Mike & Carol's Bushtracker Adventures Around Australia

Friday, November 28, 2008

THE BIG TRIP - 2008

AROUND AUSTRALIA 2008
Saturday 22 November – Friday 28 November
Margaret River – Albany
Blog 16

On leaving Margaret River we continued south along Caves Rd as it was closer to the coast than the highway. We drove into Conto’s along the coast and then through the most beautiful Boranup Karri Forest on our way to Augusta. The trees were straight, tall and majestic and it was a magic drive on dirt road.

We booked into tour at the Leeuwin Lighthouse. It was raining but stopped as we got to the top of the lighthouse even though it was still very windy. This is where the Indian Ocean and the Southern Ocean meet and we were saying goodbye to the Indian Ocean that we have been watching for the last 7 months. From the Lighthouse we stopped at the Old Water wheel which used to pump water from a naturally occurring fresh spring to the light house and the light house keepers. Since the wheel has not been used since the 1960s it has become totally calcified and looks magnificent. We then took the coast road back to Augusta stopping at the little town of Flinders.

The town of Augusta was really started by 3-4 families and depended on the felling and transporting of the tall Karri and Jarrah trees which were shipped to London and Amsterdam.

We continued to enjoy the tall trees as we drove Pemberton stopping at Beedelup Falls in Beedelup National Park. The waterfalls were really gushing due to the recent rains over the past few days in the area. It was raining as we walked the falls and over a suspension bridge.

We stopped at The Cascades in Pemberton and then onto Northcliffe.

We drove to Windy Harbour on the coast and it rained most of the way. The tall forests gave way to coastal shrubs and heaths as we got closer to the coast and the Southern Ocean. The Harbour lived up to its name and it was spectacularly windy, rugged, wild and free. The boat ramp and Cathedral Rock were wonderful places to see. We walked around and enjoyed the gusts blowing. We then drove to Point D’Entrecasteaux which is on the other side of the peninsula to Cathedral Rock. It was raining by the time we got there but the views were still spectacular.

We started the next day at Northcote at the Sculpture Walk that was behind the information centre. Local sculptures had got together to organise something that would bring tourists to the town and we were happy to view the exhibits. We spent at least 1.5 hours walking around the forest looking at the beautiful sculptures one of the highlights being the audio tour that gave the artists explanations behind their works, their thoughts, the materials they used and how they produced the art.

In Walpole we saw the giant tingle tree and then completed the one way loop enjoying the scenery. The drive included a visit to circular pool which was given the name because as the water rushes down the Frankland River, it forms circular pools. The water in the river is brown due to the dissolved tannin and has a lot of froth on it from the saponin that is dissolved into the water from the vegetation of the area. It was sunny and raining in patches but the day was lovely.

We headed back along the scenic loop called the Knoll which took us around the edge of Walpole Inlet on which Walpole is situated. It is a lovely little hamlet.

On our way to Denmark we stopped Dinosaur and Parrot Exhibition which was new. Mike had the BEST time with the parrots. Many of them were flying free and he could hold them and talk to them to his hearts delight.

We stopped at Greens Pool which was really green and then walked across the rocks to Elephant Cove where the rocks really do look like elephants.

In Denmark we walked up to the top of the water barometer which had been donated by a Dutch resident, Bert Bolle, who had a barometer museum in Holland and couldn’t bear to part with this one that he had built. It is so tall that they had build a special building, the Barometer Tower, to accommodate it. It was a beautiful peace and the story of the donor and of barometers was great. There is a tribute to the pioneers of the barometer, Galileo and Torricelli who was a student of Galileo and carried on the work he had started.

We continued on to Albany along the scenic coast road and stopped of a 2 beaches along the way. Lowlands beach had the now usual white sands, turquoise waters, cliffs with heath growing on it still with some wild flowers in bloom. The lookouts give such beautiful panoramic views. Our last stop before Albany was Cosy Corner Beach with a similar appearance but without the cliffs. So far the southern ocean has been rough and wild but beautiful.

We took a detour to Mt Barker but didn’t stay long due to the bad weather.

We decided to do our sight seeing around Albany even though there were showers and in between the down pours there were breaks of sunshine. We always start at the furthest place and work our way back so we headed to Princess Royal Harbour and down to Frenchman’s Bay. It was drizzling in parts but the bay was beautiful and there was no wind so the harbour was like glass. We drove to Whale World and just had a look around but didn’t go into Whale World. On to Salmon Holes which is another little beach where the Salmon come to spawn to there are plenty of fish. It was cold, windy and raining but there was still one lone fisherman down on the beach fishing.

Each place required a drive down to the coast and then back again to Frenchman’s Rd. Our next stop was Stony Hill where we braved the rain. By the time we got to the Blow Holes it was really pouring with rain, after talking to some people who had just come back from the walk and said that they couldn’t see anything as the water was relatively calm and it was raining so much that the visibility was poor, we decided not to bother to get out and look. We drove to the Natural Bridge and the Gap and waited for the rain to subside before venturing out to have a look.

The view was even more spectacular due to the dark clouds. It was really lovely. We then drove back into town and up to the Anzac War Memorial. There is a memorial of trees to honour the fallen, 3 rows deep on one side and 2 rows deep on the other side. The trees were beautiful gums. The Australian and New Zealand soldiers actually left from Albany in 1916 to go to Gallipoli and the first dawn service honouring the soldiers took place in Albany and then spread to the rest of the country after that. Ataturk Entrance which is the opening to Princess Royal Harbour from King George Sound was named after the general in charge of the Turkish Army in WW1. This was done when the Turks allowed the naming of Anzac Cove in honour of that battle.

From there it was a short walk to Mt Clarence, 186m high, and the view was beautiful. Albany is situated in a valley between 2 peaks, Mt Clarence on one side and Mt Melville, 157m high, on the other side. We made sure that we went to the top of both. Our last explore for the day was Mt Melville.

It was sunny the next day as we left for our River Cruise on the Kalgan Queen which was a 4 hour cruise that took us into Oyster Harbour and up the Kaglan River to the Montgomery Winery. Jack, our skipper and guide fed the pelicans, enticed some of them to dance, showed us a whistling kite, osprey and explained much of the history of the area. We had wine tasting at Montgomery Winery and were taken to and from the winery by bus.


South of Margaret River WA we drove to Conto Beach WA


Views from Caves Road as we headed to Conto Beach WA


Views above Conto Beach WA


Views at Conto Beach WA


Views at Conto Beach WA


Boranup Karri Forest on our way to Augusta WA


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Views at Hamelin Bay WA


Views at Hamelin Bay WA


Views at Hamelin Bay WA


Information on Hamelin Bay on the Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin Track - South West WA


Hameilin Bay had this huge jetty where Karri Timber was exported from to the whole world - Hamelin Bay WA


Remains of the old Jetty - Hamelin Bay WA


Remains of the old Jetty - Hamelin Bay WA


We arrived at Augusta WA on the southern tip of WA


Information on Matthew Flinders who sighted Cape Leeuwin near Augusta WA in 1801 and commenced mapping the Australian coast


The South Pole is 3398 Miles south of Augusta WA


Our first view of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse


We arrived to do the tour of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse - Cape Leeuwin WA


Carol inside the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse - Cape Leeuwin WA


Part of the Mechanism that turns the light at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse - Cape Leeuwin WA


Views to the south from the top of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse - Cape Leeuwin WA


Views to the east from the top of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse - Cape Leeuwin WA


Views to the north west from the top of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse - Cape Leeuwin WA


This was as close as we could get to the Glass prisms which reflect the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse beacon - Cape Leeuwin WA


Information on Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse - Cape Leeuwin WA


Stairwell inside Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse - Cape Leeuwin WA


Stairwell inside Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse - Cape Leeuwin WA


Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse built in 1895/6 - Cape Leeuwin WA


Cape Leeuwin marks the point where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean - Cape Leeuwin WA


Marker where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean - Cape Leeuwin WA


Chart showing currents around Australia, the fact that the west coast Leeuwin current travels south is amazing - Cape Leeuwin WA


Views at Cape Leeuwin WA


Another view of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse built in 1895/6 - Cape Leeuwin WA


Memorial to the ten ratings of the Destroyer HMAS Nizam who were swept overboard and died in 1945 - Cape Leeuwin WA


Photo of the Destroyer HMAS Nizam - Cape Leeuwin WA


Lighthouse Keepers Accommodation Huts - Cape Leeuwin WA


Information on the 1895 buit Water Wheel - Cape Leeuwin WA


Remains of the 1895 buit Water Wheel today - Cape Leeuwin WA


Views at the 1895 buit Water Wheel - Cape Leeuwin WA


Look how nature's minerals has frozen the 1895 buit Water Wheel - Cape Leeuwin WA


Views near the 1895 buit Water Wheel - Cape Leeuwin WA


Views of Flinders on the WA Coast


Views of Flinders on the WA Coast


It was wet and miserable but we had to visit Beedelup National Park near Pemberton WA


The water was gushing due to recent rains - Beedelup National Park near Pemberton WA


The ferns were dense and lush - Beedelup National Park near Pemberton WA


Carol on the boardwalk - Beedelup National Park near Pemberton WA


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Our rig in the forest at Beedelup National Park near Pemberton WA


We went to Windy Harbour and Pt D'Entrecasteaux WA


Information on seagrass - Windy Harbour WA


Views at Windy Harbour WA


Views of Windy Harbour WA


Carol at the boat ramp - Windy Harbour WA


Views from the boat ramp, the place is very aptly named, it sure was windy - Windy Harbour WA


We drove around the track to Cathedral Rock - Windy Harbour WA


We drove from Windy Harbour Settlement to Cathedral Rock and on to Point D'Entrecasteaux WA


