Kaufman's Caravan Road Trip

We've been making the rounds of Australia's southeast cities and byways.  "Caravaning" is an Aussie tradition.  As is bush walking.  Well we may have cheated just a bit on both, but follow the links below to Brizzy, Melbin, Lord Howe - and well you'll see. 

There could be a "man-cation" idea here!  Looking for more on Caravan's? 

Link to Caravans and more. 

Canberra - Australian Capital Territory

Envision Washington DC  cleared of all but its monuments which now look as if a sci-fi loving architect designed them and you have a picture of Canberra.  It is a capital of contradictions.   The center of politics and holding the nation's artistic treasures yet it is a rural city with the occasional kangaroo found hopping down the street.  What it lacks in tall buildings, business buzz and the modernity of other Australian cities it makes up for in a wonderful selection of museums housing national treasures.

In the early 1900's it was decided to end the rivalry between Sydney, the oldest city, and Melbourne, the largest city, by locating the capital in neutral territory.  Naming the previous sheep station area took about a decade.  On March 12, 1913 the Ngambri word for meeting place was officially bestowed on this new capital.

By the way - the Sydney VS Melbourne rivalry still thrives!

National Folk Festival - are you a "folky'?

A  bit of folk, a bit of country, Gaelic jams and some Motown on the side is what was on at the National Folk Festival over Easter weekend at  Exhibition Park in Camberra.  Dance, unusual craft, interesting folk of all ages and foods for every taste .  And bushmen, don't miss getting your tucker at the stock camp.
Click for pictures - music provided by folky Chris Smither
 And to hear a jam session on U-Tube - click this link

Brisbane - Capital of Queensland

"Brizzy" is Australia's third largest city and known for its scenic beauty.  It's earlier claim to fame came from finding a new home in 1823 for some of Sydney's more intractable convicts who needed more secure incarceration.  It's then remoteness and the bend in its river made escape difficult. Free settlers arrived in 1837, but were not permitted to move closer than 50 miles to the famously harsh penal colony.  The city flourished along with Queensland's natural mineral resources.    Today ferries are the way to commute to this diverse city from its charming riverside suburbs.

Are Sherry and Bill here?

Outdoor movies in Melbourne and at Sydney Botanical Garden?
We had only two questions, where are the Welch's and do we need to bring our own speakers?

Lord Howe Island - 600 km to heaven

Blend a bit of Block and Useppa islands, place it in the Pacific, sprinkle in a few cattle and you might come close to this UNESCO Heritage Site.  Halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, the sense of restful calm washes over you the moment your step off the plane.  The birds, wildlife and flowers are rare even by Australian standards. Four-hundred residents and a handful of cattle share their peace with the same number of guests.  Bicycles and feet are the most common form of transportation.  And although there is a town, stores can be counted on one hand. The water clarity is incredible and the diving is easy.  You want to return before you've ever left. 
Click here to take a peak  (music by Australian - Leah Curtis)

"Marvelous Melbourne" - a little bit of everything

Melbourne's rapid growth was precipitated by the 1850's gold rush, creating enormous wealth and grand public buildings. It was the industrial and financial capital of Australia until 1972.  Today elaborate Victorian architecture mixes with the avant garde.  In a constant competition with Sydney for everything from sport and culture to food and weather, it is a charming city with much to offer.  In one weekend there was fashion shows, skateboard finals, a Thai beauty contest, Food and Wine festival and outdoor movies.  Formula One - that's the following week.  Click to see more of "Mel-bin"

Has Jay franchised?

What are Chad and Louie doing rowing along at St. Kilda's beach?  

The Melbourne coast is a long way from Useppa or has Taylor  branched out?

Brighton Beach Box - aren't they delightful?

And the asking price for these 10X20 jewels?  

A mere $100K plus.

No electric, no running water, strict decorating codes and a waiting list over a generation long. But they are magical!  See the delights of an afternoon at Brighton Beach and St. Kilda - a mere 10km from Melbourne - or -  "Mel-bin".  Click to see a day on the boardwalk

Houseboating on the Upper Hawkesbury River

Is that Captain Steve's new boat?

Join us, with our US friends Fran and Tom, aboard "Serenity" on the upper Hawkesbury River.  Only 60 miles north of Sydney, but you could be hundreds of miles away.  And the boat, well really a house on the water.  4 bedrooms, 2 baths, a full kitchen, hot-tub on the top deck and a "barbie" of course.  Ripping along at 10 knots.  Watch out Blue Chip!
Note - Berowa Waters Inn offers 5 star dining and a mooring, if you happen to be in the hood.

Click to see what we saw!

What's that you're holding?

Let's face it, animals from OZ look, well, like they are from OZ.  What is taken for granted down under, never ceases to amaze those of us from the other side of the equator.

Friends complain about how a Kangaroo & her Joey ruined someone's birdie on the 9th hole - or how a Walabee stares down the neighbors when they go to walk the dog.

Well, living in Sydney, we don't get much of that . So while visiting Brisbane, we took a river cruise to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - the oldest in Australia. Touching and feeding was believing.

This koala weighs about 15 pounds and sleeps the better part of a day.  Who says a vegetarian diet will keep you slim and full of energy?

Click to see more of him and his "ozzie" mates

Easter in OZ

EASTER - well that's a 4 day weekend mate.

No you don't see many churches about, but it's been over a month since we've had a decent holiday, so everyone will be taking off Friday, oh and Monday as well.

See you next week mate!  Or the week after, 'cause the kids are on holidays

And the egg?

Well we do things big down under.  Just duck if you see one coming at you.