Yallingup and The South West

 

We arrived at Caves House Caravan Park around 1pm and Sippy commenced the set up while I went in search of some fresh sour dough at the Yallingup Bakery (across from the caravan park). I was unsuccessful in finding bread, but I did manage to find Sippy a nice, hot sausage roll for lunch. After lunch we went to investigate Caves House and strolled down to the beach. On our way back we called into Caves House, ordered a lovely glass of WA wine and relaxed in front of the cosy fire. A lovely way to spend the afternoon. We had certainly felt the temperature difference during our drive further south and were now wearing long pants!

The next morning we headed off along Caves Rd, passing many wineries and breweries, on our way to Augusta and Cape Leeuwin. Our first planned stop was at Hamelin Bay. The sun had come out and we were once again wowed by the beautiful white sand and crystal, blue waters of the WA coastline. After watching the waves and how far up they were coming onto the beach, I wandered down to the waters edge to get a closer video shot, thinking it was safe. I then heard Sippy exclaim, ‘Watch out’ and so quickly back peddling, I endeavoured to run backwards up the beach. Classic failed attempt! I stumbled and fell backwards onto the sand as the water came up around me. Arghhhh. My backside and shoes were now soaked! Back to the car we found towels and I stripped off the shoes and pants while Andrew turned the car heater on for 20 mins. Not quite dry, but not wanting to waste more time, I just put on damp jeans and shoes and we ventured up the headland to get a great view of Hamelin Bay. A slight breeze and sunshine helped dry my pants fairly quickly. It was then onto Jewel Cave, which was a further 8km along.

We made the 12:30pm cave tour and for the next hour we were wowed by the beauty of the stalactites, stalagmites, shawls and straws of Jewel Cave – truly magical.

It was then onto Augusta for fuel and lunch. We found a great café called A Thousand Suns where I enjoyed a delicious cauliflower and ginger soup and Sippy a chicken burger (typical), along with a lovely coffee in gorgeous pottery mugs.

We then proceeded to Cape Leeuwin for a tour of the lighthouse, the tallest one on mainland Australia, and a photo at the most South-Western point. We endeavoured to see where the Indian Ocean met with the Southern Ocean – but funnily enough no line was visible in the water.

Wednesday, 30^th August, my birthday! Happy 57 years young to me (ouch). The day was a very much spoil Cathy day, commencing with coffee and delicious, fresh croissants from the local Yallingup Bakery, a shopping expedition to Isla Samsara in Margaret River, (top and jumper personally selected by Sippy), a visit to the Margaret River Chocolate Company (yummo!), a lovely lunch overlooking the dam at Black Brewing Co. (okay maybe this was for Sippy), a wine tasting at Fermoy Winery, with purchases of their Reserve Chardonnay (fancy) and 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon and finally, bubbles and a tasting plate at Caves House, where it was jam night – so we got to chill on lounges in front of the fire and listen to some great local muso’s (including electric didgeridoo). What a lovely day!!

Thursday was another great day in the Margaret River region, commencing by venturing back up north to Busselton. The weather was stunning, a beautiful, spring day at 21 degrees and not a cloud in the sky - perfect for walking the 1.8km Busselton Jetty. On the way out we watched a local fisherman haul in a great sized squid. He was very proud of his catch and took time to explain about squid to us – detailing all the parts and popping out its mouth. Upon reaching the end of the jetty, we ventured down to the underground aquarium, below the jetty. Very pretty with really good light, due to the sunny day. We then walked back, passing by the red, jetty train (we actually walked faster, rather than waiting for a ride).

It was then onto Eagle Bay for a look at the beach (stunning) and lunch at the Eagle Bay Brewing Co. We both enjoyed burgers and a Pale Ale, whilst overlooking beautiful green, rolling hills, covered in white lilies, with the ocean behind. Hard to take!

Driving through the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, we arrived at Cape Naturaliste. We walked up to the point, past the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and watched whales go by whilst looking out across Geographe Bay.

It was then back through Dunsborough, stopping for a quick grocery shop, before heading back through Yallingup to view the Injidup Spa Pools, Canal Rocks and finally Smith’s Beach, where we watched an amazing red sun dip into the ocean – we will never tire of this – just beautiful!

Friday, the first day of Spring and our last day in the Margaret River region, was donned by Sippy as ‘Friday Favourites’, where you get to do your favourite things. For Cathy this included visiting the Yallingup Galleries and wine tasting at Vasse Felix and Cullen’s. For Sippy it was lunch at the Cheeky Monkey Brewery and evening drinks at Caves House in front of the fire.

We were both very spoilt with our week in Margaret River!