Aussie ABC - H is for Holiday

Eungella Plateau, looking towards Mackay, Queensland

'Now you've 'done' Australia, are you going overseas?' If Pilchard and I had a dollar for every time we've been asked that question, it'd pay for a round-the-world ticket! BUT … the answer would still be the same …

Uniting Church, Deniliquin, New South Wales

Don't get me wrong. I've got nothing against the concept of 'overseas' – after all, I was born, and have travelled, lived and worked out of Australia.

And we'll travel overseas again too – just as soon as we're done with exploring OZ!!

BUT … that's not about to happen any time soon. In ~21 years, Pilchard and I have seen more of Australia than many fellow Aussies.

And we look forward to many future holidays exploring the bits we HAVEN'T seen yet!!

So here's an all-new photographic retrospective of our first 21 years of Aussie holidays.

Why not sit back, make a cup of tea and drool over our not-yet-seen before – on this blog, anyway – best picks!

WARNING: these pictures of OZ will make you jealous as hell … so find the cheapest flights, then get yourself downunder to see it all first hand!! Who knows? Maybe we'll see you on the road …

Flinders Ranges, South Australia

Golden Guitar, Tamworth NSW

The top photo, taken in 1998, shows the AMAAAAAAZING view to the coast from a hang-gliding platform on the Eungella Plateau, inland from Mackay, Queensland!

The amazing architecture of the country New South Wales church at Deniliquin against the spectacular blue sky in the 2nd photo just begged for a shot!  Sadly, we missed the Deniliquin 'Ute Muster' ...

And the Flinders Ranges, always a favourite, put on its best face for us in this mid-90's shot.

Our quest for new 'Big Things' means we get to see a lot of weird stuff!  This big Golden Guitar is, of course, in Australia's Country Music capital, Tamworth where a world-reknowned country music festival is held each January.

We haven't seen all the 'Big Things' yet by any means.  My mate Sandra has seen WAAAAY more than me - check out her 'Big Things' photo collection on her Google+ site HERE!

Bedourie Township, Outback Queensland

  

Mt Sonder, via Alice Springs, Central Australia, Northern Territory

Lake Tinaroo, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland

Remote western Queensland outback town, Bedourie had been cut off by floods for some months prior to our visit.  Isolated, and one of the few towns we encountered with no mobile phone network coverage, it hosts the Bedourie Camel races - a fascinating experience and well worth the trip.  Life in the outback isn't all dust and dehydration - the township is in a beautiful setting!

I didn't include any photos of our visits to Central Australia's more well known attractions - Uluru and Kings Canyon - because all you need to do is google ...  Mt Sonder makes one of the Northern Territory's most scenic landscapes in this mid-2000's photo!  One day we'll return to climb it!

Lake Tinaroo, on the Atherton Tablelands behind Cairns has been a favourite spot for many years!  This view from our campsite in one of the Lake's several campgrounds was taken just before Pilchard caught a massive sleepy cod from the jetty below.  He threw it back - after the photographic evidence had been recorded, of course!

Pilchard and I at Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Copperlode Dam, Cairns, Far North Queensland

Amethystine Python, Lake Eacham, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland

South Australia's Kangaroo Island is the 3rd largest Island in Australia.  Trust me - the Remarkable Rocks really ARE!  And the island boasts some of the most beautiful scenery EVER!

Cairns is better known for almost anything other than this magnificent dam high up in the mountains behind.  The drive through some of the most beautiful rainforest offers breathtaking views over the city!

Taken from the car window, this python at Lake Eacham had just crossed the road - and luckily, was headed away from us.  It's several metres long and while I KNEW it wasn't going to attack, I couldn't suppress a shudder ...

Sunset at the Mindil Beach markets, Darwin, Northern Territory

Siding Springs Observatory, Warrumbungle Mountains, Coonabarabran, New South Wales

Silverton, Outback New South Wales

Our 2008 trip to Darwin was memorable in many ways.  The relaxed tropical lifestyle is unparalleled, with almost the entire population gathering to watch the sunset at the famous Mindil Beach markets.  Many bring picnic tables & chairs to dine in what must be the best outdoor setting in the land!

Siding Springs Observatory in its magnificently scenic mountain setting looks up onto some of the clearest skies in the world!  Our visit to the observatory, many years ago, was followed by a trip to the fine Coonabarabran Bakery!!

Remote Silverton, near the more well known mining town of Outback New South Wales' Broken Hill, is an artists retreat.  A visit to the Silverton Hotel is a foray into movie trivia, displaying photographs and memorabilia from the several well known movies shot in and around the area.

The view over the nearby Mundi Mundi Plains is an incredible insight into the Outback's simultaneous desolation and beauty.

Currumbin Creek, Gold Coast, Queensland

Millaa Millaa Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland

Stock Watering point, en route to Lake Peery, via White Cliffs, New South Wales

It's hard to believe that north of beautiful Currumbin Creek (the photo faces south) is the most extensively developed area of Australia - the Gold Coast!  As you can see from this early 2000's photo, the Gold Coast isn't all highrises and tourists!

Say 'waterfall' and what do you picture?  I bet it's something like Millaa Millaa falls - one of the most scenic waterfalls in Australia.  If not the world!!

The outback opal mining town of White Cliffs is full of surprises - including this amazing early morning scene en route to huge inland Lake Peery!

Wildflowers at Mt William, Grampians, Victoria

Lake Wyangan, Griffith, New South Wales

Daydream Island, Whitsundays, Queensland

Of all our holidays in Australia, we've most frequently been to the Grampians, Victoria.  A diverse wonderland, this region is WAY too big to capture with just one photo ... so I chose a macro!

Griffith's Lake Wyangan at dusk was a marvellous moment in this hidden gem of a region! 

A day trip around Shute Harbour, gateway to the Whitsundays gave us our first boom netting experience. 

But when we got to Daydream Island, we could have stayed forever!!

Mt Warning, Northern New South Wales

Pilchard and I on Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

It's hard to believe I've climbed Mt Warning twice when I see it from this angle.  But I'm not telling how long ago the last time was ...  Mt Warning, while not Australia's easternmost spot, is the first point the sun's rays reach in the morning!

Lord Howe Island is the ultimate holiday destination.  Our first aftenoon on the island - and this is where we ended up!!

Below, pyromaniac Pilchard lights up a morning fire at Poddy Creek Free Camp, west of Queensland's Winton.  This scenic spot epitomises the beauty of the western Queensland Outback.

Poddy Creek Free camp, Western Queensland Outback

OK, was I right? Are you jealous as hell?? Get onto those cheapest flights right now! You won't regret it ...

For TRIPLE the fun, I've linked this post to:

• Best Posts of the Week;
• Scenic Sunday; and
• Saturday Sareenity

Check them out for blog posts on these themes from all around the world!!  Enjoy!!