January 2024 - Travel nut

Munglinup Beach

Munglinup Beach is a beautiful beach, 130km west of Esperance in Western Australia. With its white squeky sand and crystal clear waters, it is tempting to want to camp right on the beach, but to protect this pristine environment, camping is allowed only in designated areas. We stayed at Munglinup Beach campground and found it quite good.

Munglinup Beach campground

Munglinup Beach campsite is a bush campsite, managed by the Shire of Esperance. The campground has 14 sites of various sizes. There is a direct access to the beach, which is quite beautiful and calm. The outer reef, a few meters from the beach, creates a natural lagoon, making it a safe place for swimming, kayaking and fishing.

Facilities at the campground include 3 clean drop toilets, bins and non-drinking water. The cost is $15 per site per night. The sites operate on a first come, first served basis (the staff from the nearby Munglinup Caravan park come around 5pm to collect fees). Munglinup Beach campsite is quite popular and arriving early during peak season is best to avoid disappointment. We were lucky to get the last empty ( #1) site on Boxing Day (probably because it was too small and only enough to fit a vehicle and one tent).

So, what’s the best thing (apart from it being affordable) about the campground? Undoubtedly, it was the white sandy slope on the left just opposite the entrance to the campground. Kids enjoyed going up and down, sliding, running or crawling on it. Adults climbed there to take pictures, greet the rising sun, gain internet transmission of simply to get fit 😊.

Dogs and cats are allowed on lead, within the camping area. Access to the campsite is via Munglinup Beach road, which is a gravel road, suitable for a 2WD.

Lake Shaster Nature reserve

There are plenty of things to do and see, apart from swimming or fishing at Munglinup Beach. Lake Shaster nature reserve occupies a large area either side of Munglinup Beach. The access to the reserve is 1km from the campground (we visited the eastern part). It is 4WD only. The tracks are soft sand and easy to navigate with some rocky sections closer to the beach.

Lake Shaster reserve is a great place to see wildflowers, including orchids, in season, spot rare birds and enjoy beautiful and secluded beaches.

Brown Honeyeater (above left), Splended Fairy-wren (above middle), Carnaby’s black cockatoo (above right).

We visited one of those beaches and had a ‘bumpy’ encounter with a friendly kangaroo on the way there (luckily, we didn’t drive fast!). Watch the reel here!

The beach delighted us with interesting finds, including shells, rocks and crabs.

It is a really beautiful beach that you can spend the whole day exploring.

Oldflied Estuary

Oldflied Estuary is another great place to visit and explore while you are at Munglinup beach. In fact, Lake Shaster nature reserve surrounds the estuary on both sides. The access to the estuary is just minutes from Munlinup Beach. It is another 4WD track with soft sand and overgrown shrubs. The track gets even softer closer to the beach. While it is possible to drive on the sandbar separating the beach and the inlet, it is wise to check the terrain first. We did get bogged and so did another vehicle that tried to go to the beach. Reducing tyres down to 14psi and using max tracks did the trick.

Vehicle got bogged at Oldfield Estuary near Munglinup Beach, west of Esperance.

We had a nice time at the estuary – picnic behind the dunes, followed by exploration of the beach on foot. There are no facilities in that place, subsequently, it is important not to leave any trace to keep the place pristine.

It is worth mentioning that the Oldfield Estuary is a heaven for water birds and it is a pleasure to watch them.

Without a doubt, Oldflied Estuary is an awesome place to visit and spend some time, despite that you can’t bring your dog or camp there.

Bremer Bay

Attractions in Bremer Bay

Bremer Bay is a small fishing town on the coast between Albany and Esperance in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. It is located approximately 580km east of Perth. For us, Bremer Bay is all about some of the most beautiful beaches in Western Australia, many of which are 4WD accessible. There are so many beaches to the east and west of Bremer Bay. We have explored only some of them.

Bremer Bay is also a gateway to beautiful, biologically diverse Fitzgerald River NP. Many beautiful wildflowers can be found around Bremer Bay. It is also a hot spot for watching whales between July and September. We have only been to Bremer during summer months and have not seen any whales or a variety of wildflowers. There are going to be many more trips to this beautiful area during colder months in the future.

Beaches close to Bremer Bay

Blossoms Beach

Blossoms Beach is one of the nicest but also one of the most popular beaches in Bremer Bay. You can assess this beach by a normal 2WD or drive a bit further for a 4WD access all the way to the beach. There is just a small section of soft sand but otherwise, it is an easy and short 4WD track to the beach.

The beach itself is quite wide and long enough for find your own spot, with squeaky white sand, turquoise waters and beautiful waves. It is one of the best swimming beaches, popular with families. Beginner surfers will find a good wave there. The place is equally nice for just relaxing.

Little Boat Harbour

Little Boat Harbour Beach is a short beach (only 100 meters long), that is well protected from the winds. It is great for swimming and is also used for launching small boats. The beach is 2WD accessible but has a steep descent and tight turn around area, so not suitable for caravans. However, 4WDs can drive onto the beach.

Point Henry

Point Henry is a beautiful lookout. It is a short 4WD track, which is relatively easy. You will find some overgrown shrubs and also a few rocky areas along the way. The track splits half way, leading to 2 lookout areas.

The track on the left leads to a more spectacular lookout. It ends with a small turn around area (enough to park 2 vehicles only) and from there you just walk downhill for about 50 or so meters (wouldn’t recommend driving those last few meters as it is quite steep).

Aerial view of Point Henry in Bremer Bay, the Great Southern

The cliffs and rock formations are amazing to watch, as well as the breaking waves.

The track on the right from the fork becomes quite steep and very soft closer to the end, so we chose not to drive all the way but walked instead.

Rough 4WD track to Point Henry at Bremer Bay

Both points do not have beach access but quite beautiful and worth exploring.

