Dear Diary,

On this page are the Web Photo Albums from various holidays we went on between 2010 - 2013. Scenery and places don't change much so these and other webalbums are still relevant today! If you are considering a trip around Australia then don't forget to check the webalbums from our Round Australia Trip in 2006. Photos of other trips can be found on the Trips and Photos 02-05 web page or the Trips and Photos 07-10 web page. Some people prefer to use the Maps on the Home page or the alphabetical listing to locate the photos and information they want to see for various parts of Australia and other overseas holiday destinations.

Pacific Island Cruise - Part 3 - Port Vila, Vanuatu

This part of our Cruise on the Pacific Dawn covers our time on Vanuatu. We visited the main island (of the 86 islands on Vanuatu) called Efate, where the capital Port Vila, is situated. We also went to the nearby Ifira Island. After Port Vila we cruised back to Brisbane with no more stops on the way ie time to concentrate on the on board entertainment! Have a look at our 3rd lot of photos from the trip: Pacific Cruise Part 3. 

Pacific Island Cruise - Part 2 - Lifou Island, New Caledonia

This part of our Cruise on the Pacific Dawn covers our time on Lifou Island, New Caledonia. It is the largest island in what is known as the Loyalty Islands. This island was our favourite with its great snorkelling, walking tracks and lovely beaches. The Village atmosphere and friendly locals made it a place we would like to return to. Have a look at our 2nd lot of photos from the trip: Pacific Cruise Part 2. 

Pacific Island Cruise - Part 1 - Brisbane to Noumea, New Caledonia

Our first Australian Cruise was on the Pacific Dawn departing from Brisbane, Queensland for 7 nights aboard ship. We left in April which means we were expecting a bit of rain but on the plus side, cooler temperatures. The occassional bit of rain didn't slow us down at all. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip as did the other 10 friends we travelled with. This first part covers Brisbane to Noumea in New Caledonia. Lots of on-board entertainment to discover on the first day and of course our visit onto the main island of New Caledonia, Grande Terre. Have a look at our 1st lot of photos from the trip: Pacific Cruise Part 1. 

Whitsunday Islands Bareboat Sailing Holiday - Part 2

The Whitsunday Islands are so beautiful that I had to split the webalbums into two. This one takes up where part 1 left off below - heading to the famous Whitehaven Beach. Definitely a holiday we will repeat again and again! Have a look at our 2nd lot of photos from our sailing adventure: Whitsunday Sailing Part 2. 

Whitsunday Islands Bareboat Sailing Holiday - Part 1

We went with the family on a week's bareboating adventure from Hamilton Island, The Whitsundays, Queensland. We booked the largest Sunsail Catamaran available and set off during the September holidays. We flew up from Brisbane direct to Hamilton Island and spent the first night in the Hamilton Marina. We then sailed and motored around Whitsunday Island and Hook Island with a stop at Hayman Island and Haselwood Island. It is divided into 2 webalbums as we took so many photos of the beautiful scenery it was hard to cull back to one (see Part 2). We had great weather, lots of good snorkelling and swimming. Have a look at our 1st lot of photos from our sailing adventure: Whitsunday Sailing Part 1. 

Vanuatu Trip - Part 2 - Espiritu Santo Island & Oyster Island, Vanuatu

The first week was action packed with strenuous activities so this week we wanted to concentrate on relaxing, swimming, reading, walking and kayaking around Oyster Island. We visited the two nearby Blue Holes at Matevulu and Mavutor, both less than an hour's kayaking from Oyster Island. They were just beautiful! We ate on Oyster Island for most meals (food was great!) but for something different we lunched at closeby Turtle Bay Resort as well. We circumnavigated Oyster Island on foot and by kayak. The nearby coral reefs were very accessible by kayak and excellent for snorkelling. Have a look at our 2nd lot of photos from the trip: Vanuatu Week 2. 

Vanuatu Trip - Part 1 - Espiritu Santo Island & Oyster Island, Vanuatu

It is our 2nd time holidaying in Vanuatu and we decided to go to one of the more northerly islands this time - Espritu Santo Island, usually just referred to as Santo. After taking a direct flight from Brisbane to Luganville we caught a taxi to Oyster Island (Malwepe) which was our base for 11 days. It is only a quick 200m ferry across from the main island to Oyster Island. Highlights of the first week were relaxing on Oyster Island with its great food and people; a trip to Blue Holes Pools, Champagne Beach, Lonnoc Beach and Port Olry. We LOVED the Millenium Caves trek (full day) and the Waterfalls Cascades tour (half day). Have a look at our 1st lot of photos from the trip: Vanuatu Week 1.  

