Australia Off the Beaten Path Tips by Amelei

It is early morning, Emrynn and i are at Tuntable asleep It is the middle of winter and the pot belly stove has been burning all night. I wake in the early hours listening watching as the night- time departs making way for the hours of daylight.

Emrynn and i are up and pottering about and there is a knock at the door by Leon, our neighbour. He comes in has has tea with us...

' Hey what are you doing tonight? I was going to take the motorbikes up to The Border Ranges National Park to camp the night. Have you ever been? It's really quite spectacular!'

We pack the bikes and by 4pm we are up perched high on the mountain terrain overlooking themost extraordinary views i have seen. Leon takes us over to the lookout and points towards Wollumbin and says ' See that there? That's what they call rain cloud.'

The rain is pelting down, coming in sideways, the mighty wind picks up and we cant even hear ourselves. Where we set up our tents becomes the 'rivers' causeway.

We move the tents and jump inside together. Leon brings out the red wine! We sit there drenched drinking copious amounts of wine .I am really drunk at this stage so lay down and listen to the rain falling rapidlty on the tent.

The following morning, after an uncomfortable nights sleep, we try and start the bikes and yes the rain is still torrential. The downpour is unbelievable! Our Bike starts first go but Leons is in trouble. We decide to roll start it down this HUGE hill and it doesnt go.

Emm rides back to Tuntable to get the 4WD and come and do a rescue mission. Leon and i are huddled together freezing cold. We decide ' stuff it we're going to drink the rest of the wine'. We had 2 bottles each and i was leggless as i dont drink.

What seemed like an eternity, Emm comes back to pick us up. I cant walk. He carries me into the car and i pass out on Leons shoulder. When we make it back to Tuntable, i am so embaressed. I have fallen asleep and dribbled all over Leon!! Oh god! I soon passed out in bed and swore never to drink again! i was so sick!

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Well here's my local knowledge (note i take no responsibility haha)

Truly one of my favourite 'off the beaten path', adventures would have to be The border Ranges National Park in NSW.

This track runs for about 80km's of dirt roads through the thick of the most beautiful rainforest i have ever seen.

Urban, local legand says that, The Border Ranges (that border QLD and NSW, hence the name), is one of the only Parks that has origional old growth forest, that has never been logged. Needless to say, it is a fragile place that needs to be absolutely respected, for its pure beauty and awesomeness.

There are many ways to get there but the one i am most familiar with is heading towards Murwillumbah, out past Wollumbin and taking The old Tweed road exit towards Barkers Vale. It is all very well sign posted.

So the journey starts.....

There are camping grounds at the Border Ranges National Park but always call in advance as they can get fairly packed out.

There are BBQ set up's and toilet facilities. It is a nature lovers paradise- you will not be disappointed.

Always remember to take all rubbish with you.

There are waterholes, water falls, my god the list is endless. The views are simplt to die for.

A must see.......

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BYRON BLUES AND ROOTS

An annual event held in none other than old Byron Bay (yeah okay i love the place what can i say??)

Tens of thousands of people flock from all walks of life, for a weekend of smooth, eclectic sounds drawn from the roots of soulful jazz and blues.

There is always a line up of world renound international acts. Past events included Ben Harper, The Violent Femmes and Spearhead- to name a few.

This festival is really an amazing experience. There are all sorts of Circus tents holding all sorts of music you can have a boogie to.

Market stalls, Food stalls, great people, happy vibes, loads of dancing and sweat..... have to see it to believe it!

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Oh this would have to be one of my favourite festivals.

One of my earliest memories is my father (bless him), taking me to the original Woodford Folk festival, then called The Malaney Folk Festival. Even at the tender age of 8 i knew id keep coming back for years to come and i havnt stopped!

Woodford has become somewhat commercial, nevertheless the essence of its true meaning, Folk, is ever evident by just walking around and taking all the scenery and people in.

The festival runs a week long- it has just so much to offer.

There are work shops for children and adults, there are live fire shows, Theatre performances, endless music, endless chai tea, endless goodtimes.

The Guto Monks of Tibet perform regularly- and that is an experience in itself.

One year i was at The Folk festival and had been up all night dancing. My partner and i decided at 4:30am to climb a hill inside the festival.

We sat up the top over looking the most amazing view with some hundreds of people, listening, meditaing with the Guto Monks of Tibet as they sang to us in native tongue. What an experience!!

As the sun came up the last note was sung. There were many happy and joyful tears that morning. The awesomeness was just so overwhelming!

I cannot emphasise how beautiful this festival is. Please do yourself a favour and go.

It runs over Xmas and the New Year period. Bring a rain coat though as it notoriously will rain atleast for 1 day.

Bring a tent as there is camping available and book in advance as the popularity means you may not always get a ticket.

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HERE YOU HAVE IT....

It's ironic but somehow typical that the drug law reform movement should find it's most vocal and public face in a place like Nimbin.

The Mardi Grass gives voice to frustrations and problems that are vexing the whole of mainstream society, but most people aren't quite brave enough to express this to their neighbours.

In the anonymity of a "freak-fest" like Mardi Grass, many people are quite prepared to stand up and be counted. This is vitally important as a first step, but it's only when there's a Mardi Grass happening in every town and when every pot smoker puts their hand up that the laws will change. It's too easy for the mainstream to ignore protest when it just happens in Nimbin.

So come this year to Mardi Grass, but remember that it's a drug law reform rally and not just a pot party. We're there to make some points not just to get out of it, and remember to take some of the magick, idealism and commitment home with you when you go, there's enough to spare."

