Part 10
27th of September 2021
Today was a public holiday over here, so we got our bikes out and had a really fun ride around Geraldton. Our first stop of the day, right near our caravan park, was Point Moore Lighthouse. This spectacular Red and White stripped lighthouse was first lit in 1878 and is 34 Metres high!
Our next stop on our own bike tour was St Francis Xavier Cathedral, designed by Monsignor John Hawes. It took 25 years to build, one very talented priest come architect! He also designed many other beautiful churches.
Next stop on top of a hill overlooking the sea, The HMAS Sydney 11 Australia’s premier Memorial site to honour the 645 Australian Sailors who lost their lives at sea, on the 19th of November 1941.
Our last stop on our bikes was down on the esplanade, where we stopped for a quick sip along the way home, lovely afternoon.
28th of September 2021
Today we where up early to drop the car off to Toyota in Geraldton, for a service. Then off for a walk into town for a nice breakfast at Cafe Fluer. A bit of retail therapy as the Main Street has a few hidden gem shops, for Peter the butcher is his therapy shop! The rest of the day was getting documents printed, scanned and emailed at the Jaycar shop in town. Also an appointment at the Telstra shop to sort a new phone out for Peter. After picking up the car, we set off to find the big glass ball on the foreshore.
29th of September 2021
Geraldton to Dongara We left quite early for us, today got out first stop along the way at Coalseam National Park to see the wildflowers. We had a quick lunch by the side of the road, looking out towards a field of wheat growing. Then next stop at Coalseam, too bad we are a couple of weeks to late to see the paper daisies in full flower!
A tad disappointed, we stopped at a cute little town called Mingenew for a coffee at the cute bakery in town.
Back on the road to Dongara, our friends Tina and Andy had recommended staying here. We got lucky here with a lovely site, looking out to sea! (Big 4 Dongara, Port Denison) – Really good park ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
30th of September 2021
This morning we got up and out for a walk around Dongara beach paths, found a cafe by the beach for breakfast, worst one for the trip! Later we got the bikes out for a really nice ride around the town discovering tracks by the river,
1st of October 2021
Dongara – Cervantes – The Pinnacles – Karrinyup Waters Caravan Park – Perth
This morning we headed off on our way to our stay in Perth. Our first stop of the day was The Lobster Shack, the Kalbarri Lobster Guys recommended, for lunch. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t that kind to us today.
Our next stop off at The Pinnacle’s for a walk around them.
The weather was miserable driving into Perth, so we just parked the van at Karrinyup Waters resort and had an early night.
2nd of October 2021
This morning I had a dentist appointment at North Beach dental clinic, at 9am. Peter met up with Matt and Veina Barnes at Tropicana cafe over the road, from the dentist. After the dentist I joined them for breakfast, before we all headed off for a look around Perth. Matt drove us along the beach road to Fremantle for a walk around and a drink at Little Creatures brewery.
Then onto the most quirky bar ever called Darling Darling, it was tiny, like an old sailors bar. Very dim lighting, candles and sailing ropes everywhere, loved it!
On the way home Matt and Viena took us up to the top of Kings Park for the view back to the city. Great Afternoon, thank you to our hosts!
3rd of October 2021
Today we both needed new jeans, so we went shopping at the newly renovated Karrinyup shopping centre, very nice!
Later in the afternoon Matt and Viena picked us up to go to the Casino to meet Matt’s work mates. We met up at the sports bar, which was going off due to a Rugby grand final.
4th of October 2021
Perth Botanical Gardens / today we arrived at the Kings Park botanical gardens in time for a wildflower tour. It was super informative and absolutely beautiful.
For lunch we popped into the cafe by the lake down the bottom end of the gardens. Then went to find Crawley boathouse not far down the road. I took photos for a really lovely young family, with the little girls unicorn helmet on my head! The little girl would not take it off for her parents, so to take a family photo I asked for a turn wearing it, she loved me in it and their family photo turned out gorgeous! Then they reciprocated taking a photo of us on the boat shed.
We then went back up to Kings Park to honour the Bali Bombing victims at the memorial there.
