Leaving Geraldton we head out to Mullewa, we are now sharing the road with these massive 60 metre trucks empty coming from Geraldton and full from Mount Magnet.

We see a turn off to Yandanooka and thought these will be interesting to see. Thomas Whitfield settled here in 1854 taking up a large pastoral lease building a 7 room family homestead. Agriculture was the main source but there were a few copper and lead mines.

The hall originally a project for RSL in 1923, but it has been first school for some years and a local church. Fundraisers, functions, celebrations and meetings are still being held and is still the heart of the community. “Yandanooka may have now faded as a township but both the hall and the spirit of the local community are still going strong”..

What can we say they were magnificent, so many varieties but also paddocks of the same. Colours yellow all different shades white to admire and then the pink spread throughout to just break up the mass.

Art work to admire amongst the flowers this one depicting the wreath flower.

A rock formation a mini London bridge where water has eroded the rock and formed tunnels.

Walking through the wildflower walk.

I am sure no description needed!!!

More of the walk with the different colours and shapes. We bought a wildflower book and we were going to be so knowledgeable but alas not to be. Found few but when you move away you tend to forget.

Found a cave and has been used for fires, not very big. Cameron fighting the sinking sun to see in the cave, an interesting shape of dead tree.

Monsignor J Hawkes was a British architect and priest. ( interesting combination) was known for designing and constructing church buildings in England, Western Australia and the Bahamas.

Pindar a ghost town with wheat and other cereal crops grown in the area.

Two photo pages of wreath flowers from 2021 and this year 2026.

The flowers were beautiful but not out as much this year, going to be a late year in Pindar for the wreath flowers as they were smaller and not so many flowering.

Went for a drive around the Northern Loop out of Mullewa with all their history depicted on the metal statues along the way

Camp site in Mullewa, Cameron on cooking detail.

Heading south we stop at Perenjori , what an interesting little town.

Margaret was reading notice board and a 12 year boy, Kaden, stopped to talk, well he was out of Perth could have been here 3 months or so not sure but did know that he was one of 13 ( we thought perhaps a split marriage) middle child and moved to Perenjori with a sister and brother. His Nan had bought him a bike but his siblings broke it so he only had his scooter. Goes to school in Morawa on a bus 1 hour trip so he has to be up at 6, but not complaining ‘I love school’.

Cameron kept wandering around the museum, while Margaret was entertained.

Statues depicting the history and Margaret still chatting with Kaden, it was like talking to an old man with something to impart but no storyline.

More statues depicting activities around the area.

Went for a drive and came across more Canola, cannot believe just how much canola is growing, it seems to be a sea of yellow.

Came across a mob of sheep and lambs being yarded for marking so stopped and watched.

Cannon water storage was an interesting stop the storage area was covered with corrugated iron. Originally used for the train engines but now agriculture.

Another stop at Buntine rock, wildflowers in crevices of the rock.

Through Wubin and onto Dalwallinu where we will spend the night. Looks to be a rough night and it was. Very heavy rain and wind. No cooking outside tonight.

Photos not really of Margaret the sign were the object!!

Quite a unique display for the toy store.

Leaving the metropolis we head up the coast, calling into Cervantes.

Just loved the weather vane as you come into town.

Lake Thetis looked interesting, so it was with the Stromatolites. Amazing how various microbial communities live in the lake,creating the Stromatolites.

Along the highway we veer off to the beach and stay at Milligan Island camp ground near Green Head. Huge sand dunes have been cut away for the road and to climb to the beach.

What a watery sunset yes more rain. But we are heading north and it does dissipates as we drive along.

Port Denison then Dongara and bow heading east.

Mingenew has a bakery and of course we have to stop for a pie and more murals to photograph.

While in Mingenew a lady stopped to ask where we hail from and what was our next stop and she suggested Three Springs, so of course we head to Three Springs and stay 3 nights. Went to the Talc lookout over the mine.

