Yalgoo to Perth

12th to 23rd June
After spending the last few months on the coastline, we’ve turned inland to the desert, mining and grazing country. Due east 200kms from Geraldton is the small township of Yalgoo, population 120 people.... and that’s the whole shire!

Melangata shearing shed

Thanks to the mining boom funded ‘royalties for regions’ program the Yalgoo caravan park, township and brand new footy oval were all first class.
We camped at an old pastoral property which traditionally grew wool, but has recently moved to meat sheep, though battling an increase in wild dogs (dingos).

The owners took us for a drive around the property where we saw granite jump ups and aboriginal cave paintings which very few white people have seen.

Sheep Grazing country

Walga Rock

On the way to Mount Magnet we passed Walga Rock, a 2km long granite monolith that the local aborigines used for ceremonies.

The surrounding country is red dirt, sparse vegetation and very few people.

New Norcia monastery 

On our way back to Perth we passed through New Norcia, an active Benedictine monastery with Beautifully manicured lawns and imposing buildings.

Originally built as a place to convert the local aborigines to Christianity, and though the nuns convents and the orphanages have long gone the monks still operate a commercial brewery, bakery and hotel.

Campfire camping

Our East to West of Australia lap is completed..... 

After 23,232kms, 139 days travelling and 52 different camp sites we’re flying back to Sydney for a couple of weeks to catch up with family and friends.