Australian Adventures Natural, Cultural information and photos!

Maroochy River at Dawn

2012-01-15T15:35:00.000-08:00

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Another Dawn at Point Cartwright

2012-01-05T15:36:00.000-08:00

Birds at Point Crtwright.

2011-11-27T16:32:00.000-08:00

Mt Coolum at dawn

2011-11-18T15:22:00.000-08:00

A 45 minute walk through Noosa Botanical Gardens

2011-11-06T17:00:00.000-08:00

Bird Of Paradise


Leopard Lily

Another Dawn

2011-09-10T20:02:00.000-07:00

Watching the Waves

2011-08-13T03:11:00.000-07:00

Sunrise over Mooloolaba and Mt Coolum

2011-06-17T16:49:00.000-07:00

Eumundi Body Art Carnivale 2011

2011-05-15T01:43:00.000-07:00

The Body Art Theme was MAGIC!

This iconic symbol of the modern magician, pulling a white rabbit from his hat was created by Aberdeenshire born John Henry Anderson in 1726. His trick was based on the bizarre story of Mary Toft, a woman who allegedly gave birth to 17 rabbits! He use to quip no sooner could a woman give birth to a rabbit than I could pul one from my hat and he would produce a white fluffy rabbit!

One of the most ancient mythological beasts, the Unicorn is a symbol of innocence, purity, healing, joy and life.The modern image of the unicorn is that of a white horse differing only in the horn.The traditional unicorn has a billy-goat beard, a lion's tail, and cloven hooves, which distinguish him from a horse.

Vehicle Art

Pavement Art

This art dates back to ancient times and has been used in celebrations,ceremonies and community bonding throughout history!

Knitted Tree Competition

Posting a Wish in the wishing tree!

The Day of an Australian Osprey

2011-03-26T17:43:00.000-07:00

The Australian Osprey or Sea Hawk

So unique that it is often placed in its own bird family, the osprey is one of the most widespread birds of prey in the world and can be found on every continent except Antarctica more......

The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), sometimes known as the sea hawk or fish eagle, is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey. It is a large raptor, reaching 60 centimetres (24 in) in length with a 2m wingspan. It is brown on the upperparts and predominantly greyish on the head and underparts, with a black eye patch and wings more.....

Alma Park Zoo Brisbane

2011-03-15T18:34:00.000-07:00

Dance into Alma Park Zoo

And let you and your family discover a wide range of Australian, international, exotic and endangered animals. Currently exhibiting over 50 different species and 229 individual animals.

Experience Lemurs on Lemur Island!

Marmosets

Marmosets are distributed throughout

the Amazon rainforest in close family

units, which use loud alarm calls to

warn members of potential danger

Parents Carla and Pedro gave birth to their first set of twins on the 27th April 2010.

Alma Park Zoo

Young Emus

Peacock and Chick

Cotton Top Tamarinds Zoo News

As many are aware in the early hours of Sunday morning 10th October 2010 two (2) highly endangered Cotton-top Tamarinds were taken from Alma Park Zoo.

The male "Tonto" found dead Sunday afternoon, "Conchetta" our pregnant female is still missing. As time continues to pass our fears for "Conchetta's" safe return grow slim.

The Evil monkey that's what my daughter called the Tamarind! He does look rather scary!

A Family Day Out

Peacocks on the loose

Sun Bear

Tahrs

Lama's

Monitor Lizards

Koalas

Sunrise at Full Moon Golden Beach Australia

2011-02-19T16:49:00.000-08:00

Sunrise at Golden Beach Queensland Australia. A total blue sky with a full moon at sunrise.Pumicestone Passage never ceases too amaze me how blue it looks.The sunrise photos are taken from Golden Beach looking across the Pumicestone Passage to Bribie Island and up to Caloundra. A beautiful morning with some super shots of birds under the full moon. I hope you all enjoy these. Cheers my friends!

Sunrise over Bribie Island viewing from Golden Beach

Golden Beach under dawn light

Sunrise over Bribie Island

Cockatoos under the full moon and dawn light!

Cockatoo feeding on Horsetail Oak tree at Golden Beach under the full moon at dawn

On the Jetty looking back to cockatoos and full moon.

Heron in flight over the Pumicestone Passage

Seagull at dawn Golden Beach looking across to Bribie Island

Heron on Golden Beach

Sunrise at Bribie Island looking across Golden Beach Pier

Bird coming in for landing under a full moon at dawn

Nobby Beach Newcastle

2011-02-09T15:43:00.000-08:00

Under the Sunrise Nobby Beach

Seagull at Dawn Nobby Beach

Nobby Beach Surf Club

Walking on Nobby Beach at Dawn

Watching the Sunrise

Dawn Light

Strolling the beach at dawn

Seaweed on Nobby Beach

Under the Sunrise

Dawn Reflections Nobby Beach

Aussie World Australia Day

2011-01-26T07:18:00.000-08:00

The tradition of having Australia Day as a national holiday on 26 January is a recent one. Not until 1935 did all the Australian states and territories use that name to mark that date. Not until 1994 did they begin to celebrate Australia Day consistently as a public holiday on that date more.....

People on the Sunshine Coast Queensland Australia

2011-01-04T14:25:00.000-08:00

Walk of Life on the Sunshine Coast This Week

2010-12-21T17:29:00.000-08:00

Brown Cuckoo Dove

The Brown Cuckoo-Dove is a large brown pigeon of rainforests, with a very long, tapering tail. There is a pale streak below the blue-grey eye and a red eye-ring. The female has a brighter chestnut cap and a scaly pattern on the breast. The legs and feet are red. Their flight is strong and graceful, usually low among the trees. This species is also known as the Brown, Pheasant or Large-tailed Pigeon more....

