Rossco's WA Trip

[Rossco]

Finally managed to get on the road after a bit of a delayed start. Planed to leave on Wednesday but after trying to get the house ready for air b&b took a bit longer than expected.

Anyway made it to Charlton for dinner then maybe up to Hattah for the night then on to the Nullabor - yeah baby [emoji4]



http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/63.jpg

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Clunk]

Goid stuff, where ya heading to while over this way?

[PeeBee]

Have a great trip Ross.

[AB]

Keep this thread updated with pics and info Rossco so I can pretend I'm there whilst I change nappies and clean up the house and work and stuff lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GQtdauto]

Might see you up at the Kimberly , good luck hope the trip goes how you want .

[Cuppa]

Safe travels.
Will look forward to hearing & seeing more as you move along.
Where are you headed in WA? It's a huge state with lots to see. You'll love it.

[DX grunt]

If you pass through Merredin on the Great Eastern Highway (half way between Perth and Kalgoorlie), I might be here but you better be quick. lol

I go Perth for surgery on 21st May, and have to stay in the metro area for 2 weeks.

Hope to see you, but if I don't, enjoy WA and take care out there.

Rossco

[Plasnart]

Jealous much? Erm... yes a lot!! Love nullarbor and WA is as diverse as you can get! Have a cracker mate and keep us updated if you can!

[MB]

Safe travels you two!!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Maxhead]

Ow wow, didn’t know you were planing WA trip!
Yeah, not jealous much...lol
Enjoy mate and safe travels.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Cheers guys. I'll let you know how we're going rossco bit behind schedule heading to rotnest first around the 16th was the plan i think. Then heading inland up to Kirijini for a bit then Exmouth and down the coast then cape Arid. . Oh yeah Dirt Hartog island in between which should be awesome. Wish we were going up the Kimberly might have to take a wrong turn lol. .

Just found a camp off the road past Hattah last night.

On the road. . .

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/68.jpg

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Stropp]

Hey Rossco always a bed here if you want mate, got plenty of room if you need.

[jack]

Enjoy the trip Rossco, not half jealous- take care.

Ok now I got the pleasantries out of the way. AB when do we kick off the next forum meetup, apparently there’s a place free just across the road from you.
Saves blocking up your septic and no neighbors to complain about the noise.

[Avo]

If you make it to the sth wst wa be sure to call in..will show ypu some hidden gems...enjoy the trip...

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Sprock]

Half ya luck Rossco that’d be awesome 👍🏻 Enjoy mate .

[Rossco]

So back on track now as we departed a few days late. Made it over to Rottnest Island yesterday arvo after a mad dash and just made the last ferry.

Second night was just out of Ceduna after a fairly long day, stayed at Whittlebea Point which was a beautiful spot, was calm as too went for a morning dip to freshen up which was nice [emoji4].

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/84.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/85.jpg

Next day was a bloody big one did just over 1200k from Ceduna to just out of Norseman, although probably just another day in the office for you Sprock [emoji38] . . .

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/86.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/87.jpg

OUCH . . .

Then planned to go over to Rottnest Island the following day and after getting up with what we thought was enough time to get to the last ferry checked Google maps and were seriously pushing our luck. . . Few hundred k out made up some time, the BorgWarner earnt its keep, lost count of how many trucks, road trains and grey nomads we overtook. Anyway made up 25 min or so and made it in time just. . . Time to relax now no more rushing like mad bastards ! !

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/88.jpg

Quackas bloody everywhere. .

Anyways best be off for a bike ride & swim around the island then heading north to Ningaloo way via Karajini.

Where abouts are you again Stropp and Avo will be coming back south again in about a week will drop in for sure. . .

On the road. . .

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[GQtdauto]

15 Ks north of Coral bay there's a great spot ,called many names Bruberjoo? 9 mile etc ,no info on the gate just two double gates you have to keep an eye out for .

[Rossco]

Sounds good ill suss out out. You guys on the road at the mo ? . .

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Clunk]

Rossco, Stropp lives just East of Perth, I live about 20 mins from Stropp and Avo lives near Pemberton, around 4hrs south of us (bloody beautiful down there too) and well worth a visit if you can make it.

[GQtdauto]

Sounds good ill suss out out. You guys on the road at the mo ? . .

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Nah still weeks to go Rossco , that turn off is about fifteen Kay's from the turn off to Coral bay heading north , the main camp you need to be self contained but I've seen you can travel further up and there other camp spots all soft sand tracks .

[Cuppa]

Feeling a tad envious. Our forthcoming journey has had to be delayed for an extra few weeks due to unexpected health stuff. Now hoping to leave mid/late June.

Those Quokkas are cute little critters eh? We had one come out of the bush to visit our camp at Bettys Beach in SW WA, apparently they are the only (small) population outside of Rottnest Island.

