Our destination on this day was not very far away at all, so we decided we should detour via Mount Barker wine growing region, although we were too early for any tastings here.
We were surprised to see so many vineyards – more than we had seen anywhere in WA so far. The countryside reminded us more of the wine growing region along the Moselle. I later read that around 37% of grapes grown in WA are grown here.
The climate is particularly good for grape growing. Cool nights help retain the acidity of the fruit, and the annual rainfall is often all that is required for the crops, therefore many farmers use no irrigation. This is said to be good for the concentration and intensity of the grape. That explains why Mount Barker grapes are used in lots of the Margaret River wines to add some of these desired qualities.
This was one of our stops where we wish we had more time. There was more to Albany than we had expected. And a one night stop over did not do it justice.
We drove to Frenchman Bay to see Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, a former whale processing plant, now houses a museum and a massive shell collection.
There was also a cafe with an amazing view housed inside this museum. And a group of aged bikies had ridden the 20Km from Albany to enjoy what was on offer there. Some of the riders were well older than us.
We were surprised to find out that Albany was founded in late 1826 (almost two years before Perth was established) as a military outpost of New South Wales for the purpose of obstructing French ambitions in the region. It was a major port town, but its importance declined after the establishment of Fremantle Inner Harbour in 1897.
On our way to Frenchman Bay we stopped off at a National Park that showcases two amazing natural ‘wonders’.
Located at The Gap is a lookout that allows visitors to get a great view of the Southern Ocean and to look down 40m to the raging surf below.
From here Mick could see the coasts of Bald Head to West Cape Howe. Even though the weather today was beautiful, the crashing waves below told a different story. What would it be like on a windy day?
The rock formations here were fascinating
The Bridge is the second natural feature on show in this National Park. There were signs explaining that eventually the rocks would be worn away and the bridge would coallpse.
By the looks of it – that would be a long way off.
We enjoyed a very nice meal at the hotel’s restaurant last night. Mick was pleased with his choice of WA oysters which he said were very tasty. Their shells were so different to the ones we are used to in Queensland and NSW.
If you’re planning a visit here – allow yourself at least two days.
Jane and Mick's Holiday Adventures 