Railway station at Three Springs and more lookout photos of the canola & wheat crops. Look at all the little lakes amazing the water around after all the rain

Travelling around back to Mingenew to the lookout and the views over the town. A field of wild flowers

A view of the town 2026 and a picture of 1920. To me it seems about the same perhaps more modern buildings but not a great deal of change.

At the base of the lookout a car park with many iron silhouettes of a cattle drive very impressive.

Morawa another town to visit and a visit to the big “I” a mud map of where the wildflowers are.

I loved the Morawa Community stall. A permanent fixture in the middle of town. So much better than the card tables of old.

Windmill blades in the foyer of the info centre in Morawa. Don’t you just love the car stuck in the ground.

An now a profusion of wildflowers.

Bilya Rock in the middle of nowhere. the stone Cairn, it was erected by Sir John Forest, the first premier of Western Australia.

Wildflowers everywhere.. orchids are hard to find as so small but many people actually mark where to look.

Remnants of past lives. An old camp site with beautiful flowers all around.

Canna was a surprise a railhead and hall with caravans free camping. Amazing where these free camps are.

Canna again with wreath flowers. I just love the shape and delicate flowers around them.

We do a day trip to Coalseam. Huge walls of rock been cutaway with the floods of the past.

Wildflowers are all starting to bloom and we are enjoying the lovely spectacle.

Lunch and wildflowers what a sight for us to enjoy.

Into Geraldton for a bit of culture, washing and long hot shower.

This time we actually had the opportunity to enter St Francis Xavier Church. Wow & Wow! What a beautiful interior. Spent time just admiring the stained glass windows and architecture.

Lighthouse just near the caravan park and look at the sea eagles nest with chicks peaking out the top of the nest. Sunset from the park next to the sea.

The HMAS Sydney II memorial is quite impressive. 645 crew members lost and each sea gull on the dome represents each one. The woman represents the families waiting for their return.

We are on the move heading to wildflowers.!!!

We will be spending time with the family, Elizabeth Jez, Zara & Seth oh don’t forget their fur babies, Walt & Tink.

Out to dinner with Our niece Hilary and her partner Caroline and the family at the Sterling Arms in Guilford.

A train trip into Perth mid morning and empty carriages, Cameron does his trick of selfies , and shoes my bees which Cameron found amusing.

A day out starting with the movies at 10am, popcorn, Pepsi and Disney’s Moama. A luxury to when we use to go to the movies recliner chairs to relax. A visit to Lego store a must, then off to exercise the dogs or us not sure which.

Early morning start presents before school! Cameron on the selfies.

Disney birthday decorations and presents to open, Walt trying to help.

Waffles bacon and maple syrup a breakfast for the all the family to enjoy. A T-shirt Cameron felt Margaret should purchase!!

As you know we are Geelong fans but our number plate was defaced by our son in law, with a sticker from a team which can’t be mentioned.

We are now on the next part of our adventure, north.

Lots of towns passing through to our final stop for the day.

Collie, what an interesting place, we were here to see mural but there was so much more.

Very impressed with the memorials to the fallen soldiers and miners.

Then the other murals placed around town, amazing how murals actually brings an interest to the towns. Not too many town now, that don’t at least one mural depicting an important event.

Cameron has always has had an interest in the pubs of Australia and no doubt visited plenty but he was still amazed at the amount in Collie. Admittedly not all were still operating but some have been converted to other businesses.

The Collie Weir mural. Can you imagine someone painting this. It is huge and very impressive. Met a young lady from Hobart, at the caravan park who was walking the Bibbulmun Track. A 1000km walk. She had walked 324kms in 12 days and had over 700kms to do in 24 days, only 18 in her gap year and by herself!! Her name was Bonnie and we gave her a ride out to the weir as she wouldn’t have seen it too far out of the way for her.

Amazing works of art and not I don’t think Cameron & I are works of art.

Flowers are starting to bloom and just love black swans on the water.

Walking to see another giant we were lucky to see a pod of dolphins feeding and playing.

