Compared to many places around the world Australia is a young country. Yet, despite being just a toddler, she’s seen some dramatic changes. From the Aboriginal dream-time to the convict era and the colonization and onset of the gold rush my homeland has a fascinating history. So many places, even today, where the past feels so alive. So many places that hold spell binding stories of days gone by.
Somewhere I loved visiting in my childhood is the town of Walhalla, set high above the mountains in a peaceful valley.
Only a handful of people live here now but in its heyday over 5000 people flocked here and it was the heart of one of the most vibrant gold mining districts in the world.
Another beautifully preserved gold mining town with a rich history is Maldon, where we camped a couple of months ago. A place filled with gold mining stories of the past.
In Richmond Tasmania the historic bridge and church sit serenely in what was once an important convict station and military post.
In outback NSW, the ancient dry lake beds of Mungo National Park, were once teeming with water and life but today are a place of awe inspiring magic and mystery.
It’s a place that evokes all the senses, a dramatic and spiritual landscape that transports you out of the ordinary and into another time. Camping here was very special.
Another special place was Arkaroola in the Northern Flinders Ranges – truly one of the greatest open air museums of geological history imaginable.
The jagged ancient mountains and granite peaks of Arkaroola paint a dramatic landscape. If these ridges could talk they’d likely tell a thousand stories.
There’s history everywhere and we’ve camped in many places with tangible evidence of the past like here near Menindi.
It’s good to be aware of our heritage and the stories that make us who we are, both in place and person. But we don’t want to get too hung up on the past.
It’s more important to focus on where we’re going, looking ahead and moving forward with purpose, even when the future seems unclear.
Even better is the ability to stay in the moment, right where we are, creating our own story by living the best life we can today. Living in the moment, with no regrets.
That’s my intention, as hard as it seems sometimes.
Yesterday is history
Tomorrow is a mystery
Today is yet to be written
so let’s make our story the best it can be.
Wishing you all a warm heart and plenty of light and love as we continue the journey.
In response to Where’s my Backpack: Travel theme: History
I really have to get to Arkaroola one day, you are a great champion for good ole South Australia and our ancient landscapes. Classic comment, Snoopy.
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It really is an amazing place. I’d go back tomorrow if I could. 🙂
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Inspiring words, stunning photographs . . . .really must return to Australia. Three weeks over 10 years ago now was just a glimpse
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Thanks Becky. Hope you make it back here one day.
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Thank you for the historical tour and beautiful message the present moment is where our gold truly exists. Much love, Miriam! ❤️
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Beautifully said Tiffany, thanks so much. (Just found your comment in my spam) Hugs to you my friend. xo
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You’re welcome and hugs back! Guess WP has become too selective 😉
Xoxo
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loved this-the pictures are beautiful and the post was just right!
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Thanks so much.
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Beautiful Australia.. thanks for bringing me there through your words…
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My pleasure. ♡
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Lovely photos and write-ups of those places Miriam.
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Aw, thanks Arlene.
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Many of these bring back good memories, but Flinders Ranges remain high on my must do list. Good story Miriam.
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Thanks Gary, glad you enjoyed. Hope you make it to the Flinders one day.
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Wow, you’ve seen a lot of Australia including some remote areas. Thanks for taking us there.
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No worries, my pleasure.
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Love the Snoopy cartoon. So true! I don’t know much about the history of Australia. So interesting!
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Thanks so much Susie, glad you enjoyed and hopefully learnt a bit about Australia
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Great post, Miri. Maybe someday I’ll make the long trip to Australia. Hubby and I would love to go!
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Come. I’ll meet you at the airport! 🙂
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It looks so beautiful there. Love the message at the end too. 😊
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Thanks so much.
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What a beautiful incursion in the history, dear Miriam. Thanks for sharing it.
I hope you’re well, dear friend.
Hugs and kisses ❤
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Thanks Monica, I’m doing okay. Hope you’re well too my dear. Hugs xo
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I an very well, Miriam. Summer break was so fun
Hugs and kisses ❤
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I’m glad it was fun. Now to look forward to the winter fun! 🙂
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Oh, yes! Winter, snow… It will be great, too
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Living in the moment can be difficult, but it is so worth the effort! Like you, I love learning about history, but also recognize that our past is just that: the past. And all we can do is learn the lessons it has to teach us, and move forward to live as best we are able. LOVE that poem at the end, by the way!
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Thanks Ann, that poem just came to me … and I so agree that all we can do is learn from the past and move forward. Have a lovely week ahead. xo
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Fantastic post Miriam, I really enjoyed your photographs too. Snoopy is a legend of course. May I reblog your post?
