Dryandra Woodland to Albany

18th to 29th April
Dryandra Woodlands marked the first of the cooler evenings, the fire bans were at last lifted, and we could have campfires.
With Easter approaching the bush camping was a perfect hideaway. The woodlands are the oldest natural remnants of original forest, with surrounding wheat fields and sheep grazing the predominant industry.

Campfire Kev

A highlight of this stay was the forest walking and Barna Mia nocturnal wildlife sanctuary tour.  The 4ha predator proof enclosure is home to Bilby, Boodie, Woylie, Quenda and Mala.

These small 'kangaroo/mouse' like marsupials were once abundant, but feral cats and foxes have decimated populations..... though we were lucky enough to see a Woylie hop by our campsite one evening.


After Dryandra we headed to Kendenup, camping at the local community hall, a great base for visiting the Stirling Ranges and local wineries. Mount Barker was 10km down the road, and we attended their ANZAC day dawn service, the town's first for 30years.

Sterling Ranges

Following our ANZAC theme we spent a few days in Albany, where the first ANZAC convoy left for Palestine to fight in WW1, including my grandfather Leslie Eakins on the 'Orvieto' which left Melbourne 21 October 1914, joining the fleet in Albany.

The National Anzac Centre is located on the headland, an impressive commemorative facility, and we were able to see the The 'Field of Lights' display in the evening.

The Gap coastline Albany

Being on the coast Albany had a whaling industry which continued up until the mid 1970's, the old whaling station is now a museum and tells the history of whaling, including commentary from past whalers on their experiences.
An interesting few days exploring the history of the area... though we did manage to see our new AFL team the Mt Baker Bulls play in the local Saturday comp,... unfortunately beaten convincingly by the Albany Royals.