We set off with 11 cars in the convoy. Passed many crops of canola on our way to Hyden where we stopped for fuel then onto the gravel. Sandy got bogged along the track in the mud – her vacuum operated free wheel ing hubs were not engaging.
We were on the Hyden Norseman Road then turned down the Rabbit Proof Fence Road, then onto the Lake King Norseman Road. Camp was at the 90 mile tank. Next morning we came across a bogged 23 ton truck with a 5 ton load. The road limit was 5 ton. He was stuck from Saturday morning until Sunday when we came along. We tried to snatch him out with 8 vehicles in a camel train but one snatch strap broke so we gave him a lift to Norseman to sort it out from there.
Markus joined us at Norseman. After Norseman we were on the Old Telegraph Line Road heading for Ballado nia. Camp was at the intersection of the Fraser Range Road and the Old Telegraph Line Road. There were tele graph poles running in a straight line, even through a salt lake. The track was corrugated, twisting, muddy and dusty so the cars looked grotty quickly. We stopped to look at the old water tanks left discarded that were used to water the horses. Had a break at Boingaring Rocks where there were plenty of wildflowers appearing.
Refuelled at Balladonia then onto the bitumen of the Eyre Highway for a little while, then onto some rough limestone along the slow going 56 kilometre track to the coast. Camp was in the dunes. From camp you could see the 100 metre high Bilbunya Dunes. We had a play on the dunes with Tony trying to get to the top of one of the highest peaks but only made it half way. Five cars got stuck at various points but were able to get out easily enough.
We drove along the beach to Point Culver where some had a swim, then onto the start of the Bunya Cliffs that just loom up about 80 metres. We found a giant float to play with. We lunched there, found loads of rope and a cave.
Back at camp the wind really picked up so Tony made the decision to shift camp so we wouldn’t be sand blasted. Found a spot with a lot less wind, surrounded by trees, so quite an improvement. We did a quiz around the camp fire.
Next morning we drove along the coast for 45km on the beach until the seaweed got too much then we turned inland. We passed a mini Pinnacles area, then after about 10 kilometres we went back to the beach. We discovered a dead Pygmy Sperm Whale on the beach – the 2nd smallest whale in the world. Also saw a couple of seals. Camp was at Israelite Bay in a large area in trees to minimise the wind.
At Israelite Bay, Sandy, Rob and Peter headed for Esperance as Rob’s alternator failed. Peter very kindly went along to help if needed.
That morning, everyone did their own exploring, looking at the old jetty, ruins, lakes and the beach until it was time to head off. We drove around lakes along very muddy tracks until the beach. We found a rocky ledge for all to stop at for morning tea. Point Malcolm was great with giant waves smashing over the beau tiful rocks. Most of the day was spent going through mud, some going over the bonnet, and through rain.
At the Diamond Rock turn off, Luke left the convoy also heading for Esperance. The remaining 8 vehi cles went out to Diamond Rock. The track was scratchy with magnificent Banksia trees.
Markus and Jeroin tried to find a gravel pit, so they set off through the scrub to find it. The others contin ued on to the turn-around point then headed back to them. The track had ended up nowhere and they did n’t find the gravel pit, oh well. Back to the track heading for Esperance. Loads more mud. Set up camp at Alexander Bay in the generous bays surrounded by banksias. We huddled around a small fire before the rain started again.
Next day we looked at Thistle Cove and Lucky Bay. Drove along the sometimes quite narrow beach. We got to Esperance where everyone scattered to their different accommodation options. We met up for dinner at 33 Degrees Restaurant. The next day Tony led a day trip for the remaining 4 vehicles going along the beach to a rock that they drove up onto. We met up again for dinner, this time at a delicious Thai restaurant, with all enjoying their meals. Next day everyone headed off in their own directions.
It was a fun, adventurous trip with amazing scenery, loads of 4×4 driving and great camp fire fun.
Thank you to Tony and Christine for this fabulous trip.
Attendees
Tony & Christine (trip leaders), Jeroin, Rob, Pam, Markus, Sanjay, Sandy, Kim & Lynn, Paul, Jim & Sandra, Luke, Peter