Brampton Island

Brampton Island is one of the most southern islands in the Whitsundays Islands Queensland. Like many of these islands it has beautiful beaches and a range of water activities to enjoy.

We flew into the island from Mackay on a light plane, an experience that gave us a great view of the island as we came into land. We purchased the all inclusive meals package which ended up being a fantastic idea as the food was amazing with a different 3 course gourmet meal served everynight.

The island is a National Park so its not overdeveloped and there are  a range of walking tracks which allowed us to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. We saw some stunning sights whilst circumnavigating the island and a range of birds and butterflies.

The highest point of the island is Brampton Peak which is 214 metres above sea level. It was a bit of hike to the top but the views were worthwhile.

At low tide you can walk to nearby Carlisle Island and relax on the beach looking back at the resort. You can then walk or swim back to Brampton Island.

I loved snorkelling in the shallow waters between Brampton and Carlisle Islands or just relaxing on one of the many beaches.

A great way to end a day on Brampton Island is to have quiet drink and watch the sunset across the ocean.

The resort was sold by Voyages in 2010 to Brampton Enterprises and was closed in January 2011 for redevelopment. 

Healesville

Healesville is located in the Yarra Valley, Victoria and is probably best known as the home of the  Healesville Sanctuary. The Sanctuary showcases more than 200 species of Australian wildlife which can be viewied in natural habitats set amongst 30 hectares of bushland.

You can see koalas, dingos, platypus, kangaroos, wallabys and a range of birdlife. 

Not to be missed is the Spirits of the Sky spectacular which is scheduled at 12 pm and 2.30 pm each day.

The new children's play area is a fantastic place for children to play and explore.

The Land of the Parrots is worth a visit as you will probably get an opportunity to have one feeding out of your hands. 

The Sanctuary also has a range of Magic Moments to enjoy. These cost an additional money but are well worth the experience of getting up close with the animals.

The Sanctuary incorporates a wildlife hospital where you can view the amazing work they do saving and treating sick and injured wildlife.

Healesville has much more to offer than just visiting the Sanctuary, as it's  surrounded by beautiful Australian bushland.  A great place to enjoy this, and located only a short drive from the Sanctuary, is Badger Creek. The picnic ground includes toilets and BBQ's and there are a range of tracks to wander along and experience the beauty of the area. These range in distance, with 2 shorts ones of approx 1 kilometre each being the Coranderrk track and the Lyrebird track.

The Corranderrk track is named after an Indigenous Mission that was established in the area in 1863 after a group of Wurundjeri elders squatted on a traditional camping site on Badger Creek and requested ownership of the site.  The Lyrebird track is named after the lyrebird a ground dwelling bird that has the ability to mimic the natural and artifical sounds of their environment. We saw a female lyrebird whilst wandering along that track.

There are a range of penstocks located at Badger Weir which are used to regulate the flow of water into Coranderrk Weir. This pipe ensures water continues to flow into Badger Creek retaining the water supply to the many animals and birdlife that still live in the area.

1 Day Yarra Valley Private Tour - Wildlife and Wine

1 Day Wildlife and Puffing Billy Private Tour

12 Apostles

The 12 Apostles are one of the most popular attractions along the Great Ocean Road. They are part of the Port Campbell National Park and located between Princetown and Peterbough.  Whether seen from the air or land these rock stacks are truely an amazing site.

These amazing rock stacks appear to rise out of the Southern Ocean. In fact they have been created from constant erosion of the limestone cliffs by the powerful action of the ocean's waves and blasing winds. Little by little caves are formed from the erorsion and after many years of swirling action the caves eventually become arches which over time collapse leaving the rock stacks isolated from the shore.

The power of the ocean and winds continues relentlessly so access near the 12 Apostles is now restricted. There are well set out paths and viewing platforms providing fantastic views along the coast in both directions. 

You can access the beach via Gibsons Steps which are located on the Great Ocean Road just before you arrive at the 12 Apostles. These steps use the traditional access of the Kirrae Whurrong the original inhabitants of the area. They were carved into the cliff by Hugh Gibson a local settler. 

