4 Stray Katz: Inland delights - caves and wildflowers- then back to the coast for more beach time.

Stockyard Gully Caves

Tuesday 15^th November

Just inland from Green Head there is an underground cave system, formed by a river flowing through over thousands of years. Stockyard Gully Caves was an unexpected find, made even better by the fact you could do your own self guided walk through, and we were the only ones there that afternoon. We all enjoyed wandering through the caves with our head torches on. We didn’t see any of the resident chocolate bats this time, however when Daniel took the kids back for another look a few days later they saw five (and said they were super cute!).

It was quite eerie in the caves as it was completely black and we only had a small bit of light from our head torches.

Lake Indoon

Wednesday 16^th – Saturday 19^th November

Lake Indoon, a brackish lake used by locals for water skiing, was the perfect place to while away a few days of windy and stormy weather. We found a sheltered spot and enjoyed a few walks along nearby tracks surrounded with wildflowers when there was a break in the weather. The kids also made the most of the great climbing trees. The rest of the time we spent reading, doing craft, playing games and watching movies.

The kids spent quite a bit of time up in this tree, which was right in front of our caravan.

We had 2 days of stormy weather (though it made for great skies). The wind was so strong there were white caps on the lake.

One last climb on another of their favourite trees on the morning we left (look how glassy the water is!)

Lesueur National Park

Saturday 19^th November

On our way from Lake Indoon to Jurien Bay we stopped off at Lesueur National Park, which is famous for the wildflowers and plants that grow there. There are over 900 different plant species in the park. The wildflowers are at their best until October, but luckily for us many were still in bloom. We did 2 walks, to the summit of Mt Lesueur and around the Gairdner Loop. They were both really enjoyable walks, with spectacular scenery and so many different wildflowers.

Daniel found a stick that looked like an emu's head, so we made a 'plant emu'.

At the summit of Mt Lesueur, we even had views of the ocean.

Running back down from the summit.

There were so many lovely wildflowers, below are pics of just a few of the many we saw.

There were so many different types of plants, the whole area was just covered in greenery.

These petite wildflowers seemed particularly attractive to bees.

Sandy Cape, near Jurien Bay, WA

Saturday 19^th November- Wednesday 23^rd November

We’d hoped to spend a night at Jurien Bay but unfortunately there wasn’t any room in the caravan park so we ended up at Sandy Cape, a beach side camp just north. It’s a well set up place so we ended up staying for 4 nights. On the afternoon we arrived there was a huge blow up water slide set up on the sand dunes, with salt water being pumped up to keep it wet. We found out that a group of dads from Perth do this a few times a year with their kids and they invite all other kids (and adventurous adults) to join in. The kids, and Daniel once Emilia gave up her boogie board, had a great time whizzing down the slide at breakneck speed then propelling into the ocean. It was so entertaining (and a bit nerve wrecking) to watch. The rest of the time we were there the kids enjoyed the same sand dunes – this time sandboarding down them. Our days were spent exploring the labyrinth of tracks that take you to a huge range of different bays, where we swam, paddle-boarded and snorkelled and enjoying the beach at camp, which was only just over a small sand dune (so close you could easily hear the waves crashing at night).

Here are some videos of the awesome slide at Sandy Cape.

The dunes were also perfect to sandboard on - the sand was so fine it got everywhere (the kids still have sand all through their hair).

We spent an afternoon in Jurien Bay where the kids enjoyed the skate park.

On Tuesday we explored some of the secluded beaches between Jurien Bay and Sandy Cape. At this one there was some WW2 bunkers (you can see one on the far left of the photo).

Beachcombing.

The day turned a bit stormy (although it stayed warm) and the sun umbrella ended up sheltering us from raindrops.

This storm seemed like it was coming our way, but it went right around. We climbed the dunes to watch it and listen to the loud thunder.

Traipsing to the dunes to watch the sun set on our last night at Sandy Cape (it was the only night it hadn't been blowing a gale so we took advantage of not having to be stuck inside the van).