Carnarvon Gorge National Park is one of Queensland’s many spectacular tourist spots. This 200 million year old landscape features towering sandstone cliffs, beautiful gorges, prehistoric & diverse flora & fauna, Aboriginal rock art and many different species of birds and animals. It really is one of the most magnificent places to visit.
Things to do at Carnarvon Gorge
Carnarvon National Park is home to one of Australia’s Great Walks with everything from short strolls to very challenging seven day hikes. Walkers of all fitness levels are rewarded with some of Queensland’s most beautiful and diverse sites.
carnarvon gorge
The Moss Garden is a magnificent display of intense Green moss surrounding a waterfall.
moss garden carnarvon gorge
The Amphitheatre can be reached by a steep climb up a cliff. Squeeze inside a small opening in the rock and you will find yourself in a huge cavern with great acoustic qualities.
The Art Gallery & Cathedral Cave are the place to discover some of the finest Aboriginal rock art. Indigenous engravings, ochre stencils and freehand paintings.
aboriginal rock art carnarvon gorge
Ward’s Canyon is a picturesque place to cool down. Situated behind a small waterfall it features King ferns, and a stream abundant with Red algae.
Ward’s Canyon carnarvon gorge queensland australia wearing ocean road swimwear
Boolimba Bluff has some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding ranges. It’s a steep walk up but the reward is breathtaking.
Boolimba Bluff carnarvon gorge
Boowinda Gorge & Battleship Spur are for the more adventurous hikers. The treks can get very rocky under foot with tree roots and steep climbs but the rewards are sensational.
Boowinda Gorge carnarvon gorge national park
Carnarvon Gorge National Park is a wonderful place to explore, slow down and connect with nature. Just as Australia’s first people did long before Canavan Gorge became a popular tourist site.
carnarvon gorge queensland australia wearing ocean road swimwear
Meet Elly, wife, mother of 4, Zumba instructor & weight loss surgery patient
“Becoming an swimwear model was a journey that I never thought I would take.”
Living in Brisbane, I was a stay-at-home mum to 4 wonderful children. Over the years my weight crept up on me. I’d tried all types of diets & fads but nothing seemed to work. I took up Zumba classes which I loved and became a licensed instructor, but I didn’t feel I was fit or confident enough to lead a class. By the time I was 37 I was 125kg and I made the decision to have weight loss surgery.
“Like most women we put everything else first, often forgetting to take care of ourselves”.
I received a gastric sleeve, a surgery where 80% of my stomach was removed. Recovery was quick and I was back at Zumba 6 weeks post-surgery with a 10kg weight loss. Since then I have lost over 40kgs, but it’s not the physical change that has made the biggest difference to me, it’s the mental one.
“It wasn’t just a physical change – there was a mental shift and something within my heart I hadn’t expected.”
As my confidence grew, I started teaching Zumba. It felt amazing helping people to get fit through dance. I became a Tupperware consultant & when I saw an ad on Facebook looking for swimwear models, I could resist… I’ll be honest, I was so nervous! I was greeted by Tanya who quickly made me feel welcomed and comfortable.
“I posed, I danced, I had such a wonderful time.”
I often reflect on how far I’ve come within a year from someone with no self-confidence to a Zumba dancing swimwear model! But at the end of the day, it’s not about physical appearance or size, for me, my most significant change was my positive mindset.
“I’ve learnt to put myself first and be the best version of me – the whole family gains from having a happy mum.”
Ocean Road Swimwear’s models are women from the local community; many have no modelling experience, just a desire to try something new. They are women just like you, each has a story to tell…
beautiful beach cape Gloucester Queensland Australia
You don’t have to step off the mainland to enjoy some of the Whitsunday’s best beaches. There are lots of beautiful beaches to while away the hours on the mainland. So forget the Whitsunday Islands and stay on land to enjoy some of Queensland’s best beaches and a few the locals would prefer to keep secret. Shhh!
“So, what are the best mainland beaches to visit in the Whitsunday Region?”
Boathaven Beach
If you love sandy, safe man-made beaches with netted swimming area’s then you will love Boathaven Beach. With loads of soft White sand it’s clean and ideal for families with kids. It’s only a walk away from the town, but still quite secluded with beautiful views out to sea.
