Tuesday, 5 November 2013

The Batavia Coast, Geraldton and the Pinnacles

Geraldton is known as 'sun City' and it's very obvious why. I've never seen such a beautiful sea surrounding a built-up area. Perth and Fremantle clearly get votes, but the beach just south of Geraldton where we stopped for a picnic lunch, really is spectacular. It is several miles of pristine white sand, open to the ocean rollers and with spring temperatures in the mid to high twenties, it was lovely.
The objective was to visit the Pinnacles at Cervantes, to arrive mid afternoon. Most of this coastline is formed of massive sand dunes. They stretch for mile after mile, pushing up from the bush at the side of the road and occasionally forming really high mounds. From a distance they look like a glaciated area of mountain.
The Cervantes Pinnacles are a vast area of limestone pillars that have been exposed from within the sand. Origins are unclear but they are thought to have been formed in the Cater Quaturn Quaternary period which is apparently 1.8 million years ago and if you disregard this as being too young in geological terms, you are a time-snob.
Access is on foot from a visitor centre and also there is a car circuit. We did the walk first and then the car circuit twice and the second time was when the sun was dropping and we were able to stop and soak up the scene.
What can I say?
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There was a fantastic moment at twilight when Dawn spotted four Emus running across the sand about 300m away from us. One was clearly an adult and the rest Emu kids. It was amazing to see, but too far away for our little camera to focus on.

Earlier, in the car park, we had an up-close view of a 'roo with Joey.

After that we headed for Fremantle to arrive on Friday 1st Nov.

7 comments:

peelie jnr (2) said...

great shot of joey! and of you both behind the giant tooth. loving it! x x

Phil said...

Like being on the moon? Wow. You must be coming home soon. I bet that feels weird. Enjoy your remaining days. Px

Amanda said...

Wow - those pinnacles look amazing.....in fact, everything looks pretty amazing!

Tim and Dawn in WA said...

Thanks for the comments Amanda, and peelie jnr (2) - please identify yourself!

Joanna Peel said...

I thought Peelie jnr was Charlie - might be wrong though!! Lovely to see your photos and here all about your trip. Have a lovely last few days xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Tim & Dawn

Jan and I are enjoying the blog. Looks like you're having a great time. Let's catch up / get together when you get back. Mark M.

Tim and Dawn in WA said...

Hi Mark & Jan, it's great to hear that you are having a read and thanks for letting us know. Yes a meet up soon would be great. Best wishes, Tim