Our fill of fish at Starvation Bay

Well we certainly didn't starve at Starvation Bay. Daniel and the kids had great success fishing and we had fresh whiting for dinner for several of the nights we stayed. They also caught a lot of herring, we ate some and kept the smaller ones for bait. Both kids had turns with Daniel fishing off the rocks and fishing from the kayak and they both beamed with excitement when they got to reel in a fish. 

Starvation Bay has lots of rocks and rock pools on one side and we found such wonderful, perfectly formed little shells around the rocky areas. We have decided to fill an glass gin bottle with all these colourful little shells so we spent lots of our time trying to find the most beautiful ones. I laughed every time one of the kids ran up to me with a shell yelling 'this is definitely going in the gin bottle'. 

We went exploring one day (when the wind picked up and our bay was a bit wild) and found a great waves beach. We spent an hilarious few hours trying to outsmart the waves and run just before they touched our toes. We all got very wet and had a heap of fun. Unfortunately our few hours ended in tears as Jackson had buried Emilia's favourite Barbie clothes in the sand (Barbie comes everywhere with us at the moment and she got changed into their bathers at the beach). Jackson then couldn't quite remember where he had buried them. After about half an hour of digging by all of us we gave up, with Jackson promising to get the crying Emilia 'new clothes just the same' when he went to the shop! The disasters of childhood :(

That same day we also found a gorgeous rocky bay with a perfect swimming area. We ended up coming back the next day (which was 39deg) and spent a few hours sitting in the cool, crystal clear water. 

After 5 wonderful nights we decided to move on to what is purported to be an even better beach about 50km down the road (though we had to backtrack 40km to go to a store as we have run out of some staples). The beaches along the south coast are certainly impressing us, with the most amazing ones apparently still to come. 

Playing chicken with the waves - the waves won!!

We had such a fun time running from some of the huge waves.

Even Barbie joined in.

Emilia's photo of Starvation Bay.

The rocky section of Starvation Bay after the storm.

The storm clouds contrasted against the bright blue sky.

Fishing for the big stuff (he had his line broken several times by some big fish but none made it in).

One of the secluded bays we found just near Starvation Bay, it was protected when it was windy back at camp.

'Flora Galora' at Fitzgerald River NP

On to Fitzgerald River National Park next, a place internationally recognised by UNESCO for its botanical significance, it features at least 1880 different plant species, some that are found nowhere else in the world. The diversity and density of plants was astounding and we all took a real interest in spotting unique plants. Much of the park is protected to minimise the risk of dieback, a plant disease that is wrecking havoc in South West WA, but we managed to experience the full wonder of the park in 2 nights and one action packed day.

We camped at Hamersley Inlet and watched the sunset over the mountains from the edge of the inlet. There were kangaroos roaming through the camp area and heaps of bird life. The next day we set off early with a full day's itinerary mapped out. Within 10 minutes we were off the itinerary headed down a very narrow 4wd track that looked interesting and seemed to be going in the direction of the beach. Deep sand stopped us and before letting down the tyres Daniel went to explore, he came back eyes brimming with excitement- around the corner were some of the most expansive sand dunes we had encountered. The track wasn't visible anymore as the string wind from the last few days had covered it so we followed the few markers that had been set out. I was terrified we were going to get bogged and lost out here but I was also exhilarated, we were so remote and the dunes were just breathtaking. The sun was behind us and the sunshine created a visual illusion on the dunes and we found it hard to determine where the top of each dune was, it certainly made for a hair raising ride. We decided not to go any further and to get out and enjoy the dunes. We climbed to the top of huge one. Daniel boogie boarded down, Emilia ran down and Jackson rolled down and managed to get sand absolutely everywhere. It was such an amazing and unexpected experience, and such a great way to start our day.

After that we:

- Walked to the lookout at Cave Point and enjoyed the 360deg vista.

- Marvelled at the 'glitter rocks' at Wave Beach.

- Had lunch at the sheltered and picturesque Barren's Bay.

- Drove around the park checking out the amazing scenery while trying to get Jackson to sleep so we could...

- Do the hike up to the summit of East Mount Barren. The 2.6km hike gave us close ups with some of the amazing plants in the park and the hike was certainly extended by the kids interest in nearly every plant they passed! The views were great and it was well worth the climb.

We arrived back at camp at 4.30pm and after 8 hours of exploring the park we were all exhausted but glad we had made the effort to come to such a special place.

Balancing on the old pier stumps at Hamersley Inlet.

The facial expressions say it all!

Daniel decided on some extreme balancing with Jackson on his shoulders.

The incredibly large sand dunes we chanced upon, it was a huge climb up the dune to take this photo!