[Rossco]

Bit of an update, so enjoyed a couple of nights and spent a day exploring Rottnest Island which was nice. Went for a bit of a snorkel around an old shipwreck which was awsome, saw heaps of fish and a ray. . .

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/144.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/145.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/146.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/147.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/148.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/149.jpg




Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Just trying to put a few more pics up but bloody tapa is not playing atm grr. Anyway currently @ Exmouth after heading north and spending a few days @ Karajini NP which was awesome. Heading south tomorrow past Yadi creek which should be great, might even get to lock the hubs lol . . .

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Cuppa]

We camped at Yardie Creek for a week & the absolute best entertainment was watching & listening to the daily new arrivals of 4wd'ers waiting for the tide to go out far enough to allow crossing the creek to go south. Lots of bravado & anxiety. Only one route to follow but not always immediately obvious. No one drowned their car though. Suggest you let someone else go first! ;)

Will be very interested to hear/see what south of the creek is like. I don't want to cross salt water in our car, but may well come up that way from the south to camp on Ningaloo station.

[GQtdauto]

Did you find that hidey hole just out of Coral bay heading towards Exmouth , I believe the track ends up at Yardie creek but lots of soft sand though .

[Rossco]

Yeah heading that way tomorrow can't wait. . . Going south from here. .

Will be interesting Cuppa keen to check out some of the camping along that section. Hopefully creek crossing won't be to much of a problem will be low tide around mid morning and hoping not to salty not too keen on salt water either ! . . See how we go. . .

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

So made it through to Coral Bay now pretty touristy here a few caravan parks jam packed with people, not overly impressed tbh. . . Was a really nice drive going south from Yadie Creek to Corral Bay. Yadie Creek was fine although pure salt water went through about an hour after low tide and was only ankle deep so just idled across in low 1st and just wet the tyres. Spent the day driving and checking out heaps of spots that heading down to the coast, ended up camping in the dunes about 20k north of Coral Bay. Awesome little spot got a pretty crazy storm last night with heaps of lightning, rain & wind.

Wish I could get some more pics up bloody tapa was driving me mental the other day. Will have another go was saying 100% then upload failed - Grrr ! ! If anyone has got any tips that would be awesome otherwise ill keep trying when I get a chance. . .

Anyway still going south headed for Franciour Peron NP which should be awesome. . .



Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[AB]

You could try using internet browser or if you have laptop and hotspot to phone mate.

Or email or sms to me and I'll upload them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Yeah was thinking internet Nicole had got her laptop. . . Stupid thing normally works fine lol . . .

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[MB]

Glad to hear you’re both safe & travelling well Rossco!
I find with bad reception on Tapatalk I can only upload ‘Small 479x640’ and maybe ‘Medium 767x1024’ at best upload option mate. http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/161.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GQtdauto]

20 Kay's north of Coral bay would be very close to that spot I told you about Rossco .

[Avo]

So made it through to Coral Bay now pretty touristy here a few caravan parks jam packed with people, not overly impressed tbh. . . Was a really nice drive going south from Yadie Creek to Corral Bay. Yadie Creek was fine although pure salt water went through about an hour after low tide and was only ankle deep so just idled across in low 1st and just wet the tyres. Spent the day driving and checking out heaps of spots that heading down to the coast, ended up camping in the dunes about 20k north of Coral Bay. Awesome little spot got a pretty crazy storm last night with heaps of lightning, rain & wind.

Wish I could get some more pics up bloody tapa was driving me mental the other day. Will have another go was saying 100% then upload failed - Grrr ! ! If anyone has got any tips that would be awesome otherwise ill keep trying when I get a chance. . .

Anyway still going south headed for Franciour Peron NP which should be awesome. . .



Sent from my SM-G930F using TapatalkFp np is such a beautifyl spot...drive ro the rip and have a walk arpund..easily done in less than a day..and good fishing also...

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

20 Kay's north of Coral bay would be very close to that spot I told you about Rossco .Came south from Ningaloo station checking out spots as the sun was going down ended up at Bruboodjoo Point which was a beutiful little bay but was full of big vans so thought we'd turn around and head back to a secluded camp by ourselves in the dunes which was nice. Also had a bit of an explore further south towards Cardabia station there was a maze of tracks through the dunes if you turned off the main track and potential camps although not sure if they would be totallly legal or not. . .
Fp np is such a beautifyl spot...drive ro the rip and have a walk arpund..easily done in less than a day..and good fishing also...

Sent from my SM-G930F using TapatalkGot into Denam tonight and not overly surprised after last night's rain and the amount of water around on the drive but the park was closed bugger. Anyway pulled into the pub for the night @ Denam hopefully will be open tomorrow but if not will just have to come back! Also had a sign on the info board the hot spring is closed for maintenance double bugger . . . Ah it's a tough life . . . Denam is a nice little town tho a lot different than i expected.

