THURSDAY ISLAND TORRES STRAIT QUEENSLAND

 

THURSDAY ISLAND

TORRES STRAIT

QUEENSLAND

Torres Strait stretches from the tip of Cape York to Papua New Guinea. Many islands are scattered through its waterways and Thursday Island is the center of the area. These waters have been first navigated in 1606 by Louis Vaes De Torres. The development of the islands started in 1864 and the pearl trade helped the development.

Prince of Wales Island is the biggest island in the Torres Strait group. There is a multitude of smaller islands, Horn Island is a close neighbour of TI with Friday, Sunday, Goods islands close by. The color of the water is turquoise and inviting for a swim but the presence of crocodiles limits swimming to swimming pools.

Thursday Island, fondly called TI, is an amazing tropical island worth visiting.

SEISIA CAPE YORK TOP of AUSTRALIA

 

SEISIA

CAPE YORK

TOP of AUSTRALIA

Seisia is a fishing community just 40 km south of Cape York. It is a gateway to Torres Strait Islands. There is a ferry service to Thursday Island and a dirt road of red dust to Cape York. It is called red dust country.

Seisia is also a great and comfortable anchorage. The settlement started when Saibai Islanders moved their pearling luggers to the area. Now it is a booming community with nearby Bamaga. It is also a holiday destination for those that love fishing, nature and history.

A visit to Seisia ensures a relaxed holiday.

THE WESSELS & the GULF of CARPENTERIA NORTHERN TERRITORY

 

THE WESSELS

&

the GULF of CARPENTERIA

NORTHERN TERRITORY

The Wessels is a group of islands positioned roughly mid way on a passage from Darwin to Cape York, Queensland. They offer a number of anchorages for a well deserved rest. Marchinbar Island topped by Cape Wessel is the biggest of the islands and most comfortable for those that intend to cross the Gulf of Carpenteria over Cape Wessel. Further south are Guluru and Raragala islands. They are separated by a “Hole in the Wall” Gugari Rip, a narrow pass with strong currents. Being further south, it is a good crossing when Gove Harbour is the destination. However, the most convenient stop for a passage to Cape York is Marchinbar Island.

The distance of some 700 nautical miles can be covered without breaking the journey. Only the beauty of this remote part of the Northern Territory would be missed. The area is not accessible by air, there are no airports or resorts here. Just nature at its best that can be experienced by yachts sailing the region. Most amazing is peace and quiet, relaxing atmosphere.

Miles of sandy beaches with greenery of local flora, that means no coconut palms, and variety of rock formations scattered close to the water edge are typical natural scenery at the Wessels. The colors change at sunset,time to observe the beach for crocodiles. None sighted.

DARWIN NORTHERN TERRITORY AUSTRALIA

DARWIN

NORTHERN TERRITORY

AUSTRALIA

1 July 1978 was the beginning of a new era for Darwin and Northern Territory.It was a day of establishing a self rule and independence from Commonwealth Government of Australia. A big day, a proud moment that is being celebrated ever since.

The beginnings of Darwin go back to 1839 when the Beagle sailing to do a survey of Australian coastline discovered a natural port. The settlement called Palmerston since 1869 was renamed Darwin in 1911. The history is rich in pioneers' achievements and their resilience surviving bombing by the Japanese in the WWII and natural distraction caused by Cyclone Tracy in 1974.

The Government House is a grand building opened in 1871. Over the years it hosted royalty and distinguished guests. It is surrounded by magnificent gardens.

Darwin has golden sand beaches and azure Arafura Sea which, although invite for a swim, also attract dangerous crocodiles so swimming has to be restricted to swimming pools. The spectacular sunsets bring visitors to the beaches. It has warm climate and is surrounded by natural wonders like Litchfield National Park and Kakadu National Park. It also has rich indigenous culture. Darwin is a great place to visit.

VAN DIEMEN GULF NORTHERN TERRITORY AUSTRALIA

VAN DIEMEN GULF

NORTHERN TERRITORY

AUSTRALIA

Van Diemen Gulf is located at the very top of the Northern Territory, just north of Darwin. It is surrounded by Melville Island and Cobourg Peninsula. Sailing past Cape Don to enter Arafura Sea can be slow or quick. That depends on tides and the current. The Gulf is full of overflows and strong currents, the depths differ greatly. Sailing difficulty is compensated by fabulous coastal vistas.

Port Essington was a try for the brave settlers. It still is a remote place inhabited by snakes, crocodiles and wild animals. No wonder early settlers gave up the effort.

Crocodiles, closely related to dinosaurs but not extinct, were being culled for the sake of safety for people till the 1960s. Finally people realized that they should join crowded, noisy and polluted city dwellers and let animals live in peace in their natural environment. So now crocodiles are plentiful.

Cobourg Peninsula is teaming with fish, being remote it does not attract many fishermen. It is home to few indigenous people who enjoy the natural way of life. Also an occasional yacht stops on its passage to enjoy fabulous scenery and quiet of the anchorages. Just a shame it is not advisable to have a swim, crocodiles and sharks are here. Sea and sky colors are amazing though.

Sailing into the sunset , leaving the colors of land and sky behind one can only wonder what other surprises are waiting in this remote area.

DARWIN ARAFURA PEARL JEWEL OF AUSTRALIA

DARWIN

ARAFURA PEARL

JEWEL OF AUSTRALIA

Darwin, a remote, tropical paradise on the banks of Arafura Sea, often called Arafura Pearl, is the capital of the Australian Northern Territory.

The Parliament House is a definite landmark since its completion in 1994. It is a grand building sharing the People's House with the Northern Territory Library. The library is a host of an exhibition, The Territory Story. It describes the beginnings of Darwin and its people and celebrates the 25^th anniversary of the Parliament House.

The courtyard has a pleasant refreshing atmosphere with a fountain and palm shade, cool drinks available from Speaker's Corner Cafe. It also offers spectacular view over the turquoise waters of Arafura Sea.

Strolling through the markets, listening to local music and meeting friends became a tradition in Darwin over the years. Definitely a place to visit. In fact quite a number of visitors made Darwin their permanent residence.

KUPANG WEST TIMOR INDONESIA

KUPANG

WEST TIMOR

INDONESIA

Kupang is a capital of West Timor. It had Portuguese and Dutch masters for centuries. They were fighting among themselves for control over lucrative sandalwood trade. The Portuguese built a fort which ruins still stand today. Eventually they moved to East Timor that was theirs even after West Timor became part of Indonesia back in 1949. The Christian faith introduced by the Europeans is still visible in Kupang.

Kupang is a port, quite famous for Captain Bligh's arrival in June 1789 in a small open boat all the way from the Pacific after the mutiny on his ship The Bounty. Kupang is a sailor paradise with many comfortable and scenic anchorages leading to town. The town itself offers excellent shopping for supplies needed by yachts.

Kupang and West Timor offer exciting cruising and are worth visiting.

SOLOR ARCHIPELAGO NUSA TENGGARA INDONESIA

SOLOR ARCHIPELAGO

NUSA TENGGARA

INDONESIA

Nusa Tenggara, a province of Eastern Indonesia, consists of a multitude of islands. The bigger ones like Solor, Andonara, Kawula and Alor create a picturesque chain of islands.

There are rocky hills and volcanoes on land and sand cays and coral reefs at sea. Fishing is main occupation in the area, the fishermen are friendly. Their children are cute and eager to learn to fish.

The archipelago has a rich history. Pulau Solor was the fist island visited by Portuguese Missionaries in the early 16^th century and Catholic faith spread from here to Flores.

The sunsets are enchanting, the ocean breeze is fresh and pollution free.