Perth to Geraldton

27 May 2014 

It is 10 days since we left Perth and we have arrived in Geraldton by a very circuitous route.   We turned left (i.e. south) on exiting the caravan park, and back-tracked 58kms to Pinjarra.   It was a very picturesque drive with lots of very affluent horse studs along the way.  We took the time to walk around Pinjarra, on the Murray River, and admire the beautiful old stone and brick buildings.    Alcoa has an alumina refinery not far from town, and there are two bauxite mines in close promity – not what one would expect to find in this area.

We then drove through another quaint village, Dwellingup, then a few k’s to the Lane Poole Conservation Area, also on the Murray River.   The WA Govt have recently opened a large, new campground for tents and vans, with excellent facilities.   There are also several day use areas along the river.

Welcome to Lane Poole

Native Wisteria

Spotless camp kitchen

Monday, 19 May we awoke to drizzle and heavy fog/cloud so decided to move on, northwards in the hope of finding some fine weather.  We found ourselves again headed for the Avon Valley, this time from a different direction through Boddington, Wandering, Pingelly, Brookton and back to York for our overnight stop.   We were able to wander through the back streets to see more of the wonderful old buildings.

York Catholic Church

York Post Office

 Tuesday, more heavy fog, but this cleared to a mostly sunny day as we drove north to Goomalling and Wongan Hills, where a stop was made for coffee and cake at the local café, then west to New Norcia.   We decided to set up in the campgrounds to stay 2 nights so we could do the town tour the next morning.   New Norcia was established by the Benedictine monks in the mid 1800’s, and there are still 9 monks residing there.    A late afternoon bike ride included a detour to the hotel to sample the “local” abbey ale – a very nice brew.

Wongan Hills Civic Hotel & Cafe

New Norcia

The town tour on Wednesday morning was very interesting, and included sitting in on the monks’ 15 min midday prayer session.   The museum was also worth the visit, with lots of local history, as well as the religious aspects.

Another heavy fog greeted us on Thursday but as we drove north towards Moora the sun broke through for another lovely day.    Today’s drive was on the Midlands Road, with wheatfields on either side of the road as far as they eye could see.    After recent rain the fields were green and the farmers were out ploughing.   It must have been a good season this year, if the huge mountains of covered grain were any indication.  This road is also popular in the wildflower season, and we passed a couple of wildflower “farms”.   Our overnight stop was at Three Springs.

Three Springs Grain Silos and Mural

Next morning after 50 k’s to Mingenew, we travelled west again to the Brand Highway and a short distance to Dongara-Port Denison, on the coast.    The wind is with us again.     The twin towns are separated by the Irwin River, and the harbour is home to a rock lobster fishing fleet.  The main street is lined with Moreton Bay and Port Jackson figs.   On Saturday and Sunday I did manage to get washing dry on the outside clotheslines.

Port Denison Harbour - Cray boats

 

Moreton Bay and Port Jackson Figs (and  bike rider)

 

 

Port Lincoln Parrot (aka Twenty-eight, I think)

Ellendale Pool

Tuesday morning dawned clear and sunny, with no wind, as we packed up to continue north to Geraldton, only 64k’s away.    As time was not an issue, we took a detour off the Brand Highway to go inland a little to look at Ellendale Pool, a campsite which had only recently been reopened after flooding.     We then had an easy drive to the Sunset Beach Caravan Park at Geraldton.   I hope to photograph a lovely sunset before we leave.   We will be here for 4 days, then to Kalbarri for a week.     Brian is hoping it won’t be long before his kayak gets wet again, and I wish the weather will soon be warm and sunny, with no wind.