Views of the ocean from Cathedral Rock - Windy Harbour WA


Carol walking towards Cathedral Rock - Windy Harbour WA


Cathedral Rock - Windy Harbour WA


Catherdal Rock is in the D'Entrecasteaux National Park WA


Views of Cathedral Rock - Windy Harbour WA


Cathedral Rock - Windy Harbour WA


Marram Grass helps stabilise the Dunes at Cathedral Rock - Windy Harbour WA


Houses at Windy Harbour WA


We drove on to Point D'Entrecasteaux to do the Pupulong Loop Walk - that's John and our rig - Point D'Entrecasteaux WA


Views on the Pupulong Loop Walk - Point D'Entrecasteaux WA


Views on the Pupulong Loop Walk - Point D'Entrecasteaux WA


Views on the Pupulong Loop Walk - Point D'Entrecasteaux WA


This morning started with a visit to the Northcliffe Information & Vistor Centre - Northcliffe WA


We decided to do the 1.2km long Southern Forest Sculpture Walk located at the Visitor Centre - Northcliffe WA


Information on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Entrance to Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


A beating heart between two trees - Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


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Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Gold Gum leaves - Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Fungi on tree - Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Meeting Place - Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Gum Leaf Seat - Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Feral Cat - Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


Views on the Southern Forest Sculpture Walk - Northcliffe WA


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Mural - Northcliffe WA


Mural - Northcliffe WA


We entered the Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA to take in the views at Hilltop lookout and then visit the Giant Tingle Tree


View from Hilltop Lookout, Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


We took this track in Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


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We are off to see the Giant Tingle Tree - Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


Information on the Giant Tingle Tree Loop Walk - Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


Base of the Giant Tingle Tree - Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


Carol dwarfed by the Giant Tingle Tree - Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


Looking up at the Giant Tingle Tree - Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


Part of the Giant Tingle Tree - Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


Views on the Giant Tingle Tree Loop Walk - Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


Information on tree types on the Giant Tingle Tree Loop Walk - Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


Views on the Giant Tingle Tree Loop Walk - Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


Our next stop Circular Pool in the Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


Views as we walked down to Circular Pool in the Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


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Noongar people information - Circular Pool in the Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


Views of the raging river above Circular Pool in the Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


Froth and Bubbles - Circular Pool in the Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


The froth and bubbles certainly look like coffee - Views of the raging river above Circular Pool in the Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


Look at the froth and bubbles - Circular Pool in the Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


Views of Circular Pool in the Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


Circular Pool in the Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


Waterbirds Road sign - Circular Pool in the Walpole - Nornalup National Park WA


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We Stopped in at Coalmine Beach - Walpole WA


Coalmine Beach - Walpole WA


We arrived in Blue Fairy Wren country - Denmark WA


We drove up to the Valley of the Giants, one of four tree top walks around Australia but did not go in because we had done it before


Instead Carol & I visited Dinosaur World - Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


Dinosaur World had an amazing collection of Dinosaurs- Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


Carol checked out the Triceratops - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


And the Protoceratops - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


There were frilled necked lizards in one tank - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


Pythons in another tank - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


Thorny Lizard - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


Snake - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


Huge Monitor - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


And in the backyard the most amazing array of parrots like this Sun Conure Parrot - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


The colours on this female Eclectus parrot were simply stunning - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


Male Eclectus Parrot - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


Moustache Parrakeet - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


Rainbow Lorikeet - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


All these Parrots are wandering around freely in the yard - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


Red Tailed Black Cockatoo - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


Sulphur Crested Cockatoo - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


Australian Corrella and Sulphur Crested Cockatoo "Do you want to fight" - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


Female Eclectus Parrot - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


The owner puts fresh apple pieces and nectar filled bottle brush out for the birds - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


Gold Macaw - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


One foot to stand on, the other to eat with - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


Sun Conure Parrot - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


Mike with a couple of parrots - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


The Eclectus Parrot liked Mike's beard - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


Carol looking at the Moustache Parrakeet - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


This Moustache Parrakeet liked Carol's Bushtracker jacket - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


Male and Female Eclectus parrots - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


The female Eclectus Parrot did not like what the male said - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


But then they kisses and made up - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


I love you said the Male to the Female Eclectus Parrot - Dinosaur World at Bow Bridge near Denmark WA


Our next stop was Green's Pool and Elephant Cove in William Bay WA


Views at Green's Pool - William Bay WA


Views at Green's Pool - William Bay WA


Views at Green's Pool - William Bay WA


Views at Green's Pool - William Bay WA


From Green's Pool we climbed over the rocks to Elephant Cove - William Bay WA


These rocks really look like elephants, Elephant Cove - William Bay WA


Views at Elephant Cove - William Bay WA


Looking back at Green's Pool from the rocks above Elephant Cove - William Bay WA


Our next stop was the Denmark Visitor Centre WA


It houses the largest water barometer in the world, the Bert Bolle barometer - Denmark Visitor Centre WA


Base of the Bert Bolle Barometer - Denmark Visitor Centre WA


Carol admiring the Bert Bolle Barometer - Denmark Visitor Centre WA


Look how tall the Bert Bolle Barometer is - Denmark Visitor Centre WA


Information on Magdeburg Hemispheres - Denmark Visitor Centre WA


Views of Lowlands Beach on our way to Albany WA


Our rig above Lowlands Beach on our way to Albany WA


Views of Lowlands Beach on our way to Albany WA


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Cosy Corner Beach on our way to Albany WA


Views from Cosy Corner Beach on our way to Albany WA


We took a detour to Mt Barker WA and visited Goundrey Wines, Rhonda's favourite wine


The Goudrey vineyard was magnificent but the winery was closing down today - Mt Barker WA


The avenue of trees was great to drive through - Mt Barker WA


Look how much of the land is vineyard - - Mt Barker WA


Communication Tower on top of Mt Barker WA


Views from Mt Barker WA


The sky was black as we left Mt Barker WA


Reflections in Princess Royal Harbour - Albany WA


Reflections in Princess Royal Harbour - Albany WA


View of Frenchman's Bay - Albany WA


Mural at Public Toilet above Frenchman's Bay - Albany WA


Albany Whaling Station - Albany WA


Salmon Holes - Albany WA


Information on Salmon Holes - Albany WA


Views at Stony Hill - Albany WA


Views at Stony Hill - Albany WA


Views at Stony Hill - Albany WA


Views looking back to Albany from Stony Hill - Albany WA


Carol enjoyed the views at Stony Hill - Albany WA


Views at Stony Hill - Albany WA


Views at Stony Hill - Albany WA


Views looking back to Albany from Stony Hill - Albany WA


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Buds on Tree - Albany WA


Natural Bridge - Albany WA


The Gap - Albany WA


The Gap - Albany WA


Avenue of Honour - Albany WA


A tree for each soldier who died in WWI, WWII and the Korean War - Avenue of Honour - Albany WA


Below each tree in the Avenue of Honour is a plaque like this one - Albany WA


Views of Bald Head to Albany from Mt Clarence - Albany WA


Anzac Memorial at Mt Clarence - Albany WA


Anzac Memorial at Mt Clarence - Albany WA


Views of the Ataturk Entrance to Princess Royal Harbour from the Anzac Memorial - Albany WA


Views of Woodchipping and Grain Loading facilities at Albany Port - Albany WA


Views of 157m high Mt Melville from 186m high Mt Clarence - Albany WA


Views of King George Sound - Albany WA


Memorial to Kemal Ataturk First President of Modern Turkey - Albany WA


Views from Mt Melville - Albany WA


Views of Albany from Mt Melville Lookout - Albany WA


Memorial to Sam the Seal - Kalgan River Kalgan WA


Sam the Seal - Kalgan River Kalgan WA


We are taking a cruise down the Kalgan River on the Kalgan Queen - Kalgan WA

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There were lots of Pelicans around the Kalgan Queen, and they were so friendly - Kalgan WA

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We just love Australian Pelicans - Kalgan WA

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This Pelican wanted to see who was on todays cruise on the Kalgan Queen - Kalgan WA

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You cannot get much closer to a Pelican than this - Kalgan WA

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The owners of the Kalgan Queen feed these Pelicans - Kalgan WA

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Pelican ready for a herring snack - Kalgan WA

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What about me asks this Pelican - Kalgan WA

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Pelicans around the Kalgan Queen Cruise boat - Kalgan WA

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Jack, the son of the owner of the Kalgan Queen telling us about todays cruise - Kalgan WA


The Kalgan River was like a mirror this morning - Kalgan WA

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And as we headed out from port the Pelicans followed us - Kalgan River WA

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Pelicans around the Kalgan Queen Cruise boat - Kalgan WA

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Reflections on the Kalgan River - Kalgan WA


The Pelicans flew so close to the Kalgan Queen - Kalgan River WA

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This was just magic - Pelicans gliding on the Kalgan River WA

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How beautiful is this - Pelicans gliding on the Kalgan River WA

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Pelican in flight - Kalgan River WA

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Pelican preparing to land - Kalgan River WA

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Pelican Landing on the Kalgan River WA

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These Pelicans were so close to our boat Mike got lots of great photos - Kalgan River WA

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Pelican in flight - Kalgan River WA

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Pelican feet out ready to land - Kalgan River WA

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Pelican landing - Kalgan River WA

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The Pelican on the right is called dancer because it swims in a circle for its fish treat - Kalgan River WA

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Views of the Kalgan River from the Kalgan Queen cruise boat - Kalgan River WA


Pelican in flight - Kalgan River WA

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Pelican in flight - Kalgan River WA

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Pelican in flight - Kalgan River WA

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Pelican in flight - Kalgan River WA

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Pelicans in flight - Kalgan River WA

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Pelican in flight - Kalgan River WA

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Pelican in flight - Kalgan River WA

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Pelican Landing - Kalgan River WA