5th of October 2021
This morning we had breakfast at the caravan park cafe, which is very popular due to being beside a big playground and big pool! Karrinyup Waters Resort caravan park is so set up for families to come and stay near Perth. I booked a tour of the city of Perth with Oh Hey WA, of course via TripAdvisor my personal bible!!!! Matt picked us up and drove into the city, to meet up with Adie at Yagan Square,she was so great and took us to lots of sights around the city. There was just the three of us on the tour, so we had a bonus as in a private tour! Molly Moment –Do Yourself a favour do this Tour if you happen to be in Perth!
Later we picked up Viena at the University she works at, and checked out the laboratory she works in. On the way back we popped into Dan Murphys, Peter bought a bottle of Hellyer Road Whiskey, to replace the half bottle he drank with Geoff Baker, as we are hoping to catch up with them. Peter almost had a heart attack at the price, asking fir a price check. Matt thought this was so funny, he will be talking about this forever! Matt took us to Hillary’s boat harbour, as there are many restaurants and bars to choose from. We had dinner at one, forgotten the name! Just Another great day!
6th of October 2021
Today’s plan was to get up early and meet Matt for a bike ride. Good Old Matt picked us up with his car with a bike rack on, back to his place where we started off. We rode as far to City Beach from his house at North beach. It was so nice riding along the foreshore once again. The beaches along this coast are so clean and busy with surfers. Paddle boarders ect. We had a coffee at a favourite cafe of Matt’s along the way.
I picked up a Jamie Oliver veggie cook book Tony bought for Veina, and found a recipe to make a Veggie Moussaka for dinner after her work. Matt lives next to the best grocery store a Farmer Jacks, so I popped in there and bought the ingredients. The boys dropped me back at the caravan to cook tea, while they went off go karting. It has been really nice to see Matt and Peter getting on super well, having a great time together.Later they all came back for a home cooked meal! Getting stuck into The Hellyer Whiskey, meant for catching up with Geoff later. Peter is easily lead!
7th of October 2021
Big sleep on today as we are being worn out! I had another dental appointment at 11am. After we went for a drive to see the iconic Cottesloe hotel on the beach, very disappointed as of course they are renovating it, so it didn’t look all that special!
We walked along the beach for a bit, then Matt recommend The Shorehouse for lunch. It was very nice too! Back to the van for a quiet night as we are getting up early tomorrow for the ferry to Rottnest island.
8th of October 2021
Rottnest island!!!!! We left early to Hillary’s boat harbour today for the 7:30am fast ferry to Rottnest island. As soon as we arrived we jumped on the hop on off bus, checking out all the beautiful spots around the island. We got off at our first stop Cathedral Rocks, for the seals. We where so lucky to have them all to ourselves, to watch.
We stopped off the bus at another beach, there Peter had a swim as the water was so blue and clear. We walked on to Pinky Beach, and had lunch overlooking the beach and Bathurst Lighthouse. Note the main lighthouse here on Rottnest closed as funny “once on a lifetime renovation” happening, seems the year for renovating the big ticket items in Western Australia this year!
From Pinky’s Beach we walked into the main town of Rottnest finally seeing our first Quokka! Yay! Guess what, they are doing up the main area in town, scaffolding everywhere! Here we pretended we where guests at the lovely resort there, and had a glass of Rose by the beach! Then down a peg or two to the pub, for a last drink before the 5:30pm ferry. Here we shared our table with Pete the Peacock and a Quokka or two!
Rottnest I give you ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and dream of one day coming back to stay for a week or two!
We called into Matt’s and Viena’s on the way home, for fancy drinks watching tonight’s sunset from their front room. Then dinner next door at their favourite Italian restaurant Tom’s, very lucky to score a table too. Just another fabulous day!!! Sorry
9th of October 2021
Big day again, starting out with breakfast at Trig Point Cafe with Tracey Smith.
Then we walked towards Matt’s unit to catch up with him along the esplanade. We went up to Hillary’s wharf to fill in time waiting for Veina, where I bought Leah some shoes and a top for me!
Then we picked up Veina and headed out to the Swan Valley for a Brewery/Gin tour! 1/ Txoko Brewery for pizza and beer. 2/ Old Young’s for a Gin tasting (very good). 3/ The Henley Brook – Beer 🍻 nice 😊. 4/ The Duckstein German Brewery – Matt and Viena’s favourite! mango wine
Next!!! Scarborough Night Markets – I stopped to look and one earring stall and Peter and Matt disappeared to the pub over the road! (Not happy Jan – as we missed the food trucks trying to find them little buggers) So then it was the pub for tea and more beers! Left home at 8, home at 9pm
10th of October 2021
As we’ve had a full on week in Perth, we extended a day to catch up on the chores! Get all the washing sorted, van packed up. We actually had a spa at the resort and then dinner at our friend Tracey Smiths house.
