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nzbarry.bsky.social

@nzbarry.bsky.social
143 followers 249 following 1.3K posts

Aesthete. Idler. Traveller. Eater. Drinker. Reader. Watcher. One-time lawyer. Dunedin, NZ Travel related posts on @NZBarry@mastodon.nz

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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
FB isn't all bad - I bought my house thanks to an ad I saw there.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Starting to regret my plan to do a bit of driving over Christmas.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
I have another day in Bundaberg, which I fill up with seeing some art, a distillery (not rum) and a brewery (not ginger beer). It turns out I could easily have spent another day or two, as I miss cool museums and beaches. asbarrywanders.substack.com/p/more-bunda...
asbarrywanders.substack.com
More Bundaberg
Art and brews
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Great show from Abby Howells last night: very brave to reveal distaste for Taylor Swift. Audience onboard. She started one bit by saying that people didn't like it, so suggested we strap in. That was her bit about her dream job: an absurdist delight. Laughed almost the whole way through the show.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
After Rockhampton, I catch the Tilt Train to Bundaberg. Most people would agree that Bundaberg, doesn’t offer the tourist much. It is, however, home to two big-deal cultural institutions. They can both be visited 4 hours or so: I stay for three days asbarrywanders.substack.com/p/time-for-a...
asbarrywanders.substack.com
Time for a Bundy
My train south from Rockhampton is Queensland Rail’s Tilt Train, built locally in Maryborough.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
In the second part of my post from Rockhampton, I visit a brewery, eat delicious curry and pay tribute to a closed down clothing store. I also find some aviation and train related pictures from Longreach. asbarrywanders.substack.com/p/rocky-ii
asbarrywanders.substack.com
Rocky II
Plus bonus material from Longreach
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
What was the thing that you picked up?
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
They better not make him the replacement, that would be awful @rnz.co.nz.web.brid.gy
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I enjoy my time in Rockhampton so much, I hvae to write two posts about it. This first one is just a walk along Quay Street, where I explore the art gallery, enjoy the river and take pictures of almost every grand old building, starting with my hotel. asbarrywanders.substack.com/p/rockhampton
asbarrywanders.substack.com
Rockhampton
A walk along Quay Street
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
I spend three nights in Longreach: it's hot! Of course I visit the Qantas Founders Museum, try to have a special dinner and have an awkward time doing laundry. Then its the 16 hour train ride to Rockhampton. asbarrywanders.substack.com/p/longreach-...
asbarrywanders.substack.com
Longreach and Another Train
I arrive in Longreach mid-afternoon: it’s very hot, and I have a fairly long walk to the Longreach Caravan Park.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
A lovely chat between Robyn Malcolm and Sam Neill, from the 2024 Auckland Writers festival: www.writersfestival.co.nz/look-and-lis...
writersfestival.co.nz
Video: SAM NEILL (2024) - Look & Listen • Auckland Writers Festival
Explore Look and Listen videos from Auckland Writers Festival, with recordings of author conversations, readings and festival highlights.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
It might be about cookers.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
After three nights in Mount Isa, I catch the Greyhound bus to Winton. It's a bit of a quaint town with three pubs and nowhere else to get dinner. I learn a bit more than expected about the local soil and water conditions, and go on a tour to see its major sight. asbarrywanders.substack.com/p/winton
asbarrywanders.substack.com
Winton
As I mentioned in my last post, the Enterprise Mine is the big, original mine at Mount Isa.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
I take a slow, overnight train to Mount Isa where I spend three nights. Here, I keep myself busy by exploring its medical and mining history - it's not a bad place. asbarrywanders.substack.com/p/slow-train...
asbarrywanders.substack.com
Slow Train to Mount Isa
Medics and Miners
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
When I want guidance on the latest trends, the first place I look to is Tokoroa. Yeah, right.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
If I am not supposed to drink beer, why is it delicious? Helles lager at Big Rock Brewing, Rockhampton. Last brewery visited was Tiny Mountain: what's next in this theme?
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
I catch the train from Innisfail to Townsville, where I spend three nights. It's a tricky town to navigate, because it's lost its centre, but I find a few good places. asbarrywanders.substack.com/p/townsville
asbarrywanders.substack.com
Townsville
Where is it?
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
OMG! Malaysian food is to be found in Rockhampton.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
I have HBO Max, but not to watch that! More of a Pitt man, among other things.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
I catch my first train using my Queensland Rail pass, just 86 km down the tracks to Innisfail, where I spend two days waiting for the train to take me further. That makes it sound bad: it's not! asbarrywanders.substack.com/p/innisfail-...
asbarrywanders.substack.com
Innisfail, Queensland
Cairns doesn’t really have a railway station - Queensland rail’s two platforms sit within the Cairns Central Mall’s car park.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Cruising around on buses, some drivers are calling Te Waihorotui the Mid City station.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
That argument would see the station called Auckland Central, not Britomart anyway.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
I spend a day exploring Cairns, looking at old buildings and a rich man's boat, visit two breweries, then depart on the 7:40 a.m. Spirit of Queensland. asbarrywanders.substack.com/p/cairns-and...
asbarrywanders.substack.com
Cairns and Departure South
Sunday 30 August: I decide I should take a good wander around downtown Cairns, starting naturally enough at Blackbird for a good coffee.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
From Port Douglas, I take a drive up through the Daintree rain Forest, then head south to the delightful village of Yungaburra before starting to take a proper look at Cairns. asbarrywanders.substack.com/p/port-dougl...
asbarrywanders.substack.com
Port Douglas - Yungaburra - Cairns
I have planned the two night stay in Port Douglas so that I can spend the day (Wednesday, 26 August) driving up through the Daintree Rainforest as far as Cape Tribulation: after that, the road is clos...
