Our Recent Shake Down Trip in WA Mid Cereal Crop Area
Vic said
11:21 AM Aug 13, 2011
We have just returned from a quick trip (first one in the campervan) around the Mid East Wheatbelt area of WA. Unfortunately due to medical appointments etc we had to be back within a certain time, but if we live our lives around health issues at our age we would never go anywhere.
In all we did 1,447 kms over 6 days. Starting from Perth, we took the Indian Ocean Drive north up to Dongara (355 kms) where we stayed at the Seaspray Caravan Park for two nights (had rellies staying there), cost was $40 a night for two nights and third night free, night by night was $36 a night with RAC discount (10%) or Pensioner discount of 5%, but for the free night had to pay the full $40 per night. All sites had ensuites.
Then we travelled East to Mingenew, up to Mullewa (east of Geraldton) calling into the Coalseam Reserve on the way. Unfortunately it had been raining and gravel road into the reserve had been chopped up a fair bit and a 4WD had got bogged further in, so we turned around and came back but not before the van sides and undersides got covered in mud. A couple at Dongara had done this road a few days before when it was dry and said how good the gravel road was. We were just unlucky to have copped it after rain.
So back onto the bitumen and onto Mullewa. At Mullewa the Info Centre told us about a wreath flower that was out between Mullewa and Morawa and gave us exact instructions on how to find it, including pink ribbon markers etc. This was early for the wreath flowers as most are not out for another couple of weeks. We found the wreath flower and wifey took a couple of pics (not on my pc yet). Other flowers out at the moment are wattles and everlastings, and I believe if you look for them also some orchids.
Arriving at Morawa, the info centre told us that they are one of the best towns for wreath flowers but needed a couple of weeks to be out. A lady tourist told us that she usually looks in cemeteries for them as they like disturbed ground (new graves, roadside grading etc). We travelled further south and stayed at a very nice caravan park at Perenjory, $20 per night.
Onto Dalwallinu and Wongan Hills (the chemist in this town supplies most of the smaller towns with medications etc, and we needed to fill a script). I have stayed there before and the wildflower walks around there are great.
Then further east, north and east again via Cadoux to Bencubbin, then further east to Muckinbudin (heaps of everlastings along the way). At Mucka (as they call it) we stayed at the Mucka Caravan Park managed by fellow Grey Nomads the Tezza's. And what a great caravan park it is. A credit to the Tezza's who have put their own little touches to the park which is very clean, tidy and well run. They are both very, very nice people, however they are leaving Mucka at the end of September so anyone wanting to catch up with them there need to keep that in mind. $20 per night, 10% off for GN's etc ($18).
After a night there, we went on to Nungarin, this town had the biggest Military Supply Depot in WA during WW2 and the Army Museum there is not to be missed, it is housed in the original WW2 Workshop hangar and that and the yard outside if full of so many military items and vehicles etc it really needs to be seen. Small fee applies for entry in honour box. They have a guide there called Bill who does a lot of the restoration work and imparts heaps of knowledge. Well worth taking the time out to check it out, not to be missed.
Then onto Merredin for lunch (the largest WW2 RAAF Supply Depot in WA) although we didn't see the museum there, although reported to be very good, one museum in a day is enough for us ....next time). We then left Merredin and travelled towards Bruce Rock.
On the way we called into the old West Dura siding (only concrete pads there now) where my grandfather had a farm and my dad and his brothers grew up. As it turned out my younger brother who lives in Bruce Rock was doing some farm work nearby on a farm owned by one of the family who now own my grandfather's ex farm, so we called in to say hello to him on the farm.
Then onto Bruce Rock Caravan Park, $17 a night and a very nice c/park too with good facilities and great campers kitchen, dump point etc. Had dinner at the local pub that night with my brother, fish and chips, salad etc ($24, not cheap but well cooked and presented) in the main bar area tables/chairs etc, nice warm fire going.
Then headed for home with stops at Quairading (had a brief look at the c/park there, not too impressed) and onto York (have stayed there before, excellent c/park, but not this time) and home via The Lakes and Gt East Highway.....The van went well and we had no problems averaging about 9ltrs of petrol per 100kms. Fuel prices very expensive with the highest being $1.64 at Mullewa, cheapest being $1.35 at York, even cheaper than Perth at $1.42.
