We are a family of four and are nuts about traveling. Our name reflects this! We love sharing the joy and love of traveling and adventure! Let's the fun begin!
So, why such an interesting name and what does it mean – Snottygobble? It is actually a tree, also known as Persoonia longifolia, which grows in abundance at Snottygobble Loop campground.
Camping location and facilities
Snottygobble Loop campground is located at the border of D’Entrecasteaux National Park and Greater Hawke National Park in Australia’s Southwest. It is a secluded little campground near Carey Brook and amidst thick jarrah-marri forest. There are 11 campsites, including 1 group site. The sites are suitable for tents and swags only, as the barrier prevents you from reversing in. Entrance to individual campgrounds is narrow in most cases, so putting an awning might not be possible. We couldn’t open ours but luckily we didn’t need it). Some sites have picnic tables, others have fire rings to be used between April and November. Only two sites have both picnic tables and fire rings (2 and #8). There are drop toilets and a communal shelter, which can be considered as a kitchen. The sheltered place has a table and a water tank with non-portable water.
Things to do
The best thing about the campground is that it is quite secluded, if you want privacy. Although, the forest amplifies all the sounds, so there is very good acoustics there 😊. There are nice walking trails along the Carey Brook. You can walk to the next campground (Grasstree Hollow), which is only 2km away. You can also walk in the opposite direction to Goblin Swamp. Or you can drive a few more km to Donnely river and launch your boat there.
It was a relaxing holiday that we spent at Snottygobble Loop campground. We played games (and we don’t often do that 😊), did some walking, visited ice-creamery and chocolate factories.
We also bought a bag of shelled macadamia nuts from Nannup and kids had a good time cracking them (all of them!)
Goblin Swamp is 2km away from Snottygobble Loop campground. It is an interesting place, with a mixture of mystery and spookiness in it. It was dry when we visited it in January and the roots of the paperbark trees were exposed. They were also burnt a few years ago. Now, still looking black with a contrasting new bright green growth, the trees look quite eerie. Goblins are said to live there too 😊.
Fees and bookings
Technically, Snottygobble camp is in Hawke National Park, so there is no park entry fee. Camping fees are $15 per person per night and you need to book the sites online via Parkstay WA. We camped at Snottygobble during Australia Day long weekend in 2025. The campground was fully booked, although 1 or 2 campgrounds were empty. Our neighbour had to relocate to Warren NP after 1 night, because his site was booked, but no one arrived that night.
In conclusion
We generally prefer camping by the beach where we can see sunrise and sunset, but with everything being fully booked weeks and months ahead, we were happy staying in the forest for a change :). It is a nice campground, if you don’t mind staying in tents/swags and don’t need lots of space around your vehicle (e.g. for an awning).
Datjoin Rock and Well Reserve, 18km east of Beacon in North East Wheatbelt is a natural attraction, a popular picnic and free camping spot. It is home to some interesting rock formations which are quite picturesque. During the months of spring the reserve is full of beautiful wildflowers. At the time we visited, there were mostly everlastings. Orchids do grow there too, but they finished blooming earlier, and we missed them by a couple of weeks or so (we visited this place end of September). Datjoin Rock is part of Wheatbelt Way self-drive.
Camping is allowed at the Datjoin Rock Reserve, near the well. There are no facilities, so you would need to be self-sufficient and take all rubbish with you. As with most Wheatbelt places, cooler months are the best for camping. During the months of April and September you can have camp fire there.
Location
To get to Datjoin Rock reserve, travel from Beacon for 18km eastward on Burakin/Wialki road. There is a narrow track entrance on the left. This track is suitable for for 2WDs but it is too narrow for caravans. There is another entrance to the actual rock 2km further eastwards on Clark Road, on the left, at the top of the rise. This second area is a narrow 4WD track only. We found the main Datjoin Rock and well reserve to be picturesque enough. So, if you get lost looking for the second entrance to the actual rock, you won’t miss much, as the Rock reserve has everything you need, including camping area.
Mollerin Rock is a free camping and picnic area, 50km north of Koorda in North East Wheatbelt. It’s one of the attractions along Wheatbelt Way self-drive.
Mollerin Rock camp
Facilities are basic and include a long drop toilet with a tap for washing hands, 1 gazebo with a picnic table. There is plenty of space to accommodate various types of vehicles and set ups. The place is easily accessible to 2WD. The campground is at the base of Mollerin Rock, which is quite low in height and easy to walk on and around.
The views are wonderful from the top, especially at sunset. The best thing about Mollerin Rock is campfire at night during cooler months (between April and September) and wildflowers, mostly everlastings, during early spring.
