Tasmania - I want to getaway!

By Darren Stones

Do you wish you could fly into the sky, so very high, and above the trees just like a dragonfly? How about above the seas to anywhere you please? You wanna fly away to a place where you can getaway? Yeah yeah yeah!!

Mount Wellington

Be tempted and jump onboard a big iron bird and head for Hobart, Tasmania and suck in the fresh air that will clear the senses in no time. A weekend of two nights and three days should be enough to bring you back down to earth and send you home refreshed all ready to tackle what’s in store.

Mount Wellington - Pinnacle Shelter

Mount Wellington is sure to stop you in your tracks for a while as you soak in the view from an elevation of 1270 metres. Why not grab some grub at the Hog’s Breath Cafe` - it’s not as bad as it sounds! Port Arthur is a place chock full of history and it gets the brain ticking over and makes one reflect. A hearty brekky at Jam Packed should be enough to see you through to a late lunch at the Richmond Arms Hotel too.

Mount Wellington - Pinnacle Shelter

Touchdown at Hobart International Airport on a Friday afternoon is a welcome relief for any city slicker from the mainland, and heading straight to the peak of Mount Wellington is pretty much a must do. Well, that’s if the weather is fine of course!

Mount Wellington - Pinnacle Shelter

The Mount Wellington summit is a leisurely twisting 20 minute drive from the Hobart CBD, via the leafy southern suburbs. Once you reach the top, you’ll soon realise why this is one of Australia’s best vistas. Yes, you can see for miles and miles and miles.

Mount Wellington

Dinner at the strangely named Hog’s Breath Cafe` in Hobart, is a good way to end a busy day of travelling and sightseeing. Steak is the specialty on the menu and it’s served in a multitude of different ways. The fries are treated as a bit of a novelty with them being served up in the shape of a hog's tail. Don’t believe me? It’s true – go see and taste for yourself!

Port Arthur - Church

Saturday is ideal for a full-day trip to the Port Arthur Historic Site and a reasonably early start is suggested. There’s quite a lot to see and experience in this significant precinct.

Port Arthur - Separate Prison

As part of your entry fee, you’re entitled to an introductory historical walking tour with an expert guide and a 20 minute cruise with an informative commentary onboard the luxury catamaran MV Marana.

Port Arthur - Penitentiary

Some of the highlights of the Port Arthur Historic Site are; the Penitentiary, Separate Prison, Hospital and Church.

Port Arthur - Penitentiary

The Visitor Centre opened in 1999 as a result of joint funding from the State and Federal Governments and it provides an interactive experience for all the family as well as a gift shop, the Port Café and Felons a la carte restaurant.

Port Arthur - Government Gardens

I’d suggest you take your camera on this trip, as there are so many spectacular sights that are worth recording as part of your journey. A high quality point and shoot camera will get you a few good snaps, but for those dedicated photography enthusiasts, a digital SLR kit with a tripod will take you that step further in what you’ll be able to achieve.

Accommodation at the Cascade Hotel is reasonably priced and it's located within comfortable walking distance to the famous Cascade Brewery. The rooms are a comfortable motel style and they are semi self-contained. Lunch and dinner bistro-style meals are served in the dining room which is conveniently located just off the main bar-lounge area.

Sunday morning at Jam Packed is a great way to kick-off the day with a breakfast to settle those ever present tummy bugs. Old favourites like, Bacon and Eggs, and French toast are served under a spectacular glass roof at this classy Hobart Waterfront venue.

Richmond Bridge

Once you have had your fill of toast and coffee, it’s worth heading-off for the historic town of Richmond, which located about 30 minutes from Hobart. Richmond is home to Australia’s oldest bridge that is still in use. Built in AD1823, Richmond Bridge was built by convicts from sandstone and is said to be haunted by ghosts. Today, it’s a popular attraction for photographers and travellers.

