Travel up date – better late than never
After leaving Wilga farm in February we have visited Busselton, Margaret River, Augusta, Pemberton, Walpole, Denmark and Albany.
We have stayed on farms, off-grid and yes in a few caravan parks along the way.
We caught up with family in Busso, did some grape picking with friends in Margaret River and even fit in a couple of Perth visits plus more family and friend catch-ups.
Pemberton highlights
If you have ever visited this area you will know it is famous for its trees. If you have never visited this area then you must, Must, MUST add it to your list because of the trees. Without the word of a lie as we drove towards the town of Pemberton we entered the Kari forrest area and our bodies literally tingled!!! These trees are magical. Apart from having to concentrate on driving I was so glad nobody was behind us so we could drive extra slowly through the winding road and enjoy the canopy of hundred year old trees on either side of the road. Did I mention you MUST visit?!?!
We visited the Southern Forests Chocolate Company to overdose on their chocolate of course. Plus we spent too much at the Ampersand Estates Winery. Then we had to stop at Pemberton honey for another jar of jarrah honey to add to our honey collection.
To complete the Pemberton package we took a morning ride on the Pemberton tram that took us deep in to big tree country – gosh it was beautiful.
Love, love, loved our short stay in Pemberton. We will def be back again.
Wild Walpole
We hid from weather on a farm stay out of Walpole for a few glorious days. Managed to visit the Valley of the Giants tree top walk. Steve managed to walk up the first section and promptly started sweating profusely and had to walk back down. After escorting him back to safe ground I did the walk with a lady who was also feeling a little nervous. I distracted her with stories of our travels as we walked slowly along the walkway enjoying the view and the beautiful trees. Another magical place that is a must see if you are not afraid of heights.
In love with Albany
From Walpole we stopped off in Denmark for a wander, water top up and breakie. It’s a popular spot but after spending time in Albany we fell in love. The coastline is stunning to look at explore and for scuba diving. There is heaps to see and do in the area. We even found a really good Chinese restaurant. Plus a farm stay close to everything!!!
My bro and sister-in-law joined us for a weekend and we jammed lots in. We climbed the granite skywalk and waved at Steve from the top.
We went scuba diving at Muttonbird beach which was hard work but so worth it.
Steve and I also made a special trek back to Green pool and Elephant rock, near Denmark for a brisk yet stunning morning of snorkelling in our wet suits. We had so much fun.
Another highlight was catching up with family in Albany. My Aunty lives down that way now near her son and my cousin. We all gathered for arvo tea and then dinner, chatting for hours. We even unexpectedly caught up with another cousin, who happened to be in Albany for the weekend. Lucky us!!
A must mention is the Anzac centre. Firstly, a huge amount of thought and effort has gone in to this place and gotta say, it’s impressive. Secondly, after visiting Anzac cove in Türkiye the stories, artifacts and memorabilia at the Anzac centre certainly completed our Anzac experience. I had no idea that all the Australian troops left from Albany by boat bound for Egypt and beyond. Another place that is really worth a visit.
Manjimup farm stay
Another farm stay surrounded by big trees and we got to explore what Manjimup has to offer. From the State Timber Museum and Electricity Museum to the Heritage Park, local cafes and an unassuming shed that anyone that’s in the know visits on a Saturday for their fruit and veg.