Osprey Cooling Off

The Osprey is a medium-sized fish-eating raptor (bird of prey). It has dark brown upperparts contrasting with pale underparts. There is a black band through the eye, separating the white throat from the pale crown.

The Osprey is also called the Fish Hawk or White-headed Osprey.

Osprey In Flight

Brahminy Kite

This Kite is a medium-sized raptor and is easily recognized, having a white head and breast while the rest of its body is a striking chestnut brown, it is a bird of the coast, particularly mangrove swamps and estuaries where it feeds as a scavenger, particularly on dead fish and crabs, but they also hunt for small prey such as fish, crabs, shellfish, frogs, rodents, reptiles, even insects.more...

Cotton Harlequin Bug

is a member of the Jewel Bug family named for their bright metallic colouration.

The bugs are also known as Hibiscus Harlequin Bugs. They are common in Brisbane. Females are orange with small patches of metallic blue scatter over their body. Males are red with metallic blue patches. Their patterns can be quite different between individuals. Males are smaller than the females in size. Their scutellum completely covers the whole abdomen and wings more....

Blue Swimmer Crabs having a Prawn Dinner.

Blue Swimmer Crabs are widely distributed throughout the Indo-West Pacific region from east Africa to Japan, Tahiti and northern New Zealand. They are also present in the Mediterranean Sea. In Australia, Blue Swimmer Crabs inhabit coastal waters from the south coast of New South Wales, up and around to Perth in Western Australia more....

Spider Spinning its Web

Grass Yellow Butterfly

Albatross Butterfly

Black Cockatoo

Swamp Hen Chicks

Oriole

Life on an Australian Lilypond

2010-12-09T19:18:00.000-08:00

Australian Lilypond

Our visit to an Australian Lilypond.We found Dragonflies darting around, at least half a dozen different varieties. First up we got some shots of the lovely golden winged dragonflies.Then we spotted a blue one landing on a grass spike and got a couple of shots of this guy.Just then my daughter says dad snake and no more than 6 inches from my right hand waiting to strike for his dragonfly dinner was a beautiful bright coloured green tree snake.

I am not the biggest fan of snakes and was quickly 10 yards clear of him.Then striking up some courage after realizing he was harmless snapped some photos of him sitting waiting to strike.

Kakadu

Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres of exceptional natural beauty and unique biodiversity, Kakadu is one of very few places World Heritage listed for both its cultural and its natural values.
Kakadu National Park is managed jointly by its Aboriginal traditional owners and the Director of National Parks more....

Australian National Parks

For Australia has one of the largest and greatest national park systems in the world, covering over 24 million hectares, with such diversity as lush rain forest to waterless desert.

Then as we moved to the rear of the pond.We were able to get some good shots of the bright red dragonflies that were zig zagging across the pond.Then Lenka my daughter said dad have a look at those little frogs climbing that lily.They looked to be superglued to the stem of the lily.

Two cute green tree frogs climbing the Lilly.

South Australia's National Parks

are a living showcase of natural treasures. With more than 300 parks and reserves to choose from you'll find a wealth of experiences and activities in our unique and ancient landscapes.more....

We also managed to capture a couple of smaller butterflies who had joined the dragonflies in the pond dancing.After a while they did eventually settle so we could get a few shots.

Then just as we were about to leave we noticed some movement under the lilypads and who pops his little head up,a cute little turtle.There were a few other smaller creatures in the pond including a weird looking insect.It appears to be some sort of cricket or cicada.

Some lilypads from a visit to the Botanical Gardens

ping web site

Australia this Weekend

2010-11-29T16:31:00.000-08:00

This Weekend in Photos

Sailboarding,Fishing,Boating and A Doggy weekend

Shhh Shhh Secret Weekend Australian Gem.

Volcanic peaks, verdant rainforests, white sand beaches, rolling surf and tranquil lagoon combine to form an idyllic experience. Here visitors have the opportunity to view prolific bird and marine life, and to discover the world's most southern coral reefs.

A weekend at Ayers Rock

No picture is more often associated with Australia than a photograph of Ayers Rock at sunset. It is a compelling picture: the deep orange, glowing above the already darkened expanse of the Outback, perfectly flat, the endless horizon... No wonder Uluru is a magnet to tourists.

The Great Ocean Road

The road along the coast of Victoria between Torquay in east and Portland in west, is one of Australia’s most beautiful drives. It passes some lovely coastal towns, national parks with temperate rainforests, and some of Australia’s most famous rock formations – the Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park.

The Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains offer spectacular scenery, plantlife and wildlife. The mountains reach a height of 1100m, and have been given their name due to the blue haze that hovered above the mountains produced by the oil from the plentiful Eucalyptus trees.

Sunrises from Weekends Past

The Great Barrier Reef

One of Australia's most remarkable natural gifts, the Great Barrier Reef is blessed with the breathtaking beauty of the world's largest coral reef. The reef contains an abundance of marine life and comprises of over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays and literally hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some of the worlds most beautiful sun-soaked, golden beaches.

An Australian Summer Supreme

2010-11-18T15:42:00.000-08:00

The Sunshine Coast area encompasses a wide variety of townships. If you're after a friendly and laid back atmosphere with secluded beaches, fewer high rise buildings than the cities and an amazing assortment of features, then the Sunshine Coast is it. Unique, varied and simply unspoilt!

The Coast begins at Caloundra, just one hour's drive north of Brisbane and extends to Cooloola, the gateway to World Heritage Listed Fraser Island. It takes in tranquil hinterland including the Glass House Mountains, Blackall Range, Noosa Hinterland and the Mary Valley; as well as more than 100 kilometres of beaches. The perfect combination for a dream holiday.

