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Around Oz 2023-24
  • Tanya Simmons
  • Tanya Simmons

Around Oz 2023-24

An open-ended adventure by Tanya Read more
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  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Big Brook Dam

    November 4, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Another beautiful day for exploring the Southern Forest around Pemberton.

    We went to Big Brook Dam. Then, followed the gravel road through the Karri Forest. Was heavily logged in the past. It's great to see all the regrowth.

    We also stopped on at the lavender and Berry farm. It's such a pretty spot. But the wrong time for berries.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Point D'entrecasteaux NP

    November 5, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 22 °C

    We are currently camping at Windy Point Van Park.

    Went for a drive to Point D'entrecasteaux NP. So spectacular.
    WA has some of the most impressive coastlines. Will go back tomorrow and visit Salmon Beach. Maybe take the fishing lines. Beach in photos 2 & 3.

    The heathland is so beautiful at the moment. There are so many flowering shrubs.

    Do you like my Kangaroo action shot?    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Windy Harbour

    Nov 6–9, 2023 in Australia

    We didn't get to go fishing. Graham was sick. We had gone for a walk along Salmon Beach on Monday.
    He had all the rods set up to go out early yesterday. Until he was up all night vomiting 🤢. He is feeling better today.

    It's such a stunning spot. 😍 the wild coastline.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Walpole

    Nov 9–16, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Walpole certainly ticked all the boxes. Stunning forests, with the impressive old Tingle Trees. I have fallen in love with them. Such wonderful shapes.

    The inlets and waterways are lovely. It's a great spot to have a boat. We thought about fishing, but very cold. We are not that keen.

    We had fish and chips at Peaceful Bay. Would be a beautiful spot on a warm, sunny day. But in the mid teens and blowing a gale, we didn't venture into the water. But we did climb the steps up to the lookout. Was a great view and worth the climb.

    We also found a suspension bridge in the middle of nowhere. Part of a long hike, one of many in the area. Amazing what you find when exploring some 4WD tracks.

    The walk to Circular Pools was lovely. There are so many great walks in this area. We only tackled the shorter ones. But many for the keen hike.

    All in all, we really enjoyed Walpole. Was a great spot to relax after our virus, while also doing a little siteseeing.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Tingle Tree Forest

    Nov 12–18, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 18 °C

    Dragged ourselves out yesterday to visit the Tingle trees just out of Walpole. Our first outing since Graham bought the dreaded virus back to the van.

    Was an easy 1 k walk. Was pleased it wasn't any longer. But it was well worth it. We both agreed it was the best forest walk we have done. I think Graham is becoming a bit of a greenie. As you can tell by out outfits, it is a little chilly 🥶Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Valley of the Giants

    November 13, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 18 °C

    More time spent among the divine Tingle Trees. We did do the tree top walk last time we were in WA. Just had to go back again. Loved it just as much the second time.

    We found a Slipper Orchid but sadly not in flower. There is also Quokkas here, but I didn't spot any.Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Denmark

    Nov 16–19, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Just a short drive down the road to Denmark today. Our first blue sky in a while. Still cold 🥶

    We are staying at Rushcutters farm. Just out of Denmark. Very pretty.

    Did a quick trip into town for shopping and checked out the coastline. Wow... WA does not cease to take our breath away with its stunning coastline.

    Found these Pink Rice Flowers growing between the rocks on the ocean cliffs. It's amazing to find something so beautiful in such a rugged environment.

    Do you like the chairs we found outside the info centre?    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Williams Bay National Park

    November 17, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Triple WOW. Had an amazing morning visiting Greens Pool, Elephant Rocks, and Waterfall Beach this morning. WA does it again. Breathtaking, pristine coastline. It is the most beautiful beach we have seen. Was worth hiking up and down multiple stairs.

    We were amazed that people were swimming. Temp was around 17° without the wind chill. Must admit it was tempting. Maybe tomorrow afternoon.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Cosy Corner Campground

    Nov 20–23, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Just a short drive from Denmark finds us at another lovely stretch of coastline.

    Walked about 3ks along the beach this afternoon. Don't be fooled by Graham's shorts and tee... it was a bit fresh. But the sun was out, and the winds have dropped today, so it's not as cold.

    We went fishing. Was a bit rough for me the second day, as the winds picked up again. So I amused myself taking photos of the Terns flying over head. It's not as easy as it sounds. As per usual, we didn't catch any fish.

    The beast even got a little drive on Secret Beach. She was very pleased.

    We had lots of lovely walks on the beach. Meet some very nice fur babies our for their morning walks.
    Was another beautiful place to camp.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    National ANZAC Center

    November 23, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 21 °C

    We visited here on our last trip to WA.
    Was just as moving again today.

