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Making Traxx
  • Tracey Rich
May – Sep 2024

Making Traxx

We are finally leaving, so excited and stressed...haha Read more
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  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 51 - Bunda Cliffs - Madura Lookout

    June 20, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    Really bad night with the wind and rain, none of us got much sleep. Nice sunrise, no that isn't our van but its a nice photo. Sandy headed off early.....tears!

    We went West towards Western Australian Border, stopped at a couple of Lookouts before the Bunda Cliffs finished. Ran into a family that we met in Streaky Bay who are travelling our way. They gave me some tips on what I could take across the border.

    We stopped at Site No.13 and cooked the Mushrooms and green prawns, peeled and chopped the potatoes and onions. Went through Quarantine, the lovely lady let me get away with the potatoes, they should have been either cooked or frozen, I promised to freeze. The only thing we lost was our new bottle on honey, happy with that.

    Long straight road, no animals, alive or dead, great road, no potholes. Pretty disappointed with the amount of rubbish along the roadside, SA was noticeably clean, not so in WA. Didn't realise how busy the highway was, the Lady at the border told me when it is really busy they have 1000 trucks a day, that's busy! Had to pull off the road a couple of times to let huge trucks go past, looked like mine trucks in pieces.

    Lost 2 1/2 hours today, has put us out all day. Sunset is at 4.30 and Sunrise is at 5.23 am. Hard to get adjusted to the time difference.

    Stopped at Madura Lookout for the night which overlooks the Nullarbor Plain. Topped up the power with our mobile solar panel before the sun went down.

    Lots of Vans and cars pulling into the area, not many staying though. Hopefully get better sleep without the wind on the Cliffs. It is now 4.48pm and nearly dark outside....    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 52 - Madura Lookout to Bromus Dam

    June 21, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Should not listen to Husband for Sunrise time, he told me 5.30 so I was up but it was only just light, upon clarifying he told me first light....Sunrise was 7.09am

    Anyway we were on the road early today, got my sunrise photo ! Long straight road, again not what I expected, thought it would be arid countryside, no hills, lots of carcasses along the roadside.

    Mmm couldn't be further from the truth, heaps of trees, shrubs and grass, hill after hill and the only animal we saw alive or dead was one little wallaby who was having breakfast on the long grass.

    Put 70 lts of fuel in at Caiguna Roadhouse @ $2.46 ouch and put another 70 ltrs in at Norseman @ $2.03 We were going to stay around town but there were lots of high fences which generally isn't a good sign, it's a mining town with loads of trucks coming and going, so figured it would be noisy.

    Drove out 30km to a free camp at Bromus Dam, its like a rabbit warren with roads and campsites everywhere, has a lovely Dam in the middle which looks to be very low on water. I met a friend when I was walking around, all he said to me was 'quack'. There are obviously a heap of brumbies living here also, they must be using the dam for their water supply.

    Only 2 other vans in here so should be a quiet night.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 53 - Bromus Dam to Esperance

    June 22, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    Was tempting to stay another night in the bush but we had booked into Esperance on line so we headed off. Drove past acres of lovely green peas growing, makes a nice change from other areas we have been through.

    Forecast was for rain which it delivered later in the day. Went through lots of little towns: Dundas, Salmon Gums, Grass Patch, Gibson then into Esperence.

    Checked into the RAC Holiday Park and squeezed into our site, great amenities, lots of vans and campers - its the weekend so to be expected. Nipped into Woolies for a top up, quick drive up to a lookout, beautiful beach just below us and great view across the town, will come back when the sun comes out.

    Did a list of places we want to visit while we are here, washing done, hair washed in the best shower ever. The sun has come out - off for a walk down to the Esplanade.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler
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    Day 54 - Esperance

    June 23, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    Didn't feel motivated to move today, rainy, windy and cold - then I looked at the time - 9am. Time to get out and explore, the sun eventually put in an appearance.

    Drove to Lucky Bay Brewery which was 5 mins away so I knew it wasn't in Lucky Bay, planning on going there for dinner tonight, Woodfired pizza for me and Roast of the Day for Wayne.

