Wed, 22nd Jan, 2025 24hr RV Stop, Geraldton to Lake Indoon Campground, west of Enebba, WA (Irwin River & Lake Indoon)

Much nicer temp, 26 degrees min, overcast and lovely cool breeze from the north at the moment.

We packed up and drove north to locate a ‘street library’ so we could swap the books we have both read - Steve needs more!! The one on the foreshore wasn’t there but we found a fabulous ‘art work’. A glass ball that inverts the view. Amazing - wish I had seen this before to look at it at sunset.

Steve went behind it for a photo.

I’m not sure I like the ‘widening’ effect!

Found the ‘street library’ outside a house opposite a school. The books were in a double glass door fridge (no longer working of course) and there was also boxes in which seeds, veggies were sold?, or giving away from a community garden. We found some books to take and left ours behind for the next person to enjoy.

Back to Point Moore carpark for a cuppa as there are nice shady trees here and it is warming up again. The sky is clearing too.

Onto the Brand Highway and headed south. We had explored all down the coast in 2017 so we won’t be stopping for any sightseeing as such.

Across the Greenough River which is just a dry sandy bed here.

Checked out the new 24hr RV rest area (small fee) in a park in Dongara - along from the big old flour mill that looks like it has been renovated into a house.

Along to the Irwin River lookout to get some exercise. Only doing the short walk down to the mouth and back along the river edge, 1.45km. Started off shady then it was open.

Reached a high point - great view back up the river, along and to the mouth which is shut at the moment. Port Denison in the distance. Over the van park below us and northward.

Down the path - should have put our sandshoes on! Onto a boardwalk over the wetland area by the river then out to the beach. Didn’t bother walking along to the mouth.

Headed back to the river where I spotted 3 black swans.

A sign warning us about bees as we followed the path beside the limestone wall. Then back up the stairs to the truck.

Drove down the hill to the beach - only picnic table here was in the sun and no beach view. We had spotted a shady picnic area on the other side of the river so headed back down the narrow town area and two police cars went around the little round-about twice - weird. On a raid or just lost! Continued across the river and then down the picnic area which is the canoe launching spot. Another chap pulled in just and took up the picnic table as we were still making our lunch. I asked if we could join him and all good so we sat and chatted away.

The swans came closer so I got a better photo. There was a shag on the tree too.

Back across the river and headed out to the Brand Highway. The Big Lobster is still there in the boat. WA rock lobster and crayfish are the same - I checked Google!

Across the Irwin River again but only a small stream here. Found the police again - they have set up a big vehicle check area on the other side of the road with marquees, water bottles etc but hadn’t started pulling anyone over yet.

We were going down the Indian Ocean Drive but the road is closed for roadworks so we continued on the Brand Highway. We haven’t driven this section before - nothing much to see.

Turned off into Eneabba which has a big mining accommodation area, lovely picnic area then golf course, bowls club and horse area. There is also a $5/person/night RV spot behind the sport area which is good but we are going out to Lake Indoon for tonight - same price. No info other than a couple of maps so I googled it - population of 142 in 2021. This area was part of a 1,200ha lease around Eneabba Springs which was settled by William Horsley in 1870. He survived by shepherding, trapping horses and pigs and living on wild game. The area was then opened up for agricultural purposes in the 1950s as part of the War Service Land Settlement project which created the township which was gazetted in 1961. The Iluka Resources mineral sands facility is nearby and the place is famous for its wildflowers in spring. Checked the temp forecast for here, 39 degrees where as it was 42 at Carnamah where the big tractor is which is inland from here.

Back onto the road for a bit then we turned off on a road that heads back to the coast. We passed a Silver City Drill Rig sign which is who Jon works for. I sent him a text and he knew they were there. He headed back to work yesterday after a month’s break.

Turned off into Lake Indoon which has a boat ramp, BBQ area, toilets etc and plenty of bush camping. We had stayed here before. We drove along the track and found a big shady tree to park under.

Not far from the water. There are lots of little long-legged birds (Stilts) and ducks on the water’s edge.

Fairly big lake. Nice breeze blowing across the lake too. Some people are out zooming around on a jet ski.

Had a cuppa then read for a while. Then we played cards with our drinks - Steve won both games.

Walked down to the boat ramp area to make our donation. The jet ski lot have left and we spotted a camp set up further along the track. Walked back along the beach.

I walked down to get a sunset photo but it was a bit too cloudy. Four swans have joined the ducks and birds.

Unfortunately the breeze stopped at 8pm but our fans keep us comfortable.