Blogs from Albany, Western Australia, Australia, Oceania - page 15

Brochure text: • Castle Rock • Stirling Ranges • Middleton Beach Leaving Perth early we head south into the vast Jarrah Forest & southern wheat belt area towards the historic port City of Albany. The journey takes us through the convict heritage towns before viewing the magnificent Stirling Ranges and Porongurup Ranges. We climb the ancient volcanic formations through stunning forests reaching the summit of ‘Castle Rock’ to take in the breath taking views - truly a photographer’s delight. We continue our way into Western Australia’s first settlement. Here we stop at Middleton Beach and enjoy the exceptional views of King George Sound before retiring tonight in hostel accommodation. (L,D) Tuesday 20th After throwing my alarm clock across the room in the middle of the night I am up in time. My... read more

On Wednesday the 10th October me and Laura headed in to Narrogin for some lunch and for me to catch the 2pm bus from Narrogin to Albany. I had said all my goodbye's to everyone in Wicky the night before-oh so sad, and said cheerio to Laura when i headed on the bus, was quite sad saying bye to her as she had been by my side for so long during our travels i knew it was going to be weird without her, but i headed off on the few hours journey knowing i would be seeing her soon and with excitment about heading to Albany all by myself, some how i felt it would be like a achievement to do this alone. I arrived about 5.40 and headed straight to The Albany Backpackers which was ... read more

South west Australia is beautiful. Rolling hills, lakes and at this time of year a patchwork of bright yellow flowers and endless rows of vines among forests and fields of wheat, as farms seem to be in transition from sheep and cows to canola oil and wine. Rode in solid rain from Perth to Margaret River, so didn’t see much of the coastline, but we were dressed for it so stayed warm and dry. Then spent the next day on a fun wine, chocolate and cheese tasting tour. Thursday we rode to Jewel Cave, an intricate space of fine straw stalactites and helectites. I’ve never seen so many, so long. The cave has only recently been opened up to tourism and they have done a great job ensuring it stays pristine. Then on to the “Valley ... read more

Albany is quite a large historic town (the original capital before the harbour at Fremantle & rail at Perth making it obsolete), with a ship replica of Brig Amity next to the seafront. We started off the day with great harbour views from Mt Clarence, and we also saw the Anzac memorial tribute to Australia and New Zealand during the second world war. Then we headed to Middleton beach for a picnic lunch - it is a good family beach with coastal paths offering good views of the surrounding area. We stopped at the Marina at Emu Point and met lots of pelicans waiting for their fish supper. Next on to Two People's Bay and Waterfall beach two very wild natural beaches with fantastic views and sand dunes - almost deserted apart from one other vehicle ... read more

Cooee Campers, We've been camping it up all week as Mrs Deane has been telling you all about. We set out to buy the most manly, macho, grandiose tent that money could buy. But as that money only amounted to a fiver we ended up with that red and yellow excuse for a tent. Well, it's still standing and is fully waterproof following our rigourous testing in the rain and wind. It's been a little like an English summer over here in some ways. Hovers somewhere between 20 and 25 and random showers of rain (generally when I am trying to put up or take down the tent). Our road trip has continued unabated though and we are now nestled in Albany on our last night of camping (for at least a week). Back up to ... read more