CHIANG MAI
THAILAND
Chiang Mai is an ancient city in the Northern part of Thailand. The old town is surrounded by a fort and moat. Buddhist Temples are numerous and mix with old and new architecture.
Chiang Mai has almost holly atmosphere. It is a cultural and religious center of Northern Thailand.
Its history goes back to the 13th century. Fighting off aggressive kingdoms it has developed its identity and power.
Wonderful part of Thailand, Chiang Mai is a pearl of Northern Thailand.
RIVER HEADS
QUEENSLAND
River Heads, a small costal town 16 kilometers away from Hervey Bay and population of some 1500 locals, grows fast when a ferry from Fraser Island arrives.
Maybe it should be called Rivers Heads since it sits in the mouth of two rivers, Mary River and Susan River.
The ferries are frequent and almost always full of cars and passengers.
The short and comfortable route between Hervey Bay and Fraser Island where welcoming resort offers restaurants, bars, pool and guided tours through wilderness accompanied by knowledgeable rangers.
River Heads is best known as a ferry crossing and is a starting point to Fraser Island adventures.
River Heads is also a great fishing spot and a viewing platform for amazing sunsets.
FRASER ISLAND
WORLD HERITAGE WILDERNESS
QUEENSLAND
Fraser Island was called just that , not K'Gari meaning Paradise, back in 1890.
However, it was wilderness paradise, that is until the logging started. It was great for economy but not so good for the wilderness.
Now luckily the logging has stopped and the island is coming back to its glory of wildlife inhabiting bush and beaches. However, there is a fear of wildlife, especially dingos among the visitors. It is spiked by business owners. There is a fence built to keep dingos away from the areas taken over by humans. That prevents dingos from entering their natural hunting grounds. No wonder they are skinny and malnutritioned. Hardly presenting a scary picture.
Wisely they ignore humans. Beach and bush walking are still popular among visitors. And waters of Fraser Island are friendly to cruising sailors.
The island has many interesting places to visit, the miles of beaches, subtropical rainforest and many inland lakes.
LOMBOK
INDONESIA
Lombok, an island located between Bali and Sumbawa, is known for its pristine sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. It is less touristy than Bali and peaceful while nearby Gili Islands are the party islands. Lombok inhabitants are friendly and helpful.
Mataram is its main town offering local cuisine. A marina liftout for yachts and an excellent anchorage are located nearby.
Lombok offers great swimming conditions and is a surfing paradise as well.
BUNDABERG
CENTRAL QUEENSLAND
Bundaberg is one of regional cities of Queensland. It is best known for its Rum Distillery, rum and agriculture. Sugar cane along strawberries and other fruits as well as macadamia nuts are Bundaberg's pride.
Mon Repos is a beach area where turtles lay eggs and visitors interested in this unique experience crowed the beach at night in the season under the watchful eye of rangers. The nesting season is from November to January and then it is hatching season till March.
TOWN OF 1770
DISCOVERY COAST
QUEENSLAND
1770 is not just a year, it is an important part of Australian history. It also is a town. 1770 is located in close proximity to Agnes Waters, another costal town on the Discovery Coast. 1770 and Agnes Waters are known as twin towns and their beginnings are similar, they started as costal villages. Both towns are proud of their fabulous beaches and scenery. Plentiful walk-ways offering fresh ocean air and panoramic vistas.
1770 is well known for James Cook's visit that year in Endeavour. He did ship maintenance as well as climbed a hill to see a passage through the reef, now Great Barrier Reef stretching along the Queensland coast for over a 1000 miles.
1770 is a unique and relaxed visitor destination. Both history and scenery are outstanding. No wonder that the community celebrates History & Culture of the region once a year with a festival.
Swimming and beach walking are rewarding!
HERVEY BAY
CORAL COAST
QUEENSLAND
Hervey Bay is a long stretch of coastal towns facing Fraser Island, with Pialba being the main city. Point Vernon is a natural landmark and Urangan is a boat harbor. A close by area is also known as Great Sandy Straits National Park.
Hervey Bay offers fabulous beach walks, swimming, cafes and restaurants. Worth visiting especially during whale season.
