When the owners of the Undara Experience created their remote tourist park, they were determined not to disrupt the unique, natural surroundings in the process of building and sharing their dream. Stunning, old-world railway carriages were just the ‘ticket’ to provide comfort, style and shelter without unnecessarily disturbing nature’s distinct footprint. Nestled amongst the tall gums, the railway relics gracefully regained their former charm and romantic allure.
Stanley, a tiny, historic seaside town right at the very top of Tasmania, has character and charm in abundance. The balcony of our room at the Stanley Sea View Inn provided unsurpassed panoramic vistas as well as the bucolic sounds of the local dairy just down the hill. ‘The Nut’, a mere kilometre away, dominates the landscape which borders the unforgiving Bass Strait. Armed with a local ‘must do’ list we were set for a full day of discovery. For this adventure across Bass Strait we brought our car on the overnight crossing aboard the Spirit of Tasmania.
We made it Gold Coast! The inaugural Pride Week Festival, hosted by the Gold Coast Rainbow Community Queensland Inc Events has come to an end, but it’s really only the beginning. Months in the planning brought us a feast of festive functions to tempt all, from the most reluctant to the most intrepid members of our colourful local community, to come out and play. “It’s a team effort and you are part of our team.” was the message group organiser Vince Siciliani was anxious to spread throughout this week of frolicking fun.
Carla from Get Away Garden Cafe on the outskirts of Agnes told us, “Only those prepared to get off the beaten track find Agnes Water and the Town of 1700”, which are located on the Capricornia Coast of central Queensland. Two tiny coastal hamlets featuring beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets and a good dose of laid back lifestyle are a short deviation from the main route north. We visited at the end of July which was just about perfect. The weather was around 23 degrees, there were few tourists and accommodation prices were surprisingly low.
What's the gayest thing to do in Bangkok? Go and spend a few hours at Babylon Sauna and Spa, Bangkok’s (perhaps the world’s) most luxurious gay sauna. We first visited Babylon some 20 years ago when it opened and it has been powering along ever since. It is certainly a favourite with westerners but also offers many opportunities to meet Thais and men from all over Asia. For a relaxing gay day out in Bangkok, or a short stay while transiting through this fabulous city, Babylon is a gem and it closes just in time to make it back to Silom Soi 4 for a few drinks to end the night with your new mates.
If you’ve ever heard of the famous Venus De Milo sculpture which resides in the Louvre in Paris then you probably know it’s home was originally the island of Milos, located in the south western corner of the Greek Cyclades. Our prior journeys to these spectacular islands had so far bypassed this exotic beauty but now was our chance to explore her shores in all their exquisite charm. From the moment we arrived in Adamas, the main harbour of the island, we were suitably impressed. The small, bustling marina filled with mega yachts, ferries and cruise boats was fringed with traditional Greek tavernas, sweet-scented bakeries, chatty cafes, souvenir sellers, car rentals and lively bars.