Law firm marketing: Making the most of what you’ve got!

2011 October 13
by squadron

Whether the marketing strategy for your law firm is based on online marketing, niche marketing to particular industries, traditional advertising, or just retaining and growing wallet share of a solid growth of clients, you’ll need to generate content.

Content is the lifeblood of legal marketing, and without it you might just as well not bother with a law firm marketing plan. But producing content requires hard work, and you must make the best of the writing you can produce. Here are some quick suggestions for making sure you use two of the most reliably produced types of legal marketing content as effectively as you can.

Law Firm Marketing – Written material (blogs, email alerts, brochures, guides, information sheets)
If you’ve created some worthwhile, interesting material of any of the formats above, you don’t need to only send it off once or print it and leave it to sit in your reception. You should distribute that content as much as is possible. For every item of writing you produce, consider:

- Have I distributed it to as many, relevant, clients as I can?
- Is it loaded onto our website?
- Have I emailed it directly to referrers, associates and other professionals?
- Have I linked to it with a post on Facebook and a tweet on Twitter?
- Has it been sent to media contacts?
- Is everyone in my company aware of it and can they explain it further if a client asks?
- Can I turn it into another style of content and distribute in a different format?

Law Firm Marketing – Presentations
Presentations are generally written with a specific reception in mind, or because of a particular request. Therefore they are often presented once then left to stagnate. The large amount of time required to prepare it gets just one showing. To get more out of your presentation consider:

- Who else could I show it to?
- How could I let the most people know about it?
- Have I mentioned it on our website, Facebook, Twitter, or offered to present it to others?
- Is it relevant to send the presentation in hard copy to those who couldn’t attend the seminar?
- Could I record an audio or video of the presentation and distribute it electronically online or directly?
- Can I write an article or blog discussing topics that arose during the presentation?
- Have I sent additional content to all the people that attended the presentation?

While a lot of these ideas might seem like more work at a time when you’ve possibly created a dent in your monthly billings with the amount of time you spent preparing the first lot of material, it is necessary to consider that it’s much easier to add a small amount of time at the end to really maximise on the impression you’ve already produced than to produce a whole new piece of legal marketing material.

Improve the results of all the time and effort you put into law firm marketing and you’ll discover that the next time you need to create some content you will feel more positive about how effective the results will be.

John Gray is a practising lawyer and the Senior Marketer at John Gray Marketing, an Australian specialist law firm and legal marketing consultancy. If you are interested in law marketing, legal marketing and marketing for lawyers, contact John Gray today.

Relationship Combatibility Factors

2011 October 12

Relationship and Marriage counseling can help you discover how in harmony you are.

The two most important factors that decide how similar you are as a couple are:

A similar level of psychological vitality and maturity and a similar ranking of Instinctual Variants.

What are Instinctual Variants?
The 3 Instincts represent the inherant energies or drives that are innately part of us as humans. Our personality is highly engaged with and is often dependent on these libidinal, instinctual energies to give it its spark.

Self Preservation Instinct.
People of this Instinctual type are often with the essential survival needs as they translate into our modern society, for example, money, food, accomodation, health, physical safety and comfort.
Being safe and physically comfortable are essential, and they will often bring their supplies with them.
When entering a room, they will tend to notice bad lighting, uncomfortable chairs, the room temperature, when the coffee break will be, and whether they will like the food provided. They tend also to be the most practical in the sense of taking care of pressing life necessities.
They are the most introverted of the types.

Sexual/ Intimate Instinct.
People of this kind have a strong desire for intensity of experience and affection. The forthright riveting gaze is the dead giveaway. When they enter a room they gravitate toward people they feel attracted to, as if they are looking for the juice. These people can turn into intimacy addicts, often neglecting pressing obligations or even basic maintenance if they are swept up in something that has captured them. This gives a wide ranging exploratory philosophy to life, but can also generate a lack of focus on one’s own goals.

