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Pemberton - Gloucester Tree was a fire lookout tree. One of three in Western Australia. A fire officer would climb to the top of the tree to keep lookout for fires. The trees were fitted with radios and/phones at different times. Today the simple platform at the top has been replaced by a solid aluminum base and cage. The access ladder is a little unnerving as the steel spikes rammed into the side of the tree do not give one a feeling of complete safety. Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk was great. We stayed two nights at Shannon National Park Camp Ground situated on an abandoned timber milling town. We ended up with smokey clothes from our camp fire last night due to a yummy, but badly burnt damper. A scenic Great Forest Trees Drive with radio commentary explaining the timber industry, heritage and environment of the area is an interesting method of discovering the Marri, Karri and Jarrah trees. The Karri trees are massive capable of growing up to 85 metres. |
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Albany We visited Whale World. The old Cheynes Beach Whaling Company station which closed operation in 1978. It was the last land based operational whaling station in Australia. A tour of the station included whale skeletons and various buildings and machines that were used to extract oil and blubber. An interesting walk brought us to the natural arch overlooking the Southern Ocean. |
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Esperance Drove 38 kms of the great ocean drive along the Esperence coastline. Nothing short of spectacular. Visited the Fish Mermaid Leather Tanning shop. Took binoculars to see if any sea lions were near the town jetty. They hid well. Many interesting shops situated in historic buildings adjacent to the tourist information centre. The children enjoyed looking in the teddy bear, fairy medieval and blacksmith shop. The buildings were some original features of the town such as the original police quarters and headmasters residence. lt was great to see that many old buildings were able to be cared for and still be useful. |
