JANUARY | liquidlifeandleisure.com.au Noosa Page 12 Courtesy of Paul Smith Images | visitnoosa.com.au
Tewantin Market Garden Page 48
Kellys Column Page 18
Kellys Column Page 68
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEMS
AMK AIR COMPRESSORS
ON BOARD AIR CONTROL
INTELLIRIDE ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM
EXTERNAL INFLATION All Airbag Man suspension kits come standard with tyre style inflation valves allowing control via a separate air supply. Easy adjustment to maintain vehicle height and improve stability as your load changes.
ON BOARD AIR CONTROL For further convenient operation of your Airbag Man suspension products, we offer a massive range of ADD ON On-Board Air Control Kits & Components that include Compressors, Tanks, Gauges, Switches, Valves, Fittings, Tubing & More.
INTELLIRIDE ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM Airbag Man utilises IntelliRide in 2 corner & 4 corner applications, IntelliRide is a fully automatic, Electronically Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS) System. When fitted, the system provides comfort while automatically maintaining your ride height irrespective of the load.
AMK AIR COMPRESSORS AMK Compressors are manufactured in Germany, they are compact, lightweight and are a powerful and reliable unit. AMK offers a vast Aftermarket range of air suspension compressors,
and produced according to OEM
JANUARY 2020 ON THE COVER Noosa 12 Discover Noosa Kellys Column 18 Tip toe through the tulips Tewantin Market Garden 48 Support Local Kellys Column 68 Pilbara Turtles BUSINESS PROFILES Airbag Man 2 Best in the Business Caravan and Camping Hire 28 Mini Breaks Uni-Industries 47 Enjoy the better things in life
USUAL SUSPECTS Food Junkie 32 Let's get fruity Everything Caravan & Camping 66 Stay alert at the wheel
SPECIAL FEATURES OUR PICK OF 2019 Wandering Osteo 8 Chemical Free Living 36 Green Caffeen 58
from the editor...... Happy New Year LL&L Legends, I guess we are all baffled as to where the year has gone, how quick Christmas has passed and now we have welcomed the New Year in.
Liquid Life & Leisure Team How exciting it is to have the year ahead to start new projects, finish off old ones, or to make new holiday plans, buy that caravan or home or for some to downsize, sell up and hit the road. Editor Hayley Taylor Our journey is just that “our journey” no one journey is the same, we learn things at different times in our lives, we travel at different times, and we buy or sell homes or start families at different times.
Director Benthat Charity What is important is that we follow a journey speaks volumes to ourselves and what is important in our own individual worlds. That we lead by example for our kids and let themSales see that creating a life National Manager in the best interest of your own needs and vision is far truer than DanYet Charity one to just be keeping up with the “Jones’s”. in doing so it is important to be a valuable member of society and community where you contribute, you give, you are caring andDesign can live a life of understanding and support to those around you.
Flourish Design Studio
As the New Year takes shape so much devastation is being seen and felt around our greatLiquid Country.Life Lives&are being lost, homes and Leisure Headquarters property are being destroyed, wildlife injured and lost. These fires that burn are extreme and devastating.
Liquid Life & Leisure Team Editor Hayley Taylor Director Ben Charity Strategic Partnership Manager Kelly Gudgeon Design Graffitz Design Co
Flourish Design Studio
Liquid Life & Leisure Headquarters Phone (07) 5580 4988
Phone
Although it is hard to know how to help,(07) or support from afar, the 5580 4988 important thing is, is that we all do. No matter the size of the contribution or how it takes form, we all just need to pitch in, in true Address Aussie form to do what it takes to get this under control and allow people to rebuild. PO BOX 1076, Sanctuary Cove Q 4212
Hope Island, Gold Coast
When this does pass there will be towns and communities that will need us all to continue to support them to mend and rebuild. When making your travel plans for this year, please keep these Websites communities in mind, your presence may just be the difference a www.liquidlifeandleisure.com.au community needs. Don’t ever underestimate the power of community and good will.
Our thoughts are with all those being affected and to the amazing content@liquidlifeandleisure.com.au fire fighters, police, ambos, charities, volunteers and the friends and families that are supporting these amazing men and women you are Advertising true heroes and all of Australia is so grateful, THANK YOU. Here is to the fires losing their intensity, rain where it is needed and content@liquidlifeandleisure.com.au with amazing donations coming far and wide that it can be used in ways to make a small difference.
Deadline for Content: 15th of every month
Keep the support coming Australia and keep the spirits of those on the front line fighting these fires high, while they keep battling for us, Contributors we keep them strong and supported.
Yasmin & Leigh - Family Gap Year
Address PO BOX 1076, Sanctuary Cove Q 4212 Hope Island, Gold Coast Websites www.liquidlifeandleisure.com.au Email content@liquidlifeandleisure.com.au Advertising content@liquidlifeandleisure.com.au Deadline for Content: 15th of every month Contributors Rebecca Clark - The Food Junkie Dan & Fee - -Ozzy Wide Ozzy Kelly Gudgeon Destination andPride Travel
Keep Australia Beautiful Dan & Fee - Ozzy Wide Ozzy Pride
Kelly Gudgeon - Destination and Travel
Hayles xo LIQUID LIFE & LEISURE
The Wandering Osteo
Fiona Hooper is travelling Australia with her husband Wade and their daughters aged three and five years. You might think well that’s not unusual, there are thousands of travelling families around Australia as we speak. However, like many travelling families Fiona and Wade had to think about how they would fund their travelling lifestyle.
relies heavily on social media and word of mouth and voila the Wandering Osteo is a reality. I spoke to Fiona about life on the road after leaving their home in Mildura in February and making this their reality. She said, “Our life is winging it, it now comes down to how long we can survive each other’s company in such a small space”.
Fiona is an Osteopath, a profession which on the surface doesn’t seem like it would be easily transportable. But that’s where a bit of creativity and a leap of faith come in.
Fiona explained that the concept of being able to continue to practice while being on the move came to her because previous work experience in mining town, Roxby Downs in South Australia, meant that she had a transient client base already.
Fiona has set up a clinic inside her caravan and
“I was living in Roxby Downs which is a very
transient town, most people aren’t from there, they are from other places in South Australia”. Fiona’s family spent a lot of time travelling through South Australia where she said because of her Roxby experience she already had patients all over South Australia. “There are different reasons why it came about but the whole caravan concept came from a few of these patients who were begging me to come and visit, and one day it just dawned on me that I should, and a few other things evolved and so we decided on the caravan”. “In South Australia I just had a patient in most of the locations that we’ve gone to and they just spread the word, and nothing beats word of mouth”. “In terms of them being return patients, I feel like I do enough in one treatment to get them back on track and if they needed a lot of follow up, I either wouldn’t do it or I would stay for a lot longer. I am also trying to encourage people that they don’t need to rely on the hands on if they are given the right information and I want them to take ownership of their own health”. Fiona has a special interest in women’s health and has an online support group for women to tap into information and advice. She said, “women can join and I can be their Osteo in their pocket, whenever they need, 24/7”. Fiona said while she was in Roxby Downs most of her patients had mining related injuries, and since being on the road she said, “it seems to be a lot of farming related issues now, which is a lot of chronic pain. A lot of older guys who are putting up with pain. I know farming is very stressful on their body and it may not be something they can completely get rid of but I can treat them and give them tools to try and alleviate their pain at home”. “I am also seeing a lot of people from country netball and football clubs. That’s pretty popular in the country. A lot of Mum netballers, wanting to get back into it after having babies”.
While travelling, Fiona said she is loving sharing the concept of Osteo to people who have never heard of it before and has in some towns taken the opportunity to speak at football clubs about how an Osteo can help their wellness. “I’m not an ambassador for Osteo in Australia but I feel like I’m doing it anyway”.
After South Australia though, Fiona and her family are now well into their sojourn into Western Australia, where she doesn’t have the security of patients already lined up. She said this is where things like social media help. “I’ve already had a few people ask when I will be coming through their towns after they’ve made contact through social media and offered to help promote me visiting, so that’s been lovely. I’ve also got a few friends in different places who might not be patients but people who can help put the word out as well”.
Fiona said she is also making contact with other professionals in towns she visits who can take on the role of continuing care for some of her patients. Regional towns across Australia rarely have access to services such as Osteopathy so someone passing through who is able to offer such a service is usually very welcome. “They might not have practitioners in the towns but they definitely have professionals like Personal Trainers and gyms, so I’m trying to talk to people in the towns that can help me spread the word and I can help them with some of the people that they’re training who might be in a bit of pain”. “I like empowering people so they can take ownership beyond my hands being on their body and they can help themselves, they don’t have to
rely on people coming to their towns to help them. Definitely we have an impact but it’s a team effort”. Fiona said she has found the most support in towns that don’t have access to permanent practitioners because those people needing services have to pay to travel somewhere else to access it. “It costs people a lot of money to head to a town to receive treatment”. Fiona said the opportunity to treat people who don’t have access to services like what she offers has been really rewarding already in the short time they’ve been travelling. “It sounds cliché but it’s so nice to get the feedback that you’ve made an impact on someone’s life that’s been dealing with pain for so long and they weren’t really aware that they didn’t need to put up with it a lot of the time”.
Being on the road can present it’s challenges and quirky experiences and Fiona said she is getting used to treating people in some unusual places. “One lady couldn’t get to town and so I just pulled off the road, her house was 200 metres off the road on a farm and I just pulled into her house and treated her in her backyard”.
