TRAVEL WESTERN AUSTRALIA by FACTS4YOU.NET

written by Ross St Quintin

North Hampton is the next small town north of Geraldton. Historically famous, Northhampton still retains most of the original buildings & is well worth a stop. The remaining 100 or so k’s to Kalbarri is through rolling hill country with a few amazing pyramid shaped hills to relieve the otherwise non-spectacular scenery.

Some 70 k’s from Kalbarri I had to turn left off the northern highway which continues onto Carnarvon. Now driving west through  low, scrubby,  flat bushland, the remaining trip passes the various turnoffs into the famous Murchison River Gorges. More about those later. Several k’s east of Kalbarri the road ascends a very high hill from the top of which Kalbarri & the shimmering blue Indian Ocean suddenly hoves into sight.

Kalbarri, Murchison River & Indian Ocean - From Eastern Approach

Similar view at sunset

Kalbarri was quite busy. This was the last day or so of the school holidays so the holiday makers were still in abundance. We drove along the main street of Kalbarri which runs alongside the banks of the Murchison River & located our apartment accomodation. We received a bit of a shock on seeing the place we would be staying at for the next week. Now I realised why the advertising for the apartments on the internet had not shown any photos of the front of the apartments.  There had been plenty of photos of the inside of the apartment which looked okay.

This was Sunday afternoon (late), & the apartment Manager had left a note on the office door for us. The key to our apartment was in the door. Well that was a new one for us. Must be very honest folk living in Kalbarri. We parked in the appointed parking bay & then with some concern about what we would find entered the apartment.

Delightful…two large bedrooms, laundry, bathroom on the ground floor. Upstairs a very roomy family room/lounge area, large kitchen supplying all necessities & a balcony with fantastic views over the Murchison River, the northern beaches & the entrance to the Murchison. Now while from the front the apartments were not enticing whatsoever, internally they were excellent. A classic case of “dont judge a book by it’s cover”!

And I should add  that this accommodation was only $110 per day…..!

View of Murchison River & northern Kalbarri beaches  from our Sunseas Villas apartment balcony - fabulous

Lounge/Dining area Sunsea Villas Apartment

Sunseas Villas Kitchen - Roomy & everything to be self sufficient.

We unpacked our bags & gear & were settled in within the hour. Next it was time for a walk across the road to the Murchison River banks to see what goes on at sunset. There were lots of families enjoying fishing from either the river banks, jetties & the rocky formations that occupy the southern river banks near the entrance into the Indian Ocean.

It was now around 6 pm & sunset was rapidly aproaching. We had decided on the famous “take away” Kalbarri  fish & chips for dinner so it was time for a couple of sunset photos then back to the apartment & then to the fish & chip shop.

Sunset over the Murchison River Entrance - Kalbarri

The skies were now a brilliant mix of pinks & pastels as the sun dipped into the Indian Ocean. What a perfect scene to conclude a perfect day’s travelling.

Please revisit shortly. Part Three will be all about what to do in & around Kalbarri with lots of photos.

See you soon.

Copyright May 2009 Ross St Quintin.

No part of this article, including photos may be reproduced by any means whatsoever without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

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written by West Aussie, Ross St Quintin

Hi everyone out there in our big wide world. Here’s a bit of an “aside non related travel  story” to relieve the pressure us folks who love to travel suffer from …ha ha ha…joking of course. How can “voluntary” travel ever be pressure!

This weekend, a great win occurred for West Aussies, that cheered me up hugely. This win was achieved by the “no” vote section of the voting community of the huge state of Western Australia. The “yes” voters in yesterday’s referendum on day light saving received their dues.  The  “yes” voting guys & gals were thrashed! Hooray!

However, before I amplify on the big win, here’s why I needed a win to cheer me up!

If you are the owner of a “computer printer”, & that surely covers around 30% of the Earth’s human population, make sure you dont do the “stoopid” thing I did earlier last week. I purchased a new photo printer…a little beauty called a Cannon IP4600. The Cannon printer it was to replace obviously required removal. I picked up the old printer from it’s resting place for the past few years. Then carried it through my office out to the garage at the rear of the house via the family room, etc.

