From Paddock to Surf

The transition from Jimba Jimba to Point Quobba Blowholes is remarkable. The Goscoyne plains where Jimba is located is a massive catchment as the Gascoyne River is the largest in WA at over 700k. It is bordered by the spectacular and brooding presence of the Kennedy Range in the north.
There is a bit of cold snap in the Mid West of WA at the moment. Gascoyne Junction’s max only reached 36° and here on the coast is a break-out-the hoodie 23° with a blow coming off the ocean.
Fingers crossed we get a chance to snorkel on the reef in the morning.
The camping facilities here are pretty basic, that is, bring your own everything. All worth it for the beauty of the place. There is a small off shore island protecting a bay containing a coral reef. The landscape is that uniquely WA combo of many kilometres of flat, semi arid hinterland up to the coast where some small features mostly hold back the sea. The vegetation is low mulga. All so different from the hills of home.
The Blowholes are impressive with a roar of compressed air and huge jets of water.
[Next morning] A little too windy for the anticipated snorkelling on the reef so pressing on to the south.
Topically and sadly, this is the site where 3 year old Cleo was abducted during November. Happily she is now back with her family.
The low, flat coast of WA is popular with the mining companies so they can use their big machines to mine salt. The Gascoyne region will take on a different focus in the future with a big push to establish alternate power generation with Hydrogen, solar and wind the front runners. We also hear of innovation coming using sand to store and later radiate heat to generate power. Our host at Jimba Jimba have survived flooding rivers but they are now up to their armpits in lawyers as the Pastoralists, Government and Indigenous Groups jostle for position. Watch this space. We are so glad that Jimba’s problems are not ours. You might notice from the map attached that given the significant percentage of WA’s area, that Jimba’s issues can be significant.Leggi altro