Our Travelogue 2017-2018

Finally I've decided to change my plan to continue my school in Byron Bay to join Sidney.

Flights: Honolulu-Auckland Auckland-Brisbane. Departing at : 07:35am Thursday the 23rd of nov. Arriving at : 10:20pm the Friday 24th of nov. 12.40 hours flight. Jet Lag : +21H

First night I slept at the Airport in Brisbane. Then I took a shuttle to Byron Bay. When I arrived there Sidney was waiting for me at the Bus station. We were so happy to see each other. At this moment it's the last weekend of Sidney's friends. A lot of them did the Cambridge Exam so they had to leave soon. I met those friends and we said goodbye to them !

With some classmates we decided to go to Whian-Whian falls. You have to go there. It is an amazing place! The first waterfall is large and big. After 2 minutes walking, the second one is smaller but very relaxant. Like a spa. We had a really good time! Thank you everyone!

Little walk with a wonderful view. It's a naturel Park. We can learn aboriginal cultural heritage, botanical and wildlife. We found some picnic areas and at the end we found a paradisiacal beach.

For Christmas holidays we make a road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide. We across the great ocean road.

Let’s go the 25th of December! After a skype with our family we begin our trip!

Our cat 🚗 = house

Day 1 : Queenscliff - Torquay (Start of Great Ocean Road and surf town) - Lorne - Jamison Creek Bush Campground

Day 2 : Lorne - Great Otway National Park : Erskine Falls - Koalas spotting walk - Stevenson Falls Camping (very good)

Day 3 : Appollo Bay - Castles Cove - Gibson Steps - Twelve Apostle - Loch Ard Gorge (swimming time) - Arc - London bridge - Warrnambool - Tower Hill Reserve (walk) - Free camping

Day 4 : Port Fairy (End of Gread Ocean Road) - Grampians National Park : Wannon Crossing picnic area - Burrong Falls - Bellfield Lake -Balconies lookout - Mackenlis Falls - Schulzes Beach Camp Area near Lake Hindmarsh

Day 5 : On first we pick up a man who make hitchhiking. Then we stop at Salt Creek where we see two pink lakes and a Tea tree crossing. And we sleep at Langhorne Creek Camping

Day 6 : Let’s go to Adelaide. We sleep in the YHA backpacker. Very clean and good location. Then we eat at the Adelaide Central Market with fresh food. And we visit the Museum of aboriginal artifacts and so much.

We go camping to Mount Warning. We sleep in the camping situated 3km down the beginning to the walk. We get up at 3:00am and then start the hike to see the sunrise at the top of Mt Warning. In this place, you could be the first in Australia to see the sunrise. Amazing view! 😍

The 8.8 km walk through the rainforest. The return we decide to run all the path! It’s was very funny.

It’s was a very nice walk.

Let's go to Mullumbimby. This town has excellent restaurants, a relaxed subtropical ambience, and a normality which is far removed from the overpopulated energy of Byron Bay or the self-conscious hippiedom of Nimbi. "Mullum", as many of the locals call it is a place worth exploring with excellent subtropical bushwalks and a genuine ambience of peace and tranquility.

Community Garden

"Grow to Share, Share to Grow"

They are a not-for-profit volunteer based charity which aims to build a respectful, supportive and resilient community with interactive activities based around sustainability and environmental awareness. Them projects include the Mullumbimby and Shara Community Gardens where we grow organic produce in our ‘Food for All’ gardens to share with people in need. These is just one of the many positive ways we support our community.

History

Captain James Cook found a safe anchorage and named Cape Byron after John Byron, who had circumnavigated the world. This town was significant sea port white slaughter of whales until 1963 and a lot of industrial ( dairy factory, abattoirs). Despite this success, Byron struggled to become a viable community, and was always a poor working town. After all the factories closed, SURFERS discovered the wonderful breaks at The Pass, Wategos, Cosy Corner, The Wreck. The longboardees arrived in the 1960s. This was the beginning of Byron Bay as a tourist destination, by the Aquarius Festival in 1973 in Nimbi (hippy town)

In our cases, we have bought a bicycle and we can go everywhere surfing after school. It's pretty fun !

Shark attack!

One morning we went to Tallow beach seeing the sunrise and surfing. After 1.5 hour a holicopter arrived and out of a alarm. It’s mean there are sharks !Every surfers went out to the ocean. In fact some sharks are connected. In Byron there aren’t protection nets for sharks, like in Sydney. I was very surprised to see that!

With a application on the phone we can know which kind of shark was it. At this moment it was a tiger shark🦈

In 2015 the NSW Government announced the NSW Shark Management Strategy, a program designed to complement the existing Shark Meshing Bather Protection Program. The strategy is

Surveillance, detection and deterrents; Ongoing aerial surveillance providing more patrols along the NSW coastline. 21 Satellite linked (VR4G) shark listening stations, to provide real-time tracking data of tagged sharks. These listening stations have been deployed at Kingscliff, Byron Bay, Lennox Head, Lighthouse Beach and Sharpes Beach, Ballina ...

