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I’m a born traveller. The world is to explored photographed and rembered for all time Read more Perth, Australia
  • TravelerKalgoorlie Bound

    OnlyTwo Sleeps to Go

    September 17, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Well wouldn’t you know it,I have the flu. I was almost expecting it as I have been sitting with Oliver for two days while he was off school with the flu. So being the wonderful sharing person he is, he shared it with me.
    So I’m three days into it and hopefully it will be on the wane by tomorrow. Monday I will be up far too early at 5.00am to travel into East Perth terminal to catch the Prospector. It has been nearly two and a half years since I have travelled due to the Covid 19 pandemic which took the whole world by storm.

    Travelling stopped almost overnight while the world was turned upside down and millions of people died world wide. Masks were compulsory and anyone who was a contact or who had travelled within this period were put into isolation. Countries closed down, airlines stopped flying,cruises a big source of Covid infections pulled into ports and stayed there. Tourism was on hold. Tourism was in free fall. The world had become a smaller,unsafe place.

    But on Monday I’m off on my first small adventure. Kalgoorlie here I come.    Read more

  • TravelerBunbury here we come
    Day 6

    Homeward bound

    February 15, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Well that week shot by like a stray bullet. Miguel and I were up and out of the door by 8.28am. We packed the car last night so we are ready to roll. We have to leave Bunbury early today as looking after Ollie and Audrey later.
    Driving back to the Pinjarra bake house the traffic was light so we made good time. Miguel and I were very naughty we ordered a beef and mushroom pie each. Well we are still technically on holiday for the next hour or so. We arrived at Tabbys well before eleven which gave her more time to organise herself for the workshop she is presenting today at KSP.

    Loading the kids in the car we took a detour to Midland Gate shopping centre as Miguel wants to talk to the Vodaphone crew once again. I’m over it so I took the kids to Big W to treat themselves as they have bought their pocket money with them. Audrey is a crafty little girl,she managed to get nana to buy her a onesie and a LOL. Ollie purchased two packets of Pokémon cards with his own money.......finally we caught up with Miguel, bought the kids lunch and headed home. I decided to buy the kids another game, so we could play when we got home.

    Tabby picked the kids up at five thirty, and as I was quite tired I decided to lie down for an hour.
    Tomorrow we are going to Toodyay with Joan and Brian for lunch. They are picking us up at eleven.

    Toodyay
    The Old Gaol

    Old Court House in Fiennes Street now used as Shire of Toodyay offices (2004)

    Memorial to James Drummond, botanist, in Pelham Reserve, overlooking the Toodyay townsite
    The original village of Toodyay was one of the earliest inland towns in Western Australia. A habitat of the Ballardong Noongar people for thousands of years, the Avon River valley was discovered by Ensign Robert Dale in 1830,[4][5] leading to exploration by settlers including James Drummond, Captain Francis Whitfield and Alexander Anderson. The first village was established in 1836. Drummond established his homestead Hawthornden nearby. The original location is subject to flooding, which led to its abandonment in the 1850s, and a new townsite was established on higher ground 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) upstream. This was proclaimed by Governor Arthur Kennedy on 1 October 1860 as "Newcastle"[6] and the original settlement came to be referred to as "Old Toodyay". In May 1910, due to confusion with the New South Wales city of Newcastle, a name-change to Toodyay was proposed[5] and the original townsite, which had by this time declined substantially, became "West Toodyay".[7]

    The meaning of the name is uncertain, although it is Indigenous Noongar in origin — in an early 1834 reference it is transcribed as "Toodye" while maps in 1836 referred to "Duidgee"[8][9] The Shire of Toodyay's official history gives the meaning as "place of plenty".[5] However, local anthropologists Ken Macintyre and Dr Barb Dobson refute this. They postulate "Toodye" or Duidgee most likely mimics a birdcall, possibly the restless flycatcher or one of that family.[10] According to Noongar belief, a bird calls its own name. This name "Duidgee" is preserved in the riverside recreation area "Duidgee Park".

    Toodyay is also known as "the place that is misty and foggy".[11]

    The Newcastle Gaol, in Clinton Street, completed in 1864, was in use as a state prison until 1909. It is now preserved as a heritage building and tourist attraction, the Old Gaol Museum.

    In 1870, a steam-driven flour mill, Connor's Mill, was built on Stirling Terrace by George Hasell. The mill was also used to generate electricity in the early twentieth century. Saved from demolition in the 1970s, and restored to demonstrate the milling process and machinery, the mill now forms the museum section of the Toodyay Visitor Centre.[12]    Read more

  • TravelerBunbury here we come
    Day 5

    Capel

    February 14, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    It’s Valentine’s Day today. Michael and I are escaping the crew and spending the day on our own. Firstly the Dome for coffee and breakfast. The Dome is set on the estuary and was packed with families enjoying a lovely warm morning, coffee, cake and the view. Leaving the Dome we headed to the nearest petrol station to fill up for our homeward journey.
    Taking the road-back to Bunbury we decided to take a diversion to Capel just for the hell of it. The local library had a book sale, so in we went. Five dollars later and five books in my arms we had done our bit for Capels economy. Time we headed to capel’s tavern for a pint .

