Day 33

Big service on the car today.  We took the car in at 8-30am and we didn't get it back until 4-30pm.  We thought we would spend the day in Albany but after having been there for about two hours we decided to get a taxi back to the caravan park, and we sat and read our books on the seafront for a while.  We went for a bike ride after lunch.  There is a great bike path here which we are yet to investigate properly.  We have only got as far as Middleton Beach at the moment but we think it might go a lot further so hopefully we will be able to do this.  We couldn't go too far today as we had left our helmets in the car.  We also left our outdoor chairs in the car so we had to sit on a bench at the beach.  When we got back to the van after picking up the car we discovered that there is a leak from the water input pipe.  So we have filled the water tanks and we are going to wait until we get to a Jayco dealer to get it fixed.  

Day 32

We have had a full day today - we were going to go for a bike ride but we caught up with Betty and David and they were going to Two People's Bay a Nature Reserve about an hours drive from here so we decided to go with them.  It was well worth it once again the scenery was spectacular we went to Little Beach and the contrast of the rocks, sea and shrub was beautiful.  

We came back to the van and had some lunch.   Then we set of for the Stony Hill Lookout.  The scenery again was spectacular.  We went to the Blowholes - but we did not go down as the sea was very calm and the notice before the steps said that if there was no wind the blowholes would not be blowing so we saved ourselves the walk down there.  Then we called at The Gap and Natural Bridge.  The Gap is a sheer chasm which you look at from the top the water crashes through here.  It was incredible.  The Natural Bridge is a large piece of granite which has been eroded by huge seas.  Once again an amazing site.  The rock formations were incredible.  We did see a couple of youngsters walking across it but it is a sheer drop and could be quite dangerous.  

View from the caravan

Little Beach

Little Beach

Little Beach

The Gap

Explanation The Gap & Natural Bridge

Red Wine Glass Left on Rock

Mrs Olive at The Gap

The Natural Bridge

Day 31

Well we had a bit of a silly day today.  We left Bremer Bay and drove through to Albany.  First of all we went to the Big4 in Albany - Albany Gardens and we set up.  Then we thought we were too close to the city so we moved to Rose Gardens Caravan Park which is at Emu Point.  As much as it was a pain to pack up and move it was well worth it. we have a site facing the ocean and it is much quieter here.  Other than this we had a short bike ride to the point and we visited David and Betty who are on Emu Point Caravan Park which is about 500 metres from here.  Once again the weather has been really good but according to the reports we are in for a change, and not for the better.  It is supposed to rain quite heavy on Monday.  No photographs today but will certainly take some of the view tomorrow.  We did hear that there are whales in the bay, so hopefully we will see them tomorrow.

Day 30

What can we say about Bremer Bay - beautiful beaches, fisherman's paradise and lots of shrub.  We have had a really good day today exploring all the beaches around here, once again white sand and blue water.  We sat for an hour at Native Dog Beach reading our books and it was really warm.  We explored a few four wheel drive tracks around the place and we drove on the beach for a little while.  Tonight we are going to have a fire again, hopefully it won't rain.  

Four wheel drive track

Native Dog Beach

Driving on the beach 

Beautiful Flora

Day 29

Up early and out of Fitzgerald River by about 8-30am.  We had breakfast around the fire which was still going from last night.  We arrived at Bremer Bay at about 11-30am.  We are staying at Bremer Bay Beaches Caravan Park and it is quite nice.  We had a drive round this afternoon, not a lot to see here apart from once again white sand and blue water.  We had a look at the other caravan park here and it doesn’t look too good.  I cooked lamb shanks in the dream pot which turned out really nice.  We SKYPED Shaz and the kids and had a nice talk with them.  We rang Catherine but Lily is not well so she thought it would be better to wait for another night to SKYPE with them when Lily is feeling better.  Once again we were able to have a fire tonight, the caravan park supply drums, so we went out and collected some wood.  Jim, Barbara, Michelle and Graeme who were at the free stop with us last night are here in the park.  We were all round the camp fire again tonight but unfortunately we got a bit of rain so that put an end to our socialising.  

Day 28

We left Lucky Bay in teaming rain but in cleared before we got to Esperance.  We stocked up on supplies in Esperance, getting some more bread from Brumbys with our half price voucher out of the tourist magazine.  The assistant even offered to give me the voucher back if we were staying around.  We then headed towards Bremer Bay and we decided not to drive all the way through we stayed at a free roadside stop at Fitzgerald River (Jacup).  Number 74 in the Camps 6 book.  There was already another van in there, an elderly couple (Jim and Barbara) from Croydon.  They had a fire lit and were cooking their dinner on it.  This is the first time since we have been away that we have been able to have a fire and it makes all the difference.  Another couple arrived a bit later, they were from McCrae and believe it or not the lady (Michelle) used to work with Beryl at Frankston Hospital midwifery, what a small world.  We all sat around the fire chatting until about 9pm, it was a really good night.  Whist we were chatting to Jim and Barbara they told us that they had climbed Frenchman Peak yesterday and that the part that we had decided not to go any further from was the hardest and once over that it was better.  They did say that it was difficult coming down.  Who knows if we got back to Esperance sometime we will give it a go.  Fitzgerald River is a good roadside stop and only about 130 km from Bremer Bay.  