Multiple walls are painting all in the town.

Let’s go to Gold Coast! Xavier borrow us his car. We accros every little town close to the beach for go there, like : tweed head(beautiful beach)-Bilinga-Currumbin-Palm Beach-Miami(good beach)-Burleigh(good spot)-Surfer Paradise. Buildings and beach.

Then we find some outlet shops at Molendinar.

National bridge

We start a short one kilometre subtropical circuit clockwise and descend through ancient Gondwana rainforest to the Natural Bridge rock arch. Unfortunately it's rainy but still beautiful. We see some luciols.

Arts Factory Lodge is a Backpacker in Byron Bay. The Arts Factory Lodge, budget accommodation in Byron Bay, was originally created in the 70’s by hippies and local and international artists.

More History

The Arts Factory Lodge has now been in operation for 23 years as a backpacker hostel, hosting tens of thousands of wide eyed travellers looking for an experience that might change their life. Originally the site was a piggery, hence where the famous music venue gets its name. Then it was a concrete factory, later still a bus depot, all of which closed down. In the 1970’s the Byron Bay region was discovered by alternative life-stylers, who would become known as hippies. The Aquarius festival held in Nimbin in 1973 was a counter-cultural arts and music festival that led to many communes and a creative think tank in the region. The Arts Factory was founded by a man named Dan Doepel from California, he was a surfer who loved rock music. Him and his mates tried to put on a gig, that’s how the very first gig happened at The Buddha Bar now Byron Bay Premium Brewery. He called it The Piggery to commemorate the original site. The venue went on to experience incredible success. In fact it was the venue that originated and hosted the first few Blue’s Fest gigs. The Piggery outgrew its own success, by the mid 1990’s, so once Dan had handed it over The Piggery became the Lowry’s. The new custodians for the Arts Factory. They were keen surfers that had been coming to Byron Bay for many years. This family to look at this amazing property with a view to creating a backpacker hostel. So was born, the Arts Factory Backpackers Lodge. The Lowry’s were inspired by the local alternative community and travellers. They wanted to add their family spirit and creative genius. So they did, to develop and foster the creative living space we still know today

Many people were there to help develop this amazing new space and create a campground that has become the most iconic part of this property. The Jungle has become a rite of passage the world over where young travellers have been coming to find or lose themselves, check in for a week but stay a year and connect to a family that will last forever.

They have many Workshops include Didgeridoo Making, African Drumming and Yoga. Playing a game of table tennis or volleyball. Making jewelry sessions. Jump in the pool. Swing in the hammocks and soak up the friendly atmosphere. They also have them own sustainable vegetable garden, where people can volunteer in exchange for fruit and veg. We also had a South American veggie garden about 15 years ago in the front car park area. In the evening enjoy DJ’s, Bands, Live Performances at the Byron Bay Brewery or the Zany Talent Show every Tuesday Night

We have once of our friend, who was at school whit Sidney, live there. It's a really good friend so we like to visit him and have a really good time over there .

This place is a little colourful village of hippie.

In the town you can find some shops, a skatepark, a camping place with a swimming pool free. The golden words here are peace, tranquility and enjoy. Great and peaceful atmosphere.

Story

In May 1973 the Aquarius festival which had a optimistic and reformist mood attracted thousands of festival participants were drawn tighter by shared idealism ans desire to forge a new age. The festival was an exploration of the counter-culture and a reaction to consumerism. There was a vibrant exchange of ideas different ways to achieve creative expression as well as harmony whit nature and spirituality. This place was chosen for the valley natural and its relative isolation from authorities. The festival organizers committed to recycle and invigorate the village. Many people left the festival and made lifestyle changes and decided to stay. In the following years bought up farming properties and established alternative lifestyle communities.

Mardi Grass

Usually calm, Nimbin is invaded during one weekend by travelers, students and australians from all over Australia to celebrate Mardi Grass. This annual event is held to protest the drug laws, educate people on the various uses of cannabis (medicinal, industrial, recreational & spiritual) and to celebrate the culture that has grown here over the last 40 years. that includes such as comedy, music, product presentations, forums, politics, movies, art and much more. Key features include Protest Parade, March and Rally, Kombi Konvoy, various music venues, stand up comedy, MardiGrass Mind Candy Forums, pot art and pot poetry, Ganja Faeries, Harvest Ball, Pickers Ball, hemp rope tug of war, and Indigenous events.

The annual Byron Bay Surf is a long weekend from Thursday to Sunday of Surfing, Sun, high vibes and good times. It present and maintain the culture of surfing, as an expression, art and lifestyle. Ensure that the festival reflects the values and creative culture of the Byron Bay region and communit.

