Albany and The South of WA

Monday, 1 October 2012 to Wednesday, 3 October 2012

We chose to stay at Kalgan River Caravan Park which is about 20kms outside Albany, set in a rural area and very spacious which suited our needs. The park is on the banks of the Kalgan River and the park is very quiet and relaxing. There are many kangaroos, birds and sometimes bandicoots wandering around the park.

While in Albany we visited the Whale World Museum, an old whaling station which only ceased operations in 1978 when the government banned the killing of whales for commercial purposes. Until then whale oil was very valuable and used for heating, fuel and in the cosmetic industry. Life was very hard for the whalers and when the station closed about 200 people were out of work. The town has recovered and is now committed to the preservation of the whales.

Albany is also the port where the original Anzacs of 1914-15 set sail for Gallipoli and the middle east. The town has honoured them with a large memorial.

 

 

This is also the site where the Brig, “Amity” brought the first convicts to Western Australia. A replica of the “Amity” overlooks the harbour. Many of the buildings from that time are still standing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

While in Albany we also visited the local blowholes but due to the low tide they weren’t blowing. We then made our way to the Gap and the Natural Bridge. These are very incredible rock formations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, 4 October 2012

We commenced our trip towards Esperance and had lunch at Jerramungup and then spent the night at Munglinup in the rest area opposite the roadhouse.

While in Esperance we caught up with Cyril and also restocked the pantry in preparation for our trip back across the Nullarbor.