Posted on by photographyperthwa

Before the Deluge: Kendenup and Albany

Frenchman Bay
At Sukey Lookout

We didn’t want to drive a long distance yesterday. Stephen found a nearby lookout and it turned out to be a good find. On the way we had to follow a gravel road for about 2 kms, then saw a two wheel track going up the hill to where we thought was the lookout. We knew we didn’t want to drive up that, but as we drove a little further we found a sealed road that took us to the lookout. It wasn’t sign posted, but we followed it because it was going in the right direction.

We made toasted sandwiches for lunch, then basically lazed away the rest of the afternoon either resting, reading books or listening to podcasts. I took a few photos but I didn’t want to wait until sunset for better shots, then have to drive back when it was getting dark. Mainly because of the danger of hitting wildlife.

We had another peaceful night at the campground and took our time getting ready to leave this morning. At Mt Barker we did van services (refuelling, emptying and refilling tanks, and shopping). Well stocked up we drove to Middleton Beach for lunch. It was beautiful, but extremely windy and it became a bit tiring to cope with. The beach looked inviting, but sand was blowing and it wasn’t pleasant to be out for very long.

Back in the town Stephen went to the Visitor Centre and I went to a cafe for a coffee. We both had a great time, of course. Afterwards I wanted to go to Frenchman Bay. The informal camping area has been closed off with a chain and padlock. Stephen investigated and there is a sign to say that it is private property. A pity, but as it wasn’t actually a designated camping area we can’t complain.

Frenchman Bay

Stephen rang the golf links and when they said they were full he pleaded that our van is very small, surely they could fit us in. The person caved and booked us in.

After afternoon tea at Frenchman Bay we went to the golf links and found a good spot and only had three tries to get ourselves up on the levelling blocks. I didn’t feel up to cooking and we had cooldrink with snacks, then had tuna and salad with half a roll each and cider, followed by fruit and yogurt.

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Before the Deluge: Katanning and Kendenup

Our neighbour across the road, Kendenup

We were a bit delayed in getting away for this trip and only left on Sunday. We pushed through to Katanning for our first night. It was fairly easy driving on the Great Southern Highway, with no trucks. Our aim, of course, was the free camping with dump point and fresh water and being close to the Dome Cafe for breakfast. We took a walk around the town in the evening and had a shared big breakfast yesterday morning.

Later we located a tyre place and had the tyres checked. The rear tyres were a little down and there is a bit of wear as a consequence. The person was helpful and cheerful, which left a good feeling.

We chose our next location as somewhere near the Stirling and Porongorup Ranges. A winery offered camping at $20 per night with no facilities and the Kendenup Shire offered camping in the recreation centre car park for $20 per night with power, water tap, toilets and hot showers and an outdoor sink with hot water for washing dishes. Which would you choose? We felt it was a no brainer to choose the shire site and we had a peaceful night last night even though some tent campers arrived after dark and spent time getting set up. It is $15 per night without power, but as it is a bit cloudy and it was only $5 extra we have opted for power.

One of the things that delayed us getting away was that Stephen developed a bit of a cold last Wednesday. He checked with the surgery where we were booked for booster shots and they didn’t want him there. We cancelled both appointments and went and got tested. We had to change the time for Matt to come to tea whilst we waited on results. He came to tea on Saturday night in the end. Fortunately he is very flexible.

This morning we have been very relaxed about time, waking up and spending time having our cups of tea before breakfast and washes. I also wanted to get started on this blog, and so I have.

We have booked into the Albany Community Clinic for our booster shots on Thursday. I also checked with Ken Peachey regarding our new water/space heater, which was due to arrive around Christmas, but is still apparently on the road. They have booked us in for February 2nd, but I will check the preceeding week to make sure it is either there or very close. If it looks like being delayed again we don’t need to rush back for the 2nd.

  • Katanning free camping
  • Katanning local shops
  • Katanning Uniting Church
  • Katanning Angican Church
  • Kendenup Camping
  • Kendenup neighbour
  • Kendenup chess peice
  • Entrance to Community Centre where we are staying.
  • Stephen with the Queen
  • Kendenup sunset
Kendenup township. The houses are well spaced out on large blocks of land. There is a small general store, post office and a cafe. Because we were exploring late in the day we were not sure if the cafe was open or closed for the holidays.
The local golf club calls itself a Country Club and offers meals and cheap drinks on Friday nights.
The horse isn’t very tall, so I’m not sure why it has hairy hooves like a cart horse. He was a bit shy when we walked past the first time but came to greet us on our return. We were told that the general store was about 1km away, but it was longer, more about 2kms, so a four km walk return.