Wonderful Whitsundays - our Greatest Islands
ABOVE: Our Editor Dallas and his wife Sharon were guests of the stunning new look Daydream Island
ABOVE: There's nothing on Earth quite like your first view of our unique Great Barrier Reef
ABOVE: Breakfast on the balcony at Daydream Island Resort.
ABOVE: Cruise Whitsundays offers the perfect day tour to the Great Barrier Reef
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By Editor in Chief Dallas Sherringham Going back to the wonderful Whitsundays is like going back to a special place to meet a long lost friend. I often go the Whitsundays in my dreamtime - sailing sparkling blue waters under warm skies that stretch forever. Once again I explore the pine clad islands that are sprinkled out across the bluest seas, lie on the golden beaches under swaying palms and chat with happy wanderers all sharing the same dream as me. Well, dream no more! Recently it all came true again: I had the chance to go back and spend a week in the Whitsundays as a guest of the best regional tourism organization in Australia. I consider myself an aficionada of islands and I have had the chance to visit most of the world’s great tourist island groups. Let me tell you, nothing quite compares with the Whitsundays for a complete island experience. While Airlie Beach and surrounds is on the mainland, it is the Gateway to the Whitsundays and has a real island feel about it. I visited with my wife Sharon on a Lets Go Motorhome tour of Queensland and stayed at the Big 4 Whitsunday Adventure Resort at Cannonvale. What a place? It is so good, I am going to devote a section on it in a future edition. Five 'must do' things in Whitsundays: * Take a day tour out to the Great Barrier Reef with Cruise Whitsunday. You can scuba dive, snorkel, swim or just sunbake and take some photos. The Reef on a sunny day is nothing else you will ever see in your life. The Cruise Whitsunday had plenty of friendly crew on board and expert assistance is provided during every step of your adventure. * You also have to do a Crocodile Adventure tour on the Proserpine River. This trip was a real shock to me. I had heard rumors of crocs in the area but I saw more big crocs in one day than I saw in all my tours of Kakadu and the Kimberley’s. It included a nice barbecued lunch and friendly hosts, So do yourself a favor and make sure you do this tour. Breakfast at the Fat Frog Cafe * Have breakfast at the Fat Frog Beach Café at Cannonvale. You are best to book a spot as this café draws in the locals and tourists in their thousands. I was on a health kick, but discovering a yummy pile of pancakes with ice cream and maple syrupy on the menu, I had to rip up the diet one more time. * Take an overnight trip to one of the resort islands. I stayed on the revamped Daydream Island which was flattened by Cyclone Debbie. While the service LEFT: A stunning sunset across Pioneer Bay
RIGHT: Plenty of great shops and cafe-restaurants at the Marina precinct
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ABOVE: Dallas wrecks another diet having a great breakfast at the highly popular Fat Frog Cafe
still needs tweaking, the resort itself is stunning. An amazing tropical themed atrium and the fascinating walk through aquarium full of big stingrays and reef sharks and fish.
Bicentenial Walk is popular *Walk the Bicentenial Boardwalk for 4km from Cannonvale to Airlie Beach. Stop along the way for a snack at the many food outlets. The walk is good any hour of the day, but the sunsets are especially stunning. You can see turtles if you are patient. Details: www.tourismwhitsunday.com.au 
ABOVE: Plenty of large crocodiles to be found on an adventure cruise along the Proserpine River
More Whitsunday stories coming soon |
Can hardly wait to go cruising Paradise again
10 Great Travel Stories
Secret Places far from the Madding Crowd
Hotels you will enjoy staying in on Holidays
Exclusive Flight Reviews for Mature Travellers
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CATHAY PACIFIC
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Travel Books and Good Travelling reads.....
Australia’s Best Nature Escapes
Lee Atkinson
Connecting with nature and spending time in wild places makes you feel good. Numerous studies show that our mental, emotional, physical, social and spiritual wellbeing are all improved when we immerse ourselves in the natural environment. Even relaxing in front of wilderness view can work wonders on your frame of mind and change the way you feel.