Many events are present like sunset cinema, concerts, yoga session, surf art market, free surf, freestyle and stoke surf sessions, art show, conference and more.

Sidney would surf until the last moment. So he had to sell his board during the last night in Byron Bay in the street and the surf festival! And also our bicycle.

Long time no news! We are in New Zealand for a road trip! At the Australian Aeroport we had had a problem with Sidney’s visa. At Auckland he needed to let know the Ambassador in Switzerland and his parents.

Auckland is a major city in the north of New Zealand’s North Island. It has two large harbours. In the centre, the famous Sky Tower has views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes.

Backpacker : Fat Camel Hostel. It’s located in the downtown. The hostel was pretty dirty and a smelt awful. There were no windows and no airflow in the kitchen/dining, the bathrooms weren't clean and what's more there wasn’t a chillout area. The package; It was only a free little bowl of spaghetti every night. Or for 5$ meal and beer. There are a Camel Bar with many cheap drinks. But during the night it's loudly. We couldn’t sleep well. It's not safe, someone stole us our money during the night. The mood of this hostel is go out and drink. We weren’t in this kind of thinking. It’s an incomfortable place to stay. We didn’t have a good time in this hostel. Fortunately it was only for two nights.

Wicked Camper!

After all we get finally our van! 🚌 It's the best way to discover and explore the diverse land of New Zealand by travelling on the road. We decided to book a Wicked Campervan. Fancy and flashy exteriors could be pretty exciting, but definitely not for everyone. We like it and we are young so it’s a good time to drive once. Wicked Campers market their product towards younger drivers and backpackers. Each van features a spray painted design, often featuring pop culture references and slogans, which are often rude and offensive. In fact, maybe it could be a bad affect the young and local people. So we saw same «Escape» Campervan with great graffiti on the vehicle. Maybe more appropriate for the local person.

Including in our van : Seats & Sleeps 2 Adults, a bed 1.45m W x 1.85m L, a rear Kitchenette, a ice Cooler & Gas Cooker, some plates, cups & bowls, a internal table and lounge, a saucepan + fry Pan

Day 1 : Let's go !

First stop with our van was at Piha. It's a beach with black sand.

Campground : For our first night in a free camping we made a stop at Kaiaua Bost club, a nice place close to the beach.

Day 2 : Coromandel peninsula, we drove all the coast, the road was awesome!

The famous Cathedral Cove (scenery in the movie Narnia) which is a beautiful beach but with too many people. It is in fact one of the “must visit” sites on The Coromandel. Accessible only by foot, boat or kayak. The scenic easy walking track is 2.5km, 1h30 return.

Hot water beach is popular for a patch of thermal water bubbling just beneath the surface of the sand at low tide, Hot Water Beach has achieved cult-like status as a worldwide wonder.

Campground : Shelly bay. Suitable only for self-contained vehicles.

Day 3: Rotorua is a ‘Must Do’. Discover Maori culture or the geothermal wonders. Taking a dip in one of a hot springs for free. The reasons to stay is the huge activities you can do. Lakes, forest and mountains provide endless free things to do.

Mud pool (free) Lady gnocchi geyser (free) Wai-O-Tapu terminal wonderland ($35). Amazing natural things to see.

Kerosene Creek is a hot spring in a free river. 😍Amazing and quiet place to have a good time. But the water smell the sulfur.

Campground : Reid’s Farm- Hipapatua Recreation Reserve. Good but very popular. It’s located close to the Waikato river. We met our Gruyerien friends; Alain and Jenny who they are travelling also in New Zealand.

Day 4 : Huka Falls. There is an incredible sight, over 220’000 litres of water flow through the rock face per second.

Craters of the Moon. ($8) It’s a geothermal walk with spring. Incredible!

Hot & cold🔥❄Otumuheke Stream is one river (too hot!!) goes in the Waikato river (cold). At the corner it’s a perfect place to stay and relax. Funny experience!

Lake Taupo. We really liked this regions with many hot free water spots. This region is also famous for the many activities on offer on. We ate in front of the crystal blue Lake Taupō.

Campground : Waikoko Raod Campsite is a nice campground with a little hut to eat and close to the river. We passed the evening with Jenny & Alain.

Day 5 : Tangarino Alpine Crossing 🌋 20km. We woke up at 5am to take a shuttle ($35) to the start of the path. The track climbs the Mangatepopo Valley to the saddle between Tangarino and Ngauruhoe, through south Crater before climbing again to the Red Crater which is the highest point on the crossing at 1’886m. Great trek across a volcanic alpine landscape of dramatic contrast, streaming vents, glacial valleys, old lava flows, alpine vegetation and blue lakes. We shared this walk with Alain and Jenny and we were walking during 5h. We have had a great time!

