the most dangerous section of track is braking into Forrest's Elbow - Traveldriven Bathurst On day five of this Canberra road trip I was tempted to detour about 350 km to Bathurst. A regional city on the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. Distance from Sydney is about two hundred kilometres (120 mi) via the Blue Mountains. Bathurst is the oldest inland settlement in Australia. The population exceeds 37,000. Mount Panorama racetrack is located three kilometres (1.9 mi) from the CBD on the outer fringe of Bathurst. Mount Panorama is 877 metres (2,877 ft) above sea level and rises 215 metres (705 ft) above Bathurst CBD. Traveldriven CURRENT BATHURST FIVE DAY FORECAST BATHURST GOOGLE MAPS MOUNT PANORAMA RACING CIRCUIT MOUNT PANORAMA RACING CIRCUIT MOUNT PANORAMA BATHURST MOUNT PANORAMA COVERED IN LOW CLOUD READY FOR LAPS MOUNT PANORAMA DRIVING MOUNT PANORAMA RYDGES TO START/FINISH LINE RYDGES & TRACK LAYOUT MUSTANG GT 6 SPEED MANUAL OVER THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN MANY KANGAROOS NEAR CONROD STRAIGHT WILDLIFE HAZARD Mount Panorama Bathurst ROADTRIP DAY FIVE/SIX As mentioned, the drive was from Canberra to Mount Panorama, Bathurst. A detour of a little over three hours' drive nonstop. Accommodation was in Rydges Motel adjacent to Conrod Straight. It was a wintry few days. I drove the racetrack under rainy and wet conditions. Public road speed limits apply of 60 km on the circuit and 45 km through The Chase. Fog or low cloud was on top of the mountain throughout much of the day. Driving below posted limits here. Reduced visibility. Locals walk trackside most days. The inner enclosed area has a few homes, wineries and paddocks. Not uncommon for kangaroo's to be seen grazing and hop across the track. In my opinion, the most dangerous section of track is braking into Forrest's Elbow and still within speed limits as the car wants to push towards the outer barrier and understeer. Probably because I was unable to drive an optimal line through Forrest's Elbow and being a public road. Also, very wet conditions. On the tight sections of track, awareness of downshifting compression lock can be an issue if gear shifting is not timed correctly. I experienced no lockup issues. The track is a public road open to two-way traffic so prevents the driving line from a road safety perspective. At these low speeds the most fun section of track is second to third gear avoiding wheelspin on the wet road climbing into The Cutting. Followed by Skyline and through The Esses third down to second gear. Also, mild acceleration second to third gear out of the apex of The Chase . At somewhat low speeds, approaching a safe racing line can be attained through The Chase if it is a clear track. Correct gear selection is important for enjoyment and safety. This proves the track can be enjoyed driving to the posted speed limits. In driving mode, Sports or Track and on a wet road here, even adhering to speed limits tighter corners can induce a small rear wriggle sometimes. Selecting the Wet/Snow mode made driving more stable. Permanent surveillance cameras are placed around the circuit. Despite driving multiple laps. No driving infringements were incurred on the track. Bathurst & Homeward Bound Day seven On day five of the road trip meant arriving on dusk to Bathurst and the Rydges trackside motel. Car GPS instructed take a right turn onto Boundary Road, follow to the roundabout and drive onto Pit Straight. The shortest route surrounded by bush. Of course, kangaroos crossed the road out in front before Pit Straight. These were avoided. Two days later, dawn and sunrise leaving Bathurst to return to Victoria, along the same roads, a large kangaroo hopped between my car and a bus following behind. Only a few hundred metres from Pit Straight. The start of a 1,000 km solo drive to home in Victoria. Apart from this, no other incidents. On the Hume Freeway drove to within 50 km of Melbourne I ignored the GPS and detoured via Kilmore, Hanging Rock, then Gisborne to Bacchus Marsh. Over one hour fifteen minutes and 95 km to avoid the Melbourne five o'clock Friday peak hour. Arrived Western Freeway, Bacchus Marsh on nightfall. Worked out well. After a driving break, drove to the Wimmera and home. Twelve hours on the road and a little short of 1,000 km. Traveldriven PREV NSW NEXT PREV ROADTRIP CANBERRA NEXT PREV MUSTANG GT NEXT HOMEPAGE

