THE LAND DOWN UNDER, AUSTRALIA Traveldriven was born, raised and has always lived in Australia. For foreigners visiting or thinking of living in Australia some things are good to know. Things Australian's regard as common knowledge. Ask an Australian directly for the right answer's. There are quite a few travel blogs written by non residents of Australia and these all say similar basic things. These may or may not be hearsay. As an Australian living in Australia. ON A VISIT TO TRAVEL AUSTRALIA For the record: The term Down Under is never used by Australian's in general conversation and is not always liked. The phrase is used by foreigners. As far as we are concerned we are on top of the world. It's all about one's perspective. The wildlife . Australian's are quite fond of their native fauna. These include crocodiles, sharks, red back spiders, snakes, kangaroo, emu, birds etc. Even our stingrays. We know the deadly and dangerous one's and don't need to be reminded. As for visitor's all would be very unlucky to cross paths with the most dangerous. If however, a person is in a particular fauna environment be mindful encountering something. For example, don't walk in long grass in hot weather, pay due attention to roadside and pathway warning signs etc. Don't approach any wildlife. Safe and simple. Australia is not expensive . Look at the money exchange rate. For example: The United States Dollar is always valued more than the Australian dollar. Usually between 65 to 80 cents for every Australian dollar to one US dollar. The British pound generally is twice the value of one Australian dollar. Visitor's from English speaking countries should think that's good. Air fares are reasonable for distance travelled. It is not always hot . Even in the tropical north nights may be cool. Ask a Victorian or a Tasmanian about the cold. Often most months of the year may be cold. Down to zero overnight and a high of single digit Celsius in the daytime. Or 32 to 50 Fahrenheit. Australian's all use a little slang . G'day and Mate are probably the most common. Be careful with slang. For example. Many American words have a rude Australian slang term for the same word. We never root for our team. That would mean we have sex for or with our team mates. This one is a bit tricky. After some light banter back and forth we may insult you to your face. If we have a smile on our face we may intend it as a way of showing we like you. Don't assume the opposite. Australia is safe. There are no off limit area's to any particular group of Australian's. A few places may be seedy or high end but if walking or driving through these neighbourhoods it's not a problem. Permits may be required in remote indigenous communities. Anywhere else the use of common sense and respect for locals goes a long way. Do not view Australian's and New Zealander's as almost the same people. This is insulting to both. A friendly rivalry exists between the two countries. Although both get along with each other, significant differences remain in sport and culture. Australian's as a rule don't tip for service. We see this as rather odd. People earn enough to cover bare basics. If payment is in cash sometimes saying keep the change is ok for convenience sake. All Australian's love vegemite and having a BBQ in the backyard or in parkland. Often with a cold beer in hand. (not Fosters). We do not drive on the wrong side of the road . Right hand drive is great for us and safe. Holidays Australian's do not go on Vacation. We go on Holidays. It means the same thing. Generally, working Australian's get at least four to five weeks annual holidays and many choose to break holidays into weekly or fortnightly periods throughout convenient times of the year. Weekends are important to Australians. Viewed by many to enjoy time with family and friends outside of the usual Monday to Friday working week. Things To Keep In Mind Flying to Australia and visiting Sydney, Uluru, Gold Coast and a few islands of the Barrier Reef is a convenient tourist packaged way to see Australia. However, much more of value can be obtained to include a few days in "normal Australia". This might include suburban retail strips, local sport or a visit to a country town or seaside town. Enjoy a meal at a local hotel or a morning breakfast at a coffee shop. A chance to meet and see local people. Frequent not just the well known internationals and large resorts. Traveldriven RIVERSIDE SWIM IN AUSTRALIA HOMEPAGE

Victoria Silo Art Trail The silo art trail winds its way for approximately two hundred kilometers, connecting a string of small towns that each hold a unique piece of silo art waiting to be discovered. Starting from Rupanyup and passing through Sheep Hills, Brim, Rosebery, Patchewollock, Lascelles, Sea Lake, and Nullawil, this trail offers a glimpse into the artistic expressions found in these remote locations. Despite their modest size, these towns boast captivating silo artworks that have become a draw for visitors seeking cultural experiences off the beaten path. Embarking on this trail from Melbourne, the journey takes about four hours one way, not accounting for the time spent admiring the silo masterpieces along the route. To fully immerse oneself in this artistic adventure, an overnight stay is recommended, with Horsham serving as a convenient base for exploration. Located approximately four hours and three hundred kilometers from Melbourne CBD, Horsham provides a comfortable respite after a day of exploring the silo art trail. Brim Brim, a quaint town nestled in the Wimmera region of Victoria, is one of the highlights along the silo art trail. Situated about three hundred and sixty kilometers northwest of Melbourne, this small community with a population of just a few hundred residents is home to a striking mural adorning its grain silo. Crafted by the talented Brisbane artist Guido Van Helten, this mural adds a touch of artistic flair to Brim's rural landscape, making it a must-see destination for art enthusiasts and travelers alike. For those seeking further amenities or services, the nearby regional hub of Horsham offers a convenient stopover to complement the silo art experience. Traveldriven HORSHAM GOOGLE MAPS Also see the blog post DRIVING THE WIMMERA MALLEE SILO ART DRIVING SILO ART TRAIL VICTORIA RUPANYUP SILO ART Brim Silo art in the Wimmera, Victoria. BRIM SILO'S PATCHEWOLLOCK SILO ART AND PEOPLE PREV VICTORIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

