After our morning among the giant Tingle trees, we began the journey east towards Albany. We have gotten used to the large distances between centres in WA, so broke the trip up into manageable chunks, with either tea breaks, wee breaks or scenery stops as driving tired is nobody’s idea of a good time.

Our first scenery stop was Greens Pool – a sheltered inlet on the coast that has a lovely beach beside a rocky headland. Huge granite boulders and rock shelves protrude out into the wild southern ocean seas and the water looked lovely but cold. I can imagine this area is popular in the summer months because it offers sheltered waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling – only the brave wetsuited looneys were in the water today. We rock-hopped around the headland with the hope of seeing Elephant rocks, but they were inaccessible due to pathway redevelopment.

We then motored towards Torndirrup National Park and explored the coastal features there – again huge granite headlands cracked and carved by the pounding surf into “The Gap” – a developing channel inland that surf and surge pound relentlessly, sending sheets of salt spray everywhere. We then walked around to “Natural Bridge”, a span of rock that has been undercut by the ocean. So spectacular as the waves crash and boom underneath, judging by the cracks in the “bridge”, this too will crumble with time. We have been impressed by the rugged coastlines, with such variety to explore.

We then drove to “The Blowholes”, and rock-hopped another rugged stretch of coastline, in this case the waves are in the process of undercutting the rocky coastline. When large waves come in they crash under the lip of the stone and there is a huge compression noise as salt spray gushes out of the small opening further up the rock platform. The noise and feeling of the sound was deep and angry, all very impressive. We drove to Stony Hill and walked to the top – this area was once a lookout post during the war, remnants of the fixtures and placement were still visible. From atop the hill we got magnificent 360 degree views of the surrounding area.

Suitably rested and fresh aired out, we popped back in 13boop and headed into Albany to a small apartment accommodation to unpack, reorganise and rest before a fabulous Steak dinner at Rustlers Steak House. It was late, we were tired and we had a good night’s sleep.

Next day we were up and out doing some exploring the township of Albany. It was a grey day, a little cold and windy but we did some of the public art trail around the city centre. I am not sure I like the town layout – they have opted for a bunch of divided roads, one way streets and waaaay too many roundabouts – driving around was confusing. We then drove to the Museum of the Great Southern.