Western Australia is BIG! It is so big you could fit ten United Kingdoms within its borders or nearly five Frances or seven Germanys. In the early days of colonial settlement, this State made concerted and vocal efforts to secede from Australia itself, and I suspect those sentiments are still bubbling along under the surface, even today.
As well as extensive mineral wealth underpinning the State’s economy, Western Australia (WA) has a lengthy coastline, stretching for around 12,889km from tip to toe. This coastline supports a number of vibrant industries including fishing, pearling, boat building and, of course, tourism.
As I would rather watch paint dry than go fishing, I would have to explore the WA coastline as a tourist…a walking tourist.
In October 2023 I finally arrived at Mandalay Beach after walking around 765km on the Bibbulmun Track. After walking through endless trees and forests for the previous 35 days, you can imagine my delight at seeing the ocean and actually being able to see vistas that extended more than 50m.
My eyes opened up, my heart opened up, and my soul soared. Space at last! The open landscape and unimpeded refreshing breezes blew out my mental cobwebs, and eliminated the feeling of sneaking claustrophobia that the endless thick forests had created.
From that point on, the Bibbulmun Track meandered over sand dunes, up steep ridges, into the coastal hinterland, and back to the beach again for 12 days solid. It took us down, down, down to hidden beaches and coves, or long beaches which involved seven to eight kilometres of sand walking, and then back up, up, up again to deliver more breath-taking climbs and views.
As part of the Track there were a few water-related challenges including canoeing across Irwin Inlet and walking across Parry and Torbay Inlets. We were warned to be careful crossing all inlets, especially Parry and Torbay due to the risk of strong currents and rogue, dangerous waves. Not us. Our luck held and the predicted strong currents had deposited large amounts of sand, closing the inlets completely and enabling us to keep our feet dry.
As some of the campsites were located quite near the water, it was delightful to fall asleep at night listening to the crash of waves or the white noise roar of the ocean. Living so far from the coast as I normally do, this constant exposure to the sea was a real treat. It was difficult to stop taking photos.
Edging ever closer to our final destination – Albany – we strolled under numerous wind turbines, perfectly situated to make the most of the gusty sea breezes or gale force winds on a rough day. Albany is also well-known for its long and profitable whaling history, now showcased in a popular museum. Both the whales and myself are happy that the seas are safer for both man and beast.
Our last night on the Bibb was at Sandpatch campsite, located very close to the edge of the Torndirrup National Park. We were able to explore this rugged park and its dramatic coastline in a little more detail a few days after arriving in Albany, thanks to a reunion with a couple of our tramily members, Ben and Ting. They drove to Albany to celebrate our arrival and then took us on a little drive out to the very heart of the National Park.
The Park has a number of spectacular rock formations such as the Gap and the Natural Bridge. These formations, comprised of solid granite rock, stand steadfastly at the water’s edge providing spectacular views and cleansing showers as the waves smash into them, spraying over the top. The lookouts were popular with many other visitors and it was good to see that the Powers That Be have made this area fully accessible for people with disabilities by installing smooth and wide ramps, and other accessibility initiatives for the visually impaired.
Further down the road is the Blowhole. It is not as easy to photograph simply being a narrow slit in the rock cliff face through which spray surges with a loud WHUMP and blowing your hat off. Guaranteed to make you laugh.
On this adventure, my exploration of the WA coast was limited to a spectacular 200km stretch. That leaves at least another 12,000km or so to meander along, although it will be much easier and quicker if I get a car! 😊 I have made a small start on this coastal odyssey already with a short visit to Fremantle and a swim with the whale sharks at Exmouth.
If I am going to get anywhere near covering the WA coastline in this lifetime, I had better start now!
Bye! See you in the water!
