The Hudson Valley: Majestic Inspiration

Noted for majestic views that inspired the 19th century Hudson River School of landscape painting, the Hudson Valley is speckled with stately mansions and historic sites that line the river and its tributaries. Boating is popular, with marinas up and down the shore. When visiting the area you’re sure to pass the stony fortress that is the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. 1-800-CALL-NYS from anywhere in the U.S. and its territorial possessions. (518) 474-4116 from other areas and Canada.

Visual source: wine-flair

The Pinnacles

260km North of Perth, you can find Nambung National Park. They are the fossillised remains of an ancient forest which stretches eerily across the desert landscape. Best approached by 4WD or bus tour with an experienced driver.

Photo courtesy: perth site

Tubbataha Reef Sulu Sea (Mindanao)

Marine sanctuary located in the Middle Central Sulu Sea, 98 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa City. It is within the municipal territory of Cagayancillo, with travel by boat from Puerto Princesa City that takes approximately 12 hours.

Photo courtesy: paulignatius

Boracay Island Caticlan,Aklan (visayas)

Located at the northwestern tip of Panay, this small island has meanwhile become the number one tourist destination of the Philippines. The best part of the island is the 4km. “White Beach”, also called long beach by the locals. It is situated at the West Coast between the villages of Angol and Balabag and some experienced travelers claim it to be the finest beach of all Asia. The water is shallow here and its sand brighter and finer than most beaches in the archipelago.

Photo courtesy: lakbaypilipinas

Jurien

The rock-lobster fishing centre of Jurien is located on a sheltered bay 266km north of Perth. First class boating facilities, and excellent climate and the promise of good catches from boat, beach or jetty makes Jurien ideal for fishing, boating, diving, windsurfing and swimming.

The remains of timber piles, discovered up to 65 meters inland from today’s high water mark, are reminders of the days when the old jetty at Jurien was an important shipping point for wool and general cargoes to Fremantle and India.

About 4km from Jurien, the Lions Lookout offers sweeping views of the town and bay. Cockleshell Bay, north of Jurien, boasts an unusually wide diversity of natural plants and animals for bush-walkers and photographers.

Photo courtesy: farm1.static.flickr

Brookton

Brookton is the center of a rich mixed farming district, and today is notable for its colorful displays of gardens, trees and shrubs, including roadside nature strips of native wildflowers which are carefully tended by residents.

The Old Railway Station has been refurbished as a craft shop and tourism information center. The Old Police Station now houses an unusual Police Force Museum.

The Brookton Pioneer Heritage Trails offers two drives, 120km east and 8km west, with opportunities for picnicking.

Brookton’s Old Time Motor Show in March each second (even-numbered) year attracts scores of classic cars, motorcycles, tractors and machines.

Photo courtesy: brookton