“I’ve also treated in playgrounds, we had to stop anyway for the kids to have a run around. I’ve said, I’m not stopping in town but if you want a treatment at lunch time I’m happy to treat you, I’ve also treated at service stations, things like that”. “I try and be open when people reach out, I can’t go to everybody’s house but that’s all part of the fun of it as well”.
Fiona said she has now embraced the crazy life, “I’m really enjoying the unknown of every day and just going with the flow. There are days where we’ll see and do things that I never would have expected and couldn’t have even planned to do and that’s just so much fun”.
“I’m also loving the simple life, and realising you don’t need much at all”. “I wouldn’t go back now to what I was doing, not that I didn’t like it but I just like the fact that every day is different and it’s pretty cool to be able to help so many people that would never have even heard of Osteo".
If you are interested in listening to my chat with Fiona have a listen to the podcast available on the website www.liquidlifeandlesiure.com.au/podcasts
a s o No
Courtesy of Paul Smith Images | visitnoosa.com.au
Noosa is one of the most famous jewels in the Sunshine Coast crown. From exquisite beaches, incredible bushland and a shopping and dining experience that rivals the big cities, Noosa really does have it all. Situated 120km north of Brisbane, Noosa is just as easy as a weekend retreat, or a holiday destination. Noosa incorporates the areas of Noosa Heads, Noosa Junction and Noosaville. Noosa Heads is the resort area and includes the famous shopping strip on Hastings Street. The main beach is also in this area, and at the end of Hastings Street is Noosa Woods and
Noosa Spit. At the other end of Hastings Street is the Noosa National Park. Noosa Junction is around the river and has evolved from being the quiet business end of town to becoming a favourite haunt of the locals who frequent the restaurants, bars, designer stores and boutiques that are now dotted around the area. Noosa residents say it is like a country town on the beach, they say it’s a town that is focused on health and fitness and uses its natural wonders to its advantage. The name Noosa came from the Aboriginal word meaning ‘shade’ or
‘shadow’ and is probably a reference to the tall forests in the area. The Kabi tribe are the traditional owners of the area, and European settlers began to use the area to set up a timber industry and sheep grazing land, before tourism became the primary industry for the area. Noosa is near the northern end of the Sunshine Coast. You can base yourself at Noosa and still easily access many other locations on the Sunshine Coast and into the Hinterland. Or you can easily just stay and confidently know that you will never be at a loss of things to do.
a s o o N in y ta s to e r Whe There are plenty of accommodation options in Noosa and its surrounds.
There are also budget units which are a great option for a bit more privacy at a lower price.
CARAVAN PARKS MID-RANGE There are three caravan parks to choose from which offer van sites and cabin style accommodation.
The Wolngarin Holiday Resort offers small apartments, or villas, which are a great family option.
Peppers Noosa Resort and Villas RACV Noosa Resort – this one being particularly family friendly Softel Noosa Noosa Riviera Lookout Noosa The Sebel Resort Noosa Quay West Resort and Spa Noosa Picture Point Terraces
BUDGET RESORT There are a number of Youth Hostel /Backpacker style accommodation units to choose from. These offer dorm accommodation, or twin or double rooms.
This is where Noosa really shines. It is famous for its resort style accommodation and luxury hotels and there are plenty to choose from including:
Courtesy of Paul Smith Images | visitnoosa.com.au
Even if you can’t afford to stay in one of the upmarket resorts, book in for a treatment in one of the day spas for a day of pampering and be part of the Noosa vibe.
What to do in Noosa
Courtesy of Paul Smith Images | visitnoosa.com.au GO TO THE BEACH Obviously heading to the beach would have to be the number one activity. The biggest decision you will have to make is which beach to go to. Do you feel like swimming with the crowds or are you wanting a private relax. There are more than a dozen beaches, secluded bays and hideaway coves, so there are plenty of options to suit whatever beach mood you are in. Noosa’s Main Beach is front and centre but it’s a calm, protected and patrolled beach right off Hastings Street. While at the beach do you prefer to sit and watch the world go by, or you can learn to surf. Just down the road a few minutes is where you will find the open beach breaks that offer more for the experienced surfer. From here as well you can hop on a car ferry across to Noosa North Shore. Here is 40km of white sands,
incredible coastline and ancient dunes. Or you can access the World Heritage listed Fraser Island and Great Sandy National Park. NOOSA NATIONAL PARK There are many trails and walks through the Noosa National Park. The Coastal track is spectacular with many vantage points that overlook Laguna Bay, Noosa North Shore and the Cooloola Sandpatch. There are also many side tracks to explore which will take you to secluded bays including Tea Tree and Granite. From here you can watch the surfers, spot endless marine animals including turtles, dolphins and from July to October humpack whales. The tracks are not difficult and traverse through rainforest and open woodlands giving you an incredible experience and the opportunity to spot some beautiful birds and other wildlife, including koalas.
SHOP ON HASTINGS STREET Hastings Street is a shopping mecca. It has an incredible selection of bars, restaurants and cafes on one side of the road, and on the other you can shop till you drop from the many fashion, jewellery, surf, homewares, art shops with a wide selection of locally made products, high end fashion and souvenirs. If Hastings Street isn’t enough shopping there are also other options in Noosa Junction and Noosaville. TAKE A DRIVE IN THE COUNTRY The Noosa hinterland is only a 30 minute drive from the beach and with a variety of trails and lookouts there is so much to explore. Take your bike, walk or you can organise to ride a horse. There are also many cafes, galleries and farm gates to try local produce and directly support local growers
NOOSA EVERGLADES The Noosa Everglades is one of only two everglades systems in the world. It is an ancient system of waterways with clear lakes and dark tannin waters that give an amazing mirrored reflection. One of the best ways to explore this is on a cruise or by canoe. FOOD AND WINE Noosa is a foodie heaven. There is a lot of fresh and local produce and many award winning restaurants to choose from. You can experience everything from fish and chips to the best in fine dining.
And don’t forget the annual Noosa Food and Wine Festival which takes place is May each year. This year’s dates are from 16-20 May 2019 and now is the best time to make sure you are booked in to enjoy the many delights!
NOOSA FROM THE SKY One of the best ways to take in an area is from the sky. There are scenic flights available that will take in the incredible views over Noosa, Fraser Island, the Everglades and over the hinterlands and national parks.
NOOSA RIVER GET PAMPERED IN A DAY SPA The Noosa River winds its way from the Great Sandy National Park through all the villages and lakes of the area. There is a huge array of bird and marine life. The Noosa Ferry has seven stops between Noosa Marina and Hastings Street and is a great way to relax and see the sights.
For more great locations visit www.liquidlifeandleisure.com.au www.facebook.com/liquidlifeandleisure www.instagram.com/liquidlifeandleisure//
You don’t need to be staying in a resort to take advantage of the extras. Book in for a Day Spa session and have a massage, a facial, do a flotation, relax in the Roman style baths or take in some of the many other body therapies available. .
Courtesy of Paul Smith Images visitnoosa.com.au
ABOUT US We are racers, we hang for the week and whatever event we are traveling to. Buy your gear from like-minded people and know that we only sell products that we personally use. Race Wheels Australia is the Aussie distributor of Method Race Wheels and KC HiLites. We are available to chat about any product or racing questions. Call or email us to discuss your next purchase.
48 Paisley Drive Lawnton
info@racewheelsaust.com
07 3285 8456, 0419 161 193
4 x 4 Wheels
UTV Wheels
Tiptoe through the tulips
Sunday – day of rest; family day; recovery day. It means something different to everyone but over the next few months I’m going to give you some ideas for making the most of your Sunday Funday.
For much of Australia spring is when you begin to think about searching out the wonders of the thousands of wildflowers that can be found, however in Western Australia, June is when it all begins.
They are scattered across almost 2.5 million square kilometres of Western Australia and can be seen from anywhere from the side of the highway through to the densest of bush.
Sunday’s in June are for getting outside and enjoying the winter sunshine when you can.
Western Australia is home to more than 12,000 wildflower species, the largest collection of wildflowers in the world.
The first time I spotted a Sturt Desert Pea was on the side of the highway in Karratha in the North West and I had to pull the car over to take a photo.
Western Australia takes full advantage of its vast array of wildflowers each year and offers guided tours and information for self-guided tours to find the best places to see the flowers.
Western Australia’s wildflowers can be spotted anywhere from the South through the Goldfields and the Wheatbelt, right up to the North West in the Pilbara and the Kimberly regions.
The Pilbara wildflower trail weaves its way from Broome right down to the Pilbara and into Karijini National Park. The flowers, which include the beautiful Sturt Desert Pea, Bluebells, Sticky Cassia, and the gorgeous Mulla Mulla carpet the ground in spots. While WA is the wildflower hotspot, most of Australia has its own wildflower season, usually starting in the Spring. Some places to find wildflowers around the country include:
•
Outback South Australia, around Maree, is also well known for its outback flowers, especially if there has been rain around or water in Lake Eyre.
•
In Victoria, the Grampians is home to one third of the States flowers which include anything from wattles to orchids and purple pea flowers.
•
In Tasmania the incredible Cradle Mountain area and Wineglass Bay are the perfect places to explore wildflowers.
•
In Queensland, the Granite Belt region south-west of Brisbane, particularly in the Girraween National Park is the hotspot. You can find wattles, daisies, orchids and more here.