Social Instinct.
People of this type are preoccupied on their interactions with others and with the sense of value and esteem they receive from their participation in collective activities. These include work, relationships, side activities and clubs.
Upon entering a room, these people would immediately be aware of the relationships and subtle politics between different people and groups. They are subconsciously attuned on other people’s reaction to them, particularly about whether they are being accepted or not.
They need to connect with others to feel safe, alive and energised. They tend to enjoy interacting with people, but they avoid intimacy.
They are the most extroverted of the types.

Within a personality, one of these three Instincts will predominate. In fact these 3 instincts can be ordered like the sections of a cake, with the most predominant one at the top. The least powerful one, at the bottom, is termed the blind spot.
These inherent instincts play an essential role in our relationships because people of the same variant tend to share values and to understand each other completely, and therefore feel very compatible.

In relationships between 2 different Instinctual types, each will struggle to convert the other.

For further information on discovering whether you and your partner are compatible, contact the Hart Centre Australia. We are Australia’s premier relationship and marriage counselling service with 53 locations Australia wide, and 8 relationship counselling centres in Brisbane, 3 marriage counselling centres in the Gold Coast, and 2 relationship counselling locations on the Sunshine Coast. Phone 1300 830 552 for appointments at all centres.

For relationship counselling Brisbane, marriage counselling gold coast and marriage counselling sunshine coast, contact your local Hart Centre.

Stone Veneer

2011 October 10
by squadron

Stone veneer is a modern way to decorate the walls of a constructing. The stone veneer cladding offers a stylish method adopted by architects to impart a dynamic look to a lifeless structure. This is mostly used for visual purposes and has a long life. The elegance and simplicity of stone veneer provides homeowners, architects, building contractors and developers with a versatility and flexibility to be more to imaginative. Stone veneer is also successfully used in landscape and complementing the natural beauty of the open spaces as well.

Stone Veneer acts as a ornamental and protecting masking on outside as well inside walls and surfaces. The veneer is usually one inch heavy; it is lighter in weight and weighs about 15 lbs. / sq. ft. It does not need any extra structural support for its installation.

Stone Veneer is mostly made from natural stones. It can also be produced from manufactured stones. The natural stone veneer is manufactured from stone, which is collected from quarries or as field stone. The stone is then sawn working with huge diamond impregnated cutters equally spaced to get the slices of the stone in a consistent thickness and weight. This stone is also known as “thin stone veneer”.

Besides the natural stone veneer, manufacture stone veneer is also a decorative making material. It is produced to imitate the appearance of natural stone. There are a number of titles used for this type of veneer. The stacked stone veneer, artificial stone veneer, manufactured stone veneer and flexible stone veneer are various leaders used for stone veneer.

Stone veneer is produced by mixing a lightweight concrete mix to rubber molds of different type. These are painted with a coloring process to make them resemble the real stone. another method to make stone veneer is by casting and molding it from chemically modified lightweight concrete. Stone veneer is actually a replica of natural stone. It takes the finest details of the original stone. At a shut look, the artificial stone veneers appear just like original stones.

The stone veneer is mostly used as a siding on the walls. It can be fixed on the walls employing special top quality mortars for highest adhesion and strength. versatile stone veneer is manufactured by slicing a thin layer of a stone. It is then backed by some composite material. It can be produced in a variety of designs and colors employing different stones. The manufactured stone veneer is more affordable than natural stone veneer and there is the least amount of wastage in its use.

Manufactured stone veneer costs almost 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of utilizing natural stone. mainly because of the lightweight of the manufactured stone veneer, there is no need for wall ties or any footings. It tends to make the construction easier and Therefore lessens the cost. There is a vast variety of designs, patterns and colors available on manufactured options as compared to the natural stone since the natural stone is generally used in the area around where it is extracted due to the huge transportation rates.

Manufactured stone veneer is relatively less strong as compared to natural stone rock walls, but many applications do not call for higher strength as aesthetics is a more important factor in many cases. Stone veneer is also not reusable like natural stones.

Stone veneer provides the natural look of the stones at inexpensive price ranges. Stone veneers are preferred these days for most of ornamental facing in makings and open spaces.