We stayed at Mollerin Rock campground at the end of September. The wildflowers were past their prime time and many finished already but we still enjoyed the campfire and starry nights.
Attractions nearby:
Koorda Rose
Koorda is roughly 50km south of Mollerin Rock.
I planned a trip to Koorda to see the unique to the Wheatbelt region Koorda Rose (Darwinia purpurea). It is a very pretty bright red flowering plant, common in Koorda. It is found in abundance in Koorda Native Flora reserve, 15km north-east of town, on the Mulji Road.
Koorda Native Flora reserve also offers a free picnic and camping ground. The area is relatively big and open and suitable for all kinds of set ups and vehicles. There is a picnic table with shade, campfire ring and toilet. While we didn’t stay there, it looked like a nice camping spot for cooler months.
Koorda Motor and Military Museum
Another place we (our sons, in particular) enjoyed visiting was Koorda Motor and Military Museum. Although it is small and is open by appointment, it does have a few interesting things on display and is worth a visit.
Redcliffe
We love natural attractions and always visit them whenever we have a chance as we travel. Redcliffe was one such attraction. The uniqueness and attractiveness of this place comes from the contrast between the white salt lakes and the red granite outcrops. Redcliffe is located 5km off Koorda, at the end of Rifle Range road.
Moningarin Tank
Roughly half way between Koorda and Mollerin Rock, Moningarin Tank is a picturesque place to visit. Lots of wildflowers are blooming there during the spring.
Baandee Lake is a beautiful salt lake in the Central Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. It is 25km east of Kellerberrin on Ski Lake road. This is a popular place for water skiing when there is enough water in the lake. It is also a pleasant free camping area. There are flushing toilets, cold water shower and non-drinking water for washing hands available. In cooler months you can enjoy camp fires in the fire rings provided. We stayed at Baandee Lake in early November. The weather was favourable – not too hot during the day time yet and cooling at night. There was still water in the lake although not enough for water ski activities. With plenty of space for camping along the shore of the lake to choose from, we found a nice spot with gorgeous view which we enjoyed during our 1 night stay there. We were the only ones, although a few cars visited during the day.
Fantastic views and scenery at Baandee Lake
The best thing for us camping at Baandee Lake were the awesome views of the ever changing sky.
So, we witnessed the intensely strong red sunset.
Many satelites (and maybe a comet?) across the sky full of stars but also some clouds.
Aurora passed by leaving a bit of a colour in the sky too. 🙂
Pretty cool sunrise
Some dramatic clouds in the morning just after the sunrise.
and beautiful reflections of the clouds in the lake.
Baandee Lake is in South Doodlakine, Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. It is about 3 hour drive east from Perth.
Bluff Knoll is the highest peak of the Stirling Ranges, which are in Australia’s South West. The range stretches from east to west for more than 65 kilometres and is characterised by rugged peaks, awesome views and abundant and rare flora. At 1095 meters, Bluff Knoll is not only the highest peak of the Stirling Range. It is the highest peak in the southern half of Western Australia and is the most popular hiking mountain.
Climbing Bluff Knoll
Many years ago, there was no sealed road to the base of the mountain. It is about 6km (from memory) from the main road (Chester Pass Road). The road is steep and not suitable for caravans.
The trail to the summit is very well maintained. It starts as an easy paved trail through eucalypt woodland. It then gets rougher and exposed. The climb is quite steep for most of the time with the steps along the way. Due to this, it is very strenuous and is especially hard on the knees and you need to be reasonably fit. Many people climb Bluff Knoll every day but not everyone makes it to the summit. There are markers along the way, indicating the distance left.
Roughly, 1/3 of the way, there is a nice small waterfall where you can sit on the rocks, recuperating. Roughly half way, you can see some rare flora like the mountain bells, which only grow at higher elevations (We’ve written a whole post on the flowers at Stirling Range NP, including Bluff Knoll). The views also become very picturesque here. The whole trail is 3,1km one way and it takes a couple of hours or so to climb.
Summit
Climbing Bluff Knoll is an experience by itself and very rewarding. But reaching the summit and seeing the views like that is like an icing on the cake (that is, of course, if you love sweets, then the analogy would make sense :)).
The summit offers amazing 360 degree views of the surrounding area.
We spend nearly an hour on top of Bluff Knoll, enjoying the views, as well as having our lunch there. Many people were there too.
Now that the hard bit of climbing up was done, the summit reached and thoroughly enjoyed, (together with the lunch) it was time to go down. Going down was easier and faster but still it was hard work. We were also tired by then and had to stop a few times. But the views of the mountain ranges were gorgeous, and it kept us going.
