Another quiet day with lunch on the beach and a drive around some of the specie real estate. We found on of the new tourist attractions a ‘Giant’ of giant proportions and then a family of ducks on the shore. Quirky.

 Under development!!!

A lovely day's riding working to stick to the coast with lots of corners and up and down hills through God’s wonderful Karri Forest Cathedrals to Augusta where we had a lovely croissant breakfast overlooking the inlet which was a treat. The weather was mild and calm, and the outlook was idyllic with families picnicking and children fishing from the jetty. From there we headed through forests and farming land and sand dunes, all of which were lovely to ride through. We encountered very few caravans today, or yesterday for that matter where across the Nullarbor there were huge numbers heading east. The weather continued overcast for the majority of the day even through Busselton and Bunbury and into Golden Beach where we are staying with friends who are pet sitting. We will stay a couple of days and have a bit of a break and then get an oil change for Norm’s bike and some tyres on the bikes on Wednesday. We are getting the tyres earlier than intended but have ascertained that cruiser tyres are not stocked further north as shops cater for off road bikes.

The map for today.

Breakfast at Augusta.

A massive Karri tree. The top had broken out of it long ago, but it is still going strong.

Canal Rocks where waves forcing their way between rocks gives the appearance of a canal through them. The first on as we approached. The next two closer too the action.

Busselton Jetty.

A huge fig tree at the Visitor Centre at the jetty.

A light of some sort at Bunbury. The motel across the road from it had also incorporated the pattern into one of their walls making it look like it was a part of it.

Last nights' accommodation:

Karri Forest Motel

Generous size and comfortable well-appointed room and bathroom, lovely hot shower. Quiet spot with no traffic noise but the on-site restaurant is no longer operating even though Booking.com still have it on their site as doing so. Grrrr.  We also found the bed very uncomfortable and were disappointed with the garden which was obviously set out by someone who has a great passion for gardening but is now starting to look a little overgrown and neglected. A shame to see.

Sleep in and kicked back for the day and caught up with Jason and Tracey for lunch which was lovely.

Under development!!!!

A shorter travelling day today and found the town of Albany a lovely one with an interesting mix of substantial buildings. Would be worth exploring at a later date as many are. We headed off in the rain to visit the Albany Whaling Station Museum which we found interesting. We climbed all over the boat there the Cheynes IV which was an experience. Norm was disappointed not to get right down into the engine room but was fascinated with what he saw including the steam assisted rudder which would have been before hydraulic capacities.

From there we headed of in and out of rain for the morning and the rest of the day was dry and fine though cold so the waterproofs stayed on as e travelled through Denmark Nornalup and Walpole through to Pemberton through beautiful farmland and karri forests. It was all just lovely to be surrounded by. We enjoyed lunch at Walpole with hoot soup and a hot chocolate at Northcliffe.

Disappointed that after booking our accommodation as it was advertised as having a restaurant, it isn’t operating so will be walking to the pub for dinner. Will leave my shower until my return in case I need to warm up again.

The map for today.

The Albany Town Hall … I think.

Getting the gear off at the Whaling Station.

The chaser ship Cheynes IV.

Up front on the deck.

The engine room from above.

Dining room, catering for rough sees with all the ledges as do the beds. Not my idea of fun!

View across the bay from the Museum, around the other side of the bay from the town of Albany to keep the stench and mess away from the citizens I imagine.

And across to Albany.

Morning coffee at Elleker as we started to come into lots of trees. An interesting building (mud brick) and very alternative patronage.

Passing Norm as we progressed.

And even got tangled up with some cows as we headed for Nightcliffe.

 More trees.

Last nights accommodation:

Mandal Ace Albany Hotel

Comfortable well-appointed room and bathroom, lovely hot shower. Nice and cozy and quiet. Cooked breakfast included as well as restaurant on site where we had a lovely dinner. Awesome!

Under development!!!

A comfortable day’s riding  under mainly grey skies so well rugged up all day as we travelled through both flat open plains and rolling hills with miles and miles of wheat and canola fields as well as beef and sheep so continuing in productive country in spite of it being relatively remote with even places known as towns (apart from Esperance or Albany) are sparsely populated and appear to be just hanging on to service the surrounding properties and a few drop ins like us. We have appreciated it very much and are glad that is not our experience on a fulltime basis.

