'Zu Dayz'

I felt that this was worthy of its own post. After a food court luncheon last year with a co-worker, to whom I shared many a tale not suitable for decent peoples ears, I decided to start a blog where I could share more human friendly stories of the places I'd been with the hope they'd get out there and gain more 'printed' exposure. Well, this sheep is happy to say that it's finally happened.

(Taken by the Sheep, 2015)

Not long ago I was approached by the managing editor over at St Kilda News who asked if I'd like to submit anything to their local rag. I was at first happy to do so before hearing about the deadline and thought, okay. Luckily they asked for something I'd already posted and so I suggested my take on the Royal Melbourne Zoo, thinking that it would have some relevance. They agreed.

So after some culling of words (some I'm going to miss), a submission was left standing and is now gracing page 17 of the February edition. This I can only describe as a step in the right direction, and I certainly hope that you'll join me for those to come.

Link: http://stkildanews.com/zu-dayz/

Rustic And Ghostly

Port Arthur, Tasmania

To date my first and only trip to Australia’s island state was back in 2002 when the school surprised us with a five day camp. Enjoyed myself I did, but with very few shots to look back on (had myself a disposable camera on this trip and I can’t find the pictures), I wasn’t sure if I had something worth talking about on the blog. However, when a good day at the Port Arthur Historic Site (95.8 km both east then south of Hobart) came back to me I figured a post was possible. Add to that some nice, rustic shots taken by the well-travelled aunty; this sheep has been able to knock some words together.

Whilst only being here for one day I found myself enjoying everything the site had to offer, most notably the swarm of rabbits hopping all over the place. I for one was taken in by the historical side of things, a recurring thing with me, and so I can’t recommend Port Arthur enough. Two experiences of note include the harbour cruise and ghost tours which I’ll get to in the paragraphs to come.

Port Arthur, Tasmania (taken by Dale Brooking, 2014)

Established back in 1830 as a timber station, Port Arthur grew into a lively southern haunt that drew in the many. It wasn’t until 1848 that a separate penitentiary was built to house the convicts shipped in from England; these prisoners were set to work on cutting timber with a select few being taught to build ships also. Officials saw this as one of the few means to rehabilitate the many convicts but this practice dwindled in the 1870s. 

Now onto the touristy side of things which is why I’m writing anything. Combining historical buildings and nature that bring a palette of colour together, the site is a feast for your eyes. Nowadays you’re like to get better shots with your camera which should fuel the envy of those who didn’t come along for the ride. I know many who’ve all claimed Tasmania was the best travel decision they’ve ever made, giving me cause to go back once Europe is out of the way.

Port Arthur, Tasmania (taken by Dale Brooking, 2014)

The harbour cruise, which is included in the cost of entry, gives you a superb view of what’s on offer. The boat ride takes you on a round trip of the harbour and for additional cost visitors can tour the Isle of the Dead where close to 1100 prisoners were laid to rest. I know it’s been over ten years since my time here, but I feel like the harbour cruise is the icing of the day, adding only to Port Arthur’s authenticity.

With that said we’ve now come to the ghost tour which is the cheery on top. The longest operating tour in Australia, the crew at Port Arthur place a great emphasis in the storytelling side of things instead of having people dressed up in masks ready to jump out on you. On the tour I took, several of us found ourselves experiencing something ‘unexplainable’. I heard something tapping (which isn’t unique but still) but others around me were saying they’d seen something red stand out in the darkness. It’s an experience to consider nonetheless.

Port Arthur, Tasmania (taken by Dale Brooking, 2014)

On a more serious and informative note, with this post coming to a close I’ll acknowledge something all visitors should be made aware of before coming here. Whilst Port Arthur is still known for being a tourist drawcard, the tragic massacre of April 28^th 1996 still lingers in the minds of the locals to this day; it’s appreciated that this event isn’t brought up.

With everything said, if you’ve found yourself cancerous with the travel bug then this post has served its purpose.

Go check it out!  

Link: www.portarthur.org.au

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