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Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
  • Mark Sawyer
  • Valerie Sawyer
  • Mark Sawyer
  • Valerie Sawyer

Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

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  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Wyndham

    July 22, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Nice day out here to check out the furthest town north in WA and some surrounding areas, 5 rivers lookout, the old township, the largest boab tree in the area, the big crocodile and the excellent bakery for a crocodile 🐊 pie🍽😋
    We stopped at a local store in the old town and met this local selling all the stuff others in town didn’t want 😂, what a character full of information and entertaining at the same as time.
    Not much there.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Geike Gorge

    July 24, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    This is where the Fitzroy river cuts through the junction of the Oscar and Geike ranges before going through the town and on to Derby.
    Amazing images and the still water reflects exceptionally well.
    A lot of native wildlife around and a great informative talk by the guide.Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    1

    Fitzroy River Lodge

    July 24, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 26 °C

    Set up, did the long overdue wash and get up to date.
    Sunday roast at the resort was a treat as it has been a while with a beautiful sunset.
    Not much else to do here so moving on tomorrow to Derby.
    A very nice oasis in the middle of nowhere, good amenities, nice restaurants and bar, grassy sites and no local issues.
    Recommend this park to anyone👍
    Site 8 👍    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    Wide fall on high tideSmall fall looking through to wide fallOur 5 star accommodationSmall fall on runout tide with zoomThe fish I caught for entree1Great fishOur crew tol class

    Horizontal Falls 24 hour tour

    July 26, 2022, Indian Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    What an amazing 24 hours, seaplane to the pontoon then a helicopter flight over the area, it was high tide.
    Then back on pontoon for morning tea and after everyone had done the helicopter e went to our accommodation for lunch and to settle in Hayley, Tom, Ash, Leah & chef looked after us.
    The next was a shark swim opportunity ( people in cage sharks in open water) while Tom gave us a talk on the area and what happens there.
    Then out for the fast boat ride to the horizontal falls (couldn’t go through due to previous accident and investigation) but Hayley got us as close as possible on the run out tide.
    Then off for some fishing with Adrian and I caught 2 nice fish ( others also caught some and a shark that was released) that we had cooked up for entree at dinner.
    Awesome chef and staff, Ash, Leah and the food was amazing.
    The houseboat accommodation was excellent and had just been refurbished 2 months ago, don’t have take anything as towels, toiletries were all provided.
    Early morning sunrise cruise up the creek to hear the history of the area by Hailey then back for breakfast and our last boat ride to the falls to see the tide going the other way.
    The height of the tides here is ridiculous up to 11 meters,
    This is a is a must tour if coming up here nothing else I have seen or done matches the amazing trip.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Derby

    July 27, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Not much here, the horizontal falls tour is the only reason we stayed here but did a walk and found the old jail, the local hotel 🍺👍, the Norval Gallery, some unusual boab trees and the jetty for the sunsets.
    The prison boab which is the largest and oldest in the area, prisoners weee taken here just before they arrived at the jail.
    The marsh sculptures were amazing at sunset.
    A local resident white peacock, sitting on a trailer.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Broome Day 1 & 2

    July 29, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    What a great spot, Cable beach sunsets are amazing, eating a meal at Zander’s with traveling friends (met in Banka Banka) while the sun goes down is awesome.
    Camels on the beach and all the 4WD parked waiting for the sunset.
    Cable beach caravan park is ok all red dirt sites and packed in but spacious sites.
    Lunch at the Mangrove hotel with an awesome view.
    A walk through town checking out the sites.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    Waterfall reef cygnet bay

    Cygnet Bay

    July 31, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    After a 2.5 hour drive we have 2 days glamping here, beautiful scenery and the history is inspiring, dinner overlooking the bay (at night no view haha).
    A great glamping tent with an en-suite was the first best impression you could ask for, a/c and a bar fridge( no drinks though) ad we took our own.

    Started our next day with a 6:00am waterfall reef tour a waterfall in the ocean being a tidal phenomenon that happens in the spring tides needs to be seen to be believed (photos to show how amazing hopefully), the fish get caught in the reef pools at low tide and the birds get a great feed, nature at its best.
    Stared off with a Georgous sunrise finishing off with the pearl tour and finding one other the oyster we all opened with the staff.
    Ended our time there with a sumptuous dinner and a wine and cocktails.
    Another experience not to be missed.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Broome days 5 & 6

    August 3, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Headed back from Cygnet bay as had to get car serviced, done 10,000 klms so far and only 5 & 1/2 weeks into our 13 week trip.
    Spent the last days touring around the city and outskirts checking out Gantheaume point for the dinosaur prints, fossils of ferns and the lighthouse.
    Had a drive along the southern end on Cable Beach where everyone was enjoying the low tide and sun.

