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  • Wendy House

AUSTRALIA

An open-ended adventure by Wendy. Read more
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  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIATraveler
    1Sunrise
    1SunriseSunriseBurning Man Art Installation2Moving Art when you download an app. Though cannot record it.Major prize winning painting. $50,000 prize. It was quite large, very pretty, extremely detailed.43

    Rockhampton Qld

    July 15 in Australia ☀️ 12 °C

    We are staying in Gracemere Caravan Park. This is the best park I've been in for ages. No hype. No fuss. No children. Quite a few people live here permanently. And they take so much pride in their homes. Immaculate clean pool thats way to cold to swim in.

    I'll post some photos tomorrow.

    We visited the Rockhampton Art Gallery today.

    The burning man candle was incredible. The man, the fridge, everything in the fridge is all wax, a great big candle. It is visiting this gallery and will burn to nothing but melted wax. Then its sent back to artist who will remake again and send to another gallery. I have included the art gallery write up.

    The huge coloured painting has just won $50,000 prize. Mind blowing prize money.

    And the psychedelic paintings that move when you put the app on your phone. Very unusual. I forgot to take a photo of the installation information.

    We then went for a walk in the city. So much preserved architecture in this city. The new somehow blends with the old.

    We will take more time to look around in October when we are staying at Yepoon for a week.

    We went up to Mt Archer lookout. Ate our sandwichs, and watched a man fly his drone taking photos. We missed the tree top walk. Oops, again we will do this again when we return. I did not realise that the mountainscwere so big around Rockhampton. This would have been like Eden to the Aboriginal people. So much food, water, shelter. My Dad was born in Rockhampton. 1939.

    We did some groceries, bought a new UNO card game, washed the car, and arranged for an auto electrician for caravans to look at our solar charge from roof. Warranty. Arctic will pay for this. Something is still not right. But all's good. We are being looked after.    Read more

  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIATraveler
    Doorway in shop at Mount MorganSolar on roof of caravanAll set to leave Rockhampton this morningSo many old tractors at the Graceville Caravan ParkSaint LawrenceSaint LawrenceSaint LawrenceSaint LawrenceSaint LawrenceSaint LawrenceSunset at Saint Lawrence with moon and VenusCamp siteCamp site

    Saint Lawrence Overnight

    July 17 in Australia ☀️ 16 °C

    We left Rockhampton at 9am. Picked up our sticker for Rocky from info centre and aimed for about halfway to Mackay for an over nighter. We are heading to Eungella NP and Finch Hatton Gorge.

    We pulled into a huge rest area on the highway just before Saint Lawrence. Free and noisy and busy. We made some lunch and contemplated to keep driving but then decided to drive into the little township just of the highway.

    At first sight you would wonder why people are living here... but we drove around and checked it all out.

    """St Lawrence is a quiet, historic coastal town in Central Queensland, located midway between Mackay and Rockhampton, just 6km off the Bruce Highway. Known for its rich pioneer history, the area is famous for the St Lawrence Wetlands, excellent fishing, and abundant birdlife.
    History: As one of Queensland’s oldest coastal towns, it features colonial-era buildings like the 1879 Courthouse, the old Customs Office, and convict-built remains.
    Natural Attractions: The massive 9-meter tides of Broad Sound draw nature lovers and birdwatchers to the wetland boardwalks."""

    As we only have one night i have already planned to stay here again so I can watch the 9m tide come in and out.

    The town pub and old shop all closed down but this rec ground for $15 a night is a credit to the Isaac Council. There is a brand new little shop just opened and we got a small gas bottle exchange and 2 drumsticks for cheaper than anywhere else.

    Then two ladies ended up having a chat with me about Inspired Creative Living Art Therapy sign on the car and what I offer. That was lovely.

    The armour was in a shop at Mount Morgan.

    The poly pipe on the roof of the caravan is what's been going wrong with the solar which we hope is now fixed again....

    And I captured a sunset, a crescent moon and Venus in a photo.    Read more

  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIATraveler
    1
    1The Pinnacle Family Hotel Qld Eungella NPSunrise at Pinnacle Hotel232213This is water teen was jumping in. Not good.11

    Fin Chatton Gorge

    July 18 in Australia ☀️ 21 °C

    We don't like the name Finch so we have changed it to Fin Chatton Gorge and have enjoyed our first full day in Eungella NP Qld.

    Yesterday we travelled through gorgeous country to stay at the back of The Pinnacle Family Hotel where they have famous pies and extremely friendly staff and cheap drinks. Free when you buy a meal or drinks.

