Peaceful Bay to Cosy Corner

November 27 to December 4

The view across Torbay, from near our campsite

Our blog ended last Sunday morning as we left Peaceful Bay, driving about 45km to Denmark. We had read some unflattering reviews of Denmark and their “less than enthusiastic” attitude to RV’s. I have to say we found none of that, it was a very inviting little town and a very helpful Visitor Centre. They gave us some great suggestions for the day’s sightseeing, and strongly suggested we go to the free camp that night at Cosy Corner Beach, about 30km away, half way between Denmark and Albany.

Cosy Corner Beach looking East to Albany

We did a couple of walks around the river and the Karri Walk (part of the Bibbulmun Track) and had lunch in town, before heading to Cosy Corner Beach. Albany City Council have become proactive in setting up and running free camping and low cost camping options to encourage travellers to the region. They have arranged the camp area very well with toilets and allotted camp sites, of which some are very large so quite private. A council supported volunteer “Camp Host” tries to keep the site running smoothly, as there is a seven day maximum stay limit.

Our campsite behind the dunes, Cosy Corner Beach

As you can see from the photo, this is an amazing locality. Although quite isolated, you are only 30km from Albany, great phone and data service, TV reception, even decent radio reception. We arrived, planning on staying one or two nights, but soon decided to stay the maximum seven.

The wide bay that Cosy Corner Beach is part of, is partially protected by a number of granite islands, so not too much swell gets in. The Albany Wind Farm resides on the cliffs on the east side of the bay, which is also a popular area for para-gliding. That also means there was constant wind.

Although we weren’t planning on an extended stay, we had plenty of food and a full tank of water, and our camp site had excellent sun exposure for the solar panels. It was also timely to be in one spot for a period, so we could get our mail forwarded (thanks Russell and Steve). We also had some “home administration” work to complete and a trip to Albany on Thursday allowed us to complete some business as well as restock on food, water and other essentials (beer and wine).

Small trevally, or big rod?

The wind was kind on two mornings so I had the chance to do some beach fishing. A couple of small trevally and salmon were caught, but not of noteworthy size. We did a lot of beach walking and exploring along the dune area, as the Bibbulmun Track passes through the area. The weather like a Queensland winter here, averaging 20⁰C during the days (ranging 17-24) and 10⁰C at night. It’s an interesting observation of our travels, we “wintered” in the tropics to typical South East QLD summer temperatures, yet the lead up to summer in the south of WA has been equivalent to a QLD winter.

Flies are also in plague proportions here. Since entering Western QLD we have encountered varying levels of fly population, very thick through far west QLD and mid NT, and also very thick through the Pilbara north of Carnarvon. Now we have reached the southern coastline of WA we again find ourselves choosing not to spend a lot of leisure time sitting outside the motorhome. Fly nets covering heads are an established outdoor fashion accessory.

St. Leah, a Solar Halo or Nimbus event at Cosy Corner

I also had a chance to do some upgrades to my mountain bike. A camper turned up with a (pretty expensive) mountain bike mounted on the roof of his car, which he had trashed by driving into an underground car park. He left it in a pile at the rubbish bins when he left, another camper got some parts off it, and so I removed the tyres (way better than mine) and the gear selectors. It has made a real difference to my (way cheaper) bike.

Mitch and Courtney lookin' sharp.

Sunday we reluctantly departed Cosy Corner to head just up the road to a caravan park in Albany so we can do the usual washing and cleaning chores.

For interest, I also added a recent photo of Mitchell and partner Courtney (CJ), at the end of year ball to celebrate CJ’s completion of her Paramedics degree. They have developed into fine adults, we are very proud of them both.

A second aside, for those who may be trying to ring Leah’s dad Russell, he is having a stoush Telstra and his phone has been out of commission. Hopefully this will be rectified very shortly.