I'll have a go at uploading some pics unless i get too tipsy at the pub later . . .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Avo]

Be careful.....been shitfaced at that pub...easy to do..lots if squid off the jetry at night witj snappa n mulloway to

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Hoping these pics work now, but after Rottie headed north and stopped @ Bilyuin Pool for the night just north of Meekathara which was nice spot on private property.

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/166.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/167.jpg

75383

CAT Dump truck Newman. Massive things pretty cool to have a close up look at. . .

Still having issues with pisc first two worked but seems to work as an attachment (last pic). Is this the way to do it anyway what is the difference between upload from gallery and attachment ? ? Ah bloody technology. . .



Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[GQtdauto]

So you found bruberjoo ,yes there are a couple of spots further up following the dunes

[Rossco]

Onto Karajini NP for a few days which was very spectaclar. . .

75384

75385

75386

75387

75388

75389

75390

Asbestos in the rocks they used to mine. . .

75391

75392

75393

75394

75395



Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

. . .

75396

75397

More awesome gorges . . .

75398

75399

75400

75401

75402

75403

. . .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

On the road again across to Exmouth. .

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/168.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/169.jpg

Pretty sweet country out here. . .

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/170.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/171.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/172.jpg

Whilst we were at Karijini we went to a stargazing night that a bloke Phil runs up there out of the camp ground which was pretty awesome and well worth it if anyone is up there, learnt heaps and looked at a fair bit of stuff through the telescopes. . . Pic of moon was taken using the phone (Samsung S7). .

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/173.jpg

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

A few more pics while stopped in Denham to restock . . .

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/182.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/183.jpg

Went out on a whale shark cruise which was wicked. Planed the trip to be up here when the whale sharks are around. Lucky with the day saw heaps of whale sharks, sea snake, oceanic manta ray (briefly) and a dugong (even more briefly). . .

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/184.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/185.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/186.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/187.jpg

Underwater photos were rim the tour operator, can't take credit for those. .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Headed south through Cape Range NP stopping at Turquoise Bay for a snorkel and Yadie Creek to have a walk up the Gorge. Saw a few black footed rock wallabies but are pretty eluisive shy little buggers. . .

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/188.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/189.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/190.jpg

Turned around for photographic purposes lol . . .

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/191.jpg

Timed it well with low tide and is shallow as otherwise you drive through pure salt water. .

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/192.jpg

Stopped at Boat Harbor Bay for lunch just south of Yardie Ck which was an awesome spot. . . Can camp there too.

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/193.jpg

. . .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/194.jpg

Drive through to Coral Bay was very pleasant . . .

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/05/195.jpg

75412

75413

75414

Camed in a little hidey hole in the dunes. Pissed down with rain and blew a gale in the night. . .

75415



Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Cuppa]

I reckon you may have got lucky at Yardie Ck, when we were there for a week the lowest water was at least up to the top of the wheels at every low tide. If we head to there from the south, (& I think we might after seeing your pics) & levels are like you got I'd have no qualms about crossing & continuing northward through Cape Range NP.

Just showed your pics of the crossing to MrsTea who immediately commented "There'd have been no entertainment value in watching if the level had been down like that"

[Rossco]

Yeah sounds like we were pretty lucky with Yadie speaking to a few others sounds like it is up a bit more. Wouldn't have been keen to go though if it were any deeper and salty. . .

Anyways back in Denham now after spending some time in Francious Peron NP, Steep Point area and Dirk Hartog Island. . . man this is a beutiful part of the world. . . .

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/06/58.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/06/59.jpg

75461

75462

Went to Monkey Mia also which I was expecting to be worse, as in touristy, but was a lot better than expected. Timed it well although there were a few people wasn't too bad the dolphins came in for a second feeding just as we got there, even got picked to give one a fish . . .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Luckily Francious Peron NP was reopened after the rain so headed in and camped at Big
Lagoon for a couple of nights. .

75463

75465

75466

75467

75468

Went for a walk around and then through the Lagoon to the ocean. . . Massive Cormorant rookery between the Lagoon and ocean. . .Heeeaps of goats around too. . .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Headed up to the north and stayed at Gregories camp for a few nights . . . Pretty amazing up here is just like the Simpson desert meets beutifull ocean. .

7546975470754717547275473

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Hot Tub was open too @ Francious. . . Pretty damn hot around 40 degrees. . .



75474

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Headed over to Dirk Hartog Island on the barge after staying the night on Shelter Bay. . .

75475

75477

75478

Pretty awesome place, the only thing is some of the corrugations are a bit of a shocker but it's worth it, not to much riff raff over there. . .

75479

75480

75481

75482

Tough life lol, someone's gotta do it I guess . . .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Lighthouse @ Cape Inscription named after the inscription on a pewter plate left by Dirk Hartog the first european to set foot on Australian soil in 1616. . .

75485

75486

75487

75488

Coast typical of the north of the island, pretty rugged and beutiful. . .

