We have just returned from a quick trip (first one in the campervan) around the Mid East Wheatbelt area of WA.  Unfortunately due to medical appointments etc we had to be back within a certain time, but if we live our lives around health issues at our age we would never go anywhere.

In all we did 1,447 kms over 6 days.  Starting from Perth, we took the Indian Ocean Drive north up to Dongara (355 kms) where we stayed at the Seaspray Caravan Park for two nights (had rellies staying there), cost was $40 a night for two nights and third night free, night by night was $36 a night with RAC discount (10%) or Pensioner discount of 5%, but for the free night had to pay the full $40 per night.  All sites had ensuites.

Then we travelled East to Mingenew, up to Mullewa (east of Geraldton) calling into the Coalseam Reserve on the way.  Unfortunately it had been raining and gravel road into the reserve had been chopped up a fair bit and a 4WD had got bogged further in, so we turned around and came back but not before the van sides and undersides got covered in mud.  A couple at Dongara had done this road a few days before when it was dry and said how good the gravel road was.  We were just unlucky to have copped it after rain.

So back onto the bitumen and onto Mullewa.  At Mullewa the Info Centre told us about a wreath flower that was out between Mullewa and Morawa and gave us exact instructions on how to find it, including pink ribbon markers etc.  This was early for the wreath flowers as most are not out for another couple of weeks.  We found the wreath flower and wifey took a couple of pics (not on my pc yet).  Other flowers out at the moment are wattles and everlastings, and I believe if you look for them also some orchids.

Arriving at Morawa, the info centre told us that they are one of the best towns for wreath flowers but needed a couple of weeks to be out.   A lady tourist told us that she usually looks in cemeteries for them as they like disturbed ground (new graves, roadside grading etc).   We travelled further south and stayed at a very nice caravan park at Perenjory, $20 per night. 

Onto Dalwallinu and Wongan Hills (the chemist in this town supplies most of the smaller towns with medications etc, and we needed to fill a script).  I have stayed there before and the wildflower walks around there are great.

Then further east, north and east again via Cadoux to Bencubbin, then further east to Muckinbudin (heaps of everlastings along the way).  At Mucka (as they call it) we stayed at the Mucka Caravan Park managed by fellow Grey Nomads the Tezza's.  And what a great caravan park it is.  A credit to the Tezza's who have put their own little touches to the park which is very clean, tidy and well run.  They are both very, very nice people, however they are leaving Mucka at the end of September so anyone wanting to catch up with them there need to keep that in mind. $20 per night, 10% off for GN's etc ($18).

After a night there, we went on to Nungarin, this town had the biggest Military Supply Depot in WA during WW2 and the Army Museum there is not to be missed, it is housed in the original WW2 Workshop hangar and that and the yard outside if full of so many military items and vehicles etc it really needs to be seen.  Small fee applies for entry in honour box.  They have a guide there called Bill who does a lot of the restoration work and imparts heaps of knowledge. Well worth taking the time out to check it out, not to be missed.

Then onto Merredin for lunch (the largest WW2 RAAF Supply Depot in WA) although we didn't see the museum there, although reported to be very good, one museum in a day is enough for us ....next time).  We then left Merredin and travelled towards Bruce Rock.

On the way we called into the old West Dura siding (only concrete pads there now) where my grandfather had a farm and my dad and his brothers grew up.  As it turned out my younger brother who lives in Bruce Rock was doing some farm work nearby on a farm owned by one of the family who now own my grandfather's ex farm, so we called in to say hello to him on the farm.  

Then onto Bruce Rock Caravan Park, $17 a night and a very nice c/park too with good facilities and great campers kitchen, dump point etc.  Had dinner at the local pub that night with my brother, fish and chips, salad etc ($24, not cheap but well cooked and presented) in the main bar area tables/chairs etc, nice warm fire going.

Then headed for home with stops at Quairading (had a brief look at the c/park there, not too impressed) and onto York (have stayed there before, excellent c/park, but not this time) and home via The Lakes and Gt East Highway.....The van went well and we had no problems averaging about 9ltrs of petrol per 100kms.  Fuel prices very expensive with the highest being $1.64 at Mullewa, cheapest being $1.35 at York, even cheaper than Perth at $1.42.

Now is a good time to do the wilflower circuit over the next weeks (September best) north of Perth and then around October south of Perth.  See this link in particular the self drives; 

 http://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Things_to_See_and_Do/Forest_and_Flowers/WAWildflowers/Pages/WAWildflowers.aspx