Life's a beach

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WA is remarkable. We’ve looked forward to this part of the journey as many do when traveling Australia. The coastline is pristine; glassy, turquoise water and scenery that is quite simply stunning. Its also rugged and somewhat untouched. Did I mention the surf, wow!!

Esperance is a wonderful little port town just past the end of the Nullarbor Plain. It’s the entry point to Cape Le Grande National Park, home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. They take your breath away.

We stayed at the best of them in Lucky Bay for a few nights, choosing the tent instead of camper on account of the 20-knot onshore winds. Putting up the camper annex in the howling wind is challenging, and we didn’t have the energy or inclination following the preceding few days driving. Squeaky white sand and turquoise waters make this part of the coast so unique and picturesque.

Bird's eye view of Lucky Bay
Almost lonely Pajero




We drove to Hopetoun next, keen to set the camper up for a few nights and recuperate. Hopetoun sits on the eastern entry point to the Fitzgerald National Park. It’s botanically significant and home to some rare and unusual plants.  We spent a day exploring the vast Park, undertaking some hairy off-roading to remote and untouched spots. We all had great fun and we got to test the Pajero’s off-road capability once again. Its a winner. 

C..o..r..r..u..g..a..t..i..o..n..s..s..s...s..s.z..z..z
Hakea - a native particular to this pocket of Aus

Steep and tight




Fitzgerald National Park

Doesn't mind WA beaches!
An intense low off the WA coast was due to generate significant winds, and for the next stop we decided a solid roof was appropriate. We booked a cosy and comfy Airbnb and spent a few days exploring Albany. There are some amazing natural wonders and we managed to replace the bike lost to the SA roads. We also saved a damsel who had stranded herself by locking her keys in the car at a remote location with no phone reception. We found a coat hanger in our accommodation and helped her on her way. Boom, some good karma coming our way J
"The Gap" @ Torndirrup NP (Albany) - met Marco Pierre White here

"Natural Bridge"

Black Cockatoos
Tiger Snake (thankfully fast asleep!)
Further west we stopped at a private farm-stay camp in Ayr Sailean. Having set-up on solid, rocky ground for what felt like months, it was nice to see some grass and get a peg in without a sledge hammer. Once again there were some amazing natural wonders, including 300-year, 80-meter tall old growth forests and spectacular coastal scenery, including the Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks, unlike nothing we’ve seen thus far on the Aussie coast.  



Grass on soil... ah!

Elephant Rocks
Flawed rocks with lots of crack

Quickly through the rocks before the water comes in
Greens Pool
Next stop ‘Margies’ (Margaret River). A formidable reputation for surf, unfortunately the last time we visited we lugged boards around that stayed in their bags due to the massive lull. Not happy. This time couldn’t have been different with ex-tropical cyclone Marcus pushing unusual swell from the nor-west. Never in need of good surf break names, we scored at ‘Undies’ and later at Yallingup, with some of the best waves of the trip and a memorable sized barrel at Torpedo Rock. Skid-mark and Crusties looked good but sadly on the wrong tide.

A Frames at Torpedo Rock

We shared an Airbnb with friends in Yallingup, and were lucky to score a massive entertainer complete with pool table, big deck, kids play ground and big rooms complete with king beds.  

Next stop Perth and beyond to catch up with old mates from London days..









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