A British colleague I once worked with said “if the adventure is all about the journey than the destination must be really shit”, however in the case of our recent adventures to Dwellingup, I couldn’t help but disagree with him. After a couple of weeks of solo trips and N.M.I.A. (Niki Missing in action), we have joined forces again to fight of the evil stresses of the city and have hit the road for some nature, hiking and relaxation.
A couple years back I use to follow the World Rally Cars when they came to Perth for Rally Australia, and one of the locations they visited was the small town of Dwellingup, located about 100km south of Perth. They use to race through some of the most amazing forests in Western Australia and I was really keen one day to return. Today is that day! So Nic and I packed up are hiking gear and headed south for the winter. Our journey cuts through the Darling Range driving through spectacular eucalyptus forests and past pristine rivers. Along the way you have the opportunity to stop at the various dams that provide Perth with its drinking water – for some reason I had this urge to scull a martini, repeat my surname in a swab English accent and then hurl myself of the wall with a bungee cord attached to me feet and an Ak37 in one hand. Times like this I think I should have been a Secret Agent!
Anyway, after I got 007 out of my system and dodging the look in Niki’s eyes ”saying this is the last time I’m ever taking you to a bloody dam”, we arrived in the small quaint timber town of Dwellingup. Dwellingup is just what you picture; small ornate cottage style houses, typical country style shops and a small town atmosphere almost bordering on a hippy come bohemian feel. The fresh air cleaned out the cobwebs and the quietness was just what we were looking for. The town has heaps of heritage and if you’re into this type of tourism, then the small town walks will give you a great insight into the history of the place. The local tourism centre can provide you the maps and all the info you need.
However what Nic and I were here for was the outdoor activities and Dwellingup is a great place to do this. From climbing, canoeing, horse riding, camping, hiking, swimming or fishing, you can find it all here. We drove down to the Lane Poole Reserve, an idyllic park made for all of the above. The park is divided down the middle by the serene Murray River and for us, the main destination for our hiking. Niki and I picked the Island Pool hiking track, a small loop about 20 minutes into the park. The hike took us along the winding banks and gave us the opportunity to watch wild ducks and other birdlife at play as well as sit by the river watching it slowly drift by. We even bumped into a few canoeists enjoying a lazy afternoon paddle.
After a short but enjoyable hike we sat down to eat some grub before heading home however not before hugging King Jarrah though – a large Jarrah tree which dwarfs everything around it. Dwellingup is a great little destination which I think alot of people often overlook on their way to Margaret River. Although I’m sure in the years to come its going to be another Denmark or Dunsborough.
By the way guys, I have a new blog coming up on Vietnam(talk about being a sucker for punishment) – more details coming soon!
A good friend of mine just sent this link through in regards to the practice of slaughtering dolphins in Japan. I know that the controversial Whale hunting has been in the news recently, however it never crossed my mind that dolphins were being targeted as well. However, they are being targeted in a far more sadistic way, with more “beautiful” species being sold to aquariums and the rest being slaughted. This horrified me to the core and I’m perplexed to understand why this barbaric act is still happening today, please view this short documentary voiced by Matt Damon below from www.bluevoice.org. Note: Some images may disturb
Please share this with others, as the only way to stop this is to bring the world’s attention to it. I appreciate Japan’s historical connection with this form of hunting, but it has no place in today’s dramatically changing environment.
Well what a week we had at the Perth Project Office, a.k.a my house. Sadly Niki and I had to say goodbye to the third member of our team, our little red Ford Festiva, affectionately named Chilli. We voyaged across the continent of Australia, bumped down windy roads and even climbed to the highset snow peaks in Australia – but she couldn’t make it to work. At 8am on Wednesday morning Chilli terminally died with a cracked head and a ceased engine. After a short tow, noticing a mix of water and oil everywhere except where it should be, it was inevitable that this was the last road Chilli would be taking.
Chilli has been an amazing part of Niki and I over the last 6 months, it was a small car with a massive heart and it kept up with everything Niki and I could throw it’s way. However with a heavy heart we will remember her for all the fun times, including dodging camels in the outback, to hiding from trams in Melbourne. Goodbye Chilli and may the big car yard in the sky give you a fresh paint coat and better air conditioning.
As one member says goodbye, we welcome a new member. Our new Mitsubishi Lancer 05 model, gun metal grey and bigger than Chilli. A name is still in the making and she will have big wheels to fill. Our new member will give us just a bit more space than Chilli to comfortably travel down south for camping. We are excited and look forward to our future adventures.
Perth Project Week 7 will be with you tomorrow…all going well!
Five months of sitting around in Melbourne, studying externally and psycho psychotic weather has led Niki and I to the conclusion that a sea change is order. With comments of “you wont make it”, “your stupid”, “your car is crap” and “why the hell would you want to go there!” – We have packed the car and set off to travel to Perth.
Our route will take us through Ballarat to Adelaide, stoping in the city of churches for a day. Before heading onto steaky sorry streaky bay, for a relaxed overnight stay before attempting the very long, treeless landscape of the Nullarbor. Apparently it can be seen from space, why anyone would be looking there from space is another question. Following onto Western Australia and to our new home…
Our little red car (Niki has affectionately named Chilli) is fully loaded like a Mexican drug trafficker – gear put in every nook, cranny and hole that we can find. I’ve always wanted a car that sat that low to the ground! So as of 5am Saturday morning we are on the road again exploring the great central landscape and people of Australia. This should be an eye opener…
on must be really shit”, however in the case of our recent adventures to Dwellingup, I couldn’t help but disagree with him. After a couple of weeks of solo trips and N.M.I.A. (Niki Missing in action), we have joined forces again to fight of the evil stresses of the city and have hit the road for some nature, hiking and relaxation.
Anyway, after I got 007 out of my system and dodging the look in Niki’s eyes ”saying this is the last time I’m ever taking you to a bloody dam”, we arrived in the small quaint timber town of Dwellingup. Dwellingup is just what you picture; small ornate cottage style houses, typical country style shops and a small town atmosphere almost bordering on a hippy come bohemian feel. The fresh air cleaned out the cobwebs and the quietness was just what we were looking for. The town has heaps of heritage and if you’re into this type of tourism, then the small town walks will give you a great insight into the history of the place. The local tourism centre can provide you the maps and all the info you need.
However what Nic and I were here for was the outdoor activities and Dwellingup is a great place to do this. From climbing, canoeing, horse riding, camping, hiking, swimming or fishing, you can find it all here. We drove down to the Lane Poole Reserve, an idyllic park made for all of the above. The park is divided down the middle by the serene Murray River and for us, the main destination for our hiking. Niki and I picked the Island Pool hiking track, a small loop about 20 minutes into the park. The hike took us along the winding banks and gave us the opportunity to watch wild ducks and other birdlife at play as well as sit by the river watching it slowly drift by. We even bumped into a few canoeists enjoying a lazy afternoon paddle.
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