I was very concerned recently to learn that a Queensland bat sanctuary/facility was actively encouraging visitors, including children to handle their resident bats. The reason for my concern is that bats may harbor Lyssavirus, which causes a rabies like illness and is deadly to humans. It is because of this that the Queensland government recommends…
My second child is about to turn two, meaning that when we fly I will need to cough up the cash for an extra plane ticket. In the next six months I have at least three trips planned – to attend a conference (when I travel for work I am a package deal – my…
There is a new interactive wildlife experience in Cairns that our family is really excited about. Zoo to You Wildlife Discovery Centre is located at Pier Market Place on the Esplanade (adjacent to the Lagoon). Wildlife biologist and qualified teacher Jodie Creek has been conducting wildlife exposure experiences in Cairns daycares, kindergartens and schools for…
Forget what you have heard about Canberra being a boring bureaucratic wasteland. Canberra is a wonderful place to visit with children. Those of you that read my previous post “That I will be thankful” will know that I was not looking forward to my trip to the Australian Capital Territory. The visit was to allow…
Many thanks to Sarah Pye, the author of the fabulous guidebook for traveling families: “Kids Welcome to Queensland” for this useful post. All over Australia, each school holidays, families hitch their wagons and head out into the great outdoors. I should know, I am one of them! My daughter Amber and I travel around…
I get some raised eyebrows when I tell people that I love rodeos. “You don’t look like the rodeo sort.” I am told. Most commonly friends and family attribute my North American origins (I have dual Australian-USA citizenship) as the reason I would stray from my middle-class urban Australian roots in this choice of spectator…
So, I feel a little silly writing about frostbite from tropical Cairns, even if it has been a relatively chilly winter day here in Queensland. A snow vacation is hopefully on the cards for us in the next 12 months, and I know many of my friends and family will be enjoying snow holidays…
Hypothermia Hypothermia means a reduction in core body temperature below that which allows the body to function properly (35ºC). Hypothermia does not require freezing temperatures to occur. Just like frostbite however, it is riskier the colder, wetter, and windier it is. Children are more likely to get hypothermia the longer they are exposed to…
Whether it is a Sunday drive or cross-country road trip there is nothing like a sick child in the back of a car to ruin a driving adventure. The symptoms your child is experiencing are likely to be an unpleasant combination of nausea, vomiting, sweating and dizziness. Throw in the subjective sense of impending doom…
As a first time mum to a 3 month old baby I was, perhaps unwisely persuaded to go on a round the world trip. The reason for this trip was twofold. One – the extended family had been planning a holiday in Italy for thee years. Second, it provided an opportunity for my far-flung family…