When I arrived  back at my office, to my absolute horror, what did I see on the “beige” carpet of my office….little circles of a blue black substance. You got it right….ink had leaked from the ink cartridge inside the printer, which muggins me had not thought to remove prior to moving the printer. Panic…panic…I was going to get murdered for this stupidity.  Then I thought….if it’s fallen on this carpet it must also be on the carpet through the rest of the house where I had trecked with the printer.  I sprinted back through the house.

Fortunately a miracle had happened. The ink spots stopped just at the edge of the kitchen tiles & did not restart until I had reached the rear patio which is a painted concrete surface…Phewwww…what a relief. Anyway I retained the presence of mind to let the ink dry, otherwise it would have spread. A few hours later I attacked the ink stains with an ink stain remover & eliminated the worst offenders. However the carpet will never be quite the same in a home which is still new! Anyone out there with a miracle cure to completely remove ink stains from carpet; please…your comments will be most welcome.

Anyway that’s why I needed a morale booster. And Saturday the 16th May, 2009 provided that morale booster.

Since 1975, a period of 34 years, Western Australians have been subjected to three referendums on the question :

“Do you or do you not want daylight savings?” in various formats.

And in the first 3 referendums the NO vote demolished the YES vote. Amazingly our politicians who evidently work on the theory of  “lets grind the bastards down”, arbitrarily legislated in a three year trial daylight savings period in late 2005, or thereabouts, despite the obvious fact that the voting public had already, on three previous referendums told them they could stick daylight savings you know where! At the conclusion of the trial daylight saving period in March 2009, fortunately the politicians were forced to provide yet another referendum. Thank goodness. No wonder most folks dont trust politicians! No is NO!

The three year trial period expired at the end of March, 2009, much to the relief of practically everyone I know. You see, in Western Australia we get boodles & boodles of sunlight. In fact we get too much sunlight. As a result we get too much skin cancer & melanoma…killers! Our summers are blisteringly hot & awfully humid during this period of rapidly increasing global warming. So the last thing most west Aussies need was to be forced to have their hot, humid days extended artificially by playing around with the clock.

Now, when I resided in Victoria where they have permanent summer daylight saving the idea was great & widely accepted. Why? Because good old Melbourne is a fair way south of where the  Western Australian capital city of Perth is situated. Melbourne needs all the sunlight it can get! Perth & West Aussie in general dont need mucking around with clocks!

Undoubtedly the business lobby of Perth were the big movers on the YES vote due to Perth’s 3,000 K,  plus distance from the major eastern states capital cities, & the fact Perth is 2 hours behind the eastern states. Well guys dont inconvenience the rest of  the West Aussie population.. you guys & gals just need to get up an hour earlier when the eastern states turn their clocks back! You guys & gals dont object to forcing thousands of people who work in retail to work weekends & late week day hours….. so  you can do your bit!

Anyway I am delighted to report that on Saturday the 16th May, 2009, the NO vote romped in with around 56% of the voting population voting a resounding “NO”…for the fourth time in 34 years! And with the biggest winning margin of all four referendums.  Hope you politicians take the hint once & for all. This has cost the public millions of dollars for nix return!

Hopefully that’s the end of the question on daylight saving forever in the state of “sunlight aplenty”! What a relief that come this October our clocks wont be forcibly moved backwards that ruddy hour!

Copyright May 2009  Ross St Quintin. No part of this article can be reproduced by any means whatsoever without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

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written by R St Quintin

Sunday the 26th April was a perfect Autumn day for a long drive north.  Clear blue skies, no wind….excellent. We had packed our bags the day before. All we had to do was load our gear into our new Mazda 3 sedan,  & head north on our 600 kilometre drive north to the fun holiday coastal town of  Kalbarri.  We had 7 exciting nights accommodation booked in Kalbarri…& we were really looking forward to the holiday.

We got away a bit late; 9.15 a.m.  instead of the planned 8.15. However we were in no great rush & intended enjoying the drive north along the Brand Highway.

From our home in the northern beach suburbs of Perth,  in order to connect with the major road artery to get to our north west, we drive north along Wanneroo road to just north of Moore River. We then take a crossover road to the east which joins up with the Brand Highway. The Brand is an excellent major road artery  that leads to the midlands city of  Geraldton & is suited to fast travelling…with great care at all times.

