Cervantes

Cervantes itself is just another small town with 1 pub, 1 petrol station and 1 general store, but - like so many others - its location is stunning. Here are some photos of the 'city beach' area. This a centre for Indian Ocean lobster, by the way - mostly caught for export, but locals (like us) can buy directly from the exporters. Dinner was superb! BBQ'd lobster and freshly grilled prawns.

The Nambung National Park

Today was spent wandering among the Pinnacles in the Nambung N. P........ A fascinating landscape, which is most probably the remnants of a petrified prehistoric forest. We both enjoyed this experience immensely! First we walked it, then we drove it. They certainly go to a lot of trouble to make things accessible to everybody here in W.A..

Up to date

That brings you up to date, Folks! We are now in Cervantes, about 200 kms north of Perth. Thank you so much for all your positive feedback - we are very happy that you are enjoying our trip! We'll leave you - only for the time being - with some more pictures of Fremantle, which boasts some of the loveliest old pubs you could ever wish to see (apparently there used to be one on every corner!) as well as old stone houses and mews. John Curtin also hailed from here, hence his statue un front of the Town Hall.

Fremantle 2

........and, of course, the waterfront, much of which has been redeveloped with outdoor eateries of all descriptions. The harbour is still very much a working harbour at the same time, and was even pretty busy on a Saturday afternoon. Needless to say, we enjoyed a delicious seafood BBQ and a good bottle of Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, NZ - but don't tell the locals!!)

Fremantle 1

In contrast to Perth, Freo jumps! It has a great market (which dates back to 1897 but somehow has a certain Asian flair), charming streets, outdoor cafés.........

Perth

We spent a day in Perth while the car was being serviced. It is a modern city, and makes an elegant impression on the banks of the Swan River. The photos show a view from the Barrack St. wharf across to South Perth, the city skyline stretching along the river and London Court, which is an arcade and really Perth's sole point of interest apart from the city's attractive location.

Margaret River 3

This is Meelup Beach in the Cape Naturaliste National Park, north of Margaret River. For me, it is the perfect beach - beautiful shade trees and picnic tables right down to the sand. No surf here though, because it's in a fairly protected bay.

Margaret River 2

These are photos of Cape Leeuwin lighthouse and Flinders Bay - the southwestern corner of Australia. All of these areas have a 'glorious past'. Flinders Bay was a thriving little town when timber was an important export industry around these parts. There are still remnants to be seen......

Margaret River 1

The Margaret River area will undoubtedly take up more space than most places. These are photos of the stunning Voyager Estate winery. The wines are good too.

Denmark

Denmark is my favourite place in the south. It's only tiny, but it has a lot of charm. It also has a range of scenery - set on a river that flows into an inlet, it is not far from the coast. The surrounding countryside is undulating and beautifully green. Some parts are reminiscent of England and Ireland. In the nearby national park you can visit the Elephant Rocks, amongst other things. It also has wineries........... Cheers!

Esperance

Hi Everyone! Sorry about the lack of updates. I meant to get everything up to date in Perth, but the internet connection was so tenuous that I didn't even try! Now we are 200 kms north of Perth in a tiny place, the connection is fantastic!!??!!

These are photos of Esperance, beautifully situated on the western end of the Nullarbor/Bight. Beautifull coastline again, and lots of islands off the coast. Kayla likes to take in the views too.