Tues, 24th Jan, 2017 Sid’s Campground, Northcliffe to Cosy Corner East Campground, west of Albany, WA

7am only 12 degrees – what happened to summer. Though it does warm up quickly when you are in the sun so the jumper came off by 9am. Said by to Wayne & Tracy – they headed off to Windy Harbour for the day. We topped up with water in town then headed east to the South West Highway. At the intersection there was a memorial to the cattlemen of the area.

Headed south into Shannon National Park – covers 53,500 hectares. It was largely untouched until the 1940s, when an acute shortage of timber after WW2 prompted the State Government to establish a timber mill – the township was called Shannon and the site of the old mill is the campground. Unfortunately this area was also burnt in the 2015 fires and is currently under redevelopment.

We decided to keep going all the way to the free camp area at Cosy Corner East, west of Albany as we are allowed to camp there for 7 days so we can do our sightseeing from there. All the other National Park areas are for tents and camper trailers so we are limited – except for caravan parks of course but they are all full for the Australia Day weekend.

Nice drive through the tall trees then into Mt Frankland National Park. Even though it is a major highway it is very narrow and bumpy and it is 110km/hr. From Fernbrook Falls (which is apparently very good in winter) turn off heading south all the forest has been burnt. It was a while ago as all the green shoots have started to sprout. They need signs saying if it was arson, lightning or controlled burn off.

Continued south stopped at the road works behind a camper with a great sticker.

The forest is nice and green in the Mt Frankland South National Park. Through Walpole, will be back to explore later. Steve just commented that there are no overtaking lanes as he had a few cars behind him then over the hill an overtaking lane appeared.

Across the Frankland River which flows into the Nornalup Inlet below Walpole.

Into the Walpole-Nornalup National Park and the Valley of the Giants turn off. Not sure if the walk through the trees for $20 each will be as exciting after climbing up the Bicentennial Tree.

A sign stated there have been 14 fatalities since 2015 along this road – we can see why, though the speed has been dropped to 90. Through Denmark and the Denmark River – named after Dr Alexander Denmark, a Royal Naval Surgeon, friend and mentor of Dr Thomas Wilson who was the first European explorer to this area. The Denmark River flows into the Wilson Inlet – lots to explore. Through open cattle pastures though I did see some sheep.

Down to the camp area. The camp host wasn’t about so we wandered through looking for a site. None were available but a chap said others had been allowed to park in front of a gate till another spot opens up. So that’s where we parked.

Another campground is closer to the beach but only for tents and camper trailers as the trees overhang and are low. Not too far to walk down to the beach.

Lovely and white with crystal clear water. The wind was cold though even though the sun was shining brightly.

Across Torbay is the Albany Wind Farm.

Lots of island out in the bay.

Put our feet in the Southern Ocean – cool but the wind is colder.

Walked down the beach heading south. Up onto a rise for a great view back along the beach then around to the boatramp and the islands.

Migo and Richard Islands are just off the shore.

Nice picnic area at the old campground, Cosy Corner West, complete with toilets, showers and BBQs. Easier access to the beach if we want to go fishing.

Back to camp – the view over the field beside us.

These flowers are so bright.

Mike Harding had rung from Tassie. They are planning another trip up to Maytown again.

Steve went for a wander and chatted with a couple who are leaving tomorrow so we said we would take their spot.

Got TV reception for most channels except the ABC – funny. Watched the weather and Cairns will be 25 to 32 while we are 14 to 24. Cooled down early as the sun disappeared behind the hill about 6.30pm.

Ended up watching one of our movies as there was nothing on TV to watch – go figure!!