Lake Burley Griffin is a man made lake in the centre of Canberra, Australia. It was formed in 1963 after the Molongol River was dammed. Lake Burley Griffin has a length of 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) and a width of 1.2 kilometres (0.75 mi). It has an average depth of 4 metres (13 ft) and a 40 km shoreline. About two km at its widest and about seven km long as the crow flies. Lake tours are available. Named after Walter Burley Griffin. Winner of the competition for a lake design in 1912. Swimming is allowed at Yarralumia Beach. Kayaking and paddle boarding is allowed on the lake. Two major bridge's cross Lake Burley Griffin. Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and Kings Avenue Bridge. A five km loop over the two bridge's is popular with walkers. It's possible to cycle around the lake. Murray Cod and Golden Perch are in the water body. Sightings of platypus are known. Lake Burley Griffin Cruises are available on most days. There are several cruise operators. Traveldriven INTERNATIONAL FLAGS OF COMMONWEALTH PLACE COMMONWEALTH PLACE THE JETTY LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN CRUISES OFFER ONE HOUR FOR $25 ELECTRIC POWERED VESSEL JIM THE BOAT OPERATOR AND GUIDE LAKESIDE MEMORIAL JIM'S DISTINCTIVE STYLE OF COMMENTARY CANBERRA WATER JET NATIONAL CARILLION FROM LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN CAR IN THE LAKE, A 1964 HOLDEN A PROJECT OF THE NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ART TRIENNIAL PREV ROADTRIP CANBERRA NEXT HOMEPAGE

The Australian War Memorial was founded in 1941 and has several main areas. These are the Commemorative Area (shrine) including the Hall of Memory with the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier. Memorial galleries and Research Centre. The War Memorial also has outdoor Sculptures. The Memorial is currently open daily from 10am until 5pm. Entry is free. Onsite under cover parking is available. Menin Gate Lions Australian War Memorial Canberra Through the main entry foyer to the War Memorial stand the Menin Gate Lions. In 1936 two large stone lions were donated to the Australian War Memorial by the mayor of the Belgian city of Ypres. They were given to the Australian government in the years after the First World War as a gesture of friendship. In exchange, the Memorial presented to Ypres a bronze casting of C Web Gilbert's sculpture Digger on behalf of the Australian government. Carved from calcareous bluestone in the eighteenth century, the lions had originally stood on plinths either side of the Menin Gate at Ypres -one of two entries into the medieval fortified city. It was through this gate that British and Dominion troops marched off the the battlefields of the Ypres Salient between 1914 and 1918. During this period the lions were toppled from their plinths by the same shellfire that reduced most of Ypres to rubble. Portions of the damaged sculptures were later reconstructed to show off the lions in their former glory. After the war, the Menin Gate was chosen as the site for a memorial to the thousands of allied soldiers killed in Belgium during the First World War who have no known graves. The names of 54,900 British and Dominion soldiers are commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, of which 6,187 are Australian. -Australian War Memorial Canberra The Last Post The daily Last Post Ceremony is from 4.30pm. Free tickets are required in advance. The format is: Australian National Anthem then a piper's lament, a soldier's story is told and recited by Defence Force personnel, finishing off with the Last Post. A Wreath may be laid at the Ceremony with prior arrangement on the day. Australian War Memorial redevelopment works began in 2022 ($550 million) and are expected to be completed by 2028. Traveldriven MENIN GATE LIONS MAIN ENTRY TO THE WAR MEMORIAL CANBERRA MAIN ENTRY TO AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL CANBERRA INSIDE THE FRONT OUTDOOR AREA AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL POOL OF REFLECTION AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL CANBERRA ROLL OF HONOUR AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL ARMY VEHICLES ON DISPLAY PREV ROADTRIP CANBERRA NEXT HOMEPAGE

