Margaret River and Pemberton region

Cape Naturaliste walk.

Monday 8^th August.

John and I made our way to Margaret River, detouring off to see Cape Naturaliste and Yallingup, via the coastal road. The paddocks have lots of wild white arum lilies everywhere, a lovely sight. They have guided tours at Cape Naturaliste lighthouse, however we decided to go on the coastal walk, hoping to see whales; but had no luck. It was scenic along the track, looking out to sea it was wild and windy.

Coastal walk

This was on the board at the lookout.

White lillies were everywhere.

Mossy rock

We got to Margaret River by lunchtime, the country side was so green, a rich grazing area. We passed lots of wineries, booked into the caravan park and went out to a chocolate factory and the Howling Wolves winery. Made purchases at both of course!

This cafe was in Witchcliffe.

Margaret River.

Tuesday 9^th August

Augusta was our next town to discover, it is the gateway to Cape Leeuwin and the most south westerly place on the Australian mainland. It's here that the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean. Augusta lies on the Bloodwood River, a pretty town we passed through it on our drive to Cape Leeuwin. We stopped at an old historic water wheel, right at the ocean. The area is beautiful and wild, John went into the lighthouse grounds and walked around the lightkeepers cottages. We saw a noisy flock of black cockatoos on the way down to the lighthouse. The Cape Leeuwin lighthouse is a large imposing structure.

Cape Leeuwin lighthouse

Syd at the most south westerly point in Australia

 

The beach at Cape Leewin with the historic water wheel in the background.

We made our way to Pemberton along the Bussell Highway, through lovely green country side.

Pemberton is a timber town with a large mill. It has pretty old timber cottages built in the 1920’s. We are booked into the caravan park for two nights, we want to go on the railway tram tomorrow. The tram goes on a scenic trip through the forest, over several trestle bridges and plenty of photo opportunities.

Pemberton Hotel

Ring necked parrot.

Wednesday 10^th August

Our first stop today was the large Gloucester Tree, there’s even a steel ladder built around and up through the tree with a large platform at the top. Enough to keep the most fit climber happy. John and I took photos. John climbed a small section.

The Gloucester Tree

The little tram meanders through the Karri forest slowly and through some pretty scenery. They stop at the Cascade Falls for a photo opportunity, the whole trip took nearly two hours return. The sun came out which added a nice touch.

Pemberton Tramway.

Cascade Falls

On the tram

Part of the track.

Wooden cottages in Pemberton

Later we drove to the Beedelup Falls and took a walk to the lookout. John went a bit further to the sway bridge. The country side is brilliant green grazing land with sheep and cattle. Emus graze along side the cattle.  I spotted one tiny black lamb walking with its mother, he was the only black lamb that I could see in the flock.

Another night in Pemberton, then tomorrow east towards Albany, with a stop at the Tree Top walk.