30th April 2002: Perth – Cervantes
After packing up we drive some 150kms north to Lancelin (on the coast). From Lancelin we did a 4WD trip to Cevantes. The drive includes dunes, capstone rocks (limestone) and beach (difficult and slightly hairy as in places there wasn’t much room between the water and the track).
It was about 80kms all up but took us 4 hours. Having the trailer slowed us a little (especially over the rocks).
Near Cevantes we visited the Pinnacles; basically a field of rocky pillars on a sand bed. The area has been created by soil erosion. Whilst nothing sensational it did look good in the late afternoon light.
In summary the drive was OK, but I thought the coast was a bit disappointing (not really surprising after what we saw south). The vegetation was low and sparse. Arrived at Cervantes circa 5.30pm.
1st May 2002: Cervantes – Ellendale Pool
Broke camp and drove north to Jurien Bay, exploring Drovers Cave National Park along the way. We then head north to Port Dennison where we have lunch by the seaside and then onto Ellendale Pool, part of the Greenaugh River. Refreshing later afternoon swim in order after setting up camp.
The next day we take a 2 hour walk in the morning around the pool and up to the overlooking clifftops (via farmland). Good views of the pool and our camp. Easy rest of the day spent around camp.
Ellendale Pool 
Ellendale Pool – overlooking camp
3rd May 2002: Ellendale Pool – Kalbarri
Thorny Devil
Drove 30kms to Geralton and a further 150kms to Kalbarri via the coast road (Northhampton, Port Gregory).
Kalbarri is a coastal town on the mouth of the Murchinson River, surrounded by Kalbarri National Park. Camped at the local caravan park as there was no camping in the national park.
The next morning we explore the national park to look at a few river gorges. First up is the loop, which has a natures window as its attraction (a rock framing the Murchinson River). We do the 10km loop walk, basically following the river in a loop.
The gorge created by the river is spectacular and the walk is excellent (albeit a bit warm by the end).
Next day we visit another gorge, the Z-bend. Another excellent view from above, but you could also make your way down a steep rock slop to the bottom (we did this). On the way back we stopped at Meanarra Lookout for a view of the town and river mouth.
The following day was the turn of the coastal scenery. Started at Natures Bridge and ended at Red Bluff. In between there was Grandstand Gorge, Island Rock, Eagle Gorge, Mushroom Rock and Rainbow Valley. All good stuff!