    Approx. 50km out to Lucky Bay Beach, the colours of the water had to be seen to be believed. Wind was freezing but so beautiful, then onto Rossiter Bay, Hellfire Bay, Thistle Bay (Whistling Rock) and finally to Cape Le Grande Beach. Was high tide so no driving on any of the beaches.

    Absolute favourite was Lucky Bay, it was the most protected from the wind so looked the best. The Camp grounds at Cape Le Grande were closed, probably for the winter, had 14 nice sites, hot showers etc. If we were going to stay anywhere it would be Lucky Bay though.

    Drove past Frenchman's Peak which looked amazing, I ummed and rrrd about climbing it but decided I would enjoy it from Sandy's photo's instead of destroying my ankle.

    Back to the Van, named and backed up all my Go Pro videos onto the hard drive.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler
    1

    Day 55 - Esperance Exploring

    June 24, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    Exploring the Beaches around Esperance on a rainy day. First job was book the car in for a Service at local mechanic, tried Toyota in 4 different towns and they can't do until late July.

    First stop was a Workwear shop for a shirt and some boots for W. Then a yummy fish n chips lunch at Top End Takeaway, tried their Snapper - was good.

    Beaches we visited were so beautiful and it was either raining or overcast with a couple a quick shots with the sun, this place would be magnificent on a Sunny day and even better in Summer so you could swim. Almost worth catching a plane back for a couple of weeks to enjoy when its warm.

    Went to West Beach, Chapmans Point, Blue Haven, Salmon Beach, 4th Beach, Twilight Beach, Observatory Point and 11th Beach. Hope the photo's show how good they are. There was a full Rainbow to finish our beach drive which I have never seen so close or so perfect.

    Stopped at the famous Pink Lake (which isn't pink any more) bit disappointing but I'm sure in its day it was something to see. Apparently mining, roads, water and salt levels have changed so it isn't pink now.

    Last stop was the Tackle Shop, new rod for beach fishing.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler
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    Day 56 - Esperance

    June 25, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    We have had another rainy/sunny day, went down to the Jetty which is new, it is very cool, at the end it has a platform below the jetty for snorkelers and divers to get in and out of the water. The water is clear as a bell and full of bait, there is also an artificial wreck for the divers about 200m out.

    Esperance has a beautiful foreshore which is well maintained, it also has a playground for the kids which is awesome, little train track which they can ride in a train, skate park, climbing equipment, tunnels to climb through - the boys would have the best time.

    Went to walk out to the marina but it started to rain so we ran into a little cafe - Taylor Street Quarters, good atmosphere, yummy lunch which will cover lunch and dinner (huge) with a Ginger Beer. What else do you do on a rainy day :)

    Went for that walk out on the marina which is opposite the Tank Jetty, big boats being loaded with Iron Ore. Drove back up to the Lookout as the sun was temporarily out, to check out the view. Wow the beaches here are stunning.

    Quick shop at Woolies, tried to buy some gloves but 3 shops later still none available, last place was a winner - The Reject Shop. Wayne thinks they will fall apart because they are rejects....

    I get the rest of the afternoon off reading my book while he organises the car ready for its service tomorrow.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 57 - Esperance

    June 26, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Service day for the car and of course it is a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky.... Dropped off the car and walked back to Van to start our day of jobs.

    Wayne greased everything under the Van and I cleaned everything inside the Van. The Mechanic called at around 11am to let us know they had finished.

    We had decided to hire Scooters to go back to collect the car, downloaded the App, followed the instructions and scanned the first scooter, couldn't get back onto the app to scan a second one. Wayne was going to ride down to collect the car and his scooter wouldn't start....grrr. Ended the ride and called a Taxi, 'Not Happy Jan'.

    We were a little concerned that the Mechanics may not have had the experience to do a good job. Our worry was for nothing, 3 of the mechanics had Toyotas and were pretty excited with ours, talked for 20 mins about what our car had and compared to their cars. They even checked the bash plates and replaced a couple of bolts that were missing.

    Back to the Van to finish our jobs. Wayne really happy with the Service and much cheaper than what Toyota would have charged. Finished the washing, had early showers ready to watch the footy which starts at 5.30 here.

