From Albany we drove back to Perth to enable Joel to fly back to Coffs Harbour to attend his step-father's funeral.
We arrived on Monday 31st October at Woodman Pt Caravan Park, near Coogee Beach, sth of Freemantle (no where near a beach- don't go). Apparently Halloween even happens in caravan parks, so our children led the gang around to unwitting campers who offered tim tams and other desperate offerings. I really don't mind this American imperialistic event- it was a great way for our kids to meet the other children in the camp. The next day the camp kids were really keen to catch up and play with Jack and Ava.
After Joel jumped on a plane, the remaining family packed up the trailer and found new digs on Melbourne cup day- a difficult task. We were lucky to find an air bnb mansion for four nights, enabling us to relax and catch up on home work and journals. The kids loved the pool and home theatre, huge kitchen and four bedrooms. It would be hard to go back to camper stretchers and shared loos.
We did venture to Penguin Island off the coast of Rockingham, south of Perth. We got the ferry across and walked along the board walk to see seagulls nesting- their chicks are furry brown. We took a cruise to see the Australia Sea Lions on a neighbouring island- large and lazy in the sun. Then we watched the hand feeding of the little penguins which have been rescued and cannot be returned to the wild. Penguin Islands has 1000 little penguins breeding there and you can see their nesting boxes during the day while they are out catching fish.
In Margaret River we stayed at a great caravan park/farm called Taunton. It was lovely camping next to pastures, a dam and seeing the morning mists roll in. Kids had fun feeding the animals and the ducks joined us for a G and T.
Unusual to see a jumping pillow near a windmill
George and Bullet.
The adults were excited by the opportunity to taste the wine on offer, however the prices are very expensive at the cellar door. We enjoyed the other tastings on offer- chocolate, cheese and ice cream.
Bowls of free chocolate were addictive...not sure how hygienic, though there was a spoon.
There was a temple to the cows - a town called Cowramup (5mins nth of Margy River)- with statues on most corners.
We visited the Mammoth Cave which had fossils of mega fauna (large kangaroos, wombats etc).
We left Margaret River on our way south and visited the impressive Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse- the most southern west point of Australia. Many sites such as these have audio tours which are great. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is still operational with a light and weather readings beamed back. There use to be three light house keepers on site with their families but now its all automated. Lots of stories of life in this remote station.
Joel spotted a tiger snake after Mandy had just walked past. Pity this sign which we saw at our next stop wasn't erected to warn the scardy tourists.
Next stop Beedelup Falls in Beedelup NP, beautiful dense karri forests mixed with jarrah and marri trees.
Then we took the tree top walk through the Valley of the Giants, just after Walpole.
Beautiful tall red eucalyptus tingle jacksonii trees 400 plus years old
Ava trying to imitate the Grandma tingle tree. A view from the top of the walk- stunning.
We visited one of the tallest NP fire look outs- the Gloucester Tree just south of Pemberton. It was so named because the Duke of Gloucester visited and had lunch while the workers put in the tree pegs!
No we didn't let them climb any further
We camped at the Leaning Marri Campground in D'Entrecasteaux NP. It was lovely and quiet with only one other camper there.The Yeagerup Lake was walking distance.
The reason for the camp name and breakfast.
We stayed here because the kids wanted to surf/scream down the huge Yeagerup sand hills. It was a tough 2 km ride/push your bike up a 4WD track to get there- but worth it.
The adults fared worse
We stayed in Albany for three nights while we waited out sickness and rain. Got in a few quick trips to more chocolate shops, a meadery and a walk through the replica of the Amity Brigg- the first ship to bring white settlers into this region in 1826.
We visited the newly renovated Gap and Natural Bridge. Next land form south is the Antarctic.
Bottom right is Greens Pool just west of Denmark on a blustery day. Suppose to be a beautiful swimming spot in summer.
We did actually see a bandicoot in our caravan park tonight. The south west has lots of national parks, beautiful pastures and cute providores/galleries to drop into along the coastal road. Worth a visit.
On our way to Perth we visited the famous pinnacles- limestone forms rising from the ground.
We camped at the Kurrinup Waters Resort, north of Perth for a week. We were lucky to get a campsite near the lake, though the serenity was shattered when the housing construction started up the next morning. The trials of setting up camp in the dark or on a weekend. Visits from the wildlife including resident bunny and lots of water birds made it fun.
On our first day we visited the lovely Kings Park which has spectacular views of Perth with playgrounds and plant species from across the different regions of WA.
A flower clock!
While in Perth, Joel had to fly back to Coffs Harbour for three nights to visit his sick Dad- Tom. We kept busy by visiting Rottnest Island- what a wonderful place- we could have easily stayed for two days exploring the whole island. We took our bikes on the ferry and rode around half of the island. We swam in the clearest blue water I've seen, met friendly Quokkas and saw whales and dolphins off Cape Vlamingh. We came home with sore bottoms but sleepy happy faces.
On Joel's return we did all the touristy stuff in Perth.
Perth Mint- the large coin above the twins' heads is worth $60m and is the largest gold coin in the world. The Mint turned out to not be too boring. The guide spoke with a deep theatrical 'John Laws' voice and his jokes and demonstration of pouring a gold bar kept us interested.
The Swan Bell Tower- we were lucky enough to be there to hear a bell lesson for beginners- some need more help then others- see video below
L-R Sculpture at Elizabeth Quay (like our Darling Harbour) but had no plaque,
and Government House quite accessible on the main street with no guards.
Photo on right Kangas and Ore Obelisk (reminds me of the poo on a stick sculpture at Kings Cross), in front of a groovy looking 1950s styled City Council building.
Joel and the kids also went to some daggy museum of old consoles and video games.
We were lucky to catch up with some family on the Gibbens side, my nephew Scott and wife Loren who live in a great house and foster kittens and cats- ahhh.
I was lucky to meet my Uncle Walter and Aunty Faye. Wal is my father's brother whom I have not met since I was two. We don't have much family on Dad's side, so it was very special to be able to ask questions about my dear Dad who passed away when I was nine. He told me of the great ANZAC days in Sydney when he, his brother Bob and Dad went 'out on the town' (things don't change). Wal retold stories of my Great Grandmother milking 77 cows by hand twice a day on Dad's farm at Newee Creek on the NSW Nth Coast. I learnt a lot that day about my Dad and I am very grateful I could visit. Faye put on a lovely lunch. Nothing more special than to be able to add new people to the family.
