Weekly Photo Challenge : How close can you go…

I wonder how close can I go…

Now this is getting closer, I can almost reach…

Got it….

This is close-up…

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Not macro photography, but I have interpreted “close-up” in a different way.

Browsing in Brunswick Heads…

We have a new toy. Actually it is more than a toy, for me it is a brilliant piece of technology. She talks to me, keeps me on track and even beeps at me if I exceed the speed limit and what’s more, warns me of fixed speed cameras. Brilliant, a GPS system, I will never get lost on car journeys again…

Yesterday we tried it out on a car journey to Ocean Shores to meet Sue and Norm who we will be house sitting for in September.

We cruised along, under the speed limit, in complete confidence that at least the GPS knew where our destination was. I didn’t even look it up on Google maps before we left home. In 45 minutes the smug voice announced “You have reached your destination”.

Now I will “never walk alone”….

After a cup of tea and a pleasant hour meeting the pets, Mitch, a very well behaved rescue dog, and Rainy and Lenny, 2 cream coated Burmese brothers. We left and will be looking forward to coming back in September.

What a view. This is from the “Lion’s Lookout” and down below is the small township of Ocean Shores, snuggled into the bush. I’ll look forward to dog walks all around this area.

In the opposite direction I can see the Mount Warning range. But look at those yellow flowers, glowing in the sun and I spot small birds flitting among the blossom. I slowly inch forward camera at the ready. They move so fast and they are almost camouflaged among the flowers.

They are the scaly breasted lorikeet gorging on the nectar. I have read in Google that this area is renowned for bird life. More to look forward too.

Time to move on and with confidence I reprogram the GPS to Brunswick Heads, only 10 minutes down the road.

Gathering information brochures of the area from the information office we wander round this  traditional seaside village  Timber bridges link the riverside to a safe, quiet beach at the mouth of the Brunswick River and to the surf beach that spans the coastline.

Lunch is our first priority and there are plenty of options, but we choose Park Street pasta bar offering alfresco dining, set in a cool, hip, relaxed family-friendly atmosphere. 

This town has an alternative lifestyle vibe. The locals are relaxed and many have their dogs with them. The dogs lay under the tables and wait patiently for their owners. I make a mental note that I will be able to bring Mitch, the dog, here with me.

Here is a gallery of things I saw on my browse around Brunswick Heads.

Canoes for hire

These 2 are enjoying a swim

People having picnics along the river bank

Children’s playground being well used

2 corellas watch from their nesting hole in the tree.

After walking along the river bank we go back into the shopping area.

Now this is a bright and breezy welcome.

The architecture is old world style and has a friendly welcoming feel. This looks like Another place to try…

There are a number of op shops, antique and boutique places to potter through.

 

This artistic layout caught my eye, very “olde worlde” which matched the display of retro clothes inside.

Look at the shadows…

Now this gate would suit our garden…

It was an interesting day with a promise of more to come in September.

But now it was pressing the “favourite” tab on the GPS and we drove stress free home…

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Here’s my weekend walk with Jo and her cyber walking group. Also link (a bit tongue in cheek) to Ailsa and her theme of “toys” this week.

 

Weekly Photo Challenge : Symbols of Australia

When you think of Australia what pops into your mind?

This land down under has unique flora and fauna and I think the kangaroo is one of the symbols that people associate with Australia.

Everyone who comes here thinks the Koala is so cute and cuddly.

They look so harmless, but beware they have very sharp claws.

Never smile at a crocodile, they can jump and also run, so keep well away from the water’s edge in the tropical parts of Australia…

The dingo looks like the family pet, but don’t be tempted to pat him, he has a nasty temper.

As for the Tasmanian Devil, he is devil in name and devil in nature.  Its oversize head houses sharp teeth and strong, muscular jaws that can deliver, pound for pound, one of the most powerful bites of any mammal.

The snake is another of the scary creatures that live in Australia. This one was living in a  tree in my back yard.

Python

There are also birds and maybe one of the most colourful is the lorikeet. They travel in large flocks and though they look beautiful they have a very loud screechy voice.

The kookaburra’s raucous laugh is, to me, the symbol and sound of Australia.

Another day of snakes, birds, kangaroos, dingoes and all sorts of creepy crawlies

A top attraction on the Goldcoast is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. A fascinating collection of Australian wildlife. With hundreds of animals and birds, the Sanctuary is home to one of the largest  collections of Australian native wildlife in the world. Established over 60  years ago, the Sanctuary has attracted millions of visitors throughout its  history and continues to provide opportunities to see and interact with Australia’s  amazing wildlife.

We always take visitors here as Australia has such an unusual collection of native animals. It is a full days outing. It all started when the Sanctuary was established in 1947 by beekeeper and  flower grower Alex Griffiths, who began feeding the region’s wild lorikeets to  prevent them from ravaging his prized blooms. The feeding of the colourful  lorikeets soon developed from a local curiosity to a popular tourist  attraction.. The lorikeets still come for their morning feed and if you arrive at 8am when the park opens you can help feed these colourful, cheeky birds.

Entrance to this part of the sanctuary is FREE. You can watch, or for a small donation you are given a plate filled with a syrupy mixture and the birds land all over you.

The lorikeets land every where. Can you see them on peoples heads?

But mostly they land on the plate of nectar

The lorikeet feeding is just the start and I consider this attraction well worth visiting.

•  Buy your ticket on line and you only pay $33, the normal adult price is $49, a saving of $16. Go here to check out the prices, times and daily activities.
• Check the activity times and build your day around them.
• A small train circles the park and is a good way to save energy.
• The food is very expensive and very basic. If you can, take snacks with you.
• Do not miss the free-flight display, I think it is amazing.

We had a great day and the weather was perfect. Here is a gallery of some of the animals and birds we saw…

Koala

Baby Koala

I’ve got my beady eye on you

Albino Dingo

Turtle

Sulphur crested cockatoo

Barking Owl

Big eyes

You can get up close and personal

Another Koala

Tasmanian Devil

Echidna

Water dragon

Feeding the pelicans

Save your legs

Python, carpet snake

Wedge tail eagle

After a full day of wandering around the sanctuary and being absorbed in the native wild life of Australia what better way to end the day than go down to the beach and with a bottle of wine and cheese and crackers watch the sun set.

Perfect way to end the day

As we watched a fisherman wandered over the rocks to cast his line into the surf. Within minutes he had a bite and after a struggle he pulled up a good-sized trevally.

Our entertainment, watching the fishing

 

Great catch, trevally caught from the rocks

 

The sun sets slowly in the west

 

The lights slowly come on in the hi-rise apartments

 

 

 

 

 

 

Travel Theme : Couples

lorrikeets in rain video, originally uploaded by gypsy woman1.

When ever it rained this couple of rainbow lorikeets would shelter on our front deck.

I am looking forward to seeing them again soon…

Ailsa from “Where’s my backpack” has given us this lovely theme. Click on the link to take you to more…