TOWN OF 1770, LARC TOUR.

Agnes Water & The Town Of 1770 has been on our Travel ‘Bucket List’ for a long time, and we are glad we ticked off this gem of an area before it got overpopulated. As far as sleepy little beach towns go, 1770 off the Southern Great Barrier Reef is among the best. A quiet, charming pocket of beautiful beaches and swimming spots mixed with lively restaurants and cafes makes it an ideal place for a family vacation or an escape with loved ones. More than just a pretty face, 1770 (also known as Town of  Seventeen Seventy) has an incredible history. The town is built on the site of the second landing by Captain Cook in May all the way back in, you guessed it, 1770! Each year the locals re-enact the historic landing as part of an annual festival held in May.

For a trip you will never forget, jump aboard the pink LARC - an amphibious craft that will take you for a ride across deserted sandy beaches and pristine estuaries. The ex-military Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo (LARC) vehicle makes a comfortable ride for exploring the natural joys of Bustard Head and Eurimbula National Park.  This is Queensland's only operating Lighthouse open to the public. The LARC is one of those big, hulking vehicles that can drive on land and go in water. It’s also a great way to see another side of 1770 and the local area if you don’t have a boat of your own.

The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and will show you places and animals you wouldn’t have seen otherwise, as well as share local history. The LARC is definitely worth doing and suitable for all ages.

You'll hear the tales of tragedy and triumph as early white settlers and lighthouse keepers struggled to tame this remote wilderness. You will have a guided tour in the light keeper's cottage, now a museum of artefacts and light station memorabilia. You will see some of the prolific wildlife that inhabits the area and you will gasp in awe at the spectacular panoramic view from the balcony of the historic Bustard Head Lighthouse.

And on the way home, you can experience the thrill of sand boarding down the towering dunes of Middle Island. The LARC's (Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo Vessels) are named in honour of Sir Joseph Banks and Dr Daniel Carl Solander, the two eminent botanists who accompanied Lieutenant James Cook aboard the Endeavour on their voyage of discovery. Full day tour includes morning tea, lunch and an Aussie Billy tea.

Flamenco Passion: A Night at Tablao Cordobés Barcelona

A night at Tablao Cordobés is a memorable and unforgettable experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and power of flamenco dance.

Barcelona is filled with lively flamenco shows and an abundance of delicious tapas restaurants to fill up your evening.  Flamenco is the musical style comprised of an intense emotional chant or song over a fast-paced beat that thrums through an exquisite dance. Although it originated in Andalusia, flamenco is popular all over world, with dance schools in South America, the United States, and Japan. Still, the best place to see a flamenco show will always be in Spain, so why not try in Barcelona?

The air was thick with anticipation as w stepped into the dimly lit Tablao Cordobés, a renowned flamenco venue nestled in the heart of Barcelona. The stage, adorned with intricate Spanish tiles and a vibrant red curtain, was bathed in a warm, inviting glow. As we settled into our seat, the rhythmic strumming of a guitar filled the room, setting the stage for a mesmerizing evening of flamenco dance.

The show began with a powerful performance by a male flamenco dancer. His movements were fluid and intense, his feet tapping out complex rhythms on the wooden floor. His every gesture, from the flick of his wrist to the tilt of his head, was filled with passion and emotion. The audience was captivated, their eyes glued to the stage as the dancer's energy filled the room.

Next up were the female flamenco dancers, their flowing skirts swirling and twirling with each step. Their grace and elegance were matched only by their fiery intensity. The dancers' arms were outstretched, their fingers delicate yet powerful, as they performed intricate footwork and intricate hand movements. The music, a fusion of guitar, singing, and percussion, provided the perfect accompaniment to their expressive dance.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening was a duet between a male and female dancer. Their bodies moved in perfect harmony, their movements complementing each other seamlessly. The passion between them was palpable, and the audience was mesmerized by their performance.

As the show drew to a close, the dancers came together for a final, energetic performance. The audience erupted in applause, their appreciation for the dancers' talent evident. The night at Tablao Cordobés was a truly unforgettable experience, a celebration of flamenco dance and the passion that fuels it.

