Wildflower Tagalong Trip WA (Take 2)
28.09.2022
Monday 22/8/22
Destination: Wannamal Hall, Great Northern Highway, WA
A short, overnight stop. A place we'd stayed at once before and this night we had 7 other campers in the area. A nice walk produced some lovely wildflowers and flowering bushes.
Tuesday 23/8/22
Destination: Wongan Hills
We met up with our friends, Andrew and Margot, at the Wongan Hills Caravan Park for a 2 night stay. Venturing into town for an afternoon coffee who should we bump into but Yogi, from Kendall Trucking, who we recognised from the TV show 'Outback Truckers '. Rubbing shoulders with television royalty!
Later in the afternoon, Andrew accompanied us on the Christmas Rock walk and discovered a few more flowers.
Mates since high school. Andrew & Ian taking a Wildflower walk in Wongan Hills with Deborah who was taking this picture.
Wednesday 24/8/22
We had a trip to the Dowerin Field Day with Andrew & MargĂ´t last time we visited was about 20 years ago.
Thursday 25/8/22
Destination: Toodyay 3 nights
What a scenic drive through the wheat & canola fields, bring such joy to our hearts.
We met up with the Toodyay Naturalists tonight for a discussion about what projects they do, what the Busselton Club does & any ongoing opportunities for sharing information.
Friday 26/8/22
An early morning walk along the bank of the Avon River, provided a gloriously misty morning.
We even got to check out the Nardie Cemetery.
We reached the Bird Hive for the bird watchers.
Then passed Millards's Pool, originally called Nardie pool. Back in the day this would be where all the locals would go for a swim.
And then the sun broke through to clear the mist as we reached the Weir.
We walked through the townsite & had to go inside a huge store called 360 Christmas. It was the biggest store filled to the brim of everything Christmas to buy.
We drove to the Toodyay lookout and went for a historic walk.
Back to the ranch we drove for lunch back at the van together. Off we trotted to the local Jail for a tour. The Newcastle Gaol was built because the local bushranger, Moondyne Joe, kept escaping from the previous lockup. Toodyay was originally named Newcastle for a few years, hence the name of the Gaol. Finally, after mail kept being mistakenly sent to Newcastle in NSW, they changed the name to Toodyay. This is a anglisiced version of the indigenous name for the area, Duingee.
(Below picture of Jan in the stocks at the Gaol). 
We took the opportunity for an afternoon stroll across the Avon River walk bridge. 
Saturday 26/8/22
This was the day for visiting Reserves. First stop was Wongamine Nature Reserve. Many wildflowers including bushes, shrubs and orchids were to be found in this area to the north east of the town.
We then headed back towards Toodyay and out to the north west to Rugged Hills Reserve. This, as the name suggests, was very hilly and gravelly.
Next, and final Reserve for the day, was Dawn Atwell Reserve, so named after a Toodyay Naturalist club founding member. Not a lot was found in the short time we had, but this one type of orchid was amazing, just popping up out of the hard gravel.
Next, and final Reserve for the day, was Dawn Atwell Reserve, so named after a Toodyay Naturalist club founding member. Not a lot was found in the short time we had, but this one type of orchid was amazing, just popping up out of the hard gravel.
Ian is always on the lookout for these in the towns we visit. 
Sunday 28/8/22
Here is a shot of our camp-site at the Toodyay Holiday Park & a peacock as friendly as walking around the campsites before we left this morning.
Destination: CEC Barrows - DPAW site 3 nights - Travel time about 35 minutes, nice short trip.
This campground was used as a live ammunition firing range in the late 50s early 60s. It was then taken over by a National Park & CEC Barrows was the first park Ranger. You now have to stick to designated tracks as there still might be some live ordinance hidden. CEC Barrows in the Avon Valley National Park is available for group bookings only. There are other areas for individual camping also.
Here is a view from our dining area.
Strolling through the bush past the dam enjoying the peacefulness, all you could hear was the birds singing. We realised how easy it could be for people to get lost in the bush. Deborah had her compass & whistle with her butt she made it back without needing it.
Photo supplied by Leanne Green.
Monday 29/8/22
A leisurely start to the cold morning 4 degrees @ 7am.
