The Tingle Factor Box

Roaming Roy Is Guided By The Light - Norah Head Lighthouse

Recently in Sydney the weather has been rather unpleasant, with strong winds, cold days and the occasional rain shower. The seas have also been rough, and as he watched the waves crashing against the rocks, Roy thought it would be a dangerous time to be in a boat. This made Roy think about lighthouses and he decided he would like to visit one to show his friends why they are so important, especially in this type of unpleasant weather. The question was where to go? Most lighthouses are not open to the public very often, but then Roy remembered Norah Head Lighthouse, a historic place which is regularly open for public tours.

Roaming Roy Goes Fossil Hunting - The Skillion

One of Roys favourite pastimes is heading out for an adventure, and one of his favourite places to explore is The Skillion at Terrigal (NSW). In fact, when his cousin Toby was visiting he insisted that a trip to The Skillion was very important. Terrigal is a place which Roy finds fascinating, not least because visiting often involves eating fish and chips on the beach. The real reason though is that Roy loves fossils. The way that fossils just emerge out of rocks, and the anticipation of finding out if anything is inside the rock is something we both enjoy and a visit to Terrigal is never complete without trying our luck finding a fossil or two at The Skillion.

Roaming Roy Discovers A Pioneering Poet - Henry Kendall Cottage

This week, with holidays well under way Roy decided it would be a perfect time to take you to a lovely little cottage up the coast, near Gosford (NSW). He loves the Central Coast and would visit at every opportunity if given the chance, and when he discovered this lovely little cottage a few months ago, he was immediately enthralled by it. Even better, the cottage was once the home of one of his favourite famous Australian poets, Henry Kendall, and the building next door is filled with all sorts of interesting historical bits and pieces about the area. The whole museum complex is run by the Local Historical Society whose friendly members are more than happy to answer any questions.

Roaming Roy Gets Wet - Somersby Falls

This week has been wet in Sydney and Roy was disappointed that it had rained so much during the holidays. After all, Spring is perfect for getting out and about outside, but rain rather puts a dampener on most activities, especially when you have a bit of a water phobia! So, I decided to cheer him up by taking him somewhere which is really spectacular after (and during) rain - Somersby Falls near Gosford.

Roaming Roy Visits A Very Old Man - Bulgandry Aboriginal Engraving Site

This week, Roy decided he wanted to do something completely different and when I pointed out to him that we had not looked at Aboriginal Engravings yet, he thought that would be the perfect thing. Luckily there are many Aboriginal sites not too far from home so we could easily find one which he thought would be 'right' for this weeks post. The site we visited is near Woy Woy on the central coast of NSW, and is called the Bulgandry Aboriginal Engraving Site. It is easy to get to (click here for instructions) and is even wheel-chair accessible. Best of all, there is a great walkway with interpretive signs above the engravings to stop them being damaged by people walking on them. 

Roaming Roy Messes About With Boats - The Cockatoo Ferry

Roy and I decided that, it being the Christmas School Holidays, and rather warm, this was the perfect opportunity to tell you about the Codock II, now known as the 'Cockatoo Ferry' which runs cruises around Brisbane Waters throughout the holidays. After all, there is nothing better on a hot day than messing about in boats and on the water! The Cockatoo Ferry runs between Woy-Woy and Ettalong each day of the School Holidays and tickets are $12 for a 2 hour, 20 minute round trip.

Roaming Roy Finds Parkes In Brooklyn - The Hawkesbury and Federation

This week, Roaming Roy and I decided that it would be appropriate to visit a site important to Federation. After all, the 1st of January is the anniversary of when Australia made the transition from individual states and territories to one unified nation! The question was, where to go? We could have done any one of a number of sites associated with Federation, but one stood out - Brooklyn and its Federation Foreshore walk and interpretive site (running through McKell Park).