The Gold Coast is Australia's holiday destination. A large coastal city in Queensland, approximately seventy kilometres south of Brisbane. Local residents are sometimes called Gold Coaster's. The area's population is greater than seven hundred thousand residents. The largest non-capital city in Australia. Surfers Paradise is the hub of the Gold Coast and has world famous surfing beaches and a high-rise beach frontage skyline. All types of accommodation. Theme parks, nightlife, and rainforest hinterland. Travel Down Under to Movie World The Movie World Theme Park offers a captivating experience with its end-of-day Grand Parade, featuring a vibrant procession of beloved movie and cartoon characters. Among the highlights is the appearance of iconic figures like Batman, Cat Woman, Bugs Bunny, Tweety, and Sylvester the Cat, who delight spectators with their lively performances as they gyrate through the parade. The parade also showcases unique vehicles, such as the famous bat car, adding an extra element of excitement to the spectacle. In addition to the Grand Parade, visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of themed enactments throughout the day. One of the popular enactments involves a thrilling portrayal of the infamous 1930s gangsters Bonnie and Clyde as they attempt to rob a city bank. The enactment culminates in a dramatic showdown with the police outside the bank, creating a suspenseful and engaging scene for onlookers. Following this intense performance, a light comedy sketch is presented, providing a humorous and entertaining interlude for the audience. These immersive experiences at Movie World Theme Park not only entertain guests but also transport them into the magical world of movies and cartoons. The attention to detail in the character portrayals, the dynamic parade, and the engaging enactments all contribute to making the park a destination for those seeking a fun and memorable entertainment experience. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP Gold Coast GOOGLE MAPS Surfers Paradise GOOGLE MAPS CURRENT GOLD COAST FIVE DAY FORECAST GOLD COAST PARADE OF MOVIE CARS PREV AUSTRALIA ICONS NEXT PREV QUEENSLAND NEXT HOMEPAGE

FIVE RIVERS LOOKOUT, WYNDHAM Takes you to the top of the 'top town in the North' one of the best views the Kimberley has to offer. The lookout stands 335m above sea level giving an excellent panoramic view. It is easy to find just by following the signs from Wyndham town centre and the sealed steep winding road will lead to the summit lookout. Stunning views will become apparent of the multipe rivers all around! From the top of the Bastion is where the following five rivers of the Gulf meet; Durack Kink Pentecost Forrest Ord Five Rivers Lookout is a crocodile safe area that provides visitors with a unique opportunity to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the region without the looming threat of fatal crocodile attacks. This lookout offers a safe vantage point to admire the picturesque landscape, including the convergence of five rivers, while ensuring the safety and peace of mind of those who visit. In contrast to the safety of Five Rivers Lookout, the area around Wyndham has unfortunately witnessed tragic incidents of fatal crocodile attacks in its waterways and surrounding areas. These attacks serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by these apex predators in certain environments. Visitors to Wyndham are advised to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines to mitigate the risks associated with crocodile encounters. Underscoring the risks present in the vicinity of Wyndham, it becomes evident that being informed and vigilant when exploring natural habitats is crucial. The coexistence of humans and crocodiles in these regions underscores the importance of respecting wildlife and understanding the need for responsible behavior to ensure the well-being of both visitors and the native fauna. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP WYNDHAM GOOGLE MAPS VIEW FROM FIVE RIVERS LOOKOUT FIVE RIVERS LOOKOUT CAMBRIDGE GULF VIEW FIVE RIVERS LOOKOUT WYNDHAM PORT AREA WYNDHAM, GOOGLE MAPS PREV WESTERN AUSTRALIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