Day 27

Up early this morning and after breakfast we decided to tackle Frenchman Peak, which is a large rock and quite steep.  We got about two thirds of the way up then we backed out.  We decided that it was too steep for us, although we thought we could get to the top it was the thought of coming down again that put us off.  Graham thought that we have a long way to go on this holiday and we didn’t want to finish up with a broken limb of any description.  We then went back to Thistle Cove hoping that the rock would be whistling more than the other day but when we got there it was quiet.  So we had a look around and the rocks around there were spectacular with the water coming in over the rocks and the different colours.  We sat on the rocks for quite a while just watching the water.  After lunch we did another walk along the rocks from here.  I don’t think we could ever get too much of all of this. The weather since we have been here in Lucky Bay has been fine, not hot but certainly dry and sunny.  We were in short sleeves today and sat out most of the time we were at the van.  Unfortunately we are moving on tomorrow towards Bremer Bay.  

Frenchman peak

Thistle Cove

Day 26

Today we decided to have a bit of a lie in, after breakfast we sat and read our books for a couple of hours.  Then after lunch we went for a long walk along the beach and we both paddled in the water.  You think you would get tired of white sand and blue water but everywhere you look there is something that is really different.  It really is a fascinating place and we have loved every minute.  We have decided to stay here another night.  It is such a beautiful place, so peaceful with spectacular views.  We would highly recommend a stay here.

Beach at Lucky Bay

Sand Hills Lucky Bay

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Day 25

We left Esperance this morning and came through to Cape Le Grande National Park and we are parked in Lucky Bay.  What a site we have for the caravan we overlook the bay from all three windows on the off side.  It is only $12 a night here, there is no power but there’s flushing toilets and solar showers.  There is also drinking water but you are not allowed to fill your tank.  We filled our tanks this morning before we left Esperance.  We have had a lovely afternoon, the weather although quite cold was dry.  We thought we were in for some heavy showers but they went around us.  We went for a walk along the beach this afternoon, and it was great to see our caravan perched on top of the hill.  This is where we had lunch the other day and thought what a great spot it would be to camp.  We nearly talked ourselves out of coming here because of the weather but we are so glad that we didn’t.  We are staying here at least two nights.  We have kangaroos in the camp ground and a scenic view, all this for $12 a night can’t beat it.  This is definitely on a par with Ningaloo and if we came back again we would not bother staying in Esperance we would come straight here.  Tonight we played Uno, then we watched a couple of videos, The King’s Speech and Brassed Off.  

Day 24

Well we nearly got blown off the hill last night.  We had gale force winds and torrential rain the van rocked and rocked.  When we got up this morning the sky was still grey but it wasn't raining but the wind was still very strong.  We decided that we should do the Great Ocean Drive again and see the scenery now that it was a bit more rough.  What a difference from when we saw it on Thursday.  It was absolutely beautiful.  White caps and waves crashing into the rocks.  We only went halfway anti-clockwise then we decided to come back.  The scenery was quite different coming back clockwise we saw quite a few different views.  Then this afternoon we had happy hour with David and Betty, we probably won't see them for a while as we are heading to Lucky Bay tomorrow for a couple of nights and they are going towards their home in Perth.  We will probably catch up with them in Perth when we get there.  Hopefully the weather will not be too bad here in Esperance over the next couple of days whilst we are in the National Park.  We had a look at the Pier again today but still no "Sammy" maybe it is too cold for him at the moment.  

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Day 23

Well we had another busy day today.  Up reasonably early, got the washing on.  It looked like we might get some rain but I was able to get the washing dry.  Graham washed the outside of the van and I cleaned inside.  Then we washed the car.  Even though we knew it would rain it was nice to get the van and car clean.  It started raining about 4-30pm and it is still raining.  It is definitely not cold but it is very wet.  We are staying here another night and hopefully we will go to Lucky Bay on Sunday for a couple of nights.

Day 22

We had a busy day today - up and out quite early.  First of all we went to the Information Office and got some leaflets on what to do in Esperance.  We then did the Great Ocean Drive - a 40 km round trip which takes you past quite a few different beaches, a wind farm and the Pink Lake (which in actual fact is not pink), but very pretty all the same.  The sky was reflected in the water and it was incredible.  When we got back into Esperance we went looking for "Sammy" the seal who is frequently seen near the jetty - not this morning  - the only seal that was there was a statue.  We will have to have another look tomorrow.   The drive took us a couple of hours and because the battery was getting low on the video camera we decided to come back to the van and charge it for half an hour before heading off to Cape Le Grande National Park.  