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Pelican in flight - Kalgan River WA

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Pelican in flight - Kalgan River WA

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Reflection of Pelican Landing - Kalgan River WA

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Sea Eagle in flight - Kalgan River WA


Views of the Kalgan River Caravan Park from the Kalgan Queen Cruise Boat - Kalgan River WA


Views from the Kalgan Queen Cruise Boat - Kalgan River WA


Views from the Kalgan Queen Cruise Boat - Kalgan River WA


The Giant Kingfisher, opposite Honeymoon Island - Kalgan River WA


Views from the Kalgan Queen Cruise Boat - Kalgan River WA


Views from the Kalgan Queen Cruise Boat - Kalgan River WA


The Kalgan Queen pulled into Montgomery's Hill Winery - Kalgan River WA


Montgomery's Hill Winery - Kalgan River WA


Montgomery's Hill Winery - Kalgan River WA


Montgomery's Hill Winery - Kalgan River WA


Inside the Cellar Door Montgomery's Hill Winery - Kalgan River WA


Views of the Vineyard Montgomery's Hill Winery - Kalgan River WA


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Pelican poked it's head in the boat window and said "Glad to see you back at the dock" - Kalgan River WA

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As we arrived at the dock this Pelican dropped in to say goodbye - Kalgan River WA

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The Kalgan Queen back in port, what a fantastic day we have had - Kalgan River WA


Bandicoot Road sign - Kalgan WA


Turtle Road sign - Kalgan WA

Friday, November 21, 2008

THE BIG TRIP - 2008

AROUND AUSTRALIA 2008
Saturday 15 November – Friday 21 November
Fremantle – Margaret River
Blog 15

Fremantle Markets are a must when in town and we spent time browsing, food shopping and enjoying the atmosphere.

We then drove to the historic town of Guildford which is the beginning of the Swan Valley with most of its buildings listed by the Historic Society. We had lunch at the Rose and Crown, the oldest pub in WA still in operation. Guildford was the furthest point along the Swan River where the boats could go. It was the beginning of the fertile farming land and an inland port which shipped the produce down to the settlement of Perth.

We then drove further east to the Perth Hills and to the lovely little town of Mundaring and the Mundaring Weir. The weir was completed in 1903 in conjunction with a pipeline to supply Kalgoorlie with water. The water was pumped 560km using 8 pump stations to get it there. It was an amazing engineering fete and is the longest pipeline carrying water anywhere in the world. It takes between 7 to 14 days for the water that leaves the dam at Mundaring to get to Kalgoorlie.

We spent the next day in the Swan Valley which is really still a suburb of Perth. We stopped at the Sandalford Winery; very up market and beautifully set out. It had Lovely buildings and grounds but the wines were very ordinary. We decided to take the Swan Valley Wagon Tours which took us around in a horse drawn wagon. It was a lovely sunny afternoon and the pace of the horses was perfect. We stopped at an aboriginal art place, an ice-cream place, Charlie’s Winery where the wines were again very ordinary but it was a lovely stop. Our last winery had a great atmosphere. The group was getting noisier with each drink and it was a lot of fun.

We took the coast road from Fremantle and stopped at Cape Peron which is different from Cape Peron North near Monkey Mia. It was a lovely spot out on a peninsula with water on 3 sides. We continued to head south to Mandurah stopping along the coast. We wandered around Mandurah on the boardwalk and had a look around and then we headed to Harvey via Pinjarra.

We really wanted to go through Harvey because of the dairy commercials on WA TV. Harvey is where milk, beef and cheese are produced from happy cows. The countryside was really beautiful with lush farmland and happy looking cows, Angus, Frisians and Jerseys. Harvey is also May Gibbs country. She wrote Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, the gum nut babies from her childhood memories from when lived there as a little girl in the 1930s.

We lit a fire at the campsite at Lake Brockman with its tall gum trees and enjoyed our drinks, the fire and the wonderful Australian Ringnecks (28s), magpies and the crows.

On our way out of Harvey we stopped at the Internment camp where Italian and German locals were interned at the outbreak of WW2 and also then the captured men from the Kormoran after the sinking of the HMAS Sydney. We also stopped at the new Harvey Dam which was completed in 2002.

We drove to Bunbury along the coast making it base for a few days.

The walk along the 1.8km pier to the underwater observation tower at Busselton was a must. The day was warm and calm with no wind for a change.

After lunch we drove to Dunsborough and then onto Cape Naturaliste only to discover we had just missed the last tour of the Light House by 15 minutes and couldn’t actually go to the Lighthouse so we just drove to all little beaches on the peninsula. Our first stop was Bunker Bay, then Sugar Loaf Rock where the road was closed so we took the dirt road and then walked the rest of the way. It was a beautiful spot with turquoise water and white sands.

After that we went onto Eagle Bay and then took the coast road to Meelup Beach. They are all beautiful little beaches and little communities with houses set into the hills overlooking the water. On to Castle Rock which was another lovely little beach. Our final stop for the day was to drive to Yallingup.

The whole way down the west coast we were surprised at how many wild flowers were still in bloom considering it was already November. The diversity both in shapes and colour was amazing.

From Busselton we took Caves Road to Margaret River stopping at Laurance Vineyards on the way.

We wandered around the beautiful rose garden enjoying the sculpture of the lady in the lake. The lady symbolises freedom and that we should appreciate the wonderful freedom we have in Australia.

We didn’t taste the wines because it was too early in the morning but it wasn’t too early for hot chocolates and cake at the Margaret River Chocolate Company. We also had to stop at the Providore and the Fonti Cheese factory.

It was wonderful to catch up with Steve and Leith, people who we have travelled with before and who are now living in Margaret River.

Even though the area has mostly wineries we did find a new brewery and stopped at the Cowaramup Brewing Company and finally the Nut and Cereal Factory.

The area around Margaret River offered places like Gracetown, Ellensbrook Homestead and then to little Meekadarabee Falls near the homestead. In the evening before heading to Steve and Leith’s place for dinner we had time to stop off at Redgate Beach and the mouth of the Margaret River.


Guildford Gaol Museum - Guildford WA


Information on the Colonial Gaol - Guildford WA


Taylor's Cottage - Guildford WA


Rose & Crown Hotel, the oldest Pub in WA still operating - Guildford WA


Information on the 1841 built Rose & Crown Hotel - Guildford WA


1841 built Rose & Crown Hotel, the oldest Pub in WA still operating - Guildford WA


English Beefeater at the Rose & Crown Hotel - Guildford WA


We had lunch in the garden of the Rose & Crown Hotel - Guildford WA


William Padbury Colonial Stores (built 1869) - Guildford WA


Bridge over the Swan River - Guildford WA


Information on the 1829 established village of Guildford WA


We did the Guilford Heritage Walk - Guildford WA


Old Guilford Bridge and dock on the Swan River - Guildford WA


Duck Road sign - Guildford WA


Views on the Guilford Heritage Walk Trail - Guildford WA


Views on the Guilford Heritage Walk Trail - Guildford WA


Guildford Post Office - Guildford WA


Views on the Guilford Heritage Walk Trail - Guildford WA


Views on the Guilford Heritage Walk Trail - Guildford WA


Our next stop was Mundaring Weir (east of Perth) in the Perth Hills


Mundaring Weir was designed to pump water from Perth to the Kalgoorlie Gold Fields 560km east of Perth


This is the No 1 Pump station at Mundaring Weir, there are a total of eight pump stations over 560km sending the water to Kalgoorlie


These are the furnaces used to provide energy to the No 1 Pump Station at Mundaring Weir WA


Visual display of the eight pump stations route from Mundaring to Kalgoorlie WA


And water finally pouring out at Kalgoorlie WA after its 560km trek - Mundaring Weir WA


Worthington Horizontal Duplex Triple Expansion High Duty Pumping Engine - Mundaring Weir WA


Worthington Horizontal Duplex Triple Expansion High Duty Pumping Engine Information - Mundaring Weir WA


Clock - No 1 Pump Station Mundaring Weir WA


Information on average water useage by Western Australian Households - Mundaring Weir WA


Information on Average Western Australian water usage inside the house - Mundaring Weir WA


Layout of water pumping line from Mundaring Weir to Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie WA


Fantastic how they used this rivetless locking-bar to make the pipes back in 1900 - Mundaring Weir WA


View of the Dam Wall - Mundaring Weir WA


No 1 Pumping Station and Dam Wall - Mundaring Weir WA


View of the Mundaring No 1 Pumping Station from the dam wall walkway - Mundaring Weir WA


View of the Dam wall from the weir - Mundaring Weir WA


Mundaring Weir WA


Carol on the Mundaring Dam Wall walkway - Mundaring Weir WA


Gatehouse on the Dam Wall - Mundaring Weir WA


Sign on the track warning of snakes - Mundaring Weir WA


The Bibbulmun Track goes for over 1700km in WA - Mundaring Weir WA


Looking down at the Mundaring Dam wall and No 1 Pump Station from the Bibbulmun Track - Mundaring Weir WA


Views on the Bibbulmun Track above Mundaring Weir WA


Views on the Bibbulmun Track above Mundaring Weir WA


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Mike really liked this huge log State Forest sign on our way home from Mundaring Weir


Kalamunda Bells (Gumnut Sculpture) - Kalamunda WA


Our plan today was to tour the Swan Valley winery region just east of Perth WA


First stop Sandalford Wines - Swan Valley WA


Huge old vines at the Sandalford Wines Cellar Door - Swan Valley WA


Inside the Sandalford Wines Cellar Door - Swan Valley WA


We decided we would do the Swan Valley Wagon Trails Tour - Swan Valley WA


Mike had to say hello to one of the draft horses - Swan Valley WA


And off we trotted in our horse drawn wagon down the main highway of the Swan Valley WA


