#16 - Fitzgerald River to Margaret River (06.02. - 14.02.17)

After a very amusing weekend, Lynn and Basti unfortunately had to leave us because Lynn had to work as an au pair in her host family again on Monday. Mo and I, however, were not restricted by time and could keep the campervan for as long as we wanted. So we were going to make our way back to Perth along the coast. Our rough travel route looked as follows: Fitzgerald River National Park - Albany - Denmark - Walpole - Margaret River.

However, the drive to Fitzgerald River National Park was anything but fun. 16 km of dirt road with numerous potholes and bumps. Maximum speed 10 km/h. So it was no problem to use the bush toilet while the other one continued driving. We were shaken for a total of 1.5 hours until we finally reached our campsite.

Well, almost... we got completely stuck in the sand just before reaching our destination, had to shovel the tires free, and finally arrived after three attempts. The beautiful sunset in the evening couldn't really improve our mood anymore.

The next morning, the general mood was a bit better again... at least until we remembered that we had to drive the same route back.

In addition, the good weather had left us. Rain and temperatures around 20 degrees were forecast for the entire week. Yes, I know... complaining at a high level, considering that it is snowing in Germany and temperatures are below freezing...

But that wasn't all. Just before 'Two People Bay', our previously reliable van refused to start.

So we had to call the RAC and have ourselves towed to the nearest mechanic in Albany. At least there was a nice backpacker hostel here to bridge the time until we could continue our journey.

The problem was fortunately fixed the next day. The fuel pump was broken. Repair costs 250 AUD. Expensive fun, but the mechanic assured us that it was a consumable product. After all, the van already had more than 300,000 km on the clock. So we were not directly at fault and could get the money back from Marc (our 'landlord') after our trip.

Next destination: The Gap and the Natural Bridge in Albany

Continuing to Denmark: Green Pool and Elephant Rocks

And in Walpole, the Tree Top Walk in the Valley of the Giants:

Did I mention that I actually have a little bit of a fear of heights???

But eventually I got used to it...

A bit further in Warren National Park is the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree with a lookout platform at a height of 65 meters:

Simple steel posts were attached to the side of the tree trunk, only a thin wire mesh as a side protection... So if you step next to it, you lose. And to be honest, this scenario ran through my mind more than once. But at least I managed to climb up to the first platform at a height of 30 m. Not that the impact from that height would have turned out any better than from 65 m, but at least I could still enjoy a nice view and felt somewhat safe.

In Hamelin Bay, we stumbled upon a stingray during a walk on the beach.

Since the weather just didn't want to get better and we spent more time in the campervan than outside during the day due to the constant rain, we decided to drive back to Perth directly on Saturday. Another reason was that Basti had already booked a flight to New Zealand for Sunday. So it was our last chance to say goodbye.

All in all, it can be said that the route from Esperance back to Perth is absolutely recommended! But due to the circumstances, we had a really hard time enjoying it properly... But somehow, all of this is part of the adventure called 'Australia'...

Hostels: 1849 Backpackers (++)