We took the opportunity to take a drive around the National Park looking at the other camping areas & scenic views from Bald Hill.
On our way to Karakamia today we popped into Noble Falls picnic area. 
Meet our friend, Linda. 
Here are Rose & Rick, friends who are on part of this Tag a long trip also. 
This is our Susan, our travel child. Susan accompanied us throughout the tag a long trip as one of our passengers. 
We also visited Lake Leschenaultia for a wander & an early dinner. It was as picturesque as we remembered it. If your van is no longer than 6metres, not including the A frame you can book online at the Shire of Mundaring to stay here. It would be refreshing in Summer.
Tonight we headed for an excursion to Karakamia Wildlife Sanctuary for a Wildlife experience. We would highly recommend this experience.
(50km North East of Perth) It is one of the cat & fox free areas on Mainland WA. We saw Tammar Wallabies, Possums & Quenda & lots of Woylies. The Woylie is considered one of nature's important eco system engineer.
Entry for concession holders is $15 per person. Not very often can you see these animals in the wild anymore as they are being predated by feral cats & foxes. It was an exceptional experience & we encourage you to visit. Take your red light, so as not to blind the animals.
Tuesday 30/8/22
We visited Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary, Gidgeganup.
www.australianwildlife.org/where-we-work/paruna/visiting-paruna-wildlife-sanctuary/
It is an hour drive out of Perth in the stunning Avon Valley. Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary offers a number of spectacular walking trails through Jarrah, Wandoo and Powderbark forest combined with heathland and riparian habitat.
Possum Loop walking trail is a 2.3km walk taking approximately 1- 2 hours.
Quenda Circuit walking trail is a 6.5km walk taking approximately 3 - 6 hours to complete with a medium difficulty and suitable for Wildflower enthusiasts and interested bush walkers. This is the walk Deborah & majority of the group took. It was indeed spectacular. It took in spectacular views in the best natural vegetation, the Paruna Gorge. We walked by running streams, over bridges, past by waterfalls, huge trees and scenic views to name a few. Here's a few photos from our trip.
The third walk is the Numbat Walking Track. It takes approximately 6 - 9 hours and is rated medium to hard.
We arrived back at CEC Barrows and no sooner saw this beautiful butterfly. 
Wednesday 31/8/22
Destination: Eaglestone Rock - Free camping was initially for 3 nights, but the weather forecast says lots of rain is coming this way on Saturday. So our group has decided to stay for 2 nights then head to the Nungarrin Caravan Park for 2 nights.
Our group headed off in a convoy of 11 vehicles with campers & caravans. First stop was at Goomalling for morning tea.
Our second stop was at Wyalkatchem @ the CBH Grain Museum. Wow such a wonderful collection of memorabilia from back in time.
We enjoyed lunch under the tree. Deborah heated up some yummy home made pasties, while Ian took a walk and found himself a Library.
On route we all stopped along the way for fuel. We filled up at Wyalkatchem & guess what, a truck fueled up after us & then they ran out of Diesel. Who would have thought. So the next town, Trayning, others stopped to fuel up. Harry who filled up earlier wasn't wasting his time. He was out having a shave.
Here is Wendy enjoying her lunch. 
We arrived at Eaglestone Rock before sunset to set up camp & get the communal fire going. We saw the lake beside us. 
A great night was had by all under the stars & clear skies. Tomorrow we climb the rock and explore this area.
Thursday 1/9/22
Had a climb up Eaglestone Rock, surrounded by Lake Brown, which we are camped by.
There's definitely some interesting rocks and scenery at this camping spot.
Are esteemed leader certainly dug up some sand when making a hole for the temporary dunny.
We took a drive out to Talgomine Rock Reserve to have another climb and a view of the surrounds.
There were also some interesting rock formations, and this one might be a piggy. 
Tonight was our 3rd quiz night, subject Australian History.
Friday 2/9/22
Destination : Nungarin Caravan Park for 2 nights to avoid any problems that the coming rain may have created at our current campsite. It could be soggy and boggy and we might not have got out. Safety first!
