June 11 ... Port Denison / Dongara

Beach Finds

We have just enjoyed two wonderful days of indolence. This is such a beautiful spot, and the weather so warm, that we decided to stay and enjoy it. We have done a lot of walking, reading and eating ... and life is pretty good just now!
Yesterday we went for a  walk the full length of South Beach, about 4 kms each way. The sand is really soft and there is quite a bit of sea grass growing on the waters edge. This is near the southern limit of the sea grass fields but it is quite extensive in the water and often washes ashore as tightly matted balls. This is all good news for the dugongs which we hope to see during the next few days.

Sea grass growing

Large ball of sea grass

South Beach is easily the nicest in Dongara. After our walk we went for a delicious lunch of garlic prawns at The Little Starfish Cafe and then spent the afternoon catching up on things before settling down to a movie.

Waiting for lunch

The Little Starfish Cafe

This morning was another beautiful day so we set off for a look around Dongara. Whilst it was a lovely little town, the IGA did not past the test, too small and old, so we can't come to live here! But a great many other people are and land blocks are well over $120k. Dongara, like Geraldton, is renown for its lobster fishing and it has a very large fleet, which is moored in the harbour.

The Old Flour Mill

Welcome to Dongara

On the headland that overlooks town beach and the river mouth, there is a walk along the Irwin River. The trees here were full of little red breasted finches that whistled continuously, and there were lots of water birds to watch. The walk was made all the nicer because of the coastal heather that was in bloom.

Coastal Heather

The Irwin River

 Returning to the park we went for another walk along the beach. It was such a pleasant way to spend the afternoon. There was plenty to see as other people were out enjoying the excellent day. We have really enjoyed our stay here and we have been lucky with the weather, clear skies and 20 degrees. Apparently the East Coast is freezing with its lowest temperatures for many years so, how lucky are we?!

South Beach Surfer

Sunlight and water

South Beach in the afternoon