New Zealand Trip - Part 13 - Waitakere Ranges and Auckland area, North Island

After Te Henga/Bethels Beach, we continued to explore the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, just west of Auckland. Walking tracks, caves, beaches, waterfalls, cliffs and the wild west coast kept us very busy for the 2 days we had left in New Zealand. Highlights were the Cascade Kauri Walk, Fairy Falls Walk, Kitekite Falls walk, Tasman Lookout, Piha Beach, Lion Rock Walk, Mercer Bay Loop Walk, Whatipu Caves Walk, Paratuta Island Walk and Manukau Harbour. We stayed at 2 of the Regional Park Campsites at Piha (camp 29) and Barn Paddock (camp 30). The weather was sometimes against us and we would love to see some of these areas again when it is sunny and warm BUT we thoroughly enjoyed our trip and didn't let a bit of rain slow us down at all. New Zealand.... we WILL be back! Have a look at our 13th lot of photos from the trip: Waitakere ranges to Auckland.   You can also access all the web albums for this trip via the New Zealand map if that helps you to put it all in perspective as it shows the route we took and the campsites we stayed at each night.

New Zealand Trip - Part 12 - Auckland to Cape Reinga, North Island

We continued north along the east coast from Auckland stopping to do the walks at Mangawhai and Whangarei before camping at Whananaki DoC (camp 26). We learned a lot about Maori Culture and the Treaty of Waitangi while at the Bay of Islands. Continuing north we visited a winery and a chocolate factory before stopping at Rarawa Beach DoC (camp 27). Our attempt to get to the northernmost point of New Zealand, on Cape Reinga, was thwarted by the floods that washed out a bridge on the only road north so we turned around somewhere between Te Kao and Te Paki. We drove along 90 Mile Beach, visited Waipu Caves and Piroa Falls then stayed the night at Bream Bay DoC (camp 28). Next we explored Waitakere Regional Park, just west of Auckland. We loved Bethels Beach with its surf, rocky bays and many sea caves to explore. Have a look at our 12th lot of photos from the trip: Auckland to Cape Reinga.   You can also access all the web albums for this trip via the New Zealand map if that helps you to put it all in perspective as it shows the route we took and the campsites we stayed at each night.

New Zealand Trip - Part 11 - Rotorua to Auckland, North Island

After speaking to some backpackers at the DoC campsite we had directions to some of the best free-entry natural-state geothermal areas around Rotorua. The Waiotapu Loop Road with its mud pools and steaming lakes, swimming at the junction of two spring-fed creeks (one hot and one cold) and the beautiful Kerosene Creek were highlights. Leaving Rotorua, we chanced upon the exciting Tutea Kayak Competition which goes over falls and down rapids. We then walked around Mt Maunganui and explored the Karangahake Gorge and historic rail loop. Campsite 24 was at the Kauaeranga Valley DoC in the Coromandels. Unfortunately it poured rain all through the Coromandel Peninsula (flooded) but the Cathedral Bay walk was still spectacular. We camped at Rays Rest (campsite 25) and enjoyed the view over the Firth of Thames and a lovely sunrise before heading to Auckland. Have a look at our 11th lot of photos from the trip: Rotorua to Auckland.   You can also access all the web albums for this trip via the New Zealand map if that helps you to put it all in perspective as it shows the route we took and the campsites we stayed at each night.

New Zealand Trip - Part 10 - Hawkes Bay to Rotorua, North Island

We left the thermal area around Lake Taupo and headed south-east passed waterfalls and pretty countryside across to Hawkes Bay and stayed beside Lake Tutira (campsite 21). We tasted some of the Hawkes Bay/Gisborne wines then travelled north-west along the picturesque Waioeka Journey to the Bay of Plenty and stayed at Matata Beach (campsite 22). Travelling south-west (yes a bit of zig-zagging to make sure we saw everything!) took us back into the thermal region around Rotorua. Hells Gate and Whakarewarewa Village, especially the blue springs, bubbling mud and Pohutu Geyser, were highlights. We stayed the night at Lake Okareka just outside Rotorua (campsite 23). Have a look at our 10th lot of photos from the trip: Hawkes Bay to Rotorua.   You can also access all the web albums for this trip via the New Zealand map if that helps you to put it all in perspective as it shows the route we took and the campsites we stayed at each night.

