The Nullabor- got to cross it!
Western Australia is our 7th and final state/territory to visit here during our 1 year road trip around Aus. We recently took the 2100 kilometer journey from Adelaide to Esperance to begin exploring WA.
Somewhere in South Australia…
It was a few solid days of driving, but we eventually made it.
These grasshoppers, unfortunately, did not.
Salmon Gums- assuming the name comes from the color of the bark?!
We finally started to get back to something resembling civilization, and then hit Esperance. We did some boring get this, get that restocking kind of errands and then set off towards Lucky Bay and Cape LeGrand. I had heard about Lucky Bay, the famous roos on the beach spot, but I was in for a treat. I wasn’t quite expecting this:
Cape LeGrand- holy WOW! I was in love!
We had debated if the 45 km detour out to the national park was worth it, and the short answer is YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
super camp #268
Our welcoming sunset- not too shabby!
Lucky Bay- the money shot
The next morning we woke up for sunrise and drove over to Lucky Bay (since dawn & dusk are prime wildlife feeding & viewing times. AND fewer people- super bonus!) Let’s just say, I was NOT disappointed.
Mum & Bub Roo (heartmelt)
Relaxing- can’t blame him, that view is worth a million bucks!
Lucky Bay ladies and gentlemen
A morning I will not soon forget! Absolutely loving life!
Pretty sure I took about 10932583058 photos that day.
If this isn’t heaven, I’m not sure what is.
After being pretty impressed with Lucky Bay, we moved along to another bay to check out what the other beaches had to offer. And, since Lucky Bay has the biggest name draw, it was starting to get more crowded with people (about 20 people- WAY too many). [side note- Australia’s lack of people is really spoiling me!!!]
My thought was, Lucky Bay was probably the hight light, but let’s continue on.
Then, this happened:
Miniature me climbing on the rocks.
We parked, and walked around some rocks to see THIS!!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Thistle Cove was striking, and to top it off, Andrew spotted this:
Pod of Dolphins
A pod of dolphins!!! We watched them swim from one end of the cove to the other and back again for about 30 minutes. Then we thought, ah, let’s get the paddleboard and go join them! So, we did.
Best. Day. Ever.
It was exhilarating, scary, incredible, and jaw dropping to paddle board with this pod. Both Andrew and I were able to swim among the 30 dolphins complete with the babies. I don’t even know how to describe being the only ones in this incredible cove with a private beach and our own pod of dolphins. Magical is the closest word I can come up with.
Our favorite beach to date!
After a few solid hours, the lack of shade suggested we move along to save ourselves some heat exhaustion and some serious sunburns, so we waved good bye and went back to camp. Just in time as well, as we were leaving the parking lot was filling up and a tour bus came along! Definitely didn’t want to share my secret spot with all of them! hehe!
HELLO BEAUTIFUL
The sun finished off our day with this stunning display of natural beauty. Might be my favorite day of our trip so far (but don’t quote me on this! I have lots of favorites) :O
The next morning, we visited a few more bays and decided to end our trip there with hiking Frenchman’s Peak. We almost opted not to and continue to Esperance to check out their amazing beaches, but we drove past and decided it looked too fun to climb so we turned around and went for it.
Frenchman’s Peak
Complete with a cave on the top!
It’s fun to be on top of the world 🙂
Another summit with my guy! Forever on our summits, seas, & stars quest!
The climb was on the rock itself, no trail or path. Although the weather wasn’t brilliant, we had a great time. It was pretty windy at the top, so we didn’t spend too much time up there- just long enough to enjoy the views and safely get back to Earth. 🙂
Then we went back to Esperance and did their 30 km beach tourist drive to explore some more world class beaches.
Esperance
It wasn’t the best beach day, but the beaches were still worth a look no doubt!
❤
We continued along the coast through Albany and Denmark.
Elephant Rocks in Denmark!
Hehe- doesn’t it look like a baby elephant having a wee swim?
Andrew soaking in the views.
After some breath taking beaches & coastline, we headed inward and soaked up the glory of some beautiful trees.
Giant Tingle Tree
Andy climbing the Gloucester Tree- up 53 meters!
We headed for the Gloucester Tree and the Bicentennial Tree where they have inserted metal pegs to climb up. These trees were originally used for fire lookouts, but now are open to the public to climb- for free!! It was terrifying and got your adrenaline pumping!
Looking down- not the best idea!
After the amazing trees, we set off for the Margaret River region. We were promised good wine & great beaches. Yet again, we were not disappointed.
We picnicked and watched the surfers catch some amazing waves.
Canal Rocks- this pool of water surged in and out breaking against the rocks.
Playing with some GIANT sting rays!
They were about 2 meters (6 feet) wide!!!
Castle Rock
Johnny was loving the beach views
Giving snorkeling a go
I could’ve easily stayed here forever!
I’ll take the lot, thanks
Wine fueled smiles
No problemo enjoying a brewery at the end of the wine tour!
Free chocolate tastings didn’t hurt either 😉
Didn’t stop the fun- ended the day just as we had enjoyed all day- wine, cheese, & chocolate. Beach body prep!
After thoroughly enjoying Margaret River & surrounds, it was time to visit Perth! I’m loving nature so much, that the thought of cities don’t excite me that much, but look at this:
Cottesloe Beach- the local Perth Beach!!! :O
The annual Sculpture by the Sea was on & it was fantastic!
Last night’s sunset in Perth
As you can see, Western Australia has completely blown our minds, and we’ve only touched the south west of it!!!!!
We have been so spoiled by the beaches, the wine, and the people. We are so fortunate to get to explore this amazing coast, we can’t wait for the rest to come!
ps- we are SO spoiled that Andrew made THIS FACE at the beach and said “we don’t need to go to every beach just for the sake of it”
C’mon Andy- cheer up buttercup! Look at where you are!!! (to be fair, the wind was whipping sand into every crevice)
I at least enjoyed the view!
No butts about it, WA is incredible!
Hope you got a little spring/summertime inspo for your own adventures and if you get the chance- definitely add Western Australia to your short list!!!
xoxo,
Amber
a2adventure 