Cheap SEO packages- what to look for in these services

2011 October 9
by squadron

The term SEO as we all know is an acronym of search engine marketing which is the process of improving a websites awareness on search engines. Websites that are highly ranked in search results have more guests. SEO targets many choices which include image search, local search, video search and academic search. Today, there are many companies offering low cost SEO packages~deals} for consumerss~shoppers~buyers} who want their sites’ rankings to rise. SEO’s (acronym referring to search engine optimizers) use different methods to achieve good search engine optimisation on the consumer’s website.

Any company offering low-cost SEO bundles~deals} should be able to allow the customers site rise in the search engines fast. When many internet users search for a particular term(also referred to as ‘key phrase’), they perceive the ones at the top as having more relevance to the keyword. Whilst there are many variables that add to a website obtaining to the top spot (or at least amongst the top ten), SEO comes in handy to make sure that this is obtaind in a short period of time. being professional, SEO’s know what is best for a site and how to go about producing sure that it rises to the top. They use a variety of tactics that are all geared towards achieving the same.

A few of the methods they use include:

-Back links building and,
- LSI (Latent Semantic Index) content writing.

In back link building, inbound links are used to improve a site’s awareness. Inbound links are from other sites and they are important because of their significance to search engine optimization. A site with a big number of back links is one indication that it is well-liked and of significance to others too. Google and other web search engines determine the Page Rank of a website or webpage due to the number of back links it has. It is As a result worth noting that this SEO option is of great importance to any website owner who wants his site to get ranked fast.

LSI content writing is among the most preferred SEO selections. due to the fact search engines rely on the content on the website or webpage so that it gets ranked, having a website that is well taken care of in this area is very important to the owner. For instance, Google is very rigid when it comes to content. They call for a webpage to have key phrase rich content so that it can get good rankings. In many cases, search engine optimizers be able to write content for purchaser}s observing key phrase density and also length. posts of considerable good length are better positioned to get ranked much less difficult than short ones with crappy content. All posts have to be free from plagiarism. This means that they are authentic and written by the site owner and are not copied from other sources.

In most cases, consumer}s who consult these low cost SEO packages~deals} companies want services so as to improve rankings to their money generating websites. They either have affiliate hyperlinks on their sites, promote CPA, run Ad-sense or offer solutions that people pay for. To them, it is an investment and therefore it makes perfect reason for getting good site rankings.

To get the best cheap SEO bundle, a buyer} requirements to look for the following qualities:

- no matter whether the company has been offering the solutions for a considerable period of time of time,

-regardless of whether the company charges reasonably,

-no matter whether the company offers all the companies that he/she requirements and also,

-no matter if the company has reviews from previous successful projects.

Having observed that all the above stages~factors} are well taken care of, he/she can from that stage buy their companies. The purchaser} should ensure that all instructions and particulars are meticulously tended to before giving them out to the SEO guys. employing low-cost SEO packages~deals} has confirmed to be the most efficient way that website owners use to make to the top of the web search engine results. since of the ever growing internet working with population globally, these providers will continue to provide their services to the ever hungry website owners who also want to get a item of the large chunk of money made from the internet. To sum up, we can say that this is two way traffic as both the purchaser and the service provider need one other.

Looking for a cheap SEO packages? Try this new service from Search Tempo. These cheap SEO packages are just about the best value on the internet.

Things To Consider When Hiring A Spit Roast

2011 October 9
by squadron

If you are an avid party thrower and you want that extra special someissue to add that element of glam to your party, spit roast hire is a great idea. Spits come in different sizes and relying on the number of people at your party and the amount of space you have at your disposal, you can roast a few of chickens or even a whole pig or goat. When thinking of spit roast hire there are several easy ways to procure what you need through the yellow webpages and the internet. however, before you go in for spit roast hire, there are some important matters you must take into consideration.

Do It your self v/s catering.
For a lot of folks, do it by yourself options are much better because they can save on lots of money. Setting up a spit and really cooking on it can be a time consuming and cumbersome task. When it can come to spit roast hire, there are firms which will let you simply hire the spit roast and do everyfactor yourself, or give you a totally loaded bundle in which everything from setting up, cleaning up and helping is done by a team of professional caterers. So depending on whether you have enough time or not you can decide if you want to do it all yourself or pay someone else to do it for you.