Richmond Bridge

The Richmond Arms Hotel is popular with day-trippers from Hobart on a weekend and it’s a top spot for a drink and a bite to eat. There’s a very friendly feel in this establishment and the bistro-style meals are more than adequate to satisfy the hunger.

Richmond Arms Hotel

Sunday lunch at the Richmond Hotel, a walk around Richmond’s historic buildings and a browse through the art and craft shops, is a splendid way to finish up a refreshing weekend in Tassie before heading back to the grind of Monday-Friday life. Go on - get away!

Information and recommendations

Mount Wellington

Hog’s Breath Café - Hobart

Port Arthur Historic Site

Cascade Hotel – Hobart

Jam Packed - Hobart

Richmond Arms Hotel

Richmond Village

Hervey Bay - Humpback whale slideshow

By Darren Stones - PhotoJour

Have you ever seen the slap of a humpback whale's pectoral fin? What about a stunning humpback tail slap? How about a dramatic breach from these massive mammals?
Well if you haven't, then get up close and personal for an experience you will cherish forever.

If you book a half-day whale watching trip with the Spirit of Hervey Bay you'll be amazed at what transpires right before your eyes. The manouvres these creatures from the deep perform are to be experienced at least once in your lifetime.

I've prepared a humpback whale slideshow, as a result of my journey, which encapsulates a half-day trip of whale watching on the glorious waters of Hervey Bay in Queensland, Australia.

Please bear in mind this is a low resolution version for web viewing. It may well be enough to tempt you to take the plunge and book a trip.

Your comments regarding my slideshow will be most appreciated.







For more information regarding the Spirit of Hervey Bay and the various packages they offer, you can contact their friendly staff on:
1800 642 544.

Spirit of Hervey Bay website

Gibson's Beach - Great Ocean Road

By Darren Stones

Most visitors to the Twelve Apostles in Victoria, Australia, will look down towards Gibson’s Beach and probably think it’s a spectacular looking spot without even contemplating a walk along it. Rest assured it’s worthy of traversing the narrow steps to gain access to the beach for a close encounter with the fierceness of the Southern Ocean.

Located within the Port Campbell National Park, Gibson’s Beach is not a good spot for a swim or even a good place to wet a line. In fact, on many occasions it’s a downright uncomfortable place to visit due to the howling wind and sea spray. When the conditions are friendlier then a walk from Gibson Steps to the far westerly cliff face is an invigorating experience which is sure to refresh the mind.

Upon arriving at the car park at Gibson’s Steps, you’ll notice a magnificent vista before your eyes – the waters of the Southern Ocean. A quick look from the top is always a good place to start and then head on down the steps to the beach below. The steps were originally carved into the rock by Hugh Gibson, original owner of the nearby Glenample Homestead. Once at the bottom you’ll be mesmerised by the sheer cliffs and the sounds of the ocean reverberating off them.

It can be a dangerous place at high tide and when the ocean is rough, it’s best to exercise caution before wandering too close to the waters edge due to freak waves that reach all the way up to the base of the cliff in many sections of this beach.

Flotsam and jetsam are frequently washed ashore on this stretch so keep a keen eye out for something a little different from the norm as many ships pass just to the south of here quite regularly.

From a photographic viewpoint, this location is one of the best around the area. Sure most people go home with their customary quick grab images of the Twelve Apostles, but if you’re patient and have time on your side then you’ll be able to capture some gorgeous photographs of this spot.

A wide-angle lens is probably going to be used more often than not and I’d highly recommend that a UV filter be attached to the front of it, as this is a renowned location for having to continually clean the front of the lens. Polarisers, neutral density and graduated filters are also very handy to have as you’ll be able to get creative and produce a myriad of different shots.

All times of the year present a different lighting scenario and I’ve found that the late spring to late summer months to be the best as the sun is at its southern most point. The cliff face is lit by the late afternoon sun and this presents the scene at its best in my opinion.

Accommodation options in the region are numerous; however I’d suggest Port Campbell as the place to base yourself. There are motels, a hotel, apartments, B&Bs, a caravan park with onsite cabins and backpackers all within close proximity to the facilities you’ll require.