Mount Ainslie One of the best views of Canberra. Overlooks the Australian War Memorial and ANZAC Parade with distant views to both the old Parliament House and the new Parliament House of Australia. An elevation of 843 metres (2,766 ft). From the Lookout expansive views often include several hot air balloons rising over Lake Burley Griffin in the morning mist. Mount Ainslie Lookout is easily accessible by vehicle via a wide, well-made sealed road. ANZAC Parade Is one point one km in length and was officially opened on 25th of April 1965. The 50th anniversary of Gallipoli. ANZAC Parade, a significant avenue in many respects, is adorned with a total of thirteen memorials that pay homage to various historical events and individuals. Among these memorials, the Boer War Memorial from the period of 1899 to 1902 stands out prominently. This particular monument features a striking depiction of four soldiers mounted on horseback, capturing the attention of passersby with its powerful symbolism. The imagery of the four riders navigating their way through the natural landscape evokes a sense of both movement and contemplation. Each soldier is depicted as being acutely aware of the path ahead, reflecting the gravity of the circumstances they faced during the Boer War. The contrast of the natural stark shadows and the bright daylight serve to intensify the overall ambiance of the memorial, creating a poignant contrast that conveys a feeling of unease and unrest. The Boer War Memorial not only serves as a visual tribute to the soldiers who fought in this conflict but also as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the challenges overcome. As viewers gaze upon this poignant representation, they are encouraged to reflect on the historical significance of the Boer War and the enduring legacy of those who were involved. The memorial stands as a testament to the courage and resilience of those who served, ensuring that their memory lives on for generations to come. All the memorials are dedicated to Australian's and New Zealander's who served on active duty. Men and women. The centre section of the Parade is red gravel and the outer edge is lined by Australian blue gums. Unlimited unofficial parking is available in side streets. Mount Ainslie is one of Traveldriven's top eight Australian Lookouts. For other top eight lookouts please go to: Five Rivers Lookout of Western Australia Traveldriven ANZAC PARADE & PARLIMENT HOUSE VIEW FROM MOUNT AINSLIE DOWN ANZAC PARADE VANTAGE SPOT BEHIND THE MAIN LOOKOUT MOUNT AINSLIE LOOKOUT AREA BALLOONS OVER LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN EARLY MORNING VIEW FROM MOUNT AINSLIE VIEW TOWARDS THE WAR MEMORIAL & MOUNT AINSLIE NO PARKING ALLOWED ALONG ANZAC PARADE PARK IN SIDE STREETS AND WALK VIEW THE VARIOUS WAR MEMORIALS ALONG THE PARADE. ANZAC PARADE SOLDIERS ON HORSEBACK BOAR WAR MEMORIAL PREV CANBERRA ROADTRIP NEXT HOMEPAGE

Cambewarra This small town is at the foot of Cambewarra Mountain. Located in Shoalhaven, on the south coast of New South Wales. The township has a general store and a picnic area at Tannery Road. Bed and breakfast and cottage accommodation are available. Cambewarra Lookout is at the top of the mountain and has a tearoom and picnic area with barbecue and toilet facilities. Picturesque views are across to the distant coast. There are green lawns and well-maintained garden beds. Cambewarra is about one hour's drive south from Wollongong, New South Wales. A nice part of regional Australia to get lost in. Lost in a good way. No major highways seem to cut through the general area. A good thing. The tea rooms are a hidden gem and easy to access. Light meals are available and great views. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP CAMBEWARRA GOOGLE MAPS CAMBEWARRA LOOKOUT WALK/ROAD TEA ROOMS CAMBEWARRA LOOKOUT & TEA ROOMS CAMBEWARRA GOOGLE MAPS PREV NSW NEXT HOMEPAGE

Mount Panorama On race weekends camping is allowed next to the racetrack at McPhillamy Park Campground on Mount Panorama. McPhillamy Park is the highest point of the mountain. Hundreds if not thousands of camping sites are available. The campground is relatively flat and has amenity blocks. It is only open when major events take place. Road access is good for all towed vehicles. Winters are often cold and rain often impacts racing events held any time of year. Personal Experience Well before the year 2000 myself and a mate hitchhiked from the outskirts of Melbourne and up the Hume highway 1,000 km to a motoring event at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, New South Wales. The event