Perth & surroundings

5th - 14th January 2013

After seeing all the guys windsurfing in Margaret River, we decided it was time for us to try this too! We booked ourselves into a beginner course on Swan River and had lots of fun, the second day we even had decent wind for a while!
From Perth we drove to see Wave Rock, about 300km east from Perth in the middle of nowhere. However it was great to see it and go for a walk there! We had our hottest day there since starting our trip, it was a steaming 45c, so decided to head to Mandurah before driving back to Perth.  We explored various areas of Perth including Scarborough, Cottesloe, Northbridge, Fremantle as well as Penguin Island. To get to Penguin Island we caught a ferry and it took 5min to get over. We were able to see Sea-lions having fun in the water as well as relaxing on the beach and also a fairy-penguin feeding!
We enjoyed staying with Margaret and Mike during our days in Perth, thanks for having us!
We also caught up with Darryl and Vanessa, Silvan's homestay family from 2004 and enjoyed spending time with Andrew & Carissa with Jayden and Maddie as well as Lesley, thanks guys for showing us around and taking time!

Margeret River , WA

25th December 2012  - 5th January 2013

Leaving the south coast of WA  was hard as the beaches are super nice, the crowd rather small and the nature stunning. However as Christmas and New Year was coming up, we decided to head further north to Margeret River where friends of ours have a new awesome house. Karin & Patrik are professional windsurfers and have their own surfboard brand. Some of the Patrik Board team was at the house as well as Matthias (swiss friend from Alex, my brother). So full house and never a dull moment.
We explored the coast from Hamelin Bay to Busselton and enjoyed the nice warm (sometimes hot) days on the beach. From feeding the sting rays in Hamelin Bay, to surfing in Gruntters, SUP on the Margeret River, watching the pros windsurfing in Gracetown and enjoying pizza at the Swings & Roundabout Winery, we love the area and the vibe which goes with it.
Big thanks to Patrik & Karin for the hospitality and the rest of the guys for a great time in Margies.
As a deserving last night we went to see the John Butler Trio outdoor on a the Leewin Winery estate which was just magnificent.

Hopetoun, Bremer Bay & Denmark

17th till 25th December 2012

From Esperance we drove to Hopetoun, where we explored Fitzgerald River National Park and saw a stunning sunset!
The next day took us to Bremer Bay, a small coastal village with the most beautiful beaches, and you've nearly always got the beach to yourself! We stayed at a nice green campground and also went to Point Ann, the other end of the Fitzgerald National Park. About 3 weeks ago there had been a big bushfire, so most of the Park was closed. We also enjoyed a little chocolate cake including candles for Silvan's Birthday!
Then we headed further west to Denmark. The Ocean Beach has small waves and is quite shallow, so we managed to go for a surf, or to put it right, more of a paddle. Even though we had already seen Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks a couple of years ago, we headed back to see those, however with the overcast weather the colors didn't quite reflect the beautiful sand.

Hopetoun

Bremer Bay

Denmark

Esperance - WA

11th - 16th December 2012

After the long drive (about 1200km), we enjoyed relaxing in Esperance. The weather wasn't great, a lot of days grey in grey, however it could have been worse as there were lots of thunderstorms strong rain in the area. We explored Cape Le Grand National Park which includes Lucky Bay and Hellfire Beach, stunning places! But also the beaches around Esperance are amazing which we saw on the Great Ocean Drive and includes Twilight Beach.

Northern Eyre Peninsula & Nullarbor

6th - 11th December 2012

After a long drive from Woomera over Port Augusta, we stopped in Kimba which is known for it's Big Galah. We enjoyed the coastline at the Eyre Peninsula again, however once again very windy! On our way to Streaky Bay, we went for a swim, however didn't feel comfortable to go further than hip deep due to the shark territory! We also saw some more sealions from our lookout near Streaky Bay. In Ceduna we enjoyed the local Christmas Carols and also did a day trip to famous Cactus Beach.
Then it meant tackling the Nullarbor to WA which includes the longest straight stretch in Australia - 146km!

Nullarbor

Coober Pedy & Woomera - SA

4th - 6th December 2012

At the end of the dirt track is the township of Coober Pedy. This town is famous for being the Opal capital of Australia and potentially the world. Due to the hot and dry weather, the miners however started to live underground and still do. To share the experience, we stayed one night underground as well. Beside the Opal rush and underground living, it is a rather sad and depressing place and only worth a short stop.
From there, we drove a short distance of approx. 350km past lots of salt lakes to Woomera, which is a old Army town. In the area of Woomera, the Army and Navy did test rocket launches and weapon testing in the 70's - 90's before abandoning the place. These days the town is nearly empty, however plenty of well maintained barracks and government housing.
At the camp ground we met an Austrian couple which is touring around the world on a motorbike, and we thought we have only limited space!!

Oodnadatta Track - SA

30th November  - 6th December 2012

Driving in the outback was next and we decided to drive most of the Oodnadatta track. The track is only dirt road and proper planning is required. Stopped in Lynhurst to have a chat to the roadhouse guys and truckies for the latest on the roads. After that, heading towards Maree which is the starting point for the Oodnadatta and Birdsville track. Quick drive up the Birdsville track for an afternoon to see a small lake that was full of birdlife. Next day we drove up to William Creek which has a population of approx. 10. The town has an air strip, caravan park and outback hotel. The hotel is a must see. From there we went to Oodnadatta to have a cold drink in the Pink Roadhouse before heading east through the Painted Desert to stay at Arckaringa Home Sted. (Farm Stay Camping). On the way we saw heaps of wildlife, awesome changing desert rock formations and sand, old abandoned cars and only a handful other travelers.

The outback is a great place to drive around and see something different. Just make sure you have a well serviced car, a few spare tyres and plenty of water and food (just in case).

Special Note: Sarah officially got her first stubby holder on this trip. See below the picture.