Day 1
Perth to Margaret River (via Injidup Natural Spa) – 300km
Cape Mentelle Winery – $10pp to sample 11 wines (tasting price deducted from bottle sale price)
Margaret River Tourist Park – $32 unpowered
Taxi to Cape Mentelle – $15.60
After flying back from the UK, we took a couple of days to get over the jet lag then set off on the final leg of our Australian loop.
First up was Injidup Natural Spa and Greens Pool and honestly, we couldn’t have picked a better place to start. I’m not entirely sure how I can even begin to explain exactly what Injidup is so please bare with me.
A short walk from the car park and over a few rocks is the ‘natural spa’ or what I would call a ‘natural jacuzzi’. A wall of huge boulders separates the sea from a small inlet on either side and as the water crashes against the outer wall, it flows over the rocks and into the shallow inlet, creating a jacuzzi effect. The water is crystal clear and incredibly beautiful. A million photos could never do this place justice.
he jacuzzi is nestled between two beautiful bays, with turquoise waters and crashing waves.
Next, we took the short drive to Margaret River, one of Australias most popular wine regions. The scenery quickly changed and soon we were surrounded by sprawling vineyards and lush greenery. After a stop at the caravan site to freshen up, we took a taxi to the closest winery, Cape Mentelle who are known in the area for their Cabernet.
Eleven tastings and a bottle of wine later, we found ourselves on the lawn of the winery, sipping more wine and playing Petanque in the late afternoon sunshine.
Day 2
Margaret River to Centre Crossing (via Lake Cave) – 248km
Lake Cave Tour – $22.50pp
Centre Crossing Camp – free (no shower)
We arrived just in time for the 10am tour and with 7 others, made the steep decent into a sink hole which leads to the entrance of Lake Cave.
There are hundreds of caves in the Margaret River region, 4 of which are open for guided tours. We chose Lake Cave because it is the only one to contain water. Hundreds of steps later, we made it to the small opening and within a tunnel and led by our guide, we decented further into the cave.
Eventually we touched down and it was one hundred percent worth the steps. Thousands of limestone crystals hung from the ceiling and reflected off the water which created a truly dazzling effect. Our guide was incredible and talked us through the formation of the cave and it’s crystals whilst we walked through the tunnel over 60m underground.
That afternoon we arrived at the most incredible free camp. It was over 10km off the road in the middle of a forest by a river and somehow we had the whole place to ourselves (though we did have to share with a couple of giant kangaroos!)
Day 3 – Elephant Rocks, Greens Pool & Torndirrup National Park
Centre Crossing to Ravensthorpe (via Elephant Rocks and Torndirrip NP) – 475km
WA Park Pass – $13 per vehicle or $60 for an annual pass with RAC 50% discount
Kundip (Ravensthorpe) Camp – free (no shower)
I woke up wondering if I had somehow ended up back in England. The blue skies and sunshine of yesterday were a distant memory and the sky was grey and miserable with drizzle falling.
What a great day for the beach!
Elephant Rocks was first on the agenda and luckily, the skies brightened slightly just as we arrived. Elephant Rocks is basically several enormous rocks scattered around a section of coastline, creating the most unique scene. The tide was too high to wander onto the beach and take a closer look but I think we got the general idea.
Greens Pool lies just to the west of the rocks and is a beautiful calm bay, perfect for snorkelling. Unfortunately, 15 degree heat is not perfect for snorkelling so we didn’t go in! We admired the bay from above and got really excited when the sun came out and lit up the water.
Next we drove to Torndirrup National Park, just outside of Albany. We visited it’s most famous attractions first, the Natural Bridge and the Gap. In true Aussie fashion, they are absolutely ‘say what you see’ names but beautiful none the less.
The Gap has a viewing platform which juts out over the cliff edge, allowing visitors to see the crashing waves below their feet. It was pretty terrifying to say the least and the force of the water against the rocks was incredible.
We then made our way to the blow holes which unfortunately weren’t blowing as the tide conditions weren’t quite right.
We also visited Stony Hill where a look out post was positioned in WW2 to protect Albany harbour which is Australia’s only natural harbour. It is no wonder they chose that spot, the 360 degree view of the area was unparalleled.
Day 4 – Cape Le Grand
Kundip to Bromus Dam (via Esperance and Cape Le Grand) – 432km
WA Park Pass – $13 per vehicle or $60 for an annual pass with RAC 50% discount
Bromus Dam Camp – free (no shower)
It is safe to say we did not conquer Frenchman Peak. When I read that inside Cape Le Grand National Park there was a 3km walking trail which leads you to the top of a peak I thought ‘great’. I expected it to be difficult, but I didnt expect to be practically scaling the side of a mountain!
We made it to just before the boulder on the top before deciding we could see enough from where we were and slowly made our way down the face of the rock (on my bum mainly!) The view was outstanding but every gust of wind had me convinced we were going to blow off!
Next, we drove on to Lucky Bay which in comparison to Frenchman Peak was a welcome site. The white silica sands and crystal blue waters make Lucky Bay one of my favourite beaches so far, challenged only by the Whitsundays. On arrival, we stared at the bay from the car open mouthed for a few moments. It is truly the most magical place and I would have been in that water in an instant if it wasnt still so cold!!
Day 5 – Driving Day
Bromus Dam to Moodini Bluff – 586km
Moodini Bluff Rest Area – free (no showers)
Today we started our huge trek across what they call ‘The Nullarbor’. It is fairly remote, with only very small townships and roadhouses.
It is also an area in which you can see Australias wild camels roaming the surrounding plains. (Spoiler alert – we didn’t)
As I’ve mentioned previously, we listen to a LOT of podcasts on the road. So if anyone has any recommendations let me know.
Day 6 – Driving day 2.0
Moodini Bluff to Ceduna – 655km
Ceduna A1 Caravan Park – $18 unpowered
Today was much like yesterday only at the end of the road we saw a big fat Hungry Jack’s (Burger King) and a Subway. HURRAY FOR CIVILISATION. Oh AND we crossed the South Australia border! We have now visited all of the states in mainland Australia and just have Tasmania left to visit!
We restrained on junk food but did treat ourselves to an actual campsite with an actual God damn shower and it was beautiful.
Day 7 – West Coast Southern Australia
Ceduna to Walkers Rocks – 228km
Walkers Rocks Campground – $10 unpowered, cold showers
Today luckily did not include as much driving as the last two days. It did however include some ‘getting our shit together’ chores. So this morning was a bit of a nothing day, applying for apartments, jobs etc in Brisbane mainly with a food shop thrown in for good measure.
We set off down the coast with little clue on where we were headed but just decided to stop off at a few points on the way; Smoky Bay for Lunch and Venus Bay for the views.
Our camp for the night was a perfect little spot by the beach. It was burgers for dinner and sunset was spent sat on the sand with a bottle of wine freezing our tits off.
Lauren Travels 