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Short clip for Flamenco in Barcelona, Feb 2014 @ TABLAO CORDOBES.

Key Highlights of a Night at Tablao Cordobés

• Immersive Flamenco Experience: Tablao Cordobés offers a truly authentic and immersive flamenco experience, with passionate dancers, captivating music, and a vibrant atmosphere.
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• World-Class Flamenco Dancers: Witness the skill and artistry of renowned flamenco dancers as they perform intricate footwork, expressive hand movements, and powerful choreography.
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• Energetic Performances: The dancers' energy and passion are infectious, creating a captivating and exciting atmosphere that will leave you wanting more.
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• Authentic Spanish Music: Enjoy the soulful melodies of traditional Spanish music, featuring guitars, singing, and percussion, which perfectly complement the dancers' performances.
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• Intimate Setting: The intimate setting of Tablao Cordobés allows you to appreciate the nuances of the flamenco dance and connect with the performers on a personal level.

A night at Tablao Cordobés is a memorable and unforgettable experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and power of flamenco dance.

CROC JUMPING ADELAIDE RIVER, NT.

Like us if you've ever wanted to get up close and personal to a croc then do what we did and take a cruise along the Adelaide River, home to over 1,600 crocodiles. The famous Darwin Jumping Crocodiles are actually in the Adelaide River, about 70 klm down the Arnehm Highway to the mining town of Jabiru and Kakadu National Park.

We joined an exciting cruise on the scenic Adelaide River to see powerful saltwater crocodiles as they propel themselves high out of the water to snatch their prey. With the help of experienced guides we learnt more about these magnificent creatures, and had the opportunity to watch these crocs jump for food, from the safety of the boat.

Cool and calm behind his dark sunglasses, our guide showed no signs of fear as the first croc repeatedly lunged out of the river. Curious, we asked if he ever come close to being pulled into the water. Smiling, he said that he’d once panicked and held on to the pole as a croc tried to pull both the meat and him into the river. Luckily, an American bodybuilder on the cruise grabbed onto his T-shirt just before he was pulled over the railing.

As the boat glided down the river, our captain announced, that he’d spotted another croc to the right. Straining, I could barely make out what seemed to be a log floating on the edge of the riverbank. Eventually, the log began to move smoothly toward the boat. As it came closer, I could see the croc’s clear yellow eyes focused sharply on the dangling meat. Nearly 20 feet away, it disappeared below the brown water. Suddenly, the croc reappeared about five feet from the boat and lunged at the tempting treat. Just as fast as it attacked, it disappeared under the surface with barely a ripple.

By the end of the day, we were lucky enough to spot almost a dozen salties, ranging in size from barely three feet long to the huge 7 feet. Each time, the guide chatted calmly with us as the beasts snatched the meat dangling only a few feet from his sandals. With observation spots both on the lower level near the water and from above on the open canopied deck we always had great views of the saltwater crocodiles.

As both the afternoon and the cruise ended, we waved goodbye to our fearless guide and drove toward Darwin.

Fun saltwater crocodile facts

• Salties can jump out of the water so far that only one third of their tail remains underwater
• Salties can, and do, prey on humans
• They grow new teeth as and when they are needed
• Crocs swallow stones. This is thought to help both with digestion and buoyancy.
• They can swim up to 15 to 18 mph in short bursts (24 to 28 km/h)
• Crocodiles bask in the sun with their mouths open to regulate their body temperature

PICNIC AT THE DAY ON THE GREEN, SIRROMET WINES. QUEENSLAND

Do you want good food, fine wine and great music in magnificent locations, and some great artists? Well we have enjoyed many great outings to A Day On The Green. The very first A Day On The Green was held on Australia Day, January 26 2001 at Morning Star Estate, Mt Eliza, Victoria with Australian artists Renee Geyer, James Morrison and Stephen Cummings. Concert goers can bring their own food, meet the artists at the signing desk and purchase products from the hugely popular merchandise range; as well as many other activities and events throughout the day.