Where is it?
Bluff Knoll is in Stirling Range NP, roughly 4,5 hours drive south east from Perth. It is easily accessible via sealed roads.
Harrisdale Swamp is a Bush Forever nature reserve, south of Perth, within the City of Armadale. The reserve is relatively large and is part of Jandakot Regional Park. It is rich in flora and fauna, which is the main reason for visiting this place. Anyone with a keen interest in wildlife, wildflower photography (more on this below) will find great delight at this reserve.
It has some interesting history, dating back to World War II, when the area was used for growing potatoes to feed soldiers. More on this here. Fortunately, it was declared a reserve in 1991 due to its high conservation values.
There are walking trails within the reserve. Some of them are impassable in winter during heavy rains. There are no facilities within the reserve.
Birdlife is abundant there. When the wildflower season is over, I will be paying more attention to the various birds within the reserve. I already spotted numerous Blue wrens and heard Golden whistlers but I need to go back and hopefully take pictures of them.
Orchids at Harrisdale Swamp (blooming in August)
I was visiting Harrisdale Swamp weekly this year (2024). After sufficient rain I was delighted to discover and photograph 11 types of orchids growing there. There are more types of orchids growing there, but some of them were not flowering, like Red Beaks. Many native wildflowers, other than orchids grow there too.
Marshall Rock in Northeastern Wheatbelt is part of the Wheatbelt Way Drive Trail and a popular leisure spot. It is located 280km from Perth and 7km to the nearest town Bencubbin. The rock itself is quite small and easy to climb. You can also drive up to the top (no caravans). From the top you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding fields, including nearby Lake McDermott.
Marshall Rock campground
Marshall Rock campground is nestled between Marshall Rock and Gardner Hill. There are all the basic facilities there that a traveller would need, which include waterless toilet, non-drinking water, bins, a couple of picnic tables and fire- pits.
The campground is free and easily accessible, suitable for all types of vehicles and set up. And yes, you can bring your fury friend there too. Our neighbour had 12 of them 😊.
Photography and astrophotography at Marshall Rock
Marshall Rock is an easy and short hike, so it became my daily habit during our 3 day stay there. Every time the same rock and surrounding area looked differently. You can always find a new angle to look at the same thing 😊
Marshall Rock is a great place for astrophotography.
Nearby attractions
Lake McDermott
Lake McDermott is a large salt lake, near Marshall Rock. Like many other salt lakes in that area, it is often dry. When it is full, it promises to be spectacular. During our recent visit there, it turned out to be impossible to come closer to it, to take a picture of the beautiful reflections in the water cast by the surrounding bushland. We ended up with boots full of mud which took a while to clean up. The lake, however, has excellent picnic facilities and walks around, and is a nice place to spend time.
Pergandes Sheep Yards
Another attraction nearby is Pergandes Sheep Yards. This is a short trip back in time, to 1910, when Pergandes family was the first to settle in the Mt Marshall district. Today visitors can see remains of an original homestead and sheep yards constructed entirely from nearby rock. Information boards describe life of early settlers and how they contributed to the development of the area. Well worth a visit.
Waddouring Dam
Also part of the Wheatbelt Way drive trail is Waddouring Dam. Built in 1929 to provide water to the nearby town Bencubbin, it is now used for recreation purposes. Waddouring Dam is a great picnic and camping spot.
There are two camping areas there. The camp closer to the water edge has a waterless toilet, non-drinking water and a picnic table. This camping area is small but there is another larger camping area further away from the dam (closer to the entrance). The camping areas are free to use. They also have fire pits. While the water in the dam seems clear enough, swimming is not recommended but you can safely kayak and paddle. We didn’t stay at Waddouring Dam but enjoyed visiting it and talking to those people who camped there.
Red Bluff is 125km north of Carnavon, at the southern end of Ningaloo Marine Park, along the beautiful Australia’s Coral Coast. Red Bluff campground is owned by Quobba Station. The 60km unsealed road (from Quobba Station) is corrugated and can be rough but suitable for 2WDs and off-road caravans.
Red Bluff campground
Facilities at the campground include many rustic long drop toilets with water and soup for washing hands. There are also bins and some shelters and benches around the camp. The sites are scattered around a big area. Whilst the sites are designated, they are not numbered and you can choose your own site. Most sites have beach views. They are quite large, although not quite levelled, which might be an issue for large caravans. We normally use Max Tracks to level the vehicle as we rely on it for our cooking needs.
