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Yornaning Dam, 24km north of Narrogin in the Wheatbelt, turned out to be a nice surprise for us. The dam was originally built to provide water for steam locomotives on the railway line between Perth and Albany and fresh water for Narrogin. Nowadays the dam is used for recreational swimming and as a picnic spot. We stopped at Yornaning Dam on our way home after camping at Dryandra Woodland. Being it close to home, we decided to spend a bit of time at this place.
What’s on offer at Yornaning Dam
First,there are a couple of easy walk and cycling trails around the dam, which are quite picturesque.
If you are into photography, this is a great place to spend some time. Second, the dam also attracts many native birds and animals. Third, the area around Yornaning Dam is actually a reserve, which means you will find great flora and fauna. Late winter and spring is particulaly a good time for viewing wildflowers, including a few types of orchids.
Yornaing Dam has excellent facilities, which include picnic tables, bbq, toilets and children’s playground. The view on the dam is awesome, especially if it is a nice slightly cloudy day or, perhaps, at sunset. While we had our lunch at the dam, we saw a number of people camping there. Apparently, according to the Cuballing shire website, if you are self-sufficient, you can camp there for free, for a maximum of 3 nights. Dogs are welcome on the leash.
To sum up, Yornaning Dam is a great place to visit. We’ll probably be back one day camping there.
Foxes Lair is a bushland reserve, on the edge of Narrogin town in the Wheatbelt area. It is well known to wildflower enthusiasts and lovers of bird and wildlife. We visited it as part of our trip to Dryandra Woodland, searching for wildflowers, late September. It was a wonderful addition to our camping trip, as we took our time to take it slow and enjoy the outdoors.
Valley Loop Trail
What to do in Foxes Lair
Foxes Lair is a great place to enjoy nature, go hiking, cycling or picnicing. There are 5 walking trails within the reserve, all quite easy. In addition, there is also a cycle trail and 3 picnic grounds within the reserve. Facilities include shelter and picnic tables but no toilets (you can find public toilets a short drive away in Narrogin).
Marri picnic ground
Wildflowers at Foxes Lair
These are the flowers spotted late September along Valley Loop trail.
White Banjine Pimelea ciliata (above left), Stylidium caricifolium (above right).
Narrogin
While you visit Foxes Lair nature reserve, it is worthwhile to drop at nearby Narrogin visitor centre. We were pleasantly surprised with this nice little information centre, run by friendly volunteers. The centre is well stocked with lots of information on the surrounding parks, reserves and other attractions.
Furthermore, Dryandra Country Visitor Centre in Narrogin has an interesting interactive display – diorama of Narrogin back in 1960s. Apparently, it is still work in progress, so next time you visit it, there might be a bigger and more detailed display on offer.
Diorama of Narrogin
Apart from the visitor centre, Narrogin is quite a nice town by itself. It is relatively large, which means you can easily stock up on food and fuel. Also, there are also a number of pretty and interesting parks within the town.
Memorial park in Narrogin
So, next time you are passing by, we recommend you stop by at Narrogin! And, of course, Foxes Lair is a must if you are searching for wildflowers.
Dryandra Woodland, being only 164km from Perth, is a perfect place for a short getaway. First, it is the diversity of flora and fauna that is so amazing. It is a rather large and significant nature conservation area. Second, the park has a number of walking trails with interpretative signs, providing opportunity to enjoy nature and learn about the place and its history. Third, there is an opportunity to see wild native animals in their environment. The best thing? You can camp at Dryandra Woodland, which means you have more time to explore this wonderful place.
Camping at Dryandra Woodland
Camping in the woods is always lovely, especially in colder months when you can have a campfire. There are 2 bush camp grounds within Dryandra Woodland National Park, managed by Parks and Wildlife Service – Congelin campground and Gnaala Mia campground. They are both similar in terms of the facilities provided – large camping spots, spaced well apart, each with a picnic table and fire ring (with wood provided), well maintained long drop toilets, bbq and kitchen shelter. You cannot book a site, but we didn’t find it was an issue to find a spot, although, the campgrounds are quite popular.
Congelin campground
We stayed at Congelin campground in September 2023 and paid $11 per person per night ($3 per child). Please check Parks and Wildlife website for current pricing and bookings.
We were happy for an opportunity to still have fire on the last day of September.
Gnaala Mia campground
Over the long June weekend in 2024 we visited Dryandra Woodland again. This time we stayed at Gnaala Mia campground. It has two loops with 27 bays suitable for caravans and 8 bays for tents. Unlike Congelin campground, the sites at Gnaala Mia do not have grass.
Dryandra Woodland flora and fauna
Most importantly, it is the feel of the woodland with its smells, sounds and sights that was very appealing for us. The highlights were cowslip and spider orchids among other wildflowers only steps away from the tent – a pure delight for wildflower enthusiasts. This was late September 2023.