Maroochydore and Pincushion Island at Dawn

Sunshine Coast Accommodation is available for every kind of traveller. With one hundred kilometres of stunning beaches flowing through the seaside towns of Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Coolum, Noosa and Alexandra Headland, the Sunshine Coast is the ideal holiday destination for couples and families. The range of accommodation options is almost endless with hotels, resorts and spa options in abundance to suit all kinds of budgets, basic to luxury.

Sunrise on the Coast
Banjo Paterson

Grey dawn on the sand-hills–the night wind has drifted
All night from the rollers a scent of the sea;
With the dawn the grey fog his battalions has lifted,
At the call of the morning they scatter and flee.
Like mariners calling the roll of their number

The sea-fowl put out to the infinite deep.
And far over-head–sinking softly to slumber–
Worn out by their watching, the stars fall asleep.

To eastward, where resteth the dome of the skies on
The sea-line, stirs softly the curtain of night;
And far from behind the enshrouded horizon
Comes the voice of a God saying “Let there be light.”

And lo, there is light! Evanescent and tender,
It glows ruby-red where ’twas now ashen-grey;
And purple and scarlet and gold in its splendour–
Behold, ’tis that marvel, the birth of a day!

Queensland On The Water

2010-10-29T17:03:00.000-07:00

Sailboards,Jetskis,Kayaks,Surfboards or Fishing.

Enjoy kayaking or sailboarding on the Moreton Bay Marine Park and the pristine Pumicestone Passage. Experience a close encounter with marine creatures and abundant birdlife. Relax on the glorious golden beaches and explore the unique flora and fauna of the Conservation Park.Go fishing or grab a kayak and paddle beautiful Currimundi Lake.
Surf the beautiful beaches Mooloolaba, Coolum,Noosa or Point Cartwright, Point Arkwright.Fish or jetski the Noosa,Maroohy River or rock fishing off Coolum.There is so much to do on the water.

Kayaking Currimundi Lake

Kayaks Noosa

Sailboarding

Sunshine Coast Sailboards

Good mates Fishing Point Arkwright Coolum at dawn.

Swan Boat Hire

Surfing and having fun at Point Cartrwright

Sunshine Coast Surfing

Surfing Coolum Beach with friends watching.

Surfing Point Cartwright

Experience the thrill of riding a powerful jetski on a fast and furious adrenalin rush up the Maroochy River.

Maroochy River Jetski

Jet skiing at the mouth of the Maroochy River near Pincushion Island

National Parks on Sunshine Coast Queensland

2010-10-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

Noosa National Park

Occupying the headland at Noosa, the National Park has a dramatic rocky coastline with many beaches and coves. A series of tracks through the National Park offer visitors a chance to explore a beautiful natural wonder.The Noosa Heads and river offers amazing views and a great water play area for holiday makers.
You can access the park south of Noosa at Peregian Beach or Coolum.

Rare Albino Turkey

Fungi Noosa National Park


Enjoying Noosa River

Fungi on Log Noosa National Park

Glass House Mountains National Park

Glass House Mountains were named by Captain Cook and are fantastic volcanic mountains,south of Caloundra.There are some fabulous scenic drives through the Glass House Mountains. The park is very popular amongst walkers and climbers due to is fabulous opportunities for bushwalking and rock climbing. The Glass House Mountains also hold a rich Aboriginal history.

The Glass House Mountains consists of seven distinctive volcanic peaks that rise abruptly from the low plains just south of Caloundra.

These peaks include Mt Beerwah which is an intermediate climb, Mt Coonowrin which is an advanced climb, Mt Ngungun which is a fairly easy walk, and Mt Tibrogargan which is also an intermediate climb.

Glasshouse Mountain Peaks at Sunset

Sunset Glasshouse Mountains from Wild Horse Mountain

Cooloola National Park

Cooloola National Park is also known as the Great Sandy National Park, made up of glorious beaches, sparkling lakes, beautiful wildflowers and the pretty Noosa River. Features of the Park include the coloured sandcliffs, long beaches, rain-forests.

You could try a 4WD trip along the Cooloola Wilderness Trail which leaves from Boreen Point, and continues for 46km. The drive takes you to Rainbow Beach through the beautiful Teewah Coloured Sands, as well as the wreck of the Cherry Venture.

There are a number of boat tours leaving from Noosa. If you would prefer you can hire boats from Tewantin and explore on your own.

Sailing Boreen Point Lake Cootharaba

Banks of Lake Cootharaba

Lake Cootharaba

Colored Sands Rainbow Beach

Relaxing Rainbow Beach Cooloola National Park

Botanical Gardens

2010-10-06T16:02:00.000-07:00

The Noosa Botanic Gardens are located on the shores of Lake Macdonald, a short drive from the hinterland town of Cooroy on the Sunshine Coast Queensland. The gardens comprise eight hectares of native and exotic plant species, within which, you'll find an open air bush chapel, fern house, lily pond, large lawn areas and winding paths leading to picnic areas and a grecian style ampitheatre. All this is surrounded by an abundance of wildlife.

Water Lilly

Daisy with Wasp

The Lake Macdonald Amphitheatre is a magnificent Greek style outdoor theatre built as a result of the tireless work of the late Ida Duncan in about 1995. It has a wonderful natural acoustic, making it ideal for outdoor opera and music events.

Noosa Amphitheatre on Lake Mcdonald

Reflections on Lake Mcdonald

Waterlilly and reflection

Lonely Dewdrop on Flower

Bird of Paradise

Poppy and Family of Ants

Gardens in Flower

Purple Daisy

Kangaroo Paw

Pair of Water Lillies

Fishing in Australia

2010-09-25T02:38:00.000-07:00

Beach Fishing

Australia is fortunate in possessing some of the finest beaches in the world, and with them, excellent fishing. The ever changing formation of our beaches due to natural forces provides both shelter and food for a variety of fish.

