Navigating the West Coast

Posted on by Miriam

Welcome to December and to summer in Australia. Time has sped by so fast, much like the clouds overhead, the wind that constantly buffets us in Kalbarri and the stars in the sky that dazzle and then disappear. Here in Western Australia, where we’ve been for over three months, it feels like summer every day.

In the weeks since I last posted we’ve worked our butts off in the caravan park on weekends. And it’s been hot so we’ve doubly appreciated our off times. We’ve had a few dramas and some battery and van issues but we’ve fixed these and are making the most of our five day weekends. We’ve slowed right down, even when the outside world seems to be speeding up. It helps when you’re close to the coast.

At the beach, life is different. Time doesn’t move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides and follow the sun.

Sandy Gingras

This is our beach in Kalbarri. And there’s so many more close by. Below are a few of the coastal camps we’ve discovered in the past month, just a sample of the best in the west.

Marooned on Milligan Island

I loved Milligan Island and for some inexplicable reason (that a few of you might understand) the theme song from Gilligans Island constantly played in my head while we were there. I could have been MaryAnne and we could have been marooned, it was so beautifully isolated.

Wind blown but happy at Milligan Island

Milligan Island is located 165kms south of Geraldton, in between Greenhead and Jurien Bay, a relatively new shire-run eco camping area with 36 spacious sites. The camping is dispersed and tucked in behind the sand dunes providing protection from the wind. The beach is just 50metres from camp, with sandy white stretches and crystal clear water. At sunset you can see the sun setting through the rock arch window out on the bay.

“Most people’s minds are almost always too busy for them to feel their skins being caressed by the wind or the sun.”
― Mokokoma Mokhonoana

Swinging Free at Cliff Head

Cliff ahead is between Dongara and Leeman. It’s a bit of a shanty area with shacks set along the dunes but pass the shacks and in the southern end you’ll find some beautiful sheltered spots right on the water. It’s easy to slow down here with lazy days spent reading, beach walks and reconnecting with nature. Up the northern end, near the main camp there’s a massive sea eagles nest and we watched, fascinated one day, as it feasted on breakfast and then returned to its young.

Facilities at Cliff Head include clean drop loos, undercover areas and an outlook right out onto the water. Oh, and a personal swing! Fees are $20 per night payable by an envelope system. The rangers always come by to check on brazen young backpackers that try to sneak in late at night without paying.

Losing Connection at Nanga Bay

Nanga Bay Caravan Park was one of our favourite stays in the Shark Bay area,, in fact we loved it so much we went back. Once part of a pastoral station it sits right on the coast near Denham with an unparalleled location. Although facilities are old (current caretaker Corina tells me the park was built in the 1960s) there’s quirky and uplifting messages painted on the buildings, a great outdoor barbecue area where we shared drinks with them and a real charm about the place.

We loved the warm artesian spa and the fact that the beach is right on your doorstep. You can drive on it for miles and have your own patch of paradise. On our second visit there Corrina and Trevor lent us their kayaks and we had a fabulous time out on the water, at one with the calm flow of the bay and in sync with nature.

It was after our kayaking adventure that my not even one year old Iphone 11 mysteriously and completely died. Though it was covered by insurance I’ve lots so many photos, information, contacts and connections. Yep, I admit I had a melt down, but things always right themselves. As the saying goes, “if the ocean can calm itself, so can you.”

Life is like the ocean. Some days are calm, others are rough. What matters is all the amazing things that make it come alive.

Coming back to Kalbarri

Sometimes we need to take a step back. I can’t explain why my phone died but it’s taught me to look at the bigger picture. What’s really important? Photos are wonderful but they’re also memories that are in the past and true connections always find their way back into our lives. What matters is living in the moment.

So, life goes on, here in Kalbarri, where we work and live on weekends, this quiet, picturesque and resilient town that’s still recovering from Cyclone Seroja. Its been hot lately so if we finish work early and it’s not too windy, we head down to the local beach. I’ve never lived and worked so close to the coast, even if it’s only temporary, and so I feel very blessed to be where I am.

When you begin navigating your life towards your dreams; some will call you selfish, some will become uncomfortable and others will be inspired. The only thing that really matters is following the path to living YOUR best life. There may be detours, one way streets and occasional U-turns on this journey but allow your soul to get you there right on time.

Sanjo Jendayi

So, whatever and wherever you’re navigating at the moment, may you take the time to breath, feel, think, dream, envision, love and fully live your life. Every time I stand on the sand I feel at peace. It’s like the waves are whispering “choose nature, connect with simple moments and find joy in my simple treasures.”