11th of October 2021
Perth to Margaret River
We left Karrinyup Waters Resort by 9am, perfect timing along the freeway as the peak hour traffic was over. First stop for the day was The Bunbury Market, it’s like an ikea of a green grocery store. Picked up some fresh supplies and off again in the rain.
Snickers time for Peter, so we stopped at a cute little cafe in Capel for lunch. We found the post office and posted the little gold shoes I bought for Leah, and the basket Tracey Smith made to Carole, as the lady in the Capel post office was so helpful.
We arrived early afternoon the Olive Hill Farm, greeted by Tina, Andy and their dog Daisy. We set up quickly and they took us for a drive around to get our bearings.
12th of October 2021
Today we headed off to Margaret River Main Street, for a look and a coffee at the bakery.
Next for the day was a self guided headphone tour of Mammoth Cave, Wow
Cave number two for the day, this time with a guide was Lake Cave, again Wow!!!
Finally last stop the Amazing Boranup Karri Forest.
Ticking off the list ✅✅✅✅⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Later that night we had drinks by their fire and met Helen the lovely owner of Olive Hill.
13th of October 2021
Today we started off with a walk at The Heritage walk, starting near the old Engine Train “Kate”, at Margaret River. As the weather looked ominous, we hadn’t planned much for the day. Then the sun came out, so off we went!
We went for a drive along Caves Road, and called in for lunch at The Brewhouse, again very impressive architectural building over a lake. Very 😊 nice.
Next stop Yallingup, wow another lovely area! We parked the car at The Caves Hotel, which is stunning! The old building and beautiful gardens, with a pathway leading down to the beach, which we walked down to, As we came back up we had an afternoon sip on the patio, watching them set up for a market later in the day.
We thought the sun was still shining we would go for a drive up the road to Cape Naturalise lighthouse, which by this time was closed! We still did a walk to the whale watching spot, no whales but we did see a gorgeous little bright blue finch along the track.
Another big day, while the suns shining we arrived back at the camp at 6:30pm.
14th of October 2021
Today a sleep in, and then headed of to Augusta to see the Lighthouse, unfortunately having a once in a lifetime renovation, of course! We stopped by Flinders Bay first, an instantly feel in love with this gorgeous little place. So many pretty coloured weather board house’s. I could live here in a flash if it was closer to home!
Next stop was the lighthouse, we stopped to see the museum in the lighthouse keepers old home. This museum is super well laid out. On one of the walls in the rooms, a display of old family photo’s comes to life talking about life at the lighthouse. Really good! We will just have to come back one day when they finish the renovation, as you couldn’t get to the end, to see the two oceans Indian and Southern coming together.
We then stopped by the old water wheel that supplied water to build the lighthouse.
Back in town we found a lovely restaurant, The Colour Patch by the inlet for a nice lunch. Inside was very nice, a beautiful couta boat shaped bar, and a hand made in Tasmania sail boat on the wall. Augusta is known for Abalone, so of course we had to try some here, along with a ceviche scallop dish, very delicious 🤤
On the way back we stopped of at Hamelin Bay. We had a tip off that big sting rays hang around near the jetty, and love octopus. Lucky we happen to have some octopus bait. Peter fed one and loved the experience of it. Some ladies on the beach watched him, they enjoyed it to, as the one he fed was pretty big. Hamelin bay is another lovely spot to stay, as there is a camping ground right beside the bay. It’s just to nice around Margaret river, with so many options to stay at it’s confusing!
Another quick stop off at the beautiful Borup forest as the sun is shining through today.
15th of October 2021
Peter had an appointment in Margaret River at 9am, so while he went to that I went to the laundromat and put a load of washing on. And met him for a coffee ☕️ before driving off to Busselton.
Friday today, so we headed off to see the very long jetty at Busselton. Today was a picture perfect day to go, as we had been watching the weather and wanted to see this on a sunny day. We walked the jetty to the underwater aquarium, and did the self guided tour. We both loved the aquarium, it’s just a spiral staircase down to a round room at the end of the jetty. So many schools of small fish, with birds diving from the top to catch a fish. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Loved it!