Gas Spit v/s Charcoal Spit
When contemplating spit roast hire, you must first decide what kind of a spit you will need. There are spits that work on charcoal and those that work on gas. Weigh the pros and cons of each type and decide which one you want. The good point about charcoal spits is the fact that the meat you cook on it will retain the scrumptious substancey flavor of the charcoal. Gas spits will not permit for that. Having said that, charcoal spits are messy, they create a lot of smoke a cigarette and can be dangerous if not attended to. Gas spits are scraper, make less of a mess and don’t create as much substance. Another disadvantage of charcoal spits is that you are not able to use them in closed spaces because they create a lot of heat and burn. If you plan to cook indoors, a gas spit makes much more sense. Having said that, with gas spits you have to make sure the enclosed area is well ventilated.

Size Does Matter
Another important aspect of spit roast hire you must consider is the size of spit you need. What kind of meat are you planning to cook? A spit roast is a very versatile technique of cooking and everypoint from cow, venison, bull, goat and pig can be cooked on it. relying on the type of and amount of meat you want to cook, you have to choose an appropriately sized spit . For example if you wish to cook a full developed goat, you will need a spit that lets for 25kgs. Of course, the bigger the spit size you choose, the more expensive the affair will be. speaking about spit roast hire, gas spits come in a limited number of sizes while charcoal spits are available in a greater assortment of sizes.

Cost Of Charcoal v/s Gas Spit
One of the most important things that you must keep in mind when going in for spit roast hire, is the cost. You have to first figure out how much you can afford and how much you are willing to spend to hire a spit roast. A lot of people feel that charcoal spits are cheaper which in fact is not the case. Technically if you go to see, charcoal and gas spits cost almost the same if you take the total cost of cooking into consideration. The fee to hire a charcoal spit is much less than that of a gas spit but what you must take into consideration is the fact that charcoal spits require additional fuel while gas spits don’t.

So depending on whether you are having an inside or outdoor party or if you want to be extravagant or minimalistic, put some time into research, figure out what you need and then go in for the right spit roast hire. For more information about spit roast hire Brisbane, visit http://spitroasthire.brisbaneoz.com/

The Importance of Proofing Designs

2011 October 7
by squadron

You’ve decided it’s time for a new site or image. For most, the first step is to choose the right organization. However, the first thing you should do is develop at least a basic idea of what you expect from a finished product. Not only is this step commonly overlooked in the initial phase of project development, but also during the creative briefing phase after hiring a design company.

Everyone wants to hand off a project to the professionals and let them take care of it all. If you’re having your car washed, then nothing is really needed from you. For other projects, you need to be more directly involved. Website design and graphic design are two fields where getting yourself involved is necessary to the perfect design for you and your organization.

When you first meet with a website and graphic design firm, you should provide them with your ideas and goals. This provides the company with a starting point. This doesn’t mean that you are done. No one can read your mind. In order to be absolutely certain you get the most optimal design possible, you must take the creative briefing stage extremely.

This is the stage of the assignment where you work one on one with the designers to ensure they completely understand what you want. The more they understand, the faster they can deliver the finished project. It also reduces the number of initial design changes.

The next step before the designer can work on your project is proofing your design. You should never just quickly glimpse the design and give your approval. Look over the design plans as thoroughly as you would any important document. If the design isn’t exactly as you envisioned it and doesn’t provide the features you discussed, now is the time to make changes.

Waiting until the final project is delivered means time consuming revisions for both you and the designer. By involving yourself in both the creative briefing and design proofing stages, you save both time and money. You also get the perfect website or graphic design the first time around. The sooner your project is in place, the sooner your customers and visitors will see it.

You should never take this responsibility lightly. It’s your design, your website. Take the time to ensure the design company you choose fully understands your vision. By communicating your needs, the company is able to provide suggestions. With thorough communication between both parties, the best designs and sites are created.

For graphic design Brisbane or logo design Brisbane visit The Creative Noise. The Creative Noise is also a website designer. Brisbane is where their head office is located.

