South Coast - Western Australia

After crossing the Nullarbor we turned left (south) and headed down to the South Coast of Western Australia, or "Great Southern", a unique wilderness area of stunning coastline, and some of the best mountainous national parks in Australia.

Cape Le Grand National Park nr Esperance - On top of Frenchman Peak overlooking the National Park. A steep scramble to summit with a huge open cave perched on the top. Weather was overcast which means photos don't do the place justice.

Driving along the beach from Cape le Grand National Park to Wylie Bay, 22km of pure white sand, crystal clear sea and no one to see. Only life we passed were a couple of wild horses on the beach. There were some pretty interesting rock formations at Wylie Bay which  looked like beached whales. 

Fitzgerald National Park - One of the largest and most botanically significant national parks in Australia, of the 1883 plant species that have been identified in the park, 75 are found no where else. Only downside the girls have to do some school work, but the location must be slightly more inspiring than inside your average classroom. Not sure about the teacher though.

Free camping in the National Park for 3 days beside our own deserted beach and underneath the peaks. After a hard mornings school work some fun on the beach. Someone said "lets do a surfing pose", for some reason Penny heard "lets pose like an Egyptian".

Stirling Range National Park - our next national park and our next summit. On top of Bluff Knoll at 1095m the highest in the range and the highest point in the southern half of WA. Outstanding views for 360 degrees from the summit. Free camping in the park for a night. 

 Porongupup National Park - 1100 million year old granite outcrop. We climbed to the top of Castle Rock to see some pretty amazing balancing rocks. This one looked a bit wobbly so we have left Fleur up top to keep it upright. Promised the girls that they would be no more mountain climbing for at least a few days, and had to buy them both an ice cream.

 Denmark - Where the mountains meet the sea and Hippies meet each other. Formally established by the Europeans to supply timber to the goldfields. Known as Koorabup (place of the black swan) by the original aboriginal inhabitants. Wilson inlet - clear blue waters and rope swing, nothing more to it, had to give it a go.

 Denmark - Birthday girl, Penny with her chocolate cake, strawberries and candles. No clues to her age from the number of candles. Nice campsite to celebrate and get over the hardship of free camping. 

Walpole - Nornalup National Park, The Valley of the Giants. A steel walkway through the canopies of giant Tingle trees at 40m above the forest floor. The walkway sways with the wind and movement of the people and only occupies less than 4 sq metres of the forest floor, a marvellous feat of engineering.