Boathaven Beach Airlie beach the Whitsundays Australia
Cannonvale Beach
Cannonvale Beach is another great family beach. Located just a few minutes’ drive west of Airlie Beach. It’s a lovely beach to have a picnic and meet up with family & friends. With café’s, an outdoor gym and playground it has a lot to offer every age group.
Coral Beach
“Stunning views of the Whitsunday islands!”
Coral Beach, although not the sandy tropical beaches we crave when visiting the Whitsundays, as it is mostly rocks and coral, is a great getaway from the hustle & bustle of Airlie Beach. A hiking track from the beach takes you to the beak for stunning views of the Whitsunday islands.
Dingo Beach
Dingo Beach is located 40 minutes north of Airlie Beach. It has a lazy, laid back feel that’s infectious. With a bar & resort on the doorstep it really is a great place to spend the day or even the week. It also has a boat ramp for the fishermen or women amongst us.
dingo beach hideaway bay Queensland Australia
Nelly Bay
“Who doesn’t want a tree swing?”
Just a short walk from Dingo Beach is Nelly Bay a hidden gem. It can be reached by walking through the trees that line a quiet residential street. Nelly Bay is a quiet, secluded beach, so it’s perfect for relaxing and collecting your thoughts. It boast’s White powdered sand and a rope swing, tied to a tree. The swing alone makes Nelly Bay a must visit!
rope swing nelly bay cape gloucester
Hideaway Bay
Hideaway Bay also known as Hydeaway Bay is another glorious beach. It can be accessed by little walking tracks in-between the residential houses. Take a stroll along the beach, go rock pooling or spend your time fishing.
Froggies Beach
“We were told to keep this beach a Secret! Shhh!”
I have saved the best till last! By following the headland north of hideaway bay, via a dirt track, you will come across the Whitsundays best kept secret. The most gorgeous beach I have ever visited. Even the fish were leaping out of the water in delight! “Well, it may have has something to do with the huge Barramundi chasing them.” While visiting, we were told to keep this beach secrete, so it’s our little secret. Shhh!
Water Aerobics, also known as Aqua Aerobics, has many benefits; it’s a super fun way to keep fit and healthy. it’s suitable for all age groups, from children to seniors and all fitness levels from beginners to professional athletes. Water exercise is a great way of reaching and maintaining health and fitness goals. Here are the top 10 health benefits of water aerobics.
Water Aerobics Class Brisbane
What Does Water Aerobics Do To Your Body?
1. Helps Build Strength
When exercising in water, you’re working against the resistance of water so by simply kicking and cupping the water you contribute to muscle development.
2. Helps With The Recovery Of Injuries
Your body weight is considerably lighter then submerged in water. This buoyancy means you do not experience the same impact on your joints or muscles as you would exercising on land. So it’s an ideal way to exercise and strengthen an injury to the knee, hip or foot.
3. Lowers High Blood Pressure
Aqua aerobic workouts are perfect for those who suffer with high bloody pressure. Your heart rate can be reduced considerably when exercising in water compared to on land.
4. Enhances Balance and Coordination
Water exercise helps you build stability, improves your balance and expands your muscle strength for better coordination. This in turn affects your movement both in and out of water.
5. Reduces Stress, Anxiety And Helps With Insomnia
Participating in water exercises can reduced stress and anxiety. The water has a calm and soothing effect on your brain and can it turn help you to have better sleep.
6. Helps With Pain & Health Problems
Water aerobics helps deal with arthritis and back pain. The waters buoyancy lowers the impact of your movements. Helping to relieve the amount of stress placed on your joints and muscles. Warm water also helps relieve pain and inflammation around joints and swollen muscles.
7. Increases Endurance
When exercising for an extended period of time you’re heart, lungs, and muscles all work together increasing your fitness and endurance. Regular water fitness classes are recommended.
8. Helps With Weight Loss
Studies have shown water exercise reduces body fat and can lower your cholesterol levels. Although the amount of calories burnt vary depending on your size, the intensity of your workout and the depth and temperature of the water. Faster movements in deep cold water amount to a greater weight loss.
9. Increases in Body Flexibility
Gaining overall body flexibility is one of the many benefits of water aerobics. The water density adds a resistance causing joints and muscles movements that you aren’t used to.
