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.