Oct 22-28

22nd October Sunday
An unexpected storm developed through last night and about 3am the wind was at its worse.
We had gone to sleep knowing the awning and side privacy screen was out, and unfortunately, we knew we had to brave the wind outside as it was only increasing.
Thankfully nothing ripped, and we slept soundly with the wind buffeting the van, with every window closed as well as the four seasons hatch, one could easily allow yourself to become claustrophobic.
Wagin is very accommodating for the RV community with this part of the showgrounds.
While we were here the offer of free power and water was great as well.

23rd October Monday
Woke up to fog and an overcast morning as we prepared to pack and leave Wagin this morning.
The town after Wagin is Katanning only 30 kms away.
Grocery food and fuel first on the list then morning tea in a park here in town.
Further in the town of Katanning we located a Miniature Railway station a with a playground park, so we tried out a few of the rides. As the sign said to do at your own risk, and we can see why with a lot of the rides very rusted and worn out, but fun all the same.

After Katanning we continued West to Mt Barker, a RV rest spot for 24 hours.

24th October Tuesday
Mt Barker is a town on the Albany highway in the Great Southern region of WA.
A very pretty town with quaint shops and a nice stroll past to check them all out, and we were often stopped in the street to chat. We spoke with a stranger, and as it turned out he also had gone to Redcliffe High school but a different year to Sue….such a small world really.
Our plan this morning is to head to Albany and spend most of the day there sightseeing. What a day it turned out to be, we had done so much walking up into town, over walkways to the jetty and generally everywhere to look at the area.
The van stayed in a very handy central spot, allowing us and Billy to take out time and walk around.
At about 3pm we decided we had better continue to our destination for the night, which was Mutton Island beach where we had been in 2002.

The steep track down was fine and had no issues getting the BT to here.

We enjoyed the beach and watched many locals driving down on the beach, either to do some fishing, relaxing or camping late into the night.
We were mindful of the weather forecast for this part and high chance of rain, so we will do the safe thing, and drive back up this steep dirt track after dinner to the top of the lookout for the night.




25th October Wednesday.
So, this morning we woke up very early, well at least before 7am and moved on just in case the ranger arrived and asked us to vacate this area, as they have been known to do.
Our road trip for today will be to Cosy Corner near West Cape Howe in the Albany region, that extends south off the Lower Denmark road.  Overlooking Migo Island at the South west end of the beach the views are endless. With pristine white beaches, camping facilities(free) we soon find a nice little spot for a few days stay.
Council allow camping up to 7 days here which is fantastic and just a walk to this magnificent beach, what more could you really want.

This afternoon we decide to take a drive into Denmark which is about half an hour from Cosy Corner. We had lunch in a local café called Chilli Lime Salt and the owner was very lovely, chatting to us and wanted to know where we travelled to so far. Billy of course was the star attraction performing tricks for treats or a pat, before we continued a walk through this beautiful sunny part of Denmark.
Sue drove back to Cosy Corner following some dirt roads that bypassed a farm, with machinery that was rolling up hay and one that was wrapping it in plastic. We have really enjoyed seeing Denmark and would love to come back one day for a visit.


26th October Thursday
This morning the weather is bad, wind and rain buffeting the van forcing us to move the van slightly so less pressure on the door and windows.
It wasn’t until midday that the rain slowed down, so we decided to drive into Albany for a lunch out. It was very nice to be out and about even if the rain and wind followed us into town.
We drove up to the lookout in Albany where the National Anzac centre was and had a look. After here we continued back to camp as did the rain and wind.

27th October Friday
Still raining and wind surrounding our camp ground, and looks set in here for a few days yet.
We basically stayed indoors most of today with the diesel heater running just to keep a nice warm temperature. Billy was more than happy to lounge around and do nothing except sleep.
Sue cooked up some delicious treats such as puff pastry savory rolls for lunch and orange yo yo biscuits for afternoon tea.
Tonight, we will again be indoors as is everyone else camping here, with not much happening outside with this horrid weather.