Parking spot reserved for horse-drawn wagon at Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery - Swan Valley WA


We wandered around inside the Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery - Swan Valley WA


The owner and her daughter at the Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery gave a talk to our group - Swan Valley WA


Our next stop on the Swan Valley Wagon Trails Tour was Oggies Icecream Cafe - Swan Valley WA


Our Swan Valley Wagon Trails Tour guide gave the horses a treat - Swan Valley WA


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Then we were off to Charlies Estate Wines - Swan Valley WA


This is how they used to transport wine barrells at Charlies Estate Wines - Swan Valley WA


Carol wine tasting at Charlies Estate Wines - Swan Valley WA


The guy serving on the right was an Israeli - Charlies Estate Wines - Swan Valley WA


We continued our horse-drawn wagon tour down the back tracks across this lake - Swan Valley WA


Loved the signs on the steps of the Wagon - Swan Valley WA


We stopped at another cellar door to sample more wines - Swan Valley WA


Then headed back to our truck for the trip back to our Caravan at Fremantle - Swan Valley WA


Before leaving Fremantle we had to visit the War Memorial at Fremantle WA


Monument to Aborigines who served - War Memorial Fremantle WA


Monument to HMAS Sydney - War Memorial Fremantle WA


Torpedo - War Memorial Fremantle WA


Monument to Royal Australian Navy Corvettes - War Memorial Fremantle WA


Finally we stopped at the Fremantle Prison


Fremantle Prison - Fremantle WA


Information on Fremantle Prison and the Terrace - Fremantle WA


Views of the barracks next to Fremantle Prison - Fremantle WA


The Terrace, built for Senior Officers of Fremantle Prison - Fremantle WA


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We left Perth and Fremantle and headed south along the coast to Cape Peron WA


The colours of the Indian Ocean continue to captivate us - Cape Peron WA


We went to the lookout at Cape Peron WA


Map showing the location of Cape Peron from Fremantle WA


Global warming seems to have been going on for a very long time when you view this - Cape Peron WA


Views from the lookout - Cape Peron WA


Views from the lookout - Cape Peron WA


Views from the lookout - Cape Peron WA


Thats our rig (right of picture) and the views from the hill above the lookout - Cape Peron WA


We stopped in Mandurah at the Entertainment and Arts Centre - Mandurah WA


And there is my sweetheart Carol - Mandurah WA


Views of the river - Mandurah WA


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Continuing south our next stop was Harvey WA


In the Harvey Visitors Centre we met Snugglepot and Cuddlepie and their friends - Harvey WA


May Gibbs, creator of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie lived in Harvey for two years - Harvey WA


What would you expect to see in a "Moo Shoppe", cows of course - Harvey WA


Harvey produces great meat and milk from very contented cows - Harvey WA


The Moo Shoppe at Harvey Visitors Centre - Harvey WA


Some of the fantastic variety of produce that comes from this region - Harvey WA


Information on Sir james Stirling, Governor of Western Australia, who founded Harvey WA


Stirling's Cottage - Harvey WA


Gardens at Sterling's Cottage - Harvey WA


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We drove up to look at Logue Brook Dam on Lake Brockman not far from Harvey WA


We walked across the Logue Brook Dam wall


Views from the Logue Brook Dam Wall


It was so refreshing and beautiful we decided to spend the night at the Logue Brook Dam Caravan Park at Lake Brockman WA


As we sat out for happy hour at Logue Brook Dam Caravan Park the birds came looking for treats


Beautiful Ring Neck Parrot (also known as 28 because of the sound they make) - Logue Brook Dam Caravan Park


Come on, where's my treat asks this Ring Neck Parrot - Logue Brook Dam Caravan Park


These Magpies didn't want to miss out either - Logue Brook Dam Caravan Park


These parrots fed right out of our hands - Logue Brook Dam Caravan Park


The next morning again the birds flew in for their treats - Logue Brook Dam Caravan Park Lake Brockman WA


Logue Brook Dam Caravan Park WA is nestled in a huge forest on Lake Brockman


The tall timbers are just magnificent - Logue Brook Dam Caravan Park - Lake Brockman WA


Back in Harvey we visited the Harvey Internment Camp Memorial Shrine - Harvey WA


Monument to Sister Fontana who looked after the Italian Interns - Harvey WA


Internment Chapel And Fontana Monument - Harvey WA


View inside Internment Chapel - Harvey WA


Information on Internment of "Enemy Aliens" they were interned because of their origin of birth - Harvey WA


Around 30 minutes out of Harvey is Harvey Dam - Harvey WA


Views of the Harvey Dam Wall - Harvey WA


Views of Harvey Dam - Harvey WA


Views of the Recreation area below Harvey Dam - Harvey WA


Views of Harvey Dam wall - Harvey WA


Information on Black Cockatoos - Harvey Dam WA


Information on Baudin's and Carnaby's Cockatoos - Harvey Dam WA


Loved the Cockatoo Care sign - Harvey Dam WA


From Harvey WA we drove to Myalup beach for lunch


Myalup Beach WA


On the outskirts of Bunbury is a Mangrove Boardwalk


Information Board at the Laughing Wave Lookout - Mangrove Boardwalk Bunbury WA


Captain Henry William St Pierre Bunbury after whom the town was named in 1836 - Mangrove Boardwalk Bunbury WA


Ensign MacLeod in charge of a detachment in 1830 to oversee early settlement - Mangrove Boardwalk Bunbury WA


Rhonda, Carol & John at the Laughing Wave Lookout - Mangrove Boardwalk Bunbury WA


Information on the Mangrove Boardwalk - Mangrove Boardwalk Bunbury WA


Mangrove Boardwalk - Bunbury WA


Rest shelter on the Mangrove Boardwalk - Bunbury WA


These mangroves originated over 10,000 years ago - Mangrove Boardwalk Bunbury WA


Sign on the Mangrove Boardwalk - Bunbury WA


Views of the beach - Bunbury WA


Views of Bunbury from the town lookout - Bunbury WA


Views of Bunbury from the town lookout - Bunbury WA


Our rigs below the Bunbury town lookout - Bunbury WA


Checkered Lighthouse - Bunbury WA


Ten minutes north of Busselton WA is the Ludlow Tuart Forest


Aboriginals say there are six seasons not four as we westerners think - Ludlow Tuart Forest WA


Graphic of Seasons according to Noongar Aboriginals - Ludlow Tuart Forest WA


Information on Tuart timber - Ludlow Tuart Forest WA


The Ludlow Tuart Forest is the last remaining natural tall tuart forest in the world - Ludlow Tuart Forest WA


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Tuart Tree - Ludlow Tuart Forest WA


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The Busselton Jetty at 1841 metres long is the longest wooden jetty in the Southern hemisphere - Busselton WA


We visited the Interpretive Centre on Busselton Jetty - Busselton WA


Information on the Busselton Jetty - Busselton WA


Views of the Busselton Jetty - Busselton WA


The colours of the ocean are as spectacular as the length of the Jetty - Busselton WA


Carol, Rhonda & John on the Busselton Jetty - Busselton WA


New piers near the end of the Busselton Jetty - Busselton WA


We visited the Underwater Observation Tower at the end of Busselton Jetty - Busselton WA


Remains of the end of the original Busselton Jetty devestated by Cyclone Alby in 1978 - Busselton WA


Looking towards Busselton from the end of the 1841 metre long Busselton Jetty - Busselton WA


Seagull perched on a gate on Busselton Jetty - Busselton WA


The view as we return from our walk on Busselton Jetty was fabulous - Busselton WA


The four buildings at the start of Busselton Jetty are a world famous sight - Busselton WA


Great looking waterslide - Busselton WA


We continued south to Cape Naturaliste on the Western Australian Coast


We wanted to do the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse Tour but missed the last tour by 15 minutes


Unable to do the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse Tour we continued on to Point Marchant WA


Views at Point Marchant WA


Views at Point Marchant WA


Views at Point Marchant WA


Hello, another skink - Views at Point Marchant WA


Bunker Bay WA


Carol on the beach at Bunker Bay WA


The Western Australian coastline is just so spectacular - Wilanup Lookout Cape Naturaliste track WA


Carol and John on the closed road down to Sugarloaf Rock WA


Sugarloaf Rock - Wilanup Lookout Cape Naturaliste track WA


We drove the Wilanup Lookout Cape Naturaliste track back towards Dunsborough WA


Sign on the Wilanup Lookout Cape Naturaliste track


Information on the Wilanup Lookout Cape Naturaliste track


Eagle Bay WA


Views at Meelup Beach WA


Views at Meelup Beach WA


Carved Frog - Yallingup Beach WA


Carved Eagle - Yallingup Beach WA


Views of Yallingup Beach WA


Views of Yallingup Beach WA


Carol enjoying the views of Yallingup Beach WA


Really healthy looking cattle as we returned to Busselton WA


This bull was just magnificent


On our way to Margaret River we stopped at Laurance Vineyard on Caves Road Wilyabrup WA to be greeted by this sculpture - Free as a Bird


Information about the Free as a Bird Sculpture - Laurance Vineyard Wilyabrup WA


Beautiful Lavender Garden - Laurance Vineyard Wilyabrup WA


Roses attest to the health of the vineyard soil - Laurance Vineyard Wilyabrup WA


Carol was stunned by the beauty and fragrances of the roses - Laurance Vineyard Wilyabrup WA


Rose garden - Laurance Vineyard Wilyabrup WA


Magnificent Rose - Laurance Vineyard Wilyabrup WA


What spectacular colours on this Rose - Laurance Vineyard Wilyabrup WA


Beautiful Rose - Laurance Vineyard Wilyabrup WA


Carol just loved the Rose Garden infront of Laurance Vineyard Wilyabrup WA


The walkway to the Laurance Wine Cellar Door was just fantastic


Interesting ash tray - Laurance Vineyard Wilyabrup WA


Steve Irwin memorial - Laurance Vineyard Wilyabrup WA


These sculptures capture the cockatoos perfectly - Laurance Vineyard Wilyabrup WA