    Today we went for a great starter bush walk of about 4ks and visited Finch Hatton Gorge that we have renamed Fin Chatton Gorge.

    As we drove in I was following a motor home. They were driving really slow. Then Mick says dont hit the drone and the bloke in front had his drone down low following behind him. Up and down filming his drive in. In the end I had to keep my horn. He pulled over. I went around. Never thought I'd nearly hit a drone at windscreen height while driving along. The dude then bought it into the water fall area and was filming everyone and everything. Girls swimming. People lolling about. It really felt like an invasion of privacy not just a few photos.

    Then as we left a large Thai family were bringing in eskies and food and a boom box over someone shoulder. I think we just managed to get a little quiet from the lookout.

    And the last straw was a Dad encouraging his young teen son to jump in. There are signs everywhere to not jump in. Submerged objects and rocks. Many people have died there. We left.

    But our walk was relaxing and enjoyable through dense sub tropical rain forest.

    Captions in the photos.

    We will eat out for the first time tonight since Blackwater months ago. We have to try a famous pie. Which do not look like regular pies. Photo tomorrow.

    Micks playing darts.

    Im going to draw .    Read more

  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIATraveler
    Camp at Pinnacle Family Hotel
    Camp at Pinnacle Family HotelView from Pinnacle site until everyone arrived throughout afternoon.Master Chef1Drive out to Eungella Dam on MondayEugella Dam

    Remainder of photos for Eungella NP

    July 19 in Australia 🌙 17 °C

    If you feel overwhelmed at my posts I am sorry, but this is my record of our journey. So lots more to come.

    The Eungella Dam photos show a serene waterside area where carabans and a few campers were enjoying the peace. And then a bus load of teenage girls arrived right where we are parked. With a trailer load of canoes and tents. How's the serenity then. They were all talking at once. It was hilarious and we were so glad we were just stopping for a cuppa.Read more

  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIATraveler
    11132

    Eungella NP

    July 20 in Australia ☁️ 17 °C

    On Monday we ventured up into the mountains of Eungella ( pronounced yun-ga-la) and were blessed with decent clear sky's. The rain came in when we got back to camp. The clouds completely covered the mountains the next morning. So we counted our good fortune and blessings to see what we saw on Monday morning.

    I have put captions on the photos.

    This is absolutely beautiful country.

    Another clear short video of a platypus.

    And another video of the rainforest with all the bird sounds. Magic.    Read more

  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIATraveler

    Alva Beach Qld

    July 21 in Australia ⛅ 26 °C

    We didnt plan on where to stay yesterday. We just headed for the halfway point to Paronella Park which is where we are booked in on Friday 24th for 4 nights.

    We wanted beach. Sunshine. A little more warmth. I found a independent caravan park 14ks outside of Ayr. And it is paradise. Not one house for sale. It was $105 for three nights. No power needed. But laundry. Beach. Fishing. And shorts weather but not for the pool.

    Mick saw a sign that tonight there is a dart night at the bowls club. He rang and is going to join them tonight. He is very very happy.    Read more

  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIATraveler
    1A cement table and chairs and fire pit on the beach. Obviously for the locals.All around here is also wetlands. So many birds.Cooking dinnerWebber burgers1

    Sunshiney Day @Alva

    July 23 in Australia ☀️ 23 °C

    No fish. Sad face.
    But it doesn't matter really. Being on the sand and fishing was enough.

    Darts went well last night. They thought Mick was going to play every week and didn't realise he was travelling through. But he had a grand time.

    I really enjoyed today. Very relaxed.

    Plans have changed again. I have a friend who is currently at a beach past Townsville. We are going to visit her tomorrow and stay for a night. Paronella Park will wait till Saturday now.

    My instinct went to no. Stick to plans.
    But I said yes.
    I'm glad I did.
    It will be great to have some company.
    An extra opportunity to see another place here in North Qld.    Read more

  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIATraveler
    Sam and Wendy. Lucinda. QLD
    Sam and Wendy. Lucinda. QLDBalgal Beach QldBalgal Beach Qld1Front yard car art. Balgal Beach QldForrest BeachForrest BeachSam running with her new puppy. ThorForrest BeachBathing Area... loved the old school descriptionMark, Sam and ThorThor. Absolutely adorable and very spoilt puppyMural walk in Ingham.Sam and WendySugar Cane Jetty

    Forrest Beach

    July 24 in Australia ☀️ 22 °C

    After leaving Alva a few days ago we changed plans and called into Forrest Beach on the coast outside of Ingham Qld.

