Augusta - Cape Leeuwin

We decided to get the trip down to Augusta and Cape Leeuwin done early and while we had good weather. In case you are not aware it is the south west tip of Australia where the Southern Ocean and the Indian Ocean meet. On good sunny days like we had you can see the different coloured waters coming together. 

The road down to Augusta is full of interesting little towns including Margaret River township. Our favourite though is Cowaramup. The whole town has gone with a cow theme. There are big cow sculptures everywherer and they are all sponsored  by the businesses. As a tourist thing it worked we stopped. It was just as well as it turned out because it is a town with a whole lot of interesting stores that we'd have missed if not for the cows. There was the Candy Cow, the xxxx Gallery, and a coffee shop that actually knows how to make a flat white,  no froth. Check out the photos of the cows.

We didn't stop in Margaret River,  there was a heap of roadworks and we decided to just keep going.  We did stop at Augusta for lunch and just like last time we were here it is a very expensive place to eat.  Much nicer food this time though. 

Down to the Cape and the lighthouse. Having already done the lighthouse tour we decided not to this time especially as the price per person just to walk around it is now $10. We thought that was a bit steep. So we went to the waterwheel instead. There were some overseas tourists there who discussing the price and how much it was. Anyway around the waterwheel is very picturesque. 

It's not that far so on the way back we turned off the main drag at Cowaramup and visited the Margaret River Nougat Co. Yes we bought some, it is hard not to they have 25 varieties.  No trip in this area is complete without a visit to the Margaret River Chocolate Factory, and yes we bought some.  Thwre are walls and walls of different chocolates. 

Cape Naturaliste

We headed out to Cape Naturaliste via Dunsborough, a nice little coastal tourist village.  We stopped at the market,  Donna can't go past one,  and then headed for the Cape. 

The Cape has a Lighthouse and some short walks out to a number of lookouts. From Sep to Nov you can see whales apparently but I think it might too late in the season because we didn't see any.  Despite that it is still worth  the walk for the view.  The water here is so blue it is amazing. 

From Cape Naturaliste we headed down the coast to Yallingup on the surf coast. From there a round trip back to Busselton.  Along the way we stopped at a winery.  I know we can't get it home in the plane but they advertise that they do port.  I had to stop, and it was worth the stop. All the ports I tried I liked. They have some very light ports that have a fruity and berry taste to them and can be served chilled, which is just as well as it has been in the high 20s since we've been here,  and some of the more traditional styles but with a real raison flavor.  Their chocolate ports are delicious,  2 of my favorite things in one glass. 

Onwards then to the brewery and cidery. I don't like beer so it obviously want that we went for but the cider. I've never tried cider and thought it must be about time I had a go.  They have an apricot and an apple cider.  Both tasted like weak almost flat fizzy fruit juice. Maybe there are better ones or maybe it is an acquired taste. 

Part then the brewery and on to the Chilli Waters, a site fruit and nut farm. I've never eaten satay broadbeens before but I've discovered I really like them. Donna bought some dried apricots in yoghurt that we decided after tasting would be great with our cereal in the morning. Following this up with the nut and cereal farm at which we bought some barbecued macadamias and our foodie trip was complete. 

The rest of the day was lazing around the pool sipping port.  Tough I know but I'm up for the challenge. 

The map below starts at Yallingup because I forgot to turn it on earlier. 

PS the shark attack was at the beach where we were earlier.

Perth to Busselton

Today we hovelled from Perth to Busselton but first let me tell you about our B+B last night. Just near the airport, which is just as well  because we arrived late, it is called Jenni's B+B . For the same price as an hotel room we stayed with Jenni and Barry in a very comfortable room. This morning a light breakfast and some easy conversation with some hints on the best way to Busselton.

Now for the trip- We headed down the inland road stopping at a couple of places , one recommended by Jenni, the bakery at Pinjara Junction. The food is good if not a little limited. Moving right along we headed down to Bunbury and stopped for lunch. An interesting little cafe that didn't look much from the outside but turned out to be very nice. Also the service was very quick and friendly.

Now for the resort, pretty much what you would expect from a Grand Mercure . Our room is next to the pool and fully equipped.  But the real beauty of this place is the fact it backs onto the beach.  Walk out the bank of the resort and you have a magnificent view .

Cup day

Well today is Melbourne Cup Day and its a holiday for those of us in Melbourne.  Woohoo! Since I had no free invites to the cup this year we decided to go for a drive instead as it was a beautiful day for here.  We had out to one of our favorite spots, Trentham, and to get Marcus to come with us and drive us most of the time we had to promise to go to some music shops in Ballarat.  We lunched in Trentham this time at the main pub.  The food took a little while but it was good honest pub grub.  I had a chicken kiev that was moist and not too strong with garlic, unusual for a pub.  Anyway we all had a nice meal and of we went to Ballarat. It is just a really nice day trip. 

Our trip is below.