Grand quest to find Australia's 10 quirkiest letterboxes

Guest blogger Jacqui Kennedy is an adventurous soul who for the past year has been riding a ‘postie bike’ 25,000 kilometres around Australia. Here she shares her favourite experiences on the road – and her love of the iconic Australian letterboxes…

Having spent many years touring on scooters to unlikely places, including the Swiss Alps, people kept telling me to “get a real bike" – so I did.

I bought a CT110 ‘Postie Bike’ and called him Mo – top speed 80km/h when unloaded but as I’ve never subscribed to the less-is-best method of packing, he is an underpowered, overloaded little beast which steers like a washing machine. Did I mention that I like a challenge?

I like pushing the envelope and ‘tilting at windmills’. I like to encourage people to exit their comfort zones and not become the victim of media and marketing propaganda. You don’t need a big bike and a lot of money to have an awesome adventure.

I am an adventure travel junkie. I have been feeding my habit by taking Mo 25,000km on a wonky kind of figure 8 from New South Wales, through Victoria, around Tasmania, up South Australia through the Red Centre to Northern Territory and then down the west coast of Western Australia. I am now half way round with the Nullarbor and Queensland calling. Another year on the road should complete the journey.

Mo has a mischievous nature – he gate-crashed a wedding at the Big Lobster; he’s done a lap of the Mount Panorama race circuit; he got his butt kicked by Mother Nature on the Oodnadatta Track, where we were stranded for 6 days; he blushed with embarrassment when I went naked at the Pinnacles and scared the Japanese tourists; and he upstaged Will and Kate at the Big Rock.

The beauty about a slow lap around the Great Aussie Block is that you get to stop and see more than just the endless ribbons of bitumen. The country is littered with unusual signs, funny statues, weird landmarks and of course Big Things.

Most of all though, I like spotting weird and wonderful letterboxes. I love that, without any intention of personal gain, people will spend the time and energy to create something extraordinary out of an everyday object and that they would rarely receive the kudos or see the smiles they bring. They do it “just because" and that’s delightful.

These are the type of people who embrace life; who have interesting stories to tell; who invite you home to share their lives; who infect you with a spirit of mischief. These are my people.

Jacqui’s top 10 letterboxes

1. The Piranha: Denmark WA. This one is my favourite because of the work that went into the design. It would make it difficult to deliver bills.

2. Eiffel Tower: Perth WA. This was part of an elaborate farming property entrance with an Eiffel Tower on each side of the gate which read “Beware of the Owner"

3. Gnome House: Mt Buller, Vic. In the base of a tree on the side of the road up to Mt Buller lives a little gnome family with a little gnome letterbox. We left our calling card.

4. Mini House: Penguin Rd, Tasmania. A letterbox built in the same style as the house.

5. The Still: Wilmot Tasmania. About 50 elaborate letterboxes adorn the roadside into and out of Wilmot as a tourist drawcard. The whole town seems to compete for the funkiest box.

6. The Spider: Wisemans Ferry NSW. Never mind the spider on the dunny seat

7. Pork Plane: Deloraine, Tasmania. Pigs might fly on this letterbox.

8. Ned Lives: Spencer, NSW. Such is Life – Ned Kelly features quite frequently all over Australia. I have at least 6 in my collection.

9. Colours by numbers: Sprent, Tasmania. This group of boxes hints of a tightknit community in the mountains near Forth. Each box has the lot number – except the purple box, which simply says “Justin Case".

10. The Embassy: Canberra, ACT. This might just be the most important letterbox – outside the Aboriginal Embassy on the lawns opposite old Parliament House.

You can keep up with Jacqui at her blog Postie Notes .

The wild, otherworldly beauty of The Grampians offers a perfect place to unwind, slow down and relax.

Not all holidays yield the same result; some are bustling, with endless things to do, events to book and places to see. All great things, but they leave you feeling more tired than before. Then, there are destinations that help you slow down, making real connections and participating in self-care.

Destinations like The Grampians : surrounded by untouched nature, allowing a chance to reconnect with yourself and loved ones at a slower pace.

Discover six science-backed ways to enjoy a holiday and feel restored at the end of it.

1. Practice mindfulness

Hamilton Gallery, the grampians — Be present at Hamilton Gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Mindfulness – the practice of tuning into the present moment – has been found to help in reducing stress, anxiety and depression. One way to practice this art is by immersing yourself in art.

Hamilton Gallery has been in operation for over 60 years, and is not only home to many significant art pieces but also runs workshops and events for all ages to expand their awareness and understanding of art. The gallery is also the custodian of the largest collection of Gunditjmara artefacts held on country.

If you prefer to practice mindfulness through movement, visit Halls Gap Zoo to feed the meerkats – who wouldn’t feel better after focusing on these little guys? Or visit The Grampians Horse Riding Centre for an unforgettable morning ride through 10 kilometres of bushland. Enjoy the soothing movement of the horse and experience the bush anew.

