There's nowhere else like it in Britain. Once you reach Newcastle you know you've arrived. By road or rail - all at once everything drops from view except the Tyne Bridge. An impressive sight, the bridge is the symbol of Newcastle the world over.
Chichicastenango, often simply called "Chichi," is a vibrant town in the highlands of Guatemala that offers an unparalleled cultural experience. Known for its lively indigenous market, which takes place every Thursday and Sunday, this bustling bazaar is one of the most famous in Central America. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Mayan culture while browsing colorful textiles, handcrafted masks, and traditional pottery.
This city in the Rhine Gorge is known for its winemaking, dramatic landscapes and 15-minute cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument (celebrating the German victory over France in 1871).
Oaxaca, nestled in the heart of southern Mexico, is a city where ancient traditions and vibrant culture thrive. Renowned for its rich history and indigenous heritage, Oaxaca offers a unique blend of pre-Columbian, colonial, and modern influences. The city's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a testament to its past, featuring stunning colonial architecture such as the Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church, a masterpiece of Baroque art.
Photo Credit: Photo by Valentina Golubovic on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Mila Mulder on Unsplash
From Rockhampton you can discover the richness and diversity of this region. To the east the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean lap the Capricorn Coast which is grandly decorated with stretches of sandy beaches, the Great Barrier Reef and semi-tropical islands.
Heritage trails and reminders of years gone by abound at Mt Morgan, an old gold mining town 40 minutes drive south, which carries many reminders of its days of wealth.
West of Rockhampton you discover a section of Australia's outback territory. Here you will find the region's gemfields - towns resplendent with names such as Emerald, Anakie and Rubyvale. The national parks of Carnarvon Gorge and Blackdown Tableland are within striking distance of Rockhampton and provide a lush and tropical escape from a landscape which is home to some of the best sunsets you'll see anywhere in Australia. Rockhampton, just seven hours drive or an hour's flight from the capital Brisbane, is situated on the Tropic of Capricorn.
Many visitors stop at the Capricorn Information Centre to inspect "The Spire" built to commemorate this longitude. Attractions in the region range from the informative to the adventurous, from the mainland to the deep sea.
You see, we really do have it all. If your idea of a holiday is white beaches, warm sunshine and cold drinks - we can do. If it's inland travel, 4WD territory and bush tucker - we can do. If climbing a mountain, bathing in a waterfall and sleeping under the stars is more your idea of a good time - we can do.
In fact, there's little we can't do! So ... welcome to Central Queensland's Capricorn Region, where the outback meets the reef.