Choosing a Mackay Lawyer, Solicitor or Law Firm

2011 October 6
by squadron

Because it is a popular and growing city, there are many new residents in the Mackay region who require the services of a Mackay lawyer or law firm for the first time. Finding a lawyer to do the conveyancing required to enable you to buy a house, to advise you about starting a business or to prepare important documents such as wills or enduring powers-of-attorney, can be a daunting and worrying time.

When you are trying to choose a Mackay solicitor, lawyer or law firm you ought to consider looking for these attributes:

Satisfied customers
For most individuals it is impossible to compare the quality of legal services that is provided by one Mackay solicitor/lawyer or another. Unless you are a regular user of a similar kind of legal service you are unlikely to be able to compare different law firms. What you can do is look for a Mackay solicitor who is proud of their past performance with generous use of references from previous or existing clients. If they provide plenty of testimonials it lets you know two things. Firstly, that they have plenty of satisfied clients and secondly, that they take time and go to the trouble to find out what their clients think of their service. They understand that they are a service-oriented business.

Local knowledge
Your Mackay lawyer or solicitor should have a good local knowledge and experience in helping others in the city. Find out if the firm has worked on local developments or firms with established conveyancing sections that will have garnered a valuable source of “inside knowledge” about the property market, local agents and banks which will make a huge difference to the way your transaction will be dealt with.

Breadth of Services
While most people only need a lawyer occasionally, there is value in choosing a Mackay solicitor, lawyer or law firm that can provide a full range of services without you needing to move around to alternate law firms. Finding a firm that can provide conveyancing, estate planning, disputes, business services and even workplace or employment issues, means you can stick with the one firm to meet all your legal needs. Law firms value clients that use a range of services, and will often provide those services more cheaply when they have provided other services for you in the past.

*In Queensland a person with legal qualifications was traditionally referred to as a solicitor while a person who “had standing” to represent you in court was called a barrister. More recently the general term lawyer has become more widespread and can be used to describe either of these types of legal practitioner. In some other states of Australia the conveyancing process (the legal process required to transfer ownership of house) can be undertaken by licenced conveyancers. This is not the case in Queensland where conveyancing must be undertaken by a solicitor/lawyer.

John Gray is a practising solicitor and marketing consultant who has worked with leading Mackay law firms. If you need a Mackay solicitor or Mackay lawyer contact John Gray for a recommendation.

Relationship Counselling can help you discover more about yourself.

2011 October 2
by squadron

If you really want to examine in depth at why the two of you have the unique relationship and issues that you have, look no further than the Enneagram.

One of the most useful ways to discover yourself and just as importantly, how you contribute to your relationship problems, is to look at your Enneagram profile.

The modern Enneagram is based on ancient Eastern wisdom combined with modern Psychological thought. There are 9 personality types each with different modes of thinking, feeling and acting. Each style has its own natural gifts, faults, and blind spots.

When you know your Enneagram number, you can then be aware of the unconscious assumptions that drive the way you see yourself, do your work, and relate in your relationships.

And you can also understand why your partner seems to act in the bizarre, selfish, intrusive, self-interested, seductive or charming ways that he or she does.

Once you know how he or she see things from the inside out, you can see why they do the things they do which makes perfect sense to them.

There are no types that are better than any other. Each is effective in their own way, but from a very different point of view.

• Ones want to make things right.
• Twos need to be of help.
• Threes are driven to succeed.
• Fours have a deep desire to be special.
• Fives want to be left alone to think.
• Sixes seek safety and support.
• Sevens are connoisseurs of life’s pleasures.
• Eights are driven to dominate others.
• Nines don’t want to make waves.

For more information on how your and your partner’s Enneagram types interact, call us at the Hart Centre. We are a group of Psychologists around Australia who are passionate about relationships and specialise in relationship counselling.

With 15 relationship counselling centres in Sydney, and 12 relationship counselling centres in Melbourne, you will more than likely find one near you. Phone 1300830552 for more details.

Remember, for relationship counselling Sydney or relationship counselling Melbourne contact the Hart Centre.

Stradbroke Island Queensland – Travel Guide

2011 September 28

Located on Brisbane’s eastern coast, North Stradbroke Island (’Straddie’ to the familiar) is one of Australia’s east coast natural treasures and a perfect escape destination. Somehow, the secret has been well kept and it is only in recent years that Straddie has started to sparkle on the tourist and property radar.

