Had a wander around the sleepy little hamlet of Augusta, a quiet town on the banks of the Blackwood River and Hardy Inlet where it meets the Southern Ocean. Checked out of our motel and had breakfast at a popular cafe before driving the 9km south of town to the most south westerly point of Australia, Cape Leeuwin. The famous Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse provides a vital link to navigational and meteorological networks in Australia. It was built in1895to safely guide ships through a coastline renowned for its treacherous reefs, rocks and weather. Although we didn't do the tour of the lighthouse itself, we covered the area around the lighthouse with an audio guide learning a great deal of its historical significance as well as that of the meeting point of the Southern and Indian Oceans.
Only 100m away, the historic water wheel which was built to supply water to the lighthouse cottages, now fully calcified was fascinating and in such a picturesque location.
Our drive to Pemberton was about an hour and a half, with slight detours back along the Blackwood River and Inlet in Augusta. Green lush farming areas for much of the trip, mainly sheep and cattle grazing, some vineyards then tall timber forest areas dominated.
Arrived in Pemberton before 2pm and found our way to our accommodation, The Vintners Cottage. It is located on the edge of town across the road from a gallery and gourmet cafe. The key was left in the door of our delightfully quaint two level cottage - extremely cute and comfortable. Had some lunch at Holy Smoke Cafe (across the road) before began exploring. First stop was to check out the local delicacies at a trout and marron farmer/wholesaler. Didn't take too much convincing for us to buy some marron (large freshwater crayfish) to cook for our own dinner - they lent us the pot, gave us butchers salt and instructions! A few more supplies from the local supermarket and we were set! Took our LIVE marron back to the cottage to refrigerate so we could continue on our way - which included visiting the famous Gloucester national Park with it's well known Gloucester Tree - just a kilometre from town. We only attempted the first few of the 153 rungs up to the 60 m above platform. Too scary for us - though many were attempting it. Walked one of the nearby forest tracks - the height and density of these karri trees is amazing ! Continued on the Karri Forest Explorer Drive out past the golf links to Big Brook Dam. A picturesque drive through farms, wineries and karri forest to one of the most tranquil settings imaginable! The late afternoon was perfect timing to view Pemberton's water supply - forests and trees superbly mirrored in the stillness of the water. Really lovely strolling through the bush tracks. Continued along on unsealed road to Big Brook Arboretum. Bit hairy at times but awesome.
Back to town for a cider and beer at the pub before our big cook up! Proved quite an experience, just like cooking yabbies, and tasted magnificent! And our Voyager Estate Chenin Blanc didn't taste too bad either!