    Half time and I have stopped watching. Bring on the 3rd game, QLD might turn up for it.

    No Photo's today.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler
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    Day 58 - Esperance to Bremer Bay

    June 27, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    What a beautiful drive out of Esperance, for over an hour we were treated to huge Pine Trees, green paddocks full of crops, Groves of Salmon Gum (had to Google why they are growing them - Panelling and Flooring), large flocks of Sheep and herds of Cows, all different colours.

    Staying at Bremer Bay Caravan Park which has lovely green grass sites, so nice after having either granite or concrete. We even put the Awning out today, its only the second time this trip that we felt it was safe to do so.

    We love this town already, arrived at 1.30 and were out exploring by 3pm. Turquoise Beaches, White Sand, big smooth Boulders which unfortunately didn't have any seals but looked like they should. So many bays and headlands facing various angles so all have different outlook.

    The first beach we went to was Bremer Beach which is where the estuary reaches the ocean, then drove to Fishery Beach - looks good for fishing. Then found Short Beach which wasn't on our GPS but we went exploring, there were 2 people on a beautiful beach fishing and had a bucket full of 4kg Salmon and still getting hits - will be back to this spot.

    Tried to find Point Henry which was on the map but no signs, took a punt and drove down a rough, narrow track which looked to be going the right direction.

    We got 3/4 of the way down there and had to stop, jumped out of the car to see a pod of about 8 Whales who were playing quite close to the shore. So excited to see so many together and obviously having fun.

    It was getting dark so we headed back to Van, will return tomorrow to go fishing and hopefully see some more Whales.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 59 - Bremer Bay

    June 28, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    Most rain we have had so far on this trip, decided to go exploring rather than sit in the Van.

    Called into the Information Centre and interrupted the ladies having their morning tea, they advised that the National Park is closed due to rain, the beaches we wanted to see were not accessible due to big high tides.

    Went to beaches on the opposite side of the Peninsular hoping for a break in the weather. Dillon Beach was quite rough, went back over to Short Beach where we saw the fish being caught yesterday and it was even rougher - although there were a young couple about to venture into the rain and wind to have a fish.

    Next found Native Dog Beach, nice little cove, Wayne had to use the amenities and swears he is scarred for life they were so bad. Drove down onto Blossoms Beach which was the calmest beach today, might go back for a fish later.

    We were on our way back to Van for lunch when we saw the sign for Wellstead Museum and Cafe, what an amazing little find. The owner is the 4th generation to live in Bremer Bay, his ancestors established the area. Full of an amazing collection of everything from cars, motorbikes, farming equip, cameras, musical instruments, old carriages - the list is too big. We went through 2 sheds and there were still another 3 which we left, our heads were full of everything we had already seen.

    The Cafe part has just been taken over by a lovely young couple who oversee the Museum part for the owner and are planning to start cooking tomorrow for the Cafe - just got their licence. Good luck to them, hope they are successful, they made good coffee.

    Still raining and windy so a quiet afternoon, would be very unpleasant fishing, we have extended for another 2 nights, weather is supposed to improve tomorrow.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler
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    Day 60 - Bremer Bay

    June 29, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    Another 10 days gone. No rain today, still overcast and windy though. Wayne has had a 'ishing day' lots of casting and checking different spots, but no rewards.

    Went to the local Grocery Store which sells, food, alcohol, fishing gear, hardware, clothes and souvenirs - talk about multitasking.

    The couple we have been running into for the last couple of weeks arrived at the Caravan Park last night and were put right next to us - lovely family so we will catch up with them and compare places we have been.

    Checked a few of the beaches again, Small Beach, Flower Beach, Dingo Beach - well that is what I call them, much to Wayne's amusement.(Short, Blossum and Native Dog) I read my book while he tried to convince a fish to jump on his line. Saw the biggest Blue bottles I have ever seen on the beach.

    We were going to the local Restaurant & Bar for dinner but saw that they were charging $55 for a steak - so staying home for dinner.

    Tomorrows forecast is for some sunshine so fingers crossed.

