Whitsunday butterflies

We see a lot of native wildlife, day and night, living in the Whitsunday hinterland; a 20 minute drive from the resort seaside town of Airlie Beach. 

Butterflies are the prettiest, but they are short lived. The beautiful Cairns Birdwing (Ornithoptera euphorion) only lives for four or five weeks. It is the largest butterfly in Australia with a wingspan of up to 18 centimetres. The male is smaller in size than the female, with rich upper wing markings of jade, gold and black. I am yet to capture a photo of the more attractive iridescent male; however, the larger black and white female is just as striking with her distinctive yellow markings on the hind wings. Plus the fact she is the size of a small bird.

Male Cairns Birdwing

Female Cairns Birdwing on mini torch ginger

Due to the short life span, the female Cairns Birdwing butterfly mates as soon as she emerges from the pupa, laying her eggs on the native large leafed vine Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia tagala). To find the Dutchman's Pipe, she flies from leaf to leaf and tastes each one. Unfortunately, she cannot differentiate between the native vine and the poisonous exotic species from South America, which then becomes a deadly mistake. If she does get to lay her eggs, the caterpillar that develops can grow up to 9 centimetres and is dark with bright orange spines.

Cairns Birdwing caterpillar

As they migrate up and down the east coast, the striking and longer living Blue Tiger (Tirumala hamata) butterflies can be found in their thousands in and around Airlie Beach, the surrounding forest and Whitsunday islands. After a big rainfall they are also known to come out in their masses, shaking them out of aestivtion (like a suspended animation), the blue and black wings come to life. They will even fly out to the boat as you sail around the Whitsunday islands and as far out as the Great Barrier Reef. 

Blue Tiger butterfly

The most well known butterfly; the one most associated with tropical Queensland, is the electric blue Ulysses butterfly (Papilio ulysses). It's difficult to photograph in all it's glory because when it is perched, to help blend in with its surroundings, the intense blue of the upside of its wings is hidden by the plainer brown underside. Once in flight you are rewarded with sudden flashes of brilliant blue as it flits about the garden.  

Ulysses butterfly on Ixora coccinea

There are many more varieties of butterfly in the Whitsundays - these above are the most recognisable. 

Daydream in the Whitsundays

It's not until you walk the bush trail between the southern and northern areas of Daydream Island that you can get a sense of what this island was like before any development. Majestic hoop pines are in abundance at its highest point of 50 metres above sea level and the man made structures are well hidden from view. Surrounded by natural bush and the azure Whitsunday waters the natural scenery still looks the same as pre-European settlement.

View from highest point in Daydream Island

As part of the Molle group of islands, Daydream was officially known as West Molle Island since its naming in 1881 by Captain Maclear of the Royal Navy when surveying the area. At one kilometre in length and 400 metres at its widest point, the island was never put to use by any of the local lease holders over the years, due to its small size and the lack of a freshwater supply. The aboriginal Ngaro tribe, who once used to travel in and around the Whitsunday islands and mainland, didn't find much use for it either.

It wasn't until Connie and Paddy Murray, along with their good friend Charles Hird, arrived from Sydney in 1932 in their yacht Day Dream that all began to change. Making a payment of 50 pounds to the leaseholder of the Molle Island group Henry Lamond, the threesome set about starting a tourist resort on West Molle Island and unofficially renamed it Daydream after their vessel. They received their first guests in 1933 and charged a guinea a day (approximately $2) for visitors to enjoy a tropical island paradise, transferring them to and from Cannonvale or from visiting coastal steamers on Day Dream.

Daydream Island had many more leaseholders over the years, building on from the six original cabins and the kitchen, dining and recreation rooms on the southern end. A subsidiary of Ansett added some more modern accommodation to the resort, including for the first time septic-system toilets. However, water was still an issue and it wasn't until Gold Coast businessman Bernard Elsey took over the lease in 1967 that the water problem was resolved. He spent a fortune on refurbishing the resort, including the installation of a desalination plant, only for it all to be wiped out by Cyclone Ada in 1970.

The resort was rebuilt and the island's lease again changed hands many times but increasing the number of guest units to a total of eighty. In 1988 Daydream's name was formalised and underwent a $70 million redevelopment; this time on the northern end and with water now being piped from Shute Harbour.

In 2000, world champion water skier from the Gold Coast and founder of vitamin company Nature's Own, Vaughan Bullivant, bought Daydream Island for $25 million and transformed it to what it is today. There are now 296 guest rooms and suites, a waterfront wedding chapel, conference and reception facilities and a day spa with 16 treatment rooms. The Living Reef is one of the world's largest outdoor aquariums where you can easily view sharks, rays, coral and a variety of fish swimming in and around the resort grounds. There are many activities including playing a round on the Australia themed mini golf course, swimming in the lagoon pools, watching a movie under the stars at the outdoor cinema, tennis courts, a gym and several restaurants and bars all with fabulous views of the Coral Sea.