•
In NSW the Mountains are the place to go – the Snowy Mountains, the Blue Mountains and Barrington Tops; but also in the outback especially after rain in Bourke where you can find Darling peas and Darling Lilies.
Happy wildflower hunting! If you’ve got any Sunday Funday ideas you’d like me to review send them to kelly@liquidlifeandleisure.com.au
https://markbunn.com.au
Forest Bathing, Earthing and Nature Immersion The amazing benefits for our mental health, physical health, happiness & more. The best healing sanctuary in the world is all about forest bathing. Mother nature at her best, is what we’re talking about today. Science is now backing up the ancient wisdom of Ayurvedic medicine, about the importance of human beings being connected to Mother Nature. A huge amount of research now exists on earthing. I.e. that when we take our shoes and socks off occasionally, or get in the garden we literally get an influx of negatively charged ions that come into the human body, and as if dowse the inflammatory fires
that line our tissues. This is being shown to significantly reduce chronic inflammatory illnesses and pain, improving blood profiles, and helping regulate our body clock, particularly our sleep/wake cycle, and other circadian rhythms. Now the science is coming out to show us the importance of connecting to Mother Nature generally. Forest Bathing - Shinrin-Yoku A famous doctor in Japan, called Dr. Li has spoken and written a lot about this recently. In Japan, they have a saying called ‘shinrinyoku’, and it’s basically the art and science about how mother nature, trees and plants, promote health and wellbeing in human beings.
It is absolutely profound. We’ve heard a lot about gut bacteria in recent years, that we have to eat certain foods, and do certain things to promote a healthy gut bacteria in our own colon. What we now know is that the soil also has its own microbiome, and according to ancient wisdom, this actually cycles or changes with the seasons. But when we connect to Mother Nature, connect to the ground, and be in forests and natural environments, it’s likely that we actually integrate that microbiome to promote and strengthen our own gut microbiome. We now know that trees elicit certain essential oils or chemicals (phytonicides) that allow them to communicate with other plants and trees, as well as to deter microbes
or other invaders. A little bit like pheromones in our human body that we emit to communicate with other people. E.g. so we know what relationships are good for us, and what ones aren’t. These chemicals are now known to help clear our mind and lower our stress levels.
some really interesting studies recently.
Pschoterratica, Biophilia & the Latest Research
In a collection of four studies, titled ‘Can nature make us more caring?’, people that were more immersed in nature became more intrinsically motivated. They were more caring, more community-oriented, less self-interested or self-centered. Those that were not connected to nature were more self-centered, more self-interested, and more externally motivated.2
Ever heard of ‘Psychoterratica’? It’s the fear or problems of being disconnected from nature. What about Biophilia? Biophilia came into consciousness in the 1980’s when E.O. Wilson, a biologist and author, said that ‘loving nature is part of our DNA’. It all points to the incredible healing power of nature as evidenced by
One study showed that when people immersed themselves in nature for four days without technology, their creativity and problem solving went up by 50%.1
Other studies have shown that when we connect more with nature
- we forest bath, earth or ground etc - anxiety comes down, mental health improves, our immune system becomes stronger, we have more anti-cancer proteins, natural killer cells are stimulated among other benefits.3 Back to Ancient Ayurvedic Wisdom All this is really just backing up the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. In my studies in Maharishi Ayurveda, connecting to Mother Nature was always promoted as one of the highest medicines. Did you know that doctors in Scotland can now ‘prescribe spending time in nature’ to their patients? How great is that. Instead a drug or pill, “Tom, what you need is to go camping for e few days or take your partner for a hike in the hills.”
The question is, “how can we get out of our cities a little bit more, out of our homes, and reconnect to the profound healing benefits that mother nature gives us?” How can we get out of our indoor environments and do our yoga outside, going for a hike, doing our walk, jog or even strength training out in a forest or a natural environment? Future Trends As evidenced by the Global Wellness Summit recently, the coming trends to watch out for in this space will be things like: •
•
•
•
•
Pop-up parks - so in urban areas, there’s going to be popup parks that we can earth and ground ourselves and connect to nature. Green exercise - a shift away from just exercising in a gymnasium, or doing yoga in a yoga class. In Canada today, they’re starting forest skating. Rather than going to the ice skating park, you’ll ice-skate through a forest. Forest Bathing Clubs - There’s already a Global Institute of Forest Bathing and a San Francisco Forest Bathing Club that’s very popular. Biophilic design - how we design our workplaces, our offices and our homes, so that we integrate the benefits of nature.
Traditionally, this was just about bringing some green plants into our office place or home, but
also there’s a science now about designing things so we maximise natural sunlight, natural air flow, and a whole host of other ways that we connect to the healing power of nature. They’re some of the trends so what can we do practically to use this knowledge? Tips to Help 1. Do your exercise in nature more - Incorporate Green Exercise? As we’ve said, get out of the yoga class or gym occasionally and do your strength training (I do chin ups on tree branches, push-ups on rocks etc), cardiovascular or flexibility work in a natural environment. So you’re getting fresh air, you’re getting natural light exposure or sunlight and maybe even doing it ‘earthed’ (barefoot) if it’s safe to do so. 2. Make your home or workplace more nature friendly Bring in more green plants, e.g. office ferns, spider plants are very good for keeping the air clean. Increase natural flow and try to get as much natural light in as you possibly can. 3. Earth or Ground Yourself More E.g. having your lunch in a park, doing your stretches while touching a tree, taking your shoes and socks off and walking on the wet sand if you’re near a beach or a natural body of water. More earthing tips at bottom of my Earthing Blog
4. Take your Social or Community Evens to Mother Nature’s Playground Maybe instead of the big birthday celebration being in a crowded restaurant late at night, occasionally can you go back to the idea of connecting communally with picnics or outdoor celebrations? Saturday or Sunday afternoon picnics, birthday parties or other celebratory gatherings in a park or bushland rather than a noisy, smelly, claustrophobic cafe. You still get to celebrate, eat good food, but also get all the benefits of forest bathing at the same time. 5. Take Nature Holidays Rather than heading Las Vegas or Shanghai for your next holiday, can you go camping or ‘glamping’? Can you incorporate hiking or nature activities instead of casinos? They’re just some ideas. I’m sure by being creative, you can come up with a whole bunch of other ideas about getting back to nature more. And I’d love to hear them. Seed Wisdom Today, a growing body of science is now backing up how ‘connection to nature’, as the ancient wisdom has always said, is one of the most profound healing forces on the planet. And we just feel so much better when we do it. I hope you enjoyed the article & happy forest bathing. Mark Bunn
Sun Gazing: Do You Do This Early Morning High Performance Ritual? Do you sun gaze or at least connect to the early morning sun as a daily practice? Are you aware of the incredible mental, physical, emotional and spiritual benefits of such a daily ritual? While many of us know about highperformers morning habits such as making their bed, planning their day and exercising, connecting with early morning sunlight is not so well know. As understood by most ancient cultures, the master regulator of all our internal health and performance cycles is the cycle of the sun. Most advanced traditional cultures throughout time have started their day greeting the sun through an ancient ritual called ‘sun gazing’. (Others, as in India along the Ganges river, do things like Yoga ‘sun salutes’ while facing East as the sun rises). More and more high-level business performers are now understanding that our optimum human performance clock is synced to the cycles of Mother Nature. As such they make sure they get outside to reap the incredible mental, physical and emotional benefits of morning
sunlight through the eyes. (Many of us today live in artificially lit homes and work in artificially lit offices and are ‘mal-illuminated’.) Benefits of morning sunlight exposure include; • improved energy & immune function •
stimulation of healthy brain chemistry
•
the ultimate mood-booster (anti-depressant) & emotional balancer • optimal weight through its effects on metabolic and thyroid function
•
regulation of our entire internal body clock
•
* A key benefit is in assisting optimal sleep at night ... as our sleep cycle regulation starts first thing in the morning!
Now, while the ancients understood that the sun will not harm the human eye in the first 45 minutes of sunrise ... the first 10 degrees of arc, you don’t necessarily have to look directly at the sun - ‘sun gaze’. (If you do, this should strictly only be done in the first 30-45 minutes of
sunrise and for very short periods seconds - to begin with.) However, even indirect sunlight through the eyes will bring significant benefits. The main thing is to actively get outside for at least a few minutes early morning to sync your physiology with our planets No.1 source of life-energy, vitality and positivity. And if you can combine exercise, earthing (see my blog)) &/or connection with others at the same time, all power to you. The sun (Surya), often maligned in our modern world was traditionally understood and indeed honoured for being the central to all life and every aspect of human health. We just need to respect it and connect with it in the right way ... not too much but also not too little. The importance of early morning sunlight exposure for optimal #health and #workperformance #wellbeing Do you make a daily practice of connecting with the sun or at least getting outside in the early-morning? What do you do and what difference does it make to your life and your work performance? I’m sure others would love to hear your inspiration.
Daily Habits of High Achievers - 3 Key Morning Rituals Research shows that those who consistently perform at high levels commonly do things as daily practices or rituals that other don’t. Here’s a few.
get outside (out of their artificially lit homes and office places) to experience the mental, physical, and spiritual benefits of morning sunlight through the eyes.
•
Connect with the Morning Sun
Benefits of morning exposure include;
What do Hugh Jackman, Oprah Winfrey, Tim Ferriss, Katy Perry, Ray Dalio (Head of the world’s largest hedge fund), Ariana Huffington, Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen Degeneres and countless other world class performers have in common? They start their day with 20 minutes of TM or Transcendental Meditation (other high performers use other forms of meditation).
