Sun, 12th Nov, 2017 New Norcia RV Rest Stop, New Norcia to Moore River Rest Area, east of Guilderton, WA (sightseeing)

7.30am 25.3 degrees, clear sky. Lots of birds singing their songs.

I walked down to the Abbey Church to attend the Sunday Service. Very welcoming. The pipe organ and the lady leading the singing were fabulous.

Back to the van for a cuppa then we headed south over the Moore River East. Turned west beside the meandering river till it joins the Moore River which comes south from Moora.

Passed lots of Brahmans and big open fields. We passed under a cloud that dropped a few drops of rain on us but it was clear sky elsewhere. Spotted a huge dish nestled against a hill but no signs about it.

Crossed the Moore River then drove down to the river at Regan’s Ford, stone crossing constructed in 1876.

Nearby is the Windmill Roadhouse with a huge windmill of course.

And a few emus.

Rebecca and Clive rang – back from NZ. I will ring them back later when we set up camp.

Through olive orchards and west through the Moore River National Park. Crossed the Moore River again as it turns south towards Guilderton on the coast.

We went up and down rolling hills then turned onto Indian Ocean Road again and then north a bit to Lancelin. Another cray-fisherman & beachside township with its bay protected by reef. It has the safest natural anchorage between Freemantle and Geraldton. A big bank of clouds is rolling in from the ocean like a sea mist.

Found a spot near a lookout to park. The bank of clouds has passed over us and the sky is clear again. Climbed up to the lookout on to the top of a dune – bit chilly up here in the cold wind. Looking east over big white sand dunes then south over Lancelin. Edwards Island is just off the coast. West over the lovely bay then over Lancelin Island where sea lions play and rest then north up the coast then back around over the white dunes.

Zoomed in on some people ‘sand boarding’ down the dunes.

Had some lunch then drove to the Edwards Island end of town. Still a lot of sea-grass here. Lots of kite-boarders and windsurfers making the most of the very windy day.

Looking north to Lancelin Island and back over the foreshore and Lancelin.

Headed back through town – someone is making use of their old surf boards.

Back to the main road and south to Ledge Point. Lots of flash new homes with only a handful of old shacks left. There is a windsurfing classic held here each year in January. There are also a lot of shipwrecks off the coast which is great for divers. Too much sea-grass here for us though.

We continued south to the rest area on the banks of the Moore River. I had a note from someone it was great but when we got there I would call it ‘not great’. Right beside the road and the river wasn’t very pretty and was overgrown but it was a free camp. Back in beside some picnic tables and BBQ. 

Checked out the info signs and the river.

A few backpackers arrived and moved in beside us. There are toilets here so obviously it is a popular spot for them to stop. Rang Rebecca back and had a great chat.

Lovely warm afternoon. Nice to be away from that cold wind on the beach. Steve coloured my hair then we played Skipbo – he wanted it noted here that he won!!

Rang Jon for a chat about his and Jess’ trip to Fiji – they had a fabulous time.

More backpackers moved in – one right under our kitchen window!