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22-09-2007    -    DAY 29

We had a little rain overnight as a small cold front passed over Perth.  Today we did some housework to tidy up the van. Because we were expecting some more rain later I took to the front and back of the van with a bucket of soapy water and got stuck into the bugs and dirt to clean it off and then hope the rain gives the van a good rinse.  Most CP management frown on car and van washing because of the drought  but here in Perth they are doing ok with the water because there doesn't appear to be any water restrictions.  Later we went to a pharmacy to get some cough medicine for Geraldine who is having some difficulty getting over her cold.   In the afternoon we  took a drive to the northern beaches and had lunch at Scarborough Beach while we watched the surfers and windsurfers in the sea.  We then drove towards Fremantle and took a leisurely drive along the Canning Highway back towards the Swan Valley and the van park.  We spent the rest of the evening taking it easy, reading and watching some TV.

23-09-2007    -    DAY 30

Sunday morning.  We thought we would go to Rottnest Island today as  the weather was good and tomorrow we are expecting rain and storms.  We caught the train to Perth and walked to the Swan River wharf only to find  that all the boats were booked full for the day.  Pays to book ahead  even if you have advise that tickets are available  on the day.   Oh well, what to do with the rest of the day.  We decided to take the Fremantle ferry again and have another look around the Port.   We had a look at the 'Shipwrecks Gallery', which is housed in the restored convict-built Commissariat building in Cliff Street.  It contained part of the 'Batavia' hull, cannons and other artifacts that have been collected by Museum staff and divers over the years.    Afterwards we walked around township before catching the train back to Guilford  and the Swan Valley.  We still haven't seen all of Fremantle yet but that can wait till next time.  After all that walking we were tired so we had the appropriate rest period. We watched a movie on TV tonight and it went on for hours.  

24-09-2007    -    DAY 31

Rain and a bit of wind overnight.  Expecting storms and wind gusts today so prepared the site by locking up all loose gear.  We drove to Cannington today to check out Camec for van spare parts.  We also had a look at the Shopping Centre at Cannington  which was the largest in Perth  called the 'Westfield  Carousal'.   We had lunch there and then made our way to  Coromal Caravans, Cannington which was the original home of our van.  Had a look at some of the newer models and bought some more spare parts before heading back home  because it started raining again.  It rained most of the night.

25-09-2007    -    DAY 32

When we packed up this morning we could tell that there is something definitely wrong with the roller awning.  It had to be manually rolled up.  Looks like the spring units will need to be replaced when we get home. Going on quotes I got at Camec yesterday this could cost about $450 to replace. Its still usable but it will need to be manually rolled up each time. Departed Caversham about 9am and headed down the Tonkin Highway towards Armadale.  Then on to the South West Highway  to Bunbury .   The drive was mainly through  undulating farmland along the foothills till we reached the Bunbury Region where the vineyards commenced.  The weather was overcast with westerly winds coming of the ocean.  Bunbury is the capital of the South West Region of W.A., surrounded by the Indian Ocean to the west, Koombana Bay and the sheltered Leschenault Inlet.  We arrived at the Bunbury Glade CP about mid afternoon and soon settled in.  Afterwards we took a drive around the township and went to the Marlston Hill Lookout for an overview of the CBD.   The weather is still unsettled and overcast with occasional showers passing through. 

26-09-2007    -    DAY 33

Today was a spare day to look around the Bunbury Region.  We firstly went into town to the 'Cappuccino Strip' for a morning coffee.  Having done that we headed to the Dolphin Discovery Center on Koombana Bay to learn about bottle nose dolphins that frequent the bay area.  We were hoping for some personal interaction but there were no dolphins to be seen near the Center.  However, we have valid passes to return any time during the next 6 months if we should so wish.  We then drove out to the Collie River Valley  with a side trip to the Wellington Dam which was  full and overflowing.   Collie has a number of coal-fired Power Stations that are fed by the open-cut coal mining in the region and which supply most of the electricity to the SW Region.  There are large State Karri Forests along the road that have supplied a timber industry in the past.  After Collie we made our way through Balingup, Donnybrook and Capel before returning to Bunbury along the Bussel Highway.  The Donnybrook region is well known for its vineyards, orchards and quality fresh produce as well as its scenic countryside. It is also part of the  Geographe Bay Wine region.  Between Donnybrook and Capel  there are rolling hills, State Forests, natural bushland, orchards, vineyards and farm land.  We were lucky that we did not have much rain during the day, in fact, it was dry most of the time.

27-09-2007    -    DAY 34

In between the rain showers we manage to pack-up and prepare for the drive to Busselton.  We got away by  9:10am  in the rain but the traffic was good and we traveled the distance to Busselton in less than an hour.  Big trip that one (53kms).  We entered Busselton and made our way to the Jetty  and parked in a car park nearby.  Busselton Jetty is the longest timber jetty in the Southern 
Hemisphere at 1.8 kms long.  Entry fee ($2.50 each) pays for maintenance and renovations in the future.  The jetty is 114 years old and in 1978  Cyclone Alby destroyed a significant part of it. Building commenced in 1865  and it took a further 95 years to be completed.  It was used mainly to load timber on to ships but in 1972 operations ceased. It remains a major focal point and heritage icon for the local community and over $9m has been raised for restoration.  There is an underwater observatory at the sea end of the jetty that tourists can visit.  

After an invigorating walk to the end and back we pulled in to Simmo's Cafe on the foreshore for a coffee and brunch.  We then started looking for a CP to stay in and  decided on the Mandalay Holiday Resort as it had a good reputation and the staff were friendly and helpful.  Because it was the Long Weekend coming up and there was going to be a large influx of tourists coming we decided that we would stay until Tuesday morning and use the time to make day trips to the Margaret River Region.  After we set up we drove down to Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste NP to have a look at the Lighthouse and surrounds.   We then drove back via Sugarloaf Rock, Eagle Bay (where HMAS Swan has been sunk as a diver's reef) and Meelup Beach.  We stopped in Dunsborough township to raid the bank and get some food items.  In the evening Geraldine cooked  on the BBQ while I prepared the veges and poured the wine.  Later we watched the NRL Footy show on TV. 

28-09-2007    -    DAY 35

Friday today, last day of the school week, start of the school holidays here, start of the October Long Weekend in W.A.   Today we just chilled out at the CP and in town where we had a coffee in the morning.  In the afternoon we observed all the long week enders arriving.  Tents, campers, vans, 4WDs and families with kids.  Its going to be a busy  weekend here in Busselton.  We have to move to another site tomorrow as the one we are on was booked last year for this weekend.  And so ends Week 5 of our journey.

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