Kalbarri

We were off and away this morning, early for us at 9am, but not early enough to beat the little bus that crept away at 5.30am.  Not sure how these people do it!

We turned right off the highway a little further south to go into the Kalbarri National Park, and the road in was lined both sides with amazing purple flowering bushes.  The colour was just so stunning after all the red dirt and spinifex we've been used to.

We walked to the lookout at Hawk's head, and then down to the Murchison river, where everyone had a swim in the slightly salty water.  It's not flowing freely at this time of year and the salt leeches out of the rocks into the water.

The Murchison River

A goat or two poked their head over the towering cliff to see what was going on.  Apparently feral goats can do a lot of damage to the National Parks areas, along with feral cats, foxes and bunnies.  But the bunnies are very cute.  Nadine said they should put a bit more effort into removing the annoying flies, and leave the poor bunnies alone.

Further out to the coast, and we stopped in Kalbarri to look at the place people rave about, and phone Dominic, Nadine and Oskar's teacher.  It was a lovely little town, obviously a lot quieter with the end of the tourist season, and we enjoyed hot chips at the park by the beach.  I noticed a few more businesses for sale here too.

Driving down the coast the ocean was beautiful - a lot darker blue than further north, just as it is in Queensland.  The scrubby, sparse plants slowly gave way to rolling hills of golden wheat...and grubby looking sheep over the fields in between.  There were wheat fields as far as we could see, some harvested, some not.  And in the distance the ocean.

We passed through Northampton an historical town with many old buildings.  A few were designed by architect/priest Monsignor John Hawes.  There are still about 22 buildings in Western Australia designed, and in some cases built, by him.  He designed the big cathedral in Geraldton, which we will make sure we visit.

Soon after, we turned right and drove it to Coronation Beach, a low key caravan stopping point, with clean toilets, shower facilities (you have to bring your own shower, but they provide a nice clean room) and a lovely lookout.  The couple we met at Gregory National Park in Northern Territory told us about it.

 Coronation Beach

It seemed busy after the lonely spots we’re used to - obviously a popular place - and we set up our campsite, explored a bit, and watched a man and his son fishing with great success off the beach.  They gave us three of the Taylor that they caught, and we cleaned them up ready for breakfast.  We seem to keep begging fish off people...a bit embarrassing really.

We were very glad the wind has eased off finally but once the sun went down in all it's orange splendour, the bugs arrived.  Literally thousands.  And they stink when you brush them off anything.  Everyone in the campsite had their lights out early and now I know why!  I think I'd better turn this off as well.

Bugs on the back of the chair sitting under the light

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Vicki