TAMWORTH

Lord Howe Isl And Joy

Lush greenery. Aquamarine waters. Untouched coral reef. Only a two-hour flight from Sydney. What are you waiting for?

Lord Howe Island has World Heritage-listed natural surroundings, and only 400 visitors are allowed at any given time.

National Geographic has called it one of the world’s best destinations.

Others describe it as ‘Just Paradise’. Delight in the marine life of the pristine waters here, a unique mix of warm tropical and cool temperate ocean currents, home to over 450 fish species and 90 species of coral, many of which can only be found here.

See the reef on a glass-bottom boat and snorkelling tour, or hand-feed the fish at Ned’s Beach Special Purpose Zone.

The crystal-clear lagoon is perfect for swimming and other water sports. The Island offers one of the best diving spots in the world, with more than 60 dive sites and many that remain undiscovered. Marvel at the underwater world around Ball’s Pyramid, the world’s tallest sea stack (551 metres), which is home to a unique coral community with giant fan corals as well as rare Spanish dancers and the rare and protected Ballina angelfish.

If hiking is your thing, Lord Howe will thrill you too. The Mount Gower hike, rated as one of the country’s best day walks, is a challenging eighthour 14-km return trek; it includes rope-assisted climbs and dizzying drops (you’ll need a guide). Find gentler walks if you prefer.

For fishing enthusiasts, there’s garfish, wahoo, kingfish, trevally and yellowfin tuna galore. Commercial fishing is not allowed within the Lord Howe Island Marine Park, so you'll find an abundance of fish.

Broken Hill wows in multiple ways – with its nation-building mining history, desert landscape, First Nations history, and cultural scene. Australia’s first heritage-listed city, its secrets will leave you in awe. mining town, Broken Hill's massive orebody, formed about 1,800 million years ago, has proved to be among the world's largest silver, lead and zinc mineral deposits. Take a guided underground tour through Historic Daydream Mine, a former silver mine of the 1880s. cultural hub, this outback city is filled with awe-inspiring sculpture, art, cinema history. The Living Desert and Sculptures is a collection of 12 giant sandstone sculptures in the middle of the desert - a spectacular spot to photograph the sunset. Learn about internationally renowned artist Pro Hart, a former miner turned artisan, painter, sculptor, collector and inventor, at his gallery. Visit Mad Max Museum, dedicated to the popular film series Mad Max, and check out its large collection of photographs, life-sized characters in full costumes, original and replica vehicles including two Interceptors, and other fascinating memorabilia from the set of the 1981 movie. Get a panoramic view of our galaxy at Outback Astronomy, sitting back in a reclined chair and blanketed up.

The brilliant collection of Aboriginal rock art in the ruggedly beautiful Mutawintji desert will acquaint you with the Wilyakali people who have lived here for 50,000 years. Look out also for evidence of the earliest Indian/Afghan migrants to Australia: Broken Hill was a prominent cameleer outpost.

Other attractions include the Royal Flying Doctor Service base, and in September, the Broken Heel Festival, an LGBTQ+ event.

Broken Hill Awe

Observe the ocean superficially or from afar, and you will not be able to appreciate it fully. But take a deep dive to experience its wonders, and you’ll understand its true worth and greatness.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life was similarly deep, like an unfathomable ocean. Only those who dive deep into his life can realise his greatness and universality.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj perceived people of all classes, religions, countries and climes to be equal. He abundantly showered his compassion, love and respect upon all.

Once as Pramukh Swami Maharaj prepared to depart the BAPS Mandir in the village of Bochasan, India, the devotees rushed towards him for a last darshan. But Manibhai of Thasra, who was blind, remained seated where he was. Pramukh Swami Maharaj saw him, went up to him and placed his hand on his head. Surprised, Manibhai asked, “Who is it?”

“It’s Pramukh Swami,” Swamiji replied. On hearing His Holiness’ voice, Manibhai was deeply moved.

“Oh, Swami,” he exclaimed in a voice choked with emotions. He was so overwhelmed that he could utter no more words. Everyone around understood Manibhai’s heartfelt emotions and realised that Pramukh Swami Maharaj belongs to all.

Yes, everyone felt that Pramukh Swami Maharaj was theirs. He never differentiated between people regarding their caste, colour, religion or wealth. That is why Mamdibhai of Botad, who was fasting in the month of Ramadan, requested for prasad from the hand of Pramukh Swami Maharaj to conclude his fast. Not having any prasad on him at the time, Pramukh Swami Maharaj promised to have some sent to him from the village of Paliyad, where he