Category: Activities

Things to do around the Fraser Coast.

Migaloo Starlight Swing

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I need to share this before I go any further….

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Yes, it’s true. I assumed that the final event of the The Whale Festival involved an actual swing. I didn’t quite flesh-out the image in my own mind… but some sort of fairy-lit giant swing actually seemed and sounded quite romantic. And fun.

However, I soon discovered that the aforementioned ‘swing’ had little to do with the things-found-in-parks, and more to do with music and dance. #Woteva!

As Pier Park is a short wander from my place I decided it was a Must-Do and made arrangements with a friend.

I have to admit that I hadn’t seen a lot of publicity beforehand – other than stuff on Facebook, which I shared – but it was there I discovered that those keen to get in the mood should dress up: white frocks (in honour of Migaloo) for the ladies and bow ties and so forth for the gents.

migaloo

I was both pleased (and frightened*) to see that some swing-night goers did take heed of the dress code and we did get to watch some dancing.

Pier Park looked absolutely gorgeous. It’s lovely at the best of times, but with additional tables and a picket fence and pretty lighting, the scene was quite magical.

My friend(s) and I discussed the need for a blanket to sit on but decided to take our chances. Indeed we were there early but missed out on tables and chairs (though probably could have invited ourselves to join those at tables with some empty chairs).

But… as we were Migaloo Starlight Swing virgins, we hadn’t realised there were no food stalls. Our diabolical plan was to eat, drink and listen to some music before waddling home. The Bayswater wine and beer stall had small antipasto platters, but (until Mr Whippy showed up) there were no other food options other than (very busy) nearby cafes.

We contemplated heading into Pavilion by the Pier, but it was closed for a private event; so we left the event a lot earlier than planned in search of dinner.

Again, it’s just a lesson for new-players and like my learnings from the Seafood Festival, something we’ll know for next year (ie. make own food / take picnic / order from local cafes earlier for easy pick-up).

I think there were to be some other musicians later in the night, but the big band we heard playing was fabulous and the music great – particularly if you’re into swing / jazz etc.

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Best of all, the Bay had turned on its charm and offered up a lovely evening… farewelling the Whale Festival and winter in spectacular fashion.

* I know this will make me sound like a biatch, but there were a few scary Bride of Frankenstein types. I’m all for raiding the local Op Shops, but some of the dresses / looks were reminiscent of Great Expectations’ Miss Havisham, resplendent in her decaying wedding dress and holed up in her dilapidated mansion! I wouldn’t be surprised if some peeps didn’t pull out their 40yr old debutante dresses! Fun but slightly tragic.

Any other suggestions for Migaloo Starlight Swing newbies?

Fraser Coast – home of the humpback

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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

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

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

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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.

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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).

dinnerThe 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

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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.)

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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.

What women want

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No doubt you have clicked on this post to read about that cheesy Mel Gibson / Helen Hunt movie from back in 2000 – when Mel Gibson was politically and socially acceptable and Ms Hunt* at her post Mad About You peak.

Well, I’m sorry for leading you astray as there’s nary a thought-reading bloke to be found here. As the title suggests however, I am offering up something which could be of interest to the Fraser Coast’s fairer sex.

What Women Want is actually an informal networking group for women of the Fraser Coast. I was fortunate to learn of the group’s existence just after my arrival here and it’s been a wonderful way to meet others.

WWW

The bimonthly gatherings aren’t just for business women or professionals wanting to network – although it is ideal for that purpose. I’ve attended one session where we did share ‘who we are and what we do’ – albeit on a whale watch boat while partaking in nibbles and drinkies.

Since then we’ve met at FitPole, where those insane brave** enough to try it had a pole dancing lesson; and the most recent session was at The Holistic Hub where the dozens in attendance got to briefly try some yoga before sharing in some delicious and healthy food.

And… there’s more excitement to come as the next WWW gathering actually involves a day trip to nearby wineries. Who said business and pleasure don’t mix?!

Anyone is welcome to the WWW networking functions. Well, providing you’re female – which is the whole point I guess. The group is always looking for sponsorship or hosting venues so feel free to contact the coordinators*** via the Facebook page if you have some suggestions.

Speaking of which… I want to learn how to make rice paper / spring rolls, so think I might suggest a cooking class. Well, either that or paddle-boarding.

* What actually happened to Helen Hunt I wonder. One minute she was ‘the one to watch’ and won an Oscar and the next minute. Poof. Gonski.
** I wished I’d been brave enough to try spinning about the pole but decided my inability to lift my body weight could have been problematic!
*** I should mention that the coordinators are volunteers and do a great job.

PS. I actually found out about the group at an informal Hervey Bay business social function – also held bimonthly. There’s also a Maryborough equivalent.