Beach Fishing Yaroomba

Fishing the Gutter

A gutter is recognised as a channel of deeper waters you can see a dark blue or green colour, and typically runs parallel with the beach. It is caused by an outer sand bank behind it which causes waves to break early and whitewash to follow. This whitewash flows over the gutter, providing cover for fish and stirring up the bottom exposing food. Gutters are variable in length and can have an outlet back to the sea at one or both ends. Fish usually enjoy foraging for food near these outlets since the back and forth motion of water also stirs up food.

Position yourself near the mouth and allow the bait to drift with the run from the gutter. Potholes are the small indentations which form in the shallower water, often near the edge of the beach. Anglers often wade through them, not knowing that they can offer some geed fishing. Whiting, Dart and Flathead actively feed in this shallow water, so it often pays to try these areas before disturbing them.

The Fish

Bream and Tailor

Bream fishing in Australia is a big time activity. Fly-fishing for bream is a popular , as well as surf fishing on the coast with cut baits , and it's not uncommon in the cooler months to catch bream up to 1.5kg. Now, a fish that big is a decent fish anyway, but tack on the fact that these little buggers are as feisty as it gets, and you've got a real fight on your hands, especially if you are using light tackle.

Tailor a saltwater fish which has different names in various countries. In the United States it is called bluefish, while in South Africa, it is known as elf. Here in Australia, anglers usually call it tailor or use its popular nicknames of "chopper" or "green back".

Flathead are found in shallow estuaries and lakes and inhabit streams as far upstream as the tidal limits, but they often are found in freshwater. They are also found offshore on sandy or gravel bottoms and seagrass beds. Flathead are a lazy fish who lie partly covered in mud or sand.


Chambers Island

Flathead Chambers Island

Snapper Caught Off the Sunshine Coast

Pincushion Island at Dawn

Pumicestone Passage Fishing the Channel

Bays and Estuaries

Fishing Australia for a wide variety of species that can often be found in large numbers.When fishing bays and estuaries look for drop-offs, channels and weed beds as these areas will hold concentrations of fish. Whether you are drifting or anchored in a boat or fishing from the shore, these areas are great places to find a wide variety of fish species.

A popular place to fish for bream in Australia is in bays and estuaries. They like to hang around rugged, rocky spots such as jetties and around piers and sunken logs anything that will afford them some protection.

Fishing trip Bribie

Fishing 1770

Bait at Noosa River

Currimundi Lakes

Bribie Island Fishing at Dusk

Centaur and Caloundra

2010-09-14T21:25:00.000-07:00

Centaur Memorial Caloundra

The tanker in the distance to the left of the memorial is around where the Centaur now lays.

On 12 May 1943 Centaur sailed from Sydney at 0945 hours carrying her crew and normal staff, as well as stores and equipment of the 2/12th Field Ambulance but no patients. It was sunk without warning by a torpedo from a Japanese submarine on 14 May 1943 at approximately 0400 hours.

Of the 332 persons on board, only 64 survived. These survivors spent 35 hours on rafts before being rescued. Sister Ellen Savage, the only one of twelve nursing sisters on board to survive, though injured herself, gave great help to the other survivors and was awarded the George Medal for this work.

Australian Government delivered an official protest to Japan over the incident. The Japanese did not acknowledge responsibility for the incident for many years and the War Crimes Tribunal could not identify the responsible submarine. However, the Japanese official war history makes clear that it was submarine 1-177, under the command of Lt Commander Nakagawa who had sunk the Centaur

Centaur Today

A search team led by David Mearns in 2009 found Centaur located about 30 nautical miles off the southern tip of Moreton Island, off Queensland’s south-east coast.

Caloundra and the Pumicestone Passage

The Pumicestone Passage is seething with wildlife both above and below the sparkling blue expanse before you. Formed by a 35km channel, which runs between Bribie Island and the Caboolture coastline, Pumicestone Passage is a protected marine park and safe haven for wildlife.

Sailboarding on Pumicestone Passage

It boasts more bird species than Kakadu so birdwatchers will revel in a day out on the water.

Across Pumicestone Passage to Caloundra

Fishing the aqua waters

Looking up to Point Cartwright from Caloundra


Boating Pumicestone Passage

Australian Sunsets

2010-09-05T00:04:00.000-07:00

Sunsets/Sunrise over Australia

Glass House Mountains

The Dawn Dorothy Mckellar

At the dawning of the day,
On the road to Gunnedah,
When the sky is pink and grey
As the wings of a wild galah,
And the last night-shadow ebbs


Brooms Head at Dusk

My Country Dorothy Mckellar

I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror -
The wide brown land for me!

Sunrise 1770

Sunrise Norah Jones

Sunrise
Sunrise
Looks like morning in your eyes

Sunset at Brooms Head

Sunrise on the Hills Henry Longfellow

I stood upon the hills, when heaven's wide arch
Was glorious with the sun's returning march,
And woods were brightened, and soft gales
Went forth to kiss the sun-clad vales.

Henry Longfellow

Softly the evening came.

The sun from the western horizon

Like a magician extended his golden

want o'er the landscape;

Trinkling vapors arose;

and sky and water and forest

Seemed all on fire at the touch,

and melted and mingled together

Poetry Links

Sunset Poems

Sunrise Poems

Australian Poets

Great War Poetry

Famous Poets

Marcoola Sunset

Fishing at Bribie Island

Maroochy River

Fishing at Sunset

Viewing the Sunset

Airport Sunset

Maroochy River

2010-08-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

Maroochydore from North Shore

Maroochy River Mouth

The Maroochy River has two main arms, the North and South Maroochy River, which join 24 km upstream from the mouth. Two large tributaries, Petrie Creek (with its major tributary Paynter Creek) and Eudlo Creek enter the river about 5 km from the mouth. Coolum, Doonan and Yandina creeks drain the low-lying areas in the north-eastern parts of the catchment.

