Thread: 1st trip to W.A. - suggestions for things to see/do on this approx route?

Dennford - hogging the thread? well, seeing as you have been most generous in providing so much detailed travel suggestions, I'll overlook the dung beetle diversion (but will read up on them in my spare time).

dolphins - SWMBO said we're going to Monkey Mia no matter what (who am I to argue!) but we realise that all we might be able to do is hand feed them (if the rangers let us), at best. That's why SWMBO found the Rockingham swim with dolphins.

I'd love to hear from any others who've been, or agree/disagree with Ashore & Burnsy regarding any swim with dolphins tours etc, as this is a 'must do' for SWMBO and I'd like to do the best one first time (can't afford 2 ).

Me personally, I'll be happy if I get a good look around South west W.A, and see plenty of timber (galleries, forests, etc).

Any more suggestions on locations/detours/ places to stay?

(loving the detail so far - it's GREATLY appreciated).

(just dont tell Dingo I'm looking for details on WA, if he finds this it's gonna be a long, detailed, and rather off-beat thread I reckon.....)

Originally Posted by TimberNut

I'll overlook the dung beetle diversion (but will read up on them in my spare time).

Now here's a usefull bit of info
Flies are 73 per cent protein by weight and a great source of omega 3. "Better than fish,"

Originally Posted by TimberNut

I'd love to hear from any others who've been, or agree/disagree with Ashore & Burnsy regarding any swim with dolphins tours etc, as this is a 'must do' for SWMBO and I'd like to do the best one first time (can't afford 2 ).

I couldn't say which of the two dolphin swim experiences would be the best. However one thing to keep in mind is the main differences - location. Bunbury is ideal if you wish to have a break there on your way around the S.W. whilst Rockingham is only a short hours drive from Perth so could provide a good day trip whilst in Perth.

Denn

A quick question, what sort of vehicle will you be driving? will you have 4WD capability?

Denn

some pic's to go with the suggestions.

first the Murray river at Pinjarra

Kockerbin Rock third largest monolith in Australia, Singleton smallest operating bank building in Australia, Wave Rock.

Nice idea Rod, there are many granite outcrops throughout the wheatbelt, I don't have much in the way of pic's but there are some good ones here http://members.iinet.net.au/~ricphoto/granite2.html

Denn

and here are a few pics of another granite formation - Canal rocks which I mentioned in one of the earlier posts.

I don't know about Rockingham or Monkey Mia for dolphins but the Bunbury ones are pretty good http://dolphins.mysouthwest.com.au/A...raction%20Zone

Personally I would go to the discovery centre in the morning to see them (although they don't always turn up) and then hire a tinnie, go just outside the cut where the estuary joins the ocean, turn off the motor and the dolphins will come to you. I don't think I've never been out on the water and not seen a dolphin. Or you can do an organised Boat trip.

As for the rest of the route (in my opinion): you must go on the Treetop Walk at Walpole - fantastic; Do drop in at Augusta; from there drive up Caves Road rather than Bussell Hwy; Drop in at Boranup Gallery; turn off to some of the beaches especially Gracetown, Yallingup and Canal Rocks; plenty of galleries etc between Margaret River and Dunsborough; go to Bunkers Bay and lighthouse; underwater observatory at end of Busselton Jetty.

Enjoy the trip

Garry

Originally Posted by dennford

Nice idea Rod, there are many granite outcrops throughout the wheatbelt, I don't have much in the way of pic's but there are some good ones here http://members.iinet.net.au/~ricphoto/granite2.html

Denn

Yep Den your link brings up another being Elchubutting but its a bit north out of his way

Plunger and Rod - cheers. yet more awesome info for me to work through!!! Wave Rock - already have that planned (Perth, Geraldton, Monkey Mia,Northam, Merredin, Hyden....) Wave Rock was one thing we DID find that I'd put in the itinerary to see, and I am loving all these other suggestions.

Denn - we are flying to Perth and then hiring a car (not 4wd) so will have to stick to main roads I guess. Not staying in 5 star rubbish, more likely on site accom at caravan parks, to keep costs down. I'd rather see the place (seeing as I may not get there again any time soon) than see insides of 5 star hotels.

Cheers guys for all the awesome info so far...

I reckon by March this thread should have about 200+ posts, then if I can't make a killer holiday from that info, I give up

I appreciate all the info to date. The more the merrier....

Originally Posted by TimberNut

Denn - we are flying to Perth and then hiring a car (not 4wd) so will have to stick to main roads I guess. Not staying in 5 star rubbish, more likely on site accom at caravan parks, to keep costs down. I'd rather see the place (seeing as I may not get there again any time soon) than see insides of 5 star hotels.

That rules out my first suggestion of Kalgoorlie, but you may be able or want to pick up the pipeline or the pioneers pathway on your way back to Perth from the S.W.

As for caravan parks etc they are plentifull but likely to be very busy during school hol's - 12th to 26th March. However by keeping away from some of the more popular ones you can sometimes be lucky, also there are some free camping areas that may be worth thinking about.

Denn

More pic's. This time the nth Dandalup dam.

Dennford - School Holidays???

i checked a website before selecting the dates and found

WA School Holidays for 2008
Autumn - 12 April to 28 April 2008


I seriously hope I didn't get it wrong, as we wanted to travel during your school term.