    Sam invited us to drop in for a visit to their block of land they have had for a few years now and are spending winter enjoying the weather.

    I met Sam through her attending my women's workshops on The Deck in Bauple. We had a chance on this visit to get to know each other better. I am so very glad we had this opportunity.

    We had such a pleasant visit and Mark and Sam showed us around their little paradise with such beautiful geniune hospitality.

    Mark took us into Ingham for coffee the next morning and then a visit to Lucinda to see the jetty and have lunch.

    This is a beautiful area with the longest jetty to transfer sugar cane to waiting ships. It is truly remarkable engineering. There is literally sugar cane EVERY WHERE. Healthy huge acres and acres everywhere with the sugar cane trains running all the time.

    " The Lucinda Bulk Sugar Wharf in Far North Queensland features the longest service jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. It measures 5.76 kilometres (about 5.8 km) long, curves to follow the earth's actual contour, and is supported by more than 660 steel and concrete pylons."

    Hinchinbrook Island is right there. It is all mountains. It's massive. Huge. Incredible shape. Devours the entire view. And you have to book two years in advance to do the hike/camp around the island. I just had no idea. So now I have some yet visiting this island will have to wait for another time.

    "Hinchinbrook Island is a raw, rugged, and completely uninhabited national park featuring cloud-scraping granite peaks, pristine beaches, and the famous Thorsborne Trail. Located off the tropical coast of Queensland between Townsville and Cairns, it is Australia's largest island national park and limits visitor numbers to just 40 people on the island at a time.

    Accommodation: There are no hotels, shops, or resorts on the island; self-sufficient bush camping is the only option.
    Swimming on beaches is prohibited due to saltwater crocodiles."

    We moved on after this visit to Paronella Park.    Read more

  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIATraveler
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    12

    Paronella Park

    July 25 in Australia ☀️ 23 °C

    I have wanted to visit this place for years.

    I arrived here a few days ago. I am not disappointed. I was overwhelmed with awe on our first visit with guided tour explaining everything about this incredible place, and the audacity and dream making of one man.

    The entry ticket includes as many visits as you want in 2 years. It includes guided intro tour. A night lighting spectacular that we will be attending on Wednesday night. And a free night camp in their spacious, clean, modern caravan park.

    Just wow. And then to top it of I have not received customer service like offered there in so many many years. You are made to feel welcome. You are not treated like a nuisance.

    We are going to walk around again on a sunny day on Thursday. We have seen it in the rain now and we will see it at night on Wednesday but the sun will be out on Thursday and we will wander around the park again.

    If you are interested then here is the link to the history. But until you actually step inside here it is so hard to imagine the tenacity of one person's dream building.

    https://www.paronellapark.com.au/about/the-park…    Read more

  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIATraveler
    1

    Waterfalls and Rain

    July 27 in Australia ⛅ 21 °C

    Monday gone we went for our first drive into the Atherton Tablelands.

    The weather was wet and cloudy. Typical of this area yet the locals feel it is unusually wet for this time of year.

    We visited waterfall way and walked to the closest ones. Drove to Malanda where we visited their highly informative tourist info centre.

    Mick and I both had never heard of a tree kangaroo. Really. Amazing creature that is very hard to see in the wild.

    We learnt about the indigenous peoples from this area and also the pioneers who settled here. I can't help but constantly imagine what it would have been like before sugar cane was everywhere and so much native food and water in abundance.

    But it beautiful.

    We were both in awe of the scenery around every bend. Even in the wet weather it was beautiful.

    The next day, Tuesday, we did not venture out at all. Put part of the annex up and pretended to be ducks for the day.    Read more

  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIATraveler
    11

    A Reasonably Sunny Day

    July 29 in Australia ⛅ 18 °C

    On Wednesday we travelled back to Malanda and continued on to Atherton, Yungaburra, Lake Eacham and Curtain Fig.

    We were now seeing the countryside in sunshine.

    The spread of the soulless housing estates is everywhere. The same houses you find everywhere with block sizes maybe a fraction bigger.

    Yungaburra is a lovely little township. The mighty cancerous Woolworths has not infiltrated yet. Flowers in pots, friendly people, like a postcard were Micks words.

    Lake Eacham is an old volcano plug and walkers are welcome with swimming area set up well. Like a huge pool.

    And curtain fig is goodness knows how old. How it survived all the decimation of the area is beyond me. This fig has taken out 6 other trees. It is magnificent.