Recommendations:

Accommodation

Loch Ard Motor Inn
Motel & Apartment Accommodation
Lord Street
Port Campbell VIC 3269
Phone: 03 5598 6328

Loch Ard Motor Inn website

Meals

Port Campbell Hotel
Lord St
Port Campbell VIC 3269
Phone: 03 5598 6320

Visit Victoria website - Port Campbell

Photo Of The Day - Candid success

During August and September this year I was fortunate to be awarded Photo Of The Day on the Australian Digital Photo Of The Day website.

My image that was recognised in August, titled 'Devoted', is a candid photograph I took at the well known Melbourne intersection of Flinders and Swanston Streets.

Devoted

In capturing the 'Devoted' shot I had to move very quickly and step off the pavement into the gutter to gain a clear view through the viewfinder as there were numerous people around me. Keeping a keen eye out for something a little different and getting it in the camera that day was a definite challenge, however it was most enjoyable.

'Devoted' is an image that personifies life and dedication.

A candid shot I took earlier this year was awarded a Photo Of The Day in September. The image titled 'Torquay Lifesavers' was taken on the main beach in the Victorian seaside town of Torquay.

Torquay Lifesavers

These 'Torquay Lifesavers' were out on a very gloomy Saturday morning going through various training exercises and I couldn't resist the opportunity to take this shot as I could see the word 'Torquay' on the back end of the boat.

Candid photography is a genre that presents many challenges to a photographer and it's unfortunate that some people in society have become a little suspicious of the camera. The context in which images are used is a responsibilty that most photojournalists comprehend and it's one I most certainly respect.

I believe the recording of people going about their everyday lives is an important record of our society and long may it continue. It's a style of photography I feel very comfortable with.

You may access my gallery of images on the Australian Digital Photo Of The Day website by clicking here.

Click on the play button below.

Olivia Newton-John performs 'Hopelessly devoted to you'.

Steve Irwin - RIP

The above photograph was kindly taken at Australia Zoo by a staff member using my camera while Bronwyn and I had the pleasure of a visit on 22/8/2005.

Please press the play button below for a link to an online Steve Irwin tribute. It may bring a tear to your eye.




Steve "Crikey" Irwin - great bloke and legend.

He is an Australian icon and was a terrific ambassador for our country. Australia Zoo is just one of his legacies and may it prosper.

Crikey Steve, you are going to be missed!

Condolences to the Irwin family.
From Darren and Bronwyn.

Click here for the Australia Zoo website.

PassionForPixels - Melbourne Big Day Out

By Darren Stones

For your listening pleasure, click on the play button on the screen. Jimmy Barnes and INXS perform 'Good Times'. Enjoy folks.




Internet communities are growing at a rate of knots these days and people from around the world with like-minded interests are able to communicate in a friendly and harmonious manner. What is it that sets the great websites apart from the others?

The aptly named photography website PassionForPixels, based in Australia and owned by the Melbourne Camera Club, is ably guided by respected and dedicated webmaster, Kevin Power. PassionForPixels (P4P as its members refer to it by) provides a vehicle for photographers from around the world to come together to share ideas, advice and photographs.

Members of P4P are afforded (free of charge) the opportunity to participate in various forums, galleries, competitions and informal get-togethers that are organised by Kevin Power and P4P members. The get-togethers provide the opportunity for many members, who have only ever communicated together online, to meet and share a few stories and quite a few laughs. Of course photography makes up part of a P4P meet and on Saturday July 15 2006, a Melbourne get-together was held due to the initiative of P4P Foundation Member, Rod Connan.

The National Gallery of Victoria coffee shop, located on the mezzanine level, was the location to kick-off proceedings for the day at 10am. Some arrived early, some were dragging their heels and a little mystery surrounded the anticipated appearance of the P4P chat room barmaid, HuskyRose1973 (Sam Cole-Surjan).

Anyone for a cuppa?