After spending $50 million on creating this wonderful island resort, Vaughan Bullivant sold it to a Chinese investment group for $30 million this year due to ill health. Let's see what the next chapter brings for Daydream Island Island Resort and Spa.

We enjoyed a day out exploring Daydream Island the other week, travelling from Port of Airlie with Cruise Whitsundays on a high speed catamaran. A far cry from the sailing yacht transfer of 1933.

Cruise Whitsundays fast ferry transfer

Daydream Island marina and guest accommodation

Lagoon pool at the quieter southern end of Daydream Island

Around Australia mini golf course

View from inside the chapel

Living Reef on Daydream Island

Eastern shovelnose ray

Common Wallaroo at home on the resort lawns

For more information on the history of Daydream Island read:

• The Whitsunday Islands: An Historical Dictionary by Ray Blackwood 1997
• The Daydream Island Story by Boyd Anderson 2002

Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim

Weather and sea conditions were ideal for the annual November Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim, hosted by Hamilton Island in the beautiful Whitsundays last Sunday.

The seven kilometre stretch of pure white silica sand on Whitsunday Island National Park is one of the world's most pristine beaches and a draw card for international and Australian visitors alike, so it was an unique opportunity to take part in the event.

Silica sands of Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach

The 2 kilometre or 750 metre swim followed on from Saturday's Hamilton Island Triathlon. As part of the entry fee, ferry transfers were included from either Hamilton Island or the mainland resort town of Airlie Beach. From Port of Airlie, the ferry takes 45 minutes to Hamilton Island, then the same time again to the azure blue waters of Whitehaven Beach in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Rail transfer from Cruise Whitsundays ferry to Whitehaven Beach

There were a record 340 competitors, plus spectators: adding those to the usual number of day visitors it made for a very busy day on the beach.

On our arrival we thought we'd warm up with a walk around 1.5 kilometre Solway circuit to the lookout on the southern end for spectacular views of Pentecost Island across the Solway Passage.

 

As we returned back to the event area to wait for the start, a light easterly breeze was blowing, water temperature was 25 degrees and the last of the tide was ebbing north. That meant for an easy swim on the outward leg but more challenging conditions as we turned south against the tide and into the wind.

Resting before the big swim

I swam the 2 kilometres and was pleased with my time of 42:39 even if I was 16 minutes slower than the first lady home in my age group, Olympic swimmer Susie O'Neill, OAM. As we like to say, I put in a solid midfield performance. So too did Gary in his first ever 750 metre event, finishing 29 out of 35 men with a time of 22:00.

Starters for the 750 metre ocean swim

Post race massage

Whilst it was a well organised day, next time we will charter a private boat and spend a night anchored off Whitehaven Beach to avoid the ferry transfers and waiting around.

Mayfield Garden, Oberon

Every so often you come across something that is an absolute marvel. When you have time and/or money, you can achieve anything, and Mayfield Garden is testament to that: all 160 acres of it.

Mayfield House

Located just outside the NSW rural town of Oberon on the way to the city of Bathurst, Mayfield Garden is one of the world's largest privately owned cool climate gardens.

Creek Garden, part of the 160 acres of cool climate gardens at Mayfield Garden

Nestled within a 5000 acre working farm, the Hawkins family, inspired by the grandeur of  English country garden estates, began developing their legacy in the mid-1990's.

This extraordinary private garden is open for the last two weeks in October and April, allowing the public the privilege to see it in all its glory each Spring and Autumn. For any garden lover this needs to be on the calendar.

Parterre garden

Follies and features to experience in the private garden include the newly developed grotto, creek gardens, birch grove, rose garden, fernery walk, walled kitchen garden, sunken garden rooms, lawn parterre, croquet court, amphitheatre, chapel and aviary.

Chinese Pagoda

Mayfield Cascade & Temple

Walled Kitchen Garden

Luxury chicken houses

Amphitheatre

Allow at least 3 hours to walk around the private Mayfield Garden. There is a shuttle bus that will run around the perimeter (on weekends only) but you'll still need your walking shoes to get the best experience. See the garden team at work on weekdays, and enjoy live entertainment on weekends as you spend a leisurely day wandering this beautiful garden.

If visiting outside the private garden viewing dates, you won't be disappointed. The six acre Water Garden is now open all year round and is amazing.