Absolutely Australian experience but great tracts of land along the roadside have been burnt somewhere between recent times and likely 4 – 5 years ago and varying stages of regeneration are evident. We even came across Mallee country which surprised us as we associate that with north western Victoria, but I guess the same terrain and land and vegetation are here as well. We encountered warning signs to beware of Mallee Fowls at regular intervals.

We passed through Ravensthorpe which boasts the Worlds largest wildflower festival and there are certainly many to be seen in the area. Brilliant colors and variety of plants and our bikes and visors are testament to all the tiny little flying bugs which enjoy the honey, will really need a hot soapy wash to get rid of them off the bikes.

The map for today.

Munglinup Roadhouse where there were two electric charging points plugged into a power point of a small shed with the door off the hinges and leaning against the wall. Didn’t look too out of place really. I resisted the urge to ask if anyone had used it and just enjoyed a lovely coffee.

Palace Hotel in?? The most substantial building in our opinion.

And yes, I know they aren’t an Australian Wildflower, but they are just beautiful and at our motel tonight.

Last nights' accommodation:

Hospitality Esperance SureStay Collection by Best Western

A lovely comfortable room tucked away from the road and right on the Esplanade. A continental breakfast was included, and we dined in the restaurant last night which was also lovely.

Under development!!!

Baladonia WA Via Norseman to Esperance WA523kms (Total 5,061kms)

A focused ride to get to Esperance in good time to get an oil change for my bike so only a couple of stretch stops and a coffee on the way and really grateful to John from Squily’s Moto for terrific service, will give his details below. We got in without the expected rain, which was great, checked in then a little exploring.

The trip to Esperance was through the Great Western Woodland which a sign said is an area about the size of England and is the only remaining original Mediterranean woodland in the world, go figure! Was a shame but also interesting to see the results of many bushfires over a lot of years and how the bush is regenerating in stages. After Norseman the terrain opened up with more farmland with vast wheat and canola fields and more substantial trees. Incredible to realize that there are no towns from Penong to Norseman, a distance of over 1,200kms and the only services provided are by privately owned Truckstop’s under pretty severe circumstances.  We are grateful for every one of them. Would be interesting to know if the government gives them any sort of assistance to be there because if they don’t, they should, it is invaluable service.

The map for today.

Sunset.

Penong and a tribute to what the windmills in our country have made possible.

Take my breath

And that’s

And a taste of the windswept Nullarbor.

And the Bunda Cliffs up close.

Last nights' accommodation:

Baladonia Roadhouse

Literally in the middle of nowhere and an awesome service provided with caravan park and motel accommodation which was adequate and comfortable. The evening meal was welcome after a big day and the bed comfortable.

Under development!!

Border Village SA to Baladonia WA 533kms (Total 4,005kms)

A big day on the bikes with a sneaking westerly wind which thankfully wasn’t too strong. Not a lot to peel off and look at (in our humble opinion) so we kept pedaling. Some people we came across at fuel stops seemed to think we should be bored with so little to see! We feel sorry for them, boredom is a decision and the terrain and foliage kept constantly changing and we loved it all but all the same we were glad to get in and after having a bit of a headwind were a bit sore so pleased to get in, shower and dinner and shared a meal with some locals from Traralgon, go figure!

The map for today.

As promised, a shout out to Squily’s Moto. Awesome service and professionalism which was greatly appreciated.

A stretch break and to learn about the Great Western Woodland.

The only camels we saw on the road thankfully, at a Norseman roundabout.

Esperance, such a pretty spot, this is on the Esplanade.

Some old work shots outside the Museum.

And a safe pool area on the shore complete with slide in the center. Very clever. Too cold for patronage today.

And across to the very commercial silos.

And a boat being escorted in to load.

And some shots around Lucky Bay with a little exploring.

Last nights' accommodation:

Border Village Roadhouse

Were told all the standard rooms were booked and only one superior room available which we paid for and yep, it was a standard.

Under development!!

A good day's riding across the Nullarbor (NoTree Plain) and we were grateful we had a slight tail wind and also weatherproof gear to wear late into the day as the wind was blowing straight off the Antarctic, pleasingly without the snow seen in eastern states.

The massive wheat fields continued and just when I decided there couldn’t possibly be any sheep because how would they ever find them I thought, and we came across some. So, so much for that theory! We saw miles and miles of saltbush and low growing scrub but the two highlights for the trip were to visit the Head of the Bight and see large numbers of whales with calves in the midwifery ward of the Great Australian Bight. What a privilege, I didn’t even mind that I didn’t get any decent photos and the second was seeing the Bunda Cliffs firstly from a distance and later in the day up close. Magnificent!