10. Stops Over Heating
Exercising in a pool is great for keeping bodies cool during a workout. It helps to stop overheating and is a great choice of exercise especially in hot weather.
Conclusion
Pros:
Water Aerobics is a great way to improve your overall fitness and wellbeing. Studies have shown it can increase your metabolism, reduce body fat and help with many different health problems. Although it is recommended you talk to a doctor before you start any water exercise routine. Aqua aerobics classes can be great fun, very motivating and a great way to meet new people and socialize.
Cons:
For some people exercise classes and the thought of wearing a swimsuit in public can be a little intimidating. Thankfully there are many swimwear companies catering for women who may prefer to wear more modestly designed swimsuits. Companies such as Ocean Road Swimwear have a large range of swimwear suitable for water aerobic workouts both in regular and plus sizes. https://oceanroadswimwear.com.au/
If you’re a parent who loves surfing but find it’s hard to enjoy the water once motherhood takes over your life. Keep reading, as surfing mums are getting back into the ocean all over Australia while their children are being looked after for as little as $1.00 per week. Two mum’s in Byron Bay, who took turns watching each other’s children so they could enjoy a surf, decided that other mums could benefit too. So in 2008 ‘Surfing Mums Australia ‘was born. Since then they have grown to approximately x40 groups in Queensland, New South Wales, Victory and Western Australia.
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My morning with Surfing Mums Gold Coast was life changing. Having made contact on Facebook Groups, I spent the morning with some great mums at Rainbow Bay, Gold Coast. During a typical Queensland 36-degree heatwave it was great to cool down in the ocean surrounded by a beautiful coastline which is suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers because it has three points that create one of the world’s longest right-hander. Wearing Ocean Road Swimwear’s sun safe rash guards and swim shorts they showed me just how much fun Gold Coast surfing mum’s have.
mums who surf mature surfing women gold coast
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Believing that you’re never too old to enjoy yourself and having spent the morning watching mum’s surfing waves, I decided it was my turn to grab a surfboard and give it a go. Thank you Surf Easy for taking me for my first ‘Learn To Surf’ lesson on the Gold Coast. It was so much fun, although I will never win any surfing completions and have had more wipe outs than most middle aged ladies, I had the best workout ever.
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Many women are choosing to stay fit after parenthood by surfing, whether they are new to the sport or accomplished veterans. Groups such as ‘Surfing Mums Australia’ are helping ladies from all over Australia to connect with others in similar situations and continue to enjoy a sport that they love.
“Guilt free me time doing what I love while my son has a ball running amuck on the beach, it’s a win/win!”
“Surfing Mums keeps me anchored when I feel like I’m a drift on the sea of life. Surfing Mums has taught me to not to fight the waves of life, but to learn to surf them and go with the flow.”
“Surfing Mums is knowing that no matter how my week has been with my baby I get a dedicated hour to myself that I know I deserve.”
For more information:
Surfing Mums Australia: https://www.surfingmums.com/home
Surfing Mums Gold Coast: facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1055941911164382/
It is very difficult to find swimwear that fits and looks great. So once you have the perfect suit no one wants it to sag and fall out of shape.
Q: Why does my swimsuit only last a short time before it starts to sag?
A: Chlorine!
Chlorine is used to kill bacteria in pools and spas making it safe to swim. Unfortunately chlorine just loves to destroy our swimwear causing the fabric to breakdown and sag. Most swimsuit fabrics are made with Elastane (also known as Spandex or Lycra) Elastane is far more sensitive to chlorine than other fibres. But it’s the Elastane that gives swimwear its important stretch making movement comfortable and easy. This is why many chlorine resistant swimsuits have little, to no stretch. They are mostly made from fabric’s such as Polyester, with no Elastane content.
Q: Are we being forced to make a choice between the comfort and longevity of our swimwear.
A: Not Anymore!
Scientists and fabric manufacturers have come up with an ingenious way to prolong the life of elastane. Using chemicals to seal and protect these delicate fibres they can extend their life up to 10 times longer. Ocean Road Swimwear’s ‘Chlorine Resistant Treated’ swimsuits have been treated in this way. Helping us create swimwear that has both comfort and longevity.
Q: Why should I pay more for chlorine resistant treated swimwear?
A: Two swimsuits cost more than one?