Now is a good time to do the wilflower circuit over the next weeks (September best) north of Perth and then around October south of Perth. See this link in particular the self drives;
sounds like a great shake down trip, used to live in the west and just love the wildflowers, do miss the place, hopefully get back for a visit soon.
_wombat_ said
01:10 PM Aug 13, 2011
Lovely area Vic, always love the wildflowers
JRH said
01:20 PM Aug 13, 2011
Great trip Vic, hope to do similar in the near future.
Vic said
01:44 PM Aug 13, 2011
The weather up that way has been pretty good all round, didn't need to have any heating on during the night. Occasional rain but mostly sunshine with clear skys. Meant to mention the Canola crops are all out in flower and the wheat crops nice and green, very pretty countryside at this time of the year.
Was lucky at Perenjori C/park, despite the "no washing vehicles" sign, the manager allowed us to wash off the mud on a lawn area we got from Coalseam Reserve, I think he took pity at the sight of our vehicle. A couple of RV occupants "told us off" for washing our vehicles, I did tell them I didn't know the park had so many managers, ha ha (also said we had permission). When we left the manager told us we had forgotten to wash his vehicle too, told him next time!
Had another go at the underside of the vehicle yesterday, still chunks of mud everywhere, will stick to the black top next time. Very hard to get the red dirt staining off the vehicle underside as many of you would know.
Hmmmm......just heard on the radio severe weather alert for the area we travelled in and along the coast, Geraldton to Mandurah and inland, 125km winds, lightning etc, sheesh just got home in time!
Happywanderer said
04:02 PM Aug 13, 2011
Great trip Vic. I should have made a cuppa before reading all that, but absolutely worth sitting still for that long and reading it all. All went well it seems except for the mud. Lots of variations in C/p prices, makes it hard to budget. So the van went ok on its shakedown trip? No mechanical problems? You will be looking forward to and planning your next trip.
jandas fun said
04:16 PM Aug 13, 2011
Yep. sounds like a great shakedown trip Vic. Makes me want to get back over your way again. Maybe in 2013. Geez that sounds like a long time away. Starting to run out of time, better get a move on.
Johnw
Vic said
04:31 PM Aug 13, 2011
Thanks for the comments all. Yes, I was suprised at the prices at the Seaspray C/P at Dongara, albeit all ensuites. The power failed on the first night, so no power to the ensuite including the shower which was gas but with electric ignition. Had to move to another site.
The Big 4 Dongara/Denison (joined sister towns) was cheaper at $38 for an ensuite site and $33 for a powered site. Most places on the WA coast are expensive now, inland prices best, most around $20 depending on where they are. The missus likes caravan park facilities and not keen on free camping, so I have to wait for solo trips to do them myself.
Fuel prices are generally up too either on the coast or inland, so becoming a bit expensive combined (fuel/c/parks). Yes the van went well Marg and with no drama's, very pleased with it.
Here is another couple of wildflower pics from that area;
-- Edited by Vic on Saturday 13th of August 2011 06:09:10 PM
That was a good run Vic. I'm always very wary of getting off the hardtop after rain anywhere. These Vans are heavy. Did it once, and almost got into trouble, [no 4x4] so learned that lesson early.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Vic said
06:27 PM Aug 13, 2011
Yes I should have been a bit more cautious too, did turn back though when things looked bad. The camping area in Coalseam park was like a swimming pool and had a closed sign on it. This park is one of the best areas for seeing a large variety of wildflowers so was worth the risk to venture in as far as I dare. See this link for the park;
-- Edited by Vic on Saturday 13th of August 2011 06:27:27 PM
-- Edited by Vic on Saturday 13th of August 2011 06:29:05 PM
Travel Bug said
08:11 PM Aug 13, 2011
Love the flowers. Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos Vic.
Glad that your trip went well.
Sheba said
08:31 PM Aug 13, 2011
Love the Wreath Flower Vic.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Vic said
08:43 PM Aug 13, 2011
The Wreath Flower.......told the Mrs that if we didn't see one we would find a wreath in a cemetery, lay it on the ground and take a pic of it.....I think she thought I was joking (well, ok maybe I was). Hope you can all get over here and see the wildflowers sometime if you haven't done so, but get the timing right if possible, well worth it. Will be more of different varieties out soon too, both north and south of Perth.......The wildflower season lasts about 6 weeks I think the link says.....
I should add that the Mrs (Carol) is the photographer, i'm just the driver, lol !