Drive up Mt Difficult Road, via Mount Victory Road, to one of the best lookouts in the Grampians. The road is sealed all the way. Take the very short walk from the carpark to the lookout platform. There are expansive views of Western Victoria, overlooking Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield. About 840 metres above sea level. Boroka Lookout provides spectacular views of the Wonderland Range, Mt William Range, Fyans Valley, and Lake Bellfield. Views over Lake Lonsdale and Lake Fyans and over the plains to distant Stawell and Halls Gap. The lookout is located 15 km from Halls Gap and is easily accessed via sealed roads and the Boroka Lookout carpark. From the carpark it is an easy five minute walk through stringybark forest along a sealed track leading to two viewing platforms. The walk to the lookout is suitable for people with limited mobility. Disabled access toilets are located adjacent to the carpark. Traveldriven DRIVE HALLS GAP TO BOROKA LOOKOUT PEOPLE HAVE FALLEN FROM THIS LEDGE TAKING SELFIE PHOTO'S Fyans Valley and Lake Bellfield Boroka Lookout Amenities Boroka Lookout view & platform Molly's Grampians road trip. Kookaburra on the bridge (4.10 & 4.55) is on the Venus Baths walk Stoney Creek, Halls Gap. Boroka Lookout & Reed Lookout are both off of the sealed Mount Victory Road. Turn offs are close together. All sealed roads. The Grampians National Park is perhaps more accessible between Stawell - Halls Gap - Hamilton via Grampians Road. Would be unluckly to see any snakes. Do not swim in waterfall pools. Drownings have occurred. Changeable weather. Hot to cold. Good video overall. Thankyou to Molly Dixon Youtube channel for enabling sharing. Traveldriven HALLS GAP GOOGLE MAPS PREV THE GRAMPIANS NEXT PREV VICTORIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

CABRAMURRA IN THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS Claimed as Australia's highest town. But certainly able to be reached by two wheel drive vehicles. At least in the summer months when there is no snow. Cabramurra not quite on top of the range. It sits at 1,488m AHD (4,880 ft) in the western Snowy Mountains of the Great Dividing Range. New South Wales. The name Cabramurra may be derived from native aboriginal meanings of "crooked hand". In comparison the highest point in Australia is Mount Kosciuszko at 2,228 metre's. A distance of fifty-five km north as the crow flies. Cabramurra is a 'company town'. Workers live here and work in the nearby Tumut 2 hydro-electric power station and surrounding infrastructure dam etc. Only persons directly employed by Snowy Hydro, and their families, are allowed to live in Cabramurra. Cabramurra Township The town has about one hundred and fifty houses and units. A distinctive feature are the very acute angles of roof pitch on buildings. Needed for the high amount of snowfall for three to four months of the year. There is a general store, petrol station, primary school, canteen (tavern), indoor swimming pool, single ski slope, and tennis courts. The residents are due in future to be replaced by drive in/drive out crews. The nearest small public town by road is Adaminaby due east, about sixty km distant. The nearest large city is Canberra, and the small high country towns of Tumut and Cooma. A heli pad is onsite. Emergency evacuations can be conducted by helicopter. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP CABRAMURRA GOOGLE MAPS CABRAMURRA LOOKOUT HOUSING AND SKI RUN CABRAMURRA ROADS Cabramurra Google Maps PREV NSW NEXT HOMEPAGE

Cambewarra Shoalhaven, South Coast NSW Cambewarra is a small town at the foot of Cambewarra Mountain. The township has a general store and a picnic area at Tannery Road. Bed and breakfast and cottage accommodation are available. Cambewarra Lookout is at the top of the mountain and has a tearoom and picnic area with barbecue and toilet facilities. Picturesque views across to the distant coast. Green lawns and well maintained garden beds. Cambewarra is about one hour's drive south from Wollongong, New South Wales. A nice part of regional Australia to get lost in. Lost in a good way. No major highways seem to cut through the general area. A good thing. The tea rooms are a hidden gem and easy to access. Well maintained green lawns and gardens. Light meals are available and great views. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP CAMBEWARRA GOOGLE MAPS IN REALTIME CAMBEWARRA LOOKOUT WALK/ROAD CAMBEWARRA LOOKOUT & TEA ROOMS CAMBEWARRA GOOGLE MAPS PREV NSW NEXT HOMEPAGE

Jim Richards former Australian Touring Car driver "You're a pack of Arseholes"- Jim Richards responds to a booing crowd on the podium of the controversial 1992 Bathurst 1000. "You're a pack of lovely lovely people"- Jim Richards makes up for his 1992 speech after winning the 2002 event. In the heat of the moment at the 1992 Bathurst 1000, Jim Richards was faced with a crowd that was less than welcoming. His infamous response, "You're a pack of Arseholes," reverberated through the motorsport world, sparking debates and discussions about sportsmanship and fan behavior. The incident left a lasting impression on both Richards and the spectators present that day. Fast forward ten years to the 2002 Bathurst 1000, and Jim Richards found himself once again on the podium, this time as the winner of the event. With a sense of redemption and humility, Richards took the opportunity to address the crowd in a different light. His words, "You're a pack of lovely lovely people," marked a significant moment of reconciliation and growth for the seasoned driver. The contrasting speeches from 1992 and 2002 encapsulate the journey of a sportsman navigating highs and lows, triumphs and challenges. Jim Richards' evolution from frustration to gratitude serves as a reminder of the complexities of competition and the power of forgiveness. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Richards_(racing_driver) WHEN JIM CALLED THEM A PACK OF.... 2015 WINTON - JIM RICHARDS INTERVIEW Kangaroos near misses and hits. Bathurst racetrack. PREV PAGE NEXT