We woke up to an overcast day. Everyone had a quick pack up for a short drive into Nungarin for a 2 night stop. Everyone got settled. After a spot of washing & lunch at our campsites we took off in a convoy to firstly look at Yarragin Rock. Although not overflowing with wildflowers the views were majestic.
Our second stop for the day was Billyacatting Hill Conservation Park. Two walk paths to choose, the Hilltop Walk (2.4km, 2 hours return, moderate - difficult) and the Woodland Walk (1.2km return, moderate - easy)many of us chose the shorter track to begin with. We had been promised some Orchid sightings & we weren't disappointed. We saw clown, donkey & spider orchids.
As well as the orchids there were also other interesting Flora & evidence of Fauna activity.
Tonight's dinner was at the local Nungarin Pub.
Saturday 3/9/22
Mangowine Homestead visit.
The homestead, the oldest existing building in the Central Wheatbelt, was built in 1876 by Charles and Jane Adams. It is made from mud, timber, rocks and rushes found in the local area. Jane the first white woman to live in the area raised 12 children in the homestead. At 46, when Charles died in 1895, Jane took over running the homestead the wayside in and the farmland around the homestead.
Jane Swain Adam-The pioneering spirit of women.
The first white woman in the central Wheatbelt. It's not often that women are credited with showing the pioneer spirit. They are often painted as the silent spectators tending to the home and children while the men go off to explore unchartered territory. However, Jane Swain Adams is known with the best of pioneers. Affectionately known as "Granny" Adams; she showed resilience and foresight in maintaining the Mangowine Homestead in Nungarrin. They lived in isolation, the only contact being with the local Aboriginal community. Soon Jane started keeping detailed weather records for the meteorologist office. She continued to keep records for 47 years as she managed the home, children, and in providing rooms and meals to prospectors heading to Yilgarn. Charles, her husband died of a heart attack leaving her in continued isolation and widowed at 46 years of age, the sole carer at that time she provided for 9 children. Jane took to the task like a duck to water and ran the property, kept sheep, and grew vegetables for railway workers who stayed nearby and cropped their wheatfields. A year after she recovered from typhoid. Jane applied for and won a tender to do the mail run with her teenage son Charles. It used to take Charles one full week to do the mail run at the time! In the 1900s many new settlers came to farm the area they all turned to Jane to understand how to farm in the harsh environment. Born in Toodyay, local girl Jane married cobbler Charles Frederick Adams and they settled in Mangowine, the furtherest point anyone had lived up until that point. Jane died in Nov 1934 aged 83. In 1935 the town erected a memorial in her honour to celebrate all the work she had done for the district. She rests in Nungarrin Cemetery.
The Adams' had to travel to Toodyay once a year to get their supplies, a 7 day trip.
Washing and bathing was all done in one room. Hot water was brought in a bucket as required.
Nungarin Heritage Machinery & Army Museum
We visited followed by what was to be a campfire dinner experience, ( held only several times a year)but due to inclement weather the dinner & experience had to be held inside. Each year end February or early March they have a field day where people get the opportunity to ride in Army vehicles, even an operational tank & later in the early evening for 30 minutes they operate a huge wW2 anti aircraft spotlight along with a Bofors gun. We highly recommend taking a look at the Museum or checking their Web page, Instagram or facebook page to see when the camp-fire experience is on. If you, your family or friends have any WW2 memorabilia they would welcome you to donate it to them to add to their collection.
Most of our group cooked our dinner by the campfire most nights.
Sunday 4/9/22
Destination: due to inclement weather will be Muckinbudin Caravan Park for 2 nights
A visit to the Nungarin Markets then hit the road in convoy to Mukinbudin.
Once we all unhitched our vans & had lunch off we trotted with Susan & Jill (our passengers) to Weira Reserve. The wildflowers were magnificent.
Then Quantacutting Reserve 
On our way back to the camp we encountered a mob of emus on the road. Needless to say we slowed down and let them escape.
Happy hour was on the deck at the caravan park. There were 4 groups at the park. One on the big firepit, another at the bbq area, another staying warm in the kitchen & us on the deck. A great night was had by all.
Monday 5/9/22
We pack our picnic kit & head out in convoy for a full day of exploring the area.
