Travel Australia - by Craig Hill

I tend to think we should be against US army bases being in Australia and definitely believe we shouldn't establish new ones.

One would think Peter Garrett would share this view, what with his past beliefs, but a certain backflip has surprised and disappointed me. He made a press release today saying he supported the decision of the Government to allow a new US satellite base in Geraldton. To me this seems as though he is simply towing the party line, something he has done a bit of since joining the ALP. Even joining the ALP was a move towards a softening of his stances.

I am well aware how Australian politics work and that disunity is death, but I really don't see in this current climate how choosing not to support another base is going to be bad for the ALP chances in this year's election.

It's not as though the ALP were calling on the US to move out of their base in Pine gap. Just say we don't think it is necessary for them to take up anymore of our land!

Come on Peter, stay strong on the issues you know matter.

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Posted By: Glen - Category: WA

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If Sadame had to, Mugabe must go

February 14th 2007 01:28

I know this is not related to travelling in Australia, but it does have a link to world travel and to Australian foreign policy. I wrote about this issue about two years ago and am quite saddened to see nothing has changed. The issue being, how Mugabe can be allowed to, not only remain in power, but ruin an entire nation in the space of five years, with little pressure on him to change his ways.

Inflation in Zimbabwe is the highest of any nation. The regime decided it would be a good idea to print money to pay off their debts, because that has worked before (sarcasm). New banknotes printed recently, according to London's Telegraph, were stockpiled rather than distributed, as their value was so low. How many times have we seen that done in history and have it cripple a nation more!

My main problem with the lack of pressure from other nations on this regime about this issue, is not simply because Mugabe drove out all the caucasian farmers, resulting in the complete destruction of Zimbabwe's biggest industry; it is also with the regime's relocation of many of the native citizens who they see as supporting the opposition, or to just get rid of shanty towns. How making people move from shanty towns to open aired living is a solution to anything is beyond me.

Add to that the fact there are going to be celebrations for Mugabe's 83rd birthday, costing some ridiculous amount of funds, donated by the people (apparently, as though they have money) and you get a screaming message that Mugabe is sucking Zimbabwe dry.

This situation is history repeating itself - Germany, Cambodia and closer to Zimbabwe - Rwanda and Somalia all come to mind. So there isn't oil or weapons in Zimbabwe, but there are people, and that should matter so much more. I am not saying send in troops, though perhaps the UN troops could go in, ifa way could be found under their charter, but we need to send really strong messages that Mugagbe will die a villan, not the hero he believes he is, and has time to redeem himself by retiring now.

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Posted By: Glen - Category: WA

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WA Ashes Cricket

December 15th 2006 08:19

Spent the last couple of days watching the cricket in WA.

Great that it starts two hours later due to the different time zone. Means I can still get things done in the morning and then you can settle down for a good arvo of cricket.

The weather, particularly compared to Sydney at the moment, looks pretty decent. No rain like it was here today.

The most positive thing is the English performance. They've finally started putting up a decent effort. The question has to be asked, wheere was Monty Panasar in the first two tests? I just can't understand the thinking of the English selectors.

The Barmy Army now have something to cheer about and you have to say the WA wicket, which has stood up despite the criticism.

Anyway, it's the weekend and I'm off to have some beers and check the cricket score.

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WA says yes to daylight saving... maybe

November 1st 2006 06:19

Western Australia have rejected 3 referendums in the last 31 year for the introduction of daylight saving. This is in contrast to some of the Eastern states, which have had it, and enjoyed it, for years. Referendums in Australia have a record of being defeated though and if the WA lower house has its way, there will be another one soon.

The way it will work is that now that a bill for daylight saving has passed the lower house, if it passes the upper house, there will be a 3 year trial of daylight saving, beginning this summer, before a state wide referendum.

With the 3 year trial one would think it has more of a chance to get a YES vote with a referendum.

The disadvantages of daylight saving I suppose are those who have to wake up early and go to bed early. The advantages are long hours of sun in a day. I love it personally. Get with it WA!

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Bungle Bungle Ranges

September 17th 2006 22:23

Although this blog frequently highlights the coastal beauties of this country, if you are travelling to or within Australia you really should consider heading inland to see some of the most breathtaking landscapes the natural world has to offer.

The Bungle Bungles in Western Australia is one such landscape and shows how geographical processes can work to produce something quite unusual and stunning to view and visit. It is known as one of the last remaining explored areas by Europeans, with this part of the Kimberley only well known since the 1980s.

The ranges are characterised by a series of large knobbly hills spread over quite a vast area. Within these hills are gorges and water courses, which in the wet season, November to March, can be overflowing from large downpours.

The area is most frequently explored by air, with scenic flights available from Halls Creek or Kununurra near the border with the Northern Territory. The other option is driving, but a 4WD is essential as the road into it not especially easy going. Once in the national park you are able to walk about exploring ancient aboriginal rock art or the wonderful natural landforms.

As a point of note: Purnululu National Park, which contains the Bungle Bungles, was named a World Heritage protected site in 2003.

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The Coral Coast

August 21st 2006 09:06

Whale Sharks are one of a number of species found in Ningaloo Reef

WA conservationists and preservationists, including famous author Tim Winton are attempting to prevent their coastline going the way of the Gold Coast. At this present time, the Coral Coast receives significantly fewer tourists that the glitzy Queenland coast mentioned, but many want to keep it that way. Despite the fewer number of tourists, the impact of travellers on this pristine part of WA is being seen.