Jackson decided to slide on his tummy instead of run down (seriously sand shorts after this).

Don't get bogged out here!!!

Climbing up the big dune with the boogie board.

 

Enjoying the view from the top of the huge dune.

 

Climbing the 'glitter rocks' at Wave Beach.

The view of East Mount Barren - we climbed it that afternoon.

Some of the lush and unique plants at Fitzgerald NP.

One of the incredible plants - so many of these and some of them were so tall.

Walking up East Mount Barren,

Holding up a rock near the top.

 

 

Comfy seat to enjoy some biscuits after the big climb up.

Daring each other to go higher!

Daniel decided this peak was higher so he had to make it up there.

The sand dunes in the distance from the top of East Mount Barren - some more beautiful plants too.

Taking a break half way down.

The banksias were abundant. The kids loved the dried out flowers.

 

The Wheatbelt- Quirky Farmer Humour, Geological Marvels and lots of Flies!

After leaving Stirling Ranges we continued North to wait for the coastal weather to improve. We were headed to Wave Rock but decided to take a detour to Kulin. We were glad we did as the Tin Horse Highway (one of the attractions the town is famous for) was so amusing. Local farmers have made tin sculptures of horses in a wide variety of costumes and poses. They have a competition each year to coincide with their Bush Races and there is obviously a lot of incentive to create a unique, amusing and well designed horse. We loved the police horse as well as the horse sitting on the toilet reading 'Playhorse'. The kids really enjoyed the drive which feature around 100 sculptures. We decided stay in Kulin as they have a new, free RV park in the centre of town right next to the playground (and with hot showers - bonus!). As a treat, and also to support this very welcoming town, we went to the local pub for dinner, the ribs were fabulous.

In the morning we visited Butlers Garage in Kulin, which houses a collection of vintage cars, tractors and farm equipment. Both kids enjoyed it with Jackson very, very impressed. 

We then headed to Hyden and the famous Wave Rock, a granite formation over 15m high, 110m long and more than 60 million years old. Whilst there we:

- Did the obligatory 'surf' on the wave.

- Watched with amusement as the kids tried their hardest to run up the curved rock (Jackson actually got stuck clinging to the rock a few times and Daniel had to rescue him).

- Climbed Hyden Rock (on top of the wave) and explored the large boulders on top that have begun to erode from the inside creating caves.

- Chased the super quick rock lizards.

- Watched the sun set from the top of the rock.

- Did the Wave Rock Circuit walk (the kids actually rode as Jackson is getting better and better on his bike).

- Climbed in the 'Hippo's Yawn' rock formation.

- Saw Lake Magic, one of the many salt lakes in the area.

- Marvelled at the many Aboriginal hand stencils on the rocky ceiling of Mulka's Cave.

- Tried to stay cool with dips in the caravan park pool (it was 36 deg on our second day there).

- I took the Emilia and Jackson to a miniature toy soldier display where over 10,000 handmade pieces are set out to depict many of the past wars. Also there was a doll museum, a mock settlers school room, a 200 year old ball gown and some of the original rabbit proof fence as well as other historical memorabilia. It was a random, but very interesting, museum and the kids really enjoyed it.

And for most of the time at Wave Rock we did the Aussie bush wave trying to keep the very friendly bush flies out of our eyes and noses!

Tin Horse Hwy

This one was really well done - there is a horse with a speed camera in the car too.

Surfing the rock - not sure about her surfing style though.

Daniel made it pretty far up the wave........

........then Jackson thought he would try - but he got stuck, lay down on the rock and had to be rescued!

The contrast of harsh rock and soft clouds was beautiful.

One of the many rock lizards at Wave Rock.

The changing colours of the rock.

Cake, sunset and wind blowing though our hair - lovely.

Wind blown hair style.

Sunset over the rock.

The sunset created great colours behind the stormy clouds.

Bike ride along the salt lakes near wave rock - Daniel jogged next to Jackson to keep him riding.

Look at me - all on my own!!!

Indigenous hand stencil prints at Mulka's Cave.

Some of the dolls Emilia liked at the bitza museum near Wave Rock.

My sleeping boys - exhausted after the bike ride and jog.

Wave rock at dusk.

My Mountain Goats (Rock rambling at Porongurups and Stirling Ranges

Our children's rock climbing abilities were most certainly gifted to them from Daniel. They are so quick and agile on the rocks and have a knack of quickly choosing a safe and appropriate route when walking on rocks. Their abilities were certainly put on show over the last week.