Upon entering the gallery some of us were gently reminded by staff that backpacks were required to be checked-in to the cloak room, as it was deemed they presented a hazard to visitors and exhibits. A little friendly banter with staff and all was sweet. The backpacks were able to be kept in the possession of their respective owners whilst in the coffee shop. I tend to think it was the infectious smile of MB (Mary Broome) that convinced the staff that we were a good looking bunch.

Upon arriving in the coffee shop it was necessary for a little rearranging of the furniture as we were intent on an intimate get-together and didn’t want every Tom, Dick and Harriet listening in on our exchange of ideas.

PerhapsOne (Peter Hammer), who usually does his shopping on a Saturday morning, seemed to be getting a little anxious regarding the whereabouts of HuskyRose, so he dialled her number and found out her approximate location. I’m not sure how PerhapsOne came to be in the possession of HuskyRose’s phone number, however, I’m sure a soon to be police academy graduate will continue to take good care of her.

Who needs red eye removal?

In the lead-up to the day HuskyRose was apparently searching the continent for a baby-sitter so her attendance was always in question right up to the moment of her entering the gallery. Not one for wanting to take an easy ride in on Melbourne’s train network, HuskyRose seemed intent on doing a little zig-zagging around the iconic Melbourne trams. At $8 for all day parking in the gallery carpark, HuskyRose arrived in one piece, without her loved ones in tow.

As usual at these types of get-togethers there was a display of hardware which allowed for a little try before you buy type scenario. Without doubt the biggest pieces of hardware were owned by Nitor (John). What he had to display was truly envied by all in attendance. His equipment (Canon camera and lens) was passed around for everyone to handle and there were some of us who were even able to fire off a burst of mug-shots.

Nitor (John) enjoys sports photography and is a terrific motor sport photographer. He successfully uses panning techniques which capture the speed of a fast moving touring car. Photojournalism type photography also inspires him and he loves capturing images of people where their expressions tell a story.

The man with the BIG LENS

snapykg (Kath Gillies) is a devotee of altering images in Photoshop. Changing backgrounds is a specialty and she likes to moves things around in an image. She has a soft spot for photographing flowers and is about to have an image published on the front cover of a local Real Estate magazine.

P4P Foundation Member

macade (Colin) is a keen landscape and coastal photographer and has produced terrific images from around the Porepunkah and Beechworth area in Victoria. He’s also very capable at capturing quality images of birdlife and old structures such as huts and bridges. Seems to also have a soft spot for sunsets.

Time for a smoko

MB (Mary Broome) loves to photograph people and her grand daughter in particular. She is very skilled in people photography and is able to capture the expressions exceptionally well. She recently posted a photograph of a plate of chocolate biscuits and I dare say she may have a sweet tooth.

Tough Mob

Ausinspiration (Roger Elliot) is an enthusiastic national and international traveller who enjoys capturing landscape images. He recently photographed waterfalls in Tasmania. As a professional photographer, he now has a home studio set-up that allows him to photograph people and he’s also available for location shoots.

rconn (Rod Connan) loves to wander around the city of Melbourne capturing images of architecture and people. He recently posted an image of footpath statues taken in Melbourne and did a terrific post processing job using his image editing program. He’s a real wiz when it comes to the post processing of images.

Organiser of the day

bernibabe (Lois) is without doubt one of the stars of the P4P chat room and Rogues gallery. A bubbly and friendly personality who is a dedicated mum and enjoys sharing images taken with her newly acquired camera. Her photographic interests are her kids, flowers, buildings and she is also a very keen blogger.

One of the stars from Rogues Gallery

ShaneE1 (Shane) has a preference for intimate landscapes in the Otways and Grampians. He also visits the Victorian high country during late spring to early summer to photograph the wild flowers. He recently produced some terrific shots of Hopetoun Falls and has the knack of capturing movement in the water.

Gotta love the weather huh?