Neil Pike 1996

Definately one wild and funny day. What gets me is there are police there and you can literally blow smoke intheir faces and they dont blink an eye lid. i guess what are they going to do? arrest 1000's of people.

Pretty peaceful event- pretty spaced out and very amusing.

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Freaking awesome.....
This rave is totally cool!
It runs a week long, set around a beautiful lake out in the bush. To be honest it is a mission to get to but well worth the travel!

I went for a week and just danced and danced and danced ( well i guess thats what you do at raves right??)

There were Ti- pis set around the lake, hippies, straights, non starights- its all there.

The light show itself ran into the tens of thousands- alright for 1 guy who funds the whole project and never breaks even. He puts these raves on each year because of his love of music. The music is great! ( And loud!)

Its definately a child friendly event and there are so many beautiful bubs bopping along.

You will need to supply everything, food, water, sleeping arrangements etc etc. Dont let this put you off though. This event is rockin'!!

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Phone: Look up Happy people productions
Website: http://happypeopleproductions.com/
Other Contact: Look on net for times etc

Okay im going to have to point form this as i have not enough room to write what i want. heres some info on the Blue Mountains:

They are part of the Great Dividing Range, which stretches from Gippsland region of Victoria in the south to the tropical rainforests of north Queensland.

The Blue Mountains peaks at about 1000 metres,

Conquered by a trio of explorers - Gregory Blaxland, William Lawson and Charles Wentworth in 1813. They and four men hacked through dense bush for 18 days to find a route. Sections of the Great Western Highway from Sydney still follow parts of their trail.

The settlement of the western slopes and plains established Australia's fine wool and wheat industries, which created great wealth and are still very important export industries.

The Blue Mountains are so named because, from Sydney, they look blue.

First road was cut into the Blue Mountains by William Cox using a team of 30 convicts and eight guards. Starting at Emu Plains at the foothills in July 1814, they cut an incredible 47 miles to Mount York (past the highest point of the mountains at Mount Victoria - 1064 metres) in just four months. At the end of six months they completed 101 miles of road to Bathurst, which was founded as the major centre for agriculture on the western slopes.

The rugged terrain of the Blue Mountains with its tree clad slopes and sheer sandstone cliffs attracts tens of thousands of visitors to its scenic beauty.

Whatever the score, whatever you're after you will find it at The Blue Mountains. From hiking to walking, day trips to week trips, photography, to plain just chilling out in the forest its all on offer!!

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The Gagadju people have given their name to this famous National Park, a United Nations Heritage Site, with magnificent scenery and many wonderful examples of Aboriginal rock paintings that can be seen in impressive galleries like Nourlangie and Ubirr.

But there are many more that are of great ceremonial significance and therefore not accessible to tourists at the request of the traditional owners, who are the custodians of the Park.

An early morning cruise on Yellow Waters Lagoon at Cooinda is unforgettable, with its profusion of birdlife and crocodiles on the shore.

Some tracks, like the one to Jim Jim and Twin Falls, are only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicle and only in the Dry season; in the Wet the only way to see the falls is by helicopter!

But the falls at Gunlom, where a scene from the movie "Crocodile Dundee" was shot, can be reached by normal car, a fantastic spot with great swimming and beautiful views from the top.

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The Red Centre of Australia, the heart of the continent, is a harsh land of red soil and mountains, but with an eerie beauty.

This is an ancient land, crossed by the dreaming tracks of the Aboriginal inhabitants who live in settlements and small Homeland Centres. These are desert peoples, speaking languages like Warlpiri and Pintubi-Loritja, that, although related, are quite distinct. They share similar customs and ceremonies and travel extensively through this vast land to meet their ceremonial obligations.

There are impressive landscapes, like the huge meteorite crater, Gosse's Bluff, a sacred site as well.

In this region is also the community of Areyonga, spectacularly situated between the hills. Traveling 500 km west from Alice Springs is Kintore or Walungurru near the Western Australian border, a community of Pintubi people, the last group to be contacted by the outside world.

Nearby is Ngutjul, an impressive site with huge boulders. On the way to Kintore you pass Haasts Bluff and Mount Liebig, small Aboriginal communities of Loritja peoples. North of there is the large Warlpiri community of Yuendumu (Yurntumu).

Amon took me out here on a random journey for my birthday. We packed the 4WD and tipi. I was in anticipation. I have an affinity for the desert, the hot sands between my feet, the vast nothingness in its absolute simplistic and awe inspiring beauty. I could sit there for hours and just write the way i feel about this place.

Amon sets up camp and that night we just lye there and watch through the worlds eyes...oh my heart is taken by overwhelming emotion. I understand now why he bought me here.... My love for the desert deepens. We embrace as the sky opens up and the universe explodes in all its infinite glory! I am one with all..... "Oh, Amelei..... this is it isnt it?' says Amon.....

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I think i am the central figure,
standing alone
But when this is my thought
I gnore my connections
Life is a complete tapestry of threads
Interweaving
Creating more and more intricate patterns
The more care, focus and thought
That is entered into this picture
The more illuminating the result
When i remember I'm a strand of colour,
Woven in the picture
And not the weaver
Then i will remember my connection
And see how many threads connect me to others
Like a family tree
With limbs that reach back to eternity
Then as a spider tentively testing the threads of his web
I would carefully test the line
I will wait to see who was aware of this subtle vibration
Not all will feel it
For many are still asleep
And when i understand that i cannot be alone
I will be happy to be a single strand of colour in the great tapestry of life!

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