Lunch at the Totoaira Lake.

Glowworm Cave Okupata. We drove around 10km on the gravel road, that shake a lot! But once inside the cave it was Amazing, we saw many Glowworms! We went by ourself so we had to be careful.

Campground : Whanganui River at Pipiriki. Village famous for kayaking and cruising in the river. In fact the campsite isn't close to the river so we didn't find it before the next morning. 🏞

Day 6 : Goal of the day : Book the ferry! ⛴ So we drove on the River Road. One stop at Whanganui river where we found a free wifi spot.

Campground : Waimea Beach is a beautiful place to stay with a eyesight on the ocean. It's a Carpark for only self-contenaided vehicle. There are some clean toilets and a cold shower outside. We saw the sunset on the Kapitii Island. 🌅

Food shop

New Zealand has many good reasons for traveling in backpacker or camping country but, unfortunately, the food prices is not one of them. Despite having a huge dairy and horticulture industry in New Zealand, much of it is exported, keeping the domestic prices pretty high. Of course the supermarkets are the way to go for your larger grocery shopping list. Not only do they sell all kinds of edible goods, they have variety. This is ideal for us with a small budget. We can choose cheap brands such as Pams and Woolworths. The main supermarket chains of New Zealand are: New World, Countdown (Woolworth in Australia), Four Square, Fresh Choice and PAKn’SAVE (the cheapest one but look like a ikea for food). We also liked buy our vegetables and fruits at the farmers we find on the road, 🥑 for supporting local business and tasting fresh food. In fact is generally cheaper at the farmers market than at the supermarket. We could buy beer and wine in supermarkets or in liquor stores. We needed our passport for buying Alcohol.

Freedoms camping

The dream : driving a van and parking up among the stunning scenery of New Zealand! Well... that isn’t really like that. The camper van trip, in reality, is you can’t exactly park anywhere for the night. In order to keep New Zealand beautiful, there are restrictions on where you can camp for free, more commonly known as freedom camping. So if you want to be able to freedom camp as often as possible in New Zealand, then you will need to get or rent a self-contained vehicle. Otherwise, you be prepared to add the cost of campsites, holiday parks and also fine to your budget. We had no idea about this before. But we’ve learn! With our campervan without a self-contained certificate, we normally need to stay in designated sites that allow freedom camping with no self-contained vehicle. These can be free campsites or parking areas with a toilet block nearby. A self-contained vehicle is a vehicle that meets the Caravan Self Contained Certificate standard. The vehicle must have a Self containment certification and the appropriate blue sticker to show this. The standard for a self-contained vehicle must include: toilet, fresh water storage, waste water storage for at least three days and a rubbish bin with a lid. But the surprise is we’ve seen some car with this blue sticker. Our question is : how they can have toilet inside? Is totally impossible ?!

The Department of Conservation (DOC) they are the government agency charged with conserving New Zealand’s natural and historic heritage .Their vision means ensuring that New Zealanders gain a wide range of benefits from healthy functioning ecosystems, recreation opportunities, and through living our history. They have a really useful website with every information about campsite, walks, great place, maps etc... http://www.doc.govt.nz

The penalties for freedom camping

The penalties arrive if you camp or prepare to camp where you are not allowed (like camp in a vehicle or tent without a toilet/water supply that only allows self-contained vehicles), you damage an area where you are camping in, you dump any waste or rubbish . The council officers and DOC rangers patrol areas that a prone to illegal freedom camping, especially in the high season and during the mornings and evenings. If the officers or rangers tell you to move on, you could be given an instant $200 fine. 💸

Where we can sleep without problem?

The DOC manages also around 200 campsites in New Zealand. ⛺ There are 5 degrees where there is a no camping sign. In addition the dogs are not allowed in all Campsite. 1. Basic, no charge (free) : Simple toilet, water from may be tank, stream or lake. 2. Backcountry, $6 adulte & $3 child : With toilets and water supply. Picnic tables, cooking shelters and maybe fireplace. 3. Standard, $6 adulte & $3 child : With toilets and water supply. Picnic tables, cooking shelters wood BBQs and fireplaces, cold shower and rubbish. 4. Scenic, $13 adulte & $6.50 child : There are in high use location and have more limited range. With toilets and water supply, vehicles and boat access, picnic tables, cooking shelters and maybe fireplace. 5. Serviced, $18 adulte & $9 child : With a wide range or facilities services; flush toilets, tap water, picnic tables, kitchen/ cooking bench, cookers, BBQs, fireplaces, rubbish and laundry facilities.

There are also many Holiday parks. We didn’t try with our van but for our last day in Christchurch we took a room in one of them.

