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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
    Selfie at whalebone looking back to the shore
    Selfie showing nowhere else to go

    Whalebone

    August 21, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    This was amazing, we could see this beautiful patch of white sand so we found the dirt road down to the beach and walked out to the end of the sand not covered by the tide (still coming in) and is the shape is of a whale bone, the Hilux can get to some unusual places and of course we did a selfie to show we did walk outRead more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    Small islands in the seagrass area
    Seabird's chilling on the smaller islandHope he caught some fishSalt being ready to ship outDenham foreshorePanorama of Eagle Bluff lookoutCrystal clear water

    Eagle Bluff lookout & Denham

    August 21, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Great lookout for spotting marine life, unfortunately for is today we didn’t see any swimming in that area.
    There was a fisherman out trying his luck and the salt mine on the other side of the bay.

    Big seagrass area for the dugongs but nothing visible.
    Off to Denham for our lunch in the park and bumped into our travel friends (Henrica & Greg) who were in town so the Shark bay pub was a good place to go for a drink.
    The most western pub in Australia.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    This photo is at our resort first thing in the morning begord heading off to the aquarium
    This photo is at our resort first thing in the morning begord heading off to the aquariumThis photo is at our resort first thing in the morning begord heading off to the aquariumLittle money bags were amazingScollops, grilled and battered fish, calamari, fresh prawns and a few chips😋

    Ocean aquarium

    August 22, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    What a great day, started at the morning dolphin feeding at Monkey Mia ( not many photos as too many people on the beach) then off to the ocean aquarium, fish sharks, snakes, stingrays.
    This place is a must when here as
    very informative staff with a little history included and then in their restaurant some beautiful seafood lunch with a glass of wine.
    Stopping in Denham for a few items and then checking out little lagoon, back now for a rest.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Fancois Peron National Park & last day M

    August 23, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Visited the information Centre in Denham to check out the 3D video “Fire on the Water” revealing the fate of HMAS Sydney ll and the Kormoran, a very moving, then checked out the Peron Homestead heritage walk around the shear’s quarters, all the sheds and equipment used back in the day, with the artesian hot tubs in the picnic area, a total different outlook and the conditions people lived and worked in back then.
    Back to our resort for afternoon drinks and bumped into our travel friends, John & Susan and spotted a local walking past, while we were waiting on the beach with a nice glass of wine for the sunset to happen.
    Off to Kalbarri tomorrow.👍🍷    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    1Dog in a surfboard in lakeGreat area made for enjoying11Sunset from Red Bluff caravan park

    Kalbarri

    August 24, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Heading out to Kalbarri leaving the 26th parallel north west.
    Arriving to find a lovely little town with so much character unfortunately it is still feeling the effects of the cyclone last year with many buildings still severely damaged and many houses in process of being repaired.
    Our caravan park has been completely rebuilt with en-suites on every site.
    The waterfront has great walking paths and a large o play ground.
    Unable to find fresh seafood anywhere as it comes off the fishing boats and sold them frozen.
    We drove past this water hole on the way to our van park and someone has put a surfboard with a dog on it in the middle, so funny.

    Sitting in the gorges coffee shop watch other world go by.

    Most photos in other footprints 👣

    We finished our time here with a beautiful sunset up on Meanarra Hill, great place for a sunset just wished we had taken up the cheese, crackers and the wine 🍷    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    Panorama view ftom near the skywayLocal natives 😂Getting better with the selfiesNature's windowNature's windowGreat Panoramic shot if tge gorge from the natures windowSome close up shots of the river and river formations

    Kalbarri National Park

    August 24, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Got to Kalbarri booked into Red Bluff caravan park an en-suite site, amazing all new and fully grassed in our area, new camp kitchen too, early had lunch then hit the national park, the sky walk is amazing and with the gorges and rivers and gorges adding to the beauty, stunning scenery.
    The colors and the diverse landscapes are very different to other places we have visited, Western Australia is an amazing place and I would love to come back one day to see more.
    They excavated over 1000 tons of sandstone and then reused it for the tiered landscaping, 127 tonnes of steel for the structure, what an amazing effort with a great benefit for the tourism in the area.
    Next was Natures Window and it was a good little trek/walk to get there (not far) all rock tracks and ledges (sign posted) to get there but well worth the the effort.
    Only did the walk as the look was too long and too late in the day for us.
    Got to Z Bend area but sun was going down, leave for another time.
    Finished off with a nice sunset over the National Park.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    1
    1Port GregoryBoat ramp at port Gregory

