Return to WA

After an extended stay at home in Tasmania due to COVID lockdowns in Perth, we have made it back to Western Australia. After a delayed departure from Hobart and storms and lightening over the Perth airport as we arrived we finally reached our van just before midnight, we threw our bags into the van and plugged in the power and went to bed. Next morning Philip went up to the office to pay our outstanding fees (an extra week) only to be told there was no charge as we had let them know we were stuck in Tassie due to COVID and we couldn’t be expected to travel during lockdowns. This was a big surprise as we had fully expected to pay for our site while we were away.

Before leaving the park we did a quick trip to Costco to stock up on a few items before we head out of Perth. Back to the van and we saddle up and head out of the city south to Binningup to stay with friends for a few days.

Our original plan was to be back in Perth on the 29th June in time to surprise Peter for his 70th birthday but as that didn’t happen we are now staying with them so we can celebrate with Peter, Rad and friends on the 10th. What a great day we had sharing this celebration with them. Only 15 of us but boy could we all make some noise. We shared an awesome lunch that stretched from midday to 4 pm. Antipasto platters, Roast pork, lamb and beef, stuffed capsicum (yum), garlic beans, baked veggies, salads and then birthday cake, angel cake, chocolate slice, plus lots of other nibbles. We were full by the end of the day.

Monday 12th

We are up early and packed ready to depart at 6 am. Huge storms are forecast for late morning and we want to get north of Perth to miss the worst of them. After our goodbyes we head north and the closer we get to Perth the heavier the rain gets. Rain, darkness, wind and wet roads makes for a steady trip but as we leave Perth behind us the weather eases and the sun starts to poke through intermittently. Our first stop is GinGin to refuel both body and truck. We even have driveway service at this little fuel station and then nice freshly cooked toasties to stave off the hunger pangs.

Our destination today is Kalbarri, 770 k from Binningup. Way too many kilometres in a day for us but as we had made arrangements to meet up with friends, Cameron and Margaret for a few days. As this catch up was prearranged we made the effort to get there as soon as possible. With us both driving we made our destination by 3.30 and set up for several days stay. Once we were settled we wandered around the park until we found “the Bulls”. Coffees, teas and some catching up was done before Philip and I headed off for a walk before dark. We needed to stretch our legs after a long day in the car. There is still considerable damage visible here from Cyclone Seroja which struck here in early April. Homes without roofs, whole motel complexes demolished, cafes gone. But the town is now busy and full of tourists which is great to see.

We head back to the park and stop by Cameron and Margaret who have prepared dinner for us tonight. It was lovely not having to cook after our long day. Cameron had slaved over a pot all day to make a lovely “stew” which we had with mashed potatoes, very tasty!!!. Thanks heaps.

Tuesday was stormy and windy so we all took off for a drive around the area. Ended up doing a loop down the coast to Hutt Lagoon and Port Gregory. Hutt Lagoon is famous for its pink colouration caused by the algae dunaliella Salina that turns the salt pink. This lagoon also contains the worlds largest micro algae production plant. Although not as pink as in many photos the lagoon doesn’t disappoint today. Next stop was the Lyndon Station Heritage site. This was settled in 1853 and was the first convict depot north of Fremantle. Over 60 convicts were housed here to supply labour to the nearby mine. It was closed in 1857.

Next stop was Northampton for some lunch from the local bakery and a wander along the Main Street. We stopped in to the general family store and found a great little sewing machine museum at the back of the store. Lots of old machines nicely displayed with dates and details. Then to complete the circle we headed back to Kalbarri past the entrances to the National park.

Our turn to cook dinner tonight and share more stories of each of our Travels.

Wednesday 14h July

Today has dawned clear and sunny, mostly. We are heading out to Kalbarri Gorge to tackle the Loop Walk. Class 4, 9 km. We are off early and at the start of the walk by 9am. This walk begins at Natures Window and what a spectacular sight that is, especially with no other tourists about. (Lucky we got good photos early as later in the day it was packed with tourists). This walk traverses some of the cliff tops along the gorges edge before heading down into the base of the gorge. Walking and scrambling along rocky ledges, squeezing around tight corners and then opening out to walk along sandy stretches before climbing back to Nature’s Window. A fantastic 4.5 hour walk. The weather was really good, no rain showers, some cloud cover so it was pleasant walking unlike summer temperatures when it reaches 50 degrees at the base of the gorge. Spectacular scenery and some wildflowers revealed themselves at every turn. Once back to the car we drove out to the Skywalk, which everyone says is a must do. I’m not so sure of that! I did walk out onto the cantilevered walkway but it’s really not something I enjoy so left a Philip to it. Our last stop was Z Bend Lookout. Another great view of the gorge and Murchison River.