First stop Explore Elachbuting Rock.
This is the rock we were supposed to be camping at, but weather changed the itinerary. This was an imposing rock. Firstly we walked through Monty's Pass, a 30-40 metre long gap between a rock that had split from the main rock.
We then drove around to the other side of the rock , where camping is allowed and has a flushing toilet. Morning tea and lunch were taken, with a visit from a local inhabitant. 
Ian, and a few others, climbed up to the top for some great views of the rock, countryside and life in the water holes on the rock.
Next stop on today's excursion was Beringbooding Rock. This has the largest tank collecting water from a natural rock in Australia. A capacity of 2.5 million gallons. It also is home to many of the frilled dragon lizards. The rock had several gnamma holes, water holes originally developed and maintained by Aboriginal people. Beringbooding is also known to have some Aboriginal rock art, but members of our party had previously had no luck in finding it. Luck was with us this day.
We visited the old Bonnie Rock Townsite. The hall is the only remaining building. It is now a camping spot with lovely hot showers & flushing toilets a gold coin donation is requested for your stay. This is where our friend, the local plumber in Mukka did all the Plumbing. Good on ya Matt. Great job!
Along the way back to camp we stopped to look for some wildflowers. 
Another sighting was a flock of cockatoos.
We visited the Wattoning Cemetery, Gnamma Hole & Historic Wells.
Another historic site was the Cleomine Race Horse. Cleomine was unbeaten in the country horse racing realms in the 1920s.The equal of Black Caviar the famous race horse. This artwork is powered by windmill with the audio of the horse galloping. 
Tuesday 6/9/22
Destination: Beacon Caravan Park 3 night
Ian was outside packing down the van, and glanced over toward the road, and saw our friend Bronwyn walking Campbell & Lucas to school, they waved. It brought a smile to his dial. A short time later Bron & Lucas turned up at our caravan door for a visit. Lucas learnt the collective noun for Emus. As we told him we had seen a mob of Emus walking along the roadside two days earlier. He also got to see the Tasmanian Devils in our van. (Deb's oven gloves). It was lovely to see them both. We sent our best wishes with them to both Matt & Campbell. Matt is the local plumber, born & bread in Mukka, we have known him since he & Bron first met. Went to both their engagement in Mukka & camped on Matts parents farm & their Wedding in Denmark. Matt installed the Plumbing at the Bonnie Rock Community Hall where we visited the day before.
Meet Lucas and Bron.
We all depart at 9.25am from the caravan park to alight in the main street of Mukka to view the art exhibition. All the town folk made us all individually feel welcome. They have a great country spirit and there was some local & West Australian Art on display. Jenny & Whispie welcomed all of us, 15 in total.
The convoy of 11 vehicles left town around 10.30 on route to the Pergande Sheep yards. 
Next we stopped at Marshall Rock for a quick cup of coffee. We were going to have a quick walk on the rock, but due to the rain incoming we packed up early & drove into Bencubbin for lunch. Then headed to Beacon Caravan Park and set up our vans and get the washing done. Ian and I took the opportunity to go for a walk down town. We past the Men's Shed, the local Post Office come Co Op.
Library in Bencubbin.
Wednesday 7/9/22
Billiburning Rock
Before arriving at Billiburning we chanced upon a few mail boxes at a road intersection. All for the Honey family.
Lovely place for camping & a nice rock to climb. Again another location that had wildflowers and several species of orchids and a great morning tea. 
After leaving Billiburning we noticed a native wandering across the dirt road. With great excitement we all raced along to say hello.
Datjoin Rock Reserve
An interesting rock. Not a large one to climb on and unfortunately the weeds have started to take over. There were some wildflowers and orchids, and a few insects being busy.
Thursday 9/9/2022
Linda & Harry left for Perth today.
We took a leisurely walk around town and pick up some stocks before heading off tomorrow. We also had a cake and coffee with some of the party in the grocery store cafe. A nice friendly group of locals work here, as well as at the CRC.
An interesting statement at the entrance to the town...an old telephone box, with a gnome in it, and old power lines with magpies and blackbirds on them.
Here is a drone shot of tonight's sunset, taken by a fellow camper, Peter.