New Zealand Trip - Part 9 - Wanganui to Lake Taupo, North Island

Continuing along the west coast of the North Island we wound around beautiful Taranaki Bight, passed the impressive Mount Taranaki (Mount Egmont) leaving the coast near Mokau (campsite 19) to travel inland again up scenic Awakino Gorge. Next stop was Waitomo. The caves and glowworms were a highlight of the trip and the Blackwater Rafting was an amazing experience! We stayed at Ruakuri Reserve (campsite 20) then headed east to picturesque Lake Taupo and the thermal regions of Tokaanu and Wairakei. Have a look at our 9th lot of photos from the trip: Wanganui to Lake Taupo.   You can also access all the web albums for this trip via the New Zealand map if that helps you to put it all in perspective as it shows the route we took and the campsites we stayed at each night.

New Zealand Trip - Part 8 - Farewell Spit, South Island to Foxton Beach, North Island

The northern end of Golden Bay is fringed by the long, narrow Farewell Spit. We walked out along the protected side, crossed the spit and then back down the wild western beach to Fossil Point. We hiked up Cape Farewell, the most northerly point of the South Island, to enjoy the amazing coastal views. We saw strange rock formations at Devil's Boots and Old Man Rock then the clearest water bubbling from the ground at beautiful Pupu Springs before visiting the lovely beaches along Abel Tasman Drive. We stayed again at Hawkes Lookout before descending once more to explore Riwaka and Motueka then skirt around scenic Tasman Bay to Nelson. We had views of the various Sounds on our drive to Picton then we caught the car ferry up Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait to Wellington. After some shopping in Wellington we headed north along the western coast to Foxton Beach. Have a look at our 8th lot of photos from the trip: Farewell Spit to Foxton Beach.   You can also access all the web albums for this trip via the New Zealand map if that helps you to put it all in perspective as it shows the route we took and the campsites we stayed at each night.

New Zealand Trip - Part 7 - Punakaiki to Golden Bay, South Island

Continuing north up the beautiful West Coast of the South Island we stopped at Punakaiki to visit the spectacular Pancake Rocks before continuing on to Cape Foulwind to see the seal colony. On the way we stopped to explore Punakaiki Cave, took short walks on beautiful TeMiko Beach, along the Charleston Loop Track and through the cave at Fox River Bridge. We spent the night at Irimahuwhero Lookout enjoying the brilliant views and amazing sunset. After Cape Foulwind, we headed inland again through Buller Gorge, stopping at the Kawatiri Historic Rail Tunnel on our way north to Motueka. We drove up Takaka Hill to Hawkes Lookout to camp the night. Have a look at our 7th lot of photos from the trip: Punakaiki to Golden Bay.   You can also access all the web albums for this trip via the New Zealand map if that helps you to put it all in perspective as it shows the route we took and the campsites we stayed at each night.

New Zealand Trip - Part 6 - Haast to Greymouth, South Island

We came out on the West Coast near the small town of Haast then travelled north along Highway 6. The windswept beaches had an amazing amount of driftwood on them. We camped near Lake Matheson and spent the next day walking to Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. We hoped to helicopter onto the ice but the weather was against us (one for next trip!). Although it was overcast and drizzly rain off and on, we enjoyed the walk and the scenery was still pretty amazing: ice caves, waterfalls... Continuing north along the spectacularly scenic coast road we stopped at Hokitika and Greymouth and walked the Point Elizabeth Coastal Track. Have a look at our 6th lot of photos from the trip: Haast to Greymouth.   You can also access all the web albums for this trip via the New Zealand map if that helps you to put it all in perspective as it shows the route we took and the campsites we stayed at each night.

New Zealand Trip - Part 5 - Queenstown to Haast Pass, South Island

We had to back track from Milford Sound back to TeAnau before we drove north to Queenstown. The scenery is magnificant so you don't mind at all. The road skirted along the edge of beautiful Lake Wakatipu starting at Kingston and following the Mt Remarkables range. Very pretty drive! Highlights at Queenstown were the Gondola ride up to Ben Lomond Scenic Reserve and the jetboat ride up the Kawarau River. We visited Glenorchy and Mt Aspiring National Park admiring the wonderful scenery and doing quite a few walks. Staying the night on the shores of Lake Hawea was one of our favourite camps. Lake Wanaka was simply lovely and our favorite walk that day was to the blue pools on our way to Haast Pass through the 'Gates of Haast'. Have a look at our 5th lot of photos from the trip: Queenstown to Haast Pass.   You can also access all the web albums for this trip via the New Zealand map if that helps you to put it all in perspective as it shows the route we took and the campsites we stayed at each night.