HuskyRose1973 (Sam Cole-Surjan) is a devoted wife and mum. She’s most proud of her hubby who is in training to become a police officer. Her photography is improving very quickly. Her image post processing is excellent and says her favourite photography subjects are her family, flowers and architecture.

A keen eye on the architecture

PerhapsOne (Peter Hammer) is a very keen photographer who likes to photograph scenes in and around Melbourne. He also travels around Victoria to capture landscapes and is soon to travel to China. Photojournalism style shots capture his imagination and he’s a member of the Southern Suburbs Photographic Society.

He now has a soft spot for Nikon

The PassionForPixels Melbourne get-together was a terrific opportunity for 11 members to learn a great deal about each other and most importantly it provided the opportunity to make new friends.

Lunch at Southbank afforded us the opportunity to share more ideas and from there it was onto a city walkabout to photograph the sights and the people of Melbourne. A visit to the Block Arcade was instigated by PerhapsOne and it was there that the roaming P4P paparazzi were given the opportunity to capture an obsessive photographer at work. Not surprisingly, it was one from our own group, who will remain nameless – I’ll let the picture tell the story!

Dedicated to his art

After spending some quality time in the arcade capturing some shots of the obsessive one, it was at this point I became detached from the group. I was totally engrossed in the surroundings and was concentrating on catching some keepers. In a crowded and busy city such as Melbourne it’s very easy to lose sight of people and after a half-hour search I was unable to locate my fellow P4P members. I was hoping they weren’t going to get lost in the murkiness of a grey and raining Melbourne winter day.

From there the group continued to photograph the sights and the people of Melbourne. The images captured from the walkabout have since been a pleasure to view.

It would seem that another get-together is going to be happening sooner rather than later and some members of P4P who weren’t able to make it, may now be inspired to join in the fun and frivolity.

Oh, and of course there were plenty of jibes and light hearted banter. That’s what lead to this day being a roaring success.

Organ Pipes National Park

by Darren Stones

Locations closer to home are becoming a more attractive option for many, and as a native of Melbourne, I set out to investigate a nearby landscape and wildlife photography option that is relatively close to the city.

Australian Wallaby

The Organ Pipes National Park, approximately 20 km’s north-west from Melbourne, is a 121 ha park located in the Keilor plains region just off the Calder Highway. The main features of the park are the various rock formations which are dotted throughout and are easily accessed via the well established paths that lead from the car park located adjacent to the Visitor Information Centre.

Before setting off it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with what the park has to offer. The Visitor Information Centre, generally open on weekends, provides a free information sheet which outlines park highlights and general information. There are also large boards depicting the history of the region and development of the park since it was declared in 1972.

Park visitor at viewing platform

On commencing your journey along the walking track you’ll come across two viewing platforms which provide a magnificent view over the plains that were formed by the massive lava flows from volcanoes around the Sunbury area. Jackson’s Creek has cut a deep valley through the park and this has revealed the splendid rock formations which become evident upon following the path to the bottom of the valley.

There are numerous blue wrens to be seen throughout the park and ideally a fast long zoom or fixed length lens will provide the best results. Also, keep an eye out for the various mosses which can be seen growing on the ground and in the trees. A quality macro lens will give the best results, so make sure you take one along if you own one.

Lichen growing in tree

As you continue along the path towards the Organ Pipes formation you’ll notice the revegetation of the park that is taking place. Much of this work is conducted by a volunteer group called ‘The Friends Of The Organ Pipes’ and their efforts to restore the park are recognised as being one of the most successful restoration projects in Victoria.

Park revegetation program

The park gained its name due to the rock formation known as ‘The Organ Pipes’. This towering rock feature is a result of a lava flow about a million years ago and the subsequent erosion, caused by the flow of water from Jackson’s Creek, has revealed the large basalt columns. Best time to photograph this is in the early to mid afternoon due to some large nearby trees that cast a shadow on a sunny day.

