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Christmas and New Year WA 2017
  • Maree Crawford
  • Maree Crawford

Christmas and New Year WA 2017

A 25-day adventure by Maree Read more
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  • Trip start
    December 18, 2017
  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler
    PJ O'Brien's for lunch
    Swimming pool at motelGreat Eastern Highway, Belmont

    Off to Perth

    December 20, 2017 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    We took a Taxi to Tullamarine to meet up with Steve who flew in from Flinders. We had lunch at PJ O'Brien's then flew to Perth, Western Australia. We stayed at a motel at Belmont after picking up hire car. Had a late tea at the bistro thereRead more

  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler
    Smoko at Mandurah
    MandurahLunch at BunburyHome for the night, Hamelin BayThe tour busTalking to the nativesOut on the point

    Freo to Mandurah to Hamelin Bay

    December 21, 2017 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Breakfast at Macca's then to Jacqui's to pick up the rest of the travellers. Mick, Kate and Ruby are joining us making a travelling troupe of 7.
    We stick to the lesser but more scenic routes down the coast with Dan as our music DJ and chief navigator. Steve is driving.
    We drive to Hamelin Bay via Mandurah, Bunbury, Margaret River. At Bunbury we catch up with 2 of Mick's friends for lunch.
    Hamelin Bay is a lovely place where you can pat Stingrays which are protected here. Not too many tourists. There's been lots of shipwrecks here, all the chalets are named after one. Most of the wrecks have been salvaged or rotted away.
    Mick cooks us a bbq tea. Kids play cricket and frisbee then watch Big Bash cricket and then a movie.    Read more

  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler
    Morning walk Hamelin Bay
    Cape Leuwin, AugustaOld water wheel, Cape LeuwinPembertonWood work gallery, PembertonThe Gloucester Tree51 metresLooking down to the others from up top

    Augusta, Pemberton to Denmark WA

    December 22, 2017 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    We to Augusta to Cape Leeuin and check out the lighthouse and the place where 2 oceans meet. The most south western corner of Australia. Then we make our way to Denmark via Pemberton. At Pemberton we visit a local gallery that showcase wood work from local artists.
    The Gloucester Tree is a giant karri tree in the Gloucester National Park of Western Australia. At 53 metres in height, it is the world's second tallest fire-lookout tree. It is a major attraction now where you can climb it up stakes banged into the trunk. It is a bit of a dodgy climb. Ruby, Kate, Dan and I climb it. Mick and Steve go for a few metres and then come back, Ben stays on the ground a watches us. It is a long way up!
    We then get to Denmark and we fall in love with the caravan park we stay at. It is really pretty and has lots to do - kayaks, bikes, fishing
    Mick, Mel and the girls used to live in Denmark before they came to Flinders so this is a trip down memory lane for them    Read more

  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler
    Greens PoolWaterfall BeachThe top layer of sand was white, then black sandElephant Bay

    Greens Pool

    December 23, 2017 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    In the morning before we leave for Albany I get on a push bike and ride around Denmark while Dan, Kate and Mick paddle up the river in kayaks.
    On the way to Albany today we visit Greens Pool which is a lovely sheltered shoreline with lots of little beaches. It is a popular family beach in the summerRead more

  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler
    The Gathering
    Our villas at AlbanyLunch at Denmark Bakery

    All gather at Albany

    December 23, 2017 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Today most of us meet at Albany in our caravan park. Di, Smithy and Dallas drive down in one of Jac's cars. Mum and Dad come down in theirs. Jac, George, Zoe and Millie came in theirs.
    Not far from the beach, a big camp kitchen area we take over. We're all housed in 3 villas. A bit shabby but does the job. All us 7 Crawfords are in one bunk bed room. That could be a challenge. Mum and Dad are in our villa too with a room of their own.Read more

  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler
    The latest arrivalsSanta!!

    Christmas Eve

    December 24, 2017 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Today we all go shopping for our own plus Christmas food. Joe, Jim and Lauren join us today. They've been doing their own road trip. Dan was especially excited to see them as he hadn't seen them since last Christmas!!
    Auntie Sue catches up with tonight for tea. She lives in Albany.
    Christmas Eve, complete with a visit from Santa in the Fire Truck !    Read more

  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler
    Santa and Santa's helper
    Auntie Sue

    Merry Christmas!!