Carol entered the Laurance Vineyard Cellar Door - everything was just so elegant


Wine Glass Chandelier - Laurance Vineyard Wilyabrup WA


Ladies Bathroom - Laurance Vineyard Wilyabrup WA


Elegant Mens Pissier - Laurance Vineyard Wilyabrup WA


Bar - Laurance Vineyard Wilyabrup WA


Exquisit sculpture - Laurance Vineyard Wilyabrup WA


Wonderful Cockatoo painting - Laurance Vineyard Wilyabrup WA


We tasted the olives and olive oil - Laurance Vineyard Wilyabrup WA


The stone work layed without apparent cement was incredible - Laurance Vineyard Wilyabrup WA


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There are many wineries on Caves Road in the Margaret River Region WA


Great sculpture at the entrance to Saracen Estate Winery - Margaret River WA


Another interesting and creative sculpture - Margaret River WA


The vineyards look so lush - Margaret River WA


We also stopped at Gralyn Estate Winery - Margaret River WA


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Steve, Carol and Leith, it was great to catch up will our friends - Margaret River WA


Old Bushtracker mates Steve, John, Carol, Rhonda and Leith - Margaret River WA


Yummmm... lunch, Mike loves duck - Margaret River WA


Today we started at Cowaramup Brewing Company - Margaret River WA


Cowaramup Brewing make four beers - Margaret River WA


Carol at the Cowaramup Brewing Company Bar - Margaret River WA


The scenery outside Cowaramup Brewery was so refreshingly beautiful - Margaret River WA


Our next stop, Margaret River Nuts & Cereals - Margaret River WA


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Then onto Evans & Tate at Redbrook - Margaret River WA


The view of the Evans & Tate Vineyard was beautiful - Margaret River WA


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We then visited a pottery - Margaret River WA


We were allowed to view the potters workshop - Margaret River WA


And really enjoyed looking at the creativity, like this tea pot - Margaret River WA


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Then we dropped into Olio Bello where Leith works - Margaret River WA


Carol, Leith and Rhonda at Olio Bello - Margaret River WA


Cowaramup Bay Gracetown - Margaret River WA


Cowaramup Bay Gracetown - Margaret River WA


Views from Cowaramup Bay Gracetown - Margaret River WA


A must see in the region is Ellensbrook - Margaret River WA


Information on Ellensbrook House - Margaret River WA


Views at Ellensbrook - Margaret River WA


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Water Lily - Meekadarribee Falls at Ellensbrook - Margaret River WA

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We took the 1.6 kilometre walk to Meekadarribee Falls at Ellensbrook - Margaret River WA


Carol and Rhonda on the track to Meekadarribee Falls at Ellensbrook - Margaret River WA


Meekadarribee Falls at Ellensbrook but no water - Margaret River WA


There is no water here at Meekadarribee Falls at Ellensbrook - Margaret River WA


Views along the track - Meekadarribee Falls at Ellensbrook - Margaret River WA


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We then visited Margaret River Venison and bought Venison sausages, delicious - Margaret River WA


Redgate Beach - Margaret River WA


Redgate Beach - Margaret River WA


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Information on the Georgette shipwreck - Redgate Beach - Margaret River WA


Information on the Georgette shipwreck - Redgate Beach - Margaret River WA


Memorial Plaque to the Georgette which sank in Calgardup Bay December 1876 - Redgate Beach - Margaret River WA


Finally before going to Steve and Leith's for dinner we stopped at the mouth of the Margaret River WA


Views at the mouth of the Margaret River WA


View of the Margaret River near its mouth


View of Prevelly Beach - Margaret River WA

Friday, November 14, 2008

THE BIG TRIP -2008

AROUND AUSTRALIA 2008
Saturday 8 November – Friday 14 November
Geraldton - Fremantle
Blog 14

The area of Geraldton includes the ghost town of Greenough. There were the usual buildings made of stone; the police station, gaol, school house, Anglican Church, Catholic Church and a few cottages. We stopped for lunch at the Hampton Arms, a pub that was built in the 1860s as we were told that it made a great lunch.

After lunch we drove down to Lucy beach where the waves were crashing onto the rock and producing holes in the sandstone. It was lovely and wild with white sands and the beautiful blue turquoise water.

We continued south along the highway and then east to Ellendale Pool which is on the Greenough River with great sandstone walls and a “wonderful” but very dangerous swimming hole.

On the way we stopped at the largest wind farm in WA with its 54 wind turbines. They are certainly a majestic sight and add the electricity they produce to the states energy grid. We are now well and truly in Cray fishing country which is the main industry keeping many of the little towns alive. We just happened to arrive at Dongara-Port Denison on the Irwin River on the one day of the year where they have the blessing of the fishing fleet.

We drove into Leeman and Jurien Bay on the coast before stopping for the night at the tiny town of Cervantes.

Thirsty Point Lookout near the town overlooked the Indian Ocean with the now familiar, beautiful white sands and turquoise water. We followed some dirt tracks along the coast near Hanson Bay.

It was a short drive from Cervantes to the Pinnacles in the Nambung National Park and we really enjoyed our drive through the limestone pillars. Their formation is still not completely understood with different scientists presenting conflicting theories.

When we were in Kalumburu we were told not to miss visiting the little town of New Norcia. It is the only monastic town in Australia and a beautiful little place.

At its peak the town housed over 700 children in their boarding schools. They had separate schools and chapels for the white girls, the white boys, the aboriginal girls and the aboriginal boys. They were all kept separate but still managed to meet each other in the cemetery late at night and share the food that some of the boys had stolen from neighbouring farms. The monks ran the farm, wheat and sheep, they made wine and their bakery is quite famous and it now run in their name under licence.

From New Norcia we took the little back roads to Perth and Fremantle which was our home for the next week.

We drove north along the coast to Cottesloe beach, City Beach, Floreat Beach and Scarborough Beach. It was sunny, clear blue skies but very windy and cold and there were crazy people actually swimming and “sun baking”.

We spent a wonderful few hours in Kings Park visiting the War Memorial and the 150 year old boab that was transplanted and transported from the Kimberley.

The Perth Botanical Gardens, part of Kings Park, were started in 1965 and have different sections representing each part of WA with the native plants for that section so we saw most of the wild flowers all in a small space!!! We walked on the tree tops walk which also overlooked the beautiful Swan River and the city and back through the area that was dedicated to the progression of women’s rights.


Not far from Geraldton is the Historic Settlement of Greenough


Historic Greenough Hamlet welcome sign


These Leaning Trees are River Gum - the lean is caused by constant strong southerly winds - Greenough Hamlet WA


Wall inside the Information Centre - Greenough Hamlet WA


Outhouse (toilet) - Greenough Hamlet WA


School - Greenough Hamlet WA


View inside the School - Greenough Hamlet WA


Police Station, Courthouse, Gaol - Greenough Hamlet WA


The wide verandahs are a feature of colonial Australian buildings - Greenough Hamlet WA


Magistrate's Desk - Greenough Hamlet WA


Gaol Cells - Greenough Hamlet WA


John, Rhonda and Carol in the prisoner's walking yard - Greenough Hamlet WA


Well behind the Courthouse - Greenough Hamlet WA


Views of the Stables and outhouses - Greenough Hamlet WA


Stables - Greenough Hamlet WA


Inside Stables - Greenough Hamlet WA


Church - Greenough Hamlet WA


Inside the Church - Greenough Hamlet WA


Greenough Road Board - Greenough Hamlet WA


St Catherine's Hall - Greenough Hamlet WA


Views at Greenough Hamlet WA


Views at Greenough Hamlet WA


Views at Greenough Hamlet WA


St Peters Cathederal - Greenough Hamlet WA


Views inside St Peters Cathederal - Greenough Hamlet WA


Outhouse - Greenough Hamlet WA


Convent - Greenough Hamlet WA


Information on the Convent - Greenough Hamlet WA


Sleeping quarters inside the Convent - Greenough Hamlet WA


Aboriginal story - Greenough Hamlet WA


Views at Greenough Hamlet WA


Wesley Church - Hampton WA


H. Gray & Co Storehouse - Hampton WA


1860's built Hampton Arms Hotel - Hampton WA


1860's built Hampton Arms Hotel - Hampton WA


The Manager of the Hampton Arms Hotel had room after room of books and things for sale - Hampton WA


The Manager of the Hampton Arms Hotel had room after room of things for sale - Hampton WA


Inside the 1860's built Hampton Arms Hotel - Hampton WA


Formal dining room - 1860's built Hampton Arms Hotel - Hampton WA


Views at Lucy Beach WA


Views at Lucy Beach WA


Views at Lucy Beach WA


Views at Lucy Beach WA


Remains of a convict built bridge on our way back from Lucy Beach WA


The Greenough area has lots of Olive Trees


These Leaning Trees are River Gum - the lean is caused by constant strong southerly winds


The Leaning Tree of Greenough WA


We stopped at the Pioneer Museum near Greenough


We stopped at the Pioneer Museum near Greenough but decided not to go in


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Views at the Greenough River WA


We drove out to the sandbank which seperates the Greenough River from the Indian Ocean


Information on the Greenough Rivermouth WA


We then drove to the right of the Greenough Rivermouth to the car park and lookout