held over the Easter long weekend. We were picked up late Friday and arrived the following morning by about midday Saturday. Hitchhiked all night through periods of rain and fog. There were frequent periods of waiting for a lift beside the dark roadside. To my amazement our arrival at Mount Panorama was in good time. We were picked up by drivers of cars or ute's. No trucks. The drivers were assorted farmers and families. At the event we spent time on the hill campground with thousands of revellers enjoying the party atmosphere. One of the funniest things I seen was an overturned car bonnet removed from an old car and a tow rope had been affixed to a car with a man skiing and pulled along behind with the bonnet underneath. Weaving a path along grass tracks near campsites. Very unsafe I imagine. I got an express bus to return home to be ready to work on the Wednesday. This was the first and only-time hitchhiking. Now not encouraged and illegal in Victoria. I haven't seen a hitchhiker for years now.   The King of the Mountain and Torana A9X Perhaps Mount Panorama is the most challenging and best racetrack in the world! In rural New South Wales, Australia. Several hours drive from Sydney. Peter Brock is the holder of the most race victories at Bathurst with nine race wins at the circuit and ten Australian Touring Car Championship wins. Driver of the legendary Holden Torana A9X. Brock set the lap record on the final lap of the 1979 race with a margin of six laps to second place. The purpose-built racing cars with a body similar to road going cars are now widely known in Australia as Supercar Racing. The winner of the annual Bathurst 1000 held in early October receives after the Bathurst 1000 race, the prized Peter Brock Trophy. Traveldriven The King of The Mountain https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Brock KING OF THE MOUNTAIN PETER BROCK PETER BROCK O5 A9X TORANA ALLAN MOFFAT 1977 FORD FALCON GT WOODSTOCK VILLAGE Short detour off the highway to Bathurst MOUNT PANORAMA GOOGLE MAPS MOUNT PANORAMA, BATHURST NEW SOUTH WALES Wikipedia, Mount Panorama Circuit Bathurst New South Wales PREV NSW NEXT HOMEPAGE

THREDBO SKI VILLAGE Thredbo is a village and ski resort in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, Australia. It is about 500 kilometres (310 mi) south of Sydney, accessible by the Alpine Way via the Snowy Mountain towns of Cooma, Berridale, and Jindabyne. Thredbo village is built in the valley of the Thredbo River, also known as the Crackenback River, at the foot of the Ramshead Range. Lake Crackenback Lake Crackenback is seventeen km from Thredbo along the Alpine Way. The lake is very small in area and is about two hundred metres at its widest. Many holiday units line the foreshore, and the lake is popular for lakeside fishing. Thredbo Thredbo Village has around 4,150 beds, but a permanent population of only about 471 people. When the mountain is fully covered by snow, Thredbo has the longest ski runs in Australia, and this attracts around 700,000 winter visitors annually. In summer, Thredbo is a hiking and summer sport destination, including rock climbing and abseiling, fishing, cross-country cycling and downhill MTB riding and hosts a summer blues music festival. Thredbo is approximately 550ks from Melbourne. Driving from Corryong in Victoria then on to the Victorian/New South Wales border. The fully sealed scenic Alpine Way road begins and passes through Thredbo Village and continues to Jindabyne, the closest town in New South Wales. Kosciuszko Express Chairlift From Thredbo Village the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift operates 365 days a year. 1.8km in length and rises to a height of 560 metres. The open scenic chairlift takes 15 minutes one way to Eagles Nest restaurant, Australia’s highest restaurant and closest access point to Mount Kosciuszko. From the top of the chairlift there is a popular walking track of 13km return to Mount Kosciuszko's highest point. A relatively flat alpine area. Mount Kosciuszko is the highest mountain on mainland Australia. At a height of 2,228 metres (7,310 feet) from sea level. I visited in summer and did not use the open chairlift. I don’t like heights. The Kosciuszko Express open chairlift has since been supplemented by an eight person capacity enclosed gondola. Merritt's Gondola The Merritt's Gondola takes six minutes from Thredbo Village to arrive at the lower