Chambers Island at Dusk

Maroochy River at Dusk

Coolum Creek and the middle and lower Maroochy River estuary have dense mangrove, paperbark and casuarina forest. The locally abundant mangrove fern at Coolum Creek is reminiscent of an ancient landscape. The destinctive native hibiscus, often referred to as the cotton tree, commonly grows alongside mangroves and is easily recognised by their typical hibiscus flowers in late spring and early summer - vibrant yellow, aging to orange.

Sunsetting Chambers Island

Maroochy River

Pelicans on the Maroochy River

Maroochy River Serenity

Birds

Birds of prey including Brahminy Kite,Osprey White Bellied Sea eagle ar a regular sight.
Waterbirds like Cormorants,Darter , Spoonbill, Ibis, and Black Duck. Forest Kingfisher and the White-faced Heron are standouts also the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos as well as the Corellas are regular visitors.

Some other bird sightings are oystercatchers the rare Balck-necked Stork (Jabiru).Flocks of terns resting on the sandbanks of the lower estuary they migrate from as far away as Siberia.

Maroochy River Bli Bli

Wappa Falls

Fishing

This river provides the perfect playground for dusky flathead and sand whiting in the shallows, and mulloway in the deep holes and around the mouth. The Maroochy is also renowned for the abundance of mangrove jack in its tributaries and rock bars, as well as great land based fishing from both the northern and southern shores of the river mouth. Good catches of golden, silver and giant trevally and tailor are a regular occurrence.

The First Inhabitants

The first inhabitants of the Maroochy District were the Aboriginal people of the Gubbi Gubbi language group, which consisted of a number of tribes including the Nalbo, Kabi, Dallambara and Undanbi.

Birds in Australia

2010-08-01T17:09:00.000-07:00

Lorikeets in Love

Kookaburras

In Aboriginal legend, the kookaburra's famous chorus of laughter every morning is a signal for the sky people to light the great fire that illuminates and warms the earth by day. The true function of the laugh is to advertise the territory of this bold bird. The Laughing Kookaburra is the largest of the kingfisher family.

A family group will laugh together throwing back their heads and flicking their tails up and down.

Kookaburras eat insects, small rodents, yabbies, snails, worms, lizards, frogs and snakes. The kookaburra bashes lizards and snakes against rock or a tree to break up all of its bones, so it can digest its prey.

A kookaburra starts breeding when it is one year old. A kookaburra will build its nest in a tree or sometimes a termite mound. A kookaburra will stay with the same mate all their lives. A kookaburra's older offspring will be like a bodyguard for the new born chicks.

Australian Pelicans

Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus) found along the Australian coastline, is the largest pelican in the world. , black and white birds with massive pouched bills. The bird’s pouch is used mainly as a net for catching small fish and shrimps. The pouch is also used for catching rain. Birds sitting on nests during heavy rain showers have been seen with bill open and pouch distended. The total pouch capacity is seven litres!

When feeding groups of these birds often work together, herding schools of fish into shallow areas, where they are easily scooped up.

When flying they search for updrafts one may be enough on short journeys; over longer distances several are needed. In this way the birds avoid expending considerable energy.They are amazing to watch in flight having you thinking of pterodactyls from the dinosaur era.

Cormorants

Cormorants are saltwater birds that spend most of their time in freshwater and are therefore not only found on Australian coasts but cover much of the inland. Cormorants often gather in large flocks near water and close too pelicans as can be seen in photo.

When searching for food they seem to stay underwater for an amazing amount of time.They will dive under and appear hundred of metres further up the river.

Little Corella

is a white cockatoo with very small crest. Has pink throat feathers.

Little Corellas often form large flocks, especially along watercourses and where seeding grasses are found. These four were resting on our fence while others were on powerlines. There must have been at least 100 or more in this flock.

Spur Wing Plovers

The parents are very protective of their chicks, and swoop anyone who come too close.This we found out at Brooms Head where this photo was taken as the parent swooped my daughter and I numerous times.

Often they threaten intruders by extending their wings and making a loud screeching cry, and they also try to draw potential predators away from the nest by feigning injury

.The Spur-winged plover (Vanellus miles) is so named because it has a sharp, yellow, black-tipped spur on each wing. It is also known as the Masked lapwing and Masked plover.

Myna birds

The common Indian myna bird is fast becoming Australia's number one feral enemy! In autumn, mynas start to aggregate in large flocks - providing the perfect opportunity to trial a new trap that could finally provide a way to remove these clever and aggressive pests.

I have seen these birds attacking Hawks and Falcons they have no fear.

Barking Owl

The Barking Owl is a medium-sized hawk-owl. Hawk-owls lack the definite heart-shaped face of the tyto-owls which include the Barn Owl.

Crow at Dusk

Seagull with his Dinner

They were showing one of these off at the Enviromental Day and the bark is exactly like adog.Another amusing thing that day was when someone tried to get a photo of it facing towards you it, would spin its head around, exorcist fashion, everyone was laughing. One funny bird.

Caboolture and Bribie

2010-07-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

Caboolture and Bribie Island

Dentistry from the past

Historical Bottles

The Caboolture Historical Village is a museum with a massive collection of 50 000 social history items displayed in a pioneer village setting. There is something for everyone at the Village. Train rides for the kids; historic homes and furnishings, antique machinery, cars and tractors , a rainforest garden for keen horticulturalists .The first building arrived in 1979.The old Caboolture Shire Council chambers. After that, and much hard work later, the village grew to over 70 buildings most of which are open for display.

