the South West Beaches

·       Albany

·       Point Riche

·       Quaalup Homestead

·       Hamersley Inlet

·       Munglinup Beach

·       Esperance

·       Cape Le Grand

·       Cape Arid

·       Lake Douglas

Our journey continued to the South East of W.A. We have had all sorts of weather and the ever present wind, (which is fairly constant around the coast and the flies).

A real highlight for us was the Banksia Farm at Mt Barker. Here they grow every species of Banksia known, from Hinchinbrook Island, NT to Tasmania and of course the majority which come from this region.   We had a nice presentation and tour from the owner, (the homemade scones and jam were spot on) .

The Banksias are quite stunning and the variety is amazing

On to Albany and its sights. Albany is quite a nice small town on the beach again with a lot of history. A lot of ANZAC crememorative displays etc seen that the fleets left from here.

We then headed along the coast to Point Riche, a rustic camp ground right on the beach.

Middleton Beach behind the caravan park

We went down to Bremer Bay and then into the Fitzgerald River National Park (more dusty gravel roads) and stayed at the Quaalup Homestead which used to run stock in the late 1800’s.  It had some old buildings which have been restored. Very basic camping and the saltiest shower water we have had. No nice lather of soap or shampoo.

Some Royal Hakeas that only grow around this area. The fly head dress is a must around here

Freeloaders!

Fitzgerald River National Park 

We travelled to the other side of the Fitzgerald River N.P. ( Mt Baron).  This area is quite unique in plants and scenery.  We stayed at Hamersley Inlet (Very windy and wet) – the end of the bitumen.  Most gravel roads were shut due to rain events.

Extremely wet and windy day on the beach

A real gem was Munglinup Beach $10 a night and right on the beach. The most magnificent beaches can be found down here.

Our camp at Esperance was in a yabby farm on the outskirts of town which was very unusual (a bit of a let’s start our own Caravan park , the local council aren’t enthusiastic closing down in 4 weeks).

looking over Blue Haven beach, the beaches are brilliant!

Cape Le Grande was a beaut spot to stop and we did some walks, fishing and had a nice swim. It’s a bit spooky though – the thought of the ever present shark that seems to take a liking to surfers a bit too often down here (solar showers excellent!) It was quite hot here.

view from our camp at Cape Le Grand N.P.

We then went on to Cape Arid.  More dusty gravel and as far as our Sante Fe could take us along this eastern coastline.  Lots of 4wd tracks (either deep soft sand or very high clearance needed).  Our camp was in a banksia forest with great views over the ocean and shared with many honeyeaters, goannas dragons and a little olive green snake).

View from our camp at Cape Arid

Lucky Bay Cape Arid

A local beach Hop! Lucky bay

Just us and the Birds! Cape Arid

Our current location as I write this Blog is Lake Douglas (12km out of Kalgoorlie), a freeby.  How do you explain this place – it’s a red dust bowl that could quite easily be mistaken for a rubbish tip but the sky is brilliant blue and a lovely view of the stars at night.  And I forgot to mention the wake up call at 5.00 am of dirt bikes.  The walls on our little box on wheels just aren’t quite thick enough.  The things you do when supermarkets and shops shut at noon on Saturday and aren’t open on Sundays.

Hoo roo

Its what its all about isn't it !