High performers intrinsically understand that our optimum human performance clock is synced to the cycles of Mother Nature. As understood by the ancients, the master regulator of all our internal health and optimal performance cycles is the cycle of the sun. Traditional cultures throughout history have started their day greeting the sun through an ancient ritual called ‘sun gazing’. Hgh performers make sure they
sunlight
•
regulation of immune function
•
stimulation of healthy brain chemistry
•
regulation our internal body clock
•
promotes balanced weight through its effects on metabolic and thyroid function
uplifting mood (anti-depressant) and strengthening emotional health.
Transcendence
According to Tim Ferriss, author of New York Times Best-seller ‘Tools of Titans’, meditation is by
far the most common habit or daily ritual amongst the world’s highest performing individuals. Don’t have time to meditate? Almost universally everyone who meditates, specifically transcending-based meditation like TM, remarks that they get far more done when they meditate and couldn’t imagine life or work without it. We can’t build a 100 storey skyscraper without first digging deep into the ground. Likewise, we can’t sustain high level, dynamic outward activity without first (and regularly) going within and enlivening our deepest (inner) source of energy, creativity and intelligence. Transcending does this which is why such a high percentage of high performers do it as their most important daily habit. As the latest neuroscience and brain mapping research clearly demonstrates, such meditation
produces more global brainwave activity and peak brain coherence. Do less achieve more. More on Transcendental Meditation (TM) and Transcendance Exercise Another hallmark of high achievers is that a very high percentage start their day with physical activity. Research shows that those that make a habit of exercising early morning have a compliance rate of 75%. Those who leave it until later in the day (after work) have a compliance of around 25%. Again, the research suggests that the time devoted to physical movement or exercise in the early hours is more than returned in terms of improved efficiency, brain performance, decision-making and
all around productivity for the rest of the day. (Early morning is also the best time for exercise according the understanding of Ayurveda and our daily body clock.) * Richard Branson has been quoted as saying daily exercise gives him 4 hours of improved productivity. Connect to the morning sun, transcend to develop your most precious resource – consciousness - and get your body moving early to help maximize your work and life success. Mark Bunn * These are just three of the practices discussed in Mark’s highly popular ‘Daily Habits of High Achievers’.
The importance of a mini break
It’s August.. for most of Australia it’s been a cold winter and the flush of public holidays that we enjoy in the first half of the year are well and truly forgotten. However, now is possibly the most important time to think about taking a couple of extra days off work and booking a end of winter.. just past mid-year mini-break. It really could be just what your mental and physical health is craving. Disconnecting with the day to day is essential to preventing burnout at work and at home, and many health experts applaud the impacts of a long weekend away. It can help to
maintain positivity, boost immune health and also boost productivity when you are back at work. On top of all the health benefits, mini-breaks are also a great way to take a break without breaking the bank. While a longer holiday is what most people crave, the option of several shorter breaks is what many Australians are now doing in order to get their much needed time out. Sydney based Tourism Academic David Beirman recently told the ABC that despite now more than 56 percent of Australians now owning a passport, he believes more
Australians are going on shorter holidays today than in the past. He said, “that’s reflected by the product being offered by a lot of tour operators and travel agents and the online community.” “Rather than taking several weeks leave at once people are taking four to five days instead.” “In many cases, it’s because there’s sometimes concerns about job security, and it’s interesting because we’re supposed to be living in an age where there’s more leisure time than ever. But, in fact, most Australians are working harder than they ever have,” he said.
So it’s established that it’s necessary to take a mini-break, the next decision is what sort of holiday should you take? 2018 figures from Tourism Research Australia show that national overnight camping, caravan and RV trips reached 12.3 million for the year, marking the first time overnight and short trips have exceeded 12 million in a 12 month period, and total nights spent caravanning and camping around the country increased by 6.5 percent to reach a record 52.8 million nights.
Taking a short break in a caravan and RV makes sense on many levels. It gives the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the day to day, reconnects you with nature and is affordable.
keys to the person hiring. Caravan and Camping Hire are there to assist with all the logistical and insurance necessities but when it comes to the actual hire vehicle this is a direct relationship.
But what if you don’t actually own a caravan, camper trailer or RV, or don’t have room to store one? There are so many opportunities to rent now.
This means that there are caravans and campers for hire all over Australia, and it also gives owners an opportunity to get a return from their investment when they are not using it – kind of like a mobile B & B.
Caravan and Camping Hire Australia are a peer to peer hire company. This So where will you be heading on your means that the owner of the caravan next mini-break? is the person that hands over the
Top 10 reasons why you need to take a mini-break! See more places each year Lots of short breaks each year to a different place is a great way to explore more destinations. The convenience of hiring an RV anywhere in Australia means you could fly and pick up a hire vehicle all ready for your next destination.
Busy short breaks can feel like a longer holiday Three or four days in a new place is a lot of time for exploring or relaxing. Being out of your normal routine can often make the days seem longer than usual and jam packed with quality hours.
Only take carry on luggage Hiring a caravan or RV will mean that it will come with just about everything you need so all you need to fly with is your carry on luggage, saving time getting through the airport and thinking about what to pack.
Planning the break Planning a holiday is sometimes just as much fun as going on holiday and if you have lots of short breaks that’s lots more opportunity to think about where you want to go, what activities you want to do and how you are getting there!
It’s easier to disconnect on a short break Many of us are permanently connected to devices and our careers, and at times, taking a holiday can be a mammoth task in planning so that everything in our normal lives still ticks along while we are away. A shorter break can be easier to organise and therefore less stressful in the planning stages, making the whole experience more pleasant. And then when you sit back down at work you aren’t battling through thousands of emails and getting your stress levels back to where they were pre-break.
You will be more productive Experts are always telling us we need to take regular breaks at work for example, not eating your lunch at your desk and going for a walk. This increased level of productivity also transpires for those people who take regular times away from the office altogether. A mini-break is the perfect way to boost the mental performance.
Its more affordable Short breaks are less expensive that a big overseas holiday, obviously. A short break in a caravan is one of the
best inexpensive holiday options across Australia – even if you combine it with a flight somewhere and pick up a rental RV, you are self contained and the master of your destination.
It’s easier to find someone to look after pets Anyone can tell you the stress of leaving fur babies when you go on holidays for longer time periods. However, with a mini-break, if you can’t take your pet with you then it’s far easier to find someone to look after them for a few days over a few weeks.
Mental clarity The long winding road is the best place to find mental clarity. Being lost in thoughts while exploring the great unknown is the best time to rethink priorities and make those life decisions you don’t have space for at home.
Its easier to get time off An employer is far more likely to give you a couple of days off work than two months for a holiday. This means you can go anytime of the year, or multiple times of the year without it being an interruption to anyone else’s productivity.
LET'S GET FRUITY
Yes, summer is here and although it can be a touch warm here in the Whitsundays, the tropical fruits are in full flourish. Such a culinary treat for the eyes and taste buds. Dragon fruit, papaya, passionfruit, a bounty of beautiful berry jewels and red shinny cherries, so sweet to taste. Mangoes, deliciously luscious and the range now is amazing. There are also so many other wonderful tropical fruits. Every now and then, some pop up I’ve never herd of. Best to always buy and try I say.
Pretty much anywhere you roam in Australia you will find a local market selling their home-grown local produce and sometimes other enchanted goodies brought from other regions of our diverse amazing landscape. Best to get out there and hunt and gather some of this season produce and get fruity. Of course, a tropical fruit salad for breakfast is a wonderful way to start the day but if feeling a bit cheeky and its after 10am, a fruity daquiri on the special occasions is, in my opinion, definitely allowed. Only special occasions of course. If like me though you don’t want these beautiful tastes of summer to disappear, one of the best ways to enjoy this array of fruit is the classic
fruit sorbet. A dish to make and preserve these fruity delights. As the abundance of local strawberries start to disappear a sorbet is a fantastic way to linger on the delicious flavour. Blueberries, another fabulous berry and so good for you. A touch of pure bliss in the freezer for you to enjoy anytime. Serve in a bowl, in a cone or with another dessert, I also love a sorbet with cheesecake, Yum. Is it worth it, hell yeah!
So, let’s get fruity!
CLASSIC FRUIT SORBET This is a base recipe for fruit sorbet. It will cover most fruits but remember all fruits are different so sugar levels and lime/ lemon juice will vary. It will always need to be sweeter before freezing as the sweetness will drop when frozen. So just go a little sweetie. You can infuse other flavours into the sugar syrup, like cinnamon, lavender, cardamom, nutmeg, rose water, citrus peel, fresh herbs, lemon grass etc. Remember you want it to be a bit too sweet as this will drop when frozen. The best way to check is to freeze a little mix on a plate and taste. Then you can adjust the sugar or citrus. Tasting is always the best balancing tool.
INGREDIENTS 4-5 cups fresh fruit, remove any skins pips or inedible parts 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 2-6 tablespoons of lemon or lime juice to taste.
