The Dave & Malou Channel

The Dave & Malou Channel Welcome to the Dave & Malou Channel, where travel, photography, and history come together in one exciting mix!

We’re all about discovering those unexpected moments that make every journey extraordinary!

Queensland gardens are a treasure trove of the weird, whimsical, and wonderfully Aussie. Whether you're wandering throug...
07/08/2025

Queensland gardens are a treasure trove of the weird, whimsical, and wonderfully Aussie. Whether you're wandering through a suburban backyard or a country estate, you're bound to stumble upon some delightfully unexpected garden ornaments.

Fairies, gnomes, and even gargoyles make regular appearances. Some gardens feature entire fairy villages tucked under trees or nestled among flower beds. Old bicycles, saw blades, and even vintage scooters are repurposed into quirky garden features.

Frogs, wombats, and ladybugs perch on pots or peek out from garden beds. Some are painted in bright colors, while others are made from weathered metal for a rustic look. Metal wind spinners and decorative windmills are popular in breezy Queensland gardens. They add movement and charm, and some are painted in vibrant hues or shaped like flowers and birds.

Queensland’s climate and creative culture make it the perfect canvas for garden expression.

On 24 May 1770, Lieutenant James Cook made his first landing in what is now Queensland, at a place that would later be n...
06/08/2025

On 24 May 1770, Lieutenant James Cook made his first landing in what is now Queensland, at a place that would later be named Seventeen Seventy (1770) in his honour. This marked only the second time Cook had set foot on Australian soil during his voyage aboard the HMS Endeavour.

The Landing at Bustard Bay Cook anchored the Endeavour off the coast near Round Hill Head, now part of the town of 1770. Accompanied by botanist Joseph Banks, naturalist Daniel Solander, and others, Cook came ashore in a small boat. They explored the area, collected plant specimens, and observed local wildlife—including a bustard, which they shot and later described as the best meal since leaving England. Cook named the area Bustard Bay in its honour.

Today, the town of 1770 celebrates this historic event with annual festivals and re-enactments, keeping alive the story of Cook’s first steps in Queensland.



Black & White Photo: Sydney Parkinson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Painting: By Nathaniel Dance-Holland - from the National Maritime Museum, United Kingdom, Public Domain

The Saunders’ Case Moth (Metura elongatus), also known as the Large Bagworm, is a fascinating native insect found throug...
06/08/2025

The Saunders’ Case Moth (Metura elongatus), also known as the Large Bagworm, is a fascinating native insect found throughout eastern Australia, including Queensland. It’s best known for its caterpillar stage, during which it constructs a distinctive mobile shelter—or “case”—from silk, leaves, and twigs.

The caterpillar lives inside a silken case that it builds and carries around like a backpack. Early on, it decorates the case with leaves, but as it grows, it adds short twigs arranged lengthwise. These cases can reach up to 12 cm long and have two openings: one for feeding and movement, and a smaller one for waste disposal. When threatened, the caterpillar retreats inside and seals the entrance until it’s safe to emerge.

The caterpillar is a skilled climber—even on glass! It creates a silk “ladder” to scale smooth surfaces. And if its case is damaged, it can repair it with silk like a tiny architect.

Queensland is the birthplace of the global macadamia industry, and today it remains Australia’s leading producer - respo...
05/08/2025

Queensland is the birthplace of the global macadamia industry, and today it remains Australia’s leading producer - responsible for nearly 70% of the national crop. The industry thrives along the east coast, especially in regions like Bundaberg, Gympie, and the Sunshine Coast, where rich soils and a subtropical climate create ideal growing conditions.

The sector has evolved from humble beginnings into a powerhouse of premium nut production. Queensland growers are known for their commitment to sustainable farming, innovation, and quality. Recent developments include the release of four new macadamia varieties that promise up to 30% higher yields, boosting both productivity and profitability. With more than 75% of the crop exported, Queensland macadamias are highly sought after in global markets like Japan, South Korea, China, and the U.S.



Macadamia Tree (with blue sky) Credit: Stock photos by Vecteezy

The lizard mural in the footpath at Maleny (Queensland) is part of a vibrant and collaborative public art project that c...
05/08/2025

The lizard mural in the footpath at Maleny (Queensland) is part of a vibrant and collaborative public art project that celebrates the region’s rich biodiversity and creative spirit. It’s located in the laneway between Star Discount Chemist and Maleny Food Co on Maple Street, and is one of many native creatures featured in a stunning mural by local artist Kate Kazony.

It’s become a conversation starter and a beloved landmark, with many stopping daily to admire or photograph it.

If you’re strolling through Maleny, this mural is a must-see.

The ###X Brewery in Brisbane has been a cornerstone of Queensland’s beer culture for nearly 150 years. It all began in 1...
04/08/2025

The ###X Brewery in Brisbane has been a cornerstone of Queensland’s beer culture for nearly 150 years. It all began in 1878, when the Castlemaine Brewery was established in Milton, originally alongside a rum distillery. The brewery was founded by the Fitzgerald brothers, who had previously run a successful operation in Castlemaine, Victoria.