75489

75490

75491

Heaps of old turtle eggs on appropriately named turtle bay which is one of the largest breeding areas in Australia. Camped up here a couple of nights. . .

75492

Remains of of an old tramway and winch used to build the Lighthouse in 1916 (circa). . . Was also a 70m jetty back in the day.

75493

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

75494

75495

Mystery Bay on the west side covered in flotsom & jetsom. Pretty sad that even in the most remote places you can't escape the impact of humans. . . The day before spent waking the around the north picking up bits of rubbish as we went, pretty futile on this beach lol . . .

75496

75497

Nearly stepped on these buggers. Thought they were plastic till they started moving. . . Figured out they were sea snakes and didn't quite look happy so returned them home, must have got a bit carried away in the swell. Later figured out they were Olive sea snakes.

75498

75499

75500

75501

Blowholes on the south west of the island. . .

75502

75503

Camped near the barge to head back in the morn . . .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Got the barge early then spoken the day cruising back thru Edel land NP. . .

75504

Doesn't need much explanation . . .

75505

75506

75507

Zytdorp cliffs that run south from Dirk Hartog. . . Far out pretty bloody impressive ! !

75508

Blowholes near Steep Point and False Entrance. . . Tide want right to get good water blows but the air rushing up from such a distance below is pretty impressive. .

75509

75510

75511

Driving into Steep Point was mostly cruisy but had some sections of baaaaaaad corrugations couldn't even hit them with speed, but coming out was a relief to see the whole section just graded - haleluya ! ! ! . . .

Anyways back in Denham again (seem to be making it a base of late) but heading south unfortunately to cooler weather :( Off to Sandy Cape but see how we go some wild weather is on its way and may end up pubbing it again, either way can't complain . . . [emoji38]


Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[MudRunnerTD]

Looks Awesome Rossco!!

Edge of the World there mate!!

75512

[Rossco]

Yeah bloody oath. . . Been reading and just finished a book on the trip & wreck of the Batavia ship belonging to the Dutch on a spice trade mission around mid 1600's. . . Pretty interesting and crazy times can see why they called it a god forsaken land they would have stumbled across those cliffs and instant arid land a bit different to the green fields of Europe. . . Bloody beutiful country but. . .


Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Winnie]

Mate that is sensational! Truly epic.

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

[the evil twin]

Yep... amazing place.

Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, French, Spaniards all said... no water, no food, no pasture, no rivers, no mountains, no safe harbours, just miles of Cliifs and LOTS of Reef and incessant onshore winds just waiting for the next wreck...

How many must have said "Jeez, what a shytehole, about face Boys, it's back on the boat and GTF outa here".
Even the Poms only settled here in the 1800's to keep the Flag up the pole.

No need back then for mountains of Gold, Iron Ore, Lithium, Nickel, Diamonds, Alumina, Cobalt, Uranium and humungous Oil and Gas deposits :-)

[Bacho86]

Mate just scanned threw your trip photos quickly on tappa, will have to set aside some time to read in greater detail - looks like you’re having a great time, very envious!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Cuppa]

How were the tracks up through Francois Peron NP to the Gregories camp Rossco? I know there would be a fair bit of soft sand, but interested in whether you think towing our Tvan up there would be easy or just an unpleasant hard slog? We were on trail bikes when there previously & didn't get past the homestead.

[Rossco]

Tracks were really good got a little bit soft up the north bit but all good. Plenty towed campers & tinnies up there be fine i reckon . .

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Bit of an update, after not wanting to head to the south & cold and staying around Shark Bay a bit longer than intended had to head off south as most of the grey nomads headed north. Last night at Francois Peron rain came in and park was closed again as we left, made the most of the hot tub once again. Drove through the storms and booked a room online at the Jurien Bay pub for the night but by the time we got there was all shut up, bugger should have called them. Anyway back to the original plan and camped at Sandy Cape for the night and decided to pull the pin the following day and got a good deal on a cosy beach unit.

Went for a bit of an explore through Sandy Cape, tried getting through to Green Head but tracks stopped at the sand dunes. . .

75562


Went up to Stockard Gully Caves which was pretty cool. Country was beautiful around here too, would be pretty good in wildflower season although there was still quite a bit around. .

75563

75564

Went out the following day on a charter to swim with Sea Lions off Jurien Bay which was really cool, just like puppy dogs of the sea. .

75565

75566

75568

. . .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Stooped in at the Pinnacles and although touristy is pretty impressive. .

75569

75570

75571

Selfie sticks out in force lol . . .

Stopped in at Wedge Island, funny place with heaps of crazy fishing shacks everywhere. .

75574

75575

75576[/ATTACH

Was going to hightail it to Albany after getting a little behind schedule but ended up staying at Dryandra Woodland which was a nice little surprise. Saw a couple of bandicoots and a Woylie (Betong like creature). Originally were going to come through the south west corner more but ran a bit out of time, think will have to do a separate down this way too much to see ! !