    Pink lake

    August 25, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    A nice drive down to Port Gregory to check out the pink lake, yes it was pink.
    The reason it is pink is due to the presence of carotenoid-producing alge, Dunaliella salina a source of beta-carotene.
    It is sustainably harvested by BASF as it is found in many food, beverages, health supplements and Andy formula products.
    Not much else at port Gregory as it more of a little fishing village as it is encircled by 5 klms of exposed reef, used by whalers many years ago.
    Fishing and swimming is the best to do there.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Natural Bridge/Island Rock/Shellhouse

    August 25, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    The coastline here is absolutely stunning, the sheer cliffs and rock formations with the super clear waters below making if an amazing sight to see.
    Even had whales giving us a little show as a bonus.
    A diver was out looking for lobsters 🦞 and the wildflowers are everywhere and you just can’t stop admiring them    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    11

    Hawks Head & Ross Graham lookout

    August 26, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Another walk in the Kalbarri national park today, I keep saying this but the scenery just keeps getting better and better.
    We did the river walk at Ross Graham gorge and I’d was great to get into the gorges and spend time there, ducks, birds and reptiles around, finishing with a morning tea before heading back to town.Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Juren bay/Lake Thetis

    August 28, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    We did a part of the turquoise way path in Jurien Bay before it stated to rain.
    We when back for the 1.5 klm walk around Lake Thetis boardwalk then through the bush tracks in a complete loop.
    We could see the Stromatolites & Thrombolites under the water ( images).
    There were a few local birds nesting around the walk.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    Selfie time again atleast these Pinnacles were older than me 😂I love the panoramic photos as they get the whole areaLove the ocean in the background

    The Pinnacles

    August 28, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    The visit here was amazing to think scientists consider these were formed underground over 500,000 years ago through the ice ages of the Quaternary period, had become exposed over the last 6,000 years and covered again but now with the wind and rain and elements over the last few hundred years have been exposed again is amazing.
    It’s was awesome to be able to drive around them but also get out and walk amongst them, feels so surreal and being in a desert and to see the local wildlife (and Joey in pouch) was an added bonus.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Cervantes

    August 29, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Not much in Cervantes it’s more of a fishing and swimming place with a few extras.
    Definitely on overnight, (lobster shack late lunch, lake and pinnacles in afternoon of arriving) or 2 day maximum.

    We have been the lobster 🦞 Shack absolutely beautiful fresh amazing food and environment and great position, had the seafood platter with extra lobster and a few drinks, as everyone had told us this is a must and it was.🦞👍🍷🍺🍽😋    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Lighthouse and Bunker Bay

    August 31, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    Look what we found while driving to the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse 🍽☕️ Pullman Bunker Bay resort, Accor benefits, winning, great breakfast.😋
    Found some beautiful spots along the way, sugarloaf rocks, Meelup Beach and Point Piquet, didn’t stay long just to sight see.Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    Love the meat and chorizo from here
    Wouldn't mind going through a couple of theseLocals

    Margaret River wineries

    August 31, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Headed to Margret River and made a visit to the Venison shop, was here many years ago and loved their produce so purchased some more choritzo and meat and will have some for dinner tonight (remember these Lisa).
    They only rear Red Deer (Venison) with the original bloodlines reaching back to England and Scotland.