The Beacon Library. 
Friday 9/9/22
Destination: Mollerin Rock - Free camping 2 nights. Our convoy departed the Beacon Caravan Park at 9.30 sharp. Deborah had proofed a loaf of sourdough an baked it prior to departure for our lunch. We shared it with Merryl & Reg. We pulled out, refueling occurred for those who needed it. We hit the road but it wasn't long before we heard a message on the 2 way. Our leader Jeffrey had a squealing fan belt & had to go back to Beacon to have it changed. Meanwhile Merryl & Reg took over as the leaders. We were tail end Charlie. We arrived to see Bernie and Carolina set up and ready to join the group on our adventures. We all set up, had a bite to eat & hit the road to see some more rocks & wildflowers. Newcarlbeon Rock, but before we got there we stopped at a roadside reserve to see some wildflowers, which included a black grevillea.
Newcarlbeon Rock is another engineering marvel built in 1937, to capture water from the rock into the 644,000 Litre storage tank. It was an essential water source for the local area. The tank was full when we visited. An abundance of flowers, including donkey and sun orchids. Plus tadpoles in the water catchment pools. 
Saturday 10/9/22
We went for several walks during the day and saw an abundance of wildflowers & a few orchids.
We also had a friendly visitor at lunchtime. 
We had a campfire gathering under the full moon tonight.
Sunday 11/9/22
Destination: Wongan Hills Caravan Park 3 nights
The convoy departed 9.15 sharp. We headed to Wongan Hills vis cadoux for our morning tea stop & to view the fault lines of the earthquake from 2 June 1979.
We all arrived safely at Wongan Hills Caravan Park. Ian & I took a walk trail through Christmas Rock with some of the group. A good range of Wildflowers and Orchids were on display. 
Monday 12/9/22
A drive out to Gathercole and then Mt Matilda nature reserves. Wongan Hills, named from 'Wangan Katta' meaning 'talking hills' due to the wind blowing through the sheoak trees, is an untouched area showcasing what the original landscape of the wheatbelt looked like. Mt Matilda is a 3 or 5 hour return walk. Needless to say, after our morning walk, we went up to a lookout and came back down. Some fantastic gravelly rocks and beautiful shrubs and trees.
Gathercole Nature Reserve
We took a moderate 2.2 km loop walk through the reserve. It is a granite outcop we saw lizards running fast, bobtails enjoying the sun & birds & a few native flowers, bushes & trees.
Tuesday 13/9/22
After a quick drive to the bakery it was another 9.30 gathering at Marmalade to discuss the days activities. First stop was to be Reynoldson Reserve. This area is named after William Coates Reynoldson, a surveyor on the Goldfields pipeline, and then farmer in the Wogan Hills district. He set aside this reserve, and it has been added to over the years, due to the abundance and variety of verticordia in the area.
We found some nice flowers, but it was a little early for most of the verticordia to flower. An orchid was also found. 
Due to the windy weather we took morning tea back at the caravan park kitchen.
Afterwards we did a quick wander around town and hit a small flower reserve behind the Water Dept depot. It provided some nice flowers, bushes and the, so far, elusive blue enamel orchid.
Wednesday 14/9/22
Destination: Karda Campground - DPAW site 3 nights
Arrival night had a camp fire, but due to inclement weather we both hot footed it back to the van to cook dinner in a dry environment.
And on the 15th we drove out to Lesueur National Park. An amazing biodiversity of flora and fauna species. Named after Charles-Alexandre Lesueur, a natural history botanist aboard the ship Naturaliste, part of Hamlin's 1801 expedition. Although identified in the 1950's by botanist Charles Gardner as a significant area for protection it wasn't until 1992 it was gazetted as a national park.
Our first stop in the park was at Drummond recreation area, for a short 2.5km walk on the Gairdner track, about 1.5 hours.
Next stop was Cockleshell Gully picnic area for lunch. Again some nice flora was spotted, including a catspaw.
Friday 16/9/22
Sees us travelling towards the coast and destination of Greenhead. First however is just out of the entrance to our campground. A lovely stackhousia is spotted, with spider orchids, catspaws and ants pollinating flowers. Spectacular views from our foreshore walk.