    Capel is a town in the South West region of Western Australia, located 212 kilometres south of Perth and midway between Bunbury and Busselton. The town is located on the Capel River and is approximately 19 metres above sea level. Capel has a Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and cool wet winters. Wikipedia
    Weather: 36 °C, Wind SW at 10 km/h, 32% Humidity
    Postal code: 6271    Read more

  • TravelerBunbury here we come
    Day 4

    Pizza popping

    February 13, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Today is Thursday, it is our 4th day in Bunbury. We are not going to the hotel for breakfast again. Michael isn’t a breakfast person. But we are going to the Dolphin centre today. The Dolphins are not making themselves known today, but we did see the feeding of the tropical fish. We had a coffee in the cafe and I took some photos , plus had the pleasure of being allowed to interact with a live starfish and stroke some beautiful anemones.
    We decided as we will not have another chance to visit the Art Gallery. The experience was slightly disappointing as there was not much art due to an exibition weekend being organised. Most of the rooms were closed as being set up with art work. But I managed to take a few photos.

    The Galleries opened on 14 February 1987, when Bunbury Citizen of the Year, George Baxter, cut a ribbon fashioned in the shape of the building with a ceremonial sword. The former convent has been known variously as the Bunbury Art Galleries and Bunbury Regional Art Gallery. It was formally a convent. Plus a catholic school. Traces can still be found in the building of its colonial past.

    From there it was off to the Prince of Wales pub for lunch. We left the crew behind. Back to the hotel for an hour and then off to the movies. We went to see Richard Jewel the Clint Eastwood movie of the 1996 Atlantic bombings.

    During the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, security guard Richard Jewell discovers a suspicious backpack under a bench in Centennial Park. With little time to spare, he helps to evacuate the area until the incendiary device inside the bag explodes. Hailed as a hero who saved lives, Jewell's own life starts to unravel when the FBI names him the prime suspect in the bombing. It was proved that he could not have possibly done the bombing but it ruined his life. He died at 44.
    After the movie we went to Dooleys for pizza of which Michael and I went half. Seventy five dollars it cost. Oh well I’ll never learn. But all in all it was a brilliant day . ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🍕🍕 🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕    Read more

  • TravelerBunbury here we come
    Day 3

    Dardanup Reunion

    February 12, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Today we meet up with Sue and Peter day in Dardanup. Michael and I went to Kmart and then met up to drive to Dardenup with the crew. Sue and Peter were already there. The pub was a typical country pub with its own charm. Lunch was the normal OZ menu, but very tasty. Michael and I shared a Parmi which was very tasty. A SSB went down very well. It was an enjoyable afternoon. In the evening Michael and I went to the movies after dips and chips at Marie and Brians. We went to see 1917 an emotional WWI movie.
    During World War I, two British soldiers -- Lance Cpl. Schofield and Lance Cpl. Blake -- receive seemingly impossible orders. In a race against time, they must cross over into enemy territory to deliver a message that could potentially save 1,600 of their fellow comrades -- including Blake's own brother.

    Darda Dardanup is located in the South West region of Western Australia, just southeast of Bunbury (14 km) and only 180 km south of Perth. The gateway to the Ferguson Valley, Dardanup is located in a region of fertile farmland, sensational views and native bush. It is an area that has gained popularity with visitors coming to enjoy the wildflowers, wine tasting and bush walking for starters.
    The original name of the area was Dudginup, although the true origins of this name is uncertain. With various meanings such as ‘a place of swamp reed’ and ‘burial ground by the water’, the only certainty is that the name is derived from the name used by the original Aboriginal inhabitants.

    Dardanup Shire includes the townships of Dardanup, Burekup, Eaton, Ferguson, Padbury Fields, Waterloo and Wellington Mill.

    Source: Shire of Dardanup

    Check out our listing of Dardanup accommodation and Ferguson Valley accommodation. In addition to our listed online travel guide information, contact the local tourism visitor centre for your destination for more attractions, tours, local maps and other information.
    Information Centre

