Fraser Coast – home of the humpback

13/08/201304/03/20151 Comment

I realise I’m a bit late to the party but just in case you hadn’t realised… the whale-watching season is upon us here on the Fraser Coast.

Picture from herveybaywhalefestival.com.au

Over the past 25ish years, Hervey Bay has become the playground to humpback whales as they migrate to the warmer waters in winter and spring. (To see how it all started, check out this post!)

I first went whale watching in the early 1990s with my father. We only saw the barest glimpse of a whale but I had a fabulous day. In fact, I committed to returning with friends to make a day of it. My dad was a non-drinker so didn’t really partake in the lunchtime drinks and I felt like it could have been more of an event.

A year or so later I went out again, with a couple of friends this time. The weather wasn’t great. In fact, it was almost impossible to be out on deck as waves were crashing over the sides of the boat. The whales were scarce again that day however, I wasn’t particularly worried as I spent the entire time in the toilet throwing up.

So… my memories of whale watching are very mixed, but as my Facebook and Twitter feeds are flooded with AMAZING pictures I realise that it’s time to try again.

I must confess that they scare me a little. I have a morbid fear of sharks (I read Jaws at a very young age!) and when I see pics of the whales frolicking near people I imagine them leaping out of the water to bite the heads of the unsuspecting spectators. (And yes, I know, I’ve watched too many horror films!)

The bay’s busy at the moment as we’re in the throes of The Whale Festival. We’ve Paddled Out for Whales, the whale watch fleet has been blessed, we’ve had events for kids and the Seafood Festival. There’s stacks more to come, with the Illumination Parade this coming Saturday (17 August), a Whale Aid Concert, Migaloo Starlight Swing and many MANY more events.

Picture from herveybaywhalefestival.com.au

I’m aiming to get to as much as possible but next on my agenda is to head out and see these bloody majestic creatures (sans visuals of them baring their teeth and eating onlookers whole!).

I know there are a myriad of wonderful companies hosting excursions, so I’m up for suggestions?

Hervey Bay Seafood Festival

11/08/201304/03/20155 Comments

Today, along with 45 million other people, I ventured along to the Hervey Bay Seafood Festival. (Yes okay… I may be exaggerating. A little. There were only 35 million.)

I had such an amazing time at the Relish Food and Wine Festival I was quite excited by the prospect of one of the Whale Festival‘s premiere events – and it didn’t disappoint.

Of course I don’t really eat seafood, which is kind-of a bummer when you are attending a seafood festival – but in this case it didn’t matter.

Festival admission cost $5 for adults (free for kids) and it had something for everyone with free kids’ activities as well as some jumping castles and the like. My friend’s little boy was delighted with a balloon creature wound tightly about his wrist lest it drift off into the ether.

I wasn’t sure how three stages would fit into Fishermen’s Park but it somehow worked with the main stage (very loud and very popular) along with cooking demonstrations and a smaller stage with more *ahem* refined music (at least while I was there).

The Tastes of the Bay dinner booked out quickly and everyone I glimpsed inside the tent seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Not to be outdone, my friends and I partook in a frozen margarita drink – perfect given how bloody hot it was.

We were all Seafood Festival virgins, so unprepared for the crowds. Unlike Relish where food and drinks could be consumed anywhere, the area in which alcohol could be consumed was more limited (which was a bit of a shame) and with chairs and tables taken long before, we stood about uncomfortably to scoff our very-welcome drinks.

Without our own seating or rugs it was a bit difficult to just ‘hang around’ and the queues at most food stalls meant we decided against eating there.

We did order some wine from Kingaroy’s Crane Wines who were again popular and I’m already anticipating the arrival of some sparkling shiraz in coming days or weeks.

I’ll definitely head along to the Festival next year, although I will be more prepared (having had my Seafood Festival-going cherry popped this year). Getting in early to find a ‘base’ or taking your own chairs / table / rugs seems sensible and would permit you to get comfortable and stay longer. Of course, booking early to get to the Tastes of the Bay lunch could also be ideal for seafood lovers.

I love that so many locals and visitors (alike) turned out to support the Festival and now eagerly await the remaining Whale Festival activities.

I hope other attendees had a fabulous time and will be back again next year!

A bit of imagination

27/07/201304/03/2015Leave a comment

A couple of months ago I bought into the Maryborough vs Hervey Bay debate on the Fraser Coast Chronicle’s website. I have to admit however, I can’t even remember the issue under discussion. Traditionally I avoid comments on online news sites as so often they’re full of parochial regulars who can be exceptionally nasty.