[ATTACH]75577

75578

Headed into Albany to restock and got a service done on the GQ. . .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Stayed the night at West Cape Howe which was a nice little spot. . .

75579

Had a poke about Bettys beach and Normans Beach just east of Albany. . .

75580

75581

A few beach shacks at Berry's beach. Cool spot but decided to push on and headed to Waychinicup Inlet for the night. Awsome little spot with big granite boulders. . .

75582

75583

75584

75585

. . .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Went for a swim then the heavens opened again after being a cloudless morning at sun up. . .

Thought we'd take the back way on an un sealed road marked as Hassell Beach Road on Hema. Turned off and quickly became apparant was far from a road but turned into a wicked little 4WD track that recieved bugger all traffic. Track was supposed to head north back upto highway but hit private property, followed a track down to the coast then headed eat along the beach and finally made our way out about 30k of some of the softest sand I'd been on.

75586

75587

Was worth it tho spotted a massive pod of dolphins just off the beach having a play. .

75588

Headed into Bremmer Bay as it was nearing the end of the day and luckily the mouth of the Inlet was closed so could cross into Fitzgerald NP. . . Was a very welcome sight to find a cosy fishing shack after a wet cold day and ominous clouds rolling in . .

75589

75590

75591

75592

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Next day planned to join up with a track on the other side of the Inlet and as the mouth was closed drove over to pick up the track on the other side. Anyway track didn't present itself and beginning to learn is always an adventure following Hema. . .

75594

Driving along the beach again and again were rewarded with one then another Southern Right Wales just off the beach, was pretty awesome watched them for ages. .

75595

75596

75597

75598

One even had a pod of dolphins playing with it ! !

Anyways kept heading east and popped out near point Anne in Fitzgerald NP. Drove north then along highway for a bit then came back into the park at the east end down Hamersley drive which was about 60K of massive corrugations, start to know when your on a parks road over here now . . . Popped out the other end onto bitumen then went to camp at Hamersley Inlet. Didn't like the look of the camp ground was very official but found a very nice little one marked as a bush camp on Hema not sign posted on the right a few K before the main camp, even had a dunny & table. . .

75599

Road out to Hopeton had been washed out a couple years back pretty impressive. . .

75600

75601

Osprey . .

In Esperence now heading into Cape Arid tomorrow and across to the Nullabor, hopefully all is open, should be good ☺

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[jack]

Hi Rossco the attachments on Post 59 and 63 don't display for me, either on the iPad or PC. Not sure if anyone else has the same issues.

[Rossco]

Cheers Jack, yeah bloody tapa not sure why is doing that showing on the tablet i uploaded from but not on phone? ? (Grrrrrrrr)

Anyway, Stockard Gully Caves and surrounds. . .

75604

75605

75606

75607

75608

(hope these work) . . .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Seems like they worked although Tapa not rotating them properly (arrrgh) . .

Sea Lions off Jurion Bay . . .

75609

75610

75611

. . .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Whales of the beach @ Fitzgeralf NP. . .

75612

75613

75614

75615

75616

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[jack]

Looking at these pictures makes me so jealous, I so need to get away.

[Rossco]

Looks like things are open to Israelite Bay at least some of the tracks ih the south closed but all good.

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/06/99.jpg

Had tea and enjoyed the open fire at the Condingup Tavern then camped at the footy oval across the road. Stopped in here years ago after driving through from Baledonia in a HQ Holden with a mate and remember it being a cool spot, is always good to revisit places as you remember them. . . Should be a bit better in the GQ was a bit foolhardy in the younger days but we made it and was fun ! . . .

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/06/100.jpg

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Cuppa]

Rossco, I love that you have been finding the road less travelled all along. What comes through from your posts is your genuine appreciation for what you see & experience. We are a bit delayed getting away & your posts have been great to see, & kept my spirits up. Thanks. We are hoping to get away next week if we can get a couple of health issues sorted.

[MB]

You’re a Trojan Cuppa mate, doctor 3/4 tick and on the road again, Spirits shall be lifted ;-)!
Time to 110km straight-line home Rossco bloke, Snow Season is awaiting for youz both apparently :-)!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MudRunnerTD]

Those Whale pics are Awesome Rossco. did you buy a Drone mate? how did you get those pics?

[Rossco]

Cheers Cuppa, yeah really do love traveling the roads less traveled and think they're places where you get to discover things for yourself which makes is so special. Seeing those whales so close just to ourselves was a pretty awesome experience . . .

Just came out at Cocklebiddy today after 5 days of driving through Cape Arid and Nuytsland Nature Reserve. Didn't see another soul the whole time, was wicked & one of the best 4by trips I've done and has been on the list for a long time but one will defiantly revisit one day hopefully. Cruised up the road to Eucla to spend the night but yep MB unfortunately sunny Mexico beckons and are slowly heading eastwards soon back to depressing reality.

