I was told that this small town would be lovely, and it is. I saw whales breaching out from Chinaman's rock this morning and a dolphin hunting just off the jetty about 5m from me.
I was also told that it would be expensive to stay here as there are no free camps within easy distance, just caravan parks. But it seems that many of the parks have some sort of discount for singles and the place I am staying, the Big River Ranch, though it has only a few sites and is not a 'proper' caravan park only charges $17.50 a night for a single with power. (It is $35 for a couple but I don't care about that!) It's basic but the facilities are clean and it's only a couple of minutes to a lovely little west coast town.
I'm heading north in a couple of days for even warmer weather (20 to 22 degrees just doesn't cut the mustard) and I'm hoping that I can find similar places on my travels.
Wish me luck, and if you see PLODNALONG on the road flash your lights, beep your horn or, if I'm parked, offer me a beer!
Plodalong, you might like to check out Quobba and Quobba station as well. There used to be a freecamp there with a donation box but I'm not sure of the status of that now as there were some problems with the shire council. I stayed at Quobba Station for two days last year and its a great base for a trip up that road to Red Bluff and Gnaraloo, both great places. On the way up there, there's a little track to the wreck of the Korean Star. It's worth going in to look over the cliffs & see the port for the salt mine. The road up there is rough but it looks like you've got the right car for it. There are campsites at both those places as well. Glad you liked Kalbarri & I'll remember about the Big River place for my next trip north. NH.
Murchison House Station is also a great spot just out of town, especially if you have a kayak. Dirt road in, very basic facilities, but suited us fine. Loved the range of camping options available if self-sufficient. ð
Cheers, Steve
Kalbarri is one of the great little towns on the West Coast. As was suggested in an earlier post Quobba would be good and if you are going further north try Ningaloo station of Waroora station