Inland canals are popular in WA.

Arriving in Ellenbrook Zara & Seth in their school uniforms, my how they have grown. Unpacking and leaving car doors open not a good idea, Walt & Tink think it must be time to go to the park but we will sit here and wait so we don’t miss out.

After a lovely few days we head to Walpole, an old wood area. A couple of murals we happen to see as well as the tree remover, good solid machinery.

A short drive to the Valley of the Giants! Wow what a sight these massive trees. Walking above and looking down gives you a perspective of how high they are.

Red tingle trees are quite spectacular with their splits and there created hides holes of different animals.

Many flowers are now starting to open. Can’t believe that the spring is on its way when it is so cold. The Tassel flower is amazing how it grows then flowers in lover mauve flowers. Obviously not seen the real flower the star of the leaves is quite amazing.

Plenty of photos of us among the trees at ground level.

Recognising which tree is which made clearer with the signs on the walk around the trees.

On to Denmark to see more sights. Kangaroos in the caravan park not disturbed by us humans driving around.

Beaches are beautiful very like Great Ocean Road but a beauty of their own.

Nature is wonderful enjoying all the different flowers and bushes. We had lunch at a cheese place “Ducketts Mill Wines” didn’t try the wines but did buy some beautiful cheese for later.

After leaving Ducketts we did a loop and back to beaches and the green pools. Just love this coastline with the pools and rocks all along the coast.

More coastline found them very interesting and the waves rolling in, nothing sweeter.

Onto Albany and our first stop I’d the Military museum and how interesting, following the First World War. As you enter the museum you are given a card of a soldier and you follow his journey with visual aids and commentary all through the museum. It was an experience not about the war itself but more from the soldier’s perspective.

Cameron found the HMAS Geelong and was interested to read about it.

We were interested in the photo of the women’s unit notice their poses. Loved the cheeky look of the blonde lady behind the officer, I would think she was quite a character.

More photos from around the walk we did bunkers and artillery. Really enjoyed our time here.

More coastline but loved the hidden bridge and looking over a walkway to the sea in its glory.

Love the colour of the sea.

Nature on the turn of the season wit buds and flowers trying to break.

A drive on our way to the Whaling station coastline amazing. The ship docked and tourist attraction at the whaling stating. We didn’t go this time too late.

An interesting morning we visited Wesley Church and a display of wedding dresses. Right up Cameron’s interest level. !!!!! Black capes from the 1800’s when Queen Victoria in morning and black was worn for Weddings for 10 years..

We visited chain saw carving well photos will tell the story amazing the detail and skill.

Plenty of photos of the chainsaw carvings looks to be carved sometime ago but are situated all around his property.

Brig Amity… not sure we would have survived living in such close quarters and animals in the hold the smell would not avert been pleasant.

At the caravan park we are given a site right on the river bank and wow lovely and calm. You can hear the ocean out the end of the river but here is peaceful with duck and pelicans cruising on the water.

Cape Leeuwin lighthouse is our first port of call this morning a coffee before and then a walk to the lighthouse for a climb to the top. One of the tallest lighthouses in Australia with Tasmania’s Cape Wickham at 48 metres.

A Story by Cameron about the lighthouse tour it starts: “The guide asks as we start up the steps count how many steps there are and I will ask at the top.. we get to the top and the Guide asks how many steps and Cameron thinks to himself there is 177 and says to the little Asian guy next to him there is 177 and the Asian guy says no there is 176 and of course Cameron cant be wrong and says no I counted them and there is 177 and the Asian says I googled on the second step and there is 176. Now I tell you who is the wise one.” !!!!

After the lighthouse we drive to the Historical water wheel having no idea what it is and amazing the ingenuity of previous generations on how they provided the water from a nearby spring to the light house when building for the mortar and later for the cottages.

Today we get to meet a friend, Karen & Tony Collins, who I haven’t seen for 16 years. We had a lovely talkative lunch at the Augusta Pub, very enjoyable food and view. We worked together at Medicare and they shifted to Margaret River 2007.