    The monument to the Light Horsemen leaves me feeling very emotional. The whole centre is a very special reminder of all that served.

    On your are given a card with to follow one of 32 ANZAC related characters from soldiers to nurses. You can follow their story as you move through the displays.

    The centre itself is set overlook the Port of Albany. It is a magnificent setting. The first ANZACs sailed from here.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    The Gap & Natural Bridge

    November 24, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 19 °C

    A great morning had at Torndirrup National Park this morning. The fantastic viewing platforms are a new addition since we were here last.

    Was it windy... yes. It even blew my sunglasses off. Luckily, I grabbed them before they were swept away.

    Next to visit was the blow holes. There is no action today 😮‍💨. We did get a good walk. Was steep in places. Thank goodness there was a cafe down the road at the old whaling station. We had a restorative coffee and some massive scones. The magnificent views from our table were just an added feature.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Albany Museum

    November 25, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 19 °C

    Visited the museum in Albany this morning. Was excellent.
    My favourite was a 3D movie 'Beyond the Milk Way. You experience one of the greatest international scientific endeavours in history as you step onto Australia’s future site of the incredible Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescopes in an immersive 360-degree virtual reality cinema experience.

    Narrated by physicist Professor Brian Cox, travel to the radio-quiet Western Australian outback to explore where one of the world’s largest radio telescopes will be capturing the corners of the universe and breaking new ground in astronomical research.'

    We also boarded the replica of the Brig Amity. Was fascinating to explore the ship and listen to the story of Amity's perilous 6 week journey from Sydney to King George Sound to establish the first European settlement on the west coast of Australia.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Bettys Beach

    Nov 27–30, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 20 °C

    Another beautiful coastal camp. Plus, it was free.
    Was blowing a gale and light rain when we arrived. By the last day, we had a stunning blue sky day. I even braved the cold water for a quick swim.
    Graham did a lot of fishing but no fish dinners. We meet some fantastic people here. Hope and her little boy Sage. Sage is such a delightful little boy. I got lots of hugs. He bought me some sticks so I could hang shells off them in our van. Apparently, after inspecting our van, it was sadly lacking that feature.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Manson Bay

    Dec 1–4, 2023 in Australia

    Another excellent stay along the South Coast.

    Beautiful sunny days. Even though one hit the high 30s. Having the cool waters to swim in kept us cool. Plus a nice shady camp with a breeze.

    The sands along here are so white. With the clear blue waters, it's like being on a tropical island.Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Munglinup Beach

    Dec 4–6, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 21 °C

    Our last coastal spot in WA before heading to SA.

    Did a bit of bush bashing looking for a fishing spot on the inlet we were told about. Got stuck on a track that turned really sandy. Thank goodness for the max tracks. Never did find the good fishing hole.

    The tiger snakes are out and about with the warm weather. There were a few at this camp. Really black ones here.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Esperance

    Dec 6–9, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    We are spending 2 nights in Esperance getting ready to do the Nullarbor crossing. This will be our 3rd time across.

    Gave the inside of the van a good clean. After a few weeks of lots of dirt roads, she needed it. Graham did a couple of running repairs on the van. Lucky to have such a handy man.
    Took the car through the car wash. Both car and van were looking very dirty. Not enough room at this car wash to get the van in. So, I went round and washed her windows. We can see out again. Yeah.

    Today is washing, shopping, and filling water containers. Plus, clean the inside of the car. Plenty of places to fuel up on the crossing. But expecting to pay around the $3 mark per litre. But that's fair enough. We like to have plenty of water as that can be an issue. Plus, there are no grocery stores😆. I read a comment by a traveller a while back. Complaining, she couldn't get a script filled anywhere when crossing the Nullarbor. Some people should not leave home 🙄

    We were hoping to spend a few days a Cape Grande National Park before leaving WA. Sadly, we couldn't get in anywhere. We have been there before, so not the end of the world.

    Will be heading to Norseman tomorrow. Then off the SA. Hoping to camp on the cliffs of the Great Australian Bight this trip. Fingers crossed it's not to windy.

    Have had an amazing time in WA. Love it here. I am a little sad to be leaving. But lots more adventures to be had ❤️    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Norseman

    Dec 9–10, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    We are in Norseman today. Have spoken to other travellers who have just come from the east. No fires near the roads. Most of the rest stops are blocked off. They don't want anyone camping in the area. Which is very sensible. Will probably head through tomorrow if there are no changes overnight.

    The town is named after a goldminers horse. The horse apparently dug up a large nugget of gold while pawing at the ground. .