Cape Le Grande is quite a small National Park but what it lacks in size it certainly makes up for in beautiful beaches and scenery.

We visited Cape Le Grande beach first of all, beautiful white sand and clear blue water.  Then we went to Lucky Bay.  On the way to Lucky Bay we contacted David and Betty who were on their way and they met us here and we had lunch on the beach and what a beautiful beach it is.  The sand is so white and it squeaks when you walk on it.  We then left David and Betty and travelled through to Rossiter Bay - this again was another beautiful beach but there was loads of seaweed.  On then to Thistle Cove - yes you guessed it more beautiful scenery.  There is a Whistling Rock here - it is massive and the wind gushes through it and makes a loud whistling noise.  We then went onto Hellfire Bay - yes more white sand and blue water.  

It is very hard to describe what a great place Cape Le Grande is and the beautiful scenery we have seen today - the camera certainly does not do it justice.  We are thinking of taking the caravan into Cape Le Grande for a couple of nights - there are two camping spots there one at Cape Le Grande Beach and one at Lucky Bay - both have stunning views. 

On the way home we were invited for a drink at David and Betty's - they are not staying on the same caravan park as they have a dog - anyway we finished up having a really nice evening with them - even sharing their evening meal - thanks Betty it was really nice.  

Pink Lake

"Sammy' the seal

Graham and Betty 

Lucky Bay

Whistling Rock

Day 21

We left Fraser Range heading towards Norseman.  We were expecting a parcel at Norseman but it wasn't there so we have arranged for it to be sent through to Albany.  The weather was still miserable, clouds were over the tree tops and it was teaming.  We travelled through to Esperance arriving here at about 2-30 Western Australian time.  We are now 2 hours behind Victoria.  Will have to be careful when we ring home.  Did some shopping tonight, we had no fruit and vegetable as they took them off us at the border.  Hopefully tomorrow will be better weather wise and we will be able to Visit Cape Le Grande National Park.  We are staying at Esperance Seafront Caravan Park and we have a water view site.  

Day 20

We left Bunda Cliffs quite early.  The weather turned really nasty, it rained all night and it rained most of the day while we were travelling across the Nullarbor.  We put in a really big day travelling, we travelled 710 kms.  We travelled with David and Betty, so it was good to have company.   We stopped every two hours or so for a break but it was a really big day.  The rain continued all day and it was quite miserable.  We drove through to Fraser Range Caravan Park.    Fuel prices across the Nullarbor we up very high, we paid $1.88 a few times at one point it was $2.02.  All we seemed to do today was fill up the car but we did travel a long way.  We had spaghetti bog for dinner, thanks Shaz it was very nice.

Day 19

We left Smoky Bay quite early heading for the Head of the Bight.  It was another really nice day, clear blue skies.  There were no whales at the head but one very lonely dolphin, who didn't look too good.  The scenery was beatiful and well worth a look.  We will call in there again on the way back and hopefully there should be some whales in.  Fuel in Ceduna was $152.9 so we filled up as we were told that it can get up to $2.00 on the Nullarbor.  We stayed at Bunda Cliffs (807 in Camps 6), it was quite good.  Beautiful scenery.  Lots of mice though, it was quite funny when Graham was cooking the chicken for dinner he was dancing with the mice.  Fortunately none of them got into the van or up the legs of his pants.  Dinner was yummy.  

Head of the Bight

Our set up and Bunda Cliffs

Graham and David at Bunda Cliffs

Day 18

Woke up to clear blue skies today but it was really cold first thing.  It was 6 degrees in the van when we woke up, needless to say the heater went on straight away.  Then during the morning it got really warm and it was a beautiful day. We cooked the oysters for lunch, delicious.  They were really big ones.  We went for a walk around the area, not much here.  One general store that sells literally everything,  at a price of course.  Betty paid $3.40 for a litre of milk.  When we had a look around the shop there was a mouse running around the beer stock.  Another cold night tonight.  We are heading off tomorrow for the Head of the Bight, which we are really looking forward to.  Hopefully the weather will be kind again. 

Day 17

We left Streaky Bay at about 8-30 and drove through to Smoky Bay (only 64 kms). David and Betty, who we met in Mildura are staying here so we thought we would come and spend a night with them.  Well it turned out to be a great day, the weather was quite warm we were sat outside till about 5-30.  Graham washed the car, it looks so much better.  Once again we bought oysters for $7 a dozen.  Tomorrow we are going to give the van a wash again.  We had a walk along the jetty before dinner.  It is quite cold tonight but apparently tomorrow is going to be another nice day so we have decided to stay here another night.  It is quite a nice spot, very quiet but really pretty.  The caravan park is very well maintained.  

