March 2013 Vol 15 Issue 3
www.rainbowbeachcommunitynews.com.au Ph: 5486 3561 e: info@rbcn.com.au
People Power clear the beach
It didn’t take long for bins to fill
Greg Baldwin, Rob Booth and Carol Baldwin load up the big skip
Horse Riding Tours return to Rainbow F
Progress to the north
A
ll ages and nationalities even volunteer surf lifesavers, were down on the beach for operation “Clean up after Oswald”. It was estimated around 150 people converged on the beach – some in boots and others in bikinis - to clear the sand of piles of sticks and rubbish. Promoted by the Modin family, they spread the word with posters and through facebook to encourage as many on the
In this issue
beach that Sunday afternoon, February 3. Rainbow Beach fared better than many other communities affected by ex-tropical cyclone Oswald, however our beach was riddled with sticks and debris from the storms. Ruth Modin spoke to The Mayor and Council CEO and they were shocked to see the mess on the shore. With council workers continued on page 3
Tour Bookings for Coloured Sands
Tour Bookings for Fraser Island
• All new attraction/activity guide • See photos of Cooloola’s Preps • Clean up Australia Day on March 3
amiliar faces Andrew and Kirsty McCarthy have returned to the area and bring great news for visitors and everyone in the tourism sector. Rainbow Beach Horserides starts up in the beginning of March… well and truly ready for Easter holidays. Andrew is happy to say, “What I think is special about us is that it is just as important to us for the fi rst time rider to feel comfortable as an experienced rider.” “We are different to any other trail ride. Most companies have horses for extremely inexperienced riders, so they can feel comfortable. But the horses are only suitable for beginners, and experienced riders miss out.” “Our horses and saddles are superior. We’ve gone to a lot of trouble with our horses - you can do anything on any of them –from children on their fi rst try to the most experienced riders.” Four horses were brought back from WA when Andrew was managing a station which carried over 17000 head of livestock plus progeny. We bought them with the intention to start this business -knowing that
they were suitable for horse rides and working on a station. They have mustered under helicopters and worked in cattle feedlots. “We have 3 horses from when I ran the business 4 to 5 years ago –with the idea we may run it ourselves one day, and the rest are Australian stockhorses bought specifically for business.” Also of benefit to riders is that they will always have two staff members on the tour so they can cater to individual riding abilities. It means one of them can stay with those that prefer to canter and the other with the walkers. Their professional set up with quality saddles (almost all are new) are more comfortable to horse and rider compared to other trail rides. Andrew explains that “sore bits and pieces are greatly reduced” because of their focus on comfort. Their permit only allows up to ten horses per ride, in a location that is on the cover of 100 Best Beaches. “That’s where we’re riding - how can you beat that? A world heritage location!” he says. continued on page 11
All your local Tourist Information in one Place... OPEN 7 DAYS • All Tourist Information • Tour Bookings to Fraser Island • Tour Bookings to Coloured Sands
• Accomodation • Souvenirs and Gifts Lines • Swimwear and Clothing
TOURIST CENTRE Shop 8 RAINBOW BEACH ROAD, RAINBOW BEACH QUEENSLAND 4581 AUSTRALIA Phone/Fax (07) 5486 3333 (07) 5486 3277 www.rainbowbeachinfo.com Email: sam.rainbow8@bigpond.net