They Even Have A Spaceship

Coober Pedy, South Australia

Should you be headed south of Uluru and Kata Tjuta on your epic Aussie adventure, be sure to visit Coober Pedy, just a rough 750km drive from the Red Centre via the Stuart Highway. Out in the middle of nowhere, it’s known for underground dwelling residents, a golf course void of any grass (the only green patch you’ll find is at the primary school) and a space ship left over from Pitch Black. Fellow nerds, be sure to come here!                                                 

Coober Pedy, South Australia (taken by Lyn and Tony Eden, 2010)

Coober Pedy, South Australia (taken 2005)

Despite my school camp hitting the place on our way north back in 2005, I’ve chosen to highlight the sights you’ll come across should you hit the town from the opposite direction. One such marvel is the Breakaways, a unique setting of flat-topped outcrops you have to save some camera time for.
  

The Breakaways, South Australia (taken 2005)

The Breakaways, South Australia (taken by Lyn and Tony Eden, 2010)

This breathtaking landscape, thirty kilometres north of Coober Pedy and on a reserve of forty square kilometres, was where Tina Turner was seen hunting down a fella called Max in a flick named Beyond Thunderdome. Rich with fauna and wonder, this is another example of how out-there the Australian landscape can look.                                                   

Further south you’ll come by a few bodies of glistening saltwater that’re worth a walk along. Provided you come by the lake I’ve posted photos of (I do apologise but I wasn’t able to learn the name) have a look for the rusted up camper van rocking the graffiti. Thanks to the cover of Tim Winton’s The Turning, abandoned car wrecks now have some appeal.       

Salt Lake, South Australia (taken 2005)

Should you be stretched for time and feeling fatigued, stop over at the Cadney Homestead. We had a relaxing time here amongst the locals and road trains but the one let down was the suss smell that was going around. Fingers are crossed it’s been taken care of.       

Cadney Homestead, South Australia (taken 2005)

And now we’re at the prize of this journey. First established by gold prospectors on February 1^st 1915, Coober Pedy’s name originates from the Aboriginal phrase ‘Kupa Piti’ which loosely means ‘white man’s hole in the ground’. Whilst the prospectors didn’t come by much gold, they did discover what would become the world’s largest deposit of opals, ahead of Mexico and Brazil. The town makes a living off of these minerals so you’ll find more than enough on offer. If a walk about is your agenda, suss out a guide beforehand because trespassing on claims comes with a $1000 fine, and there’s also the added risk of falling through the ground.

Coober Pedy, South Australia (taken 2005)

Another most unique feature about Coober Pedy are the underground homes, dugouts, that are considered (in this most severely tempered environment) ingenious. We did stay underground for our night here, due to safety reasons, and I have to say that fragments of the ceiling did fall to the ground and ignite the freak out effect but that was all. We had a very cool nights sleep. As well as homes, we did come by a swimming pool and a chapel functioning beneath the surface so that’s what you’re like to find.                                                

Coober Pedy, South Australia (taken 2005)

When it’s a clear day you’re awarded a great view atop one of the many dirt hills that provided its share of wind and dust, which is to be expected, but who would really care. The view is brilliant. Coober Pedy is one of Australia’s most unique townships, thanks to its hobbits and space ship, so you have to give it a shot. 

Coober Pedy, South Australia (taken by Lyn and Tony Eden, 2010) 

Link: www.cooberpedy.sa.gov.au/tourism   

    

One Day Trip Everyone Must Take!

Royal Melbourne Zoo, Victoria

For this new post I’ve chosen to go a little different and step away from the ‘epic faraway destination’ theme. The Royal Melbourne Zoo, a daytrip every visitor has to take! A short tram or train ride from the city to Parkville is the focus good reader, so I hope you enjoy.        

Royal Melbourn Zoo, Victoria (taken 2015)

Several months ago I was discussing The Sheep Was Here with co-workers and a passing comment about the landmark made me wonder if it was entitled to its own spot in the light; further talk had my decision set in stone but somewhere down the line I realised that that wasn’t my only reason for writing this post. The Melbourne Zoo is in my opinion where our earliest memories and love for the world really takes flight.                                          

In getting there it’s an easy drive or if you don’t care for traffic or paying for parking just take the Upfield train and hop off at Royal Park or the number 55 tram from Williams Street; the stations are skipping distance from the rear entrance. Entry fees vary but members can visit for free. The Royal Melbourne Zoo is a part of Zoos Victoria, an organisation that includes Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary.                                   