Travel to Stradbroke Island via the Brisbane suburb of Cleveland takes about fifty minutes using the vehicle ferry. Cleveland is only a half-hour drive from Brisbane International Airport or the centre of Brisbane, and an drive from the Gold Coast. The ferry ride across Moreton Bay is the first step that makes visiting Stradbroke Island such a great experience.

Stradbroke Island is 27,530 hectares, and therefore is the world’s second largest sand island. The elongated sand island shields much of the southern part of Moreton Bay and the smaller islands from the ocean swells. It’s beaches are accessible by four-wheel drive, bicycle or on foot, with many popular camping sites dotted all the way down Main Beach, and views are visible from almost everywhere on Straddie.

The 35 kilometres of white sandy beaches fringing the island’s eastern side runs from Point Lookout in the north to Jumpin Pin in the south. From the Point lookout headland, the towering jungle of the Gold Coast is often clearly visible, and is a constant reminder of the contrast to the more relaxed lifestyle of Straddie.

North Stradbroke (Minjerriba to the indigenous Noonuccal people) was the home of famous Aboriginal poet Kath Walker, or Oodgeroo Noonuccal. There is a great deal of Aboriginal and European history in the area of Dunwich where water taxis and barges moor.

The waters of Moreton Bay swish against the shores of the island’s western fishing towns. The lack of agriculture and the filtering effects of the sand provides unpolluted water which sea-life, and particularly Stradbroke Rock Oysters thrive in.

North Stradbroke attracts four-wheel drivers, anglers, surfies and beach-lovers to the wide lengths of beach and rugged granite headlands, and the Island offers a range of accommodation, restaurants, cafes and holiday attractions. With a diversity of attractions to offer and stunningly beautiful places to discover, North Stradbroke is a popular holiday destination for families, couples and adventure-seekers alike. The ideal way to see the Island is by Four Wheel Drive, but there are many stunning coastal walks and a mountain bike and whale watching map are an easier and more environmentally sound alternative.

Point Lookout is a popular destination, only a thirty kilometre drive on a sealed road from Dunwich. The North Gorge Headland is forty metres above sea level and recognised as a leading land-based whale watching area in from May-November, and world-class surfing and fishing throughout the year.

Point Lookout’s unspoilt beaches and headlands are safe for swimming, surfing and fishing all year round. Whales, dolphins, turtles and manta rays are regularly seen from the spectacular North Gorge at the northern tip of the island. The island has been listed as one of the world’s most ecologically important wetlands and has several freshwater lakes, waterways and lagoons that are accessible by 4WD or on a tour with one of Straddie’s friendly tour operators.

One of the great experiences on the island is the fresh seafood directly from local fishermen. Just look for signs at Amity Point and Point Lookout to direct you to their homes and the freshest catch-of-the-day around. For those that prefer the work be done for them, Straddie’s restaurants and cafes all make use of this fabulous resource on their menu.

“The Point” offers several alfresco style cafes, a bakery, chemist, post office, newsagent, corner store and supermarket. The island also has a bus service which links the 3 towns to the ferries and water taxis.

North Stradbroke Island is the ultimate paradise for the many enthusiasts who visit each year. On a good day it’s possible to surf right past the pub, along the evocatively named Cylinders Beach, on waves that peel dreamily for hundreds of metres. Stick ten bucks in the back pocket of your boardies and drop in for a quick beer on your way back around -you may even bump into world ranked surfer and local Bede Durbidge! Straddie also boasts what is perhaps the last truly old-school surf shop in the country, that makes it’s business selling surfing gear rather than fashion.

The jewels in Stradbroke’s crown is Point Lookout and the natural wonder of the North Gorge Walk, along with the surf, the choice of beaches, all sheltered in differing winds, the whale watching, and the spectacular coastal walk around the gorges. If you are looking for Stradbroke Island Accommodation, make sure you visit: http://www.discoverstradbroke.com.au/

The Attractions of Stradbroke Island

2011 September 24

Situated on Brisbane’s eastern doorstep, North Stradbroke Island (’Straddie’ to the initiated) is one of Australia’s natrual treasures and a perfect escape destination. Something of a secret, it is only in recent years that Straddie has started to shine on the tourism and property radar.

