Australia Day, in NSW – 2020

31 Friday Jan 2020

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Australia, Australia Day, Australia Day 2020

Tags

australia, Australia Day, Browns Rocks, Bundjalung National Park, Clarence River, Iluka, Moriarty Beach, Northern Rivers NSW, Photography, travel, Yamba

Once again I made my annual pilgrimage down to Iluka in the northern rivers area of NSW to celebrate Australia day with my family. Iluka is surrounded by Bundjalung National Park, World Heritage listed Rainforest, the mighty Clarence River and the South Pacific Ocean and is famous for fishing for both river and deep sea enthusiasts. It is abundant in rain forests, stunning wildlife, long secluded beaches with clean sand and crystal clear blue waters. The town is off the beaten track and I would describe it as an ‘untouched seaside resort’.

Only 2 months ago this part of the northern Rivers of NSW was engulfed in out of control bush fires. My family were evacuated from their home several times but thankfully, the dedication of the firies saved their house.

This is how amazing the Australian Bush is; This area was a raging inferno 6 weeks ago.

Australia Day is our official National Day which is celebrated annually on January 26th. It marks the anniversary of the arrival of the first fleet of British ships into Port Jackson Sydney in 1788. In contemporary Australia, the holiday is marked by the presentation of the Australian of the Year awards. It is an official public holiday in all states and territories and celebrated with festivals, concerts and ceremonies, large and small, in communities and cities around the nation.

For us, it is time with family.

The beginning of our day commenced with our early morning walk where we were watched by some of the locals. I did notice that there were not as many as past years. They are always so curious and usually only hop away when we start to get very close to them.

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Then it was time to take the boat out on the Clarence River. We launched the boat at our usual spot, Brown’s Rocks. Once again, we were blessed with glorious weather. We motored on down the river to where the mouth meets the Pacific Ocean, between the towns of Iluka on the northern side and Yamba on the south.

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We slowly cruised around the Yamba side of the river where there were many fantastic looking boats.

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We eventually pulled in to Moriarty beach where we all dived in to the clear blue water. Moriarty Beach can also be accessed from the township of Iluka by foot or by car. Yachts, motor boats and house boats continued to arrive to the “secluded” beach while we were there and before long it was turning in to a very popular spot. And why not, it is beautiful.
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After a full and fabulous morning out on the water we cruised back up the river to home.

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It was not long before friends and neighbours were joining us for our very Aussie backyard bbq. An Aussie barbecue is a great Australian tradition and almost a must on Australia day. It was a very long afternoon of swims, prosecco, beers, laughs, great food including a lamb roast and finishing off with a wonderful Australian sweets platter.

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Our weekend celebrations also included visitinga local beach with our doggies who I must say had a fantastic time running in and out of the ocean. Many of the beaches in the area are dog friendly which is wonderful for us.

Buddy

Molly

The beaches are clean, deserted and offer tranquility. When there are people, they are very few so it is most likely that you will have the beach to yourself on most days. Iluka is a popular tourist destination in holiday time however due to its small population the beaches are pretty much empty other times of the year.

Another perfect Australia Day weekend.

My Perfect Australia Day

29 Sunday Jan 2017

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Australia, Australia Day, My Perfect Australia Day

≈ 26 Comments

Tags

australia, Australia Day, Clarence River, Iluka, Northern Rivers NSW, Photography, travel

Once again I made my annual pilgrimage down to the northern rivers area of NSW to celebrate Australia day with my family. This part of northern NSW is about a 3 hour drive south from Brisbane.

Australia Day is our official National Day which is celebrated annually on January 26th. It marks the anniversary of the arrival of the first fleet of British ships into Port Jackson Sydney in 1788

In contemporary Australia, the holiday is marked by the presentation of the Australian of the Year awards. It is an official public holiday in all states and territories and celebrated with festivals, concerts and ceremonies, large and small, in communities and cities around the nation.

For us, it is time with family.

The beginning of our day commenced with our early morning walk where we were watched by some of the the many locals. They are always so curious and usually only hop away when we start to get very close to them.

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Then it was time to take the boat out on the Clarence River. Once again, we were blessed with glorious weather. We motored on down the river to where the mouth meets the Pacific Ocean, between the towns of Iluka and Yamba.

We visited a favourite local beach where a swim was a must. As usual it was “crowded” with about a handful of people from other boats.

Coast Guard Beach Iluka

Then we motored over to the local pub on the river in Iluka for nice cold beers which were enjoyed down at the water’s edge.

Sedges Pub Iluka

After enjoying our beers, we then walked over to the local Fisherman’s co-op to purchase our fish and chips and calamari for our very Aussie lunch at the beach on the river.

Fisherman’s Co-op Iluka

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After a full and fabulous day out on the water we cruised back up the river to home.

Then, as evening approached, with neighbours joining us, we settled in for our very Aussie backyard bbq. An Aussie barbecue is a great Australian tradition and almost a most on Australia day.

A few more of the locals hopped over for a late afternoon feed.