Day getting slightly better we take photos of the fungi, grass tree and trees

A very pretty spot Hamelin Bay but a grey day with little sunshine but still enjoyable and-more coastline to admire

Augusta has it all the chimney a message in a bottle if you look closely and then our lovely tow hitch last one disappeared on the ground it is a dog toy with a whole cut big enough for our spike. Yes we did see dolphins how magical but very hard to get a photo. Next we see parrots having a bath in a puddle on the side of the road how cute didn’t think so later.

Moved onto Pemberton thought we would stop here for 3 nights and then thought I wonder what we can see. I was inundated with parrots while trying to have lunch.

After a lovely walk in the forest this afternoon, before the rain, we pack up and are moving on.

We visited the Info centre and we advised to definitely go on the tram and 2pm so off we trot and on the train well worth the effort. Just loved it when the train driver pulls up at the road crossing and gets out and presses a button for the boom gates to go down we cross the road then he stops again to bring the boom gates up. What a laugh!

The train goes out to to the Cascades and you have 25 minutes to look at the cascades and return to the train and back to Pemberton.

The bridges the train slows right down and crawls over them. These tracks were originally for logging and obviously now for tourist.

Feeding the parrots away from our van!!

Quaint little cottages some left with the original wood but some have been renovated. The statues around the town show how logging was a major part of their history and still is with the tourist visiting the Kari trees. Notice to black and white building in the pool it is going to be a floating sauna opening in the next few weeks.

The quilt was in the info centre depicting the fauna and the Karri trees from the district very impressive. The woman statue was outside the CWA hall made of metals and chains.

The Gloucester tree is famous for many reasons but the main one today is you can climb. Sorry we didn’t climb today but we did back in 2004 and it was higher then. They have just reopened after making safer for you to climb. After being closed for 3 years.

Driving on a loop we come across the Beedelup Falls. A lovely walk through the trees down many stairs to a wobbly suspension bridge not my favourite footpath but to do the circuit it must be crossed.

Beautiful maidenhair ferns and a moss covered log are part of this beautiful walk. We see a star? And do wonder what it is a weed or a native, back at the car park we talk to Google and find it is a tassel flower, only grown here in the southwest of Western Australia.

A drive to Northcliffe as it is raining and saw these beautiful statues and wall art. Amazing how these little towns are surviving even in winter. We were entertained by a little boy whose birthday it was and all he wanted was a baby chino and was quite excited to receive it and then to top it all off the cafe owner gave him a toy but have to say the baby chino was the hit of the day. And all this while we sitting eating our pies so a free show.

18th June our adventures start with a trip on the Spirit of Tasmania arriving in Geelong and a short trip to Torquay to catch up with Margaret’s brother , Neil, and cousin Heather. Lovely to see them and catch up on the news in person.

On the road Sunday morning and Avoca then Birchip and there are signs objecting to the turbines which we have heard about on the news.

An overnight stop in Lascelles and we were very surprised that the old pub had burnt down and it was to be demolished then next day. Silo painting still amazes us on how beautiful they and the artistry.

We cross the Murray River at Paringa and into South Australia, through the checkpoint for any fruit or vegetables and a thorough check done in cupboards and fridge in van and open all the doors of the car.

Stopped at Burra at the Showgrounds again and a new guy there since January. Same manner as the last guy. “Hurry up and park I don’t wont to stand here all day. “

Passing the countryside after a frosty morning and seeing ruins of past lives. There is a thought that this ruin was on the front cover of an album by the Bee Gees. The start of the mountain range leading to Flinders Ranges and the train kms long.

We try and stop at Port Pirie to buy fresh fish but there was a shop on the highway which we have seen many a time but never stopped Harry’s Homemade Gourmet Jams and pickles but decided today was the day and boy what a find you name it with homemade pepperoni salami and every conceivable game meats. Crocodile was our choice today.