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Of course you may, thanks so much Barbara.
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Australia really has wonderful landscape…it seems like you’ll never ran out of wonderful places to photograph… 🙂
You have such a beautiful country!
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And there’s still so much of it I haven’t seen! Thanks heaps Nina. 🙂
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Always a pleasure Miriam! 😊
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Sometimes you can almost feel the past in these places can’t you?
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Absolutely, especially places like Walhalla where you feel surrounded by the past. The cemetery on the hills, the mines, the shops and the entire streetscape …
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Splendid images and an interesting view of a bit of your history.
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Thanks Maverick, glad you enjoyed.
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I love the snoopy meme. I think it’s a beautiful reminder.
Stunning photo’s as usual Miriam. ❤
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Thanks Nikki. I love the snoopy meme too!
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Beautiful landscapes. I have not yet visited Aistralia, but it is a country I look forward to encountering. We are enroute to moving to SE Asia (from Chicago),so perhaps once we are in “the region” it will happen.
Peta
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Oops excuse the typo.
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I hadn’t even noticed! 🙂
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Thanks Peta. Hope you make it here one day. In the meantime, good luck with your move. Warmest wishes.
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How soothing! And it truly fascinates me that you have so many camping sites around your place! 🙂
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Oh yes, they’re everywhere! Camping is hugely popular in this country 🙂
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Wonderful post, showcasing the many faces of Australia.
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Thanks Sandra.
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A lovely post Miriam. I am fascinated by history and you’ve shared some lovely photos and snippets. I recognised Richmond Bridge! Beautiful quote to end with.
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Thanks Ruth, thought you might recognise Richmond Bridge! 🙂
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Since childhood, I have always loved Australia. I think it was the Kangaroos or the Penguins. But I always had that desire, that if I travel, I would go to Australia first.
I really liked that Pic of Snoopy and his dog which says “Think About the Days You Are Alive”.
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Yes, Australia is a special place, no doubt about it, but I am biased! Thanks for dropping by Cattie.
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There was so much to discover in Australia, in a way back in those days going to Australia and it’s rugged wilderness was perhaps akin to humans going to the moon.
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Maybe but not any more … it’s a lot closer and easier to get to these days. 🙂
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Just a little. Still lots to explore though.
I would love to get there one day 🙂
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Hope you do Simon, you’d love it. 🙂
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I know I would 🙂
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Well said 💟
Sabrina 🌸🍃
http://www.OrganicIsBeautiful.com
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Thanks Sabrina.
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great quotes. 🙂
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Thanks Daisy, hope you’re doing well.
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Having a meh day but don’t we all x
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Yep, can totally relate. Hope tomorrow is better. x
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Thank you Miriam. I will make sure it is 🙂 You have a fab Wednesday 🙂
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Thanks Daisy, you too. 🙂
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Felt it everywhere in Tasmania- and that serenity to. You describe it lovingly. thanks Miriam.
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My pleasure. Thanks for dropping by.
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Beautiful post on this theme. I, especially, loved the photo of the church within the frame of the bridge. Nice perspective.
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Thank you so much.
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My pleasure.
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This may be one of your most beautiful posts. Thank you for sharing your homeland with us. The images were stunning.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it Andrew. Thank you for your lovely comment.
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Well now I want to come to Oz
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Good! 🙂
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💕
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Thanks for taking me to Australia (virtually), Miriam. I love the shot of the sun, maybe I’m biased to all sunrises and sunsets. 🙂 Those wise open spaces are gorgeous! I assume them to be very silent and peaceful. You make me want to visit Australia. 🙂
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Most wide open spaces are very silent and peaceful, you’re right. I hope you manage to make it here one day Cheryl. So many places to walk, you’d love it. 🙂
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Thank you for sharing a little bit of what I’m sure is an amazing history, and if your blog was a cake, your pictures would be the frosting.
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Smiling profusely here. What a nice thing to say.
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Well said Miriam!
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Oh God Miriam I love that Snoopy cartoon – it almost made me cry!! Would you mind sending me the jpg or pdf? My email is weloveyou@forgivingconnects.com . I love it so much.
This is a wonderful post. Your caring for your country really comes through. Having traveling across much of Australia, I relate to the beauty and blessings of this land. AND I think you are amazing. Thank you for being here.
Loving,
Debbie
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Oh Debbie, I’m so glad you liked it. Of course I can send you the Snoopy pic, look out for it in your In box. xo 🙂
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Reblogged this on The Sannitation Man and commented:
it’s nice to reminiscing the past
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really enjoyed reading it 🙂 Check out my Blog too
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Thank you. I will indeed.
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