We setup and had some lunch before venturing out with the Ransleys for a drive.We first completed the Westall Loop Drive. Our first stop was the High Cliffs and Granite Lookouts which were just across the road from our bush camp. The Cliffs were a jagged and red while the Granites were rock formations extending into the ocean.
Next up was Westall Point and Smooth Pools. A few camping spots along the way but not as private and sheltered as the bush camp we had set up in. Had a bit of a walk on the rocks down at Smooth Pools. Quiet secluded and sheltered area which would be one of the few spots that would be safe to swim.
From here went out to Speed Point. Another good camping area out here close to the beach. We returned to Streaky Bay via Fisherman's Paradise (fishing shacks).
Stopped at Shell Roadhouse which had a bit of museum and gallery in the back of it. Had a huge replica of a 5 Metre, 1500KG White Pointer on display. We took some pictures with it of course. Was the record at the time and amazingly was caught on 24KG fishing line just near Streaky Bay. Would have been quite a fish story I think!
We then headed North and West on the Cape Bauer Loop Drive. First stop was Hally's Beach. Very large beach but fully exposed to the wind. Quite large swells.
Next stop was the Whistling Rocks and the Blowholes. Blowholes were not venting as water levels not high enough. The Whistling Rocks are similar to blowholes but are smaller and you only hear the sound of the ocean whistling through them. Very interesting and would be incredible to see the blowholes in action.
Last stop of the day and probably the highlight was the Cape Bauer Lookout. A beautiful scenic outlook of jagged, steep cliffs with a large rock formation just off the cliffs in the water. Water was a beautiful colour and we were lucky enough to see a few Dolphins below the cliff. Headed back to the campsite for happy hour and evening tea. We have started having problems with our battery so ended up having a dark night and reading by torch. How romantic!
Sunday morning we headed out driving again. We headed South on the Sceale Bay Road. First stop was a lookout overlooking Surfers Beach. Beautiful big beach with steps leading down to it. Coastline is much different than West Australia with most of the beaches being considerably lower than the cliffs surrounding them. A lot of them are inaccessible except where stairs are provided.
The small village of Sceale Bay was our next stop. Very nice little community with a very nice free bush camp as you enter town. We would stay there if we venture this way again. An interesting photo below of the most unique public toilet of our trip so far.
We then continued South towards Point Labatt travelling along Baird Bay which was on the East side of the road. The bay is very large blue expanse of water that is quite sheltered. As such a number of small fishing boats were taking advantage of it. A few people were camped along the road in pull offs overlooking the water.
Our destination at the end of the road is Point Labatt where there is a resident Sea Lion colony. They have a wonderful lookout constructed which gives a great view of the Sea Lion Colony at the base of the cliff. We spent a good 30-45 minutes there watching the Sea Lions interact. They are mostly very lethargic but a few were quite entertaining. We saw some mothers interacting with their pups, pups playing with each other in the water, and a couple of bulls asserting their dominance with each other. We really enjoyed and could have stayed much longer. It was also an interesting study in human nature as some people stayed for ages like us watching the Sea Lions interact while others spent only a minute or so at the lookout before jumping back in their cars. Sometimes you can see something but not really experience it. Take your time and really smell the roses, I say!
We retraced our way back along Baird Bay before turning East towards the highway. Our next stop was Murphy's Haystacks which were another unexpected surprise. Strange round rock formations sticking out of the ground. Wonderful shapes and so different to any of the surrounding countryside. Nature is truly amazing! We took a 30 minute walk through the Haystacks and of course lots of pictures. Was an honesty box for payment and nice facilities. A few caravans had taken advantage and set up camp. Would be a good overnight stop.
Headed back along the highway North to Streaky Bay where we enjoyed a lovely lunch overlooking the water. Girls got some lovely gluten free meals and Stephen and I did alright as well. We took a walk along the waterfront and out on the Jetty. Very nice neat little town well set out for tourists. The only caravan park was fully booked for the time we were in the region.
We detoured via Back Beach on the return trip home as Stephen and I were hoping for a swim. It turned out to be more of a surfer beach with large swells and a dangerous rock ledge leading out to the surf. We decided to skip the swim but we did quickly immerse ourselves in a couple of rock pools which were very cold! Girls got some neat pictures before we headed back to our campsite. Had to put on the generator to shower etc but the battery is not charging at all. Had another quiet dark night by torch. It is a beautiful quiet campsite and we have all slept here really well. Our long days sightseeing have probably helped. Streaky Bay is definitely a place worth returning to some day!
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