Stingray encounters

Augusta, WA

Wednesday 4th - Friday 6th December

We had 2 action packed days in Augusta making the most of the local attractions:

• -   On the way down we stopped in for another turn at the Margaret River skate park before an amazing cold drip coffee at a specialised coffee roaster (we went there quite a few times on the last trip and it was just as good as we remembered).
• -     After setting up at camp among the peppermint trees at a rustic style campground on the Blackwood River inlet (about 3km from Augusta) we spent the afternoon at the Augusta foreshore- watching the pelicans and spotting stingrays in the shallow water.
• -         Whilst Jackson and Daniel fished (they ended up with 3 whiting) Emilia and I went off exploring some of the bays on the way to Cape Leeuwin lighthouse. It was super windy so, even though the beaches were very lovely, the water did not look inviting. After a quick look at the lighthouse (we were too late to go in) we visited a nearby bay where was a big waterwheel that was used to pump fresh water from a nearby spring back for use when they were building the lighthouse. We climbed some rocks and got a great view of the lighthouse from a different vantage point.
• -          The next day we went to Hamelin Bay (with hundreds of other people – we had to park on the side of the road about 1km from the beach!). Hamelin Bay is so popular because, as well as being a gorgeous beach, you can have up close experiences with the many stingrays that cruise up and down the shallows. We all patted them as they rubbed up against our legs whilst swimming past. It was a pretty cool experience.
• -          After a wander along the beach and a swim, we headed off to find a less popular beach, and hopefully one where the boys could go for a dive. We ended up at Foul Bay (the name is completely incorrect – the beach is amazing). I did meet a local a few days later who said they love the name as it keeps the tourists away!
• -          At Foul Bay the boys went diving and Daniel managed to find 3 crayfish and 2 abalone – a great haul. Whilst they were out, Emilia and I swam and enjoyed the gorgeous beach.
• -          After a late lunch the boys went back to the Augusta foreshore to try for some more whiting, while Emilia and I went back to Cape Leeuwin lighthouse. It was so interesting reading about the construction of the lighthouse and what life was like for those who lived out here manning the place. We walked to the lookout to see where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet- apparently at some times (wave & current dependent) you can actually see the line where the two oceans collide together – but not today!
• -          The boys got a few more whiting so we had fish for dinner- a perfect end to a great few days.

The intricate cold drip device that made our exceptional coffees at the Yahava Coffee Roasters in Margaret River.

Walking along the foreshore at Augusta we encountered these 4 pelicans that were protecting their heads from the wind. Each time they wanted to get a new position they stretched their necks high into the air, then twisted and lowered their beaks in between their tail feathers. It was hilarious to watch.

One of several stingrays cruising the bay hoping for a free feed

We watched a man feed fish carcasses to these pelicans - they got so vicious they often bit each other. Near the end a stingray arrived and it was hilarious to watch the pelicans quickly move out of its way- the pecking order was very clear!

A great view of the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse from one of the many small bays on the way there.

The Waterwheel was used to supply freshwater when they were building the lighthouse. The water has so much calcium in it that the wheel is now completely calcified (see below).

Looking back on the lighthouse from the rocks near the Waterwheel.

The coastline down here is so stunning.

The first two stingrays we saw at Hamelin Bay.

They are so used to people, you are able to pat them - this one felt like jelly!

Emilia was a bit unsure at first, but she built up the courage to have a go.

Emilia took this great underwater photo of Jackson patting a stingray.

Exploring the beach at Hamelin Bay (I'd just been for a swim as it was really warm).

Around one corner we found this little hole in the rocks, when the water went out the kids ran through to the other side.

Jackson enticing another stingray - when you splashed the water they thought you had food and swam towards you.

On our way down to Foul Bay (which, thankfully, was everything but foul)

Whilst the boys went out diving Emilia and I had a swim, then she got busy building a sand cake- complete with seaweed icing!

We were all pretty happy with these big crays.

Ahhh, bliss! Enjoying the crystal clear, calm waters at Foul Bay.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse - the tallest in WA and third tallest in Australia (56m above sea level). The light from the lighthouse can be seen up to 37km away.

A random pirate cow on the walk up to the lighthouse!

The light from an old lighthouse, showing the glass prisms that intensify the light. This design is used in lighthouses around the world.