The Abbey Museum is a priceless collection of antiquities and fine arts from around the world. The Museum has won international acclaim for the quality of its displays and the extent of its collections, from many different civilisations and cultures.
The annual Medievel Festival is held in the grounds in mid July each year.

21st Medievel Festival in 2010

BEAUTIFUL BRIBIE ISLAND

You can swim at a surf beach, go fishing, muck about in boats or ride a bike across the island, all without battling crowds. Bribie Island is a hidden gem, without the crowds of the Sunshine and Gold Coasts.The Pumicestone Passage separates Bribie Island from the mainland. A trip on the water has spectacular views north to the Glasshouse Mountains and is a favourite spot for boaties and fishermen.

Movie World Gold Coast

2010-06-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

The Stunt Show

From the moment you enter the arena of Hollywood Stunt Driver you will be immersed in a real-live action ‘working’ movie set. This brand-new purpose built and designed arena will be the backdrop for what can only be described as brilliant blockbusting movie action from start to finish.

Incorporating breathtaking stunts, precision driving, incredible scenes of exhilarating action and the performance of a cast and crew with immeasurable talent, you won’t want to miss a second of this action packed extravaganza! For a full twenty minutes you will be taken on an incredible journey that’ll have you enthralled and entertained, and like any good movie you’ll want to see it again and again!

Images From Movie World

Lethal Weapon

Movie World Rides

Lethal Weapon is totally unique to Australia and offers the most exhilarating thrill ride experience over 765 metres of non-stop drops, dives, bends, rollovers, sidewinders, double spins, loops and plunges!

The awesome new Batwing Spaceshot is a rapid vertical launch up a 60 meter tower, followed by a drop into a breathtaking descent.

Bottom of the Falls

Wild West Falls

Wild West Falls Adventure Ride combines all the action of the wild west with state-of-the-art ride technology to create a six-minute adventure with surprises and thrills aplenty.

You'll venture deep into the heart of a massive mountain - home to a gold mine that's ready to blow!The only way out is straight down - a 70 km per hour, no brakes, 20 metre heart-stopping drop to the final splashdown!

Scooby Doo Roller Coaster

Shrek Movie Theatre

History of Australian Pubs

2010-05-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

History of Australian Pubs

In many cases, pubs were the first structures built in colonised areas especially on the goldfields and new towns often grew up around them. Pubs typically served multiple functions, simultaneously serving as hostelry, post office, restaraunt, meeting place and sometimes even general store.

Historical Sunshine Coast Pubs

Boreen Point

Gympie’s Apollonian Hotel was built in 1879, closing in 1951. It languished, empty, until 1967, when the gold rush relic was sliced in four and moved to its new home at Boreen Point.

Eumundi

Joes Waterhole has always been a Family Hotel and still provides family entertainment. Built originally in 1891, the Pub is full of old photo's and history.

Palmwoods

The 96 year old Palmwoods Hotel underwent a $4 million plus renovation that commenced in late 2003 and was completed in March 2006.

Landsborough Hotel

This is a beautifuly renovated old hotel on the Sunshine Coast. There is plenty going on inside this icon.I found the library a unique concept mainly targeting sports and biographies with plenty of sporting memorabilia on the walls.

Other Historical AustralianPubs

Horse and Jockey Hotel Homebush

This Sydney hotel is still operating and there are indications of claims to a history back to 1807 as an operating Hotel and has direct first fleet links however it was rebuilt next door.

Macarthur Hotel Macarthur Victoria

Construction of this historic hotel began in 1860. It was originally known as the "Travellers Rest". The first owner, Siacob Silberberg, migrated from Poland and his daughter Eva laid the first stone for the "Travellers Rest".

StGeorgeTavern

This hotel is the Oldest Hotel run by the same Family in Jugiong NSW. Since 1845 has been run and owned by the Sheahan Family.

Bush Inn in New Norfolk, Tasmania

It is the oldest continually licensed Hotel operating on the same site and in the same building. (Building 1815, license 29/9/1825).

My Home Town Rockhampton

Growing up in Rockhampton I remember so many of the hotels which are still there today the most historical is the Criterion Hotel situated on the banks of the Fitzroy river.

This iconic symbol and its famous cousin the 'Breaky Creek' in Brisbane was built in the same year 1889 with very similar architecture.

Glenrowan Hotel

The most famous hotel is arguably the Glenrowan Hotel where the Ned Kelly Gang made their last stand.

In 1880 they took over the Glenrowan hotel and took many of the town's residents hostage. They made armour of thick steel to protect themselves from police bullets. Unfortunately the heavy armour made them clumsy. Ned was eventually captured and his brother Dan died in a fire when the Glenrowan hotel was burnt down.
The hotel pictured is the old Railway Hotel but now called the Glenrowan. The Ned Kelly Gang also frequented this hotel before the showdown.

Broom's Head Australia

2010-05-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

A great spot for anyone who would like to enjoy the beach the way the coastline was just a century ago. Brooms Head village is surrounded by the Yuraygir National Park, there are sightings of wallabies and emus as well as many other birds.

Dusk at Lake Aragon

Plover with Chick

Norfolk Island pines, which mark so many beaches large and small, also line the main beach at Broom's, with plenty of space and shade for picnics. A large lagoon is ideal for children, along with fascinating rock pools and crevices.

Lake Arragan

Reflections on Lake Aragon

Lake Arragan just a few kilometres down the road has great camping facilities. We had the best
time here taking our kayak up the lake.Highly recommend this beautiful tranquil Australian gem.

Cormorants on the Lake

Emus Yurayg

Yuraygir

National Park

Yuraygir has the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in NSW. The Wooli and Sandon Rivers reach the sea at Yuraygir, and if you're into fishing and canoeing you've found the right place.

