The Wheatbelt Way

The Wheatbelt Wayers

 Even before we headed north for our winter break we had discussed catching up with family and friends to do the “Wheatbelt Way” which is a self-drive tour of around 500km (more like 800km if you follow Mr. Google like I did) thru the central wheat belt of WA. 

Weird sheep  out here

So, after meeting up with the gang at Dowerin for diner at the local pub (allegedly with the grumpiest publican in WA) we set off - visiting various sites. I must say that day one was a little underwhelming, as whilst I am sure a fresh water well was critical to the early settlers, once you have seen one hole in the ground the rest look similar. The floral reserves where likewise nice, but again, we had been spoilt by the masses of wildflowers further north earlier in the trip. 

nice flowers at Korrelocka Reserve

The free camp at the end of day one was Marshall Rock which is one of many granite outcrops that are common in this area. It’s a nice flat camping area with one of the cleanest long drop toilets I have shat upon. Great night with raging fire, BBQ, drinks, music and good company.

Day two was a little more interesting particularly the Pergande Sheepyards (made of granite slabs), more bloody wells, and a great free camping area at Beringbooding Rock. This is a massive outcrop where, for two years during the great depression of the 1930’s, men toiled to build (with no machinery) the largest rock water catchment in Australia.  It’s a large area where you could easily spend a day or two exploring. We had stopped to cut wood during the day so after a friendly game of Molkky (those bloody cheating women won!) it was fire, BBQ, drinkies, music and pull up the doona to keep warm.

Two shots Ian!

Next morning we headed off to Elachbutting Rock which has a one way road (suitable for caravans) around most of the 100 acres of rock. There are rock tunnels (Monty’s Pass) and wave rock formations via an easy walk and further round a free camping area (dogs not allowed). The northern end of the drive trail was also carpeted in masses of yellow wild flowers. The Rock is well worth a visit if you are in the area. From Elachbutting (where do these names come from?) we bolted across another 80km of dirt road (good on you Mr. Google!) through Muckinbuden (again, where do these names come from?) to our next overnighter at Trayning Caravan Park. What a little gem, clean flat drive-in sites, artificial grass, water, power, playground, pool in summer, camp kitchen and spotless amenities for $22/nigh per van. The local tavern had friendly staff, great food, and cold beer. I won’t mention that I am the undefeated Traying eight ball champion.

Would I recommend the Wheatbelt Way and visiting every site on the map – NO Way. I would however recommend the free camps at the various rocks and the Trayning Caravan Park.

Next day saw us drop into a small free museum at Yelbeni, drive through Wyalkatchem (??) to Pumphreys Bridge free camp. Usually, a quiet area, there was a caravan club and two family groups taking up most of the camping area – but we snuck around the back, encircled a fireplace and held our ground. A different night with fire, BBQ, drinkies, music, and good company. 

In the morning, after 138 nights on the road - Linda, Molly and I finally pulled into our driveway in Collie -  Home!

Rather long video is HERE

Camel Soak

 Having some time to kill before meeting up with family and friends out in the wheatbelt we decided to head further east to a campsite we had never been to before but had good reviews on Wikicamps (my bible for campsites).

Nice camp for 4 nights

Camel Soak is around 45km east from Perenjori and this time of year is a peaceful and colourful camp. The granite catchment, also known as “The Rock Hole” was sunk as a watering point for men and their camel teams working on the No 2 Rabbit Proof Fence from 1903 to 1905.

When we arrived at Camel Soak I off course asked Linda “one hump or two?” – something must have got lost in the translation as all I got was a stern look and a slap around the ears. So much for my genuine interest in the species of camel that frequented the area 😊.

Linda's outdoor dog clipping service

As luck would have it the whole area around the outcrop was carpeted in wildflowers and the outcrop had water in most of the gamma holes which was great for Molly the hound to have a paddle in the mid-day warmth.

There are lots of flat open areas to camp and quiet a few tables and fireplaces scattered across the site, a clean long drop dunny and nice walks thru the bush and up on the outcrop. 

We did search high and low for the fabled wild orchards that are supposed to be in abundance in the area but suspect they had bloomed and gone as we couldn’t locate a single specimen.

A mans not a camel!

We spent 4 nights here – warm days, cool nights with fire, and pleasant walks – it is certainly a place I would recommend in early spring.

Short video is HERE