    Heard the story about the Lord McAlpine and how he put Broome on the map and was the major influencer in the way the town is now.
    Toured the town beach and the new wharf/jetty also the Japanese cemetery and another quick tour of Chinatown.
    Went to Matso’s for lunch but that didn’t work out, nice ginger beer though.
    This is a great place I think I would need a couple of weeks here to enjoy it properly.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Port Hedland

    August 4, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Arrived and got straight into touring the area, started with a twilight tour around the town and outskirts getting the information on the wharfs, mining companies, transport and associated facilities.

    Watched a bulk carrier being brought into port at sunset. Watching their precision skill in docking is amazing.

    It usually takes 45 minutes to dock a ship normally but they have the only vacuum docking system and it takes 45 seconds, wow.
    They can only leave on a high tide as they only have minimal bottom clearance when fully loaded.

    Enjoyed a cold beer and wine at sunset.

    Day 2
    Did a little self touring today and visited, Pretty pool park, Cemetery Beach park (both great places for BBQ’s or picnics), Koombana lookout and Redbank bridge lookout and Cooke point viewing platform (just outside our caravan park.

    We also did the Seafarers Harbour tour today and learnt the history and what they actually do, they provide a daily launch service for the crews of the ore carriers that brings them ashore do they can enjoy time off the the ships.

    Really amazing details on the amount of ore and minerals being transported into port by trains (each train has 2 locomotive engines then 134 ore cars, 2 more engines and 134 ore cars) that gets shipped out around the world.
    That is 37,500 tonnes of ore at a cost of $90,048,000 every day and that is just BHP only

    The photos show an update of all port movements ad the are happening and also who owns which wharves and where the are.

    Had a nice afternoon walk on the water front and spotted turtles, a nice surprise to end the day.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    Joffre fallaGrade 4 hikeKnox gorgeFortescue falls240 stairs down to the bottomTop of Joffre falls

    Karijini National Park Morning

    August 8, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Well what can I say, this place is absolutely amazing.
    We did (partially) the Joffre falls as we didn’t go down the stairs as they were very steep, we did to the top of the waterfall and even getting there was a grade 4 hike.
    We went to Knox gorge and the platform was closed so we walked as far as we could till the terrain became too rough, this gorge was stunning, the colors and the ruggedness was breathtaking.
    We then traveled to Fortescue Falls and climbed down the 240 stairs to the bottom (and back up again) and checked out the falls and water hole, a few swimmers but a little too cold for me.
    Oh just a note to remember if you are going here take your food, snacks and drinks as there is no where to get takeaway.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    Fern pool1

    Karijini national Park Afternoon

    August 8, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    We then walked up to Fern pool and another amazing place, the waterfall over the rock ledge looked awesome and people were sitting underneath the rock, water still very cold.🥶

    We did a little of the Dales gorge but decided we had done enough hiking today and returned to the car and stopped at the picnic ground near circular pool for lunch and a coffee.
    We walked to the Circular pool viewing platform, nature at its best was our thoughts.
    Headed home for a well earned rest to recharge for tomorrow.
    We have put our name down for a all inclusive tour but not sure if we will get in 🤞if that doesn’t work we can spend the day in the pub 😉🍺🍷🥃    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Exmouth Day 1

    August 11, 2022, Indian Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Great start to our time in Exmouth great little beach shack at Bundegi Beach for coffee and snacks with a great view.
    A drive to check out Cape Range National Park and the Vlamingh lighthouse and the history of it while sighting a few whales and finished with a pizza at Whalebone Brewery, they were big and tasted amazing.
    RAC Exmouth caravan park site 99, good site, 3 nights is about right.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Yarrdie crerk

    August 11, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Great spot at the southern end of Cape Range national park, the creek goes back a fair way back and they have boat cruises on it if you can’t do the walking trail.
    The camping looks good but only toilets no showers.
    Stoped at Turquoise bay and the water colour is stunning.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Oyster Stacks/Turquoise Bay snorkeling

    August 12, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Up early to get here as you can only do this at high tide (today at 9:50am).
    I arrived and there were 3 people already in but were leaving as I heated up so on my own until 4 others arrived.
    So many different species of fish it was amazing, very windy and choppy water do photos don’t do it justice, went over to turquoise bay and finished my snorkeling there.
    Water was not too cold but also wins effected.
    On the way back sighted a dingo on the side of the road, and a short drive up the road to the Mildura Wreck that hit the reef and couldn’t be moved so everything was removed, including the cattle overboard (hoped they would make it to shore snd survive).
    The only good to come of this event was the need for a lighthouse to be constructed nearby.
    Was looking forward to our sunset whale cruise but it was cancelled due to too windy and rough seas, see what tomorrow will bring.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Final day Exmouth

