Albany to Pemberton

We left Albany on 29/4 and travelled towards Denmark via the tourist drive.    This route was close to the coast, but not within view of the ocean, mainly beef and dairy properties.  The "up" place names are now very evident, as are the "brooks", not creeks. We made a detour in to Peaceful Bay, but it was quite windy, and the caravan park very rustic, so we decided to go on to the Rest Point Caravan Park at Walpole.   The park was not busy and there was plenty of space with no gum trees overhead dropping seed pods onto the roof of the van.    It was cold and overcast,  so we were both grateful for the onboard shower.

 

Visitor for breakfast - he was a good worm catcher

Next morning the sun was out so we decided to do the Valley of the Giants forest drive.   Spectacular karri and marri trees were on this route – karris shed their bark once a year and the colours of the tree trunks are fantastic. Marri trees are quite ordinary alongside these giants.  After the forest drive we travelled to Mount Frankland, through dairy and cattle properties.   This is more a great, big granite rock than a mountain, but the lookout on top was used for fire spotting.    It was a 500 metre bitumen track up to the 300 steps to the top.    The views made the climb worthwhile, and the exercise was a bonus.  We then continued on the dirt road to Fernhook Falls for a late lunch.    Most regions along the south coast have not had much rain since last year, so there was no water flowing at the Falls.  The countryside is still lush and green.

Beautiful forests of Karri and Marri

Some of the 300 steps -Mt Frankland

Views worth the climb

Even though Friday morning was cool and overcast, Brian drove 10kms to Nornalup to launch the kayak for a paddle up the Frankland River.   After lunch we drove to the Giant Tingle Tree.    Tingle trees only grow in the Walpole area – 6000 acres within 10kms of the coast.

 

The Giant Tingle Tree, Walpole

Saturday, 3 May we drove  53 kms to the Shannon National Park, and found a good, level site in the campground there.   After setting up, I drove the two one-way loops of the Great Forest Trees Drive – it was easy not having to worry about oncoming traffic!

Shannon National Park Campground

 It was not windy on Sunday morning, so we decided to drive 60kms to Windy Harbour.   We did not visit the Harbour on our last trip because it was very windy.    It is a settlement of over 200 well kept cottages – very narrow, dirt streets so we were glad we did not attempt to bring the van to the caravan park here.   There was a great, bitumen scenic drive out to Pt D’Entrecasteaux.   On the way back, we stopped at Northcliffe for a good lunch at the pub.

 

"Window" at Pt D'Entrecasteau

Beautiful autumn colours - Northcliffe

We were packed and ready to leave by 9.15 next morning, travelling 60kms on the South Western Highway, then 20kms on the Vasse Highway to Pemberton.   I was in “wren” heaven at the caravan park – fairy wrens all around, some even venturing close to the van steps.  After an early lunch we drove on the Karri Forest Explorer road.   I have always wanted to try marron, so tonight I was very indulgent and we had tea at the beautiful Pemberton Hotel.   Brian had roast lamb and I had salad, chips and about 200grams of marron, plus the meat I retrieved from the tiny claws.   The meat really needed the sauce that came with it, overall nothing to rave about, but I’m glad I tried it. 

Next day we drove the rest of the Explorer Drive, past the Bicentennial Tree.   Brian made it to the top this time – 75 metres.  Last trip he only climbed to the first platform at 25 metres.   The drive ran along the banks of the Warren River in places, but all through the area magnificent karris and marris.   We had a quick walk to the Cascades, where there was water flowing, and stopped at the Gloucester Tree near Pemberton.   This tree is only 53 metres tall, and is most popular with bus tours because it is so close to town.    We had our Parks Pass inspected for the first time on entry to the Gloucester National Park.

A long way down!

Swing Bridge over Beedulup Falls

The Cascades

Log bridge near the Cascades - used by timber trucks

We will continue our journey west to Augusta, then north to Perth for a week or so and then even further north to the warmer, sunnier weather (hopefully).