Sun, 28th Jan, 2018 Avon Park, York to Townsite Campground, Kwolyin, WA (Kokerbin Rock & Kwolyin)

7.30am 20.8 degrees, overcast and a cold wind.

Mum rang to give me an update – she has gout in her toe giving her a lot of pain. Greg and Katie were there giving Mum and Dad are hand which is wonderful.

We headed east to Quairading into ‘rock’ country. Lots of trees beside the road have had branches broken off – probably from the storm recently that brought all that rain we had. We pulled off to check out a lovely little church and have a cuppa – can’t wear my driver out by driving too far!!

St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Greenhills. Can’t get in but got a good photo of the inside. Lovely the timber ceiling.

On the road again and I noticed on Wikicamps a mark called ‘Beercan tree’ – I think a lot of the cans have been blown off as there are a heap on the other side of the road.

Into Quairading where we are greeted by the Grain Family. Graffiti vandals hit the back roads too unfortunately. The Grain Family came from The Grain Man which was the logo for the Grains Expo held here in 1987 – Wesley Wheat, Ollie Oats and Lucey Lupin.

Parked in town and went for a walk looking for the wood sculptures. Lovely gardens around the Shire Hall (built 1925).

All quiet here. Peered in a window at a collection of signs on the wall of the IGA.

Only a little place but of course there is a pub.

Interesting name for a bank.

Lots of old cars that maybe are going to be restored.

In the centre of the street was a wonderful War Memorial. I understand this all a bit more after reading Albert Facey’s book.

Across the road is the old railway station. This train line from York to Bruce Rock isn’t used any more. Great map.

Found one of the Natural Wood Sculptures – the rest are inside but it isn’t open today.

Continued east over ‘Pink Lake’ which due to the recent rain isn’t pink at the moment.

Turned into the old townsite of Kwolyin. Checked out the information board.

The main street taken about 1958.

The Hotel looked very grand.

In 2013 the shire have made a72 hour campground here with great facilities and closed the camping area near Kokerbin Rock. Hope the BBQ works.

Continued 9kms out to Kokerbin Rock. The third largest monolith in Australia (Ayres Rock, NT then Mt Augustus, WA).

Great photo though it looks like we can’t drive around the rock anymore are there is a huge gate across the road.

 Off we go to walk to the summit. The path is being resurfaced.

  

Info about monoliths. We think that this is ‘Wave Rock’ on the map. Needs some plants removed.

Devil’s Marbles.

Around to the other side and up the rock. Found a ‘bobbing’ lizard. When you come close he bobs his head up and down.

Up to the cairn at the top, erected to commemorate WA’s 150^th Anniversary. Missed the Grand Canyon – everything is a bit overgrown.

Great view though we have to hold on as the wind is trying to blow us over. At least it is blowing the clouds away. Starting at Mt Stirling to the north-west then around in a circle.

My time to pose.

Walked down the rock towards where we think the van is below us. Interesting weathering.

Found our van.

Looking back to Devil’s Marbles area or Dog Rock as it said on the map.

Headed back down.

Steve found a cubby hole.

Back down then we turned off to check out the old well. Still has water in it.

There are picnic tables here too with some more information about the well and the old school site up the road.

Headed back around the rock. Now we have figured out things I think this is the Devil’s Marbles area.

Walked in to an area we think would be the Grand Canyon walk but it is all overgrown.

Found a good cave.

A big marble stuck between to big rocks.

I stood up to take a photo and stuck my head in this web. Luckily the spider didn’t get too bother by the intrusion.

Continued back – looking up to where we were standing on the summit.

Found another overgrown track trying to find the ‘wave rock’. Found the platform.

You can see the wave but it all needs a bit of a prune around here.

Steve found a small wave to surf.

I laid on the rock to try and get a better photo.

Continued along next to the rock to the other platform where the first info was about monoliths.

Back to the truck – view up to the summit area.

Found an old map showing where you used to be able to drive to and other walks. If they want to change things they should take down the old maps!!

Drove around to the other picnic area checking out the site of the old school.

Back to the campground and found a spot to park. The wind is getting stronger.

Had lunch and watched our photos of two years ago – haven’t caught up yet. Worked on my blog till coffee time then headed off to check out the walks around here. Will do the Railway Walk.

Found the town’s golf club – 2^nd tee.

Up the rock following markers though we passed three stacked together. They are falling off the rock!

The sun is making long shadows as it goes down. Looking across to Coarin Rock on the other side of the road.

Very wobbly surface to walk on.

Great sign but the wind or someone has turned it around. Steve straightened it up.

That marker leads around the rock. We are heading down the slope to the old railway line.

Found a rock pool.

Found the railway line and a sort of track. Luckily there were a few white posts still visible to follow and I have my ‘tracker’ with me.

Continued along beside old telephone lines and railway lines.

Finally back to the road and the old tennis courts and clubhouse. There are still white lines after all these years.

Further over we found a newly fenced area with a few graves of the Holland family.

A huge Jade bush nearby.

This is where the Hall was situated.

Anyone for a game of cricket.

Back to the van for a drink as the sun has set - will check out the rest of the 'town' tomorrow. The BBQs don’t work – no ignition Steve says. Bit cool to be eating outside now any case as the wind has cooled things down a lot.

Put the HWS on as we will need a warm shower tonight.