Royal Melbourne Zoo, Victoria (taken 2015)

Following its establishment on October 6^th, 1862 the zoo was first utilised to acclimatise domestic animals to Australia, but by 1870 exotic species began to be introduced. In those days it was the norm for animals to spend their time behind bars (these original enclosures are still on display) and be thrown peanuts, but gradually things began improving within the mid twentieth century.                                                                               
Melbourne was the first to open an enclosure simulating African savannah for its lions (in 2015 an upgraded enclosure was opened) which influenced many other organisations around the world. Upgrades have been awarded to other exhibits containing orang-utans, seals, Asian elephants and other species with many more to come. In addition they place a strong emphasis on conservation and are working to save many species from extinction, as well as supporting groups abroad that share the same objective.                               

Royal Melbourne Zoo, Victoria (taken 2015)

On a more ‘touristy’ note, the place is definitely somewhere you’ll enjoy getting lost in. As it’s written above, this is where our earliest memories can take flight. I’ve been coming here for years and the place has never failed to impress, even when a galah bit my finger at the age of three (No hard feelings but I’m a little annoyed that they didn’t have that fence surrounding the aviary at the time. That little feature being there then would’ve prevented my sister from quoting my ‘cocky bite’ line for years on end).                                            

Royal Melbourne Zoo, Victoria (taken 2015)

Other more promising memories include giant tortoises that, truthfully, have some speed in them and the gorillas, seeing baby Yakini for the first time and a full grown one punch the glass we were watching it through (touristy note, these guys take the best pictures). The Zoo has had its share of momentous births and they always bring out a crowd.         

Another recollection includes the panther that’s no longer on display; I remember one visit where I saw the big cat moving through its enclosure. Can’t really explain why but this image has always resonated with me, but since the panther is no longer on display I’m usually drawn towards the other big cats.                                                                     

Additionally this place isn’t just for children wanting to see wonders from around the world; in my time I’ve seen and been one of the individuals who’ve gone there with sketchbook and pencil to draw what’s on display (I would’ve done some sketches on my last photo taking venture but the heat was on) and come February visitors are welcomed to experience the Rhythm of Africa; musical performances that can liven up your evening. If that’s not enough, you can spend the night inside the walls during a Roar ‘n’ Snore experience and see the animals when they’re more active. During the day, Behind-the-scenes and Close-up encounters are available.

 Royal Melbourne Zoo, Victoria (taken 2015)

In saying all of this and at the risk of repeating myself too many times, the Zoo truly is a place to consider should you be swinging by Melbourne for a time. It has entertained and delighted many generations and continues to do so which I was happy to witness not long ago; my sister and her husband recently took their children there for the first time and seeing the photos on the Bookface really brought to light days of old. Not only that, passing wisdom onto my niece had its moments.                                                                                               

‘Don’t stick your finger in the aviary.’                                                                                   

It’s something that cannot be missed.            

Link: www.zoo.org.au/melbourne                                         

When I Became A 'Travel Writer'

The Daintree, Queensland

I am now a ‘travel writer’, in the sense that I go somewhere so that I might write about it. Am I all right with it, I believe yes is the correct answer, and so here we go. I went to the Daintree back in 2011 when I was on the move but only for a limited time, in which I didn’t get to see a wild cassowary, so it was my intention to give it another shot when the opportunity arose. So in this year of 2014 I booked a ticket and went back north for a week; my timing was pretty good because I was avoiding some of Melbourne’s beloved wet spring weather and the hot tropics would do my sickness at the time a good paddling.

The Daintree, Queensland (taken 2014)                                                                                                                                                             

To say the Daintree rainforest is a nice place is a severely insulting understatement. Bordering with the Great Barrier Reef (making them two UNESCO listed sites to do so); this is a beautiful place that can’t get more natural and adventurer friendly. I spent three nights here and got a huge dose of everything they have on offer, except for a wild cassowary which was one of my reasons for returning. Most will say that wanting to see a large bird with ‘knife-like’ toes is the thing of insanity, but I say that life needs its share of thrills. The scrub fowls were a plenty though.                               

