Travel Volunteer in Japan

Travel Volunteer in Japan:

"In an effort to support the Travel Industry in Japan, The Real Japan on the 6th of July launched a Worldwide Online Contest to win a 100+1 day trip to Japan, called TRAVEL VOLUNTEER."

Kind regards
Matt Palmer
Freelance Photography/Travel Writer
SNAP Photographic
snap.photographic@gmail.com
0410120705

SNAP_SHOT - "Cape Willoughby Lightstation", Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Recently, I was fortunate enough to venture from the South Australian mainland, to the very popular island destination of Kangaroo Island for a few days work. Although only being a few days, I did get an opportunity to take in a few interesting sites.

One afternoon, whilst enjoying watching the mainland ferry arrive with another collection of tourists into the seaside gateway to KI, Penneshaw, I noticed a road sign to a place named Cape Willoughby.

I thought to myself, this sounded like a place to be seen, conjouring up visions of the Great Southern Ocean rolling past a rugged Cape, surrounded by gorgeous beaches, something well renowned along the Kangaroo Island coastline.

Cape Willoughby is approx 30kms from Penneshaw, travelling south-east along predominantly dirt roads through Kangaroo Islands display of native flora and vegetation and in most conditions can be reached by car or bike.

Along the journey, there are diversions into Cuttlefish and Antechamber Bays, both having beautiful sandy beaches, and camping grounds for the budget traveller, but my direction today was to explore Cape Willoughby.

On approach to Cape Willoughby, the undulating dirt road soon presented to me a vast ocean mass ahead, and for the final few kilometres of the journey the vision of the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse was in my sights.

Driving up to the Lightstation and its surrounding outbuildings gave me a feeling of being in the presence of a landmark that over time must have been a crucial part of the maritime safety of many vessels navigating the waters off the East coast of Kangaroo Island.

Looking very much like the standard lighthouse, it was only on exploring further its history, that it revealed its unique character.

Built in 1852, Cape Willoughby Lighthouse (Sturt Light) was the first lighthouse in South Australia. In its early days, the tower stood alone and the keepers cottages were located a short distance away in a gully where they were sheltered from the raging southerly winds. In 1927, the keepers cottages were demolished and 3 new houses (current) were built at the site of the tower after recognising the efficiency of having keepers living close to the lighthouse. The lightstation is located on 17 hectares on the eastern tip of Kangaroo Island and is an area of historical significance atop steep rugged coastal cliffs overlooking Backstairs Passage.

Ships travelling between the eastern states and South Australia use Backstairs Passage, the passage of water between Kangaroo Island and mainland South Australia, and in association with racing tides between this passage and the Southern Ocean and prevailing south-westerly winds, this section of coastline past Cape Willoughby is often difficult to navigate.

Today, the third lightkeepers cottage is used as the visitor centre, and is filled with an extensive history of the lighthouse, the many stories associated with its operation over the years, and a museum of old images and equipment previously used at the site. Guided Interpretive tours are also available for the Lighthouse and its surrounding buildings daily. Visitors can climb to the top of the Lighthouse and enjoy the panoramic views and listen to stories about past life in a remote location.

I decided to do a self tour and walk around the area and marvel at the spectacular views over the Southern Ocean and across Backstairs Passage towards the Australian mainland.

Filled with knowledge of this icon, I set off on my journey back to Penneshaw satisfied I had experienced a little piece of Kangaroo Island and its history that plays such an important role even to this day.

If your looking to travel to Kangaroo Island for a day trip, over a weekend, or to explore the many wonderful sights the whole island has on offer, the SeaLink ferry service from Cape Jervis (on the mainland) to Penneshaw operates daily (http://www.sealink.com.au/). Flights from Adelaide airport to Kangaroo Island are also available.

Accommodation is available at Cape Willoughby in the Thomas and Seymour cottages where you can experience living at a remote working light station. For accommodation enquiries phone (08) 85534410

When on Kangaroo Island next, and looking for a history hit teamed with some spectacular coastline and scenery, jot the journey from Penneshaw to Cape Willoughby into your travel plans and experience a South Australian history icon.

This article and all images are the property of Matt Palmer, and based on his own personable experience of an Australian travel location.

Matt Palmer

Freelance Photographer/Travel Writer

SNAP Photographic

E: snap.photographic@gmail.com

M:0410120705

“The Memories Bench”

 

Kind regards
Matt Palmer
SNAP Photographic
snap.photographic@gmail.com
0410120705

Official Member of International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance

I have just joined as a professional member of the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance as attachment to my "ULTIMATE TRAVEL WRITING PROGRAM" through the American Writers and Artists Inc.

As part of my studies, I am open for travel writing/photography assignments in my direct region, and also outside my region.

Please view my material on a regular basis via this SNAP-SHOT Australia Blog, and also at my personal website at http://www.snapphotographic.artdealers.com

Look forward to your enquiries

Kind regards
Matt Palmer SNAP Photographic
snap.photographic@gmail.com
0410120705

New Parliament House, Canberra, Australia

New Parliament House, Canberra, Australia

Kind regards

Matt Palmer
SNAP Photographic
snap.photographic@gmail.com
0410120705

a SNAP-SHOT of "GOOLWA ESCAPE" ~ Luxury 3 Bedroom Holiday Home, Goolwa, Fleurieu Peninsula, SA, 5214

I think I speak for most of us, when I talk about the need for "time out", a break from the day to day grind of life, and the ability to retreat to a place where you can relax, have some YOU time and bring those closest to you together to enjoy some R&R.