    Ferguson Valley Visitor Centre
    Port of Bunbury Visitor Information Centre

    Dardanup Attractions
    Dardanup Heritage Trail
    • There are 15 historic and heritage sites in this 2.5 km walk around the town of Dardanup, with a number of points of interest that include the St Mary's Church (1906), Post Office (1895), Thomas Little Hall (the first Catholic Church build outside of Perth in Western Australia, 1854), Dardanup Hotel (1905), and the RSL War Memorial and Palmer Park.
    Dardanup War Memorial
    • Shire of Dardanup Municipal Offices, Little St, DARDANUP WA 6236
    • Commemorating those who sacrificed and fell for their country in 1939 to 1945.
    The King Jarrah Tree
    • Wellington National Park
    • At about 26 metres tall and 500 years old, this tree is one of the oldest jarrah trees in the world. This tree is pat of the Wellington Dam scenic drive that follows the river path some 11 km.
    Ferguson Valley
    • In the heart of traditional dairy and beef grazing country with rolling hills, picturesque valleys, beautiful settlements, rich in history and offering plenty of recreational activities. Ferguson Valley also offer a great drive through hills and valley, with views from the Darling Scarp across to the coastal plains and the Indian Ocean beyond.
    Gnomesville
    • Have you ever lost a gnome? Well quiet possibly they may have come here for a holiday. This gnome village, located at the roundabout in Wellington Mill, is where you will see hundreds and hundreds of gnomes. Wander around, as it will bring a laughter to the children and a smile to your face. You are encouraged to bring a gnome from your hometown.
    Mt Lennard Mountain Bike Trail System
    • Enjoy the pleasure of biking through the bush. There are a number of trails marked out with signs of a push bike marking the way. To get to Mount Lennard from Dardanup head east up Ferguson Road. Turn left on Pile Road and about several km later you will see the sign on your left. Check out the local WA Mountain Bike Club for rides.    Read more

  • TravelerBunbury here we come
    Day 2

    Day Two

    February 11, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Day two began with breakfast at the $10 breakfast cafe. Miguel and I did not have breakfast as not hungry after last nights meal at Simply Thai. After breakfast, Miguel, Garry and I went off to buy the rolls for lunch. I packed us a tasty lunch and hot cross buns before heading to the local beach.
    Marie, Brian, Garry and Roni set up on the beach while Miguel and I sat in the shade of one of the many picnic tables. Miguel trotted off for coffees while I relaxed and photographed life.

    The crew stayed on the beach so Miguel and I nipped off for a pint. I found a Red Cross shop so of course had to have a quick peruse. I came out with two top costing $14.00. Miguel had a lemon lime and bitters waiting for me. It was a pleasant break from the crew. On returning to the hotel Miguel and Garry had a swim in the hotel pool and then we retired for an afternoon nap. Tonight we are off to the pub for dinner.    Read more

  • TravelerBunbury here we come
    Day 1

    Valentine Bunbury

    February 10, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Ok,it’s 8.00am and I’m not up,but I’m thinking about it. My hair doesn’t need washing so that saves me ten minutes,so I’m writing goggly gook in my journal instead. I’m packed, pretty organised and will soon be ready to rock and roll. But now it’s toast and coffee time. Let the day begin.

    We are on the road at last, house locked, garden watered and sat nav map on my phone programmed for Pinjarra Bakery. Roni and Brian are going South West Highway and we are going Kwinana freeway. I feel it’s more direct and if the traffic runs smoothly we should be there in just over an hour. We actually arrived in Pinjarra half an hour before the rest of the crew as they were held up with roadworks. So we had eaten a huge slice of rocky road and drunk our coffees, by the time they sat down. The bakery in Pinjarra is first class for pies and cakes. The trouble is it’s all too tempting.

    Continuing our journey we arrived at the Quality Lighthouse hotel about 2pm. We are ensconced in our rooms overlooking the ocean and the city centre, having a nice sojourn in our room until drinks at 4.40pm.

    4.0
    Very good
    294 reviews
    Location
    Cleanliness
    Service
    Value
    Located on one of the highest points in Bunbury, the Quality Hotel Lighthouse enjoys panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, Koombana Bay and the City Centre. We have recently completed a multi-million dollar refurbishment program, resulting in 59 modern, stylish hotel rooms and 4 brand new function rooms. . When booking online please clarify the room type you have booked as to determine if it has been refurbished or not. Current room types that are refurbished are: Deluxe City Views, City Rooms or Poolside Rooms.    Read more

  • TravelerTravels with the Beggsies
    Day 52

    Where The Streets Have No Name

    September 16, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    We are driving to Birmingham airport today,to catch our flight to Dubai and drop the car off. Today will be a travel day. Flying for over seven hours to Dubai where we will stop over for two days so that the kids can go to LEGO land and Kidzania. The flight was uneventful,the kids slept most of the way and as my screen was not working I had to find other things to do. But that’s ok,as I am getting used to screens being out of action. We arrived in Dubai late afternoon and the temperature was up in the 40 degrees. We were met by a Russian/Romanian/Polish courier who was polite but very tired and really just want d to get us to our destination and finish his shift. The hotel was good it had a huge foyer and the kids were given a small gift as soon as they entered the foyer. A small stuffed animal. I think Ollie got a,pig and Audrey a shark or some marine animal but it was all very nice. We were just happy to settle in the room and order room service. Tomorrow we are going to Kidzania we have to find our own way there but taxis are quite easy to acquire so no problem there. We settled in and had an early night. Goodnight diary.Read more

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