ANTARCTICA
- Antarctica. Where do I place a trip when I didn't land anywhere ? The experience of having seen the worlds highest and driest continent was as special as the flight itself - taken on New Years Eve '99 it was also a personal commitment to global peace.
- Centra Melbourne Airport - TULLAMARINE
AUSTRALIA
- Adelaide I first visited on Years Day Jan. '76, returning from Perth by bus across the Nullabor. Then for a weekend with a girlfriend, Aug. '85.
- Hilton, ADELAIDE.
- Also overnight returning to Ayers Rock during school holidays Apr. '90. and on a day trip for a client luncheon Nov. '91.
- Hyatt Regency Adelaide, ADELAIDE.
- For a week during May '05 for the MD201 Lions Convention, mainly doing BookCrossing !
- Festival City Hotel Motel, ADELAIDE.
- Returned to sunny Adelaide for the 3rd Australian BookCrossing Convention Oct. '06.
- BackPack Oz, ADELAIDE.
- Alice Springs and Ayers Rock being in Central Australia were ideal places for our staff and families to celebrate our company's 6M sales turnover Jun '89. Exploring, sight-seeing, friendships, tours and the wonderful facilities made this a memorable and happy time. Returning with Charlene during school holidays Apr. '90 for a more leisurely exploration was a wonderful experience. Sharing the sunset, the Olgas, the open land and sky with startled wallabies is a treasured memory. So magical is the 'red heart' of Australia to me, I returned there with a Canadian chatter in August '96. Meeting with other Lions, and with "rain" in Alice Springs, his visit was a memorable one !
- Sails in the Desert, YULARA. (Previously Sheraton Ayers Rock)
- Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge.
- Sheraton ALICE SPRINGS. (Now Rydges Plaza Hotel)
- Brisbane in Queensland was familiar to me when I was first
living in Yeronga Park and Ipswich before heading overseas Nov. '68. Then living on the beautiful Gold Coast during '73, I saw many changes, and worked in places such as the Broadbeach Hotel and Tiki Village which have now changed beyond recognition. Host to Expo '88, always pleasant weather with plenty of natural and tourist attractions nearby make it a well-known destination, and being half-way between Melbourne and Cairns, a popular stop-over. As Queensland covers such a large area, constant customer contact meant frequent, lengthy travel by road and air until a State manager was employed.
- Sheraton Brisbane Hotel and Towers, BRISBANE.
- Sheraton Mirage GOLD COAST.
- Peninsular Apartments, GOLD COAST.
- Conrad International Jupiters Casino, GOLD COAST.
- Sanctuary Cove, a beautiful resort, is a true luxurious life-style. Stayed here for a particularly pleasant visit in March '92 with the Queensland manager and his family.
- Hyatt Regency Sactuary Cove, SANCTUARY COVE.
- Cairns, in Far North Queensland and the Whitsunday Islands are perhaps one of the most beautiful and picturesque areas of Australia. Diving, even snorkelling, at the Great Barrier Reef would have to rank highly with unforgettable experiences. Visiting Expo and Queensland customers during school holidays June '89 Charlene and I stayed on in Cairns and Port Douglas, visiting Mossman Gorge and returning to Melbourne via the Gold Coast.
- Parkroyal Cairns - Now Cairns International, CAIRNS.
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Sheraton Mirage Resort, PORT DOUGLAS.
- Spent a delightful time snorkelling, sailing, lazing, walking and dining at Hamilton Island - a true holiday - June '94.
- Hamilton Island resort. WHITSUNDAYS.
- I returned to Cairns with a Jetset 'Getaway' package Feb. '96.
- Ramada Great Barrier Reef Resort, Palm Cove, CAIRNS.
- Canberra, the National Capital, was the ideal place to visit over the Australia Day weekend, Jan. '92 with Charlene and newly-arrived student Edith from Hong Kong. Dinner also with the High Commissioner from Zimbabwe and his wife in our beautiful Curtin Suite.
- Hyatt Hotel Canberra, CANBERRA.
- Croydon, 'Doorway to the Dandenongs' is where I live - born in Maffra my family moving here from Woorarra East, South Gippsland April '62. The beautiful Dandenong Ranges, Puffing Billy, the Yarra Valley, Healesville Sanctuary, National Rhododendron Gardens, Warburton - we are centrally located for many of the State's attractions - vineyards, snow fields, national parks. June '91 saw beautiful Sherbrooke the home for our staff and their families during our interstate get-together celebrating sales of $15M, a particularly happy time.
- Burnham Beeches, SHERBROOKE.
- Victoria House Manor Inn, CROYDON.