    I forgot the most exciting part of the day - saw a really big Whale jumping in the Bay, hard to get a good photo but got a flipper.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler
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    Day 61 - Bremer Bay

    June 30, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    Woke up to a beautiful sunny day, no wind, finally. Put the awning out again so it can dry out and headed to Short Beach to teach some fish a lesson.

    Success, Wayne caught 2 really big Salmon, biggest he has caught yet, of course he released them back to the ocean. Such a lovely day, the sun makes so much difference.

    Our neighbours told us about a Roadhouse that does a roast on Sundays, so that is where we headed for Lunch, was a huge meal - so no dinner for us tonight.

    Went Whale watching for a few hours, saw heaps leaping and playing off shore, then walked out to Sparkling Island Lookout - not sure why it has than name.

    Back to town and drove down to the outlet into Bremer Bay, low tide so very shallow with heaps of Percies.

    Hair cut for Wayne, he was looking very scruffy, off to Albany tomorrow.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 62 - Bremer Bay to Albany

    July 1, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Another sunny day, the drive to Albany was a really pretty drive, acres and acres of beautiful green paddocks, some with healthy fat sheep and some with pure black cows.

    I tried to book us into one Van Park but booked out - school holidays, so we are in the Big 4 at Emu Point which is 10 minutes out of town, normal Big 4 park with heaps of entertainment for kids. Nice grassy sites which we are enjoying.

    Set up then headed to the Whaling Station, 25km drive along the shallow bay then along the jetty for loading grain. Stopped at a Lookout and a lady asked if we were travellers, she told us about a few places to see the Whales, lovely local. Hard trying to get my head around the water ways and small suburbs.

    Very windy when we arrived but so worth going to the Station, $30 ea and the whole station is preserved and well displayed, heaps of photo's, films detailing the history from start through to the closure of the Whaling industry 1978 in Albany.

    There is a Ship on the shore, the Cheyne IV, which we climbed from top to bottom, during a 26 year period, they killed 16,100 whales - mind blowing when that was just one boat. Also a shed with several skeletons of Whales, blew out minds how big they were.

    Getting towards 5 o'clock which is nearly dark here, on the way back to town we called into the Salmon Hole, which was a cute little bay, had hundreds of stairs to the beach....no we didn't go down there. Next stop the Blow Holes, we started to walk down to them and decided we would come back at high tide and wanted to get back to the car before it got too dark.

    Sat in the car for 5 minutes and watched the Ocean, we would have seen at least 20 whales - we are definitely going back to get photo's.

    Quick top up at the IGA then home for showers and dinner.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 63 - Albany

    July 2, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    We had plans to go to Denmark today, however heavy rain put a damper on that! Should clear by 11am.

    The Caravan Park advised us that the power would be off from 7.30am to 4pm, so I got up early and did a huge load of washing, before the power went off. Hung it out on the line in the rain, (Sun was coming out later), well that didn't work, put it through the dryer when power came back. grrr

    New plan a shopping/maintenance day - new Regulator for the gas, turns out it was faulty from day one. A Chassis Flusher Kit, to get the sand/salt from under the car. Lined raincoats from BFC which were 50% off, nice and warm.

    Had a video hookup with Alex and boys, so good to catch up with them. No photos today. Forecast for tomorrow sounds promising.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler
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    Day 64 - Albany/Denmark

    July 3, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    I have waited for a long time to go to Denmark, excited to see the surrounding area. Nice early start, sun shining with a few clouds.

    First stop Mutton Bird Lookout across to Shelter Island. Back to main road then across to West Cape Howe NP, Shelley Beach, which is set up for Paragliding & Hang-gliding and is a known fishing beach. Also the whales were really close.

    Off to the Tourist Information Centre in Denmark, picked up a Map and some advice on where to go, decided to start at the end around 60km and work our way back.

    Tree Top Walk near Walpole, some very big old trees, very impressive. Of course I took a child with me (Wayne) who insisted on rocking the walk ways, lucky I don't get seasick. Then walked along the forest floor which was amazing to see the bases of these huge trees.

