Taking Time Out

I’ve been mostly absent online over the past few days. I managed to get a couple of posts published on this blog but from Friday, my 48th birthday, until yesterday afternoon, I was spending time with my family in Dwellingup.

Situated in the heart of the majestic jarrah forest, Dwellingup is a town enveloped by earthy and historic charm.

Dwellingup is truly one of Peel’s hidden treasures and a fabulous all round holiday destination for a day, weekend or even longer. Offering an abundance of attractions and activities nearby, Dwellingup is also a popular base for regional touring with the choice of luxury chalets, Bed and Breakfasts and family budget cottages situated in natural bush settings.

The close proximity to Perth provides Dwellingup with a number of scenic entry drive points – one from the foot of the hills through Serpentine Jarrahdale, the other via the coast and Mandurah, both bringing unique driving experiences. – Experience Dwellingup

I can’t remember the last time just the four of us headed away for a break together. We stayed in a cosy A-Frame cottage with a log fire burning constantly. The cottage is set in magnificent gardens and the property surrounded by tall trees and wonderful Western Australian bush.

The few days we were away gave us opportunity to relax, explore, recharge and to enjoy God’s creation in what is surely one of the most beautiful places in W.A. We even took the opportunity to indulge in a little mountain biking on some gravel roads and tracks.

Life starts to return to normal today with Emily and James back at school. I’m still on leave until the 8th of August and this morning I’m happy to be cleaning out my email inbox and tapping out this blog post. I’m hoping to get time over the coming days for some reading and catching up on a few bits and pieces I need to do.

When was the last time you spent time away with your family? Do you like your holidays to be five star luxury or back to basics relaxation? Do you have plans for holidays any time soon?



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Take a Break for Australia

It would seem that Australians are a disgrace when it comes to taking annual leave. That’s according to Federal Tourism Minister, Martin Ferguson, who is telling us that we have too much annual leave stored up and that our bosses should be encouraging us to take more short breaks.

Apparently a lot of young Australians are hoarding leave to take extended holidays overseas. Mr Ferguson wants us to take short breaks within Australia. Well, of course he does, he’s the Federal Tourism Minister.

We need to be encouraging Australians to take not just long holidays, but to take that long weekend in Tasmania, that mid-year break in north Queensland, that three or four day holiday.

I like the idea of more short breaks. I like the idea of extended holidays, both in Australia and overseas, but until I have the money for all these wonderful holidays, I’m likely to stay home. If Mr Ferguson wants to slip me a few dollars I’d be happy to holiday all over Australia.

Mind you, I’m rather interested in one comment the Tourism Minister made.

We’ve got to change our own mindset and get people to realise that a short break is as good as a long break and encourage people to actually have a holiday in Australia.

A short break as good as a long break? Really? OK, here’s the deal. If anyone’s willing to fund a long holiday for me and then a short holiday, I’m prepared to carry out research on that statement. I will give solid evidence on which is best or if they’re both the same.

So what about you? Do you stockpile holidays? Do you prefer holidays in your own country or overseas travel? Are you finding it harder to afford any kind of holiday? I’d love you to leave a few comments.



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