Geraldton to Kalbarri - 14.06.2012 to 20.06.2012

 Geraldton we both got this eery feeling of emptiness as soon as we came into the town and had a short look around. It is an industrial type of town with a big port and heaps of ships hanging around waiting to come in and get loaded. I think it was grain that was loaded into the ships. It was strange to see a pub closed down and all boarded up plus many empty shops in the central part of town and also 3 secondhand / pawnbroker shops close to each other so I wonder what the economy is going like there. We basically did a stock up, wash ed clothes, got laptop "fixed" again then we were out of there not looking back, infact Murph wasnt enthused once to get her camera out and take some snaps.

 Not looking back, we were finally out of Geraldton and set our sights for the town of Kalbarri. Kalbarri is a very tourist orientated town, much like the rest of WA's coast, however it does offer some great scenic delights. Turning off the North West Coast Highway at Northhampton we travelled through Port Gregory where they have the Pink Lake. The Pink Lake's pink hue is created by microscopic algae which becomes trapped in the salt granules. We were lucky to have a still calm day and the lake was displaying it's best deep pink colour. We stopped in Port Gregory and noticed a small crowd gathering on the jetty. In the water was the local sea life in the form of a stingray, which is always a treat to see when they are that close and with the water clear as glass.

Port Gregories Pink Lake

Ray hanging around jetty at Port Gregory

The Coastal Route into Kalbarri is quite spectacular with views of the coastal cliffs along the way, offering panoramic views, whales (way in the distance) and secluded beaches. The fracturing and decaying of the cliffs from the force of the ocean sculpt some rather dramatic rock formations.

Once Crowey and I had unhitched the caravan, we decided to check out where the locals go surfing. We were quite amazed at the bravado of the surfers, the waves came in on a rock flat. There really is no fear for the young, as there was no way I was going to jump on the boogey board over that rock. Give me sand anytime. The sun began to set and created some great shots with the surfers taking advantage of every inch of light to the end of the day.

Small break near shore (kids spot)

one more ride before the sunset

another day end

8 foot plus waves at the point



The next day we decided to explore Kalbarri National Park where the Murchison River runs amonst the gorges, where for a few million years it has carved through the Tumblagooda (no I didn't make that up) Sandstone. The day we went was a glorious 24 degrees and quite warm walking to and from each scenic area, but worth the view.