Leaving Esperance this morning I was looking forward to my usual mid-morning coffee so stopped after a couple of hours at the Munglinup Roadhouse.
I was originally going to head for Denmark, but after talking with the two lovely ladies serving coffees, they gave the seaside village of Hopetoun such a good rap that I had a change of heart and headed for the coast and the Fitzgerald River National Park.
Now what, I wondered, would entice someone to live in a seaside village on the coast.
Peace and quiet, according to David, ex Perth-ite and owner for the past 12 years, of the 18 acre caravan and camping park where I stayed.
Formerly a mining town rich in gold, nickel and lithium, after the mining closure in 2009 things have slowed down considerably, with many job losses. However, it is hoped that recent upgrades to the beautiful Fitzgerald River National Park and the surrounding roads, which were recently devastated by flood waters up to 2 metres in parts, will attract more tourists.
After booking into my cabin at Hopetoun Caravan Park which is right by the beach (a bit of a walk through some bushes), I went for a walk into the town and spoke to the helpful lady at the information centre who advised me not to miss the Fitzgerald River National Park. So I did some shopping at the local IGA supermarket and set off in Bluebird for the drive.
The scenery is truly spectacular and I stopped at many places to take photos.
Drove to Hammersley Inlet. The area was subject to recent flooding and one of the roads had been completely washed away and a new road built. Beautiful white sand and clear water surrounded hills covered in deep green vegetation, a lot of it Eucalypts.
Hammersley Inlet
Overlooking coast from Fitzgerald River lookout
Next stop – Albany
4 Comments
Hi Woo, just caught up with reading
your blog. Gosh, its a long way to Tiperary.. hope you’ve got your banjo.. I mean uke? Sounds all good and I have enjoyed your blog with great photos! Keep it up Woo! Best wishes, Wax xx
Ukulele in the car … not much practice being done at the moment!
Hi Tina
Hello Dear Tina Ruth, I have just read all of your blogs in one go. Soooo enjoyed your fabulous writing and beautiful photographs weaving a story of adventure into my imagination. What an incredible journey you are undertaking, I’m totally in awe of your free spirit-ness and courage, and so happy for you to have this life changing (which I feel it will be) experience. Thinking of you.
Lots of love and abundant blessings xx
Beautiful photos Tina. I so look forward to reading your blog! Thank you for sharing your amazing journey. Love and hugs for you xxx