Surfers can also have a go at the famous Angourie break at the northern end of the park, while the 10 km Angourie walking track takes you through a variety of pristine coastal environments - swamps, lagoons, heathlands and beaches.

Brooms Head at Dusk

Australia Zoo Sunshine Coast

2010-05-08T22:39:00.000-07:00

AUSTRALIA ZOO

Australia Zoo is turning 40, Steve Irwin's dream - come check out the size of it!

A team of passionate conservationists work round-the-clock to deliver an animal experience like no other. Cuddle a koala, hand-feed our Asian Elephants, walk with a Sumatran Tiger and watch a crocodile launch from the waters edge. Australia Zoo is the ultimate wildlife adventure delivering conservation through exciting education.

Dean Geyer and The Veronicas with Lenka After their Performance

Jessica Mauboy at the Zoo

Red Panda

In April 2009, Australia Zoo welcomed two Red Pandas. Red Pandas are a shy solitary animal that are generally active at dusk, dawn and during the night. They are arboreal and will sleep in nests in hollows of trees and in the tree canopies.

The Red Panda is found throughout the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains, from western Nepal to Northern Myanmar and South western china. They prefer to reside in altitudes between 5,000 and 15,000 feet on steep mountainous slopes that are covered with a dense canopy and mixed forests of coniferous trees, deciduous hardwoods and bamboo. The average temperature ranges between 10–25 degrees Celsius

TASMANIAN DEVILS

Tasmanian Devils are the largest living carnivorous marsupial (Dasyurid) in Australia. They have sharp powerful claws and a backward facing pouch. Each devil has distinctive white markings on their chest, which can be used like a fingerprint to identify individuals.

Tasmanian Devils are disappearing at alarming rate - they need our help to survive.As little as ten years ago Tasmanian devils were considered to be common, abundant and secure in Tasmania.Today, approximately 1,500 devils remain in the wild, putting them on the endangered species list. And if nothing changes, the Tasmanian Devil will be extinct in ten to twenty years.

Tasmanian devil population numbers have dropped dramatically since the introduction of the DFTD. This disease is fatal - devils suffer a slow and painful death from starvation.DFTD is a unique cancer that can spread like a contagious disease. Under normal circumstances, cancer cannot be ‘caught'. However, DFTD is the exception to this rule, making the research and science into finding a cure incredibly difficult.

Australia Zoo has joined forces with Wildlife Warriors and Tassie Devil crusader ‘Nature Nic' to take action and raise money to find a cure for DFTD.

BUDDHA IN AUSTRALIA

2010-05-02T14:08:00.000-07:00

Every human being is the author of his own health or disease.

BRISBANE BUDDHAS FESTIVAL

There are many special or holy days held throughout the year by the Buddhist community. Many of these days celebrate the birthdays of Bodhisattvas in the Mahayana tradition or other significant dates in the Buddhist calendar.
The most significant celebration happens every May on the night of the full moon, when Buddhist all over the world celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha over 2,500 years ago. It has become to be known as Buddha Day.

Buddhist Festivals are always joyful occasions. Typically on a festival day, lay people will go the the local temple or monastery and offer food to the monks and take the Five Precepts and listen to a Dharma talk. In the afternoon, they distribute food to the poor to make merit and in the evening join perhaps in a ceremony of circumambulation a stupa three time as a sign of respect to the Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha. The day will conclude with evening chanting of the Buddha's teachings and meditation.

ENTERTAINMENT AT THE OFFICIAL CEREMONY

Dancers Buddha Festival

Lion Dancing

Drums of the Islands

Theme for the festival was
THREE GOOD DEEDS

TAKE GOOD ACTIONS
Proves that actions do speak louder than words so it is important to backup what we say with the right actions.
THINK GOOD THOUGHTS
Shows that it is important to think before we speak or act,as it is important to keep a calm and peaceful mind.
SAY GOOD WORDS
Reminds us to always remember to take care of what we say and speak considerately of others and speak kind words to those we meet.

FESTIVAL OF THE ELEPHANT

The Buddha used the example of a wild elephant which, when it is caught, is harnessed to a tame one to train. In the same way, he said, a person new to Buddhism should have a special friendship of an older Buddhist. To mark this saying, Thais hold an elephant festival on the third Saturday in November.

FESTIVAL OF THE TOOTH

Kandy is a beautiful city in Sri Lanka. On a small hill is a great temple which was especially built to house a relic of the Buddha - his tooth. The tooth can never be seen, as it is kept deep inside may caskets. But once a year in August, on the night of the full moon, there is a special procession for it.

NOOSA NATIONAL PARK AND WATERSPORTS

2010-04-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

NOOSA NATIONAL PARK

Noosa National Park, a chunk of wild coastline jutting into the ocean, is understandably one of Australia's most visited parks. Wallum heaths, woodlands and pockets of rainforest with hoop and kauri pine are important refuges for wildlife, including koalas and rare glossy black-cockatoos. Explore the picturesque Noosa Headland along a selection of five tracks, ranging from one kilometre to eight kilometres and catering to all fitness levels. Walk past rocky shorelines and spiky pandanus, through woodlands and rainforests with piccabeen palms, to wide beaches or lofty lookouts. In the Peregian section, stroll to the ocean beach. In the Emu Mountain section, on your way to the summit, discover wildflowers. In the East Weyba section, along unmarked vehicle trails, watch for birds – but
keep to the trails at all times.
The pictures are taken at the entrance of the Noosa River.It is such a picturesque spot everywhere you look.If you look up river, across the heads or up to the point, natures beauty just oozes out. There is plenty of things going on for all the family. A good place to swim, fish,kayak, jetski, boating.Its water activities to the max.

