2024 WORLD CRUISE
2024 WORLD CRUISE – BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS
SILVERSEA Silver Whisperer – January 15 – May 26.
132 Nights. 66 Ports, 15 Countries.
Wednesday, February 28, 2024 – Photo of the Day
Where in the World Are We?
In K’Gari (formerly Fraser Island) on the northeast coast of Australia in the South Pacific Ocean
K’GARI, AUSTRALIA
K’GARI – MEANING PARADISE IN THE NATIVE ABORIGINAL LANGUAGE
K’Gari (formerly Fraser Island) is a World Heritage site listed for the diversity and beauty it holds. Despite being a sand island, Fraser has over 100 lakes and the landscape changes constantly as dunes are moved across the island by wind. With over 350 bird species recorded, K’Gari is also part of an ‘Important Bird Area’ and on the ‘Australian National Heritage’ list.
The island can be explored by 4WD coach and kayak. In addition to the natural history, there is a rich Butchulla Aboriginal culture here. The island’s most spectacular lake, Lake McKenzie is well suited for a cooling swim, and at the historic central station in the heart of the island, it is possible to walk along the banks of the Wanggoolba Creek and become immersed in the peacefulness of the rainforest.
LAKE MCKENZIE (BOORANGOORA)
Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora) is a perched lake on K’Gari or Fraser Island in the Great Sandy National Park. The awe-inspiring beauty of Lake McKenzie makes it probably the most visited natural site on the island.
It’s a ‘perched’ lake, which means it contains only rainwater, no groundwater, and it is not fed by streams nor does it flow to the ocean. Lake McKenzie’s incredibly pure waters are ideal for swimming and the soft, white sand makes it an incredibly peaceful experience – and works wonders on the skin. The lake offers great hikers camping facilities, toilets, and cold showers.
SIGHTS
- S.S. Maheno
- Champagne Pools
- Lake Wabby
- Waddy Point
- Eli Creek
- Seventy-Five Mile Beach
- South Ngkala Rocks
Today’s Excursion – Bush Tucker & Medicine Walk with a Ranger
Since creation, the Butchulla people have lived by three principles: what is good for the land must come first, do not take or touch anything that does not belong to you, and if you have plenty you must share. This walking tour helped us learn more about the history and culture of these indigenous ingredients, reconnect with nature, and discover the food secrets that surround us on Fraser Island.
Bush Tucker Walk with a Ranger
We joined an experienced Ranger on a guided walk through the native wallum to see, touch, and taste the ingredients used by the local Butchulla people for the past 5,000 years, growing within the natural environment followed by a presentation by the resort chef.
Food Demonstration by a Local Chef
We explored the tastes of Australia and experience the delights of its native bush tucker ingredients. We nibbled on native berries bursting with flavor, and relished in the refreshing citrus of lemon myrtle, and learned how these ingredients can be utilized in cooking. With an endless list of native ingredients on our doorstep, the Chef presented a selection in their natural, and raw state, detailing their origin, and pairing them with freshly cooked kangaroo, crocodile and emu. With many of the ingredients grown on Fraser Island, the Chef demonstrateed how to use them, presented the cooked dishes for us to taste, and shared some recipe secrets.
Pre-Dinner Showtime! Violinist “Ian Cooper”
A high-energy performance of Classical, Gypsy, Country & Irish music
Ian Cooper began learning the violin from his mother at the age of four. His first live television appearance was at age 5 where he performed “The Two Grenadiers” by Schumann on Channel 7 Australia. He made his Sydney Opera House debut at age 6 and wowed audiences as a child star in the U.S.A., Canada, and Britain, Europe and Japan for NHK TV. At age 12 he performed with the Vienna Boys Choir in their hometown.
Ian was awarded a scholarship to the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music at age eight and continued his training there for the next ten years. He was commissioned to compose and perform the “Tin Symphony” for the opening ceremony of the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, and has appeared with artists as diverse as James Morrison,
George Benson, John Farnham, Barry White, Andrea Bocelli, Neil Sedaka, and Olivia Newton-John.
Among his many live performance accolades, Ian was honored with a platinum ARIA Award – the Australian equivalent of the Grammys. He is also a qualified pilot, composes soundtracks for Discovery Channel and is a keen yachtsman in his spare time.
Tonight’s Dinner was at The Pool Grill
Check out today’s Chronicle