So, make today ridiculously amazing and succumb to the simple. Surrender to the flow of the Universe and watch how things fall into a rhythm. This December let’s live with intention, with love in our heart and hope for our world in these ever changing times.

As we navigate towards the end of this year, may you always keep your face to the glow of the sun. And your photos backed up!

In love and light

At every sunset, the sky is a different shade. No cloud is ever in the same place. Each day is a new masterpiece. A new wonder. A new memory.”
– Sanober Khan

61 thoughts on “Navigating the West Coast”

  3. I’m so sorry about your photos, Miriam. That would be upsetting to me too. I need to back-up! “I loved Milligan Island and for some inexplicable reason (that a few of you might understand) the theme song from Gilligans Island constantly played in my head while we were there.” This cracked me up! As soon as I saw Milligan, I thought of that song. 🙂 What a beautiful place. How blessed you are! I don’t think I’d ever want to leave. Thank you so much for brightening my day with your post. Enjoy! xo

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    1. Thanks so much Jill. The photos … well, partly my fault for not properly backing up but that’s okay. I have enough. And as for Milligan/Gilligan’s Island, yeah, I’ve still got the song in my head too, even now, thinking about it weeks later 😁 such a great place and yes, hard to leave. Glad I was able to brighten up your day. xx

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    1. Fun or boring after awhile? That’s an interesting thought Brad. Somehow I think living near the beach would rarely be boring, especially in different seasons and under different skies. But like everything I guess, it’s also nice to have a change of scenery to appreciate it. xx

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  9. Loving reading about your travels Miriam. I remember Kalbarri being very windy too and when we stayed at Coronation Beach, there were plenty of windsurfers and kiteboarders making the most of it! Best wishes to you and Doug.

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    1. Thanks Glenys. We’re in Geraldton at the moment and the wind last night was absolutely ferocious. We’re yet to stay at Coronation Beach but apparently it’s the windsurfing capital of Australia so had we stayed there last night (as we’d originally intended) we might have got blown off the planet!

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    1. Hi Pragal, so sorry I missed your comment. Yes, losing all the contents from my phone was an interesting time. We get so dependant on our devices but it’s sure taught me that it’s not everything.

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  15. Living near the coast, especially in the warmth of summer, sounds just wonderful! I’m so glad you’ve decided to do this…I’m assuming there aren’t lock downs there? I think it’s so important to live our lives to the fullest, each and every day that we can. Thanks for sharing your photos, and more importantly, your philosophy!

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    1. Thanks Ann, and you’re right, the WA coastline has been wonderful. We’ve experienced no lockdowns on our trip (except for quarantine when we got into WA) but the state borders are constantly changing with regard to entry requirements. Very uncertain times, hence our decision to stay put for awhile. We’ll see what happens down the track. Stay well.

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  17. That Ocean I so love… How clear is that water.. How blue is the sky…. And while I was sorry to hear of your loss of your phone photos etc…. Life often teaches via these things just what is important.. And it gives us breathing spaces to just BE….
    Keep Swinging through life dear Miriam…. So enjoyed reading your adventures again.. ❤ ❤ Love Sue x

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    1. Yes, I couldn’t agree more Sue, everything happens for a reason. Losing and being without my phone for a while put a lot of things in perspective. Time to just BE is so liberating. Thanks for your kind and encouraging words. Much love your way. xx ❤️

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  18. So enjoyed the freedom I felt as I read your post, Miriam. What gorgeous beaches and you bet I’d be there most of the time. OH how I love love love the ocean!! You look so happy and at peace and I am so so happy for you! I honestly don’t know what I would do if my phone died but I do know I would be sad about the photos lost and not much about anything else. Keep on flying, dear friend. You live in a Country that is horrendously draconian and yet here you are with your hubby free as a bird. Yes as you are showing us, it can be done!!! (((HUGS)))!! xo

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    1. Absolutely Amy, it CAN be done. Granted, we’re across the other side of the country but I still believe it’s largely a state of mind that determines whether we feel free or not. We’re truly loving it here, the beaches are glorious, and the choices we’ve made, but we’re also very mindful of what’s going on back in our home state and keeping the faith that with people rising up and waking up, that we’re heading into a better future. Thank you for your kind words my friend. Sending you lots of love and warm hugs. xx ❤️

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      1. “I still believe it’s largely a state of mind that determines whether we feel free or not.” EXACTLY!!! No one has the power to strip me of my state of mind and it is my choice and mine alone, as it is yours, to either live in fear or love. I am so happy for you and hubby that you are where you are. I mean that, Miriam. How I LONG for the ocean at times yet my life and who is in it, for now does not allow that in my life. That’s coming. (SMILE) BIG (((HUGS)))!! xo

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