Location: York, Yarloop, Bunbury and Australind

Region: South West and Great Southern

Dates: Tuesday 23 January – Friday 2 February 2024

Temperatures: 14 – 36 (including Heatwave)

Swan Valley Wed 23 – Fri 26 January

This is our last trip out from Perth exploring this great state of WA. The weather has been hot and we were looking forward to some cooler weather heading South and time on the beach.

Originally when we booked Swan Valley Tourist Park (a while ago) we were imagining lazy walks and some winery visits. Instead we find ourselves doing van maintenance and weekly jobs of bread making and washing on the first day we arrive.

York Wednesday 24 January

Rob really wanted to see the historical town of York, the oldest inland town of WA so on our second day in the Swan Valley we head out there, about 1hr, 87km West of Swan Valley.

We spend the day following the heritage trail, visiting the sick factory and enjoying lunch at the Imperial hotel.

Our second day of Swan Valley is taken up with bread baking, more maintenance (Rob working on the Stone Stomper and me cleaning windows and more cooking) before we head out to Funk Cider about 500metres from the park!

We enjoyed lazy paddles of cider for me and beer for Rob before heading back and joining our fellow neighbours Ann and Kenny for dinner with other family and friends. A great night, thanks for the invitation Ann!

Pinjarra Fri 26 January

On Australia Day we left Swan Valley heading inland for the long weekend. We headed South West towards Pt Heron to hopefully catch up with my niece Lynda who was camping there with other friends. Along the way we passed through Pinjarra and I spied a sign for the best meat pie in Australia 2021! Of course we had to stop!

The Beef and Beef and Mushroom pies went down a treat and we also had a Vanilla Slice and tropical smoothie. All were very good!

Waroona Fri 26 January

We’ve found most WA towns to be full of charm, history and often very RV friendly. Waroona was one such of these.

Overnight camp on the oval Friday 26th

Yarloop Sat 27 Jan – Mon 29 Jan

1.5 hour South West of Perth on the South Western Highway. Overnight in the towns RV stop with toilet and sink but no soap or hand washing facilities. 14-34 degrees.

Yarloop is a charming National Trust heritage town with ties to the wood milling industry. The whole town was severely affected by bushfires in 2016, losing 2 lives and 220 homes. The quiet town , now mostly rebuilt still shows signs of recovery. Rebuilding has included a new Heritage trail which records the history of the old milling town’s original characters and buildings with photos along a 3.5km walk taking in most of the town and the railway line.

A lovely stay not far from the coast but far enough to enjoy the beautiful night skies and the full moon over the long weekend away from crowds as WA enjoys the last weekend of the school holidays. A great spot to catch up with my niece Lynda and enjoy some quality time catching up over prawns, crab, roast lamb with ratatouille and chocolate cake!

Options to explore nearby include the towns steam workshops which provide guided tours and Logue Brook Dam sound good for a picnic & swim.

Bunbury Monday 29 Jan – Wed 31 Jan

This is our third visit to Bunbury a thriving coastal community with beautiful beaches, coastal paths and lots to see and do.

Known as the “City of three waters” for the roaring Indian Ocean, nearby Koombana Bay and Leschenault estuary.

A heatwave is predicted Wednesday 31 January- Friday 2nd February so we were lucky to be heading to the Coast in the days leading up to this. We spent the days with early morning walks, swimming and long bike rides including a visit to Bunbury Farmers Market. One of the best ever so don’t miss it if you get the chance to go!

Australind Thursday 1 Feb – Fri 2 Feb

Another favourite place to stop is Christina Reserve on the Leschenault Reserve, a free council stay that requires booking for up to 48 hours either toilets nearby.

The day we arrive it got to 36 so we spent most of the day relaxing in the shade to avoid the heat. On the second day we walk out on to the Eco Discovery walk and watch crabbers, people fishing and enjoy the abundant bird life. The day is heating up though so on return we elect to drive back into Bunbury, (about 20km) for a swim, shower then lunch and a movie in aircon.

Friday morning we head back to Perth for our last weekend before starting to head East again. We have a great time with my niece Lucy, her daughter Clare & Ryan and the beautiful Zoe and baby Dustin and catch up with Lynda too (Happy Birthday for next week).

So nice to spend time with family.

A big thank you to Louise, a wonderful friend who hosted us each time we returned to Perth. We will miss you.

Next stop Esperance. Love to all!

Take care, be kind and stay safe!