The incline on the green at Sirromet Winery in Mount Cotton means that there are no really bad vantage spots, but for the premium experience I highly recommend getting front admission tickets. It not difficult at any point to be three, four people back from the stage, with room to spare. But we always prefer the general admission.

A Day On The Green have stumbled onto what feels like a close-to-perfect recipe with their one day winery-hosted festivals. With only one stage and limited, but great number of bands and you can plonk yourself down on your own camp chair and enjoy an afternoon and evening of fabulous music without having to frantically consult conflicting schedules, argue with mates or schlep through mud to stand 100 metres away from a band that looks like ants.

 A Day On The Green experience encourages people to get away for the weekend, and as such, regional areas experience a huge injection of tourism funds into accommodation, restaurants, shops and facilities, providing a huge boost to local communities.

International artists who have performed for A Day On The Green include Alicia Keyes, Billy Idol, Blondie, Boz Scaggs, Bryan Adams, Cheap Trick, Chris Isaak, Crosby, Crowded House, Cyndi Lauper, Daryl Hall & John Oates, DEVO, Diana Krall, Don Henley, Elton John, Elvis Costello, Fleetwood Mac, Garbage, George Benson, George Thorogood, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Jamie Cullum, Jewel, Joan Armatrading, Joe Cocker, John Fogerty, John Legend, John Mellencamp, Jordin Sparks, Leonard Cohen, Lionel Richie, Lucinda Williams, Madeleine Peyroux, Mariah Carey, Marlon Williams, Meatloaf, Melody Gardot, Neil Young, Norah Jones, Paul Simon, Rob Thomas, Rod Stewart, Rodriguez, Ronan Keating, Roxette, Roxy Music, Sade, Sheryl Crowe, Simple Minds, Simply Red, Sting, Steely Dan, Steve Winwood, Stills & Nash, The B52’s, The Beach Boys, The Motown Show, The Pretenders, The Proclaimers, Tom Jones, Train and Violent Femmes.

Australian artists who have performed for A Day On The Green include 1927, Adalita, Alex Lahey, Archie Roach, Baby Animals, Ben Hazelwood, Bernard Fanning, Boom Crash Opera, British India, Choirboys, Clairy Browne, Clare Bowditch, Cold Chisel, Dami Im, Dan Sultan, Daryl Braithwaite, David Campbell, Diesel, Dragon, Eurogliders, Gang Gajang, Glenn Shorrock, Guy Sebastian, Hoodoo Gurus, Hunters & Collectors, Husky, Ian Moss, Icehouse, INXS, James Reyne, Jebediah, Jimmy Barnes, John Butler Trio, John Farnham, John Paul Young, Jon Stevens, Kasey Chambers, Kate Ceberano, Katie Noonan, Kira Puru, Lanie Lane, Lisa Mitchell, Little Red, Lowrider, Machinations, Mahalia Barnes, Marcia Hines, Mark Gable of Choirboys, Mark Seymour, Mark Wilkinson, Megan Washington, Melody Pool, Mental As Anything, Mi-Sex, Michael Paynter, Missy Higgins, Models, Montaigne, Moving Pictures, Ngarie, Nick Barker, Noiseworks, Oh Mercy, Paul Kelly, Pete Murray, Pseudo Echo, Renee Geyer, Richard Clapton, Richard Clapton, Rose Tattoo, Ross Wilson, Russell Morris, Sarah Blasko, Sean Kelly, Sheppard, Something for Kate, Spiderbait, 'Swanee', Steve Kilbey, Stonefield, Tash Sultana, Tate Sheridan, Tex Perkins, The Angels, The Badloves, The Black Sorrows, The Clouds, The Dead Daisies, The Living End, The Meanies, The Preatures, The Temper Trap, The Waifs, The Whitlams, The Wolfgramm Sisters, Thirsty Merc, Tim Finn, Tim Rogers, Tina Arena, Troy Cassar-Daley, Vanessa Amorosi, Vika & Linda Bull, Wa Wa Nee, Washington, Wendy Matthews, Xavier Rudd and You Am I.