    December 25, 2017 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Christmas Day arrives. Kate is Santa with Mille as Santa's helper. We doa Secret Santa type of thing for present giving.
    Auntie Sue, cousin Deanna and her partner join us for lunch. Dee and Glenn, known as Curly, live in the caravan park next to us.
    We have the usual big lunch with everyone contributing to some part of it. Absolutely delicious.
    After lunch, sleeps and swims happens
    Overall, a lovely day    Read more

  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler
    Guilty?
    Well known landmarkBroken glass cemented on top as deterrentAlbany Old Gaol

    Boxing Day exploring Albany

    December 26, 2017 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Getting into tourist mode we visit Albany town. Dan is interested in seeing the old gaol museum so we do that, we also go on board the Amity. The Amity is on grass in a park, not afloat.
    In the afternoon I hire a bike and pedal from Emu Point into town and back again. Was good
    When I get back Jimmy rings to ask Steve and I to go back into town and get our dive gear sorted for tomorrow's dive    Read more

  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler
    Relaxing

    Dive and tenpin bowling

    December 27, 2017 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Today is an early start as Jimmy has booked a dive charter for he and Lauren and Steve and I. The dive team are a great bunch of blokes. We go out into the bay where there is HMAS Perth that was scuttled intentionally as a dive site after it was decommissioned. That was a very good dive. You could actually swim into the cabin and sit on the captain's chair. The second dive was around a bit of a reef. Lots of fishes and corals.
    After lunch the family plus Auntie Sue are booked into a game of Ten-Pin bowling. We all love this and Auntie Sue is a pro. She wins the inaugural trophy donated by the Smiths - a miniature colander.    Read more

  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler
    Curry night
    Second lunch we had at the Kebab HouseOne person's personal memorial, crocheted poppiesI surrender!

    Anzac Hill and our turn to cook

    December 28, 2017 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Today's tourist destination is Anzac Hill. The award winning National Anzac Centre is one of Australia’s most important cultural pilgrimages. Located within Albany’s heritage listed Princess Royal Fortress, the centre overlooks the actual harbour from which over 41,000 men and woman departed Australia for the Great War. Immerse yourself in the Anzac Legend and follow personal stories through state of the art technology, multimedia and historic artifacts.
    It really was very well done. You could spend all day there.
    After lunch Mick and Joe drive back to Denmark as Mick wants to catch up with a few mates for drinks and Joe is the Sober Bob driver.
    It is our turn to cook tonight so Jim and Lauren want to do their curry night menu. We go shopping in the arvo and get to cooking under Jim and Loz's direction. It was very nice tucker    Read more

  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler
    Whale World
    The BridgeThe Gap

    Whale world and The Gap and Bridge

    December 29, 2017 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    On the itinerary today is Whale world at Frenchman's Bay.
    "Albany's Historic Whaling Station is the only experience of its kind in the world.
    Explore an intact whale processing factory and whale chasing ship - fully restored and ready for you to discover.
    The Cheynes Beach Whaling Company was the last whaling company to cease operations in Australia, closing in 1978. Opening in 1980 (known then as Whale World), it is now home to an interactive museum on whales and whaling."
    It is pretty expensive but very informative. Some of us liked it, some didn't. It was pretty confronting coming face-to-face about what was done to the whales.
    On the way back we visit The Gap and The Bridge - coastal formations.
    The arvo was spent chilling out, reading, swimming    Read more

  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler
    Is this how you wear it?The ladsDal actually got in the water!!Auntie Sue, Dee and Curly

    Family fun

    December 29, 2017 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Our last day here today. We all decided it was a perfect place to stay. We all had a good time and enjoyed each other's company. Temperature was about 25 degrees so very comfortable for most of us. A little chilly for the Queenslanders?
    We would come back    Read more

  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler
    Lunch at NarroginTravelling through the wheatbeltTea at Food Market

    Back to Freo

    December 30, 2017 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Back on the road. We all make our way back up to Fremantle and hang out with Jacqui's family.
    Our car load go back through the wheatbelt to revisit places Steve and I had gone 25 years ago. Mt Barker, Wagin and The Big Ram, Narrogin where we accidentally meet up with Mum, Dad and Mick for lunch!
    We get to Freo late arvo, settle into our Air B'n'B place around the corner form Jacqui's.
    For tea we go down to the Fremantle foreshore where there are food markets. We also have a swim. It's a bit warmer up here. Back into the 30's    Read more

  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler
    New Years Eve teaJac's placeGeorge's Espresso MartiniEvery city has one

    New Years Eve

    December 31, 2017 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    In the morning Steve and I explore Freo. We have a nice lunch in a lovely restaurant. In the afternoon Steve, Dad and I visit Dot and Leo who live in Freo. They used to live on the Island and were Steve's mentors and "big brother" when Steve first came to Flinders. It was great to see them again, they haven't really changed much
    The rest go to movies. Star Wars, The Greatest Showman on Earth and Jamungi.
    We celebrate New Years Eve with a Bbq tea at Jac's    Read more