All swimwear fabrics will eventually breakdown when exposed to chlorinated water. However, we can prolong this process by choosing a ‘chlorine resistant treated swimsuit’ although normally priced a little higher they could end up being much better value in the long run. Having to replace your swimsuit a number of times during a season can end up quite costly. Not to mention the impact on the environment.
Q: How long will my chlorine resistant swimwear last?
A: A little effort goes a long way!
When choosing where to swim remember the lower the level of chlorine exposure the longer the swimsuit will last. Salt water pools and private residential pools normally have lower levels of chlorine while public pools and water parks will have much higher levels. Although the fabric has been treated to have a higher resistance to chlorine it is still very important that the correct care instructions are followed. Please refer to the ‘Care Instructions’ listed on this website.
The UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) is a rating used for clothing and other fabrics that protect you from the sun. The higher the rating the more protection you will have from UV radiation.
There are two types of harmful rays that can penetrate through a fabric and reach our skin. Long wave ultraviolet A & short wave ultraviolet B. The UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and can course premature skin aging and skin cancer while the UVB rays affect the skin’s top layer and cause sunburn & sometimes blistering.
There are approximately x500 more UVA rays in sunlight than UVB rays.
Ocean Road Swimwear’s +50UV Sun Protection Range: has been created not only to look great but also to protect you from the harmful Ultra Violet sun rays. The fabric has been specially manufactured from UV resistant fabrics which have been ‘tightly woven’ to help block the radiation. A special chemical is then embedded into the fabric that can reflect, scatter or absorb ultraviolet rays even when the fabric is wet. This process means that the fabric is ideal for swimwear and sportswear.
Ocean Road Swimwear’s +50UPF label means that this item is rated at the highest level of sun protection. Classed ‘excellent protection’ with 98% of UV radiation blocked.
+50 UV Protection
Ocean Road Swimwear’s +50UPF label means that this garment is rated at the highest level of sun protection. Classed ‘excellent protection’ with 98% of UV radiation blocked.
There are many reasons to hide in the shade this summer. Too much exposure to the sun is the main cause of premature aging and skin cancer. The Sun’s uva rays and uvb rays damage the elastin and cause a loss of collagen in our skin; this in turn creates wrinkles. The sun rays can also cause skin discoloration and roughness. But when the risk goes beyond purely cosmetic it can cause anxiety and stress. I have put together a list of 7 ways you can stay sun safe so you don’t have to give up your summer fun.
USE SUN BLOCK – Always wear a lotion that protects against UV sun rays. Apply SPF 15 or a higher sunscreen on all exposed areas to get great sun ray protection. When swimming or enjoying water sports a water-resistant sunscreen should to be used. Reapply at least every two hours or immediately after swimming.
WEAR A HAT – Select a wide-brimmed hat or legionnaires hat that shades your face, neck and ears.
CUT DOWN THE AMOUNT OF TIME SPENT IN SUN – If simply staying out of the sun isn’t practical or fun. Cutting down your time in direct sunlight can benefit you greatly. Seek out shaded areas under awnings or trees and minimize your time in the direct sun.
WEAR SUN GLASSES – Use UV-filtering sunglasses with a sun protection factor of at least 30.
TRY TO AVOID MIDDAY SUNSHINE – The best time to avoid sun exposure is midday sun is when the UV rays are most potent. If you can, avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
PURCHASE SUN SAFE SWIMWEAR – Look for swimsuits with a UPF of at least +30 so that you know you’re getting effective sun protection. Choose garments that cover more skin consider a rash guard, swim shirt & swim shorts or pants. Ocean Road Swimwear products are made out of close knit, elasticated fabrics that cover your body without weighing you down. Make sure you purchase the right size. Overstretching will lower the Ultra Violet Protection.
BE AWARE OF DOUBLE UV EXPOSURE – UV light can bounce off surfaces such as water, and glass hitting your skin twice and increasing the intensity of exposure.
Remember, you don’t have to hide in the shadows to be sun safe. If you follow these 7 sun safety rules you can enjoy UV protection all summer, stress free. At Ocean Road Swimwear we design sun protective swimwear so you can have peace of mind, whist feeling comfortable and looking fantastic.