Now we have undertaken this journey numerous times. This trip we fell for a trap. On our last trip upto Lancelin we noticed a road that headed east just south of Lancelin. Being in an adventurous mood I decided we would drive north past our usual turnoff just past Moore River. Big mistake. We travelled an extra 40 k’s north past our usual turnoff, only to discover the more northerly turnoff actually ended up heading back south for a similar distance. We ended up back on the road we normally would have taken.

Lesson …..check the map prior to wandering off onto unknown country roads!

Having wasted the best part of an hour driving on one of the loneliest roads on the planet, we eventually connected with the Brand Highway & headed northwards. The Brand Hwy passes through several extremely isolated, very small townships.  Cataby, Badjingarra & Eneabba are the main road stops on the way north that finally culiminates in the city of Geraldton.  These  road stops contain just one or two road houses & very small populations. Out here you really get familiar with “isolation in the great Australian outback”.

I can see for miles & miles…. Driving north along the Brand Hwy around Eneabba

Wind Farms - Badgingarra region - Approx 205 kilometres north of Perth

To the west of the Brand hwy, in the Badgingarra region,  I was amazed to see numerous wind mills on the hills, forming part of an enormous wind farm that extends for many kilometres towards the coast.  I dont recall seeing this on our last visit north to Geraldton. We were to fully experience the enormity of this wind farm project on our return journey along the coastal road.

We decided to push on north until we reached Eneabba where we would stop at the one & only roadhouse for lunch. Normally the Brand hwy is very busy with lots of articulated semi trailers, numerous grey nomads holding the traffic up with their slower caravans, & sadly, some crazy drivers trying to break the sound barrier.  However on this Sunday morning the road was very quiet.

Wow…there are other people out here! Typical country around the Brand Hwy on the trip north to Geraldton. Eneabba region

We pulled into the Eneabba road house around 12.15. Now there is not much of much whatsoever in the little township of Enabba. I think the town mainly services some mining facilities further inland. The first thing I noticed when getting out of the Mazda was the temperature was somewhat higher than back down south, even though we were now only some  280 kilometres north of Perth. In addition the flies were numerous!

After enjoying an excellent egg & bacon roll & coffee we continued north, feeling much refreshed. The drive north of Badginarra & the Eneabba region, while mainly somewhat flat & boring, does contain some spectacular high, flat topped “Messa” style ridges. Otherwise the country is harsh & dry. Not an area to break down in or wander off the main road without plenty of water. Because out there you wont find any H2O…& that can be fatal due to the average very high temps.

Travelling the Brand the maximum speed limit is 110 KPH. We sat on our 110 KPH which feels like one is crawling along after half an hour or so.  Within another hour or so we passed through the large town of Dongara. Now from the Brand Hwy the impression one gets is that there is not much to Dongara. However, if you have time to deviate off the Brand into Dongara, you will find a most pleasant town. And only a few k’s  to the southwest there is the delightful town of Port Dennison. In fact Dongara & Port Dennison are top places to enjoy a quiet holiday by the sea!

We didn’t have time for too much sight seeing on the way north. We still had some 250 k’s to Kalbarri. On the way home we did deviate into Port Dennison. More of that later.

Finally, after passing through Dongara & seeing the strange horizontal growing trees between Dongara & Geraldton, we by-passed the city via the ring road system. Trees grow almost horizontal in the region due to the constant, strong westerly winds that blast the Geraldton region most of the year round.

Geraldton is a delightful, large town on the coast, designated a city. We reached Geraldton around 2.30 pm. We still had another 170 k’s to Kalbarri. We wanted to be there by late afternoon so we pushed through Geraldton, refueled some 15 k’s north of the city & continued on our way through the very scenic hilly country to North Hampton.

Fuel stops are few & far between in the northern regions. For that reason it is always wise to top up the fuel tank regularly!

That’s it for now. The next part of the story will be about Kalbarri & surrounds as we found things. Fantastic scenic photos. Great place. Great fun!  If you are thinking about enjoying your own holiday to Kalbarri dont miss the next segment. See you shortly.

Copyright C 2009 . Ross St Quintin is the copyright owner of this article & all photographs. No part of this article, or any photo may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

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written by Ross St Quintin

I dont know about the country you live in as to what your petrol prices are like compared to ours down here in Western Australia. However, if you live in a country that maintains low, stable petrol prices, you need to be made aware that our system is crazy, before you deposit yourself down under for your holiday with your hire car.