Views towards the Indian Ocean from the Greenough Rivermouth Lookout


Views towards the Indian Ocean from the Greenough Rivermouth Lookout


John, Carol and Rhonda at Lals Lookout - Greenough Rivermouth WA


The seats at Lals Lookout Greenough Rivermouth WA say A CLOUD DOES NOT


PUT OUT THE SUN


Carol enjoying the breeze off the Indian Ocean at Lals Lookout - Greenough Rivermouth WA


John, Rhonda and Carol at Lals Lookout - Greenough Rivermouth WA


On the way to Ellendale Pool we stopped at the Alinta Wind Farm


Views of a Turbine at the Alinta Windfarm


There are 54 Turbines here at the Alinta Wind Farm WA


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We arrived at Ellendale Pool in Greenough Shire WA


Why would anyone ever risk swimming here at Ellendale Pool WA


Views of Ellendale Pool in Greenough Shire WA


John perched in a tree stump to get a better photo of Ellendale Pool in Greenough Shire WA


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Post Office - Dongara WA


Flogging Rack and Courthouse - Dongara WA


Church - Dongara WA


Old Colonial House - Dongara WA


Views of the Irwin River - Dongara/Port Denison WA


Celebrations on board the fishing fleet at Dongara/Port Denison after the fleet has been Blessed


Celebrations on board the fishing fleet at Dongara/Port Denison after the fleet has been Blessed


Celebrations on board the fishing fleet at Dongara/Port Denison after the fleet has been Blessed


Information Board on Shipwreck Walk - Port Denison WA


Celebrations after the Fishing Fleet Blessing - Dongara/Port Denison WA


Western Australian Weather always talks about Jurien Bay, well finally we are here at Jurien Bay WA


Views at Jurien Bay WA


Jurien Bay WA


Our Rigs behind Rhonda and Carol - Jurien Bay WA


Views from the track on our way to Hanson Bay WA


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Views from the track on our way to Hanson Bay WA


We had to visit Lake Thetis to see the Stromatolites there


Information on the walk around Lake Thetis WA


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Stromatolites at Lake Thetis WA


Stromatolites at Lake Thetis WA


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Views of wildflowers around Lake Thetis

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Views of Lake Thetis WA


Fields of wildflowers at Lake Thetis WA

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Information on the formation of Lake Thetis WA and the sinkhole which supplements its water supply


View of Lake Thetis WA


Stromatolites at Lake Thetis WA


Stromatolites at Lake Thetis WA


Skink at Lake Thetis WA


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Views of the coast on our way south to Cervantes WA


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Information on the naming of Cervantes WA


Plan of Cervantes WA Townsite


Anchor of the Ship Cervantes which sank here in the 1840's


Nambung National Park near Cervantes WA is famous for the Pinnacles


Emu road sign - Nambung National Park near Cervantes WA


Kangaroo Road Sign - Nambung National Park near Cervantes WA


Views of Pinnacles - Nambung National Park near Cervantes WA


Views of Pinnacles - Nambung National Park near Cervantes WA


Views of Pinnacles - Nambung National Park near Cervantes WA


Views of Pinnacles - Nambung National Park near Cervantes WA


Views of Pinnacles - Nambung National Park near Cervantes WA


Views of Pinnacles - Nambung National Park near Cervantes WA


Views of Pinnacles - Nambung National Park near Cervantes WA


Views of Pinnacles - Nambung National Park near Cervantes WA


Views of Pinnacles - Nambung National Park near Cervantes WA


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We visited the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Interpretive Centre - Nambung National Park near Cervantes WA


Pinnacles Desert Discovery Interpretive Centre - Nambung National Park near Cervantes WA


Aboriginal Tribes Posts - Pinnacles Desert Discovery Interpretive Centre - Nambung National Park near Cervantes WA


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South of the Pinnacles at Cervantes we drove the Turquoise Coast to Hangover Bay


Views of the Turquoise Coast at Hangover Bay WA


Views of the Turquoise Coast at Hangover Bay WA - these two Kangaroos were just grazing


As soon as they saw us they hopped away - Views of the Turquoise Coast at Hangover Bay WA


This little Kangaroo stopped for one more look at us


We thought we would climb this sand dune near Hangover Bay


Incredibly white sand dune in Nambung National Park on the Turquoise Coast


Views of the Sand Dunes on the Turquoise Coast near Hangover Bay WA


That's the Indian Ocean in the background as we enjoyed the view from the top of this sand dune


Carol heads back to our rig - Views from the Sand Dunes on the Turquoise Coast near Hangover Bay WA


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The colours in the bark of this gum tree in Nambung National Park were spectacular


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We stopped in Moora WA for a look see


Pub in Moora WA


We had a delicious lunch here at a little cafe in Moora WA


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Mural on a building in Moora WA


Sculpture of WWII Soldier "Scrapiron" - Moora WA


It was a monument for the local servicemen who served during World War II - Moora WA


Mural representing Moora Military Campsite 1943 - Moora WA


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Our next stop was the Benedictine settlement at New Norcia WA


This was our guide for our tour of the Monastic Town of New Norcia WA


Originally settled in 1846 by Benedictine Monks New Norcia is the only Monastery Town in Australia


We entered the Guest House at New Norcia WA


The Guest House Chapel at New Norcia WA


The Altar in the Guest House Chapel at New Norcia WA


An open Prayer Book - The Guest House Chapel at New Norcia WA


The Old Chapel at New Norcia WA


Wall decoration - The Old Chapel at New Norcia WA


Our guide telling us some of the history of The Old Chapel at New Norcia WA


New Norcia Mission was founded by Rev Salvado 1st March 1846


Benedictine Church - New Norcia WA


Mural inside the Benedictine Church - New Norcia WA


Mural of Jesus and the Cross - Benedictine Church - New Norcia WA


Spanish Candelabra - Benedictine Church - New Norcia WA


Pews and murals - Benedictine Church - New Norcia WA


Saint Benedict and the black crow which symbolises obligingness, intelligence and fidelity


Organ and Tomb of Rev Salvado- Benedictine Church - New Norcia WA


Tomb of Rev Salvado founder of the Monastery - Benedictine Church - New Norcia WA


Translation of Upper Inscription - Tomb of Rev Salvado founder of the Monastery - Benedictine Church - New Norcia WA


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Olive Trees in the grounds - New Norcia WA


Aboriginal Murals of the six Aboriginal seasons - New Norcia WA


Aboriginal Murals of the six Aboriginal seasons - New Norcia WA


Aboriginal Murals of the six Aboriginal seasons - New Norcia WA


Benedictine Monk sat down for a chat (lovely bloke) - New Norcia WA


Fantastic Monastery Building - New Norcia WA


Monastery Building - New Norcia WA


Another Chapel - New Norcia WA


Inside another chapel - New Norcia WA


Stained Glass Entry door - New Norcia WA


Hotel and Restaurant - New Norcia WA


Carol had to walk up and down the Staircase of the Hotel/Restaurant - New Norcia WA


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We visited the Cemetery - New Norcia WA


Grave of Rev Anselm Catalan Third Abbot of New Norcia WA (1915-1951)


Views in the Cemetery - New Norcia WA


Views in the Cemetery - New Norcia WA


Ringneck Parrots in the grounds at New Norcia WA


Information on Bishop Salvado - New Norcia WA


Exhibition recognising Aboriginal families who lived at New Norcia WA


Aboriginal families who lived at New Norcia WA


Exhibition recognising Aboriginal families who lived at New Norcia WA


Honey eater enjoying feed of sweet gravillia


Cottesloe Beach - Perth WA


Hotel opposite Cottesloe Beach - Perth WA


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We visited Kings Park and Botanical Garden - Perth WA


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Kings Park War Memorial - Perth WA


Close up of Anzac Memorial at Kings Park Perth WA


Memorial to the Jewish Soldiers of WA who fought in World War I and died - Kings Park Perth WA


Memorial to the Jewish Soldiers of WA who fought in World War I and died - Kings Park Perth WA


Memorial to the Jewish Soldiers of WA who fought in World War I and died - Kings Park Perth WA


Names of the Jewish Australian Soldiers of WA who died in World War I - Kings Park Perth WA


Honour Roll of Jewish Australian Soldiers of WA who died in World War I - Kings Park Perth WA


This stone was laid by Sir John Monash - Australia's most famous Jewish Soldier - Kings Park Perth WA


They brought a huge Boab Tree over 2,500km from the Kimberleys in North Western Australia to Kings Park Perth


This is the Boab Tree they trucked over 2,500km from the Kimberleys in North Western Australia to Kings Park Perth


It will be interesting to see if the Boab Tree survived the journey and continues to grow - Kings Park Perth WA


Every conceivable WA Wild Flower is here at Kings Park Botanical Garden - Kings Park Perth WA


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Views of the city of Perth from Kings Park WA


The Queen's Tree - Kings Park Perth WA


The Queen's tree is a River Red Gum planted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1954


We took the Federation Walkway in the WA Botanical Garden at Kings Park Perth WA


Carol on the Federation Walkway in the WA Botanical Garden at Kings Park Perth WA


Views on the Federation Walkway in the WA Botanical Garden at Kings Park Perth WA


Views on the Federation Walkway in the WA Botanical Garden at Kings Park Perth WA


Views on the Federation Walkway in the WA Botanical Garden at Kings Park Perth WA


Views on the Federation Walkway in the WA Botanical Garden at Kings Park Perth WA


Views on the Federation Walkway in the WA Botanical Garden at Kings Park Perth WA


Views on the Federation Walkway in the WA Botanical Garden at Kings Park Perth WA


Views on the Federation Walkway in the WA Botanical Garden at Kings Park Perth WA


South West Forest Giant Trees - Views on the Federation Walkway in the WA Botanical Garden at Kings Park Perth WA


Sculptured Gum Leaves - Views on the Federation Walkway in the WA Botanical Garden at Kings Park Perth WA


Statue dedicated to Women - Views on the Federation Walkway in the WA Botanical Garden at Kings Park Perth WA


Views on the Federation Walkway in the WA Botanical Garden at Kings Park Perth WA


Double helix lookout - Kings Park Perth WA

Friday, November 07, 2008

THE BIG TRIP -2008

AROUND AUSTRALIA 2008
Saturday 1 November – Friday 7 November
Denham to Geraldton
Blog 13

We left Denham early to be in Monkey Mia for the first feeding of the day. It was as we had remembered and the dolphins were beautiful.