Sunsets and plains are now the scenery set for our crossing the Nullarbor.

An iconic roadhouse, history recorded on their walls and of course the dingo which is scavenging for the food scraps that people drop.

Beautiful cliffs along the gulf and big plains of scrubby bush. Beautiful country to pass.

BIG trucks pulling over twice to let them through. New mine starting or renewing the machinery but plenty of truck with mining equipment passing us today. Mundrabilla flooded driveway, unbelievable rain and water around. Cameron useless bit of info we filled the fuel tank 12 times (diesel) sometimes only 1/2 tank and the average price was $1.991 per litre. Geelong Victoria to Ellenbrook WA. Probably less than what we were paying for diesel in Tassie…

We arrive in Ellenbrook, a suburb of Perth, Elizabeth’s & family, they had been tracking us for the day and found we had taken a turn which probably shouldn’t have taken because we had to unhitch the caravan leave on the side of the road and Cameron driving an extra 90kms return to buy fuel as we were running very low. We were geographically embarrassed. Not an unusual occurrence but we never reveal but with modern technology we were caught out.

We took the grandchildren for a day trip to Mundaring Dam which is the water supply to Perth and Kalgoorlie. The water levels are on the low side and you can see by the downside of the wall not much has overflowed over for quite some years. Using the history of these feats quite interesting, how the pipes were designed and to flow to Kalgoorlie taking some years.

Leaving the van and car with Elizabeth & Jez we fly home for Judith’s funeral, we were away for 4 days.

Landing on Saturday morning in Perth we head to Costco for a big shop to set us up for our next adventure in the caravan with two teenagers. We are taking Zara & Seth to Dunsborugh for a week camping. Not sure how this will go but it will be great to spend time with them.

Visiting Busellton for the boys to have a shot at fishing and Zara and I take a walk to the shops in the town centre. Statues depicting the history of the area. Called into a wool shop perhaps another visit maybe needed.

Seth caught a couple of smaller fish and was quite proud of his effort. Busselton wharf is the longest timber piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. It extends 1.81 kilometres over the Geographe Bay. We walked half it should have caught the train but was happy to take photos.

Beautiful coastline and we visit the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse. The day was absolutely gorgeous.

Much to grandchildren’s horror they would have to leave their phones and walk we went to the Capes Raptor Centre and saw the show. It is a sanctuary for birds of prey and the show raises funds for rehabilition mainly owls but other birds as well. Very impressed!

We sat through a show of two owls flying for post to post and the kites flying and catching the food as the flew by.

While we were doing the walk through the cages which I must admit were very well placed and in trees and bushland, Seth started taking photos and showing how good the Samsung phone is, a bit of competition but all in good fun and yes they are very good.

Next was the Mammoth Cave and a self guided audio was provided. WOW! How impressive they are plenty of stairs and I will let the photos do the talking.

Can you see the bacon!

We finish the caves and had to walk another 160 steps to walk through the forest across the road back to information centre.

Elizabeth. Jez and dogs, Walt & Tink arrive at Margaret River where we all have lunch and head to look at the mouth of the Margaret River.

then headed back to camp stopping at Cowaramup where we take photos of the cows!! Dogs and Candy shop

Murals and metal sculptures in the park, quite a pretty town.

What a quaint town of Witchcliffe, they have taken on the name and created a theme. Filled with fuel and the witch on broom on the sidewalk. There is a cafe as a castle with cauldron & all. Well Simmos ice cream no words can describe two visits near Dunsborough.

We say goodbye to Elizabeth Jez Zara & Seth they head back to Perth and we head south we think to Augusta.

We called into Lake Cave but would have to wait over an hour see and the guide suggested Jewel Cave was the best so we head there and sure enough we only had you to wait 10minutes and well worth the time spent and yes the best of the caves absolutely fantastic.

Photos don’t really show the magnificent formations but we did take plenty of photos as you can see.

There are pendulums!!

There is a Camel!!

Travelling to Augusta hoping to be able to get a camp site.

