Blogs from Dongara, Western Australia, Australia, Oceania

A more relaxed day around Dongara. We decided to walk along the costal path, from Port Denison to a lookout on the other side of the Irwin River, in Dongara. There were lots of flowers, sculptures and views to enjoy en route. We were supposed to be able to cross the river at the mouth, but found that the river was in fact fast flowing and not easy to cross. Terry had driven ahead so was about to drive back to 'rescue' us! We had a refreshing beer at the local pub after our adventure on a hot day. After lunch we drove along the pristine white sands of South Beach, where the sand was firm. The beach went on for miles, but we only drove along for about 4kms. It was good to see virtually ... read more

We packed the car early this morning and left Mandurah at 8.15 to travel north up to Perth and then on up the Indian Ocean Drive to our rented accommodation at Port Dennison near Dongara, where we will spend the next four days. Our morning coffee stop was at Yanchep next to a wonderful azure blue sea. Coffee was accompanied by egg and bacon rolls. The weather was cool but sunny. We stopped at Cervantes where the lookout provided views over the rugged vegetation to the turquoise ocean. There are extraordinary flowers and plants hidden in the thick bush. The main Port of call was at the Pinnacles, in Nambung National Park, where we walked among these strange and incredible natural phenomenons. Probably the ancient forest has been turned to stone and exposed by the wind ... read more

Tuesday 3 November We had the kettle on about 7 am and started making a move. A good undisturbed nights sleep. Yesterday we broke the back of the journey back to Perth, so have taken the pressure off the next couple of days. We hadn't had any access to the internet for a few days and amongst a few other things we needed to book some accommodation for the end of our current leg and also Alice springs. I had noticed that the garage/shop/cafe I had visited last night had Wifi and internet advertised, so as Pat had stayed near the van last night and not had a wander round, we decided that when we left the site this morning, we would fill up with petrol, check if internet was available and if so, stop and ... read more

Wed Aug 19, Perth to Dongara This is a travel log and while a personal account about travelling it is not here to discuss every detail of encounters with old friends. Suffice to say I received wonderful hospitality from my old friends Steve, Helen and family and the rest is between me and them. Okay to say one thing more, they define old friends - people you can not see for years, but with whom you remain always in synch. Something to be treasured. After coffee with the treasures this morning the motorcycle journey proper began. My initial trepidations about the handling and weight of the BMS 1200 were put to rest as I got more comfortable with the machine and very soon got to like it and after an hour my rear end told me ... read more

Day 42 (Monday 01-June-09, NJJ) Journey from Carnarvon to Dongara took most of the day. Stopped along way at Overlander Roadhouse, Billabong Roadhouse and Elephant Hill. At campsite in Dongara got the chairs out and sat at the top of the beach for sunset with a glass of wine each. After shower we walked along the marina area to Southerley's restaurant. Back at the van we had some wine whilst watching the last three episodes of Underbelly.... read more