Category Archive

Cattai Wetlands, NSW Cattai Wetlands, NSW

Currently closed as a result of the bushfire damage and COVID, it’s worth keeping an eye on the website for notification of the reopening date.   Click the link below for more information Cattai Wetlands  

Life is Never Boring! Life is Never Boring!

It’s been another busy week aboard Australis 1.   A new post from NZ is also online. http://www.gratisaustralis.com/a-walk-a-dinghy-ride-oneroa-bay-paroa-bay/    

Life on Board Update Life on Board Update

Life is never boring…..      

2020 2020

  Then time for some sailing…..   Maps sourced from Googlemaps, 2020

New Davit Lines New Davit Lines

From aged wire with sharp hidden spikes to new dyneema. A bit of work, but well worth the effort.

New Zealand to Australia: Day Ten New Zealand to Australia: Day Ten

A STORM!   Awakened to the sound of howling winds and winches grinding, it was with a rush – or as much as one could in the conditions – that I hastened upstairs. The storm, I discovered, had struck with ferocious vengeance.   Cliff was at the helm, Bob on the starboard gennie sheet winch […]

New Zealand to Australia: Day 6 New Zealand to Australia: Day 6

The albatross returned and entertain us this morning. Over our ocean travels, Bob and I had discovered why seamen of yesteryear were so superstitious on sighting these magnificent birds – in actuality, the reason goes for any sea bird. In lighter conditions the birds soar gracefully between the swells and over the waves but, as […]

New Zealand to Australia: Day 5 New Zealand to Australia: Day 5

Day five of what was proving to be the ‘slow boat to China´, the waters were slightly improved, but not much.   For the first time since the last sail car had broken, the boys were able to substitute the main’s top car with one from below. Repairs completed, the sail was raised and set […]

New Zealand to Australia: Day Three New Zealand to Australia: Day Three

On arising from below, Bob and I were greeted by the sight of rolling hills, the leftover result from those overnight squalls. Grey skies were brightened by the rarity of the brightest of rainbows as the sun fought to break her way through the clouds’ dreary domination. On undertaking the daily sail check, one of […]

New Zealand to Australia: Day Two New Zealand to Australia: Day Two

An uneventful night led us into morning and by daylight – about 7am – we were almost opposite North Cape.   To our relief, the early hours had brought with them a return of the wind at a workable 11 knots and our beauty was holding steady, so once more it was possible to conserve […]

New Zealand to Australia: Day One New Zealand to Australia: Day One

Bob and I had been in New Zealand since early February and thanks to long delays in completion of the paperwork for registration and renaming of Saliander to Australis 1 – the result of  having to physically post documentation – in Australia, plus the outbreak of Covid19 and its level four lockdown in New Zealand, […]

Karaka Bay, Kawau Island: New Zealand Karaka Bay, Kawau Island: New Zealand

The most peaceful of nights behind us, a relaxed morning was spent in the cockpit enjoying ‘just being’. Lunch dined upon whilst a hungry duck or two hoped for a morsel, the dinghy was lowered and the four of us having boarded, off we motored around this idyllic waterway. First, though, was the maust take […]

Welcome to 2020

Bob and I both hope you had a most enjoyable Christmas and New Year period. Our thoughts also go out to all those Australians who are currently experiencing the terrifying fires throughout our land. Bob and I travelled through the mountainous New England region early last November and have never seen the like. Where two […]

Glasshouse Mountains: Queensland, Australia Glasshouse Mountains: Queensland, Australia

Approximately an hour’s drive north of Brisbane, one finds the Glasshouse Mountains. Named by Captain Cook, they were created some 25 million plus years ago as the country passed over the hotspot now situated at the northern tip of Tasmania, the erosion of time has produced this awe – inspiring sight of rocks soaring above […]

A Peak into Lamington National Park Green Mountain Section is on A Peak into Lamington National Park Green Mountain Section is on

Lamington National Park, Green Mountain Section: Queensland, Australia

Botanical Gardens, Mt Coot – Tha, Brisbane: Queensland, Australia Botanical Gardens, Mt Coot – Tha, Brisbane: Queensland, Australia

Bob and I thoroughly enjoyed our time here with the grandchildren. Well set up for the youngsters, a treasure hunt along the childrens’ pathway kept them occupied There was plenty to look for. This was a Floss Silk Tree: quite interesting. This was a hit! and the vegetable garden was great for their sense of […]

Boondall Wetlands, Brisbane: Queensland, Australia Boondall Wetlands, Brisbane: Queensland, Australia

These wetlands were beautiful, although it’s would have been a good idea for us to set off much earlier than we did: a little warm out there, it was! Spiders of immense proportions. A showcase area. Plenty of water with the incoming tide. And the tree bark was beautiful.  

Nundle: New England, New South Wales Nundle: New England, New South Wales

South west of Walcha is the picturesque tiny farming town of Nundle and this was our destination this day. Travelling upon the back roads via Woolbrook, we passed the beautiful Albaldie Nature Reserve – on this list for next time – taking in the sights of the beautiful countryside. Just outside of the township, was the […]

More Updates to Check Out! More Updates to Check Out!

Advancetown to Running Creek: Queensland, Australia Platypus Hunting, Running Creek: Queensland, Australia Running Creek, Queensland to Bonalbo, New South Wales: Australia Bonalbo to Emmaville: New South Wales, Australia

Cottan – Bimbang and Werrikimbe National Parks: New England, New South Wales Cottan – Bimbang and Werrikimbe National Parks: New England, New South Wales

  This particular morning saw us heading south east of Walcha to Werrikimbe National Park. Yet another World Heritage destination, there were plenty of walks of all levels available. Werrikimbe is a true 4wd section and was a wonder to behold. With camping, picnicking spots and 4wd tracks there was much available for those with […]