The Travelling Novocastrians: May 2012

Friday, May 25, 2012

Travelling North from Perth along the Indian Ocean Coast Road

We left the beautiful and serene historic town of New Norcia and travelled west to join the Indian Ocean Coast Road at Lancelin a town 130 klms north of Perth. Lancelin is a picturesque small town situated on sparkling turquoise waters and nestled against sand dunes. A popular past time is sand boarding and looked a lot of fun. I would love to slide down the sand dunes but one has to be sensible on holidays, I certainly wouldn't want to break a leg or two!
Further north we entered the Nambung National Park with its famous Pinnacles Desert. In this area of varying coloured sand there are thousands of limestone pinnacles, which range in size up to 5 metres tall and 2 meters thick at the base. These pinnacles were formed thousands of years ago when ancient plant roots formed a weak cementation of calcite within the dunes and have been exposed by wind and shifting sand.
Travelled onto Cervantes where we visited Lake Thetis which is one of only four known locations where Stromatolites (the world's oldest living fossils) can be found. We continued onto Jurien Bay where we camped the night.
Next day only travelled a short distance, further north along the coast road, calling into the small townships of Greenhead and Leeman. These small towns only a few years ago had only seaside shacks but today new estates have been developed and are popular seaside getaways with the usual seaside activities such as swimming, snorkelling, fishing and relaxing.
We camped for the evening looking out over the Indian Ocean at Cliff Head North near Dongara.
We woke with a strong easterly wind blowing and as we travelled further north the dust from farmlands were being whipped up causing an eerie feel over the coast. We stopped at Point Denison's Fishermans Lookout where you enjoy a panoramic view of Port Denison and the harbour. At the lookout is an obelisk, the only remaining of two built in 1869. Travelled down the lovely tree lined main street of Dongara and called into Flat Rocks to view the ocean where State Surfing Championships are held each year. A couple of surfers were catching some waves. Next stop was the historic area of Greenough. We stepped back in time and visited the Central Greenough Historic settlement and took a tour of 11 restored buildings, remnants of a once thriving community of 19th century pioneers.
We decided to camp beside the Ellendale Pool passing Alinta wind farm, the largest wind farm in WA boasting 54 turbines.
Ellendale pool is a great spot for bird watching where this natural fresh water pool laps impressive sandstone cliffs. It reminded Chris and I of Clem Walton Park a beautiful spot we stayed at last year when travelling. We first met friends Glenda and John at Clem Walton Park and I know they are visiting this region soon so here is a great place you can stay and once again go canoeing.
We enjoyed the late evening sitting around a camp fire and chatting with other campers. Tonight is the first match of the 'State of Origin' – go the blues!
Better luck next match for the blues........

New Norcia to Ellendale Pools

This bird at the Jurien Bay Jetty.......

I think a Shearwater, looks in trouble with fishing line caught around legs!

Sand boarding on the sand dunes near Jurien Bay

The Pinnacles Nambung NP WA

A handsome Pinnacle

Look!.........another interesting, handsome pinnacle

At Lake Thetis Nambung NP WA......

living microbial communities known as blister mats and stromatolites.

Apparently these stromatolites have been growing for about 3,500 years

Jurien Bay Jetty

Leeman Foreshore

Sunset at Cliff Head North.......in the distance out at sea, I think some sort of rig

is lit up and look hard and find the evening star in the night sky!

Port Denison

Fishermans Lookout Port Denison WA

Obilesk.....one of two still remaining built in 1867

Beautiful tree lined main street of Dongara WA

Old Flour Mill.......Dongara WA

Surfers at Flat Rocks Beach.....WA premier surfing beach

where surfing titles are held during the summer

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CENTRAL GREENOUGH HISTORIC SETTLEMENT............

How cute......a young Lama

Greenough Convent..........

This convent was occupied by the following Religious Orders

Dominican Sisters 1899 - 1901

Presentation Sisters 1902 - 1958

Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart (Brown Josephites) taught school on the back flats 1888 - 1889

Turn of the century photo of the Greenough Convent

St Peter's Catholic Church.....built 1908. This church is still used by the local community and replaced the original church built 1888 which was destroyed by flood.

St Catherine's Anglican Church......built 1913. This church is also still used by the local community. An earlier was built in 1892 but was destroyed.

Alinta Windfarm at Walkabout.

This wind farm is the largest in Australia with 54 turbines.

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ELLENDALE POOLS.................

This picturesque camp spot just south west of Geraldton was the perfect spot to spend a few days.

We met lovely people, particularly a lovely young couple David and Bhavani and their two children Jasmine and Isabel.

The head of the Greenough River at Ellendale Pools

Our camp spot at Ellendale Pools

The beautiful limestone cliff and natural fresh water

Almost nightfall..........the ever changing beauty of the limestone cliff

Monday, May 21, 2012

Back to Perth then east to York and north east to New Norcia WA

Travelling through Bunbury then approaching Perth from the south we camped back at friends, Kent and Louise's for the night. Thanks again for your warm and inviting hospitality.

Thursday 17^th May we continued 97klms west of Perth to WA's first inland town, York. This quaint and historic town first settled in 1831, only two years after the establishment of the Swan River Colony (Perth). The town has many beautiful buildings and we spent the afternoon enjoying the sights. We camped along the Avon River which flows through the town.

Next day travelled a short distance north to Northam, Toodyay and onto Bindoon Hill where we stayed overnight.