    Headed back to William Bay NP and down to Green Pools, so clear with beautiful coloured water, very calm, I even ripped the shoes off and had a paddle. Went around the bay to Waterfall Beach - couldn't find it. Then Madfish Bay then walked out to Elephant Rocks, easy to see the Elephant shapes, (for me anyway). Amazing water and big smooth boulders.

    Back up to the main road then down to Lights Beach Road around to Ocean Beach Lookout, overlooks the Ratcliffe Bay and Wilson Inlet. Few guys out surfing in front of the Life Saving Club.

    Ready to head home via Bunnings of course. Big day running around being tourists.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 65 - Albany to Busselton

    July 4, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Big drive today up to Busselton about 353 km, fuelled up, off through Albany to Mount Barker, Rocky Gully, Manjimup, Glenoran, Carlotta, Nannup, Jarrahwood and into Busselton.

    So many State Forests and National Parks, the scenery was so beautiful, massive gums along the road plus some through the green paddocks that were full of Cows, Sheep, Alpacas, we even saw quite a few Emu's.

    Came into town on a By-pass road and went straight to the G'Day Park at Broadwater - omg, it was the worst set up Park we have ever seen. The guy at Reception warned me that the roads were narrow - should have stopped there and gone to check. You couldn't drive a small car down the lane we had to turn into with the Van, jumped out to check our site around the corner and there was no way we could even reach the site let alone get the Van into it.

    We did a 10 point turn with the Van and exited the Park, I went into the Reception and told him I wanted a refund as there is no way we could get park our Van, he agreed immediately and blamed it on the 50 yr old park and caravans are so much bigger now.

    Went down the road to the Big 4, and it is perfect, big sites, lovely staff, and close to everything.

    Drove down to the jetty, which is 1.8 km long. The whole foreshore is covered with Cafe's, a Brewery, kids playgrounds and packed with happy families enjoying the sunshine. Someone needed a Rum n Raisin Ice Cream. 😂

    We will go back and check out the underwater observatory at the end of the Jetty, maybe day after tomorrow, and have a fish along the way. Supposed to have lots of fish off the very long Jetty.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 66 - Busselton

    July 5, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Not a cloud in the sky, sunshine all day. Heading down to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse at Augusta and working our way back up the coast.

    Again a beautiful drive through the green fields, bypassed Margaret River and straight to Cape Leeuwin, paid our $6 ea to walk out there, decided not to pay the $20 to climb 187 stairs. The Lighthouse is 36m high which is the tallest in Australia and on the most south-westerly point.

    The water was very choppy so it was hard to see where the Southern and Indian Oceans met - sure it was out there somewhere. Saw a pod of Dolphins swimming past.

    Next stop the Historic Water Wheel, will post photo of the info board. Then off to Jewel Cave, very impressive, went on an hour long tour and Nick explained a lot about how the caves are made over millions of years, not sure the photo's do them justice. Was Wayne's first visit to a Cave like this, so he enjoyed. Some interesting shapes have formed beside the normal Stalagmites and Stalactites.

    Next stop Hamelin Bay Beach, famous for the Stingrays that come into the Bay during summer, was quite rough so nothing to see. We noticed the Boat ramps in these bay are all covered with piles of seaweed, no way you would get your boat over the top of it...maybe they aren't used very often.

    Travelled up the coastal road to Prevelly Beach - which I thought was the Surfing Beach, apparently not...it is the next point around from there. It did have a good break out the back and people were swimming...brrr

    The drive was through forests with Black Boys, palms and ferns, we weren't expecting such lush scenery. We can't believe how may Winery's there are in this area, every property for km's, except for the forestry area. Interesting day.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 67 - Busselton/Bunbury

    July 6, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    Woke up to the Van a rockin....from the Wind!!! No blue sky today, just squally rain and 30 knot winds. Bit of a shock after yesterdays lovely weather.

    Headed to Bunbury to buy some Pants for Wayne and shoes for me from Big W, first one we have seen since QLD, 52km drive along a 4 lane highway. Surprise surprise...there were more Winery's along the way.

