Grog Blog! FNQ beers!

The Great Northern Brewing company created for Queenslanders as a tribute to 'The Cairns Historic brewery'. This brew captures the Queensland adventure of sun, sand and fishing. Original lager or super crisp pours a clear golden colour with floral aroma. Mild flavour with a hint of citrus.


 Sadly, our local Blue Sky Brewery has officially closed its doors putting an end to production of  FNQ lager & gold, Cairns gold and Blue Sky pilsner.



This leaves the local brewing monopoly to Red Dragon Brewery. Formerly known as 'U- Brew- It', The new owner not only has his Red Dragon label on offer but will brew unique boutique beers for local businesses. 45 local venues now provide their own label beers thanks to Red Dragon. Green Ant Cantina have 9 different drops to try. Following suit is Mena Creek pub, Down under bar, Nick's restaurant and the list goes on.







So, Ol' Man Sam you can carry on
Drinking beer
Drinking beer without a care
Drinking beer
Without a caaaare!

Rio!

Copacabana,
caipirinha.

Patterned pavements
adorn the promenade.

Golden sands

meet crashing waves.

Bronzed, skimpy clad bodies,
paddle on the shoreline.

Soccer, volley ball.
toned abs!

Omnipresence of Christo Redentor,
guarding from the mountain top.

Blessed is life!

In defence of Frankston!

Hello! Our names are Brad & Lea and we grew up in Frankston. Franga, Franghanistan, Funkytown or whatever you wish to call; it was not always as infamous as it is now.

This picturesque, seaside town has a lot to offer aside from moccasins and trackie dacks. Frankston was named after pioneer Frank Liadet, who built the first brick house in 1855. (house still stands in the Ballam Park estate). Along with the beautiful coast line, Franga does offer some culture with the Arts Centre, McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery and Murdoch's Cruden farm.

 Looking back on our childhood, we can find lots of fabulous memories.

 - Festival of lights. Every Christmas the norfolk pine tree outside the civic centre is adorned with over 4000 globes. Treasured memories of Christmas eve visits to lie under the tree to admire the spectacle.

- Best legs in town; the local chicken take away shop. Herbs and spices beat Colonel Sanders hands down!

-As we got older Bay City Disco, Frankston Pier, Bayside cinemas and at the footy were the in places to be.

 - Coming of age, saw us checking out the famous 3 pubs on the corner or having Chinese banquets at Jade Gardens on Nepean Hwy. Souvenired a great selection of chop sticks from there.

Funky Town may offer a humble beginning but it has produced its share of successful people.

Russell Greene, Graham Kennedy, Debbie Flintoff- King, Elisabeth Murdoch, Mick Molloy, Mal Walden and the Daddo brothers: just to name a few!

                                

Far North Queensland Day! ay!

On June 6 in 1858, Queen Victoria signed an Order-in-Council to create the new Australasian colony of "Queen's land". This date is now the official birthday of Queensland. Up here in the Far North, we like to think of ourselves as a separate identity. Our interpretation  is to make it a day to celebrate being a Far North Queenslander!

A true Far Northerner will:

1. add "ay" to the end of every sentence.
2. not use indicators at roundabouts.
3. think that "non-alcoholic" is a swear word.
4. prefer to dress in their formal gear; tank top, shorts and thongs.
5. know the best way to dispose of a cane toad.
6. wear a hawaiian shirts on tropical Fridays.
7. not be afraid of deadly animals.
8. bet on a cane toad race.
9. not believe in daylight savings.

Our back yard! Paronella park!

Paronella park is the dream of Spanish immigrant, Jose Paronella. In 1929 Jose purchased five hectares along Mena creek and started to build his pleasure gardens and reception centre. Over the years, he built a Spanish inspired castle with a great ballroom, grand staircase, tea rooms, swimming pool and a museum. It was a labour of love and also hard work as every brick is hand made. Jose also designed the surrounding rain forest gardens and planted the majestic kauri avenue.

The buildings have been ravaged by fire, flood and cyclones over the years but the ruins remain a beautiful relic of Jose's dream. Today, Paronella Park is a place of peace and beauty. The present owners are lovingly restoring the park and open it to the public as well provide day  & evening tours.

 Paronella Park is 120 kms south of Cairns. Follow the "old" Bruce Highway after Innisfail toward Mena Creek.  The park is open every day from 7am until 7.30 pm. There are camping grounds plus cabins to rent if you wish to make a weekend of it. Admission price includes a 2 year pass, all tours plus one free night camping. Adults $43 or a family pass for $120.