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North Stradbroke Island
Topic Started: Nov 29 2009, 10:07:28 AM (379 Views)
Melibeam
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Yesterday Jason myself and Zac went to Straddie for the day.

I cannot believe I have not visited there before now, as its only a 40 min ferry ride from Cleveland (which is 5 mins from us).

It is beautiful, reminded me of Fraser Island in some places as its also a large sand island.

There are two beautiful inland lakes, Brown lake which we went to and also Blue Lake which had to be reached by a 5km walking track, and it was just too hot to walk there, but I am going to go back in winter and do it.

Jason had a swim in Brown Lake, as did some others that were there, swimming is allowed and there were signs up stating this.

I sat in the shade with Zac just watching the swimmers and when Jason was finished swimming he came and sat with us. An older aboriginal lady who I had noticed standing in the car park watching the swimmers came up to us and started talking. She said that men should not be at Brown Lake as it was a womens place and that Blue Lake was a mens place. She said that as a traditional owner of the island she was not happy about people swimming in the lake, especially men!!!!! We just sat and listened to her, did not really know what to say. She was not intimidating but at the same time I just sat there wishing she would go away.

She did leave after a while but it got me thinking. It must be sad for the aboriginals on Straddie, who are the rightful traditional owners, to see their culture and traditions obviously disregarded by us and others, who have no idea that they are doing it.

Anyway that was our interesting and thought provoking start to our day. After that we went to Point Lookout on the other end of the island, and did the most spectacular gorge walk along the cliff tops and saw dolphins in the sea below :thumbsup:

We also went to Cylinder Beach, another fantastic beach, with white sand and clear blue water. We had a picnic and there were plenty of free bbqs, both electric and wood burning. In the afternoon we went around to the ocean side of the island and to Main Beach, which is a massive surfing beach. It was a bit freaky to see the shark watch helicopter overhead, but there were heaps of surfers and swimmers so they were obviously not bothered.

We had dinner at the Stradbroke Hotel at Point Lookout and this hotel is right on the cliff edge overlooking the sea. We sat there looking out at the spectacular views.

We saw everything in one day, but I would like to go again and stay a few days to explore the walking tracks through the bush etc.

Its so different to where we live, yet so close, and well worth visiting :yes:

I did take pics and will add them when I get time later.
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Petals



Glad you loved the island. I like Cochiemudlow island, very small but nice to walk around and nice trip on the ferry from Cleveland.
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catgirl
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Courageous Cuddly Kitty

sounds wonderful
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Melibeam
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Some pics

Zac on the early morning ferry, Straddie in the background
Posted Image



Zac at Cylinder Beach
Posted Image


Zac on The Gorge Walk
Posted Image


Zac and Jason on The Gorge Walk
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Myself and Zac near Main Beach
Posted Image

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moneypen20
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I hate that we, unknowingly most of the time, abuse the land of the Aborigines. People who walk up Mount Warning and Uluru really annoy me as those are two well known deeply important places to them and all manner of people just tramp over them, destroying paths and plants and leaving rubbish. Obviously most places have some sort of importance to different groups but we could at least treat the 'biggies' with respect.

What I really hate is when, at all public events, some person comes out and does the short 'we respect the land beneath our feet' speech. You know they've just been told they have to say it and then get on with the real business. No true belief, just saying the words.

Anyway, sorry, rant over. North Straddie looks fab. Must get there one day. Lovely pics.
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Hevs
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Glad youy had a fab day Mel :flowers: Look beautiful

MP. All of us have climbed Uluru and left no litter or trod on any plants :whistle: . Whilst the indigenous people have their beliefs we have a right to ours too. Climbing the rock is an amazing expierience for everyone who has done it and I certainly don't feel bad about it in any way.
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moneypen20
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Hevs
Nov 29 2009, 09:09:02 PM
Glad youy had a fab day Mel :flowers: Look beautiful

MP. All of us have climbed Uluru and left no litter or trod on any plants :whistle: . Whilst the indigenous people have their beliefs we have a right to ours too. Climbing the rock is an amazing expierience for everyone who has done it and I certainly don't feel bad about it in any way.
Agree to disagree on this one then :yes:
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Melibeam
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I have to say if I had known that the aboriginal traditional owners of the land were not happy for people to swim in the lakes, then I would not have allowed Jason to have a swim. I dont think its right that we disregard their culture and feelings. These places have important spiritual and historical importance to them.

I think we should have more education on things like this, because most people like me do not have a clue.

Afterall the aborigines were here long before anyone else and have a right to have their traditions and values listened to :yes:
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Hevs
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moneypen20
Nov 30 2009, 12:46:08 PM
Hevs
Nov 29 2009, 09:09:02 PM
Glad youy had a fab day Mel :flowers: Look beautiful

MP. All of us have climbed Uluru and left no litter or trod on any plants :whistle: . Whilst the indigenous people have their beliefs we have a right to ours too. Climbing the rock is an amazing expierience for everyone who has done it and I certainly don't feel bad about it in any way.
Agree to disagree on this one then :yes:
No worries :)

I would be hated and shot down in flames for saying what I often think with regards to these issues, and there is no point because everyone has there own views and one doesn't make the other right or wrong imo.
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Melibeam
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The Big Red Cat Ferry from Cleveland is doing a special offer on Sunday - $50 day return for car and passengers!!!!

Thinking about going again :yes:
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Hevs
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Miraculous Mamma Mod

:thumbsup:
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moneypen20
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Bond's Beaut Bombshell

That's good value, be much more convenient if the offer was on Saturday though :whistle:
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Melibeam
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There is a special offer on Saturdays for $75!!!!!
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moneypen20
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Melibeam
Dec 2 2009, 10:32:01 AM
There is a special offer on Saturdays for $75!!!!!
Not very special though is it :nosepicker:
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Melibeam
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More special than normal, usual price about $130 return!!!!!
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moneypen20
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Melibeam
Dec 2 2009, 09:14:24 PM
More special than normal, usual price about $130 return!!!!!
I think Kevan is busy Saturday :whistle:
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Melibeam
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moneypen20
Dec 3 2009, 04:13:31 PM
Melibeam
Dec 2 2009, 09:14:24 PM
More special than normal, usual price about $130 return!!!!!
I think Kevan is busy Saturday :whistle:
Yes, he will be very busy :lol:
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