The map for today.

Sunset last night at Ceduna.

Penong and a tribute to the windmill which makes so much possible in the arid climates of Australia.

Take my breath away whales!! How any sane person can think putting wind turbines in whale migration routes is a good idea needs their head read!

 And that’s the Bunda Cliffs in the distance.

And a taste of the windswept Nullarbor.

And the Bunda Cliffs up close. We nearly got blown of the lookout and I wasn’t confident I’d be able to stand my bike up without being blown over but thankfully did so.

Last nights' accommodation:

Ceduna Foreshore Hotel Motel

A comfortable clean and convenient spot to stay. Spacious layout, beautifully clean and food options on site. Secure locked parking for the bikes which was good as the reputation for interference from locals was not good.

We encountered a bit of a gusty crosswind and a fine sprinkling of rain but still stayed dry and comfortable which was food given the colder weather to our east. Before we headed off, we tried to get some more globes for my pesky driving lights and another GPS for Norm’s bike as it is proving problematic. No luck with the GPS and minimal with the globes.

We headed off and travelled miles through flat plains of saltbush until we stopped for coffee at Cowell on the shores of the Eyre Peninsula. A lovely little village with orderly stone buildings and a seemingly thriving community which was good to see. Once we headed off from there the saltbush gradually morphed into low lying forest and than Iron Knob popped up on our right-hand side. An impressive iron mining site and from there the land gradually opened up into sheep and wheat properties with a smattering of canola crops as well until we pulled into Port Neil for lunch at a lovely old pub on the water. From here to Port Lincoln the sheep wheat and canola farming became more intense and the productivity of the peninsula was obvious when we got to Port Lincoln and saw the massive size of the silos and shipping machinery which dwarfed others we had seen on the way and add all the commercial fishing in the region and you have a vibrant community and economy.

The map for today.

Street view in Cowell.

Another.

And another, all in the one street.

And another.

A very quirky door to the Ladies Public Loo and yes there was a lot of artworks in there with the names of artists, descriptions and telling you where they could be paid for. Never seen that before, oh and the toilets were immaculately looked after! Well done!!

The Hotel where we had lunch at Port Neil.

And the view from our hotel veranda.

And the jetty at Tumby Bay, a more alive town than where we had lunch.

Coffin Bay, no idea where the name comes from but could make up a few good stories!

A well camouflaged emu just off the track to Point Avoid

Last nights' accommodation:

The New Whyalla Hotel

Was new a long time ago! A budget price for a budget hotel as there was some sort of footy thing happening and rooms were scarce. Were pleased the bikes were covered and parked under a camera and relieved they were still there this morning.

A good day's riding, mostly sunny and chased by a ferocious wind initially a cross wind and more tailwind later in the day. We really enjoyed pretty landscapes as we headed out of Port Lincoln with rolling sheep and wheat fields and canola thrown in for good measure and very little traffic apart from caravans. I was surprised by the terrain as I had expected a lot of featureless saltbush, which we got in patches, but it wasn’t sustained. We saw lots of rocky country which must be a struggle to make a living off as well as pretty little bay areas along the coast. Not surprised that the majority of the sheep we saw were hunkered down in groups sheltering from the wind. We can tell we are in a remote area as everyone we meet in any vehicle waves. I like that.

The map for today.

I took 2 photos of photos in the Boston Hotel where we had dinner last night as I just loved the sense of respect for the dignity of work on the land. Not my photos obviously so credit to whoever took them. The first harvesting and the second rounding yup sheep. Loved them both!

Canola field not far out of Port Lincoln.

Stretch stop for me and a short explore for Norm.

Smoky Bay, another stretch, and loo stop. Lots of Oysters produced around here apparently.

And a yummy break in Streaky Bay.

And now into Ceduna and boy that shower felt good!

Last nights' accommodation:

Hilton Beachfront Motel

A comfortable clean and cozy spot right on the waterfront with parking right in front of the unit with a pub not far down the street for dinner. Breakfast available but we wanted to make a mile or two before so didn’t take up the offer.

