Perth
With 14 of us we did have fun! We travelled from Perth to Margaret River stopping in Bunbury, Busselton and Dunsborough. The scenery was breath-taking, rugged coastline as we drove along. We stopped at the new Dolphin Discovery Centre, 90 mins south of Perth with over 200 Bottlenose dolphins. They promote research - this was such an experience! They are such beautiful creatures, well worth a visit. You can go out on a boat and see them swimming everywhere.
Busselton is located at the north end of Margaret River with 30 kilometres of sandy beach, great for fishing. I was blown away by the vast open spaces and awesome scenery.
Ngilgi Cave
we went to these caves beneath the limestone ridge. Discovered in 1899, there are stunning stalactites, stalagmites and helictite shawl formations. These amazing things to see make you realise how many amazing things you can do in WA.
Margeret River
Known for vineyards, architecture, amazing vistas, lush forest and the river and surf add an extra dimension.
The next day we were whale watching! Wow! I don't think i will ever forget this experience, watching the Humpback whales breech in front of you is an experience! They were migrating south and I lost count of how many I saw. Wow,fabulous! If that wasn't enough, we then stopped at Vasse Felix. Established in 1967 this wine estate has a wonderful red wine, a rose or sparkling. There's a tasting room, wine room, art gallery and an acclaimed restaurant which uses mostly home-grown ingredients.
Then on to Smith Beach, a favourite of mine with my maiden name. It looks out onto miles and miles of sandy beach. You can do a guided walk called Cape to Cape with white beaches and ancient granite boulders, limestone cliffs and fascinating bush plants. Pemberton, located in the south west, 3.5 hours drive from Perth, is a picturesque timber town where you can enjoy 80 varieties of fruit, veg and truffles.
Walpole
A5 hour journey from Perth, west of Albany, the breathtaking red and yellow Tingle trees and the Valley of the Giant Treetop walk with 400 year old Karri Trees. It was awesome, I didn't realise how much I loved trees and the treetop walk is a must.
William Bay National Park - Greens Pool and Elephant Rock - a wonderful pool of blues and greens in the sea and a formation of granite rocks looking like a heard of elephants in the sea.
Albany is situated on the south coast of WA with rugged granite coastline. I was just blown away! The scenery is nothing like I have ever seen - nature at it's best!
We met an Aboriginal who sang to us, danced, and so did we. He told us of his culture and heritage and was incredibly passionate and proud of his ancestors and I could have listened to him talking for days, an experience I will never forget.
The National Anzac Centre is Australia's most important cultural pilgrimage. The centre overlooks the actual harbour from which 41,000 men and women went to the great war. It was very tastefully done, very moving.
Middleton Beach is probably Albany's best known beach, popular for surfing for children.
This was the itinerary that I did, but I cant put into words how it has left me wanting to see more. The people were so friendly, the food was wonderful, lots of fresh produce, fish, lamb, deserts. The weather was warm but going into summer from 1st November. It was a very memorable adventure and I would not hesitate to recommend Western Australia and I will be going back that's for sure! It lends itself to a self drive, stopping along the way, with an amazing mix of nature at its best. Wildlife, the best wines in the world and food, culture, and wonderful weather all year round.