March 3rd we set out to Perth, the mighty Ford fueled, the Jayco sitting on its ball...
Day One
Home to Kimba
Been here before, but didnt expect to be so knackered after towing for 8 hours (560KMs) The showground is one of the best free camps we have been to and this time the tree didnt rip the goodness out of the caravan. Looked at the guilty tree and somebody had carved the nasty branch off
Day Two
Kimba to Penong
Great drive via Ceduna, looks like rain on the horizon but we can handle that with our ESC now working as advertised. You have got to love the little rest stops that we pull over to eat lunch. Some are pristine, others have the necessary pig value of toilet paper and rubbish. Pam and I spent a few moments cleaning up after these pigs. Stayed at Penong caravan park for 2 days to get the water and batts topped up.
Twiggys
This is what excited the daylights out of me. The unreal Great Australian Bight. Parked the van as close to the edge as I dare. All night the sound of waves pounding the cliff face after a spectacular sunset and fog. Hit the road early to make the next stop
WA Border
After looking at a few DVDs on crossing the Nullarbor we were a bit anxious when we hit the border wondering how much time would be taken up and how mean they may get. The bloke that did our inspection was very quick and very nice. He asked me to open cupboards and what was in certain areas of the ute and van ten out of ten. We took the customary photo at the 90 mile straight sign and set off to Moordini Bluff free camp. So far we have not used the generator or the 55 litres of spare water I loaded up with.
Moordini Bluff
This beautiful place is about 30KMs from Madura. The spectacle of the nullarbor escarpment joining the coastal plain is very spectacular, nature at its best. Very nice free camp with dunnys but no water. When we were there some drip had emptied his toilet cassette into one of the dunnies and made an unholy mess, yuk!!!! Rained most of the time as it has this whole trip. Solar not cutting the mustard so out came the genny to charge the batts and get me a coffee
Fraser Range Caravan Park
This is a working sheep station with all the trimmings. We had power, water dump point and we were asked to put our grey water on the plants, gets ya thinking about that argument doesnt it? Magnificent sunset on the hills beside the Park, Pam had a visit from a chook as we were contemplating our navels watching the glory of the sunset.
Esperance 1 week stay
We stayed at the Pink Lake CP, it was cheaper than the rest and so much nicer. This place has magnificent coastal areas, you have to see it to believe it, well worth the diversion.
Gnowangerup Jerramungup road.
If you had difficulty pronouncing this, you should have heard the hash our GPS made of the names. Pam and I were very amused for quite a while. Passed a town called Jackitup and there was a turn off to Neddleup... yikes!!
Free camped at Louis's Lookout, magnificent spot off the main drag and flat. Plenty of flies, not many ants.
Amoin Nature Camp (not a nudist colony)
I am writing a story on this place for GNT (if Cindy will publish it) as soon as they have edited my story. In a word a magnificent place. Make sure you take the free tour offered by Sarah, very well worth the time.
Karrinyup Waters Resort (Perth)
Here we are at a very nice Caravan Park (expensive over Easter and School Holidays, but well worth the extra)
Visited our old married quarters and RAAF Pearce. This place has changed so much, but what can I expect over 40 years since we have been here?
I will steal an idea of Dougwe in labeling the photos.
top Nullarbor Roadhouse, a whole lot of little in the middle of nothing
Middle Twiggys on the bight. You could feel the waves pounding the cliffs
Bottom Sunset at Twiggys
-- Edited by Phil C on Saturday 2nd of April 2016 05:25:48 PM
You are in OUR country now. We live in Pinjarra, around 90km south of Perth.
We are heading east again in late June - early July to pick up our new van. Lost count of the number of times we have traversed the Nullarbor, every time is different.
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Neil & Lynne
Pinjarra
Western Australia
MY23.5 Ford Wildtrak V6 Dual Cab / 21' Silverline 21-65.3
I live in the fabulous SW of WA. Not far out of Bunbury. You are welcome to park up here for a few days, have water, power and a spare dunny while you check out the wineries of the region.
and if you are heading north from Perth we are only 70kms up the road. Welcome to camp here too. we have water and an external loo but no power or shower.
And Phil C, if you travel past Jarrahdale (where I'm staying at present), there's a 72 hour free camp (with dump point) just off the Jarrahdale main street.
I live in the fabulous SW of WA. Not far out of Bunbury. You are welcome to park up here for a few days, have water, power and a spare dunny while you check out the wineries of the region.
Send me a PM if you are interested.
The Phantom
Thank you so much for the invitation. Unfortunately I have to pass till the next time we are in Perth as I have a number of things that need attending to back home like doctor and dentist etc. Phanto you are a gentleman and a scholar for inviting us.
Cheers
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Ex RAAF, now retired. EX Electrician/Teacher.
Homebase is Murray Bridge Tourist Park (in a cabin). New Horse.. 2020 Ford Everest Titanium, Jayco swan for touring.
Phil, thank you for your post. We are currently preparing to leave Melb for WA and have been noting everyone's comments as to make sure we don't miss too much. We are hoping to leave late June /July and be in WA for about two years rolling into NT and then into Qld.
thanks once again
Brian and Cheryl
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You only live once, but if you live it right, once is enough !!!!!!
The photos were great. Bev and I will be off to Pinjarra to catch up with son, d-i-l and grandkids in a couple of weeks time. Last year was the first time in a few years we have not made the trek across but Bev's ill health was the problem, but all seems good now.
Geoff and Bev
If anyone is travelling down to Esperance there is a free camp just 25klm north of Esperance at Gibson Soak, and the pub does excellent burgers. You need to be self contained (Power & Water)
Then if continuing westward, and want to spend some time close to the park, then head to Hopetoun and the National Park. Cost is $13 for 2 pensioners per night. But you require your own water.
Finally if touring around albany and Denmark - another free camp is Cosy Corner (on the lower Denmark road and about 30klm out of Albany) Require your own Power and Water.