28th October Saturday
The sun is trying to shine through the clouds this morning and the wind is relentless all this morning. The forecast has predicted for wind to increase by this afternoon to 60 knots which should make for an interesting day.
This morning we went into Albany for a few things before returning back to camp by midday.

Oct 15-21

15th October Sunday
Week 26
This morning we are planning on a day drive into the Margaret River region, as the weather is predicted to be raining tomorrow, so we may as well see what we can on a fabulous sunny day.
Before we took off we had coffee in Busselton.
From Jindong farm-stay we followed the back roads and it only took half an hour to reach Margaret River, and from the initial first glimpse as we drove in, it reminded us of Maleny and Montville. Lovely streets, shops and eateries all open as well being a Sunday.
We enjoyed browsing through the arcades and back streets before stopping in at The Dome for lunch. It was well priced and the selection was amazing- we decided on fish and chips, salad and a small serving of wedges with sour cream and chilli sauce.
Now to walk it all off we continued up the main street before driving out towards the ocean lookouts, walking the ramps and enjoying the amazing and spectacular coastline.
We spent a lot of time on the beach at Surfer’s Point with Billy who absolutely loved the sea, before we continued a bit further around to a park in Prevelly and enjoyed the larger than life sculptures.
We could not drive down any further to Cape Freycinet or Leeuwin-Naturaliste as this is all National Park, and didn’t want to risk it with Billy.

The afternoon came around way to fast, so we slowly started our journey back to the farm stay, meandering through tree lined skinny roads, and one section we stopped to let the farm cows cross in front of us which was a great sight to see.
Back at camp we were soon relaxing with a cuppa and homemade chocolate slice.

16th October Monday
The forecast today is very strong winds with scattered showers, so we are staying around camp today, not going anywhere in this weather.
We decided on a relaxed day watching a midday movie which I am positive never happens on holidays.
This wind was relentless and buffeted the van most of the day, while we peered out the windows at the massive gum trees swaying in the distance.
The rain and wind increased so much so we had to turn the van slightly to ease the pressure off the windows, as droplets of rain started coming inside along the top of the window frame.
As the afternoon disappeared into a misty haze we settled into the night, listening to the rain and wind howling outside.

17th October Tuesday.
This morning the sky was slightly overcast and little rain as we are planning to move on from this delightful farm stay today. Our four days here has been very relaxing and will certainly miss these green rolling hills and being so close to Busselton.
So we are off and making our way towards our next part of the journey which we will be staying at Thomson Brook winery, a RV friendly overnight stay. Located seven kms east of Donnybrook, in the Preston Valley, a district of WA’s Geographe wine region. Perth is only two and a half hours drive from this winery so not too far for a day’s drive.
Thomson Brook estate was established in 1993, a small family owned and managed winery. They produce a range of fine quality wines, from handpicked grapes.

The road into the winey was lined with red roses before we reached the Cellar doors, then greeted by the two farm dogs Cooch a 2-year-old Border Collie, and Jess a 13-year-old border collie. Billy now has some dog friends to play with on the farm.

We met the owners Pam and Terry who were lovely and very accommodating in welcoming us, and said we can camp anywhere on the grassy paddocks.
There were a few  alpacas with their baby (cria) in the nearby paddock all very curious and watching us with interest.

Today the wind subsided a fair bit, allowing us to take a walk up the lane and look at those lovely perfumed roses. Billy of course was quick to have a paddle in the spring fed dam, and it wasn’t long before the Pam and Terry came down from their house on the hill and stopped for a chat. Their younger dog was not too keen to swim but loved to run with Billy.
We shall be moving on tomorrow to another destination, but again have really enjoyed these farm stays we have stayed on.