-- Edited by Vic on Saturday 13th of August 2011 08:44:56 PM
Happywanderer said
08:44 PM Aug 13, 2011
Beautiful flowers Vic.
Vic said
08:57 PM Aug 13, 2011
Thanks HW,
Spring is nearly here, so be plenty around in all states soon, I notice a lot of the suburb gardens are coming out in flower already, best time of the year, no wonder the birds are singing!
Travel Bug said
09:02 PM Aug 13, 2011
You're right Vic....lots of great gardens starting to bloom.
I'm going to the Buderim Garden Festival 10th September...and hope to get in a visit to the Toowoomba one too before heading south.
Cheers.
Gerty Dancer said
10:00 PM Aug 13, 2011
Thank you Vic!!!Glad your van went well and survived the mud.
We are on our way, after this weather front passes! Heres a wildflower pic from Exmouth.
-- Edited by Gerty Dancer on Saturday 13th of August 2011 10:00:54 PM
Sounds good TB, we have a wilflower festival in Kings Park too around this time, they bring them in containers, and of course many are growing naturally in Kings Park itself.
justjo said
10:52 PM Aug 13, 2011
Beautiful flower pictures Vic, you just missed the wild weather, good timing. They had a squall in Geraldton of approx 90km/hr, my roof is still on though but a few lemons have been shed from the tree according to my puppy sitter.
Jo
Vic said
12:55 AM Aug 14, 2011
Glad your home survived the wild weather ok Jo, a lot better where you are no doubt.
Great shot Gerty, they are terrific!
NandK said
02:17 AM Aug 14, 2011
Hi Vic,like the photos,great shake down trip, we are in carnarvon at the moment and was supposed to have a storm tonight ,has been a bit windy and now having a bit of light rain ,looks like most of it went around us. The Carnarvon Caravan Park is a good rate about $22 a night. Norm..
_wombat_ said
10:30 AM Aug 14, 2011
Welcome back Vic, sounds like you had a great time.
Here a pic of the wreath flowers I took last year
Vic said
11:39 AM Aug 14, 2011
That's amazing Wombat, all the ones along the road too, seems to back up what we were told about them liking disturbed soil.
Not too sure about that "Technicolour Yawn" though! lol !
That was pretty good rate at Carnarvon Norm, worth keeping in mind for us GN's. I think they said on the radio the storm area started from Kalbarri down to Mandurah and inland as far as Beacon and York. We got very little here in Perth unless I slept through it.
For info, my avatar at the moment was taken in Mukinbudin Caravan Park managed by the Tezza's (GN's).
The Kings Park (on Mt Eliza overlooking Perth) Wildflower Festival starts on 1st September 2011 for anyone interested, see this link;
The grevilleas must just about be blooming as well. I was fascinated at the vast variety flowering when I headed south in 2007. I followed the flowers down from Onslow to Walpole. A great experience to see the carpets in the bush of yellow, cream and pink, with the other shrubs of yellows, pinks and blues. I love the grevilleas and the wreath flowers fascinated me. It doesn't take much when it comes to what nature dishes up. Enjoy!
Vic said
09:46 PM Aug 17, 2011
Sounds like it was a nice trip CG, must try that sometime, although they are not good for asthmatics, I must admit I like wattles of every type.
We have just returned from a quick trip (first one in the campervan) around the Mid East Wheatbelt area of WA. Unfortunately due to medical appointments etc we had to be back within a certain time, but if we live our lives around health issues at our age we would never go anywhere.
In all we did 1,447 kms over 6 days. Starting from Perth, we took the Indian Ocean Drive north up to Dongara (355 kms) where we stayed at the Seaspray Caravan Park for two nights (had rellies staying there), cost was $40 a night for two nights and third night free, night by night was $36 a night with RAC discount (10%) or Pensioner discount of 5%, but for the free night had to pay the full $40 per night. All sites had ensuites.
Then we travelled East to Mingenew, up to Mullewa (east of Geraldton) calling into the Coalseam Reserve on the way. Unfortunately it had been raining and gravel road into the reserve had been chopped up a fair bit and a 4WD had got bogged further in, so we turned around and came back but not before the van sides and undersides got covered in mud. A couple at Dongara had done this road a few days before when it was dry and said how good the gravel road was. We were just unlucky to have copped it after rain.