Travelling by car around Western Australia means you are likely to cover huge distances. For example I am off on a holiday up north next weekend for a week in Kalbarri (Paradise on Earth!),  & also driving further north to visit Carnarvon, Monkey Mia & a few other spectacular places. During that trip I will drive close to 3,000 kilometres by the time we complete our scenic wanderings! Based upon current ULP prices, at around an average of Au$1.50 a litre in the remote regional areas, the fuel cost alone will be around Au$450 +!! That’s a whack of dollars just for the fuel bill!

Here’s an example of how upsy daisy our petrol prices can be from one day to the next in the Perth metropolitan area. A week prior to the Easter break unleaded petrol was averaging Au$1.08. The Thursday prior to the Easter break prices suddenly rocketed up to around Au$1.30. Now that’s a general increase of 22 cents a litre. If your vehicle averages around 10 kilometres per litre then that extra 22 cents/litre X 3,000/10 = an extra Au$66 for petrol. And the situation becomes much worse outside the metropolitan area!!

Now I realise that an extra $70 will not bust the bank for the average traveller. However you should also be aware that petrol prices rise sharply in Western Australia as soon as you drive outside of the metropolitan area of Perth. For example, once into the remote regions, you could easily end up paying Au$1.70 + per litre! Last year down around the Albany region, fuel prices were close to Au$2 per litre at various times of the year.

The trip from Perth to Albany is some 550 kilometres (approx), which means you are forced to refill your tank in the Albany region on arrival. If your fuel tank holds say 80 litres the fill will cost around Au$160 if fuel is around the Au$2 mark.

The cost of fuel at that pricing level takes on a whole new meaning when you have to cover large distances doesn’t it, as a component of your holiday costs in the remoter regions of Western Australia.

The important thing is to make sure you are aware that if you intend touring by hire car around Western Australia that the fuel cost will rip a sizable hole in your wallet. You need to plan your travel budget accordingly.

(C) Copyright April 2009 No part of this article either whole or in part may be reproduced by any means whatsoever without the prior written permission of the copyright owner Ross St Quintin.

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written by Ross St Quintin

The author kyak fishing for Bream - Moore River - 18th April 2009

For the past week my Wife & myself have been really looking forward to driving up to one of our favourite water spots north of Perth, Western Australia….Guilderton; better known as Moore River. This idylic small coastal holiday town, situated right on the mouth of Moore river where the river meets the Indian Ocean,  is usually a very quiet, old fashioned style holiday spot; outside of school holidays.

Guilderton is situated at the mouth of the Moore River, where the river runs into the Indian Ocean. At this time of year;  Autumn,  a large sand bar cuts the river off from the ocean. Now when I say old fashioned, what I mean is that Guilderton has not been ruined by the construction of palatial homes, high cost resorts & mile after mile of man made canals, which debar folk who enjoy simple things like caravan parks, & low cost rental holiday homes, from being able to stay at gorgeous holiday spots like Guilderton on Moore River.

We left our home on Perth’s northern beach region at 9.15 am, & covered the 63 k’s  in an easy 45 minutes, arriving at Guilderton at 10 am. Unfortunately, as you can see from the photos, the weather decided that today would be an excellent date for some stormy, wet weather. Anyway, being hardy folk we were determined not to let some rain, thunder & lightning ruin our day out on the river. When we arrived, Guilderton was busy with lots of family’s enjoying a back to nature style holiday, kyaking, fishing & swimming, this being the Autumn school holidays.

Our two kyaks in the trailer on arrival at Moore River

Due to the fact that I have not been able to locate a suitable roof rack to carry both kyaks on the car roof we have been using a trailer for carriage. So we had towed the trailer with both our kyaks to Moore River. Talking to some fellow kyakers at Moore River who had roof bars to carry their two kyaks, we now know where to get ours from.

Anyway, we drove into the car park & boat launch ramp area which is very roomy, “FREE”, & right next to the river. We unloaded our kyaks & within minutes were paddling eastwards inland, our intention being to find a pleasant, peaceful spot in this wilderness region, to stop & enjoy our picnic lunch & coffee. Then do some fishing from my kyak.