We then spent the afternoon at the Shark Bay Marine Park which included a guided tour with a trained microbiologist and the information he gave was fantastic.

We continued travelling south to Eagle Bluff which had a superb view of the area and a beautiful board walk. The Shark Bay area has the most amount sea grass anywhere in the world. It is a critical factor as to why the area is world heritage listed.

We then drove further south to the various free campsites of Fowlers Camp, Whalebone and Goulet Bluff. Each spot had lovely view of the beautiful blue bay. We then went to the other side of the peninsula to Shell Beach covered in 5m deep cockle shells. Apparently they are one of the few organisms that can survive in the high salinity of the part of the bay. The shells are quarried and used in building, chicken farming,(they feed it to the chickens so that their egg shells are stronger) and as a ground cover to keep the dust down.

The variety and colours of the wildflowers we saw as we drove south were a real feast for the eyes.

We continued our journey south along the west coast and into Kalbarri National Park to stop at the 2 lookouts, Ross Graham Lookout and Hawk’s Head lookout and then on to Kalbarri. We didn’t go back to the gorges in Kalbarri National Park as we had been there on a previous trip.

We had to visit the Rainbow Jungle with its beautiful collection of parrots. We couldn’t resist being at the pelican feeding on the Murchison River at Kalbarri and in fact one of the young males was being difficult and trying to help himself to the fish from the bucket. The lady asked for help and Mike offered and for the rest of the talk and feeding he made sure that the young bird waited his tune and didn’t annoy her. Mike had the best time.

After the pelican feeding we drove to natural bridge and worked our way up the coastline to town. It is a beautiful wild coastline with lots of erosion and beautiful sandstone, colours and plants on the dunes. There is such a diversity of plants and colour. We saw 3 pods of dolphins travelling south in the beautiful turquoise waters. It was a real feast for our eyes. We stopped at all the little beaches, the back beach, blue holes, Jake’s Point, Red Bluff, saw mushroom rock which was a disappointment, pot alley, eagle gorge which was beautiful, grandstand, island rock and the first one, natural bridge.

As we continued our journey south from Kalbarri we stopped at Port Gregory with its pink lake that is pink due to bacteria that actually produce beta carotene. Lynton Hiring Station is a group of stone buildings that once housed convicts who worked on the Geraldine lead mine and the local pastoral stations. The facilities were built in 1853 and closed in 1856 because the conditions were too harsh.

The main street of Northampton had lots of historic buildings including the church and the sacred Heart Convent, built in 1919, which were both designed by Monsignor Hawes. The Monsignor had designed many buildings in the area including the Catholic Church in Geraldton and has left a great architectural legacy.

The heat of the north was replaced by cold and wet in Geraldton but that didn’t affect us as we spent the day in the Geraldton Museum. There was a whole room in the museum dedicated to the story of the Batavia which was a Dutch ship wrecked off the coast in 1642.

There was also a room dedicated to the HMAS Sydney which was sunk by a German warship The Kormoran off the same coast in WW2 in 1941 with all 645 people lost. The wreck was only discovered in May this year. We finished the day at the Monument for the HMAS Sydney which was built with the most beautiful symbolism. There is a dome of 645 seagulls all touching each representing one of the Australian sailors that died. The memorial also includes a bronze statue of a woman gazing out to sea as she awaits the news of her loved one.

There was still a lot more to see in Geraldton; the Point Moore light house with its bold red and white horizontal stripes, town beach, the marina with all the big fishing boats, then the private marina, the original light house at Bluff Point, the cottage of the light house keeper and the old gaol house which was still operational in the 1960s.

We love hearing the stories of the area so off we went to the guided tour of St Francis Xavier Cathedral which was designed and built by the Monsignor John Hawes who was a priest in Geraldton. The tour of the church was very informative but made all the more enjoyable due to the 3 local guides who included many of the stories of their childhood.


We left Denham and drove to Monkey Mia for the morning Dolphin feeding


Pelicans at Monkey Mia WA

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Pelicans at Monkey Mia WA

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On time the dolphins start to come in to the shore for a feed - Monkey Mia WA


Hundreds of tourists line up daily to watch the dolphins - Monkey Mia WA


These dolphins are so human tolerant - Monkey Mia WA


Wow caught this dolphin blowing out of it's spout - Monkey Mia WA


Up comes the dolphin to get its fish feed - Monkey Mia WA


There you go dolphin, enjoy your fish - Monkey Mia WA


People are still lined up but the dolphins have had their feed and are gone - Monkey Mia WA


Dolphin skeleton at the Monkey Mia Information centre


Dolphin at the Monkey Mia Information centre


Map of Shark Bay Marine Park WA showing location of Monkey Mia


Information Board on Aboriginal Languages of the Muchison-Gascoyne Area of WA


Information on how to identify a particular Dolphin - Monkey Mia WA


Views as we left Monkey Mia and headed back to Denham WA


Views as we left Monkey Mia and headed back to Denham WA


Views of Shark Bay south of Denham WA


Looking north towards Denham WA


Our next stop on this afternoon's explore - Ocean Park, south of Denham WA on the Shark Bay Road


Road Signs as we drove into Ocean Park WA


Road Signs as we drove into Ocean Park WA


Road Signs as we drove into Ocean Park WA


Road Signs as we drove into Ocean Park WA


Road Signs as we drove into Ocean Park WA


Road Signs as we drove into Ocean Park WA


Views outside Ocean Park WA


Views in the Ocean Park Aquarium


Rock Cod - Views in the Ocean Park Aquarium


Baby Green Turtle - Views in the Ocean Park Aquarium


Sea Snake - Views in the Ocean Park Aquarium


Deadly venomous Sea Snake - Views in the Ocean Park Aquarium


Ray - Views in the Ocean Park Aquarium


Shark - Views in the Ocean Park Aquarium


Views in the Ocean Park Aquarium


Views in the Ocean Park Aquarium


Views in the Ocean Park Aquarium


Views in the Ocean Park Aquarium


Outside of the Ocean Park Aquarium is the Shark Lagoon


Sharks in the Shark Lagoon - Ocean Park Aquarium


Sharks in the Shark Lagoon - Ocean Park Aquarium


Feeding Sharks in the Shark Lagoon - Ocean Park Aquarium


Feeding Sharks in the Shark Lagoon - Ocean Park Aquarium


Views at Eagle Bluff south of Denham WA


We parked our truck and read the information boards - Eagle Bluff WA


Information on Eagle Bluff WA


Views of Shark Bay and the meadows of sea grass - Eagle Bluff WA


Views along the board walk - Eagle Bluff WA


Information Boards on the Eagle Bluff Boardwalk - Eagle Bluff WA


Information Boards on the Eagle Bluff Boardwalk - Eagle Bluff WA


Information about Guano on the Eagle Bluff Boardwalk - Eagle Bluff WA


Views from the Eagle Bluff Boardwalk - Eagle Bluff WA


Views from the Eagle Bluff Boardwalk - Eagle Bluff WA


Information on Shark Bay Seagrass bank - Eagle Bluff WA


Information on Shark Bay Seagrass bank - Eagle Bluff WA


Information on Shark Bay Seagrass bank - Eagle Bluff WA


Information on Rising seas and changing land - Eagle Bluff WA


Information on Shark Bay - Eagle Bluff WA


Why did the mangroves die out here - Eagle Bluff WA


Stunning boardwalk - Eagle Bluff WA


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Our truck at Fowlers Camp - off the Shark Bay Road south of Denham WA


Views from Fowlers Camp - off the Shark Bay Road south of Denham WA


Views from Goulet Bluff - off the Shark Bay Road south of Denham WA


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Last stop on today's explore - Shell Beach - off the Shark Bay Road south of Denham WA


Ridge after ridge of white cockle shells - Shell Beach WA


These ridges of white cockle shells look like white waves - Shell Beach WA


The whole beach is made up of these small white cockle shells - Shell Beach WA


Carol at Shell Beach WA


Its not sand, its shells - Shell Beach WA


Carol on one of the cockle shell Dunes - Shell Beach WA


How deep are the cockle shell dunes, about 5 metres - Shell Beach WA


We had dinner at the Old Pearlers Restaurant Denham WA


We left Denham and headed south stopping at Overlander for fuel - view of Fort Apache across the road


Our rig at Overlander WA


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We arrived at Kalbarri National Park WA


Information on Ross Graham and Hawks Head - Kalbarri National Park WA


First stop in Kalbarri National Park - Ross Graham Lookout


Information on the Ross Graham Lookout - Kalbarri National Park WA


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Information on the Murchison River - Kalbarri National Park WA



Views of the Murchison River at Ross Graham Lookout - Kalbarri National Park WA


Views of the Murchison River at Ross Graham Lookout - Kalbarri National Park WA


Views of the Murchison River at Ross Graham Lookout - Kalbarri National Park WA


John on a ledge - Views at Ross Graham Lookout - Kalbarri National Park WA


Views of the Murchison River at Ross Graham Lookout - Kalbarri National Park WA


Rhonda and Carol at Ross Graham Lookout shelter - Kalbarri National Park WA


Our rigs parked at Hawks Head - Kalbarri National Park WA


Information Board at Hawks Head - Kalbarri National Park WA


Views of the Murchison River at Hawks Head - Kalbarri National Park WA


Views of the Murchison River at Hawks Head - Kalbarri National Park WA


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Sculpture in front of the Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Information on Fischer's Lovebird - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Fischer's Lovebirds - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Information on Gang Gang Cockatoos - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Gang Gang Cockatoos - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Gang Gang Cockatoo - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Information on Scarlet Chested Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Scarlet Chested Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Information on Red Tailed Cockatoo - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Red Tailed Cockatoo - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Red Tailed Cockatoo - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Moustache Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Moustache Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Information on Princess Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Purple Crown Lorikeet and Princess Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Princess Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Princess Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Information on Sun Conure - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Sun Conure - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Information on Australian King Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Australian King Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Australian King Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


