Thursday 29th October 2009 Murchison River
Stayed at an overnight camp spot at Galena Bridge by the Murchison River about 5-10 km from the turnoff to our next destination which was Kalbarri.
Ian and Roz were there as well as Arthur and Sue who we had met at Carnarvon. It is a nice spot, spoilt for us by the bush flies. You could not go outside without being covered by them. Very annoying. L We vowed to buy some face nets at the next opportunity like the one Ian is modelling in the photo. The site has an old caretaker (he is apparently official) who lives in a lean-to up on the hill and supposedly lives on road kill. We actually saw him as we were leaving, talking to the guy who told us about him, and he confirmed that he did in fact do that. I still find it hard to believe, they were probably pulling my leg, then again????????
Friday 30th October 2009 Kalbarri
Pulled into Kalbarri caravan park and ended up right next to Ian and Roz and Arthur and Sue again. There was also another couple, Tania and Ray who they knew as well just across from us. We had been recommended by Barry Williams and also another couple that Finlay’s Fish BBQ is a must do place to go so we all went there that night. Not quite what we expected as far as fine dining but the food was great and the owner was a real character. Thanks Barry, we thoroughly enjoyed it.
On the Sunday (1st Nov) we did an 8 km loop walk in Kalbarri National Park which was great except for the heat. The trail started at Natures Window (a rock formation) and wound around the top of the river canyon for about 4 klm then descended down to the river bank and continued along the very sandy bank before a steep climb back to where we started. It must have been nearly 50 degrees down along the river and although we had plenty of water and proper sun protection it was like hell’s furnace there. Bev was really stressing and we were glad to get back to the top. Spent the next day recovering.
Tuesday 3rd November 2009 Geraldton
Left for Geraldton and booked into the Big4 at Sunset Beach for 1 week, which is on the outskirts of the town. In hindsight it was too long as there is not much to do or see there. They did have a very good museum though with exhibits from the Dutch ship Batavia which sank off the coast in the 1600’s. Also a beautiful memorial for the HMAS Sydney which was sunk off Steep Point, not far from Geraldton and last year it’s resting place was finally discovered.
We also checked out the wind farm at Walkaway, not far from Geraldton, which is the 2nd largest in Australia and located in the windiest part of Australia as well. (in fact the wind has not stopped blowing almost a gale since we arrived in Denham and down as far as here).
Tuesday 10th November 2009 Jurian Bay
Stayed at Jurien Bay Tourist Park and from there we went to Nambung National Park to see the Pinnacles.
These are rock formations that the scientists still cannot explain exactly how they were formed and have only theorized. Very surreal driving through them. The wildflowers are a disappointment as we have arrived too late in the season but there is still remnants of them. It must be beautiful to see at the right time. Maybe next time. Met up with Arthur and Sue again who were in the same caravan park as us so we joined them for happy hour that evening then we all went and listened to a country music singer who was performing in the caravan park (in the camp kitchen!). He wasn’t the best singer in the world but quite a character and we all had a good time.
Thursday 12th November 2009 Willowbrook Farm, Gin Gin
Stayed overnight at Willowbrook Farm which is a 40 acre property at Gin Gin. As well as running a caravan park on their farm they also have tearooms. We had anticipated staying the weekend for the Friday night BBQ and the free fresh scones Sunday morning, however it rained overnight and the facilities were very basic so we decided to head to Perth which was only 80 km away. On they way we checked out Guilderton, Yanchep and Wanneroo before arriving at Forestfield in Perth.









































