Square Perspectives Photo Challenge ~ Australian Landscapes #14
Destination: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Reflections on Lake Burley Griffin
While our travel plans are on hold I’m joining in every day with Becky’s July Square Perspectives Photo Challenge over at The Life of B. The rules are simple: photos must be square and fit the theme of perspective. My posts represent the definition of perspective as a vista – seeing something over distance or time.
Square Perspectives Photo Challenge ~ Australian Landscapes #13
Destination: Rocky Hill, Goulburn, New South Wales
High atop a hill overlooking the regional city of Goulburn stands an imposing stone tower. Built in the 1920s and paid for by public subscription, the tower is a war memorial honouring local men and women who served in World War One.
Inside the tower, the ground floor contains an honour roll and a flame of remembrance, while from the upstairs windows there are beautiful views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
I found it difficult to look up at the tower as we walked along the path.
After seeing these signs, I was too busy looking out for danger.
While our travel plans are on hold I’m joining in every day with Becky’s July Square Perspectives Photo Challenge over at The Life of B. The rules are simple: photos must be square and fit the theme of perspective. My posts represent the definition of perspective as a vista – seeing something over distance or time.
Square Perspectives Photo Challenge ~ Australian Landscapes #4
Destination: Murray’s Craft Brewing Co, Bobs Farm Port Stephens, New South Wales
When you’re hungry and thirsty, Murray’s Craft Brewing Co on Nelson Bay Road is the place to be.
There’s plenty of beer on tap, along with local wines created by Port Stephens Winery. The restaurant has an extensive menu and the servings are generous and delicious.
After your cravings have been satisfied there’s room out on the grass for a friendly game,
which is sure to leave you feeling thirsty again.
While our travel plans are on hold I’m joining in every day with Becky’s July Square Perspectives Photo Challenge over at The Life of B. The rules are simple: photos must be square and fit the theme of perspective. My posts represent the definition of perspective as a vista – seeing something over distance or time.
Square Perspectives Photo Challenge ~ Australian Landscapes #3
Destination: Shoal Bay, New South Wales
From the outside this building looked like any other holiday accommodation. And on the inside our holiday unit was quite normal.
But the balcony was a different matter. It was huge.
And so were the views of Shoal Bay, from Tomaree Head around to Nelson Head.
Across the water, the white sand of Jimmy’s Beach and the little town of Hawk’s Neck were clearly visible.
With so much to see, we could have stayed on the balcony all week!
While our travel plans are on hold I’m joining in every day with Becky’s July Square Perspectives Photo Challenge over at The Life of B. The rules are simple: photos must be square and fit the theme of perspective. My posts represent the definition of perspective as a vista – seeing something over distance or time.
Exploring Australia
The New England region of northern New South Wales is known for its brisk winters and, even though the sun is shining, we’re feeling the chill. A warming fire and a hot breakfast are our first priorities and at the Walcha Royal Cafe we find all that and more.
The original building on this site, the Royal Hotel, was constructed in 1889. When it burned down in 1938 another building, aptly named the New Royal Hotel, took its place. In 2006, with new owners and a new lease of life, the hotel became known as the Walcha Royal Cafe.
It may be cold out on the street, but inside a fire blazes in the wood-burning heater. The scent of freshly brewed coffee draws us in while an expansive choice of winter fare is enticing. But it isn’t the luxurious warmth of the fire or the tasty food that keeps us lingering after breakfast.
The cafe particularly welcomes motorbike riders and is a well-known stop on journeys between the inland and the coast. Motorcycles are celebrated in every room, with memorabilia, old photographs and even a motorbike or two on display.
Quirky sculptures made from motorbike parts attract our attention. Some are whimsical creations
while others have a functional purpose.
With a warm welcome, delicious food and this wonderful collection the Walcha Royal Cafe has plenty to offer, whether you’re a dedicated motorbike enthusiast or a traveller just passing through.
Western Queensland Road Trip #20
A road trip through the outback
is a marvellous affair.
You can drive for hours
and think the land is bare.
But if nature calls along the way
there’s no need for despair.
There are outback loos with outback views
and their own distinctive flair.
~
Often in the outback
it is very, very dry.
But some bush loos have water views.
You wouldn’t pass them by.
Warrego River at the Cunnamulla Weir
Moonie River, Nindigully
~
When Thomas Mitchell camped here in 1846
he had to bring his own facilities.
But now you’ll find this bathroom on the river bank –
it’s basic but it covers all your needs.
Maranoa River, Mitchell
~
When visiting a winery
a bathroom is essential.
And if it’s hidden in the garden
your visit’s confidential.
