Travel Photos of the Week: Sand Scuptures held on the Frankston Foreshore, Australia

Frankston has now hosted the Sand Sculpting Australia exhibition three years in a row. Frankston is a southern, bayside suburb of Melbourne and an easy drive on Eastlink. I’d been keen to visit in previous years but it never eventuated and so was determined not to miss it this year!

The theme was ‘Toytopia’ and delighted not just the kids but the grownups also! Twenty-three sculptures from all over the world participated to create a total of 16 solid sand exhibits or ‘piles’ as they were referred to in the Program Guide. Below you will see examples of the workmanship that goes into creating these sand sculptures with so much detail and the height of a couple of them was truly amazing.

Where is Jamieson?

Jamieson is a small country town in rural Victoria with a population not more than 250 making it a perfect destination for our summer vacation and digital-detox! Located in the High Country, it’s beautifully situated on the Jamieson River where it meets the Goulburn River which flows into Lake Eildon.

There are plenty of remnants of it’s past dotted around the town and I took great pleasure in leaving my camp site to take early morning walks by the river and around the town.

Juddy's Hut, an early miner's cottage by the Jamieson River

The view from behind Juddy's Hut

Jamieson Post Office Circa 1872

St Peter's Anglican Church Circa 1865

St John's Catholic Church Circa 1863

...and the not so historical but still delightful 'Perkins & Grey' Cafe

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Jamieson

One Great Reason to Visit Jamieson

One great reason to visit this travel destination is to enjoy the peace and quiet by the Jamieson River and if you score some warm weather, grab a tube and float downstream from Brewery Bridge to Finns Bridge.

For More Information

• Wikipedia
• Jamieson Historical Society

Where are the 7 Best Surf Spots in Australia?

No matter your level of surfing expertise, Australia is the destination to enjoy all of the most excellent fun, sun and water imaginable. Australia is a premier global surfing location; primarily due to the more than 37,000 kilometers of gorgeous coastline. The coastline is filled with challenging reef as well as point breaks in abundance for the experienced surfers; and more than enough soft swells where beginners can feel safe while having fun. Join people from around the world who enjoy the finest beautiful, sun drenched coastlines in Australia.

Crescent Head, New South Wales

The coastline of Crescent Head in New South Wales starts north of Port Macquarie for 25 kilometers. Along the coastal road are a wide range of spots for surfers of all levels. New board riders as well as long board riders can enjoy one of four right hand point breaks that generate 200 meter rides. Crescent Head’s point break is adored by boarders worldwide. It is the location of the filming of “Hanging Ten”. Another brilliant spot in the area is Delicate Nobby, which is a rock formation located halfway between Crescent Heat and Point Plomer. The wedge shape of the formation, which starts near the beach and juts into the ocean, creates fantastic beach breaks on either side for endless surfing pleasure.

Photo url: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5149/5657055691_608f5a3953.jpg
Photo by: andy_tyler

Snapper Rocks, Queensland

This point break, located in the state of Queensland, is a globally popular Gold Coast surfing location. It is situated at Rainbow Bay, also known as “Super Bank”; the consistently longest hollow on the planet. The swell at Snapper Rocks commonly reaches from 6 to 8 feet. Surfers constantly enjoy the thrill of riding a clean wave to a near two kilometer distance; from Snapper Rocks to Kirra. This popular location is the host for some of the world’s most elite surfing events including Rip Curl Masters, MP Classic and Quicksilver. Local world surfing champions including Stephanie Gilmore, Joel Parkinson and Mick Fanning stop by their hometown surfing spot whenever they are in the area.

Photo url: http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4099/4910001028_6b2a58de19.jpg
Photo by: thinboyfatter

Lennox Head , New South Wales

One of Australia’s largest and longest surf breaks in warm water is found in Lennox Head, located in the northern region of New South Wales. Surfers find that the point is best with a southwest wind and south-southeast swell. Board riders cannot say enough about the long right hand peeling break that has been known to exceed four meters. Lennox is now a national surfing reserve. The management of the reserve is done by a Board of Management which represents the surfing community in the area. This Board gives a voice to the community as relates to custodial responsibility of the reserve, maintenance of historical records and sustaining the cultural significance of the area surrounding the reserve.

Photo url: http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2184/2073310542_7a3ddd0602.jpg
Photo by: jsrobinson132

Secret Harbour, Western Australia

Secret Harbour rests on the West Australian coast between the cities of Mandurah and Rockingham. The secluded village feel of the area attracts people from around the world. The area provides fun challenges for experienced surfers and excellent opportunities for beginning surfers to master the sport. It is the home to the Big Wage Surfing School, a Surfing Australia accredited school, which has provided lessons for board riders of all ages and experience at Secret Harbor and other Perth areas for many years. In addition to superb surfing, Secret Harbour offers unbelievable bush land, lakes and other natural beauty for visitors to enjoy.