Nicole got a Mavic Pro second hand (near new) Have been using it a bit more lately since we've been getting away from people. They're banned in National Parks which i agree with as they are a bit obnoxious to others especially if every man and his dog lets one loose. . . The whale pics were just taken from the beach with a telephoto the thing was that damn close could even have swam out to it, we did think of that lol . . .

I'll get some more pics up soon when i get a chance . . .


Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Cheers Cuppa, yeah really do love traveling the roads less traveled and think they're places where you get to discover things for yourself which makes is so special. Seeing those whales so close just to ourselves was a pretty awesome experience . . .

Just came out at Cocklebiddy today after 5 days of driving through Cape Arid and Nuytsland Nature Reserve. Didn't see another soul the whole time, was wicked & one of the best 4by trips I've done and has been on the list for a long time but one will defiantly revisit one day hopefully. Cruised up the road to Eucla to spend the night but yep MB unfortunately sunny Mexico beckons and are slowly heading eastwards soon back to depressing reality.

Nicole got a Mavic Pro second hand (near new) Have been using it a bit more lately since we've been getting away from people. They're banned in National Parks which i agree with as they are a bit obnoxious to others especially if every man and his dog lets one loose. . . The whale pics were just taken from the beach with a telephoto the thing was that damn close could even have swam out to it, we did think of that lol . . .

I'll get some more pics up soon when i get a chance . . .


Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Woops didn't think post sent as had bugger all service but must have got through last night then tried again this morning so double post lol. . . After on & off wet weather since Denham thought it had cleared for a bit but rain came in again last night hopefully buggers off soon tho . . .

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[AB]

Sooo jealous of your trip Rossco, can't wait for you to get home and feel the cold wrath and chop wood in the cold rain and get back to work...lol

[Sprock]

Most of the pics except the 1s at Hopetoun & the whales didn’t come through , awesome read Rossco , great stuff mate

[Rossco]

Sorry to do this but some more pics, rest assured it's is all rapidly drawing to a close and will be back to the rat race and routine of bloody work all too soon lol . . .

After fueling up in Condingup headed along Fisheries road into Cape Arid then stayed a couple of days @ Isralite Bay. . .


75647

75648

75649

75651

A fair maze of tracks around there with heaps of camping scattered around. . .

75652



Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Spent the day checking out some of the ruins around the area, pretty cool spot really. Wasn't quite what i expected it's not the most beautiful beach but definatly a cool spot. . .

75654

75655

75656

75657

75658

75659

. . .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

. . .

75661

75662

The old telegraph stain is pretty impressive.

75663

Pink lake . .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Next day headed into Nytsland which tracks pretty much follow the telegraph line the whole way. .

75664

75665

75666

Crosses quite a few large clay pans in the south. Had had rain previously and thought we'd seen the end of it for a bit but came in again whist crossing some of the pans. . . Not ideal weather to be in this country but got through all good and made it thru. Pretty stuffed if you get bogged out there by yourself. . .

75667

75668

75669

Couple of points you have the option of taking the inland track or a beach run. . . This access point runs along the beach and past the Bilbunya Dunes which looked to be pretty impressive. After checking out a couple of trip reports decided the beach would be the go to check out the dunes. Had a tide chart and was going down after lunch but was still bloody high at this access point and nowhere to go with dunes right to the beach. Made the call to go the inland track then come down to the dunes from the north which is a shorter run and low tide was around 6pm. Anyway glad i did as was the best section of telegragh line and nice country through there. . .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Grrr bloody photos not rotated, anyways. .

Weren't disapointed with the Bilbunya Dunes they were pretty damn impressive.

After coming in from the north and checking them out it was pretty much sun down and headed back up to the track and camed up there. Good spot but as all too common ruined by idiots and rubbish, seriously don't get why people go to these areas and leave their s#!t behind.

75670

75671

Not abad pic of the old GQ. . .

75672

Dunes are massive can just see the 4by at the bottom. . . And us on the top of the next one.

75673

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

. . .756747567575676

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Next day onto Tolina Cove. Short day only bout 60k but still slow going with heaps of limestone settings and fairly tight with vegetation, only managed around 20kph average. .

75677

75678

75679

75680

Awesome little spot from my brief research though you might be able to get down to the sand but there's was no hope of that lol . . . Apparently they used to heaul the poles up back in the day when building the telegraph line.

75681

75682

Reckon this night was the best sky I've ever seen was pretty sick . . .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[AB]

Sounds like the beast has been reliable, no issues?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Next day headed off through to Twilight Cove. Longer day about 120k thought it might take a while but wasn't too bad with a mix of a bit more open sections with no rock however further north seems to see less traffic and is petty overgrown for a lot of it. Think people must head out to the Eyre highway after Baxters memorial and just go into Twilight and out again. Anyways was a wicked drive getting better as you leave the rocks and end up in small dune country in the north. .


