Jocelyn Magazine

Home
Australia
Barcaldine, QLD
Jocelyn Magazine

Coastal living, travel and creativity from Queensland's Fraser Coast and beyond. www.jocelynmagazine.com
(1)

16/09/2026

9 WAYS TO BRING THE RESORT FEELING HOME

A small rug could be making your living room look even smaller.

That’s just one of the decorating traps covered in this new Jocelyn Magazine article. It looks at nine ways to make a small apartment feel lighter, calmer and more luxurious, from choosing appropriately scaled furniture to turning a narrow balcony into somewhere you actually want to sit.

No major renovations required.

Read the full article on the Jocelyn Magazine website. You’ll find the link in the comments.

11/09/2026

LUNCH THAT TAUGHT ME SOMETHING NEW ABOUT MY OWN BACKYARD

I’ve lived on the Fraser Coast since 1992 and, through years of working in the media, thought I knew a fair bit about the history of our towns.

Then I sat down to a plate of barramundi at the Miners Arms Hotel in Torbanlea, and discovered that Burrum Heads was once called Traviston.

Beside our table was an old photograph showing fishing boats at Traviston in the late 1880s. The name came from early landowner Robert Travis; Traviston was later renamed Burrum Heads.

I found that fascinating because I’d always associated the similar name Traveston with the controversial Mary Valley dam proposal that was abandoned in 2009. Same-sounding name, completely different piece of Queensland history.

That’s one of the pleasures of exploring close to home: there’s nearly always something you didn’t know.

Torbanlea is worth a wander in its own right. This historic coal-mining town is about 25–30 km from both Hervey Bay and Maryborough, and its Miners Arms Hotel dates back to 1889.

Right beside the pub, you’ll also find an intriguing collection of little shops packed with collectables, curiosities and all sorts of things from another time, and seemingly every corner of the world.

Looking for somewhere different to go this weekend? Torbanlea makes an easy Fraser Coast day trip. Have lunch, browse the shops and keep your eyes open. You never know what piece of local history might be hanging on the wall beside your table.

09/09/2026

FENG SHUI RULES THAT MAKE GOOD DESIGN SENSE

What if some of those ancient feng shui rules aren't really so mysterious after all?

I've long been intrigued by the way a room can simply feel right, or somehow feel awkward, even when you can't immediately put your finger on why.

So, drawing on my years of drafting house plans, styling spaces and photographing interiors, I've taken a closer look at feng shui in Western homes.

Why does seeing the doorway from your bed or desk matter? Why can clutter make a room feel stressful? What do natural light, plants, mirrors and furniture placement have to do with it?

And then there are those feng shui rules about the toilet… 😄

Some ancient principles line up remarkably well with modern design thinking. Others? I'm happy to leave them to folklore.

Read Feng Shui in Western Homes: Modern Design or Ancient Folklore? Link is in the comments.

04/09/2026

🌸 Swap the Fraser Coast for Brisbane: A Spring Day Trip by Train

The Fraser Coast certainly has its share of magnificent gardens, but sometimes it’s nice to venture a little further afield for a change of scenery.

Last spring, a friend and I boarded the Tilt Train at Maryborough West for a day trip to Brisbane, with Roma Street Parkland our first stop.

Just a short stroll from Roma Street station, the parkland was a visual feast — masses of spring colour, fascinating plant varieties, and seemingly endless combinations of texture and pattern. Even resident water dragons made appearances.

After a leisurely wander, we stopped for lunch at the Garden Room café before walking into the city to take in a couple of art exhibitions. Then it was back to Roma Street and onto the train for a relaxing journey home to Maryborough.

Gardens, lunch, art and no driving. Not a bad way to spend a day. For more on the parkland, a link is in the comments. 🌿🚆

02/09/2026

WHEN LUNCH PLANS GO OFF COURSE… 🍷

Sometimes Plan B turns out rather nicely.

On a recent day trip from Hervey Bay to Tin Can Bay, we’d planned lunch at the marina or yacht club. Being a Tuesday, however, both were closed. One, I was told, for renovations.

Then, heading out of town, we spotted the newly renovated Sleepy Lagoon Hotel at 12-16 Bream Street. Tradies were still putting some finishing touches to the building, but inside it was already very much open for business, and we enjoyed a lovely, relaxed lunch.

It seems the locals have settled back in too. One woman had found herself a nice spot with a book and a glass of wine and looked in absolutely no hurry to leave. I can see her point. 😊

Tin Can Bay sits on Queensland’s Cooloola Coast, south-east of Hervey Bay, and makes an easy day trip via Maryborough and the quiet forestry roads beyond; one of those drives where getting there is part of the pleasure.

01/09/2026

🔐 Up to 50% off Arlo home security

Thinking about adding security cameras around your home? Arlo's Father's Day Sale is now on, with up to 50% off selected home security products until 9 September.

Whether it's for Dad — or simply something you've been meaning to sort out at your own place — it could be a good time to take a look.

Link is in the comments.

Affiliate link: Jocelyn Magazine may earn a commission if you make a purchase through this link, at no additional cost to you.

29/08/2026

What Happens When Art Makes You Look Twice?

Three exhibitions, three very different ways of looking at the world, and plenty to stop and ponder at Hervey Bay Regional Gallery last night.

Mayor George Seymour summed up one of the great pleasures of visiting art exhibitions: he’s always intrigued because he comes away having seen something new and been opened to new ideas.

From regional artists and contemporary metalwork to the intriguing intersection of whale song, science and art, there was certainly plenty here to get people looking, and thinking.

Entry is free. For more information, visit: https://hbrg.ourfrasercoast.com.au

PHOTOS: Scenes from the opening of three exhibitions at Hervey Bay Regional Gallery: Regional Spotlight, Matters of Time: Contemporary Metal Practices and Sound-Forms: Whale Song. From ceramics and contemporary metalwork to live handpan music and art inspired by whale song, the evening brought together regional creativity, national perspectives, art and science.

26/08/2026

Magnetic Island Moments 🦘

One of my favourite encounters from our recent day on Magnetic Island... a rock wallaby and joey enjoying the mid-morning light at Geoffrey Bay.

24/08/2026

How to Nail Outdoor Entertaining This Spring, Without Renovating a Thing 🌿✨

Spring's almost here, and the evenings are finally warm enough to go outside again. You don't need a fancy deck or a full backyard makeover to make the most of it; just some warm lighting, comfy cushions and a few small, affordable touches.

We've pulled together simple ideas for making your outdoor space feel inviting, whatever size it is, from a sprawling patio to a compact courtyard or balcony.

Pop over to Jocelyn Magazine to read the full article. 👉 Link in the comments.

Address

Barcaldine, QLD

Website

http://www.jocelynwatts.com/, https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1389226/189956238277084230/share

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Jocelyn Magazine posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your business to be the top-listed Gym/sports Facility in Barcaldine?