With a self-contained car, there are some areas and cities offer free-of-charge designated areas where camping is allowed. You can check in a i-site (tourist office) or in the website of the DOC or http://camping.org.nz/

With a rental camper van, some local companies created several app on the phone. 📱Like Spaceships , which we use in AUS and NZ (spaceshipsrentals.co.nz), Jucy Rentals (jucy.co.nz) or Escape (escaperentals.co.nz). There are plenty of informations out there on where you can camp, where you can find toilets, shower, things to do...

Sometimes we were very angry or sad that we couldn't camp where we wished, but it’s a law and we can understand. Due to the actions of some stupid freedom campers around New Zealand over the last decade the country decided to pass the Freedom Camping act in 2011. The people leaving rubbish and used toilet paper on beaches, roadsides, forest where over. We are a little disappointed do not freecamp where we want everywhere but we totally understand that the local people were totally boring about that! Even with those laws, we saw many used toilet papers... 😓 To talk about us, we try to be some fun camper, easygoing. Anywhere we are traveling or living it’s our responsibility to treat, protect the environment with kindness and respect. We are thinking a good camper leave no trace after his camp time.

Campervans

Van/Bus/Camper are part of the scenery in NW we crossed them by thousand on the road that paces the country. Of all the colors, all the forms, all kind of arrangements... What give us ideas for a future project!

Our best :

On the north Island : - Lake Rotorua and region. With them wonderful geothermal things and many secret hot water spots. - Tangariro walk track around the volcano

On the South Island : - The lake Hawea and the lake Wanaka without no trace of human - The Milford Sound cruising with the dramatic landscape and the dolphins swimming very close to our boat. 🐬 - Discovery of our space. At the Lake Tekapo. With Earth&sky observatory tours. ✨🌚

We’ve arrived at Perth on Friday and went to take our van. The company rented our car. So we didn’t have any vehicle. The receptionist was very angry and surprised, but she was very nice and she organized for us a really good hotel and it was offered by them. We’ve stayed 2 nights in Perth. We slept at the Novotel hotel is located in Perth's city centre within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, bars and tourist attractions. It features the award winning Senses Restaurant and Wine Bar, and a traditional Irish pub, Fenians. Sauna, spa and gymnasium facilities with spectacular views over the Swan River enhance leisure time. We had also a big and delicious breakfast buffet.

Perth is the largest town and capital of West Australia. Located where the Swan River meets the southwest coast. For nearly 40'000 years the area on which Perth now stands was occupied by groups of the Nyoongar people and their ancestors. The river is a sacred place for Noongar people and they preserved many stories of the Wagyl, a water-serpent understood to be responsible for the creation and maintenance of the river and most of the water features around Perth. The Noongar moved with the seasons, travelling inland in winter then returning in late spring near the ocean. The Aboriginal had contact with various seafaring visitors including the Dutch and the French before the arrival of Captain James Stirling who colonised the region for the British in 1829. Relations between the settlers and the Aboriginals were not always harmonious as the latter were dispossessed of their land and subjected to sometimes harsh and unsympathetic colonial rule. The whites imprisoned Aboriginal resistance on Rottnest Island. In 2009, the State Government signed a framework agreement with the representative body, the South West Aboriginal and Land and Sea Council.

Now Perth is a modern and vibrant place city, boasting a desirable lifestyle, great geographic location and attractive investment opportunities. It has ranked consistently among the Top 10 most liveable cities in the world.

Monday! Our van wait us!

Day 1 : We’ve done shopping, deposited our staff and cleaned the van.

Day 2 : Road trip in the India Ocean Road. We've been to the Pinnacles Desert Discovery which is rising mysteriously from the dune sands are thousands of limestone pillars. There are a drive and walk. ($13) It’s in the Nambing Nation Park.

After that we've driven on the Sandy Cape road. A gravel road during 2.5km. We've found some lookouts. It’s a beautiful beach protected from the south easterly winds by a large sand dune. The beaches are fantastic for swimming, fishing and snorkeling. The camping cost $20/night (2adults and 2children). It’s famous for a 4WD trip. Before that we'd gone to Jurien Bay take some advice and we've touched a snack!! 🐍

Campground : We've had wonderful view over the ocean at cliff head north rest. 🌒

Day 3 : We woke up very early and went to Geraldton. Little town but cute. Offering beautiful beaches it’s one of Australia’s top destination for water sport enthusiasts, like surfing, kite surfing, kayaking, jet ski and diving. Then we took a couple of pictures at the Pink Lake at hutt Lagoon at Port Gregory. This color is created by the algue bloom producing bets-carotene.

Kalbarri is encircled by two different landscapes. East of the town are the rust-red inland river gorges with rock formations to the west are towering ocean cliffs.

