Kalbarri to Carnarvon

Sunday, 8^th June we left Kalbarri and headed north on the Brand Highway, then Shark Bay Road to Denham – a big day’s drive for us of  over 350 k’s.    We did not stop at Hamelin Pool this time, but did have our lunch stop at Shell Beach, just 44 k’s south of Denham.   We set up on a large site which had some tree protection from the SE winds.  After some light overnight rain, Monday was cloudy and still very windy.    It was a short walk “downtown” where I was lucky to be able to have a haircut.  There is another memorial here to those lost on HMAS Sydney, as its wreck was found 112 nautical miles west of Denham in 2008.

The weather on Tuesday was still windy, but we decided to drive to Monkey Mia, only 20 mins away, and arrived in time for the second dolphin feeding at 10.30 am.   The water was much more protected here, and we enjoyed a walk on the beach, through the caravan park ($44/night, $67 for waterfront + entry to the marine park) and had a coffee.   We were hopeful the dolphins would come in again before noon, but they did not appear so we returned to Denham.

So cute!

Monkey Mia

A swallow (I think) - lucky to see one sitting still

We left Denham on Wednesday and our overnight stop was at Wooramel Station, which has only had its camping facilities open for 2 weeks.    Unfortunately there was no water in the river, but it was a pleasant enough, except for the flies.  

Wooramel River - beautiful gum trees

Wooramel Station Camp

Thursday was a 125 km drive to Carnarvon, clear and sunny, but still very windy, and quite cool.  We are staying at the Big4 Plantation C’van Park, which is certainly not as busy as it was on our previous stay.   The town itself seems to be doing well, and they have almost completed a large levy bank to protect the town from the Gascoyne River when it floods.

Had to visit the Customs House!

 

We had considered staying out at Quobba Station, but with the wind still with us, we drove to Point Quobba today.   We were lucky to see the blowholes venting.   From our lunch spot at the lighthouse, the 360 degree views were spectacular.

Point Quobba

 

Quobba Blowholes (not as good as Kiama)

Beautiful Banksias

Scenic lunch spot

 We are due in Exmouth on Sunday, so will stop just south of Coral Bay tomorrow night.   We have not travelled this section of road in the past, having come in to Carnarvon from Gascoyne/Kennedy Range in 2011, and going from Exmouth to Tom Price in 2012.  Hope the wind abates for our stay at Cape Range.