The Holiday Hunter

From Warship to Museum: Preserving the Iconic HMAS Onslow H M A S Onslow is one of the distinguished Oberon-class submarines, which were formerly operated by the esteemed Royal Australian Navy. This remarkable vessel was aptly named after the town of Onslow, located in Western Australia, as well as in honor of Sir Alexander Onslow, the esteemed third Chief Justice of Western Australia. The motto and badge of this submarine are derived from the rich heritage of the Onslow family. The construction of Onslow was initiated in 1963, and it was skillfully laid down by the renowned Scotts Shipbuilding and Engineering Company in Scotland towards the end of 1967. Almost a year later, this exceptional submarine was launched with great pride and was officially commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy at the conclusion of 1969. The distinguished Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy, had the honor of launching Onslow on 3 December 1968, adding a touch of regality to this momentous oc...

HMAS Vampire, a Daring-class destroyer, proudly served in the Royal Australian Navy (R A N) as the third of its kind. This Australian-built vessel, a pioneer in all-welded ship construction, was meticulously crafted at Cockatoo Island Dockyard between 1952 and 1959. Its commissioning into the R A N took place promptly, a mere day after its completion. Throughout its illustrious career, Vampire was frequently deployed to South East Asia. It played a crucial role in the Far East Strategic Reserve on five separate occasions, including during the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation. Additionally, it provided escort services to the troop transport ship H M A S Sydney on six of the latter's twenty-five voyages to South Vietnam. Notably, in 1977, this formidable destroyer was assigned to accompany the royal yacht H M Y Britannia during the visit of Queen Elizabeth the second and Prince Philip to Australia. In 1980, Vampire underwent a reclassification, assuming the role of a training shi...

John Louis, a remarkable vessel, was meticulously constructed in Broome in 1957, utilizing the finest local Western Australian timbers. It proudly stands as one of the last traditional pearl shelling luggers ever built. The ingenious design of the Broome luggers was ingeniously shaped by the demands of the local environment, specifically tailored to navigate the vast tidal movements of the region. With a shallow draft and a broad beam, these vessels were perfectly suited for the task at hand. The crew, hailing predominantly from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Malay, or Japanese backgrounds, resided and slumbered on the deck, fully immersed in their maritime duties. Their primary responsibility involved tending to the air hoses, ensuring the safety and success of the hard hat divers who diligently collected precious pearl shell from the depths below. The crew also diligently cleaned the shell on deck, recognizing its immense value in an era preceding the advent of plastic. As t...

Codenamed Operation Jaywick, the remarkable story of the Krait unfolds. Disguised as a Japanese fishing boat, this vessel skilfully sailed undetected to a strategic position near Singapore. A team of six highly trained operatives embarked on a daring mission, utilizing three two-man folding canoes to stealthily navigate between islands over the course of three nights. Their ultimate destination: Singapore Harbour, where they meticulously attached magnetic limpet mines to the unsuspecting hulls of Japanese merchant vessels. The result? A resounding success, as six of the mines detonated, inflicting significant damage upon approximately 37,000 tonnes of shipping. Following this audacious operation, the Krait assumed a new role as a coast watch and intelligence support vessel in Indonesia, operating out of Darwin. In 1944, it was officially commissioned as HMAS Krait. This remarkable vessel bore witness to the historic moment of the Japanese surrender at Ambon in September 1945. After t...

Today, we're uncovering a hidden gem that will transport you back in time - Beaufoy Merlin Lookout in picturesque Hill End.   Nestled in the heart of the Australian countryside, Hill End is a charming little town that oozes history. And right on the outskirts, you'll find a place that will truly take your breath away - Beaufoy Merlin Lookout.   Beaufoy Merlin Lookout was named after a renowned goldminer and explorer - Beaufoy Merlin. Back in the 1800s, Hill End was a bustling gold rush town, filled with dreams of striking it rich. And perched atop this lookout, Merlin was rumoured to search for hidden gold veins. It's like something straight out of a treasure hunt!   From this lookout, nature's artistry unfolds before your eyes. Mountains draped in lush blankets of green, valleys that stretch as far as the eye can see, and the hauntingly beautiful golden glow of a setting sun on the horizon. It's as if time stands still when you're surrounded by such...

Split Rock Lookout Hill End, a true masterpiece of nature's artistry, offers awe-inspiring views that will leave you spellbound. Located in the stunning countryside of New South Wales, this hidden gem is a paradise for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers alike.   As you ascend along the trail, a symphony of sights and sounds unfolds before your eyes. Lush greenery, colourful wildflowers, and ancient rock formations create a harmonious tapestry that seems almost surreal.   At the apex of the lookout, you're greeted by a panoramic vista that stretches as far as the eye can see. The vast expanse of rolling hills, peppered with towering eucalyptus trees, transports you to a world untouched by time.   But it's not just the stunning scenery that captivates visitors here. Split Rock Lookout Hill End also holds a rich historical significance. As you explore the area, you'll stumble across remnants of the gold rush era, including abandoned mines and st...