Last weekend, my partner, our 3 boys and I took "time out" to venture to the Fleurieu Peninsula's river port town of Goolwa. Located at the mouth of the Murray River on Lake Alexandrina, Goolwa is 83km south of Adelaide and the gateway to the internationally acclaimed wetlands of the Coorong National Park.



Our reason for chosing this destination was to share in a relaxing weekend at the well presented, luxury 3 br holiday house "Goolwa Escape" which is located within a short stroll of Goolwa's main surf beach, and just minutes from the adjoining towns of Middleton, Port Elliot and Victor Harbour.

A spacious, homely and functional, well amenitized open plan layout were all the things that captured us on arrival to this gem. Although the escapes street appeal is quite deceptive at first, the outdoor area additions and attention to detail, have you feeling immediately relaxed, and covincingly moves you into the R&R mode.



The "Goolwa Escape" is fully self contained with a well appointed kitchen filled with all the must have amenities for a break away, including microwave, fan-forced oven, and a full selection of quality utensils, crockery and cutlery.
The kitchen adjoins the open plan dining/lounge area encapsulated by the floor to ceiling sliding glass doors opening out onto both the front and rear outdoor areas. The front outdoor area consists of a large deck for you to setup the outdoor setting, outdoor lounge and umbrella for that refreshing sun-filled lunch, or evening meal pondering the sunset over a glass of wine.



The rear patio, provides a discreet area complete with quaint directors chairs and timber table overlooked by its "Relax ~ Enjoy" feature wall, to have that morning coffee, cook up a storm on the provided bbq or weber kettle, or to venture for a quiet spot to read your fave book. This area is also very practical if you have toddler age children as it provides a safe retreat area for them to play with the addition of a security gate. The front yard area also provides ample play opportunities for the kids, and our boys were especially impressed with the functioning Table Soccer game under the main carport.

The three bedrooms sleep 6 -8 people and provide a personable, relaxed feel with modern styling and are in keeping with the Beach Escape theme. Bedrooms 1 and 2 are smartly furnished with queen size beds, and ample storage area for clothing and Bedroom 3 consists of a double bunk and fold

out sofa bed, also with BIR.

The Dining area is complete with a stylish square dining table and chairs and shares the open living area with the adjoining lounge appointed with two large leather sofas and entertainment unit brimming over with options (TV, Stereo, DVD's, CD's, board games, books/mags etc) and overlooking the front decking providing for a great place to lay back, relax and let the world drift away.



The bathroom, although small, is well presented and functional and contains in all a deep bath and shower (with impressive pressure), and seperate adjoining vanity area. Ample tea light candles are provided if you want to add a relaxing, romantic ambience, and considering our stay co-incided with Earth Hour 2010 on the Saturday evening , the candles managed to provide a novel multi-purpose addition.

A fully equipped laundry and toilet area adjoins the kitchen, and completes this exceptionally impressive holiday escape.

SPECIAL MENTIONS:

• My partner Mich was extremely impressed with the decor, and the "at home" feel, and made special mention of the fantastic hot water, and "there are even dish gloves sized for men". "hint hint" :-)
• The sensor light that comes on automatically when you venture out into the Patio area of an evening. Simple addition, but practical.
  
• The selection of DVD's, CD's, books, etc to immerse yourself in.
• The short stroll to the main Goolwa Beach accessible via the beach access at the end of the street, where you can surf, play with the kids or enjoy a refreshing long walk.
  
• The complete feeling of serenity and comfort. A true reflection on Gabriella (the owner) and her commendable attention to detail in providing a genuine "ESCAPE"

The "Goolwa Escape" is conveniently located to a nearby shopping precinct on Beach Road complete with supermarket, bottle shop and cafe's. Special mention must go out to Cafe De Carlo, and the hospitality of Peter and Angela, who I believe make the best coffee in town, and also Aqua Cafe, located on Barrage road which has a great little atmosphere on the water front and provides delectable food (try the fabulous Fish Pastie - a light pastry encasing white-fleshed mulloway fish cooked with cheese and leeks. There is nothing like it)

In addition to this, Goolwa and the surrounding areas play host to a bevy of tourist attractions, cafes, restaurants and wineries, although with experiencing rainy weather on day 2, we were more than comfortable with staying indoors and soaking up the "Goolwa Escape" vibe.

With this unique blend of quality accommodation, historic attractions, fine food, and stunning scenery, time set aside to experience what "Goolwa Escape" has to offer, either on its own or in conjunction with its surrounding areas, is a must for your much needed "time out".

"GOOLWA ESCAPE"~ a solid 4 star (****) rating! *refer to rating system below

For more "Goolwa Escape" enquiries, and/or to book your stay at this holiday retreat, please visit http://www.goolwaescape.com.au

* = very basic and I was so bored I killed time counting fly specks on the ceiling.
** = average presentation and was kept inspired long enough to finish a bottle of wine.
*** = good presentation and the necessary facilities to consider a return
**** = impressive presentation, great facilities, and all round genuine retreat
*****= I want to remain in this environment and never ever leave. Im in paradise.

NOTE: This review and photography remains the property of Matt Palmer. SNAP Photographic and can not be reproduced in any format without the express permission of myself.

If you wish to have your destination, business and or/venue reviewed and photographed for promotional purposes, please contact me via email or mobile provided below to organise my visit.

Kind regards

Matt Palmer
SNAP Photographic
E: snap.photographic@gmail.com
M: 0410120705