Cascades in the Water Garden

The Water Garden is beautiful anytime of year; the water lilies bloom in summer and the Hydrangeas last throughout the Autumn as the foliage of the cool climate plants change colour, and you may even see snow during the winter months.The mass plantings of Rhododendrons are stunning in their many colours in Spring - pink, red, orange - and the stone and water features make this garden a wonderful place to stroll around and sit amongst its beauty.

Rhododendrons in Spring

Water lilies and Irises in the Water Garden

Construction of the Water Garden began in 2005 and everything you see has been created on site. Meander along the paths that wind around the stream and cascades, and cross the blue-stone bridge (which took a year to build) for a bird's-eye view of this magnificent garden and the surrounding countryside.

Obelisk in the Water Gardens

There are several other follies in the Water Garden, including boardwalks, a red bridge, a 25 metre obelisk, an avenue of London Plane trees and the work-of-art Copper Tree Fountain. Completing the Water Garden experience is the Nursery, stocked with a range of cool climate plants, most of which can be seen in the garden.

Copper Tree Fountain

Entrance to nursery

The Kitchen Cafe is a local's favourite, serving freshly prepared food made mostly from what is grown within the grounds of Mayfield Garden. There is a chook house and herb garden for the sole use of the cafe, and where possible the chef uses produce from the orchard and veggie patches.

For outdoor cooking and entertaining there is an enormous stone fireplace and a wood fired pizza oven. Whether this is for show or it does get used by the family or for special events, it certainly provides house and garden envy.

Kitchen Cafe & chook house

Grand outdoor fireplace for outdoor entertaining in Kitchen Cafe surrounds

Pizza oven at Kitchen Cafe

The Mayfield Garden Nursery, Kitchen Cafe and Water Garden are open 7 days a week from 9.00am to 4.30pm, except public holidays and Christmas/New Year period.

Open days for the entire gardens are in the last two weeks in April and October.

Paronella Park

On another trip to Innisfail in North Queensland for some flying lessons, we had some time throughout the day to visit the award-winning Paronella Park. A place on my wish list since my travel agent days it exceeded my expectations.

Mena Creek Falls and  Hydro Electric Station

While we momentarily balked at the admission price, the free night's camping, return entry for two years and the inclusion of several tours was what sold us. Plus the friendly, knowledgeable, well trained, professional staff. No wonder this place has been voted the Number 1 Must Do in Queensland.

We parked Delvy around the back of the visitor centre in the small, shaded 1950's designed caravan park. Your manoeuvring abilities will be challenged in this park, but the serenity will soon wash over you. 

Paronella camping ground

Stepping back in time, we joined the day tour of the 13 acre site, immersing ourselves in the story of the Spanish creator Jose Paronella. Purchasing the virgin scrub alongside Mena Creek in 1929 for 120 pounds, Jose laboured for six years to build his dream.

The Castle

Museum in original residence

Using river sand to make concrete and old railway track for reinforcement, a Grand Staircase, Castle and Tea Gardens emerged out of the jungle for the enjoyment of tourists. People came from far and wide to swim beneath Mena Creek Falls, play tennis, promenade the gardens and cool off with refreshments served on the balcony. Movies were shown in the Theatre every Saturday night, and the Hall was the place for dances and functions.

Refreshment rooms in the Tea Gardens

Up to 7000 trees were planted by Jose, creating a garden wonderland. Traverse the creek over hand made concrete bridges and stroll through the lush rainforest, bamboo jungle, and the majestic Kauri Avenue. The soothing sound of water can be heard throughout the park; major natural and man-made features are creatively placed with views of the falls. This truly is a place of tranquility.

Grand Staircase - built first to cart sand up from the river

Picnic area

Kauri Avenue

For a different perspective, the night tour encompasses some wildlife spotting and spectacular photo opportunities as the floodlights shine on the park's best features. Using electricity generated by the restored 1930's Hydro Electric Plant, the whole park is powered by Jose's pioneering vision.

Night tour- note the lit windows of the Hydro Station on right

In 1933, Jose, with the help of engineers from the South Johnstone Sugar Mill, designed and installed the first hydro-electric system in North Queensland by harnessing the waterfall. Join the dedicated Hydro tour to learn about this magnificent creative and technical achievement.

Paronella Park is an extraordinary place; not only for its visual appeal but its history. The current owners, Judy and Mark Evans, have preserved and maintained this site as a work of art and it is well worth a visit, or two. 

Jose & Margarita - married 1925 in Spain and honeymooned in Australia

Tales of two chickens

It can actually be quite stressful having chickens as pets. They are endearing creatures and when there are only 2 or 3 of them it's easy to become attached, and sad when you lose them.