View from the beach at the base of Gibsons Steps

There are toilets and a cafe and you can take a helicopter ride directly from the site. There are a number of options for helicopter rides including extended rides over Port Campbell http://www.12apostleshelicopters.com.au/

                                                                             

The 12 Apostles are located 275 kilometres west of Melbourne. Approximately a 4 hour drive along the Great Ocean Road via the scenic route and given the Great Ocean Road is one of the worlds most renowned drives the time and distance are well worth the effort as you'll travel through seaside towns with some of our famous surf beaches and have the chance to see wildlife in their natural environment along the way.

An alternative inland route is faster and less kilometres travelling via Winchelsea and Colac.  Many people take the alternative route home.

1 Day Great Ocean Road Private Tour

2 Day Great Ocean Road Private Tour

3 Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Private Tour

3 day Melbourne to Adelaide Private Tour

4 day Melbourne to Adelaide Private Tour

Rainforests of the Otways

The Otways are part of the Great Otway National Park which is located in north west Victoria. The National Park covers a total area of 103,000 hectares and incorporates rainforest and coastal areas along the Great Ocean Road.

The Otway Ranges include an amazing rainforest with steep ridges and deep valleys with tall forests and fern clad gullies.  There are a number of spectacular waterfalls and a range of walks that allow you to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the forest.

A fern clad gully

 The dampness of the rainforest

creates an interesting eco system

You can walk to a range of falls including Stevensons Falls, Hopeton Falls, Triplet Falls and Sabine Falls.  For those who are unable to walk long distances Houpeton Falls can be viewed from above only a short walk from the car park.

One of the many waterfalls

Logging was once a big industry in the Otways and a railway line was built to transport the logs to the railhead and sawmills. Remnants of the old railway and plant can be found in some areas.

A bike trail has also been developed along the old railway line with two main sections one from Birnam station and picnic ground to Maggios Rd stretching 4.8 kilometres and the other Gellibrand to Wimba a distrance of 9.5 kilometres. Old Beechy Rail Trail

Thankfully logging is now limited to plantation timber but this still has impacts on habitat of native plants, birds and animals. 

Koalas and wallabies are often observed

 in their natural environment

Tourism is now a major part of the Park and minimal impact touring is important to ensure the long term sustainability preserves the area for generations to come.  In the summer the Otways provide a quiet, cool and peaceful environment. In the winter the waterfalls run and although it can be cold the Park is still enjoyable if you're suitably dressed.

Maits Rest is one of the most popular walks as its a short drive from Apollo Bay. Here you'll experience the beauty of the rainforest on a relatively easy walk. During the day you may be lucky to locate an Otway Black Snail. This is a carnivorous snail endemic to the region and recognised by a gold spot on its shell. At night you can experience glow worms.

 

Melba Gully is an interesting walk which includes a boardwalk constructed to minimise impact to the forest. The Gully is filled with myrtle beeches, blackwoods, tree ferns and there is an understory of low ferns and mosses.

The Otway Fly provides an opportunity to walk through the trees on a boardwalk and whilst wandering through the trees you gain a real sense of the majestic nature of this forest.

Otway Fly Tree top Walk

The Ridge Cafe is located in Beech Forest and recognised for its organic food. It has an amazing array of home made and tasty treats, our favourite is their chocolate pudding.  

The Forrest Brewery and Cafe is also worth a visit and was the site of this year's launch of the Apollo Bay Music Festival Forrest Brewery & Cafe

So if you're intending on visiting the Great Ocean Road don't forget to take the time to enjoy this beautiful rainforest.

2 Day Great Ocean Road Tour
3 Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour

EcoTourism

EcoTourism is responsible travel to fragile, pristine, and at times protected areas by using minimal impact touring principals. This often includes touring in small groups. Tours are designed to allow customers time to reflect and enjoy the environment and wildlife in their natural surroundings.  They also include comprehensive interps of cultural, environmental and historial significance to the area.

