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| Eye in the sky |
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| After the clouds by Cher |
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| Rainbow connection |
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| On Golden Hill by Cher |
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Before the storm
Finally got a break in the clouds ... underfoot is still waterlogged, but the sky was a treat.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Ravensbourne
If tranquillity and sitting on the edge of the world is your scene, then consider escaping to beautiful Ravensbourne.
Sunrise reflection - Dawn over a local dam
Located on the escarpment between Hampton and Esk, about 30 minutes from Toowoomba, there are a number of accommodation options including luxurious three and four bedroom houses, self-contained cabins as well as camping at nearby Lake Cressbrook.
Sit back, relax and soak it all in, or lace up your walking shoes and go bushwalking at either the Ravensbourne National Park or the nearby Crows Nest National Park, with its spectacular water falls and “Valley of Diamonds” Lookout.
The local Lakes of Cressbrook, Cooby and Perserverance are ideal for water sports such as boating, fishing and canoeing and all are less than a half an hour's drive.
There is also an abundance of bird life for the birdwatchers – colourful king parrots to the harder to spot whip birds.
a curious king parrot
Ravensbourne has a natural, unspoilt beauty – the rolling grass of the farmland, the forest of the National Park, and of course, the spectacular views from the escarpment, and the area is its own microcosm - changing moods and light with the seasons.
Irrespective of how long you stay, you will be left wanting more.
Located on the escarpment between Hampton and Esk, about 30 minutes from Toowoomba, there are a number of accommodation options including luxurious three and four bedroom houses, self-contained cabins as well as camping at nearby Lake Cressbrook.
Sit back, relax and soak it all in, or lace up your walking shoes and go bushwalking at either the Ravensbourne National Park or the nearby Crows Nest National Park, with its spectacular water falls and “Valley of Diamonds” Lookout.
The local Lakes of Cressbrook, Cooby and Perserverance are ideal for water sports such as boating, fishing and canoeing and all are less than a half an hour's drive.
There is also an abundance of bird life for the birdwatchers – colourful king parrots to the harder to spot whip birds.
Ravensbourne has a natural, unspoilt beauty – the rolling grass of the farmland, the forest of the National Park, and of course, the spectacular views from the escarpment, and the area is its own microcosm - changing moods and light with the seasons.
Irrespective of how long you stay, you will be left wanting more.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Toowoomba Japanese Garden
If you are planning to visit Toowoomba, make sure you allow enough time to visit the stunning Japanese Garden. Located on the northern side of the University of Southern Queensland campus, the garden is a joint project between the University and the local City Council.
Named Ju Raku En, which loosely translates to long life in a public garden, by its designer, Professor Kinsaku Nakane, it is the largest traditionally designed Japanese garden in Australia.
Its elements include a mountain stream and waterfall, azalea hill, dry garden and central lake which features three islands. It showcases some 230 species of Japanese and Australian Natives, 3 kilometres of paths and wide open spaces to rest and relax.
The design of the garden encompasses Buddhist legend – the rock island at the centre of the garden represents Mt Sumeru which is the centre of the Buddhist Universe, and the remaining two islands are where the immortals dwell, the lake represents the celestial sea, the outer edges of the lake the material world, and the bridges offer the chance to make a symbolic journey to paradise!
Whether or not you believe in the legend, there is no doubt that the garden provides a wonderful piece of tranquillity where you can shelter from everyday life. It is popular with visitors and locals alike, whether for a casual stroll or a place to sit and contemplate.
Toowoomba’s changing seasons and the clever design mean that each season offers a truly unique experience in the garden.
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| Peaceful by Cher |
Named Ju Raku En, which loosely translates to long life in a public garden, by its designer, Professor Kinsaku Nakane, it is the largest traditionally designed Japanese garden in Australia.
Its elements include a mountain stream and waterfall, azalea hill, dry garden and central lake which features three islands. It showcases some 230 species of Japanese and Australian Natives, 3 kilometres of paths and wide open spaces to rest and relax.
The design of the garden encompasses Buddhist legend – the rock island at the centre of the garden represents Mt Sumeru which is the centre of the Buddhist Universe, and the remaining two islands are where the immortals dwell, the lake represents the celestial sea, the outer edges of the lake the material world, and the bridges offer the chance to make a symbolic journey to paradise!
Whether or not you believe in the legend, there is no doubt that the garden provides a wonderful piece of tranquillity where you can shelter from everyday life. It is popular with visitors and locals alike, whether for a casual stroll or a place to sit and contemplate.
