The day off we promised to ourselves for Tuesday didn’t eventuate until today (Wednesday). With a 24 degree day, it was just perfect for playing tourist in our own back yard, and worth the wait.

We mainly covered previously well covered ground, never-the-less, ground well worthy of repeat visits. I’m sure this will not be our last traverse of beautiful Caves Road.

Caves Road starts just outside of Busselton and winds itself west towards Dunsborough, and then south towards Augusta. It’s named Caves Road because of the abundance of limestone caves in close proximity. Today we didn’t visit the caves, or any of the many famous wineries  also in the area. Today was all about the scenic splendour.

First we drove almost to the southern end of the road to the undulating valleys of Boranyup Forest. Stopping to take photos of the tall trees, some as high as 60 metres, it was just beautiful to see the sunlight streaming onto smooth, silvery, Karri trunks. Being mid week it was so quiet, and peaceful, the birdsong incredible.

Next stop – a gallery that inspires dreams of a powerball jackpot win – The Boranyup Gallery. A normal lotto win couldn’t do justice to the magnificent furniture and artwork on sale in this gallery. A very grand house would indeed be needed to house any of the grand pieces on display. No – a normal lotto win just wouldn’t do it.

Then onto one of our favourite camp grounds, Conto’s, for lunch. We should have really found a day picnic area, but as it was so quiet we snuck into the camp ground in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and made use of the free gas barbecues there. Gorgeous and peaceful as always.

Lunch finished,  we wound our way back up towards Busselton calling into Canal rocks on the way. Striking, dramatic, awesome! Massive banks of granitic gneiss (pronounced nice) have been eroded over the ages forming a magnificent canal feature. A small wooden bridge has been built across the waters where we usually stand to watch massive waves smashing their way through the canal. However, today the water was calmer than usual, and the waters below the bridge not quite as white and turbulent as usual. Even at it’s quietest though, Canal Rocks are still a mesmerising show of nature at it’s best.

Next, an afternoon treat at Cape Lavender Tea Rooms. This was a first for us, on a neighbours recommendation. Our neighbours didn’t exaggerate. It won’t be our last visit.

A gorgeous day, what a pleasure!!