Jack Brabham When the flag drops, the bullshit stops (Jack Brabham) Sir John Arthur "Jack" Brabham, AO, OBE (2 April 1926 – 19 May 2014) was an Australian racing driver who was Formula One world champion in 1959, 1960, and 1966. Jack was a founder of the Brabham racing team and race car constructor that bore his name. Bronze Statues In the Albert Park Lake area of Melbourne. Stop and stand between two F1 world champions. Jack Brabham and Alan Jones. The two bronze bust statues are located beside the Albert Park F1 motor racing circuit. Near the pit straight. Sir Jack lived to see the unveiling. Apparently he felt honoured to be remembered as such. Created by Melbourne sculptor Barbara McLean in 2013. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Brabham F1 WORLD CHAMPIONS J BRABHAM & A JONES BEING JACK: BRABHAM TRACK TEST F1 LEGENDS: JACK BRABHAM PREV PAGE NEXT

Alan Jones, Australian "An obnoxious little bastard, a big-headed little prick." - Jones' view on himself as a youngster "About as useful as an ashtray on a motorcycle." - Jones on the Lola he drove in his final season in F1 in 1986 Alan Stanley Jones MBE (born 2 November 1946 in Melbourne, Victoria) is an Australian former Formula One driver. He was the first driver to win a Formula One World Championship with the Williams team, becoming the 1980 World Drivers' Champion and the second Australian to do so following triple World Champion Sir Jack Brabham. He competed in a total of 117 Grands Prix, winning 12 and achieving 24 podium finishes. In 1978 Jones won the Can-Am championship driving a Lola. Two bronze busts of Jack Brabham and Alan Jones were unveiled at the Albert Park Lake F1 motor racing circuit in 2013. Likeness appears very good for both. The two drivers were both born in Australia. Alan Jones in Victoria. JACK BRABHAM & ALAN JONES TWO WORLD CHAMPIONS IN F1 ALAN JONES LIFE, STUDIO 10 ALAN JONES 1980 WORLD TITLE MILESTONE Highlights of F1 triple World Champion Niki Lauda 1949 - 2019 F1 career including the actual footage of the horrific 1976 Nürburgring crash. The dangers of F1 PREV PAGE NEXT

Albany Lookouts Drive Six hundred and fifty km. From Perth to Albany Lookout via Margaret River. Through the scenic south-west and it's small towns. The countryside appears similar to Western Victoria. With somewhat the same weather. Green countryside in the cooler months. Towns are closer unlike the North. Does Albany has the best Historic lookout in Australia? Albany has two different lookouts on the same access road with views over King George Sound. There are several small islands seen out towards the sea. The town seems split by a few hills. Cold ocean swells always rolling in. King George Sound and the Western Australian coast was the last sight of Australia and of home shores for forty thousand ANZAC troops final departure from Australia to the far off shores of World War One battlefields. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP ALBANY GOOGLE MAPS National Anzac Centre walk Desert Mounted Corps Memorial, Albany ALBANY GOOGLE MAPS PREV WESTERN AUSTRALIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

Mount Panorama On race weekends camp next to the racetrack at McPhillamy Park Campground on Mount Panorama. The highest point of the mountain. Hundreds if not thousands of camping sites are available. The campground is relatively flat and has amenity blocks. It is only open when major events take place. Road access is good for all towed vehicles. Winters are often cold and rain often impacts racing events held any time of year. The King of the Mountain and Torana A9X Perhaps Mount Panorama is the most challenging and best racetrack in the world! In rural New South Wales, Australia. Several hours drive from Sydney. Peter Brock is the holder of the most race victories at Bathurst with nine race wins at the circuit and ten Australian Touring Car Championship wins. Driver of the legendary Holden Torana A9X. Brock set the lap record on the final lap of the 1979 race with a margin of six laps to second place. The purpose built racing cars with a body similar to road going cars are now widely known in Australia as Supercar Racing. The winner of the annual Bathurst 1000 held in early October receives after the Bathurst 1000 race the prized Peter Brock Trophy. Traveldriven ' The King of The Mountain' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Brock KING OF THE MOUNTAIN PETER BROCK PETER BROCK O5 A9X TORANA ALLAN MOFFAT 1977 FORD FALCON GT MOUNT PANORAMA GOOGLE MAPS MOUNT PANORAMA, BATHURST NEW SOUTH WALES Wikipedia, Mount Panorama Circuit Bathurst New South Wales PREV NSW NEXT HOMEPAGE