We had 9 parties travelling down to Margaret River on Boxing Day. Four travelled independently, the other 5 were to leave the Caltex Service station in West Pinjarra at noon. After a couple of stragglers arrived, we set off about 1pm. We took some backroads to stay away from the traffic and arrived in Margaret River around 3.30, checked in and set up in our allocated spots at the RAC Caravan Park. Soon enough it was time for nibbles and pre-dinner drinks, dinner, bedtime.
Thursday was our first day of 4wdriving. We headed north on Caves Road to Killarnup Road, where we aired down at the end of the bitumen. We followed a sandy track to the beach and returned via some different tracks, back to the bitumen where we aired up. We then drove south along Caves Road to the end of Conto Road, aired down. The turnoff onto Brozie Road was a little test of things to come. We took Holley Road towards the beach, with a steep sandy track leading us down onto Northpoint beach.
One vehicle needed some assistance, we all hoped there was going to be another exit off the beach. We had a late lunch on the beach, aired down some more, as our next section was a beach run in soft sand for about 4km. At the end of the beach, the sand turned into rocks and thanks to a low tide and the expert guidance of Jeff I managed to negotiate a way through. I saw an old, steep track leading off the beach, and after walking it, decided to drive it. I made it to the top and was rewarded with a great view over the beach and the waiting vehicles. I gave them the thumbs up to proceed and Jeff guided one by one through the rocks. There was a short section of very soft sand between the rocks and the track off the beach, but again, Jeff`s knowledge and experience got all of us through, eventually. We all managed the hill climb, and that track led us to Boranup Beach Road. After temporarily removing some obstacles we took Boranup Beach Road back to Caves Road, aired up and went back to camp. A great day of solid 4wdriving.
Most of us did a tour of the Jewel cave on Friday morning, paid a visit to the pub in Augusta, had lunch at the Blackwood river mouth, drove to the Leeuwin lighthouse and had a look at the old waterwheel. We drove through the new marina on our way back to Caves Road. There was enough time to do Bob`s Track (or Reserve Road). The start was a bit challenging with large holes, rocks, tree roots and other obstacles thrown in. We had to press all the off road buttons we could find to make it up the track and down towards the beach. Luckily we had to return the same way… more fun.
David Freakley was in charge on Sunday. Thanks to his research and planning, the day ran like clockwork. We had a private wine tasting at 9am at Brown Hill Estate, great wine and lots of info. After a short drive we visited the Berry Farm, had scones for morning tea and tasted all sorts of berry stuff. Yum. Lunch was a 30 minute drive away at the Black Brewing Company more yumm. Part of the group did their own thing after lunch, the rest of us had ice-cream at Millers, washed down with a beer at the Colonial Brewing Company. yummm. A great day, thanks Dave.
Monday was “do your own thing” day. Including, but not limited to: visiting Augusta, playing golf, taking a nap, riding bikes, shopping, reading a book. Tammy organised pizza for everyone for New Year’s Eve dinner, which worked out great. Most of us managed to stay up till midnight and see in 2019. Thanks for my birthday cake, Manuela, Andre and Andrea.
Tuesday morning was a hive of activity with all of us packing up and finding a spot somewhere for the “just in case” things. We managed, and just about each of the nine vehicles headed home along a different route, all arriving safely.
Thanks to everyone who helped me to plan this trip, including my family who came along for the pre-trip trip.