There are also eco tents, bungalows and beach shacks to suit different needs and preferences. In fact, after staying for one night in our swags, we got a privilege of being upgraded to a beach shack. We decided take on the offer and enjoy shade while still having fantastic beach front views. Here is a short reel, showing how Australian beach shack looks like inside.
The cost is $22 per adult, $10 per child (prices in 2024) per night for camping under the stars. There are campfire pits at each site, which would be nice to use in cooler weather (we were there in April and didn’t have any campfire). The best thing about the campground is “rustic station stay feel” of this place. There is also a small shop and a café which opens at certain hours. The owners do allow dogs on leash, if you want to bring your furry friend.
What to do and see at Red Bluff
Red Bluff is considered a great fishing and surfing spot.
It is also an awesome place for star gazing and photogrpaphy. The sunrise and sunsets over the bluff are sensational. Rocky outcrops and shells add contrast to dark blue waters of mighty ocean.
At low tide, receding water creates a few little lagoons and spas, perfect for bathing and soaking in.
You can find many dry corals on the beach. They are simply amazing to admire.
Coastal 4WD track
We took a coastal 4WD track from Red Bluff to Gnaraloo Bay. It was quite an adventure. What started as a clearly marked track turned into a series of puzzles. We came to numerous forks, taking one turn only to find a gate with No Access sign on it. Taking a different track didn’t provide a solution either. The track kept disappearing, turning into a section of rocks. Having crawled over it, we found a track appearing again. Taking the 4WD track we hoped to visit a few attractions along the coast. But it led us nowhere. Short reel about this track is here.
We even had to use a drone once to look for a track and directions.
To make things worse, the weather wasn’t favourable at all. After a couple of hours of driving we did arrive at Gnaraloo Bay, having missed all the attractions on the way, only to find that the entrance to the beach was flooded. The wind was extremely strong to enjoy afternoon tea, so we jumped back into the car and drove back to the camp with tyres full of mud.
Nevertheless, we enjoyed our 4WDriving trip. As we stopped a few times, I noticed these amazing rock patterns. Some of them looked like Aboriginal paintings.
One looked like a fish, another like a broken pieces of a skeleton :).
Eagle rays at Red Bluff
On the last day of our stay at Red Bluff, as we were packing up and nearly ready to leave, I went to have a last look at the beautiful ocean. Luckily, I did, as I spotted 3 eagle rays swimming very close to the shore. We spent at least half an hour watching them swim along the coast back and forth.
Camel Soak was a pleasant surprise. We were considering staying at Karara Rangeland Park during our Wildflower Country trip in September 2022, which included Coalseam Conservation Park,Depot Hill and Wreath Flowers near Pindar. Then we discovered this free camp ground just outside of Karara Ranglelands. It is a picnic, as well as a free camping spot with clean long drop toilet (and a sink with pump soap to wash hands), picnic tables and fire pits. There are plenty of spaces to choose from. During the wildflowers season, it is particularly picturesque, as the wildflowers are everywhere. In fact, as we set up our camp, we found that we were surrounded by gorgeous yellow everlastings. It was such a pleasure to wake up to such a beauty.
Camel Soak is also an interesting historical site. It has a man made granite watering hole, where men and their camels obtained the water while building the Rabbit Proof Fence in the early 1900. I suppose, this is where the name is coming from.
Although we only stayed one night, we could easily have stayed longer, if we had the luxury of time. It is such a wonderful spot to go for walks and also for bird watching and admiring wildflowers.
Where is Camel Soak?
Camel Soak is 47km east of Perenjori, just off the Perenjori-Rothsay Road in the Mid West region of Western Australia and is easily accessible via a 2WD. It is roughly 360km north of Perth. It is considered part of WA’s Wildflower Country.
Dirk Hartog Island is Western Australia’s largest island. It is located 2km off shore from Steep Point – Australian mainland most westerly point in Shark Bay. The island got its name after a Dutch sea captain Dirk Hartog, who was the first European to step on the island in 1616. Current “Return to 1616” ambitious project aims to restore ecological balance on Dirk Hartog Island to its pristine condition prior to European settlement in 1616. First settlers brought goats and sheep with them which caused damage to native plants and reduction of native fauna. Since the start of the project in 2007 these domestic animals have been removed and are now replaced with native species. Feral goats still occur in large numbers in Edel Land National Park.
How to get there
Dirk Hartog Island is accessible only by boat from Denham, light aircraft or a private barge from Steep Point. Most people, especially the 4WD enthusiasts, choose a barge to get there. Barge transfer is an experience by itself and is quite iconic. 2km long journey across South Passage from Shelter Bay in Edel Land National Park takes about 15 minutes. The barge can accommodate only one vehicle.