Explore some more ...
Lee Atkinson
Connecting with nature and spending time in wild places makes you feel good. Numerous studies show that our mental, emotional, physical, social and spiritual wellbeing are all improved when we immerse ourselves in the natural environment. Even relaxing in front of wilderness view can work wonders on your frame of mind and change the way you feel.
Explore some more ...
Kids’ Atlas Monsters Ghosts
Read on... |
Win Big with Lonely Planet
Read on... 
Wonders from Lonely Planet
Read on ... |
Lonely Planet's Guide to Dark Skies
Read on... |
Get creative with Sticker World Read on....
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Stories and photos of Founder Michael Osborne
VALE OUR FOUNDER AND PUBLISHER MICHAEL OSBORNE,
Dear Readers,
It is with great sadness that we announced our esteemed leader Publisher and Managing Editor Michael Osborne (left) has passed on suddenly. It is a tragedy for everyone who knew him in the wide world of travel. His partner Pam has asked me to carry on with the magazine he started 45 years ago. This is Michael as the Sheik of Shrubby Creek and me as Steve Irwin on board Captain Cook Cruises.
Michael was irreplaceable but I will do my best to carry on his traditions.
Dallas Sherringham Editor dallassherringham@hotmail.com 0418447010
PICTURE: Michael as the Sheik of Shrubby Creek, me as Steve Irwin
MICHAEL"S STORIES ARE FEATURED BELOW...……..
AND HIS TRADITION CONTINUES..... About us
Dear Readers,
It is with great sadness that we announced our esteemed leader Publisher and Managing Editor Michael Osborne (left) has passed on suddenly. It is a tragedy for everyone who knew him in the wide world of travel. His partner Pam has asked me to carry on with the magazine he started 45 years ago. This is Michael as the Sheik of Shrubby Creek and me as Steve Irwin on board Captain Cook Cruises.
Michael was irreplaceable but I will do my best to carry on his traditions.
Dallas Sherringham Editor dallassherringham@hotmail.com 0418447010
PICTURE: Michael as the Sheik of Shrubby Creek, me as Steve Irwin
MICHAEL"S STORIES ARE FEATURED BELOW...……..
AND HIS TRADITION CONTINUES..... About us
Hokkaido – A Japanese Winter Wonderland
Michael Osborne heads to Japan in search of ancient traditions and birds that enjoy the snow.
Where is Hokkaido?
When we think of Japan we always think of Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt Fuji, Osaka, Hiroshima and Sapporo beer. So where is Hokkaido? Well it is the big island to the north and it is also the home of Sapporo beer.
Join me on a special adventure ...
Michael Osborne heads to Japan in search of ancient traditions and birds that enjoy the snow.
Where is Hokkaido?
When we think of Japan we always think of Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt Fuji, Osaka, Hiroshima and Sapporo beer. So where is Hokkaido? Well it is the big island to the north and it is also the home of Sapporo beer.
Join me on a special adventure ...
Flameback Eco Lodge
Michael Osborne explores:On my recent visit to Sri Lanka, (http://www.maturetraveller.com.au/return-to-sri-lanka.html ) I had the privilege of being taken to a fantastic glamping style lodge. We only had time to walk around and look at the unique accommodation, to watch a cooking demonstration and then to eat it in the elevated dining room with its superb views across the lake.
The lodge is run by the local village that grows and provides the brilliant fresh food.
A must visit when in Sri Lanka ...
Michael Osborne explores:On my recent visit to Sri Lanka, (http://www.maturetraveller.com.au/return-to-sri-lanka.html ) I had the privilege of being taken to a fantastic glamping style lodge. We only had time to walk around and look at the unique accommodation, to watch a cooking demonstration and then to eat it in the elevated dining room with its superb views across the lake.
The lodge is run by the local village that grows and provides the brilliant fresh food.
A must visit when in Sri Lanka ...
