We have just completed our 3rd trip across the Nullarbor. We certainly live in a beautiful, ever changing country which is accentuated while crossing the Nullarbor. To say we love it is an understatement !!! Less than 3 weeks before we are home. We miss our little piece of Australian paradise in Tassie, our unique dry bushland, absolute peace, private beach and stunning views. We are very lucky. We are looking forward to seeing Molly, Salem, Booth and the Girls (the chooks and rooster) again.

We have had a safe trip so far with no major problems….. except a $600 bill for new car keys. (not lost by me thank goodness…. lost by “him that must be obeyed” ).

After about 8 days of bush camping, which we prefer, we have booked into the Clare Valley Park for a couple of days to stock up on water and do some much needed washing before heading along the southern beaches of South Australia and Victoria. Even though we will be home soon, there is still much to see and explore. We see so much while caravaning and bush camping. More than staying in motels John and Rhonda. You guys need a caravan. They come in 5 Star Rhonda !!!

If anyone gets the chance you must read Tim Winton’s book Dirt Music… His descriptions of driving from Perth through to the top describing the landscape, where we have visited this trip, are so perfect. I read it at night while crossing the Nullarbor and loved it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have been camping at Burns Beach, about 15 minutes north of Bec and Steve’s home in Perth. It has been great catching up with Bec, Steve, Rosie and Creed and doing a bit of grandparent stuff… picking the kids up from school, watching sport and even school presentations. We love the campsite at Burns Beach, right on the beach with bike track nearby. With only about 12 powered caravan sites it is a small park and was lovely when I phoned in advance and Wade the owner remembered us from our last stay. We will be here for a week before starting our trek across the Nullarbor on our way home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kalbarri is a tiny little place located at the mouth of the Murchison River. I was amazed to read in one of the tourist brochures that the population here is 2,000 – most of those people must be living in far-flung farming properties in the region – certainly there doesn’t seem to be any thing like that number of people in town.The weather here is less extreme than further north. We are officially south of the North West of WA and I guess this would be accurately described as being the northern most reaches of the mid-west coast. A good number of Perth folk spend their winters here, even though it doesn’t get anywhere as warm and toasty as ‘further up’. The winter temps here range from the low to mid 20s. My idea of paradise I think! I have never been one for the extreme hot and this trip has confirmed my love of slightly cooler climates. Rain-fall here is quite poor, as displayed by the fairly barren sandy coastal flats that surround the town. The Rainbow Jungle is out along the road heading out of Kalbarri town. This scenic drive takes you down to all the coastal gorges and some outstanding coastline. Massive multicoloured and layered sandstone and limestone cliffs tower over the sparkling turquoise ocean and enormous waves hurl themselves against the forbidding cliffs and rocks. Amongst all the gorges are some wonderful surfing beaches. Yesterday, there were whales breaching wherever we looked. A ‘must-do’ is to sit and watch the boats attempt the break from the river into the ocean. Worse bar than Ballina.

I know I will never do justice to the beauty here, but I will try with some of my pictures.

Kalbarri reminds us so much of Lennox Head 20 to 25 years ago. Although Lennox is still beautiful, we think it has been spoilt by far too many people in a small town. Kalbarri has a beautiful peaceful charm about it.

Fresh snapper for our BBQ tonight and tomorrow we are splurging on a couple of local lobsters….think lobster mornay !!!! Yumm….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After leaving Broome and Derby about a week ago, we have been traveling down the coast stopping at places such as Port Hedland, Karratha, Exmouth, Dampier and Carnarvon before arriving at Kalbarri this afternoon. We will enjoy staying here for a few days before making our way down to Perth. We have seen so much along the way and are certainly enjoying our travels. It is snowing today at our home in Tassie, so the warmer weather is certainly a change. I am sad we missed the snow though !!! We have loved the wildflowers that are just starting to bloom down the coast. I will show you my pictures of some of the flowers on another post.