In 1924, the now-iconic ###X Bitter Ale was launched, marking a turning point in the brewery’s identity. That same year, the cheeky mascot Mr Fourex made his first appearance in advertisements, becoming a beloved symbol of the brand—even if his true inspiration remains a mystery.

The brewery merged with Perkins & Co. in 1928, forming Castlemaine Perkins Ltd, which became Queensland’s largest brewing operation. Over the decades, the brewery expanded significantly, investing in modern facilities and becoming a major player in the state’s economy and culture.

Today, the ###X Brewery is still located in Milton, beneath its famous neon sign, and offers tours that walk visitors through its rich history, brewing process, and, of course, a tasting session. It remains a proud symbol of Queensland’s brewing heritage and community spirit.



Black & White Photo: By Unknown author - Item is held by John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland, Public Domain

Bulimba Uniting Church (Queensland), originally established as a Primitive Methodist Church in 1866, stands as the oldes...
04/08/2025

Bulimba Uniting Church (Queensland), originally established as a Primitive Methodist Church in 1866, stands as the oldest church in the Bulimba district. Located on land donated by William Thorpe Riding, the church began as a modest timber structure and grew to include a Carpenter Gothic-style extension in 1926, reflecting both spiritual growth and architectural trends of the time.

Throughout its history, the church played a vital role in the Balmoral circuit, supporting neighboring congregations in suburbs like Morningside and Cannon Hill. Its timber-framed design, steep gables, and pointed arch windows offer a glimpse into 19th-century religious architecture, while also symbolizing its enduring presence in the community.

Today, Bulimba Uniting Church remains an active place of worship and community gathering at 216 Oxford Street. A memorial wall and commemorative rose honor its long legacy, marking milestones like its 150th anniversary in 2016. Though it has seen modern updates, the church continues to be a meaningful part of Bulimba’s cultural and spiritual landscape.

Kangaroos are iconic marsupials native to Australia and New Guinea, thriving in a range of landscapes from sunbaked plai...
03/08/2025

Kangaroos are iconic marsupials native to Australia and New Guinea, thriving in a range of landscapes from sunbaked plains to dense forests. The four main species—Red, Eastern Grey, Western Grey, and Antilopine—showcase varied habitat preferences and physical traits, but they all share the signature big-footed hop that earns their family name, Macropodidae.

With powerful hind legs and a tail built for balance, kangaroos can leap extraordinary distances and reach speeds up to 70 km/h. They’re surprisingly agile swimmers, too. Mobs—social groups led by dominant males—are the heart of their social life, and each member has its own name: males are “boomers,” females “flyers,” and young are affectionately called “joeys.”

The Wheel of Brisbane is a dazzling icon on the South Bank skyline - part thrill ride, part scenic lookout, and all-arou...
03/08/2025

The Wheel of Brisbane is a dazzling icon on the South Bank skyline - part thrill ride, part scenic lookout, and all-around crowd-pleaser.

Located in the South Bank Parklands, it rises 60 metres above the Brisbane River, offering 360° panoramic views of the city. Each of its 42 air-conditioned gondolas can seat up to 6 adults and 2 children, making it perfect for families, date nights, or solo sightseeing.

Originally built for Sea World in 2006, it was relocated to South Bank in 2008 to celebrate World Expo 88’s 20th anniversary and Queensland’s 150th birthday. It’s now a permanent fixture and one of Brisbane’s most beloved attractions.

Whether you're a local seeing your city from a new angle or a visitor getting your bearings, the Wheel of Brisbane is a must-do.

South Bank Grand Arbour is one of Brisbane’s most iconic and photogenic walkways - a living sculpture that winds its way...
02/08/2025

South Bank Grand Arbour is one of Brisbane’s most iconic and photogenic walkways - a living sculpture that winds its way through the heart of the South Bank Parklands.

It’s a 1-kilometre-long arbour made up of 443 curling steel tendrils, each supporting a vibrant canopy of magenta bougainvillea.

Designed by the architectural firm Denton Corker Marshall, it was officially opened in 2000 as part of the South Bank masterplan. The arbour follows the path of the former Expo 88 boat canal, blending history with modern design.

During the day, the bougainvillea blooms create a lush, colourful canopy.At night, atmospheric lighting transforms the arbour into a glowing ribbon of steel and petals.

It’s not just a path—it’s a destination.

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The Newstead Gasworks is a heritage-listed site in Newstead, Brisbane, Queensland, originally built between 1873 and 188...
02/08/2025

The Newstead Gasworks is a heritage-listed site in Newstead, Brisbane, Queensland, originally built between 1873 and 1887. It was once a major gas production facility, supplying gas for street lighting and domestic use in Brisbane. The surviving No.2 gasholder and its guide framing are remnants of this industrial era.

Today, the site has been repurposed into Gasworks Plaza, a bustling commercial and residential precinct featuring restaurants, cafes, shops, and a public plaza inside the old gas holder. The gasometer frame has been preserved and now serves as an open-air amphitheater, blending history with modern urban development.



Black & White Image: By Unknown author - Street looking towards the gasometer in Newstead, Queensland. Publisher: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland, Public Domain

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