75683

75684

Still follow the tele line, in fact the actual wire lays on the track in a fair few spots. . .

75685

Got down to the beach on Twilight Cove where you turn right to head up to the base of the cliffs. Driving along, "what's that bloody thing in the water? " . . Cheeky Sea Lion having a surf, was a friendly bugger followed him along for a bit he seemed pretty interested in us poking his head up to check things out!

75686

75687

This was a pretty wicked spot. . . Stopped for a quick swim then headed back abed canoe in the dunes.

75688

Short drive out the next day to the Cocklebiddy roadhouse only bout 35k the last half was graded too. . .

75689

Pretty epic 4WD adventure that one, just over 500k on tracks didn't see another soul, definatly be back one day i reckon. Came out @ Coclebiddy with about 2/3 in the main tank after using everything in the sub.

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[PeeBee]

I love the use of the drone Rossco, puts a totally different dimension to the landscape, absolutely beautiful country you have seen. Thanks for sharing.

[Rossco]

Sounds like the beast has been reliable, no issues?


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkYeah the beast has been bloody good although destroyed a BFG yesterday. Petty lucky really after driving 500k through limestone and mallee roots with only 1 spare got a flat after taking a dirt shortcut. Lesson learnt tho were pumped up to 40psi and couldn't be bothered taking them down for a bit. Also thought it felt a bit floaty but second guessed it till it was too late. . RIP BFG, had a good life. . .

Also engine did use a little oil and have noticed oil in intercooler piping. For now just monitoring but will have to look a bit deeper when i get back. Turbo, blow by ?, both not ideal but hasn't seemed to used any for about 3000k so hmmm . . .

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

I love the use of the drone Rossco, puts a totally different dimension to the landscape, absolutely beautiful country you have seen. Thanks for sharing.Cheers Phil pretty much all Nicoles handiwork and the underwater stuff. . . the rest are mine but. . .

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Avo]

Wow matey.....looks like ya travelling well....live the photos and the write ups

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Plasnart]

Mate those photos are top notch! What a trip!! Have done a little down south coast nullarbor/cocklebiddy but would love to see more like that! Thanks for sharing!

[Sir Roofy]

Needs a good run again to much low gear work like on the Madigan

[Clunk]

Great stuff mate. Will havecti have a proper look at photos when I get on the puter.

[Rossco]

Took it a bit easier coming back across the Nullabor and had a bit of a poke about which was nice. . .

75714

Cave near Cocklebiddy and Cocklebiddy Cave which you can only go to the entrance but is pretty interesting reading about.- just over 6k long pretty much all of it underwater. .

75715

75716

Jetty @ Eucla . . .

75717

Cool little hut, was locked but. .

75718

75719

. . .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Another Cave not far of the highway, amazing how many there are. . . Could get down this one a little way.

75720

75721

75722

. . .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Stopped in @ Whyalla for a couple of days to check out the Giant Cuttlefish, was pretty awsome. Water was a brisk 11 degrees hired a 7ml wetsuit still painful on the head after a while! . .

75723

75724

75725

75726

Crazy buggers literally thousands of them spawning . . .

75727

Pretty amazing critters can change color & shape to camouflage. . .

75728

Another one looking like a rock . . .

75729

A couple rooting triying to be disguised as seaweed. .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Stopped at Murray-Sunset NP and camped @ Rocket Lake. Nice spot as is all the country up around there. Was a welcome sight to see fires permitted and a heap of good hardwood supplied by PV defiantly enjoyed a good fire . . . Have to say that is one good thing Vic has going for it can enjoy a nice fire most places you go. Had a few sneaky illegal ones in the south of WA & SA as did / do many others.

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/06/154.jpg

75730

Went out through the south and checked Mopoke Hut. . .

Home now and back to depressing reality & grim weather lol. . . Was a pretty epic trip squeezed a fair bit in i reckon. Did just under 15,000K, the GQ did bloody well will have to check engine oil useage and get a new tire (s) maybe. Also dreaded death wobbles reared their ugly head coming back through SA. Had a look and a tie rod end has a fair clunk to it gave it a bit more grease and was good to get us home. Will replace them soon but don't blame them from giving out after all the corrugations the thing had smashed through. Also time for a big clean and fish oil i think. . .

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[jack]

Great trip report and pictures Rossco.
Those giant cuttlefish are amazing, did a heap of dives with them at Point Lowly several years ago. Absolutely brilliant, especially the iridescent colours during the night dives.

[Rossco]

Great trip report and pictures Rossco.
Those giant cuttlefish are amazing, did a heap of dives with them at Point Lowly several years ago. Absolutely brilliant, especially the iridescent colours during the night dives.Cheers Jack, yeah they're such weird crazy buggers getting up to their antics, changing colour & texture- pretty amazing . Night dive would be pretty awesome. Expected it to be good and hoped we'd see some but didn't realise there'd be thousands as soon as your in the shallows. . .

