Victoria’s View

Victoria’s View

HIYA HINCHINBROOK!

I am back after a holiday packed with family and friends, it was definitely a wild change of pace from what I had grown used to here in the north. From flying to Sydney and then travelling to Brisbane and back up the infamous Bruce Highway home, it was an adventure at all turns.

We reached my great-grandmother's birthday party despite the best efforts of the Sydney traffic, where we celebrated her surrounded by generations of family. She even had letters from family back in Ireland and Scotland, and one from the King of England proudly on display.

It was lovely to catch up with uncles, aunts and the myriad of cousins I had not seen in ages, some not for years. But my time in Sydney was short lived.

Off to Brisbane I went and lurked about some of my favourite old haunts. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Cultural Centre at Southbank to see the new art and museum exhibits - there was one on the creatures of North Queensland, I had to laugh when I saw all the ‘exotic’ taxidermy animals I had come to see in my day-to-day – the marvelling tourists and the loud, fast pace of the city really made me wish for the quiet of the cane fields.

It gave me perspective and an appreciation that only travel can.

From Brisbane I was off again, campervan and little plan but to drive and see where I ended up. I wound my way north, stopping in Yeppoon and Mackay to see more family and friends. I even popped in to surprise my colleagues in Airlie Beach at our sister publication, Whitsunday Life. I rested by tropical beaches and camped at beautiful creeks when I finally reached Cairns.

I had my full helping of cities, so I didn't stay long. I am much more a fan of all the lovely country towns I passed through, making ones to return to when I have more time to explore, as my holiday was capped.

Now back in Hinchinbrook, I feel refreshed. Ready to get back into it for you all and bring you the best paper I can.

Fun fact: Since writing about it for our magazine Tripping, I have always wanted to visit the Babinda Boulders. I can now say it lives up to its magical hype.