(my Holiday)
THE SUNDAY AGE
Sunday February 20, 1994
REX CARR, Managing director, Posureslat Australia.
I run a manufacturing company which makes electrical adjustable beds.
We use Australian components whenever possible but do use Swiss electric components. The owner of the Swiss company, Willy Scheurch, was in Australia on one of his many visits when he said to me: ``There's no doubt, Rex, you have a wonderful country." I asked him what he liked best, what he had seen. ``I've been from Brisbane to the Gold Coast," he said. ``And to the Opera House and Arts Centre."
That was it. ``You have a lovely country," he said again. ``But you haven't seen it," I said. ``Next time you come, give me some notice, put aside 10 days and I'll show it to you."
He gave me three months notice. I contacted Ted Rudge because he had advertised his willingness to provide flights with a difference and together we worked out how to show an overseas visitor Australia in 10 days.
We left Melbourne in one of Ted Rudge's de Havilland Doves, a twin- engine 10-seater. We flew to Kangaroo Island which I think is unique in the way tourists can see native animals in their natural environment. We saw emus and kangaroos, sea lions and seals.
We stayed overnight there, then flew to the Woomera Rocket Range.
Woomera is fascinating because it shows how the British and Australian governments were at the forefront of rocket development in the '50s.
The technology looks almost mediaeval now but it still a fascinating place.
From there, we flew to Coober Pedy, where we stayed in an underground motel. Sleeping in what is basically a dug out hole was quite an experience for the visitors. The town also has still got that real roughness. We then flew over Ayers Rock and the Olgas on our way to King's Canyon. We stayed in the lodge and walked through the canyon at sunset. It was wonderful.
We took Willy Scheurch down the mine at Mount Isa. There are 600kilometres of drivable tunnels in that mine. We were very welcome there, had a guided tour. We went to the Stockmen's Hall of Fame at Longreach and cruised down the Thompson River where we ate damper and drank billy tea and saw a sunset none of us will forget. We were well up the river when, out of the blue, the captain stopped the boat and told us to get our cameras ready. Within four or five minutes, the most unbelievable sunset happened. There were ghostly dead trees stark against the vivid colours. These photos, I am told, have pride of place in Willy Scheurch's office. We stayed in a typical country hotel that night. It cost $15, which included a breakfast you couldn't have jumped over.
From there, we flew to Cooktown where we hired a four-wheel drive. Ted flew the plane down to Cairns and we drove through the Daintree to the Mirage resort at Port Douglas. We took a Quicksilver cat to the outer reef where we went scuba diving and the next morning, caught a mini- bus to Cairns where Ted was waiting.
We spent a night on Hamilton Island and another on Fraser. We landed in Noosa, hired a four-wheel drive and caught the barge across to Fraser Island, where we stayed in the Kingfisher Lodge which was just fantastic. The iron and wood design is brilliant.
From Noosa, we flew to Sydney, and from Sydney to home. I asked our Swiss visitor what he thought of Australia now. His response was simple. He asked if he could bring some European friends to see it next time.
© 1994 THE SUNDAY AGE