Sand bar in the distance, viewed as we paddled downriver back to Guilderton

As we paddled up river we kept to the northern shoreline as the easterly winds were very strong which slowed our progress. After 15 minutes we decided it was pointless trying to paddle further up river due to the gathering dark clouds, strong wind & occasional lightning. We turned downriver & headed back towards the river mouth & Guilderton. I had a great time just drifting & casting my lure close in to the shore line which is thick with trees, shrubs, grass & lots of rocks & caves. The shoreline is so thick with bush, that the only way to fish these waters is from a boat. A kyak is ideal to fish from as it is noiseless.

I had a couple of solid strikes, no doubt a couple of reasonable sized bream from the power of the hits. Sadly the strikes did not result in any fish. Anyway it was exciting to be out on the river in the stormy weather tackling some fish. The weather was getting a bit wet so we paddled back to our start point at the Guilderton boat ramp.

Another view towards the river mouth. Guilderton township, the boat ramps & car park are not far off to the right of the photo

We beached our kyaks.  The rain had let up for a bit,  so we made ourselves comfy on the river bank to tuck into our picnic lunch & coffee, & enjoyed seeing lots of  children having a ball, swimming, fishing & paddling. Children are never put off by some adverse weather conditions are they!

And kids love the simple things of life…if us adults will let them! Guilderton has no shopping centres, shopping malls, cinemas;  fun game parks; etc.  Kids can really enjoy a week or two of not being dragged around endless shops by their parents, or wasting their lives playing computer games. Instead they have tremendous fun enjoying the natural, fun aspects of living on a pristine river system, snow white beaches &  crystal clear green ocean waters! Fishing is great both from the nearby beaches or in the river. You can catch tailor, herring, bream varieties & more.

Near the boat ramp there are large grassy picnic areas, toilets, & not far off is the only cafe & general store in Guilderton. The cafe/ general store is of the old fashioned variety where you can enjoy breakfast or lunch overlooking pleasant river views, or purchase your vitals. What more could you ask for!

Paddling eastwards along Moore River we encountered this “gaggle” (?) of Cormorants

The weather did not look like improving, in fact the thunder & lightning became more intense. We decided it was time to pack up & head for home. I would have loved to have headed out for some more fishing but it was getting a bit unpleasant.

Guilderton is  one of the last pristine coastal wilderness  frontiers within easy driving distance of Perth city where one is not smothered by huge crowds of tourists, ugly modern piles of concrete, & high priced cafes & restuarants & accommodation.  Mandurah was very similar not all that long ago. However Mandurah was ruined by development.

I sincerely trust Guilderton remains under the property developers radar for many years to come. However I guess I am living in the pleasant past thinking the money guys have not already laid their sights on Moore River;  & sleepy, peaceful Guilderton. Lets live in hope that Guilderton will escape modernisation!

Make sure you visit Moore River. If you enjoy fishing, swimming, surfing, kyaking or boating in simple but exquisite natural  surroundings you will love Moore River. I trust your first visit enjoys perfect, sunny weather which is almost always the case except for today!

Copright C April 2009. The copyright owner is Ross St Quintin & Facts4you.net. No part of this article or photos may be reproduced by any manner or method whatsoever without the prior written permission of the copyright onwer.

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written by Ross St Quintin

Yesterday I posted an article on this blog about the paradisical area of ocean not far from where we live on the northern beach area of Perth, Western Australia. Today I want to show you how modern society can take a piece of west aussie paradise & totally wreck a whole bushland environment in one easy lesson. Below are a couple of photos I snapped of the natural bushland that USED to exist just a short walk from our home only a short time ago back in August 2006:

Author’s photo of beautiful bushland just a short walk from his home in August, 2006

Photo of the Author in the same bushland August 2006

Photo taken by the Author of native trees in full bloom same bushland August, 2006

You must agree that the above three photos show an area of natural bushland that is exquisite. My Wife & myself used to enjoy our walks through this spectacular countryside only five minutes from our home which is situated around 35 kilometres north of the center of Perth city. Just walking through this paradise provided relaxation of the mind, & the blossoms, trees & shrubs that covered the whole region provided the lungs with plenty of fresh air perfumed with a fragrance that only mother nature can provide.

Now I want you to prepare yourself for a shock at the next photo. I know we both received an awful shock ourselves when we discovered that the developers had moved in with great speed & left us with :

Author’s photo of same bushland region as in above photos, vandalised by developers enmasse in April/May 2008

this disastrous mess of dirt, mud & not a single tree or shrub for acres & acres in all directions. People will say tough, that’s the price of progress? Wrong, that’s the price of enmasse development without a thought for the future of our region, let alone the future of our  environment.

