Day 35 - 2 July 2025 – Alexandra Bridge to Margaret River – 122 km
It was a peaceful morning as we headed away from our overnight camp.
There was a Kookaburra or two over breakfast.
Our first stop was the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse and a revisit to the tough
life style that early folk had in Australia. We decided against the 150 steps
up (then down) inside the lighthouse and instead admired the view.
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| Cape Leeuwin lighthouse is an amazing structure with an interesting history in a tough environment |
A booking was made for Jewel Cave and we arrived in time for a pre-cave coffee. The cave tour was 500 steps so we were glad to avoid the lighthouse. The following images give you an idea of what we saw. Click here for more images.
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Above & Below - Jewel Cave |
The navigator saw “Sculpture Park and Gallery” so we stopped and wandered among the eclectic (and somewhat weird) array of large chainsaw wood sculptures. A couple of parrots also got involved.
Click here for more images.
Hamelin Bay was on our list of “to do” stuff but it was starting to rain
by the time we finished lunch. Me being me decided that I needed to see and
walk Hamelin Bay beach – so I did. Some seaweed, but an impressive beach.
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| Hamelin Bay Beach [Beach 35, Walks 34] |
The rain was heavier by the time we stopped at the “I” in Margaret
River. It was even heavier by the time we headed to our camp site and peaked as
I set up camp around 3pm.
There was no need to go outside for the rest of the day so we didn’t. The rain continued. A bucket I left outside had three inches of water after four hours. [Don't ask, I just know].
Day 36 - 3 July 2025 – Margaret River
The driver decided on a slow start to the day, so I got out of bed at 9:15 am. Shirley was about to ring the ambulance. Thanks to the plentiful overnight rain there was no rush.
I felt sorry for the poor bird that seemed to have been washed out of its nest.
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| Wet |
After brunch we headed off to Cowaramup, locally called Cowie, for a walk around town. Apart from eateries, breweries, wineries and distilleries there is not much there - apart from the many cow statues (because of the name of the town).
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| Cowaramup cow |
It was time to check out the Margaret River beaches. Seaweed made them less than perfect so we only walked one beach.
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| Prevally/Riflebutts Beach [Beach 36, Walks 35] |
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| Mouth of Margaret River with brown and blue water waves |
A good friend has been after a photo of a blue wren on the blog to we headed to the Berry Farm for a (sweet) late lunch - allegedly a good place for small birds. We decided on a Boysenberry pie for food and coffee/milkshake for drinks. We were not disappointed with either the food or the birds on display.
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Above - Birds with blue Below - Birds without |
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| Boysenberry pie - The cost of finding blue birds |
The rain returned as we walked to the car, so it was off to Coles for supplies.
While I updated this blog Shirley converted a butternut pumpkin into pumpkin soup.
Day 37 - 4 July 2025 – Margaret River Region
Shirley cooked her once-a-year bacon & egg breakfast before we set off exploring. The washed clothes were out and hoping for sunny weather.
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| The sunrise made a pleasant start to the day |
Our first stop was Canal Rocks - a rocky outcrop jutting out of the water that provided spectacular views as the waves crashed over. We could have sat there for ages but the sea breeze was pretty chilly.
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Above - Canal Rocks up close Below- Canal Rocks from afar |
Just down the road/beach was "Injidup Spa" - a phenomenon where the waves crash over the rocks into a pool providing a sensation just like sitting in a salty domestic spa. The main difference would be the temperature of the water.
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| Injidup Spa which does not function with timid seas |
The navigator took us to Eagle Bay where we had a good walk on the superb beach. We have noticed that the sand is coarser than the sand on the southern beaches.
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| Eagle Bay Beach [Beach 37, Walks 36] |
We visited the lighthouse at Cape Naturaliste. It is a shorter version of its counterpart down south and is subject to the strongest winds regularly experienced in Australia.
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| Lighthouse at Cape Naturaliste |
We saw a whale off to the west but it was too far to get a photo to publish.
It was time for lunch and a wrap was the preferred choice in Dunsborough. We found a specialist 'wrap' place and the end result was superb.
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| Left - Two superb char-grilled buckwheat wraps Right - Maybe the best chocolate milkshake experienced by the blog editor |
Editor Note. Shirley did not know that the photo would include her, hence she forgot to smile.We wanted to experience the Busselton Jetty again, so we nearly did. The need to spend money to walk on it when rain threatened lessened our desire for the experience. We could have done one of two tours but they were booked out.
Day 38 - 5 July 2025 – Margaret River Region
It was to be a bits and
pieces day, and so it was. We started at the Margaret River Farmers market, and
experienced one of the better fresh food markets that we have visited. We
stocked up on plenty of fruit and veggies.
We decided that we
should walk along the Margaret River and so we did. The many birds were too
fast for me. The recent rains ensured that there was plenty of water moving
from A to B.
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| Margaret River Weir Spillway |
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| Gracetown beach |
From there we visited Vasse Felix winery, the first winery established in the region. It is a magnificent place to visit, drink & eat.
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| Vasse Felix Winery & Wood-block Sculpture |
Somehow we then ended up at the Margaret River Chocolate Company. The temptations were enormous – but our will-power prevailed.
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| Irish Red Ale |
It was time for lunch
and some R&R – so we did – but not before a venison purchase at the Café farm
shop - some sausages & rissoles.
Late afternoon we headed
off to the Cowaramup Brewery for a pint of Irish Red Ale. It was
excellent. Shirley drive back to camp.
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| Our approximate route around the south west of WA |
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