Biodiversity is everywhere!
Time flies and then you stil have to drive for kilometers and kilometers. So why not stopping at William Bay NP? Yes, indeed, without expectations you initiate a jealousy for Australia’s nature treasures. William Bay is best to admire in real life, but photos are the best bet know! And then we tought why not call it a day at D’entrecasteaux NP to admire some rough coast line and coastal plains. Slowly I understand why this is Australia’s biodiversity hotspot. Nature is freaking brilliant.
Although Fitzgerald NP is the most biodiverse place of WA, we decided to skip it due to its rough accessibility. In stead we head to Torndirrup NP which covers the rough Southern Ocean and dramatic rock formations filled with blowholes end eroded rocks. The blowholes were not blowing, but it didn’t matter. This place has been shaped by the sea for millions of years and leaving pretty rock structures behind, such as bridges and gaps. Pretty much I saw where Antarctica ones was joined to Down Under. On the photo you notice these black rocks which are also found in Antarctica. Torndirrup NP is not more than a 30 minutes drive from the oldest settlement in WA, Albany. Much time went into the job application at the hostel (which in the end worked out!) and so we decided to continue to nearby Porongurup NP. Here we undertook a hike in this inland park with granite onderlying structures. The Balance Rock Trail ends at a viewing platform right on top of a massive granite rock overlooking this rather small national park. And again: different tree species (Marri and Jarrah), plant species that only occur in this area, and overwhelming views. With tons of photos, liters of body fluid less, and as much loss of energy we drove another half an hour towards Stirling NP.
Near the ranger office is a camp site were we met some Ozzie hippies in the age of 50-65. Good blokes who told us everything about the Stirling Range. “Look out for the birds of prey, enjoy the plants at the end of Bluff Knoll hiking trail”, was the advise. “You might want to start early so you miss out the most of the hottest part of the day”, was another heard recommendation. The next day we found out why these hippies were raving about the hike. Not even halfway the ascend I found myself blessed with views of the range and a changing sky colour. As expected I found beautiful plants I had not find anywhere else on this trip. From the top I was treated by falcons that flew very close over us. What do I want more? Bluff Knoll means mountain with the moving clouds. When we were at the top some clouds moved over me a few times. However, that day the wind was not strong and it was sunny. Again blessed by the weather Gods.
It was already the final day and that was pretty much about getting as close as possible to Perth. As it rained and a visit to another park wasn’t worth it we went back to Perth earlier than expected. I could look back on an amazing road trip, but more was to come: Rottnest Island!