Join Features Editor Pam Latham and myself as we sail and explore one of the most magic coastlines in Australia – maybe even on Earth.
I have been privileged to have travelled the world for more than 40 years. One of the most memorable and awe inspiring adventures was the Kimberley by ship. Now the chance to return and I am ecstatic!
Please read on and follow the link to make your booking as this will sell out quickly. We start in Darwin on the 1st August for 14 days of unbelievable Australia. Here is the link ...
I have been privileged to have travelled the world for more than 40 years. One of the most memorable and awe inspiring adventures was the Kimberley by ship. Now the chance to return and I am ecstatic!
Please read on and follow the link to make your booking as this will sell out quickly. We start in Darwin on the 1st August for 14 days of unbelievable Australia. Here is the link ...
A LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVES FOR A LEGENDARY WRITER
Our founder Michael Osborne's discovery of his love of cruising ...
Our founder Michael Osborne's discovery of his love of cruising ...
The Kimberley and Mitchell Falls
Michael Osborne takes a helicopter ride into the unspoilt wilderness of the Kimberley Coast.
Recently I had the chance to sail on a Coral Expeditions ship as a guest of Christian Fellowship Tours, sailing from Darwin to Broome along one of the most wondrous coastlines in the world.
It was a cruise I enjoyed eleven years ago and one that I have been waiting since then to go experience once again..
Join us on a trip of a lifetime ...
Michael Osborne takes a helicopter ride into the unspoilt wilderness of the Kimberley Coast.
Recently I had the chance to sail on a Coral Expeditions ship as a guest of Christian Fellowship Tours, sailing from Darwin to Broome along one of the most wondrous coastlines in the world.
It was a cruise I enjoyed eleven years ago and one that I have been waiting since then to go experience once again..
Join us on a trip of a lifetime ...
Morocco Bound
Having been a travel writer/photographer since 1984, I have been privileged to visit many countries. Often I am asked which is my favourite destination. My standard reply is, ‘the one I have never been to’.
When we were approached by Back Roads Touring, to pick any destination from their multitude of destinations, it was I thought, going to be an interesting challenge!
Looking for Rick's Cafe in Casablanca ...
Having been a travel writer/photographer since 1984, I have been privileged to visit many countries. Often I am asked which is my favourite destination. My standard reply is, ‘the one I have never been to’.
When we were approached by Back Roads Touring, to pick any destination from their multitude of destinations, it was I thought, going to be an interesting challenge!
Looking for Rick's Cafe in Casablanca ...
Morocco – With Back-Roads Touring
The adventure begins
As a very frequent traveller, I always have several special places, yet visited. High on my list was Morocco, so I researched as to a suitable touring company to look for with a great itinerary and a reputation that would be suitable for us mature travellers. The answer was Back-Roads Touring, a well-established company that has won many awards over the last 25 years for its services. Another positive for me was they only take small groups of up to 18 passengers.
Please go to Part One, the introduction ...
The adventure begins
As a very frequent traveller, I always have several special places, yet visited. High on my list was Morocco, so I researched as to a suitable touring company to look for with a great itinerary and a reputation that would be suitable for us mature travellers. The answer was Back-Roads Touring, a well-established company that has won many awards over the last 25 years for its services. Another positive for me was they only take small groups of up to 18 passengers.
Please go to Part One, the introduction ...
Morocco - Part Two
Morocco's capital is Rabat, which is on the Bou Regreg River and adjoins the Atlantic Ocean. It's known for architecture that salutes its Islamic and French-colonial heritage.
The tour takes us to the majestic Hassan Tower. . The city's iconic 12th-century minaret, which towers above the ruins of a mosque. Unmissable, it’s been the symbol of Rabat for eight centuries. It remained unfinished after the death of its founder in 1199, but its solitary splendour overlooking the river amid a wasteland of broken columns is eerily poignant. Join me on the adventure ...