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

[MB]

Welcome Home Brother Rossco!
Awesome pictures and write-ups, thank you both greatly and we’re glad over here you’re back in these there hills safely!!
BTW, AB kindly fixed your AirB&B Tenants skylight damage, heaters still broken though :-) http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/06/163.jpg Good to have ya’ll home :-)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Cheers Markie good to be back in the sunny hills. . Well not so sunny atm. Off to work tomorrow arrrrgh will be a shock, oh well has to be done to fund the next trip I guess. . .

House is still in one piece seems the guests behaved themselves somewhat. . .

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Found some old pics rummaging through some old boxes today, classic . .

Headed south from Baledonia through Cape Arid to Condingup with little more than a box of coopers bugger all food and a couple of jerries of petrol. . .

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/08/208.jpg

Mt Ragged

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/08/209.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/08/210.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/08/211.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/08/212.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/08/213.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/08/214.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/08/215.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/08/216.jpg

Poor old 202 note the glove in the dizzy...
Was petty foolhardy looking back but was an adventure to remember. Bit better in the GQ but [emoji6]

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[AB]

Christ Rossco, you look the same as you do now...lol.

Rossco has the secret to eternal youth!

[Rossco]

Christ Rossco, you look the same as you do now...lol.

Rossco has the secret to eternal youth!Look a little bit older lol, must be the coopies greens i reckon. . .

Thinking we should start a thread of us all in years gone by . . .

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[AB]

Look a little bit older lol, must be the coopies greens i reckon. . .

Thinking we should start a thread of us all in years gone by . . .

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Start the thread but remember, some of us haven't aged so well :(

[MB]

Can’t hold Rossco ‘Skinny Bushman Legend’ back, top mission there mate, well done!!
We were too busy at home getting stuck on trees with Kumho copy 35” spares hanging 1 foot outa the side :-)
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/08/224.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Avo]

Can’t hold Rossco ‘Skinny Bushman Legend’ back, top mission there mate, well done!!
We were too busy at home getting stuck on trees with Kumho copy 35” spares hanging 1 foot outa the side :-)
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/08/224.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkThat tyres on the wrong side

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[MB]

Nah mate:-)
Had to be left, Rossco and I both carried all our early FJ spare axles, diffs, transfers and the like on the right :-(
40’s/45’s/55’s & 60’s trialled, thanks Nissan for Patrol drivetrain awakenings:-)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Far out does stick out a bit. Never got 35s under my old BJ40 just ploughed along and got hung up everywhere [emoji6] . . . Plus the diesel was slow enough as it was

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Plasnart]

Nah mate:-)
Had to be left, Rossco and I both carried all our early FJ spare axles, diffs, transfers and the like on the right :-(
40’s/45’s/55’s & 60’s trialled, thanks Nissan for Patrol drivetrain awakenings:-)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Never forget my drivetrain awakening lying on my back between a yota and a trol. Newby potential buyer's eyes big as saucepans! :)

[Plasnart]

Found some old pics rummaging through some old boxes today, classic . .

Headed south from Baledonia through Cape Arid to Condingup with little more than a box of coopers bugger all food and a couple of jerries of petrol. . .

Poor old 202 note the glove in the dizzy...
Was petty foolhardy looking back but was an adventure to remember. Bit better in the GQ but [emoji6]

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Priceless pics and trip Rossco, what an awesome adventure. One wheel drive and a shovel got through. First and best recovery tool on anyone's list.
:)

[MB]

Tis a no brainer in hindsight Plassy mate, the Bushman was light years ahead on diesel BJ Torque HC country:-)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rossco]

Priceless pics and trip Rossco, what an awesome adventure. One wheel drive and a shovel got through. First and best recovery tool on anyone's list.
:)Was a classic me & a mate went over in his HQ, he used to try and get that thing everywhere we took the 4WDs . . . Got pretty damn close most the time. . . Seems like i did most of the driving through there and defiantly most of the shoveling. I remember getting bogged on the beach near Cape LeGrand or somewhere and cracking it. Had enough of shoveling and were some 4bies up the beach that could have helped. Old mate was too proud but got himself out happy days . . .

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Plasnart]

Was a classic me & a mate went over in his HQ, he used to try and get that thing everywhere we took the 4WDs . . . Got pretty damn close most the time. . . Seems like i did most of the driving through there and defiantly most of the shoveling. I remember getting bogged on the beach near Cape LeGrand or somewhere and cracking it. Had enough of shoveling and were some 4bies up the beach that could have helped. Old mate was too proud but got himself out happy days . . .

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Haha great stuff. Times change eh? Imagine seeing a HQ on the beach now? We'd all be saying this bloke's a moron! We getting soft!