    After shopping we went to Koombana Beach, so rough and choppy that the beach was closed, then drove out to Point Casuarina and Bunbury Lighthouse, busy town with a population of 83,300 compared to Busselton with 41,041

    Lot of people have left the Park, can't blame them, hard with kids in this weather. We are heading to Lancelin tomorrow, going to try and get through Perth and its suburbs as quickly and painlessly as possible.

    Quiet afternoon listening to the wind in the Van.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 68 - Busselton to Lancelin

    July 7, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 19 °C

    Time to tackle the drive through Perth, hoping it will be ok as its Sunday, got onto Freeway and went nearly all the way with 2 or 3 lanes, only one section with heavy traffic so not stressful at all.

    Arrived at Lancelin North End Caravan Park, very dodgy, cash only, I had booked for 2 nights but after having a quick look around changed to 1 night. Lady took the money then told me there is no power 'but it will come back on, maybe at 10pm'. Really hate being ripped off. I had tried to book into the other Caravan Park on the way but said it was booked out, looked to have vacancies when we drove past...but maybe not.

    Anyway we went for a drive around town, nice little surfing town, beaches had the normal amount of seaweed but one beach we walked on smelt really bad, not sure why.

    Went for a drive into the famous Sand Dunes, lots of people on the buggies and kids sliding down the dunes on boards, looked fun. Drove towards the beach, no tracks or signs so you go where ever you like, we took a wrong turn and nearly drove down a steep hole, we were about to let down the tyres and if that failed pull out the Max Tracks but this nice man offered to give us a quick pull backwards. Easy as and we didn't have the hassle. The Dunes are lovely white sand and fun to drive around on. Sure Alex and the boys would have had a ball here.

    Checked out the Back beach which is the Surf Beach, beautiful clear water, white sand and the temperature was nice, still pretty windy so air temp is cold. Drove down to the Jetty, seems like they catch squid here.

    Went back to Van, Wayne gave the Car a quick bath to get the salt and sand off (no car wash in town). Had to have shower in the Van as there was no Hot Water in the Park, $45 for a site with no power and no amenities grrrrrr

    Went to the 3 Emu's for dinner just around the corner, they had a generator
    to run the power so all good.

    Trying the book for Jurien Bay for next couple of nights, no good, booked out. Will call Green Head in the morning to see if they have any vacancies, they don't do on line bookings !!!    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 69 - Lancelin to Jurien Bay

    July 8, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    After MUCH deliberation we decided to go to Jurien Bay so we would be in the middle of Cervantes and Green Head. Only 107km from Lancelin so easy drive. Checked on the Website and said park was fully booked, rang just in case and they had 2 sites left at G'Day Park.

    So relieved this park is nice after yesterdays horrible place which looked like it hadn't been cleaned for months plus I had the 'pleasure' of watching the Manager abusing a lady who wanted to use amenities - not a guest.

    Anyway, we both love Jurien Bay, has a nice vibe to it. Unhooked and went exploring, first stop get fuel at BP and we had a guy fill up our tank, haven't had service at a Servo for many years, was a shock.

    Checked out the Jetty, just outside the Park, must say it is the smallest Jetty we have seen, lots of families throwing a line, some evidence of previous catches on the dock.

    Drove back down the Coast to The Pinnacles Desert Discovery in Nambung National Park just outside Cervantes. It is definitely school holidays...had to queue up to pay the entrance fee of $17 to enter the park, didn't know what to expect but there were 1000's of Pinnacles (Rocks sticking up out of the ground) many shapes and sizes. Acres of rocks being surrounded by 100's of tourists (spot the Oz here), interesting to see this out in the middle of no-where though.

    Then into Cervantes, we were going to the Lobster Shack for lunch, but there were at least 30 cars out the front, so change of venue, went to the Tavern - which also sold Lobster. Wow, they know how to charge, to have 1 lobster with chips and salad $80 or Seafood Platter for one $160. Wayne had a steak with a Lobster tail and I had Chicken Parmie with a Lobster tail, much better option.

    Drove out to Thirsty Point Lookout, then Hansen Bay Lookout, then to Molah Hill Lookout....by now Wayne is over lookouts hahaha. Headed back to Jurien Bay and checked out the Harbour, tried to find a way out the rock groins to see if worth going for a fish, definitely have potential, will give it a go tomorrow.