    August 14, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    A few last afternoon drinks and a chill out at Mantarays resort then a catch up with our travel friends (we met while traveling in the same direction), went to see the Staircase to the Moon but not the best night for it, before heading off to Carnarvon in the morning.Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Coral bay

    August 15, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Nice spot for a morning tea stop, the bakery has done amazing treats, apple scroll was my favorite, not much else except the beach (and a good pub I have been told).
    Some locals had a good catch too.

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    2

    Carnarvon

    August 17, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Visited the space and museum and it was so interesting and informative, brought back memories of the landing on the moon when I was at school, amazing museum and the information they have is exceptional, the interactive parts were memorable.
    The space module simulation was great to feel (similar) to what astronauts went though at that time.
    It is amazing to think that with the limited technology back then they achieved what they did, truly heroic.

    Valerie had a photo taken on the moon 😂😂.
    Took an image of me with the heat sensor reading supplied, 😂 so funny.

    This is a must if ever in Carnarvon even if just for the history information.

    Also did a walk along the old tram track bridge and over to the island to find the bumble bees 🐝, only found a few but a nice walk in the nature reserve
    We had site 8 in winter sun caravan park but definitely only a 2 night say.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Blowhole

    August 17, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Did the trip to the blow hole and found a beautiful beach at Quobba point, literally an aquarium with so many fish it was amazing, had a fresh prawn roll ( bought prawns 🦐 and rolls) while watching water spouts and the ferocity of the ocean at it’s best.Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    One Mile Jetty Museum and Coffee shop

    August 18, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Great little coffee shop in the heritage precinct, with the museum next door and very informative about the history of the area.
    Carnarvon became the fruit bowl of middle Western Australia due to the great growing conditions and the water aquifers.
    It was also a whaling station in the early years.

    The HMAS Sydney was sunk off this coastal area with all crew (645) lost.

    The lighthouse keepers cottage was a great look back at how they lived and the volunteer who was there today was the daughter of one of the lighthouse keepers and spent her first 9 years being brought up her before her father died of a heart attack at 45 years old, her mother and her moved out not long after.
    We found the little bee nesting area and they are do buddy but mod not bite or sting, picture explains about them.
    Visited the aboriginal culture Centre and it was an amazing experience, the local guide, Renee explained all about her mob/tribe and we ate some bush food she found on the premises.
    The story’s were enlightening, a CB must if in town.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Rocky pool

    August 18, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Headed up here to check out the Rocky pool area recommended by a local and also tried to get to Miaboolya beach but both roads were closed due to the rain and turned to mud 😞
    Put up some photos of what it must look like 😂👍Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    5 dolphins having a good time with nobody around

    Monkey Mia

    August 20, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Arrived to find out the only thing here is the caravan park resort?
    An absolutely beautiful resort on the beach nevertheless.
    1st walk up to the wharf and you guessed it 2 dolphins swimming by 🐬🐬
    Having lunch and then an emu walks by 😂😂
    Sunset drinks to finish off the day.
    A quick drink overlooking the bay before our walk to the pier, with nobody else around we spotted these 5 beautiful creatures again, it was a better view than the morning feeding talk, video included.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    Damage by cycloneVisable at low tideMany wildflowers around at the momentImage of what they look like underwater

    Hamlin Pool & Stromatolites

    August 21, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Unfortunately due to the last cyclone the boardwalk has been damaged and we are unable to walk out and see the stromatolites, but you can see them from the shore at low tide ( as in photo) these living fossils are over 3 billion years old and they expel oxygen from the rocks, wow, it is a beautiful area and did the walking track.
    We found the nameless grave as per the notice near it.
    Went back to the Hamlyn Pool Telegraph Station and Post Office and camp grounds for morning tea and cheese and ham toasty and some macaroons.

    Lots of wildflowers in bloom now.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Shell Beach

    August 21, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    This beach is made up solely of Hamelin bay cockle shells and only one of only two beaches in the world of its kind.
    It runs 60 klms and the shells can be up to 10 metres deep.
    The water is so salty, out in the bay there is a bank of seagrass and sand called a faure sill it acts like a barrier and allows water to flow over at high tide but restricts the water flow at low tide, so there is less water going out than coming in.
    This with low rainfall and evaporation creates a hypersaline environment, these shells are the only thing that can live it that environment.    Read more

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