At The Coastal cliff site we've stopped at Natural bridge Island Rock; short walk from car park after the Rust rocks of red bluff. Red bluff beach is a popular location for swimming, fishing and surfing and just before we'd walked at the Mushroom Rock. We've made a «ploof » in the ocean and then we've entered in the Kalbarri Nation Park. The most iconic attraction of the park is "the nature’s window". We've seen the sunset over there! It was beautiful and the sun gave us a wonderful color over the rock!

Campground : Gelena Bridge Rest Area. Juste after the end of the National Park and big park area. With picnic tables, toilets, BBQ and rubbish.

Day 4 : Let’s go to Shark bay !🦈 This region has white sand beaches, turquoise waters, rust-red sand dune and abundant wildlife. Shark bay became Western Australia’s first Word Heritage listed are in 1991.

We've driven to Hamelin Pool. We would say that which hosts diverse and abundant examples of stromatolites. It’s the world’s oldest living fossils.

Then we swam at the special Shell Beach. 🐚 It's special because the beach is made up from just one type of animal, making it truly unique. The animal whose shells are so readily seen. Shell Beach formed from billion of tiny shells is one of only a handful of places on earth where shells replace beach sand in such dramatic and picturesque way. The beach stretches for 120 km with shells up to 10 metres deep.

At Eagle Bluff we saw many sharks , rays and maybe two dugongs but we weren’t sure, from the boardwalk. From here, you can see spot marine life such as dolphins, turtle and fishes. The road to go there is in sand/gravel.

We took some information at Denham, the main town of Shark Bay. The shallow water alongside the Main Street is safe for swimming. Unfortunately is not the best spot to snorkeling but I swam for the first time with a little ray and Sid caught his first little fish! 🐡 ( he return it in the ocean )

Then we drove a 4WD road in the Francois Peron National Park where the desert meet the ocean. We went inside until Peron Heritage Precint à historic site with picnic area, BBQ and hot tub in artesian water around 40 degrees. Unfortunately we couldn’t go anymore deep in the National Park because we really needed a 4WD.

We've looked the sunset at Denham Park and made some vegetables BBQ! Delicious!

Campground : We slept at Eagle Bluff Area. We woke up for the sunrise! 🌅😍

Day 5 : Monkey Mia is a famous places for dolphins interaction in the world. The Natural Park Passes does not apply to Monkey Mia Reserve and this cost $12/ person. We went at 7:46 to feed some dolphins ! 🐬 It was very touristic but the dolphins were very close to us and lucky me, I could give a fish to feeding Kiya. The bottlenose dolphins are wild and make their daily ritual of swimming to shore to interact with humans. That started over 45 years ago. Their numbers and time of visit vary however they often visit the shore between 7:45am to 12pm. Monkey Mia dolphins are protected by Parks and Wildlife’s management program. There are many rules to must follow them there.

We did a "ploof" at Nanga Bay in a turquoise water and pretty hot. Then Sidney'd driven! We were into the desert it was so hot ! ☀

After this long road we've looked the Blowholes. They form a natural spectacle as the ocean is forced throughout sea caves before exploding out through holes in the rock. The spray can be very high like 20m! 🌊💨 And located one kilometer south, Point Quobba is a pristine beach protected by a coral reef. It’s called « the aquarium ». Ideal for snorkeling Sidney enjoyed it! (Unfortunately there wasn’t any shower I couldn’t go in the water because it’s too salty for my sensitive skin.)

Day 6 : Ningaloo Region is the largest fringing reef system, stretched 300km from Red Bluffs to the Muiron Island. The Ningaloo Marine Park is paradise due to the coral garden. You can see manta rays, turtles, whales sharks and humpback wales.

We went snorkeling at Coral Bay, a little pretty town. It’s a good family holiday destinations. The white sand beaches were amazing, calm and protected, making them ideal family swimming location with many colorful coral formations right off the beach. We had looking for a whale shark Tours but it was too expensive ($400 each). Then we couldn’t go to Ningaloo Point Cloates famous place to see whale shark and snorkeling with little sharks because the road was 32km and only for 4WD.

Exmouth is a little town situated at the nortern gateway of Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area. I bought a new pink « mask and tuba » 😍. The tourist center have 30min free WiFi and we took some informations before enter to the Cape Range National Park. We had to book online our campground at the Milyering Discovery Center (I). Into the NP wildlife such as emus, red and grey kangaroos and dingoes are sighted. What is more, we did snorkeling at Lakeside! We saw many many fishes and wonderful corals. 🐠

Campground : North Mandu like every campsites in the National Park we paid $11/ per. We've arrived in this small area and some Kangourous came to us to say hello! So cool & cut! We've looked the sunset 🌅

Day 7 : Snorkeling at Oyster Bay. This site offers great views of marine life. We were very close to the corals because the water wasn’t deep. It was difficult and we had to be careful entering in the water as the oyster shells and rocks can be sharp. We really have had a good time there! We saw many corals fishes, rays, and a shark! 🦈 Second snorkeling spot at Turquoise Bay. It’s a beautiful white sand beach with a turquoise water. We’ve had a fantastic snorkeling experience and we saw 2 sharks, many fishes and corals. But the currents was stronger that the other places.

