Quobba Station

Josh was excited, we'd looked up Quobba Station on the internet and saw images of huge mackerel caught off the cliffs using a technique called ballooning. And the area around the station seemed appealing too.

Even though we did go and see some people fishing off the cliffs there was no way we were going to let Josh attempt it. Apart from the signs and memorials scattered every where about king waves kill, Josh's rod would have snapped like a toothpick as soon as any big fish took a bite.

Driving down towards the blowholes we discovered a beautiful cove ideal for snorkelling and paddling. The water was almost bath temperature, and as soon as we put our heads in the water was were treated to a magnificent array of tropical fish. We were able to drift down the current and float over coral and fish, sharing a special moment holding Zach and Abbeys hand, watching them point excitedly at each new fish they saw. After much discussion we have decided that if this is just a taste of what's install for us at Ningaloo reef then we need to buy a waterproof camera.

We needed to see a mechanic in town as we had noticed the coolant was continually dropping. The mechanic tested the pressure and searched for leaks to no avail, then he asked when we checked the oil last. "check the oil?" Nick questioned. Sure enough the dip stick was dry and the tank took 4 1/2 litres of oil to fill. Oops, a seized engine would certainly been not only a huge inconvenience but also sucked the budget dry. Lucky escape I think.

While in town we priced cameras and researched prices. At one store when shown prices of a camera else online they were prepared to drop the price by $50 very close to the price online. Although it was an unbudgeted cost we decided to buy one. And even if the pictures don't capture the beauty we can see, it will give us some great memories. After charging it, we did get some great shots of a sting ray, coral and many colourful fish.

The beach at Quobba Station is very reefy and rocky and you are unable to swim there. We did however have fun beach combing finding huge clam shells, sea urchins, and even cowrie shells and coral all of which will look lovely polished.

This being the southern end of the Ningaloo reef, it is with excitement we look forward to exploring and snorkeling the further north we go.

Quobba Station

Josh was excited, we'd looked up Quobba Station on the internet and saw images of huge mackerel caught off the cliffs using a technique called ballooning. And the area around the station seemed appealing too.

Even though we did go and see some people fishing off the cliffs there was no way we were going to let Josh attempt it. Apart from the signs and memorials scattered every where about king waves kill, Josh's rod would have snapped like a toothpick as soon as any big fish took a bite.

Driving down towards the blowholes we discovered a beautiful cove ideal for snorkelling and paddling. The water was almost bath temperature, and as soon as we put our heads in the water was were treated to a magnificent array of tropical fish. We were able to drift down the current and float over coral and fish, sharing a special moment holding Zach and Abbeys hand, watching them point excitedly at each new fish they saw. After much discussion we have decided that if this is just a taste of what's install for us at Ningaloo reef then we need to buy a waterproof camera.

We needed to see a mechanic in town as we had noticed the coolant was continually dropping. The mechanic tested the pressure and searched for leaks to no avail, then he asked when we checked the oil last. "check the oil?" Nick questioned. Sure enough the dip stick was dry and the tank took 4 1/2 litres of oil to fill. Oops, a seized engine would certainly been not only a huge inconvenience but also sucked the budget dry. Lucky escape I think.

While in town we priced cameras and researched prices. At one store when shown prices of a camera else online they were prepared to drop the price by $50 very close to the price online. Although it was an unbudgeted cost we decided to buy one. And even if the pictures don't capture the beauty we can see, it will give us some great memories. After charging it, we did get some great shots of a sting ray, coral and many colourful fish.

The beach at Quobba Station is very reefy and rocky and you are unable to swim there. We did however have fun beach combing finding huge clam shells, sea urchins, and even cowrie shells and coral all of which will look lovely polished.

This being the southern end of the Ningaloo reef, it is with excitement we look forward to exploring and snorkeling the further north we go.

Shark Bay An Amazing Place To Admire The Wonders Of The Sea

Based at Denham, a sleepy fishing town with a population of 700, we explored the Shark Bay area. Jo, Pete & kids were here also and we enjoyed doing many activities together.

After hearing mixed reports about Monkey Mia, mainly negative, we headed out thinking that it would be somewhat of a disappointment. We woke up early (6am) and drove out in a bid to see the famous dolphins. As we patiently waited Nick befriended one of the rangers, entertaining each other with friendly flirting and banter. Nick claims it was in an attempt to have her pick our kids to feed the dolphins - yeah right....

A group (or party) of female dolphins and their young came close to shore treating us with their playful antics flipping, diving and rolling around in the shallows. Ranger Tanya also entertained us with her spiel about the dolphins. At the first feeding none of us were picked to feed the dolphins, but with a bit more flirting and coaxing Nick managed to sweet talk her into prompting the volunteers to pick one of us at the next feeding.