METHOD Peel, pip, do whatever the fruit requires, then roughly chop. Place sugar and water in saucepan and gently bring to the boil to dissolve the sugar. Cool, this can even be made the day before so it’s good ‘n’ chilled. Place chilled sugar syrup, lime or lemon juice and fruit into a blender and blend till smooth. This mix can now be strained depending on the consistency you require. Smooth sorbet stain, textured sorbet don’t. So now, if using a machine, place into the bowl (frozen) of an ice cream machine and churn away. Follow the machines instructions. When ready scoop into a plastic container, cover with cling film, this
will help prevent the top layer going icy and lid. Keep in freezer till sorbet time. No machine, no problem, just freeze in a container or any plastic moulds. When frozen, remove, cut into chunks and blend again. Usually this step is only required once, but if you feel it needs it do it again. This can be the case if the sorbet is a bit older a re-blend and freeze can bring it back to life Store in freezer, once again with cling film and lid to protect. Sorbet will last in the freezer for a few months, then it will start to go icy. But fear NOT. If this does happen, or even before it does, perfect solution. Blend with a white Rum to make the perfect fruit daiquiri, only after 10am lol.
YUM.
Instagram @ the_food_junkie Website and blog www.thefoodjunkie.com.au Facebook - The Food Junkie @ thefoodjunkiechef
THE NON-DIRTY DOZEN
THE NON-DIRTY DOZEN www.myyl.com/galwaysgoround
Fitness on the Road 10 Tips to Stay Fit & Healthy While Travelling Too many people think exercise has to be hard. No pain, no gain, right? That, and you need lots of equipment. Oh, and a “workout” has to be an hour long. In the end, you get overwhelmed. You’re too busy. Nothing gets done. This approach couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is small things done consistently over time will give you the biggest benefits. And you’ll enjoy it. If you want to improve your health and fitness, the worst thing you can do is just go and exercise. The first thing you should do is change your mindset:
1
THE FIRST THING YOU NEED TO DO IS ASK YOURSELF WHAT’S YOUR ‘WHY’ What are the 5 things that are most important to you in life? Did you you mention ‘your health’ in your top 5? Great. Now, close your eyes, and picture the top 5 ways you spend your time. Be honest… is Netflix and Facebook getting more of your time? Unless you identify your ‘why’, you won’t make your health a priority. Is it to keep up with the kids? Look and feel better? Lose weight so you can have that knee operation? Or is it to have the energy to be able to do the walks on your travels? Only you can answer that. And there’s no wrong answer. Once you know your ‘why’, it’ll help you choose where you focus your time, as well as know how to…
2 3 4
FOCUS ON HABITS INSTEAD OF PROGRAMS A program is a great way to kickstart improvements, but… what happens when you finish? Nothing. You stop. You go back to exactly what you were doing before. Motivation and self-discipline are tough for most of us. You need to focus on developing life-long habits. What do you think will be better for you in the long run? Routinely walking 20 minutes every morning, or running 30 minutes once a week? HINT: It’s not running.
START SLOWLY AND GRADUALLY BUILD UP The #1 mistake people make with trying to get fit is going too hard, too soon. You add something that takes up a lot of time into a busy schedule. It isn’t enjoyable and you end up sore. You’re more likely to get injured. But… if you do just a little bit today, you’ll hardly notice it. Increase it a tiny little bit next time. You won’t notice the change. Wash, rinse, and repeat. A book that changed my life was Tim Ferriss’ The 4-Hour Body, especially the concept of the ‘Minimum Effective Dose’..
LITTLE AND OFTEN IS BETTER THAN HARD AND… NEVER If every workout is an hour, you’ll find excuses like “I don’t have time.” If you go hard, you’ll be sore and won’t be able to exercise as often. A recipe for disaster. Read the article The Secret to Getting Fit? Don’t Train So Hard
5 6
DON’T EVER GO ON A DIET Show me a diet, and I’ll show you a picture of a yo-yo. You’ll bottom out, and life will absolutely suck for 28 days (or whatever “their” magic number is). You will miss out on the fun things in life. If you do happen to make it back up to the top, congratulations. Time to go back to your old habits. Everything in moderation, even moderation. Develop an awareness of what you eat, and a healthy relationship with food… because red wine and chocolate.
ADD IN GOOD THINGS INSTEAD OF TAKING AWAY BAD THINGS So you’ve been eating and drinking that ‘stuff’ for 5 years. And you’re planning on stopping it tomorrow? Good luck with that. If you do manage it, tell me how you did it. We can make a LOT of money teaching people your magic secret. What if you instead focussed on adding in the habit of drinking 1L of water a day? I’m sure you’d drink less cola. If you slowly add in good things and they become habits, they’ll become the normal. They’ll eventually crowd out the things that you don’t really want in there. How to Choose the Right Stand Up Paddleboard SUP
7
TREAT TRAVEL AS YOUR LIFESTYLE I’m on holidays, so I don’t need to take my blood pressure tablets. Or brush my teeth. Sounds silly, doesn’t it. The funny thing? Your teeth fall out, you can get some dentures. If you lose your ability to play with the kids, get up and down off the ground, or go for that hike with the family… that’s a lot harder to fix. You’re going away for a 2-week holiday once a year? Rest. Your body will benefit from it. Travelling regularly? Different story.
8 9
HAVE A GOOD PLAN THAT YOU’LL FOLLOW INSTEAD OF A PERFECT ONE YOU WON’T Unless you’re trying to shave 0.1 seconds off your 100m run time, you don’t need a fancy program. You won’t stick to it anyway. All you need is a simple plan that involves some basic strength exercises and some longer endurance activities. That’s it. And they don’t have to be hard. Just move. I can 100% guarantee that if you do a simple program that you can stick to, you will be much better off than a complex program you do half of. The goal is adherence.
LEARN EXERCISES USING YOUR BODYWEIGHT If you get used to exercising using just your bodyweight, the whole world will be your gym. Learn how to do variations of push-ups, squats, lunges, dips, pull-ups, etc. You can scale these no matter what your current level of fitness. When I used to be a rehabilitation physiotherapist, these are what you’d get whether your were an athlete recovering from a knee reconstruction or someone in a nursing home recovering from a stroke. Learn exercises using your bodyweight Travelling? You won’t need to carry equipment with you, and you’ll save on gym fees. You’ll be able to move better in everyday life too.
10
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT THINGS Contrary to what commercial gyms would have you believe (their revenue depends on it), you don’t need a lot of equipment. There are some things I’d recommend though. If you have a mat for the ground, you’ll be more likely to get down. If you have a 1L water bottle, you’ll be more likely to drink 1L of water every day. Your goal is 2L a day? Get a 2L water bottle. What about exercise equipment? If you’re a traveller, check out The Only Equipment You Need to Keep Fit While Travelling. Once you’ve changed your mindset, you’ll see that the most important thing is knowing your ‘why’. Then, it’s all about moving. Consistently. And increasing gradually.
Alex Kydd Photo
SWIMMING WITH GIANTS
Recently I had the opportunity to tick off a major bucket list item.
However, there are a small band of people for whom this is their everyday.
A last-minute decision was made to head to Coral Bay for a long weekend and I found myself eye to eye with the biggest fish in the ocean.
Alex Kydd was the photographer on my boat and in the short time he has been a marine photographer he has been gaining a huge amount of respect and a growing base of admirers for the images he captures, not just of whale sharks, but of all the animals he encounters on the Ningaloo Reef.
In the three and half years that we’ve been on the road, swimming with whale sharks is unquestionably the most awe inspiring of everything so far. Being so close to these gentle giants, under an ocean that was pounding and throwing us around is an experience that reinterprets perspectives. For the vast majority of us, having the opportunity to do something of this scale is a once in a lifetime event.
Alex is in the water five days a week with Coral Bay Eco Tours and I recently had a chance to chat to Alex about what it’s like for him to be on the reef swimming with whale sharks, humpback whales, tiger sharks, manta rays, turtles and countless other marine animals each and every day.
Alex has a background in Marine Science and said he has always had a fascination with the ocean and never went in the water without a camera. The jump to full time marine photographer was an easy one for him and since 2016 he has been based in Coral Bay working as a wildlife photographer on whale shark and humpback whale tours. He said, “I capture whatever we see on the tour throughout the day, whether that’s whale sharks, manta rays, all different species of other sharks, we see humpback whales out there, everyday you’re coming home with something really new, something exciting, and you’re also sharing it with some really enthusiastic people. People from around the world who book on these tours, they want to see the reef and you get to share it with them and show them why you love it”.
Alex Kydd Photo
Alex Kydd Photo
“Ningaloo Reef is known for its mega-fauna, so big animals like the whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays but there’s so much out there. We go out there everyday and there’s always going to be one little thing that surprises you or really takes your breath away”. Alex said he has a couple of experiences that have been stand out for him.
and find out what it is. This is super exciting because you don’t know what you are getting in with, some sort of animal you’ve never seen before. When I got in the water it was a fever, or a school of cow-nosed rays, which are like a like a sting ray. They are swimming through the water column, and there’s maybe about thirty of them all wrapped up in a bunch. I’d never seen them before.
He said, “recently we were on the boat and we looked down from the top of the boat and we saw this big flash of white. The Skipper and deck hand told me to get in the water and go
They were something that I’d heard of, but they do come to Ningaloo Reef, and I was able to get some really cool footage, some really cool photos, which a lot of people loved”.
“They got shared on social media and shared around the world. I asked a lot of researchers which species of cow-nosed rays they are, but there’s not a lot known about them. It’s actually really difficult to ID them. There are only two species that are known to occur in Australian waters so it’s still unknown unless I get a sample of one of them”. “Another story that really sticks out is swimming with tiger sharks. We get a lot of tiger sharks here on Ningaloo Reef and I’m fortunate enough to get a chance to swim with them sometimes”.
