Author Archives: Whittoons

  You land at an Aussie Air Force base when heading to Ningaloo National Park.  No photos permitted. Originally it was an American base when the US found it had a gap in its submarine communication system.  So they built … Continue reading →

  Our base camp in Adelaide was an historic site, Largs Hotel, about 20 minutes by light rail from downtown. Right on the water and near the Largs Pier, this spot was valiantly holding on as an icon of a … Continue reading →

Back in 1973 I was a crew boss for Petty Ray Geophysical Company,  working in the Great Sandy Desert.  Normally on our breaks, the company sent us to Perth, but we had passed an escarpment with caves during our cross … Continue reading →

Crossing from Uluru to Alice Springs, we chose a rental car, though others in the past have used trustworthy camels.  Some camels still wild across the desert ever since the British brought in Afghans and camels to make supply runs … Continue reading →

Respecting the wishes of the local aboriginal population, the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people, we chose not to try and climb Uluru aka Ayers Rock.  As of October 26th no one will be allowed to climb the sacred rock, but for … Continue reading →

A site for tourists and locals alike, Mossman Gorge offers forest walks near cascading creeks and frigid pools for those with the nerve to indulge.  In the quiet moments along the trail, it is amazing to see the intertwining of … Continue reading →

Our retreat for the next three days and nights is a study in contrast with the Port Douglas Motel.  For one thing, you can not drive to your room.  At this eco-lodge, your car is parked for you, bags delivered … Continue reading →

We drove onto the ferry to cross into an ancient forest – the oldest tropical forest in the world.  We felt a little under-prepared given the trucks around us with roo bars and exhaust pipes extending above the cabs. I … Continue reading →

  No visit would be complete without a shot of the Opera House. Though beautiful, the story of its construction is sad.  The Danish architect Jorn Utzon, who was forced in 1966 to withdraw as chief architect before completing the … Continue reading →

Wendy’s Garden in North Sydney is lush and crammed with plants and highlighted with some comic characters. They stand as sentinels along the harbor walk.  The City wanted to reclaim the land from the guerrilla gardeners…but the City lost. Wendy … Continue reading →