Building the chicken house

White chook and Brown chook

Living on five acres in the Whitsundays hinterland, not far from Airlie Beach, in amongst the dry vine forest up on a hill is not for the fainthearted when it comes to native wildlife.

One night I awoke to a loud squawk from the chicken house and wondered why White chook was wandering around the front lawn. As I pulled myself up out of slumber I soon realised that that's not meant to happen. Uh oh! What am I going to find out there? Heart racing as I fumbled with the torch and tentatively walked the garden path at midnight, I could see something slithering along the chook house. I don't know who was more frightened; me or the chickens. Our visiting bird, Big, was frozen to the roost and still didn't move when I opened the side door as an escape route. I shone the torch on the scrub python (from a distance!) hoping to move it along. I didn't know what else to do and I certainly didn't want to upset it. Eventually it moved off slowly up into the tree, all 1.2 metres of it, as the girls and I breathed a sigh of relief. Big chook then launched herself out of the chook house, practically into my arms. I had to relocate them for the rest of the night, settling them on the garden bench seat in the carport. It took me an age to get back to sleep, thinking the snake will return and my head full of snake images. A pity I didn't get a photo though.

The other hazard of living here is the presence of hawks - according to the locals they are only prominent during August and September and then disappear down south. Hawks are bold daytime hunters and love the tasty chicken necks to take back to the nest for the young ones. Their modus operandi is to corner the chicken, stand on it and rip the head off with a clean bite. They don't leave a mark anywhere else on the chicken but feathers are strewn around the carcass.

First to go was Brown chook; hence the visiting chook to keep White chook company until we could source some more chickens. I came home one day to find White chook practically crying under a shrub near the kitchen window. I spent all afternoon looking for Brown chook, and then waiting for her to come home to roost. I knew she had gone but one lives in hope. It took us a couple of days to find her and it wasn't a pretty sight - feathers everywhere and her headless body covered in green ants. We were devastated (spot the novice chicken owners!).

So now we had one lonely chicken and it would be a few weeks before we could get anymore. So, we took a drive down our street to the neighbours who have eggs for sale to see if they knew where we could get some more chooks in a hurry. No luck there, but he offered to loan us one of his until we got more. How kind! So that's how we ended up with Big chook for a few weeks holiday. Thank goodness the snake or hawk didn't get her and we could return her in one piece. She was a lovely bird  - we would have liked to have kept her but she wasn't for sale.

Big chook and White chook

Introducing Red chook and Speckly to keep Whitey company, and to get more eggs of course. Whitey turned into a bully and pecked the other two, but eventually after a few days each chook was in its place. Speckly had obviously had a hard time in the big hen house as her tail feathers were missing and she had a gammy toe, but she had a good temperament and was starting to be less terrified and range around more as time went on. But it was to be to her detriment, as on the sixth day of the two new chooks arriving the hawk struck again. I knew something was up as we pulled into the driveway after an outing with visitors. It was too quiet. I found Speckly in the same predicament that befell Brown chook. The other chooks were nowhere to be seen, but eventually White chook was found unscathed tucked in behind a water tank and Red chook was hiding in the forest behind the kitchen garden. Both of them are good flyers so I think that's what saved them.

Speckly and Red chook

Another collection of feathers and a burial. It was time to build an enclosure big enough for them to roam around in and be protected from the birds of prey. Being free range does have its drawbacks.
It was decided under the balcony would be closed in. The chook house was moved, the perimeter wired up, a gate inserted and some shade cloth installed to create a safe chicken run. Thanks to our visitors (also chook lovers) for their assistance.

New chicken run under the balcony

Now we are back to two chickens, with another two on order. They say if you want two chickens then get four, but it seems the hawks have gone for now. I let the chooks out when I am at home and they seem more bold as they days progress. When they first arrived, White and Brown chook were not afraid to go anywhere - up the driveway, into the jungle, over to next door's garden - but Whitey reined in her roaming once Brown chook died. Then, for a few weeks after losing Speckly, White and Red would only stay in the shadows or hide in the secret garden under the giant monsteria and variegated ginger plants. They were pretty spooked.

RIP Speckly - victim of a hawk

Red chook laid her first egg yesterday, a tiny one in comparison to Whitey's egg. It's fascinating to watch them grow into the point of lay. The comb and wattle become larger and redder as they get older, and once they go into the submissive pose you know they aren't far off laying.

First egg compared to laying for 5 months

Chickens are the best pets really, as they eat all the kitchen scraps, chase down the bugs in the garden (they love grasshoppers!), aerate and fertilise the soil, and produce eggs. They do wake up early though, and if you have a noisy bird it's hard to have a sleep in. Also you have to be prepared to lose one or two along the way.

Book chook

Red chook in the Frangipani