WAPPA FALLS SUNSHINE COAST

2010-04-20T02:49:00.000-07:00

Wappa Falls and Dam

A short drive off of the Bruce Highway at Yandina 100 kms north of Brisbane is a relaxing swimming hole. The falls are in two separate sections. The one on the left has a crater at the top where you can relax in before you, if game enough, jump off . The children can really have some fun here. Just a 300 metres up the road you come to the Wappa Dam. Its a good place to have a picnic and enjoy the serenity of the dam and the flora and fauna. There was a family of Kookaburras that kept us amused as we had our lunch. They swooped down from the tree above our table and my daughter thought it strange how they kept landing on the epitaph. It was a great day, a swim at the falls followed by lunch at the dam.

The Falls

Th Dam

Dam at Sunset

Kookaburras on Epitaph

BOREEN POINT SUNSHINE COAST

2010-04-20T02:44:00.000-07:00

BOREEN POINT

A good weekend away camping at Boreen Point. Do some sailing ,kite surfing,kayaking or just a swim and a fish. Its a beautiful spot for some photogrphy with some lovely trees on the bank of Lake Cootharaba and a great background view.The Appollona Hotel is a lovely historic hotel to have something to drink or eat.
The sandbank at the lake goes out along way from the shore line and you can walk out to the centre of it no worries.It is a great safe place for children.

Beautiful Tree at Lake

Kite Surfing On The Lake

Apollona Hotel

LAKE CURRIMUNDI HOLIDAY PARADISE

2010-04-18T01:59:00.000-07:00

Boating Lake Currimundi

Currimundi Lake, Kathleen McArthur National Park is a natural gem which has survived despite its proximity to Sunshine Coast developments. A pocket of the wallum heath which once covered much of coastal southern Queensland thrives on Lake Currimundi's northern shore. This type of coastal heathland is rich in plant species, many of which attract birds and insects seeking food and shelter. Wander down the track from
Coongarra Esplanade through the park to the beach.

Fishing Lake Currimundi

This is a beautiful spot for a family day out. You can either swim in the lake or surf and sunbake on the beach,fish, canoeing, or go for a walk through the National Park. It truly is a hidden gem this place.
The photos I took are of the lake around sunset while families were having a great day out. I really like the photo of the two children fishing.You can just see the surf in the background.A walk through the
National Park which travels all the way along the Mooloolah River is something worth doing.

Action on the Lake Sunlit Lake

Sunlit Lake

Fun At The Lake

Sunsetting on the Lake

NOOSA BOTANICAL GARDENS OPERAS

2010-04-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

NOOSA BOTANNICAL GARDENS

Noosa Botanical Gardens on the banks of Lake Macdonald is a great place to have a picnic.

There are many interesting trees and plants plus the scenic views of Lake Macdonald are just a bonus.

We were there late in the afternoon and got the setting sun which was pleasant viewing.

They have an amphitheatre for shows in the gardens. I am not going to say much more just put up some images for viewing.

Reflections on Lake Mcdonald

BOREEN POINT

This peaceful atmosphere at Lake Coothoora and enjoy a family day out for a fish ,swim,sail,kite surfing,kayaking, camp sites for overnight campers but for the day campers there is a good designated area to picnic and have some fun.The sand bar goes forever and little ones are extra safe here. Its a great place for photographers with some top scenery.
After your stay, drop into the Appollona Hotel for lunch and something refreshing.

Although we did'nt this day we had a picnic beside that beautiful tree in the photograph.

MT COOLUM SUNSHINE COAST

2010-04-04T22:28:00.000-07:00

CONQUERING MT COOLUM

Mt Coolum The Volcanic Dome

Climbing Mt Coolum

Mt Coolum The Bottom

The mountain is a volcanic dome, roughly circular in plan with tall cliffs on the southern side. It rises abruptly from the coastal plain to a 208m peak.A 800m long track climbs Mount Coolum from the east. The lower part of the track is deceptively well-formed and gentle but it quickly deteriorates to become very steep, very rough and dangerously slippery when wet.
The sight of Peregrine Falcon in flight as well as the landing approaches of the metal birds into the Sunshine Coast airport makes for top viewing while climbing.The Peregrine Falcon can reach speeds over 320 km/h (200 mph) in a stoop, making it the fastest creature on the planet.We found the climb excellent taking us about 40 mins to the summit where the views are beautiful you can see the Glass House Mountains in the south.Coastal views from Noosa to Caloundra and looking down below is the Coolum Golf course.Pictured is my daughter at the entrance to Mt Coolum,climbing and at the summit.

At The Summit

FESTIVAL OF SAILS REDCLIFF

2010-04-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

FESTIVAL OF SAILS

Redcliffe Jetty

Redcliffe is a beautiful place to spend a day out and on Good Friday it happens to be the Festival of Sails every year which makes it even better.Its great to go for a walk out on the Redcliffe jetty and have a look around.

My daughter looking back on Redcliffe Beach at the markets and tall pine trees that line the beach front.

Camel Rides and Yachts

To the south of this is Sutton Beach where the Festival of Sails is held and we got there just after the start of the Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race. The following image is of the camel rides on the beach with the yachts in the background. It was a top day with skydivers,interesting markets,fun in the sand with mazes,easter egg hunt,beach volleyball and tennis ,cricket.

Sand Sculpture

The next image is the breath taking sand sculture done by Dennis Massoud.There were numerous kids workshops but one that stood out was the umbrella art which is pictured at the bottom of the page.It did'nt stop there some of the other activities were lego competitions,rock climbing,kite making, african drums and great music. I have included a few images of the day out at the bottom of the page .

I hope you enjoy these in order they are umbrella art,beach volleyball and along the beach front.