking in a guided tour of Sarah Is (Convict settlement) viewing salmon and ocean trout farms in the harbour. Up the Gordon River and a forest walk at Heritage Landing. A tour through a Huon pine saw mill on returning to the Strahan wharf.

From Strahan on the Wilderness Railway, a Rack and Pinion steam train, taking us to Queenstown. Enjoyed a “Fettlers Lunch” at Dubbil Barril the half way point. Time to browse through the streets of Queenstown before returning to Strahan by bus.

A steep climb traveling east of Queenstown spending a night at Lake Burbury then on to Derwent Bridge and Lake St Clair for 2 nights. Dismal weather with 3 inches of snow on the car the following morning. 2 degrees at 9am. Traveled via Tarraleah hydro with a night at Wayatinah and on to Mt Field National Park for 2 nights. Walked to Russell Falls and up to Lake Dobson at the alpine ski fields. Day trip to Lake Pedder, Strathgordon and Gordon Dam a massive hydro scheme.

Five days at New Norfolk on the Derwent River with time to see the Cadbury factory (yummy) Saw the Autumn Festival at New Norfolk and out to the salmon ponds at Plenty.
Eight days at Dover over Easter. Went down to Cockle Creek and completed the 5 hr trek to South Cape Bay the southern point of our continent. The Tahune Forest Airwalk overlooking the Huon River is an amazing structure. At Hartz National Park we walked to Lake Osborne in freezing windy conditions. Snow up on the high peaks.
The Hastings caves were a fascinating experience and the drive and walk to Duck Hole Lake in Forestry reserve was spectacular with tall timbers and ferns.

Easter Dinner at the Dover Pub.- delicious. Meeting up with traveling friends from Tumut for a Sunday picnic lunch at Huonville.

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We had 9 enjoyable days at Somerset near Burnie the northern port for woodchip exports and toured Aus Paper mills. Back tracked to Ulverstone to see Ulysses cycle club parade through the streets and assemble with 3500 bikes at the local park. A sight to remember. Caught up with John’s niece Margaret and husband Mark who traveled from Mooloolah (Sunshine Coast) on their yellow trike. Toured south of Burnie taking in more of the countryside – Guide Falls at Ridgley and falls at Warratah.

Along the north coast we walked to Table Cape lighthouse and drove on to Sisters Beach, Boat Harbour Beach and up to Rocky Cape National Park.
Leaving Somerset we had a night at Crayfish Ck and on to Stanley, a beautifully restored Heritage town. Took the chairlift to the top of the “Nut” where it was cold and windy. Dismal Swamp near Smithton is a rainforest sink hole 40 metres deep. John took the louge to the bottom and we walked the maze of boardwalks around the base.

A cruise up the Arthur River on the west coast took us deep into sub tropical forest. A beach at the mouth of river called “The Edge of the World” overlooks the Great Southern Ocean.

Motored on to Cradle Mtn and enjoyed glorious weather for 2 days. Walked around Dove Lake and numerous other tracks in the park. Our highlight seeing Devils night feeding at “Devils on Cradle”.

From Cradle went through towns, Tullah and Rosebury then 2 nights at Zeehan the silver city. Have traveled 4500km since leaving home. Now at Strahan.

29 files, last one added on Apr 06, 2006