Toowoomba’s changing seasons and the clever design mean that each season offers a truly unique experience in the garden.
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| One misty morn |
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| Loner by Cher |
Friday, December 10, 2010
Fantastic Fingal
Mention the Gold Coast and images of the glitz and glamour of “the glitter strip’s” towering high rises and shopping precincts spring to mind. Almost another world away, and at least another state away, is Fingal!
Tucked on the NSW side of the Qld/NSW border, Fingal Head and Fingal beach is a sleepy backwater brimming with natures beauty and charm. For those who don’t mind forsaking the luxuries of the towers, Fingal Caravan Park provides a clean facilities from its perch beside the beach and is well within anyone’s budget.
As the Tugun bypass provides easy access to the theme parks and shops at the northern end of the coast, there is no need to miss out, but for us at least, the true beauty of the coast is the (relatively) un-spoilt beaches of Northern NSW – if you feel the need to venture from Fingal, the beaches from Hastings Point and Byron are within easy reach, and birdlife abounds.
Sitting on the headland, either in the predawn or the last light, face into the breeze with the sound of the waves rolling in against the rock columns it is hard not to be entranced by power and beauty!
And for those who are afflicted with the photography bug, the lighthouse, the basalt columns and the beach all provide endless opportunities at various times of the day.
Our only complaint from our recent weekend away – offshore winds forced the cancellation of our planned whale watching cruise… guess we will just have to go back!
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| Cook Island Dawn |
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| Fingal LightShow |
Tucked on the NSW side of the Qld/NSW border, Fingal Head and Fingal beach is a sleepy backwater brimming with natures beauty and charm. For those who don’t mind forsaking the luxuries of the towers, Fingal Caravan Park provides a clean facilities from its perch beside the beach and is well within anyone’s budget.
As the Tugun bypass provides easy access to the theme parks and shops at the northern end of the coast, there is no need to miss out, but for us at least, the true beauty of the coast is the (relatively) un-spoilt beaches of Northern NSW – if you feel the need to venture from Fingal, the beaches from Hastings Point and Byron are within easy reach, and birdlife abounds.
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| Osprey in flight |
Sitting on the headland, either in the predawn or the last light, face into the breeze with the sound of the waves rolling in against the rock columns it is hard not to be entranced by power and beauty!
And for those who are afflicted with the photography bug, the lighthouse, the basalt columns and the beach all provide endless opportunities at various times of the day.
Our only complaint from our recent weekend away – offshore winds forced the cancellation of our planned whale watching cruise… guess we will just have to go back!
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| Star trails over Fingal Lighthouse |
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| The lighthouse pre dawn |
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Lights on the Hill
The lights on the Hill Memorial at Gatton, QLD, Australia commemorates the lives of Truckers no longer living - Lights on the Hill website
Each year they hold convoys from Toowoomba and Brisbane to Gatton. This year there were over 800 participants.
We were fortunate enough to watch the Toowoomba contingent leave. The effort these guys and gals put into their rigs makes for an awesome spectacle and a fitting tribute!
I have posted a lightbox of more images at OzImages
Each year they hold convoys from Toowoomba and Brisbane to Gatton. This year there were over 800 participants.
We were fortunate enough to watch the Toowoomba contingent leave. The effort these guys and gals put into their rigs makes for an awesome spectacle and a fitting tribute!
I have posted a lightbox of more images at OzImages
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wedge-tailed eagles
Went for a day trip to Millmerran and were fortunate to come across a pair of wedge-tailed eagles at Mt Basalt. It was an asbsolutely wonderful to watch these majestic birds gliding and soaring in the thermals. They kept a close eye on us - at one point we thought they were sizing us up as prey!
I have posted a lightbox of images of them at ozimages - Ozimages lightbox
I have posted a lightbox of images of them at ozimages - Ozimages lightbox
Friday, January 29, 2010
Allora Heritage Weekend
We headed off to the Allora Heritage Weekend on Sunday - a festival run by volunteers for others to diplay their heritage tractors, trucks and vehicles. With plenty of colour, friendly competiions and action, it was a great day out.
I have created a lightbox of images from the weekend here:-
http://www.ozimages.com.au/PLightbox.asp?ID=9001
I have created a lightbox of images from the weekend here:-
http://www.ozimages.com.au/PLightbox.asp?ID=9001
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