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Frequently in my travels I am asked “If I had limited time in Australia, what should I see?” Australia is a large place covering an impressive 7,600,000 square kms with a coastline measuring 37,000 kms. To put that in perspective, if you spread the 22 million odd people who live here out across the nation, you would find less than 3 people in every square kilometre. From my point of view thank goodness the majority live on the east coast which leaves the rest to people like me that love the outdoors. So my Australian must do’s are highlited by your need to 4WD Australia – not just the quick and dirty tourism like Lone Pine Koala Sancuary or Australian Zoo offer.

During my stay at Sanbis Resort in the Solomon Islands I met an extremely talented carver named Ravia. I was lucky enough to be able to bring home 2 carved stone masks which I think are just superb. Ravia should be very proud of his workmanship. So, if you are staying at Sanbis Resort, remember to enquire if Ravia has any new creations available – I am sure you will not be disappointed.

Cheers

Alison

Hi All

Recently I was lucky enough to spend a week in the Solomon Islands. My Best Friend Christine, who is an experienced diver was there to share in the fun. We spent a few days in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon’s and the rest at a resort near Gizo named Sanbis. Our hosts spoilt us daily with fantastic food and spectacular diving / snorkeling. Thank you Hans, Josie, Ravia, Luke and the rest of the team. Christine & I had the time of our lives. Our diving highlights included the American F5F Hellcat which lies in just 10m of water and appears totally intact, and the Toa Maru, a Japanese freighter which lies beached in just 18 metres of water. On theToa Maru freighter we could easily make out a Japanese Type 21 tank, many unspent bullets and dozens of bottles of Saki. The deepest part of the freighter lies in about 40 metres.

On our return to Honiara we stayed with a wonderful friend of Christine's named Lisa who took us on an experience of a lifetime to Mataniko Falls. Firstly we hired a local guide in a small village near Honiara to take us the trek up the steep mountain tracks into the jungle lined valley where the falls are located. The river appears out of the side of a mountain before it cascades so beautifully over the falls. After we cooled down and recovered from the walk to the falls, we floated for what seemed many hours back to our starting point. When we were finished with our float toys that Lisa had purchased for us, they were donated to some very excited children.

Lisa and her husband are members of the Honiara Rotary Club and this enabled us to see some of the great work their club is part of. Also during our stay at Sanbis, we visited the neighbouring village named Babanga and attended their Sunday morning church service. Here also Queensland Rotary Clubs have build amenities and school buildings. Great work from the Noosa and Brisbane Planetarium Clubs.

Returning home was difficult as we both had an absolutely spectacular time and I certainly hope to return to the Solomon Islands again.

http://photos.4wdaus.com/thumbnails.php?album=36

Until my next adventure, cheers for now.

Alison