Instead of continuing down the highway following the coast, we have turned inland slightly so we can visit New Norsica. The only monastic town in Australia. Where we parked for the night was a joke, but at $20 for showers, power and toilets it wasn't to be sneezed at. 5'ies drink at the huge old hotel (run by the monks) a little pricey, but it was worth a look inside the building
Wednesday 25th June
Our first day in Fremantle area so we headed off to explore it. The first stop was The Round House , used as a goal at one time, then on to the maritime museum. An interesting place, Don thoroughly enjoyed it. I like Freo, reason being so much of the history of the town still exists, beautiful historic buildings everywhere you look. It is only one of the few major towns I've visited that hasn't demolished all it's history.
I should have started day one recording the amenity blocks at all parks we stayed at. They have ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous. Some so small one can't turn around so I've had to dress outside the cubicle. No hooks, no where to place my things. One had no roof and made completely out of corrugated iron. Then there was the fantastic ensuite units, toilet and shower in one room. A joy to use. Shower curtains, no shower curtains, locks no locks, shower roses sitting right at head height, floors swamped with water, and don't forget " close the toilet lid to keep out the frogs because they like to swim". Stinking bore water, loud music, heaps with soap and hand dryers - to the ones with no soap and half a dozen paper towels to last 24 hours (and this was a very big busy park). I could go on and on, it's one of the first questions we ask of each other when we first arrive at a park "WHAT ARE THE AMENITIES LIKE?" The joy of caravan travel.
Thursday 26th June
It's so easy to travel around Fremantle and Perth. There appears to be heaps of buses and the train system glides along silently and cleanly. Our bus stop is outside the Park and costs $1.10 each to Fremantle. Took us right to Fremantle station, then for $1.70 each a comfortable train trip to Perth. Our next stage of the day was a hop-on hop-off red bus around Perth. A very informative pleasant ride on the top deck of a double decker bus. The only time we jumped off then back on was at Kings Park. A fantastic view overlooking Perth and the Swan River. Time to leave the bus when we reached Barrack Wharf, so we could walk back thru the middle of the bustling shopping mall area in Perth. All in all it was a great day. The weather turned a little cold and it did rain when at kings Park, but it didn't spoil our day
Friday 27th June
Hit the markets this morning, first headed to E Shed markets near the old wharves in Fremantle . Boy! Was it a BIG disappointment. Full of crappy souvenirs made overseas. I was expecting NICE handcrafted goodies. It took 15 minutes to walk in, round and out (and I think 15 minutes might be a bit generous). So we headed back up the main strip to the very large Fremantle Markets where everything possible is on sale. Managed to find a few more goodies for the grand kids, plus fruit to take with us in the morning when we leave. It's frustrating when, like today, a huge selection of fruit and veggies is laid out in front of you at very reasonable prices and the frig in the van is just not big enough. The highlight of my day today was visiting a few pottery studios and galleries, recommended by a "pottery friend" on a Facebook Site. Don and I met Elaine later for an afternoon drink, spent a very delightful and interesting hour or so chatting about pottery, her family and our trip. Elaine and her husband moved to Australia from Ireland about (I think) 20 or 30 years ago, and she still has a lovely Irish brogue. A top way to end the day and our stay in Fremantle.
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| Water Wheel at Cape Leeuwin, completed cover with calcification |
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| Karri Trees |
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| Jetty, Busselton |
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| Long Jetty, Busselton |
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| Sacred Heart Church, Beagle Bay |
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| Beach, Barn Hill Station Stay |
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| Cliffs, Barn Hill Station Stay |
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| De Grey River, Rest Area |
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| Afternoon visitors, De Grey Rest Area |
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| replica of Batavia Long Boat, Geraldton |
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| Lighthouse Keepers houses at Cape Leeuwin |
Saturday 28th June
We headed out early this morning for Busselton, passing thru on our way - Mandurah, Bunbury then finally our destination. Good highway, plenty of big industry . Arrived early then spent the next hour driving round and round the city centre with caravan in tow, trying to find Information Centre and a caravan park. Very frustrating. Finally found the Info Centre, obtained a map of the town with parks marked, and decided on one. By the way the Info Centre is not in an easy spot, sited beside the tourist "long jetty", plenty of parking but nothing for cars towing a van. Typical of most towns these days, impossible to find the centre because its in the middle of town and then there is nowhere to park That's enough of my tirade about Info Centres, but this left one (meaning me) a little annoyed to say the least, so when I was booking us into the Park and was told I would have to pay $50 CASH as a deposit for the boom gate thingey, I was very upset. Have never been asked for a large amount, usually $10 occasionally it might be $20, but it is always added to your site fees. No big drama. Anyway, settled in, dumped the van and headed back into town for a very late lunch. A large town, stretched out along the coast. Would be a top spot in the summer, the number of van parks and resorts backs up my thoughts Very cold, biting cold wind.
Sunday 29th June
We have decided to stay another day in Busselton, leave the van behind, drive down the coast to Augusta and Cape Leeuwin - the most southern/western tip of Australia, where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. Because the weather is not very pleasant, only reaching to about 14c. all day and no sun, thought there would not be many other tourists about Plenty at the Lighthouse at Cape Leeuwin, heaps of cars passing both ways while driving today. Visited The Silk Road and Margaret River Chocolate Factory. Plenty of little drops of chocolate free to taste and couldn't resist buying a couple of bars. Unfortunately the silk scarves etc were a little pricey for my pocket, so no purchases there. I forgot to mention the beautiful new amenities block here. Organising a shower this morning, stepped out of my shoes in the cubicle to find, to my delight, under floor heating. This block has gone to the top of my list of Amenity Blocks as my favourite.
I have too many photos to choose from, these are just a few of the 1400 odd I have already taken.
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