18th October Wednesday
This morning the sun was out and the wind had stopped so we had breakfast outside which was so nice. We have no plans to move on today, so a relaxing day ahead.
Sue cooked some fresh scones for morning tea served with fresh cream and jam……. 😊
We had a chat to Terry who was working his shed, and showed us where they crush the grapes using a hydraulic press before bottling it.
We had only seen one car come through today to purchase wine so we assume the property owners who are both elderly don’t need a huge cashflow to keep afloat.
Tonight, we are going to enjoy the last viewing of The Block on TV which we have followed since the start.
19th October Thursday.
This morning we are heading to Collie in the south west region of WA, which is only 59 kms inland from Bunbury. The town is near the junction of the Collie and Harris River, in the middle of dense jarrah forest and the only coalfields in WA.
We spent a few hours walking around the town, put in a load of washing before making some morning tea back in the van, and discuss where we will be moving onto next.
Stockton Lakes is a spot we are off to next for lunch and Billy is keen for a swim.
This lake is 7 kms east of Collie township on the Darkan road, a lovely camping area and camping fees apply. Stockton was originally an open cut coal mine, but has long been abandoned and has filled with water.

The PH level is very low in this water due to the past mining activities and warning sign risks for sensitive skin, allergies if swimming.
After Stockton we drove only 10kms to Buckingham a free camp spot beside the Collie river, however it was not ideal but we let Billy have a swim before we continued onto our final camp for the night at Arthur River 6WA radio station. Just down the road was the original radio station hence the name of this freebie. On further investigation (Russ stumbled upon) the site was a 1 teacher Minding School.

20th October Friday

Have left this morning and won’t be travelling too far, as Wagin is only less than half an hour drive away.
We decide to stay for a few days in the Wagin showgrounds at $6 per night is very cheap, green grass, water on tap and lovely flat ground with a lot of room.
Billy even got a bath and a brush today and was ecstatic to be rolling on grass and not dirt.
Sue spent a few hours in the local library at Wagin using their Wi-Fi to finish off the photo book of our journey so far and then send it home. We plan to purchase another book on line to complete the last half of our journey that will encompass Tasmania as well.
21st October Saturday
This morning Russell plans to spend his day in front of the TV for motor racing, and in between the ads he wants to wash the car.
Sue cooked a nice slice for morning tea in between cleaning the interior of the van.
Our neighbours left this morning, so we are on our once again leaving Billy to enjoy the whole place to himself.
The weather started off warm but by midday the clouds came across, so we may have some rain.

Oct 8 - 14

 8th October Sunday
Week 25

The York weather is overcast and cool this morning allowing for a good sleep in. We had a vintage rally meeting roll up this morning and the road filled up pretty quick with beautiful vintage cars ready for their rally run.
Bathurst motor racing is on TV so Russell will be occupied, leaving Sue to wander the shops at York which is always  fun. We caught up with a friend again who lives here in York which was nice, and throughout the day we chatted to other travellers. We met a couple who are travelling for two years and enjoy the freedom life on the road has to offer.
Sue found a collectable old lantern in an antique shop, and spent a few hours cleaning it and researching where to purchase parts for when we return home…looks like I will have another thing to fix.:). It will make for an interesting feature and talking point on our pergola table outdoors as it will be a useable lantern.
The weather changed late in the afternoon to sunshine so we had afternoon tea outside on the grass.
Tonight is our last and possibly final visit to York and we shall miss it incredibly. We made a friend from a stranger and enjoyed sharing in many activities that York had on offer.
We will always have fond memories of York, where we chose to celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary at Alice on The Palace, experienced a Medieval Fete festival that raised over $5,000 for the homeless shelters and spent a lot of time visiting the sights and looking at every shop.
9th October Monday
This morning as we leave York it is with a sad heart but we will never forget York and maybe someday we will return.
The school holidays in WA are now finished so we are heading back towards to coast and hope the weather stays sunny, but the forecast does not look good.
We stop at Kwinana Beach 43 kms south of Perth via the Kwinana highway, it is here we stop in at a park for lunch beside the water. Billy of course was already on the beach and in the water. Beautiful white sand and no seaweed as far as the eye can see.
After lunch we locate a BBQ’s galore at Rockingham to refill our gas cylinder then continue to have a look around the area.
Tonight we have stopped at Lake Clifton in a paddock style camp that is free for travellers should they wish to stay 24 hours. A small town located on the east side of the lake in the Peel region of WA, just off the Old Coast road, between Mandurah and Bunbury at the north end of Yalgorup NP.

