Back in the early seventies Nimbin became the alternative lifestyle capital of Australia. Many of the original communes are still set up today. In recent times Nimbin has become infamous for its annual Mardi Grass festival which celebrates marijuana use. I interviewed Neil Pike, one of the original hippies to arrive in Nimbin in the 70s. Accommodation : www.nomadsworld.com
Magnetic Island, ten minutes ferry ride from Townsville is unique in that it has a permanent residential population of about 2000 people. This means unlike alot of ‘resort’ islands, Magnetic caters for all budgets. More than half the Island is national park and thus wildlife such as koalas, wallabies, possums and birdlife are plentiful. I didn’t interview a local on Magnetic, I decided I would just concentrate on the natural beauty of the Island. I got some great wildlife shots and the beaches and bays are to die for. Accommodation : www.nomadsworld.com
Noosa is a one street town which is blessed with great natural beauty. A sheltered north facing bay ideal for swimming, great point break surf and a National Park, all in walking distance. Leave the car at home and relax Noosa style.I’ve organised an interview with Noosa legend, Sean the Magician Accommodation : www.nomadsworld.com
In Cairns I interviewed Peter Stokes from Cairns Dive Centre. Peter has been involved in the dive industry for the last 15 years. We discussed why Cairns is such a dive mecca. Fantastic underwater shots courtesy of Nembrotha Diving. I also took in a night out at well known backpacker party place, ‘the Woolshed’ and visited the quaint rainforest village of Kuranda
I interviewed Richard Maddrell, who works in the tourism industry. If someone has a day to spare in Sydney, Richard suggested taking a harbour cruise, and visiting the fish market.
