We left early this morning from Starvation Bay for Esperance. The first stretch was over graded roads back to Hwy1. From there it was smooth driving over rolling hills with large harvested Canolaand wheat fields left and right. Before Esperance, we stopped at Lake Monjingup for a short walk. In the small lake we photographed several water birds from the secluded shelter of a bird hut.

In town we wandered through the open air museum with old wooden buildings which are now used as shops. Then to the jetty and along the beach boulevard.

After groceries shopping we drove on the Great Ocean Drive passing beautiful white beaches and the pink (not pink anymore) lake to arrive at our city campsite (ie smaller spots and busier). The amenities ( kitchen and toilets) are however much better than we are used to.

Stonehenge in Australia! Yes a live size reproduction made up out of large granite blocks lies some 30 km inland from Esperance. A Brewery Owner from Margaret river took the initiative back in 2008. After several owner changes it was completed in 2011. The alinements are with the summer and winter solstice. We are 16 days too early to see the sun rising above the altar stone. That would have been at 04:20 so probably a bit too early for us. Some 40 km further at the coast is Lucky Bay. A highly rated beach site with extremely fine white sand. It is like polishing paste. As a result the water is very blue just like the water in gletsjer lakes. The 2 campings in the Cape Le Grand NP are always fully booked 1/2 a year in advance. It is then a pity that some people do not show up. Maybe a system whereby you have to reconfirm your arrival els the reservation is given to somebody else would help.

We did a coastal walk there over the granite hill to Thistle Cove next door. Climbing the Frenchman Peak (a large granite hill with a overhang/cave at the top that looks like the cap af a French policeman) was a bit too much for us today. Instead we did another short walk over the cliffs (Dempster Head) in Esperance.

We decided to have a last camping at the beach on the south coast before turning back north. This campsite at Cape Arid NP is similar to Lucky Bay but by far not so busy. Beautiful white sand beach and clear blue sea. We rolled up at 12:00 and were welcomed by a Scottish host. Take any site you want. Only 3 are occupied. We took the only one with some sea view.  In the afternoon we did a walk over the granite coastal rocks to the bay next door. The wind was strong and sea water cold. So when the sun was behind the clouds it was cold and Rudy got trouble with his ear (cold) facing the wind. On the way back it was the other ear .

Before sunset there was a gathering of the semi permanent campers which we were invited to join in the camp kitchen. Interesting company and good interaction and stories. All in all a good farewell to the south coast of Western Australia.