    Dropped into the Jetty on way home to see if anyone was having any luck, saw a guy with 2 or 3 fish in his bucket, still lots of people on the small jetty. Van park is very full but still quiet where we are.

    Easy night, no dinner to cook, bought home a doggy bag from lunch - too big for me to eat.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 70 - Jurien Bay

    July 9, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 19 °C

    Another 10 days gone! Rain and wind woke us up, oh well. Gave the tree above our Van a little trim. I made a plan of all the places we wanted to visit today and off we went.

    Sandy Cape Recreations Camp - we were going to stay there, lucky we changed, very muddy with the rain so would have been very unpleasant. Heaps of Lookouts, Wayne was so excited...Grigsons Lookout, Green Head township, Milligan Island Campsites (lovely spot), South Bay Lookout, Anchorage Bay Jetty (plenty of Seaweed on the Boat Ramp), Dynamite Beach, Point Louise Lookout and finally Lesueur National Park.

    Lookouts were difficult with the weather but found some nice beaches and the National Park went from seaside scrub to beautiful green pastures to the sea, all in one scene. There were burnt Black Boys as far as the eye could see, can't of been too long ago. Back to Van for lunch.

    The photo shows the results to the car. ooops sorry honey, took him a couple of hours to clean. Unfortunately there isn't a car wash so it was a stealth wash in the caravan park.

    Then off to catch a Tailor (Bucket List), went to a couple of spots around the Harbour at Jurien Bay, finally found a bay that was sheltered from the wind and caught 3 nice fish. Not for the table but hopefully that will land a Mullaway (also on the List).    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 71 - Jurien Bay to Lucky Bay

    July 10, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Well that was a disaster, drove the 345 km to Lucky Bay Shacks (Cheap camp on the lee side of the sand dunes), all ready with full water tanks, full gas tanks and full batteries. Arrived at the turn off to find the road blocked off with sign to say Campsites closed. Dam it !

    So kept driving another 45 km to Kalbarri to see if we can book into one of the four caravan parks, or Big River Ranch or even a roadside rest area. One park offered us a site but it was for a 16ft van so we couldn't fit, plus there was a cabin opposite that was full of blokes on the turps, very rough looking.

    Drove through the National Park for 57 km on our way to a free camp 73km away and found a spot on the side of the highway.

    The area has had so much rain that all the creeks are flooded, water over the road in a doz places, our little spot is under a communication tower, hope we don't get brain damage.

    Never mind its only for one night as we got 2 nights at a park in Kalbarri from tomorrow.

    Thinking of Sandy today as she lost her 18 yr old Burmese - Miki, who was her travel buddy and bed warmer.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler
    1
    1

    Day 72 - Side of Road to Kalbarri

    July 11, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Surprisingly quiet night, thought we might of heard trucks but all good. We couldn't check into Anchorage Park until midday so went into the National Park to check out the Skywalk and Natures Window. Unfortunately we were not allowed to take the Van in so had to head out again.

    Into town, checked out the IGA, much better prices than at Jurien Bay, did some emails in a carpark, Wayne's Spotify account got hacked so trying to sort that out. We have a River frontage spot, very full park, hopefully they will head home tomorrow as its the end of school holidays.

    Back to National Park, both Skywalk and Natures Window were amazing, such rugged country side through the gorge with the Murchison River running through, apparently it doesn't always run but judging by the amount of water still laying around they have had a fair amount of rain.

    Wayne decided to surf this spot as we didn't get to Wave Rock.....

    Went to Jacques Point - good surfing beach, had a great right hand wave with heaps of surfers enjoying the ride. Went to Blue Holes, Red Bluff and couple of other small beaches along the coast. Beautiful area I know why Alex and Sandy both loved Kalbarri.

    Were on our way back from Red Bluff and spotted 3 big whales in close, not sure about the photo's but there was a boat out Whale watching with heaps of ppl on board and had a jet ski hassling the whales to go closer to the boat.