10th October Tuesday
We were in no rush to leave this morning which allowed us to look over some brochures and maps of where we might want to go.
Once on the road we decided to follow a section of the coast taking us to Binningup Beach, we were the only people here on arrival so had the carpark to ourselves. The ocean was very rough due to the rainy weather but Billy still enjoyed the beach.

While we were here we chatted to a fellow traveller who was keen for more advice and information on our Bushtracker van, and where our journey has taken us.
From Binningup Beach we continue to Harvey River Bridge Estate Winery and an admire an orange orchard next door. Within the winery grounds was The Big Orange structure with a lookout area at the top, and the view over the plantation was awesome. We also enjoyed looking at all the wine they produce here before continuing further up the road to the next town.
 Harvey Cheese was our next visit which was in the town of Wokalup, where we admired the craftsmanship of timber tables and chairs and viewed the large selection of cheese that was on display.
A few kilometres on we drove into the town of Boyanup to check out the Bonking Frog winery, but their wine cellar is now off site elsewhere so we decide to find a camp for the night in the local area. We set up in really the only spot available beside a hopefully not busy road, and unfortunately, we find it is also been the local dumping tip. As travellers we have seen this type of thing a lot in many places we have stopped and we are always disgusted why people do this.
In one rest area we had been there were open plastic bags of asbestos exposed to the elements, other bags of rubbish and household furniture strewn everywhere with empty rubbish bins within walking distance.
Opposite the road we find a flowing creek so Billy will be enjoying that tomorrow, as this afternoon is too late to have him wet and cold.



11th October Wednesday
Leaving camp this morning, the sun is out so our plan today is head to Bunbury and see the ocean and let Billy have a swim. Of course signs everywhere not allowing dogs on the beach and only on restricted areas of the beach, which makes it a bit hard.
From the beaches we head into Bunbury city and found it was almost impossible to find anywhere to park with the van, so we decided to go back to the beach area and unhitched and left the van.
So much quicker and easier to drive where you need to with a big van, so we enjoy a few hours walking in and around Bunbury. At lunch time we sat beside the ocean for a while enjoying the quiet, before taking a drive up to The Lookout Tower Bunbury.

Billy was a little concerned running up the spiral staircase to the top and looking through the railings. The view was spectacular overlooking the ocean and many houses here.

After leaving Bunbury we continue out towards a small town of Capel in the south west region of WA, located 212 kms south of Perth and midway between Bunbury and Busselton.
We are next to a paddock with horses on one side and a resident water bird on the other.

12th October Thursday
We spent a few hours within Capel township as we needed to do a small amount of shopping for meat and groceries.
After leaving Capel, our drive takes us past some lovely forest with white lily type plants so we stop and take some photos.

We get into Busselton and have a look around, and lucky to find a park in town and walk towards the Busselton Jetty with Billy. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed at all on the jetty to walk which is disappointing and the beaches have sections for dogs as well, depending on the months.
To walk the 152-year-old heritage listed 1.8km long jetty it is a cost of $4 per person, or you can take the jetty train across the Geographe Bay and admire the beautiful calm waters.
So now that our plans have slightly changed we have lunch then drive down to the other side of the jetty where dogs are allowed and Billy can swim for hours, allowing us to relax and enjoy the afternoon in the sun.

13th October Friday
This morning we left Capel for the second time and heading to a farm stay at Jindong only 11kms to Busselton. We plan to stay at least over the weekend and have time to explore the areas in the South West of the region.

After unhitching the van, we take off into Busselton and enjoy the morning, walking and sightseeing a lot of the inner-city malls, side streets and shops. From here we then drive to the beaches for Billy to have a swim and enjoy the 30-degree temperature and the beautiful clear waters.
After lunch we take a drive up to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, although renovations were underway on the lighthouse we couldn’t get any closer and we had Billy in a National Park.
From here we drove through Dunsborough, where Billy had his last swim and play on the beach for the afternoon. As we continued towards Jindong farm stay, we noticed the sky was full of smoke and was very close to where we were camping, although it did appear to be a planned back burn under control.
It was very pleasant and relaxing to return to base, where we took out our chairs and table, and sat back with a beer, cheese and crackers and enjoyed the peace and quiet amongst the green pastures.