 

One of the Australian acts was Jimmy Barnes. Jimmy Barnes is the heart and the soul of Australian rock & roll. After 40 years on stages of all kinds, Jimmy is an icon – his nickname “Barnesy” conjures up thoughts of rock music at an ear-splitting volume, and of soul standards given a unique reading. Jimmy has been through it all, and lived to tell the tale and that has earned him a place in Australia’s heart and heartland. Along the way he has sold more records in Australia than any other domestic rock & roll artist. Jimmy’s live shows are legendary for their intensity.

Daryl Braithwaite became one of Australia's most successful pop singers, both as a solo act and with the band Sherbet. More than two decades on from the partnership that produced the multi-platinum albums Edge (1988) and Rise (1990) Daryl is a regular and one of the favorites. 

Noiseworks was formed in Sydney with the lineup of Steve Balbi on bass guitar and backing vocals; Stuart Fraser on guitar and backing vocals; Kevin Nicol on drums; Justin Stanley on keyboards, harmonica and backing vocals; and Jon Stevens on lead vocals. After quickly establishing a solid following on Sydney's pub rock circuit, Noiseworks was signed by CBS. Their first single, "No Lies", reached the Top 40 on the Kent Music Report Singles Chart. "Take Me Back" was more successful, making No. 7, and became one of the band's best known songs.

RUBYVALE & SAPPHIRE GEMFIELDS, CENTRAL QUEENSLAND. AUSTRALIA

Encompassing around 900 square kilometres of irresistible gem fossicking opportunities, while in Emerald we couldn’t miss the Central highland gem fields. This was quite an experience. We left Lake Maraboon for a short drive to the mining towns of Rubyvale and Sapphire, and embarked on a guided tour of an underground mine.

Kim Caught gem fever as see discovered the famous jewels of the Central Highlands, and explored the famous gem shops, galleries, jewellers and locally created cottage industries that are the lifeblood of the Sapphire Gemfields.

We first stopped for a big brekkie at the Rubyvale Café and browse the adjacent Gem Gallery where Peter Brown, pioneering miner turned gem cutter and jeweller, showed us his collection of rainbow sapphires.

If you’re Kim and get seduced by all the bling you can buy a readymade piece or choose a loose sapphire and commission a special piece of jewellery.

Given the sheer vastness of Australia, it isn’t surprising to learn that the country comprises many natural resources and numerous gold rushes from as early as 1851 onwards. This has contributed to a maintained interest in fossicking activity, which still lives on to this day, especially in the Gemfields townships of Anakie, Rubyvale, Sapphire and The Willows which annually host GemFest, a celebration of jewels.

Many Australians and tourists alike still enjoy the rather unique activity of panning for jewels and who can blame them? It yields an unmatched experience which is rather different from retail ventures in the big cities or lazing on New South Wales beaches, revealing more about themes of culture while for those lucky enough; they’ll be able to take away a shiny souvenir.

The pioneering spirit is alive and well in the Sapphire Gemfields around Emerald. Treasure seekers have been coming here since the seventies, searching for precious stones. It’s a magnet for free spirits and adventure seekers who want to experience the real Australian outback and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.

It’s hot, dusty work fossicking for sapphires, you have been warned! But it could be worth it. After all, you’ll hit pay dirt if you find a big old sapphire in your sieve. Stranger things have happened in the gemfields around Emerald and all the locals have a story or two to tell about sapphires they’ve unearthed.

We escaped the heat and went gem crazy with a Mine Tour at Miners Heritage. If you can’t take the heat, this is a great option because no matter how hot it is outside, it’s always cool underground.

Miners Heritage is Australia’s largest underground walk-in sapphire mine tour so you can experience what it’s like to be a miner. The short tour is fun for all the family and the sapphires sparkling in the walls will get you fired up for more fossicking later.

There’s an underground museum where you can read about some of the sapphires that have been found over the years, and after the tour, you can buy a bucket of ‘wash’ (the leftover dirt from commercial mines) and fossick for your own gem.

While we were visiting the area a grey nomad picked an eight-carat yellow sapphire out of a $8 bag of wash. You never know what you’ll find!