Delightful spot by the sea

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We bade farewell to Geraldton soon after school finished and headed north. Just on dark we made camp in the bush opposite Billabong Roadhouse. Even though our book said we could camp here there was a sign that said “No Camping”. It was too late to care and we were in the company of at least one other camper.

After an early takeoff we arrived at Hamelin Bay where we viewed the stromatolites which exist there. The weather was perfect and we loved the walk down to the bay past the ancient shell brick quarry.

From here we continued to Whalebone Bay where we arranged through the Shark Bay Discovery Centre to stop for the night. Here we met another couple, Ross and Toni who were enjoying the fishing at this delightful spot.

We unhitched the van and left to explore Denham, 26 kilometres further on. This town has grown considerably since either of us visited it, tourism being the main industry. We found the Visitors' Centre but were very disappointed. The chap behind the counter never lifted his head from the computer for us or other visitors and to see any of their information we had to pay - we thought that was very rude!

It appeared boating and fishing were popular in Denahm with many 4wheel drives and empty boat trailers in the car park. From here we visited Monkey Mia and the Peron Homestead.

Returning to Whalebone Bay we found ourselves inundated with other campers. There were 9 groups in all. We met Ted and Vicki from Mandurah who were travelling to Denham but were a couple of days early for their booking. We enjoyed a few red wines with them before dinner and an early night.

The next morning we left early and headed for the Francois Peron National Park. After the homestead that we had visited yesterday the road is only for 4Wheel drive vehicles and we had to let our tyres down before proceeding along the dusty red road that stretched interminably through the spinifex.

Our first stop was Big Lagoon, a large expanse of water with much bird life. Our next stop, many more kilometres of soft red dirt later was Herald Bight where Rags decided to have a dip even though there was a chilly wind. Feeling refreshed we still weren’t inclined to go the extra distance to Peron cape, some 30 kilometres further north so turned in the direction of Whalebone Bay once again.

The afternoon was spent relaxing and some unsuccessfully fishing in the company of Ted. Tonight there were only 3 other campers beside us. After fishing we enjoyed another sundowner with Ted and Vicki who we have promised to catch up with when we return to Perth.

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Photos

New Boardwalk
This board walk is an excellent spot for viewing stromatolites.

Stromatolites
These may look like rocks or coral but they are actually some of the best examples of cyanobacteria left in the world.

Whalebone Bay Sunset
Day 1

Big Lagoon
Our first stop in Francois Peron National Park

Soft sand at Herald Bight
Rags was amazed at how easily the Jeep went through it.

Comments

[Thelma]

Travelling North !
Enjoy reading about your travels. I've only been as far as Monkey Mia, so from here on in it will new territory I'll be reading about as you travel further North. When do you meet up with Kerry ? Mornings are cooling down in Perth, going down to 4degs over night on the weekend. How are the nights where you are,cool ? Love Ya, Mum

[Lorraine and Fred]

Not in the least bit jealous!!! Looks wonderful, wish we were with you. Stay safe.

[Weggs]

To Mum
We are not meeting Kerry until after the middle of July. The nights here are pretty warm. We are using the blue cotton balnket you gave us now. love ya