What is the condition of the track like
Driving on Dirk Hartog Island is an adventure by itself. At nearly 80km long and 15km wide, travelling on the island is a bit of a challenge due to heavy corrugation. It might take a full day to travel from bottom to the top of the island. Should you be driving fast there? Here are our thoughts.
There are also some rocky sections, slopes and tilts and few sand dunes to cross. You will definitely need a reliable 4WD for this kind of terrain.
Camping at the national park
It is possible to camp on Dirk Hartog Island either in the Homestead or in the national park. There are only 20 sites at the Homestead and 20 at the national park. Bookings are essential through Dirk Hartog Island Homestead site. There are no facilities at the national park and you would need to bring everything with you and take your rubbish when you leave. No dogs and no campfires are allowed at the national park.
We stayed at Notch Point in the national park, which is the closest to the barge arrival site campground on Dirk Hartog Island. It is located on the eastern side of the island, which is protected from strong winds and has clear calm waters. There are only 2 spots allocated for camping either side of a beach, which gives everyone plenty of space and privacy (just as we like it!). You pay premium for such a privilege to camp in this pristine idealistic place. We spent 4 epic days and nights at Notch Point, fully enjoying ourselves, despite millions of flies 😊. They are part of camping, anyway, and we just treat them as such.
Like anywhere on the island, you can enjoy fishing, swimming and snorkeling, or just relaxing by the beach.
The sunsets and sunrises are some of the best we’ve ever seen.
Dirk Hartog Island Homestead
A lot of people choose to stay at Dirk Hartog Island Homestead sites where there are more facilities (including hot showers) and also onsite bar and merchandise shop. It is a great place for those who want a bit more social life in this remote location. When people gather at the bar every afternoon, it feels like a little village with all the buzz going on.
We stayed for 1 night at the Homestead, so we didn’t need to travel far for the barge transfer in the morning.
The best thing about the Homestead for us was free use of paddle boards and kayaks, which we enjoyed very much. We managed to see sea snakes, sting rays, star fishes and tropical fishes.
What to see on the island
Blowholes
The first thing you might like to see as you arrive on the island is blowholes. We found the blowholes in Edel Land National Park more impressive (meaning, louder and bigger). But these are still worth a visit, even if to appreciate the beauty of the landscape. Those massive Zuytdorp Cliffs rising out of mighty ocean are awesome. They are a visual example of fault scarp, which is actually the longest in Australia. Blowholes are on the western side of the island, 3km off the main track, on the way to Dirk Hartog Island Homestead.
Surf Point
Surf Point might need a bit more time than just a quick visit. It is a sanctuary zone in the south of Dirk Hartog Island. It is a 15km drive from Cape Ransonnet (the barge arrival site), on the western side. Surf Point is a great place to go snorkeling (assuming you don’t mind sharing the space with sharks 😊). The sharks, even though being small and relatively harmless, do scare many people away. But honestly, sharks looked more scared of us, then we of them 😊.
We spent a few hours at Surf Point, walking along on the beach and going for short dips. You can find some corals, giant clams and tropical fishes in the rocky pools on the exposed side of Surf Point.
Drone helped us to see a turtle too and many more sharks 😊.
Sand dunes
There are a few sand dunes on Dirk Hartog Island that you will need to cross if you travel north, past Homestead. They are actually fun to drive. We stopped for a closer look to appreciate the beauty of the landscape, shaped by nature. Kids had lots of fun going up and down the slopes. If you want to take nice pictures, going there in the afternoon, when the sun is a bit lower, is probably best.
Sandy Point
During our last trip we managed to venture only as far north as Sandy Point (having not realized how slow the driving on the island is ☹ but all the more the reason to visit the island again). Sandy Point is roughly in the middle of the island on the eastern side. It is a nice sandy beach, with a sanctuary zone on one side and fishing area somewhere further away. You can camp at Sandy Point or just come for a day visit.
Wildlife on Dirk Hartog Island
There is plenty of marine life to see in the water and on the shore. Apart from dolphins, sharks, seasnakes, sea turtles pictured above, sea stars were also in abundance.
There are many crabs too, which you can see at night and daytime alike.
While it is easy to spot marine life, animals on land are much harder to find. We were lucky to spot Banded hare-wallaby and Rufous hare-wallaby.
But this guy didn’t need looking for. This Monitor Lizard literally occupied our camping spot at the Homestead :).
And here is us, satisfied with the trip (although annoyed with the flies) and eager to return back to explore the rest of the island.
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