    After a few recommendations we then headed to Amelia wines and after a few tastings left with 5 nice bottles, then to Howard Park wines a few tastings and same thing, left with a few bottles, you guessed it then to Cape Mentelle vineyard and a couple more.
    Well tasted out now and back to chill out and enjoy the evening.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    The canal rocks

    September 1, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    This is amazing how this has evolved, to see it in action was awesome
    This is a striking looking geological formation formed around 750 million years ago from molten lava.
    The pounding waves have removed the softer rock and made linear lines that are considered the canals.Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    This track starts here and goes all the way to Cape Naturaliste

    Cape leeuwin/Augusta

    September 2, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Great drive down today, unfortunately the lighthouse is under renovation but we were still able to walk around, a very interesting history and area. I was great to standing on the farthest western and southern part of this beautiful country.
    This is where the Cape Leeuwin to Cape Nationaliste starts, there is a walking track the whole way and takes about 7 days to complete (starting from either end).

    A nice morning coffee and cake in the visitors building to replenish our energies.

    Walked around Augusta township, it is a very interesting little place the locals were friendly and there was a great bakery just heading out of town.

    Off to Hamlyn bay to try and spot the stingrays, no luck as a little overcast today.

    Took the drive through the Boranup Karri Forrest, beautiful trees and extremely tall, a fire has been through recently but at least all the plants have started regenerating, worth the drive.

    Caught up for dinner and drinks with some travel friends we met a month ago in Derby.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Jewel Caves

    September 2, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Had a tour of Jewel cave and it was amazing, the cave is so pristine and interesting. It was only found in 1957 and opened up as a tourist attraction in 1959.
    Jewel Cave is the biggest show cave in Western Australia, comprising three massive chambers. It is home to one of the longest straw stalactites found in any tourist cave in Australia, again the photos don’t do it justice.
    The onsite cafe was recommended by a local in Augusta so we had lunch and it was excellent, the owner was lovely and the selection and prices were great.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    Last Day, Ngilgi Cave, Margaret River

    September 3, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Stopped at the Dome in Dunsborough for morning tea then off to Ngilgi caves.
    These were very different to the Jewel caves, they were much smaller and confined walking area, the steps were extremely small and there were 350 each way.
    They seem to have been around longer that the others, the guide Harris was very informative and explained the details very well.
    Apparently he did the adventures trail in these caves when he was much younger and had no idea that he would be working in them now.
    He pointed out many areas that he liked and it made the tour more enjoyable.
    Getting up and down the many steps and along the very small skinny cavern walls kept the feeling of an adventure real.
    Paid a visit to Aravina Winery for lunch but booked out so checked out the surf museum, great memorabilia and the few collectors vehicles for sale.
    Then off to The settlers tavern for lunch (as being a Saturday all the other wineries were booked out too), after a quick bite , massive meals we headed off to the coast to Surfers Point to check out the surf.
    A few surfers 🏄‍♂️ out and catching a few waves but very overcast and not great day for it.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    Should have read this before we started 🤔The start of the trek upWould love a slab of this for a nice tableThe last steep part before the skywalkPhoto of skywalk from viewing platformI had to go right and upAmazing views just before rain startedWhat a viewVery narrow crevas to get to ladderBalancing rock but for how long1The trek back down seemed a little easier

    Castle Rock and Granite Skywalk

    September 3, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    What a great adventure before the rain started, we did the 4.4 hours return hike up to the skywalk.
    A very steep graded hike (grade 4 to the rock) with an extremely amount of steps all bush rocks.
    It was a 1 hour trek to get there and then another 10 minutes to do the Granite skywalk (a grade 5 ).
    The view was amazing (started raining slightly while up there ) photos a little dull due to this but none the less an amazing experience to get there overall.

    Got all this in just before the rain started to get a little heavier.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    Manjimup visitor centerManjimup visitor center2Mrs Jones CafeOcean beach run out from lakeMisery beachSome more wildflowersSalmon holes

    Albany

    September 4, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    Great drive here today stopped at a little town called Manjimup, great visitors Centre with some old appliances on show 😂.
    Coffee and ham & cheese toasty as it was raining and couldn’t do our usual side of road stop area with our coffee
    and fruit.
    Arrived at our stop, set up had lunch and headed out for hike.

