AIRBNB 2 – NORNALUP RIVERSIDE CHALETS

We found one of these chalets on Airbnb, but then discovered on researching Walpole area that in fact it is a “proper” business with its own website – it seems loads of long standing B&B’s are now registering with Airbnb in a case of “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”.  We know several in the Lakes do the same thing now – Airbnb is becoming the first go-to place for self catering and B&B’s, so it must be affecting a lot of legit businesses.

We are right down on the south coast now below Perth - looks no distance at all on the main map of Oz but we are 5 hrs away from Perth- this is a BIG country!

We are in the best chalet at the front with a clear view to the river – it’s called the Blue Wren and guess what was on our bird feeder this morning?

NORNALUP/WALPOLE AREA

DAY 1 – 10 X 28 = ?, Tree Tops and Beach Bottoms (Bums)

Breakfast on the deck and as well as the Blue Wren, these were at the bottom of the lawn – 10 lovely green parrots, locally known as “28’s” due to the fact that they shout “twenty-eight” as they fly about!  Common as anything to locals and regarded as a nuisance eating all the seeds and crops, but we still enjoy their gorgeous colours. They are mere specks on the lawn but the river is in the background and is the view from the chalet.

Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. 

Made an early start to ensure a quiet walk on the biggest tourist attraction for this area – Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.  6 slightly moving suspended walkways up in the tree tops – a great experience and virtually on our own the first time round – it became more crowded an hour or so later and must be queuing all the way on busy days.

Also a lovely interpretative walk amongst the huge Tingle Trees alongside the walkway – well worth its top attraction title.


 


Hottest Day – so head for the Beach

Wonderful swim today at Peaceful Bay - even I got in and loved it – just to cool off for a while.  Niki is still suffering 42 degrees in Perth – just the 35 here, but a lot less at night with cool sea breezes.  What a perfect spot amongst perfect spots.
 

And this is Graham at the end of his 3 mile run along the beach (or do I mean yards?!)

Then had to partake of recommended, freshly caught this morning, fish  (King Fish and Shark) and chips at great seaside cafe/shop/campsite office/swimmers/fishermen hangout.




Loads of caravans and motorhomes at site – full of the same retired set that hit southern Europe in September after schools go back.  Alongside fair number of students who don’t go back for weeks yet (3 months off over summer – shocking!) – just hanging out swimming/fishing/drinking.