Merritt's Mountain House where dining is available. The Merritt's Gondola is often closed for annual scheduled maintenance during much of October and into November. Chairlifts remaining open after the official closure of the ski season from October onwards may also be closed for maintenance and reopen for the summer months to allow easier walking access to Mount Kosciuszko. Thredbo Alpine Coaster Open year round the Thredbo Alpine Coaster is 1.5 km in length. Speeds of up to 40 km are controllable by passengers as they travel down the twists and turns of the open air railed Coaster. Passes from $16 (2024) The Man From Snowy River Poem " The Man from Snowy River " is a famous poem by Australian bush poet Banjo Paterson. First verse: There was movement at the station, for the word had passed around That the colt from Old Regret had got away, And had joined the wild bush horses - he was worth a thousand pound, So all the cracks had gathered to the fray. All the tried and noted riders from the stations near and far Had mustered at the homestead overnight, For the bushmen love hard riding where the wild bush horses are, And the stock-horse snuffs the battle with delight. Verse thirteen and poem finish: And down by Kosciusko, where the pine-clad ridges raise Their torn and rugged battlements on high, Where the air is clear as crystal, and the white stars fairly blaze At midnight in the cold and frosty sky, And where around the Overflow the reed -beds sweep and sway To the breezes, and the rolling plains are wide, The man from Snowy River is a household word today, And the stockmen tell the story of his ride. Banjo Paterson Early History The Man From Snowy River was penned in the late eighteen hundreds. Australia was finding it's own identity in the world. A group of colonies. England still the highest authority in the land. Australia not yet a Federation of states. Australians looked for inspirations in something they could relate to. Tales from far off foreign shores losing relevancy. Stories and poems from the bush were told and written about. The characters be they real or fictional showed traits Australians admired. Resourcefulness and fairness in a land they were now accustomed too. Be it city or country. Poems were able to be printed and made available to the general public via newspapers of the day. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP THREDBO GOOGLE MAPS JINDABYNE GOOGLE MAPS THREDBO SKI VILLAGE NSW SKI FIELDS DRIVE CORRYONG TO JINDABYNE THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER CORRYONG VICTORIA Lake Crackenback New South Wales MAIN RETAIL STREET OF THREDBO OUTSIDE OF SKI SEASON MERRITTS GONDOLA ENTRY THREDBO THREDBO ALPINE COASTER STEEP CLIMB ON LEFT & DOWNHILL ON RIGHTSIDE LOOKING DOWN ON THREDBO By Toby Hudson - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?crid=9390276 PREV NSW NEXT HOMEPAGE

Mad Max Wasteland & Silverton Mad Max 2 the movie is set in a post-apocalyptic desert wasteland where gasoline and water are scarce commodities. This could almost describe present day Silverton . No petrol stations or fuel is available. Car repair services are unavailable. There are no health services or public transportation. Nor is there a plentiful water supply. Although, there is plenty of town character and visual appeal. Mad Max 2 movie locations surround Silverton. Wasteland Compound Outback Silverton New South Wales. Created by a few dedicated Mad Max 2 movie fans Wasteland Compound is located on private property. Just out of town. Beyond the Silverton Camel Farm where tours are conducted. In total, the week's inhabitants of Wasteland Compound numbered about one hundred. These people were accommodated onsite in their own tents and swags. A few hundred daily attendees were drawn from Broken Hill to attend the free weekend event. Diehard fans arrived early from interstate in themed attire from Brisbane, Sydney, Victoria and Western Australia. Many others intending to travel cancelled travel plans because of the previous weeks record rain. Some stations in the area recorded a daily total of up to 140mm (five and a half inches). Leading up to the event most outback unsealed roads were water affected followed by extreme heat. However, a great time was enjoyed by all those willing to brave the extreme weather. All people were welcome. The young, the old and tourists. Those who attended were able to buy and sell oddments