Campground : Mesa Camp. We've looked the sunset at the top of a sand dune. 🌅

Day 8 : We've taken the breakfast at North West Cape in front of the Wrek of SS Mildura. We made some shopping at Exmouth. Suddenly we've had some WiFi and my brother had sent me a text 3 day ago about the Magic Pass!! Fortunately we could order until 12pm today ! So we've booked our Magic Ski Pass before to go into the desert! Sidney has driven until Tom Price = 700km. It was too hot outside! But the road was very cool in the desert. We've seen many big cow 🐮 This day it was raining and we have seen a sand tornado 🌪!

Campground : On the road before Tom Price, next to a railway where we saw the biggest train that we never seen. Tshou Tshou !

Day 9 : We've taken our breakfast and some information at the little town Tom Price. Then we've entered in the Karijini National Park. This NP is one of the most spectacular sights in the Pilbara region. We've taken some walk trails lead deep into breathtaking gorges with crystal clear rock pools and sometimes some waterfalls. 😍💦 Like at Oxer lookout (class 2) and Hancock Gorge (1.5 km class 5). To go there Sidney'd driven a 4WD road (which the woman at the information center inadvisables us to go but Sidney is a really good driver). Wahoo! AMAZING !

Then Knox Gorge (2km class 5) and finals at Joffre Falls. (3 km class 5) We've followed the path into the bottom of the gorge to the fist pool downstream of the waterfall. The best saison for see a beautiful waterfall is April to November.There are 5 class of walk. 1 easy - 5 difficult with narrow walk and sometimes climbing. We really recommend this NP, it was one of our best spot!

Campground : Dales camping area in the National Park $11/pers

Day 10 :We've woke up early because it was too hot and went eat our breakfast at circular pools. A fantastic place where we could swim at the end of a short walk. From here we walked in beautiful path ( if you don’t look the spiders there are sooo many ! 😱🕷) until Fortescue Falls.

We’ve driven all the afternoon and arrived at Port Hedland. OMG! This town is the town of work export and import. We’ve seen many long long trains 🚂 ( Sid counts 143 wagons) many trucks, salt piles and petroleum. We would have gone in the water with this hot temperatures. We’ve asked at the information « Where there are a beach around here? » The woman have answered with a low voice « You can’t swim in the ocean here, there are plenty of sharks, crocodiles and box jellyfishes (the most dangerous). So ok, we forget the ploof 😅✌🏽. We’ve took the lunch-diner close to the beach ( but only views of the beach) looked the sunset over the big boats of harbor and have a look for our next stops. Oh and this day we’ve seen a forest fire!

Campground :Rest Area on the road

Day 11 : We've taken a road long of 600km. We would have swum at Eighty Mile Beach beautiful beach but we've just seen a shark swimming in the sea, like 1.5m in front of us. So we've only picked some shells and went back in the van. We've arrived at Broome and finally we could go swimming! But there were many stingers (jellyfishes), they stung us and during the night we've had our skin completely itchy.

Campground :Roebuck Plains Parking Area

Day 12 : We couldn't sleep well because it was too too hot and our skins were totally itchy. We’ve walked in the China Town. Then we’ve been to the lighthouse take the breakfast and tried to see dinosaurs prints and also some snubbie dolphins. After that it was very too hot we’ve stay in the library take some informations for the north and send some texte at our family and friends. Then we’ve taken the lunch at the park and seen many aboriginals. We’ve been to Cable beach which is 22km long to look the sunset🌅 There were too many mosquitoes.

Day 13 : We’ve visited the Baobab Prison Tree. This tree believes to be 1’500 years old and is 14m in circumference. It was used as a staging point for prisoners being walked into Derby in the early days. The prison tree is a registered Aboriginal Site.

At Derby we’ve a look at the Saturday market which offers local produce, craft, art, food and before have taken some advices at the information center. Next we’ve walked at the Derby Wharf which was the first wharf of a wooden T-shaped structure located at the northern. We were interested about the Norval Gallery; crafts, aboriginal arts etc.. And during all the afternoon we’ve stayed in the Memorial swimming pool. Soo cool fresh water and shadow! 💦 A local man told us: here is a family town, every one say hello! 👋🏾 We’ve looked the sunset at One Mile Camper where there are some baobab trees. Beautiful view!

Boab Trees 🌳 There are many fine examples Boab around Derby, ranging from the very young to very old. Because the tree is a protected species in our Shire.

Campground : In the town at the same place where we’ve stayed during the evening.

