Tag: australian life

Everyday life, Food, Thoughts, Travel

A long weekend in Launceston

by wattleandash2 Comments on A long weekend in Launceston
A long weekend in Launceston

Last month I took a little solo holiday in Tasmania. The purpose of the four day break was to make a surprise visit a dear friend of mine, who I hadn’t seen in nearly two years. The trip was a little momentous for me too, as it marked the first time I’d ever been away from Paul overnight, and it the first time I’d properly travelled since the COVID pandemic erupted.

In the lead-up to the mini-break I won’t deny that I was a little nervous about it all, but I came home refreshed and rather excited to return with Adam and Paul in tow, as Tasmania really is something quite special…

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Everyday life, Food, Thoughts, Travel

Calm amongst the chaos

by wattleandashLeave a Comment on Calm amongst the chaos
Calm amongst the chaos

The last few days have been confronting, confusing and to be a honest, a little crazy.  COVID-19 is dominating the media landscape, conversations between family and friends and at the moment one can’t help but think about it a few hundred times a day.

Last week when things felt a bit calmer, Paul and I accompanied Adam on a business trip to Melbourne. We didn’t have much planned – it was really just about soaking up big city life for a few days in between Adam’s work commitments.

Now it feels like that little break was a final hurrah to ‘normal life’ for the next few months and I’m relishing the space if offered…

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Food, Local sights, Thoughts, Travel

After the fire

by wattleandash2 Comments on After the fire
After the fire

The bushfires which affected Australia this summer made headlines around the world. While the immediate danger is over, hundreds of communities are now facing a lengthy recovery.  Some people have lost homes, others have had their farms razed and in the fire nearest to where Adam, Paul and I live, entire pine plantations have been burnt, which will make things tough for the local timber industry.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when so many areas are hurting, but one of the easiest ways to help is to go and visit these communities.  So, earlier this month that’s exactly what we did…

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Everyday life, Food, Local sights, Travel

Local life: A Sunday at The Sir George

by wattleandash1 Comment on Local life: A Sunday at The Sir George
Local life: A Sunday at The Sir George

For many years, the little town of Jugiong has been a favourite rest stop of mine on the Hume Highway.  Roughly half way between Wagga Wagga and Canberra, I often treat myself to a coffee and a browse around Long Track Pantry, en route to visit my brother, who lives in the A.C.T.

Last year through Instagram I discovered the old pub a few doors up from Long Track was being renovated. Living in Worcestershire at the time made it a little hard to visit, but as soon as Adam and I returned from England, The Sir George, was added to my list of places to explore.

A couple of weekends ago, Adam and I decided to organise a rendezvous with my brother in Jugiong for Sunday lunch so we could check out The Sir George for ourselves…

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Everyday life, Local sights, Travel

Local life: Temora’s laneways

by wattleandash3 Comments on Local life: Temora’s laneways
Local life: Temora’s laneways

The other week I found myself in Temora– a little town about an hour north of my home in Wagga Wagga.   Adam had a meeting to attend, so I took advantage of a day off work to keep him company on the drive up.

After taking a leisurely wander down the main street and discovering some lovely things in this gem of a shop I ventured further afield, and took a stroll down a few of Temora’s laneways…

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Everyday life, Local sights, Travel

Wallabies on the beach

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Wallabies on the beach

Sunrise on the beach is pretty spectacular no matter where you are, but at Cape Hillsborough in Queensland every morning a mob of wallabies gathers on the sand to pick at the seaweed, seed pods and grasses on the shore line.

Earlier this month, Adam, myself, our English visitors and my parents rose extra early to watch this amazing sight…

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Local sights, Travel

Up the valley

by wattleandash2 Comments on Up the valley
Up the valley

The Pioneer Valley, to the west of my childhood home, is quintessential Queensland. It’s full of to sugar cane farms, Brahman cattle munching on lush green grass and sleepy communities. Life always seems simpler there and I instantly feel relaxed whenever I return. At the top of the valley is the gem in the crown – the Eungella National Park.

It’s a magical place, atop a mountain range. A haven for ferns, waterfalls and platypus, and over the years I’ve spent hours and hours bushwalking, rock hopping and exploring there.

It’s always been a special place for my family, so we made sure we visited when our English visitors were in Australia…

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