    Back in town and found a Thai restaurant for a Father’s Day dinner, thanks Valerie
    A couple of days doing the tourist things (other footprints).

    We stopped at Denmark for lunch at Mrs Jones Cafe, great food.
    Decided to check out Ocean Beach which was beautiful, again the water was crystal clear and a nice sandy beach.
    There was also a mangrove walk a little further back after the caravan park that led to the water rushing out to the ocean.
    Last day in Albany
    Had a morning tea at Emu Point a nice little spot with a small channel for boat access.
    Visited Misery Beach, a beautiful beach protected from the southern winds, again crystal clear water and white as white sands, a perfect spot to hide away.
    Salmon Holes was interesting facing the southern ocean ( directly on the opposite side to Misery Beach) open to the elements the salmon usually come close to shore in the limestone reef for protection from the sharks.
    Just wish I had taken my fishing rod, 🎣 might be having fresh salmon for dinner 🐟.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip

    National Anzac Center Memorial

    September 5, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    What an interesting and emotional experience to visit this place, so much history and knowledge in one place.
    The amazing thing to me was the interactive stories and personal accounts from the soldiers themselves or their mates.

    It put a whole new perspective on the war and the happenings and how it has effected them and their families, it was also good to know what happened to them after the war ended and if and how they survived.

    So many stories so much sadness but we wouldn’t be where we are today without the sacrifices all these soldiers went through.
    A very moving and special visit for us today.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    Panorama of Cable beach and lighthouse

    Natural Bridge and The Gap

    September 5, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    The gap is major tourist attraction as it allows you to see over the edge of the cliff that was previously inaccessible to experience nature at it’s best.
    The engineering that went into this platform was way ahead of its time, the cantilevered beams rise up over the surface giving people the unobstructed view below.

    The Natural bridge is something to been seen, the way it has evolved over time is incredible.
    In March 1978 a person went down to get a better photo and was washed out to sea, his friends raised the alarm and a boat went out to find him, they did, he was extremely lucky due to the heavy seas and the quality of the seamen looking for him.

    We also went to Cable beach, the water colours are amazing, they had some old stairs down to the beach but we did enough stairs yesterday.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    1Best scone, jam and cream for a long time
    Overview of the whaling facilityThe Cheynes lVWhat the whale was used forLooks like I'm aiming for the whale 😂These tanks are now used ad theaters for their movies of historyPigmy blue whale skeleton

    Historic Whaling Station

    September 5, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    The Cheynes Beach Whale company started in 1952 and closed in 1978. It was Australia’s longest running and most successful whaling company, at its peak they supplied 60% of the worlds sperm whale oil.
    Whale watching is now a focus of the local tourism industry and far more whales now have been shot with a camera than harpoons.
    The site has been preserved and converted to a great tourist attraction and the information is excellent, the way it has been done is easy to follow and get around.
    The history and all the buildings have been made easy to see how they lived and worked, their stories and recounted events are amazing.
    The ship was the last one used and you can walk all throughout below and above decks and see how the conditions the seaman lived in.
    You can spend 1 hour or 3 hours but make sure you stop for coffee, scones, jam and cream in the cafe, it’s a must.    Read more

  • Mark & Valerie’s Aussie trip
    New walkway being constructedBurnt out trunk but still survived

    Valley of the giants

    September 6, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 11 °C

    Theses Red tingle trees are know to lived for over 400 years and are known only to Nornalup and Warpole area they are know by their huge bases and can be around 20 meters in circumference .
    Some of the trees have hollowed out bases due to fungus and insects and fire burns out the deadwood.
    They seam to have a great stability as they continue standing for many years.

    The tree top walk was built to protect the shallow root system and area and to give people a great way of seeing them from a higher point instead of ground level.
    The walk way has been shaped to look like the native grasses and was built off site and assembled and hoisted into position to reduce the damage to the native flora and fauna.
    The way this had been done is an incredible job as the landscape doesn’t look like it had been impacted at all.
    It was opened in 1996.
    They are still making more pathways to minimize the effect on the landscape.    Read more

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