Yes, by all means scroll up the page & compare the photos again, & again, because I still do so as the total devastation is almost incomprehensible.

Now my friends, this act of enmasse degradation of our environment did not take place 10 or 20 years ago when the world was largely blind, &/or deliberately oblivious, to the environmental disaster looming just around the corner. This was  just a short few months ago in May 2008, as shown by the dates in the photo.

The developers  bulldozed every living thing in sight. They did leave one pathetic little stand of trees which I recently noticed is gradually withering & dying due to the pollution resulting from the mass clearance of all living vegetation. One would think that in this world that is trying to concoct environmental plans to combat global warming, rising sea levels, melting glaciers & icecaps that this wholesale vandalisation of outer city bushlands would have ceased by now, or at least huge tracts be left between cleared areas,  or something left for the future.

Tragically no…it’s all gone….forever!

This morning the news broke that the state government had brokered a deal between the idigineous owners of land some 60 kilometres north of Broome, way up in our remote north west. The deal is for a huge gas pipleline hub to be constructed in that region. Guys & Gals I sincerely trust your spectacular coastline fares better than our  destroyed bushlands! And therein lies the reason for my posting this article today!

So there you have it. Even in the backblocks of the most isolated city on the face of planet Earth, our councils, governments, & cash happy land developers continue to wreak havoc even in this lonely part of the world.

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written by Ross St Quintin

The Author Enjoying Kyacking on the 11th April at Mindarie - The resort, restuarants & cafes are in the background. The photo care of my Wife taken from her kyak!

That’s me in the photo above taken last Saturday. Now, for all you folk currently living in cool places such as Alaska, I bet you wish you were in the photo! Sorry, I should not say things like that. Anyway, for any would be travellers to Perth, Western Australia, this photo will provide some idea as to the perfect Autumn weather you will enjoy if you choose to visit Perth  in April!

Today, the 14 th April,  the temperature was 28 c, light winds & a glorious calm Indian Ocean. The temptation was too great for my Wife & myself so we hitched up the trailer containing our two kyaks, paddles & life jackets, & drove the short distance from our home north of Mindarie Quays to our private little beach snuggled in amongst the enormous homes surrounding the Quays.

We launched our kyaks & paddled along the main arm of the Quays out into the open Indian Ocean. We only venture outside the Quays on days when the sea breeze is absent. Otherwise conditons outside the heads can be very rough & dangerous for even larger vessels, let alone a small kyak. During April & May the winds are largely absent.

We took our time inspecting the reefs which are clearly visible thanks to the perfectly clear salt water. Over the couple of years we have enjoyed kyaking around Mindarie Quays we have developed a “track” that provides plenty of excellent exercise & takes us around an hour or so to complete. Of course there is never any rush & we usually end up being out on the water for a couple of hours.

Anyway that’s how we enjoyed Tuesday morning the 14 th April, 2009. One thing Perth has plenty to offer is stacks of sunshine, beautiful crystal clear oceans, & hardly anyone around. Trust you include a visit to our favourite paddling arena one of these days.

Have fun!

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There are many details to consider when planning a family vacation.  Whether your family includes two or ten people, you will, no doubt, be presented with the challenge of including sights and activities that appeal to all in your group.  This can become especially important if you will be traveling with children, since it is likely they will not wish to take part in all the activities that interest you.  Nevertheless, there are ways to plan your vacation that can make it memorable while appeasing everyone in the process.

One of the most difficult aspects of planning a family vacation is finding a time that will suit everyone.  This means having to juggle work and school schedules, and figuring out how to optimize the time you will have in a way that will meet the needs of everyone.  Because it is very likely that every individual in your group has different schedules, and likewise, different interests, you’ll need to plan as far in advance as you possibly can.  The key here is knowing what everyone enjoys and planning it with the resources you have at your disposal.

Figure your expenses.  The first step to planning a family vacation is to figure out how much money you will be able to spend.  Knowing this will help you narrow your options.  This is especially important if you do not travel to the same destination every year or for every vacation.

Optimize your costs.  Just because you have a certain amount of money you can spend doesn’t mean you have to spend it.  Instead, save where you can.  This can also help you plan for the next vacation by leaving with money left over when you return or, in some cases, before you ever begin.