Riversands Winery, St George
~
But on a dusty bush track
where the toilet is a wreck,
privacy’s not guaranteed –
You may need to go low-tech!
near Charleville Airport
More loos with beautiful views!
The original Loo With a View
Loos with views in Western Australia
The highest loo view in Australia
Loos with views around Australia
Loos with views – The Cruise Edition
Loos with views – The Hawaiian Edition
Loos with views – The English Edition
Loos with views – The Canadian Edition
Loos with views – The Kevtoberfest Edition
or just search #looswithviews
Western Queensland Road Trip #15
Street art tells a story, and every outback town has a story to tell.
A mosaic shield on the Maranoa Regional Council building in Roma depicts the region’s rich history of agriculture and natural gas production.
Inside the building a much larger mosaic shows more detail: vineyards and wineries, gas fields, sheep and cattle farming, the road and rail routes which opened up the outback. Indigenous first peoples and industrious pioneers are featured along with those beautiful bottle trees Roma is famous for.
There’s no mistaking the purpose of these parking bays at the Roma Community Art Centre.
The wall around Roma’s Bassett Park has been transformed into a giant canvas. A mural 100 metres long details a day in the life of the Maranoa Region, from sunrise to sunset. Aboriginal art, local native plants and a rig on the oil and gas fields all feature on the panels. Most spectacular is the image of Carnarvon Gorge, with its rugged sandstone cliffs disappearing into the distance.
Just south of Mitchell, a cluster of dramatic red figures stands beside of the highway. The memorial pays homage to the local constabulary who, in the early 20th century, protected the district from the Kenniff brothers, the last of Australia’s notorious bushrangers. A nearby plaque tells the story of the crimes and final demise of the brothers.
On Wills Street in Charleville, Matilda the big kangaroo greets visitors with a friendly wave. With her bush hat on, a swag on her back and a joey in her pouch, she’s ready to hop away on a new adventure. Further down the street, a giant yellow belly encourages anglers to throw in a line at the Warrego River.
Outside the Paroo Shire Hall in Cunnamulla, an Australian bushman sits on his swag, savouring a mug of billy tea. Titled “The Cunnamulla Fella” the statue depicts the iconic Australian character described in the song of the same name, written by Stan Coster and recorded by Slim Dusty.
Just across the road are more well-known Australians.
The beautiful painted silos at Thallon are easily seen from the highway but it’s worth driving right into town for a closer view.
There’s no need to get up close to see this Northern Hairy Nosed Wombat. Located in the park in the centre of Thallon, the oversized sculpture brings attention to the wombat’s critically endangered status. Once found right across eastern Australia, this species of wombat now survives in just two areas of Queensland; in a National Park near Clermont and a conservation park near Thallon. At the Richard Underwood Nature Refuge, more than 200 wombats live in a securely fenced colony, protected from predators like wild dogs.
Flora and fauna, history and heritage, people and places – street art tells the stories of the towns of the outback.
Western Queensland Road Trip Square Tops Challenge #27
When restrictions in Queensland are lifted and travel within our state is allowed, we’ll be on the road again. We have a new caravan we only got to use for two nights before everything closed down and there’s a long list of places we want to visit. Our first destination will be this top spot.
This free camp on the banks of the Moonie River at Nindigully will be perfect for trying out the off grid features of our van – solar panels, extra water tanks and, most important of all, an ensuite bathroom. I’m looking forward to sitting out under the awning with my morning coffee, enjoying the birds and the bougainvillea.
We might try some water sports, go for a gentle bush walk or just sit quietly by the river.
I just hope the Nindigully Pub is open next time!
While our travels are on hold, I’m joining in every day with Becky’s April Square Tops Challenge over at The Life of B. The rules are simple: photos must be square and fit the theme word “top”.
Western Queensland Road Trip Square Tops Challenge #20
What do you do when a Prime Mover bearing an “over size” warning is heading towards you?
Move out of the way!
When the load up top is this big, it’s best to give it a wide berth.
While our travels are on hold, I’m joining in every day with Becky’s April Square Tops Challenge over at The Life of B. The rules are simple: photos must be square and fit the theme word “top”.
Western Queensland Road Trip Square Tops Challenge #13
This old cottage in Mitchell is in need of a “Grand Designs” makeover from top to bottom, inside and out. Someone’s made a start by replacing the old stumps with termite proof steel posts, but there’s a long way to go.
While our travels are on hold, I’m joining in every day with Becky’s April Square Tops Challenge over at The Life of B. The rules are simple: photos must be square and fit the theme word “top”.
