5th February, 2002: Le Grand Beach (Cape LeGrand NP) – Starvation Bay
Not too crowded, fairly basic camp spot – pit toliets (ok), no fresh water, no fees & wood is supplied for camp fires. More of a fishing spot. During our stay we visited Hopetown (30kms west), Fitzgerald National Park where we walked up East Mt. Barren (2hrs return), take an ok 4WD track into Quoin Head, a secluded bay with a river outlet nestled between two cliffs. Also went fishing with a chap (Peter), who we met in the camp ground. We started off ok with a few bites but Julie had to finish early after getting a touch of mal de mer.
8th February, 2002: Starvation Bay – Point Ann (Fitzgerald River NP)
On to Point Ann driving about 210kms today. We visit Fitzgerald Inlet, Fitzgerald Beach, West Mt Barren (and do a 45mins walk to the top), Peppermint Beach (120km return trip outside the NP and a bit southwest on a narrow 4WD track which was well worth the effort).
11th February, 2002: Point Ann (Fitzgerald River NP) – Perth (Gwelup)
7 hour trip to Perth (520kms), camping just north at Karrinyup Waters. Caught up with a close friend who was visiting from Melbourne. Next fews days spent exploring the city and surrounds, including York (100kms east), city centre, Perth Zoo, Swan River, Kings Park and Fremantle. We also purchased an inflatable boat to use later on our trip.
20th February, 2002: Perth – Rottnest Island
We take our backpacks and hiking tent to camp at “Tentland”, hire some bikes and spend the next fews days riding around the island. Plenty of Quokkas (cute little native rat like creatures). While the beaches aren’t big, they are excellent! Lots of swimming & snokelling with plenty of fish and coral in some bays. Parker Point, while busy with tourists, was a particular highlight as it had underwater plaques you dived down to with descriptions of parts of the reef and marine life.
23rd February, 2002: Rottnest Island – Perth
Continued our exploration of Perth visiting, Cottlesloe Beach, go to the top of Central Park (tallest building in Perth) to look over the city & surrounds, Burswood Casino (initially from the outside as we didn’t quite meet the dress requirements and then later for a game of golf). Also fit in a car service and some maintenance of the camper trailer. Inflated our new boat, “Fish Hunter”, for its maiden voyage on the Swan River. Some paddling practice required!