Blue China Orchid Cyanicula gemmata (above left), Common Dragon Orchid Caladenia barbarossa (above middle), Cowslip orchid Caladenia flava subspecies sylvestris (above right).
There is a great variety of trigger plants at Dryandra Woodland:
Above, from left to right: Stylidium ecorne, Stylidium petiolare Horn Triggerplant, Stylidium uniflorum orange, Stylidium uniflorum.
Black Carnaby’s cockatoos and a variety of parrots were among the many birds we spotted. And of course, the main treat was seeing the nocturnal woodland marsupials. We had a couple of different visitors come to our campfire. They were too busy to stop for a good picture or proper species identification 😊.
Barna Mia nocturnal tour
Barna Mia nocturnal tours are very popular and need to be booked in advance. We missed out on the opportunity when we visited Dryandra first time in 2023, so decided to book weeks ahead for the June long weekend the following year (2024). The tour was very informative and educational, great for adults and kids alike. The animals were cooperative and came out to say hello, except for Mala (Rufous Hare Wallaby). We saw Bilby, Woylie and Boodie – all are endangered native animals.
Brushtail Possum also joined the party (he is not endangered but was allowed to be there 😊). It would be good to have a better lighting, but you can only use red light with nocturnal animals to protect their well-being.
Old Mill Dam is a nice picnic area, close to Dryandra Village in Dryandra Woodland. There are 2 easy walks of various lengths, starting from the Dam to enjoy the woodlands with the opportunity to spot wildlife. Facilities include picnic tables, bbs, toilet. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed.
Additional info
Dryandra Woodland is roughly a 2 hour drive south east from Perth and 22km north west of Narrogin. It is within Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. The entry to Dryandra Woodland Park is free. Unfortunately, no dogs. The cost of both Congelin and Gnaala Mia campgrounds is $15 per person ($5 per child) per night in 2024.
Korung National Park, is in Western Australia, 26 kilometres south-east of Perth. It was formerly known as Pickering Brook National Park. There are 2 designated hiking and mountain bike trails (Carmel walk and Lion’s Lookout) in the park. Both have an abundance of wildflowers in spring. We visited Lion’s Lookout.
Lion’s Lookout walk
Lion’s Lookout Walk within Korung National Park, just off Welshpool Road in Lesmurdie is a great hiking trail to do in winter and spring. With wide but bumpy track going up and down, and at times being challenging, it was fun for our kids. They were running up and down the slopes, while the adults were struggling to go down on some steep sections.
Lion’s Lookout is a loop trail, 4km long. The highest point of the track offers great views over Bickley Reservoir and Perth city.
Wildflowers at Korung National Park
There are plenty of widlflowers along the way. We find looking at wildflowers so fascinating, that went to the trouble of learning their names, so we know what we are photographing.
Banksia armata (above left). Blue Squill Chamaescilla corymbosa (above top right). Drumstick Isopogon sphaerocephalus (above bottom right).
Hairy Jug Flowerr Adenanthos barbiger (above right). Honeypot Dryandra Banksia nivea (above top right). Leschenaultia Biloba (above bottom right).
Pimelea ciliata – White Banjine (above left). Swamp spider orchid (above top right). Tetratheca species (above bottom right).
Calytrix glutinosa (above left top). Stypandra glauca – Blind Grass (above right). Philotheca spicata Pepper and Salt (above left bottom).
Facilites at Korung National Park (Lion’s Lookout)
After the walk (or before) you can enjoy a picnic on the grass or at the picnic tables provided near carpark while enjoying the views of the city. There are picnic tables, shelter, bbq and rubbish bins (but no toilets) there.
Additional information
The entry to the park is free. Unfortunatley, no dogs are allowed.
Armadale Setters Common is located in Bedfordale, Western Australia. It is a large bushland reserve that is known for a variety of wildflowers in spring, boasting 318 plant species. It is also home to diverse fauna.
There are a number of hiking trails in Armadale Settlers Common, offering a range of experiences, from easy walks to picnicking, wildlife observation and photography. We visited this place late August, searching for wildflowers. Surely enough, we found quite a selection of them.
Settlers Common East
This is the smaller part of the reserve, which has great picnic facilities with benches, picnic tables and shelters. Observation Circle has gravel trails, offering bushland hiking experience. Next to it, is paved path for pram and wheelchair access.
There is also the greater Settlers Common on the other side of Carradine Road with longer trails (all gravel). We haven’t covered that place, hence we can’t write much about it. So all the pictures were taken in Settlers Common East.
Hairy Jug Flower – Adenanthos barbiger (above left). Red Ink Sundew – Drosera erythrorhiza (above top right). Wilson’s Grevillea – above bottom right.
Location and additional info
In conclusion, there is some practical information. Armadale Settlers Common is about 40 minutes drive from Perth. You can access it from Canns Road or Carradine Road, Bedfordale. There is no entry fee and dogs are allowed in this place.
