NEWCASTLE AUSTRALIA (day 42 of our journey)

Today our tour, 9 of us, had exclusive access to the privately- owned, Aboriginal site, in Stockton where there are the largest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. We each got fitted with helmets, issued an all terrain vehicle quad bike, and taught the rules of the sand. The actual riding lasted about 3 hours, up and down the dunes, some of which were pretty steep.

TOUR GUIDES

WE STOPPED ABOUT 1/2 WAY THROUGH THE RIDE WHICH GAVE THEM TIME TO GIVE US AN UNDERSTANDING THE HISTORY OF THE ABORIGINES IN NEWCASTLE.

From what they said the indigenous people were treated poorly, as they were in most parts of  the world, until around the 1930's when the British government was willing to recognize their equality and rights as citizens of Australia. 

Now they are totally self sustaining, they take no subsidies from the government.

NEWCASTLE HARBOR

This harbor is growing. It is both commercial and recreational. The town is an industrial town that seems to be going through a renaissance. In the past it was known for its steel industry and coal mining, both of which are not as lucrative as they once were.  

Tomorrow is the 1st of 2 days at sea. On Our way to Townsville Australia...