    We attended the evening light tour of Paronella Park on Wednesday night.    Read more

  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIATraveler
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    1

    Babinda Boulders

    July 30 in Australia ⛅ 21 °C

    Oh My Goodness.
    This place has no words.
    Except possibly, swim where you are allowed to, do not go in where you are told not to. Since 1916... 21 people have died here at what is referred to as the Devils Pool. And even with the signs people still ignore it.

    But its magic 101...    Read more

  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIATraveler
    Babinda

    Josephine Falls

    July 30 in Australia ☁️ 22 °C

    These photos will continue with Josephine Falls on Mount Bartle Frere, the tallest mountain in QLD... in
    Wooroonooran National Park, Tropical North Queensland (about 50 km south of Cairns).Official Height: 1,611.2 metres (revised by Geoscience Australia)
    Indigenous Name: Choorechillum (Ngajanji nation).    Read more

  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIATraveler

    Port Douglas Far North QLD

    August 1 in Australia 🌬 23 °C

    This is an incredibly beautiful place. It is clean, neat, tidy, and you can clearly see money everywhere.

    Ralf drove us all around this little township yesterday. Having a local to show us around we have been able to eat out without spending a fortune.

    Yesterday we went to The Tin Shed for lunch and I simply had the BEST EVER Steak Sandwich - ever - in my life. Not one bit of grissle - so tender and easy to eat - and only $23 with Ralf's member discount. This was only the second time eating out while travelling - that is a killer of an expense - much less expensive and more predictable in quality when we make our own food.

    Shopping for groceries is a completely different matter now - we don't waste any food - we use what we have - our shopping has become very intentional and we don't always just buy what we want with no thought of expense. I am really enjoying this part of the journey - less is more - enough is enough.

    Today we will eat out for lunch again with Ralf - he is taking us to the irish Pub - $20 for a huge roast lunch which he swears is the best ever as well. Then there is a musician he likes that is playing across the road and we will go in there for a bit of a Sunday session. Hope they have TEA - LOL

    Tonight I have secured two free tickets to a KIRTAN Event at Smeales Park - waterfront under the stars - chanting, meditation and just good energy vibes - unfortunately it is pouring rain - again everyone says it is unseasonal - but its raining and the alternative venue will be the community hall - so we will see what happens.

    Last night Mick went out with Ralf for a night on the Port Douglas town - he is nursing a hang over - and is sleeping before we go out again today at 11.30. But he had a fabulous time and a special treat to catch up with a mate and his mates friends.    Read more

  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIATraveler
    Pied HeronYellow-Crowned Amazon from South AmericaWhistling Duck. Native BirdAlexandria Parrot. India and South-east AsiaSatin Bower Bird. Native BirdBush-stone Curlew. Native BirdGlossy Ibis. Native BirdRajah Shelduck. Native BirdWhite-faced Heron. Native BirdPied-Imperial Pigeon. Native BirdCattle Egret. WorldwideBar-shouldered Dove. Native Bird. This is a bird we always hear in Bauple but never knew what it wasCommon Bronzewing. Native BirdIndian Ringed-neck Parakeet. Africa and AsiaRainbow Lorikeet. Native BirdEclectis ParrotYellow-crowned Amazon. South AmericaWandering Whistling Duck. Native Bird1

    Birdworld Kuranda

    August 3 in Australia ☁️ 22 °C

    What a wonderful experience this little park in Kuranda was yesterday. I have named all the bird photos. More to follow.

  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIATraveler
    1

    Baron Falls, Kuranda Qld

    August 3 in Australia ☁️ 21 °C

    This is the second time I have visited Baron Falls at Kuranda that are described as mighty yet every time I see them they are low on water. But the FREE walk through the rainforest in the trees was perfect. And it was aptly raining in the rainforest.

    We did not go on the train and instead walked through the rainforest. We watched the train come in... literally a handful of people got of ( it was drizzling rain) and within less than 15 minutes they were ushered back on the train and they were gone. The remainder sat in the train, heads in phones, we could see so many through their windows.

    We also passed so many people walking so fast its amazing they see anything at all.

    It blows my mind the ability of the indigenous to these rainforest who lived here so comfortably until they couldn't. Such a rich source of food and a environmental knowledge that is hard to comprehend. They are working hard with all walks of life to keep their knowledge alive. With no written language and everything being oral I can understand how urgent it is to record as much as possible of their knowledge.

    Then the pictures of the railway men. Such a crazy hard way to get through the depression years.

    We managed to avoid the silly busyness of the markets, with arriving on a Monday morning at 10am in Kuranda. Got a car park. And avoided the crowds. Everywhere you look and go someone is vieing for your dollars.