The second step to planning your next family vacation is exploring your options.  You will probably want to base this on the interests of everyone in the group, so as to optimize the experience and try to complete as many of the activities as possible.  This can be difficult if you will be traveling to a new location, or if the age range of your family varies widely.  Still, a well-constructed plan can definitely reduce the stress of planning, so keep this in mind while you are making all the important decisions.

Plan each day of your vacation, but at the same time, be prepared to make changes.  This is important because you or other family members may decide to do something else instead of the planned activity.  Also, some activities are done outdoors, so you will want to plan for various weather conditions that could occur.  This s also why you should have a back up plan or at the very least, alternate activities.  The more you are able to plan, the less stress you will encounter, which will bring you optimal fun on your next family vacation.

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written by Ross St Quintin

Geographe Bay. One of the most beautiful stretches of endless white sandy beaches. Emerald green ocean crashing onto coast that varies from rugged rocky cliffs & outcrops, to ideal waves for some of the best surf imaginable. The Bay is an enormous expanse of open ocean that  offers excellent fishing from both beach or boat. To get to Geographe Bay from Perth is a pleasant drive along excellent roads for some  290 k’s. The trip takes an average of  three hours.

Bunker Bay Sunrise

One of my most favourite regions of Geographe Bay would have to be Bunker Bay. That’s not simply due to the fact that one of the most dreamy holiday resorts on that coast is nestled into the natural bush right on some of the most fantastic beaches in the Bunker Bay area. It’s because the views from the coastal road that follows much of the Geographe Bay area are spectacular.

On our holidays at the “Quay West Bunker Bay Resort” we use the resort as our launching pad to spend pleasant, relaxed days walking around the beach & bush that surrounds the resort. The weather was perfect. Mild, balmy days with vivid blue skies during the day & vivid many hued violet to reddish purple sunsets & sunrises. Each evening we enjoyed walking the couple of hundred metres from our apartment to the beach with a chilled bottle of local Chardonay, a couple of glasses & beach towels. The water was great. The wine superb. The scene totally dreamy, as the sun set over the curving headlands & white topped surf to the west.

In the mornings amongst the total quiet & peace of Bunker Bay we did the reverse. We walked to the beach to enjoy what would have to rate as the most gorgeous sunrise on the planet. The sandy beaches at Bunker Bay are pure white & the colours of both sunrise & sunset reflecting off the pristine beaches & ocean are a paradise for photographers.

Bunker Bay Beach at the back of the Resort - late afternoon

After enjoying breakfast we would go for a drive along the coast road from the resort, select a perfect piece of paradise & enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the ocean crashing onto multi coloured rocky outcrops. I took my fishing rod on one venture & managed to catch with ease plenty of energetic bull herring which we enjoyed that evening cooked on the BBQ.

Occasionally we would  drive into the coastal town of Dunsborough, only 20 k’s or so from the Bunker Bay resort, to enjoy a cappucino at one of the many delightful cafes in this somewhat yuppie, upmarket town. Dunsborough is a delightful, medium sized, modern setup of a town. Very friendly & well worth a few visits for either just a coffee, doing some food or clothes shopping, or enjoying an evening out at one of the numerous & varied restaurants offering many cuisines.

The region is packed with plenty of sights to enjoy. The amazing old lighthouse just a short drive further west from the Bunker Bay Resort is well worth a visit. The surrounding bushland & wildlife will surprise you. Sadly since our last visit bushfires moved through the region surrounding the lighthouse. For that reason the area is no doubt somewhat the worse for wear until nature regrows the shrubs & trees.

Plus there are a number of famous vineyards close by for you to visit, taste the vintages & purchase some of the best the south west region of Western Australia has to offer. In fact it is as good as any wines available anywhere. “Wise Vineyards” is right in the middle of the Bunker Bay region. Dont miss visiting.

When next visiting the southwest of Western Australia ensure you include a few days to stay in the Bunker Bay region. If you cant get into the Bunker Bay resort there is ample excellent apartment or motel style accommodation in nearby Dunsborough. You will be absolutely thrilled with your stay on the coast of geographe Bay.