So back onto the bitumen and onto Mullewa. At Mullewa the Info Centre told us about a wreath flower that was out between Mullewa and Morawa and gave us exact instructions on how to find it, including pink ribbon markers etc. This was early for the wreath flowers as most are not out for another couple of weeks. We found the wreath flower and wifey took a couple of pics (not on my pc yet). Other flowers out at the moment are wattles and everlastings, and I believe if you look for them also some orchids.
Arriving at Morawa, the info centre told us that they are one of the best towns for wreath flowers but needed a couple of weeks to be out. A lady tourist told us that she usually looks in cemeteries for them as they like disturbed ground (new graves, roadside grading etc). We travelled further south and stayed at a very nice caravan park at Perenjory, $20 per night.
Onto Dalwallinu and Wongan Hills (the chemist in this town supplies most of the smaller towns with medications etc, and we needed to fill a script). I have stayed there before and the wildflower walks around there are great.
Then further east, north and east again via Cadoux to Bencubbin, then further east to Muckinbudin (heaps of everlastings along the way). At Mucka (as they call it) we stayed at the Mucka Caravan Park managed by fellow Grey Nomads the Tezza's. And what a great caravan park it is. A credit to the Tezza's who have put their own little touches to the park which is very clean, tidy and well run. They are both very, very nice people, however they are leaving Mucka at the end of September so anyone wanting to catch up with them there need to keep that in mind. $20 per night, 10% off for GN's etc ($18).
After a night there, we went on to Nungarin, this town had the biggest Military Supply Depot in WA during WW2 and the Army Museum there is not to be missed, it is housed in the original WW2 Workshop hangar and that and the yard outside if full of so many military items and vehicles etc it really needs to be seen. Small fee applies for entry in honour box. They have a guide there called Bill who does a lot of the restoration work and imparts heaps of knowledge. Well worth taking the time out to check it out, not to be missed.
Then onto Merredin for lunch (the largest WW2 RAAF Supply Depot in WA) although we didn't see the museum there, although reported to be very good, one museum in a day is enough for us ....next time). We then left Merredin and travelled towards Bruce Rock.
On the way we called into the old West Dura siding (only concrete pads there now) where my grandfather had a farm and my dad and his brothers grew up. As it turned out my younger brother who lives in Bruce Rock was doing some farm work nearby on a farm owned by one of the family who now own my grandfather's ex farm, so we called in to say hello to him on the farm.
Then onto Bruce Rock Caravan Park, $17 a night and a very nice c/park too with good facilities and great campers kitchen, dump point etc. Had dinner at the local pub that night with my brother, fish and chips, salad etc ($24, not cheap but well cooked and presented) in the main bar area tables/chairs etc, nice warm fire going.
Then headed for home with stops at Quairading (had a brief look at the c/park there, not too impressed) and onto York (have stayed there before, excellent c/park, but not this time) and home via The Lakes and Gt East Highway.....The van went well and we had no problems averaging about 9ltrs of petrol per 100kms. Fuel prices very expensive with the highest being $1.64 at Mullewa, cheapest being $1.35 at York, even cheaper than Perth at $1.42.
Now is a good time to do the wilflower circuit over the next weeks (September best) north of Perth and then around October south of Perth. See this link in particular the self drives;
http://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Things_to_See_and_Do/Forest_and_Flowers/WAWildflowers/Pages/WAWildflowers.aspx
A few shots of wildflowers in the area we travelled in;
Lovely area Vic, always love the wildflowers
Great trip Vic, hope to do similar in the near future.
Was lucky at Perenjori C/park, despite the "no washing vehicles" sign, the manager allowed us to wash off the mud on a lawn area we got from Coalseam Reserve, I think he took pity at the sight of our vehicle. A couple of RV occupants "told us off" for washing our vehicles, I did tell them I didn't know the park had so many managers, ha ha (also said we had permission). When we left the manager told us we had forgotten to wash his vehicle too, told him next time!
Had another go at the underside of the vehicle yesterday, still chunks of mud everywhere, will stick to the black top next time. Very hard to get the red dirt staining off the vehicle underside as many of you would know.
Hmmmm......just heard on the radio severe weather alert for the area we travelled in and along the coast, Geraldton to Mandurah and inland, 125km winds, lightning etc, sheesh just got home in time!
So the van went ok on its shakedown trip? No mechanical problems?
You will be looking forward to and planning your next trip.
Maybe in 2013. Geez that sounds like a long time away. Starting to run out of time, better get a move on.
