stompy

The only reason I went here was because this is where the ferry to Heron Island departs from. If you are going to Heron Island, you pretty much have to go to Gladstone. But try to avoid staying the night in Gladstone if you can… just fly in and go straight to the Heron Island ferry.

Wilson Island is only accessible via Heron Island (you have to buy a package deal from the people who run Heron Island Resort – you get a day on Heron, three on Wilson and then one more day on Heron).

Wilson Island was the most amazing place to visit, even if it wasn’t long enough! The island is tiny – you can walk around it in 10 minutes (although I never managed to do this… kept getting distracted and stopping to look at stuff). The island only has a maximum of 12 guests at any one time, so it really is like being stranded on a deserted island. Except for the food and accommodation! Three beautiful meals a day, cooked by the island chef, all drinks, alcohol and snacks included. The accommodation is in luxury tents, with complete privacy and solitude (and a private bathroom per tent as well – this is not primative camping!)

I can’t wait to go back!

When I was in the Old Port area of Marseille (early April, 2005), it was quite warm (16-18 C) – especially compared with Paris where we had come from. So that was one good thing about Marseille. But on the whole, I didn’t really like this place. It felt quite busy and dirty and hard to get around in. The food was very seafood based (obviously, being a seaside city with an economy based on the fishing industry) and I am not a big fan of shellfish.

However one really interesting place to visit was the Chateau d’If off the coast of Marseille. This fortress is hundreds of years old and sits on a little rocky island, about a 20 minute boat ride from Marseille. It was the setting for the Count of Monte Cristo and the actual Chateau has been used as a fort and a prison in the past.

I know that other people will find a lot to enjoy about Marseille, but personally I didn’t like it that much and won’t be in a hurry to go back. However, I will say it is worth a visit, because unless you go, you won’t know if you like it or not!