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written by Ross St Quintin

Yesterday we entertained friends from Sydney for the day. After a delightful lunch at our home we suggested to them that we take them for a drive north of where we live on Perth’s northern beaches, up to Yanchep National Park. The weather was superb. Clear blue skies, no wind (a rare event in Perth!), temperature down in the mid 20c & at long last the humidity had gone! Perfect Autumn weather to enjoy a pleasant drive on roads that are not jammed with traffic!

Yanchep National Park Koala Bear…ah it’s a hard life for a bear!!

Recently,  West Coast Hwy, better known as Marmion Avenue, was extended north of our suburb right up to Yanchep. A great bonus as the new road cuts off some extra 15 k’s from our home to Yanchep. These days we leave home, drive the short distance to Marmion Ave, & it is only 12 k’s upto Yanchep. We are there in 10 minutes instead of close to half an hour prior to the new road opening.

Yanchep is approx 60 k’s from Perth  & takes around an hour’s driving to reach Yanchep National Park from central Perth city. As well as the National Park, if you continue across to Two Rocks on the coast of Yanchep township, you can enjoy excellent ocean scenery from a couple of perfect cafe/restaurants located right on the coast. When visiting Perth make sure you drive up to Two Rocks at Yanchep, as well as book in half a day, at least, to visit the National Park.

Just a few short weeks ago there was an enormous bushfire that swept around the national park & almost wreaked havoc in the park itself which would have been a disaster. Fortunately the valiant fire fighting teams fought the fire to a halt just on & within the national park borders.

We arrived at the National Park around 2 pm. I purchase an annual pass which only costs an extra $15 or so for as many visits as I like during the year. The park contains a 9 hole golf course, which while nothing grand, is  a lot of fun & is rarely very busy. Not like most golf courses these days where waiting to tee off at each hole can be a very frustrating experience. Anyway thats one extra reason I buy an annual pass. I can toodle upto Yanchep National Park for a hit around the course whenever I please. One of the pleasures of playing golf on that course is that it is packed with wild life.

Kangaroos abound, & while most visitors are amazed to see several roos enjoying the green grass on the greens, I have become quite used to them. In fact, one has to take great care to move them out of the way of flying golf balls. As well as the roos, birdlife abound in the thick bushland that surrounds the fairways. Ducks are very common to be seen wandering around the fairway edges digging for worms & so on. And must not forget the gorgeous Kookaburra who often reminds me of my golfing antics when I hear Kook’s pealing laugh from a nearby tree. Fascinating experience as the Kooka peals with laughter at one of my more awful golf shots!!

And if you visit in the summer take extra care of walking through long grass as there are plenty of deadly snakes!

Sorry, I digressed there. However, if you are a golfer enjoy a hit…it’s an honour system & only costs a few dollars per 9 holes. You will need your own golf bag, clubs & trolley, as there is nothing like a Pro shop on this course….great! Make sure you put your money in one of the little brown envelopes & drop it in the honour safe. The Rangers make occasional checks to make sure everyone is doing the right thing!

Anyway getting back to yesterday. We drove our friends around the Park to show them the golf course, the graceful old turn of the 19th century hotel where excellent meals & drinks abound, the entry area to the crystal Caves…yes, Yanchep has it all…finally parking next to the wild Koala park. Now, for overseas visitors the Koalas are a must see event. We walked into the Koala park, which is free, & counted 10 koalas perched high up in the many gum trees. No doubt there were many more, however the cuddly, furry bundles are masters of camouflage! Otherwise they are not too hard to spot as they usually sit in a comfy perch & sleep 80% of the day away!

A very happy Koala bear snoozing high up in a Gum tree on 30/3/2009 at Yanchep National park

We next walked to the chocolate Cafe & enjoyed an excellent coffee…& some chocolates. After a pleasant rest we moved on down to the Lake which is dotted with little islands. Flocks of galahs flew noisily overhead & one quickly relaxes in this idylic setting.

Yanchep National Park offers you numerous natural bush parks & BBQ areas for you to enjoy a perfect day out in the Aussie bush. Organised tours are available via your travel agency. Dont miss this grand old national park on your next visit to Perth. I never tire of visiting the park & I have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed this excellent natural region over the past 50+ years.

After we had enjoyed a few hours wandering around enjoying the myriad wild life amongst such a peaceful setting we had to depart. However, the visit whetted my appetite to pop up there shortly to enjoy 9 holes of golf amongst the wild life!

Have fun! Visit the Yanchep website for full details.

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