Saturday 19^th May 2012.......Next stop New Norcia........an amazing historic, monastic town. New Norcia was established in 1846 as a mission for the local aboriginal people by Spanish Benedictine monk Bishop Rosendo Salvado. 165 years later New Norcia is still home to Benedictine monks and the monastery is one of 27 historical buildings listed on the National Estate. The beautiful architecture is a mix of Gothic, Classical and Byzantine styles. It has an amazing Museum and Art Gallery and we got to visit the many historical buildings on the guided town tour. Taking part in the daily walking tours allows visitors to see the elaborate interiors behind closed doors and to appreciate the rich history and heritage of this unique town. Visitors are most welcome, and we did, join the monks at prayer in their private chapel and afterwards enjoy a friendly chat. We spent the evening camped around the perimeter of the oval along with many other visitors. The next morning at 9.00am attended Mass. A moving and very peaceful experience in itself and the Abbey organ was played, an occurrence that only happens on Sunday mornings.

If ever you are in Perth the 130klms north east town of New Norcia is a town not to be missed. One can only be amazed at one man's vision and feel completely at peace from the experience.

Bunbury, Perth, York to New Norcia WA

Bunbury Lighthouse

Perth's skyline............

coming into Perth from the southern approach

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YORK WA........

The main street of WA's first inland town.........York.

Constructed in 1911, the restored Town Hall is a significant part
of York's townscape and a fine example of Edwardian opulence,
with its columns, ornate facade and significant fanlight over
the main entrance

Opposite the Town Hall is The Imperial Hotel Circa 1880

The Restored York Post Office Court House and Gaol
the buildings date from the 1840's

St Patrick's Catholic Church

The alter inside St Parick's Church

Swing Bridge....not the original which was built by convicts
around 1853. However this current bridge was
constructed 90 years but has been completely rebuilt in 1988
to a modified design due to safety concerns

NORTHAM.....

Northam's Unique White Swan Colony on the Avon River in the centre of town

A pub in Northam

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NEW NORCIA............

If you double click on this photo you can read the amazing content

The Abbey Church

The absolutely beautiful interior of the Abbey Church

The construction stages of the Abbey Church

The Monastery

The entrance gates to the Monastery

Inside the chapel of the boys school

The boys boarding school run by the Marist Brothers

Inside the chapel of the girls school

St Gertrudes girls boarding school run by the St Joseph's nuns

The Monastery private chapel

At the end of the day we sat and enjoyed a quiet Abbey Ale at the town hotel
a building that was once a guest house

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

TASTE of the MARGARET RIVER – Winnebago RV Club Safari

Sunday 13^th May 2012:-

Mother's Day – It was lovely to hear from and receive 'Happy Mother's Day phone calls from our three children.

The last five days we have been having fun along with other Winnebago owners on a Winnebago RV Club Safari – 'A taste of the Margaret River". The Margaret River region begins at Cape Naturaliste and extends 135 klms south to Cape Leeuwin. The coastline is spectacular and has vine-studded hinterland fringed with karri forest and limestone caves.

The evening of 8^th May Chris and I free camped at the Pine Plantation along the Ludlow Tuart Forest Drive just north of Busselton, the following day met 32 adults and two children at the Equinox Restaurant in Busselton on the foreshore of pristine Geographe Bay. A delicious lunch was enjoyed and we were introduced to our fellow travellers.

Over the five days we stayed at Eagle Vale Winery, Conto's Field Campground within the Leeuwin National Park and at the Big Valley Campsite in Rosa Glen. This campsite only a short distance from Margaret River is on a working sheep farm nestled in the hills and surrounded by forest.

Over the safari we enjoyed chauffeured Tours to Jewel Cave, where we took a guided tour of the caves and lunch. A guided tour of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and afternoon tea. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on Australia's mainland and is situated at the most south westerly tip of Australia at the point where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. Visited Margaret River Farmer's Markets and indulged in a Winery and Brewery Tour with Bush Tucker Tours. Five wineries, liquor Factory, cheese outlet, chocolate outlet and brewery along with a Bush Tucker Lunch.

Spent the evenings around a large campfire and had fun with a trivia night (especially when our team won)!

Sunday Chris and I spent back tracking a few places to further explore the region and also visiting Gracetown and the Ellensbrook Historic Homestead.

Today, Monday 14^th May 2012 we headed further north along Caves Road visiting Yallingup and nearby Canal Rocks, Meelup and Eagle Bays, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and the 1837 and 1859 Historic Wonnerup House near Vasse Estuary Wetlands.

Tonight we are back camped at Pine Plantation near Busselton and tomorrow will head north and spend a few more days around Perth.

MARGARET RIVER REGION - WA

MARGARET RIVER REGION WESTERN AUSTRALIA
8th May to 14th May 2012:

Camped in the Pine Plantation just north of Busselton

Infamous Busselton Jetty

(1841 metres, 146 year old refurbished)

longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere

The tourist train takes you out to the end of the jetty and back to the shore..........

you can walk the 1841 metres if you wish

Looking back to Busselton on the shores of Geographe Bay

from the end of the jetty

Winnebago Club members camped at Eagle Bay Winery

Redgate Beach.......................

the shipwrecked ship the Georgette lies beneath water in this bay

The mouth of the Margaret River

Leeuwin Winery...........

singers such as Dianna Ross have performed here

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JEWEL CAVE ..... one of over 100 limestone caves in this region. These caves are among the youngest in the world

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CAPE LEEUWIN

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse situated at the most south westerly tip of Australia, standing at the point where the Indian and Southern Ocean meet. This lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on the Australian mainland and remains an important maritime and meteorological landmark. It is one of the few remaining operational lighthouses where you can undertake guided tours.