A day on the beach

Words and Images by Danielle Lancaster

I awoke yesterday to grey skies and rain gently falling on the roof. Thankfully this did not spell doom and gloom for our day on the beach as by the time we manoeuvred the 4WD down (after a short stop in the Scribbly Gum forest) onto the beach clear skies were there to greet us.

Fraser Island’s Seventy File Beach has become a major drawcard for anglers, campers and four wheel drivers. Being a Sunday there were plenty of people throwing in lines, families relaxing along the pristine Eli Creek and plenty of four wheel drivers weaving their way back and forwards.

The beach itself is a designated road, as are all the tracks on Fraser so normal road rules apply. The only difference to this section of beach is you share the ‘road’ with planes which have right away.

The Pinnacles are most probably the best examples of coloured sands on the island. For those keen shutter bugs morning is the best time to visit while the sun still shines on their multi-coloured layers.

Our stop at the Maheno was perfectly timed. A landmark of the beach, its rusting hull seems to have everyone pulling out cameras. Thankfully we timed our stop so we had the old ship to ourselves. Due to its state getting in close is warned against though one can still capture fabulous images of its textures from the recommended 3m distance simply by zooming in. 

 

The rusting hull of the Maheno on Fraser Island 

The day was topped off by a dingo sighting and a top tick on most lists to see while visiting the island. The dog happily trotted around are vehicle and others, sniffing at tyres and bull bars and when satisfied there was nothing there for him, continued his jaunt down the beach. 

A lone Dingo dog trots along the beach.

With sand in our toes, a touch of red in our cheeks we headed back for ‘home’ (currently Kingfisher Bay Resort) and toasted the Gods of Fraser for our great day out on the beach.

 Bolts and coloured rust of the Maheno gives fabulous textures

Bluedog Does the Rumba

By Danielle Lancaster

Here in the Bluedog Kennel we get to cover a wide range of photography shooting scenarios and experience a wide range of opportunities. It keeps us on our toes and recently on a contract on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast we came across a new tourism treasure we have to share with you.

It’s the Rumba Beach Resort – Caloundra’s only 5 star resort and it is has already lured some of us back for another night or two, it’s really that good!

I can remember heading to Caloundra as a young girl from the bush on family holidays and loving it. Caloundra always had that relaxed, laid back charm and thank fully in a growing frenzy of high rising concrete monsters taking over much of Queensland’s coast line this coastal strip has been spared.

But don’t expect to find Caloundra as it was 30 years ago. Yes it is still quiet and laid back but now there is a modern finesse, a taste of chic and along with Rumba worthy of luring us back to check it out.

Let’s start with the resort first. We get to visit a lot so to rank highly it has to be good. Here’s some of the the top points we loved about Rumba:

Every room has beach views.

Coffee Espresso machines and quality furnishings, fittings and everything – even the knives are good quality and sharpened each week!

The state-of-the-art sound, lighting and WIFI connectivity: each apartment is built out of Ritec meaning its totally sound proof and on my last visit we racked up the stereo to full ball and you could not hear a sound from outside.

One of Rumba's beautifuly appointed apartments.

Location, Location, Location: set opposite the new Waterfront Boardwalk and across from Bulcock Beach with magnificent views across the Pumicestone Passage. Rumba is also home to four restaurants and will soon have its own pampering day spa – oh yes!! There’s Hog's Breath Cafe, La Dolce Vita, The Coffee Club and The Penefathings Inn (you must check out the lead light around the bar made up of local scenes by a local artist).

Beach views from every apartment.

The pool and bar areas – these are superb!! Every age will love them. There’s cocktail hour around the big pool, a giant Jacuzzi, a heated lap pool that rises above Rumba’s restaurant plaza - all a guarantee for a perfect holiday setting. Even the locals have discovered the bar and pop in for happy hour.

What child, big or small would not love this pool at the Rumba.

They will SMS you if your room is ready early and it usually is!

Relaxing in the spa.

Their specials – a girl does love a good deal. Check them out and if you are looking for any last minute deals for the remainder of the school holidays then this may be the place to go. They regularly have specials for that much needed get-away too which we here can highly recommend.

Anyway if you thought Caloundra was only for retirees and those with little children think again! Rumba means FUN, it’s got an Italian elegance without the hefty price tag and has become a bit of a special favourite with some of the crew here. Enjoy!!

Rumba Beach Resort
The Esplanade, Caloundra
Sunshine Coast, QLD
Tel: 07 5492 0555
www.rumbaresort.com.au