    It's a very quiet town. The only excitement so far has been Santa being driven around in a fire truck.
    They have a huge free RV site. Which is very nice. You need to buy water to fill up your van $2 for 60 litres. Which is fair when you camp for free.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Crossing the Nullarbor

    December 10, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 21 °C

    Day 1
    We were very pleased to see no fires anywhere near the roads. Could see smoke in the distance. The 24hrs stops were all closed up. But the rest areas were open. The Fraser Ranges van park had been closed and evacuated. Stopped for fuel and lunch at Belladonna. Fuel $2.40. They had bits of the Sky Lab fall back to earth in this area. Their clam to fame. Travel about half the longest straight road in Australia before calling it a day. Did about 320k. Not used to these longer days. Having only been doing very short hops lately.

    Day 2
    A nice cool overcast day to drive. Had some light rain. Did just over 300ks again before stopping at a 24hrs rest stop. Was so cool this afternoon that we ran the heater for a while to warm up. Had jumpers on. 🥶
    Pulled in to visit the wedgetail eagles at Cocklebiddy. They rescue them when hit by cars. When possible, return to the wild.
    Fuel was $2.54. Not bad was expecting it to be up around $3.

    Day 3
    Crossed into SA. Very wet. Fuel $2.79    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Great Australian Bight

    Dec 12–19, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    Day 3
    of our trip across the Nullarbor finds us camped on the cliffs of the Great Australian Bight. A magnificent view west of the cliffs and the ocean. Plus, it is free. What more could you ask for
    Was pouring rain as we drove in, but the sun has come out. It has to be my favourite view in Australia 😍

    Day 4
    Stopped and checked out Lookout #2, Clay Dam Cave. Lookout #1. Lots of these caves/sink holes along the north side of the highway. Can never get enough of the views along the cliffs. Pulled up to camp on the cliffs again, but the wind picked up, and the van was rocking and rolling. So up camp and moved about 11ks to a rest stop on the north side. Had a much calmer night.

    Day 5
    Second last day. Will be in Ceduna tomorrow.
    Stopped at the Head of the Bight to get one last magnificent view.
    Camp at Cohen's Old School Site. Someone built an adorable little school out of some of the ruins.

    Not loving the added hour for daylight saving on top of the hour and half add to SA time from WA time 🙄    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Head of the Bight

    December 14, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Day 5
    Crossing the Nullarbor. We called into the Head of the Bight. You have to pay to visit. But it's worth it. We were blessed with the best day. Spotted a seal, plus lots of lizards 🦎.
    It is a very popular whale watching spot on the season. Unfortunately, we never seem to cross when the whales are hereRead more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Browns Point

    Dec 15–19, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Pulled into Ceduna to stock up, then down to Browns Point to free camp. Have a great camp just back from the beach. It's the only camp spot near the beach. The rest are up on the cliffs.

    It has been nice to relax for a few days. After driving every day across the Nullarbor.

    Graham has been doing a lot of fishing. Still hasn't caught one. 😕 No swimming. It drops away, and a rip. It has been cool anyway.

    Walked the cliff tops today. Fantastic veiws. Can just see our van from up here.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Woolshed Cave

    Dec 19–20, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 19 °C

    Popped into Streaky Bay this morning to do a supply run. Have been here before before, so keep going to Woolshed Cave. Another great free camp on the coast. Blowing a gale. We're going to stay a couple of nights, but winds keep blowing to gas out for the fridge.

    Spent this morning exploring. A great walk, including the cave and around the point. Stunning rock formations. Rock pools. Very wild and rugged. Also visited 'The Tub', a huge hole where the ground subside. Was a cave. And a moving memorial to a lady that drowned here 85 years ago.

    There were very tiny ants around our camp that had a stinging bit. So another reason to move on. Head inland to Lock. Hopefully will escape the winds.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Colton Bakehouse

    December 20, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    We called into Colton Bakehouse to pick up some goodies. Its an amazing woodfire bakery in the middle of nowhere. Work on an honest box. Picked up some sticky fruit buns and bread rolls. Sadly, we didn't need any bread. There was some very nice looking multi grain and white hitop loafs.Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Lock

    December 20, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 23 °C

    Headed inland across the Erye Peninsula to escape the winds. Stopped for 2 nights at Lock. I basic little van park for $20 per night. Very clean, plus cheap washing machines only $3. Is a community van park run by the Lions Club. Also picked up a Lions Christmas Cake as not baking Graham one this year.

    Was a good chance to wash the car. Clean the van. Could hardly see out the windows. I seem to be constantly cleaning the van windows.

    We had a close encounter of the wombat kind yesterday. One was sunbathing in the middle of the road. Couldn't figure out what was on the road ahead till it jumped up and ran off.

    Should be in Whyalla for Christmas 🎄    Read more

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