Ivanhoe River Crossing, north of Kununurra is an iconic place and a must do for any 4WD enthusiast travelling through the Kimberley Region and the Gibb River Road. It is a concrete one-way causeway over the Ord River, which was part of the main road to Wyndham during the old days. But nowadays, it is a place where travellers go to tick off their “bucket list”. So, it is really just crossing the river and going back. Many people (especially those with no 4WD) come just to watch others do it. It is also a popular fishing spot. Salt water crocodiles inhibit these waters, so swimming is not safe there.
The river crossing is closed during wet season (usually November to March). So, Australian winter, which is considered dry season, is best for visiting and crossing.
Where is Ivanhoe River Crossing?
It is along Ivanhoe Road, 10-15 minutes’ drive north of Kununurra in East Kimberley.
Roebuck Bay is the magical place that delighted and amazed us with its striking colours – red sand, turquoise ocean and green mangroves. It is a great place for a picnic, fishing, not to mention awesome photography (best at high tide). Camping is available at nearby Bird Observatory (we didn’t stay there, so can’t comment).
This place is an internationally significant wetland where you can see a huge number and variety of migratory shorebirds.
Where is Roebuck Bay?
It is on the coast in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The actual place that is on the picture (Red Sand Beach) is about half an hour drive south of Broome, along Crab Creek Road, 1km from Broome Bird Observatory. The road is sandy and corrugated for 16km or so, so 4WD is recommended.
Camping at the base of Pindan cliffs at James Price Point
What is so unique about James Price Point?
James Price Point, 60km north of Broome is absolutely one of our favourites. It’s the place we would like to come back again, despite the corrugated road (roughly 32km of corrugation) to get there. The bright red pindan cliffs backing into the ocean make you feel like you are on another planet. Mars, maybe? The tidal currents at James Price Point are simply phenomenal and so fascinating to observe. Add to this, the thrill of the possibility of finding ancient dinosaur footsteps (at the right tidal conditions) or sight of a dangerous salt water crocodile. James Price Point is so pristine and exquisitely beautiful that you really want to thread lightly and leave no trace of human presence there.
Surprisingly, it is actually the place where you can camp for free. With absolutely no facilities provided, you need to be self-sufficient or hide the traces very carefully (and with hard rocks and no bushland, it is tricky 😊).
Honestly, we think this place is not going to be free forever. So, while it is, take a detour to see it, but take good care of this exceptional place.
Where is James Price Point?
James Prices Point is north of Broome, off Cape Leveque Road. You would need a 4WD to get there and deflate your tyres once you hit the corrugated dirt road.
Tides
The Kimberley coast has the biggest tides in the southern hemisphere. This is due to the shape and size of the continent which allows the tides to grow much larger compared to other places. The difference between high and low tides can be up to 10 meters.
The tide comes really fast. When the water recedes back into the ocean, it creates intricate patterns on the sand, many of which look like paintings of trees. It is such a delight for a photographer or a lover of nature.
James Price Point at dawn, dusk and night
The magical hour (an hour before sunrise and an hour after sunrise) is the best for taking landscape photos. The colours of the sky painted by the setting or rising sun are simply amazing.
Stars and the Milky Way have been attracting people’s attention since the beginning of time. In the old days, sailors and the local Aboriginal people alike, used them to navigate on their journeys. Nowadays, they add such a beautiful background to the pictures taken by many photographers. Even if you are not a photographer, there is hardly anyone, who would be impartial to see the arch of the Milky Way in the dark sky on a cold winter night. There is a sense of mystery and adventure that pulls people’s eyes and souls to the stars that are within many light years of reach from us.
Marble Bar, known as the hottest town in Australia, gets its name from a local deposit of colourful mineral that was thought to be marble and turned out to be jasper.
The jasper deposits cross the Coongan River, forming Marble Bar Pool and adjacent to it Chinaman Pool. Both are both very picturesque picnic spots, only 5 minutes’ drive from Marble Bar town.
Chinaman Pool
Marble Bar is a small mining town, approximately 1500km north east of Perth on the Great Northern Highway.
Marble Bar Pool
Camping in spinifex country
Pilbara is a beautiful region, characterized by red colour, iron rich earth. There are so many pristine places there, including some awesome free camps, waiting to be discovered. But sometimes, the nigh falls before you can reach your destination. This happens to us from time to time. Quite often a solution is to pull out from the road – as long as there is a side road and clearing. On our long trip up north last year, we did just that.
Our camp for that cold night in July was what in Wikicamp is marked as Kate’ Pit. It turned out to be a perfect spot for a night like that.
Morning revealed beautiful scenery – typical Australian outback. Low winter sun was casting warm light onto the rough spiky spinifex grass, contrasting red rocky outcrops and blue sky. Stops like this one become a precious experience because of the opportunity to connect with nature and discover hidden beauty in remote outback.
Kate’s Pit is a large gravel pit, off the road, with no facilities, 38km south of Marble Bar.
Turning to Kate’s Pit camp
We love every bit of Pilbara – including its red rocks and dirt endless roads!
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