Australiana Archives - Page 5 of 6 - Australia by Red Nomad OZ

Random Adventure #7 – Taking the Train to Tumoulin

March 23, 2012 Red Nomad OZ Atherton Tableland, Australiana, Cairns, Herberton, Random Adventures, Ravenshoe, Things to do, Tumoulin

1925 D17 Class Steam Locomotive ‘Capella’ in Tumoulin, Queensland Over 100 years ago on 31 July 1911, regional Parliamentary representatives invited to the Herberton-Tumoulin railway line opening were too busyto attend according to a local historian. Exactly 100 years later – and how things have changed!! Crossing the trestle bridge, Tumoulin to Ravenshoe So, on 31 July 2011, during a[…]

Off the Tourist Trail #8 – Point Pass, South Australia

March 9, 2012 Red Nomad OZ Australiana, Inspiration Point, Mid North, Point Pass, South Australia

Looking towards Point Pass at Inspiration Point, Mid North, South Australia Penniless Australians despondent over their inability to travel overseas to areas of unfettered opulence and baroque magnificence need no longer be depressed about the prospect of never seeing their gilt and glamour. Lutheran Church, Point Pass, South Australia In fact, those unable to leave the country for ANY[…]

Only in OZ #20 – Steel Wings, Jerilderie, New South Wales

February 24, 2012 Red Nomad OZ Australiana, Bushranger, Jerilderie, Ned Kelly, New South Wales, Steel Wings, Things to do, Travel

After the thrill of finding a bread tin tribute to Aussie bushranger Ned Kelly at the bakery, downtown Jerilderie could hold nothing further for Aussie explorers like us. Could it? But according to the Jerilderie official visitor’s guide, as well as the Ned Kelly connection, this small New South Wales Southern Riverina town is also on Billabong Creek – longest in[…]

Moon Rocks in Main Street, Richmond, Queensland

Only in OZ #19 – Moon Rock-Throwing World Championships, Richmond, Queensland

February 18, 2012 Red Nomad OZ Australiana, Bakery, Boulia, Fossils, Moon Rocks, Outback, Queensland, Richmond

I’ve yet to meet a Calcareous Concretion I didn’t like. Although there’s some confusion about exactly where that magical Moon Rock meeting is likely to be. My first sighting in Outback Queensland’s Richmond was supposed to be ‘unique to the Richmond Shire’ according to the town guide. BUT … I’d clocked up several hundred Moon Rock sightings before heading a[…]

Eromanga Distance Sign, Outback Queensland

Signs #19 – Where’s the Ocean? Eromanga, Queensland

February 2, 2012 Red Nomad OZ Australiana, Eromanga, Outback, Queensland, Signs

There’s only one town in Australia furthest from the sea – in EVERY direction! Surprisingly, to me at least, it’s NOT in Central Australia! Australia’s weird continental shape means the geographic centre is relatively close to the Great Australian Bight to the south, and the Gulf of Carpentaria to the north. No, the title of furthest from the sea currently[…]

My FavouRED OZ Things #3*!!

January 26, 2012 Red Nomad OZ Australia Day, Australiana, FavouRED Things, New South Wales, Outback, Queensland, South Australia

It’s amazing how easy – and fun – it is to compose doggerel a new stanza for my favourite RED Aussie things! AND what better way to celebrate this fabulous Australia Day with some new RED OZ stuff!! I’m a loud and proud Aussie – so of course I’m going to show off all the OZ good bits to inspire you[…]

Only in OZ #18 – Big Woolbales, Hamilton, Victoria

January 9, 2012 Red Nomad OZ Australiana, Big Things, Big Wool Bales, Hamilton, Things to do, Travel, Victoria

The Big Woolbales, Hamilton, Victoria Although physical evidence sometimes suggests the contrary, not every iconic object in OZ has been turned into a Big Thing! That’s just as well. What kind of nightmares would a Big Politician evoke? And the disturbing mental image of the Big Potato – well, let’s just say that was a narrow escape!! Although a Big Politician[…]

Signs #18 – Historical? – OR Hysterical?!

November 17, 2011 Red Nomad OZ Australiana, Darling River, Murray River, New South Wales, Signs, Wentworth

Historic Sign, Wentworth, New South Wales At what point is an object, action, document or place deemed ‘historic’ – and therefore worthy of recognition and/or preservation? Sometimes we realise the significance too late and tangible symbols of our heritage are lost forever. Australia’s relatively short record of non-indigenous exploration doesn’t make us immune from failing to recognise the importance, or[…]

Between Boulia and Bedourie, Western Queensland Outback

Aussie Icons #6 – Min Min light, Boulia, Queensland

November 10, 2011 Red Nomad OZ Aussie Icons, Australiana, Boulia, Min Min light, Outback, Queensland, Things to do, Travel, Weird Stuff

The benign, blue sky stretches away to infinity around western Queensland’s Boulia, mostly unrelieved by clouds, birds or planes. Unremarkable – at least by Outback standards – Boulia’s boundless blue backdrop is the ultimate Big Sky luring travellers to the Outback. But it’s not the splendidly panoramic sky of daylight hours that attracts visitors to this remote capital of the[…]

Under the Canopy - Tree of Knowledge, Barcaldine

Aussie Icons #5 – Tree of Knowledge Barcaldine Queensland

October 3, 2011 Red Nomad OZ Aussie Icons, Australiana, Barcaldine, Outback, Queensland, Things to do, Travel

When the 200-year-old Tree of Knowledge was poisoned shortly after being included on the National Heritage List on Australia Day 2006, I was appalled. Yet another historic Aussie landmark fallen victim to the disregard sometimes shown for our heritage. But although the tree’s demise was disappointing, I was also resigned to its fate. Because when a tree dies, it’s gone for[…]