6 MONTHS ON THE WALLABY

BUNBURY AND MARGARET RIVER WA

We got to Bunbury early afternoon.  We couldn't believe how big it was.  After booking into a caravan park we drove into the city to have a look around.  We drove up to a lookout and took a couple of photos but it was difficult as we had to dodge the raindrops ha ha!!!

I found another lighthouse.  They are all so different - in shape and paintwork!

The following morning we decided to go for a drive along the beachfront.  The water was so rough but there were surfers in the water.  How crazy!

We also went to the Dolphin Discovery Centre.  As the weather was so bad the dolphins didn't come in but we had a good look through the museum area.  It was so interesting.  There were some baby turtles in a tank.  They had been rescued from the beach and brought into the centre.  They all had one or two flippers missing, either from being smashed onto the beach or the rocky areas along the beach or, they could have been nipped off by a fish.  Anyway, they are being cared for until they are stronger and then they will be released back into the water. 

After doing a bit of shopping we went back to the caravan park.  It had been raining and there were puddles everywhere.

We left Bunbury on Saturday 28 July and drove to Bussleton.  We wanted to see the pier which is a major tourist attraction. It is v e r y  long!! 

We didn't walk the pier as we were wanting to get to Margaret River.  It wasn't too far away so by early afternoon we were booked into the caravan park.  We met up with Jill and Barry here and will travel together again for a while.  This park is about 20klms from Margaret River and is a farm but not a working farm.  There are horses, cattle and a camel.  It's very peaceful.

After we set up we drove into the township of Margaret River.  The town itself is not that big - just a main street with shops either side.  But the surrounding district is all wineries, cheese factories, chocolate factories, etc etc.  When we got back we decided to have a bbq.  There is a big shed which is closed in on three sides.  Inside there is a wood heater, big fridge, microwave, jug, toaster and a triple burner.  There are 2 gas bbqs under cover just outside the actual building.  So we had a feast.  It was very enjoyable.  There were 3 other couples having a bbq too, so of course there was lots of conversation.  As a coincidence the men were known to Barry as he used to go to school/played football with them many moons ago.

Today, Sunday, we went for a drive through the countryside.  Our aim was to go to the coast just passed Dunnsborough. It's called Cape Naturaliste.  There is a lighthouse there and they have tours to the top.  When we got there it was very cold and windy.  There were already some people doing the tour so we had to wait for 20 minutes.  This lighthouse is not very tall as it stands high above the sea.  It was built in 1903 and is still in original condition.  It went from using whale oil, to kerosene, and then to electricity.

The view from the top was great.  The next photo is looking towards Sugarloaf Rock.

The next one is the lighthouse keeper's residences.  Initially there were 3 lighthouse keepers so there are three houses.  They had to do 4 hour shifts during the night because of the physical work they had to do.  Everything was done manually.  Of course now it is all electric and doesn't have a keeper.

From here we drove to Sugarloaf Rock.

If you look hard enough you can see the lighthouse up on the hill - just!

We left this area and drove through some lovely countryside.  We stopped at a beautiful winery and had some tastings and also lunch - woodfired gourmet pizza.   The food was great.  As the weather was still unpredictable we ate inside.  We sat on leather lounges in front of an open fire.   We left there and stopped at another winery.  This one was very flash.  And the building, inside and out, was amazing.

I will leave you with a couple of my flower shots. 

We are leaving tomorrow and will go to Augusta and Cape Leeuwin.  There is a lighthouse there also so needless to say there will be some more photos taken.  Then on to Augusta to see the whales.  We have heard they are migrating through that area now.  Will update again when I can.  Bye Bye.