OCTOBER, 2015 : Ayers Rock Resort, Northern Territory, Australia : Days 1and 2

A special weekend at the Ayers. Rock Resort to celebrate 30 years since the handover of this national park from the Australian Government to the traditional custodians, the Anangu People. The Australian Chamber Orchestra has arranged a series of concerts to acknowledge the event.

Early start with a 5am bus from Canberra to Sydney and 9.30 flight to Ayers Rock, arriving at midday.

Our first impressions were of the redness of the soil and the flatness of the land apart from massive rock formations, Uluru and Kata-Tjuta. Brilliant views as we flew into the National Park,

Our hotel in the resort is the Desert Gardens. The whole resort is owned by Voyages, which means that  everyone staying in various hotels can all use the common facilities, regardless of the hotel level - pools, restaurants, shops.

A range of restaurants and cafes for all occasions. Wonderful presentation, views and artefacts.

Something for everyone.

A humpy - A reminder of timeless indigenous culture. The Anangu people have the distinguished reputation of being the world's oldest continuous culture, passing down the same traditions for 30,000 years.

Indigenous theme in light fittings.

And more..

Modern designs incorporating traditional patterns.

Even the pizzas continue the theme.

Some eye-catching craft objects.

Early morning Uluru tour.

Sunrise.

Uluru is revealed as the sun rises.

Glowing landscape.

                                          

We continued the tour with an introduction to the dream stories of the rock. 

                                       

Fascinating walk to see the rock up close and personal.

Painting caves used for generations for passing traditional knowledge.

                                          

A waterhole in the rock. It is not used for drinking. This area is on a huge artesian basin so water is plentiful for local communities in the National Park and the resort. It has the second largest desalination plant in Australia.

Native fig. Nourishing bush tucker.

Vivid fungi

Corellas.

A well-camouflaged lizard.

The Australian Chamber Orchestra - three concerts with themes of seasons and place.

Guest didgeridoo player, Mark Atkins.

Lovely surprise to run into Sue, whom we met walking the European Peace Walk in August.

M&M

OCTOBER 2015 : Point Lonsdale, Victoria

A few days in Point Lonsdale, Victoria - near Geelong. A very scenic drive south through New South Wales towards Melbourne.

We drove through lush pastures and farmland. A nine hour drive south from our home in Canberra.

We had several stops in some attractive villages and towns. This is the enchanting Long Track Cafe in Jugiong.

Lunch in the regional centre of Albury.

Tossed Cafe, Albury.

Point Lonsdale, a seaside village near Geelong.

Point Lonsdale is on Port Phillip Bay, the entry for ships into the port of Melbourne.

Point Lonsdale wharf.

Cafes on the bay.

Windswept beaches - strong currents and winds from the Antarctic to the south.

Popular surfing culture.

Bells Beach - home of international surfing competitions - and outlets.

Sailing craft.

Wharf cafe at Barwon Heads.

Jack Rabbit winery.

Mussels for lunch.

A lovely part of Victoria - well worth a visit!

M&M

OCTOBER 2015 : Dubbo, Australia

We are home after a wonderful three months away. Delighted to be with our family again in glorious springtime Australia.

                                         

          

We decided to travel to Dubbo, to the famous Taronga Park Western Plains Zoo - 400 kms north of Canberra.

        

A crowded car with Mark and I and our daughter, Ashley, and our grandchildren, Dakota (4) and Koby (1).

          

A very scenic drive north with green countryside and gleaming canola fields.

         

A welcome stop in Boorowa on our way.

         

Our accommodation was in Big 4 caravan park. We had a 3 bedroom cabin with all facilities.

         

           

          

Two happy campers.

          

Western Plains Zoo is a part of the Sydney Taronga Park Zoo and specialises in breeding programs for endangered animals. We hired hired bikes to ride around the 6 kms.

        

Black rhinoceroses.

          

        

Feeding giraffes.

          

            

Hippopotamuses.

       

White rhinoceroses.

        

African and Asian elephants.

        

Lion cubs - 10 months old.

       

Asian otters.

                                          

Siamangs.

        

Gibbons.

           

         

Meerkats.

         

Sumatran tigers.

          

Patting wallabies.

            

Koala and young.

         

Galapagos tortoises. They live until 100 to 150 years old.

         

Sedentary tortoises until the keeper arrives with special food treats.

                              

Native birds in their plenty. This is a male fairy wren.

    

         

Easy ride around the zoo despite the heat. 30o for the 2 days.

          

Meanwhile back at the caravan park we cooled down at the pool.

        

Fabulous pool and slides.

       

The jumping pillow was a great success as well.

                                          

Two exhausted and happy children returning home after 3 delightful days in western NSW.

M&M