We headed off with some hope of mostly dry riding albeit not very warm but encountered full sunshine which continued until Powelltown until past Willow Grove then patchy sunshine until home. The ride home confirms that we live in the prettiest State and are spoilt for choice for beautiful roads to ride but having said that we enjoyed all our riding in spite of some of the weather Murphy threw at us. We had breakfast at Beechworth Bakery in Healsville and apparently beat the usual morning crew as walked straight in and ordered but there was a doubled-up queue to the door when we left. We pulled into Noojee Hotel for a welcome hot coffee and encountered friends from Traralgon as we left, heading to Alexandra for the weekend. Another stretch break at Willow Grove and home so thought I’d do what I do when I don’t get many shots in a day and show you some of Traralgon which is a lovely place to live.

Morning coffee at the Noojee Pub.

The first Hotel in Traralgon the Star Hotel, now a Restaurant.

Victory Park.

Old Court House and Post Office.

War Memorial and elm plantation, supposedly the second most significant one in the state, the first being in Bendigo or Ballarat apparently.

Ryan's Hotel.

What was a Church is now a night club and restaurant and in the back ground St Michaels Catholic Church.

The new Performing Arts Centre still under construction.

And if you need some help, the Police Station.

The GRAC - Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre, lots of fun stuff in there.

And a bit quirky, what used to be the town's water tower is now a private home.

And a heritage listed oak previously part of a farm now a housing subdivision where we live.

And home at last and Santa has made his appearance for 2021 with lots of positive feedback from passing kids. All a bit of fun.

Last night’s accommodation

Alexandra Motor Inn, Alexandra

A comfortable overnight stay. Built in about the mid to late 70’s (going on tile choices) but spacious enough with a front door to the parking area and rear door to the veranda and garden area. Happy to say the bed was beautifully comfortable, a relief after the previous night. The surrounding grounds and garden are immaculately presented and there is a nice pool and BBQ area and unbelievably there were kids in the pool last night! Don’t know if that means it’s heated, or the kids are from Antarctica! Wi-Fi not free here! Only place we have found that. Cards can be purchased but I didn’t bother.

Well we expected to be wet through for the whole day today after the forecasts but we headed off dry, had breakfast at Finley and didn’t come into any rain until about 30km before Wodonga and ran out of it around 30kms south of there. We had fine riding conditions from there and even had blue skies, but we kept pedaling in case it all turned to water.

We were amazed at the amount of water we saw on our way from well before Finley into Wodonga. All table drains were full, dams were full and any decent indentations in the ground were also full. Won’t take much rain to lead to widespread flooding and inconvenience.

We caught up with a friend in Wodonga who is soon to move to Queensland. Apologies to family and friends who we didn’t catch up with, take my word for it that chronology says you will be here a lot longer than he is likely to be ….. or us for that matter.

So, the phone was tucked into the pannier all day so here are a few views of Alexandra after we got in.

Last night’s accommodation

Deniliquin Motel, Deniliquin

An ageing motel but in good condition with refurbished bathroom. Clean and comfortable space with obliging hosts. Windscreen washing facilities available to guests and a pool and BBQ space if the weather suited. Walking distance to the RSL for dinner. A comfortable space to stop, but the worst bed I have ever come across so made for a very uncomfortable night’s sleep.

Well we expected to have very wet weather all day but only a bit of rain in Hay as we headed off then mostly just a bit of drizzle after that so a very warm and humid day but we had a chance to check out some sights in Deniliquin which was great and I’ll let the pictures tell the story.

About halfway here we had a stretch break at the Royal Mail Hotel in Booroorban which was a lovely old building.

And into Deniliquin we had lunch across the street from a very nice park and garden.

And another.

We also spent a good deal of time checking out ‘The Depot’ which is a comprehensive collection of historic and other cars trucks and lifestyle items owned by the Purtill Family and shared in this complex along with providing a truck depot and service center, car and truck wash and an awesome Diner complex as well. Apart from the working side of the service center it reminded us of the Richardson family display in Invercargill NZ though that is larger in volume. A few shots below.

And some street views in Deniliquin.

 Last 2 night’s accommodation

Nicholas Royal Motel, Hay

A comfortable space to stop for a couple of days Not a large room but plenty of room for all we need. Got all the gear spread out and still room to do the blog so that’s saying something! Has been recently refurbished and looks in great condition. Owners friendly and helpful and plenty of space to be parked up.  A nice touch, buckets of water and windscreen washing brushes between rooms. Around the corner from the street so nice and quiet. Well set up and handy to the street and options to eat or shop.