Down Under

This past fall one of our adventures took us to Australia. We met several people on hiking trips in the past and managed to keep in touch with them over the years. We decided to reconnect, and this led to us spending time on Lady Elliott Island at the bottom of the GreatBarrier Reef, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Sydney. We were fortunate in several respects, good weather, friends in several major cities, and the time to do it. Friends met us at Brisbane airport and took us in for over a week. While based there, we were encouraged to hop a short flight to Lady Elliott Island. It is a snorkel paradise, with a bird and turtle sanctuary encompassed on a tiny island that offers accommodation, food, and lots of relaxation.Snorkeling brought us up close to rays, sea turtles, and a few sharks. The coral, although not as dramatic as in yrs past, was still inviting and provided hours of relaxed cruising in the temperate waters.

Back in Brisbane we toured the city and some of the museums. Downtown has some

incredible views, as the river winds in a loop to give 360 deg vistas of the city. We sampled

coffee shops and several restaurants and found the u.s. dollar had some good purchasing

power. Prior to the trip, Keith Kizer at AMCA natl gave me a couple of members’ names,

which I contacted. Darryl White has a museum near Brisbane, so we all went to check it

out. In the past he had a truck parts business and has pared down to one ‘shop’. When we

got there, I did not know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised to find a 2000sqft

office/shop.

Upon entering the office, we were met with collections of auto / motorcycle related toys,

signs, pinball and other games, as well as some swag. It really took me back to being a kid

with little plastic toy motorcycles. Darryl took us back into the shop for a look around.

There was a lot of Indian iron. He has some 4-cylinder bikes, quite a few Chiefs, scouts,

and early teens bikes. Like many of us, he was bitten by the bug at an early age and let the

hobby grow. He is a dealer for parts and can help others get their machines going.

Although my hosts were not at all into bikes, they were really appreciative of the visuals,

and of learning about the old bikes and their part in history. It was fun talking about and

browsing one of my favorite marques from clear around the world. So, when in Brisbane,

check out the National Indian Museum of Australia.

Our next leg took us to Adelaide. What normally would have been a short travel day,

extended into the night due to a thunderstorm. The weather closed in quickly and shut the

airport with torrential rain, lighting, and wind. We ended up landing around midnight, then

shuttled off by another friend to a suburb south of town near the coast. While here, I met up

with Ian Pryde who is the President of the Australian chapter of the AMCA. We had lunch

at Coopers’ Brewery, which is one of the oldest and largest brewers in Australia.We sampled some brews and food and exchanged pictures of bikes and chatted about the

club. I managed to grab a few pix of the old brewers’ truck and some equipment.

This is beautiful country, with kangaroos, wallabies, and wineries. It reminds me of north

Texas in the hills, with the coast thrown in.

Next stop, Sydney. We had a close friend who put us up for a week and took us around the

area. Her condo overlooks a large stadium. While there we saw the AC/DC concert from

her balcony. All 65,000 fans, from 7 to the wee hours. It was quite a view although I’m

maybe not the biggest fan. We enjoyed the countryside, and the water taxis scoot along the

river for $.50. Yes, you can get downtown in 30 minutes for $.50. Good food, great sights,

a really neat city.

Overall, it was a great trip. 

Would I go back? yep.

- James McQuiston 

  AMCA-Oregon Trail Chapter President