A Rare Find

As Tanya was driving us from Townsville up to the Atherton Tablelands, we were lucky enough to chance upon this rare find. A Cassowarry is a large, flightless bird, native to New Guinea and northern Australia. We were so excited at seeing this fine creature in the open - they usually stick to forested areas - that as soon as the car stopped Richard and I tumbled out into the rain, anxious to capture at least one photo. We didn't even wait to hear Tanya's stern warning, "Be careful. They can be really mean birds and have been known to attack humans. Just don't trust them." However, Tanya was even more excited than we were at seeing it. On subsequent days, whilst walking through the bush, we found official signs warning people to be careful of Cassowarries and advising what to do in case of confrontation. If I remember rightly, it was to walk backwards away from the bird and hold a backpack or something similar in front of you to help ward off attacks. This was the only one we saw - perhaps that was just as well.

Japanese Gardens, Toowoomba, Qld.

Toowoomba is a city of some 120,000 people 132klm west of Brisbane. It is Australia's second-largest inland city (after Canberra) and sits 700 metres above sea level on an escarpment of the Great Dividing Range. Toowoomba is known as 'The Garden City', justifyably so with 150 parks and gardens open to the general public. Unfortunately, the whole area is suffering badly with the drought.

Among the many great tourist attractions are these beautiful Japanese Gardens.

Brisbane Below

These shots of Brisbane were taken through the slightly grimy windows of a Virgin Blue jet as we left that city to head 1300klm north to Townsville.

Roma Street Parkland

The 16 hectares comprising the Roma Street Parkland is the largest subtropical garden in the world in a city centre. Established less than 10 years ago on unused railway yards, it is a wonderful demonstration of what can be achieved in converting an eyesore into a beautiful amenity for the whole community to enjoy.

I must admit that on the day we visited these gardens we had been walking for most of the day and by the time we arrived at the gardens I was nearly too tired to enjoy them, and almost too tired to take photos - almost, but not quite. However, the quality of these photos is not as good as I would like, but I hope they may inspire you to make a visit if you are in Brisbane with a few hours to spare.

Brisbane Bridges

We spent much of Good Friday at Southbank on the Brisbane River. An absolute MUST for me when visiting Brisbane is a ride on a City Cat - one of the many catermarans that carry tourists and workers alike up and down the river. I wouldn't go on one if it was raining as it would be a total waste of time to sit inside - I really have to sit/stand outside and feel the wind in my hair and the spray on my face. Utter bliss!

The Gateway Bridge. This photo was taken not far from the hockey centre. The City Cat doesn't go this far down the river.

'Wild Horse Lookout'

On the drive from Noosa back to Brisbane we stopped and walked (with many stops and lots of puffing on my part) to the top of Wild Horse Lookout. I'm sure the 700 metre track was almost perpendicular .... lol, but the view was well worth the effort. (Click to enlarge.)

Glasshouse Mountains

The Bruce Highway south to Brisbane surrounded by

thousands of hectares of pine plantations.

More views of the Glasshouse Mountains.