2. Indulge in self-care

two people swimming in the Venus Baths, the grampains — Take an immersive bath in nature on the Venus Baths loop walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

While the term self-care might conjure up images of indulgent bubble baths or a soothing massage, there’s more to it than pampering. Self-care is any action that protects your physical, emotional and mental well-being.

Like taking an immersive ‘bath’ in nature. Do just that on the Venus Baths loop walk – ideal for less experienced hikers or those walking with kids – stopping at freshwater-filled rockpools to cool down along the way.

Serious hikers (we’re talking some rock hopping and traversing slippery tracks) can tackle the Wurgarri, or Mount Sturgeon walk, which rewards the effort with panoramic views from the summit.

For those whose idea of self-care leans more towards arts and culture, a visit to WAMA is a must. Australia’s first national centre for environmental art is home to exhibitions that explore the natural world through film, installation, painting, performance and more.

3. Embrace nature

Boroka Lookout, the grampians — Soak in incredible views over Halls Gap at Boroka Lookout. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Spending time in nature is the ultimate way to soothe your body and mind. It’s been proven to help with all manner of things, from reducing stress to boosting cognitive function. And there’s no better place to enjoy it than among the raw sandstone, wildflowers and native creatures of The Grampians.

Rocklands Reservoir, spanning 6700 hectares, is an ideal spot. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the view over Grampians National Park. Cast a line, hire a canoe or follow nature trails along the water’s perimeter. How’s the serenity?

To appreciate nature’s imposing power, head to Splitters Falls. Here, find unrivalled tranquillity. Spring is the best time to visit, when bouquets of native spring flowers greet visitors.

Those with limited mobility will appreciate Boroka Lookout, a viewing platform surrounded by breathtaking views over Halls Gap and the eastern Grampians. Come early to witness a sunrise you’ll never forget.

4. Prioritise Rest

outdoor bathtub at Nook On The Hill — Recharge at Nook on the Hill. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Above all else, a holiday should be an opportunity to recharge, and there’s no better way to do it than to get a good night’s sleep. We don’t need to tell you how essential sleep is, for everything from mental health to strengthening the immune system.

Try Wanderlust Glamping , where guests fall asleep to the soothing sounds of nature after an evening relaxing around the fire pit and wake to your very own green oasis.

For pure luxury in the foothills of the Grampians National Park, look no further than Nook on the Hill – a handcrafted tiny house surrounded by rewilded, lush native Australian bush. It might be small, but Nook on the Hill has everything needed to unwind in style, including an outdoor bath for balmy nights.

For a modern farm stay, book at Mount William Station in the foothills of The Grampians. The station combines old-world charm with modern amenities and easy access to everything this region has to offer.

5. Engage Your Senses

Salingers Cafe, destinations that help you slow down — Indulge in a meal at Salingers. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Few human senses are as fun to indulge in as taste. A meal at Salingers in Great Western is the ultimate treat, and not only for the taste buds. The food is excellent, but Salingers’ really unique attraction is the bustling beehive that lives within the walls of the historic building.

For an expertly smoked burger, ribs, or beef brisket, head to Flame Brothers in Halls Gap. Tuck into delicious food while you enjoy the view.

If you prefer your senses heightened by the pump of adrenaline, Grampians Soaring Club offers an eagle-eye view of the Grampians National Park and Pyrenees Ranges from a glider. Take in the sights with a cross-country flight, ridge soar, or altitude wave flight.

6. Connect and reconnect

The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria — Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

Making shared memories is a wonderful way to reconnect with old friends or make new ones. These unexpected finds make it easy to discover something new in The Grampians.

Amateur geologists will delight at the Kanawinka geotrail, which covers 60 sites over Australia’s most extensive volcanic province. Visit the Penshurst Volcano Discovery Centre to learn more about volcanic activity in The Grampians, or head to nearby Mount Napier State Park for a trip into the Byaduk lava caves.

Pop in to the Ros McArthur Art Studio to peruse the gardens full of native and exotic plants and flowers that serve as the subjects of Ros’s still life paintings.

For a shopping experience like no other, head to the Dimboola Imaginarium . Far more than a shop, the Dimboola Imaginarium is an immersive experience where you’ll find all manner of quirky bits and pieces. Expect the unexpected.

Put these science-backed holiday benefits to the test during a trip to The Grampians. Plan your peaceful getaway at visitgrampians.com.au.

Grand quest to find Australia’s 10 quirkiest letterboxes

Guest blogger Jacqui Kennedy is an adventurous soul who for the past year has been riding a ‘postie bike’ 25,000 kilometres around Australia. Here she shares her favourite experiences on the road – and her love of the iconic Australian letterboxes…

Jacqui’s top 10 letterboxes

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