So started the long drive south then east toward Albany, 350 kms away. Once we left the beach/ tourist area we travelled along the most empty road I've ever seen. No traffic ahead or behind us on our side and about 5 cars passed us going the other way during a 4 hour drive. Wonderful scenery though, miles of eucolypt forests, interspersed with open rolling farmland. Stopped for a wee in Pemberton, the fly breeding capital of WA. It was a dash from the car then back in, drive at speed until the little buggars flew out the open windows. How do people live in these little towns with such a nuisance?
I wanted to see the giant tingle trees which grow in a specific area just east of Walpole. These are eucolypts that can grow to 70 metres in height despite being shallow rooted. A 40 metre high aerial walkway has been built in the forest so that you feel you are in the canopies of these trees. The experience was better than I'd expected, even David admitting to enjoying it despite it not being his idea. We arrived at Denmark, a small town on the coast where I had pre-booked a B&B for 3 nights. What a delight! Run by Maria, (Italian) and husband Kevin, Aussie. We have a living room, bedroom and en suite, overlooking Wilson Inlet, a body of sea water that is like a natural harbour. The best part is the breakfast. See main picture. Fresh fruit, cereals, yogurt, home made bread, croissants, jam and fresh orange juice all delivered to our room. Bliss. Coffee and tea we make ourselves from the range of choices in our room.
6/12 We drive to Albany, 50 kms further east along the coast. A new National ANZAC memorial had been opened here just 4 weeks ago by the PM Tony Abbott, and David was keen to see it. Albany was the last Aussie port where all the volunteers from Australia and New Zealand set sail from in 1914 to fight in Europe. Over 330,000 Aussies went to war and almost two thirds were killed or wounded. The building is set on the top of a large hill in the centre of Albany, overlooking the bay where all the ships gathered before leaving for The war. We spent a good 2 hours there, and David was, as usual when he visits museums, the last to leave as they closed for the day. We also drove around the coastline near the city which is spectacular! See photos. Albany is a picturesque place but not very touristy because it takes so long to drive there from Perth, and there is no rail link.