The Organ Pipes

Further along the track you’ll notice some attractive native trees. At last count there were 145 species of native plants recorded within the park. Volunteers have been diligently working towards re-establishing the native trees and shrubs, however it hasn’t been an easy task. A continual weeding program exists, which contributes substantially to the regeneration.

Australian native tree

The ‘Tessellated Pavement’ is a sight to behold. This formation is the top of basalt columns that have been filed down by the water of Jackson’s Creek. Extreme caution should be exercised when walking over this feature as it is quite rough in places and can get very slippery after rain.

Tessellated Pavement

Later in the day after most people have left the park you may be fortunate to spot a wallaby. If you do, move as little as possible and you’ll be able to capture a photograph of one of our native marsupials.

The Organ Pipes National Park is open from 8.00am to 4.30pm each day and during summer months closes at 6.00pm on weekends and public holidays. Toilet facilities, picnic tables and barbecue areas are provided for visitors, however you do need to bring your own gas barbecue, as solid fuel fires are not permitted in the park.

So, if you’re looking for somewhere close to town for a photographic opportunity, try the Organ Pipes National Park – entry is free.

More Information

---------------------

Friends Of The Organ Pipes

Parks Victoria - Organ Pipes National Park

Tourism Victoria - Organ Pipes National Park

Gordon Stones - Painting for 50 years

By Darren Stones

Is a painter's work ever complete? For most artists, an oil painting, water colour painting or pastel painting eventually becomes a piece of quality artwork.

Gordon Stones from Melbourne, Australia has completed many pieces of artwork on various surfaces over the past five decades.

Gordon Stones

Commencing as an apprentice painter and decorator in 1956, Gordon plied his skills of the trade to various buildings in and around the suburbs of Melbourne, using brushes of various dimensions and textures.

These days his motivation for turning to the canvas is his continued desire to express his creativity with colour, but without the strain of continually climbing a ladder.

Currently, he is painting a church scene on canvas-covered board using acrylic paints.

The Master Painter

“This is actually a painting of the Catholic church in the town of Bled, which is situated on Lake Bled in Slovenia,” Gordon said.

Having retired from his life-long occupation, Gordon now has more time up his sleeve to have multiple works in progress.

“This other painting I’m currently doing, is of the blacksmith's shop and shipwright's workshops at the maritime centre in Warrnambool," said Gordon.

Two works in progress

“This is just one of several paintings I’m going to do of the buildings in the maritime centre at Warrnambool.”

Gordon’s paintings are reasonably priced and they are professionally framed by a local framer. His favourite painting medium is acrylic, as he finds it easier to work with as compared to watercolour, which he stated is more demanding.

Gordon undertook 12 months of formal painting training with a local art teacher in 1999, and is now considering further tuition to enhance his ever-improving skills with the small brushes.

Authors note: Gordon and I collaborated on a painting about four years ago. I took a photograph of a well-known Melbourne bayside location and Gordon went on to paint that scene on canvas-covered board with acrylic paints. The painting he titled ‘The Bluff’ proudly hangs on his family room wall.

Great Ocean Road - More Than Meets The Eye

By Darren Stones

It’s one of the most spectacular pieces of coastline in Australia and it’s located in the southern mainland state of Victoria.

The Great Ocean Road, which stretches from Torquay to Warrnambool, is a 300 km journey that provides visitors with breathtaking scenery from start to finish.

Memorial Arch - Great Ocean Road

For those who undertake a day trip, stay for a weekend or crawl their way through the many nooks and crannies, the experience is something to savour.

A day trip on a weekend is common amongst many visitors to this region and Ethan Glessich from Teesdale was visiting Bells Beach near Torquay and partaking in his favourite hobby of paragliding.

Ethan Glessich

Ethan had travelled 80 kms with his brother for the day.

“I come down here once a week or once a fortnight, depending on the weather to paraglide along this stretch of beach as it’s the closest location to home,” he said.

Ethan Glessich - Airborne above Bells Beach

Ethan said that when the parachute is filled with air, it places a great deal of strain on the harness and his body before he lifts off. Once airborne there is no further strain on him and he just goes along for the ride.