Travel to Stradbroke Island through the Brisbane suburb of Cleveland takes approx. 50 minutes using the vehicle ferry. Cleveland is a thirty minute drive from Brisbane International Airport and Brisbane central, and an drive from the Gold Coast. The ferry ride across Moreton Bay is the first step that makes visiting Stradbroke Island such a worthwhile trip.

Stradbroke Island covers 27,530 hectares, making it the world’s second largest sand island. The elongated sand island shields much of the southern part of Moreton Bay and the smaller islands from the ocean swells. It’s beaches are able to be accessed by four-wheel drive, bicycle or on foot, with a number of great camp sites placed all the way down Main Beach, and views appear visible from almost everywhere on the island.

The 35 kilometres of white sandy beaches fringing the island’s eastern side runs from Point Lookout in the north to Jumpin Pin in the south. From the Point lookout headland, the towering jungle of the Gold Coast can be clearly visible, being a constant reminder of the contrast to the more relaxed lifestyle of Straddie.

North Stradbroke (Minjerriba to the indigenous Noonuccal people) was home to famous Aboriginal poet Kath Walker, or Oodgeroo Noonuccal. There is a large amount of Aboriginal and European history in Dunwich where the water taxis and vehicular barges berth.

The calm waters of Moreton Bay lap against the shores of the island’s western fishing towns. The lack of agriculture and the filtering effects of the sand results in pure water which sea creatures, and particularly Stradbroke Rock Oysters thrive in.

North Stradbroke attracts four-wheel drivers, anglers, surfers and beach-lovers to the free stretches of beach and rugged granite headlands, and the Island offers a range of accommodation, restaurants, cafes and holiday attractions. With an incredible diversity of experiences available and spectacular areas to discover, North Stradbroke is a popular holiday destination for families, couples and adventure-seekers alike. The ideal way to see the Island is by Four Wheel Drive, but there are many stunning coastal walks and a mountain bike and whale watching map are an easier and more environmentally sound alternative.

Point Lookout is a popular destination, and only a 30km drive on a sealed road from Dunwich. The North Gorge Headland is forty metres above sea level and known as a leading land-based whale watching area in winter, and world-class surfing and fishing throughout the year.

Point Lookout’s beautiful beaches and headlands are safe for swimming, surfing and fishing year round. Whales, dolphins, turtles and manta rays can often be spotted from the spectacular North Gorge at the northern part of the island. The island is listed as one of the world’s most ecologically important wetlands with several freshwater lakes, waterways and lagoons that are accessible by four-wheel drive or on a guided tour with one of Straddie’s friendly tour operators.

One of the great features of the island is the fresh seafood directly from local fishermen. Just look for the signs at Amity Point and Point Lookout which direct you to their homes and the freshest, most delicious catch-of-the-day around. For those who prefer the work be done for them, Straddie’s restaurants and cafes all make use of this delicious island resource on their menu.

“The Point” offers several alfresco style cafes, a bakery, chemist, post office, newsagent, corner store and supermarket. The island also has a bus service linking the 3 towns to the ferries and water taxis.

North Stradbroke Island is the ultimate paradise for the many enthusiasts who visit each year. On a good day it’s possible to surf right past the pub, along the evocatively named Cylinders Beach, on waves that peel dreamily for hundreds of metres. Stick ten bucks in the back pocket of your boardies and drop in for a beer on your way back around -you may even bump into world ranked surfer and local Bede Durbidge! Straddie also boasts what is perhaps the last truly old-school surf shop in the country, that makes it’s business selling surfing equipment rather than fashion.

The jewels in the Straddie’s crown is Point Lookout and the natural wonder of the North Gorge Walk, along with the surf, the choice of beaches, all sheltered in different winds, the whale watching, and the spectacular coastal walk around the gorges. If you are looking for Stradbroke Island Accommodation, make sure you visit: http://www.discoverstradbroke.com.au/