Peter had a medical appointment booked at 1:30pm at the hospital, so he left me at the jetty for me to enjoy! Along the jetty back, I bumped into Alison and Glenn from Bendigo, we met at Wooramel Station. A quick catch up on what each other had been up to, and promise to catch up again. I walked into the town and met Peter at a cute little French crepe cafe for lunch,very nice!
We promised Tina and Andy to be back by five, to all walk down to the Colonial Brewery for tea. A fun walk up the road, followed by a nice time at the brewery together with their friends, Mandy,Mark, Emma and Barry. More laughs in the dark on the walk home along the road.
16th of October 2021
Big Day today! First off the farmers market in Margaret River, which was really good! We stocked up with lots of fresh Veges and other nice bits, Happy Hippie yummy dips.
Next stop for a bottle of Howard Park Shiraz. We had been drinking the night before at the brewery. We had a really lovely lady serve us, for a tasting. Therefore our stop for a couple of bottles, turned to one and a half dozen! Very nice though, and a super nice winery, Howard Park – Mad Fish
Now off to walk it all off, on the Quininup falls walk. A bit if a challenging one, especially as other walkers had seen two snakes, made me a little nervous. Every element on this walk, mud, sand, rocks, and a steep sand dune. So worth it as the little random waterfall by the sea, was very photo worthy.
Another stop off along the way home to Aravina Estate. This place was wow, not like any winery I’ve ever been before. A long sweeping driveway through the vines accross a lake to the winery. We went there as advertised was a surf museum. The museum full of surf memorabilia and perfect old cars, was amazing and so well displayed. With every door way leading to another part of this winery, a wedding table set up with a gift shop, then a wine tasting room. Leading onto a very cool bar, with Bridget Bardo iconic photos all over the walls. The bar lead out to a deck overlooking the lake, cool music playing. A downstairs Brewery bar, again set up like a surf bar and a big screen playing the Inxs concert, very popular place, done really well, My ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for a fun day out with friends or families, as even a fabulous kids playground. A Winery/Brewery/Museum +++
Tonight our new friends Mark and Mandy asked us for dinner. They are avid Instagramers / You Tubers, (crooks_in_a_caravan) so Mark cooked a big Paella 🥘 to make a video of We had a lot of laughs setting the video. Another fun night of gutter talk by the fire, with Andy,Tina, Emma and Barry too.
17th of October 2021
Today we felt like a chill out, domestic duties kind of day. Tonight I cooked up a big Pork Roast, as I’m looking at real lambs every day I don’t think it’s fair to them to cook a lamb roast! Andy,Tina,Emma and Barry joined us for a nice Sunday roast by Peters fire! Another fun night with new friends.
18th of October 2021
This morning we walked to the river on the farm, which is very pretty.
We had a zoom meeting booked at 12pm, so we headed into Margaret River, to insure we had wifi. After that we went for a drive down to the beaches near Prevally, and found a nice cafe on the beach called White Elephant.
Tonight we shared our night before Roast left overs with Tina and Andy. Then had drinks by their fire, also with Emma and Baz, a few laughs once again!
19th of October 2021
Woken early this morning, to a very wet day. Today probably our worst weather day for the entire trip, as we packed up everything outside preparing for the worst. Our friends Andy and Tina, picked us up to take us out for lunch to Swings and Roundabouts winery. This place is another wow, not over the top snobby, just really comfortable and friendly.
20th of October 2021
Well overnight was the biggest stormy night of the trip, felt like the van was going to fly off! Very wet morning! What else is there to do with weather like this, but hit the Beerfarm with our mates Tina, Andy and Daisy for lunch. The Beerfarm is very cool, an old Milking shed converted to a big Beer shed.
21st of October 2021
Time to move on today, so up early to pack up and say our goodbyes to Tina and Andy, at Olivehill farm. Our stay here was great, meet some nice new friends, loved waking up to the lambs outside every morning. Olivehill is a perfect place to stay near enough to Margaret River and the surrounding other towns. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Another five star stay, at a beautiful peaceful farm.
We stopped off along the way to Augusta at Whitchcliff, for a morning coffee at the Yardxx
We arrived at The Turners Road, Caravan park in Augusta late morning. Set up quickly and took off for a walk along the waterfront, which is very tranquil. Huge pelicans out the front of the caravan park.
We walked up to the Main Street, and popped into the pub for an afternoon drink looking at the view down to the river.
