Carnarvon, Wooramel River Retreat, Geraldton & Mullewa

After an enjoyable few days of snorkeling at the Ningaloo reef we headed off to Carnarvon.
We were booked into Coral Coast Caravan Park for 2 nights, with a bit of luxury on a powered and watered site. Each evening they lit the campfire next to the swimming pool for a social get together of like minded campers. A few Vino's loosened everyone up.
But before happy hour we hit the heights of the local IGA for a few provisions. Afterwards it was Woolworths turn to be entertained by our credit card.
Previously, on our way northward, we had stopped into Bumbaks at Carnarvon for Deborah to get her mango smoothie fix. This time, on Tuesday, we had more time so it was a drive around the 'fruit loop' to see what fruit and vegetables the locals had for sale, and then into Morels for a Sapote and a Mango icecream. Yum.
We then did the 'cruise the street' run, out to the local boat ramp. The tide was out along the river and, when the tide's out, the boats stay put. Luckily the quay for the big boats has a deeper channel and is open all day.

Due to some recent rains the wildflowers are starting to appear.

We upped anchor on Wednesday for the huge 120km drive to our next stop at Wooramel River Retreat. It is open from 1 March to 1 December. Reception Office is open daily 11am to 5pm. Wooramel is a 356,000 acre working cattle and goat station covering 1,430 square kilometres. The actual river is called upside down, as it runs on the surface only 2-3 times a year for a couple of weeks at a time. The main water is underground and artesian water naturally flows up from 240 metres to the surface. The even provides a few artesian baths for campers, which is at a constant 33 degrees. It was very nice to soak in. It is said to relieve all aches and pains. There were 4 open tank like baths available to use. Quite a few campers took the opportunity for a soak.
The Retreat also has an onsite cafe, open from 8am for coffee and baked goods, and dinner from 5.30-6.30pm.
Monday night is smoked meat box
Tuesday is pie night
Wednesday is Camp oven cook up
Thursday night is Curry night
Friday is Burger night
Saturday is BBQ
Sunday is Station Roast
Menu is subject to change. But we had our own dinner in the van, this helped keep the flies at bay. Also it was a lovely sunset.

The campsites are all unpowered, bring your own water and are in generous bush setting blocks. There is one area for generator use within the campsite. They have flushing toilets and also some swanky ensuites made inside tanks scattered around the campsites.



Took a walk through the station treasures at the historical tip. Before you get to the tip you have to cross the airstrip and hope the plane doesn't crash on you.

You can look at these 'treasures' but they are treated like a museum. Sorry Mark P. it's not an outback supermarket, you cannot take away.

We then followed along the river walk down the dry riverbed. It last rained here in mid June, and the river was running!


Time for another soak in one of the four artesian baths.

There are quite a few birds around the camping area, and some amazing nests in the riverside trees, with whistling kites prevalent.

Leaving Wooramel on Friday we travelled through countryside we had passed a few weeks earlier. The difference was noticeable, now with swathes of yellow, white and occasional pink everlasting flowers. In addition we passed a man, dressed as a superhero, walking around Australia in aid of children's cancer research. A mammoth effort. It was Caps Big Lap, or https://www.capsbiglap.au walking 15,000 kms in 730 days raising funds for The Kids Cancer Project. So, donate if you have a few dollars to spare.


Driving into Geraldton for the night we first checked the John Batten Hall camping area. Unfortunately we hadn't read the fine print first, and found that it's only for non self-contained motorised RV's, not caravans. So it was into the centre of Geraldton, only to find the other 24 Hour RV parking was full. Next stop was the Belair caravan park for the night. It was very close to the beach for a sunset walk. It's also close to the Point Moore Lighthouse.
The lighthouse was the first all steel tower built on mainland Australia and is still active under Federal control. At 34 mts high it was erected from 1877 using prefabricated steel segments made in Birmingham UK, shipped to WA and bolted together in situ. We were privileged to receive some photos, from a Geraldton local, of the inside of the Lighthouse highlighting the steel walls and it's soaring spiral staircase.

Taking the 'big city' opportunity to stock up on supplies we also found the quilt shop Deborah has frequented before, and frequented again. And across the road is the old Victoria Hospital. The hospital site was a convict shelter in the 1850's and had sick bay tent. The site was determined to be the right spot, and in 1877 the Victoria Hospital was built with 40 beds for the district. It only ceased operations in 1966.

Our second night, Saturday night, at Geraldton saw us nabbing one of the 8 RV camping sites in town. We had a quiet night at the 24 hour free RV site we headed off eastward towards Melangata Station Stay. Driving via Mullewa we visited the information centre and also Helen Ansell studio cafe. Deborah's Sister, Caroline purchased a beautifully designed wildflower picnic blanket for us. In addition we checked out the wildflowers at the Mullewa scenic lookout. Very worthwhile.




The Mullewa Information centre had also advised us not to stop overnight at our preferred stop, as it might be a bit boggy and to instead park in an area diagonally across from the Pindar wheat bins.
A great spot with heaps of wood for a camp fire, sunset and the occasional flower. No wreath flowers at the moment due to recent high rainfall. We also took a walk across the highway to see the old townsite of Pindar, but nothing much was happening. Even the pub was closed, but the lights were still on!




We head off today to Melangata Station.