22 Nov 08 Mackay Coal Mine Tours

Located just 22 kilometres north of the well established Mackay town of Clermont, the first coal was discovered in Blair Athol, in 1864. Now, the western section of the Mackay region is known to lie over Australia’s largest coal seam and mining from the shire annually contributes over $1.6 billion into the regions economy. While visiting Mackay, head inland and participate in a coal mine tour, seeping with historical pioneering background.

Pre-booked coal mine tours launch from Clermont Tourist Office twice a week, at approximately nine in the morning. The two and a half hour tours take participants through the workings of the mine and help them comprehend how it’s Australia’s largest exporter of thermal coal. After the coal mine visit has concluded, the tour also includes a trip to the Clermont Museum and the Copperfield Store, for historical purposes.

26 Apr 08 Essential Travel Information

For travellers interested in visiting the Whitsunday Islands, educating oneself with some essential information is an important aspect in making any holiday away from home, truly memorable. Information ranging from the Whitsunday Island’s history and typical weather patterns, through to available communication services and wedding facilities will not only interest, but better inform any traveller to the islands.

The Whitsunday Island’s known history started over 100 million years ago and includes strong Indigenous influences and interesting European past times. The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of 74 major islands located off the Queensland coast, between Brisbane and Cairns. The time zone which applies to this area is Australian Eastern Standard Time, which is ten hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. The Whitsunday Islands are also considered to have a tropical climate, little rainfall and trade winds to stabilize the temperature almost all year round.

To organize an unforgettable trip to the Whitsunday Islands, travellers should firstly visit a visitor’s information center located on the mainland in Airlie Beach, Cannonvale or Bowen. At these places, great tours and package options are always on offer, to save travellers to the area a lot of time and money. Staff at the information centers can also provide local advice on attractions, activities and events, scheduled on the entertainment calendar. As the Whitsunday Islands are an area of tremendous natural beauty, there is a high quality selection of potential wedding venues and an assortment of professional facilities and services available to engaged couples. The islands are also a perfect place for honeymoons and romantic escapades in paradise.

There are two Whitsunday Islands and numerous mainland destinations with larger shopping facilities, and all the other resort islands usually have small shops which stock basic essentials. Before visiting any of the islands it is advised to understand what currency is used, where banks are located, how currency exchange and travellers cheques work, and what cards electronic fund transfer (EFTPOS) machines take. Please note that accessibility to communication services such as phones, internet and post may also vary from island to island. Fuel availability and road conditions are also topics only concerning sailors and visitors staying on Hamilton Island.

Lastly, it is important for any Whitsunday Island boater, to familiarize themselves with different moorings, marinas and anchorage points, rules, regulations and exercise caution around restricted areas.