Ilha do Marajó is one of the largest fluvial islands in the world spanning 50,000 km² of land and ,comprising of 250, 000 inhabitants and extensive fazendas (farms).
The island lies at the mouth of the Amazon River in the State of Pará and travellers can organise to visit the island through various tour packages offered to Soure, the main town or the farms.
Divided into two main geographical regions, the eastern half of the island is called “regiao dos campos” known for its low-lying fields, flora and strips of forest. The western half is called “região da mata” where it is mainly rainforest, whilst lining the coast is palm trees and dense mangrove forests.
Similarly, the weather is also divided in two, with only a rainy and dry season, raining from January-June and dry from July-December. The first six months of the year are marked by the island becoming a swamp where the eastern side submerges completely under a metre of water.

Whilst the herds of buffalos adapt well to the rainy season, the dry season sees the birds flying in with the guará, a deep pink flamingo, very abundant and outstanding against the greenery of the island.

The main town, Soure which is on Rio Paracauari, is the favoured spot to stay at and has a regular boat service from Belém and accessibility to the best beaches and farms. There are also many bay beaches near Soure, the remote beach called Praia Araruna deemed as the most beautiful abundant with fresh and salt water and only 10 minutes by taxi from the town.
Abit further across from Soure is Salvaterra, which can be access by a short boat ride across the river. Shuttle boats leave every hour during the day and cost around 1 dollar. 10 minute walking distance from the town is Praia Grande de Salvaterra, a long stretch of beach that gives a great view of the fences corrals that dot Marajó’s coastline.

Travellers that want to venture further from Salvaterra can take a 24km dirt road to Câmara, and even further to the rustic town Cachoeira do Arari (51km).
Located in the north and famous for fishing, is the town Santa Cruz do Arari, where it is only accessible by plane and is completely submerged during the rainy season due to its location on Lagoa (lake) Arari.
Off the north coast is the island Ilha Caviana, known as a prime location to observe the pororoca (the thunderous collision between the Atlantic tide and the Amazon River) between January and April during full or new moon.
For those wanting to travel to Ilha do Marajó, there is a well-known local pilot named Marcello Morelio that shuttles between Belem and Ilha that also organises panoramic flights for up to 6 people to Ilha Caviana to observe the pororoca.
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A snow holiday can mean many things to Australians; it can be a completely foreign concept, an unimagined idea, or a far off dream. For others it’s an alien and daunting prospect, but something they might want to try at least once in a lifetime. For the enthusiast, a trip to the snow can be a regular event; a fun-filled time spent with family or friends, something to give up other things for.

Whatever it means to you, there must be something special about a visit to the snow because around a million Australians visit ski resorts in this country each winter. But what is it about a snow holiday that is so appealing?

To start with, it’s a unique experience. When people think about Australia, it’s often the beach, surfing at Bondi, diving in the coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef, or the red centre with its wild beauty, that come to mind. But Australia also a has significant and untameable high-country, boasting outstanding scenery and a variety of natural features.

Visitors are attracted to the Snowy Mountains because of the cool fresh air, clean water, mountainous environment, its rich history and of course wintertime activities.

Given the dominance of the beach and surf culture, for many Australians a snow holiday is something untried and untested. But when it’s winter and the beaches are chilly, it’s the perfect time to head to the hills for a different kind of experience.

Yes, it is cold in the mountains, but it is supposed to be! Equipped with technical outerwear and plenty of layers you’ll be set to brave the wintry conditions. Strapped to a snowboard or with a pair of skis on your feet you’ll be ready to slide and glide down the slopes in all conditions. If standing and sliding is not your thing, then give some thought to snowshoeing or snowtubing.
The key to a snow holiday is in the planning. Check resort websites and ask people who have been to the snow what does and does not work. This will help to maximise your time away so you can really enjoy your break. Well removed from the stresses of work, you will be able to unwind, relax and enjoy the experience.

Part of the thrill of a snow holiday is learning a new skill. Nailing your first green, blue or black run or sliding through snow-laden trees is exhilarating and satisfying. A snow holiday is about seeing the smile on your child’s face as they make their first turn on their own and it’s about spending quality time with family and friends building up memories and tales to brag to your friends back home.

Everyone is different and everyone experiences a trip to the snow differently. But ask anyone; it’s the experience of a snow holiday that makes it so memorable.
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