“The first time I did it I had adrenaline going, I’d never done this before, still a bit scared. But just obviously doing it a lot. I’ve swum with hundreds of tiger sharks in the last year. Most encounters are very brief because they are really shy. But there are a couple of stand-out moments, like when I counted about thirteen tiger sharks that were feeding on a turtle carcass and I was lucky enough to get in there. I swam with a friend who I really trusted in the water and he’s watching my back and we’re just documenting what was happening”.
stems from fear. Tiger sharks seem to be quite shy in their nature and they obviously need to be given a lot of respect, they are not puppy dogs, but they’re not the monsters that we’ve all been told that they are. Alex said the best part of his job is getting to share the water with people everyday. “There’s nothing better than everyone on the boat super stoked about what they’ve seen and they’re happy about swimming, whether it’s been whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays, and if you can get some cool photos along the way its just a massive bonus. It’s a bucket list animal and it might be something that people only do once in their life, and you get to do it everyday with them, and that’s a really cool experience”. Swimming with whale sharks has certainly been something I’ve longed to do for some time and thanks to Coral Bay Eco Tours, I had the opportunity, and thanks to Alex for capturing the day so incredibly.
“The tiger sharks had no interest in us, obviously their food is right there and as long as you don’t get in the way and become competition”. Another cool experience was a time we saw tiger sharks feeding on a whale carcass last year. I managed to get some really cool close up shots of a tiger shark actually with its nose on my friends camera. This big four metre shark just cruised up, had a look and then just swims off”. “I don’t tell everyone to be jumping in the water with tiger sharks but I think what we’ve all been told is a lot of misinformation and that generally
Alex Kydd If you are interested in listening to my chat with Alex have a listen to the podcast available on the website www.liquidlifeandleisure.com.au
EVERYTHING BOATING, CARAVAN, CAMPING, TRAVEL, HEALTH & OUTDOORS IN ONE APP! Latest products and news in Boating, Caravans, Camping, Travel, Health and Wellness! Must See and Do around Australia, great articles from families travelling this great country! Podcasts, Blogging, and the Monthly Magazine all delivered direct to your device for FREE.
DOWNLOAD IT TODAY • • • •
Magazine every month Destination ideas and articles Podcasts Blogs
Plus much, much more.
APP
Tewantin
Market
At Tewantin Market Garden we are a family owned and operated small business, sourcing local produce and supporting our regions local producers and artisans.
We are a community focused store and believe that lowering food miles and supporting our region is the way of a sustainable future. Education on seasonal produce and how our environment effects our growers is important for the longevity of the Industry.
The Fruit Shop experience is about eating and sourcing quality food for your family, at a reasonable and affordable price while supporting our regions growers with a fair price for food.
Not all fruits and vegetables are available to us throughout the year, getting back to basics and understanding the seasons Is the first step to understanding sustainability.
Top Five Places To Explore On The Eyre Peninsula We were fortunate enough to spend a few weeks experiencing a lot of what the Eyre Peninsula has on offer earlier this year, finding some of the most beautiful beaches we’ve seen so far on our travels of Australia.
The glisten of the sun setting over the water.
Think pure white sand.
For those who are short on time, we’ve listed five of our favourite places that are definitely worth a look while you’re on the Eyre. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did!
Clear water in varying blue hues.
A plethora of hikes and walking trails to explore – some inland, some coastal, and just a whole lot of fun to be had!
1 – Port Gibbon
2 - Lincoln National Park
The road into the camps can be quite corrugated in areas, especially as we chose to stay at the last campground before the vehicle access to the beach. Be prepared for lots of fun on the dunes! Take your 4wd for a cruise around on the dunes and give dune boarding a go! Our boys used their boogie boards on the dunes for hours. If you choose to camp you’ll need to stay alert for snakes and scorpions. We saw a few when we were there in March.
Park fees do apply for both day trips and camping, and there are some fantastic camps to choose from with varying facilities if you want to stay inside the National Park and have more time exploring.
In the morning you can head round to the point to flick your rod - or go for a morning stroll. You might be lucky enough to spot some of the resident sea lions frolicking in the shallows, or even sunbaking up on the sand. There are some facilities located at the main camp area (dump point, toilets, drinking water), but most of the camps require you to be self-contained.
We camped at a sheltered bay called Richardsons Shack inside the National Park. Kangaroos and emus strolled around camp and down on the beach, and the water was perfect for paddle boarding, snorkelling and searching for razor fish. Donnington Loop walking trail is a fantastic way to see the sights of the National Park on foot, taking you up to the lighthouse and out to explore some of the other beach fronts like the well- known September Beach. We saw sea lions and a pod of dolphins frolicking in close to the coastline as we completed the loop.
3 – Sensation Beach
4 – Talia Caves and Talia Beach
Accessible by a long 4WD trip through Seven Mile Beach (leaving Coffin Bay National Park), we were pleasantly surprised by the stunning beach that awaited. Bright white sand which can be quite soft (with a decent sized dune to conquer) close to the entrance of the beach, we’d recommend you have some recovery gear with you - especially if you’re tackling the drive alone.
Located in Elliston on the Eyre Peninsula, we’d advise ensuring you have at least a good half day to explore this strip, as there are three main points of interest to check out.
Crashing waves entertained the kids, and there are a few rocky areas to climb and explore, particularly on the nearby wilderness walks that showcase the dramatic cliffs and coves. You do need a national parks permit to camp, whether you camp here or take a day trip in like we did from the Coffin Bay National Park. Be aware that high tide closes access to the beach as it voids the area to get in and out, so be sure to check tide times when you do your planning.
‘The Woolshed’ is a large cave carved into the granite cliff by wave action, ‘The Tub’ is a Crater with a tunnel connection to the ocean, and The Rock pools which are just that – rock pools that can be found on low tide along the coastline. Out of the three stops, our favourite was definitely ‘The Tub’. You can climb down into the crater via a man–made staircase cut into a tree trunk at the road end of the crater, through a thin trail in the scrub down into the tunnel that meets the ocean. Be mindful, however, that you will need to take tide times into consideration here as well - as the water could rise high enough to trap you in the tunnel if you’re not careful.
5 – Perlubie Beach A fantastic ‘all-rounder’ beach. You can camp right up on the sand, even in a caravan and there are a few shacks for day use that you can grab some shade under if needed. Perlubie is renowned for its fishing, and you’ll find people launching their boats at high tide to try bag some squid, crabs and king george whiting. At times the locals will even bring their tractors down to help bring some of the boats back in if the sand is too soft while the tide is out. There is a toilet block for public use, however no water or power available at the camp area. Fires
are permitted on the beach (outside of fire ban season), and you can swim, snorkel and explore the water fairly safely at Perlubie. We promise you’ll see some of the most amazing sunsets on this coastline.. Happy Exploring!! SOCIALS: Website: www.koolkampers.net Facebook: www.facebook.com/koolkampers Instagram: www.instagram.com/koolkampers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCkAhRq_AvzPewBSuBTLky-w
CARAVAN & CAMPING & SAFETY INSURANCE STAYINGLPG ALERT AT THE WHEEL
We’ve all heard the horrific road statistics of crashes being caused by fatigue or distraction. It’s estimated that 20 to 30 percent of all road crashes are caused by fatigue.
This is more important for those of us that are regularly using the roads and towing a van, particularly if we are on long highways and in regional areas. Obviously the most important way to counter fatigue is to ensure you get enough
sleep before a big drive, you regularly take breaks, and where possible share the driving. There are other ways to boost your energy levels and maintain alertness though and it’s not litres of coffee or rounds of eye spy.
Why do you need Caravan When you buy a car, a house, a insurance? boat or any other type of major investment you immediately Whatcaravan we eat when we are If your smashes into make sure your asset has driving is car: actually important. someone’s this should be insurance. covered by your comprehensive very easy to fill up carIt’s insurance. But what about your caravan or on greasy fatty junk food RV? whencaravan regularly If your is stopping stolen: at roadhouses or travel stops caravan insurance will cover It’s not actually a legal but bucket of hot chips you tothat its full value. requirement to have insurance or burger will is make you by If your caravan damaged for your caravan and for the sleepierorthan eating a wrap or someone vandalised: most part your car’s Third Party Insurance will cover the insurance should cover incidents damage. that occur on the road, however that is only while its attached to your car.
If you caravan is destroyed by fire, flood, hail, explosion, put some lemon slices lightning, impact, high windor or lemon/peppermint or other other natural events. flavoured essential oils in your water. If someone steals items from your caravan or trailer: most • Veggies like carrot policies will offer some sticks; contents celery sticks; snap peas; insurance for things inside your tomatoes; youtocan van,cherry however you need include dips as well like ensure this amount is enough andtoother and hummus if not speak yourraw insurer veggies you and your about increasing the contents cover.
Have your van towed, plus accommodation if needed while repairs or replacements are • sought. Cheese – even the packaged cheese slices with crackers are handywhich For electrical appliances are part of the van, ie • airconditioning, Hard boiled eggs – perfect fridges. for a road trip and a great snack If protein you have extras like annexes speak to your insurer about • whether Energythey barsare – just make in included sure they or areif not of to add your policy youfull need these in separately.
