Augusta

Wednesday, 7 May we left Pemberton on the Vasse Highway, past avocado, beef and dairy farms.   It was then a short stretch on the Brockman Highway, south on the Bussell Highway, a total distance today of around 160 kms to Augusta.   We chose the Turner Caravan Park (council owned) on the Blackwood River. The weather forecast for this evening was not looking good with a wet and windy front due, and this park had protection from the prevailing winds.     We went for an afternoon stroll into Augusta along the walkway next to the river.    The rain started just as we arrived back at the van and continued overnight but the expected high winds did not eventuate.

Green grass and peppermint trees

Blackwood River flows into Hardy Inlet

Bottlebrush

 We were surprised to see some sunshine on Thursday morning, but it was still windy.   We drove the few k’s out to Cape Leeuwin and back via the scenic, dirt road.   On our last trip we had gone in to the Lighthouse reserve, but due to the cold wind and lack of parking in the very small carpark there, we continued out of Augusta north on the Caves Road.   A quick drive in to Hamelin Bay (a favourite of Michelle and Ben), but it was raining so a walk on the beach was not possible.    On a fine, sunny day it would be a beautiful spot to spend some time.  

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

The Indian and Southern Oceans meet

On Friday we drove the northern section of the Caves Road, visiting Redgate Beach, Prevally (at the mouth of Margaret River), but there were no surfers today.     A very tasty lunch was then had at the Margaret River bakery.   We decided to spend another night at Augusta – Brian was lucky  the wind was in the right direction on Saturday morning for him to use his wave ski on Flinders Bay.