- Dorset Gardens Hotel/Motel, CROYDON.
- York on Lilydale Resort, MOUNT EVELYN.
- Showing off the area with visiting Irishman October '01, and again in August '02 with Japanese student.
- Darwin was first visited way back in November '68, stopping over on my way to Malaysia. Nice and close to Bali, we stopped there for a few days before returning home in January, '95. Taking a full day tour travelling between waterholes, termite mounds and waterfalls - the terrain reminded me of West Australia - the people were friendly, the town centre unique as probably being the newest city in Australia.
- Darwin Travelodge (now Centra Darwin) - DARWIN.
- Dubbo is where my car comes from ! Site of the Western Plains Zoo, Hub of The West, gateway to Bourke, flat as a tack. Moved there Sep. '73, married there '74, left '75 for Wollongong. Returned for a Stock & Station agents (Farmers & Graziers Co-op.) work reunion June '90, and even stayed at another place I had worked.
- Blue Lagoon Motor Inn, DUBBO.
- Central Australian Hotel, BOURKE.
Echuca & Moama on the mighty Murray river were one of the first areas we canvassed business-wise back in '85.
Travelling there for seminars during March and November '95, such wide flat expanses reminded me of Dubbo.
Charlene also went here during '97, during a school camping trip.
Port Of Echuca Motor Inn, ECHUCA
Rich River Country Club, MOAMA.
Lakes Entrance, along Victoria's Ninety-Mile Beach is known for it's temperate climate, wonderful fishing, and waterways. Sadly this trip June '01 was too rushed and busy to allow us to experience all the sights and landmarks, yet our Lions hosts fitted in as much as possible.
Melbourne is Australia's cultural center, in the garden state, the well-planned village Batman could not have envisaged, host to the Australian Grand Prix, home of the Melbourne Cup. Beautiful city, first class restaurants with fashion and shopping second to none. City to be proud of for overseas guests and interstate visitors - and where the company first celebrated it's success with the staff.
The Southern Cross Hotel, MELBOURNE. (Where the Beatles stayed.)
The Windsor, MELBOURNE.
Grand Hyatt Melbourne, MELBOURNE.
Sheraton Towers, Southgate MELBOURNE.
Tullamarine Travelodge - TULLAMARINE. (Now Centra Melbourne Airport)
Hilton On The Park MELBOURNE
Then in February '98, with Charlene during the U2 'PopMart' tour.
Again with Charlene in March '99, for another two days to celebrate St. Patrick's day.
Grand Hyatt Melbourne, MELBOURNE.
A weekend 'slumming' during the Lions V5 Convention, November '91, and again May '02.
Chadstone Motor Inn, OAKLEIGH.
Showing off to Lions Youth Exchange student during August '02.
Le Meridien, MELBOURNE.
Moe was another rushed visit October '01, without the time to explore or take advantage of our surroundings during a Lions Convention.
Moe Motor Inn, MOE.
Perth was were I spent Christmas '75 with my sister at Yanchep National park and Sun City - home of the Americas Cup challenge. Travelled by bus from Wollongong, flying for the next visit September '83 when Charlene turned three. Stopping on the way home January '88 and again January/February '89 when preparing for the arrival of sponsored Scots engineer and his family as State manager.
Burswood Island Hotel, PERTH.
Sheraton Perth, PERTH.
Hyatt Regency Perth, PERTH.
Returning in June '90 with all the staff and their families to celebrate $10M sales turnover in the Australia II Suite, at wonderful Observation City.
Observation City, SCARBOROUGH BEACH.
Returned again in July '90 to finalise property transactions, and during school holidays with Charlene April '91. Last visit was a rushed one - overnight to attend to legal matters August '91 -
Sheraton Perth, PERTH.
Hyatt Regency Perth, PERTH.
Travelling over for the PaddyNet 'Auz or Bust Bash' in October '00 in Rockingham.
Esplanade Hotel, FREMANTLE
Seymour - site of my Lions District Cabinet meetings. Picturesque farming land along the Goulburn river. Usually day trips, yet stayed in May '02, and again for a weekend in August '02 with Lions Exchange student from Japan.
Wattle Motel, SEYMOUR.
Trawool Valley Resort, TRAWOOL.
Another Cabinet meeting October '02, and this time with a chatter from Ireland, taking in the local sites.
Trawool Valley Resort, TRAWOOL
Overnight stay on returning from Hobart Convention, May '03.
Trawool Valley Resort, TRAWOOL
Sunshine Coast - Maroochydore to Noosa and all in between - the fastest growing area in Australia - beaches, golden sand, cool mountains. The hinterland with spectacular views and wonderful little shops, Coolum and surrounding area - wonderful beaches, resorts and golf courses. Noosa with it's wonderful scenery, real estate and shopping.