If you look at your policy, you will probably find that if your caravan or trailer comes loose and hits another car it won’t be covered. So what sort of insurance do you need for a caravan. sandwich. Well I guess that’s like any other Being prepared for the drive with healthy food choices, or making healthier choices when you are getting take away will ultimately be better, not just for What be and aware of but also yourtohips thighs for your levels of tiredness. If you haven’t secured your caravan wellthe enough its likely Here are Everything your insurerand will Camping refuse your Caravan claim, just like in house orroad car suggestions forahealthier you need to take every effort to trip foods: secure. • Water – it’s important to Insurers also deny a claim mixcan your coffee and tea if its thought damage has up and stay hydrated. If occurred thestraight assessor you because don’t enjoy believes it was poorwater or water, try from coconut
family enjoy. • Fruit – I probably wouldn’t take messy fruits like mangoes or peaches but anything else is great, including dry fruits! upkeep, this can even include • Smoothies mould damage.– this is a great option for breakfast on the goand or atear filling snack! not Wear is generally considered a reasonable claim. thebecause yogurt of a It• willYogurts need to– be pouches are perfect for legitimate event. kids! If you are in areas with extreme weather, check your policy, • Nutsmay are anot great insurers payoption out onfor a a caused quick snack on the go claim by extreme weather.
processed sugar •
Rice crackers are a perfect alternative to chips
•
Chocolate – you can’t The best advice have a road tripwhen without considering caravan insurance, chocolate but consider asdark withchocolate all insurance as ais to shop around. Speak to a feworinsurers healthier alternative and seechocolate what theycovered offer and even how meets fruitit or nuts your individual needs. • If you have time you could You really don’t need to be even make sure healthy caught in or a cyclone you muffins slices tobefore replace realise you aren’t for the sugar laden covered store cyclone boughtdamage. ones.
More information available at at More information available www.everythingcaravanandcamping.com www.everythingcaravanandcamping.com
Over a billion disposable cups are thrown away each year in Australia. Most end up in landfill or the ocean. Join Green Caffeen and be part of the solution.
FREE FOR CAFES AND COFFEE DRINKERS Scan, swap, drink, return. Green Caffeen is a FREE reusable café cup system for eco-focused cafes and coffee lovers across Australia. Cafes love it, coffee drinkers dig it and the planet high fives you for it. Download the Green Caffeen app at participating cafes, get your FREE Green Caffeen cup and drink your coffee with a clear conscience. Drop it back to ANY Green Caffeen café within 30 days and feel the good karma of saving the planet, one cup at a time. Green Caffeen cafes are all over Australia. And we’re growing
quicker than a seagull scoffing chips at the beach. Green Caffeen cups can be used endlessly between cafes and users who are part of the Green Caffeen team. If you can’t drop your cup back to a participating café within 30 days, there’s a $12.99 fee to allow us to make sure there are enough cups for everyone to reuse. Started by two Aussie mates, Green Caffeen is their solution to the single use plastic epidemic. We want to make it irresistibly easy to ditch disposable cups, reshape the Aussie coffee culture –and cut the landfill.
Why Green Caffeen?
Disposable cups are hurting our environment. Our eco-friendly cup solution gives you unlimited access to re-usable green cups for your coffee, tea, or other hot drinks. Simply signup and purchase your drink at a participating cafe, consume your drink, then return the used cup when you’re finished.
You can return your used cup to the same cafe or any other participating cafe. Then grab a fresh cup the next time you order. Use our scan, swap & go cup system as many times as you like... For FREE! We give you 30 days to scan a cup back into any participating Cafe to avoid any late charges ($12.99).
THE PROBLEM & SOLUTION Every year an estimated 500 billion disposable cups are thrown away worldwide after a single use! That’s 1 million cups an hour and the number is growing. Over 1.2 billion disposable coffee cups are used each year in Australia, 90% of which end up in landfill or littering the streets. Cups and lids are also finding their way into our oceans where they breakdown and form tiny pieces called microplastics. These are ingested by marine life and cause millions to die every year. Paper coffee cups are lined with plastic (Liquid paper boardLPB) to make them waterproof. Although the paper outside will breakdown, the plastic inner won’t. To recycle them they must be sent to a specialist recycling facility that is costly and complicated. Consequently only 8% are recycled. This equates to 2.7 million coffee cups in Australia going to land fill each day. Green Caffeen was born to make a difference! 2 Dad’s frustrated by the Bring Your Own Cup Concept knew there
had to be a better, more convenient way... We’ve set ourselves a realistic target to Save 1 Million Disposable Coffee Cups from entering Landfill... Help us Keep the Planet Clean... Join Green Caffeen.
JOIN NOW. Download the Green Caffeen app to get started!
100,167 Cups enjoyed
340 Cafes serving
8,650 Happy customers
1,006.7 bins Saved from landfill
The Surreal McLaren Vale
The McLaren Vale wine region in South Australia is renowned for its cool climate red wines, particularly the rich and full bodied Shiraz, but that is slowly changing, in part due to the gradually warming seasons being experienced in this area. The warmer conditions are enabling varieties like the Italian Montepulciano and the Spanish Cab Sav style Tempranillo grapes to gradually influence the varieties being grown. Other not so subtle changes have also occurred over the past few years in the Vale with breweries, distilleries and tradition challenging architecture entering the landscape. One of the newer places to visit is Swell Brewing Co. a craft brewery and taphouse which opened in
February this year. The huge shed structure gives little away from the outside but the interior is bright, slick and comfortable with a tasting area, dining spaces indoors and out and views of surrounding vineyards. The brewery is the creation of Dan Wright, a brewer and surfer, which influences the theme throughout the venue. It may seem the odd man out in its surroundings but McLaren Vale is only minutes from quite a few well known surf beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula. As you sample the beers and food you are never far from surf with a huge TV on the wall streaming surf competitions from around the world and in the relaxed outdoor area, a mural covering the side of an old shed which depicts the view from under a wave, complete with a menacing shark.
(Left) Willunga farmers market goodies (Right) McLaren Vale Lakeside Caravan Park
Another relatively new and by far the most outlandish experience in the region is the d’Arenberg Cube. It sits like a child’s discarded toy behind the original 1880s family homestead which houses a tasting room and restaurant. The Osborn family have been making wines in the McLaren Vale region for more than a century and the current head winemaker, Chester Osborn is the fourth generation family member continuing the tradition. His influence is obvious from the moment you enter the property with the sculpture of 2 hands, called Handling Soil, marking the entrance and paying homage to the previous generations and their interests.
His other creation, the five storey glass and metal cube looms large out of the grapevines and gives barely a hint of what to expect inside. Even after exploring inside the cube it’s difficult to describe what to expect, but it does incorporate a tasting room, restaurant, and the Alternate Realities Museum. This museum is an all-round sensory experience that has to be seen to be believed and is frankly more than a bit on the weird side. If you imagine Willy Wonka meets Alice in Wonderland you are on the right, but very twisted track.
The d’Arenberg Cube
The wines though are seriously good with many national and international award and trophy winners amongst them. Humour is never too far from the surface with some quirky names and stories behind the over 70 wines made, including ‘The Old Bloke and Three Young Blondes’, ‘The Lucky Lizard’ and ‘The Sticks and Stones’. As with a lot of wine growing regions it is also a rich food bowl where many of the local wineries and restaurants showcase the fresh produce available. There are numerous
(Left) Mural art by Melbourne artist Dvate (Right) Willunga farmers market
places to sample fine dining in the area or you can shop at the weekly Willunga Farmers Market held every Saturday year round, and pick up locally grown and made items from the producers themselves. If you’re not too worried about over buying at the market there is a nine kilometre walking / cycle trail known as the Shiraz Trail which links Willunga and McLaren Vale. You can cycle along the trail with freshly baked bread and other goodies in hand, as you pass and stop in at a number of wineries.
Cycling of a more serious nature actually plays a big part in the region too with the Tour Down Under holding a stage of the race in the area each January. A large mosaic can be found in the main street which depicts all things synonymous with McLaren Vale including the Tour Down Under, vineyards, almond trees, farmland and the Onkaparinga River.
(Top) Views at d’Arenberg winery (Bottom) A blend of old and new at d’Arenberg winery
Surrealism inside The Cube
While in the main street, a must see is the FruChocs Shop where you can sample and buy this popular chocolate coated apricot treat. It’s not hard to see why it has been listed as an icon in the South Australian Food Industry Awards Hall of Fame. In McLaren Vale the combination of red wine and dark chocolate is irresistible and with studies showing that antioxidants found in both are associated with the prevention of heart disease and a way to boost
memory, well how can you say no to buying both. McLaren Vale is a mere 40 kilometres from Adelaide but has a very relaxed rural community feel. The McLaren Vale Lakeside Caravan Park is a good central base for exploring the region being just a short walk into town, having The Shiraz Trail running behind it and only a few minutes’ drive from more than 70 cellar doors.
(Top) Willunga farmers market products (Bottom) Mosaic in the main street of McLaren Vale
MUST SEE: •
The d’Arenberg Cube and tasting room is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Entry is $10 per person which includes tasting a selection of wines and a self-guided tour of the cube.
•
The FruChocs Shop is at 203 Main Road McLaren Vale and is open every day from 10am to 5pm.
•
Swell Brewing Co. is at 168 Olivers Road McLaren Vale, opening times of Thursdays 11am – 5pm, Fridays and Saturdays 11am – late and Sundays 11am – 6pm. Beer tasting paddles, tasting plates and meals are available at reasonable prices. Children (grommets) are welcome in a very family friendly space.