    Was a good finish to the day, love watching the whales, there was also a pod of dolphin's playing in the waves.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler
    1

    Day 73 - Kalbarri

    July 12, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Wanted to go and check out Lucky Bay Shacks and see if the road was open yet, we rang National Parks and they advised that the campsite is still closed. But we thought we might be able to get to the beach....worth a try.

    First stop is the Pink Lake at Port Gregory, Wayne wouldn't have it that it was pink - but it was, went to a lookout and just past it was a small creek which showed very clearly that the Lake is Pink.

    Drove to the Beach at Port Gregory, which is a small fishing village, I don't think they use the public Jetty though, totally covered in weed.

    Turned into the road to Lucky Bay and the sign still up saying Campsites closed but nothing about the road, went in a couple of km, all good, over a hill and round a bend and yep, the road is completely submerged, turned around and tried another sandy road in opposite direction and started sliding all over the road - quick retreat. Pretty disappointed we couldn't get to the beach.

    Took a look at Natural Bridge, Island Rock Lookout, The Grandstand, Pot Alley, Back Beach and Red Bluff Beach, watched a few Whales in the distance. By this time Wayne has had enough, cliffs and beaches. Parked at Chinaman's Beach, to see if it was worth having a fish, signs to say no fishing but at the end of the beach was Chinaman's Platform which had 8 ppl fishing, but didn't see anything being caught. Would have been funny if someone hooked a fish, they would have all got tangled up, very small area, no fishing today for us, Wayne not feeling 100% so quiet afternoon.

    Bought Fish n Chips for lunch and did some planning for the next few days, had a quick shop as we will be off grid for a while.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler
    1

    Day 74 - Kalbarri to Quobba

    July 13, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Oops, there was a slight mistake with communications, so instead of stopping at Wooramel Road house, we drove another 196 km to Quobba Station, my bad. which was supposed to be tomorrows drive. Never mind, got here in time to set up and go to the beach for Sunset.

    We have officially passed where we travelled to 2 years ago, so except for Victoria and Tasmania, we have gone around Australia....yay us !! Of course, we have missed an awful lot along the way, but our map in the Van looks impressive. The green pen is the last trip, Black is this trip.

    Not much else I can say other than we drove 520 km, here for a day or 2, the Blow Holes looked impressive as we drove past, will go back tomorrow.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 75 - Quobba Station

    July 14, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Woke to a perfect day, not a cloud in the sky and no wind - finally. Headed off to Red Bluff about 60km north but still on the Station property.

    Heaps of Goats along the way this time, last time they had just culled them.
    Came over the hill into the Bay and just beautiful, the sea was dark blue, no white caps, whales leaping out of the water, what more could you ask for? Fish of course....

    The Camp ground runs along the beachfront, it's pretty random, it is run by and for Surfers and hippies, there is a small shack that sells icecream and cold drinks plus a lady does massages from her 'house'. Not many oldies around so you feel out of place.

    Walked around the end of the beach on the rocks and Wayne had a fish while I watched the Whales playing. He caught 2 Spangled Emperor which went back to their parents, fun getting them up out of the water over the reef.

    The beaches here don't have weed like down south so they are all clean, lots of rocks and ledges. There were about 10 guys out surfing, a small catamaran sailing around, a jet ski wave jumping and a tinny coming back from fishing, heaps to see out in the bay.

    Drove to the other end of the beach and Wayne did some beach fishing while I had a swim....first one for the trip, the water was so good, bit rough though, knocked me over a couple of times, loved it, in my happy place.

    Sat in the sun watching the waves roll in and noticed a couple of dark shapes cruising along the shore, yep 2 bronze whalers just where I had been swimming. I guess I wasn't appetising....

    Headed back to Van, took a slight detour down a rocky track next to the Mine Road which leads to Cape Curvier, Wayne used to read articles in fishing magazines about the huge fish caught there but got taken over by the Mine so no admittance, this spot looks over to the mine site.

    Spotted a road that lead down to the rocks below, drove part way down but the track had been washed away, spoke to a young guy who was walking down to go fishing, he agreed it looks like a great spot, which is protected from wind and surf. We have extended another night to come back tomorrow to fish.

    Went up to the Blow Holes to watch the sunset. Came back and set up the fire pit in our little camp.    Read more

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