Howdy peeps.

I can only apologise in advance for what may turn out to be a lengthy post.

Apparently on this albeit short journey, I managed to cram in a month’s worth of beaches.

So let’s make haste and dive in.

Walpole → Augusta Margaret River

As we should all realise by now, I’m trying to follow the coast as closely as possible. However on this particular stretch I encountered a slight hiccup.

Augusta (the next obvious choice on the map) for an overnight stay was fully booked. It didn’t matter how I rearranged the dates; I couldn’t make it work.

I really hate the idea of travelling backwards. That’s not to say I don’t mind a bit of reverse parking, but maybe this journey has become the metaphor of my life.

So I looked to find somewhere inland so that the route could at least maintain a forward trajectory.

The irony, when I say “practice what I preach”, and I did in actual fact start this leg by quickly driving 10 minutes back towards..

Peaceful Bay

Yes, I know. I literally just said no driving backwards, but sometimes we just have to.

And I’m glad that I did.

With not a lot of anything in between, I took JC for a bath and then headed off to my next destination.

Star Gazers Forest Hideaway

Found completely by accident whilst searching for an Augusta alternative.

A little bit over my budget, but I had saved a bit here and there. I know miracles can happen! And for the pièce de résistance, they had free laundry facilities.

I realise that sounds entirely ridiculous, but dayumn, a single load of washing can cost anywhere from $4 to $8. And then the same again if you want to use the dryer.

Let’s not forget the inordinate amount of pants I’m carrying,  these can fill an industrial-sized machine and more.

You’re actually considered quite posh if you use the dryer but hey ho I like my towels soft not crispy.

With a private deck, ensuite facilities and a BBQ per pitch I couldn’t say no.

I spent two nights here and had the best night’s sleep of my journey so far.

Just stunning.

Two days later I packed up and carried on my journey to Margaret River via Augusta.

Again completely by chance, whilst driving along, I came across Alexandra Bridge Campsite. A hidden gem for sure.

With a jetty and only ten dollars a night I was sorely tempted to cancel my booking at Margaret River.

Augusta

I can sense this post getting out of hand so let’s cover Augusta as quickly as I did for reals.

At 1155 hrs I was helping a lady diagnose her starter solenoid outside a bakery and was back eating dumpling soup by 1323 hrs.

Of course I started with the Lighthouse

And ended with dumpling soup.

Absolutely exhausted I headed on towards my booked campsite.

Riverview Tourist Park

Would you believe me if I told you it took me 2 full days to find the river view? I was beginning to consider suing for false representation.

And there it was, hidden away in front of the cabins.

As for my pitch, this was by far the largest space I have ever had since my arrival in country.

Like Mufasa to Simba, “everything you see to the right of JC is mine.” The ducks were an added extra.

Of course, whilst I was here, I went for the obligatory: I eat too many pies, I need to run, run.

Margaret River (MR)

According to Google, MR is a region famous for its premium wine-producing, its surf region, and a ridiculous amount of caves.

In a reverse Meat Loaf, 1 out of 3 ain’t bad.

Prevelly Coastal Area

Hamelin Bay

Another area on our travels off limits to dogs, but this truly seemed an opportunity not to be missed.

An area famous for its blue waters and large “friendly” stingrays.

Whilst my photos aren’t the greatest, those black shadows in the water are indeed stingrays.

And somehow after all this, we were back in Augusta and so it seemed only fair to take Jackson to a beach he was allowed on.

Whilst he had a great time, as you can see, I was rather taken with the silver gull using the dog water bowl.

Thus my time in MR was at an end. Where to next?

Begin Again (Taylor Swift 2012/2021)

Well, what a difference a day makes.

No sooner had I pressed send on last week’s post than the date canceller uncancelled.

Apparently, I’m not the only one who can be grumpy and make poor decisions after a nap.

Needless to say, dating stats are now at 3, and yes, all with one person.

I realise you all want details. Well, I’m not giving you any so nerrr.

Bush Tucker Bingo

And in other exciting news, I finally tried a Golden Gaytime. I must confess I did wonder if it was an elaborate hoax, but the ice cream is real.

And thanks to one of my dates, I managed to snag some potato scallops and hot chips.

Crikey! I just realised I had a banana smoothie too. I need to go for a run!

Until next time XOXO.