Smoky Bay Jetty

Sunset at Smoky Bay

Day 16

We woke this morning to the sound of heavy rain on the roof.  We then decided that we were not going to move onto Perlubie Beach as it looked like we were in for a bad day (we will do this later in the year on our way home).  We stayed in Streaky Bay and the day turned out to be one out of the box.  We got some information from the office here at the caravan park and there are a couple of drives that you can do.  We decided to do the Cape Bauer Loop.  We packed ourselves a picnic lunch and filled the flask and we started off.  Our first stop was at Cape Bauer.  Off the coast here was an island that is named “Olive” island.  We thought this was rather funny, Graham had to take a photograph of me with the island in the background.  We had morning tea here, banana bread and a cuppa.  The scenery was absolutely beautiful.   Then off to the Blow Holes and Whistling Rocks.  The Blow Holes were not blowing but the sea around there was very rough.  The sound the Whistling Rocks made was incredible; the wind coming through made a whistling sound.  We then moved onto Hallys Beach where we had lunch and then a walk on the beach.  We stole your idea Shaz, and because the beach was so quiet we wrote our name in the sand and took a photograph.  At most of the stops along the way we could have been the only people in the world, it was so peaceful.  We are very lucky here in Australia, no matter where we go the coastline is absolutely incredible.  None more so than what we saw today.  The loop probably took us 3 -4 hours and we enjoyed every minute.  The weather turned out fine (it was about 20⁰ but quite windy along the coast).  Later in the afternoon we took a walk along the beach here at the caravan park, lots of Pelicans and of course we had to take the mandatory photograph.  All in all a really good day

Cape Bauer

 

Streaky Bay Caravan Park in the distance

Day 15

We left Iron Knob at 8am this morning, stopping at Kimba for fuel ($1.649 per litre) and breakfast. We passed the half way point across Australia as can be seen by the photograph below.  Then we drove through to Streaky Bay arriving here at about lunch time.  We have been to this park before on our last trip it is right on the beach.  Lots of Pelicans on the beach this afternoon.  We bought 2 dozen oysters ($8 per dozen).  Graham shucked them, which he had not done before and we cooked them (Oysters Kilpatrick) in the camp kitchen.  They were lovely.  We went for a drive to look at a free camp that we will probably go to tomorrow on the beach at Purlubie Beach.  Spoke to Shane and Jodie they are in Perth and were boasting about how good the weather is.  

Halfway Across Australia

Pelicans on the beach at Streaky Bay

Dusk at Streaky Bay

Day 14

Left Adelaide this morning with strong winds and quite heavy rain.  Fortunately the wind was behind us a lot of the way.  The weather was horrendous.  We drove through to a place called Iron Knob which is about 70 kms from Port Augusta.  This is a free camp with just a toilet.  We got here about 3-30pm.  There is not much here the ground looks as though it used to be an old school ground.  At least it does not cost anything and we will be out of here early in the morning heading for Streaky Bay and oysters (yum).  

Day 13

Graham had the tyres on the car rotated this morning. Big washing day today and fortunately we got it all dry.  We went out for lunch.  We then started to prepare to leave here tomorrow and head towards Port Augusta.  Fortunately we put the bikes on the back of the van and put the awning away before the weather turned really nasty and we had quite heavy rain.  After dinner we went over to Pete and Edna's to see their new van, very nice indeed.  We are supposed to be moving on tomorrow but the weather has turned and it is very windy, we will have to see how it is in the morning.

Day 12

Had walk around Historical Port Adelaide today.  Not much to report from there.  The weather wasn't too bad. Went for a short bike ride in the afternoon, other than that we had a quiet day around the park.  

Day 11

Happy Mothers Day everybody and Happy Birthday Ted.  We hope you all had a good day.


Big day today.  We were up at 5am to get into Adelaide Central Bus Station for 6:45am to go on our trip over to Kangaroo Island.  Have to say that the early morning was well worth it as a good day was had by all.

We visited Seal Bay which is the home of the Australian Sealion and the third largest breeding colony in Australia.  Some of the baby Sealions were quite funny and you would swear they posed for their photograph.  We then went onto Vivonne Bay where we had lunch and then were treated to a Bird of Prey display.  The eagle was magnificent and the owl quite cheeky, took a turn at sitting on quite a few people's knees.  We then drove through Flinders Chase National Park, stopping off at the Remarkable Rocks, Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and finally Admirals Arch.  All in all in was a very full day but most enjoyable.  We were very lucky with the weather the sun shone all day until our final stop and then when we got back on the bus to go to the ferry it started raining.  The scenery on Kangaroo Island is magnificent and we took quite a few shots.   We got back to the caravan at 11pm (tired and weary) but quite happy with our day.

Sealion Posing - Cheeky Hey!!

Remarkable Rocks

Admirals Arch