Do you want to know what you should be looking for when choosing swimwear? Then look no further as I’m attempting to help make sense of the endless swimwear options narrowing them down to styles that fit and flatter your body type. So whether your curvaceous or athletic, big or small, pear or apple shaped if you want to look and feel fabulous in swimwear read on.
Big Booty/Pear Shape
If you have a generous backside? Look for a suit with enough fabric in that area. Look for a bottom that falls just below the largest part of the upper leg. Swim skirts or shorts are a good way to achieve this. Also an adjustable rash guard or tankini can be worn at this length. A plunging neckline or eye-catching top draws the eye upward, minimizing the bottom.
Tummy Pouch/ Apple Shape
If you carry your weight mostly in your tummy and you’re looking to cover up or slim your middle, ruching is a popular way to do this. The gathered fabric hides bulges and can also help to conceal your stomach. A power mesh lining assists with support and helps to create a smoother shape. Choosing an A-line design or a style with loose fitting fabric around your middle will help to hide the pouch. Plunging necklines with ties or zippers and high cut bottoms draw the attention away from your middle. If love handles are your problem a high-waisted bottom that extends above your belly button works wonders.
Small Bust/ Athletic
If you’re more straight up-and-down and have fewer curves. Choosing a fitted design especially in a rash guard will stop the flattening of your chest and extenuate your shape. Bold prints or embellishments with ruffles create the illusion of curves. Certain halter tops can create cleavage. The smaller the swimsuit bottom, the fuller and curvier your tush will appear.
Large bust
If you’re well-endowed on top with ample cleavage. Avoid ruffles or embellishments up top if you’re hoping to minimize the focus on your chest. Bra-style tops with underwire and moulded cups and adjustable straps provide extra bust support. The thicker the strap, the more support.
Curvy
If you’re curvy throughout with a full bust, hips, thighs, and butt. Using a power mesh lining will help to smooth and hide any unwanted lumps and bumps. Wearing rash guards, tankinis and one piece swimsuits with rushing, gathering or a crossover design will flatter your waist and shape. If you suffer with back fat reach for designs with thicker straps and high backs.
Cellulite
No matter what your shape or size cellulite doesn’t discriminate. When attempting to keep those unsightly dimples under wraps. Choose swim skirts, shorts, tankinis and rashies with longer hemlines for more coverage. Look for garments that still pack plenty of sass.
Sun Sensitive
You don’t have to give up looking stylish just because they need to stay covered in the sun. Your swimsuit can also provide a bit of stylish protection. Rash guards with long-sleeves are can be made from Ultra Violet Protected fabrics and are available in a variety of flattering styles. These suits can be worn with a full legged swim pant/legging for full sun coverage.
Pregnant
Shielding yourself from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays is more important than ever during pregnancy. Your body’s pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) make your skin more susceptible to UV-induced discoloration. So sun protection and extra belly room are very important. It’s best to look for rash guards & tankini’s with ample room around your midsection. This will help to make you more comfortable and give your tum extra sun protection. Low rise bottoms are best as they will sit just under your tum.
I hope this was helpful and look forward to hearing any comments or suggestions you may have.
Q. How Do You Remove Hygiene Sticker Glue From A Swimsuit?
A. Removing the sticky glue left behind by the hygiene sticker from new swimwear is not the best way to start your holiday. So here are a few tips and tricks on how to remove this sticky gum so your bathing suit bottoms feel clean and comfortable.
1. First choose a removal agent. Some of the more popular choices are:
Eucalyptus oil Tea tree oil, Vinegar Rubbing alcohol Mineral oil, non-acetone Perfume, non-acetone
2. Apply the removal agent to a clean cloth or cotton ball and rub the affected area gently. 3. Gentle wiping almost always removes the residual glue. 4. Once the sticky glue has been removed hand wash your item in luke warm water using a soft laundry detergent or hand soap.
I hope this was helpful and would love your feedback and to find out what other removal agents people have used good or bad!
Wanna Give It A Try?
Disclaimer:
Ocean Road Swimwear can not make any promises, when purchasing a swimsuit, that the hygiene strip will leave sticky glue. We apologize for any disappointment 🙂
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PLEASE NOTE: NO ORDERS WILL BE PROCESSED BETWEEN THE 25th & 28th DECEMBER (this includes shipping, pick ups & returns)
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