  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler
    Delicious light tea

    New Years Day

    January 1, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Steve and I visited Anne-Marie and Dom, people I knew when I lived in Subiaco 25 years ago. We have kept in touch ever since and they visited us last year.
    8 people go to Big Bash cricket tonight, others stayed at Jac's for light tea
    Jim, Loz and Ben go back to Melbourne on the plane this morning    Read more

  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler
    CheersHilary's MarinaPerth

    Drive around, Steve and Dan home

    January 2, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C

    36 degrees today
    Steve, Dan, Joe and I drove around Perth for a look and show the kids the city. We have lunch at Hilary's Marina then drive through Subiaco and check out the vacant block that used to be my house.
    The rest of family did a Swan Valley treasure hunt tour.
    Steve and Dan fly home in the evening    Read more

  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler
    Master Chef at Samson PlaceMy favourite cafe, I discovered this place last yearAir b'n'b place

    Joe heads off too.

    January 3, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Lay day, walk around Freo on my own. I'm feeling it's time for some alone time.
    Joe drives off int he morning to continue his great Aussie Adventure. He's heading to Esperance
    Tea at Samson Street, our Air b'nb. Di wants to cook tea so they do it here as only a few people have seen "my house" yet. She does a yummy job.Read more

  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler

    Fremantle Prison

    January 4, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Fremantle Prison, sometimes referred to as Fremantle Gaol or Fremantle Jail, is a former Australian prison and World Heritage Site in Fremantle, Western Australia. The six-hectare (15-acre) site includes the prison cellblocks, gatehouse, perimeter walls, cottages, and tunnels.

    Initially known as the Convict Establishment (or just The Establishment), Fremantle Prison was constructed between 1851 and 1859, using convict labour. It was initially used for convicts transported from Britain, but was transferred to the colonial government in 1886 for use for locally-sentenced prisoners. Royal Commissions were held in 1898 and 1911, and instigated some reform to the prison system, but significant changes did not begin until the 1960s. The government department in charge of the prison underwent several reorganisations in the 1970s and 1980s, but the culture of Fremantle Prison was resistant to change. Growing prisoner discontent culminated in a 1988 riot with guards taken hostage, and a fire that caused $1.8 million worth of damage. The prison closed in 1991, replaced by the new maximum-security Casuarina Prison.    Read more

  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler
    That optical illusion art piece, seen from Round House stepsTunnel below The Round HouseTaking Mick and the girls to the plane

    3 sisters day in Freo

    January 4, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Today Mick and girls leave to go home.
    That left the 3 sisters to walk around Freo shops and the Fremantle Gaol. Di reckons this is the first time the 3 sisters have hang out alone since we went to Night Moves nightclub in the 80's!! I think she's right.
    Up High Street you could see yellow lines painted randomly on buildings up the street. I googled it and found it is a temporary work of art... - "FREMANTLE has been transformed into the ultimate canvas by acclaimed street artist Felice Varini. The mind-bending artwork in the harbour town uses giant sheets of painted foil to distort the viewer’s perspective.
    Named Arcs d’Ellipses, it spans 800m of High Street and was custom-designed to cascade from the Round House to Town Hall. Taking a month to create, Varini had a small army of assistants, volunteers and specialised equipment.
    The 65-year-old has been creating optical illusions for three decades and is in WA for the Fremantle Festival."

    When we got back we had a swim at South Fremantle Beach.
    Dad cooked tea    Read more

  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler
    Looking over to RottnestDive buddy, ChrissieGearing up

    Dive day off Rottnest Island

    January 6, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    I decide I want to dive off Rottnest Island so a few days ago I went to a dive shop and booked a charter.
    I am teamed up with Buddy Chrissie. We don't have a guide so we fumble our way around the dive sites together. She has better navigation instincts then me so we both survive OK. The dives were nice, very similar to diving at home really.
    There was another diver I talked to who is from Dover in Tassie. He is now a headmaster but was an ex Navy diver. Interesting bloke.
    Mum and Dad went up to Geraldton for night the night to drop off the camper trailer to cousin Anthony in readiness for their next driving adventure in March.
    Di and Smithy to plane tonight    Read more

  • Maree CrawfordChristmas and New Year WA 2017Traveler
    Lunch at Duck Duck BruceLining up for Falls Festival

    Day with the girls

    January 7, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Lazy morning, Jac, Ruby and Millie and I walk around Fremantle markets. There is a Falls Festival going on at the footy ground right in Freo.
    We've heard a lot about Duck Duck Bruce. We go and have lunch there. Yummy, it is tasty healthy food.Read more

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