New Zealand Trip - Part 4 - Invercargill to Milford Sound, South Island

We travelled around the south west coast of the South Island before heading inland again towards Fiordland National Park. We loved the cruise on Lake Manapouri that took us to the underground Hydro Power Station and Doubtful Sound and then continued on to beautiful Lake TeAnau for another colourful sunset over the lake. The drive to Milford Sound was very scenic with the Mirror Lakes and Homer Tunnel being some of the highlights. We took the lunch cruise on Milford Sound (really a fiord) which was very worthwhile as it took us all the way out to the Tasman sea and quite close to some of the waterfalls and seals. We did a few walks that skirted along creeks and falls with crystal clear turquoise blue water and spectacular scenery. Have a look at our 4th lot of photos from the trip: Invercargill to Milford Sound.   You can also access all the web albums for this trip via the New Zealand map if that helps you to put it all in perspective as it shows the route we took and the campsites we stayed at each night.

New Zealand Trip - Part 3 - Dunedin to Bluff, South Island

Continuing south along highway 1, our first stop was the amazing Moeraki Boulders before continuing onto Dunedin. There we visited the Cadbury Chocolate Factory and many of the historical buildings then drove out on Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle and the Royal Albatross Colony. It was very overcast but the southern coastal drive through the Catlins was still very impressive. We walked to lighthouses, through old railway tunnels, along cliff edges and beaches as well as to Blowholes and Caves. The walk out to the cliffs and wild coastline of the most southerly, Slope Point, was exhilarating. Eating the oysters at Bluff Point was also a highlight. Have a look at our 3rd lot of photos from the trip: Dunedin to Bluff.   You can also access the web albums for this trip via the New Zealand map if that helps you to put it all in perspective as it shows the route we took and the campsites we stayed at each night.

New Zealand Trip - Part 2 - Lake Tekapo to Lake Pukaki to Oamaru, South Island

We continued south along the Inland Scenic Route past My Hutt to Lake Tekapo and spent some time in the township and driving around this picturesque turqoise blue lake. It was too early to stop for the night so we continued to Lake Pukaki which was just as pretty and stayed right on the lake's edge. Next morning we stopped at the Salmon Farm before following the series of 8 dams eastwards down the Waitaki River to the coast. Here we discovered historic Oamaru and its penguin colonies before heading south through Kakanui and stopping the night at Lagoon Beach. Have a look at our 2nd lot of photos from the trip: Lake Tekapo to Oamaru.   You can also access the web albums for this trip via the New Zealand map if that helps you to put it all in perspective as it shows the route we took and the campsites we stayed at each night.

New Zealand Trip - Part 1 - Christchurch to Kaikora to Akaroa, South Island

This is the first Web Album from our 4 week (31 days) New Zealand Trip! We flew into Christchurch, picked up our campervan and headed north to Kaikora first as we didn't want to miss that scenic part of the coast. We then backtracked to Christchurch and the beautiful Banks Peninsula (Akaroa) before starting out on our clockwise tour around the South Island. Have a look at our 1st lot of photos from the trip: Christchurch, Kaikora and Akaroa. You can also access the web albums for this trip via the New Zealand map if that helps you to put it all in perspective as it shows the route we took and the campsites we stayed at each night.

Trips from 2007 - 2010

Scenery doesn't changed much so previous years' trips and holidays are still relevant. I have moved the photos from the trips 2007 - 2010 to another web page. This includes the Alaska and Canada trip, Vanuatu trip and many trips within a day's drive of Brisbane, Queensland eg Fraser island, Stradbroke Island, Moreton Island, Southeast Queensland Rainforests and Beaches, Northern NSW. Feel free to have a look at the 2007 - 2010 web albums.

Round Australia Trip 2006 plus Other Holidays from 2006

If you are planning a roadtrip around Australia then these stories and photos will be very useful to you. Scenery doesn't changed much so previous years' trips and holidays are still relevant. I have moved the photos from the trips in 2006 to another web page. Have a look at the 2006 Aussie Roadtrip plus our trip to Fiji.

Trips from 2002 - 2005

I have moved the photos from the trips prior to 2006 to another web page. Feel free to have a look at the 2002 - 2005 web albums also.

My Favourite Sunsets

Each holiday trip we go on I end up with a number of photos of sunsets. Have a look at just a few of my favourite Sunset Photos taken from a variety of our web albums.

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This page was last updated on 10-Feb-2015

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