in an exact full-size replica of Barter Town. Event merchandise was also available. Mad Max 2 40th Anniversary. A free event. A once only opportunity to experience the world of Mad Max 2 in real life. In a safe and fun authentic environment. A unique event enabled by the fans and Silvertown locals. There are rumours of another 45th anniversary in 2026. Traveldriven ENTRY TO WASTELAND & THE SILVERTON BARTERTOWN MAD MAX 2 REPLICA SET WASTELAND SILVERTON MAD MAX 2 MOVIE SCENE WASTELAND COMPOUND DRIVING SILVERTON TO WASTELAND MOVIE REPLICA YELLOW BUS AND GREEN TARP COVERS MOVIE REPLICA ORANGE OIL PUMP JACK KNOWN AS A 'DONKEY PUMPER' & A REPLICA OF BARTERTOWN MAD MAX VEHICLES NIGHT GAMES INSIDE THE WASTELAND COMPOUND WASTELAND CAMP SITE WASTELAND OVERNIGHT SLEEPING QUARTERS & ACTUALLY USED OVER THE WEEKEND IN WORKING ORDER WASTELAND TRANSPORTATION BIKE AND SWAG IN WASTELAND BOTH ACTUALLY USED OVER THE WEEKEND EMPTY FUEL HOT, DRY & DUSTY MOTORBIKE CHAIN STEERING WHEEL WASTELAND ROAD KILL, ACTUAL REAL ROAD KILL AND SMELL BARTOWN IN WASTELAND BYO 35C NON ALCOHOLIC DRINKS DRIVE WESTERN AUSTRALIA TO WASTELAND PREV NSW NEXT HOMEPAGE

JACK BRABHAM Jack Brabham When the flag drops, the bullshit stops (Jack Brabham) Sir John Arthur "Jack" Brabham, AO, OBE (2 April 1926 – 19 May 2014) was an Australian racing driver who was Formula One world champion in 1959, 1960, and 1966. Jack was a founder of the Brabham racing team and race car constructor that bore his name. Bronze Statues In the Albert Park Lake area of Melbourne. Stop and stand between two F1 world champions. Jack Brabham and Alan Jones. The two bronze bust statues are located beside the Albert Park F1 motor racing circuit. Near the pit straight. Sir Jack lived to see the unveiling. Apparently, he felt honoured to be remembered as such. Created by Melbourne sculptor Barbara McLean in 2013. ENTER https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Brabham F1 WORLD CHAMPIONS J BRABHAM & A JONES BEING JACK: BRABHAM TRACK TEST F1 LEGENDS: JACK BRABHAM PREV PAGE NEXT

DAY 17 Cruise Amongst the Kimberley Islands Feels like we are caught up the creek without a paddle. The tide variation is very swift. All tendercraft operators must be mindful at all times of a fast receding tide. If no attention is paid to the tide, the water level will drop and tendercraft will be left high and dry. Awaiting the next turn of the tide. I understood this occurred twice per day. On more than one occasion multiple attempts were needed to start outboard engines. All started within a few minutes. The Kimberley Islands sunsets are very striking. Sunrise also. Deep reds, orange and yellow colours. No shipmates complained about swag comfort on a hard ship deck. We all agreed the comfort felt good. The hum of the ship's engine towing three tendercraft behind, bopping about on the water seemed to have a calming effect motoring along between excursions. The warm sea water is inviting to swim in, in the few safe places. Much more inviting than the year-round cold water in southern Australia. A few shipmates attempted daily to catch fish by hand reel and rod. No one really did any good and were unsuccessful. The remote Kimberley coastline begins at the Western Australia/Northern Territory border and ends at Wallal, which is a bore within the cattle station of Wallal Downs Station. Here is where the Pilbara Coast commences. The Kimberley coast is over twelve thousand km in length and has more than 2,500 islands and archipelagos. All travellers should consider a cruise of the Kimberley Islands with a certified tourist operator and enjoy untamed Australia. Traveldriven SUNSET ANOTHER SUNSET TAKEN FROM SHIP UNLEVEL HORIZON ROCKING SHIP SWAGGING ON DECK SAFE FROM CROC'S DOUBLE SWAG MY SWAG ON DECK SWAG POSITION DESPITE APPEARANCES, VERY COMFORTABLE EXPEDITION TENDER CRAFT Another creek. Be Croc. aware UP THE CREEK FURTHER UP THE CREEK ONE OF THREE TENDER CRAFTS GONE SWIMMING KIMBERLEY BUGS KIMBERLEY ROCK OUR HOME, THE BOAT TIDE MARK FISHING FOR DINNER NO LUCK. TWO OF THE TENDER CRAFT & WINTER SWIMMING WARM WATER PREV KIMBERLEY ISLANDS NEXT