We leave Nanango a day early as we are meeting up with friend and they are going away a day earlier than planned. Driving along the highway we pass through Cooyar, photo of pub, the fields of solar panels. Found that there are acres upon acres of solar panels throughout this area.

Amazing the changing countryside.

Passing through towns thought we would find about Tenterfield but info centre not open so just took photos.

Stayed the night in Gen Innes and lovely old buildings.

Uralla for lunch next day and Margaret got to visit the Wool Room and naturally a purchase was made. lunch at a beautiful mosaic table.

A story to be told about our drive down the mountain a decision made to go down the mountain Thuberbolts Way and not to Tamworth, probably in hindsight not a wise one. Brakes on both van and car going extremely hot and using more fuel than we thought. A stop some 50kms from Gloucester un hook van and then Margaret went to nearest fuel station Barrington Tops, refuelled and then returned hooked back up and onto Gloucester for the night. A bit of excitement we didn’t need.

Off to visit very good friends in Tea Gardens. What a great place beautiful river and sea views around the area Hawks Nest.

Cameron decided to try his hand at fishing, no luck but a bit of fun.

Driving from Tea Gardens along the coast and then M2 to West Pennant Hills.

Margaret, Cameron’s sister, took us for a walk around the area admiring the spring flowers.

We are spending a few days and going to Copacabana, Margaret & Colin’s, holiday home, for chill out time. Sand, sun, beach and family what could be better.

We visit Geoff, Marcie, Camilla, Imogen and their new home, a lovely catch up as we don’t catch up that often.

Went for a tour around Copa and amazing how we visit the lookout and read about Captain Cook and how in 1770 he visited here as well as 1770 further up the coast.

Lunch with Colin’s twin sister Christine and her husband Malcom. A lovely catch up. Lunch next day chocolate factory and dressing up for photos.

Saturday is Grand Final day for AFL. We watch in West Pennant Hills and Victoria Matt, Riley, Marlie & Luna watch in Tassie.

Leaving West Pennant Hills, heading south to colder climate, holding onto to staying in shorts & t-shirt. Tarcutta is our next night stay.

We progress along to cooler weather and are following the river and call into Wodonga and catch up with Dianne, Cameron’s cousin, lunch and then are staying in Kotupna with friends, Steve & Sharon.

Lunch with Sharon at Zambrero’s and shopping in Echuca. A few taste tastings of gin and liqueurs and purchases of course. Now we are in cooler weather, jumpers are on and yes long trousers. I have held off but alas too cold. We arrive at Spring Street for our last visit to Mum’s we are here for a few days to do some more clean up and to celebrate Margaret’s brother 70th birthday.

Bellbrae Estate is the venue and what a day! The weather is perfect and venue is excellent. Great food and company. Victoria Matthew Riley & Marlie have made the trek over for the birthday & football, but with a bad start not leaving Tassie till 4 am due to ship turn around for maternity emergency. Arriving in Geelong 2pm. A long two days for them but lovely to have them here.

What a lovely day catching up with friends of Neil’s and family. Food, wine family friends and weather all made a wonderful day.

Spirit of Tasmania our trip home! 2025…..!!

Till next time !!!!!

Nanango is a small town near Kingaroy with a population of 3700, but swell several times a year for their country festival, rock n roll, running and a lot of smaller events. It is quoted to be the forth oldest town in Queensland, with lots of heritage houses through out the town.

Beef, coal mining just to name two of the towns industries, also plenty of bird life to be seen. We were there for the Country Music Festival, catching up with Judith & Philip and have a lovely time listening to all types of country music and bush ballads.

Vans galore 614 this year but there have been up to 800 in previous years. Quite a sight to see. We had a few meals cooked by the committee and we had breakfast the days of the bush poets as that was a very early start of 7:30 in the morning.

The end they lowered the flag & folded very patriotic and moving. We stayed an extra day and then headed south. Oh dear we are nearing the end of this adventure but still more to come.