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Free gem in the city, with a little history

30 Thursday Apr 2015

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Australia Day, Brisbane City Hall

≈ 18 Comments

Tags

Brisbane, City Hall, clock tower, Costumes of the Golden Age of Hollywood, King George Square, Photography, travel

After my Brisbane city walking tour several weeks ago with Bruce from Brisbane Cit Greeters I decided I would like to return to the City Hall and have a guided tour of the building. This building, which is an amazing structure in the middle of Brisbane city, overlooking King George Square was designed according to the Italian Renaissance style. It has 3 floors and a partial basement.

We went to City Hall firstly to see the Costumes of the Golden Age of Hollywood exhibition in the Museum of Brisbane.

However upon arrival we learned that we could partake in the 10.30 guided tour of the building.

The tour of City Hall was really interesting, our guide was so enthusiastic about Brisbane and its history, with loads of really good information and a real must do if you are visiting Brisbane. The tour lasted about 45 pleasurable minutes and it was free. You must book for these tours, either at city hall or online.

Marble stairs in entrance of City Hall

After we completed this walking tour we spent time in the Brisbane museum where there is a wonderful photographic exhibition displaying photos of Brisbane from the late 1890’s to the early 1900’s and giving a wonderful and free insight into the history of this river city. The exhibition reveals how the river is intertwined in the lives of Brisbane’s inhabitants.

After spending time in the museum we took a tour of the clock tower. This imposing 70 mt tower is based on the design of the St Mark’s Campanile in Venice, Italy. The four clock faces on each side of the tower are the largest in Australia. The clock has Westminster Chimes, which sound on the quarter-hour, and can be heard from the Queen St Mall and, at times, in the surrounding suburbs. Above the clock is an observation platform, open to the public and accessible by the elevator between 10:15 am and 4:45 pm seven days a week.

Tours operate daily taking visitors up the Brisbane City Hall Clock Tower in a beautiful, old, hand-operated lift, providing a bird’s-eye view of the city. No bookings required. Obtain a ticket in person on the day at the Museum of Brisbane reception counter on level 3. And again, free.

We then stopped for a pleasant break and nice lunch at the Shingle Inn, the oldest restaurant/café in Brisbane, which was built in 1936 and is still in its original design, including fixtures etc

From there we returned to the Brisbane Museum where the Costumes from the Golden Age of Hollywood exhibition is being held. Step back in time onto the soundstage of a bygone era and discover this cinematic world. This exhibition will take visitors behind the scenes to gain a glimpse into Hollywood of the 1920s to 1960s through a collection of costumes, props and ephemera connected to the cinema’s most iconic stars, studios and designers. The exhibition is currently running till the end of May. And again, free.

I have lived in Brisbane for many years and this is my first time spent in City Hall. If you are visiting our city or already live here, take the time to visit and take a look around this special building. I can highly recommend it as it is well worth it. You could easily spend a full day here.

My Australia Day Weekend

29 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Australia, Australia Day

≈ 23 Comments

Tags

Australia Day, Clarence River, Iluka, Iluka Pub, northern rivers, NSW, Photography, Qld, travel

My family lives in a beautiful area on the north coast of NSW. This area is often called “God’s country” as it is just so unspoiled and lovely. It is the northern rivers area and is about a 3 hour drive south from my home in Brisbane. NSW is the state south of Qld where I live.

For this Australia day I chose to spend the long weekend with my family in this lovely area. It is tradition for families to get together for this special day. The day usually includes a good Aussie bbq with family and friends and if you live near the coast it often involves time at the beach. For me, I was lucky enough to have it all plus more.

We spent the Sunday out in the boat on the Clarence River which runs out in to the Pacific Ocean. The day was spectacular. We cruised up the river calling in to several beaches for many swims as we needed to cool off.

We tied the boat up in front of the local pub in Iluka and stopped for a couple of cold beers before enjoying our lunch of locally caught fish.

On the actual day, Monday 26th, friends and neighbours joined us for an Aussie bbq, Aussie beers and swims in the pool. The day was casual, very casual because that is what suits our climate and that is how Aussies like to have fun.

Australia Day is on January 26 and commemorates the establishment of the first European settlement at Port Jackson, now part of Sydney, in 1788. The First Fleet was led by Captain Arthur Philip. He established the Colony of New South Wales, the first penal colony in Australia.

Australia Day is a public holiday in all states and territories. All schools and most offices are closed. Stores are often open, but may have reduced opening hours. It is an opportunity for Australians to come together to celebrate their country and culture.

Many people have a day off work and use the day to picnic in a park, have a bbq with family and friends, go shopping or to play or to watch sports events.

In some towns and cities, citizenship ceremonies are held on Australia Day. These are ceremonies to welcome immigrants to the country who have been granted Australian citizenship. Although official, these ceremonies often have a festive atmosphere. In addition, the Australian of the Year Awards are presented. These are awards for Australians who have made an outstanding contribution to their country or community.

The locals enjoying their Australia Day lunch