While we were waiting for the second dolphin feed we enjoyed a wander around the grounds of the resort and foreshore, where there we heaps mother emus and her growing chics strutting around. We also contemplated the idea of going on a cruise after finding out we could get a discount.

At about 9am the dolphins came back in to shore for another fish snack, and sure enough Abbey and Summer and Jayde (another new friend) were all picked to feed a dolphin.

Not ones to let the opportunity of a discount go to waste we did decide to spend the rest of the day cruising around Shark Bay on "Aristicat 2" in search of some dugongs, dophins, turtles and a visit to a pearl farm. The skipper, Chris, had watched a few to many Austin Powers movies and used humour to run through the rules and regulations.

Within minutes of sailing the boom net was lowered and the boys jumped on enjoying the thrill of the ride. Next it was the the girls turn. Jo, Lauren (Jayde's mum) and I hopped on, and almost immediately were being dragged along at a fast pace, twice almost losing my bathers.

We pulled up to the Blue Lagoon Pearl farm, which looked like a floating house and recently been made famous as one of the sons, of the owner, Jamie was on Farmer Wants A Wife. Jamie wasn't there, but his brother who looks very similar gave us a guided tour. After being tempted by the pearl jewellery available to buy we climbed back on board Aristicat in search of a dudong. Unfortunately we didn't see any, but did spot a few turtles and quite a few dolphins many of which swam along side the boat. We certainly had a awesome day at Monkey Mia.

On the way back to Denham we went to Francis Peron National Park to the homestead, where there is an Artesian spa which is 40*c. It was incredibly hot, and we didn't last much longer than 15minutes before we felt like we were being cooked.

Eagle Bluff was another early morning rise. We heard that in the mornings it was possible to see sharks swimming below. We had a yummy egg and bacon breakie at Eagle Bluff with Jo and Pete then went for a walk along the board walk. It wasn't long before we spotted a sting/manta ray, and a turtle, then I spotted a dark shadow swimming past. Upon further look through the binoculars we could see a dorsal fin, it was a nervous shark.

The day was warming up so off shell beach for a swim and play on the shore with millions of tiny white shells. Although sharp on the feet it was and amazing site and the water was most refreshing. Not long before we were going to leave someone put a small bird (which we thought was a baby cormorant) into the water. It wanted to swim near us and seemed quite weak, so Matt bundled it up and took we it to the rangers office in town. We found out it was a Greeb, which was quite skinny so the ranger was going to hand feed it for a day or two before re releasing it. Matt took great care to make sure it didn't get too stressed, and was relieved that the ranger would care for it.

Josh had a successful time squidding off the jetty. In 3 nights he'd caught 12 squid. One evening I thought I'd join him. I wasn't having any success with squid, and I could see some good size flathead lying below. I hooked up the rod and tried catching one with bait. It wasn't interested at all, so I tried a soft plastic. I was literally tickling it's nose with the line for a good 10 minutes before it finally took it. I also caught about 7 red eye and tossed them back thinking they weren't good eating. It wasn't until a couple of people said they were infact good that I started keeping them.

The next night there were more flatheads lying in the sand. I caught one easily, then Nick tried his luck and after persisting some time, caught one too. All the kids including Abbey caught red eye as well. I have become quite skilled at filleting and can even skin them as well.

On our last morning, we packed up nice and early (after an sms from Dana - funny things time zones) and went to get petrol. The power had gone out in town and so neither petrol station could pump petrol. According to the computer on the car we had 140km til empty, and the next road house was 130km. Sounds good in theory but a car computer doesn't calculate when you're towing a van! With a close eye watching the petrol gauge and constant calculations as to the possibility of running out we decided to give the stromatolites a miss. We had already seen thrombolites so weren't too disappointed. With about 30km to go Nick was even starting to get a bit anxious (usually it is me) and slowed to 60km/hr and turned the air conditioner off. We reached the roadhouse with 1km flashing on the petrol gauge. After filling up we headed off to Carnarvon before heading out to Quobba Station for a few days. Josh had seen the fish on their website and was excited at the prospect of bigger fish.

Shark Bay An Amazing Place To Admire The Wonders Of The Sea

Based at Denham, a sleepy fishing town with a population of 700, we explored the Shark Bay area. Jo, Pete & kids were here also and we enjoyed doing many activities together.