Ethan Glessich - Acrobatic Paraglider

A young couple from Geelong was also visiting for the day and they were keen paragliders but felt the wind conditions needed to be a little more favourable for them. They were considering moving along the coast to another location where wind conditions may have been stronger.

Ethan Glessich with interested onlookers

Interestingly, the cost of a parachute and harness as used by a paraglider costs around $5000AU.

Further along the Great Ocean Road at Lorne, I met another day tripper from Melbourne who was beach fishing with a friend at the eastern end of the main beach at Lorne.

Beach fishing - Lorne

“We’re trying to catch snapper, whiting, flathead or sting rays,” he said. “We come down here during the summer months as it’s the best time for catching them, but if we don’t have any luck here, we’ll go around to the pier and try there.”

The Great Ocean Road provides numerous activities for many people. Paragliding and fishing are two hobbies that are actively pursued along this marvellous piece of coastline.

Recommendations

____________

Accommodation

Lightkeepers Inn Motel - Aireys Inlet

Lorne Hotel - Lorne

Sandridge Motel - Lorne

Meals

Aireys Inlet Hotel

Lorne Hotel - Lorne

Attractions

Split Point Lighthouse - Aireys Inlet

See & Do - Lorne

Visitor Information

Lorne Visitor Information Centre

Torquay Visitor Information Centre

How to get there

From Melbourne

Hervey Bay - A Whale Of A Time

Each year from late July to early November, visitors from around the globe descend on the foremost humpback whale watching area in the world.

Humpback whale flukes

The calm turquoise coloured waters of Hervey Bay, 290 kilometres from Brisbane in Queensland Australia, provide a resting place for up to 400 humpbacks each year as they migrate south along the east coast of Australia to the cold waters of the Antarctic.

Humpback whale head

The opening of each whale watching season commences with the Hervey Bay Whale Festival, and this years event is scheduled for the 5th-13th August 2006.

On Saturday 5th August, there will be a Blessing Of The Fleet at the Hervey Bay Marina and it will be conducted by representatives of the churches in Hervey Bay. The ever popular fireworks display will be held at the harbour in the evening.

Another highlight of the festival will be the floats that form part of the Electric Light Parade which travels along the esplanade to the Seafront Oval on Saturday 12th August.

Humpback performing for the tourists

First time whale watchers are usually gob smacked by the sight of these mammals as they inquisitively approach the fleet of boats that operate out of the Hervey Bay Marina.

Cries of "whooaaa" "ooohhh" "did you see that?" "they're awesome," are frequent amongst first time whale watchers as the whales go about their frolicking in very close proximity to the boats.

Spirit Of Hervey Bay

One of the most popular whale watch vessels is the Spirit Of Hervey Bay, which offers an eye-ball to eye-ball experience. The vessel has two underwater viewing rooms, each being equipped with four viewing windows.

Spirit Of Hervey Bay provides excellent viewing platforms and seating along with a galley supplying light refreshments and snacks.

Great Sandy Straits Resort

For accommodation, the Great Sandy Straits Resort is ideally located adjacent to the harbour. Facilities include; family swimming pool, 25 metre lap pool, bicycle hire, 2 full-sized tennis courts, games room, sauna and childrens playground.

Recommendations

______________

Whale Watching

Spirit Of Hervey Bay - www.spiritofherveybay.com

Accommodation

Great Sandy Straits Resort - www.greatsandystraits.com.au

Meals and Entertainment

Hervey Bay Boat Club - www.boatclub.com.au

Hervey Bay RSL Club - www.herveybayrsl.com.au

Airlines

Virgin - www.virginblue.com.au

Jetstar - www.jetstar.com.au

Car Hire

Europcar - www.europcar.com.au

Thrifty - www.thrifty.com.au

Budget - www.budget.com.au

Allow yourself to be gob smacked and visit Hervey Bay for a 'HUGE' experience.