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.