Firstly we visited the Porongurups and did the Granite Skywalk. It is described as an 'engineering marvel'. Basically it is a suspended walkway on the edge of Castle Rock that allows you to walk around the summit next to the rock, it literally feels like you are walking in the sky. Riggers had to abseil down to drill in the anchor points then the stainless steel sections were delivered by helicopter and lowered to the riggers hanging off the side of the mountain - a completely crazy idea that they totally pulled off. It was an incredible view and you could see through the base which was astounding (but not for those with any aversion to heights). What I thought was a short walk though actually turned out to be a 4.2km mountain climb so we were all quite exhausted by 4.30pm when we finally got back to the car (we had travelled from Albany that morning after stocking up on supplies so got a very late start for the walk

The Balancing Rock - the kids enjoying trying to budge it.

The Castle Rock Granite Skywalk - incredible.

Jackson encouraging Emilia up the ladder

What a view - we were higher than the trees and you could actually see to the ocean (just as it was a bit misty).

We were impressed with the kids abilities on this hike but the best was yet to come. We camped at the magnificent Stirling Ranges, which has a range of hikes including the popular climb to the top of Bluff Knoll, the highest peak in Southern WA (1095m). We spent the next day deciding on our walks and doing the scenic drive which included a few short walks to gain different viewpoints on the Ranges. We decided on the summit of Toolbrunup as our first walk then Bluff Knoll the day after. 

The Toolbrunup Peak is 1052m high and a 4km return walk, however it is a grade 5 which means 'pretty damn hard' (it only goes to grade 6). We decided to just attempt the walk and see how the kids went to give us an indication of how they would fare for the Bluff Knoll walk. Well they totally blew us away with their perseverance, persistence and determination. The both walked the whole way up this very challenging walk that included a lot of steep rocky sections and was a fairly steep incline the whole 2km up. It took us 3 hours to reach the summit (1052 m high) and we were rewarded with spectacular views and children who were so proud of their efforts (I was proud of my effort too!). After some happy snaps we started our descent as it was getting hot (it was predicted to be 36deg). The way down was actually harder as many of the rocky sections we had climbed up were made of river rocks that moved when you stepped on them. This is okay on the the way up but on the way down it caused a few slips when we weren't concentrating. Emilia is such a trooper, she fell and hurt her knee and kept going even though blood was dripping down her knee. Daniel took off with Jackson near the end and he actually fell asleep while getting piggybacked. Daniel did an amazing job piggybacking a sleeping 3 year old along the rocky path (as I said the kids abilities were definitely from him). In the end it took Emilia and I 6 hours and it was 37 deg by the time we got back. Such a stellar effort by us all. We were all exhausted that afternoon and after a long, cool bath in the eski the kids got treated to a few movies laying in bed (as well as ice-cream and watermelon). Daniel and I just couldn't believe what an amazing effort they had both put in, we are so proud of them. We did also look at each other a few times in the afternoon and ask if we are crazy - taking young children on a difficult hike up a mountain (Mum don't answer that one!).

We were all keen as to do Bluff Knoll the next day, which, although slightly higher and longer, is actually meant to be an easier walk. We rose early to horribly grey skies but decided to drive up anyway and hope for the best. It was so incredibly windy and rainy and the summit was hidden in cloud. We went to the lookout to assess the situation but the rain was just getting heavier and kids were nearly getting blown over. We were all very disappointed but not as much as Jackson who completely cracked it and started trying to run off to do the walk by himself! It ended up drizzling on and off for most of the day (and didn't get above 18 deg) so we drove to nearby Mt Barker for a look. We attempted a few plays in the park but kept getting rained out. Daniel ate what was apparently the best pie he had ever eaten (curried beef) from the Mt Barker bakery, so good he went back for a second!

We planned to try again to do the walk the next day but the rain kept up most of the night and the mountain peaks were still shrouded in clouds the next morning. With much disappointment we packed up and headed north for some better weather. We have promised the kids we will return to do the walk.......a promise we hope we can keep.



The vast Stirling Ranges (where a huge array of native flora is found)

Mt Toolbrunup - 1052m high - what a climb!

Thumbs up for a risky mountain climb - BRING IT ON!!

One of the many steep rocky sections to the summit.

Checking out the view just before the top.

The last steep section - Emilia was annoyed at having to wait for a photo!

 

We made it to the top!!! Well done 4 Stray Katz!

It was an incredible view though it looks like the kids were focussed on something else (maybe the reward/bribe lollies!!)

On a rock jutting out the edge of the mountain - living up to his Dangerous, Daredevil Daddy name.

The rocks downhill were too much for Jackson who hitched a ride for the last section of the walk.

Red faced and exhausted after 6 hours but oh so pleased with ourselves.

36 deg one day, 18 the next! Bluff Knoll is behind the clouds - no mountain climb for us :(