The trip from Cairns runs for about 124km and there are tour groups that’ll give you a ride (I went with Cape Trib Connections because they were able to book in advance). On the other hand, if you’ve got a car take full advantage of that bad boy because then you can very easily go at your own pace.                                                                                                                                                                                  
On your travels be sure to stop at Alexandra Lookout where the view is fine and then take a boat ride on the Daintree River where you’re more than like to find some saltwater crocs soaking up the sun like party girls in Ibiza (if you’re hitching a ride with a tour group a boat ride will most likely be included). In addition, if the locals should tell you not to get close to the water’s edge, take their advice on board!
                              

                                                                                                              

                           

The Daintree, Queensland (taken 2011 and 2014)

The eco lodge Crocodylus is a place you should consider staying when coming to these parts; set away from commercial annoyances but only two kilometres away from the Floravilla Ice Creamery (go there and ask for black sabote) and not that far from the Daintree Discovery Centre (spend one of your mornings walking up here), I found this place to be exactly what it was hyped about. The trees were what I enjoyed the most, being nothing like I’m used to back home in Melbs. The friendly staff were extremely helpful in making my stay what I wanted it to be (they’ll jump over anything to get the job done) and they even shouted me a Coke on my last day there.                                      

The Daintree, Queensland (taken 2014)

Crocodylus does provide in house activities, one of which was a night time nature walk not far from the front door but make sure you have good shoes. Each trip provides something different; I took from mine some talk of bats, lizards and insects I was happy to get a few shots of. Remember, nature goes at its own pace so take this experience expecting to see anything and you should be fine.                                                  

The Daintree, Queensland (taken 2014)

That all said, a few select places I enjoyed immensely were pretty far up the road at Cape Tribulation. This beach is big, postcard worthy and more importantly (in my opinion), quiet. Just find a shady spot at the tree line, open your book and enjoy the peace. From the lodge you could easily make this a day trip when plenty can happen; on my day there I got into some snorkelling and Jungle Surfing which anyone, regardless of age, can take a crack at.                                                     

                                                        

Cape Tribulation, Queensland (taken 2011)

Ocean Safari will give you a great half day out on the reef, providing excellent conditions for the experienced or novice snorkeler. Riding a jet boat so little time is wasted, you’re out in the crystal blue water in no time. The visibility and colour is something to appreciate and the marine life comes in its many forms; I came close to turtles, blue-spotted stingrays and giant clams which I valued, and on other days you’re like to see sharks. 

Great Barrier Reed, Queensland (taken 2014)

Seeing the reef from a secluded spot like Cape Tribulation comes with advantages that Cairns can’t possibly provide. This was the trip that made me value the Great Barrier Reef like so many others. I’d like to add that the tour operators will look after you (they’ll give out jelly suits) and keep things interesting; I’d already met one of the guides in Airlie Beach back in 2011 and he remembered me also which isn’t bad.                                                                 

After my snorkelling was complete and a good burger at PK’s for lunch, I set off to enjoy some Jungle Surfing (zip lining to be exact) in the tree tops which included operating a human hamster wheel, complimentary Crocs and helmets with the names of famous individuals on them, such as Cookie Monster, Barbie and Pippy Longstockings; I scored the Hulk, which is a recurring thing with me for some reason. Once we were up in the tree tops where my nerves started playing with me, everything took on an extra level of awesome.                                                                                                             

The Daintree, Queensland (taken 2014)

With your physical well-being their number one priority, Jungle Surfing will take you from tree to tree with the sun on your skin and some steady humour echoing in your ear. The views come with the all important jaw dropping effect in some places. They offer their tours to people aged from 3 to 103 and on some days they’ll have a cameraman getting all the best shots for you (didn’t happen for me but I’m not arguing). One thing you should consider is to take the course upside down: it was the good type of trippy which I want to try again when the opportunity presents itself.        

Now, judging from what’s been written it’s safe to say that my time in the Daintree couldn’t possibly be regrettable, but I’m still disappointed that I didn’t get to see a wild cassowary on its own turf. So in saying that, I’ve chosen to complete this post with a product of my failed mini endeavour.              

Drawn by the Sheep, 2014
The bird will be drawn in when I see it in the flesh.
And a good day to you.            

Links: www.daintreecrocodylus.com.au, www.capetribconnections.com, www.oceansafari.com.au, junglesurfing.com.au, www.daintree-rec.com.au