JUNE 2013
Albany is real surprise, love it, despite it being winter and a bit
cool it is exceptionally scenic with majestic King George Sound, Princess Royal
harbour, Middleton Beach, Oyster Harbour, Frenchman's Bay and much much
more. Its a smallish town of about 40K Pop, no traffic lights or
parking meters, the embarkation point for the Anzacs and the place
where the Anzac dawn service was born.The coastal scenery is awesome
and we were lucky enough to spot whales on a number of occasions and
locations, fantastic. Our friends John and Carly Foggin were our
resident guides, generous with their time, hospitality and red
wine. We enjoyed great day trips and convivial
evenings with them , extra big thanks to John and Carly.
We departed Albany 11th June, lunch stop at Bremmer Bay where we were
entertained by a Southern Wright whale for more than an hour.
Bremmer Bay Whale
Bremmer Bay Lunch stop
Then on to Hopetoun arriving after dark and checking into the
very laid back caravan park on the beach and up to the pub for fish and
chips dinner.
Hopetoun has a population of around 1100, history of mining with a
reopened nickel mine nearby. It is a fair distance from major
populations but attracts some holiday makers and retirees
who enjoy the more isolated life style.
Next day drove on a brand new road to Hamersley Inlet. This is
short but spectacular coastal drive, a huge investment for a remote
location showcasing the southern coast.
Again difficult to capture the beauty of this area. There are literally hundreds of beaches,
headlands and bays with nobody in sight.
As quick as a flash these guys were in front of us while driving east of Hopetoun to Starvation Bay.
Going hell for leather they remained on the road for a long time before taking to the bush again.
Departed Hoptoun Sat 15th June heading for Esperance about 200ks. Booked into a caravan park over looking the harbour and bay.
Esperance has magnificent
coastal scenery and beaches, the great ocean drive to the west is
spectacular, we spent a lot of time here taking in the grandeur and
spotting whales and dolphins, amazing.
To the east is the Cape Le grand
national park where we walked around Lucky bay where Mathew Flinders
sought shelter in his travels.
From lookout near Esperance town to islands
Esperance Port, Grain, Iron ore, copper exports.
Lucky bay
Lucky bay walkabout, it is a little cold but awesome coastal features
From Esperance we set out for Kalgoorlie via Norseman pretty much Due north of Esperance about 400Ks.
Norseman is small community supported by an extension of the original gold workings.
Kalgoorlie and Bolder are
historical mining towns, quite close together, Bolder is pretty quite
these days, business is dying but still a lot of interesting old
architecture.
Kalgoorlie is still a
prosperous center with may of the old buildings being recycled and
preserved. You can almost feel the history in the place as you walk the
streets. It is dependant on the Perth Kalgoorlie water pipe line built
by CJ O'conner 1896- 2003, an incredible story.
The local and social history
history can be reviewed at the mining museum and the social history at
the last remaining bordello which conducts tours day time and provides
services at night.
Tin Camels in Norseman
Council chambers undergoing major refurb, very impressive building.
Kalgoorlie Market building
Kalgoorlie Town Hall
The last of the bordellos, there were many more in Hay Street in years past and all very busy.
During the tour we learned that one girl in one shift entertained 75 clients and earned enough for a deposit on a modest house..
The S&M room one of several themed rooms, the bear had a permanent grin.
Another room
View from hill overlooking Kalgoorlie
Big Hole in ground where the gold comes from in Kalgoorlie
Blue found a few specs at the museum panning area.
We leave Kalgoorlie at end June to begin the Nullabor crossing.
.
