Flies, Flies and more Flies

Bush camping here we come! We had stocked up for a few weeks bush camping along the famed Ningaloo Reef. We were planning on doing it anti-tourist style and spreading the few weeks before we were expected in Karratha between several rural bush camps provided by the stations along the coast. This way we could explore Ningaloo reef on our kayak and paddle board and snorkel in waters not infiltrated by tourists. On the way we checked out the amazing Blowholes, holes in the cliffs that shoot water metres into the sky every time waves crash underneath, an incredible sight. Our first stop was Red Bluff campsite inside Quobba Station. It was a rough, rocky and corrugated track in but it looked well worth the drive as we approached. Spread out bush camping along the water. As we booked in the fly invasion began! Flies in our eyes, ears, noses, mouths and anywhere else slightly moist on our bodies. We were covered within minutes, no amount of shooing even got close to getting them away. An hour after we arrived we were so frustrated with the flies and lamenting our decision to pay for four nights. The fly nets came out and became our most prized possessions. From sunrise until sunset we were ambushed and the fly nets were our only reprieve, although when a fly actually got inside your fly net it had complete, unhindered access to your face whilst you weighed up how many flies could potentially get in whilst you tried get this one out. It was horrendous! Also we had picked the wrong beach for the kids. It was a fabulous surf beach, but an impossible beach for children to swim in. Anyway we made the best of the situation and explored the surrounding beaches. Found the lovely, sheltered Gnaraloo Bay where we spent the day swimming, snorkelling and playing in the sand. Saw lovely blue and pink tipped coral abounding with an array of colourful fish. Daniel saw a few reef sharks, which thankfully I missed. Met a lovely couple, Gilly & Lisa, and their 2 girls, Maya & Ava. The kids had a great time playing in the sand whilst we chatted. Great people who we spent the next day with also. Next day was at Gnaraloo 3 mile camp beach. Daniel had another snorkel, swam with a turtle and saw a few more reef sharks. We wandered up the rock pools and the kids were fascinated with the hundreds of hermit crabs in such a range of shells. We had dinner at Gilly and Lisa's camp and met some more great people (Martin, Kelly & their 4 year old daughter  Alexandra).  We left the next day as the wind was coming from the east which meant more flies (blown in from the bush stations) and we had reached our tolerance level! Although the flies had put a dampener on the stay we were so pleased to have met some interesting and like minded people. We would like to explore this area again on our way down, with the hope that the flies would have dissipated by then. 

Quobba Blowholes

Red Bluff - huge surf break near point & crazy waves on the beach

Fly nets were a necessity