Feb 19, 2013 - Returning to Perth

We agreed to spend our last 2 nights in Perth to give us a chance to revisit the city we enjoyed so much on our last trip to Australia. That gives us 4 days to make our way north to the city and we decided to take our time and enjoy exploring the southwest area on our way north. This is a rural area with spectacular scenery particularly on the coast and increasingly we have been drawn to explore the coastal roads where each turn in the road leads to yet another fantastic view. The drive from Cape Naturaliste back along the coast to...

Jan 24, 2013 - Margaret River

Voorlaatste stop is in Margaret River, gekend als wijnstreek van West-Australia. We zijn gaan lunchen in het restaurant van het wijnhuis Voyager Estate (tx Nat voor de tip!) en hebben lekkere wijn gedronken dus werd het een rustige dag. Prachtige caves route naar Leeuwin Cape. Vandaag Jewel Cave met een gids bezocht, dit is wat anders dan onze grotten van Han. Nog een late lunch op het wijndomein Brookwood, heel aangenaam op een grote varanda het domein overschouwend. Morgen rijden we door naar onze laatste bestemming.

Dec 8, 2012 - Drive to Margaret River

We checked out of the Splendid Wren B&B and drove to Margaret River. On the way, we stopped at the Leeuwin Lighthouse. This lighthouse is at the southwestern most part of Australia. We spent a couple of hours there and at the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park, looking for the Rock Parrot. We didn't see the parrot, but had a great lunch at the cafe there. From there, we went to the Jewel Cave and took a tour there. The Jewel Cave is the deepest cave in Australia. Along the way, we stopped often, at roads in the forest to try to get some...

Oct 28, 2012 - Lighthouses, caves and walking plenty....

A relatively early start for a drive to Augusta to visit the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse. We travelled down the highway and arrived in time to take the tour to climb the lighthouse. Little did we know that the narrow steps were the start of many that we were to take today. It was a beautifully sunny day and the views from the top of the lighthouse were spectacular - the Southern Ocean and the Indian Ocean at the furtherest South-West point of Australia. We also had a look at the water wheel that was connected to the springs that was the...

Oct 27, 2012 - Mazes, raptors and fibreglass cows

We awoke to the sounds of the surfing competition down on the beach - the boys and Dad went down to watch a couple of the heats. There were plenty of surfers and the waves were generally cooperating. A drive down to Margaret River to the Eagle Heritage Centre which is a wildlife centre for raptors/birds of prey. Along the way we had to slow down as a mountain bike competition was travelling across the road to get to the hills on the other side. When we arrived at the centre, we watched a very spectacular display of Kites and had the chance...

Oct 13, 2012 - Holiday!

Hey! So, back from my holiday, it was brilliant! Thursday - we travelled to Margaret River..we were going to stop at rockingham and go to Penguin Island, but the weather was bad so we decided to just travel to Margaret River and get settled. We went to the beach which is literally 50yards from Kay's house..awesome! Friday- went to Nigili Cave (really pretty) Mammoth Cave and Lake Cave..stunning! We went to Leeuwin Estate for wine tasting, lunch at Watershed Winery and wine tasting at Redgate Winery, Amy bought sweet red...

Sep 16, 2012 - Last day in Rosa Glen

Our last day in Margaret River today… The goats had to be moved as they are in disgrace for eating the lemon tree (they have free lemons here to go with your lime and bitters) and that provided some distraction for us city types. I was approached by some lambs who thought I was their mother as these had been hand fed, all very cute and serenely rural ( I should cue more organ music probably the “Pastorale” but I won’t) just enjoy the pics sans musical accompaniment. Drove to Witchcliffe to buy some fuel only 11 Cpl cheaper than in MR and...

Sep 15, 2012 - Cape Naturaliste & Big Valley Station

13th September Today we will be travelling to Cape Naturaliste. The lighthouse is 13kms from Dunsborough with views of Geographe Bay and the Cape Coastline. Managed to spot two whales in the distance. Well their tales and spouts of water. Driving back to Dunsborough we have decided to try Chicken Treat for lunch. Greg, Trevor and I have chosen the Hawaiian pack. Carol opted for the roast dinner. Which looked very nice. After a yummy lunch we are heading back via the scenic route along Caves Road. On the drive back we have seen some...

Sep 14, 2012 - Sheep May Safely Graze

Today was a day of sedate rural reflection and meditation. Of course the domestic chores came first! Now before you look at the pictures click on this link and set it playing then minimise the window and open this up and look at the pictures….. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6HlLaA33R4 It was a busy day on the farm today sheep had to be sorted ones with red dots on zeir faces to ze left und zose vis a blue mark on zere face to ze right….. The dog earned her keep today… they all look like Asians to me, the same but the different colours...

Sep 13, 2012 - As Naturaliste as it gets

Off to Cape Naturaliste today and not a Naturaliste to be seen anywhere, maybe they don’t come out unless it’s very hot… Some nice country around here a bit like the NSW South Coast however there is a ‘Cellar Door’ every 500 metres and according to mine host Kevin they aren’t making money from wine but there are tax advantages. Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is not as tall as Leeuwin but it’s just as expensive to walk around it so we managed to scam some tickets and had a walk around it, taking pictures as we went. Did I mention Dad makes...

Sep 12, 2012 - A day of over indulgence....

A day of total gourmet delights with a dash of port and beer…. Started out at the Berry Factory just “down the road” from us. Very nice jams and condiments here, we bought some to try after tasting all that are on offer. Some lovely port here as well and we have a few bottles to take the edge of the last of the winter chill. The Pear Cider is very drinkable and comes in 750ml bottles one of which we polished off during Happy Hour. It must be good because even Carol had a cuppla Glasses…. Then a brief adjournment for lunch before hitting the...

Sep 12, 2012 - Gourmet Delights

12th September We are going to give our tastebuds a workout today. First we will be visiting the Berry Farm. After tasting a variety of jams and pickles, we filled our baskets with our choices before moving on to the serious stuff, ports and ciders. The flavours and variety were amazing. So we stock up with those as well. Lunchtime, heading back to the van to try and find room for our shopping and to get some sustenance for the afternoon ahead. On the road again, this time heading through Margaret River to the wineries and breweries. The...