Photo url: http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6128/5979287124_fb6aeab41e.jpg
Photo by: Thomas Depenbusch und Marina Depenbusch-Zharova

North Narrabeen, New South Wales

North Narrabeen in Sydney offers a unique surfing experience because of its distinctive configuration. Narrabeen Lake creates a run-off which forms a sandbank. Classic sets are formed by the sandbank, which break with the help of the deeper water offshore. The deep channel that is created by the lake flowing into the sea is instrumental in the creation of this surfer’s paradise. The quality of the powerful breaks at North Narrabeen has led to its reputation among the greatest surfing destinations in the world. While there are other popular beaches along Sydney’s north coast, North Narrabeen stands out as a board rider favorite because of these more powerful breaks.

Photo url: http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6187/6107189861_5449a7008b.jpg
Photo by: StephEvaPhoto

Boomerang Beach, New South Wales

Boomerang Beach in Pacific Palms is a top pick for surfing and swimming. It is situated along the lovely pristine Forster-Tuncurry coast. Knowledgeable, experienced surfers swear that the swells at Boomerang Beach make it one the absolute best surfing spots in the NSW area. The barrels formed for beach breaks, with consistent quality waves, draw surfers from everywhere to enjoy the challenge and exhilaration of the sport. As an added treat, swimmers and surfers have the opportunity to visit with local dolphins in the ocean at the northern headland of Boomerang Beach.

Photo url: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5048/5362901409_3f9f2e9aef.jpg
Photo by: joe.lipson

Torquay, Victoria

The town of Torquay is the home of Bells Beach, an internationally renowned surfing destination. Bells Beach is located approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. The surf rises to more than 5 meters with the help of steep Southern Ocean swells over shallow reefs; taking surfing to the next level of amazement. Bells Beach is the historic home of the Rip Curl Pro, the most prestigious and oldest professional skilled surfing event. To this day, proud winners of the event are presented with the clanging bell trophy, which is the traditional award for the well known surfing event.

Photo url: http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2771/4485862679_6f6dd97f2c.jpg
Photo by: surfglassy

Kristy is a road tripping adventure seeker and freelance travel writer for Drive My Car Rentals Australia. When she is not on the road she is helping people find incredible deals on car rentals in Bondi and beyond.

When we’re planning our summer road trips, it’s tempting to flick through touristy guidebooks and travel down roads which have been travelled many times before.

But we believe the best journeys are sometimes those which are slightly more off the beaten track. Here are three driving route suggestions for those of us who want to see Australia in a completely new way.

Freemantle to Newman

1,200km, 13 hours

Checklist:

• Visit the RAAF Base Pearce in Bullsbrook, constructed in 1935.
• Visit the Bullsbrook Nature reserve
• Stop off at Lake Chittering and Lake Needonga
• Overnight in the small town of Dalwallinu
• See what’s left of salt water Lake Austin and Lake Anneen
• If you’re brave, visit the old abandoned ghost town Nannine
• Visit Collier Range National Park

Once you get to Newman, be sure to stop for a swim at the Ophthalmia Dam. The closest thing you’ll find to an oasis in the middle of the desert, it’s a popular swimming and recreation spot amongst the locals.

Esperance, WA to Alice Springs, NT

3,136 km, 1 day 10 hours

The true journey through the red centre of Australia, this trek will take you from Esperance through every kind of landscape Australia has to offer – coast, bush and desert. Stay overnight in Ceduna and Port Augusta West to break up the trip in to thirds, as it is a whopping 25 hour drive from start to finish. There are plenty of huge nature parks and reserves along this trip, including Nullarbor National Park, Wahgunyah Conservation Reserve, Yumburra Conservation Park, Yellabinna Regional Reserve, Pureba Conservation Park, Koolgera Conservation Reserve, Pinkawillinie Conservation Park and Lake Gilles Conservation Park.

Checklist:

• See the Australian Arid Land Botanic Garden in Port Augusta West
• Visit Monalena Lagoon and Lake Hart
• Stop over at Coober Pedy, the famous Opal Capital of the world

Broome, WA to Darwin, NT

1,945km, 1 day 1 hour

If you prefer to drive between two locations you’ve more than likely heard of. Perfect for those who love big, long stretches of road, this drive from Broome to Darwin will take you all the way through the north end of Australia. Overnight in Fitzroy Crossing and Katherine to break up the trip, and tick of our checklist of suggestions along the way.

Checklist:

• Bungle Bungle National Park at Halls Creek (Australia’s version of the rocky landscapes of Arizona)
• Keep River National Park
• Manton Dam Recreation Area
• Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin

Remember, when you’re travelling such long distances, it’s important to have the right vehicle. Your tiny little car that you use to zip around the city just won’t survive on the wide open road and rugged terrain of the Australian outback. Consider browsing used car websites to find dealers or private sellers where you can pick up an affordable and reliable 4WD or van for your trip.