I’ve rarely commented myself. I was a government employee for yonks so didn’t feel I could back then and only now I’ve left a comment if I feel particularly chagrined or passionate (which is rare).

In my comment I said I thought it was fair that I buy into the Mbro vs Bay argument, having grown up in Maryborough (until heading off to Uni at 17 years of age) and coming back here to work in the Maryborough Council for a few years; before eventually returning to live in Hervey Bay last year.

I won’t go into my thoughts here, but… I can kinda see both sides and with a foot in each camp I understand everyone’s frustration.

Having said that, I have to admit I find it very confronting to head into the Maryborough CBD. The empty shops and lack of vibrancy is palpable. It wasn’t a thriving metropolis when I was a youngster back in the 70s and 80s, but it was ‘town’ and a place to go.

I know that many blame the advent of shopping centres for the death of the CBD itself, but I’d like to think there’s some way ‘we’ could all live in harmony.

I loved today’s piece by the Chronicle’s new Editor John Grey (recently returned after many years away), who sees Maryborough’s potential.

Like John I find the Gatakers Precinct impressive. I attended the recent Relish Food and Wine Festival and several of the Mary Poppins Festival activities. It occurs to me that there’s some life left in the old girl yet.

“Imagine this city” is the Fraser Coast Council’s initiative to give Maryboroughites and others, a chance to have a say in the town’s future. As I understand it, Council’s in the midst of developing its 2013-2018 Strategic Plan and this is YOUR / OUR opportunity to inform that process.

Check out the consultation process and downloadable survey here, or head along to the workshop this coming Wednesday in the City Hall. (Note that RSVPs are required.)

I have worked in community development, community engagement, regional development, local government and planning services agencies and roles, but I have no answers. Others might. And, it will be interesting to know what ideas and suggestions people might actually have.

I don’t mean to be rude, but I say the same thing to my mother if / when she ever groans about stuff happening / not happening. Put up or shut up. I know that our voices are not always (or often) heeded and then there are the squeaky wheels… yadda yadda yadda; but it’s harder to complain about an outcome if you don’t even try.

I’m thinking of heading along to the session of Wednesday, so perhaps I’ll see you, or hear from you, there.

Asbestos Manor

10/07/201304/03/20151 Comment

It’s not officially a Fraser Coast tourist attraction, but it’s certainly hard to miss. Indeed, anyone who’s driven along the Esplanade at Hervey Bay could not have overlooked the eyesore-on-purpose that is Asbestos Manor.

I don’t actually intend to offer any comment or judgement on the issue here. Indeed I have no opinion either way and I certainly have never personally experienced this level of passion. About anything. But kudos to those who have and continue to do so.

Asbestos Manor in all of its (somewhat conspicuous) glory

All I will say is… and I thought my first apartment building – painted pale yellow with turquoise trim – was the stuff of nightmares….

The Holistic Hub

07/07/201304/03/2015Leave a comment

I wrote earlier today about yoga in my diet blog and decided I’d cheat and do a bit of a cross-post.

I was extremely fortunate, you see, to win the lucky door prize at the most recent What Women Want networking function. And… one month of limitless yoga classes at The Holistic Hub couldn’t have gone to a ~~worthier~~ more grateful recipient!

The Yoga Crew at The Holistic Hub offer Yoga Chi Gung several mornings and evenings a week as well as Hatha Yoga and kids yoga! On top of this there’s a 7am yoga class held on Saturday morning at / near the Sailing Club in Torquay. Depending on the weather the classes are held outside (on the grass – or on the pier as we experienced yesterday) or inside the Sailing Club.

I’ve started with Yoga Chi Gung and love the focus on getting my mind and body in balance through the breath and through gentle movements and poses. I’m yet to try Lynette’s YCG classes or Jenny’s Hatha Yoga class, but love the serenity and strength that Jessica brings to the classes I’ve attended.

The offerings from The Holistic Hub don’t stop at yoga; with a Women’s Sharing Circle, massage therapist, as well as regular courses and workshops. The Hub recently hosted a Chakradance night and will soon be offering a Nurture Day.

Following their Facebook page will help keep you in the loop and details about the types of yoga they offer and their class times and location can all be found on their website.

Namaste.

* I am currently attending classes at The Holistic Hub for free, however this was part of a prize unassociated with the Hub and its instructors. This is not a sponsored post.