Day 14 : Let’s go to Fitzroy Crossing. The "Getho Town". At 250km from Derby this town is very particular. The information center is only open on the week and unfortunately we were a little bit too early for the tourist season, it's from May. Many roads and parks were close. We’ve gone tho Fitzroy River. A man told us : Oh here there are only freshwater crocodile! ✌🏽 Ok thanks for this advice but probably we are not going in the water 😅

Then we’ve stopped at Ngumban Cliff (rest area), Mary pool (nice rest area with BBQ, shadow and «fresh» air) and Halls Creeks which is a nice little town who live aboriginal peoples. The town has many art gallery, a big swimming pool and supermarkets. There is a place where is a natural vein of sub-vertical white quartz rising up to 6m. The English name is China Wall (because it’s somewhat reminiscent of the Great Wall of China) and the Jura language as Burruluba. We couldn't visit The Purnulu National Park because unfortunately it’s only for 4WD. 😔

Campground :Spring Creek just in front the NP. We’ve had a nice sleep not too hot!

Day 15 : At Kununurra we’ve taken some informations know about the road open for 2WD and have gone to many Springs, nice little swimming hole with waterfall in the Ngamooealem Conservation Park. After that, The Grotto a magnificent gorge and a wonderful safe swimming spot. There are 2 Tarzan rope, to go there around 150 stairs. The 3rd spot : El Questro Emma Gorge with a big waterfall. We swam in the refreshing water after 2km of Walk. There were some frogs in the toilets and showers! 🐸 It was a beautiful day with some our preferred spot!

Campground : Cockburn Rest Area

Day 16 : Breakfast and swimming time at the Kununurra Lake where there are only freshwater crocodiles. Later the Argyle Lake. It’s a vast freshwater lake formed by the damming of Ord River. We’ve had a lunch and relax at the Resort where is a spectacular swimming pool infinity before inter in the Northern Territory.

We’ve been to Darwin Airport by hitchhiking. We’ve slept at the airport. Many people take a rest here because there are some flies at any hours.

Day 1 : We’ve arrived to Alice Spring around 10am. To go to the town (15km) we’ve tried hitchhiking and after 5min a man paid for us a shuttle ! Nice man! Then we’ve picked up our wicked car! Soo cool we have had a big Jurassic Park car ! We’ve driven until the Uluru. From Alice Spring is 450km. Surprisingly the sky was totally grey, I had to put a pant what is more it was raining during a little moment. Then we entered in the park to see the sunset go down over the Uluru.

Camping : Ayers Rock ressort. Camping just at the exit of the park.

Day 2 : We looked the sunrise at the lookout and then we joined the free ranger-guided Mala walk at 8am. It was very interesting to learn more about Anangu culture and the significance of Uluru. Then we’ve continued the base walk. The Mala Walk is 2km (return) and Base Walk 11km around the rock. We’ve had a little cold at the beginning of the walk and Victoria walked all the path wearing a pant! Next we’ve gained more information of Anangu culture at the Culture Center. We’ve enjoyed the picnic area to taking the lunch. During the days we were been here, the Tjungu festival was organized in the town. This is a Australia Indigenous culture event. After this hot day, we chilled at the swimming pool in the camping before going again in the NP for the sunset.

Camping :Ayers Rock ressort

Day 3 : We’ve been at Kata Tjuta Dune to watch the sunrise and took the breakfast because there are a great place for picnic there. You can see Uluru further and just in front Kata Tjuta. After that we walked the Walls Gorge 2.6km. The Kata Tjuta means "many heads" in the local language. This area is secured under Tjukurpa (aboriginal law) and Anangu people. We’ve returned driven all around the Uluru. Before to return direction Alice Spring we’ve taken a rest at the camping’s swimming pool and eaten there. In the way, we got stuck of fuel. Fortunately after 30min we could continue!

Camping : Last rest area before Alice spring ; Mt Polhill. Ok for vehicles but anyplace for the tentes.

Day 4 :We entered in the MacDonnell National Park which is very close to Alice Spring. We'd beginned to take the breakfast at Ormiston Gorge. And we finished our day-trip at Ellery Creek big hole. Beautiful "beach" but the water was extremely cold!

Campground: Tropic of Capricorn Rest Area. Only 20min in the north from Alice Spring.

About the Uluru : Climb or not climb? For the Aboriginal people is a real important rock and you shouldn’t climb. And over 35 people have died attempting it, so next year it will be prohibit to go up. In our opinion we think it’s a good idea to stop this hike.

For more history ; On 1985, title deeds to Uluru&Kata Tjuta were handed back to Anangu (the aboriginal people who lives there) traditional owners who then leased the land to the federal government for 99 years. Since then, Anangu have been working together with the Director of National Parks to jointly manage this place.

About the park passe is $25 for 3 days per adult.