Sunday 28 June 2015

Show time

In it's 103rd year, the Whitsunday Show, held at the sugar cane town of Proserpine, is as popular as ever.

It's brimming with the usual rural contentions of horse jumping, wood chopping, cattle and poultry judging; plus in keeping with the town's heritage, a cane cutting competition.




The art and craft pavilion is jam packed (pardon the pun), with paintings, photos, textiles, pickles, vegetables, novelty cakes and flowers, all vying for the red, blue and gold sash declaring 'Show Champion'.




Next door, The Anglican Parish of Whitsunday is serving tasty a la carte burgers, sausages, rissoles, curries and toasted sandwiches for the exhibiting campers, as well as for those who can't face the bright lights (not to mention the fare) of the fast food vans. You can enjoy a hot cuppa with a slice of cake or piece of slice, which, no doubt, would be made by one of the prize winners.

And then there is the dreaded Side Show Alley, designed to drain the pockets of every parent for the thrill of a miniature roller coaster ride and the hopeful expectation of downing the tin cans for an over sized stuffed Sponge Bob Square pants.


For the larger kids it's a challenge to keep the Dagwood Dog and Fairy Floss down as they are whirled, spun and flipped on hair-raising machines with names like 'Whizzer', 'Zipper' and 'Speed Extreme'.

As the afternoon wears on the garbage spills over, crowds get thicker, and the smell of tomato sauce, chip oil and horse manure permeates the country air. Drinks flow at the cordoned off bar area where patrons are protected by Incredible Hulk look-alikes, and the contents of overpriced show bags are either scoffed or worn. Everyone awaits in anticipation of the 8.00pm Fireworks Presentation.

But it's too late for us, we are done in. After shuffling around studying all the exhibits, chatting to people we know (everyone goes to the show), the loud music, crowds and repetitive spruiker requests to try our luck becomes all too much. It's time to weave our way back through the masses and hike back to the car for the short journey home, show bagless and our health intact.

Sunday 21 June 2015

A commemorative walk with a view

Officially opened on Anzac Day this year for the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, the Anzac Memorial Walkway is the latest spectacular attraction for the city of Newcastle.


Commencing at Strzelecki Lookout, the cliff top walk is 450 metres long and is a permanent memorial for the Hunter Valley men and women who enlisted in the Armed forces during the Great War. The 3859 family names are etched in the rusted steel silhouettes at each end of the 160 metre long bridge, a striking reminder of the sacrifice each has made.


BHP, the company that gave Newcastle the name of ‘Steel City’, contributed to the multi million dollar project in recognition of their own centenary and connection to the region. 64 tonnes of steel was used in its construction and 3.4km of Composite Fibre Technology treads for the walking platform.



With stunning 360 degree views of the city and coastline, the walkway is also a key link in the Newcastle City Council’s Bathers Way promenade development, which will link Merewether with Nobbys beach via King Edward Park.

Stairs to Merewether Beach