Tanglewood Gardens, MAPLETON.
Twin Waters Resort, SUNSHINE COAST.
Hyatt Regency Coolum, COOLUM.
Sheraton Noosa Resort, NOOSA.
Sydney was where I lived on my return from overseas, and fired my enthusiasm for the Hospitality industry. Working three jobs at once for a while enabled me to save for a Receptioniste training course back in Melbourne, and eventually I moved to Queensland's Gold Coast Jan. '73. Returning infrequently - trips from Wollongong, '76.
Sebel Town House, KINGS CROSS.
The Crest Hotel, KINGS CROSS.
Darlinghurst Hotel, KINGS CROSS.
The Texas Tavern, KINGS CROSS
Gazebo Hotel, KINGS CROSS.
Hilton Hotel, SYDNEY.
The Wentworth Hotel, SYDNEY.
Rushcutters Travelodge, RUSHCUTTERS BAY.
Hosting a sales convention display Nov. '85 for a friend in the jewellery industry.
The Shore Inn, ARTARMON.
Greeting potential overseas suppliers for my own importing business March '86.
Hyde Park Plaza, SYDNEY.
Weekend interlude July '93 - doing the 'tourist thing' for Korean suppliers.
Hilton Hotel, SYDNEY.
Rolling out the red carpet in March '96 for a visiting fellow-chatter from Boston - ferry trips, a visit to Taronga Park zoo, the monorail, Darling Harbour, city sights. All in a day !
Sheraton Airport Hotel, MASCOT.
Another chatter August '96 - this time a Canadian, and we gave the zoo a miss.
Sheraton On The Park, SYDNEY.
Another chatter November '01 - an Irishman this time, and we walked our legs off covering all the tourist things.
Medina Grand, SYDNEY.
A weekend with my Lions friend Christine January '03.
Novotel Brighton Beach, SYDNEY
Then an extended weekend stay in '02 for the first Australian BookCrossing Convention.
Tamworth is the Country and Western capital of Australia, and in May '90 I travelled by a V. Small plane to visit one customer for verification, so I also made a point of contacting them all while in the area hoping for an offer of a lift by road. No luck, so I bought a Michael Bolton CD in defiance.
Tasmania was first visited on a camping trip with my brother over Easter, April '77. More 'in tents' than I bargained for - unaware I had bronchitis until it turned into pneumonia, and I totally lost a few days. Returning July '91 to Hobart visiting clients during school holidays reminded me what a friendly, picturesque place it is, and they don't all have two heads !
Sheraton Hotel - HOBART, (Now the Hotel Grand Chancellor)
Fox and Hounds Inn, PORT ARTHUR
Hand-feeding possums at Mount Wellington, Christmas decorations with all the trimmings "Winterfest" - yet no snow June '94.
Sheraton Hotel, HOBART, (Now the Hotel Grand Chancellor)
This trip was so enjoyable, I returned July '94 with Charlene and did it all again ! Taking my new car over on the ferry enabled me to drive where I wished, and being winter - no accommodation problems. Waking to a snow-covered landscape was wonderful and exciting. Spectacular scenery, beautiful handcrafts, glorious glassware, wonderful mohair knitwear. Historic Richmond, Port Arthur, and places inbetween.
Spirit Of Tasmania.
Penny Royal Watermill, LAUNCESTON.
Cabins, CRADLE MOUNTAIN.
My chat-friend Ruffie is now a Lion ! So a trip to Tassie to be present at her induction June '02 was the chance to re-visit a few places, other Lions, and Internet centres.
The Pier Hotel Motel, GEORGE TOWN
Mabroonca Guest House, PENGUIN
Penny Royal Motel and Apartments, LAUNCESTON
This time Hobart hosted the MD201 National Lions Convention, so May '03, off with my friend Christine to meet up with more Lions and feed the ducks in Richmond.
Wrest Point Hotel & Casino, HOBART
Warburton in the beautiful Yarra Valley. Early morning walks, snow, open fires, friendliness, massages and wonderful food !
Alpine Retreat Hotel, WARBURTON
Warburton Health Care Centre, WARBURTON
Warburton Waters, WARBURTON.
Wollongong - with the beautiful surf beaches, stunning escarpment, heavy industry and diverse population was my home until September '76, when I drove 'down-hill' to Melbourne. Home of Grant Kenny, Wayne Gardner and the mighty Illawarra Hawks.
Boat Harbour Motel, WOLLONGONG.
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