Travelling: Western Australia to Towoomba
Get Eloise Home Tour - October 2024
A Journey of Family, Wildlife, and Unforgettable Memories
Day 1: Perth to Hamelin Bay
Our first day took us from Perth to Hamelin Bay, where we immersed ourselves in the beauty of the Margaret River area. Surrounded by jarrah woodlands and vibrant kangaroo paw blooms, we made a quick stop in “Margs” for local wine and food. Though the weather wasn't ideal to spot stingrays at Hamelin Bay which it is renowned for, we enjoyed a stunning sunset. The next morning, Eloise and I had an invigorating, cold swim in the turquoise water. The local wildlife kept us company, with cheeky ring-neck parrots and a red wattlebird eyeing off our cheese and crackers. Spotting some dolphins, a nankeen kestrel, and a pied oystercatchers at the bay rounded out our delightful stay.
Day 2-3: Exploring Albany and Stirling Ranges
From Hamelin Bay, we journeyed to Albany, stopping at the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk and Elephant Rocks along the way. Albany’s National Anzac Centre gave us a profound reminder of history, as we looked out over the bay where over 41,000 Australians and New Zealanders departed for war.
Next, we stayed at Stirling Range Retreat, a haven for birdwatchers. Eloise, an ecologist passionate about native wildlife, led the way in spotting a variety of birds, including plenty of dusky woodswallows, yellow-plumed honeyeaters, regent and elegant parrots, and restless flycatchers. The highlight of our stay was getting a great look at the rare western shrike-tit, a species that many birders travel to this campsite to find.
Day 4: Climing Bluff Knoll
The following morning, we tackled the challenging Bluff Knoll hike, a 6.8km return journey to a peak of 1,098 meters. The trail’s views were stunning, and the diversity of flora along the way made the effort well worth it.
Day 4-5: Cheynes Beach Bliss
Our next destination was Cheynes Beach, where we planned to stay for just one night but extended to two. The Cheynes Beach Caravan Park was wonderful, with kangaroos casually roaming, ocean views, and a delicious onsite fish-and-chip shop. The highlight? Watching a southern right whale and her calf play in the bay all day – we even laid out a picnic blanket just to watch the spectacle. At dusk, we took evening walks hoping to spot the elusive honey possum. Much to Eloise’s chagrin, Mick and I were lucky enough to have one cross our path and make eye contact before scampering off. Eloise missed the viewing. Tick for Mick and Leigh, naught for Eloise.
Day 6-7: Magic of Lucky Bay
Lucky Bay was next, and it lived up to every bit of its reputation. Surrounded by pure, undisturbed nature in Cape Le Grand National Park, we had a perfect 30-degree day to drive the Troop Carrier onto the beach, take cold dips in the clear water, and relax with good food and drinks. Watching the sunset from the cliffs with a glass of champagne was a magical moment we’ll never forget. Photos do not do this place justice.
Day 8: A Stop in Esperance
In need of power and a washing machine, we booked into Yot Spot Apartments in Esperance, and it was ideal. Our hosts, Jamin and his family, went above and beyond to ensure we had space for both vehicles and could plug in for power. We enjoyed a bit of luxury overlooking the sea. Esperance itself feels ethereal, with idyllic beaches like West Beach, a serene esplanade, and a charming town centre.
Day 9-11: Crossing the Nullarbor
Leaving Esperance, we embarked on a 918-kilometer drive to Eucla, stopping for views at the Head of the Bight and Mick picking up a friendly hitchhiker. The sunset at Eucla over the Great Australian Bight and Nullarbor was spectacular.
In the morning we fuelled up at the Eucla Motel with fuel and a nice coffee before we pressed on to Ceduna, SA. We can highly recommend a stop into the “Head of Bight Visitors Centre” along the Nullabor, roughly 3.5 hours from Ceduna. The centres board walk offers one of the best vantage points along the Nullabor to take in the stunning views of the Bunda Cliffs, which stretch along the Southern Ocean’s edge. Sheer cliffs plunge into turquoise water below, creating a rugged coastline that seems to go on forever. During whale season (June to October), it’s also a prime spot to observe southern right whales breaching and nursing their young, all against the backdrop of one of Australia’s most iconic natural landscapes. While we were there, we managed to spot some reptile life and Australian sea lions playing in the bay.
After another long stretch, we landed in Ceduna, staying at Shelly Beach Caravan Park. Tucked away from town, it offered peace, incredible ocean views, and a gorgeous sunset.
From Ceduna, we ventured to the railway town of Peterborough, filled with vintage steam trains and old-world charm.
Day 12: Last Night on the Road
For our final night on the road, we stayed in Nyngan at 87 Pangee Street, a cosy and beautifully furnished accommodation. Hot showers, comfortable beds, and a peaceful atmosphere made it a perfect ending to our tour together.
13: Nyngan to Toowoomba
On our last stretch, we took the scenic back roads from Nyngan to Walgett. We saw a slice of quintessential rural Australia – road crossings with herds of cows, several families of emus, sheep, a fox, a pig, chickens, and even a cat. The birdlife was vibrant, including galahs, herons, woodswallows, parrots, magpies, apostle birds, kites, cockatiels, and kookaburras.
After a safe arrival in Toowoomba, we were so grateful for the journey and the irreplaceable memories created with Eloise. Her love for wildlife and conservation has been inspiring. We couldn’t be prouder of her, and as we look back on this tour, it’s clear these moments together are as rare and beautiful as the landscapes we’ve travelled.
Much love,
Mum and Dad.