We drove into Jurien Bay & picked up a few provisions. 
And tonight at our campfire a few locals came to say hello, on with a Joey in her pouch.
Saturday 17/9/22
Destination: Coorow Caravan Park 2 nights
A lovely drive of about 120km in convoy. We stopped at a Nature Reserve to view the flora along the drive.
Our pub dinner at Coorow. The jarrah staircase was just amazing, so much history.
Ian Clarke our leader and loving wife Jan 
Ian & I
Susan, our travel daughter 
Sunday 18/9/22
Saw us all taking a drive into Coorow for a quick look at an outdoor museum based around the history of the Koobabbie farm. This is an iconic farm owned and farmed by the same family from 1906 until it's sale in 2021. It is well setup with replica rooms and buildings from the early era of the farm, plus some farm machinery indicative of the time periods from the last one hundred years.
We then headed a short distance down the main road, called Main Road, to the Bart Mailey Memorial Trail at the Community Farm, for some more wildflower spotting. Ian also found some fauna. Heading further out of town, down the Waddy Road East, we stopped to search for more flowers. Ian had other ideas, so found some interesting seeds, wildlife and insects.
Tonight was a quiz night about Australiana.
Monday 19/9/22
Destination: Karara Rangelands National Park - DPAW site 3 nights
It was a windy drive towards Perenjori, our morning tea and fuel stop. And then it started raining. Our spirits weren't dampened as the rain stopped as we arrived at Camel Soak, which became our new campsite for the next 3 nights. Camel Soak is on the fringes of Karara Rangeland Park, a 560,672ha DBCA controlled park.
A lunch and then we headed off in convoy for the old Damperwah State Farm research station. Now abandoned and only operational from
1929-1940. It would have a very expensive exercise to set up these substantial buildings for only 11-12 years of operations.
We then headed onwards, through the dingo proof fence/gates to John Forrest lookout. An impressive view indeed with some interesting flora.
Tuesday 20/9/22 sees the main group head off on another 4WD track. We decide to head back into Perenjori to find the Wreath flowers. And we we're disappointed. Head out of town towards Morawa, and about 6.3kms from Perenjori turn right on the Back Bowgada Rd, immediately before the railway crossing. Approximately 1.6km & we find the wreath flowers.
21/9/22 Wednesday
Today saw us heading in convoy on a long trip. First stop was at Warriedar Homestead. These buildings have had some renovations by Track Care WA, on a voluntary basis. The main homestead is a large impressive building, with several outbuildings and the Shearer's quarters. Although not in a habitable condition, there are still some local wildlife to see. Include cockatoos and a marble gecko.
After a quick morning tea we took the bitumen road up to the next stop at Thundelarra Homestead. This homestead is being renovated and maintained by DBCA and Parks & Wildlife Service. The old shearers quarters is to be renovated for a visitor centre. The old homestead and the old cooks quarters are currently habitable and being used by DBCA & Parks & Wildlife Staff. Some of the small buildings & the old water tanks were sent from England as flat packs, at the beginning of the 20th century, maybe this was the beginning of IKEA.
First homestead
Thundelarra Homestead
22/9/22 Thursday
We were off in convoy again, this time we are packed up for the trip to Mingenew. Just out of Perenjori we stop to show the group the wreath flowers that we had seen a few days earlier.
After unpacking at Mingenew we took a drive up Mingenew Hill for some sunset pictures.
23/9/22 Friday
Convoy rules again, but today we were down to just 3 vehicles, as we headed off to Coalseam Conservation Park. Some tremendous views through the valley with nice wildflowers. The area was originally mined for coal in the 1840's, but it was of such low quality and limited amounts that it wasn't economically viable. As the location was too rugged for farming the park was eventually vested in the 1970's before finally becoming a conservation park in 1994. We also took the opportunity to try and wash the car...a couple of runs through the creek crossing.
24/9/22 Saturday most of the group headed homeward bound. Ian and I headed for York for the night then home Sunday.
This was the end of a wonderful trip.
Some photos above were supplied by Leanne Green, Linda deVries, Colleen Madely, thankyou Ladies for your contributions.
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