Beaches further away

Reef Beach – where sand dunes meet the ocean

Reef Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches around Bremer Bay – this is the place where you see massive sand dunes backing into the ocean. The access is 4WD only. The beach, in fact, can be accessed from two different tracks, either side of the dune area. We used Reef Beach track, which is roughly 35km west from Bremer Bay, or 15km east from Millers Point Road. The Reef Beach track entry is just opposite “Rest area 1km” sign on Borden–Bremer Bay Road. The track is 9 km long and is of moderate difficulty. It starts as an easy dirt road up to the sign where it is advisable to stop to reduce your tyre pressure. Then it alternates between soft sand and rocky area, with some overgrown sections, with the last section near beach being the most challenging.

Reef beach is simply amazing with those massive sand dunes extending inland for nearly 5km and stretching along the coast for a few kms. The beach is quite long – over 8km long – and wide. It is fun to drive on.

The combination of huge white sand dunes, crystal clear blue water with big waves is fascinating.

There is also a free camping area behind the dunes. There are no facilities, so it is important to leave the place clean and pristine so that we all can still enjoy it in the future.

Millers Point bush camp

Where is Millers Point bush camp?

Millers Point bush camp ground turned out to be much better than we expected. Located on the shore of Beaufort Inlet, it is easily accessable, being only 6km dirt road from Borden-Bremer Road, 50km west of Bremer Bay in the Great Southen region of Western Australia.

Not just overnight stop

Millers Point bush camp can be used as a base to explore all the beautiful beaches around Bremer Bay, or you can stay at the camp, relaxing and enjoying the nature. The inlet is beautiful.

There are many birds to watch there, both on shore and in the trees and bushes.

Above: Silvereye (top left), Blue Wren male (top middle), Blue Wren female (top right), Galah (bottom left), Welcome Swallows (bottom right).

There are easy bush walks around and 4WD tracks nearby to test your limits. One of the attractions at Millers Point camp is Crocodile Rock, which is part of 1,5km walk to the lookout. It is particularly impressive at sunrise. I took this picture just before 5am. Things that you do when you want to take good photos :).

You can also go fishing and kayaking at the inlet.

Small boat on the shore of Beaufort Inlet at Millers Point campground

The beauty of camping at the inlet is that you don’t need to walk far to enjoy sunset. This was pretty much the view from our camping spot at Millers Point bush camp.

Cost and facilities

The campground has basic facilities, like renovated toilet (well-stocked with toilet paper) and bins. The cost is $10 per night per person (no charge for kids), which is only half of what we would have paid staying at the national park with the same facilities for a family of 4. Friendly on-site care-taker Frank collects the money and looks after the place quite well. The camp area is quite big, with no defined spots, so you are almost guaranteed to have one, even when arriving late.

Dogs and campfires (in season) are allowed.

In conclusion

We spent wonderful 3 nights at Millers Point over the Xmas period, enjoying the place and the company of friendly neighbors (Liz and Hank). It is one of those places that we would like to visit again.

Tims Thicket beach

Tims Thicket Beach location and access

Tims Thicket beach is well known among 4WD enthusiasts. It is the closest to Perth 4WD beach, in the south. The drive from Perth is just over an hour south, past Mandurah. Tims Thicket beach is also easily accessible. The 4WD access track is only about 1km or so and is relatively easy.

Beach and activities

The beach itself is quite pleasant and long enough for a nice drive (2km long). Some parts are rocky and add beauty to the landscape.

Other parts are sandy and are great for young families. The winds can be strong there but it still makes it a nice beach, if you like outdoors and appreciate nature.

There is no shortage of birds – both on shore and up in the air.

Above: Caspian Tern (top left), Caspian Tern and Pied Cormorants in flight (top middle), bird of prey, potentially of one the Kites (top right), Pied Cormorants (bottom).

Facilities

There are no facilities, although there is a rubbish bin and the sign at the beginning of the track, where everyone stops to deflate and inflate tyres. From that point there is also a pedestrian beach access going uphill over the steps. Overall, Tims Thicket beach is a nice introduction to a novice 4WD enthusiast and it also makes it an enjoyable day trip for anyone who is into beach driving, fishing or exploring new places.

Bungendore Park

Hiking at Bungendore Park

Bungendore Park is a bushland reserve with diverse flora and fauna and is a great place for hiking. The park is part of Wungong Regional Park. It is located near Armadale, approximately 30km south east of Perth. There are 2 entrances to this nearly 500 hectar park: from Dryandra Drive off Albany Highway and from Admiral Road near Southern Hills Christian College. There are 5 hiking trails within the park, varying in length and difficulty and it is one of only a few parks where dogs are allowed. I chose the shortest walk, which is 2,3km Whistler Walk. It is an easy and very pleasant walk for those who are in nature appreciation.

Easy walk at Bungendore Park near Armadale, 30km from Perth.

Flora and fauna

Mixed Jarrah-Marri forest is very much alive with numerous sounds. Cicadas are particularly active at this time of the year (early December). And of course, there are sounds of whistlers, which are easier heard than seen. There are not many flowers blooming at the beginning of summer and they are mostly fringed lilies and some eucalyptus trees.

Thysanotus sparteus Leafless Fringed Lily

But Christmas spiders are out (below).

These tiny cute creatures are less than 1cm. There are also other names for a Christmas spider and its official name is Austracantha minax. Christmas spider is most active during months of December and January, hence it is common name.

December is also the time when Christmas Tree (above), officially known as Nuytsia floribunda, is blooming. It is lovingly called Christmas tree because it flowers in time for Christmas preparations and decorations. Its bright orange flowers are an absolute delight and such a beautiful decoration of the bush by nature. Bees love it too!

Other info

Yes, you can take your dog to the park! And it is free.