#TorndirrupNationalPark #travelinspo #shortwalks #Albany #daywalks #coastalwalks #seaspray #greatoutdoors #heartstarter #nationalparks #Fremantle #whalesharks #waterviews #oceanviews, #vitaminsea #WesternAustralia #DiscoverWesternAustralia #saltinyourface #windinyourhair
Life...one big adventure 
That is a big state, I think you’d need 3 or 4 of our provinces to match the size. It does have spectacular coastal views doesn’t it. And it would take a long time to see it all. Great pictures. Maggie
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Thanks, Maggie. Yep, it is a big ‘un and I suspect you could travel for years and still not see it all. Happy Easter to you. Mel
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Wow! Well I, for one, am glad you couldn’t stop taking photos, because it’s so pretty!! Looking forward to your adventures along the other 12000km as well. That’s quite the goal to see it all!
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Oh, I do love your optimism! I am not sure I have 120km in me, let alone 12,000km! 🙂
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You and the great outdoors were made for each other. Not all that many people explore our planet as much as you do.
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Neil, many Australians and New Zealanders enjoy the outdoor lifestyle, it is common here in NZ. Though perhaps not as adventurous as Mel 😉
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I dunno, Suzanne, you Kiwis are pretty serious trampers!
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There certainly are a few serious trampers. Those days of intrepid tramping have gone thanks to years of half marathons, now I’ve a dodgy knee. Got to love aging. Will always love walking.
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Keep walking and maybe age won’t catch up with you….and me!🙃
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Thank you for your kind words. I’m a fairly casual explorer and I appreciate the privilege of travel. Have a good day. Mel
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Yes, we thought we had completed some fair amount of road travels, until we really looked at the map and it was like, “Is that all we did”. Amazing spaces around Western Australia and you’ve certainly highlighted some of the best. Cheers, Mel.
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I love that you have been where I have been. I need to get across the ditch so I can return the favour. Happy Easter. Melx
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I hope you do come over to NZ and do some exploring. Just bring your raincoat and sunscreen 😉 Happy Easter x
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And, if you don’t like the weather, you just wait a minute? Or maybe that is just Melbourne? Wishing you much chocolate! 🍫🐰
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Better get going, Mel! Fabulous photos!
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So many destinations, too little time. 🙂 Happy Easter, Jo. I hope you have some nice walks planned. Melx
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Lots of rain here in the Algarve and I don’t anticipate the UK being a lot better, Mel. Bring on the chocolate!
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Death by chic is the way to go!🍫🍫🐰
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Great post with so many beautiful photos. With sweeping white sands, jungly tangles, technicolour corals and seawater that looks more like a swimming pool, Western Australia is a very photogenic place to explore. Thanks for sharing, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Thanks, Aiva. It’s a drop dead gorgeous place and my photos will never do it justice.
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Beautiful out there, great captures!
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Many thanks. It’s been lovely to reminisce a little.
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But it looks so small from here, just a mere island😍😍
Your photos look fantastic, Western Australia is so picturesque!
xx
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And it is only a couple of inches long on a paper map! Why does it take to walk that far?? 🙂
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Exactly.. why?!😍
Have a lovely day! Christie, xx
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Thanks, you too.
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How absolutely beautiful, WA looks incredible. I can’t believe how big it is either!! Also loved your comment about rather watching paint dry than go fishing – same here!!!
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So, no fishing in Thailand then? 🙂
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Your beach photos are just insanely beautiful – the ocean’s ever-changing colours make it a scene I’ll never get bored of. It is interesting to read your post now – we arrived in Sodwana on the North Coast last night and Berto is currently underwater, busy with his first scuba dive of the weekend – his happy place! Oh yes, just think about this: While fishing (from the shore), you can enjoy a glass of wine … that make fishing quite exciting! But I suppose you could do that too while watching paint dry 🙂.
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I could definitely drink wine watching paint dry! 🍷🍷🙃
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Amazing! I can’t believe how big it actually is. Great photos! I can’t wait to visit one day.
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There is a whole lot to see so you had better pack a big bag! 🙂
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