OVERNIGHT SLEEP ON THE BEACH SWAGS ROLLED OUT Exploring uninhabited islands in Western Australia. No mangroves. Clear warm water. No crocs. Of course, strictly speaking, anywhere in the Kimberley is crocodile habitat. A large chasm receded back into cliffs on this particular beach foreshore. At the far end of the beach away from our overnight swags. Receding into the cliffs perhaps fifty metres or so. The rock face smoothed by tides and storms. Damp sand was felt underfoot with a low tide and sounds of small birds twittering up above in the clifftop trees. The yellow beacon light carried from our tender staked in the beach sand still flashing in the early morning light. Beach swimming is generally regarded as safe on islands far from the coast away from coastal mangroves. Swimming in a pure environment, shipmates and crew explore uninhabited islands together. Kimberley of Western Australia Surrounded by Kimberley rock structures weathered into strange shapes and various colours. The huge high tide marks on rocks are a testament to the powerful forces of nature at play. These marks, etched into the rugged surface of the rocks, tell a story of the relentless ebb and flow of the tides. Each mark represents a moment in time when the sea surged forward with immense strength, leaving its mark for all to see. The sheer size of these tide marks serves as a reminder of the sheer power of the ocean, shaping the coastline over countless years. As the waves crash against the rocks, carving out new patterns and designs, the high tide marks stand as a silent witness to the ever-changing dance between land and sea. Sometimes impromptu Kimberley sand crab racing was arranged. A few crabs moved quickly to the outer circle drawn in the sand. Others not so. Make your own fun in these remote islands. Frequent swimming is enjoyed in the warm sea by some. All enjoying cruising the untamed Kimberley Islands of Western Australia. Traveldriven A large natural split receding back into the rock cliff. Smoothed by high water tides ON THE BEACH WINTER SWIM TEN METRE TIDE MARK EXPLORE UNINHABITED ISLANDS NOTE THE HIGH TIDE MARK BEHIND THE WALKERS KIMBERLEY ISLANDS SUNSET CRAB RACES ONLY IN THE KIMBERLEY PREV KIMBERLEY ISLANDS NEXT

UNIQUE ROCK FORMATION Of course, surfing the rock is not possible, despite the vivid mental image that may come to mind when one thinks of such an activity. This striking natural rock formation, known as Wave Rock, is located near the town of Hyden, which is situated a few hours' drive east of Perth in the picturesque Western Australian wheatbelt region. Wave Rock stands an impressive fifteen metres tall and stretches approximately one hundred metres in length, creating a breathtaking spectacle that draws visitors from near and far. Its unique appearance resembles a massive, frozen wave of water, capturing the imagination of all who encounter it and evoking thoughts of the ocean, even though it is far from any coastal area. This remarkable granite cliff face was formed millions of years ago, shaped meticulously by the forces of erosion and weathering over thousands of millennia. The natural processes that contributed to its formation have left behind a stunning geological feature that showcases the beauty and power of nature. Visitors can explore several walking tracks that meander around the base of Wave Rock and one leads up to its summit, offering views of the surrounding landscape. These hiking paths provide an excellent opportunity for both casual walkers and avid hikers to appreciate the natural beauty of the area while learning more about the geological history and significance of this iconic landmark. Adjacent to Wave Rock is a dam that plays a role in collecting rainwater from the rocky landscape. Historically, this dam served as an essential water supply for the town of Hyden. AROUND WAVE ROCK Onsite, visitors will find the Wave Rock Caravan Park & Resort, which offers a range of accommodations for those wishing to stay longer and fully immerse themselves in the stunning surroundings. In addition to the caravan park, there are several small museums under one roof within an easy short walk. One of the museums is dedicated to other collections of non-indigenous collectables such as toys. A café is also available, where guests can relax and enjoy refreshments after taking in the views of the remarkable rock formation. It is worth noting that a small fee is required to access Wave Rock and is payable at the caravan park office. The museums also have a small entry fee. Traveldriven DRIVE MORAWA - WAVE ROCK WAVE ROCK WALK ALONG THE FACE THE FACE OF WAVE ROCK WAVE ROCK CARAVAN PARK AND CAMPING AREA INSIDE WAVE ROCK SHOP & MUSUEM PREV AUSTRALIA 2025 NEXT