Johnw
Thanks for the comments all. Yes, I was suprised at the prices at the Seaspray C/P at Dongara, albeit all ensuites. The power failed on the first night, so no power to the ensuite including the shower which was gas but with electric ignition. Had to move to another site.
The Big 4 Dongara/Denison (joined sister towns) was cheaper at $38 for an ensuite site and $33 for a powered site. Most places on the WA coast are expensive now, inland prices best, most around $20 depending on where they are. The missus likes caravan park facilities and not keen on free camping, so I have to wait for solo trips to do them myself.
Fuel prices are generally up too either on the coast or inland, so becoming a bit expensive combined (fuel/c/parks). Yes the van went well Marg and with no drama's, very pleased with it.
Here is another couple of wildflower pics from that area;
-- Edited by Vic on Saturday 13th of August 2011 06:09:10 PM
Here is the pic of the wreath flower and a couple of others we saw;
That was a good run Vic. I'm always very wary of getting off the hardtop after rain anywhere. These Vans are heavy. Did it once, and almost got into trouble, [no 4x4] so learned that lesson early.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Yes I should have been a bit more cautious too, did turn back though when things looked bad. The camping area in Coalseam park was like a swimming pool and had a closed sign on it. This park is one of the best areas for seeing a large variety of wildflowers so was worth the risk to venture in as far as I dare. See this link for the park;
http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/component/option,com_hotproperty/task,view/id,60/Itemid,755/
will be great when the weather improves......
-- Edited by Vic on Saturday 13th of August 2011 06:27:27 PM
-- Edited by Vic on Saturday 13th of August 2011 06:29:05 PM
Love the flowers. Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos Vic.
Glad that your trip went well.
Love the Wreath Flower Vic.
Cheers,
Sheba.
The Wreath Flower.......told the Mrs that if we didn't see one we would find a wreath in a cemetery, lay it on the ground and take a pic of it.....I think she thought I was joking (well, ok maybe I was). Hope you can all get over here and see the wildflowers sometime if you haven't done so, but get the timing right if possible, well worth it. Will be more of different varieties out soon too, both north and south of Perth.......The wildflower season lasts about 6 weeks I think the link says.....
I should add that the Mrs (Carol) is the photographer, i'm just the driver, lol !
-- Edited by Vic on Saturday 13th of August 2011 08:44:56 PM
Spring is nearly here, so be plenty around in all states soon, I notice a lot of the suburb gardens are coming out in flower already, best time of the year, no wonder the birds are singing!
You're right Vic....lots of great gardens starting to bloom.
I'm going to the Buderim Garden Festival 10th September...and hope to get in a visit to the Toowoomba one too before heading south.
Cheers.
Thank you Vic!!!Glad your van went well and survived the mud.
We are on our way, after this weather front passes! Heres a wildflower pic from Exmouth.
-- Edited by Gerty Dancer on Saturday 13th of August 2011 10:00:54 PM
Jo
Great shot Gerty, they are terrific!
The Carnarvon Caravan Park is a good rate about $22 a night.
Norm..
Welcome back Vic, sounds like you had a great time.
Here a pic of the wreath flowers I took last year
That's amazing Wombat, all the ones along the road too, seems to back up what we were told about them liking disturbed soil.
Not too sure about that "Technicolour Yawn" though! lol !
That was pretty good rate at Carnarvon Norm, worth keeping in mind for us GN's. I think they said on the radio the storm area started from Kalbarri down to Mandurah and inland as far as Beacon and York. We got very little here in Perth unless I slept through it.
For info, my avatar at the moment was taken in Mukinbudin Caravan Park managed by the Tezza's (GN's).
The Kings Park (on Mt Eliza overlooking Perth) Wildflower Festival starts on 1st September 2011 for anyone interested, see this link;
http://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Pages/Event.aspx?&pid=9006370
-- Edited by Vic on Sunday 14th of August 2011 11:54:56 AM
We had to drive down that road, that's a friend of our's having a closer look.
how far is it to tezza'a place? (from Perth)
Mucka's 296kms N/E of Perth. See this link for the C/Park and Lynne and Terry's contact details;
http://www.aaatourism.com.au/accommodation/info/mukinbudin-caravan-park/
Mucka has a Spring Festival starting first week in September over 3 days, so could be a good time to visit;
http://www.mukinbudin.wa.gov.au/springfestival
Fanks 4 the info Vic
Sounds like it was a nice trip CG, must try that sometime, although they are not good for asthmatics, I must admit I like wattles of every type.