The conservationists are looking for action, but one solution suggested is not being accepted with open arms by all. Some see a big resort as a way of conserving the Ningaloo Reef. The idea is that it would replace the current tourist norm of camping in the sand dunes, pretty much having free rein in the area with negative impacts on wildlife and the land. What the resort would do though is price many tourists out of the market, meaning only those with money could enjoy the beautiful coastline.

What it the alternative? Education according to some. Some believe a new found respect for the land is already emerging and that people are aware they need to preserve an area such as this. They know that others should be able to enjoy the windswept coast with its plethora of unique wildlife, without a 5 star resort.

It is an interesting question. One must say, if you want that resort holiday, why can’t you go the gold coast? Why do you need that sort of experience, which tends to be quite standard across resorts, in a completely new location? I think a diversity of experience can only be a good thing for the WA tourism industry.

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Red Bull Air Race Perth

August 14th 2006 12:05

Air Race in Kent, England

The adrenaline rush takes a new form with air racing. This sport actually has a world series, where planes race in some of the most spectacular settings in the world. The final race in this year’s World Series will be held in beautiful Perth for the first time. Consequent year’s races will be held in Perth at least until 2008. For those that secured the rights to hold such an event, it is seen as a big score for Perth and Western Australia.

Perth gets some Rugby and it gets some cricket, but it is often overlooked in favour of East Coast cities. With the potential of this event seen as enormous for Western Australia, the state government are holding a week long festival on the shores of the Swan River. The race meet itself will be take place over three days from Friday 17th November to Sunday 19th and is expected to draw thousands of people to watch the race.

The race’s appeal lies in the planes moving at speeds in excess of 400 km/hour as well as travelling heinously close to the surface of the water and through air filled gates requiring great skill and precision from the drivers. Other races are held in locations which include the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Turkey and San Francisco amongst others. Perth has been placed in fine company then, but the city is fit and ready for such an event. Tourists and locals alike will realise what a fine setting Perth will provide.

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Cable Beach – Broome

July 13th 2006 12:07

Camels at Cable Beach

Cable Beach is a quite a famous beach located in Broome. It is considered as Broome’s main swimming beach and is home to many holiday makers, particularly since the refurbishment of the Cable Beach Club Resort.

I imagine the resort couldn’t ignore the locations potential. Located at the edge of the Kimberley, the beach is a perfect jumping off point though of course is also a fabulous place to enjoy the beautiful white sands.

These stunning white sands make a great back drop to some stunningly spectacular sunsets, something most guests should make sure they enjoy. Accommodation wise, Cable Beach Resort is the most convenient, but it isn’t cheap. The price I suppose suggests how wonderful the beach and area are. The prices begin at $284 per room per night for studio rooms, but go up to $1600 for a suite. Prices of course vary between this depending on the room and the time of year you want to go. There is also a minimum four night stay.

With this in mind, perhaps a more reasonable price is preferred. If so, there are plenty of more affordable options in Broome, a nice town that is also handy to other beaches within the region.

Cable Beach is a mainland tropical holiday option – quite a nice luxury if you get over to Western Australia.

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Perth Western Australia

June 6th 2006 07:41

Sometimes it is easy to forget out Western countrymen. Due to the size of Australia, Western Australia seems very much detached from the East Coast where the majority of the population live. This is somewhat of a shame as it is a beautiful part of the country. Going there can be treated as going to an entirely different nation, with the comforts associated with home.

I have featured Rottnest Island before, but today I’m going to look at the capital city – Perth. Perth is a vibrant city with a great array of attractions and infrastructure a well established city should have. It has its home on the banks of the Swan River and is littered with inner city parks which combine to give Perth a large part of its appeal. It is vibrant enough, but relaxed and peaceful in the same breath.

Kings Park is seen by many as the heart of Perth being the most popular visitor destination in WA. Home to the WABotanic Gardens, it is home to a large variety of native flora and fauna. It is also 2/3 bushland and is perfect for walking and picnics. Burswood Park on the Swan River offers a trail that will give you the perfect way to experience the foreshore of the Swan.

As a public transport lover and knowing its benefits for travellers I am extremely impressed Perth offers a free service in the CBD. This can help with the shopping – Perth’s CBD offers shopping with both an Australian and International flavour. There are a number of traffic-free malls combined with street shops and small shopping centres.

There must be something about Perth if so many of the Ten Pound Poms coming to Australia decided to stop their journey in Perth rather than continuing on to the East Coast of Australia.

Image comes from wan_River%2CPerth%2CWestern_Australia.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia and is included under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.

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Western Australia's Rottnest Island

May 1st 2006 04:19

This is the first time I’ve focussed on a Western Australian location and I thought I’d start with somewhere very picturesque. Rottnest Island is located a short distance from Perth on Australia’s west coast. The first thing you notice about Rottnest Island is the colour of the water and the sand. Clear waters and white sands are not only to be found in the Pacific, as Rottnest Island proves.

It is a small Island, but packed full of features. There are no public cars allowed on the island, which is a definite positive as it sets the laid back atmosphere Rottnest has. Bikes are the go and a pretty good idea would be to hire one and ride round the island to take everything in. Leave a minimum of 2.5 hours for the trip. You can either hire your bike or bring your own on the 30 minute ferry ride from Fremantle or hour from Perth. If walking is more your thing, there are free guided walking tours organised through the Island Education Centre.

Even at this time of year, the weather on Rottnest is a pleasant temperature. This means surfing, scuba diving, fishing, swimming and kite surfing can all be on your agenda. Some very reputable surfing spots are located around the island.

Whether you’re visiting the island or staying at one of the many popular accommodation options, you’re going to find plenty to do on Rottnest. With 63 beaches, if you’re looking to enjoy the sun, you can’t really go wrong.

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