The ECO Certification logo is a globally recognized brand designed to assist tourists in choosing a business that will provide a genuine and authentic tour that is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.

Longhorn YOUnique Tours awarded EcoTourism accreditation

"EcoTourism is all about delivering tours that provide an enjoyable experience for our customers that also enhance their knowledge and appreciation of Australia's amazing and diverse landscape and history. We tour in a way that ensures the sights we visit are there for future generations to enjoy."  says  Garry Hamel Head Guide

What we're trying to protect.....

Superb Fairy Wren

Edwards Point Wildlife Reserve 

The Great Otway National Park

Painted Desert a very fragile and beautiful area in SA



Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a Northern Territory town that is located in the centre of Australia.  Said to be the heart and soul of the outback it has a long history having been established in the early 1900's.

View of Alice from Anzac Hill

Anzac Hill is a popular site as it provides a fantastic view of the town and is a memorial to members of the Australian and New Zealand services who have served in war.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service was started by Dr John Flynne in 1928 and in Alice Springs in 1937. The service  delivers  health care and 24-hour emergency service to those who live, work and travel throughout Australia. Its provided an amazing service over this time so a visit to the Flying Doctor Base is a must.

The National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame provides insights into the contribution women have made to outback life and makes anyou appreciate the challenges the early pioneers faced.

The Olive Pink Botanical Gardens includes both the gardens and a space where exhibitions are regularly held.

The Alice Springs Desert Park is a must see as it has an enormous selection of the plants and animals found across Central Australian deserts. The park provides an environment where these can be seen, smelt and heard on walking trails showcasing three desert habitats, The Desert Rivers, Sand Country and the Woodland habitat. You can also witness free-flying birds of prey in their live outdoor theatre.

The town is famous for its Aboriginal Art and as a gateway to many iconic sights including Uluru Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. 

I'd have to say that if you drew a large circle around Alice Springs you'd include some of the most memorable sights I've seen in Outback NT.

Simpsons Gap West MacDonnell Ranges

Chambers Pillar to the South

Devils Marbels to the North
The marbles are thought to be serpent eggs by local Aboriginals



To find out what's on in Alice Springs you can check this Community calendar

13 day Outback Tour Melbourne to Alice Springs
13 day Outback Tour Alice Springs to Melbourne

Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is a beautiful seaside village on the Great Ocean Road located approx 190 kilometres south west of Melbourne. With beautiful beaches, rolling hills as a backdrop Apollo Bay is also the gateway to the Great Otway National Park.

View of Apollo Bay from Mariners Falls

The beaches are suitable for swimming and surfing is also popular. Remember to swim between the flags on the patrolled beach. If you're not familar with what we mean by this see this site for beach safety and where to find a patrolled beach. Beach safety information

Fishing is also an option for visitors and there is a commercial fleet that operates out of the marina. You can moor your boat at the marina or purchase fresh seafood from the shop located there.

There are a number of walks located nearby including Marriners Falls a moderate walk taking takes approx 40 minutes from the car park. Depending on the time of the year you may have to wade through some water on the walk.

At the end you're rewarded with lovely moss covered walls and the waterfall. Its refreshing particularly on a hot day.

Marriners Falls

Maits Rest is a short drive from Apollo Bay and during the day provides a lovely rainforest walk. Its particularly enjoyable on a hot day.  A night visit has the bonus of glow worms.

Apollo Bay is also the gateway to the Great Otway National Park where you'll experience beauiful rainforest and see a range of animals in their natural surroundings.

Koala at Cape Otway

Our favourite spot to eat is Bayleaf Cafe which is conveniently located in the main street.

Apollo Bay is also home to the Apollo Bay music festival which is held in April each year. Apollo Bay Music Festival


1 Day Great Ocean Road Private Tour

2 Day Great Ocean Road Private Tour

3 Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Private Tour

3 day Melbourne to Adelaide Private Tour

4 day Melbourne to Adelaide Private Tour