STAY: •
The McLaren Vale Lakeside Holiday Park at 48 Field Street McLaren Vale is set in 38 green acres and has a swimming pool, modern amenities and camp kitchen. Story and photos by Glenys Gelzinis. www.caravancorrespondent.com Instagram @glenysgelzinis
PilbaraTurtles Turtles Pilbara
season monitoring program. when opportunity arose season beaches being monitoring program. So So when thethe opportunity arose beaches thatthat are are being training a family, monitored to volunteer monitored for the program. WeWe did did the the training as aasfamily, for for meme to volunteer withwith thethe for the program. West Pilbara Turtle Program However, highlight for me West Pilbara Turtle Program to to However, the the highlight for me to monitor, assist monitoring local been night monitor I was the the girlsgirls out out to monitor, the the assist withwith monitoring local hashas been the the night monitor I was amount of information have ableable beaches nesting season to take of information theythey have beaches for for thethe nesting season I I amount to take partpart in. in. taken in from training all over taken in from the the training hashas waswas all over it. it. been incredible. They been incredible. They are are fastfast As the As the set over a beach sunsun set over a beach just just becoming eco-warriors attended a day training, becoming littlelittle eco-warriors andand out out of Karratha, course WeWe attended a day training, of Karratha, overover the the course particularly vigilant in picking of aofcouple where were about to see areare particularly vigilant in picking where we we were about to see a couple of hours, of hours, we we up plastics rubbish, so that witnessed fresh tracks nests andand rubbish, so that fresh tracks andand nests andand ableable up plastics witnessed three turtles make three turtles make to identify these as flatback to identify these as flatback up the beach to lay theirtheir wayway up the beach to lay stomachs of turtles whales. theirtheir turtle tracks, which stomachs of turtles andand whales. turtle tracks, which areare thethe eggs. eggs. predominant species in the predominant species in the I have been a couple region, followed bytheory a theory I have been out out a couple of of region, followed by a It felt a privilege to be It felt like like suchsuch a privilege to be times early morning looking early morning looking for for ableable session where learned about times session where we we learned about to see something to see something thatthat veryvery nests tracks to record andand tracks to record the the fewfew turtles what would nests thethe turtles andand what we we would people to see. people get get to see. amount of activity there is the on the Flatback of activity there is on need to do as part of the nesting amount need to do as part of the nesting Flatback turtles, while turtles, while theythey can can
swim for swim hundreds for hundreds of kilometres of kilometres swim,survival their survival rates and rates and program program between between Parks and Parks and swim, their into international into international waters,waters, they theyWildlifeWildlife ages, but ages, is also but isbeing also compiled being compiled Services Services and Rio and Tinto, Rio Tinto, only nest onlyonnest Australian on Australian beaches. beaches. so thatso future that future management management of of which as which partas ofpart theirof their the beaches can becan determined be determined responsibilities responsibilities in the area in therun area runthe beaches While they Whiledothey nestdoallnest yearall year the tagging in order in to order allow tothe allow turtles the turtles the the the tagging program. program. round,round, here inhere the Pilbara in the Pilbara peak peak best chance best chance of being of being nestingnesting seasonseason is between is between It importantly undisturbed. It importantly brings brings industry, industry, undisturbed. October October and December and December and and government government and the and community the community from then fromhatchlings then hatchlings emerge emergetogether One ofOne the most of thecontroversial most controversial together to monitor to monitor turtle nesting turtle nesting from the from nests the from nestsearly from early aspects aspects of this of is because this is because one of one of and raise andawareness raise awareness about turtle about turtle January January through through to April. to April. the beaches the beaches is a very is apopular very popular conservation conservation acrossacross the Pilbara. the Pilbara. for locals for to locals drivetoonto drive onto The data Thecollected data collected is usedistoused to beach beach The West ThePilbara West Pilbara Turtle Turtle and data thebeing data collected being collected collectcollect information information about the about the and the Program Program is a partnership is a partnership could very couldwell very mean well there meanwill there will turtles turtles themselves themselves - how far - how they far they
turtles turtles are listed Flatback are as listed as Be aware be restrictions put in place be restrictions put in on place onFlatback of where you are Be aware of where you are nationally and in and in walkingwalking vulnerable nationally this activity during during nestingnesting vulnerable this activity or driving on the on beach. or driving the beach. Western Australia they are listed Western Australia they are listed season. season. If you are onare the on beach and you If you the beach and you as threatened and protected as threatened and protected see a turtle from the see aemerging turtle emerging from the under under legislation. legislation. Sarah Sarah McDonald is the is the McDonald Co-ordinator of the program Co-ordinator of the program threat threat to them The biggest toand them and and she said, believe the the The biggest and she“Isaid, “I believe is people, their environment is people, If a turtle program has wide program hasreaching wide reaching their environment nesting near you. If aisturtle is nesting near you. outcomes, not only thefor the outcomes, notforonly Stay low and keep Stay low andyour keep your important in not just incredibly important in not justdistance. turtles turtles that nest our region thatinnest in our region incredibly Do notDo usenot any lights distance. use any lights the data raising recording thebut data but raising(red lights but also thefor volunteers. butforalso the volunteers. recording ok)are or use a use a (red are lights ok) or awareness of whatofwe canwe allcan do allcamera awareness what do camera with a with flash,a and noand no flash, when visiting a known turtle turtle camp fires when visiting a known There There is something really really is something nestingnesting campduring fires during nestingnesting beach.beach. specialspecial about walking the the about walking season. season. beach beach in the early in themorning early morning and seeing freshlyfreshly laid turtle and seeing laid turtle nests, nests, and itsand an awesome its an awesome feelingfeeling to know your to that know that your efforts efforts are contributing to are contributing to something really important. something really important.
Not everyone can say they Not everyone can say they have turtles nestingnesting in theirin their have turtles backyard but in the backyard but Pilbara, in the Pilbara, we canwe and through can and through programs like thislike wethis canwe can programs make amake difference to theirto their a difference future”.future”.
g n i t a E y h t l a e H r o f s p 5 Ti s d i K h t i w g n i l l e v a r T n Whe
www.facebook.com/abigpeacheyadventure https://abigpeacheyadventure.com.au/category/keeping-fit-while-travelling/
Kids can be fussy. Sometimes it can be a battle to keep them eating healthy food... let alone when you’re doing road trips. The good news is you don’t need to be a dietitian to keep your kids on the right path with healthy eating. You already know the difference between what’s healthy and “sometimes” food. That doesn’t mean we should be forcing kale or quinoa onto them.
We’re all about letting our kids be kids. But, there’s a few things that we’ve found that work for us. It helps make sure our kids are eating well most of the time: Identify the healthy (or healthier) snacks that your kids like Sometimes we forget that tasty doesn’t necessarily mean bad. Our kids love berries, and see them as a treat. They enjoy eating carrot sticks.
Cucumber prices are going to send us bankrupt. I mean sure, if we had these in one hand and a chocolate bar in the other, we know what they’d choose. But, if we have some of these ‘healthier treats’ for them as the only option, they’re very happy. Include snack preparation in your pre-travel checklist When we take a few minutes to prepare a lunchbox, it makes our travel days go way more smoothly.
When the kids start to get a little antsy, we pass them a few ‘treats’. A bit of fruit. Some seaweed crackers a bit later. They’re happy. It keeps them occupied. It sure beats stopping to buy chips. For lots of reasons. But... Aim to to eat well, most of the time It can be tough to keep a “perfect diet”. This is the truth whether you’re travelling or not. That’s why diets don’t work. What does work is eating well most of the time, and developing a
healthy relationship with food. If you’re aiming for perfection, you’re setting yourself (and your kids) up for failure. If you’re crossing the Savannah Way, don’t be scared to buy frozen vegetables. They may not be straight from the farmer’s market, but it’s better than needing to go to the bakery to buy pies. If we keep a packet of Zooper Doopers in the fridge, the treat value is huge... and they’re really not that bad when you consider...
Give the “healthy” foods less than you think We’ve all done it. Given our kids apple juice because we thought it was good for them. That low fat yoghurt must be good, because it’s low fat. Right? A pile of dried fruit must be good because it’s... fruit? There’s absolutetly nothing wrong with giving our kids these things IF we treat them for what they really are.
Don’t forget to let kids be kids The reality is the energy needs of kids are very different than ours. They’re growing, and on the move. Constantly. It may be that they need higher energy foods (at times). Easter is definitely one of those times. So is an ice-cream on a hot day.
Keeping kids eating a healthy balanced diet doesn’t need to be tough. Let’s not have that fight over finishing the broccoli. There’s no need. It can come down to finding the healthier things they do like, and planning around those things What are the things that you’ve found help your kids to eat well most of the time?
written by Michael Peachey .
To read more travel articles check out https://liquidlifeandleisure.com.au/blog/
Travel Accessory WHAT ON EARTH IS A MUK MAT ?
You will wonder how you ever lived without a muk mat.
WHEN TO USE A MUK MAT After a surf to change out of your wetsuit and avoid tramping it into the dirt, sand or bitumen. After the beach to clean sand off feet. After a run/ride to clean shoes. After kids sport to clean shoes and even get out of muddy/dirty clothes. Camping – to clean feet before getting into the tent/caravan. After golf to clean the grass off. Keep the mat flat in the back of your car to put wet clothes, shoes to keep the car clean Basically – whenever you need clean feet.
www.mukmat.com
FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS
www.facebook.com/liquidlifeandleisure Instagram @liquidlifeandleisure www.liquidlifeandleisure.com.au