John with an Australian King Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Mike feeding an Australian King Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Information on Sulphur Crested Cockatoo - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Sulphur Crested Cockatoo - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Hooded Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Hooded Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


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Purple Crown Lorikeet - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Love the sign - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Birds fly freely here - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


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Information on Major Mitchell's Cockatoo - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Major Mitchell's Cockatoo - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Major Mitchell's Cockatoo - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Purple Crown Lorikeet - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Purple Crown Lorikeet - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Purple Crown Lorikeets - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Information on White Tailed Cockatoo - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


White Tailed Cockatoo - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


White Tailed Cockatoo - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Information on Varied Lorikeet - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Varied Lorikeet - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Budgerigar - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Rainbow Lorikeet - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Carol and Rhonda looking at birds - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Red Capped Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Red Capped Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Rosella - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Green Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Turquoise Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Information on Blue and Gold Macaw - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Blue and Gold Macaw - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Red Macaw - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Red Macaw - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Plum Headed Parrot - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Information on Galah - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Galah - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Galah - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Lookout Tower - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Views from the Lookout Tower - Rainbow Jungle Parrot Habitat - Kalbarri WA


Mouth of the Murchison River at Kalbarri WA


Views of the Back Beach south of Kalbarri WA


Views of the mouth of the Murchison River at Kalbarri WA


Pelican feeding time - Murchison River Kalbarri WA

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Pelican - Murchison River Kalbarri WA

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Pelican feeding time - Murchison River Kalbarri WA

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Pelican feeding time - Murchison River Kalbarri WA

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Pelican feeding time - Murchison River Kalbarri WA

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Mike was asked to look after this pesky pelican - Pelican feeding time - Murchison River Kalbarri WA

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Come on old fella we will walk together - Pelican feeding time - Murchison River Kalbarri WA

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Pelicans - Murchison River Kalbarri WA

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Pelican - Murchison River Kalbarri WA

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After the Pelican feeding we drove down to explore the Kalbarri coast - first stop Natural Bridge


Information on the Kalbarri Coastline


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Information on Natural Bridge - Kalbarri WA


Views looking down the coast at Natural Bridge - Kalbarri WA


Views of Natural Bridge - Kalbarri WA


Information on Castle Cove - Kalbarri Coast WA


Castle Cove - Kalbarri Coast WA


We walked part of the Bigurda Trail - Kalbarri Coast WA


Views on the Bigurda Trail - Kalbarri Coast WA


Views on the Bigurda Trail - Kalbarri Coast WA


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Heading back to Kalbarri - Shellhouse Grandstand


Views at the Shellhouse Grandstand - Kalbarri Coast WA


Views at the Shellhouse Grandstand - Kalbarri Coast WA


We continued on the Bigurda Trail - Kalbarri Coast WA


And made our way down to Eagle Gorge - Bigurda Trail - Kalbarri Coast WA


Views on the Bigurda Trail walking to Eagle Gorge - Kalbarri Coast WA


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Views at Eagle Gorge - Kalbarri Coast WA


Views at Eagle Gorge - Kalbarri Coast WA


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Views on the track heading back from Eagle Gorge - Kalbarri Coast WA


Views on the track heading back from Eagle Gorge - Kalbarri Coast WA


Carol, Rhonda and John check out the views at Pot Alley - Kalbarri Coast WA


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Pot Alley - Kalbarri Coast WA


Views at Pot Alley - Kalbarri Coast WA


Views at Pot Alley - Kalbarri Coast WA


Next stop - Rainbow Valley - Kalbarri Coast WA


Information on Mushroom Rock on the Rainbow Valley trail - Kalbarri Coast WA


Views from the Rainbow Valley car park - Kalbarri Coast WA


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We headed down the trail to view Mushroom Rock - Kalbarri Coast WA


There it is - Mushroom Rock - Kalbarri Coast WA


Next stop - Red Bluff - Kalbarri Coast WA


Information on the Red Bluff Walk - Kalbarri Coast WA


Views on the track to Red Bluff - Kalbarri Coast WA


Views on the track to Red Bluff - Kalbarri Coast WA


Views on the track to Red Bluff - Kalbarri Coast WA


Carol at the Red Bluff lookout - Kalbarri Coast WA


Carol takes in the views at Jakes Point - Kalbarri Coast WA


Memorial to a cray fisherman at Jakes Point - Kalbarri Coast WA


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Views from Jakes Point - Kalbarri Coast WA


Views of the beach at Jakes Point - Kalbarri Coast WA


Views of the beach at Jakes Point - Kalbarri Coast WA


We drove into Port Gregory WA


Stopping to view the Pink Lake at Port Gregory WA


Bacteria produce beta carotene which makes the lake Pink - Port Gregory WA


Views from the beach - Port Gregory WA


Views from the beach - Port Gregory WA


Near Port Gregory is the Lynton Convict Depot


Information on Lynton Hiring Station (est 1853) established to supply labour to the Geraldine Lead Mine


Views at Lynton Hiring Station WA


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Views at Lynton Hiring Station WA


Views at Lynton Hiring Station WA


Views of the Lynton Homestead at Lynton Hiring Station WA


Views of the Lynton Homestead at Lynton Hiring Station WA


Views of the Lynton Homestead at Lynton Hiring Station WA


Views in the Lynton Homestead at Lynton Hiring Station WA


Views in the Lynton Homestead at Lynton Hiring Station WA


Views in the Lynton Homestead at Lynton Hiring Station WA


Views of the Lynton Homestead at Lynton Hiring Station WA


Views from the Lynton Homestead at Lynton Hiring Station WA


Views from the Lynton Homestead at Lynton Hiring Station WA


Views of the 1854 Sanfords Mill at Lynton Hiring Station WA


Views of the 1854 Sanfords Mill at Lynton Hiring Station WA


Goat Horn Collection at Lynton Hiring Station WA


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Views of Northampton WA


Views of Northampton WA


Views of Northampton WA


Views of Northampton WA


Information on the John Hawes designed Church of Our Lady - Northampton WA


The John Hawes designed Church of Our Lady - Northampton WA


Inside the John Hawes designed Church of Our Lady - Northampton WA


Used to be Northampton Railway Station


We arrived in Geraldton WA and went to the WA Museum there - that's a mining bucket wheel reclaimer outside the Museum


The Geraldton Museum featured an exhibition of the dutch vessel Batavia


Reconstruction of part of the Batavia wrecked off the WA coast in 1642


This whole display is made up of balast recovered from the 1642 wrecked Batavia


And of course the big news of the day at Geraldton Museum was the finding of the wreck of the HMAS Sydney (II)


We revisited the HMAS Sydney II Memorial at Geraldton WA


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Wall of Rememberance - HMAS Sydney II Memorial at Geraldton WA


645 Sea Gulls in the dome representing the 645 sailors lost - HMAS Sydney II Memorial at Geraldton WA


Views towards Geraldton and the Ocean - HMAS Sydney II Memorial at Geraldton WA


Sculpture of a mother looking for her son, one of the sailors lost when the German Kormoran sank the Sydney - HMAS Sydney II Memorial at Geraldton WA


Point Moore Lighthouse - Geraldton WA


Information on Point Moore Lighthouse - Geraldton WA


Views of the beach near Point Moore Lighthouse - Geraldton WA


Views of the beach near Point Moore Lighthouse - Geraldton WA


Iron Ore carriers on the horizon - Geraldton WA


Views around Geraldton WA


Fantastic, accurate sun dial - Views around Geraldton WA


North of Geraldton is Bluff Point


Views of Geraldton from Bluff Point


Lighthouse Keepers cottage - Bluff Point, north of Geraldton WA


How many times has this tree been pruned - Lighthouse Keepers cottage - Bluff Point, north of Geraldton WA


Lighthouse Keepers cottage - Bluff Point, north of Geraldton WA


Geraldton Information Centre


Old Police Station - Geraldton WA


The Old Gaol - Geraldton WA


Designed and built by Monsignor John Hawes - St Francis Xavier Cathedral Geraldton WA


St Francis Xavier Cathedral Geraldton WA


These two lovely ladies were our tour guides of St Francis Xavier Cathedral Geraldton WA


Inside St Francis Xavier Cathedral Geraldton WA


St Francis Xavier Cathedral Geraldton WA


St Francis Xavier Cathedral Geraldton WA


Views in St Francis Xavier Cathedral Geraldton WA


Views in St Francis Xavier Cathedral Geraldton WA


Views in St Francis Xavier Cathedral Geraldton WA


Views in St Francis Xavier Cathedral Geraldton WA


Views in St Francis Xavier Cathedral Geraldton WA


Views in the crypt below St Francis Xavier Cathedral Geraldton WA


Views in the crypt below St Francis Xavier Cathedral Geraldton WA


Views in the crypt below St Francis Xavier Cathedral Geraldton WA


Views of St Francis Xavier Cathedral Geraldton WA


John & Leone - we first met at Mt Isa where they kindly shared there fresh baked bread and enjoyed tea with them here in Geraldton


We took a two hour drive out of Geraldton to see this ADF Satellite Communication Station


And this was as close as we could get - Bugger


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