    Skywalks through tree tops is expensive but at Baron Falls walk it was beautiful and free. Walks through the rainforest is free. We take our own picnic lunch and Thermos. A box of muesli bars. Mick can have a beer with his lunch without forking out another 10 bucks for a pot of beer or 6 bucks for a teabag and hot water. We get to sit in nature. Away from crowds.    Read more

  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIATraveler
    111

    Mossman Gorge

    August 4 in Australia ☁️ 19 °C

    Today was Tuesday and we visited Mossman Gorge. It was a lovely morning. You drive there and buy a ticket each for the bus that takes you up to the walking area. It cost $15 each. Same as they do in Cradle mountain but you can buy a pass there because there is so much to do. The walks are board walks here at Mossman. There is a longer hike but its not a proper track. So we walked the board walks though the rain forest and we walked the suspension bridge to nowhere. Lol.

    Im glad I ticked it of but its not a Gorge as it is more like viewing the Mossman river. Maybe it needs to be seen in wetter weather.

    We then called into a little beach side town called Cooya for our picnic lunch. You can see Port Douglas in the distance.

    We went down to Smeales Park to play yatzee and watch a sunset. It was to cloudy tonight. But every night this is where people go and gather. There is one photo of hardly a person and another one of it full. People had drums and guitars and a bunch of shirtless young men were playing soccer in the distance. Its a very chill hippy vibe.

    We went for a pizza. Another reminder to stick to making our own food. Wasn't very good. But we did get a nice icecream cone afterwards.

    Came back to a very noisy camp site. There is a very large back packer motel next door over the fence. They are noisy every night. Pool parties and doof doof and drunk screachy women and loud mouth blokes. Lol. So I'm tucked away in my van with the air con blasting to drown out the noise.

    We are heading to Daintree and Cape Tribulation tomorrow.    Read more

  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIATraveler
    3

    Cape Tribulation Daintree

    August 5 in Australia ☁️ 22 °C

    On Wednesday we went across the Daintree River on the ferry. We drove as far as we could to the start of the Bloomfield track.

    There is a terrible quality video on here but it is very funny of our drive.

    This entire area is very commercially run. So many resorts. Lots of businesses vieing for your dollars. I think about 500 permanently live in this area.

    There is still plenty of free stuff to do for walks and siteseeing.

    We enjoyed the drive, the views, the boardwalks. It was another wet day.

    I discovered so many different plants I had never seen. I particularly love the Large Fruited Red Mahogany tree. Photo in here.

    We did not wander down beach's and certainly not near water edge.

    A German tourist luckily survived but lost a leg while sunbathing close to water at Port Douglas.

    So we have visited in unseasonable wet winter weather and have not swum anywhere at all yet. Still to cool for us in the mountain streams you can swim at or the pool.    Read more

  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIATraveler
    This is a huge male. Look at how long he is in the water.
    This is a huge male. Look at how long he is in the water.This is the big male before he got angry at another croc and swam to another bank.Magnificent bird.?Female on the shore

    Visiting Daintree

    August 7 in Australia ☁️ 24 °C

    We are in awe. On Wednesday we took a boat ride on the Daintree River upstream which is fresh water. Today we took the boat downstream towards the mouth of the river into mangrove areas which is salt water.

    I have a ridiculous amount of crocodile photos. Its not even their active season and we have seen so many in the wild and when we visited Hartleys Crocodile Farm.

    Firstly salt water 🐊 crocodiles can live in fresh water and salt water. Don't be tricked.

    A crocodile cannot swallow, instead it lifts its head up to let food drop down its throat.

    Crocodiles have big teeth but they dont actually chew as such. They rip of pieces of meat and throw it back down their throats. They can digest bones and crab shells.

    Crocs can stay under water for up to 7 hours but definitely for 4.

    Crocs actually dont need a lot of food and can not eat for months at a time. Longest recorded time was 18 months.

    You cannot see a crocodile when it's stalking in the water.

    They can launch up to 5 metres.

    The male crocodile is the biggest. They are cannibals and eat each other and their young.

    They dont raise their babies.

    1 in 100 survive to adulthood.

    Crocs have their mouths open to help get more heat into them.

    Crocs cannot be rehomed in another area. They will return back to their own home ground area. That is why a troublesome Crocodile ends up in captivity.

    The trade of crocodile leather nearly wiped them out by poachers. But conservation efforts at crocodile farms have helped to make the poachers leather hold no value. Win win for the crocs as their numbers have increased and stabilised is qld and nt.

    So many facts.

    So here are our crocodile photos and some videos. Also photos of Daintree River    Read more