Sixteen year old Australian sailor, Jessica Watson has achieved something this land-lover can only marvel at. The thought of circum-navigating the world on a travel adventure is surely present but to undertake this by sea and alone, there is absolutely no appeal in it at all! Consequently, when I stop to think of the 210 days Jessica spent aboard the small, pink boat named ‘Ella’s Pink Lady’, I can’t help but imagine what she has encountered. Large swells, storms, isolation, darkness, mechanical issues and all to be toughed out alone – what an amazing young women she is!
Jessica sailed into Sydney Harbour on Saturday 15th May to a hero’s welcome home. A huge supportive crowd had gathered to share in her achievement. Jessica later spoke humbly and articulately to the crowds and media cameras, of not being a hero but simply an ordinary girl who had a dream and her (brave) parents, allowing and supporting her to do this. For more of Jessica’s story READ HERE.
Jessica Watson returns to Sydney, Australia after Sailing Solo around the World
Dinner Plain is a town located on the Great Alpine Road in the high plains of Victoria, Australia. It is 389 km kilometres NW of Melbourne. Julie Wilson shares with Travel Tips Plus what attracts her to Dinner Plain.
This unique architecturally designed village, nestled amongst the snow gums, has a population of around 90 people and has over 200 lodges and chalets for tourists, making it a welcoming travel destination. The tradition of hospitality at Dinner Plain goes back well over a century, when mountain cattlemen first discovered this beautiful stretch of countryside as an ideal place to relax, eat up a meal and graze their cattle.
Visitors come all year round to enjoy the high plains life. In winter the village is a excellent base for cross–country and downhill skiing in winter. The gentle slopes are great for beginner skiing and are ideal for nordic skiing. There are 16 kilometres of trails around Dinner Plain. Shuttle buses ferry people to Mount Hotham for downhill skiing.
In summer, cycling and hiking are great attractions. The ski trail between Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain provides an excellent easy-grade walking tracks, and the architecture of the village and alpine wildflowers are a great attraction.
JB Hut
There are also key events throughout the year. My favourite events are:
Geebung Polo on Easter Sunday
Come and watch the exhibition of horsemanship and polo skills at Horsehair Plain. See the High Country cattlemen of the ‘Geebung‘ team take on the city slicker ‘Cuff n Collar’ team. The day starts with the announcer reciting Banjo Patterson’s famous poem “The Geebung Polo Club”, after which the event is named.
Cross Country Pub to Pub Race in August
The Annual Cross Country “Pub to Pub” takes place in early August. This 14 km race from the General Store in Mount Hotham to Dinner Plain Hotel is an event for skiers of all ages and abilities, and you’re likely to see first year skiers lining up with Australian champions.
Sled Dog Challenge
This annual event showcases the top dogs of sled dog racing in Australia and is the only Australian snow-based race of its kind. This race is held over an August weekend with 2, 3, 4 and 6 dog teams competing. Over 65 Mushers (dog team drivers) and more than 350 sled dogs are expected to compete in this year’s event.
One great reason to visit this travel destination is To see the Dinner Plain architecture ~ All buildings in the village are designed in an Australian alpine style based on early mountain cattlemen’s huts. Corrugated iron, timber and stone are used for the external walls, with pitched iron roofs. Buildings are limited to the height of the existing trees.
Travel Photo of the Week: The Arch found on the Great Ocean Road
This photo was taken during our January 2010 family holiday along the Great Ocean Road. We were fortunate to have glorious, summer days during our time exploring the coast. This photo depicts clear blue skies and calm seas, which most definitely is not the case most of the time along this wild Southern Ocean coastline.
Devi Garh is nestled in the Aravali Hills in the State of Rajasthan, India. The 18th century palace is located in the village of Delwara and forms one of the three main passes into the valley of Udaipur. Devi Garh, has undergone extensive restoration and rebuilding in preparation for its guests since it was purchased back in 1987 when it had been left empty for more than 20 years. The fort palace was built as a place where the past meets the future.
The grounds have been immaculately landscaped and offer fabulous views over the surrounding hills and a lovely pool to relax by. It really is a splendid travel destination in the Rahasthan landscape in which to base yourself to explore the region which has so much to offer.
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