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Every time they open their mouth, ACT gives reasons to make sure they do not form part of the Government. Why can't people see it!
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
After spending the morning having a nice time in Cooktown, I head south via the Lion's Den pub to Port Douglas which, frankly, bores me. asbarrywanders.substack.com/p/cooktown-t...
asbarrywanders.substack.com
Cooktown to Port Douglas
Jane commented on my last post about obsessive planning v accidental finds.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Four carriages, 8 passengers in total, all bound for Mount Isa.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
The lawyer would preface the sentence with "with respect" but if they didn't respect, it would be "with all due respect".
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
After a night in Cairns, I pick up another rental car and drive to Cooktown, via the Mossman Gorge. Spoiler: I like it up here so much more than the Daintree. Picture is of roast duck and roast pork. asbarrywanders.substack.com/p/cairns-to-...
asbarrywanders.substack.com
Cairns to Cooktown
Back in Cairns for the evening after the Kuranda Scenic Railway, I go in search of dinner and a drink.
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Reposted by @nzbarry.bsky.social
RNZ News Feeds @rnzrss.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Dunedin City Councillor Benedict Ong to be trespassed from Otago University Students' Association premises
rnz.co.nz
Dunedin City Councillor Benedict Ong to be trespassed from Otago University Students' Association premises
The Otago University Students' Association plans to trespass controversial Dunedin City Councillor Benedict Ong from its premises after reports from students of inappropriate and unwanted behaviour.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Auctions are such dangerous places!
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
After a last night in Atherton, I return to Cairns (via some famous scones) to drop the van off, then spend a day on the Kuranda Scenic Railway (that's not what's in the photo - it's the Station Café near Atherton). asbarrywanders.substack.com/p/atherton-c...
asbarrywanders.substack.com
Atherton - Cairns - Kuranda
Scones and a train
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
#OnedinLine S2E1 Callan dies in a warehouse fire, leaving all to Emma - Fogarty swoops in and proposes, giving him control of the steamship plans, so Albert has to design a sailing steamship. James, at sea, loses a man to a shark - trouble's brewing.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
You are in the south - Speight's is the go for non-bougie beer.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
I had a stats assignment due every Friday at 9: I don't think I ever developed an understanding of stats, and am not sure whether that was related to starting them at midnight with a group of mates and a couple of crates.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
The big birthdays are definitely in a decline - a good turn out for 50, a dozen for 60 (via Zoom - lock down) but for 70, I expect I will have to get arrested if I want company.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
I have to leave Normanton - driving back the way I came, I fetch up at Atherton, where there is a mixture of successes and disappointments. Most successful is the absorbing two hours spent at Herbiton Historic Village. asbarrywanders.substack.com/p/normanton-...
asbarrywanders.substack.com
Normanton - Atherton - Herbiton
Featuring Herbiton Historic Village and some John Deere history
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Something I didn't expect to see in a bit of innocent Youtube watching - the slaughter iof Shrek the Sheep: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRLD...
youtube.com
Eating Media Lunch E202 Part 3 - Animals In The Media
YouTube video by classiceml
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
I came to Normanton in Far North Queensland for one reason, and one reason only - to ride a unique train, The Gulflander, which really has no logical reason to exists, as it runs "from nowhere to nowhere". asbarrywanders.substack.com/p/its-all-ab...
asbarrywanders.substack.com
It’s All About a Train
You have been warned!
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Yes, plus Canyon and Searchlight. Wanaka has at least three: b.effect, Ground Up and Rhythm X Vine (these two are within walking distance but I think b.effect has nicer food). Plus Station Brewery in Alex, with the best chips in Central.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Yep - facing that in Australia right now.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
I have embarked on a voyage around Queensland by various means. This post is my first from here, where I pick up a campervan in Cairns and drive 600 km west, to Normanton, without saying why. asbarrywanders.substack.com/p/cairns-to-...
asbarrywanders.substack.com
Cairns to Normanton
Dunedin’s International Airport might not be much chop, but it offers the international traveller more than Cairns International Airport does (if you exclude destinations served).
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
In a strange coincidence, I am in the Cooktown museum on the 258th anniversary of Captain James Cook leaving Plymouth on the voyage which led to him landing at the place that bears his name.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
In unrelated news, in 2027 Councils face credit rating downgrades, credit cost rises, decreased supply of essential services (forget about new library books) and the spectre of insolvency.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Maggie breaks it off with Rick, because he had a lump, thought it was Maggie's curse and he'd die. Idiot.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
#NorthernExposure Ep6 Holling is shocked to discover Shelley's married, when Dwayne comes wanting a divorce. But then Dwayne makes a play for her. Shelley to Holling: "if you can't handle something piddley like a husband, what about when something big happens?" Sweet reconciliation. Ed dreams movies
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
It's taken a bit of effort to get here, but I think Cooktown might be the best place in Queensland. Great coastal views, a couple of lovely bars, pizza on the beach and a very lively Chinese restaurant.
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Your posts about the tiny hobbit are so delightful!
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
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nzbarry.bsky.social @nzbarry.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Why is he even talking about cars? What does he mean by crap cars, and why has the point arisen now? We are decades over the worst. Is that how far behind he is?
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