Morocco's capital is Rabat, which is on the Bou Regreg River and adjoins the Atlantic Ocean. It's known for architecture that salutes its Islamic and French-colonial heritage.
The tour takes us to the majestic Hassan Tower. . The city's iconic 12th-century minaret, which towers above the ruins of a mosque. Unmissable, it’s been the symbol of Rabat for eight centuries. It remained unfinished after the death of its founder in 1199, but its solitary splendour overlooking the river amid a wasteland of broken columns is eerily poignant. Join me on the adventure ...
Morocco with Back-Roads Touring – Part Three
Into the Sahara
So far, this expedition into the previously unvisited Morocco has been so interesting and exciting, but it is about to take on a new dimension! My first visit to the legendary Sahara Desert and staying in a Bedouin Camp! A luxury camp set-up just for us.
Our extremely comfortable coach arrives at Merzouga, a small Moroccan town in the Sahara Desert, near the Algerian border.
Ride the camels ...
Into the Sahara
So far, this expedition into the previously unvisited Morocco has been so interesting and exciting, but it is about to take on a new dimension! My first visit to the legendary Sahara Desert and staying in a Bedouin Camp! A luxury camp set-up just for us.
Our extremely comfortable coach arrives at Merzouga, a small Moroccan town in the Sahara Desert, near the Algerian border.
Ride the camels ...
Discovering the Kimberley Coast
A trip once done in 2009, when we filmed it for our Foxtel show Travel TV. So when the invitation from Christian Fellowship Tours (CFT) arrived to cover their same trip, I answered in a heart-beat.
CFT are Australian based family run tour operators. They offer faith based experiences and to have fun with like-minded people. They quote ‘Whatever holiday you choose you know that when you travel with other Christians you will find opportunities to really connect, form friendships and enjoy true fellowship’.
Get ready to sail away ...
A trip once done in 2009, when we filmed it for our Foxtel show Travel TV. So when the invitation from Christian Fellowship Tours (CFT) arrived to cover their same trip, I answered in a heart-beat.
CFT are Australian based family run tour operators. They offer faith based experiences and to have fun with like-minded people. They quote ‘Whatever holiday you choose you know that when you travel with other Christians you will find opportunities to really connect, form friendships and enjoy true fellowship’.
Get ready to sail away ...
‘AYUBOWAN’ The lovely greeting salutation, which is Sinhalese for Long Life
I was invited by the Sri Lankan Government to return and review the tourism side of the after effects of the April terrorism atrocities. My previous visit was in 2016, following an official invitation from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation to represent Australian travel media at their special conference; Tourism: A Catalyst for Development, Peace and Reconciliation in Passikudah, Sri Lanka.
Read all about what I found ...
I was invited by the Sri Lankan Government to return and review the tourism side of the after effects of the April terrorism atrocities. My previous visit was in 2016, following an official invitation from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation to represent Australian travel media at their special conference; Tourism: A Catalyst for Development, Peace and Reconciliation in Passikudah, Sri Lanka.
Read all about what I found ...
Mature Traveller is off to Western Australia to explore the Wheat Belt and its unique tourist attractions.
As nearly always we look at a TFE Hotels property for any extra accommodation and following are the reasons we chose to stay at the Travelodge.
Travelodge Hotel Perth is nestled in a picturesque location, close to major shopping areas. Whether in Perth for business or leisure, rest assured you will be delighted by Travelodge Hotel Perth’s great location and facilities Find out more, many more ....
As nearly always we look at a TFE Hotels property for any extra accommodation and following are the reasons we chose to stay at the Travelodge.
Travelodge Hotel Perth is nestled in a picturesque location, close to major shopping areas. Whether in Perth for business or leisure, rest assured you will be delighted by Travelodge Hotel Perth’s great location and facilities Find out more, many more ....
WESTERN AUSTRALIA'S VAST OUTDOOR ART TRAIL
Join our Founder Michael Osborne as he explores the Public Silo Trail ...
Join our Founder Michael Osborne as he explores the Public Silo Trail ...