22nd of October 2021
This morning Peter went around to John Doherty’s old friend, Keith Leech at his factory.
After lunch we went off for a bike ride along the water front, towards the lighthouse. It was a perfect sunny afternoon, really nice ride along this beautiful coast.
This evening Keith (John’s mate) and his partner Willow, came over for happy hour. As we know many of Keith’s mutual friends we hit it off with them and ended up with plans made for Saturday with them.
23rd of October 2021
This morning Keith picked Peter up at 9am to go fishing, while I hung out with his partner Willow. She took me to the local lions op shop, which is huge and a popular Saturday morning place to visit. Our next stop was at the Margaret river Berry farm. Where I got to see the little blue wrens hoping around, as they like the jam served here! We had a wine tasting, then sat for lunch in the gorgeous gardens watching the birds.
Willow took me to a beach called Foul Bay for a really nice walk in the direction of Hamelin Bay.
Another walk down to Cozy Corner, a steep climb back!
After we met the boys back at their home, with two happy boys and six big King George whitings. A few beers while they cleaned the boat, and filleted the fish. We ended up staying for dinner, freshly caught fish for tea.
24th of October 2021
25th of October 2021
A slow start getting more paperwork and posting a gift to Chloe, in Augusta. Our travel friends Alison and Glenn joined us here in Augusta, so in the afternoon they joined us for another cave tour. This one Jewel Cave was the biggest one, and very beautiful.
On the way back to Augusta we took Alison and Glen on a little tour. We went through our favourite little place Flinders Bay, then onto the Water wheel.
Tonight we cooked tea on Glenn’s fire and had a bit of a late night comparing funny stories, with a few 🍻🍷fun night.
26th of October 2021
The weather today is not to great, so a slow morning cleaning up. Getting another document printed at the local newsagents and mailed off to Chris. A coffee at a cute vintage shop, with a lovely local friendly vibe! Peter dropped me off to do a grocery shop, while he dropped off a slab to Keith, the guy who took him fishing. Obviously I’m writing this waiting for him, with a barking little dog beside me!
Back at the van I whipped up a carrot cake for afternoon tea, in our van (the club lounge!!!) with Alison and Glen. After our big night last night, early to bed tonight!
27th of October 2021
This morning Keith picked us up at 8:30am for a drive through a telstra track. Stopping along the way to look at all the different wildflowers and a tree he would love to make something out of.
This track is a secret locals only, if I tell he says he has to kill me!!!! It was a fun trip for sure, wildflowers galore then magnificent ocean caves with a very hair raising steep overgrown track to the beach. Best this place is kept secret 🤫 A massive storm came in, so we ran for the car.
Today we had lunch again at The Colourpatch. This time with Alison and Glenn, we had a really lovely afternoon here. Now that we’ve met Keith, who actually restored the stunning bar feature old boat, it’s even more special.
We organised to meet Willow and Keith for dinner at the pub in town. Alison and Glenn came along too. Such a crazy small world, it turned out Keith’s brother had worked for Glenn and Alison and very good friends of his brother!!!! Lots of laughs, stories and another fun time on our trip.
28th of October 2021
Time to move on again, leaving The Turner HolidayPark comfort, for a country festival in Boyup Brook. We left about 10am and stopped in a gorgeous little town called Nannup,
I bought an old Cornish ware bowl at the vintage shop here.
We arrived in Boyup Brook early afternoon and set up our van with our mates Tina and Andy, in a big paddock beside the Harvey Dickson Rodeo site. Wow are we in for a weekend!!!!
With our van all set up, of course I couldn’t wait to go and check out this crazy 😜 Country music, Rodeo place. And seriously was not disappointed,as it is a next level out there kind of place! We met the man himself Harvey Dickson, working so hard to get the place organised for the next few days. This man and his wife set this place up over years, collecting.
On Friday we walked the Rodeo set up in the sunshine, and took lots more photos as we where in awe of Mr Harvey Dickson’s dedication to making this site a memorable one for everyone to enjoy! We spent an afternoon in Bridgetown with Tina and Andy, having lunch at a nice pub overlooking the river.
Later Andy and Tina’s other friends started turning up in their caravans and tents.
I’ve had so much trouble with this Blog it’s got me beat! Loading has been a nightmare, I’m just going to post this and come back and edit at a later date internet down the bottom of WA is terrible!