After hearing mixed reports about Monkey Mia, mainly negative, we headed out thinking that it would be somewhat of a disappointment. We woke up early (6am) and drove out in a bid to see the famous dolphins. As we patiently waited Nick befriended one of the rangers, entertaining each other with friendly flirting and banter. Nick claims it was in an attempt to have her pick our kids to feed the dolphins - yeah right....

A group (or party) of female dolphins and their young came close to shore treating us with their playful antics flipping, diving and rolling around in the shallows. Ranger Tanya also entertained us with her spiel about the dolphins. At the first feeding none of us were picked to feed the dolphins, but with a bit more flirting and coaxing Nick managed to sweet talk her into prompting the volunteers to pick one of us at the next feeding.

While we were waiting for the second dolphin feed we enjoyed a wander around the grounds of the resort and foreshore, where there we heaps mother emus and her growing chics strutting around. We also contemplated the idea of going on a cruise after finding out we could get a discount.

At about 9am the dolphins came back in to shore for another fish snack, and sure enough Abbey and Summer and Jayde (another new friend) were all picked to feed a dolphin.

Not ones to let the opportunity of a discount go to waste we did decide to spend the rest of the day cruising around Shark Bay on "Aristicat 2" in search of some dugongs, dophins, turtles and a visit to a pearl farm. The skipper, Chris, had watched a few to many Austin Powers movies and used humour to run through the rules and regulations.

Within minutes of sailing the boom net was lowered and the boys jumped on enjoying the thrill of the ride. Next it was the the girls turn. Jo, Lauren (Jayde's mum) and I hopped on, and almost immediately were being dragged along at a fast pace, twice almost losing my bathers.

We pulled up to the Blue Lagoon Pearl farm, which looked like a floating house and recently been made famous as one of the sons, of the owner, Jamie was on Farmer Wants A Wife. Jamie wasn't there, but his brother who looks very similar gave us a guided tour. After being tempted by the pearl jewellery available to buy we climbed back on board Aristicat in search of a dudong. Unfortunately we didn't see any, but did spot a few turtles and quite a few dolphins many of which swam along side the boat. We certainly had a awesome day at Monkey Mia.

On the way back to Denham we went to Francis Peron National Park to the homestead, where there is an Artesian spa which is 40*c. It was incredibly hot, and we didn't last much longer than 15minutes before we felt like we were being cooked.

Eagle Bluff was another early morning rise. We heard that in the mornings it was possible to see sharks swimming below. We had a yummy egg and bacon breakie at Eagle Bluff with Jo and Pete then went for a walk along the board walk. It wasn't long before we spotted a sting/manta ray, and a turtle, then I spotted a dark shadow swimming past. Upon further look through the binoculars we could see a dorsal fin, it was a nervous shark.

The day was warming up so off shell beach for a swim and play on the shore with millions of tiny white shells. Although sharp on the feet it was and amazing site and the water was most refreshing. Not long before we were going to leave someone put a small bird (which we thought was a baby cormorant) into the water. It wanted to swim near us and seemed quite weak, so Matt bundled it up and took we it to the rangers office in town. We found out it was a Greeb, which was quite skinny so the ranger was going to hand feed it for a day or two before re releasing it. Matt took great care to make sure it didn't get too stressed, and was relieved that the ranger would care for it.

Josh had a successful time squidding off the jetty. In 3 nights he'd caught 12 squid. One evening I thought I'd join him. I wasn't having any success with squid, and I could see some good size flathead lying below. I hooked up the rod and tried catching one with bait. It wasn't interested at all, so I tried a soft plastic. I was literally tickling it's nose with the line for a good 10 minutes before it finally took it. I also caught about 7 red eye and tossed them back thinking they weren't good eating. It wasn't until a couple of people said they were infact good that I started keeping them.

The next night there were more flatheads lying in the sand. I caught one easily, then Nick tried his luck and after persisting some time, caught one too. All the kids including Abbey caught red eye as well. I have become quite skilled at filleting and can even skin them as well.

On our last morning, we packed up nice and early (after an sms from Dana - funny things time zones) and went to get petrol. The power had gone out in town and so neither petrol station could pump petrol. According to the computer on the car we had 140km til empty, and the next road house was 130km. Sounds good in theory but a car computer doesn't calculate when you're towing a van! With a close eye watching the petrol gauge and constant calculations as to the possibility of running out we decided to give the stromatolites a miss. We had already seen thrombolites so weren't too disappointed. With about 30km to go Nick was even starting to get a bit anxious (usually it is me) and slowed to 60km/hr and turned the air conditioner off. We reached the roadhouse with 1km flashing on the petrol gauge. After filling up we headed off to Carnarvon before heading out to Quobba Station for a few days. Josh had seen the fish on their website and was excited at the prospect of bigger fish.